All Things In The West

My Miss Autumn.......

2012-02-14T09:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Autumn,

You are so beautiful.

Inside and Out.

You are so solid!

I adore your efforts of constantly shareing your light with others......

Believe me, I watch!

You have a talent of happiness.....

I love your passion for animals......even tho your room stinks like a zoo.

Fish.

Birds

Hampsters.

Lovely!

I am thankful you will always be my friend. :)

Love, Mom.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

Ps........please wake up on time from now on....Paaaa-leassse!!!!

7 Miles.......and it Smelled Of Fresh Cow **** the whole run.....Love my little town!

Yes Thats Ham......don't ask!

Autumn And I Hit Zumba Yesterday as well-----

YUP.......legs were dangling OFF!

I signed up for a gym yesterday too!

I feel slightly pathetic as I have no idea how to lift weights...

OK, Fine.....

I guess I will have to find some hott schweaty guy to help.....dang!

To be honest.....I just wanted to do Zumba more and the hot schweaty guy part will just be a bonus.....

I have such high goals in life....lol

Today Is valentines........eh! :/

As soon as I get drunk off this bag of peanut M&M's and listen to all the sad love songs of Air Supply.....I will be able to start my day.......

Love you all!

KICKED IT INTO GEAR!

2012-02-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

Sooooo........um.

When they Mentioned it was a hilly race, they didn't mean a slight incline.....

NOPE!!!

I felt like I was climbing a mountain.....

Good hellanor!

I felt so great after the race......and loved the feeling of sprinting with everything I had across the finish line....:)

Feb 25th.........10k, BRING IT!

Proud of me!

Smile!

2012-02-09T09:48:00.000-08:00

I want this.

The end.

For everythings thats holy....

2012-02-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

Seriously.

I can't keep up with her.

Thought about mailing her to china?

But they won't take her. :)

Nothing like Icecream for Breakfast.

5 days in a row.......bad mom? or awesome mom?

lol

Here is My weeks reminder post-it!

IT WORKS.....If you follow it....lol

Stop.

Listen.

Think.

Then Act.

Helps with teenagers, chocolate and not becoming a drunk.

Charlee is dressed for when I take her to a castle.

{don't ask me...i have no idea}

She always wants me to wear heals.

"Your a big girl now mom... so you get to wear those heals"

Charlee:

"Mom....Look at me and tell me Im beautiful"

Me:

Oh, Your so beautiful Charlee!

Charlee:

I know! {flipping her hair}

and walks off.........

Give me strength.

Note to self.......

2012-02-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

Dont leave wax in the Microwave to long.....it blows up when you take it out!

Poor Miss Abbie...:(

Sure doesn't interupt with her drawing on everyones bodies and Driving...:)

Look what I got in the mail....:)

Me and two of my sisters share the same Birthday month THIS MONTH!!!!

and It seems as if my other two sisters have a loverly surprise for us......

ok---i laughed out loud when I read.....choked on my water actually!
Sounds like a cop car ride to be hoenst.....

Umm....cannot WAIT!!!!

2 more days till my first race.....

Then it will continue like this:

February 25th: 10k {happy birthday to me}

March 10th: 10 miles

April 7th: Half Marathon

April 28th: 30k {18 miles} GULP!!

I...........Might...........Die.

Leaving you with two BEAUTIFUL neighbor girls.....:)

ITS BRIGHT OUT SIDE!!!!!

2012-02-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Driving home after an Eye Appt SUCKS!!!!!!
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Umm......I'm glad I got home alive to be honest.....I squinted as much as I could squint without dieing.....
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My new bright red Lacoste Glasses... :)
Im now a member of the 4 eyes club!
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I have noticed a change in my eyes the past few months...
Driving. Mostly at night.
Watching tv.
Movies.
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I was right!
This does not mean I'm getting old btw---
Purely means I'm accessorizing........

One last thing....

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I love Ingrid.
I know you know this!
But I do.
Like alot.
A very lot!

Her New album "Human Again" is fantastic.

Its on repeat at my house.

And it will stay there until April when she COMES TO CONCERT!

Damnit........again, I need a date..... :/

I Am Titanium........

2012-02-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

What a DAY!!!

Emotional day!

Great day!

Hard day!

9:00am-----Work out and got Schweaty.

3:00pm----- Ran 5.2 Miles and got more schweaty.

5:00pm---- HARD core Zumba = more schweaty.

Hot bubble bath is calling my name............

I added a few more running songs this morning and I came across this one....In fact I didn't listen to all of if till i hit the pavement.

If you are a RUNNER? You have to download this song!!!

Gave me goosebumps!

I am Titanium.......YUP, I sure am!
Read the words.....:)

Along with these sweet little encouragements..........

Get UP and get MOVIN..........

A little Lighting Bliss......

2012-02-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

Been Trying new things with Lighting.....I think I'm in Love.

Fall in love with eyes all over again!!

Blogger does them NO justice. :/

Amazing!!!

Definition of Spacey has my name all over it....

I can't seem to Focus on ONE thing!

I have so many Things I'm trying to accomplish, prepare & dream. I Just seem to walk in circles.

Then I catch myself standing with my finger in my mouth saying

" Uhh What was I just doing?" out loud.

and then I roll my eyes AT MYSELF!

lol

First Race is This coming sat.......I totally got this! ;)

Thoughts of today-----

I love my kids.

I try and do the best I can.

Some days I really suck at it.

Some days I pat myself on the back!

Thankful for tomorrows........gives us another chance to succeed at something we strive for.

I hate when someone hurts my kids....

I will protect them always!

and I will fight like a mama bear should!

I am content with my life & what page I am on now!

I will do the best with what I have.

I will smile everyday....and hug & serve those who I love.

I won't stop pushing forward.

No one will get in my way... :)

In my book---I put energy in things that matter and help build me.

The end.

Kitties and snowballs......

2012-02-02T13:12:00.000-08:00

So This is how we started our day.....and How we will most likely end our day!

Kitty Faces are a MUST when

you are 3.......

