A Peek at Our Halloweek

Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday! I just love the fall, the colors, the scents, the treats, the music, and dressing up. For one day children and adults come together to be anything they want. The fashion police take a vacation. Play and pretend dominate the agenda and all things fun and spooky can happen.

Here is your peek at our Halloweek:)

This was our hayride at J&J. It's so awsome because it's FREE! You get a free hayride and get to pick 1 free pumpkin per person. This was our third year doing this and it's now a family tradition. Horay for Hay!

Brooke was having fun tossing handfuls of hay off the trailer. Until it got out of control and hay was getting all over us.

Baking Halloween Sugar Cookies. I feel that no Halloween is complete without baking up some sugar cookies and letting the kids take out some creativity on them. Ok, and the adults. This year we made lots of colors of frosting...we had white, orange, purple, and green. Also, to get the proper amount of Scary and Boo into your sugar cookies, one must listen to Halloween music while doing this activity! It makes them taste better;)

Taylor decorating a bat cookie.

Be sure to do this on your free-day because your going to eat some!

Halloween

Presley was mixing up her witches brew.

Brooke was getting her Amadala on.

Taylor made a beautiful butterfly!

Happy Halloween!!!

Watch out John Travolta!!!

And that's a Peek at Our Halloweek

A Peek at Our Week

We finally fixed our swamp in the backyard. It all started thanks to our neighbors to the west and neighbors to the south. They both built up their yards higher than ours. We have had a permanent pond in the corner of our yard, as the water from all three of our yards collects there. My kids and neighbor kids are going to miss the swimming, fishing, boating, iceskating and mud fights...but not me. Last year Chris started fixing the problem by digging a hole to China. Or so he told all the kids. And they believed him. We had our neighbor kids convinced, and heard later from their parents how silly the children thought we were. They felt bad for us because they thought we didn't realize how impossible that would be. Ha ha! But this year we thought we would get a truck load of dirt and some gravel to fix it for real, and we ended up with four truck loads of dirt. Who knew it was that low. Chris got his way, we did a flower bed. I wanted grass, but I am glad we did the flower bed as it turned out really beautiful. I especially love the hydrangea and the rock path we did, and so do the children as they run around on it all the time. We wanted to create a little hideaway and it turned out just perfect.

We have been enjoying the rain even though it put a damper on a barbecue we had. We still had fun anyway! And it's forcing our kids to extreme measures. For example, they got into our bathtub. Let me explain, we have a big bath tub in our master bath. It is a really big jetted tub, great for mock swimming. So anyway, since it was raining and the kids wanted to swim and run in the sprinklers...they filled the bathtub. Taylor got in and splashed the girls (who were outside the tub) as if she were a sprinkler. Oh yes, it must have been great fun. But we had a mini flood on the floor and master bedroom wood floor. I'm sure this is going to cause me a few more wrinkles.

Chris is enjoying his work as usual. He has a great group of people to work with, who we both enjoy hanging out with even after work hours:) Chris had to drag us to the air show, but we all ended up enjoying it very much. Except, we didn't take water, food, money, or chairs so us girls couldn't last more than two hours. But it was fun. Chris went paint balling with his work group. Then we got to go out to eat as couples, at Sego Lily. It was really really good! I think Chris had an extra good week, well make that an extra good two weeks, due to the rain preventing him from mowing the lawn. But Today looks sunny so we'll see. Chris is loving the basketball finals as the Laker's are kicking butt! Go Lakers!!! Go Black Momba!!!!

Me I'm doing good. I need a vacation really bad, a big vacation, but it just isn't in the cards right now. Hopefully by the end of the year it will work out. I enjoyed the movie "Up" and I even cried. Yes, it's a bad sign when you start crying at the beginning of a movie. And to make matters worse one of my neighbors and her teenage son and his date sat by us...so embarrassing. Luckily, movie theaters are dark, and I blamed it on allergies. But it was a really good movie and if you haven't seen it...don't walk...run to the movie theater:) (I got that "don't walk run" from Rob btw. I wouldn't want to plagiarize) I have been driving little girls here and there, and doing homework, and cleaning and cooking etc. etc...but it's fun and I love my job. I seem unable to make decisions/answer questions anymore, I think it's because I answer a million questions, asked by a 4 and 6 year old, all day. I just don't have any answers left by the end of our conversations. I went shopping at hip and humble for myself and I love the dish soap "basil" it makes me happy every time I do the dishes. I also got some "grass" laundry detergent that makes me happy when I do the laundry. I got some really cute dish towels too. I also got some summer clothes. I had the most fun shopping for my girls summer clothes. I love summer!

