Come on friendlys...

I still see my blogspot address in your sidebars. My new address is www.luvsandlife.com go here for the new blog.

Finally the blog switch

So I figure I could work on my new blogs for ages and still have them not be finished. So instead I share with you the blogs as they continue to progress and grow, technically since they are blogs they will never be complete. This blog luvsandlife.blogspot.com will always remain here but from this day forth you can find me at my personal blog www.luvsandlife.com or my hobby blog www.thelovelylist.com Hope you link over and enjoy them as much as I do :)

Love you all!

Not always a Mormon Chapter 6 ~FINALE

I chose this image as part of my Not always a Mormon Chapter 6 ~FINALE because for many being religious is

like bondage or at least that's what people say these days. I say becoming Mormon has allowed me to be FREE.

It has helped me to break from the chains of real bondage. Like addictions, cravings, lusts and more.

I say If you choose something (in my case to be Mormon) and you can walk away at any time, then that is being free. On the other hand when I was partying, drinking and participating in unhealthy habits I wanted to walk away but I was stuck. I was addicted, I was in bondage and to me that is not TRUE freedom. Sure I was doing what was cool, I was doing what I wanted but I could not

escape it at any given moment. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has helped me to find true freedom.

This picture to me shows what I feel:)

Image by Laauraa

*Yes this is the last and final post on me becoming MORMON So read on.... (if you have not read chapters 1-5 just click them in my right sidebar for full conversion story)

So if you want the truth, I did NOT read the whole Book Of Mormon before deciding to be baptised. I did however read some, but what I really found my self into was a book I picked up from the thrift store, called Gospel Doctrine. I used this together with Book Of Mormon (study guide style) and found it much easier to understand since I had never read scripture before. What can I say other than I tore this book apart but in a good way. I read and highlighted and then peeked around here and there. I would look up a bit in the Bible or Book Of Mormon when it told me where to find more. But truly this book was where I found much excitement and joy. I LOVED reading Praying To Our Heavenly Father. I LOVED The Atonement. I also LOVED The Family Can Be Eternal and Signs Of The Second Coming. So much more too! To check it out for your self read here Gospel Principles. So with much of this and some kneeling and much thinking and trying to listen to my heart. I made the decision to go ahead and plan my baptism. I know I know it sounds so simple, so plain. I wish my finale included God speaking to me or seeing angels but it didn't. Really it just included being open minded, letting go of my thoughts and ideas about Mormons. It included listening to my heart after doing things that made me feel a little stupid like kneeling to pray (at first). For me it was all very small itsy bitsy baby steps. It was read this and wow. Then it was try this and another wow. It was think about this and wow again and again. I LOVED what I was hearing, and what I was reading and I wanted to believe it sooo badly. The only way I can describe it further is I allowed for a seed to be planted in my heart and soul and God did a little work on me. Maybe you could even call it a little miracle. Because with each passing day THE GOSPEL made more sense, it answered more questions, it filled more holes than anything else in life ever had. I was changing and believing something that my only explanation was, it must be thanks to God. Sounds cheesy but whatever - its the truth. Its the only way I know how to share my story. So in the end I said YES. I accepted the invite to be baptised and on May 3rd 2003 I was converted to The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. Me? No way... Yes I am a Mormon now and I would never have it another way. If you have any interest in God or have questions about the pre life or the after. I urge you to do what the missionaries told me to do. That is found in scripture below James Chapter 1 vs 5 and 6

5 ^aIf any of you lack ^bwisdom, let him ask of God, that ^cgiveth to all men liberally, and ^dupbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ^aask in ^bfaith, nothing ^cwavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Its easy, really. All you have to do is get down on your knees and ask. Then in the quiet moments following just listen and slowly you will begin to find answers too.

Love ya all!!

P.S A SUPER BIG THANKS TO HUBBY BRYCE FOR HOLDING TO HIS FAITH AND BEING SO BOLD TO SHARE IT WITH ME. I LOVE YOU BABE!

Oh and by the way links to my new blogs will be here in the next couple days :) I know I said June 1st but hey LATE is what you have to expect from me :) sorry

$1 for Amy

$1 from you is all I ask. I know money is tight for everyone so that is why I am not asking for much. Seriously $1 to help me reach my goal, my goal is to raise $1000 by next Friday. I know totally crazy but I really feel I can do it with a little help from all of you. The money will be used to help save lives, to help find a cure for cancer.

