Thursday, March 28, 2013
Letter from the Salt Lake County Mayor
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10:16 AM
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Monday, March 18, 2013
Dear Cousins
McKenzie loves her cousins! She hasn't seen her cousins on my side of the family in awhile. She decided to write them a letter. She wrote 2 letters. The first letter was to Chris's kids, my older Brother. The second letter was to Kate's kids, my older Sister. These letters are so cute, and so random! The sweetness of an almost 9 year old. I love my Kenzie Koo!
1st letter:
2nd letter:
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Eyes Of Ember Cover
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Monday, March 4, 2013
Kiss of Fire
Here is a synopsis of what the book is about:
The scar is the reason she hides herself behind baggy clothes, and won't let the idea of kissing Ryland enter her mind, no matter how much she wants to.
The scar is the reason she is being hunted.
If only she knew that she was.
If only she had known that the cursed stone her estranged father sent for her 16th birthday would trigger a change in her.
Now, she is being stalked by a tall blonde man, and is miraculously throwing her high school bully ten feet in the air. Joclyn attempts to find some answers and the courage to follow her heart. When Ryland finds her scar; only he knows what it means, and who will kill her because of it.
or: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kiss-of-fire-rebecca-ethington/1113727795
Order yourself a copy, read it, and go back and post a review!
Then head on over to: http://alifeboundbybooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/blog-tour-guest-post-by-kiss-of-fire.html for Kiss of Fire blog tour March 4th - 29th to enter a contest for a free giveaway. You could win a Kindle Fire Tablet Pre-loaded with Kiss of Fire and Eyes Of Ember. If you read it, I would love to hear what you thought about it.
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Friday, March 1, 2013
Christmas 2012
I'm really kicking myself for not posting this sooner. I can't remember all of the details that I wanted to remember. How many times will it take for me to learn to post about it right after it happens? Hopefully this is the last time. I love Christmas. I really do. I tell myself every year that I don't want to make it all commercial, get bogged down and get all stressed out. Christmas should be fun, not stressful. I always worry that we didn't get the kids enough. I get caught up trying to do what other people are doing. I'm tired of doing that. I do not need other people's approval. We can keep it small and simple. It's the little things that matter most. How much time you spend as a family making memories, not how much money you spend.
This year was better than all of the other years so far. I did stress, but not as much. I'm slowly learning. This year we took the time to read every night until Christmas a Christmas story, scripture, and sing a song that went with the story and the scripture. It was fun to do that. It helped us remember the real meaning of Christmas. The girls talk so much about the presents that they will receive. Just to be sure they know what Chritmas is allI I ask them what is Christmas all about? They always say it's about celebrating Jesus's birthday. I think it's important to remember that. The presents are important too. I always tell them that it's good to receive presents and want them too. It's also fun to give to others.
This year we made sugar cookies, and decorated them. We put them on plates and delivered some of them as neighbor gifts. Other gifts we gave homemade freezer jam, brownie mixes, and muffin mixes. The girls had a good time going around delivering the gifts. I'm so glad that I decided to do neighbor gifts this year. I was feeling down, and it helped make me feel better.
This Christmas Eve was the first year since we have lived in this house that Matt didn't have to work. Celebration!!! This year we went over to my Mom's house to spend Christmas Eve with her and my Brother Quinn. We had French Dip sandwiches, and other yummy foods and treats. We played games, watched a movie, and of course read the nativity story. We watched the animated one as well. Then it was time to get the girls in their jammies. We had them open their one gift on Christmas Eve Pj's of course. They were so excited! We statyed at my Mom's until 11 that night, then headed home. Before we had left for my Mom's the girls made sure the special key was hung so Santa could come in, and the reindeer food was scattered to the reindeers could find our home. We got the girls into their beds, and then we put out their gifts and went to bed. It was nice to have Matt home with us this Christmas Eve.
I told Matt that I didn't want to open presents early. It's so much better to make the day last. I think Matt got a phone call on his phone around 7 am. I said please don't answer it. Go back to bed. He didn't answer. We slept until about 8. That was nice. The girls woke up first and walked out to the living room. We were waiting for them to come and wake us up. They didn't. We heard them going through there stockings, and so we had to hurry up and get out of bed. It was fun to see the girls so excited. We slowly opened our presents 1 at a time. Matt put Christmas music on. It was fun and nice not to be rushed.. The girls loved their presents. Matt and I loved our presents. It was a really good Christmas.