Taylor has been doing really well at school. Getting her assignments done on time and turning stuff in without me nagging her. She and I enjoyed a Mother Daughter activity yesterday. It was so cute. It was about becoming the "Best You." We had a guest speaker who had her leg amputated and told her story of faith and inner strength. It was beautiful and so good for these mini Young Women. Taylor enjoyed a field trip to "This is the Place Monument." Taylor learned how to square dance and is really good at that. She performed the square dance in her school "Spring Fling" and she was happy to have a "cute" partner. She is looking forward to her ballet recital on the 18th. She rides her bike to school almost everyday with a group of friends and loves doing that. She is getting really tan even though I put sunscreen on her everyday. She has such beautiful skin. I think she's lucky to have blond hair and still maintain an olive complexion. She is also getting ready to turn 10 in a month.

Brooke is getting her two front teeth and I think she's grateful for that. She has been enjoying kindergarten, but still asks me to pick her up early if I can. She is also getting excited to dance in her ballet recital on June 16th. Brooke danced to splish splash in her school's "Spring Fling" she did a really good job splish splashing. Lately she's been trying to get Chris to take her bike shopping so she can start riding a bike to school with Taylor. She has expensive taste, so we're saving up. She keeps busy playing outside and coloring. Brooke learned to do a front flip on the trampoline. She has also been busy doing homework and reading to get ready for her Kindergarten Final.

Presley has been my little buddy while the girls are at school. She will be even more of a little buddy this next year as Brooke goes to school for a full day. Presley is thinking about starting ballet this year and getting excited for that. She is trying to learn to make her bed, but gets very frustrated that it doesn't turn out perfect. Another perfectionist I'm afraid. She pretty much lives in a swimsuit even with the rain. She is just glad she is allowed to wear them now. She enjoys coloring and jumping on the trampoline and is attempting to do a front flip, but still lands on her head a bit. As far as coloring, she colors way outside the lines, even so far that it ends up on the furniture I'm afraid, but we're working on boundaries:) Mostly she spends the day being cute and saying cute things.

And that's a peek at our week.

Gym Guru Says

I forgot that I gave all of you my blog address. Oops! I've been really busy enjoying my good life and totally forgot to post info about working out for you! Let alone anything for the past few months. So sorry! Recently I wrote an email to a friend and I thought it was a good brief summary of things to know to get you started! So here you go.

I have a handout and Hollie Warlaumont has a couple handouts, from enrichment night! I would be willing to sit down with you and talk to you about your fitness. I am available Tues & Thurs between 1-3. Or Wednesday evenings or Saturdays. Let me know what I can do!

My experience is 17 years of working out. I've learned the most from my personal trainer, took some weightlifting classes in high school and college and read some books. I am no certified personal trainer, but I do have some life experience in this area. The best thing you could do if finances allow would be to hire a personal trainer. I know some good ones if you're interested. Or go to llfit.com

I also suggest you get a Gym membership if you don't already have one. There's really no better way in my mind, because you get all the equipment you need, time away from home for yourself, and possibly some new friends, not to forget that cute figure and healthy body. Plan on 3-4 days of cardio 30mins minimum and MOST IMPORTANT...3-4 days of lifting WEIGHTS 30 min minimum! Change your weight lifting workout every 6-12 weeks, you always have to trick your body into working for you, the darn things are so dang efficient! Also I take a week off of lifting weights every 6 weeks, your body needs this time to recover and restimulate.

Womens Fitness Magazines have some good workout ideas in them as well as recipes and healthy ideas, but again a personal trainer would be perfect at setting it up for you! I also really like the book "The Abs Diet" It has my exact way of eating in it and a workout you could probably use to begin with. I also like the books "Body for LIfe" and "Eating for Life," they have eating ideas and "Body for Life" has a good beginner workout in it.
The NUMBER ONE WAY you can lose weight is EATING healthy. Eating healthy doesn't mean eating less it just means eating good foods at healthy portions. 6 small meals are best...Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. Hollie's handout helps with this a lot!