One of my very best friends Amy

Cancer took over her body and she passed from this life in 2007.

She is the reason I RELAY FOR LIFE

Go here to donate or find out more.

I'm still moving

But to clear up a couple questions???

I am closing down blog "Luvs and Life" here with blogger. It will still exist but I wont be updating anymore. As soon as my new blog, same name "Luvs and Life" over at a new blog host is up and running I will put a permanent link here at this blog. So you can either come here to link over or you can update on your end when I post the official link. 

Why? Well I have come to adore blogging. More for my sanity than anything else (I know sounds weird). I want to start a new journey, with a new host, with new ideas and I hope you will click over for the ride : ) 

But tell then.....

I have to share a thing or two.

How do I discipline this girly, who looks so adorable when she is throwing a fit?

How do I thank my hubby enough for giving me a family. 

I mean when the kids aren't screaming and Jacks not pooping. Things are pretty good.

I Love my life!!

So I'm MOVING

No, no, not for real. I mean I have already moved 7 times in six years. Is that not enough. This time my blog is moving. Or ending I should say. But don't get too sad because another blog is on the way. To be opened for reading, Luvs and Life, July 1st, that's my birthday month. So check back soon for the link.

I want

I love. I need. Check it out. Or better blog about it and maybe win it!

I'm in love

With him and her, and watching them play, watching Norah follow him around. I listen to her as she asks about Dad, I tell her he will be home from work soon. We call him during the day, he takes the time to talk to his favorite little girl. She often peaks out the front window looking for his red truck to pull up. When it does.... A little girls day is made. She loves her daddy. I love them.

I'm in love

With this little dude. With his big imagination, with his unique style in dress. I want to remember his laugh forever. I smile listening to his stories, they are so interesting but never ending. I think sometimes he should write kids books. I want to record his 4 year old prayers. Oh they are great. "Heavenly Father, I will kill the bad guys if you want me too. I love my family, I love my Mom and Dad. I love Jesus all the way up to Pluto. Please bless me with new weapons, and make Jacks belly feel better. I don't like bad guys, in the name of Jesus Christ Amen. I will be sad when he grows too big for my lovies, too big for my kisses. Hhhhmmm maybe I will just make him suffer. Maybe no matter 

how big he gets I will continue to attack him with my love. I will!

I'm in love

With our latest addition. With his humongous smile and his pouty sad lip. I want to hold him, rock him, cuddle with him forever. I want to remember his coos, his bubbles, his funny baby faces. I love how he fits so perfectly in to my arms, how he searches high and low with his little mouth in hopes that I will nurse him. I love his big eyes, his soft skin, his innocence. I love to have conversations with him when he wakes up. I wonder what is going on in that little head of his. I hope I can teach him what he needs to know. I hope he feels my love. Always. 

I'm in love

With my family, with each one of them for the strength they bring to our family. For the patience they have with me and all my imperfections. I know I will always be okay with them by my side. I am sooo LUCKY!

What Matters The Most

Have you ever felt like the only thing people care about is the outside image? You know judging by the cover, more beautiful is better, the outside matters most. Lately I have been experiencing some trials of my own that are teaching me a lot. I am growing through my trials and learning that this is such a LAME way to think. Why do we as people judge another from only what we see? I am guilty. I admit. You know you've done it too. For me it starts by meeting someone, and then automatically assuming I know who they are or how they are. My most recent goal... To try and vanish this from me. Stop judging the cover. If you'd just get over that way of thinking, you might actually find something or someone really wonderful, really awesome, really great. Please don't judge me by my cover, because frankly, my cover is always changing.

Really it's the inside that matters most!

