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Monday, December 20, 2010

I learned it by watching you dad

Like Father...
Like son..


Saturday, December 11, 2010

Sage is almost 6 months. Time to have another one!

I'm not pregnant, but if Joby knew I said I wanted to get pregnant again he would probably get a vasectomy.
He thinks two is perfect.
I think six is perfect.
This should be interesting...
Look at me!
I'm sixth months in a week!
And I'm ridiculously cute.

Its strange, I have opposing forces working within me. I get stressed just watching my sister handle 3 under 3 yet I have this pull to keep having kids fast. I occasionally watch The Duggars. I am fascinated with the amazing patience and laid back disposition of the parents. I'm pretty sure it would be impossible not to acquire great patience after 19 kids. I love how their family functions like a small corporation and everyone works together on different levels for the success of the individual and family as a whole. Everyone is happy and loves to serve their brothers and sisters. Its actually quite inspiring. And you can tell the parents have crossed that difficult threshold of living the law of consecration. Its not "all about them" anymore. It is about their family and serving others. Its hard to give ones life completely to the Lord as people such as they have. You almost question if by doing so,by losing your life in service to others, he can make you happier then you yourself could. I loved Apostle Christoffersons talk reflections of a conscecrated life in which he states, "True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes."
Having children puts you on the road to living the law of concecration. Through challenges and looking beyond your own happiness as a parent you gain eternal character that can't be achieved merely by attending to your own needs and happiness. That character blesses your family, friends and communiy. I love being a mom...have i achieved that spiritual growth where I forget about me in leu of others needs... not even close. Do i sometimes look back to my exciting life before kids? Yes. Do i want to go back. No.
Little prince and princesses make life sweeter.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Bring on the terrible twos!

Cru is pretty much the most hilarious person Joby and I know and we love watching him grow up. He's 2!!!!


In other news, I just happened to see this facebook message chain my friend commented on. I don't know any of the people in this post but one response to the girls status made me do a double take.....


Though Erica was always suspicious of Elly it was her use of the Facebook "like" status that,like so many others, finally revealed her true sinister nature

Friday, November 5, 2010

Grass is cool...the legal kind

We finally have grass!! Just in time for it to snow on it and kill it. Yay!!
Whatever, we will enjoy our 6 or 7 days of green grass.
We pretty much spent last night sitting on our porch staring at it and waving to neighbors who offered grateful salutes for fixing the eyesore of our street.
(Sadly this is a crappy overexposed pic, and yet my skin is still pretty much that same pasty white color. Bring on the orange-ish hue mist on tan! When we were dating Joby use to make fun of my mist on tan saying he understood our chemistry as he was always attracted to basketballs.)
I remember before I was married and actually owned property, my brother sent me pictures of his freshly laid sod at his house. I remember thinking "whoo hoo grass...I could care less." It's interesting how your enthusiasm for different things in life increase as you experience it firsthand. I now understand. I was nieve to the joys of owning grass. Don't be surprised if you receive a text with a picture of our yard.

I think Cru and his cousins would prefer a dirt Yard. They have had a blast digging, pushing their dump trucks, eating and tracking the dirt all through our house.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Why are they still knocking!

We have a big sign on the door that says, "Out of candy Sorry," because we didn't want to give candy out on the Sabbath. However,they are still knocking and waiting for us to open the door. We are hiding by our stairs and looking out the window at them. They staring right at our sign and continuing to knock. I heard that one in four trick or treaters are illiterate. Okay so I just made that up to give understanding to this situation.


Seriously stop knocking!

Happy Halloween

Monday, October 18, 2010

More Archer family

Monday, October 11, 2010

Follow the Prophet

Thought I would post the link to this talk since it was referenced three times in Conference.


President Thomas S. Monson
His voice-the most important scripture.

1. The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.

2. The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.

3. The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.

4. The prophet will never lead the church astray.

5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.

6. The prophet does not have to say “Thus Saith the Lord,” to give us scripture.

7. The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.

8. The prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.

9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual.