Notice she has a waffle on her head.

Hey-------she likes what she Likes!

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Snowball you say?

Ya know those Hostess ones....that are GROSS
and totally NOT worth eating!!
ya well I ate one.......
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Cuz it was sitting by me and it was screaming SUGAR......
Really annie? Really?
Well, BOO to that!
After todays class.......I think i might die.
So....goodbye dumb snowball.
Your not worth the pain!!!!!!!!!!

Well....thats it for todays exciting news.......lol
ONE hour till the chaos starts......:)
Better go fold some Laundry.......
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Cuz that always makes me feel so important and loved!
lol

Makin Life EASY!!

2012-02-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

Ok------SO!

My day is complete......:)

Its only 10:50!

Kids to School? Check.

Zumba? Check.

Showered the Schweaty Bod? Check.

Drew a kitty on Charlee's face? Check. {its funny i will post a picture}

Lunch with friends today? Not check. But soon will be checkable.

Fantasic lovable email from a reader I don't know that ended with "Love you"? CHECK.

She had a request to have a email feed avaliable so it comes to your email inbox when I post......Umm...YES! how cool is that?

Did it.

Concider it done!

{look to the right}

Makin life easier for you........AND me. :)

Ohhh such a Happy day!

XOXO!

{thank you sweet reader}

Meet Miss Tai........

2012-02-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

Meet Tai-----She is My Neice!

She is almost 15.

She is a freshman at Logan High.

She got nominated and selected to be a Student Ambassador and Offered the chance to study this summer in Europe.

Along with Service Projects!

AMAZING RIGHT?????

We are so proud!

She is such a delight!

She is doing ALL her fundraisers BY HERSELF!

She wants this and is working so hard!

She is so creative!

These pictures went on her flyer she made.

If any of you are intertested in helping her with ANYTHING you can either email me...{Above}

I can give you her facebook which has a paypal link on it.

Or call This number......435-213-7633

Tai-----we wish you the best of LUCK on this exciting journey!!!!

We {heart} U!

hold them forever......

2012-01-31T13:20:00.000-08:00

I came across some blogs which you can read HERE and another sweet story HERE

As I became extremely emotional and buried myself in these two stories Charlee fell asleep on my lap.

I was Thankful My phone was sitting next to me so I could capture this moment.

As tears streamed down my face and realized how quickly Life can be taken away and how thank I am to have children who I get to Hold a little bit longer....

I have to be honest This morning was a chaos one. :(

Max got into the garbage...it was everywhere this morning as the mad rush of getting children ready and out the door for school.

My # 2 child...{lol} Has a pretty good record of being late for school. NOT a morning person may I add...

I had to put my foot down on this one.......so Needless to say she wasn't happy with me as I dropped her off to school.

Which in return made my morning feel Unpleasant...knowing she probably felt yucky too!

I made her leave her phone at home so I couldn't sent an "I love you and I am sorry" text. :(

After reading these two touching stories...it puts things back into line for me.

Its easy to get scattered with LIFE and the world just clutters our Minds anyways.

Its easy to get distracted.

My mind just got re-focused.

Here is to another day to hug my Favorite 4!

This and That week.....

2012-01-31T10:22:00.000-08:00

This has ALREADY been a "This and That Week" we are only two days in.......Big Sigh~.

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. Love Capturing when Charlee plays...she is so creative! I will Have an Entire Album before she even hits Kindergarten....lol Along with 60 haircuts....:)

And.....

My lovely teenagers have turned my Computer table into a message board...Lovely...

Week Number two with Zumba....Its clearly Kickin something into gear. Every part of my body hurts....Its getting ridiculous trying to do my hair. My poor arms!

My friends and I are in AWH as we stare at these Latino Ladies....HOW DO THAT DO THAT?

shakin what Your Mommy gave ya is RIGHT! :)

Off To Drink a cup of Joe and Cross things off my List.......

Best Friend.....

2012-01-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

Ingrid Is my Best friend!

She just doesn't know. ;)

She came out with a new album, that I counted down the days for.

Here is One of my Favorite songs from her newest album......love it & love her!

Love how creative her Video is....

Hope you enjoy it as much as ME!!!

Inked.....

2012-01-26T09:57:00.000-08:00

Yup.....Today.....

Packaging V-day Pictures....:)

I had so much with these

{I still have a few spaces left..if you still wanna book}

Zumba is kickin my Booty....Infact I didn't even know I had muscles that could hurt so bad on the bottom of my feet......ya, stairs are NOT my friend right now.

My first "Winter striders" Race is coming up.......and I have HATED {ok, loath} running in the cold.

I want a camera Tattoo......lol! {mom, did you gasp?}

Probually won't get one......maybe I will, Who knows.....

But It would definatly have to be A vintage camera and in a super cool place....:)

More Shananigians....

2012-01-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

Comings and Goings!

Seems like so much is going on...

Many good things, Many good directions....

The girls and their friends Off to viewing :(....They had a hard week last week!

They had a close friend die....he seemed like such a great kid!

They spent many days crying and many days laughing with friends!

Jax learned how to tie his shoes.....yay JACKSON! YAY ME!!!!

CHARLEE, still cutting hair.

Atleast it isn't her own.

Phew.....

Things are good here.

Lots of brainstorming in the process..... :)

And its cold.

But I love snow.

And rainboots.

The toothfairy needs to be fired.

The end.

Boyce Avenue-----hello. :)

2012-01-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

{Click my music off below before playing}

BOYCE AVENUE

I think I am in love!

I am a sucker for Acoustic....

He is coming to Concert in SL in March

Now to Find a date.....:)

Shiners-----

2012-01-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

Abbie and Her Shiners.......

This was approx Two years ago {awhhh....}

She was playing B-ball with the boys, they were a little too ROUGH!

And here is This weeks Shiner.....
lol
Her and the corner of the bathroom counter had a run in.......:)
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And Charlee and I are off to the Store.... :)
{ Taking her as is---speggetti'o face and all!}

In the air.....

