Lace's Space

O Happy Day!

2011-05-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

I have wanted a garden since I got married but we have never had the space. We finally do so we got some garden boxes and we are starting to see things sprot up. I am definitely a novice gardner so I tried a little bit of everything this year and we will see how our garden turns out. Cross your fingers something grows! :)

I finally feel like the postpartum blues are gone and life is going well. At Crew's 4 month check up (yes, he is already 4 months old) we found out he had only gained 10 oz. in 2 months. Not enough for a growing boy. I felt so bad once we realized he was always hungry. We switched him over to formula and he is one happy baby. He was a great baby before but now he is super baby. :) He is 12 lbs. 12 oz. (25%) and 26 inches (97%).

Keeli is growing up so fast. She loves being a big sister and helping in any way she can. She helped me feed Crew for the first time last week and did a great job. She is either reading library books or escaping outside to play with friends. Everyone that she meets is her friend and I love how friendly she is. She also likes to play with my hair instead of going to bed which I love! :)

Life is good and I sure feel blessed to have all that I have been given.

Adele

2011-05-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

I just bought the Adele 21 CD and can't get enough....I walk around my house all day belting, "We could have had it all"

Little Things that Make Life Worth It

2011-03-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

I have felt extremely overwhelmed the past few weeks trying to juggle life. It seems I just can't get above water! I have been trying to get back to the basics but all the other parts of life seem to keep cramming their way back into my life. I guess that is why we are supposed to take one day at a time, eh?

Well, despite a little added stress without the consolation of ice cream, there are still many things in my life that make me smile and make me grateful to be who I am. (Maybe if I write them down when I am struggling I will focus on them more! Focus on the positive, right? :))

Crew loves the bath....he loves it even more when he pees in it. For some reason, he smiles the biggest when he is letting it all out!

Keeli loves to pretend to be Tinkerbell and I get to be Terrance.

When I am stressed, Keeli runs up and gives me a hug and asks if I am happy now. If I still don't look happy she sings me Jesus wants me for a sunbeam. How can I not smile?

When Crew hears Eric's voice on the phone he lights up. When I can't get him to calm down, I can call Eric and Crew will start smiling.

I found a chocolate cake that doesn't have sugar in it....I will be even happier if it doesn't taste like raisin water!

I love to watch Crew kick his legs like there is no tomorrow. His whole body wiggles and he looks like he is in heaven.

Eric learned how to attack me with jumping jacks...sorry if that doesn't make sense, you have to see it I think for it to make sense.

I went for a run today, well slow jog, in the beautiful sunshine.

I have great family and friends who help me forget why I was stressed in the first place.

P.S. Happy Belated St. Patty's Day! Our 2nd anual green party was a blast! I already bought the plates for next year. :)

2 Months of a family of 4!

2011-02-25T21:05:00.000-08:00

Crew will be 8 weeks old this Sunday. I can't believe time has gone by so fast. We are settling into a good routine and life is going well. Some days I lose half the things I touch, start falling asleep reading a book to Keeli, and make eggs for dinner but hey, that's life and a good one at that! :)

I love that we can give him a little fo hawk :)

Yes, that says chick magnet

This is his first ball, he really likes it, can't you tell

Keeli was so excited to have curly hair

When we did her hair she wouldn't let me take a very good picture of her. She was too busy being beautiful!

Ready for church! Church is one of Keeli's favorite things to do

Blessing Day

2011-02-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

We were able to bless Crew before my parents headed back to Germany. We blessed him at home since he was so little and it was such a wonderful day. Eric gave Crew an amazing blessing and we were grateful to be surrounded by our family and friends.

Two weeks and counting!

2011-01-19T19:58:00.000-08:00

Crew is two weeks old! He has already gained a pound and grown an inch! No wonder he sleeps so much! :)

What a cute boy!

He has a question!

Keeli loves to hold him

Cheese!

I think he likes Keeli holding him too! :)

Keeli watching him take a nap

Relaxing in bed

Grandma Ridd with Crew

Grandpa Ridd with Keeli

Nana and Crew

Welcome Crew J. Harper!

2011-01-19T19:47:00.000-08:00

He is finally here! Crew was born on January 2, at 12:53 AM. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 6 ounces and 21 inches long. He is healthy and strong and doing great! We are loving having him here and Keeli can't get enough of her baby brother. We have had lots of help from Grandma Lisa and Nana Annie which I am very grateful for! We are settled into a nice schedule and life is going well! A little less sleep but a lot more love!

6 weeks and counting!

2010-12-01T21:07:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I just hit my 6 weeks mark. I am crossing my fingers that this baby will come early like Keeli did; however, being delivered on 1/11/2011 would be pretty neat. Maybe we will shoot for 1/1/2011 instead! I can't believe how fast time goes now we just have to settle on a name! Crew, Bentley, Tate, and Kenton are some that we like...any ideas?

Fall Flew By and Winter is Here!

2010-12-01T21:02:00.000-08:00

We had lots of fun with Nana and Papa while they were here visiting. It was fun to see all the witches at Gardner village.

Sadie's birthday party. Keeli loved being able to take her scooter out onto the roller skating rink. She would pose with her foot popped up for her fancy trick.

Thanksgiving Point....we had a very eventful night! :)

Matching PJs from Nana and Papa

Keeli loves helping in the kitchen. We are still working on how to crack eggs but she is a big help!

We stopped by a farm one night by our new house and did a quick walk through before it was closed. Keeli is still talking about pumpkins from Halloween and points them out whenever she can find one.

Keeli's halloween costume

The first house we went to Keeli didn't know what to do. When the man opened the door, she walked into the house, opened her bag, and pulled out some skittles to give to the man.

Keeli loves to dance. She loves to put on her dance outfit and rock the night away.

The last days of summer

2010-12-01T20:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am writing about summer while there is snow on the ground. Here are the last bits of our summer.

Scera Pool, Keeli would have lived there all summer if we let here. Now we have been going to the indoor pool and I am pretty sure she would still go every day if I let her!

Keeli loves hide and seek. If you notice she has her panties on over her diaper in this picture. I wasn't quite ready to take the plunge and potty train her during the summer.

Final cascade springs run over labor day. Keeli loves to walk around with her hands in her pockets.

I have no words...

Eric and I always joke about snuggies. When my coupon blog posted how I could get one for $4.00 I knew I had to get Eric one. This was the ugliest one I could find. Every time we pull it out I still laugh. When he first tried it on I don't think I could breath for 20 minutes.

Keeli sporting the snuggie as well.

Keeli's rocking the potty!

2010-11-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

We started potty training Keeli this week in hopes to have her out of diapers by the time baby #2 arrives. Thanks to her potty watch and Keeli's excitment the training is going great! We are four days into it and I haven't done too much wash or been too frustrated and every day Keeli becomes more of a pro!

Where have the Harper's been?

2010-10-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

I feel like our lives have been a whirlwind a change lately which has sent us into hermit status. We do still exist and life is good. Here is what we have been up to:

We finally closed on our house, after 2 months, and are moved in. We just finished painting the garage so the shelves go up this weekend and we will finally have a living room that is no full of tuperware and tools. (Keeli decided to spray herself with leather cleaner the other day.) I will post pics soon!

I am approaching 30 weeks of pregnancy and life is going well. I can't believe we are having #2 and we are still deciding on boy names.

Eric turned down the manager position at fastenal. It was ironic that as soon as we moved to Orem he was offered a job closer to where we used to live. We are loving his 10 minute commute right now and he is still looking into jobs in the construction industry.

Keeli wants to go to church, the temple, and the park every day. Everyday she asks to play with cousins, especially since we don't have to commute to play anymore and she is doing great in our new place and says hi to everyone that she sees.

My parents came and visited a little while ago before they headed to Germany to live. We are missing them and it is weird not to be able to call or text them any time I want!