As far as motivation...I've always liked this quote by Lance Armstrong that goes like this: "Pain is temporary, quitting is forever!" So get to it!!! You're all welcome to email me or call me as well! My phone number is on the ward list and my email is mayfield.michelle@gmail.com Good Luck!

Love Your Gym Guru
aka Michelle

Everything is Amazing and Nobody's Happy!?

I love this clip on utube! You gotta check it out! It has changed my perspective a little. It's called "Everything is Amazing and Nobody's Happy!"

I have to admit I have been a complainer, but I know better. I am human after all!

Pros and Cons of Life in a Whirlwind.

The word to describe my life for the last six months to a year is Whirlwind. I feel as if I am standing in the middle of one everyday. With things to do, places to be, Husband to love, kids to take care of, chores, bills to pay, callings to fullfill, errands to run, fighting children to deal with, friends to hang out with, fun things to do, illnesses to deal with, movies to watch, books to read, and many other things. Everyday I am to be here or there, do this or that, remember this and that. Every two hours I usually have some place to be or someone to pick up. So are the pros and cons of life in a whirlwind.

Consequently I have become a jumpy person. Nervous and tired. Not quite myself. Late to almost everything. How do other Moms cope? The other day my kids ran downstairs to play, and I was grateful for the break. Not 30 seconds after they got downstairs they came running back up the stairs screaming bloody murder. "MOM, MOM, MOM x3!!!" My heart began to pound and fear and tension took over my muscles. Whatever could be the matter? A giant hairy spider? A dead body? A leaky pipe bursting to flood our basement? A child in danger? A stranger in the house? No, not any of these, fortunately. My children have inherited their Father's great enthusiasm and expression of feeling. They were running up to tell me the Amaryllis had bloomed, and how beautiful it was. Dragging my limp, over adrenalized, body downstairs to look at it, I realized, no wonder I am a nervous anxious mess. You would have thought someone's arm had suddenly fallen off, or something, from the way they were screaming.

You should know that I love plants and especially flowers. I do a lot of gardening and it does make me happy and excited every time a plant thrives and blooms a new bloom. I guess my kids know that. It's cute to see them appreciating some of the same things as me. I really do appreciate all the excitement and joy my children and husband express 24/7, but I have got to find a way to cope with the anxiety it causes me. I am such a mellow calm person, but life in a whirlwind has changed me some.

I have found peace in reading scriptures and ensign, when I find a spare moment, which is hardly ever. I have tried taking a little nap midday, but life rarely permits. I do yoga! Hopefully my mind will rewire and I will get used to life in a whirlwind. Maybe a time miracle will happen if I keep praying for it.

I found relief from the whirlwind yesterday, as I attended the Draper Temple open house. I don't have words great enough to describe how beautiful it was or how good I felt being there with Chris and our Girls. I kept feeling guilty that we didn't invite more people to come with us. I had so many thoughts and peaceful feelings. We had a reserved time for 12. I was thinking, we would get to the chapel, get on the bus, and we'd be in the temple, look at it, and get back in no time. Wrong, we had to sit and wait 1 hour before we got on the bus. The only bad part of the experience, but as I was sitting there I reflected on life before earth.

We must have had similar impatient feelings, anxiety, and anticipation. Joy and happiness, excitement and wonder. How happy we must have felt as we learned our number had been called and it was finally our turn. Relief that the wait was over and something wonderful was about to begin. How our Heavenly Father must have felt sending us off knowing full well whether we would return or not, and that final farewell till we would meet again. I can't imagine sending my child somewhere knowing they would not return to me, and at the same time the joy I would feel knowing they would return.

I also felt the power of the spirit in the temple so strong the minute I walked in. I was having a very hard time choking back the tears as they were trying to escape. Each painting was so beautiful and good. Every corner and cranny was so intricately planned. The chandeliers were so sparkley, like a sparkle and shine I've never seen before. And the Brides room, where future Mom's of little girls will go one day, to help their precious daughters get ready for their greatest covenant ever...a temple marriage. The sealing room where we looked at each other in the eternity mirrors. What a magnificent experience to stand there with your Husband and children and see the future of a family sealed. Moving to the celestial room, the most beautiful and brightest of all. I realized the great worth of living righteously can only be glimpsed upon in this world.

I am so grateful for my whirlwind life and know there is a great reward ahead as I do my best. Try to be happy. And live righteously.

