Mayfield Six

Has it Been a Year Already?

2011-07-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

Wow I just realized it's been a whole year since I blogged. I guess I have four kids now, that must be why. Haha

Well, we had baby Marisa on September 30, 2010. She was a week late. She weighed 7lb 6oz. my biggest baby. And 20 inches long. She is now 9 months old. Not long before we celebrate her 1 year old birthday. She is such a fun addition to our family. We have really enjoyed this 4th little girl. She had her first laugh on Christmas eve. So far she can crawl, has 2 bottom teeth, says: num num, da da, ma ma, & ought oh. She loves people, but can be shy to strangers. Classic Mayfield.

Chris and I are going to Vegas for our 14th anniversary. We are going to lay by the beautiful pool and eat some yummy food. Chris has been busy as usual providing for our family. And he gets to go to Girls camp with Taylor, Fun Fun. We have been enjoying the new IMFIT gym. So far, since Jan, I have lost 7% body fat. I didn't even know I had that much to loose. I'm in the best shape I've ever been and it hasn't even been a year since Marisa was born. It usually takes me a year to feel totally recovered. We are just enjoying life as we know it and taking it one day at a time.

Taylor is about to turn 12 on the 21. She is gearing up for Jr High. Wow I feel old. But it is fun to watch her becoming a beautiful young woman. She also gets to go to yw camp, she's excited.

Brooke is 8 and was baptized in January. She is the bossy one of the family. She negotiates everything. We love her spunky attitude. She is a great help with Marisa and she is really good at organizing and cleaning our house, when she's in the mood. She is also very good at drawing and is thinking about doing ballet this next year.

Presley is going to first grade. She made it through Kindergarten, Yay. She finished her first year of ballet and loved it. Presley has a condition known as Selective Mutism. We have been working really hard with her and she is doing really well.

I hope I can update this a little more often. Enjoy your day!

A Peek at Our Week

2010-07-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

We're glad that Summer is finally here! The girls are enjoying a nice long 2 week summer break before they head back to start a new school year. Haha...at least there won't be any time to get bored. July is the busiest month of the year for us besides Christmas time. We get to celebrate Taylor and Chris' Birthdays, Our Anniversary, and 3 other family birthdays along with the holidays. It gets pretty crazy remembering everything, but it's fun to party all month long.

Chris has been traveling to Riverton for work. It's a long way to drive everyday and we're beginning to see that we may need to move or win a lifetime supply of redbull and gas. But that seems like too much to take on until after the baby is born. His car is possessed. At least that's what the auto mechanic said. It randomly decides not to start and nothing can be found wrong with it. I guess it's sick of the long commute too, unfortunately cars can't drink redbull. Luckily, Chris loves riding a motorcycle in a suit. It's kinda James Bond. I'm not sure how that's going to work out in the winter though. Chris gets to celebrate his 36th birthday the end of this month.

Me...I am enjoying the nice warm weather. We've been making trips to the Roy Aquatic Center to cool off and work on our vitamin D. Chris and I will be celebrating our 13th anniversary this week. I can't believe it's been thirteen years, it's gone so fast. I'm getting nervous for this next year as I will be the most busy I've ever been in my life. I get to have all three of my girls in school. There will be a lot of driving with a half day kindergartener and two full time students. Then the girls will have ballet everyday except Tues. So my time in the car will not be limited. I'm really excited to welcome our new baby girl, but it's going to be very demanding taking care of a newborn in the midst of all the other demands. I hope I can do it all.

Taylor is turning eleven this month. She is having a Mad Hatter party with her friends. She is excited to be in the sixth grade this year and rule the school.

Brooke is happy to be in a new room downstairs with Taylor. She is getting ready to go to the second grade. She is a little jokester, always joking around and giggling.

Presley is a big girl now with her very own room, but not for long, she has decided she wants her new baby sister to share a room with her. It has turned out really cute. She is getting excited to start kindergarten. However, she wasn't too excited to get her kindergarten shots. She made it through though and is all set, new backpack and all. She has also decided to take ballet this year like her sisters. Presley still says some really cute and grown up things. She recently said to me "Mom my life is changing" and she recently said to Chris, as he was hugging her a little too tightly, "Dad I need freedom!"

Baby Girl #4 is coming along nicely so far. We don't have a name picked out yet, which seems to be the popular topic of discussion lately. I won't know her name till I see her, but Chris and I are working on a few ideas. I have ten weeks left. It has gone by so quickly until now, everyday seems like a year. I'm not sure time has ever moved so slowly. But I'm trying to enjoy my last days of summer, sleep, and heartburn.

And that's a peek at our week.

A Peek at Our Week

2010-01-23T17:59:00.001-08:00

January has been a fun month so far. We enjoyed celebrating the New Year and we have already celebrated two birthdays. It's been quite the party month. We thought about making some new years resolutions but realized we're pretty much doing everything already. Haha...not that one can't improve, but we are actually doing pretty good at most areas and are going to try to maintain before adding.

Luckily we haven't been sick this winter (knock on wood). I think it's because we figured out sharing a toothbrush really wasn't that cost effective. We have enjoyed the snow...it's beauty, it's slickness, it's covering all the weeds and neighbors ugly yards. We enjoy it so much that we feel bad removing it from any part of our yard. Why do we even own a shovel? Speaking of snow we are planning to teach Brooke and Presley to ski here pretty soon. That should be interesting.

We have been busy with the gym, work, school, and never ending laundry. Somewhere in the midst of all the demands we find time to do fun things together. And sometimes we just resort to wearing dirty clothes from the laundry room.

Chris

Chris was awarded the Truman O. Angell award from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That's who he works for if you aren't aware. It's a design award.

Chris has found time to play on the PS3 instead of shoveling. I don't mind though, as I love snow!

He has been very busy with side job ideas and prospects. It's all very exciting and I have enjoyed hearing his ideas.

He is now the mayor of Victoria's Secret on foursquare. He and I have a lot of fun together, maybe too much fun...if there is such a thing.

He has three little girls wrapped tightly around his finger. He recently took them all on a date to see "The Tooth Fairy" movie. They got all ready for the date by painting their nails and putting on some lip gloss. They loved the movie and felt so special to be out with their Dad. And thanks to the movie, we're pretty sure they will believe in the Tooth Fairy forever.

Michelle

I just celebrated my 32nd Birthday. It was more like a Birthday week with Brooke's birthday kicking off the fun. I had a fun day. It started with Chris surprising me and coming home early so I could go relax at Sanctuary Spa and get my hair done. Then we went out with some of our closest friends to Thaifoon, one of my favorite restaurants, where I always get the coconut shrimp and brown rice...mmm. I got spoiled by everyone, friends and family, with thoughtful and lovely gifts.

I had a surprise spur of the moment birthday party with family. The cake turned out interestingly. Chris told me he ordered a cake with shades of pink stripes. I thought "CUTE!" He said he told the bakery "You know stripes like on a Victoria's Secret bag." Surprise they actually made a Victoria's Secret Bag Cake. It was cute, but it looked more like a bachelorette party than a birthday party...haha. I loved it anyway. It was a fun party in the beginning of the evening. Chris served the best virgin mojitos he's ever made. Real mint leaf and everything. Actually, if you missed it you really missed out big because the party was derailed by a sad soul and I didn't even get to open my presents before everyone left. FYI at someone's birthday party it's important to be nice to them and not ruin their party.

On a more happy note, I got called to teach the 5 year olds in primary. I'm super excited, even though I'm going to need a nap after.

I got to do a photo shoot for Life Long Fitness on Jan 9th. It was really fun and intimidating. There are some cool payoffs to spending your whole life taking care of your body. But the best part was all the wonderful people I got to meet and hang out with.

Most of my time is spent helping my kids with homework and hanging out with them. And being in the arms of the most wonderful man in the world...Chris. Who could ask for more.

Taylor

Taylor has had a busy time at school. I was worried for a minute when the Science Fair Project brought her to tears, but she found strength and pulled it all together. There are fewer things more rewarding than watching your child succeed. She not only put together a wonderful Science Fair Project, but she did really well in school this term with only a little nagging from Mom.

Taylor loves to ski and enjoyed a trip to powder mountain with Grandma and Grandpa Trump, where she tore up the mountain. She was also spoiled with french fries and cheetos. I personally don't get how they go together, but that's just me. She has been a great babysitter of her sisters. She is very beautiful inside and out, and growing up fast. Too fast.

Brooke

Brooke has lost so many teeth I have lost track. The Tooth Fairy has been very busy and is starting to go broke. The Tooth Fairy is starting to wonder if Brooke is pulling out her teeth just so she can get money. An investigation is pending:)

Brooke celebrated her 7th Birthday. She didn't want a friend party, just a family party. That's how much she loves all of you! We feel lucky though, as it lasts only a short while and then they become friend oriented. Brooke is enjoying her two new frogs she got for her Birthday, Lily and Pad. But she doesn't want to kiss them, like in the story Frog Princess. But I think some days she considers it.

Brooke does really well in school even though she doesn't really feel like going. She got to be the Star of the Week. We made a cute poster of her life so far. She got to share it with her first grade class and take a treat. It was a big day! She is a fun girl and can always make us laugh.

Presley

Presley has been really really bored. She is ready for kindergarten. When her sisters go back on track she is a lost soul. Luckily they are off track the whole month of February to play again.

Presley has a new best friend, Lucy. She has been over for some play days and Presley just adores her. And lucky for me and Presley, Lucy's Mom and I workout at the same time, so they get to see and play with each other everyday.

Presley can't wait to be rich like Brooke, via the Tooth Fairy. But she's got a year or two...the Tooth Fairy hopes.

Presley's latest relief is that the gum that looks like band aids isn't really bandaids. Because chewing a band aid would be terrible.

And that's a Peek at Our Week:)

Can Drinkers and Non-Drinkers Get Along?

2009-12-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

In light of a recent facebook post, I am begged to ask the question, can drinkers and nondrinkers get along? After asking a neutral question, "What is your opinion on alcohol consumption?" and getting a surprising amount of comments. I am taking it to the blog. Here's the discussion:

Michelle Mayfield

My opinion/belief: I am completely against consuming alcohol in any amount. It has so many negative effects on your body especially mind. It can be addictive. It makes you do stupid things you will regret later. It's bad for pregnancy. It's bad for children. It's a bad example to children. It ruins families. I'm proud to say I've never consumed alcohol.