I hot glued all of the jewels onto the tackle box and filled the entire thing with precious jewels. Maddie was so excited!
Matt's Birthday is the December 19th. It always gets overlooked. I feel bad. I wanted it to be nice this year. We had a little get together with Quinn and my Mom at her house. I made a pumpkin cheesecake for Matt's birthday cake. He had dropped me hints earlier in the year that it would be nice to have a nice bathrobe for Christmas. I got it for his birthday instead. Matt and I celebrated his birthday together while the girls were in school. Matt really wanted to see The Hobbit. So we did, and went out to lunch afterwards. It was a fun date. For once his birthday didn't get overlooked, and he was very happy.
He enjoyed his Christmas present a Kindle Paperwhite:
Matt did a good job for me. He got me my lighthouse bathroom decor that I have wanted for a couple of years. They are beautiful, I love the decor!
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Yummiest Cornbread
February 9, 2013 our ward had a chili cook-off. I love chili cook-offs. So much fun. I of course had to make my white chili. It really is the best white chili. Matt even labled it yummy white chicken chili. It came close to winning. I had a couple of people come up to me and tell that mine should have won yummiest chili hnnds down. That really made my day! Along with the chili cook-off they had a cornbread contest as well. I of course had to enter. I have the best recipe that I knew would win. I won yummiest cornbread. I got this lovely award and serving sppon for a prize. It really made my night. It made me so happy to see that all of my chili and cornbread was gone. Too me that is a major compliment! I left with a huge grin on my face. I so needed a night like that. I have my sister to thank for giving me the chili recipe, and my good friend from the military Alysha for giving me the cornbread recipe. I couldn't have done it without them. Thank you girls!
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The Holy Ghost
I was asked to speak at a baptism back in February. It was our wards turn to do the talks, so Brother Peterson called me and my team teacher to ask if we would speak. It made sense, we teach one of the little girls who was getting baptized. I found this little talk on the Holy Ghost on Pinterest that I thought would be perfect:
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Tooth Farree
I didn't even realize that Maddie had a lose tooth. On a Saturday in the beginning of February she woke up all excited. She says "Mom look! I have a loose tooth." I looked into her mouth and sure enough she had a loose tooth. Not only was it loose, it was so loose that she could probably have it pulled in the next few days. She actually went to Matt and said "Dad will you pull out my tooth with the pliers?" He looked in her mouth and checked her tooth. He said it wasn't quite ready to be pulled. She wiggled it all day. She went to one of her friends Baptisms and told everyone she had a loose tooth. She also showed it to them. She went home and wiggled it and wiggled it. On Sunday Morning it was even more loose. She wiggled it in our primary class, and she had to tell everyone about it once again. The plan was to go home and pull it out after church was over. She went into sharing time for primary and wiggled it with her tounge and guess what? Yep you guessed it! The tooth fell out. Maddie was super excited. The Primary President found a little zip lock baggie and gave it to Maddie so she could put her tooth in it. After primary was over and it was time to go Maddie found me and was so excited to show me her tooth. She wanted to get home so she could write a letter to the tooth fairy. This is what she wrote:
Tooth Fairy please give me a tooth brush and something I can't understand. Just like so pretty and it is pink. we gowing to be. I think that is what it says. Sometimes it is so hard to decipher writing for little children. I tried my best. See if you can do any better and let me know.
She went and put her tooth and the letter under her pillow right away. When it was time for bed she looked under the pillow to make sure it was all there. I tucked her in, and said let's move your tooth and your letter to the other end of the bed. She didn't ask questions, but I just said it would probably be easier for your tooth fairy to get your letter and the tooth, and leave you a little present.