2012-01-18T11:36:00.000-08:00

Its in The Air..................

Remember who loves you today!

She surely does!

Season of l.o.v.e.........

2012-01-17T22:10:00.000-08:00

.....

...

Today:

Things and feelings have been validated.......

I hate when you are overwhelmed with unsureness with a decision & direction.

Then Things fall together and you get your "Light bulb" answer.

Its like a big sigh of relief.......even if you may or may not have wanted it. Its still weight lifted.

And THAT'S calming and peaceful in its self.....

Today's Answer:

Ask for help. And it comes. The end. :)

{people, inspiration, faith & determination}

Since we are in the season of Sharing love........

Here is some of Miss Abigail!

{I heart you Gail}

M-stache!

2012-01-16T10:49:00.000-08:00

I love These girls!

Thankful for good friends!

I feel fortuate to have many who surround me & share Their light.

Sure makes the world go round....:)

Man in brown pants!

2012-01-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you man in brown pants!

For delivering these......... New CD inserts and Business cards!

A little Scalloped Love..... :)

Open sesame.....

2012-01-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

The girls aren't so happy about charlee using all their Mustashe Bandiads.....

But charlee is. :}

Today:

I love when hard work pays off, and then many doors are opened!

Oh the places I get to go......

Don't give up!

Set backs will happen!

Keep pushing through!

Goin' Gansta'

2012-01-12T17:16:00.000-08:00

YUP!----Goin' G style in the West!

Shananigains!

2012-01-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

I love these little moments.....and I am going to miss them when they are gone!

I complain of the messes, but in reality I would be SAD if i didn't get to pick up after them everyday!

She made Cookie beds for her polly pocket and dog.

How creative! :)

January 12th. 2012!

12 Things about Annie:

1. Im a scatter brain {I was told last night..lol}

2. I love things Pink and sparkly.

3. I own 9 pairs of rainboots.

4.I love a good cup of Joe.

5. I want to dye my hair red. I like Gingers! {Maybe its my name}

6. I have Journaled since I was 8.

7. My toe nails never go unpainted.

8. I could sit for hours and pick my split ends. :)

9. I Could easily take 11 Bubble baths a day!

10. Favorite Artists: Ingrid Michaelson, Glen Hansard, The Civil wars, Matthew Mayfield, Amos Lee, Matt Kearney, Carpenters, A Fine frenzy.

11. I like to sing loudly in the car with Abbie and Autumn and do the shimmy!

12. I do NOT keep a clean car. Cheeto's Anyone? But I do Like my bed made!

Today is a NON busy day....

I like those!

Means I get to focus more on My own personal Shananigains!

2012-01-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

Good morning!!
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So much to do.
Never enough hours!
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A good Thing!
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Last night......Charlee was fixing her OWN hot dogs....
I of course had to intervene and let her know she needs to ask for help.
Jackson Pipes up in the next room..."YA CHARLEE!!"
Charlee pipes up right back and says:
"Jackson you don't worry about my cares!!!!!!!"
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Loved it! LOL!
She Pretty much nailed it!
{I love her sassyness and Independence}
Its best not to worry about other peoples cares. :)
Takes to much energy out of our own lives!
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She is also obsessed with Big foot and finding his tracks in the snow.........I can thank Jackson for that one!
We had the scouts come over last night to explain the program to Jax. He is SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS!
I am too actually.....This is my first scout experience, I didn't have any brothers!
ANYWAYS----- they asked how his baptism was and his response was:
"Well, I almost died that day"
lol!
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I love him.
Happy WEDNESDAY!

Create something beautiful!

2012-01-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

Many times when not only do our own experiences teach us things in life.

Its the people that do!

Sometimes people simply bring sunshine just by walking by and smiling! {love when that happens}

Sometimes they create darkness and heaviness and you see how lost they are.

Today was a funny day.

an exciting day, and such a good day!

Funny that over the past few weeks I have had so many conversations with many about

Satan and how he works.

He is sneaky, and smart!

Satan loves to ruin the things that have the potential to shine,

Especially people!

He attacks those who shine the brightest!

He then uses tools, such as people to dull their shine!

When in reality it only motivates the Strong ones! :)

Question:

Which is worse?

A person who sins? Or a person who kicks the sinner when they are down?

Exactly.

I choose to follow my Thought on my chalkboard.

" Let it go and create something beautiful"

The end! :)

Re-inventing....

2012-01-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

Turned on My computer to start another day of decisions and ideas and this is the first thing I read, sent from my mom. Her usual Morning Thoughts she sends out!

"IF THE SHOE DOESN'T FIT........GO BAREFOOT"

WOW-----You could apply that to SO MANY THINGS!!!

Love it!

Abbie has become quite the Photographer...:)

Its time to get to work........I have straggled long enough.

Straggled IS a word btw.........

My creative juices are starting to flow as I sit day after day thinking of ways to

inspire myself and inspire others with my camera!

Abbie Took this picture below for my new products im creating.....:)

{She took this picture in shorts and flipflops hiking through the snow......crazy teenage girl}

Photography is my passion.

It fills my bucket.

It lets my mind be free to create things I like and want.

It makes me happy.

I love giving the gift of sweet memories to families.

There are no rules.

No one to tell me what to do. {Bingo!!}

I get to decide!

I get to define Art the way I see it.

Nothing better then to surround my home with candid shots of my Favorite 4!!

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Re-inventing!
A better me & a better artist!

Vintage Valentines Pictures!........a must..........

2012-01-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

Game TIME!!!!

2012-01-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

Bronco's VS Steelers

many bets going on here!!

AND-----Broncos WON!!!

In the mean time..............

Charlee has her polka dot Bikini on under this.....making snowballs!

What a glorious day! :)

Jax's Day!

