Wordless Wednesday-- look out world!

Just wanted you to know.....

My Blogging Buddies: Angie and Laura have started a blog to get people educated about Monoamniotic twins. I just wanted you all to learn about them. They have posted several different families stories.
While pregnant with the twins I met a woman who was having Monoamniotic twin boys. She was blessed to have healthy babies, as were Angie and Laura. I've learned SO much reading their blogs. I would encourage all to learn about this "rare" {1-2% of twin pregnancies} condition. It seems to be more common than I ever thought.} While talking to my mom about Momo twins, she told me that a friend's daughter was pregnant with Momos but they didn't make it. {It was in the early 90s when she was pregnant and I don't think the medical community was as on top of things as they are now. ... Even now there are still Drs out there who are not as well informed, that is why it is important for all of us to be educated, you never know who will be the next told they are pregnant with Momo twins. You just might be the one to direct them to a page/site that can give them hope and encouragement!
I have twins, but mine are just regular two egg twins... boy/girl. It is amazing to me how uneducated people are about twins in general! I can not even tell you how many people have asked me if mine are identical ..... "Um," I answer "they are boy and girl." to which I get "Yeah, but are they identical?" I then have to say how they can't be identical since one is a BOY and one is a GIRL! My response should be: "No they are not, identical twins come from the same egg that splits and eggs that split late are Monoamniotic, which means they are in the same bag... touching, swimming in the fluid together and entangling umbilical cords . If you would like to learn more I can give you the web address of a great page!"
Everyone should have the opportunity to go from this:
to this:With the best care possible.
So go already and learn! :)

5 Minutes for Mom - photo contest

Taken from the blog to explain the contest

"To make this contest as special as the prize, we decided to make it a Mother’s Day Photo Contest. As you may have noticed, I love photography. So I thought it would be perfect for 5 Minutes for Mom to hold a photo contest. Not only will I be thrilled to get a chance to see all of your motherhood-inspired photos, but you all can get in on the fun and go see some of the other photo entries yourself.

This is how it will work:

For the next week, we will accept entries. We are looking for photos that tell some sort of story of what motherhood means to you. They could be shots of you with your kids, your kids, you own mother, whatever you want." {contest ends May 9th, 2008}

Here's my entry photo.... I think it speaks for itself.

edited: My sister thought I would have chosen this picture to sum up motherhood!

52 Weeks of Blessings -- Week 17-- Music

Music! What a blessing it is to have music to set the mood, lift your spirits make you feel better, take you back in time!

Well, for the flash back music mostly we just buy songs online but here we still have some cassettes around and Cody discovered he likes a little Heart, Poison and Bonjovi maybe even a little Richard Marx. Most often we listen to Country but every once in a while I need a little Chicago or the above listed groups. Whatever mood you're in there is music for it! I love to put on some music and sing and dance with the kids ... yeah good times!

Lemons and Sugar

LEMONS and SUGAR

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror
where one could read it every day.
You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1. There are at least two people in this world
that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world
love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you
is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,
even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you
before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever,
something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you
take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received.
Forget about the rude remarks.
And always remember....
when life hands you Lemons,
ask for Sugar and call me over!

Good friends are like stars.
You don't always see them,
But you know they are always there.
'Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though
Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway'
I would rather have one rose and a kind word
from a friend while I'm here
than a whole truckload when I'm gone.
Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Life keeps You Humble, Success keeps You Glowing, But Only God keeps You Going

This is an email I received, thought I's share it with all of you rather than forward it.

A Story... "Those who have..."

