Today

Some days I think that having kids is the coolest thing I have ever done.

Today is one of those days. 

Yep...this is a good one

Love this spinach dip. This dip was shared with me by Julie almost 3 years ago and it has been my go-to dip ever since. And I feel like its healthy. I mean, it has spinach and artichokes and no mayo (which most spinach and artichoke dips have) Although, I do believe the brick of cream cheese and Parmesan cheese may not be the most heart healthy.
Anyway we had it this weekend and I was reminded of the beauty that this dip and a chip can produce. LOVE it!
Enjoy

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

6oz Chopped Artichoke Hearts

½ c frozen chopped spinach, thawed

1package cream cheese

½ cup Parmesan Cheese

½ tsp salt

½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes

1/8 tsp pepper

1/8 tsp garlic powder

Boil artichoke hearts and spinach in one cup of water over medium heat until tender( you don’t really have to do this…I never do. I just drain them and add them to the mix); drain. Warm cream cheese in microwave. Mix drained artichoke mixture to cream cheese and add remaining ingredients. Serve Warm

Makes about 3 cups

A little song about desperation...

remember good ol' chuck woolery. those were the good days. 

My sister had a friend in Boston who lets just say was not the most attractive(or best smelling) person you have ever met. I mean, I have nothing against a little individuality when it comes to dress - but I think when it comes to showers or clean underpants indivuality is very overrated. He fancied himself a musician and liked to sing about his love troubles (which considering the state of his hygiene isn't too surprising to anyone, is it folks?) One of his songs and my personal favorites was titled, "A Little Song About Desperation." Lovely, no?


So in honor of him and his song I have decided to add a few of my favorite lines from some rather desperate fellas in the world of online dating.
 Let me clarify. I am not online dating. Repeat: IT IS NOT HAPPENING. However, Lynsey and I( who sometimes like a good laugh in the evenings) decided to set up an account and - well, as they say in the movies - the rest is history.
So without further ado I am now presenting my top 10 most hilarious/desperate/concerning messages -
(Grammer has been untouched...)

• "I dot have a car. I dot have a job. But I could do your dishes and listen to you whenever you are sad. Can I plese be your boyfriend?"
• "Read all of Moses & Abraham tonight...I promise you you will enjoy... pray before hand for the spirit to instill the strength of the words within you...tell me how it goes"
• "the only thing your eyes haven't told me is your name" (my eyes didn't need to tell him that - it was already on the dang profile...)
• “This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, Chocolate MilkShake to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”
• "Is youre smile always so cheesy". (ouch...that definitely won me over.)
• " You must be from Pearl Harbor, because baby you’re da bomb." (no I am not joking...this actually happened)
• Can I just say you're Babilicious! (the answer to that question is no. no you may not say that...)
• "Where you hiding your wings?" (really? I think I got that one at 14)
• "I see you graduated, i thought you got your beauty degree before you left the pre earth life???"
• How YOU dooooin?
• "You're hotter than my daughter." (yes, this one came from a more "mature" gentleman. )

WATCH THIS...PLEASE. AND YOU CAN THANK ME LATER.

All this she learned on a toilet...

Read this today. And not only did I laugh out loud....but I was inspired to be a bit gentler with me..

Sneaking a Peek.

Patience is a virtue...or at least I was told that many many times as a child.

I have a very bad habit. And in customary blogging fashion I am about to announce it to the world. I read the ending of a book first. I never start out intending to do it. I firmly tell myself, "Not this time, Andrea. You are going to be STRONG!" And then there would be a car crash or a wizards duel or a heart break so devastating that I am sure I will not live to read the ending....150 more pages, are you kidding me?? And so I would skip to the end. I'd peek. I would read enough to put my mind at ease. But the thing is - knowing the ending killed the magic.

In 2007 this all ended for me. I received the final book in the Harry Potter series - I was dying to know how it was going to end. Would Harry live? Would Voldermort - I mean, "He-Who-Must-Not-Be Named" be conquered? Would Ron finally grow up and ask Hermoine out?? And although I wanted to Peek...I didn't. I had waited far too long to ruin this. I was going to enjoy this book the way it was meant to be - cover to cover. In order.