2012-01-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

What an AMAZING DAY!!!!!!
as I tried to sit and plan Jax's Baptism day and program......
thoughts kept coming to me about "cousins"
And how my parents have taught the grandkids ever since they have been little with
Cousins Kamp
Cousins Christmas Sleepovers
GFY's {grampa for youth}
and Grampa Minutes!
My parents have structured more then 15 years to create UNITY with the grandkids!
SO-------I knew I needed to have this day be about the cousins.
To cement and glue them together!
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Tanner Shoemaker Baptized Jackson.
{Joshua who is tanners brother who is in Belgum serving a mission ALSO had his first baptism sat as well} :)
Landon shoemaker gave the opening prayer
Trevor Green gave an extreemly emotional talk on Baptism to jax. He pulled up a chair to talk one on one about the covenants he will be making that day. MANY TEARS!
Mattie Watts gave a beautiful talk on the Holy ghost.
Zac Watts bore his testimony
Along with my dad, sister kim and sister Keri!
All the Girl Cousins sang "I feel My saviors love"
My dad Confirmed Jackson.
Closing Prayer by Mike. :)
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I couldn't have asked for a BETTER DAY!!!!!!!!
This is simply what its all about!

Jackson fell asleep towards the end!
Here is his Favorite big boy cousin Trevor who is crying and holding him.
I am SO HAPPY i captured this.
Tissue please!
I am also so glad i can see trevors wrist band that says "JEDI"
cuz thats what they are.........Jedi's!

{ I heart you }

2012-01-05T09:16:00.000-08:00

I took this picture last February in the middle of the road in front of my house.

Wow!----what difference a year makes.....what different roads we travel and what different things we get the opportunity to experience. Good & bad!

Somethings hurtful and somethings joyful!

One thing I won't take for granted again is the opportunity to love.

and BE loved!

Run with it.....nurture it and protect it!

Today...............I feel like the luckest girl in the world.

The end.

I am 8

2012-01-05T08:37:00.000-08:00

I am 8!

I am 7!

I am 6!

I am 5!

Dear Jackson............
You will always love me & I will always love you!
Thank you for protecting me with your light saber!
I am a proud mother of a super hero........
Love, Mom

And she Lives,,,,,,,,,,,

2011-12-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

I am ALIVE!!!!

wow!--------what an insane 3 weeks......

Im on the mend.......finally!

and now rushing to prepare for the man in red to come!!

I did fix charlee's mini bang problem....

Atleast she looks like someone loves her now. :)

We vegged out for almost two weeks straight.....

Day after surgery.........The meanies made me get up and walk....

Seriously?

Autumn's dance recital...

She did WONDERFUL!!!! ;)

Flowers from a secret admirer........awwwhhhhh!

And finally.......the brace FAIRY took abbie's braces off......

Im locking her door! :)

Merry merry FLASH MOB! :)

2011-12-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

The guy in the red sweater....is MY DAD!!

Him and my sister sing in the coolest choir!

They have traveled to Italy this year! :)

My dad is the cutest.......yup, im Bias!

Oh the things we do........

2011-11-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

Today:

Insane, busy, not enough time, lists & to do's!

I have surgery in the morning....

{I know I know, can you believe it?}

Yup! The beautiful, well used Uterus is coming out!

Its done its part.......and now is just causeing way to many problems....

so, goodBYE uterUS!

In the meantime......heard recovery isn't the most pleasant.

Soo------christmas shopping is in the works, cleaning house, laundry, meals, kids....ect ect ect.......

MOMS ARE THE DUCT TAPE!

now--everything is just gunna fall apart........LOL!

Enjoy some random pictures from my camera and my phone....:)

AND----

SHE CUT HER HAIR AGAIN........

UG!!

who wants her?

Thankful 23

2011-11-23T10:02:00.000-08:00

I love this lil' guy.

So thankful for him.

The only boy sure has it hard with all these girls.

But he is ALL boy!!!!

Boy and boy gets!

He has to be the sweetest, Tenderest boy I know.

He tries so hard at everything he does.....tears and all. He pushes through.

So thankful he is all mine. :)

A mothers Heartstrings are sure different with little boys!

17,18,19,20 & 22

2011-11-22T09:32:00.000-08:00

I got behind..........boooo!

SoI decided to dump my phone pictures from over the weekend!

I love my phone......and I love random pictures!

Abbie Drew these!!!

Yes .........she is OBSESSED with drawing on her body.

Great-----a tattoo artist. lol

leave ya with a Video......:)

lol....super cute.

ps....notice no JAX? ya...its like I am gunna cut his arm off to get ONE simple picture.....

boys-------

Thankful 16

2011-11-16T11:06:00.000-08:00

Oh gees.

ANNIE NEEDS TO GET OUT MORE!!!!

lol

I ran 6 miles.....yay me!

I mention this every Thanksgiving and Valentines "Thankfuls" and "Loves"

but I am thankful for my mom's morning thoughts she sends through email...

She has done this for approx 7 years.....{yes mother?}

Anyways, I love her devotion she has put into this....somedays I KNOW she was inspired

"Annie needs this today" even tho she may have not known I needed it!

Todays Thought was:

"Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak.......Sometimes it means you are strong enough to let it go"

~Author unknown

Yes!!

Love it!!

Things are gunna be ok!

and its because I said so........

Thankful 15

2011-11-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

Im so THANKFUL for the small little pretty things in life.

Lace

pink toe nail polish

ruffles

glitter

polkadots

or the cute ruffle ankle socks I can wear with high heals I found on clearance at Target.

That picture above.......

is a basket of string. {obviously}

set it out hanging on a tree in the spring time....and all the birds will use them to build their nests for their babies.

HOW CUTE IS THAT!???

Ps.

where can I find these tights?

and the shoes?

I just might die if i can't find them!

No really, I will die.

Paint your old piano?

I THINK YES!!!!!

Thankful 14

2011-11-14T08:31:00.001-08:00

My life isn't so bad.

What are we even complaining about?

recognize the things you complain about today.....makes you put things in perspective...right?

That picture makes my heart sad!

Yesterday I was making my bed and noticed charlee ate saltine crackers in my bed while watching cartoons...

So I had to shake off all my blankets and brush off the sheets and pillows and ended up just washing everything....