David Wenk:
Michelle i thought u were quitting?

Joy Anderson:
Its the best pain killer there is.

Joy Anderson:
I meant that short term, obviously.

Jessica Ashby Silvernail:
The only good thing alcohol can be used for is a disinfectant for some wound on the outside of the body-definately shouldn't be used internally! I don't believe in cooking with it; no matter if the alcohol is cooked out or not!

Michelle Mayfield:
Ha ha very funny David!

Michelle Mayfield:
How are u David? It's been a while. We need to double sometime.

Amy Spalding:
I'm a proud non-drinker, too! I have to laugh because so many people Mark talks to are against anti-depressants, yet they drink!!! Hello-that's called self medicating- anti-depressants are much less dangerous!!!!

Annie DeStefano Yates:
I think there is NOTHING wrong with it in moderation! It IS possible to socially drink without having a problem....of course I am not from Utah or LDS so my outlook is completely different. Plus, red wine is good for the heart:)

Michelle Mayfield:
I appreciate all the comments and different views I am just curious what my friends think:)

Michelle Mayfield:
Is it possible to socially drink without the risk of addiction? Is this all handed down from parents examples/lifestyles. Is it a $ making scheme?How do you know when you've had too much? What about around kids...and having it in your house, they are likely to get into it. Especially teens. What good does it do to be a social drinker? Does good come of it. And is a heart benefit the only benefit? It's seems to me the bad out ways the good.

Michelle Mayfield:
Amy that's funny! Very interesting!

Christy Farrer Howard:
There are people that are prescribed it, even being LDS, because it is good for your heart and arteries. But that is only a glass of red wine a day. That is also in moderation which is a huge thing. I believe it is possible to be a social drinker for some but others have a harder time not getting addicted. But isn't that true with all things? Shopping can be an addiction and can lead to debt and trouble. As is food which can lead to obesity. The word of wisdom says moderation in all things and I believe that applies to more than meat and the specifics that are in there that applied to that time period.

Britney Yates Redd:
My view is a person isn't defined by whether or not they consume alcohol but how they treat others bc some of the nicest and most caring people I know socially drink.

Brandon Whimpey:
Well Christ was perfect and he did partake of the wine. So is it completely wrong?

Michelle Mayfield:
On the flip side of that, alcohol can and sometimes does destroy the nicest, most caring people. Then they become mean, selfish, and nasty. This is not a discussion about whether people are good or bad or what defines or does not define them. This is a discussion about consuming alcohol and why people feel the need.

Michelle Mayfield:
Brandon the wine he partook of was grape juice/nonalcoholic. As was the sacrament wine in old times...we actually had a lesson about it at church today:)

Michelle Mayfield:
Haha...nice try at justification though!

Annie DeStefano Yates:
About the kids...why would I hide something that I don't think is wrong? It's not like I keep a bottle of wine next to the fruit snacks in the pantry...to me it's not even a question of right or wrong, I'm over 21 and I like it like I like my diet coke:).

Michelle Mayfield:
Haha funny & True...that makes sense. I was just thinking like kids want to be like their parents. Like my girls like to get into my makeup and lipstick especially, and yet they aren't old enough. They like it because i like it. How do you teach them not to do it until they're 21. If they're taught it's not bad for you why would they say no to friends who offer it to them in teenage years. Why if it's not bad for you do you need to wait till 21?

Michelle Mayfield:
I honestly don't think if you drink you are a bad person! I know a lot of people who drink and are good people. I do think alcohol is bad for you. But That's for me to think for myself and nobody else.

Annie DeStefano Yates:
It's like teaching them not to have sex before marraige....you tell them and just pray they listen! It's a personal choice...it's not for everyone!

Brandon Whimpey:
granted in the Bible there are more than one word translated from hebrew that we now use wine in place of. However, the wine that Noah drank excessivley in Gen 9:21 did cause drunkiness. And in those days without refrigeration how would you keep grape juice from fermenting. In Mat 9:17 we see they kept them only in bags of animal skin

Brandon Whimpey:
understanding the new or the old test is fun hu? I sure dont . I would be intersted to know what you studied today however, let me know

Joy Anderson:
Im kinda of the opinion in general anyone should be free to do as they please, so long as nobody gets hurt in the process. That goes for religious addicts too. Human beings are horrifyingly flawed creatures...we can addict ourselves to ANYTHING...and hurt many others, whether we intend to, or not.

Jason Lynes:
wine in those days was totally alcoholic. so was the wine early Lds drank. love those mormon myths.

as far as my beliefs, I see it as a modern commandment. I've never had alcohol either, but look forward to a day where I can get sloshed up on some good wine or rum & coke. ha!

Tonya Scoffield:
Actually, the benefits of a MODERATE drinker opposed to a non-drinker include longer lifespan, fewer heart attack/strokes, less likely to suffer: hypertension, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, arthrits, bone fractures/osteoporosis, kidney stones, digestive ailments, stress, depression, parkinsons disease, pancreatic cancer, liver disease, hearing loss....and many others.
It thins your blood when you drink, which is needed by a lot of people. Also helps relax you after a stressful day.
Keep in mind...this is MODERATE drinks, not heavy drinkers.
The french, and many other cultures, use it also after dinner to help speed digestion.
I enjoy it for many different reasons...relaxation, to relieve tensions/aches/stress, to windown, etc. Plus, there is a certain amount of bliss as your sitting on the beach, watching the waves, basking in the beautiful sun rays, and enjoying an ice cold beer.

Michelle Mayfield:
I'm thankful I know what I know. I'm glad I don't need a beer to enjoy a sunset and a beach. And most child abuse does involve alcohol. Thanks for your comment I respect your opinion, but that said we are totally opposite in our beliefs.

Michelle Mayfield:
Sex within marriage is part of god's plan. It is the regeneration of the earth. It is a required action for the sustaining of life as we know it. Alcohol is not.

Tonya Scoffield:
I didn't say I NEED a beer to enjoy the beach...but it is a nice compliment for some things occasionally. It was an example of why I enjoy it at times, as per your earlier statement "why people feel the need". But mind you...it is not a NEED, just something that is enjoyed at times.
And I wasn't talking about actual child abuse, I was talking about childrens abuse with alcohol...abuse meaning drinking irresponsibly and getting into to trouble with it.
And you are correct....Alcohol is not required to sustane life, and don't understand the pertinence of the comment as I never said it was. I was just simply listing some of the many health benefits of alcohol in moderation.

And back when Christ was born, what do you think they used for medicine, antiseptic, anasthesia...ect. = alcohol. And this "grape juice" they drank was fermented grape juice, otherwise known as wine.

Kenneth Swain:
WOW! I must be the devil.

Michelle Mayfield:
Thanks for your opinion Tonya. We are two very opposite people that's for sure! That other response was for someone else. I see your point and I'm very thankful for a prophet who receives revelation for our day. So we don't have to live like people did hundreds of years ago. I think alcohols one and only good use is medicinal, but that's a different topic. Hope your doing well and enjoying the Holiday!

Michelle Mayfield:
Haha Jason! There's some things I just don't want to know. I'll try not to remember that:)

Michelle Mayfield:
You said it Kenny. Not me! Lol

Tonya Scoffield:
also, most religious people I grew up around are the quickest to judge, the quickest to outcast, to belittle people...and are some mean awful people....because you don't have their same views.
then those who weren't are the first ones to let you in when in need, never judge, completely open-minded and loving people.
Anything can be "good" or "bad"....or turn people good or bad. Isn't that why we're here? Free-will, to see the person you become based on actions?

I don't believe that drinking is a sin....and have never been told it was. The only reason mormons believe you shouldn't drink alcohol, caffiene, etc is because it is addictive, affects chemicals in the brain and inhibits your "free-will"
But......chocolate is the same as these (among other things).
So why is it ok to eat chocolate, but you can't drink caffiene? Chocolate has caffiene in it and affects chemicals in your brain more than caffiene.
So why the picking and chosing of what is good and bad and who decided this and based upon what?

Kenneth Swain:
I like you Tonya!

Chris Mayfield:
This is a great string of thoughts.

I read in men's health that any alcohol including Light beer reduces your ability to burn fat by 40%. That kinda sucks. For that reason alone I would stay off the sauce no matter my personal beliefs.

Personally I am passionate about getting to a lean athletic form and keeping it. I know that many high profile figures have professed to avoid the stuff when they are trying to trim down. I'm sure they just go right back to it after meeting their goals tho. ... See More

As for the health benefits, it's so true that there can be some great benefits to red wine but there are also many great benefits from other things too that will give you the same results if you care about that kind of thing. I personally don't know of anyone who drinks red wine for it's health benefits. It's almost almost always for enjoyment, taste and so on.

For me personally I'm pretty sure I would be pretty addicted to drinking. It's probably a good thing for me that my religion keeps me in check on the subject.

Regardless of my own opinion on the subject it's a fact that substance abuse is a serious issue and has caused so much pain in a variety of ways. But that's in it's abuse not in it's consumption. That's really not the question you asked.

Michelle Mayfield:
I'm not judging anybody!!!!! I've already said I don't feel consuming alcohol makes you a good or bad person. I haven't accused anyone. I feel it is bad for me that's my opinion, take it or leave it. And yes Kenny you and Tonya would be perfect for each other.

Michelle Mayfield:
Let's all agree to disagree . What's bad for me is good for you. Now go take a giant poo!

Jason Lynes:
let's discuss this further over some drinks. I know a place.

Tonya Scoffield:
ha ha...thanks kenneth.
and ha ha ha cousin....i didn't say you were judging me...just using an example of how even something as holy as religion can be bad depending on how it's used.
and this is a perfect example of how u cannot get someones full emotion from text. but your posts always do get me going. i love me a good debate though. keeps your brain going strong =)
and i don't need to poo right now. ;) he he.

Michelle Mayfield:
Haha! Tonya Kenny's cute! We really should set you two up!