10. The prophet may advise on civic matters.

11. The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.

12. The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.

13. The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—the highest quorum in the Church.

14. The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.

*Each prophet seems to have vauable experiences and revelation specific to the generation they preside over. I was pondering President Monsons stories of caring for the 84 widows and trying to see how it relates to our situation and what valuable direction it gives us. I think he is trying to tell us that the best way to get through these trying economic and uncertain times is through service.

As the Savior taught, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” (Luke 9:24) So as President Monson lost his life in service to the 84 widows he brought great purpose to his life and happiness during a challenging time and ultimately found his life.

I know in difficult times I have a tendency to become so focused on my needs not being met that I can't hear the distress cries of others. I also know that when I only live for myself i never move forward and have an apathetic outlook on life as I have no purpose. The Prophet knows our needs and that they can be met through service to others.

I like what I read on another blog:

Often we live side by side but do not communicate heart to heart. There are those within the sphere of our own influence who, with outstretched hands, cry out, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” (emphasis added)
This seems to be counsel that we need to go beyond the shallow conversation of everyday if we are to comfort those with deep hurt. Even if we can’t take away another person’s struggle, we can alleviate their loneliness and isolation, which will make life easier for them to bear. Communicating heart to heart is another way that we can escape that shriveling self-centered focus.

I'm grateful to friends, family and the Gospel that allow me the chance to serve so I can live a purpose filled life.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Don't you want to kiss her face off!

Its official



My daughter is prettier than me



I was afraid this would happen



I'm pretty sure my jealousy will drive me to obsessive amounts of plastic surgery in my forties


Don't you want to kiss her face off!! I love her!

Friday, September 17, 2010

He knows why

Can someone please do this to my husband...


And yes, he does know why.

In less hostile news, this was on our TV this morning. I was so groggy from bad sleep I thought it was a weird mind trick. I don't know if its the growling asian boy or the toy dinosaur or the combination(likely), but I could watch this over and over.(even though it's horrible video quality)

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Joby: my bundle of joy

Joby asked "why do only babies get to have cute pictures taken with cool hats and props?"



Nuff Said

Less disturbing pictures:

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Boys are rad

The only thing cooler than a nephew is 3 aspiring cowboy nephews

Monday, August 30, 2010

Your inner child makes life more interesting


Last time I went to Hogle Zoo I was 15 years old and I thought it was stupid. This time I went with 3 babies and 5 kids (my kids and 2 nieces and 4 nephews) and it was awesome! There is something magical about watching children experience new things. It makes those experiences new and exciting for you again because you get to watch them through the eyes of a child instead of the "been there done that" eyes of an adult.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

sit sit sit sit sit on you

Crus unique way of showing Joby how excited he is when he comes home from work.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Featured on Simply Utah

Check out some of the most posh(I use that word hesitantly as I'm pretty sure its passed its era of coolness) companies Utahhas to offer at Simplyut.com and sign up for the fortunatelys giveaway on Thursday


Wednesday, August 11, 2010

We drank the koolaid

When Karma brought Joby and I to the small town Roosevelt (because we made fun of my sister and brother in law incessantly for living here) I first thought this:
However, Joby and I have since acquiesced, drank the Roosevelt koolaid and now we are singing a new tune...

(Annie reference in honor of Rachel)

We have become the redheaded step children of Roosevelt...so to speak.

People are extremely nice out here. I didn't trust their hospitality in the beginning. I thought they had to have some kind of angle. Apparently their angle is that they like to be hospitable.

This week was UBIC(Uintah basin in Celebration!) Its the typical town days consisting of parades, carnivals, talent shows etc.

i can't decide what was my favorite highlight ...
*Cru shoving his mouth full of candy at the parade only to spew it out in a slobbery mess on the street to make room for the candy from the next float.
*Cru walking up to strangers watching the talent show and hitting them in the face with his balloon
*Cru, Landon and Kason(crus cousins) running around like feral children, annoying the spectators and I and Callie pretending like they are not our children
*Watching the super tall girl with a broken arm in a dance routine not only not following the steps of everyone else on stage but pretty much doing whatever the heck she wanted.