I caught myself letting out a huge *SIGH*.

really?

We had saltines to eat.

We have TV.

I have a bed!

I have blankets and pillows.

I have a washer and dryer.

and I have charlee!

Sooooo..................................

Im thankful for my favorite 4!

Goal:

Take more pictures one on one with my kids..........

Thankful 13

2011-11-14T07:17:00.001-08:00

Today's Thankful is LAUGHTER!!!

I admit I have a strange sense of humor....

what I think is extremely funny where I could fall off my chair and spit Dt. Coke out my nose, may not necessarily be funny to someone else.........LOL!

Sometimes life gets to serious....

I have to remember who I am.

And then refocus.

Laughter runs through my veins.......

I think I would pee if I got a note like this on my car...

I will be the first to admit, I don't always park fantasticly.......

So this made me laugh!

I found some past pictures that capture some of our humor.....:)

Remember the cupcake story with Abbie?

She made cupcakes for autumns birthday party.....{look closely to the right}

and she cooked them in the cupcake pan....and then when they were done she tried to take them out and put them in the paper cupcake holders....

LOL!!!

She couldn't figure out why they looked weird.

she didn't cook them with the papers.....I about died!

Member when Charlee cut her hair? :(

I cried this day........

After the 6th time of cutting her hair.....I almost handed her the sissors myself and say HAVE AT IT! ...lol.......

Jax was so mad at me this day.

His 6 year old birthday pictures.......

it was so cold this day...and i made him stand there anyways.

{mean mom I am}

Today-----we BOTH laugh at this picture.....I printed it on a large standout! :)

Thankful 12

2011-11-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

Maybe?

Is this true?

Do we really believe that?

Today----Thankful for the small word "FAITH"!

Faith that, that Phrase up above is true,.............time is the factor in this.

And of course that dumb word I dislike ever so much................patience. :)

PS....... I NEED THESE SHOES!

Thankful 11

2011-11-11T09:25:00.000-08:00

I started training yesterday....

Man---its amazing how your body remembers what to do....yet, I coughed like a smoker all night and I can't move my legs this morning...

and it was only a short 3 miler. sad.

18 miles. *sigh*

IT WILL BE WORTH IT!!!!

Not only am I thankful for a healthy body that allows me to have an outlet like running...

I am thankful for an outlet like Photography.

Its been a long journey to get to where I am today.

Many sleepless nights and frustration and tears trying to learn and figure things out!

I wanted so badly to be able to CAPTURE everyday life of my children.

To journal it.

and just take a GOOD picture for heaven sakes......why was it so hard?

well......3 and a half years later......here I am.

still learning and still growing with so much MORE to learn. :)

But I am thankful for it.

Thankful for appreciative clients.

The gift to give them forever memories!

cuz you never know what is right around the corner in life............

Some recent's.........

Thankful 10

2011-11-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!"
-Rocky Balboa

Tissue please......

Thankful 9.....

2011-11-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

Todays thankful is spontanious.......

Not everyday needs to be deep in thought.

So I walked around my house and found just a few things that I seem to just pass by everyday without thinking I love THIS and/ or THANKFUL for this....

{above}

Miss C.

I love when she sleeps late....usually in my bed as she comes in, in the middle of the night most nights......im a sucker....I know. :)

Smellies!

I love SMELLIES!!!!

Random toys around the house.

I can see where my kids have played and where they have been.....

ONE day...........this will be gone.

MAX-----I am thankful for him

and what he teaches my kids.

We have had him for alittle over 5 years.....:)

He. is. the. best. dog. ever.

THIS BUGS THE *&^% OUTTA ME!!!!

sheesh-----just pick up your stuff......I mean...really!!!

where does she even sleep?

{mom don't laugh I know I was bad too}

Even tho this drives me crazy.........its warming to know they live here.

and they are with me. Everyday!

Again.........charlee......*sigh*

has BEEN HERE!

She has lost my ipod!

She has lost a memory card with my california pictures on it!

I have been having the thoughts of shipping her to china!

with a non-return address.

But decided I better keep her. :)

Thankful 8......

2011-11-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

I have went to change this chalkboard saying 5 or 6 times now......

but every time I do, I can't seem to erase it!

I wrote it a few months ago........WHAT?

I never leave things the same more then a week....lol

So it happened again this morning......

what thought should I put up?....something new, something fresh!!

And-----I couldn't do it!

So......I thought about this saying...

"Love life and Life will love you back"

I few months ago I hated this saying But still put it up cuz I was TRYING!

Trying to love the things around me like I once did...

I was told by a wise bird {hi dad} that if we play the part, then we become the part.

So this was my attempt.

I can say......it sure is easier now then it was!

I see light

and feel light.

Ok---enough blibber blab.

TODAY'S THANKFUL IS.........

The people that surround ME!

I think we create those who tend to surround us...

BY, what we put OUT!

If I love life...life will love me back

If I am kind, I will then find kind people.

If i am positive and uplift, then I will in return find positive and uplifting people.

We fill others buckets to the rim? We will get ours filled as well!

SEE!.....we create our own TEAM around us.

I got on my email this morning and read many posts that people have posted on my blog and some private just for ME emails...:)

There was ONE that struck me today.

I had to read it twice as the tears streamed down my face.

It was filled with kindness and acknowledgment, encouragement, and sweet tender feelings!

My trials have indeed helped others.

some days I feel weak and as I can't go on another day.

BUT SEE ME? I am still standing....and obviously still going on another day.

Not sure how to be honest.....

but I'm sure it has to do with the people we have created around us. :)

some I do not even know and don't even really know me.....but how lucky and thankful I am for them! I mean...TRULY thankful!

Some people are put in our lives for a long time or a short time....or an extra ittybitty short time...:)

Doesn't matter ONE bit to me.....I think its lovely!

The end!

phew----now I can go shower.......

Happy Thankful Days!

What are you thankful for?

Thankfuls.......

2011-11-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

Im behind!

here is 7 thankfuls for a quick catch-up!