Michelle Mayfield:
Jason that was so "Micheal Scott!"

Tonya Scoffield:
ah ha...well only of kenny lives close to redondo beach. =)

Michelle Mayfield:
Ditto Chris...you always say it better than me! :)

Joy Anderson:
<~~~also likes Tonyas opinion. I realize at this point we are beating a dead horse, but back to my point about humans being capable of being addicted to, or abusing others as a result of...I still have a testimony, but in my life I have been slapped across the face in the name of God more than once, and that has been far more devastating and ... See Moredestructive to me, than any of my bad moments in my wilder days. EVERYTHING in fair moderation, I think would be the key point to any side of this debate...would we all not basically agree? Its more about how it makes us do unto others as a result, whether it be booze, religion, dog poop, whatever.

Michelle Mayfield:
Why is it that being slapped across the face in the name of God is so devastating? Probably because it means so much to you. I feel God is the point of life. The reason we're even here. It would be devastating to me if I felt I was letting him down in any way. Good thing for repentance, for all of us.

I feel that most people that feel judged or get offended have low self esteem, probably attributed to guilt or ill life results from bad choices. Ive had people from my same religion offend me...but thats not going to take my testimony of its truth away. Usually that offensive person is having a hard time or needs a friend. And i just happen to be the one they take their frustration out on. I have rarely been offended by anyone in my religion btw.

Religion has rules and commandments and when you break those you are consequently judged, by God, Bishop, Priest, whatever leadership role is in charge.

People should be accepting of each other. Especially those who have fallen or don't know any better (basically all people), but it doesn't mean they should accept a bad behavior. I have friends that drink and I love and accept them, but I don't love and accept drinking in general.(per my belief that drinking is bad for you) People are not perfect. I am not perfect. God is perfect. Never judge a religion by it's people, because no one is perfect. But God and his teachings are perfect. Whatever religion you are...it would be a mistake to judge it by it's people.

Michelle Mayfield:
Free-will is why were here. But free-will is nothing without a path and plan back to our Father in Heaven. We were sent here with a our freedom of choice so we could choose the right and return to our Father in Heaven. Alcohol is a great way for Satan to take that free-will away. If you value a free-will, why would you want to risk it being taken from you?

Michelle Mayfield:
Chocolate doesn't remove your free-will. It doesn't make your senses dull to the point you don't know what your doing or saying. Caffeine in large quatities can be bad for you. But even in large quantities it doesn't take your Free-Will away. There's no picking and choosing, only facts. Too much choc on the other hand will make you FAT.

End of discussion so far...

Well can we get along? The Nondrinkers seemed to simply state their opinion, while the drinkers seemed to accuse the nondrinkers of judging, being mean, defining people, being non accepting, and being addicted to religion...which I'm not sure is such a bad thing.

Maybe deep down the drinkers know/have a feeling they are doing the wrong thing. This may be why they immediately feel judged. From all of the comments I think it's sad that nondrinkers are accused of all these things just to make the drinkers feel better about themselves.

It is true that you will most likely hang around with people who share your same values and beliefs. It isn't very fun for a nondrinker to be around people who drink. The conversation turns rank quickly, alertness is not equal between the two. I frankly don't want to see the drunk guy running around naked at the pool! And pretty soon you feel like your babysitting your alcohol loving friends. Not fun and cause for excuses not to hang out anymore.

When drinkers are with nondrinkers they have to hide the fact that they drink. They often say it's out of respect. That is sad they cannot be themselves for fear of being judged. And drinkers have a great fear of being judged. Maybe they should be worried a little more about the effects the alcohol is actually having on their lives. I've seen many people's lives ruined over drinking. Wives have lost husbands. Husbands have abandoned their families. Irresponsibility and partying. Alcohol often leads to drugs and spousal/child abuse. Drugs and alcohol lead to jail. I fail to see any good caused by drinking. Other than self gratification and a possible heart benefit, which can be made up for with proper diet and exercise.

It's okay to judge between good and evil for yourself...you have to. Unfortunately that may mean you don't hang around certain people very often. I do believe it's NOT okay to judge others, that's for God to do for all of us. Still you don't need to be like them, agree with them, or accept their behavior. We have to protect our beliefs and our families. The world is getting to be a more and more wicked place. Let's stand up for our beliefs. Let's choose the good that is still left in the world.

A Peek at Our Halloweek

2009-11-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

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

2009-06-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

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!?

2009-03-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-03-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-21T20:35:00.000-08:00

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!

A Peek at Our Week

2009-02-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

Well it's a little blurry, but let's see if I can recall...

Chris got stuck in the snow at a Maverik parking lot. He had to abandon his car there and have me come pick him up. When we returned to pick it up, after work, it was gone. They had it towed 15 minutes before we got there. To make a long and weary story shorter, we finally found it at an Ogden towing company. And $141 dollars in cash later had our car back. So needless to say, but I will anyway. We former faithful Maverik users are boycotting Maverik. Chris has been working night and day. He's very busy from every angle. We finally got a break though, as Chris planed a trip to Sanctuary Day Spa, for the both of us. It was a surprise for me on Valentine's day. Chris fixed our garage, it keeps breaking, but now it only goes to a foot above the ground. So you have to wait and push the button again to get it all the way down. Chris killed a mouse with a cardboard box. He is planning a trip for us to get away, much needed, sometime this year hopefully.

Michelle had a severe hives attack and is now on 5 different meds to control it. Don't know what I'm allergic to, and have no way of finding it out. We had a family fast and it helped a little. I'm still waiting for an answer to my prayers. Getting a little desperate though. I got a nice surprise from Chris for Valentine's Day. A trip to Sanctuary, as above mentioned. I had no clue where we were going. Chris threw me off with a trip to Barnes and Noble for hot chocolate and a red velvet cupcake. It was fun and I enjoyed looking at some hair style books. Then we went for a walk and stopped in front of the spa. I had fun helping my kids make and deliver Valentine's. Took my girls to get a pedicure and manicure, it was so fun! My girls loved it and can't wait to do it again. Thought about shoveling, then decided not to. Cleaned a lot. Attempted laundry, but it keeps pestering. Went to the dentist, had no cavities, but had to get a few cracked fillings redone. Made some quilts, still working on mine. Got a new workout. Got some new swimming suits. I am so ready for summer, and hopefully that vacation Chris is planning!

Taylor lost two teeth, two days in a row. The toothfairy knows our house well now. Tay is enjoying being off track. Played in the snow. Broke out in hives, the same as her mom's. Her Mom is pulling her hair out trying to solve this! Tay went skiing with her 4th grade class at Snow Basin. It was her first time and she loved it. We are in the process of planning a trip for a ski day in the next few weeks. She is enjoying ballet, and has snuck a few treats to her class to share with her friends. Meanwhile, Mom is wondering-where did all the ramen noodles go?

Brooke had a Valentines Party at school. She made valentine's for her friends, and got a lot in return. Brooke has also been enjoying her break from school. Brooke and all of us went to the U of U/BYU/SUU/Texas Women's Gymnastics Meet. We had a lot of fun, Chris was a trooper. Afterward we took the girls to buy a treat. Brooke picked out cheetos and a propel. On the way home she fell asleep with her hand in the bag of cheetos. Colored on various items with permanent marker, denied it, but unfortunately she spelled her name on every thing, and miss spelled Taylor's on a few others. She made a quilt with her Grandma. Pink, her old blankie, went to Blankie heaven.

Presley had a Valentine's Party with some of the other 3 & 4 year olds from her sunbeam class. They decorated sugar cookies and exchanged valentine's. Presley was feeling shy so I had to pass hers out. They played a find the heart game. It was cute and fun. Prez enjoyed jumping on the couch, bed, other couch, and off the chairs and stairs. She is big into jumping on and off things. Prezi watched a movie, with her mom and sisters, in the basement. We popped popcorn in our popcorn popper. She had her mom go get her a drink 4 times. She is a big drinker, of milk and water that is. She also had to go to the bathroom 4 times during the movie. Presley is hoping her teeth will come loose soon so she can get money from the toothfairy.

And that is a peek at our week!

Gym Guru Says

2009-02-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

Did you know 80% of your fitness is determined by what you eat? That's right 80%! The other 20% is made up of your genetics, weight lifting, and last, and most least to affect your fitness, cardio.

So like the old saying says, You are what You eat.

Freaking Safari

2009-02-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

So my Husband told me the music on our blog was crashing some friends computer. So until I figure out how to solve this unfortunate problem. I am deleting the music.

All I have to say is Freaking Safari!

Goofy Moms

2009-02-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up my Mom loved to Goof Off by playing music loud and dancing around. We became lovers of music and dance because of my Mom. When we were bored or stressed and sometimes just for fun, for laughs and giggles, she would often put on Love Potion # 9, by Tijuana Brass, and we would start dancing. This was a sure way to cheer us up or make a hard day better! I have fond memories of laughing and dancing to this song. I truly believe laughter is the best medicine. I am continuing the tradition with my girls. On hard, crazy, stressful days, or just for fun...we turn up the music and get our energy back with dance and giggles.

So...if your wondering about the song that comes on our blog first, that's what it is all about. Moms and kids Goofing Off.

Dedicated to My Mom
-Thanks for always making life fun:)

The Beauty of People

2009-02-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

I have always been fascinated by people. The way their hair hangs and moves. The way their eyes twinkle or sag. The wrinkles on their faces, that show the joy and pain they have endured and enjoyed. The young and the old. The small and the big. The differences in emotion in men and women. The way people look when they think and contemplate.

I truly believe the eyes give you a glimpse of the soul. You can see so much in a persons eyes.

It is interesting to me that even though not one of us is exactly alike, we are all seeking similar things. To be loved, accepted, needed. To see beauty, to be warm, to have no worries or troubles. To be good, feel good.

We recently got a world map and have been looking at it. It intrigues me that there is so much land, but people crowd together. They find a place...make it a city...and huddle together. For example, New York, Paris, L.A., London, on and on...even in our own little cities we huddle together. We seek friendships. We in a way, cuddle together and keep each other company.

I was recently introduced to "50 people 1 question" I loved it! It's amazing how different we all are, but at the same time how similar we all are. So check it out and enjoy the beauty of people!

