The fabulous life of the cheerful-yet oh so dorky-Mr. Burns

NEW BABY!!!

2010-07-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

Well- I found the cord to connect my camera 2 my computer... so no more excuses for not blogging I guess... here it goes...
I guess I'll start with a confession... I AM HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE WITH 3 MEN!
Justin

Porter

and now...
CHASE- MY NEW LITTLE MAN!

I wasn't sure how this whole thing would work out- but Chase has wiggled his way into our family & we love him & wouldn't have it any other way!!!

yearly update

2010-05-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

So- I noticed I posted something in December... and that doesn't feel like too long ago because we've been so darn busy... but it was 5 months ago- so I guess it's time for a post. We lived in Mesa with Justin's parents for 3.5 months & it was wonderful to be there because the Hunts love my kids so much & they are so kind & my kids LIVED outside in their acre backyard... and there were horses next door they would feed through the fence, and 9 sheep across the street (that birthed 5 more while we were living there... so cute!) and Justin;s sister Tiffany & I are great friends & her 4 kids play so well with my 4 kids... so cousin time is ALWAYS fun & hard to leave... and it was great to spend time with Diane as she's been recovering from her heart attack, and my grandparents were a mile away & we saw them weekly... and Mesa is so familiar. Everything about it seems like home. And we go to go to the temple A LOT... and the Easter pageant was being set up while we were there & I took my kids to the temple grounds just to smell the flowers & watch pageant practice... so many wonderful memories crammed into 1 quarter of the school year. Taylor (our Kindergartner) started school at Hale Elementary (where I went briefly for 1 year while my family was in transition too) and the moms there were so nice, and the teacher was great- and I cried & cried that she had to be the new kid in the middle of the year... but she held up pretty well. And the details of the emotional roller coaster we were on while we were there, I will spare you from- cause it was a dark time for me. We almost lost our house & ended up spending every penny to our name (and then some) to get out of it, and dealing with banks and Realtors & government programs- and putting HOURS EVERYDAY into a job search headed to nowhere... plus a gazillion other emotions- they are not fun to write, or read- so I'm done. But we DID get a job, in Pharmaceuticals, and Justin loves it... and it moved us back to Tucson, into our old neighborhood where we had friends, and our kids have friends... and we got right back into the swing of things... we are living again after feeling guilty for "living" for over a year of no income & no job. Justin is dating me every other weekend and I LOVE IT!!!! We trade with a fun couple who have fun kids- and so every other weekend it's our turn to go out- which is something we never did before because of the cost of a babysitter. This works out better anyway! We are in a dinner group- where I cook on Thursdays for a 2 families, and Tues & Wed. meals are brought to us- delivered hot to our door right at 5pm- it is awesome cause my kitchen stays so much cleaner & I don't have to hate cooking so much on a daily basis. I am in an exercise group in the mornings where 5 moms take turns watching kids while the other 4 moms go work out for an hour- my kids love the play time- it gets them out of the house once a day, and I get to exercise without stopping to tie shoes, get water bottles out for the kids or stop to pet the dogs walking around the lake with the kiddos. I LOVE IT! It helped us feel a part of something again, when for so long life didn't flow that way (not because of any other reason than I had a husband home full time for over a year- that kind of cuts friend time down significantly... you know how hubby's are- at least mine... if he's home, he wants me there too... oh I was going CRAZY!) So- we moved back to Sahuarita to start Taylor back in her old kinder class with her old teacher & old friends... thank heavens- I would've had a mental breakdown if I had to make her go to 3 kindergartens... even though I did when I was little & I survived fine... she & I just have a little different personalities & I saw it was affecting her in a way I couldn't find a solution to & it ate me up inside. But- she made it through, and now that life doesn't feel like we are in fast forward so much anymore... I think we are all doing really well! We planted a garden *& it is doing AWESOME!!! Which is good, cause I really needed to be good at something for the moment... and it forces us to stay ion town and water it (cause we don't have a drip system) and to slow down & enjoy the lush green of the squash & zucchini plants & the 7 ripe tomatoes that have come off our vines... and I my kids & I are just LOVING it! Porter turned 5 in Mesa, and we had a killer party for him at his cousin's house- with a killer cake (a fire breathing dragon... I was so proud of it! Porter is hilarious & says the greatest things- I write em down when I remember- or post them on facebook- but I could have a whole blog about him- he is great! Justin just took off his training wheels & Porter learned in 20 minutes how to ride- with NO bloody knees or elbows... but that didn't last long. On day 2 of knowing how to ride he started jumping curbs & THAT'S when we got the blood! And Paige just turned 3- and for the last 6 months has been asking for earrings- so- we DID IT! Luckily Claire's had 2 girls working so we could do 2 guns at once because the way she yelled at those girls when they were done... we would have NEVER gotten the second ear pierced. She also has been stealing Porters bike & it's a big fight- but she wanted to ride a big girl bike soooo bad- so we got back Taylor's mini bike from a friend who's been borrowing it & Paige wakes up asking to ride at 6am every morning. We are an outdoor family- we LOVE to be outside & the weather has been so dang nice here it's been great for our outdoor habit! We went camping with 5 families to Mt. Lemmon a few weeks ago & froze a bit- but our kids caught horny toads & burned marshmallows & Porter had a minor head wound & Paige got food poisoning- but it was a super fun trip (and the eternal optimist in me refuses to acknowledge the undesirable parts as anything more than humorous... )and we'd probably do it again if I wasn't so HUGE & PREGNANT! Our 4th baby will be here soon (July 14th)- he's a boy, nope- we don't have a name picked out (not even close) but we do know the kids are sooooo excited for him to come & I have delighted in having my new OB's office close to the outlet malls- cause I've been able to shop alone & get stocked up to prepare for this kid! As of 2 weeks ago he weighed 4 lbs. 12 oz... and though that means he's projected to measure "full term" on June 28th... the doc said unfortunately that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be early... maybe just really big. YIKES! I could've done without that news. Also- since Jul of last year I was on a committee called TEAM RYAN HESS ( www.teamryanhess.blogspot.com) for a friend that I went to college with & coincidentally ended up living a mile from down here in Rancho... 12 years later... and we raised awareness of his battle, and did fundraising. Well- he fought a hard fight & his wife was phenomenal through it all, but the world lost him last week & he returned to live with our Heavenly Father... and I truly believe that with all my heart. And it brings me peace, and comfort to know that... but even knowing what I know- I am still saddened that Margie went through that & that his kids (6 & 3) will be raised without him, and also that he suffered so much over the last year... even though there were NUMEROUS miracles along the way- but cancer is a nasty disease, and it is a scary disease... so If I was weird & organic before... you better believe I am still on high alert... and not that it defines me, but I am very mindful (or try to be ) of what goes into my families mouths. I don't believe we are immune to it, but I'm not gonna open the door & invite it in. (Neither did Ryan- I am just saying- my awareness has been heightened)... So we will all miss Ryan, and I pray for the Lord to comfort his family daily... and I know that this is part of growing up... having to deal with real life issues... but it doesn't mean it's fun or easy, or that I know the right things to say or do, or how to be a good friend through any of it... but I do know he and his wife have inspired us in many ways to be better people, enjoy the little things, don't sweat the small stuff and "live like you were dying"... crossing things off your bucket list as you go along, not waiting for an excuse. For that- and so much more- I am forever grateful to them :)So- that's us in a nutshell- at least for the 1st half of 2010. I will probably post when the baby comes. I will find a computer cord to add photos too. Life is good, and the people in it make it even better! Thanks for being a part of ours!