I was planning on putting money in the zip lock bag, and then I got caught up in a movie with Matt. It was really late when we went to bed. I totally forgot about Maddie's tooth. In the morning I went to wake up the girls to get ready for school. I went to Maddie first and saw the letter and said shoot! Maddie sat up. I had to make a quick cover up story so maddie wouldn't be sad. Maddie looked down at the end of the bed and saw that her tooth was still there along with the letter. I told her don't me sad. Your toothfairy probably had so many teeth to collect last night that she was so exhausted. She will probably give you something even better. Maddie perked up at those words.
so that night I had to get my act together, and remember. I wrote a little note that said something like Dear Madisynn sorry I was late. Enjoy this extra money! Love your tooth fairy. =) I put a dollar bill inside the bag with the note and took out the tooth, and put the gift at the end of Maddies bed. In the morning she woke up and found the baggie. And waved it around with excitement. She was happy her tooth fairy came and left a her a dollar. It's so easy to make kids happy. I love it!
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Dir Mom and Dad
Madisynn made this for Matt and I for Valentine's day at school. So cute!
Dear Mom and Dad I love you.
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11:28 AM
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Hamboogers
I eat Hamburgers. My Dad makes them on a grill. We put on pickles. We put on cheese and melt. We put on mustard. I love Hamburgers.
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11:25 AM
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February Facebook
This month was a good month. I'm amazed and delighted at all of things we learned, and accomplished. Thank you God for loving and appreciating me.
It feels better for me to be a positive person. So glad I didn't dwell on the negative's. It's a learning process, and I'm getting there.
I trust the
process of life.
"It's
always February 2nd and there's nothing I can do about it." Phil Conners
I could choose another day to live over and over. Who’s with me?
February 3,
2013:
"There's
no need to miss someone from your past. There's a reason they didn't make it to
your future.
- Anonymous
I have been struggling with memories with people from my past. I miss them, and
wish that I could fix it all. I like this quote. It's okay to let them go. I'm
letting go.
February 4,
2013:
"Letting
go doesn't mean giving up, but rather accepting that there are things that
cannot be.
- Anonymous"
Matt has a
job interview today. I'm trusting God. If this is the job meant for Matt it
will happen.
February 5,
2013:
I'm so glad I
came across this. I really love this quote! Don't know who said it, but I love
it. It is so very true.
It is said that all you are seeking is also seeking you,
that if you lie still, sit still, it will find you.
It has been waiting for you a long time.
Once it is here, don't move away.
Rest.
See what happens next.
February 6,
2013:
Today, I
practice patience, for I know that there is time for everything to come to
fruition. The goals I have set, the desires I intend, will all come in time.
Patience is required to see these things through. ~ Pamela J. Leavey
I am as patient as a turtle.
I am certain the outcome will be for my highest good, therefore I can wait
without anxiety.
Good things are coming. I just know it! I am patient.
February 7,
2013:
"Of all
the beautiful truths pertaining to the soul which have been restored and
brought to light in this age, none is more gladdening or fruitful of divine
promise and confidence than this - that man is the master of thought, the
molder of character, and maker and shaper of condition, environment, and
destiny."
-James Allen As a Man Thinketh
The thoughts you think are important. Think positive!
2nd job
interview this week for Matt is in just a few minutes. I'm letting go of all
expectations. I'm letting go of the outcome. I know God has this. We've got to
trust him. He will carry Matt through this, and I. I love my Heavenly Father,
and I'm so very grateful for his wisdom and kindness, his love and appreciation
for us. I love and appreciate him so very much.
February 8,
2013:
Even though I
have anxiety I deeply and completely love and accept myself. I'm letting it go.
February 9,
2013:
Making yummy
white chili and cornbread for our ward chili cook-off. I love soup and
cornbread, yummy!
My cornbread
won yummiest! My chili almost won. That's okay. I'm thankful for the people who
voted for mine. I had a couple of people come up to me and ask me if they could
have a copy of my recipe. That really made my day along with seeing that my
chili and cornbread were completely gone. What a major compliment, makes me
feel so good! =
February 10,
2013:
"I know
that everyday is only a stepping stone on my pathway."
-Louise Hay Affirmation
This is such a good thing to say to yourself, or think. This is so true,
especially right now in my life.
We really
need to invest in a snow blower. I’m so thankful for my other neighbor. He snow
blowed our sidewalk and driveway gutter area. It's amazing how much quicker a
snow blower is. He was done with his driveway, sidewalk, our sidewalk, and our
driveway gutter area by the time I was done with my driveway. He started the
same time as me. I want a big red snow blower that is easy to maneuver, that
will get the job done quick and nice. That would be a huge blessing in my life,
and I would be so grateful for it.