Below is fun times at the parade and Joby's 10 seconds of Roosevelt fame:

Thursday, August 5, 2010

The more you know...

Due process: the principle that the government must respect all of the legal rights that are owed to a person according to the law. Due process holds the government subservient to the law of the land, protecting individual persons from the state.(Webster Dictionary)


in short:

According to the founding fathers(not government today) it was "a limited procedural guarantee—a process whereby individuals were properly informed of the criminal charges against them and were given the opportunity to defend themselves." And was never suppose to apply to government actions

Alexander Hamilton “The words ‘due process’ have a precise technical import, and are only applicable to the process and proceedings of the courts of justice; they can never be referred to an act of legislature

therefore, due process cannot be used as an argument against government legislation constitutionally enacted by the will of the people


Equal Protection Clause:Provides that "no state shall ... deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws"

So, not being given a governmental certification does not mean one is denied equal protection of the laws. One does not get extra "protection" from access to government certificates.. such as the marriage certificate. Certain government "privileges" may be extended such as tax breaks etc, but many states already extend these privileges to civil unions. Therefore the Equal prtection clause of the 14th amendment also cannot be used as an argument against prop 8

*And now you know more than the chief judge for the Northern district of California

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Blessed

I find it difficult not to bear testimony at my childrens blessings. Its a very powerful day filled with priesthood power and witness of the Spirit.
Additionally, being surrounded by family and friends who traveled far to be in attendance adds to the overwhelming feeling of love.
Sage's blessing day was extra special because she shared it with her cousin Zander.
With each child, I gain a greater testimony of Heavenly Fathers Plan of Happiness. Before marriage the Gospel expounds on how accepting the calling as a parent is the pathway to joy. To a certain degree you experience this through growing up in a family, but I've realized you don't fully understand this until you act upon this principle and have his precious spirits sent to you.
And though you may feel inadequate at times and it can be challenging becoming parents, seeking family unity for eternity is the pathway to true joy. I am grateful for the knowledge of Heavenly Fathers Plan of Happiness and have a testimony that the Gospel contains all the truth and instructions to a happy fulfilled life.



Thursday, July 29, 2010

Cru is wack

I don't understand,

Cru has a sucker in his mouth...

is sitting in an airplane..

with two hot chicas on each side trying to make him smile..

and Erica brilliantly simulating real life plane noise...

and he is still not happy?

Maybe I should have thrown a dancing llama into the mix.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Ride to Jesus

I have been attempting to find the benefits of living in a small town versus a bigger city and this is my first discovery..

Roosevelt has a bus that takes you directly to Jesus!


Jealous?

I'll let you know how it goes.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

I have two kids...What?


Things I forgot about having a kid:
1.The awesome adrenaline that comes from strong contractions. Contractions definitely hurt like hell but there is an exhilaration about feeling your bodies process to push the baby out.
2.How much fun it is to sneeze after an episiotomy (extreme sarcasm)
3.How loved I feel by Joby as I watch him get completely stressed with concern for me with any discomfort I experience.
4. How good hospital food is (seriously I love it)and how nice it is to have a team of nurses attend to your every need for two days.
5. The sacred feeling of maternity wards. I find it difficult to check out of my hospital room. You experience such a sacred and beautiful memory in that room its hard to leave.

Monday, June 14, 2010

41 weeks...and defying physics

So I'm 41 weeks. Apparently my stomach offers 5 star accommodations as my babies don't want to come out. I keep telling people I must have a cotton candy machine and a merry-go-round inside me. In the mean time...I look odd and feel as though I am defying physics.
From the front....semi-normal
From the side...weird.
How do I not do this:(this is suppose to be representative of me falling over)


Its awesome to go past your due date. I have had a whole week extra of people saying "whoa when are you due! You look like your going to pop." Lucky me.
Also I've found babies are a lot easier to raise inside my stomach then outside so bring on week 42!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Lowes should only sell tools..not hire them