We are in Mesa again

2009-12-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

We'll see if it sticks this time... we tried to live here 4 years ago and the only job in Pharmaceuticals that we could find... took us to Tucson. We LOVED our almost 4 years there! And were VERY sad to leave it! We had some of the nest friends anyone could ever hope for, and I really feel like I learned how to be a mom there. But we are very happy to be close to family again, and living heart healthy with Justin's parents. We just found out we are expecting- and we'll have #4 in July! Oh the joy! Hope we get a job before a kid- but if not, I am sure there's something we are supposed to learn from that too. A life of lessons.... that's what it's all about really. Well- when I have my computer and my camera cord I will add photos_ for now- this is our update! Happy New Year! Hope 2009 ends with no regrets and 2010 starts with hope, peace in your heart & family... and a profound realization of what is actually important.

just another day in paradise

2009-10-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

Ok- so I have been MIA for several months, but we are doing well... and about to turn another page in this chapter of our life. I am looking to do more of what matters, and less of what doesn't... and capture it all on film! I hope to start a photography class and effectively multi task (because if I am horrible at blogging and keeping a journal, and yet a picture is worth a thousand words... I'll be all caught up in no time!) Woo Hoo for me! These photos are of 2 of our daily occurances, playing ball (or at least pretending to) and "don't eat pete!" (our personal favorite!

quarterly post!