We are all sick right now but have lots on the to-do list to finish getting our house in order. Life is moving right a long and we are loving the fall weather and activities. There is nothing like pumpkin tasting everything, fall weather, pumpkin patches, changing leaves, and an excuse to wear sweaters again.

We are having....

2010-08-26T08:29:00.001-07:00

a BOY!!

Tea Party and latest

2010-08-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

My parents came out to visit in July and mom threw the first annual grand daughter tea party. It was a blast! I am not sure if the girls or the moms had more fun!

Here are the girl's dresses

We first made the hats all the girls wore and then got them all dressed up. They were in heaven!

Then we headed outside for our luncheon

After lunch we decorated flip flops and planted flowers. It was a very fun afternoon!

Three peas in a pod

This is the place, he actually shaved him!

Nice hat

Keeli loves animals but she doesn't like riding horses at ALL!

She loves to play in the mall strollers

In the middle of summer, this is the outfit Keeli picked out to wear

She loves her babies!

Keep on Coming Summer

2010-08-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

Keeli helping dad wash the car

4th of July

slip n slide

discovery park

Keeli's Birthday party!

How old are you keeli? She says, "Three" while holding two fingers up.

Lighting the candles

Singing

Blowing

Time to dig in!

Let Summer Begin

2010-08-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

Towards the beginning of summer I found out I was pregnant with #2. (We find out August 25th what we are having!) Since I wasn't feeling too great we hung around the house a lot and here is how we entertained ourselves!

Who needs pants!

My Auntie B gave this mask to Keeli for Easter. Keeli thought it was pretty fun

Mom's shoes are much more fun to wear

Putting on a dance show for Dad (keeli has a water bottle down her shirt if you can tell, why I am not quite sure!)

We played with dolls a lot

We went up to temple square for Kyle and Shawni's wedding

Looking at the water. Keeli would live in the water and drink it all day if I let her

Hanging at my sister's house with their pool!

Keeli, like her parents, would rather not wear socks on her feet. They are much better gloves!

Her new bed! She loves sleeping in her toddler bed!

Cancun Pictures

2010-08-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

For Eric's graduation and our 5 year I decided to suprise Eric and take him to Cancun in May. I bought the tickets, got work off for Eric and I, arranged babysitters for Keeli, and got everything arranged. I told him not to check the bank until after graduation so he wouldn't see what his gift was but unfortunately our bank called him to verify some charges because I bought the tickets in Draper the same time he bought a drink in Provo. Bummer! Needless to say, it was still a blast!

Here was our balcony

Here is our room view. Below is the lazy river we spent a lot of time on floating around and drinking smoothies and ice cream

The lobby area. This is how you got to 4 of the 8 restaurants on site...mmm

Chichen Itza

It was hot out there!

The sink hole we swam in...it felt so good after our tour of Chichen Itza

Stopping for lunch during the tour

Our hotel has these little sail boats we took out almost every day. The water was gorgeous!

Stylin pose

After snorkeling...eating lunch

This is where we went snorkeling. It was amazing!

April Photos

2010-08-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

Keeli loved to put all the curlers in and then shake her head until they all fell out

Gotta love that cheeser

She loves popcorn

Graduation!!

I personally just like the guy in the back with the coke

Woot Woot!

The Perfect Father's Day Gift

2010-06-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

For Father's Day Keeli and I were making breakfast in bed for Eric. As I was finishing up the french toast Keeli decided she wanted to get something extra special for dad. She opened the fridge, pulled the veggie drawer open, picked out a baggie with half a tomato in it and headed downstairs. Eric was still sleeping so Keeli decided tap dad on the face and huck the tomato at him. (luckily it was in a bag!) He woke up to a confused Keeli and a tomato in his face. Needless to say we did not eat the tomato for breakfast but we did have a great Father's Day and french toast!

We love ya Eric!

It's not official until it's posted :)

2010-06-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's time to post that baby #2 is on the way. We are very excited despite the nausea! Look out world, in January, Harper baby #2 will be here!

Keeli now has a life jacket

2010-06-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

With the warm weather here that means we are spending our weekends outdoors and at the pool. Last week as we were about to leave the pool we noticed Keeli was missing. We looked over to the deep end just in time to see her being lifted out by a family while the life guard blew his whistle. As I ran towards her, she looked around and started walking back to us like nothing had happened.

She has no fear and loves the water which equals a life jacket from now on. I am just grateful for the people that pulled her out of the water and for the life guard that noticed she jumped.

Did you bring brownies to my house?

2010-04-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

If so, thank you!

Keeli Escapes from Nursey...Again

2010-03-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we went to a baby blessing and after church we went to go get Keeli from nursery but she was no where to be found. This is not the first time she has escaped from nursery. Keeli and some of her nursery buddies discovered how to open the doors in their classroom and take turns roaming the halls until someone brings them back. The teachers have to block the doors with tables now and watch the kids like hawks.

She made her escape after nursery this time when everyone was being picked up. As we were searching for her, Eric finally found her with a woman in a different ward in the hallway. Somehow she had managed to get into sacrament meeting, walk to the front of the meeting, climb the stairs to the pulpit and proceeded to wave to everyone sitting down. She was waving and waving and finally a woman in the audience Keeli kept waving especially to picked Keeli up and took her to the hall where Eric found them.

:)

They grow up so fast

2010-01-28T11:11:00.001-08:00

Keeli just learned how to fake snore today.... :)

Conglomeration

2010-01-25T19:37:00.000-08:00

If you are wondering why I haven't been writing about sugar...don't worry, I haven't given up. Unfortunately, I have found nothing exciting to write about not eating sugar. I love my 100% fruit jam and smoothies are a great craving killer at night. On Valentine's day I can cheat for a day and then I am staying off sugar until the next holiday. Once I got over the two week hump of sugar less life it has been smooth sailing. I am hoping I get sees chocolates and a coscto muffin for v-day though. :)

Keeli played on her first big toy all by herself today at chic fil a....she was in heaven and followed every kid close to her size. She is sleeping very good tonight.

Life is good.

Leadership

2010-01-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

I was reading a talk giving by my dad last week and the below really stuck with me:

The six most important words: “I admit I make a mistake”

The 5 most important words: “You did a good job”

The 4 most important words: “What is your opinion?”

The 3 most important words: “If you please”

The 2 most important words: “Thank you!”

The 1 most important word: “WE”

The least most important word: “I”

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, not so good when people obey and acclaim him, worst when they despise him. But of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say, 'We did this ourselves.'"

— Lao-Tse

Hmm...starting over

2010-01-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

We had our neighbors over for dinner on Sunday night and they brought a delicious cake I couldn't refused. So today I started over with my 30 days of no sugar. Day one is done and over and I promise I won't keep starting over going forward!

30 Days Sugar Free

2010-01-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

Some of you may know I am not supposed to eat sugar. I have arrhythmia and sugar lowers my blood pressure and makes it worse. The last 6 months I haven't been too strict with my no sugar diet and have decided that it's time to get back on track. These next 30 days I am going to get back in the habit of keeping my heart and body healthy.

In order to stick to my plan I decided to keep a record of how I am doing here. I am hoping if I have to write about how I am doing I will be motivated to stick to my plan and get back in the habit of following doctor's orders. Here's to day 1!

Christmas in a Nutshell

2009-12-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2009-12-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

With all the hustle and bustle of the season it is easy to get caught up in everything except what Christmas is all about. Keeli and I have been sick the past few weeks so we have slowed our pace down a little bit and I have had some time to stop and take a look around me. I have so many wonderful examples of Christ-like people in my life and am blessed to just be alive. We Harpers definitely try not to take life for granted being so accident prone.

As I look back over this year our lives have taken so many unexpected twists and turns but have led us to the place we are today. As the song says, "God bless the broken road that led me straight to you". Thank you for being a part of our lives...your kind acts haven't gone unnoticed and we hope that you are blessed and know of your love for you.

Merry Christmas!

I found....