~photo by Phillip Toledano

A very good day

Today I got out. Took another little bus/trax adventure with a friend and the kids. Man it feels good to get out. Only one little bitty disappointment, our destination (Gateway Fountains) was shut down for maintenance. Bummer for the kiddos but I guess at least we didn't have to deal with soaking wet kids. I left the camera at home but came across this picture and it makes me smile :) 

Image found here

My new favorite site

I promise it will make you laugh :)
Akward Family Photos

Mother's Day Post From Dad

Brandy asked if I would write her a Mother's Day post. So this should be a gushingly sweet, tender note full of praise and gratitude. Maybe if she asked for it on... oh, Father's Day. You see on that day, because she is such a loving wife, I would be in a terrific mood having been pampered and spoiled all day long. But today I'm tired, and irritable. I wish it was because I pampered and spoiled Brandy all day long. But the truth is all I really did was help with the kids before church, pace the halls with Jack during church, and let Norah crawl all over me instead of her at Grandma Hansen's house. Oh, and I took Riley and Norah so she could go home early with Jack and hopefully get to bed a little early. Really great of me huh? Pathetic I know, but the truth is that I don't think I could handle taking everything off her plate to give her a break. When I try, my efforts always seem so feeble. And at the end of the day, when I am spent... trying to lighten Mom's load for a day, I am looking forward to getting to go back to work Monday. Kids are great, but lets be honest, they are better in small doses. It takes someone very special to care for them all day - every day, and still love them at the end of each day. That is a Mom, that is Brandy.

i love you.

She

wants to be outside swinging and wearing summer dresses

has pretty brown eyes

loves to get her toes painted

watches Yo Gabba while cuddling Daddy

learned how to make faces

has an ear infection and likes to do lots of this

"waaaaaaaahhhhh"

we still love her though : )

With the dude

Creating artwork

using these little guys found snacking on our carpet as inspiration

being a super hero, fighting bad guys

creating weapons for the walls

these things come in a plenty

practicing his tuff guy look

planting

growing

learning lessons

Freaky

So Riley and I stayed up past our bedtimes the other night, watching shows and sewing niece Aubrey a blanky. When it was time for Riley to hit the hay, he requested I tell him a story first. I said "How about I sing you a song". He then gives me this funny look and says "but mom your songs FREAK me out" :) This kid makes me smile!! I'l remember that for next time Riley

Not always a Mormon Chapter 5

So after this church class I went about my day but just feeling a little bit different about life. Everything I had learned in my life up to this point was going to have more meaning if all this stuff was true. I continued to think about these crazy, weird but ever so amazing things I heard. Then only a few days later Bryce asked me if I would listen to the missionaries. I thought sure, if they could answer the zillion questions I had. So Bryce set it up and I swear his whole huge family was there. Like it was a party or something... Once again I asked myself why? Whats in it for them? Really unless this tale of the Second Coming of Jesus and all things related were true, then why would complete strangers even care to invite me to learn more. Why would they join in on the discussions I was having with the missionaries? They were so happy for me to be there, their home was so calming and so nice to be at. Something was so right but I just couldn't figure it. I kept up with these lessons that the LDS missionaries wanted to teach me. Some were a little boring but most (especially the ones where I asked a zillion questions) were very intriguing. I really was interested. I even hunted down an old Gospel Doctrine book from a thrift store and highlighted every other thing in it. I had questions and these people were so happy to answer. Then came the day only a few weeks in to it all that the missionaries, in front of Bryces whole family came straight out and said "so can we set up your baptism for next week"? I was a bit blown away! Were they really asking me to become a Mormon, and so quick? Was I really ready for all this? Did I REALLY believe it? So I spoke up, and I said NO. At least no for now anyway. I needed to think. I remember one thing clearly though. They sent me home with two assignments. #1 Read book of Mormon #2 read James Chapter 1:5-6 and test it out.

Mmmm Tasty!

So I am going to town on the pistachios the other day. I attempt to open the shell as hubby does it, in his mouth. I am throwing one after the other in and they are so YUMMY! Then I come to one that is not so yummy. I swallow, it tastes a little burnt. Then I grab another and actually look at the shell as I crack it and about chuck the other 20 back up when I see this. Yep that is what you think it is. And my best guess is that tasty burnt one I had before was one of these yummies too : ) I think I'll lay off the nuts for a while.

Waaaaaaah!! Vacuum on~Swaddle~Bounce~Rock~Feed~Change............