2009-05-11T22:45:00.000-07:00

Our quick family free trip to Mexico... the best way to travel is free! April 2009
Hunts LOVE THE BEACH! Porter loves his muscles!
Our date night to Phil Vassar concert for Justin's birthday! With our closest friends Paynes & Elams! Brian won the "cowboy up" award!
My brave kids on out swingset! I tell em not to, but do they listen??? NNNOOOOO... so I just take pictures instead! (The clouds were amazing little dots this day)
Papa & Grandma came to take Porter fishing for his 4th birthday at our neighborhood lake in February!
How much are those kiddos in the window?? arf arf?!?!?
Happy Easter
I love this squishy face! This was at least a year ago!
Our family Business trip last year to see the Jagers and play in California!
WOW! Flashback!
a dorky chocolate lover like his mom!
my 2 cute blondies in the middle with their 2 best friends!
these chubby feet get me every time!
rub a dub dub my thick babies are in the tub!
this was still on my memory card from christmas 2007- see... i told you i never update this!

ok- so you will think I am dorky, but I have not been so excited about blogging for the past 3 years because I did not have a way to get my 6000 photos from my 2 memory cards to my camera... until this week when my son's primary teacher begged me for a photo of him for a mothers day gift & I forced myself to sit down & figure it out... proud to say... 3000 of my photos made it... and here are some of them from since 2007! (I know I am a dork... get over it)

Holy Roller Coaster!

2009-03-05T21:04:00.001-08:00

Well- to define my life in a nutshell- it is one of unsurety at the moment. But one thing I do know for sure is that- I AM NOT ALONE IN THAT FEELING. The economy is affecting lots of people in different ways- and none of us asked to be here- so the quote I like best is...

LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS- IT IS ABOUT LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN!!!

So lets dance!!!

I do not know what the future holds, but I have a family that loves me, and I love them- and they need me to be happy and proactive, and to keep going.

Ever feel like that? Man- it has just been one of those days.

Good thing is- I am a HECK of a date! My 29th birthday yesterday consisted of an $8 meal at Chuy's (for both Justin and I... cheap huh?!) getting cleats for Taylor at Goodwill, a mexican store with a cute $8 shirt (the rest was crrreeepy), a trip to Kirklands for throw pillows and a mirror (which we didn't get), and coldstone (samples)... we can definately date for cheap when we don't have a job for almost 6 months now- have a lot of fun doing it, and the cool thing was- we didn't want to be anywhere else in the world... well- at least we were pleased in the moment- come on- who wouldn't love to spend their 29th birthday in Italy or France, but if I can't- mexican shopping and cheap food works too. I'm easy to please.

I am just checking in!