Gym Guru Says

2009-01-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

My favorite comment from 5 different people I've met at the gym in the last 9 years...
"Why do you workout? You already look amazing!"

Think about it.
-Gym Guru

A Peek at Our Week Jan 15-22

2009-01-22T22:01:00.000-08:00

January is my favorite! Gee I wonder why? It's such a beautiful month as well. I love the snow and fresh crisp winter air. The last savor of cold Winter until alas Spring. We enjoy the winter sports skiing, boarding, sledding, and skating. We hope to do more of these sports as our family is growing up! Hopefully Santa will bring the girls some gear next year! It's a time to reflect and plan. A new beginning for adventure and growth lies in the year ahead!

Chris designed, texted, emailed, ate, drove, took care of sick wife, drove kids to school, talked, read, slept, planned a trip to paradise, repeat.

Michelle had a birthday, undecorated, ate cake, broke a nail, got tired, stayed up late, facebooked, texted, shopped, read with kids, ordered scholastic books, took girls shopping, got sick...barf, got better, repeat.

Taylor did homework with her new BFF Maddy, made a mess, listened to ipod, passed off times tables, got a new swimming suit, did her own hair, cleaned some boogers off walls, got sisters together to pray that Mom would get better, repeat.

Brooke made up some interesting outfits, has been using lipstick as deodorant, bounced, colored, colored all over playroom, getting good at reading, finished her homework in two days, got a new swimming suit, played with Presley, dressed up a lot, ate treats, repeat.

Presley played in Mom's shoes, played barbies, colored permanent marker all over favorite barbie's face, drank milk, fell asleep in the car, got a new swimming suit, played quietly all by herself, fell asleep on the stairs, read with Mom, practiced abc's, did a dance for parents, repeat.

And that's a peek at our week...repeat

R-e-s-p-e-c-t

2009-01-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

I was getting Brooke ready for bed the other night. I had been gone most of the day, I went to a movie and dinner with friends. Chris had the girls to himself the whole day.

Brooke: Mom you didn't respect me today!
Michelle: I didn't? What do you mean?
Brooke: Well, you never did my hair today, so you didn't respect me!
Michelle: Oh, I'm so sorry I didn't respect you and do your hair!
Brooke: Ya, you need to respect me!
Michelle: Laughs...tried explaining respect to Brooke, then gave up!

What do Grown Ups do?

2009-01-21T13:02:00.000-08:00

I was reading Presley a book about different jobs people do. She was so interested as we talked about the many different things people, grown-ups, do all day.

Michelle: Presley what does Daddy do?
Presley: Loves me!
Michelle: Yes, he does love you! But what does he do for work?
Presley: Works out at the gym!
Michelle: Laughs
Michelle: What do I do?
Presley: Give me hugs!
Michelle: Yes, but what do I do for work?
Presley: Workout!

I love the perspective of a 3 year old! So cute!

Gym Guru Says:

2009-01-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

Try to get self motivated! I have been asked by many..."why are you so motivated, what is it that keeps you going?" I have given this a lot of thought as the question is reintroduced to me over and over again. The answer is simple: I am self motivated. Let me explain...

It is important not to rely on outer stimuli to motivate you. For example, I have found, relying on a friend to motivate ones self is not good...they may not show up, or may quit, then so will you. Doing it to win a prize, cash, or competition, what happens when it's over...no more reason to keep doing it! Competing with others can lead to self doubt and failure. Comparing yourself to others could lead to bad/skewed self image, low self esteem, and unreasonable expectations.

There is one person to rely on, compete with, and compare yourself to...and that is yourself. Rely on yourself! Think of yourself/body as your own very best friend who wants you to succeed, who you can count on, trust, confide in, workout in peace with. Think of how disappointed your body (very best friend) would be with you for not caring about it, for not showing up to the gym, for not wanting to workout with it! Compete with yourself. Try to do better than last time, improve, do more, lift more, progress. Feel in competition with yourself and try to beat yourself every day! When you think, "there is no way I can go on, this is just too much!!!" don't let yourself fail push on, push through, do better, make it happen, keep going anyway! Make yourself win! Tell yourself not to give up, you can and will do it! Compare yourself to yourself, pictures to improve from, clothing sizes of yester-years. Look in the mirror and see the "you" you want to become. A little or a lot off the waist, arms, or butt, etc. Maybe the mirror looks perfect, but the inner you needs work...like a stronger heart, being stronger to prevent injury, being able to keep up with your kids, being ready for anything-anywhere-anytime, better physical endurance, the dream to live past 100 :), and so on and so on. What ever it is, be aware of it and realize you can become that. Picture yourself better, and imagine you're there. Feel how good it feels to be the way you should, to look the way that's best for you. Feel the satisfaction. Let these things be your motivation!

These are the things that I do to be self motivated, successful, and fit.
Be your own motivator! Only you can make it happen!
-Gym Guru

"Pain is only temporary, quitting is forever!"
-Lance Armstrong

How Popular is Your Name?

2009-01-12T18:16:00.001-08:00

Chris is ranked #396 and is more popular as a boy name.
Michelle is ranked #66 and is more popular as a girl name.
Taylor is ranked #22 and is more popular as a girl name.
Brooke is ranked #44, Brookelle is not found at all, and is more popular as a girl name.
Presley is ranked #558 and is more popular as a girl name.

To see how popular your name is go to First names and what they mean.

What Guys do When they're Bored

2009-01-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

Rob Foster posted this picture of Chris on northtemple. I just love it, check out the original!!!

Nice Rob! You really know how to make a fella look good! I've got more pictures if your interested!

A Peek at Our Week December 5-11

2009-01-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

Back to school, work, and semi-normality...We had a week full of Birthday. Brooke turned another year older and I am about to. We had fun celebrating Wednesday and Saturday.

Chris got back to work and hangin out with Church buddies. Finally found a suit that fits. Ordered a bunch of books. Ate pink cup cakes. Found out Lucky Charms at 1 in the morning is not Griff (his personal trainer) approved!

Michelle has been dreaming of a vacation in the tropics. Has done everything she can think of to keep warm...layers, scarfs, hats, blankies, slippers, tanning, hot baths, running around...where are you summer? Made pink cup cakes. Is helping Chris save up for his dream suit. Thinks eating Lucky Charms at 1 in the morning is just so fun, but is willing to reconsider her options.

Mayfield family and Trump family gathered to celebrate Brooke and my Birthdays

Me getting ready to blow out 31 candles. Aaaah!

Look at all that smoke! I'm surprised we didn't set off the smoke detector!Everyone was amazed that I blew out all 31 candles in one breath! Including me!

This is me opening my Birthday presents, It was fun, but I hate being the center of attention! Good thing Brooke was opening her Birthday presents at the same time!
This is me with my Grandpa and Grandma Trump

Taylor had a room makeover, courtesy Mom. Had a friend come over and play and do homework together, but mostly play, and also mostly homework, but also mostly play. Earned enough Beckstead Bucks (her school teachers reward for good behavior) to buy a knitted snow hat. Has been spoiled rotten and it wasn't even her Birthday!

Brooke was the Birthday girl the whole week and still thinks it is not over yet! It all started Tuesday with a Birthday trip to Toys R Us. Wednesday she woke up to various Birthday songs rockin out the house. She took krispy kreme donuts to share with her friends at school. Then she celebrated her real Birthday with her BFF Lexy, who came to spend the day playing. They made pink cupcakes, played barbies, danced, and dressed up. Saturday she enjoyed a trip with Grandma and Grandpa Mayfield to Build a Bear. She is such a happy child, Thanks to everyone!

Presley was just around for the ride. She enjoyed all the fun and excitement, as did all of us. She got a special visit from her new sunbeam teachers, who brought her cookies, while I was in the shower (how embarassing). Got into my makeup and looked like an umpaloompa. Is learning ballet from Brooke, and can't wait to start ballet in August. Was also spoiled and it wasn't even her Birthday!

And thats a Peek at our Week!

This is How We do it

2009-01-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

Here's a behind the scenes of Brooke and My Birthday Party Celebration.

Ta-Da

Chris helped too, but he was the one behind the camera! It was quite the lung workout, and yoga on a ladder, who knew, maybe your nearest gym will pick it up!

Bake Me a Cake as Fast as You Can!

2009-01-08T23:08:00.000-08:00

So the girls got an easy bake oven, from Grandma for Christmas. Here we are trying it out! The highlight of our experience was not the end result, but the fun together time.
My Mom made the aprons for us. She even picked the fabric to match our personalities! Cute!

Taylor said: "Mom I think you better teach me to use the real oven. Or I might have to use an Easy Bake Oven to cook for my family when I'm a Mom."

A Peek at Our Week

2009-01-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

Dec. 7-Jan. 4

We had a wonderful, magical, holiday! Full of wonderful decorations, scents, baked goods, and gingerbread houses. The kids were glad to get out of school and play in the snow. The excitement of Santa filled our hearts and house. We always enjoy the Christmas shopping hustle and bustle. People everywhere shopping for that perfect gift for that special someone. The restaurants and eateries were full of people, catching a bite to eat (including us) before they ventured out again. We definitely felt the true spirit and magic of the Holiday!

Chris did way to much shopping for me this year. He just loves to dress me up, and I don't mind at all! I did manage to get him a few things as well. He was able to have a true holiday break, enjoying two weeks off. We enjoyed him being home and playing with us! He took us to do fun things and eat at new places! He took the girls on a supper daddy outing to carls jr, then toys r us for a toy, then a movie, then swimming, then out for pizza. Two weeks of fun in just one day. This was also a supper mommy day because I got the day all to myself, much needed. Chris got plenty of halo and gears in this holiday, as no holiday would be complete without them. And even had a guys night with the Brothers-in-law.