Waaaaaaah!! Vacuum on~Swaddle~Bounce~Rock~Feed~Change............
Those things are done around the clock, with the new Jack Jack here. He is a vocal little man. This dudes belly sure knows how to rumble. I feel so bad for the little guy and for the rest of my family too. I want to stay sain I REALLY REALLY do! I also want to smell good and wear clean clothes, I want a happy hubby and a clean-ER home for him to come home to. I want my other kiddos to get my time and attention, I want to enjoy my beautiful baby. Its just SO hard, so hard when he REALLY likes to cry. Just asking for a prayer or two.

Her attempt

Norah is a little frustrated lately. Why? Because she still REALLY wants to be the baby around this house. She asks for a binky (she never took a binky tell Jack came along), she screams when Jack cries just to be screaming with Jack, and she is constantly trying out his swing, bouncy seat and car seat. But hey if it floats her boat and makes her feel like a baby again, then I'm all for it. Maybe I will even strap her in on the occasion just to keep her confined! ; ) wink wink)

Not anything amazing

or maybe it is.... Who knows :) I guess I am still in a slump. I don't post much lately because of time and I also don't feel I have anything amazing to say. Or maybe that's my problem, maybe my expectations are too high. Maybe I think to post it has to be all elaborate. When really its all those small things, a cute picture with a few words, a cute something my kids say, a fun something we all do together. That's the stuff that I will enjoy looking back on. So a new goal of mine is to post LOTS more even if it's not much and maybe that not much can still be AMAZING to me and my fam 5, or 20 or 50 years from now.

Having said that....

Have you ever got in the bath to get clean and come out dirty? Hhhhmmm probably for most the answer is NO. But things around here tend to follow a different path from the norm. So I got in the tub with this screaming little man Jack in hopes calm his bubbly belly and to smell a little fresher (I was sporting a lot of sour milk). So I am sitting in the water after already freshening up myself and I am rubbing Jacks tummy, then all of a sudden..... a yellow BOMB hit the water. You get it right :)
I was laughing pretty hard in the tub by the way, while yellow curds floated all around me!! And these pictures only show a half of it. YUM : )

Riley and the HULK

Ok so its not REALLY the Hulk. Just one of Rileys fave people of all time. Hiding under the Hulk costume is MR. CODY, Grandma Kathys (my foster mom) son. Riley could hang with Cody all day, and when they are together Cody goes along with Rileys little weirdo, high imagination, go go go personality so Riley thinks he is the BEST! Thanks for being SUPER COOL Cody!

chill with my girl

So I'm kind of in a poopy blog mood lately. I guess I just get frustrated that when I have something to say I can't find a minute to hide away long enough to record my thoughts. Then when I find a minute the words won't come, like right now : )

Hhhhhmmmm........

The other day Jack was silent for a bit and Riley was building his famous tinker toy weapons. Did I mention that he told me "Mom, I think I should sell my weapon designs to Wal Mart, cuz they don't have these kind of weapons and these kind of weapons are better than their kind" : )


Anyway so I had some time to chill with my girl. We went along with her desires to "making" as she puts it. Which means she wants to make something. In this instant it was food she wanted to make and the table she wanted to set. So we pulled two chairs together and then she requested a sheet. She pulled that on nicely and we added some plates, little cups, spoons and some munchies. Her imagination was running, she was stirring and serving and setting things out just right. As she created this little yummy space for us, my mind wandered back to memories of my childhood. I remember creating magical little spaces for me to hide out and imagine in. I liked to create a cozy little space under the kitchen table. Back then I was sure no one knew where I was. I was sure that anything my little mind thought up was possible. My kid brain thought more optimistically, it didn't see so many reasons why I shouldn't do but thought of all the reasons why I should. I liked to climb up on our shed and have picnics or sleepovers with friends (I know so safe huh my mom brain thinks now). The pictures/ideas in my head told me how to get up there, what foods to bring, how to not roll off the roof during the night. I didn't sit there as a kid and come up with a million negative reasons why I shouldn't go out and do and just have fun. I also remember my mom helping me to create enjoyable experiences. She would help me set my little mini table to have birthday parties for my dolls. Cake with candles and all :) FOR A DOLL. What fun it was to be a kid. So why do we all grow up? Why do we stop playing and creating and enjoying these magical little moments? Why do we come up with so many excuses to stop having fun? I guess for some we are kind of forced to grow up, for others maybe we just don't want to look silly. Maybe even for others we think its just what your suppose to do. But I do know that as I sat there with her pretending to have dinner, I realized I was going to make/do more of this. I was going to help my kids create and explore and not only was I going to help them but I was going to recommit to be apart of it, get in to it myself. Imagine with them, build, explore, touch, learn and become a bit more of a kid too. Why not ya know.....