February 11,
2013:
Waiting is so
hard; it's the hardest part of all.
I need to remember these two things:
1. Everything comes gradually and at its appointed hour.
-Ovid
2. My Life is full of little miracles popping up out of the blue.
-Louise Hay Affirmation
February 14,
2013:
"Not
what he wishes and prays for does a man get, but what he justly earns. His
wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with his
thoughts and actions." - James Allen
February 16,
2013:
I got rid of
a bunch of my baby stuff. It was hard, lot's of tears. I feel like I'm throwing
a part of my life away. I still don't know if I'm going to have anymore babies.
I feel like this is the direction I need to go. Maybe by getting rid of stuff
it will open more space for better things, and I’ll have that answer of yes or
no on more kids.
Any you pregnant ladies around me feel free to come and check out what I have
before I take it to the DI
I'm hosting Bunco
tonight. I'm so excited! I can't wait to give the prizes out. I hope everyone
likes what I did. Also I had the perfect thing for Matt and the girls to go do
for a daddy daughter date. The Utah State women’s gymnastics meet tonight. I
just got a phone call from him not too long ago saying that it wasn't tonight.
They parked walked up to the Huntsman Center and the doors were locked, and the
lights were off. They were a week early. I'm such a ditz! I guess they are
going to see a dollar movie at the Valley Fair Mall. I'm sure the girls will
still be thrilled and have fun!
February 17,
2013:
I now create
a wonderful new job.
-Louise Hay Affirmation
It's very fitting for our circumstances right now. =
February 18,
2013:
I am glad to
be alive! I'm thankful to be alive. Go look at yourself in the mirror and say
that. Really look deep into your eyes and say it. Afterwards take a deep
breath. Your body likes to hear those words come out of your mouth. Say it
every morning. I think it feels wonderful! If you've never done this go try it,
and see how you feel.
February 20,
2013:
Every test in
our life makes us bitter or better, every problem comes to break us or make us.
The choice is ours whether we become Victim or Victor.
I love this quote! Right now Matt and I are going through a huge test. I think its
making us better. We won't let the problems break us; we will let them make us.
We will not be Victims, we will be the Victors. God has something great in
store for us. I can't wait to see what it is!
February 21,
2013:
Life is good and
so it is!
-Louise Hay Affirmation
It sure is!
Tax refund
deposited today! Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, and Happy Hanukkah to the
Matthew Layton Family!!!
February 22,
2013:
This was really good. Have to share it:
SON:
"Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
DAD: "Yeah sure, what is it?"
SON: "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "That's none of your business. Why do you
ask such a thing?"
SON: "I just want to know. Please tell me, how
much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "If you must know, I make $100 an
hour."
SON: "Oh! (With his head down).
SON: "Daddy, may I please borrow $50?"
The father was furious.
DAD: "If the only reason you asked that is so
you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you
march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are
being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behavior."
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut
the door.
The man sat down and started to get even angrier
about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get
some money?
After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down,
and started to think:
Maybe there was something he really needed to buy
with that $ 50 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to
the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.
DAD: "Are you asleep, son?"
SON: "No daddy, I'm awake".
DAD: "I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard
on you earlier. It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you.
Here's the $50 you asked for."
The little boy sat straight up, smiling.
SON: "Oh, thank you daddy!"
Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some
crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get
angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at
his father.
DAD: "Why do you want more money if you
already have some?"
SON: "Because I didn't have enough, but now I
do.
"Daddy, I have $100 now. Can I buy an hour of
your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with
you."
The father was crushed. He put his arms around his
little son, and he begged for his forgiveness. It's just a short reminder to
all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our
fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us,
those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $100 worth of your time
with someone you love? If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for
could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family and friends we
leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think
of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family.
Some things are more important.