Once upon a time there was a girl whose mother was against motorized vehicles such as: motorcycles and 4-wheelers {They did have a gas powered go-cart that was a lot of fun.} This poor deprived child grew up and amazingly enough survived without such "toys". One day she got married to a guy who was raised with said motorized recreational vehicles. They would go out riding in the desert with friends on their "bikes". The girl still wasn't sure about owning one, but she was starting to enjoy riding behind, bouncing down the trails. Finally, nearly 15 years after marriage, she gave in and consented to getting a 4-wheeler. She is now addicted to riding and can't wait for the next day out on the trails. The crazy guy who married her is so very happy now that he has a "toy"! He told the girl when instructing her in the finer art of 4-wheeling that there are two types of riders: "Those who have wrecked and those who will!" After a few weeks in her new past time, she has joined the ranks of "those who have"!
She was feeling quite confident in her new skills and her older children were gaining their own skills. She decided to let her 13 1/2 year old son lead and she would follow carrying a passenger, her 12 year old daughter. Now the machine she was riding belonged to friends and her son rode hers. She sent the helmet with her son. The borrowed machine is a step bigger and with bigger comes more power and a little bit wider. {difference in the two is; Width, hers: 40.7 inches and the other: 43.9 inches Wheel bases, hers: 44.5 inches and the other: 49.1 inches Turning radius, hers: 8.5 ft and the other: 10.8 ft...now that doesn't seem like a lot but....} They cruised down the trail and rounded a corner to be met with this:Now, she was going nice and slow, she figured her son made it around just fine, she could too. The girl thought that she had turned her wheels enough toward the little hill to avoid falling in the hole....Well she didn't quite make it around and ended up IN! From this angle one can see just how to get around it, but the other angle is not quite as clear! So the girl and her daughter fell in the hole.... the daughter fell off the back corner right onto a hard sagebrush root! the girl fell off and sorta landed on her daughter. Lots of dirt covered them, and the 4 wheeler? Well, it came in the hole too. It landed on its side. The daughter wondered out loud, "How will we get out?" That big tough girl grabbed the back rail and flipped it back on its wheels, down shifted to 1st and gave 'er a little gas! The machine climbed right out... mostly but since the girl was still standing in the hole, she couldn't reach the back brake. They had to let the 4-wheeler come back in the hole and try it again. By this time her son realized that he was no longer being followed and went to find his mom and sister. He found them, in a hole, covered in dirt! With her son outside the hole holding on the front and her daughter in the back, she walked it out again. Success! Since her son could now grab the brake! They were out of the hole with bruises and shaky knees! Mostly, that girl hurt her pride! Her son figured since they were fine they could continue down the trail, but she just wanted to go back and relax! Upon returning, she did the right thing and informed her friend that she had dumped her "bike" in a hole! Of course, the friend wanted to be sure they were alright. It turns out that the friend knew of another who fell in the same hole, but with not quite as good of results. The girl and her daughter were well watched out for that day!
Now this same gal, has added another fall to her list of "those who have". Recently {OK, yesterday} she was out riding with her husband and another friend. The guy took them out on some trails, hill climbing and descending! {One day she will bring the camera and get a picture of the area.} So they were traversing this hill and her husband stops to let her know, "half-way down you're going to make a right turn, so ride the back brakes." OK, no problem the girl thinks she can handle this. She waits to relay the message to the friend, then starts down. A few seconds later she realizes that there is NO way she is going to make that turn and decided to tap the front brakes.... the decision was a bit too late and, well, the machine was now only on 2 wheels! The girl panics and readies to jump off. It happened quick, but it seemed like slow-mo at the same time. She is off and standing there for a split second she thinks she can catch the "bike".... a quick shout brings her back to reality and she lets it roll over a few times then flips it back on the wheels. The guy runs over to make sure the girl is OK. Once again she is fine and only her pride is hurt! He guides her back and then over the bump and back on the trail! Since she is fine he tells her that from his vantage point it was kinda funny! They continue on down the trail, all is well. Thus ends this chapter in "those who have"!
Happy 4-wheeling to you all!

Wordless Wednesday- Trailer Srufing

52 Weeks of Blessings -- Week 16-- Scriptures

The scriptures! What a blessing it is to have these wonderful references to go to for learning, teaching, comfort, understanding and answers to our questions. What a blessing it is that we can have them in our homes, on our computers, in vehicles... that we can read them anytime anyplace!

Not quite Wordless Wednesday-- A Close shave

Time For Some More Tests

You Are Bubblegum Flavored Gum

You are friendly, outgoing, and energetic. You love life, and you can always find some reason to smile. You are a bit hyper, and you're always looking for your next challenge. You love getting things done - and you are usually on the go. Your confidence and positive attitude makes you a very attractive person. You can be a little flaky at times, but people are able to overlook that - because you're so fun!