Michelle made and ate way too many treats, but it was worth it! She wiped out gift wrapping in one night. She is finding new and clever ways to stay warm, as she is cold most of the time. Michelle actually got sick of Christmas music, thought it would never happen. So she bought a few rare Christmas albums to make it the last two weeks. She can't wait for the newbies at the gym to clear out, as it is much too crowded. She hosted a Christmas party and New Years Eve party. Michelle was introduced to Bunja Calda and thinks it makes your house smell like garlic for way too many weeks. She did enjoy the meal though, and the company of friends are hard to beat! Plus Jason made marvelous margaritas (virgin of course) and Gilbert made a delectable banana ice cream dessert. The 14 children contributed by making a giant mess, but had sooo much fun! My girls can hardly wait to have them back for more fun! Me too! I have to say...I think this was the best holiday ever! I have so many good memories and new friends!

Taylor could hardly wait to catch Santa this year and stayed up till 3 in the morning to catch him. Finally we had to shut her door so she could fall asleep. We finally understand how Santa could get too tired and almost forget to come. She decided she wanted a millennial falcon (ship from star wars) on Christmas Eve. She was sure that Santa would bring it. We had to explain Santa was told different and was already on his way around the world delivering presents. On the morn she held one present till the very end that looked about the right size, but unfortunately it turned out to be a doll house. She got a lot though and was happy in the end.

Brooke woke up while Santa was delivering presents. We had do do some quick explaining that Santa was in a hurry and needed us to finish up his work! She was cool with that! Santa had left some canopies to be hung above their beds and Brooke saw Presley's all hung and looked at us and said: "Uh, I want one of those!" She really wanted a Rosetta doll and Santa delivered.

Presley was the only one who got a good nights sleep on the eve. She was fun to watch this year, as she was capable of opening her own presents. She really wanted a Tinkerbell doll, and Santa came through. Presley also enjoyed playing with her cousin Kate, and wishes she could come over more often. Presley actually got sick of playing in the snow and has sat out the last two storms. It might be in relation to the freezing cold sledding trip the day after Christmas.

Happy New Year to you! Enjoy January...it is the favorite month of a certain two of us.
And that's a Peek at our Week.

Birthday Countdown

2009-01-03T21:50:00.000-08:00

We were born in January
We both like dairy
Our favorite color is pink
There might be a link
One is the mother
The other is her daughter
Someones getting old
And the others just plain cold
We can hardly wait
To eat our birthday cake
We can't refrain
Excitements hard to contain
Happy days ahead
Can't go to bed
Party Party Party
Trying not to get farty
The count down is on
The fun has just begun!
4 days till Brooke's
and 12 till Michelle's

Getting Ready for the Eve!

2008-12-28T20:32:00.001-08:00

We hope you're excited for the New Year!
Lets ring it in with applauds and cheer.
Sorry, too bad, there will be no beer.
But happiness, joy and fun we will hear.
Gather your loved ones far and near.
Be careful not to hit a deer.
Lot's of yummy food...don't fear.
We hope we will see you here!

What do I Know...

2008-12-18T17:09:00.000-08:00

"Roots" flower shop in Salt Lake is the best! If you ever need to give flowers, or just get some for yourself, try them out!

324 South 400 West
Salt Lake City
801.363.7668

A Peek at Our Week December 8-14

2008-12-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

What can I say, but it's two weeks till the big day and we are getting ready! We started the week completing our "Naughty and Nice" lists for a Mayfield family tradition. The game of "Naughty or Nice?" It has been fun checking off the good deeds we have done to be considered Nice. This year's game was especially special but that is a post in and of itself.

We have begun to read 10 special Christmas stories leading up to the big day. We read one a day until Christmas. It has been enlightening and calming to our family. You know your children are growing up when they actually pay attention and answer questions. It hasn't been all candy cane dreams and angel puff perfectness, but they are a teensey bit better at this tradition this year.

We have had some cute Carolers at our front door. A bunch of children in our neighborhood have gotten together to pleasure our ears with their angel voices. Cute!

Chris and I attempted Christmas shopping this year, much lacking ideas. For some reason our children have been extra hard to shop for this year. They really haven't wanted anything particular and Santa had to do a lot of guessing. But it is going to be a good year! And it only took us 3 hours to complete! A record for us!

The snow was a welcome and much anticipated event at our house. Saturday was spent playing in the snow most of the day. I don't know how they can stand the cold though!

We attended our ward's Christmas party on Saturday morning and had a visit from Santa. My girls sure talk about Santa a lot and you would even think they like him! But heaven forbid they sit on his lap. Oh no not that!

We attended the Mayfield family Christmas party part one. As part two of the party will be continued on the 23rd. Yes, we can't fit all the fun into just one night! We had a fun time. Ate my favorite kind of dinner, sandwich rolls and munchies. Had a gift exchange, in which it took us longer to figure out how to play the gift exchange game than to actually play the game. Finished up the night with the "Naughty and Nice" game, which was really sweet this year, as the children were very giving and thoughtful to one another! Then made our way home enjoying the beautiful snowy night. Keeping toasty with our seat warmers and watching Narnia, which Chris stole from, or should I say out bid, Cameron in the "Naughty and Nice" game, sorry Cameron!

Don't let me forget to mention the nightly Ballet performances our little girls have been doing for us. Even Presley is learning some moves from her sisters. They are so sweet! I am so happy to be their Mom!

Chris was my slave this week. I complained a lot this year and I guess it finally paid off as now I have my laundry room fixed up, a new toilet paper holder in my bathroom, patched and painted walls, and he even had time to do dishes! What a good guy. It was extra nice because I came home to all this being done as a surprise. Merry Christmas to me. I sent Chris to pick out a Christmas gift for our nephew as I am no good at picking out gifts for little boys. Guess what he came home with? A sling shot! I hope his parents are ok with that! He also couldn't resist buying himself a matchbox car, one he's been looking for for a long time, I guess! Chris also took the girls to teatime at the Grand America Hotel. Hot chocolate instead of tea though, and pastries with strawberries and cream. Is there a more perfect guy out there? I think not!!!

Michelle had a week full of goodness. It all began with a kick butt spin class. Then I got to get my hair done. Then I got to go Christmas shopping, ya I actually like to do that:) Then I got a lot of yummy treats from neighbors, so I did another kick butt spin class. Every year I go to the Grand America Hotel for Tea time with a few close girl friends. If you haven't ever done this you should. It is magnificently decorated for Christmas. The hot chocolate is soooo good, I always get the coconut almond flavor. Then they have the tastiest mini sandwiches, they're pretty and yummy. Then pastries and strawberries and cream! It was nice to have a fun time with my friends and a break from my kids. Then I stayed up till 2:30am friday night getting cinnamon rolls baked for our ward party the next morning, not so pleasant. Slept most of the day Saturday to recover.

Taylor started out the week sick, and even had to miss a day of school. I don't think this disappointed her much. She has been turning up the seat warmer for her friend, that we pick up for school, so that she will have a warm seat when she gets in. She also saw her name on Santa's naughty list at Gardner Village and said: "Mom is that the real Santa list?" I said "yes" She said: " I guess I have been kinda naughty this year!" Then she spent the rest of the day doing good deeds and making sure I noticed. She also experimented taking pictures of herself upside down. She is funny!

Brooke has been feeling like a queen because she gets to ride up front with me in the car. She has been choosing music for us, warming our seats up, and adjusting the temperature when it gets uncomfortable. She can't help singing when a Christmas song comes on, even if she doesn't know the words she will make up her own and continue on with the song.

Presley was such a helper this week. She helped everyone pick up their stuff. She took care of her shoes. She even did without a sippy most of the week. Presley got really excited at our stakes Christmas Cantata. When the choir sang "Away in a Manger" they got to the part where they sang "Asleep...asleep...Asleep...asleep" and Presley started to spark up and she began to sing along: "Presley...presley...Presley...presley" she was so happy that a song had her name in it!

And that's a peek at our week!

Smile or Else:)

2008-12-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

Aren't they cute! You can see our little Presley has some attitude. They were really good sports, considering it was 30 degrees and we were all freezing our bummies off!

Thanks to Cristina for all her hard work! It was fun! You guys have to check out her work at christinamaephotography.com! She really has a gift!

Freezfest

2008-12-12T21:15:00.000-08:00

We had some fun at Gardner Village. Christmas shopping, hot chocolate, donuts, and fun!

What do I Know...

2008-12-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

My favorite candles are Salt City Candles. At Christmas I always buy the scents Christmas Tree and Holly Berry. It is extra good if you burn them at the same time. The mixture is wonderful. Christmas Tree is good because it creates that real tree smell that we long for. It's a subtle hint of pine that is just right and not to overpowering to the nose!

Best Brownies I ever made

Brownies:
1 cup butter softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups self -rising flour (As a sub for self-rising flour you can make your own by adding 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to every 1/2 cup of flour)
1/2 cup baking cocoa

Marshmallow:
1 jar(7 ounces) marshmallow creme

Frosting:
1/2 cup butter softened
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 to 5 tablespoons of milk

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour and cocoa; gradually add to creamed mixture. Transfer to a greased 13in x 9in x 2in baking pan. Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 3 minutes (brownies will fall in the center). Spoon the marshmallow creme over brownies; carefully spread to cover top. Cool completely.

For frosting, in a mixing bowl, cream butter. Beat in confectioners' sugar, cocoa, vanilla and enough milk to achieve frosting consistency. Spread over marshmallow creme layer. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 16-20

Get ready for the best brownies ever! Everyone will love you!

Gym Guru says:

2008-12-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

JUMP ROPE

If you need to get some cardio and you don't know what to do, try jump roping! They're cheep and can be found at almost any super store! I know Target has some. Get your jump rope, put on some workout clothes, don't forget some tunes for motivation and beat (ipod), and get going! I find it is a really good cardio workout! You may not be able to do much at first, but as you keep working at it you will get more coordinated, faster, and find you can do it longer. I started doing 20 mins, then increased to 30 mins, and am currently able to do 45 mins. I usually do 30 mins of cardio a day, but kick it up a notch if I have stress to get rid of or an extra treat I hadn't planned on! I love jump roping in the garage, in the basement, outside, at the gym, anywhere really. And you can pull it out whenever you have time! Try it and don't get discouraged if it seems too hard! Just do what you can and keep at it! You will get better, and it is sooo good for you!

A Peek at Our Week Dec 1-7

2008-12-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

We are enjoying the Holiday so far. We have been listening to Christmas music a lot, because of me I guess. Chris has snuck in a few songs of our regular music, as he can barely tolerate the holiday tunes over and over. We have also watched a lot of Christmas movies. Mostly, while I make dinner which can be a boring time. Making dinner that is.

