2013 Review & 2014 Commitments

The year 2013 was awesome. It was a fun year for my family, nothing dramatic happened but I can look back with a big smile on my face.

This year, I will not be making any resolutions. I know that is lame! I was taught a very interesting lesson a few days ago. 'Don't make resolutions, but make commitments.'  How many people make resolutions and actually keep them? Not me. A commitment is 'the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.' For me, being committed to something carries more meaning and I know I can keep it if its that important.  So, this year I have committed to do that following:

1. Spend quality TIME with my husband and kids, together and individually.

2. Be positive and look for the best in others and things around me.

3. Be more grateful

4. The BIGGEST one on my list - BE ORGANIZED. This will help me make small realistic goals and ACTUALLY accomplish them.. I found an awesome blog with great home organization tips here.

I love the Year in Review Facebook came up with for me and here it is:

I walked in on Diana 'feeding her baby' while watching her favorite show, lol!! I didnt know what to say! (Jan 3rd)

My chubby bunny is 6 months old today. He can turn from his belly to back.. He is eating solids and loves his rice cereal. His weight is 96 %tile and height 93 %tile. And he absolutely loves his sister - he almost jumps off my lap when he sees her:) I feel blessed. (Jan 9th)

My little family (Jan 30th)

 

Eli is 8 months old (March 14th)

My little model:) (March 20th)

*So excited for Conference. Something that I learned on my mission, write down any questions or concerns you may have, pray about them then watch conference. It blows my mind every time because my questions do get addressed, I love it. Try it out. (April 6th)

I cut up some cheese for Diana and she would not eat them. I quote , "mommy these are not perfect squares." I am not an Iron Chef my lady:) (April 24th)

Its SUMMER people! the weather is beautiful today and my little girl looks even more beautiful. (March 3rd)

*Diana came screaming at me, 'take this thing out of my bum bum' I starting panicking wondering what she had put there only to discover she had a wedgie - wow miss drama queen! (May 30th)

So happy for my hardworking husband. James got into 'The University of Utah".  (June 20th)

Update: After the MSF orientation, he changed his degree to Masters of Real Estate Development

New blog post - guess who owns a business store??? meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! (July 8th)

Update: My store has been closed for the last couple of days, I couldn't find proper time for it. I will be reopening in 2 week's time.. I am super excited!

*Diana, "when daddy goes to work, he will break my heart."
Me, "oh, why?"
Diana, "because I will miss him so much."
I can't blame her, she has an award winning daddy:)

I love this little guy. (Aug 22)

*I wanted Diana to be a minion for Halloween but she wants to be a scary witch. The Diana I know is terrified of witches, so yesterday we took her to Halloween city to see witch costumes. She screamed her way through the store then she said, "OK, I won't be a witch, I will be a human." (Oct 23rd)

*My first utility bill here in SLC came and its ONLY $44. Remember my highest bill in Eagle Mountain was $260, lowest $160... Do you think I have a good reason to stand on my balcony and shout joyously? (Oct 24th)

*The other day, I sat in the car waiting for James as he went into the post office. I was deeply touched by what I saw. A young man (maybe 12) opened the door for an elderly lady carrying a big box, who expressed her gratitude wholeheartedly. Then the boy's father smiled and hugged his son as they walked away. Another lady walked in and a male stranger ran to the door and held it open for her. She too expressed gratitude and they both walked away with a smile on their faces. Just small, simple gestures can make a huge difference, even to one watching from a distance. (Dec 4th)

Here is some more pictures from 2013:

Eli had some serious body mass as a baby. I loved it and actually miss it. Seriously, chubby babies are the cutest. My daughter was so skinny as a baby and she still is. Her lowest percentile in weight was 35th and in height 80th. She made skinny work because she is such a beautiful little girl..

This guy's face changes all the time. He turned 1 this year. He only put a finger in his cake and didnt want anything to do with it.

Diana got 'married' this year... One night we were having dinner with our good friends, Diana and her cute 'boy friend' in the picture above took off into her room. They came back a few minutes later, Diana wearing her white church dress and they were both screaming, "we got married." I thought that was pretty funny. She also made a visit to the ER for a night.

These 2 got extremely close this year. Their friendship was actually the high light of my year.

I served an LDS mission on Temple Square 8 years ago. This year my mission president passed away. He is seating on the bench. He was a wonderful man and great mentor to me.

I turned 30. I am old people! it took 3 people to light up my candles. I had an awesome birthday even though my spotlight was stolen from me, the muscle guy and the 'not so newly' weds making out:) P.S - I have the best parents in law. They watched our kids the Saturday before my birthday so James and I could go have dinner and watch a show. We didn't get home until after midnight and we found our kids snuggled and asleep. Then a week later they made this little get together for me. I love them..