2008-11-22T20:42:00.000-08:00

HOLY SMOKES!!! JULY?!? Were the heck does the time go?!? I don't know- here's a recap... ward split- released from Young Womens- put in as primary chorister, just finished program... what a delight... there were angels with those kiddos. Paigee will go to NURSERY tomorrow- where the heck did that time go? I was brave and took the kiddos with me for a week to Utah, to a family reunion that will be in our memories forever! We bonded like never before with our "extended family" and saw 6 deer (and 1 skunk)! We spent time at the beautiful parks in Utah, ate my favorite treat (Carls Junior Chocolate Chip Cookies) stayed in a gorgeous condo, took time to stop and smell the roses, lost a pair of shoes in some restaurant (hey- don't judge me- I took a road trip alone with 3 kids for 10 days- they are lucky they all made it home in the car- shoes were the least of my concerns!), got in touch with long lost friends, and I got to speak in front of 800 people about my passion for living a fulfilling life... for standing up in this crazy world and making a change, starting in our own home. My kiddos got to come on stage, and we played the song "my wish" by rascall flatts.... LOVE IT (worth it to buy on itunes- promise...it is my wish for everyone I love)... anyway- as it started playing my cute little "Pudgey Paigee No Pants" started dancing (wiggling her cute chubby hips back and forth) and she got a standing ovation! It was a tear jerker!!!! Took 2 family trips of camping on the beach in California with our beach loving kiddos, and closest friends from Tucson, Celebrated Taylor's 5th birthday, Had a ROCKIN halloween party where I stayed up til 2am making a fabulous menu- and the kids honestly could've cared less.. but we had "salty bones breadsticks", bat cheeses, monster cupcakes, mini caramel apples (didn't turn out so hot), and so many fun games you would've thought I was a dang professional party planner (not to toot my own horn- but every mom in the neighborhood commented- and I LOVE TO DO IT!!! If I could plan kids parties everyday I would be a happy woman. I love kid watching (not watching kids... like babysitting) but sitting back and observing them in their innocence enjoy life!! Taylor is learning how to read (I am home schooling her with the "hooked on kindergarten" curriculum- it is great!) I had an awesome knock off purse party and got my coveted Dooney and Burke Giraffe Purse for $5 (vs. $85) Went to Justin's brothers last senior football game in El Paso, TX- we love that place, also to meet Lacie's new baby boy Jaxon! Had my first panic attack of my whole life... in Mexico- wow, I was scared.... Then we headed to Anaheim, California for a weekend retreat and training weekend (just Justin and I) and then I have been in Mesa for the past week trying to help my brother get situated as he has decided to up and pursue his dream of getting his nursing degree... and regardless of the fact that he is 31, and has 3 kids- he sees the loss of his job as the perfect excuse to STOP PUSHING THE SNOOZE BUTTON ON LIFE... and get busy doing something he's always wanted to do. I am proud of him. Depressed to be losing him at the same dang time we are "trying" to relocate... but the Lord has a plan for us and I do not doubt it! Oh yeah- and I coordinated and hosted a crafters boutique... we had such cute stuff this year! I hosted some wellness nights where I am teaching moms to be healthy, and be mindful of their kids health. Oh... and I caught up on my food storage (which has given me many sleepless nights... got all caught up at http://www.readystore.com/ ), got our water barrels, learned how to can meat, and make pasta from scratch, and bought a generator!!! We payed off all our debt, and finally feel like we can breathe! WOO HOOO! It feels good to have that out of the way. (I still need a butter substitute, and wheat)- but have lots of whole grains, beans, freeze dried veggies, and fruit, powdered milk, meat, snacks, zrii (like eating 60 pounds of fruit, so packs a great nutritious punch for food storage), and all the emergency essentials (water treatmeant stuff, sanitation stuff, camping gear, batteries and crank radios, lanterns, stove, jet boil system... it's been a lot, but well worth every penny! Justin is now my full time stay at home hubby (not of his own doing, but I'll take what I can get... he lost his job 3 weeks ago) and we are getting along just fine. We are so blessed, and for that I am grateful! Ok- so I am home now, I had a baby shower at my house today and a full day of catch up (I've been gone for 8 days) and going to bed. If I haven't posted in a while- this is why... life. ( and I started another blog for my business, it is dorky, but these things are time consuming www.teamofeight.blogspot.com ... and facebook (caryn)...I admire all of you for making this a priority... for me, it's a quarterly deal. Hope you don't give up on me! Thanks

frustrated with technology

2008-07-07T11:09:00.001-07:00

ok- can someone tell me how to get this dang QuickTime video clip on here??? This is unreal! It's been "uploading for like 2 days- still nothing!! Is the a trick!?!?

Mrs. Luster

2008-07-07T03:25:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Luster
Well- that's what I'm affectionately called by the Zrii-ites in the world. 1st of all- know this- I am not meaning to not post, but a) I am running a brand new business, and any of you that have ever owned your own business know that you have to put some time in to get it up and off the ground... but it is paying off! b) I LOST MY DANG DIGITAL CAMERA BACK AT CHRISTMAS- and I haven't had it to take pictures of my own kids and family life- except on my phone... Paigees whole first year almost is documented on my phone... and so I can't post pictures unless someone emails them to me from their camera- lame I know, but that is one HUGE piece of this whole blogging puzzle! c)I am a vata... you don't know what that means- but it means I am airy and spacey, and not a finisher... random at best... I meant to have you all take a DOSHA quiz to figure out what you are- because it makes interactions with people so much clearer when you know who you're talking to... and it would be helpful for you to know how to create balance in your life by knowing what are some things to avoid doing because they might throw you out of balance... make sense?!? I am Vata- I have a tendency, when imbalanced to feel anxious and overwhelmed- one thing I could do to help that is to finish things... Pittas are firey and hot, so they should avoid spicy foods, competitive sports, and anything that heats them up... all of this is so fun to learn about in my wellness nites I teach- once a month in Phoenix- you are welcome to join us, or go to www.EatTasteHeal.com to take the dosha quiz- then email me or post your results- I am so curious!
d) my computer has been broken for like a month!-annoying- all my bills were late, hello- I am paperless!!