We went to "It's a Wonderful Life" on Friday. It was at Kingsbury Hall by Odessy Dance Company. They do such a good job! The dancing is just spectacular! We brought Cameron, Sam, and James along too. It was fun to see them!

We had our family pictures done on Saturday morning (9am) at Gardner village. In order to make it to Gardner Village by 9am, I had to wake up a 5am just to have myself and everyone else ready by 7:45am. We actually all got up and were ready on time, and even arrived early for pictures. Unfortunately, Presley fell asleep on the way and if you don't know Presley very well, then let me enlighten you. Presley is very grumpy if she is woken up. She is so stubborn. So needless to say her pictures turned out pretty frowny. But she is still cute anyway! After pictures we headed to the bakery for donuts and hot chocolate, as it was a very cold photo shoot! I had an amazing cinnamon roll, I highly recommend it! Presley got so happy and was smiling so cute after that! Too bad we didn't think of this before pictures! We looked in the cute shops, and I think we all enjoyed looking in the Christmas shop the most! It was so fun!

We took a trip to Toy's R Us to see what everyone wants for Christmas. It was fun but tiring. We didn't make it out of there without buying a toy for each of the girls though! Something about "But we deserve it! We were sooo good for pictures, and it was soooo cold outside, and we didn't even whine! And we have been so good today!" And a few flutters of eyelashes. We were sold. Suckas!

It was my nieces birthday so we all got to go to Chucky Cheeses. I think they invented ADD, obesity, and gambling. Anyway the kids had fun, guess that's all that matters.

Chris is just working hard as usual. But still finds plenty of time to have fun and play, except this does cut down on the amount of sleep time he gets. He has made several runs to the grocery store for me, because I forget stuff and because we run out of milk a lot. He is also procrastinating putting up Christmas lights. Looks like I'll be doing that. It is a stupid thing to do, get up on the roof in the winter when it's wet and icy. Maybe we won't do it:)

I am enjoying a new workout with a killer ab regimen. It has me pretty sore though. I was telling Chris how much I enjoy writing and how I should pursue it. He was encouraging. On Sunday I got put in charge of writing the newsletter for Relief Society. I guess this shows how you should be careful what you wish for! When Chris found out he had a long laugh attack. I didn't laugh quiet as hard. I made the best brownies ever. My neighbor finally got me her recipe and I made them. They were sooo good! The kind with marshmallow in the middle. I had to send some with Chis to Halo night, so I wouldn't eat too many. I had fun doing some Christmas shopping. "Limited too" had a half off everything sale, and yes I went a little crazy in there. I am far from finished with Christmas shopping, but hoping to knock it out this week.

Taylor got to have a pizza party for achievement days. She enjoyed that. And thought it was great she didn't have to eat the yucky dinner I made. Taylor and I went shopping for an outfit she could wear in fam pictures. She picked it out all by herself, it's really cute too. She's sure growing up.

Brooke is a negotiator lately. Everyday she asks if we can go to the store and buy her a toy. She always starts out asking for the biggest possible thing and when that isn't successful she works her way down through things till she bargins for at least a pack of gum. I think she's spoiled, and I'm working on that one!

Presley is just a sweetie. She has her moments though, as mentioned above. For the most part she is really pleasant. I have enjoyed our alone time together while sisters are at school. She is so cuddly and getting more independent. She can sit quietly and play all by herself for a long time. This has helped me a lot, so I can get stuff done! We have been reading Christmas stories together and she sits and listens so quietly.

And that's a peek at our week.

Gym Guru says:

2008-12-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

Post Thankgiving blues
from what the mouth chews?
Put on those running shoes
and chase away those blues!

Get to the gym
or go for a swim.
Do this on a whim
if you want to get slim.

Don't forget what I said
let's get motivated!
It's all in your head
get up off your bed.

Get to the door
don't forget to work your core.
I could write more
but that might be a bore!

-gym guru

A Big Fat Peek at Our Week Nov16-30

2008-12-01T11:09:00.000-08:00

We had a really fun, whirl wind of a last two weeks.

Taylor danced in the nutcracker at Weber from the 18th-22nd. It was a great experience. I went with her and helped out behind the scenes doing makeup and chaperoning. I got really good at painting faces like solders and buffoons! I also became an expert at buns, taking out curlers, costume changes, and touching up lipstick! We learned a lot of fun games like "Here comes Sally Walker" and "Elevate Your Body" Taylor and I will have to teach everyone. If I can remember, I thought I would never get it out of my head after how many times they sang it and played the game, but a few weeks go by and a 30 year old mind forgets more than you would think.

We had a really great Thanksgiving. We went to the Trump's and it was decorated so cute. Little oreo cookie turkey's, so cute! The kids had fun in the yard, I don't know how they can stand the cold though! My Dad took down the swings for the winter and we were all talking about how he should have left them up, at least till after thanksgiving. Poor kids. Then we all joked and laughed, as we realized the kids were all playing just fine, and in fact better than usual, because they weren't all bugging us to come push them on the swings! So thanks Dad we know you did it for us-right!:) We played with my parents new i macs, played the Great Dalmuti, the guys went and hit a bucket of balls, while the women got hooked on a 1500 piece puzzle, talked quilting with Grandma Cram, and then we moved on to crash the Mayfield's Thanksgiving party. At the Mayfield's we had a lot of fun and got hooked on fuse ball and another puzzle! Even Chris enjoyed puzzles this year, a break through in puzzle history. We got home so late that we slept till 10:45 the next morning. We never do that, and even the kids slept in!

We got our Christmas tree and bought a bunch of new decorations. Every year we think we are set on decorations, and then we get these brillant but crazy ideas, and end up buying all new decorations. Any way it does look really good, even if I do say so myself. Getting the tree in the stand was quite a trick! I've never seen such a fat tree trunk in all my years. We had to saw off all the "nubbies," we had fun saying "Nubbies" all night. Someone would say it and we would all laugh, and say it again and laugh. Try it! Say "Nubbies" it's such a silly word! The tree is tilted funny because of it's freaking "Nubbies" and because it's too fat for the stand. I have no idea if there is even a bigger stand to buy. We also have about every tree stand possible after all our years of trees, because sometimes we do more than one or the type of tree is different... oh well I guess everything can't be perfect!

Speaking of perfect, putting on the lights was as far from perfect as it gets! I do the lights every year, because Chris says I'm sooooo good at it! But I wonder...? I was watching a Christmas movie and had the lights almost done on the tree when, POOF, all the lights go out but one strand at the bottom. I just about started crying, as it had been an hour of light stringing and kids anxious to decorate. It's like finding a needle in a hay stack! But with Chris' help and much frustration, and about 12 fuses later, 1 broken light bulb, a cut toe, 2 screwdrivers, 1 pair of pliers, and 3 fixes, and 3 more POOFS, 1 extension cord, and 3 almost crys, 2 massive headaches, and 3 kids running wild we fixed it! PHEW!!!

Moving on,

Taylor was asking about death and we were answering her questions. Then she said "Will my bones turn into fossils?" We thought that was cute. Taylor has also acquired her own bathroom time. I guess she's at that age.

Brooke had been spreading this white stuff all around the house. I couldn't figure out what it was or where she was getting it from. It looked like she had chewed up paper and spit it out all over. But it was hard as a rock and not wet, so I confronted her about this and she said: "Oh, Mom, that's just my play dough from Halloween! It turned to metal!" I laugh a lot as you may have noticed!

Presley got babysat all by herself, because she was too young to attend the Nutcracker. It was the first time she's ever been babysat without her sisters. She went to my neighbors house who has a little girl her same age, that Presley is good friends with. Presley could hardly contain her excitement to go to Laura's house (her friend) for the night! When I went to pick her up my neighbor said: "I have to tell you a funny thing that happened while you were gone. Presley walked out the front door and started walking to your house. I followed her and asked her where she was going. She told me she was going home to go potty, and that she would be right back. I tried to explain that you were gone and the house was locked but she got really upset. She sat on my couch for a half hour with little sobs as she was trying to hold it until you came home. I finally picked her up and took her to the bathroom, but we didn't quite make it! So thanks for the extra undies!" I thought that was cute that she wanted to go home to go potty!
Presley is very particular about who helps her go potty! She hates anyone to see her naked. This is really good, but can make for other troubles.

Chris and I are doing well. I'm a little stressed about the holiday coming up, but that's nothing new! It seems I always have stress as Chris has recently pointed out to me, so I'm working on that! Chris is grateful to have a seemingly secure job at the Church in this time of recession, as am I. We're both enjoying the low gas prices! I saw twighlight and was disappointed. Chris played x box a lot. I cleaned a lot. We ate chicken a lot. Oh and we were on time to church for the first time in about 3 years. We're feeling pretty good about that one! Celebrated Grandpa Norm's 60th Birthday, it was sweet and fun! We shared memories of Dad-I'll have to post our poem later! Mostly, we have felt blessed and happy in these past weeks of Thanksgiving! I'm grateful we have each other to bolster one another up in our times of need-thanks Chris!

And that's a big peek at our week(s):)

What do I Know...

2008-11-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

Don't buy the expensive stuff! Recently we had our dishwasher door repaired. I spent about an hour before the repair guy came scrubbing, unsuccessfully, the grime in the dishwasher. I was feeling pretty embarassed about it, after all, I am a clean person! I had been wondering, for the longest time, why it was such a problem. I figured it was the water around here. Good thing I couldn't get it clean, because the repair guy saw and told me it's cascade dishwasher detergent. He said all the expensive brands of detergents are full of additives that collect on the inside of your dishwasher and dishes! He recommended I start buying the cheapest generic brand of detergent. Boy, was I skeptical, but it worked. You should see my dishwasher and dishes now. They are sparkling clean, no more icky film. So don't buy the expensive stuff!

What do I Know...

2008-11-29T13:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, I love it when people share their little secrets of success or such. I am going to start sharing mine.

I think Downy, April Fresh, fabric softener is the best. But, if you're like me and crave change, Snuggle exhilarations, peach blossom & sunshine swirl is one of my new favorites. So try it out.