Sometimes, especially lately, I have been wishing I could sneak a peek. Just get a little glimpse of how this whole thing called my life is gonna turn out. Get some PEACE over the worries we all have "Will my kids be okay...will I?" "Will I find love?"  "Will this Arizona sun give me wrinkles( I am joking....well, mostly)

However, as I was contemplating my wish to "read ahead" I was reminded of a little thing called faith.

Do I believe what I've professed to believe? Do I really believe He will do all He's promised to do? 

This is a question that is hypothetically easy to answer. But I have found its a lot harder when you are facing life. You know, those moments when pain or fear or uncertainty are banging at your door.

When you lose a child or pregnancy or house or job or marriage or parent. Loss makes you question. 

When you are betrayed or hurt or alone or abandoned or tired or weary or attacked or sick. Pain makes you question.
 

And for me  the answer to that question is YES.

I absolutely believe, I know. The promises are sure. That I will have a complete family. Alone will not last forever. That my children will be okay. Their pain will not last forever. That I will be guided and comforted...now and always. 

And so then comes in the faith. The turning the reins of my life over.  Not worrying about what will happen...because faith and fear can NEVER coexist. Because deep down inside - I already know the answer. I really do. So this is a book I don't need to read ahead in. Its a book with a perfect author. With a perfect plan.

White

I have always thought white was Ethan's color. His blue eyes and tan skin just "pop" even more when he's dresses in white. And it was never more true than this last Saturday.

Ethan with Uncle Ryan

A good friend of mine told me a couple of weeks ago, "There is just something really special about the day your first born goes in that water." And she was right. It was an amazing day. 

As I have shared on this blog in the past, Ethan has social anxiety. And it has been a real struggle for him....and me. I have watched him struggle with school and primary programs and dentists and sports and it has been so painful to watch someone I love so much go through this. 

He wants to play/sing/go...but in the moment (especially his first time) he is terrified. He starts to sweat and his heart is beating out of his chest and he panics. And then he suffers after with the regret of missing out or feeling different. 

I knew that baptism was going be a hurdle for him. 

We've been talking about this for months. And every-time the subject was brought up I saw that look (the I am gonna bolt deer-in-the headlights look) and I was really very apprehensive about how this whole experience would go.

I wanted this to be his decision. I didn't want him to be forced or pressured into this. I decided that I would let him choose and respect his decision and when I asked him what he wanted to do he said very calmy, " I want to be baptized mom. I want to have an eternal family and I want to follow Jesus"(melted my heart). And he followed that statement with "But I don't know how I am gonna do it....I am so scared."

I have been praying and fasting for months for this little boy. I wanted him to succeed. I wanted him to have this experience under his belt that he could look back on and know he did it. I wanted him to not only accomplish this...but to enjoy it. 

. It didn't start well. He CLUNG to the car door when we pulled up that day. And he slumped into a ball in the corner of the dressing room when it was time to change into his white clothes. But then I said a prayer with him...and added another to the hundreds that had already been said in my heart that day.

And it was answered. 

He was baptized. And I cried all through it.

And he was confirmed. And I couldn't help opening my eyes.

And I saw his sweet face. It was completely PEACEFUL. Not one ounce of fear was found there. (and that my friends was our own personal miracle) And he had the biggest, sweetest smile across his face the entire blessing. I could just cry thinking of it. I know he was helped that day. 

Helped to accomplish something important to him and to HIM. I know that all of our struggles whether they be the small fears of a little 8 year old or the challenges facing nations are known and heard by God. I know that. 

And I am thankful that now Ethan knows it as well. 

Swimming, Secrets, and Sweat

The boys and I went to the pool today. We were there totally alone - which meant I was the entertainer. The time was spent playing their favorite game - Raging Rivers (which is basically mom becoming the amusement park ride and splashing, crashing , and dunking them until I am past the point of exhaustion.) But it was a good -really good kind of exhaustion.

Then we had dive competition(which for us is when I give them a creature/person they have to dive like. Tyler's clown is my all-time-favorite dive.)
Alot of time was spent in me teaching(or trying to) them how to float. Little know fact about Andrea: I am a world class expert at the float. Someone once told me that I float so well because fat is lighter than water and I have a higher body fat percentage.

SECRETS TO WOMEN #1 - Never, ever, EVER, tell a woman that the reason she floats so well is because she has so much fat.