Anyhow- this is my Big Interview... they picked me to be a "pillar of the brand." We went to our "grand opening/launch" in May...Zrii is the fastest growing company in the history of companies (even mySpace, Utube, and Google) and they contribute that, in part, to what it represents... (the pillars of the brand) which are LIGHT, LUSTER, SPLENDOR, AND PROSPERITY. Light was leadership, splendor was about a person with an amazing journey, Prosperity was financial success... and Luster was me... attitude... I feel honored to be chosen as the first person ever to represent Zrii because of my attitude... what a tribute and compliment to have something so personal, and often confined within the 4 walls of my own home... be hand picked out of over 20,000 possibilities- and celebrated, because I am a MOM!!!!!!! And then to be interviewed in front of almost 5,000 people to tell my story...I love it! This is a safe place to be... it's more than just this amazing product- also called Zrii- that is changing people's lives (from an incredible health perspective) it is offering personal growth and walking us, hand in hand down the path to success in all areas of life... the people I'm working with ARE FULL TIME MOMS AND DADS- they have BOTH parents at home (or not- really they can take the kiddos anywhere- so why just stay home, right) and that is what I am working towards... bringing my husband home, to raise our kids together- and go serve the Lord (I have always been jealous Steph grew up in a foreign country- and always longed for that opportunity to do with my family... now I've found it, and it's WORKING, and it's FUN, and my SON DOESN'T SUFFER FROM ASTHMA OR ACID REFLUX ANYMORE, AND MY HUSBAND NO LONGER SUFFERS FROM ARTHRITIS, AND MY KIDS SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT WITHOUT BAD DREAMS, AND MY BABY GOT 8 TEETH WITHOUT TYLENOL- OR A RUNNY NOSE OR ANYTHING... AND I HAVE ENERGY TO GET THROUGH THE DAY- AND I DON'T SUFFER FROM CRAMPS, OR HEADACHES, OR POOR DIGESTION, OR BRUISING... crazy I know- it sounds too good to be true... but it's not... trust me- if you love me- you'll read the magazine I gave you, and let me spend 45 minutes with you explaining what in the world I am talking about- it may not be for you- but I am passionate that everyone needs to be on Zrii, and give it to your kids... not because I sell it (because I don't- I'm just a mom- not a saleslady "Avon Calling"- gag! I simply introduce it to you, and let you get your own experience on it) but because it has changed my life for the better (and I was pretty dang good before all this- trust me I was NOT looking). That's why I'm willing to share it- I would never share something I was not 100% confident in... but I am...I owe it to you to not keep my mouth closed any longer! Thanks for reading- this was just supposed to be a video intro- please watch it- it is a shining moment in my life- and embodies the message I am sharing (and in doing this PART time I have already retired 1 mom to be a stay at home mom FOREVER- she no longer has to send her 6 year old twin daughters to day care anymore... THAT'S MEANINGFUL TO ME...p.s.-I don't have my kids in daycare either (that would be a little hypocritical don't ya say)- I do this during play days-with my kids at the park, when Justin gets home or after the kids are down for the night... it really fits in to what we already had going on!) And it won't be forever- I am patient enough to put in the miles now- to be safe, secure, and HOME WITH MY KIDS FOREVER (regardless of what gas prices do, or "the economy")... now do you understand why I feel extra blessed? Healthy Kids, Happy Home, Plan for the future (if ye are prepared ye shall not fear)- Hope so! G'Nite!

no pics yet- from Utah

2008-06-03T01:18:00.000-07:00

Hey I CAN NOT WAIT for the reunion! Let's plan for something Sat night late- it will be so freakin fun!!!!!! Love ya'll!! Let's get a plan so it actually happens!