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. ~Chili Davis

Quick post from dad.

Swing like Spider-Man!

Tie a cord to myself and jump off my bed!

Really cool idea...

...but poorly executed.

...and painful.

Dad, stop laughing and help please.

Supermodel pose!

Scream baby SCREAM!!

Okay so I must get on and admit that I lied about Jack. In my post 10 about Jack I said "he is my easiest newborn yet. (knock on wood)". Ya well I never knocked on wood I guess, because he has turned out to be quite the little screamer. The problem with this dude is he doesn't just scream at predictable times during the day like some babes. BUT ALL DAY! No not really but it sure seams like it. Anyways I had a bit of a miracle happen last night and now I think to myself why did I not try this sooner (I mean I did it with Riley and it saved our sanity). So for all you mommas with super LOUD babes try this. First make sure they are fed, burped, and clean bums. Then swaddle (they may not love it at first) put in a baby swing, and here is the big miracle worker, TURN THE VACUUM ON. Yep that's it. I just turn our vacuum to the hose setting so the brushes don't spin. The LOUD white noise that is hopefully LOUDER than their cries will calm them down. I guess there are no guarantees it will work for your little screamer but it certainly helped my vocal ones.

Good Luck

~Oh and a book I TOTALLY recommend for some other great ideas is THE HAPPIEST BABY ON THE BLOCK, by Dr. Harvey Karp

p.s.s So we don't blow the engine on our decent vacuum, I'l be heading to thrift store to pick me up a junker like this :)

i NEED your NuMbER

Ok so I once again have a buzzing, ringing, working phone. I know I know you probably didn't even know I was out another one. But here is the prob... I am phone numberless and I need yours. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you know me and I have EVER talked to you before or maybe I ever might. That includes friends, cousins, aunts, Moms and everyone else. Please email me or text me your phone number. luvsandlife@gmail.com

Dear Heavenly Father

For prayers last night, duder Riley was asked to say it. It went a little something like this... "Dear Heavenly Father I'm thankful for Jesus, I love him very much. I'm thankful for the planets, even all the way up to Pluto. I don't like it when the bad guys steal my swords and if they do I will cut their heads off. THE END". (yes he said that, then smiled and paused) and then out came "Amen".

Daddy Bryce had to turn his head so Riley did'nt see him laughing. Dads favorite part was the "THE END" :)

We remind him to close by saying "in the name of Jesus Christ" but I'm sure Heavenly Father will take it, and with a smile on his face is my guess :)

P.S I am hoping the "cut off their heads" part is related to Alma Chapter two in The Book Of Mormon that we read the previous night.

Riley was VERY interested in these verses. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

12 Therefore the people of the Nephites were aware of the intent of the Amlicites, and therefore they did prepare to meet them; yea, they did arm themselves with swords, and with cimeters, and with bows, and with arrows, and with stones, and with slings, and with all manner of weapons of war, of every kind.
and
17 And they began to slay the Amlicites upon the hill east of Sidon. And the Amlicites did contend with the Nephites with great strength, insomuch that many of the Nephites did fall before the Amlicites.

18 Nevertheless the Lord did strengthen the hand of the Nephites, that they slew the Amlicites with great slaughter, that they began to flee before them.