Working
together is part of the purpose of life. I love the people I work with
February 23,
2013:
Matt was
hired today! He has been without a job for almost 6 weeks. I'm full of mixed
emotions right now. I'm happy and so very grateful that he has a job again. I'm
just not thrilled about how far it is, and that it is grave shift. Thinking about
grave shift feels me with dread. I hate it. I need to make a list of pros and
cons, and a gratitude list, think it will make me feel better. Matt is taking the job, but he is going to keep looking for a
better one. He starts school in a couple of weeks. I'm going to imagine the
right door opening for the job Matt desires most. I know he will be led to it,
and that it will open. That feels me with excitement and joy, and comforts me.
I can't wait to see what is behind that door! I'm thinking positive thoughts. I
really am grateful, just needed to rant a little.
"Feed
your FAITH and your Doubts will starve to death." -Unknown
I'm so glad I found this little quote on pinterest. It makes me feel better.
February 24,
2013:
It was nice
to relax yesterday. Looking forward to come home after church and doing the
same thing. I worked so hard at my Mom's house all week long. I had an
opportunity to make some money to deep clean her house. Deep cleaning meaning
washing walls, base boards, blinds, heat vents, cupboards, windows, and doing
all of the regular cleaning as well. It took me about 17 hours to do the whole
thing. I need to do the same at my house. Yuck! It
would be so nice to be able to say some magic words and have the house be clean
all of the time. I am grateful for the opportunity to help my Mom out, and make
some extra money. I love my Momma! I like to see her be happy, and be so
grateful that it was done. It is so nice to sit in a freshly cleaned home. =)
February 25,
2013:
Patience is being
at peace with the process of life.
-Louise Hay Affirmation
I am so trying to be patient
I really like
this season of Biggest Loser. I really liked tonight’s episode. I loved the
theme this week: Face your biggest fear. It makes me want to face my biggest
fear! I love being motivated, and inspired by those around me. =)
February 26,
2013:
Matt starts
his new job today! I'm so grateful. He is on swing shift. He works 5 p.m. -
midnight. The best part is he works Mon-Fri! He hasn't had normal weekends in
about 3 years. I'm glad it's not graves. He would have been working midnight -7
a.m. I'm so glad they let him choose. Swing in this case is better than graves.
It's one step closer to day shift. He has to drive about an hour to get to work, which is yucky. It will work for now.
His job that we are waiting for to come is coming. We are getting there slow
and steady. God is answering our prayers. I'm so grateful. It was nice to have
Matt come home yesterday from his training happy. He said he felt like he fit
right in. I'm so happy for him! I love my hubby!
Thank you to all of you who knew our situation, and
have kept our family in your prayers and thoughts. Love you all!
McKenzie just
kicked over from her back band! It was her first time. I'm so proud of her.
Madisynn almost has her splits. I'm proud of her too. It has been so much fun
watching my girl’s progress in their gymnastics skills, over the past 5 months.
They are so happy and excited, and it makes me happy!
February 27,
2013:
I'm getting
my piano today!!! So excited! I have been dreaming about this moment for a long
time. I can't wait to start playing it and brushing up my piano skills. So many
people have inspired me. My little Brother Quinn plays amazing, he inspires me.
It amazes me that he can learn a piano piece quickly and memorize it. He also
plays by ear too. One of my friends husbands Dave Jones is an awesome piano player and just happens to be one of our
ward organists. He played the accompaniment for a quartet singing O Holy night
during Sacrament for Christmas. He was so into the music. It was amazing! The
group sang it beautifully as well. Dave totally inspires me. I would love to
play like Jon Schmidt. His music is amazing, and makes me feel so good. I love
watching you tube videos of the piano guys and seeing them jam out as they are
playing. It totally gets me dreaming. Dreaming is good!
February 28,
2013:
I am at ease
speaking in front of others. I have confidence in myself.
-Louise Hay Affirmation
I really struggle with speaking in front of others. I struggle even more when
it's a large group of people. I don't like the attention on me. My voice gets
all shaky, I speak quicker. I feel like I’m going to puke, or pass out. I don't
like it. That's why I try to avoid giving talks, prayers, sharing my testimony, and sharing any comments that I might have. I
even struggle with it in my primary class. I want to be a better public
speaker. It would be so nice to be able to talk, pray, share my testimony, and
comment with ease, and confidence. Repeating this affirmation is a good place
to start. I know it will help me.
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10:51 AM
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