We had a wonderful time with family, egg hunt in the park, baptisms, weddings, 4th of July, birthdays, lacrosse games, yard work at my husband's grandma's house, my business, moving, old and new friends and Christmas etc; the list goes on. I am grateful for my family and my husband's family. For good health, my husband's job, a place we call home, the people that have showed us love and kindness and for the opportunity to be a mom. Its my favorite job in the world. I hope everyone has a wonderful 2014.

What are some of the resolutions/commitments you have made in the past, that turned out successful?

 

Happy Thanksgiving & a Sale

Thanksgiving is very special to me. I wish we had this kind of holiday in my country, Zambia. Its a wonderful time to reflect on the things that bring or should bring us happiness.

I am grateful for:

1. my little family. James, Diana and Eli have been a huge blessing in my life. James is extremely hardworking. He is loyal, trustworthy, kind, charitable and an awesome husband and father to my kids. One thing I love about him is that you will never ever hear him say anything negative or belittling about anyone. If its negative, then its something he would probably say in their face. He just makes me want to be a better person. With my kids, I can write for eternities. I am just grateful that God gave me the opportunity to be their parents. They have filled my heart with joy I never knew was possible.

2. my parents. The sacrifices they have made for our well being, the love and support they show me everyday. Even though they are a continent away, they have continued to be my number 1 fans. My father has always had health challenges as long as I can remember. Being a parent now, helps me appreciate him even more. My mother is one extraordinary woman. She has the biggest heart and loves unconditionally. I want to be just like her 'when I grow up.'

3. my siblings. Growing up, our friends made up a song about us because we were always together and did everything together. We become so close we didn't care very much about making friends outside our circle. I remember being at school and terribly missing my little sister and brother. It was crazy. But I will forever be grateful for parents that helped us realize that family ALWAYS comes first.

4. my in laws. My parents in law are the best people I know. Every time I look at my husband, the life the he leads, the choices he makes everyday, the love he has for us and the respect he shows those around him; I can't help it but be grateful for the 2 devoted parents that gave him life and taught him so well. They are a wonderful couple, parents and grandparents. They mean the world to me. They have been there at our graduations, marriage, birthdays, our kids' births etc. I love it and my kids love them.

5. for good health, a home, freedom, good friends and neighbors.

6. for this beautiful country I have come to call home. I have lived here in the States for almost 7 years now and I love it. I am grateful for the smiley strangers I meet every day in the streets. I am always amazed at the kindness of the American people and their willingness to bless the lives of those they surround. For the bountiful opportunities in store for everyone that wants them. I am deeply thankful to be a part of 2 amazing countries.

7. for my readers;  the kind comments and support you give me as a friend and blogger. You are awesome. Please give yourselves a high five!

HAVE A FANTASTIC THANKSGIVING. My wish is that everyone finds joy and happiness in whatever circumstances you may be in; love and be loved:)

 

On another bright note, Tiny Dazzles is having a sale on all the kids' boots. Use code thanx2013 for a 30% discount. The sale will run from today to Dec 2.



 

Enjoy

 

 

Tickets, Tickets please!

Diana was in heaven when we surprised her with a train trip around town. One of her favorite shows is Dinosaur Train, a PBS kids show with dinosaurs that ride on a train frequently. Diana's favorite line is when the conductor comes around saying, 'tickets, tickets please.'

Anyway, we had a wonderful time. We boarded the frontrunner at Woods cross and it took us downtown. Then we hooped on the Trax to Trolly Square. We walked for a block to my favorite eating place, Cafe Rio. Then got back on the train heading home. The trip lasted 5 hours and it was fun mainly because our kids loved it.

source

Tickets ready

Eli sucks on his fingers when he is tired or hungry

A forced smile and a sleepy face

It was a fun, inexpensive, family date filled with lots of laughs. The kids rode free, James too because he is a student at the U. I had to buy a ticket. I made a 'pretend' ticket for Diana and daddy walked down the isle saying 'tickets, please.' Yes, we had a few people around us. The things parents do for their kids...

What do you guys do with your kids and family that is fun but inexpensive especially in the winter? We did this a few days ago and the weather was nice and warm..

Doll Crib Changing Table

I have had a few questions on how I made the doll crib changing table here. I am sorry it has taken me ages to put up the instructions. I didn't take pictures of it but I will try to explain how I did it with a diagram. I hope it helps.

My crib dimensions are: 24" L X 14" W X 23" H
The changing table dimensions are:
Top - 9" L X 14" W
Shelf and bottom - 6.5" L X 14" W
Outer side - 17.5" H X 14" W

The board I used was slightly less than half an inch thick

1. For the top part of the table, I made an outline on the board using a pencil. I used a reciprocating saw to cut off the excess wood then used a sander to make the edges round(ish) and even.