Riley playing with what he likes to call "Ooooze".
To make some click here :)

kidS (with an S)

I know I have been distant in the blogging world lately. Well I guess you could say in the real world too. If you have kidS (with an S) and especially two in diapers you probably know why I am underground right now. If you DON'T then I pray for you that when you do you will stay more sain than I am!!! Anyways I am VERY happy to announce I will be on again, you know around more regularly. Sharing my luvs and life. Thank you Bryce for the computer! He has given up his in hopes to get some more sleep, those late nights with Computer can really leave you draggin. (not really, I'm not 100% sure why he gave it to me. Oh wait yes I am, it's so he can get a new one :) So to keep this short, and so I'm not draggin, I'll just direct you to my SIS-IN-LAWs site to read a post she put up on my duder man Riley. "You go check me out", Riley says : )

Not always a Mormon Chapter 4

So the first time with Bryce to the Mormon church was um lets just say interesting and um LIFE CHANGING. I don't remember much about the first meeting, Sacrament. I mean I remember people talking and bread and water being passed but it was the next hour that I felt this something in me that I had not ever felt before. I remember going in to some room, looked kinda funny. Like half a basketball quart. Not a ton of people in there. I remember a lady, maybe in her early 60's. She welcomed us, then asked someone to pray. They invited a spirit in.... What? Then they started to talk/teach. The topic was on the second coming of Jesus Christ. She talked about how the Bible and Book of Mormon testified of him and his second coming. She talked about the things we could to to prepare for it and she talked about what it would be like when it happened. I remember feeling my stomach do something weird (like happy butterflies). Not like I was going to puke but more of a I wanted to go cry happy tears. Like I was being told something that I had never heard before and I was mad that I had never really learned/understood this sooner. I remember listening so hard. Trying to take in all that she had to say. Trying to process, something that sounded so right but seemed so far out of my world. I had so many questions but I kept listening, hoping she would talk for hours more....

Check out the why I was so "WOWED" by reading this!

~ If you have not already, be sure to read chapters 1, 2, and 3 off in my sidebar

This post will continue.... eventually

!2:01 pm
Um I had to get on, while I have a moment or two. If I did not mention already I am computer-less. My black laptop got stepped on by a super cute but super hyper toddler a while back and my ever so slow desktop decided to quick working too. Our family is down to Bryces work laptop which is why I am rarely around here anymore. I mean if all things are lined up just right (Bryce leaves his computer home, Riley is not play fighting me, Jack is not nursing or pooping, and Norah is not saying watch me watch me) then I might have a second to hop on. So I am here : ) Yipee! I am needing to be on because as I have mentioned before my blog is my counselor, my stress reliever, my vent.
12:07 pm JACK IS SCREAMING MY NAME be back .... eventually : )

12:37 pm Back :)
Jack is done pooping all over me and is attached to the boob! Norah is officially passed out in the crib and Riley has picked out a favorite show for "rest time". Lets see how far I can get (did I mention typing one handed). So where was I? Oh yes I think I just need to ramble. So I am finally feeling like me again or maybe I should say I feel like I can hold my kids, laugh and poop (yep I said poop :), bend over, sit up from lying down, climb on and off the bed, and see my life becoming more normal without a healing c-section incision. I guess technically it's still healing but the incision is closed and not infected this time around. Life is great! yay! Oh and I must not forget to tell, I have even learned some new tricks. Like how to eat with a baby in sling while only dropping minimum amounts of food on his head :) Like saving money on the water bill by taking one shower a week :) Like learning how to nurse baby Jack, read to Norah all at the same time while ninja fighting Riley :) Like using restroom escapes as my ME time :) Like serving pudding and broccoli for breakfast and having the dude love the broccoli as much as the pudding. Like learning not to compare myself to all those other mothers who just have it more together than I do :) What brings me much needed peace and the motivation to continue through these trying times is Bryce. Yesterday after a VERY long day I asked him to reassure me that he was in it for the long haul. With his cute little but very sincere smile he shook his head and said "of course". Thats what does it. Is knowing Bryce will be here to strengthen me and hopefully I him and that we will have the eternities to perfect all this imperfectness around us. Remember Brandy (yep talking to myself) you have time, plenty of time to figure it all out.
1:05pm gotta run again, the dude is cold and needs his blanky, the belly is rumbling and needs a bite and Norah will be up soon.

oh and whats a blog post without a good picture or two of a cute little girl making some not so cute messes.

A rockin shirt

Just wanted to share a pic of Daddy Bryces rockin shirt. We made it for him for his birthday, do you like?

~Yes those are pics of Riley and Norah, just had a little fun in photo shop :)