this is it

2008-05-18T00:56:00.000-07:00

HELP

2008-05-18T00:45:00.000-07:00

Ok- I know I am dorky and don't post- know that my life is crazy busy- just like all of yours- we have a kid writing all her letters and finishing up "preschool", a kid potty training- never ending story, and a kid getting teeth (8 to be exact) and learning to WALK!!! Life never slows down around here- and my house is proof... I step on something, inevitably, everyday- because I have 3 kids that carry things around and DROP them, never even thinking for a moment that the toy is out of place- NAH!!!Oh well- we love it, and it's our life. Ok HELP! I have to wear a formal gown this week- I have no time to go shopping because I have been watching my friends kids all week while she's getting ready to have a baby- tomorrow is sunday, Mon. Justin leaves for New Jersey, Tuesday I leave for Phx, Wed. I leave for Salt Lake- and Thurs I am supposed to be wearing it!!!!!!!!! This is what I picked- is it SO cute, or not so cute? Any suggestions- I have searched for modest gowns- my heck they are hard to find!!!!!!!! Let me know your vote- or if you will be in PHX or UTAH any of the next 3 days and have a better option- or want me to borrow yours- I would say "SssssssssssWEET"- I would not say no!!! Ok- thanks for your opinion!

Why I love mothers day

2008-05-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

4 reasons why I love mothers day:
1. Taylor
2. Porter
3. Paige
4. My hubby Justin Lee- that made it all possible

You wouldn't believe me if I told you

2008-04-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

So many wonderful blessings have lead me to this moment in my life... and I can't even express my gratitude enough... no matter how I try- I don't know if it is possible to fully share what is in my heart. I have been given a gift- already I have been able to reach out and share, and touch HUNDREDS of lives- which is what I feel I was put on this earth to do- HELP PEOPLE!!!!!!! I have always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, but was never willing to do what that took because I also always, always, always wanted to be a mom... A STAY AT HOME MOM... no matter what that meant, and Justin always supported me, until last summer when he said- when our last baby is in Kindergarten I want you to come be a pharmaceutical rep... I promise before I even knew the secret I was using it to attract the change I was looking for... it is peace... it is health...it is security... it is confidence... it is leadership... it is helping others...I am a better mom... I am a better wife...great things are happening effortlessly and I can not hardly put that into words... other than "it is such a blessing"...

Anyone that reads this obviously knows me... you know how dorky I am and have always been, you know I am an optimist, a little gullable, a lot passionate about what I love, loyal to those I care about, dependable once I actually commit... but also very non committal(this is because I don't ever like to let people down... including myself!!)Well, a few months ago my friend came to me, after a lot of resistance on my part... and our conversation has changed me, my focus, and the direction my life was headed (which was probably like a lot of you, though we are debt free(thank heavens) we bought at the peak of the market and are 70k upside down in our home... scary!! Maybe you don't have real estate concerns... but maybe student loans- all of it is exactly what the prophet tells us to avoid)So... I listened, and I never, never, never could have imagined the journey I was starting. I am happier, healthier and calmer because I have learned what "THE POWER OF A BALANCED LIFE" means... and I owe that to Ayurveda... an ancient system of medicine that uses FOOD as medicine... and looks at each individual and their sleep habits, relationships, exercise, skin type, body structure, mind type, digestion, energy,and all 5 senses to create not only health, but well being!! So simple, yet extremely powerful... I could go on and on, but ladies (because I am assuming you're a woman- sorry if your not, it's great- you should try it sometime(joke)!!)just know that I was praying for something, and thinking about health day in and day out because of some scary thoughts I've had about childhood diabetes, and heart disease, and heart attacks- of people our age, and then watching my grandparents age so painfully has scared me to the point where I said- what can I do now to avoid that happening? And this is it. So I hope you are all well and wonderful out there in blogger space (get it, like outer space?!? Man that puts a smile on my face every time!!)and if not, please call me- I have been so blessed an would love to share!! Watch this to see why I am so stinkin grateful, and try to look beyond the money part of prosperity... recognize the underlying gratitude one would have when this becomes their reality... that's why I'm smiling

I WILL ACTUALLY ACHIEVE MY GOALS OF BEING A STAY AT HOME MOM, ABLE TO HOME SCHOOL MY KIDS, SERVE FAMILY MISSIONS WITH OUR KIDS (AROUND THE WORLD HOPEFULLY) AND LIVE THE LIFE I WAS PUT ON THIS PLANET TO LIVE, BY SERVING, AND GIVING BACK ALL THAT I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH!
Thanks for your time... enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1N9Skil70M

and then this... "Dan Rhoda on Product"

http://www.zrii.com/zrii/pages/media/mediavid.xhtml?mid=30&conversationId=614099

I am Vatta- fast talking, walking, creative- sometimes frazzled!
Justin is Pitta- creating heck, but a great leader- he gets it done!