2009-12-16T20:42:00.000-08:00

I found goggles in the dryer today. :) Keeli likes to throw her treasures in the laundry basket...I will have to look more carefully next time I throw a load of laundry in the wash.

Keeli discovered Vicks

2009-12-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday when no one was looking Keeli and her cousin found the vicks at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Eric found them rubbing vicks all over Keeli's face. She had so much on she could hardly open her eyes. I think she was in heaven. After two baths and washing Keeli's hair several times she still has a nice vasoline residue in her hair. :) I think we will be hiding our vicks a little better from now on.

Dentotape

2009-11-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

My mom recommended a floss called dentotape to me...there are a few different brands but they are all about the sam.

Heaven in my mouth....if you like to floss then you have to try this...

Keeli Can....

2009-11-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Keeli can say finished in sign language

Keeli gets so excited when daddy calls, especially now that we are out of town

Keeli can give kisses....grandpa was playing the guitar for her yesterday and she stood up, walked over, and planted one on him as he was playing to say thank you

Keeli can sing into a microphone

If I were rich....

2009-11-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

I would have a fireplace in my room and keep my house at 80 degrees. mmmm.....

Just Breathe...Happy Almost Weekend

2009-11-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks have sent Eric and I running around with our heads cut off. We all had H1N1 and unfortunately time doesn't stop for the sick. Because of this, it feels like we are half zombie lately. As we catch up and try to get ahead, it has been hard to find time to let our bodies get some good R&R. I am looking forward to this weekend...once Saturday morning is over it is time to relax and finally have a date night. Happy weekend to you all!

(No Keeli is not floating....my dad is holding her up behind us. :) I am always ready for another beach trip!)

What are your weird quirks?

2009-11-05T21:44:00.000-08:00

There are just some things I have to do everyday or I don't feel complete. Do you have anything like that?

I have to floss my teeth every night before I go to bed. Someone told me once that bacteria grows 20x faster at night while you sleep (I don't know if this is fact) and it was enough to sell me on flossing. If I miss a night, I can't wait all day until I get to floss...you can't floss twice in one day to make up for the next day, or else your gums will get sore! I bring my floss camping, on vacation, anywhere!

I have to pay off our credit card any time there is a balance. We use our credit card to get rewards but each time something shows up I have to pay it off. We've never paid interest on a credit card because of this but I don't think we need to pay off the card 30 times a month to avoid interest. I don't like the feeling of having anything unfinished or hanging over my head so I pay it off whether there is a $3.00 balance or or $100 balance.

Does anyone else do weird things like this?

H1N1? Continued

2009-10-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Well after being sick for two weeks, we finally went to the doctor and we have H1N1. Luckily, we have been confined to our house mostly the past few weeks because we didn't want to spread our colds around and now we shouldn't be contagious anymore. I guess we won't be getting the vaccine after all and hopefully we can start feeling better soon.

Throw them to the lions....or not

2009-10-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

I work from home and part of my job is to call and follow up with people who have stopped paying our company their monthly fees. We used to joke about the late payers that we were "throwing them to the lions" and not giving in. While tough love is necessary to make sure companies do not get behind I have also realized that being nice makes a world of difference. (Don't worry, I never used to yell or anyone or anything) If a company can tell that I am willing to work with them, they are most often willing to pay their dues and move on with life. Sometimes this creates more work for me; however, I have been more successful collecting what is owed to our company by doing so. I also don't get yelled at as much....which is a big bonus!

I want the people I speak to and work with to feel like they are people and not something to get off my check list. Not only that, but I want the people I interact with in daily life to feel the same way. It is easy to get caught up in daily life, overbook yourselve, and forget to make time to give an extra smile or calm your words down and listen. You are just as important as I am and there's no reason why I shouldn't treat you how I would like to be treated.

Here Come the Snow Days!!

2009-10-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

Each day it seems like it has been getting colder and colder! Winter is definitly on its way! Now that we are inside more often here is what is keeping us busy....

Keeli loves grapes so I try to keep them stocked in our house. Every time I open the fridge she opens the grape drawer and starts eating them.

Keeli also loves to to drink water, juice, and anything she can get her hands on. Her recent favorite is delicious capri suns!

One of Eric's coworkers gave us this little car and Keeli will hardly get out of it! She packs in her purse, cell phone, and anything else she can find and is off!

The snow finally came today. Keeli and I watched the snow fall during lunch....what a view!

Looking out the backyard.

I can't wait to take her out in the snow! We need to get some snow clothes so we don't freeze!!

Happy Winter!

Couple Tag

2009-10-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

What are your middle names? Anne and Blaine

How long have you been together? We've been married since August 05 baby!

How long did you know each other before you started dating? From November - March

Who asked who out? I asked Eric to come ice skating with a group of us....but he will always say he asked me out first...:)

Whose siblings do you see the most? We see both sides of the family about the same

Do you have any children together? One darling little gal!

What about pets? No....I will probably cave and let Eric get a dog someday though

Did you go to the same school? No, I went to BYU and he went to the U and UVU

Who is the most sensitive? haha....I think that would be me

Where do you eat out most as a couple? We like to try different places....we used to go to Los Hermanos all the time but now we live farther away from it

Where is the furthest you have ever traveled as a couple? To the East coast

Who has the worst temper? We have never had a fight before. :) No, we are both pretty mellow

Who does the cooking? I cook and Eric does the dishes

Who is more social? Eric...I can be a little shy

Who is the neat freak? I think that is a tye...we both have our nitpicky things

Who is the most stubborn? We are both stubborn....so when we do fight it is fun! (it's not really fun)

Who hogs the bed? When it is cold I snuggle up to Eric so I can stay warm

Who wakes up earlier? Eric....he gets us at 5 to go to the gym

Where was your first date? ice skating, I say.... :)

Who has the bigger family? Eric for sure....I still don't know half of his extended family

Do you get flowers often? On special occassions...since I can't eat sugar...Eric usually brings me home delicious treats I have been craving!

Who eats more? Eric....have you seen him, he is double the size of me!!

Who sings better? We have choir voices!

Who does the laundry? I do most of the time, but Eric always helps when he is home

Who is better with the computer? I am but Eric is catching up!

Who drives when you are together? I have been lately....just depends on the day

Who picks where you go to dinner? haha....we decide together....which sometimes takes forever!!

Who is the first one to admit when they are wrong? We both usually get sick of fighting at the same time and realize that we are fighting over a silly thing

Who wears the pants in this relationship? We both do....we would be cold without pants!

Who eats more sweets? Eric does, but that's just because I can't

Who cries more? Me, Eric hasn't cried since he was 10

What's your best day together? Day of the week? Day of our lives? Just when we can relax and enjoy each other's company without the sresses of life

Where did you honeymoon? We went on a cruise to Mexico

Favorite date night? Depends....we love to watch movies, but we also love to be outdoors

Favorite TV show to watch together? So you think you can dance!!!

Couple I imagine us growing old like? We are going to be cute cuddly old people

I tag whoever wants to do this...

“Life is good, if we live in such a way to make it so.”

2009-10-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

Keep an Eternal Perspective

Honor Your Parents

Participate in Family Prayer

Read Scriptures Together

Communicate with Love

Live for Eternity

H1N1?

2009-10-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

What do you think...is the vaccine worth it? I can't decide.

joyofbaking.com

2009-10-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

If you need any delicious fall treats to try, joyofbaking.com is the place for you. I tried their pumpkin bread last week and can't wait to try their chocolate cheesecake, pumpkin cheesecake, and candy corn parfaits. Most of the recipes are fairly easy and use ingredients you already have around the house.

Enjoy!

Eric made a Bet.....

