teach them principles that will bring them peace and joy...

Totally stole that line from one of the greatest friends that I have ever had...you know who you are! And I have decided it will be my goal this year, my New Year's Resolution if you will (it's still January after all).

I have recently been feeling mired in the muck of life. Deflated, downtrodden, maybe even a bit depressed. Do you ever feel that way? Maybe it's the weather, the cold. Or the endless, multiplying piles of junk in the office, and in the kitchen, and in the kids' rooms, and in the basement (don't even get me started on the basement!). Oh yeah, and let's not forget about the garage. Just thinking about tackling those projects sends me crawling back into bed.

We have all of these things in life that are supposed to make our journey here a little easier, right? All of this technology to help us be productive. But instead of being productive and carefree, I feel overwhelmed and over-stimulated. I go crazy all day long and get nothing done. And what am I teaching my children??? Life should more about just getting through each day.

So tell me what you do to feel like you have really done something. How do you organize your day so that every day tasks are accomplished AND your children know that you love them and that Heavenly Father loves them? How are you helping them to be the person that they are supposed to be? How do you teach them principles that will bring them peace and joy?

Any, and all suggestions welcome.

Beyonce and S'mores

Beyonce and S'mores you say? Those are two things most rational people wouldn't normally include in a single sentence, right? But just ask Jeff...he'll be the first to tell you that I'm not always rational!

Okay, so back to Beyonce and S'mores. I can't get these two things out of my mind. Well, the song "All the Single Ladies", to be exact. I think that someone is secretly playing it while I sleep. I keep waking up with this song stuck in my head. Frustrating and catchy, all at the same time. I'm guessing that same person is describing the melty, deliciousness of s'mores as the music streams into my subconsciousness. It's the only rational conclusion I can come to. It could happen. Or maybe this frigid Arctic weather we are having is forcing me into warm dreams of summertime campfires.

Who knows?

So I had to laugh out loud when, while perusing some my favorite blogs, I came upon posts about these two extremely unrelated subjects.

On my blog route, I always check in with NieNie and her sister, Cjane. Imagine my surprise to find this funny post (when is she not funny?) about her attempts to learn the choreography to Beyonce's "All the Single Ladies". You can link to the video there, as well.

Then another surprise. At Bakerella a post about s'mores! S'more cupcakes to be exact. I know there are millions of cupcake recipes out there, but these, on this day??? How can this be?

Don't you think someone is trying to tell me something? You do? Okay, then tell me when I'm sleeping...apparently that is the best way for me to listen!

Until then, you might just find me learning Beyonce's moves while the S'more cupcakes are baking. Both very rational!

Thanksgiving Point Giveaway!

I have just recently discovered this fun blog. C Jane's Guide to Provo. Apparently I tend to avoid the outer edges of blogs...you know the ones where there is more information and links.

Once you go to her site, you'll wonder how I ever could have missed it. But I'll blame it on tunnel vision induced by sleep deprivation related to school. That and the daily chaos of our family.

Miss C Jane (I wonder if her friends call her Courtney? I know Matt Lauer does.) is giving away a family pass to Thanksgiving Point. Wouldn't you love to win a family pass to Thanksgiving point? I submit that you would, indeed! Go here.

Of course, if you do not live in Utah, it may not come in handy. But I know that as my friend, you will gladly give it to me, right? I thought so. I love you, too!

It's Great to Be 8!

Zoe was baptized on Saturday, January 2nd, 2010.

Sledding into the New Year!

We had the Eastman's over for New Year's Eve. After much eating and game playing, we finally went to bed around 4:30 in the morning. Once we had about 6 hours of sleep, we met them at the hill in our neighborhood for some snow fun!

Here are some random action shots...