2. This was the first piece I attached to the crib. I used wood glue and nails. After the glue dried, I used 3 nails across to make it stable.  I had to put in the nails from the inner side of the crib and used a lot of concision because the board is not thick enough; I didn't want the nails to split it.

3. I attached the top and side board as in (# 2)

4. Repent #2

5. With the shelf, I used these shelf support pegs from Home Depot. Using the drill driver, I made 2 holes on both outer sides of the changing table, and stuck the pegs into the holes.

That's it. If you have any specific questions please ask and I will try my best to answer them.

 

For those that have asked about the doll crib bedding instructions, I will probably put them up shortly after the Holidays.  I will be working on my kid's bedding then, and I will be sure to take pictures and write up some good instructions.

Thanx for your kind comments and patience. I appreciate it greatly.

 

Teach them while they are young

We have been in our new apartment little over a month now and we love it. It was hard for Diana to adjust mainly because she missed her friends in our old place. We have made a few good friends here and she is doing great now. We have been very blessed to live among wonderful people everywhere we go. This is our 5th place since we have been married and hopefully the last until we can get our own place:)

Lately, my kids have not been shy displaying their graffiti artistic abilities. This is my favorite picture of them. Most mornings, you will find them all snuggled up like this and I love it. When Eli wakes up, he calls for me and if he gets no answer he calls for Diana (Da-na) is what he calls her.  But those cute faces can be a handful sometimes.

This past week, they have managed to paint part of the kitchen and office wall with my RED nail polish. They drew on the bathroom door with green coloring pencils. Diana poured my whole bottle of body spray onto the carpet. She also dumped out her dad's body wash, my body wash and their shampoo in the bathroom. Eli dropped my new phone and cracked the screen. Diana did the same to the previous one. So, I am phone less as we speak. Please don't ask where I have been when all this was going down:( My kids, especially Diana are very good at what they do.. While, I got really frustrated and gave them both magic erasers and they were actually VERY EXCITED to clean the polish off. My goodness, it was really cute to see Eli 'cleaning.'

Here is some craziness they have been upto:Powdered milk and her baby Tiana, painted in yellow paint

Tooth paste all over the bathroom. And that thing stuck in the tooth paste is a toilet paper holder

Diana covered in tooth paste and the living room decorated in toilet paper

Despite all this chaos, they are really cute kids and Diana does 'help' a lot around the homeAttempting to change  her brother's diaper

Feeding him

Learning how to clean the sofa after hosting an 'unauthorized' crackers party

And actually cleaning after themselves

I want my kids to learn early how to clean after themselves. I remember my siblings and I started cleaning and doing chores around the home pretty early. I hope Diana and Eli will be excited to help even when they are teenagers.

Proverbs 22 vs 6: 'Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.' I love this verse and I know it is right on.

How old were your kids before you had them cleaning after themselves or helping to clean their own messes?

Fringe

Fashion blogger and singer, Abby from Twist Me Pretty is wearing our fringe necklace in turquoise.  Check out how she styles the necklace here.  The fringe necklace comes in turquoise and navy, these necklaces are a must have in every wardrobe.

Happy Monday!

 

Diana's room reveal

It has been ages since I lasted blogged here. We finally found a place closer to my husband's work and school. We will be moving in the next coming days. Never been a fan of packing but I hope I will be all packed when the day finally comes.

It's funny that I finally finished my daughter's room in time for us to move. Next time I will be a little efficient with my timing. Anyway, here it is. Forgive me for the blurry pictures, I need to get a new camera. I have dropped this one way too many times.

The room is girlie, bright and very simple. We have both loved it.. even though it hasn't always been this tidy

This is a Costco Abby twin trundle bed going for $750. We got it on KSL for $80. The paint was less than $30. So, it was an awesome steal for us. I was 8 months pregnant with Eli when I started working on it. That was not fun. I made the night stand too; very imperfectly. I still need to fix the one leg in the back.

I made the comforter, pillow case and curtains. I will be sewing some more bedding in the very near future, I will include a tutorial then. I made them really simple and they have lasted a year and still looking great.

We got the fleece sheets on sale from Ross for $7. They are soft and warm, perfect for cooler weather

The lamp is from Target. It had a nickle finish and I spray painted it bronze

I made the pom poms here, the 'love birds' poster here and bought the cage at Hobby Lobby. It was a distressed blue color  and I spray painted it hot pink

Pom poms

I made the baby doll crib here

Picture frames from Ikea and some from Ross. I spray painted some and used mod podge to stick craft paper on some

Basket from Hobby lobby

I made the table and chair,  here and here

The dresser came from my in-laws,  we sanded and painted it an 'antique white' color like the bed.

In our new place, the kids will share a room. I am eager and excited to start working on it. Hopefully it won't take me a year to finish it. I got some really cute inspirations on shared rooms here. I have been brain storming what colors will work best for a girl and boy's shared room. Do you have any suggestions for me?