1. Bubble baths!!

2.Dt Coke With lime.

3. Unconditional love! Giving and recieving!

4.My 4 favorites! {Abbie, Autumn, Jax & Charlee}

5. Tomorrows. Tomorrows lets us try another day!

6. ALL THINGS PINK and sparkely!

7. .......This song:

{scroll down to the bottom and pause my music to hear}

2011-11-07T09:01:00.000-08:00

I love the Holidays.....

Super excited to break out the OLD Christmas records to play on this record player...

Reminds me of my dad......

Nothing better.....

What a week.........

Lots going on in the West home.

COMINGS & GOINGS:

Abigail- Hates school, loves boys. Lovely.

Autumn- did a couple flash mobs for dance this month...cutest thing ever!

where did she learn to drop it like its hot? ug!

Jackson- what a stud. He wanted "smelly stuff" for the ladies.

So mike Bought him some axe spray.....LOL! I can't stop laughing..:)

Charlee: sweetest thing is the whole world. I have pictures below to prove it!

did you expect anything less?

ME: Holding it together ever so gracefully. Go me!

I like to reward myself with shoes and cardigans...

as you probably noticed? lol

Oh, what I did to deserve these cutest sweaterboots......

well deserved, and I skipped out of the store! :)

I'm so happy I document my life so well threw journal-ing and pictures.....

cuz how would I ever remember moments like these?

Max---poor max.

he looks so good wearing mascara........

This little thing.....How can anyone out do her?
between, lipstick on the walls, carpet and body, cutting her hair so many times i can't count, stamps on my wall, fingernail polish, marker on walls and furniture, picking off the keys on the laptop, drawing her cute little circles inside my durango car door and so many more lovely things...........I have pictures and memories for each one.
.
.
Oh, I love her!
Its hard to be 3!

Enough!

2011-11-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

Yup!

I am!

Saw this picture and it made my heart swell.......

Some times we forget

Dispite our hardships, mistakes and situations....

we are ENOUGH!

Oh the things I love......

2011-11-07T08:39:00.001-08:00

I WILL be making these for Miss Charlee!!!

Pretty much the cutest thing i have ever seen.

Love!

Anthropology Curtins.......seriously, i am making these!

what a cute shower curtin these could be?

Double LOVE!

Old doors into your closet.......I can't take it!

:)

Now to Find OLD wood...........
{I credit cutest pamela over HERE for this sign}

SO CUTE!

altho I would of course use lace!

heaven!

Sunday....

2011-10-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

Love memorable quiet sundays......

Just a few of my Favorite 4!

Circus...

2011-10-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

I will find humor in ALL THINGS!!

Its simple. I just have too.

Wow, life sure throws you into a circus sometimes......

On Our way to Trunk or Treat!!

bring on the RED!

2011-10-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

I hate Halloween make-up.

Her face tells it all!

When she hid in her bed.......I had to leave the room and giggle in the hall before I could get my 'mommy game face on".

Anyone know how to get RED lipstick out of carpet.....???

GOALS:

Many goals on my plate right now.

I am on the mend.......and I know this cuz im finding joy in goals and accomplishments and doing things I once loved.

SO------

I signed up for the "strider's" races!

5 races........

10K

10 Miles.

Half marathon

18 Miles.

Here I GO.............

2011-10-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today we picked a few LARGE Pun'kins from the garden...:)

Charlee Squeeled!

Ok.......so did I. ;)

I think I might paint these ones!

Today was Busy......

Driver in da house!

2011-10-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

{yes, thats a drivers handbook...whoa!}

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABIGIAL ELIZABETH!

October 2nd! :)

She is my beautiful!

as the clouds roll in..................

2011-10-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

Sitting here blogging as the winds and thunder and darkness rolls in........

Love this time of year.

Love this weather.

Listening to the rain as my mind wonders........ ;)

Here is just a few sneakpeaks of adventures going on around here......

Not sure I wanna claim this one...lol

Seriously.....look at that FACE....and with a fork on top of that!!

I hope this is never ending...........

Oh, Farewell!!! :)

2011-10-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

Farewell Elder Joshua Shoemaker!

My handsome Nephew... ;)

Just Entered the MTC to serve the Netherlands/Belgium Mission.

He will speak DUTCH!

HOW AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

We love you Josh.....and will write often and send you junkfood!!

our first Missionary of the family.....

My mom and dad with 18 grandkids.....:)

ROCK ON ELDER!!!

Other EXCITING NEWS????

My parents just got called to SERVE their long awaited mission as a couple.

A humanitarian Mission........they start their work asap!!!

So much work to be done.

Activities and shananigains------ :)

2011-10-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Member this?

{still Jealous?}

My eyes light up and heart flutters everytime I walk into my new craft room!!!

Here is the work in progress.........

We worked over Conference weekend.... :)

and still cleaning up and finishing odds and ends....

A place to CREATE is a much needed space for me!

A man cave......kinda!!. But minus the man...and minus the cave...lol

{Loved the Young woman's message on sunday btw

Loved what she had to say about Fathers and Teenager girls!!}

Oh the places Charlee and I have been....things we have done and things accomplished!

So many good and positive things happening in my world.

We only create the world we want....

I SHOULD know this.....and do know this!

Moving on from hardships is just like the word "HARD"

but choosing good to surround us and only letting in GOOD.....is the key!

again-----our choice!

Its hard work......but I am seeing the positive slowly come forth for me and my children and therefore....worth every bit!!!

We have two beautiful Horses we are careing for....

OR should I say Miss AJ is careing for!

This is Her heaven!

She is saving every penny for one of her VERY own...... :)

4 acers..........I can easily get use to this!

Can someone say..... RED CHICKEN COOP?

Its ok..........

2011-10-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

Its ok to be Jealous!

lol

Look what came into my path... ;)

IM DIEING.....like not sleeping dieing!

Funny what Old, ugly, rusty, dirty but OH so fabulous things like this does to us.

This type of stuff runs through my veins!

Wanna see what I did with it???