2009-10-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

Eric made a bet with one of his buddies this weekend that they were going to work out 5 days a week together. The first person to skip out on a day has to take the other couple out to the Melting Pot. I think I will be setting my alarm to make sure Eric gets out of bed on time!!! I am proud of them for setting the goal and am very interested to see what happens...I am going to kickboxing tonight so I can keep up with my man! :)

I finally got my Puma Pants

2009-10-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Since high school I have wanted puma pants but could never find any...finally after years of searching I got some at the Puma outlet in Myrtle Beach. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, they are all that I wanted and more. I am in heaven.

I do not want to be eternally cold

2009-10-14T14:09:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here with my snowboard jacket, snowboard socks, and down blanket and I am still cold. During the winter my wedding ring doesn't fit..if I shake my hand too hard it flies off...it flew off in a snowy parking lot last year and I almost had a heart attack. I would be wearing mittens but then I couldn't type.

Does anyone know how to stay warm during winter?

Brrrr!

Myrtle Beach

2009-10-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Myrtle beach and we are definitely going through beach withdrawals! We had a blast hanging out at the beach, swimming, relaxing in the hot tub, shopping, eat way too much, visiting the aquarium, watching movies, flying kites...the list goes on. Thanks mom and dad for such a fun trip! We had a gorgeous view from our room and the weather was awesome...we just needed about 10 more days there!

We just got back from Myrtle beach and we are definitely going through beach withdrawals! We had a blast hanging out at the beach, swimming, relaxing in the hot tub, shopping, eat way too much, visiting the aquarium, watching movies, flying kites...the list goes on. Thanks mom and dad for such a fun trip! We had a gorgeous view from our room and the weather was awesome...we just needed about 10 more days there!

U2

2009-10-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

That's right ladies and gents....I am a 100% converted U2 fan. I surprised Eric with U2 tickets as an early birthday present. They were in Raleigh the same time we were in Myrtle Beach so it worked out perfectly! Eric was definitely surprised to say the least! It was an amazing concert and we rocked the night away!

I'm Noodles for Noodles

2009-09-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

5 reasons why I love the Noodles and Company in Orem, UT:

- The firs time there they gave us a free rice krispy treat because they had just finished making them and wanted someone to enjoy them at their most delicious stage

- We went there for work once and they messed up our order. To make it up to us, they gave everyone a free meal

- They have a birthday club where you get a free meal without any strings attached. I got mine yesterday and wanted to buy some flat bread, since it is the best, and they threw it in for free so I didn't have to scrounge for change

- The owner manages the store wonderfully and really makes you feel like a valued customer

- Mac and cheese...need I say more

They gave us smarties at the bank

2009-09-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

Today we had to stop at the bank after "cuddle time" at the library and along with our reciept they slipped in some smarties for Keeli. I know banks often have suckers and treats for little kids but it didn't make it any less special today. I smiled the whole way home and couldn't wait to let Keeli try her first smartie. Little acts of kindess don't go unnoticed and I want to say thank you to everyone who takes time out of their day to think of others.

Sometimes it's easy to forget we live in a world full of other people besides ourselves...here's me renewing my effort to forget myself and remember someone else.

Butterfly

2009-09-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I am a little cheesy to be quoting a Hannah Montana song but these words hit my heart strings and everyone that knows me already know that I am a chees ball....there's no shame in it!

Thank you mom and dad for keeping me safe and helping me to become who I am....this song is for you.

You tuck me in,
Turn out the light
keep me safe and sound at night
little girls depend on things like that

Brush my teeth and combed my hair
had to drive me everywhere
you were always there when I looked back

You had to do it all alone
Make a live, make a home
Must have been as hard as it could be

And when I couldn't sleep at night
Scare things wouldn't turn out right
you would hold my hand and sing to me

Caterpillar in the tree, how you wonder who you'll be
can't go far but you can always dream
Wish you may and wish you mine
don't you worry hold on tight.
I promise you there will come a day
Butterfly Fly Away
Butterfly Fly Away

Catch your wing now you cant stay
Take those dreams and make them all come true
Butterfly Fly Away
We been waiting for this day
All along and know just what to do
Butterfly,Butterfly,Butterfly,
Butterfly Fly Away

I like to move it move it

2009-09-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well it is official, Keeli is on the move and walking like a champ! She loves to walk around with her purse, a huge black pillow, flip flops or any cell phone she can get her hands on. Enjoy the pics...notice she is already borrowing my clothes. :)

I love the fall

2009-09-04T12:26:00.001-07:00

I love the fall. There's something about new school clothes, getting back into a routine, eating chili and cornbread, and slipping the sweaters back on after a hot summer. I love the leaves changing and the perfect weather for long walks.

I am excited to watch the leaves change, sing halloween songs, and celebrate most of my family's b-days.

I don't miss the disney channel

2009-08-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

We recently moved to Draper and along with our move we have said goodbye to cable. We still get the local channels on one TV we have; however, the TV stays off except for movies and so you think you can dance which is no longer airing. I thought I was going to miss watching HTGV, Food Network, and most of all Disney. Strangely enough, today, two weeks after our move, was the first time I even thought about TV. Not because I wanted to watch it but because I was thinking about Keeli's name, which we heard on the channel.

Needless to say, I don't miss TV at all. Blobbing out in front of the TV is never as satisfying as reading a book, weeding, or just sitting in the back yard enjoying the summer night.

Goodbye TV, hello life!

What to eat for dinner tonight?

2009-07-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Eric and I are often indecisive when it comes to going out to eat. We both love eating out but often find ourselves revisiting the same places over and over. It would take us about an hour to finally decide where to go and by that point we were so hungry that we would just end up going somewhere close and fast...which often ended up being a waste of the entertainment budget! To fix our dilemma we decided to play the alphabet game. We decided we would start and A and work our way down. Below is the adventure that ensued....

A - Arbys - Another quick fix but we had to start somewhere

B - Brazil Brazil - This little gem has moved to Salt Lake unfortunately. It is a great place to get lots of delicious brazilian food.

C - California Pizza Kitchen - Their margarita pizza is to die for. A little pricy but we really like the place...we had to go a few more times in fact

D - De Mae - We would have never tried this place on our own. Great food and company; however, we still don't like sushi

E - Ernies Deli - Definitely go for breakfast...they have awesome breakfast sandwiches...okay lunch

F - Fuddruckers - We got hooked on this place, especially since they always send out coupons in the mail. While I was pregnant we would go here almost once a week for awhile

G - Golden Corral - We thought it was expensive for the quality of food we got. Plus I couldn't stop thinking about when Eric ate butter thinking it was ice cream there. We did run into some of Eric's good friends from Brazil though

H - Hot Dog King - If you are in the mood for an adventure go to Hot Dog King. I never knew you could do so much with a hot dog. It was a little creative for my stomach though.

I - Iceberg - We were disappointed this go around. Don't get their peach shake.

J - JCW - We love this place. I ordered fish but ended up getting chicken instead...both are good though!

K - Kneaders - We will definitely be back....good food and key lime pie...mmm

L - Los Hermanos - Family favorite. Get the queso dip...only way to go

M - Marleys - This is the restuarant at the new Harley place. Good food, just kind of made for hobbits...everything was mini.

N - Nicoliatlia Pizza - Awesome pizza. A little greasy but soo good. Get some breadsticks if you really want to enjoy life.

O - Olive Garden - The breadsticks were better than usual and the white cranberry juice is the best.

P - Pizza Factory - I love their breadsticks with alfredo

Q - Quiznos - Very good, especially now that they lowered their prices.

R - Ruth's Chris - We went here for a work party. We couldn't believe the price tag but everything was amazing.

S - Spaghetti Factory - Kind of a let down. I loved the vegetarian lasagna though

T - Tucanos - Gotta love the buy one get one free on birthdays. It's tradition

U - You try and find a place that starts with U!

V - La Vigna - Very expensive and to top it off I left all my leftovers at the place. Sad day. The service was good.

W - Wingers - mmm...I still crave this place.

X - We were going to go to Xango but couldn't convince each other we would find anything edible.