What Flavor Gum Are You?

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Recipe For Carrie

3 parts Tolerance 2 parts Recklessness 1 part Enchantment Splash of Aspiration Finish off with a little umbrella and straw

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

CadaverForSale.com - How much is your cadaver worth?

40%

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Red

Your color is red, the color of racy sportscars, blushing cheeks, and luscious roses. Red symbolizes passion, romance, and love. So, since you're ruled by red, you probably trust your feelings more than your brain and tend to act spontaneously. If you see something you want, you go for it without thinking twice — impulsive is your middle name. You don't wait around for people to make decisions, either; you dive right in. Quite the romantic, you pay close attention to your emotions. In fact, if your heart isn't in what you're doing, you won't be satisfied. Of course, even when you do pour all your energy into the projects you tackle, your impetuous nature means your passions can shift as frequently as the wind. That's why some reds have trouble with commitment. Our advice? Next time you're feeling fickle, think before you act, if possible. You might be surprised at the results. Overall, though, it's great to be red. No one lives life more completely than you do.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

HumanForSale.com - Fun Quiz

4-wheeling fun!

The much anticipated pictures and even a video of where we go riding. This is just a small part of the area we go riding at. It is the OHV {off highway vehicle} park. It is just a few miles out of town and it is SO fun, trails everywhere! By the way, that's me in the video! Saturday we were in another area. I'll have to get some shots of it as well and tell a little adventure story ..... stay tuned.

A must read post

You've GOT to read the first half of this post over at Dream a little... !

52 Weeks of Blessings -- week 15-- Babies

Blessing 15 - babies! This baby particularly. {for clarification, read this link and come back.}
I know that I already chose the blessing of children, but I had to tell this baby story...
This past week I spent with my sister and her family. Their's is a story of waiting and hoping. After 3 long years of having their profile out for birth mothers to read... two years ago, they were chosen to be the parents of this little boy.
It has not been the easiest or the quickest adoption. They decided that if there were another child for them they would be brought together without an agency. Before Grandma and Grandpa brought this sweet little one home, they had discussed with her parents adoption. Everyone agreed that it would be best to let her be adopted out. Grandma and Grandpa took custody until the right family could be found. We had a few couples in mind. The first couple realized quickly that she was not for them... Last Sunday my sister got a call, they quickly packed up and headed over. They came to see a small package....and the second couple... well, they fell in love! Things have been set in motion.
She smiled when her new momma picked her up for the first time!
Many tears were shed, tears of joy and happiness.

Time for Scottisims-- and maybe an Em-isim or two

3-12-08
"You can't talk to me, because you're not the boss!"
3-13-08
"I just want to hug you. {insert tight hugging} Now it's your turn. {insert me hugging him, not quite so tightly} That's nice! I just to kiss you.{insert him kissing me} Now it's your turn. {insert me kissing him} That's nice!"
3-14-08
(EmmaLece) We'd been heading home & she had a big {Costco sized) plastic jar of cashews on her lap. Scott was holding one of chocolate covered peanuts. Em said, "This is my best friend. My best friend's name is Nut!" They both laughed uncontrollably! It was hilarious! :)
3-19-08
While playing a game of "what's this?" ... In which you lay on the bench & reach up on the table 7 touch something, then ask, "what's this"? .... Another person tells you what it is you've touched. They were just laughing and having a ball playing this game, when Scott said to EmmaLece, "You must be weird!" Followed by more contagious laughter. One couldn't help but laugh along.
3-24-08
(EmmaLece) "I don't want to kiss boys!" {insert a yucky facial expression and a tongue sticking out :P }
3-25-08
After being told to wash his hands cause he'd been to the potty, he said, "I didn't touch my bootie or my parts, so...." {rest assured he DID wash his hands}
Later... "I'm really learning to sing!"
3-27-08
Scott talking to Dad: "I like your chin, and your neck. And I like your nose!"
4-6-08
Scott: I'm sitting between my mom and my dad. Yep,I know, that's funny. I'm funny!"
Mom: "Cover your mouth when you cough, please."
Scott: "My lips are covering it!" then he covers his mouth with his hand and says, "See, my coughs go through these lines!" You know his fingers, they make lines!
4-7-08
Took Shantel to the Dr for stuffed sinuses and Scott whispers, "I want to get out of this place!" then the Dr leaves {who just happens to be quite attractive} says, "Why is she the Dr?"
4-10-08
The kids were all out playing in the front yard. Scott comes in and sits down to tell all about the outside playing, there's no way I could possibly relate it all but the funny part was this: "We were poking sticks in the 'mud water' yeah it was fun, but I don't like 'mud water'.
Also, when we cross over the Yellowstone River, he calls it 'yucky water'.