With 7 cans of spray paint & finger cramps.......stay tuned!

More Cali Love.............

2011-09-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

I can't stop thinking about this trip to California....

It was Bliss.

My dads sister....Aunt Cleo.

We were attached at the hip ever since I was little....

now that she is in Cali.......I don't see her much.

I just wanted her to wear me as a scarf and carry me around.....lol

I love her so much!!!!

My dad's Other sister Aunt Wilma.

Isn't she beautiful!?

We would come down to her house alot when we were little and spend the week at disneyland and the beach. Since she was close to both.

I love memories........ :)

I had the cutest strawberry shortcake swimming suit...just so you know!

TODAY:

Today-------charlee and I have lots to do.

I love my days with her!

Sisters at the Ocean.......

2011-09-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

Ok-----here is ONE I love.

Yup....my dad used my camera and took this among many many others...

He rocked it!

Thanks dad!

Just got back from a short vacation with my sisters and my parents.

We flew into California for a few days!

My dad took us......muchly needed.

Sometimes is good to be reminded of our roots. Our foundation.

In a HUGE sence it reminds us who WE ARE!!!!

Where we came from.......

and who loves me. :)

My 4 older sisters----------

My Mother and father with my sisters in the background......

Love this.....love them!

change....

2011-09-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

Aren't these pictures sweeter then Chocolate?

Sweeter then Icecream?

Sweeter then halloween candy?

YUP!

She is my sugar!

When you hear the word "change"......does it Scare you?

does it challange you?

does it excite you?

Im trying to figure out what to do with all this change.........

Today I am blessed!

Tomorrow I will be too.........

{California beach {sister} pictures coming soon...taken by my one and only DAD!}

{You will be impressed!!!!!!!!!!!}

#4

2011-08-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

My favorite 4!

Can't wait to get the girls School pictures I took, printed!

Ive been on a roll.........many loads taking to the DI...

things cleaned out and organized and rearranged....

and even managed to pick up a few boxes that I can pack up things that are not in use.

I have a small vent.

My vent today is MEAN PEOPLE!!

Im not talking about those who have bad days and get grouchy from time to time.

Im talking about those who live their live putting down others....making fun, laugh, accuse, belittling and never thinking they are in the wrong and are blinded by the negitivity that surrounds them.

then they walk into church on sundays with a high head and soft voice.....

Intersteing that those who think....

"I go to church.....prepare lessons.....attend the temple....therefor that will save me from these actions I mentioned above"

Which brings me to my next picture!

"Keys to Happiness"

Ah ha! {light bulb} moment.

They are NOT happy.

How sad to be constantly unhappy!

To live in such heavy hearted circumstances to where you hurt others....possibly life long damaging to those you love.

sad!

I am NOT perfect.

At all!

Never will be!

I made my mountains of mistakes...

But I do know when its time to pull out.....be done.....throw in the white towel and protect the ones I care for. Even if it happens to be my Favorite #4!!

We ALL do wrong!

But there is ALWAYS room to do right..........its all about wanting it bad enough!

Surgery update:

All my holes are healing up fantastic!

They got them all out so that means I won't have to go back! {waahoo!}

And........they came back free from any odd cell nonsense!

And.........he gave me the go ahead to start running again...

{super glad.....its been months and I need to run off all my pistachio ice cream}

2011-08-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

She is My favorite Ice cream Flavor.

I enjoy simple days with her.

She is purely brighter then the stars...... :)

I woke Up sick today.......Minor cold with a few aches on the side.

I will manage. I always do!

I will savor today relaxing with My # 4.

We have already started off with Tiny scratches all over her hands from the new kitty

Which is now covered in Cupcake band aids........

This morning has been an interesting one.......

With Only minutes of sleep last night.......I have felt every emotion I think possible.

I was givin TWO thoughts today by TWO people I love:

"Learn to say NO to the good so you can say YES to the best"

"Only you can change your life"

These both are what I needed to hear today for TWO very different reasons!

Isn't it funny when you can see the clear picture but can't seem to make it happen as easy at it may be......

Frustrating!

Patience!

Something I don't have ANY of....... :(

I want the waters to be calm.

consistent and calm.....

And its me!! Me, who gets to choose and decide that!

I have the tools.....

Be still my soul. Is what I am told.

It will happen.

I guess I will crack open a Dt. Coke and wait........

As I sit here and gather up names and thank you cards for all the dinners brought in last week,

I can't believe the constant flow of love and concern and kindness I have in my life!

How do you repay kindness.....?

I feel like I'm always in debt!

I had to take a picture of my NOW favorite new love.......this Utes Jersey! {sorry dad} lol!

Its from Victoria Secrets PINK line....I drooled over it.

and surprisingly.....it became mine.

In the most loving way ever........to where it became not about the Jersey anymore....it became more!

Here is Autumns new Kitty!

named Lucy!

Until we found out it was a boy..........now its nameless....

I was thinking Lucifer?

Ruby Reds....and school days!

2011-08-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

I got me some ruby reds........Shoes make me smile!

and I deserve them....

Im feeling better!

The first night was ruff...... :(

I was a boob!

But Im up and moving around, still stiff and gimpy but do-able!

I managed to get bathrooms cleaned, beds made and laundry done today.

ENJOYED FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

I cleaned my little heart out. And it stayed clean till 4:00.....happy day!

I ask for so little........ ;)

Even left treats on the kids beds.............see, i rock!

Happy first day of school girls!!!

They are so beautiful to me...

Miss charlee............she wouldn't allow me to leave her out.......

Oh How I love her!

I enjoyed my first day alone with her........ ;)

Today I am thankful for people who teach me lessons!

Happy people in my life.

Clean laundry & giggly kids!

Owie!! :(

2011-08-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

No one can go into surgery without pink polkadotted toes!

I shouldn't be blogging.......I should be laying down.

But since My drugs have kicked in......i will! :) Naughty me!

Hope I don't ramble off with a bunch of mumble jumble nonsence!

The girls waiting with me in the waiting room....so HAPPY they came!