Y - Yamato - Awesome food! I loved sitting on the ground and eating soy beans. Go if you haven't before!

Z - Zupas - Eric even liked the soup and sandwiches and that is saying A LOT!

We had a blast trying different places and being "cultured". If we ever get in a rut again, we will probably start over again!

Happy Birthday Keeli!

2009-07-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

Keeli is officially one years old now! I can't believe how fast time has gone or how much Keeli has grown over the last year. Each day gets better and better and I can't imagine life with out our little miss sunshine.

What do you think?

2009-05-15T13:32:00.001-07:00

Eric and I have been trying to think of boy names lately...no I am not pregnant we just like to think of names.

What do you think of Anson for a boy?

U2

2009-04-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

I was listening to pandora.com today when U2 began to play. I haven't always been a big U2 fan. When I was a teenager I used to love going to church dances. Every dance they would play the same U2 song and we would all belt out the song as we rocked around the dance floor. I would belt out the song with the rest of the them; however, after hearing U2 over and over again the song definitely lost its pizzazz. I thought that every U2 song sounded the same and since I heard one of them over and over I wasn't done with U2.

Years later...Eric enters the picture.

When Eric and I started dating I quickly found out that he loves U2. One night while we were out he asked me if I like U2. For some reason I told him yes. This is the only flat out lie I have ever told Eric. I must have wanted to impress him or something. ;) A little while later Eric and I were talking to my room mate and U2 came up. My room mate was so confused and said, "Laci, you hate U2". Oops...I then had to explain that I really didn't like U2. I was just a little embarassed to say the least.

Well, time has passed and after listening to U2 with Eric quite a bit I have decided that U2 isn't all that bad. I have to be in the mood for some U2, but when I am the mood, I can definitely jam to their tunes.

Have you ever done something like this? Is there anything that you have hated for years and then suddenly find yourself liking your long time enemy? I am sure I could name a few other things....their stories just don't include white lies.

I love you!!

2009-03-19T12:31:00.001-07:00

This was Keeli's V-Day outfit. :) Don't worry, she didn't really wear it all day long.

Trust

2009-03-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

“The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to Him.”

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

I am constantly amazed at my daughter's undiluted trust and love. It can be so difficult to trust people and the world around us; however, children freely embrace almost anyone they see. I can definitely see why the Lord has commanded us to become as little children.

My name is Unique!

2009-03-05T09:16:00.001-08:00

I was looking at my friend's blog the other day and thought I would check it out. Turns out there is one other Laci Harper to be found!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
2
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Happy Love Day

2009-02-13T11:06:00.001-08:00

There is no remedy for love but to love more. --Thoreau

Life without love would truly be nothing. I understand this concept more each day, especially now that I am married and have started having children. I am grateful that my parents gave me a strong foundation of love that I have been able to build upon. There is so much in life to love and I plan on loving more of it!

Water is the cure all

2009-02-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

When I was young I did not like drinking water. Every time I was sick or had a headache it seemed like my dad would tell me to go drink some water. I would take a sip and forget the plan of gulping water for health. My parents were always drinking water. We had a water filter that they would leave their cups by every day and drink and drink to their hearts content.

Over the years I too have become a water nut. I love water, especially in a water bottle or with a straw. I believe my love for water developed when I starting buying Nalgene water bottles in high school. I love water bottles for some reason and if water was in them I would drink away. I now have quite a collection of water bottles and have also found out why my parents were always drinking water...it works! If I drink enough water I rarely get sick and my headaches are few and far apart. I feel healthier and now I tell Eric to drink more water all the time. I am sure my kids will get sick of me telling them to drink water but hopefully the habit sticks and they will be healthier because of it.

So if you are prone to headaches or colds or any other ailment....drink up to life! Water works! Who knows....It may even bring about world peace someday!

It's all in your attitude

2009-01-16T13:15:00.001-08:00

Recently, I overheard something that got the wheels turning in my head. I heard someone say that we are here on this earth to go through trials. I thought this was kind of a pessimistic way to look at life but as I continued to think I realized that yes, we are here to learn how to go through trials; however, the true test of life is if we can still be happy between and amidst the experiences we go through. Below is a list that I want to remember as I go through life, especially on the hard days....

1. Prayer and fasting work

2. Family and friends are the perfect support system...there was a reason we were put on this earth as families

3. Taking a little time to relax, not 4 hours of TV vegging can go a long way

4. Being outside makes me happy

5. Too much sugar really doesn't make you happy, even if everything is chocolate

6. It's okay to make mistakes

7. I'm sorry does make a big difference

8. You can't change the past but you can move forward to correct it

9. Dancing, music, and hugs sometimes are very good medicine

10. Cuddling always make me feel loved

11. Exercise is worth it even if you don't want to do it

12. It's better to find a way to help someone else then to go buy another pair of shoes

13. I can always beat Eric at a tickle fight

14. A dirty house doesn't mean you have to be upset; messes sometimes end up being the most fun

15. Life will not always be easy, nor do I want it to be.

Since this blog was mainly introspection, here are some pictures to enjoy! :)

Our Microwave lives on.....

2009-01-15T10:09:00.000-08:00

I don't know quite how to say this...our microwave didn't die. Here is what happened....After we figured out the microwave wasn't working Eric took the microwave to the dumpster at our apartment complex. Resisting the urge to smash the microwave into the dumpster for some reason he just set the microwave on the top of the pile and walked away. Later that evening Eric wanted some toast but was confused when the toaster wasn't working either. Lo and behold our breaker just needed to be reset...once he got the toaster up and running he bolted to the garbage can to grab our microwave. It was still sitting there nice and safe. When I came home I was very suprised to see our microwave back on the counter....needless to say our microwave was never really broken and next time we think something is dead....we will check more than the outlets connected to the same breaker... :)

Death of a Microwave

2009-01-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

After years of service, our microwave is finally gone. It was given to us when we were first married and has traveled with us from apartment to apartment for 3 and 1/2 years now. The other day I looked at it to see the time and was suprised to find that the time wasn't displaying. I wondered if Eric wanted to save electricity by unplugging the microwave when it wasn't being used. I forgot about my microwave until Eric came home and asked if I had unplugged it and then the sad truth unfolded. The microwave was plugged in but no longer worked. Our appliance was good to us and popped some mean popcorn. I was sad today when I tried to make lunch and realized that everything I was going to make needed to be microwaved....I guess it is time to move on and get a new microwave.

O Christmas Tree!

2008-12-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

Here is our Christmas tree this year!

This is an ornament we put on the tree every year. Eric puts it front and center and I hide it so it gets moved around all Christmas season!

Here's the tree!

Gingerbread Contest!!!

2008-12-19T12:52:00.001-08:00

We went to a gingerbread aka graham cracker house party a little while ago. Good times were had by all!

Here is our house...I realized a little too late that we should have put snow on the ground instead of green grass so....we made a bahamas Christmas gingerbread house instead!

Here's the gingerbread making gang!

Keeli Loves to Eat!!

2008-12-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

Here is Keeli eating!!!

She loves her food!!

Yummy!

2008-12-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

My favorite foods at the moment are....

Mmm....so good!

4 Months old...holy smokes

2008-11-19T21:21:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it has already been 4 months...on the other hand it seems like Keeli has been a part of our family forever! Here are her stats:

Head 15 and 1/2 inches - 55 percentile

Weight 13 pounds 10 ounces - 75 percentile

Height 26 and 1/2 inches - 95 percentile

Like my dad says, "Keeli is tall, slender, and humble (since she has such a little head)"

Here are some pics...enjoy!