Way to rain on my parade. I just thought I had a gift. 

Later I took the boys to get the supplies for these. We are making them for Ethan's party next week.

And to our surprise we are one of the few houses that still have power on our side of Mesa. Apparently there was a huge power outage and all the stores were in the dark...and Albertson's meat department smelled WRONG! 112 degree temperatures +no air conditioning + a large amount of raw beef = BAD NEWS. 

So the boys and I hurried back to our very cool house and said major prayers of gratitude. I am so thankful we still have air conditioning. I am not sure what we'd have done...but it wouldn't have been pretty.

As I was putting them to bed tonight I really felt like this was the perfect day. It was completely ordinary. But EXACTLY the kind of day I would chose  - low key - time with no demands, no plans, no stress. Just me and these two little boys who have become two of the greatest friends of my life.

I'm Back

This blog is always the first to go when things get crazy. I hate that - I love having this outlet and getting to look back at what we've been doing. But I still haven't figured out how to keep it going when life gets nuts...
We've had a lot go on since my last post.

• Ethan turned 8 and will be getting baptized in a couple of weeks. He got a wii - and was thrilled - we celebrated with a few of his friends at Peter Piper Pizza (its like chucky cheese)

•  Lynsey took me to my first concert (I know...I have lived a sheltered life:) And we had an amazing time. I felt like I got a taste of a true college experience. I got in bed at 2:30 am and had to get up at 5:00 am for graduation.

 We now have a cub scout.

 The boys finished the school year and are home for the summer. I cannot believe I have soon to be 1st and 3rd graders. It really feels like they were just little diapered babies a few days ago.We've been keeping ourselves busy and cool with puzzles and trips to the Science Center.

 These pictures make me smile. Tyler's smile is just infectious...

  I graduated!! And then a couple of weeks later started my graduate program. I took 6 credits in 3 weeks and it was one of the toughest things I have ever done. However, it was worth it. I will now be able to be home with my kids every evening in the fall.  I am off school until August 17th and we are going to LIVE IT UP!!

  Ethan's class had a Japanese Tea and I, as the room mother (do not ask me how that happened) was in charge of it. Isn't it adorable??

• I got a new calling as a Relief Society teacher. I am very excited and a little nervous. I love teaching - it forces me to stretch and grow - but I get so nervous. Every time I swear it takes a couple of years off my life. 

• I have gotten the "decorator" bug and have been working on my bedroom. So far I am pretty pleased - but I still have a ways to go. Stay tuned for the reveal..

Okay, this is the most disorganized, haphazard and chaotic blog post ever. If you read this you must have whiplash. From Japanese Tea's to bedroom makeovers, graduation and relief society...Wow! But I just needed to get that off my chest. I wanted to remember it all. Next post will have one topic - I promise!

Stand with Him

Every morning while I am getting ready I try to listen to audio scriptures or general conference talk. I listened to this today....and it really touched my heart.

Over and Out

This will have to do until my graduation next Friday. Anyway, I can always use an excuse to put this picture up. Isn't he adorable!!

 Today I finished my undergraduate career. It was a big deal when I submitted that last exam. Bigger than I thought it would be.

There were a lot of years where I didn't think this would happen. I was knee deep in life and kids and babysitting and although I ALWAYS had this dream of doing this - Always wanted it -Just wasn't sure it would happen.

And then it did. I finished. And got all my final grades today. So its official. Nothing can stop it now. I kept thinking I was going to get this call telling me there was a big mistake and I was a credit short. But its really happening.

I get a whole three weeks off before my Masters program starts. I am going to really "live it up" these three weeks. Doing crazy things like sleeping in(well until I have to take the boys to school :) and refinishing dressers and baking - you know crazy things like that...we single moms really know how to have a good time.


Tyler will be graduating here soon. And I want to get a picture with me and the boys in our caps and gowns. The boys will not like this idea. This is the kind of thing that puts them in very GRUMPY moods. But this is the kind of thing that makes moms very happy. So be looking for that. A picture with me in my cap and gown smiling ear to ear - while Ty and Ethan are in their caps and gowns looking very very annoyed.

Happiness is...

