ElfYourself

Wow, I had no idea such cute ideas were out there. Click on the link. Read more!

Jacob's 1st Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Tournament

Here's a YouTube video of Jake's second match. He came back from a score of 4-11 to win 12-11. Click the title to see it. Read more!

I had a Girls Night Out last night and spent some time with a girlfriend doing some scrapbooking. Here's my first layouts of anything missionary related. Read more!

A Totally "Mom" Moment

Yesterday I had one of those profound moments when you look at your daughter across the room and you get filled with so much joy instantaneously that you start to cry. I was standing in an atrium of a retirement apartment complex videotaping Kyra's spring show. I'd heard most of the pieces before, but suddenly I zoomed in on her face, and watched her sing with such gladness and abandon that my heart welled up inside, and I became a teary mess. I couldn't contain the joy I felt at being a Mom. What have I done to deserve so many blessings wrapped up in four, individual teens? There's not a lot of glamour in motherhood; nobody cheers when dinner is placed on the table, no one rates my superior performance at stain removal skills, no one thinks it's cool that I know my grocery store bagger by name, and no one posts smiley emoticons for the hundreds of diapers changed. But this I know.....there is no comparison to the fulness of joy you feel when you choose the path of motherhood and all it entails. Yep, and there's a lot of yucky stuff that comes with it! Sometimes the joy appears in fleeting instances, and sometimes it even takes a long time in between showing itself.....but it's always there. And there's peace in knowing that this is what I'm supposed to be doing at this time in my life. The world has tried to come up with another substitute for these feelings, but they will never be satisfied. There will never be enough screen time, never enough money, never enough fame, and never enough cosmetics and surgeries. My heart is full of gratitude for this knowledge. I didn't have this knowledge going into it. It was a total leap of faith -- trusting in my Heavenly Father's plan. I've always had "drive" and a passion to do something that made a difference and left my stamp on the world. I've always had places to be, things to see, knowledge to inhale, talents to learn and big dreams to follow that would rival John Goddard's. I never even dreamed that I would be making my stamp this way. And I have absolutely no regrets. My life isn't done yet -- and I have plenty of time to chase other things. But while I have children under my roof, and a presence and relationship with them to lift and inspire them to rise above the ugliness of the world, I will do whatever it takes and sacrifice whatever needs to be sacrificed so I am there for them. I don't remember anyone ever telling me about the untouchable benefits of being a stay-at-home Mom. Or maybe it's just that I never listened..... There's something to be said for being in a place where you are so blessed with joy that you don't want for anything. Read more!

Mother's Day

I was feeling grumpy Saturday after spending time at my mom's house for a BBQ. I have 2 step sisters that are absolutely stunning and a Size 4 to boot. I try not to compare myself, for I know perfectly well my body was never meant to be that size, but I was low enough today to throw myself a little pity party and be frustrated with my body size. That feeling doubled when I couldn't even put on an anklet made for Barbie's foot. It was refreshing to attend Church and be reminded of what really matters. I left feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all I have and enjoy on a daily basis. Because of my passion for pictures, I've been able to freeze time over the years and reminisce visually all the places Ive been able to explore and capture priceless expressions on my children's faces. Yes, a healthy body does matter...don't get me wrong. But there are times when I'm striving to eat right and exercise and meet weight goals that seem to take A LOT of my focus for the day, not to mention expending resources. And I don't think that's great either because it takes away from other important things. Someday I will find a balance, but I refuse to wallow until I get there. Adam called home at 7:00 tonight for his bi-annual phone call home. We talked for over an hour about what he's been doing in Kentucky, and getting him updated on home. What topped off my day were the sweet, personal Mother's Day gifts: a cuddly teddy bear from Kyra which she told me the day before "you so want this," a Psych T-shirt from Erica ("I've heard it both ways"), a note from Jacob telling me I wouldn't have to remind him to practice his clarinet and do his homework for the remainder of the school year and "travel money" from Bill. Life has been sweet and delicious..... despite the extra poundage I carry with me. Read more!

Junior Prom May 2011

Kyra and Collin Odysseus going to Prom. Nick Miner flew over here in his car while we were taking a few pictures to give Kyra a huge hug and tell her how pretty she looked. So we got a picture of him, too!

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First Day of Schoolyear 2010-2011

September 2010....the kids are starting another year of school. Jacob is a brand new 7th grader at the junior high, Erica is a freshman at the junior high and Kyra is a junior at Viewmont High.

Kyra leaves yet again in the pitch dark as she heads out for her 2nd year in early morning seminary.

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Sept 2010 Kyra Powder Puff & Homecoming

Kyra's friend from 2010's EFY invited her to his homecoming in West Jordan.

She also played powder puff football this month as a junior. There was a lots of cheating and bribery amid the judges and seniors. She had a lot of field time.

She and her friend Jenna posed after the game.

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Family Picture July 2010

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Kyra soccer and Erica track May 2010

Erica tried the high jump and 800m on the Farmington Junior High track team. I lost my pictures of her jumping :(

Kyra played soccer another spring with Kaysville City rec.

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Adam Self 3D Portrait

Another one of Adam's 3D creations. Read more!

Adam's Senior Pictures

Click the title for a slideshow of Adam's senior pictures taken spring of 2010 Read more!

May & June 2010

Click on the title for a slideshow of pictures of Adam's prom, polo game, stage crew lifestyle, graduation and Jake's first scout backpack overnighter. Read more!

March 2010 Texas trip with Rikki

In March of last year, my sister's husband's cousin (Sydney) invited Rikki down to her place in Houston, offering free lodging and a free car to use during the day. Airline tickets were complimentary from West Wind Litho's SkyMiles account. What could she say?! She said, "Can I bring my sister?" (Sydney works during the day).

If you click the title, it will take you to a slideshow.

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June 2010 - Kyra Rappelling

For the 4th year's high adventure activity for Girls Camp last year, we took them rappelling. Even though Kyra wasn't a 4th year, the staffers were invited to tag along. Here's Kyra rappelling down, and then doing 2 separate climbs UP....then swinging down.

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Kyra's 16th Birthday - Jan 2010

For Kyra's 16th birthday we surprised her with a "blind date," a good friend of Adam's and hers from school, doubling with Adam and Jess. Jess did up Kyra beautifully, then took her downstairs to see exactly who she was going out on her first date with: David! They blindfolded her and drove her to Salt Lake to dine at The Roof restaurant which overlooks Temple Square. Afterwards they walked around Temple Square then had a horse & buggy ride downtown.

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Dec 2010 Dance & Concert

Kyra all ready for her Christmas Dance in Dec 2010. It's March.....do you think I've seen pictures yet?! NO! Erica is also pictured here all ready for her Christmas band concert.

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