2008-10-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

What I was doing 10 years ago:
1. I was in 7th grade at Glacier Park in Maple Valley
2. I was probably wearing a sweatshirt
3. Crushing and writing notes to boys probably :)
4. Doing homework
5. Dancing

Things on my to-do list:
1. Set up our Roth IRAs
2. Clean the house
3. Return a jacket and go to kid to kid
4. Go into work today
5. Get everything ready for pack meeting

Snacks that I enjoy:
1. Fruit
2. gold fish
3. banana shakes
4. cheetos
5. toast

5 Things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Buy a house
2. Invest
3. Get our food storage
4. Buy a jogging stroller
5. Leave envelopes of money in people's mailboxes

5 places I've lived:
1. Maple Valley, WA
2. Fredericksburg, VA
3. Orem/Provo, UT
4. Kirkland, WA
5. Heber, UT

Jobs I've had:
1. Subway
2. Waitress at Cheeseburger in Paradise
3. Subway again
4. Redx
5. Agemni

5 People I Tag:
1. Lindsey
2. Dad
3. Kristie
4. Amy
5. Cami

Keeli is 3 months old!!!

2008-10-13T21:49:00.001-07:00

Goodbye Flip Flops...New Socks?!

2008-10-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

Today is a sad day for my feet. It is officially too cold outside to wear flip flops in Utah. When temperatures sink below 40 degrees it is time to pack away the flops for another year. (Well, I still wear them to get the mail in the snow or sometimes I just wear them around the house so my feet don't go through withdrawals.) We turned the heat on, the mountains are dusted with snow, and we even woke up to snow over the weekend. I am sad fall only lasted a few days; however, in the midst of my sadness my feet did find joy! How do you ask?! Well, I was digging through my sock drawer to protect my feet and low and behold I found a hidden bare of brand new socks! Now, I am definitely not a sock person but a brand new pair of socks is just like wearing slippers. I slipped them on and now my toes are warm and toasty as I write away. Now I just have to figure out a way to keep socks on Keeli's feet and I will be sitting pretty.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

2008-09-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

I recently saw an ad on TV talking high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The commercial was trying to convince viewers that HFCS was no different than regular sugars. Below are the facts it tried to state:

High fructose corn syrup has the same number of calories as table sugar and is equal in sweetness. It contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted high fructose corn syrup "Generally Recognized as Safe" status for use in food, and reaffirmed that ruling in 1996 after thorough review.

High fructose corn syrup offers numerous benefits. It keeps food fresh, enhances fruit and spice flavors, retains moisture in bran cereals, helps keep breakfast and energy bars moist, maintains consistent flavors in beverages and keeps ingredients evenly dispersed in condiments.

When trying to convince the public that HFCS is safe and harmless I wouldn't recommend using the words, "generally recognized as safe". Below are some of the true facts about high fructose corn syrup:

Today, food companies use HFCS—a mixture of fructose and glucose—because it’s inexpensive, easy to transport and keeps foods moist. And because HFCS is so sweet, it’s cost effective for companies to use small quantities of HCFS in place of other more expensive sweeteners or flavorings.

When HFCS is ingested, it travels straight to the liver which turns the sugary liquid into fat, and unlike other carbohydrates HFCS does not cause the pancreas to produce insulin; which acts as a hunger quenching signal to the brain. So we get stuck in a vicious cycle, eating food that gets immediately stored as fat and never feeling full.

Fructose requires a different metabolic pathway than other carbohydrates because it basically skips glycolysis (normal carbohydrate metabolism). Because of this, fructose is an unregulated source of “acetyl CoA,” or the starting material for fatty acid synthesis. This, coupled with unstimulated leptin levels, is like opening the flood gates of fat deposition.

High in fructose and low in copper-containing foods result in inadequate formation of elastin and collagen--the sinews that hold the body together. (aka people are aging quicker)

Because fructose is cheap and easy to store it has replace refined sugar is many instances. Sure, it is okay to eat a sugary sweet every now and then but our bodies are on overload from eating processed, manufactured foods. The best way to stay away from HFCS is to make your food at home more often and check food labels while grocery shopping. Once you start checking labels you will be shocked to see how many foods HFCS has crept its way into. It has taken me over a year to finally find staples such as bread, jam, crackers, cereal, and juice drinks that didn't contain high amounts of HFCS. Below is a list of major foods you want to try and avoid to reduce your consumption of HFCS:

Regular soft drinks
Fruit juice and fruit drinks that are not 100 percent juice
Pancake syrups
Popsicles
Fruit-flavored yogurts
Frozen yogurts
Ketchup and BBQ sauces
Jarred and canned pasta sauces
Canned soups
Canned fruits (if not in its own juice)
Breakfast cereals
Highly sweetened breakfast cereals

HFCS and other sweeteners react to the body much like a drug does. If you don't believe me, try to stop eating sugar cold turkey....I had a headache for two weeks straight trying to rid myself of my sugar high. and now when I eat sugar it feels just like I have taken too much cold medicine. My head feels foggy, I get a headache, and my stomache hurts.

The producers of HFCS can try and tell me that HFCS is safe but from the real facts and personal experience I have to say it's a lie. And besides, if you need a commercial to try and convince people your product is safe...something has to be wrong.

Heaven in my Mouth

2008-09-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

Here is the perfect meal....mmmm

Zuppa Toscana....yes, it tastes just like the soup from Olive Garden

1 lb. Italian Sausage

3-4 potatoes, cut in small pieces

1 Onion chopped

6 slices of bacon fried, drained, and crumbled

1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic

2 C. kale or swiss chard chopped

2 cans chicken broth

1 qt. water

1 C. heavy whipping cream

Cook sausage and drain on paper towel. Place onions and bacon in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until onions are almost clear. Remove bacon and crumble. Add garlic to the onions and cook an additional 1 minute. Add chicken broth, water, and potatoes; simmer for 15 minutes. Add crumbled bacon, sausage, kale, and cream. Simmer 4 more minutes and serve with rolls or breadsticks!

Chocolate Pudding Cake...this chocolate cake is worth eating sugar for!

Bake any chocolate cake in 9x13 pan and let cool completely.

Mix 8 oz. cream cheese, 1 C. powdered sugar, and 1 C. whipping cream (whipped first). Spread over cake and refrigerate 30-60 minutes.

Mix 1 large box of instant chocolate pudding with 2 cups of milk. Spread and let set.

Spread 1 small cool whip (8 oz.) and grate chocolate bar over top.

Be there or be square!

2008-08-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I just can't hide it! Brazil fest is finally here!

2008-07-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks I have rediscovered how fragile life truly is. Life and death both are miracles. I have seen friends and loved ones leave this life in a blink of an eye; life forever changed. It is amazing to me to see how the world still goes round and that life continues forward no matter what happens. I have also seen how the people left behind have been strengthened so that they might continue on their journey one step at a time.

As loved ones leave this world, new friends and family enter this world full of life and love. As Keeli has entered my world I have been overcome with her spirit and purpose. Everyday I think about how I am so blessed to have her by my side today and how we never know how long we get to spend with each other.

President Thomas S. Monson in his recent Ensign article “May we so Live” stated beautifully, “How fragile life is, how certain death. We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence. And so I ask, “What are we doing with today?” If we live only for tomorrow, we’ll eventually have a lot of empty yesterdays. Let us ask ourselves the questions: “Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?””

I am awestruck to think I have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl, a wonderful husband, and a family who is always there for me. Each day truly is a gift and although I do not know why I am given the gift of life today and others are not, I do know that I want to fill my todays so tomorrow I will never have regrets. So today I watched Keeli sleep and looked into her beautiful face. I talked and laughed with my mom. I kissed my husband goodbye and made sure he knew I loved him.

As Thomas S. Monson says, “We can quicken our step, bolster our courage, and bask in the sunlight of truth. We can hear more clearly the laughter of little children. We can dry the tear of the weeping. We can comfort the dying by sharing the promise of eternal life. May we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way. May we “cheer up the sad and make someone feel glad.” May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.””

More Pictures!!

2008-07-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures of Keeli! Can you tell what her favorite past time is these days?

Napping with mom!

Posing so pretty for the camera

We stuck here in the sun to help with her Jaundice and boy she was a happy camper. She loves to smile in her sleep and Eric caught a lot of very cute ones!