IIIIIIIIII LOVE IT!!! So simple, and yet so inspired!!

Living in Fast Forward

2008-03-15T00:44:00.000-07:00

Well- would you believe me if I said I still have a snowman cookie jar on my counter, Christmas cards on my wall, and a Welcome Winter doormat outside my front door? Needless to say- TIME IS FLYING!!! Paigey (our 10 month old) is now crawling like a little pit bull- literally- a chubby little mass with cute chubby shoulders and her head down- plowing forward- it is adorable! Porter turned 3- we had a superman party in Mesa at Peter Piper- together the kids won like 900 tickets (obviously with the daddy's help)- and all the kids went home with cool dinosaurs, magic wands, fake mustaches, and bubble gum- total value, probably $3.00- actual cost in tokens... $25- but obviously totally worth the memories! We had Porter's party the night before Justin and I took off to Salt Lake for a 3 day get away- leadership conference... we are literally seeing parts of our personalities we've looked our whole lives for- and it is energizing. Then the next week we didn't even hardly unpack- and me and the kids hit the road for a 5 day road trip to Texas to spend time with our family still there, and help them grow their businesses that we are working on together- then home for a brief birthday dinner with 200 of my closest friends (ha- the relief society quarterly dinner... happened to fall on my big 28th birthday- woo hoo!!) Then the next morning, I had not even unloaded the car from the TX trip- so we jumped in together again (me and the kiddos three) and headed to Mesa for 4 more days... a wonderful 3 weeks, spent in 3 states, with tons of new faces, and fun experiences, and I promise- it is amazingly inspiring to be a part of such a neat movement right now.
There is no way you can know what the heck I am talking about- but here is a fun link that briefly describes what's going on in our lives...

http://www.zrii.com/zrii/pages/media/mediavid.xhtml?mid=24&conversationId=449856

Just watch for a minute- you'll see a familiar face... this is my passion- we get to spread the word about a product that is changing lives... teaching people to use food as medicine, and in so doing I am reaching new heights personally because I am supported in my desires to better myself and share an opportunity with everyone I know to step into their own personal greatness!!!

Love ya'll- headed to Orange County this week- if you'll be in the area- call or let me know... I'd love to see you! Happy Easter coming up!

Time for my monthly post!! hee hee!

2008-01-24T23:47:00.000-08:00

Well life is wonderful. life is grand- I am living the way I have wanted to for years and years now, but never could quite figure it out. My kids are happy, and healthy... I am a PARK mom (my whole goal last year), my house is clean- not because I finally figured it out, but because I am a closet housekeeper payer- sshhh, don't tell J dog!! And last but not least- I am teaching again- but not for a boss, and not for a school- and it is on my own time frame, and I am getting paid to do what I absolutely love. I am seriously busy, but I am ok with it, because I am in the process of setting up a business that will benefit me and my family for the rest of our lives!!!!!! Don't believe me? Ask Mark Mabry and John McLelland what I am into, and if they themselves think it's an opportunity too great to pass by. I am serious... this is not a sales pitch- it is an explanation as to why you only hear from me occassionally! But in a few months it will all be different! I am getting in touch with people on a regular basis that I haven't talked to in years and years- It's like it's fate! I can't beleive it! I hope all of you out there in blogger space (get it ...outer space...hee hee) have watched. read, or listened to THE SECRET... if not, do it- it will change your life!!!!!!!!! Ok- Paigey is awake now- goodbye for now!

ok- I'll rejoin the living!!!

