Amanda and the Essential 55

So, last week for our activity, we did the following:

First: Got food at good 'ol Arctic Circle
Second: Drove to the park by the library...can't wait until it's warm enough to stay outside :)
Third: Read about Rule #4 (Respect others comments, opinions and ideas...not by laughing at them or making discouraging comments...good rule...needed the reminder myself for sure)
Fourth: Visited the Antique store/book shop on Main (which is where we found the above beauty)
Fifth and final: Went to Joann's for some fabric for a blanket for her

We are funny people...she's sometimes eccentric, and I try to balance her out.  However, we've discovered that we both love, LOVE, love old things.  We love old people, old buildings, old fashioned quilts and decor... LOVE it.  Today...with our love of old things, we're going to do some genealogy.  I can hardly wait!!

Trent :)

So, as you all know, le jour de la St-Valentin was this past week.  Well, true to form, my husband got his Valentine just a little late ( like 2 days late).  Nice huh.  I was so bugged with myself.  After all, I'd had all these great ideas on things I could do for him (things I will save for another year)...and I didn't do one of them.  Not one.  One of my goals (well, since it isn't written for now, dreams) in life is to be on time.  I am ALWAYS, always, a-l-w-a-y-s late with gifts and presents, unless the party is held on the same day as the big event. Then again, even at that...I still can manage to be late.

Let me give you a few examples.  At the end of 2009, we decided to make our kids books to help them remember the things they had learned in Nursery.  Can you guess when they got them?  It think it was March.  We're right on track with our kids that moved up last year...their project is still unfinished (and it was way scaled down from the year before).  I think I will try for the end of the month on these.  Finally, our brother-in-law's last part of the birthday gift he was meant to get in December (that accidentally got left at home when we went to my parents for Christmas, that and the rest of the gift for my mom) is barely on it's way to his house.  Nice huh?  I am always a bit embarrassed when I send or hand things out late, just hoping the people I am giving them to will forgive me.  Anyway, long story short (yes, you already made it through 2 ENTIRE paragraph on my tardiness), was that I wanted to dedicate a post to my sweet husband on Valentines.  4 days later, here we go. 

Trent has been a most important part of my life for almost 4 years now. It all started with a crush...

Me trying to keep my eyes open (will not show previous picture, as this one looks lame enough of me ;0)

Much better...

...and then, after 2 years of time to learn and grow and love together...

Color me mine--love that place!

Painting instead of carving...our best idea yet!!

Dog sitting was super fun (really was!)

Family time the day after Grandma passed

Hanging lights for Grandpa

Trying to help Miss Kate into my shoes

So many good times to be had!

Our ever sophisticated McCall and sweet little "Faff"

we did this...

Salt Lake Temple in the afternoon

Trent's side of the family

My sweet sisters

Trent's sweet sisters and their husbands

My side of the family

My wonderful mother-in-law

My sweet parents

Since then, we have continued our journey together.  The best part is going through life with my best friend at my side.  With each challenge we encounter, we work together to learn how to move through it smarter (and hopefully, learn faster) and better.  I am so grateful for every part of this man--for his patience with me, his faith that guides, his love for me and for our family, and for his perspective on others and life in general. I am also so excited to see him in action with the little ones we hope will join our family soon enough.  He will be such a wonderful father.  I am so blessed--SO blessed. 

'Balentines

So this post has been sitting in my "edit posts" section for like 3 days.  I feel like such a slacker...and am really kind of mad because I felt like I was having some inspiration on what to say (which has now dissipated from my mind...that is what I get for not writing it down at least).  Anyway--I am finally getting to updating the blog and finishing this post.  We'll just jump right in where I left off:

Before I get my Valentine, I need to touch on a few other people.  3 to be exact.  They were our first "Valentines" and will be the ones we are forever grateful to have in our life.  Here they are in no particular order:

Mom in action at Grandpa Powers' 80th birthday

Dad and 3 of his girls on Christmas morning

Trent and mom painting pottery...one of my favorite pictures of these two

Mom helping me before we started the picture taking :)

Mom helping Trent get his jacket on just right

Dad and his Krystal :) So grateful for these two and their special relationship

  You know, their best sides are seen when they are in action. That is why I chose this group of pictures to show some of the things they do.  They have taught us much; things as small and random as how to make the perfect sandwich, how to tie our shoes, how to make our beds and pick up our rooms, and how to clean windows and pull weeds in the garden.  They've also taught us bigger, more assorted things; how to spoil a child, how to plan a party, how to lead a group, how to make a grown-up decision, how to live a gospel-centered life, how to be accountable, and how to work hard--even when the work environment totally stinks.  Sometimes we know they think they were too hard on us, or not hard enough, or that they wish they would've done more.  However, they were perfect in what they were able to do...and as for the things they feel like they missed; well, they've helped us to realize how important "they" are and how much we need to work for our kids to have as many opportunities as we feel are important. 