Smile Big!

So cute!

Keeli's first bath! She was cold!

Getting nice and clean! She loved when we ran the water over her head to wash her hair.

Keeli Anne Harper is Here!!

2008-07-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

Baby Harper is here! Keeli Anne Harper was born Monday July 7th at 4:07 in the morning. She was scheduled to be induced Monday; however, she decided she wanted to come a few hours early when my water broke Sunday night at 11:30. Labor was short and sweet and made me so grateful for epiderals. She was 8 pounds 2 ounces, 20 inches long, and cute as can be! She is healthy and strong and Eric and I are loving every minute with her. She definitely feels like a part of our family we can't live without. Here are a few pics of her so far....enjoy!

Being Grateful

2008-07-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

Count your many blessings....name them one by one....

Being able to step back and see the blessings in life can be difficult at times. When the world seems to be falling down around you the best cure can often be pulling out the perspective glasses and searching for the good in life. There are staple blessings like faith, family, friends, and being alive that will always be there in times of need. There are also everyday little blessings that seem to slip from your grasp if you do not slow down and take the time to see them. A call from a sister, a hug from a parent, dancing in the living room with my husband to no song just for fun, having a toilet that flushes.... and the list goes on. When the walls are tumbling down around you I hope you can find the strength to look....it may be hard, but oh so worth it. Look for the blessings that have made you who you are. Then hopefully the walls crumbling around you will begin to turn into blessings that are making you who you should be. In the end some of the hardest times end up being the best times if we let them. Never forget to whip out the perspective glasses....and you might be surprised....they might just turn into sunglasses that reflect the many rays of sunshine trying to penetrate your life.

I miss my feet

2008-06-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Only 17 days until D-Day and I am definitely starting to feel it. My feet look like one of those hospital gloves blown up, my fingers swell with any usage or heat, and my belly button is almost an outtie. I do have to say I am suprised I have stayed an innie for so long...I thought that my belly button would be one of the first things to "pop" being pregnant. Although feeling like a beached whale with hobbit feet (minus the hair) is not the most enjoyable thing in life, I am still leaning towards believing all of this is 100% worth going through. Nothing that doesn't take some sacrifice or hard work is worth having, right?

Desserts to lower your fat thermostate

2008-06-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Being a sugar free person has not been the easiest thing in the world...especially since I have been pregnant. Chocolate chip cookies and doughnuts just seem to want to be eaten by me lately. Luckily my mother in law introduced me to this cookbook, Desserts to lower your fat thermostate. Instead of using sugar for tasty treats it uses mostly apple or pineapple juice concentrate to sweeten up cookies, muffins, ice cream, etc. Most of what I have made has turned out pretty good, especially the muffins and it is nice to be able to eat a treat when Eric pulls out the ice cream. I would definitely recommend taking a look at this recipe book if you are looking for a healthy snack that still has a sweet kick to it. My next recipe on the docket is the blueberry ice cream...mmm....hopefully it will help me kick the need to crave a blueberry cake doughnut.

Home Sweet Home

2008-05-23T11:54:00.001-07:00

Graduation!

2008-05-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

A Person of Lists

2008-05-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

From the first day of Junior High I have had a planner. My school used to give out free daily planners each year and I enjoyed writing my life down into my planner. When college hit, one of my favorite things to do at the beginning of each semester was to write down all of my assignments for the entire semester for each class and plan out everything. (Nerdy, I know.) Without my planner I would have been lost...I had all my assignments, classes, tests, daily tasks, activities, and to-do lists compiled in my little planner.

Recently, I have been thinking about my planner and my lists a lot. My list always gives me something to do; however, often I find myself getting too wrapped up in making sure everything is crossed off the list. I find it hard to sit still if I have one more thing waiting to be crossed off. My never ending list makes it hard to enjoy life for myself as well as for others around me. No one likes to feel like a list has to be accomplished before you can spend time with them...and I know I have made people feel like this more than once.

After all my thinking I have decided something....my list is gone. Sure I will write things down that I need to remember still and I will still like planning ahead but I never want to put my list first in my life again. In the eternal scheme of things if the floor doesn't get swept, the dishes sit in the sink, or if work is left undone, who cares? If my time is spent with family and friends, learning about the gospel, and even relaxing sometimes I will be better off because of it.

It's time to reprioritize and get on with my life. Structure is good in life and being busy is nice but there is so much more to life than filling time with deadlines and check marks on a list. I want to live, I want to love, and that is what I plan to do.

Good bye list...I can say I won't miss you!

Just another crazy day in paradise

2008-05-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

This post is a conglomeration of thoughts from the past two days. Eric gave a family night last night on the article by Thomas S. Monson found in the April 2008 Ensign titled, "Treasure of Eternal Value" that really hit me. My dad today then titled one of his e-mails to me "Just another crazy day in paradise" and that once again got my mind going.

It is so important to live today as if tomorrow isn't coming. I have definitely put off doing this since my college career and have made it a goal to get into the habit of making every day count. I can't use homework, tiredness, or projects as an excuse to put off serving, loving, and progressing in life. (Not that these were ever good excuses beforehand.)

I love what President Monson said about life. He stated, "There is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today, and to live most fully today, we must do that which is of greatest importance. Let us not procrastinate those things which matter most." Procrastination is for people who are too afraid to live life or too blinded by the world to take the time to do what matters most.

In addition to not putting off the good things in life I want to make sure I take time to enjoy each thing I do. Sure, life is hectic and hard but we can make life paradise each day, even if it is a little crazy. Life isn't meant to be perfect and I plan on working hard to make the most of each day, even with the bumps that get tossed in.

I want to make today a day I never forget, a day that wasn't wasted, and a day I can say was just another crazy day in paradise.

Stole of Gratitude

2008-05-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

Graduation has come and gone (pics to come soon) and I have had some time to look back on my four years of college and remember the good and the hard times. A lot has happened over my four year period at BYU. Marriage, a baby on the way, Eric's broken back, several moves, a broken arm, an experience in writing a 30 page paper, arrythmia, and countless assignments and projects have kept me very busy. Sometimes I think I let school keep me too busy. I am grateful to all those who have put up with me and pushed me to keep going when I was tired and ready to give up. I have had amazing support from my husband, parents, parents in law, brother and sister, and countless others. From the cookies on the doorstep after a hard day of class to the phone calls, e-mails, and hugs encouraging me, I feel overwhelmed with the love I have felt as I have journeyed through school. Thank you to all of those who have made my journey a memorable and wonderful experience. I felt your support and prayers daily and I was so blessed to have people cheering me through thick and thin. Many times your kind words and thoughts were an answer to my prayers and I love you all.

Some small moments that made life wonderful:

Going to celebrate high school graduation with my parents

Moving into Glenwood

Having my mom here to help me get ready to start college

My dad helping me get a scholarship from the navy for school

Walking over to Lindsey and Blake's apartment to babysit, eat dinner or just enjoy their company.