Will be back with an update on this week later, As I have been enjoying the week with my sister and her family.

52 Weeks of Blessings -- week 14-- Motherhood

For this week's blessing I chose Motherhood. A great talk was given today at conference by M. Russell Ballard to mothers!
I want to share some quotes on mothers and motherhood that I've found.

"Mothers write on the hearts of their children, that which the rough hands of the world cannot rub off."
"You just never stop walking behind them, do you?"
"When they are little, they step on your toes.... when they are big, they step on your heart."

A Maternal Mystery

A mother's love is always able to enfold another child
without at all depleting her love for the others
Your heart readily embraces a new little life
even as you continue providing all that the family needs
And as you do so, your love empowers the older to love the younger
blessing the older with a sense of her important position
blessing the younger with a sibling's love
And being blessed by the circle of love
by the widening circle of deepening love

(found in this book: A Mother's Love paintings by Sandra Kuck text by Lisa Guest)

"Mother means selfless devotion, limitless sacrifices, and love that passes understanding."
"The goodness of a home is not dependent on wealth, or spaciousness, or beauty, or luxury. Everything depends on the Mother." G.W.E. Russell

An Unquenchable Love

A mother's love...
Is drained by the midnight feedings of an infant
The emphatic no's and constant testing of a toddler
The new horizons of elementary school
The peer pressure and thumping decibles of junior high
The challenges and letting go of adolescence
The relentlessness of parenting

A mother's love...
Is recharged with the heartfelt smile from her child
With an unexpected hug from her son
With a glance at her sleeping babe, however old he is.

(also taken from A Mother's Love for a look at the painting click here. The cover of this book is one of my favorite paintings also in A Mother's Love.)

"If we help our children to be what they should be today, then, when tomorrow becomes today, they will have the courage to face it with greater love." Mother Teresa
"In the heavens above,
the angels, whispering to one another,
can find, among their burning terms of love,
none so devotional as that of a mother." Edgar Allen Poe
"There is an enduring tenderness in the love of a mother..." Washington Irving
"To be a mother is the grandest vocation in the world. No one being has a position of such power and influence. She holds in her hands the destiny of nations: for to her is necessarily committed the making of the nation's citizens." Hannah Whitall Smith

Wordless Wednesday

Laundry!

Welcome home Emily Rose

She was released from the hospital on Sunday. She weighed in at 4 lbs 10 ozs! She has come to stay with Grandma & Grandpa for an undetermined time frame. Since we have an EmmaLece who has a variety of the usual knick-names that would be the same for Emily Rose, we have taken to calling her little MissE. MissE is a doll.... a very tiny doll, perhaps lighter than a doll-baby! :) We are all in love with her! She went to story-time today at the library and she was a hit! Everyone wanted to see her and hold her. There were many an exclamation of how small she is. The twins can't get enough of her.
edited 4-1-08 she weighs 4lbs 13 oz and is 17 inches long!

What 's in your "purse"

Wendi at Because Wendi Said So challenged me to the "What's in Your Purse" meme..... well Sorry to disappoint you, but this is my "purse".As you can tell, you can't store much in here, just driver's license and essential cards -- debit, credit card, temple recommend, insurance card, a pen, and a bit of money {yeah right, like I ever have money!}
I hear you saying, "What the heck, she doesn't carry a purse?" I did a "What's in Your Church Bag" instead......Top picture: my church bag, 2nd picture: What was found inside the main pocket, 3rd picture: what was found inside the outer pocket. The fourth picture edited: just for Supercool and others who wanted to see my trash....