I also have to note that Brooke kept telling us she was starving and that we had forgotten to feed her. Chris and I tried to deal with and distract her for an hour, until at last we watched the video about temples and were directed on how to proceed. In which we were informed there would be cookies at the end. Brooke lit right up, sat up, and smiled saying :"Cookies! After we see the Temple! Okay!" She didn't whine at all after that, and she seemed to have a marvelous time. And yes she was the first to seek out and get her cookie at the end.

A Peek at Our Week

We celebrated 4 Birthdays. James, My Dad, Quinn, and Julie. Soon to celebrate Kate's Bday. Holy Birthdays. People really like May and June I guess, if you know what I mean :)

We went skiing at Powder Mountain. It was so much fun, except for the part where I fell off the tow rope. It's not my fault I wasn't looking...and the handle was swinging back and forth enough to grab my left leg only. I'm not sure if you're familiar with tow ropes, but that's a bad thing. You kinda want both your legs involved and preferably your hands holding the handle. We also had fun following each other down the hill and watching each other try out the huge snowboarding jumps. My favorite was when I got scared and slowed down too much...stopping right at the top of the jump. Everyone was laughing, including myself. I eventually got a little braver and got some air, but not as much as the guys. A big thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Trump for planning this trip and paying for all of us! That was so nice. And for providing the yummy hot cocoa, chili, donuts, breadsticks, and veggies. So Yummy :b Another big thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for buying Tay her cute skis, boots, and poles, she loves them, that was so nice. All in all it was a great trip.

We had a big wind storm and one of our umbrellas perished, snap. But most of the Garabage and leaves that had been piling up blew away. I feel bad for whoever's yard it all ended up in.

Chris and I bought Britney Spears tickets, finally, after several attempts. It's hard to buy all your friends tickets and your own and coordinate everyones price range and seating preferences. But we finally managed it and we are already excited!

Taylor and Brooke went back on track Monday. They are happy to be reunited with school friends. Taylor's hives have cleared up. Taylor did so good skiing. A lady at the bottom of the hill came up to me and said: "Is that your little girl? She is so good and fast, how long has she been skiing?" Me:"This is her second time." Lady: "No way! She must be a natural!" Me: "Yep"

Presley is enjoying having me all to herself again. Her new thing is asking "And then what?" She needs a rundown of the day ahead so she can be prepared.
Our conversation on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, Presley 3yrs:
Presley: "Where are we going Mom?"
Me: "To the gym."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we're going to pick up Brooke."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we're going home to eat lunch."
Presley: "Can I have tuna and pickles? I like that!"
Me: "Sure! I know you like that."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we are taking Brooke to dance, after I get ready."
Presley: "Can we go to Grandma's while Brooke is at dance?"
Me: "Maybe? I really need to pick up our car from it's oil change, so I don't know if we'll have time today."
Presley: "Oh ya and give this car back? (we had a rental car) And then what?"
Me: "Then we need to pick Brooke up from dance."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we are going grocery shopping."
Presley: "Can I get a treat?"
Me: "If you're good!"
Presley: "I will be...And then what?"
Me: "Then we are going to pick up Taylor and Maddy from school."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we are going home to read and do homework and jobs."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we need to clean up and start making dinner."
Presley: "What is for dinner."
Me: "Chicken"
Presley: "Yuck"
Me: "I know, but it's good for you!"
Presley: "Can I have yogurt and milk?"
Me: "Sure"
Presley: "It'll be my last milkie, I promise."
Me:"Kay"
Presley: "And then What?"
Me: "Bathtime"
Presley: "Barbies?"
Me: "No" (but they always convince me, everytime)
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Reading time, then scripture time."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then time to go to bed."
Presley: "Can I take books in my bed?"
Me: "Yes"
Presley: "Okay"
She does this every morning, our conversations varying according to the events planned that day.

Hope you enjoyed your peek at our week;)

Summer Starved

We are going stark crazy waiting for Winter to end!
What up?
We are definitely "Summer Starved!"

When you start decorating your snowman with corn pops for eyes and a stacker pickle for a mouth...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you lay out your swimsuits and start trying them on...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you go shopping for summer clothes on a snow day...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you layout in your basement...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you try to play in the carpet like it's sand...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you try to float on a blue blanket...you know you're Summer Starved.

When you're hangin on the beach in your basement...you know you're Summer Starved.

AAAAAAAAHHHHHH...SUMMER WHERE ARE YOU?
Maybe we just need to move to Florida or better yet Fiji!