First WalMart trip with the roommates

Snowboarding on the table in Glenwood with a pineapple in hand with Bonnie

Going to a BYU dance and drinking so much fruit punch our mouths turned red

Working with Lindsey and going out to eat way too much for lunch
Bonfires

Walking to Blackjacks for dinner
Going down a giant water slide at Rock Canyon

Christmas breaks

Reading Harry Potter during Christmas break
Talking to my family about how I liked Eric and then didn't like him
Going to Phantom of the Opera a million times when it first came out

Going to Moab with Eric

Having my dad laugh at the idea of me going to Moab with Eric for 5 minutes

Getting engaged to Eric

Planning a wedding in two weeks
Getting married and loving every minute of our wedding day
Moving into our first apartment after getting married
Discovering the Disney channel
Getting new clothes every once in awhile
Late night dollar store runs
Spending the night at Lindsey and Blake's house and eating grapes and being hyper all night
Going to general conference
Getting e-mails from my dad

Going to Yellowstone
Getting holiday treats in the mail
Going to lunch with my Auntie B
Going to Lindsey and Blake's house after my first anatomy class to cry

Trips to the outlet mall
Going a good run
Getting a belated mother's day gift from Eric
Teaching primary

Going on hikes
Talking to my mom on the phone

Going to the scera pool
Coming home to find a new bedspread and sheets on our bed

Going to Lake Tahoe
Cheating and eating dark chocolate every once in awhile
Sitting and talking to family on Sundays

Pizza factory with Steven and Eric
Getting cute notes from Eric
Playing board games and learning Egyptian Ratscrews

Rediscovering how good Papa Murphey's pizza is

Having Steven come do laundry at our house on Sundays

Going to the temple
Having so much emotional and financial support when Eric broke his back

Getting ready to have a baby
Getting my back scratched or rubbed
Going to Lindsey and Blake's for dinner and to play games
Falling asleep by the fire instead of doing homework
Walking on campus during the spring
Walking to my car after getting a good grade on a test
Wearing sweats
Eric making me nachos or a cheese crisp when I had morning sickness
Spotting my family at commencement and waving
Shaking Elder L. Tom Perry's hand during graduation
Not being able to wipe the smile off my face as I walked across the stage to get my diploma

2008-04-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! I am now a graduate of my online college algebra class! After a year of procrastination and confusion I am free!!

How Cocoa saved my life

2008-04-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

Last night I was craving a delicious sweet treat. The Easter candy sitting on my table was definitely calling my name. Starburst jelly beans are one of my favorite Easter candies and they just sat their teasing me. Since sugar is out of the question I had to get creative. While I love fruit I needed something that didn't taste so healthy. :) I settled on a banana shake which is an all time favorite but decided to add some cocoa and vanilla in for a twist....mmm...talk about a sweet treat! It definitely satisfied my sweet tooth and left me sugar free! For a delicious treat I definitely recommend throwing together a banana, some milk and ice, a little vanilla, and some delicious cocoa to top it off!

Words that get my through the day

2008-03-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

Be positive
I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we “accentuate the positive.” I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. Growth comes of correction. Strength comes of repentance. Wise is the man who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his course.
What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and was prone to speak critically, my father would say: “Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not achieve (from Ensign, Apr. 1986, 2–4).
Let us go forward in this glorious work. How exciting and wonderful it is. I do not know how anybody can feel gloomy for very long who is a member of this Church. Do you feel gloomy? Lift your eyes. Stand on your feet. Say a few words of appreciation and love to the Lord. Be positive. Think of what great things are occurring as the Lord brings to pass His eternal purposes. This is a day of prophecy fulfilled, … this great day in the history of this Church. This is the day which has been spoken of by those who have gone before us. Let us live worthy of our birthright. Keep the faith. Nurture your testimonies. Walk in righteousness, and the Lord will bless you and prosper you, and you will be a happy and wonderful people (from Ensign, Aug. 1996, 61).

What color are you?

2008-03-28T13:49:00.001-07:00

you are paleturquoise
#AFEEEE

Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well.

Your saturation level is low - You stay out of stressful situations and advise others to do the same. You may not be the go-to person when something really needs done, but you know never to blow things out of proportion.

Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

2008-03-28T13:10:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from our Moab/Canyonlands trip this March. It was a much needed vacation!

Eric is a cone head! Behind us is the green and colorado river. Can you tell which one is the green river? Suprisingly it wasn't the green river....

There wasn't a lot of water in Moab when we went...but whatever water there was we found it!

This is Eric's Michael Jackson pose....feel the wind baby!

Crawling the rocks...I thought this was a cool view.

This was one of my favorite things we did.....who needs roller coasters when you have sand dunes!

Ahhh! We are stuck! These are the mazes in Moab.

If you are afraid of heights...don't look down!

I liked to stop along the way whenver we could find something to climb up on.

Apartment Search

2008-03-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

We are once again on the hunt for an apartment. I think we waste more gas and more time looking for the perfect place on a yearly basis...we have definitely been lucky in what we have been able to find in the past but I am ready for the hunt to be over. It would be so nice to settle down and sit tight for a few years. Because we are college students and our family is growing it is hard to settle. I can't wait to decorate my own place and paint the walls whatever color I want. All good things are worth waiting for though! For now I will be happy not having to worry about paying all the utilities, keeping up a yard, or doing repairs on our house. There are definitely pluses to apartment living that I enjoy and I am glad to just have a roof over my head! I can handle living in transit a little longer. :)

Grow the Belly!

2008-03-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

The belly is starting to form! Keeli or Sage is growing and growing. This week I hit the 24 mark! Maybe by the end of my pregnancy I will be able to stick my tummy out farther than Eric can. :)

51 days and counting

2008-03-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

Yes I know my blogging skills have never been up to par; however, I only have 51 days of school left until I graduate and I am hoping that being homework free will allow me to focus my creative juices on different things in life such as blogging. I am still alive though and am hoping to revamp or vamp up for the first time by blog sometime in the near future. In the meantime I will be going to school, doing homework, taking tests, working, giving a church talk, trying to stay away, and getting ready for our little gal coming soon!

The month of Halloween

2007-10-11T11:46:00.001-07:00

October has to be one of my favorite times of the year. The leaves are vibrant and gorgeous, the weather is crisp and not too warm or cold, and the promise of holiday festivities make it hard to sit still without smile. As we drive down the canyon everyday to head to school and work Eric and I pick out our favorite trees covering the mountains. My favorite tree is hot red and overlooks Deer Creek Dam. I love going to corn mazes, drinking fresh apple juice, eating chili with corn bread, and wearing my sweatshirts and sweaters again. Fall is just a comfortable season. I can sit by the fire with a good book and look out my window at the moutains that have flaming trees which look as if they are melting the snow beginning to settle on each peak. Yes, I will always love the fall.

Ah, ha, ha, ha, Staying Alive!

2007-10-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Yes I know it has been centuries since I have written last and no I was not touring Europe or sailing the ocean blue. Life caught me by the hand and has been taking me on a ride without any brakes. School has started again and with that comes less time to devote to the life of blogging and quite a few other things. Not to fret though, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I believe I will reach the light around April 24th or 25th. That's right ladies and gentlemen, I will be graduating from college! While I have loved school and how it has helped me grow, I get quite stressed at times. Here are the things I am looking forward to doing after I finished with college:

1. Start having a family

2. Spend more time cooking

3. Read

4. Go to the pool in the middle of the day on a weekday with Lindsey and Sadie

5. Do my visiting teaching before 8:00 at night

6. Paint

7. Work out in the morning

8. Clean the house more than once a month

9. Take a dance or yoga class

10. Study the scriptures more in depth

11. Go camping with Eric

12. Plant a garden

13. Clean out the closet in our second bedroom

14. Sell junk from closet on EBay

15. Do a little jig just because I can.

2007-08-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Eric's endeavor over the last few weeks. I wanted to keep up on the blogging so I decided to go with some more pictures. Pictures are a lot easier to post than thinking of things to write!

Here is Eric two days before breaking his back. He is putting on his usualy charm for the camera! Gotta love the smile!

This right after surgery. Eric got a lot of good sleep in while at the hospital. The ice packs wouldn't stay cold enough to cool him down
though and around 4:00pm everyday he would wind up with a fever.

Eric is catching some more zzz's in between physical therapy. I am sitting on my lovely bed for the week. I will forever be grateful for my bed now. I am talking to one of the many that sent their love and support while we were in the hospital. Thank you again for all your support and love. We couldn't have done it without all of you! From the small to big acts of kindness, we will always appreciate your love!

This is Eric's back with his staples in there still. He finally got the staples out and he is healing great. He might not have much of a scar, much to his dismay. He wants a battle wound! :)

We had to measure. His incision almost hit 10 inches.