We are grateful for the people they are and for all they continue to do for us--because without them, we wouldn't be near the people we are today.  Even when they aren't around (My parents live in Denver and Trent's mom is up in Logan), we continue to say "well, if mom were here, what would she do?" Or "If dad were in this situation, I bet he wouldn't let it get to him."  We are so blessed, and hope they know how much we love them just the way they are.

Warm fuzzies and other thoughts

In keeping with the spirit of Valentines (less then a week away!), I wanted to take some time to talk about our grandparents.  They are true blessings in our lives.  Let us present:

Grandpa and Grandma Powers

 Grandpa Williams

 And Grandma Millie

There is one very important member of the group missing from this photo montage.  That is Grandma Beverly.  Her time in life was made a little bit shorter then Grandpa Powers'...she has been gone since 2001, and has been sorely missed.  However, Grandpa was blessed to find Grandma Vauna, who hasn't been a substitute but a remarkable and valued addition to our family.  Grandma Millie isn't with us anymore either...that is probably why I dare post a picture of her in her pj's...but still, she looks pretty cute (and a bit sassy), don't you think?  

Our time with our Grandparents are treasured moments.  With our interest in old things, we love asking them questions about when the were growing up.  They tell us stories about things like skipping church, getting in trouble for talking too much, what it was like to be in love with each other, and many other little gems we aren't allowed to repeat ;0) However, what we love most is the respect for their experiences that helps to mold our own actions.  We are able to learn from them and be better because of them.  Our goal now--give back a little to them, but trade for knowledge, hugs, and ice cream along the way. 

Amanda report :)

This week for our outing, Amanda came to the mentor banquet with me.  I volunteered her (and she accepted of course) to serve food to the mentors.  It was a fun night, and the best part was when the BYU young ambassadors sang. I've never heard them before until then...and they were awesome.  If you have the chance to see them, you should try it out!

Thanks Karla for a wonderful night!

Opposition

You know, some days I'm grateful for "good opposition."  This is one of those days.  I know the negative/hard/un-motivating stuff is needed to make us stronger, but...can we get to tonight already?

 

Finally...

I am grateful for a few things that I thought I'd share.

First, a show that makes me laugh...hard:

Top Gear UK

Second, TV shows that get me motivated (could use it in buckets!):

Ancestry show 

The Biggest Loser 

Third, good books that make me think:

The Book of Mormon

The Ensign 

My Current read...fiction but thought-provoking 

Inspiration for our marriage

Life is so good.

Only 2 more to go...

Ok, blogging rule number one: should probably not post pictures that are super embarrassing of myself.  However, my sisters will probably be proud.  In sticking with the family theme, I wanted to say I am so grateful for my sisters (Peanut Dog included!) that have been my partners in crime since the beginning.  They may have done "mean" things to me in the past (left permanent scars from scratching, sat on me and tickled me until I couldn't take it any more...you know...things sisters do), but I wouldn't trade them for A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G.  We could spend hours on the phone with each other, trading secrets and discussing life...all to do it again just a few days later.  We have been each other's cheerleaders, coaches and friends in the journeys we've taken on in life.

We've laughed together, cried together, chewed each other out, and taken way too many pictures... and continue looking for places to take more.  I love my sisters for the things that make them different and the things we enjoy together.  They bless my life.

My new sisters

Marriage has brought changes to both of our lives..and one of those changes was getting two new sisters.  Because we spend most of our time playing with the kids...they don't get too many photo-op moments...

Reviewing pictures at Thanksgiving, 2010

Unless one of the kids borrows the camera...and then this is what you get...

 Despite the lack of photos they have in our "family adventure" photo file, we usually get lots of time to chat...and I'm so glad.  I am so grateful for them and for their different personalities.  They both have kids (3 each) and have much experience that I want to glean from.  They love "vintage" (oh yea!)   and won't settle for anything less then a good deal.  There are many more sides to "A" and "K"...but we'll leave those for another day.  In the end, though, joining my new family was a blessing because we became immediate friends.  Love you both!

Catching up...

We have been given a calling with the most choice of children anyone could ever ask for.  We are in the Nursery.  This year, we moved ourselves to the youngest class...and that has been an adjustment for us all.  A good adjustment...but an adjustment none-the-less.  Here are some of the bright faces look forward to seeing each week:

They teach us faith, patience, the value of preparation, and the innocence of childhood.  We love the things they say and do...and how we see progress each week.  It is a blessing to work with the Lords youngest spirits, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to serve them. 

So I'm a little behind...whats new?

I swear, even with the best of intentions I seem to fall a little (and sometimes, a lot) behind.  Nevertheless, we shall pick up where we left off, OK?  :)

My thoughts went next to the three cutest redheads (well, one that will probably be blond now...but still...) I know:

Presenting:

 Harry

Kate

Mitchell

 

These kids belong to my Sister-in-Law Ashley and her husband Jeff.  I love them because of their vibrant personalities and their innocent wisdom.  They make my insides happy just to be around them.  While red-heads can be a bit sassy, I hope we get one in our family!!!