Roadtrip

My mom came into town this weekend. She got in on Saturday morning, decided that she was going to go up to her land in Snowflake the following morning, and then go back home to Las Vegas from there. Well, every now and then I get the urge to be spontaneous, so when she told us her plan I thought "Hey...why don't we come too!". Let me just say that this was one very bad idea... We got ready in record time, loaded up the kids and set off on our impromptu roadtrip... it just went downhill from there. Now, in my defense, I was told that it was 2, maybe 2 and a half hours trip(just so you know- IT'S NOT!). We left at 11 and got to her property at 3:30. It wouldn't have been an issue except Joel has to work tomorrow, so we were able to go up there, take a short hike and then drive home. Somewhere amidst the winding roads from Showlow to Globe, my carsickness, kids screaming and crying and my wonderful husband pointing out the fact that this was all my fault...I decided never to be spontaneous ever again. Then we fed the kids (this includes Joel..and let's be honest, myself as well) in Globe. Then Joel said that if we timed it just right, we would be able to see the sunset as we came over the hill (He's so sweet sometimes!). Hunter was sitting in his carseat in the back laughing and playing (sticking a Taco Bell cup on his foot and dancing to the beat) while Mikayla played quietly with her leapfrog video game. Then the last few moments were spent singing and dancing to the Wiggles.

Sometimes I feel like it's my job, as the mom, to make sure we have those moments where each member of the family is stuck together. Where we start out wanting to tear our hair out and scream...but if in the end we come out singing, dancing, and laughing together...maybe it's worth it.

Make Over

There's a never ending battle with trying to look put together. I see a look I like, but I can't seem to play the part. Well, my sister in law introduced me to something called "Dressing Your Truth" (go ahead, roll your eyes at the incredibly lame name...I did). It's a personality/ makeover where they use your facial features to determine your true personality and then guide you in how you should be dressing to match your personality (feel free to now laugh...it sounds kind of hokey...I know).
There are 4 types:

Type 1- Creative, bubbly, buoyant, social, they light up a room when they walk in, random
Type 2- Soft, romantic, connected, laid back, steady, detail oriented
Type 3- Bossy, demanding, brash, strong, finds a way to get things done
Type 4- Regal, umm...I'll have to get back to you on this one!

Well...I thought I was a type 1 (I mean seriously, who wouldn't want to be a type 1?!) But they took my picture, and from my facial features they assessed that I am actually a type 3...really? Me? Are you sure you have the right picture? Hmmm...the lighting must have been off, or the angle in the picture was wrong. Maybe you should try again. Nope...still a type 3.

It took me a while to admit defeat and just try the colors, make-up, clothing, hair and jewelry. I'm still working on it, trying to dress according to my "true personality", but what do you think so far?

Before

{It was pretty hard to find a before picture...I like to take pictures, not be in them}

After

Motivation

I saw a young mother
With eyes full of laughter
And two little shadows
Came following after.
Wherever she moved,
They were always right there
Holding onto her skirts,
Hanging onto her chair.
Before her, behind her-
An adhesive pair.

"Don't you ever get weary
As, day after day,
Your two little tagalongs
Get in your way?
She smiled as she shook
Her pretty young head,
And I'll always remember
The words that she said

"It's good to have shadows
That run when you run,
That laugh when you're happy
And hum when you hum -
For you only have shadows
When your life's filled with sun."

"We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us.

We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are.

As you create a home, don’t get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for you or your family. Don’t dwell on your failures, but think about your successes.
Have joy in your home. Have joy in your children. Have joy in your husband. Be grateful for the journey."

-Marjorie P. Hinckley

I'm going to take this poem and this quote, blow them up really big and post them on every available space. And then....I'm going to hire a maid.

(A More Real) Love Story

This actually made me cry {a good cry, don't worry}! How sad is that??? It's supposed to be funny {and is!}. I don't know if my prince knows that this is all I really want from my Romeo.


** UPDATE~ He did it! Joel had to work Saturday, but he came home with flowers for me then whisked me away for a day date! {My sister watched the kiddos. Thanks Liz!}