Also, The Children's Hour in slc is my new favorite shopping spot. It's about 900 E. 900 S. in Salt Lake City. They sell clothes, books, toys, and boutique type treasures. My girls were entertained for 2 hours with the little girls section of toys, books, and clothes. We bought Tay some boots, me a cook book, and some cute socks.

Christmas Pee

2008-11-28T17:42:00.001-08:00

We went shopping for our Christmas Tree today. The girls were running around the tree lot, while Chris and I followed. They were having the time of their lives hiding in trees, seeking out the perfect tree. Taylor quickly made us aware that she needed to go to the bathroom. We found a port-a-potty for her to use, by this time it was dark and scary. She refused for a while and then had to go so bad she had to succumb to the dark and scary port-a-potty. She came out crying because she didn't realize she needed to put the lid up and went pee on the lid and all over herself. Chris and I are still trying to understand how you can sit on the toilet and not realize you haven't put the lid up. hee- hee- hee. We were laughing about the poor succor who will use it next and wonder why the toilet is all wet. We had a big laugh about this afterward. As this year will be remembered as the year we picked out our tree and Taylor had a Christmas Pee.

New York in October

2008-11-24T23:43:00.000-08:00

Here's some pics of Chris and my New York trip. I'm putting all of them on facebook if you want to take a look. Central Park
Subway
Times Square
right outside our Hotel
Shopping on 5th avenue
My dream apartment, if I lived in New York.

Brooke loves Garbage!

2008-11-24T23:35:00.000-08:00

This is Brooke loving garbage. A few weeks ago I wrote about this in a "Peek at Our Week."
Here's the picture! Now that we have a new camera:)

Gym Guru Says:

2008-11-24T23:20:00.001-08:00

A trick to shrinking your waistline. All through the day try sucking in your abs. Belly button to spine. As I like to say... "zip and hollow"! Try this while cleaning, cooking, folding laundry, driving, reading to your kids, anywhere really. It will help strengthen your stomach muscles and create a smaller waistline as well. A two for!
-Gym Guru

Opening Night

2008-11-20T20:54:00.001-08:00

After Thursday night's performance Taylor came home to this.
Thanks Mindy, Quinn, Grandma and Grandpa:)
Check out the scarf on the gingerbread in the background. They were decorated so cute!

Ballerinas will be Ballerinas

2008-11-20T20:43:00.000-08:00

Nutcracker Extraordinaire

This has been a busy week, but Taylor and I have had so much fun together! A great mother daughter experience!

Gym Guru says:

2008-11-17T12:37:00.001-08:00

Just so you know there is a new disease taking over women everywhere. I have just discovered it! I call it Sciborea (aerobics spelled backwards). After my workout I stretch out by the aerobics room and there is a big painted AEROBICS on the wall vertically. As I stretch I stare up at that word and see SCIBOREA. Year after year I see the same women, some old veterans to Golds Gym and some newly recruited and some inbetween, doing the same classes over and over again. They never change. They still look as fat as ever, as medium as ever, as untoned as ever...what possesses them to go on. I've decided it's the new disease Sciborea. So let me define Sciborea for you so you can beware!
Sciborea-
An undying love for repetitive, unchanging, resultless workouts. Cardio feasters. The feeling that the more goofy positions you can move your body into quickly the more weight you will loose. Listening to music that will deafen you one day. Making animalistic cheering noises to motivate ones self. Taking directions from a leader who really has Sciborea worse than anyone and cannot be trusted. The fear of metal, especially that it may expand your width.

Beware Sciborea, it is taking over many of our loved ones. Don't be afraid to pump iron, and change up your cardio a little bit. Get out of the Sciborea box and live, dang it, live:)
-Gym Guru

A Peek at Our Week November 10-16

2008-11-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

This week we had a lot of time. I don't really know why, it just felt like we had time. We didn't do anything very productive with it either. We just took it easy and relaxed a lot. It was nice! Sometimes when you have a lot of extra time you start getting bored and cook up crazy ideas. Like moving rooms around, painting, reorganizing, crafts...thinking about these types of things. We even thought about painting a wall black, we're still thinking about that one. It could be really good or really awful. I'm a little afraid of black, how many coats would that take. And how many to cover it up if it was terrible?

We watched "Home Alone" together. I never realized how many naughty things/words that movie can teach your kids:)

We went grocery shopping, never a fun thing for me, and after an enduring walk through the aisles, at the check out my girls opened a big pack of chapsticks and started trying them all on. I was somehow oblivious to this, and when realized, it was too late. We had to purchase all the chapsticks, most without lids, because they were taken off and thrown all over. It's actually been a good thing for my lipsticks however, they are glad to have a break from little kid fingers and spit. We did purchase some really tasty pears and oranges, they must be in season.

The girls have been extra wild this week. Running around a lot. Screaming a lot. Fighting a lot. Must be the lazy extra time thing. I also think they are getting Christmas hyper, it happens earlier and earlier every year.

Taylor has been thinking a lot about her eyes and how you should be careful not to roll them too far back, too far to the right, or too far to the left as they may get stuck that way! She has also informed us she has her dance completely memorized for the nutcracker. She's been dancing her little heart out.

Brooke is the master negotiator in the kid bunch. She is always saying things like "If you don't do it my way, then you can't be on my team!" This really works for her, the other two really want to be on her team for some reason, and will do practically anything she wants to earn that honor. I am still trying to figure out what the team is and what the team does.

Presley is her sisters shadow lately. She loves to be a part of the action and fun. She has a mermaid barbie who's tail falls off easily. She has spent most of the week looking for this tail, actually making me and Chris look for it. She also had a little freak out when tuna spilled on her mermaid blankie. It was cute, and hard not to laugh at.

Chris found his keys. Attended a funeral. Wore his new coat (even got a compliment on it). Saw James Bond twice.

I didn't realize Chris had found his keys and had been looking all over for them. Took a few naps. Made some invitations for Relief Society Erichment. Saw James Bond only once.

We all went to tithing settlement. Our kids were wiggly and giggly and the Bishop just adores that about our girls. He was asking each of the girls if they were full tithe payers. When he got to Brooke she said "NO!" very loud and sure. We all burst out laughing, Bishop included. After that, everything anyone said seemed funny. It's the first comedy tithing settlement I've been to.

And that's a peek at our week.

8 Tag

2008-11-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

8 things I'm looking forward to:

A new camera.
My hives going away.
New James Bond movie.
Reading my book "In the Woods."
Chris getting home from work.
Wearing my new boots.
Getting my Christmas shopping done.
Getting my new Checking Card-going crazy w/o it.

8 things on my wish list:

A new remote control for our fan, we haven't been able to use it for 2 years.
Chris finding his keys. They've been lost for 2 days, and I can't find them anywhere.
A driveway pad on the side of our house, it's just so ugly over there.
More time!
Someone to clean my house.
Snow.
Taylor to be done memorizing her times tables, it's been quite a struggle for both of us:)
Brooke's bangs to grow out, they're hard to manage.

8 TV shows I like to watch

The Office
Pushing Daisy's
Prison Break
The Late Show
Dr. 90210
Live with Regis and Kelly
Paris Hilton's my new BFF
Smallville

8 things that happened yesterday

Went to the craft store and decided to make blankets for my girls. Figured out how much it would be ($300) then decided to watch for a sale!
Looked at fake Christmas Trees.
Got a visit from Mother-in-law, right after I got out of the shower. I looked awful.
Tried to call my Grandma and a guy answered and I said "Grandma?" He said "No-no Grandma here!" Felt dumb!
Called Mom to get Grandma's new phone #.
Researched Chronic Hives, going to buy a book on it.
Helped my girls cleanup their playroom.
Watched a movie with Chris, and fell asleep.

I tag YOU!

What is it with Cardboard Boxes?

2008-11-13T15:34:00.001-08:00

My kids love cardboard boxes. I heard a loud noise and went to check it out. My girls were making a little cottage out of a cardboard box. Cutting out windows and a door with a knife (loud sound), and cute paint (crayon actually). All these toys everywhere and the cardboard takes the prize! Taylor even said "Mom can I get some cardboard boxes for Christmas?" Looks like her Christmas dreams will be filled with ease this year! Wish I could post a picture, but we haven't purchased our new camera yet! I am planning to get one in the next few days! So pictures are coming!

Gym Guru says:

2008-11-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

If your feeling headache y try drinking some water! Our body tries to talk to us and we need to listen. If we don't drink enough water our body may bring on a headache, muscle aches, or fatigue. So before you pop that Tylenol try some H2O.
-Gym Guru

A Peek at Our Week

2008-11-10T14:14:00.000-08:00

November 3-9
We had a great week. The girls and I did some shopping at Pottery Barn, Tai pan, and Target. We had so much fun together, and they're getting good at helping me decorate/design our house! Chris even approved of all our purchases.

Chris and I finally got a book shelf for all the books he is reading! We also enjoyed some Swedish meatballs at Ikea after. Got our dishwasher door repaired, a $24 part that cost $190 in labor! Go figure. Another reason we don't jump on the dishwasher door like it's a trampoline.:) Lost another camera, that's the second camera lost this year! We're still debating who's fault it was. As of late, it was the janitor at Chris' office?!*^%** Actually we just feel bad for Pictureline and so we are keeping them in business, ya that's it.

We had a lovely family dinner with Trump side, everyone was delightful and cheery.

Taylor is celebrating Miley Cyrus' Birthday today! Brooke is playing sea creatures and princesses. Presley is loading up on milk. I guess she thinks the current state of our economy may take a toll on her milk consumption, so she's getting it while she can!

Chris is bugging us all by saying "Yes We Can" all the time. He had a Daddy Daughters night out and took the girls to Madagascar 2. They didn't stop talking about it for 24 hours after. And we discovered he can steam carrots quite well!

I went to Texas Road House (restaurant) with some girlfriends. It was good so go check it out, I had ribs. I almost finished all my laundry, but it is attacking again. Oh and the Office this week was one of our favorites, you can probably check that out at hulu.com!