2007-12-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

Oh my heck- like it is so hard to stay up on blogging- I know it is therapeutic- but it is also 12:49pm!!! Well- all is well- and I am absolutaly loving my kids- we have started exercising on the trampoline everyday- it's a great workout for me- and they laugh their heads off! Paigey is so freakin cute- I don't know if I can say that cuz I am her mom- but oh my heck- she is so easy to love! Porter is so in love with her, and Taylor is my scragily haired little wild child! Thay act like caged animals though- as soon as my front door opens they sprint down the street- and it is all I can do to get them back in the door! Well- I am so tired- and I have to iron 5 shirts in the morning before Justin goes to work- so I'll go, but just a comment on our family photo shoot - Porter is hiding a bag of marshmallows behind his back- that is the only way he'd be in the picture- and I just love him for it! I loved girls day out! I want to do it again- soon! Have any of you heard that 27 is a pivotol ? year in a woman's life- I am realizing it every day! I don't think it is a coincidence that we are all 27 (except amy- love ya!) and getting back in touch- we are at a place in our life that is unique! Hence the reason my daughter is named after my mom- I am at a place of gratitude and profound admiration for all those that have gone before me and succeeded! I love it and I love to see old friends! Have a great day- don't yell at me for not updating anymore! Peace out!

What's in a name- Mr. Burns

2007-08-28T00:55:00.000-07:00

Do you know how I got this stinkin nickname? I was bugging Justin for like 3 years when we first got married for a "pet name"- it seemed everyone had one... whether they called their spouse babe, or sweetheart, or honey, or like my dad calls my mom- "shorty"... just something that sets me apart from the other people he talked to everyday... and you know- we tried it, we tried hard- but I just could not call him anything affectionate, and neither could he... so, despite my effort, and intent to call him something kind of cute- he ended up J-dog, which is so dorky, but it stuck... even on the football field, and I ended up Mr. Burns... you know- Homer Simpson's boss- the weakest person on the planet- yep, that's me in my loving husbands eyes... oh well- I'll take what I can get!

Our little family

2007-08-28T00:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo on the webcam- because I am too lazy (or busy) to download the new software for my new camera (I should though, because I now have 1300 photos on there since March- and it is too full to continue taking pics!)I love my sweet kiddos!

Running behind- again!

2007-08-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness- I should have never started blogging, it's just one more thing to add to my to do list, and then feel bad about not getting to! One thing I tell people I work with in any capacity (school, church, business)- is "If I said I'll be there, know that I am coming, I'm just late." So just know the posts will come, just not regularly, and maybe I'll do 3 in a night- like tonight...My life has turned upside down in the last 2 weeks but I am actually really excited about it! I am busy, but I (by chance) have been lucky enough to know the "right" people(they always say it's not what you know, it is who you know and when!) at the right time in my life... and I've been invited on a business adventure- one I didn't know if I was ready for, but have been loving! I feel like the stars are aligning, and I can't wipe the smile off my face. So- I don't know when you'll here from me, but know I'm alive and kicking... always with baby puke on my shoulder, hair in a pony tail, and usually all 3 kids in my lap at the same time... but know that I would love to share my new found excitement with you- email me and then I'll call ya! I hope to see lots of 97 Toros at the reunion in October! Oh- does anyone else serve in Young Women? What great things have you done with your girls, we have had a great year, and want to continue, so let me know what worked for you!
Oh- I start teaching dance next week - wish me luck! I should have posted Shanon's video up as my bio for all the parents to see, so they'd know what their daughters were truly in for!! Hee, Hee!

seems like a whole lifetime ago

2007-08-09T02:23:00.000-07:00

This is 2 and a half years ago (Feb. 2005)...Taylor was so excited to be a big sister, and now she has done it again... poor middle child always gets jipped of photo opportunities, but they are forgiving right? We hope!

Here are some photos of the 3 munchkins at my house- man they are so sweet (especially when they are sleeping). Ha!

We finally named our new sweetie- she is Calie Paige, after her grandma! She's 14 lbs. at 2 months and still growing!

My first attempt- again

2007-08-09T01:45:00.001-07:00

oops- see already, blogging-retard! That's me!

My first attempt

2007-08-09T01:45:00.000-07:00

OH- HERE IT IS!!! I FOUND IT...I JUST MAY FIGURE THIS THING OUT! HOO-HOO (As Porter always says) Well- here it goes, my attempt to enter the hi-tech world with my hi-tech peeps... though I am usually retarded on most things- like teaching a hip hop class, remembering to pay the water bill on time, and not burning the garlic bread - maybe blogging will be different for me! I wish there were cooler fonts- hello I am the vinyl letter girl- and fonts are sooo my thing... well- we'll see- I'll try to grt photos on here, but if I can't- just take my word for it that she is CUTE, and CHUBBY!!! I love chubby babies and she is so stinkin kissable!!!