This is the store that we buy all we need to renovate the house we just bought


This is tile that weighs 25 lbs a box that we purchased to go in the house we just bought


This is the 39 week belly that the Lowes moron, whos job it is to load your car, thought should be helping him carry the 25lb boxes of tile that we purchased to go in the house we just bought


This is the battle wound from the lowes moron who not only thought I should be loading the tile into my car myself at 39 weeks pregnant, but also dropped a palette of 21( 25lbs) boxes on my leg of the tile we purchased(and broke 3 of the boxes) to go in the house we just bought


This is the moron. If you see him punch him in the face and ask for assistance from someone else.




Friday, May 14, 2010

If you lick a squirrel...I'm going to laugh

Prologue:
Exhausted, completely overwhelmed and stressed......
This made me happy.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

My mom hates bees

Where would we be in this life without our moms.

Just like your mothers my mom is the best mom in the whole world. Her only fault I have found is that she is skinnier than me. And yes I categorize that as a fault of hers..not mine.
There is a law in Utah that "No one may walk down the street carrying a paper bag containing a violin"(for reals) so I don't think its too crazy to implement a law against moms fitting in smaller jeans than their daughters.

I have found that with every pregnancy I appreciate my mom more fully. You don't understand the sacrifices your mom made until you take that step into motherhood and you don't realize how much you need her until you start raising a family and realize you have no idea what you are doing.

My mom is my shrink, coach, mentor, bank, cheerleader, example, almanac, doctor, counselor and friend all wrapped into one.

She is terrified of bees and goes into an entertaining conniption if one lands within 5 feet of her yet she will get all her dental work done without Novocaine.

You will also never see my mom without her hair or makeup perfectly set. (She takes a hair dryer to lake powell)

And even though she thinks I don't listen to her, I do. She just forgets she raised me to have a strong opinion and open mind.

In conclusion mom, Maceys department store and i want to thank you for always supporting us and we love you.

**My friend Crystal made a beautiful tribute video about moms that I thought I would share. I don't know how to download it off of blogger but you can view it here. Just scroll to the bottom of her post.
Happy mothers Day!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Whats it gonna do nibble at your bum

This is Cru.

He looks simple but causes Joby and I deep perplexity

This is No Fear Cru with our big German Shepard. He loves her and will actually grab her mouth and hold it closed. They play together for hours.




Also, the other day we visited Crus great-grandpas farm where he stood in a sheep corral with over 200 sheep. I don't have footage of this, but he was not scared at all. He chased them and even punched one of the sheep in the face.

That being said, I don't know how to explain this:


Scared out of his mind of fuzzy little bunnies. One hopped over and landed on his shoe and I thought he was going to go into convulsions.

Logical? No
Funny? Yes

Sunday, April 18, 2010

All rights reserved on hideous pictures of me

So I am sitting in my sisters office with Joby and we are half talking half watching her computer screensaver which is a slideshow of random photos. I was mid conversation when I looked over and *gasped* in complete horror as I saw this old picture:



Joby laughed hysterically and paused the slideshow to bask in its wretched glory and so he could have ample time to contrive the most sarcastic remarks to respond with.

My question is, how the hell did this picture make the slideshow cut?

I mean it didn't seem to fit the slideshow theme. First you see my adorable nephews in their halloween costumes and then my sister and brother in law looking like models on the beach and then a cute family picture of all of them and then... segue to the poor misfortunate backwoods looking super pregnant sister that looks like she might have been in some terrible accident earlier in life.

Notable repulsive photographic features include:
pregnancy induced double chin
hunched back and 81/2 months huge(with Cru)
teeth resembling a donkey
weird squinty eyes
standing coordinate(most disturbing)...Why the crap am I alone in the foreground with a moronic look on my face. Shouldn't I be in the background with my family also adoring the baby?

This slideshow sits on her desk for all of her employees to see. I bet every time this picture surfaces all of her maids make comments about Callies "misfortunate looking sister."

In conclusion: If anyone has a picture of me where I resemble a donkey, all rights are reserved.