One last thing! We were in the car and Chris kept turning up the music really loud, this was really bugging Brooke. So she said, "Dad if you keep doing that then I will have nightmares and I will come wake you up tonight!" Another last thing. Brooke ate some candy and I told her to throw the wrapper away and she said, "No, I love garbage!" and then gave the wrapper a hug. She's the first person I know of who loves garbage, I'm sure she'll have a way less stressful life than her mother. Due to the fact that, she loves garbage.

And that's a peek at our week.

To Tell a Lie

2008-11-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about lying. Why do people lie? Is it pride, intimidation, insecurity? Kids do it because they don't want to get in trouble, but why adults? We know better-right! I know we aren't perfect and that it happens, but I was recently in an interesting situation. I told a friend (friend A) something about another friend (friend B) in casual conversation. Not gossip just a response to a question asked by friend A about friend B. Then later (not in my presence) Friend B lied to Friend A and I looked like the liar! How funny is that! Any way I've decided to always tell the truth no matter how painful or embarrassing. It always turns out better that way. People just loose respect for you if you lie. In my case the true liar was revealed in the end, lucky for me!
But are there times when a lie is the best idea? What if someone asks you, something like, if you think they look fat, and you do think they look fat, what then? What if you know your friends husband is doing something terrible behind her/his back, what then? What if someone tells you something and tells you not to tell, no matter what, what then. What are the rules?
The rules are as follows:
1. If you are in contact with a person at least 5 days of the week you are allowed to tell them they look fat and work on a solution together. If not, it's not worth it, just lie.
2. Always tell the wife/husband what she/he doesn't know. Anonymously if you have to, like a letter.
3. Never tell someone something private! It will get out! Keeping secrets is self destructive, no one should be asked to do it. So don't tell until your ready for people to know about it!!!

2008-11-05T14:40:00.001-08:00

You Belong in 1991

With you anything goes! You're grunge one day, ghetto fabulous the next. It's all good!

What Year Do You Belong In?

A Peek at Our Week

2008-11-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

We had a very fun Halloween. Got dressed up, got food, got candy-lots of candy, got wet, got home. Still eating candy. We Voted, nuff said. The girls are off track till December 2. We're already getting a little stir crazy around here. Chris is busy reading like 12 books. I asked him to clean up our dresser and put all the books he wasn't using away, and he informed me he is reading all of them! I think he just didn't want to clean up/jk. Chris also got his checking card stole, so that's been fun:/ I still have hives, guess it's chronic now, which means no cause and no cure, just have to wait it out for an undetermined amount of time. Taylor is proud of her clean room. Brooke is proud of her stories she's been telling the girls on the way to the gym. Presley is proud of a huge poo she did and made me come look at. BTW thanks for the new toilet Scott it makes us very happy! We are seemingly well and just being the Mayfield Five.

New York Thoughts

2008-10-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

So I had an amazing trip to New York. My first thoughts were on the flight there. As we were approaching our destination I couldn't help but reflect on 9/11. What might have gone through peoples minds as they realized their lives were coming to an end? How did parents handle their children, and were the children aware of their encroaching fate? As we landed I again couldn't help but imagine the sheer force needed to stop our plane, and what that must have felt like with a building to do it for you? As we visited the hole left where the world trade center used to stand I was overcome with emotion and couldn't even speak. That day(9/11) so many people came together to help others and many gave the ultimate sacrifice their own life. As I was reflecting I was so overcome with emotion and goosebumps. I felt much gratitude for my life long safety and opportunity to have a fairly smooth ride on this earth.

On a more positive note,
our HOTEL was right in the middle of times square. We could open our curtains and see the heart of New York. It was amazing. Our hotel was incredible too. It was very contempory in design, which we love. We had the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. It was a king sized with down pad and down pillows that weren't too firm or too soft. It was great after walking all day. Pictures coming soon.

We ate at some fantastic RESTAURANTS. First, a tuscan restaurant I had a beef creamed tomato pasta. Second, a French restaurant I had an omelet that was good, but the desserts were the best I've ever had. I had a peach melba, this is a poached peach on top of vanilla ice cream with warm raspberry sauce and sprinkled with almond shavings. Chris had a Napoleon. It was sooooo good, and is now my favorite dessert. The waitress there was funny we asked if we could have hot chocolate with our dessert instead of the coffee that comes with it. She was shocked and horrified and sternly and scoldingly said "NO!" When we told her thank you and that the meal was very good she said "I know!" Chris and I laughed about the experience for a couple hours after. Third, we ate at a Black soul food place. We had fried chicken and eggnog waffles. It was good and we were the only white people there. Fourth, we ate at a mediterranean place where I had an amazing dish, I'm not sure I can explain. It was a pastry like the size of a small basketball, filled with rice, chicken, carrots, raisins, etc. And toped with some sort of yogurt dressing. It was soooo good. We ate other delicious food too, but these were the most impressive to me.

SHOPPING was so fun. There is just so much I wanted to buy! We visited Tiffany's where I tried on my dream ring. Louie Vuitton where I fell in love with a bag. We asked a sales associate what the most expensive item in the store was and he said a watch that is $77,000. So the $1500 bag I wanted was quite reasonable! We did go crazy at Fao Swarz, did some christmas shopping. Saw all the high fashion places. Then in Soho we had a lot of fun too! My favorite places there were Sabon (the best salt scrub), Adidas, and the Guess store.

SIGHT SEEING We did see!!! We walked all of central park. We saw the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, goutenberg, times square, many apartments, a few bums, the naked cowboy...

My trip was fun, exciting, and much needed. But I am so happy to be a stay at home mom living in Utah!

House Tag 8:30pm Sunday

2008-09-28T19:45:00.001-07:00

This is in response to Julie and Jeni's House Tag.
It was fun to just drop everything
and capture life as is.

1. my sink

2. my toilet

3. my fridge

4. inside my fridge

5. my closet, I love clothes and fashion, my kids love to play in here too!
It is one of my favorite places in my house, but one day I want a bigger closet.

6. my laundry room

7. my kids

8. my favorite room

9. my other favorite room and also the messiest

10. me-since chris was home i let him shoot the pic

A Peek at Our Week

2008-09-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

So let me tell you about our week. I almost died! No just kidding, I thought I was going to though. I had an allergy attack and luckily my Mom called, came and got me, and was driving me to the hospital. She decided on our way to the hospital that we should go to my allergen instead of a long day at the hospital if we could avoid it. Luckily the allergen had some medicine he gave me to help my body chill out, and now I am on 4 different meds until this freeky allergic reaction decides to subside. You just never know when someone will be inspired to come take care of you! Thanks-Mom:) Oh and I have 1 chapter left in Breaking Dawn, so good.

Chris is busy with work and lots of it. That's a good thing. He steals my landrover when ever he needs to go somewhere, he just loves it and so do I. Chris was part of a mock disaster our city put on. He is a disaster captain for our neighborhood, how cool is that. All went well even though our next door neighbors house mock burned down. Chris and I went shopping for our fall attires, and had soo much fun together. Watch out guys Chris has it goin on. Thanks Jeni for BBsitting!!!!

Taylor is doing pretty good in school. She is loving learning her new dance for the Nutcracker. I went with her to her costume fitting on Friday and it was so cute. We're getting excited for that. She is just such a wild crazy cuttie pie!

Brooke had a friend come and spend the day on Friday. Lexi is her new BFF from Kindergarten. We played and took a trip to McDonalds, they were on cloud 9. Brooke is getting very good at drawing. Her new favorite thing to draw is Peony's. That is a favorite flower of mine, Chris gave me some for our anniversary, and Brooke has been obsessed with them ever since. She is also enjoying ballet.

Presley is just so cute. She is staying so tiny and petite. It helps me hold on to the baby a little longer. She is quite stubborn, she will not do anything unless it is her idea. This has made life interesting, especially when we are in a hurry and she refuses to cooperate. I am late a lot. She is asking a lot of questions too, like "Mom where do snakes live, what color are they, where do giraffes live, were do zebras live, where....." It's really cute and I'm just glad the questions are easy! They do get harder! The other day two grasshoppers were mating and the neighbor girls said to Brooke "They're mating!" Brooke asked me what mating meant. I just told her it means they love each other:)

and that's a peek at our week

Halloween is in the air!

2008-09-28T18:13:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for HALLOWEEN! Halloween is my favorite holiday. We are all very excited! We are getting ready to decorate on October 1st no sooner or later!!! Hope you are all enjoying fall as much as me!

Our Girls

2008-09-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

We have three beautiful daughters.
Taylor Michelle Mayfield is 9.
Brookelle Ashley Mayfield is 5.
Presley Kate Mayfield is 3.
Each of them was born a different way, a different hospital, and they are all unique. Taylor was a traditional delivery everything went well and she was born at Lakeview Hospital and weighed 7'1 oz 20 inches. Brooke was breach and therefore born via csection at LDS Hospital weighing 6'11 oz 19 inches. Presley was born VBAC at Mckay Dee Hospital weighing 7'4 oz 19 inches. So I have experienced all three types of birth. It's been interesting.
Taylor enjoys drawing, art, reading, riding her bike, playing with friends, and ballet.
Brooke enjoys coloring, jumping on the trampoline, cuddling with her favorite blankie "pink," playing with friends, buying toys, movies, and ballet.
Presley enjoys coloring, singing, barbies, lipstick, dancing, music, and milk.

Something I learned Today

2008-09-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, what are we taught ever since we are born? To do things right! Right? Well I was taught that. Obey Mom and Dad, Get good grades, keep the commandments, read your scriptures, try not to make mistakes, be nice to others, be a good example to your siblings, be honest, keep your house clean, get your oil changed, get food storage, serve your neighbor, visit the sick, don't get into debt, da da da da da. So is it any wonder I am a perfectionist. I think deep down I have always known this, but this week I have began a journey to embraced it. You just can't be perfect, it will never happen in this lifetime. So what do you do? Do your best, it's all you can do. And if we never make a mistake what is the point of life? We learn very best from screwing things up and learning never to do it again. And how to do it better next time. We can't do it all or have it all, but we can be happy with what we do and what we have. This is just a little inspiration I received this week, so I thought I would share it.

2008-09-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our blog!

2008-09-15T15:47:00.000-07:00