 Because happiness is what I felt when I found out I live just minutes from sno cones! Oh how I have missed sno cones for the 4 1/2 years I have lived in Arizona. So needless to say as soon as I found out I had to get one. Summer will be a much happier place now!! 

______________________________________________

 ‘Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.’ - Groucho Marx

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Feeling Blessed.

Remembering how blessed I am. Sometime I forget. I think that’s normal. To forget how amazing my life is. How painfully, beautifully perfect it is. And then I look around. And sit and feel and remember how amazing life can be.

I am blessed.

Blessed to know the source of Peace. Blessed to really really know this. And know, that no matter what. I can always find peace in Him.

Blessed to have these little boys. I have such a bright hope for them. For the men they are going to be. The lives they are going to lead. The things they will learn and discover and become. There is this line in a movie that always makes me roll my eyes. The lead character says to the woman he loves, “You Complete Me.” I don’t think it works that way. No one can complete you. That is something you have to be on your own first…But these boys…they COMPLETE ME. They give me this picture of what God must feel for His children. This belief in unconditional love. I love that Ethan gets in my bed early every morning and we read “Harry Potter.”  Although this means I am waking up an hour before I” have” to I LOVE every minute of it. It’s our time. And I love that. Love watching his cute little eyes widen during the intense parts and love his little giggle at the silly parts. Ethan – one day when you read this – I want you to know how very much your mom loves you. Every little bit of you.  And the more I know you, see the challenges that are yours to face – the more excited I am to see you develop into who you are meant to be. 

Blessed to have this Tyler boy. I always think to myself, “I know that God loves me…because He gave me Tyler.” Tyler makes you smile. Everyone smiles at Tyler. Because there is something about him. Something so pure and happy and innocent. And it reminds me of everything good.  He loves everyone. Sees everyone as a “new friend” and he is fiercely loyal and protective of those he loves. When a neighbor girl told him he had a “small mom” (whatever that means??) it broke his heart. He came home crying that he could never play with her again because she “was saying mean things about my mommy.” Yes I am blessed to have Tyler.

Blessed by the temple. And what it means for me. I was in the Salt Lake and Mesa temples this week and reminded again of how bright and beautiful life can really be.

Blessed by friends. Good and loyal and constant. Who teach me and love me. And in many ways save me. 

Gratitude changes everything. I think it could possibly be the secret to life. I have days where things just feel hard. Uncomfortable and uphill and frustrating. But then I take a closer look. Looking away from those hills… And then I see my bed with clean sheets, or while taking out the trash catch sight of this amazing sunset. I float in a swimming pool while Ty tries to jump and “sink mom.”  I smell clean boys after a bath or listen to music that makes me sing too loud and more than a little off key. I sit on my porch with a Popsicle in one hand and a book in another and think about what happiness is. And know that I don’t have to “wait” any longer for it to come. “It” is already here.  And as long as I choose it…it’s not going anywhere.

Singing With All His Heart....

Okay the video quality on these are bad. I mean really really bad. Like get you seasick - kinda bad. But I just love Ethan's little "opera" singing in these. On both videos watch around 10 seconds to about 20 seconds. It's priceless.

The Best Week Ever!!

Seriously. This is the best week ever! I am in love with Spring Break. The boys and I have been so busy with school and I loved just getting to relax, spend time with them and do whatever I want. 

• The fun started off Saturday with Tyler's birthday party. I loved getting to see the kids so excited and visiting with great friends.

 The boys and I went to the pool 6 times this week. Sunshine, a good book, Diet Coke and spending time with these cute boys...it doesn't get any better than this!

I love Tyler's eyes in this picture.

• They had a muffin and Lemonade stand. I t really was the cutest thing ever. They were so excited every time they got a customer and they made about 10 dollars that day!!

 Gotta love the MC Donalds cash register they used!!!

•  Thursday Lynsey and I braved the crowds and took the kids to the Aquarium. We saw sharks feeding on fish and Lynsey and I screamed while all the kids cheered!!

I touched a starfish...and as lame as it sounds - it freaked me out!!

•   And as luck would have it my birthday was this Wednesday. It was great to get to enjoy my birthday without having to write papers or take tests. And it was the best birthday ever!!

Lynsey MADE my DAY with tickets to Fiddler. She really is the best friend I could ever ask for!!