Sorry, hope you don't get sick.....I know its horrible. :(

So glad these are out of my body....

One step of the process crossed off the list!

Just looks like I got shanked in prison is all.....HA!

5 total!

And Now I need a new pair of shoes!

Shananigains!

2011-08-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

WOW!...........Lots OF shenanigans going on at the WEST'S!

Max got a girlfriend!

Jackson Started 2nd grade today!!

{sling strap?. He hurt his collar bone! Nice........}

Last Minute Summer late nights.........now come to an end!

Sleeping in...........will be no longer.....

One on One time with Miss charlee will now fill my days...... :)

Odd shenanigans will still continue................................. :)

Zoo Life....

2011-08-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

I took my four favorites to the Zoo.

What a fantastic day........

and muchly needed for them and I!

Abbie loved the Fighting monkeys.

Autumn loved the Elephants.

Jax loved the "toy store".

Charlee loved everything she saw! Many Oooh's and Awh's and squeels!

What a Zoo Life we have------

School is starting soon, and HOW I'M CRAVING MY DAILY SCHEDULE BACK!

I'm ready to send these kids away for the day so my house stays clean more then an hour and 20 minutes. :)

I'm ready and in NEED of some sort of routine.....

Even if its just tossing the kids in bed by 9:00

Bubble bath with SONIC!

and eating sliced cheese and popcorn in my bed while I watch the news.

Oh how I miss those days........

This is my zoo life!

I am beginning to adapt.

spreading the love......

2011-08-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

I surely wish I could share some of the COOLEST and personal bucket filling facebook messages and emails I have received.

When things are bad....things can ALWAYS be a gazillion times worse.

and realize while taking this picture of my 4 favorite people..............

Just how BLESSED I AM!!!!

Thank you to my neighbor for bringing me a sonic.....she must have been inspired.

Today it was Muchly needed.

In return........I am going to pay it forward.

I will put some sunshine in someone else's day....... :)

Oh the Possibilities.......

remold!

2011-08-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

I hate when things happen around you that you have absolutely no control over.

Makes your heart feel hopeless....

Boy, I hate that word.

So today:

I am remolding my heart!

Count the happies.......

2011-08-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Count My Happies......

I choose NOT to forget.

Music. It inspires and heals. {get it from my dad...thanks dad!}

My children. Even the boogery face days.

Bubble baths. Took them twice a day since I was little.

Knee high socks. They make me smile.

Shoes. Better then chocolate

My friends. I can't even count the ways........

{old and new}

Painting my toes

Laughing!

Things PINK. Things with lace and things that sparkle!

Lotions and smelly stuff.

Gummy peach circles

Sonic, Dt Coke, white coconut and Lime.

The Sun.

The Water.

Holding hands.

Things that are Old. Finding a new purpose.

My Family. I need them.

Forgivness. LOVE, Strength you never knew you had.

Late Night conversations.

And.......

Having memories and photographs that tell me life is good.

unexpected.....

2011-07-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

I should be used to unexpected turns.

Good or bad, that's what makes memories and stamps imprints in our Lives .

Like the collage of pictures above. Memories! Imprints!

Well---------here is a good imprint to remember.........

My dermatologist and I had a good long conversation this morning.

These bumps on my body are caused from a rare genetic disease called "Reeds syndrome"

and they can in some cases causes kidney tumors {cancer}

I will be flown to Maryland {Hi Jeri, I'm gunna come see you}

for 3 days where they will do tests on me......our tax dollars at work, this will not cost me a cent.

Reason being is cuz this is such a rare disease!

Not that this news isn't bad enough......

I was informed they have to go back in for the THIRD time and take more out from my already

huge %$#@ incision.

REALLY? I think all the blood just flushed out of my face just now.....:)

GOOD NEWS?

He scheduled me with a plastic surgeon so I will be put out the third time around.

They will also take out two more bumps.....great!

Guess what that means? 4 WEEKS OF NO BATHS!!!

How will I survive my daily night time bubble bath with Dt Coke?

Such sacrafice I tell ya...........

I need a sonic!

For everything thats Holy......

2011-07-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

PLEASE CHARLEE SLEEP!!!

Trying to work alot today.....kinda hard with this little girl of mine.

Filling dog food in my tupperware

Chalk all over my front door.

Braces elastics on every single toe and finger...comes to me with PURPLE FINGERS AND TOES.

YUP.....I swore. And freaked!

Yogurt on my carpet.

Cereal milk spilled on the floor

Changed her clothes 40 million times.

Geez, I love her.

Ive decided not to ship her to china!

Todays heart.....

2011-07-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

On those difficult days when the whole world gives you the cold shoulder, there are flowers lying in wait just below the surface. Sometimes it takes a lot of tears to thaw them enough to allow them to grow. It takes time, patience, resiliency, tenacity. Sometimes even then, it seems impossible.
HANG IN THERE. HOLD ON. Let your heart open up just one tiny crack and see what comes pouring in, or flooding out.

~kelly

Todays heart:

Woke up today with a wonderful light flowing beat to my heart.

Changes are being made....and alot of them is by choice and alot is by feeling blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.

Sometimes we are our OWN worse critic and it takes ALOT of courage to be content with where we are at.

Takes time, courage and a heart full of flutter.

And sometimes its just having those around you to give you that tiny push you may need.....

and allow you to "Carry on"

Today is a good day!

A very very good day!

{havent heard about my bump on my leg yet---I will share as soon as I know....in the mean time...I bought new shoes. makes it all better!}

walk in my shoes!

2011-07-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

These pictures make me cry.

I know where I was at in every single one.

Where I was going, What I was wearing and what emotion took place.

I have walked in my shoes.

Have you?

Bigger holes and randomness of life.......

2011-07-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Im not as good to take my mark with me everywhere like I use too.

{Mark is my camera's name}

Im sure mark feels neglected lately.

But My cell phone is much more convient then mark.

Mark......i still love you and think you have a sexy body. ;) lol

So here is some randomeness pictures from my phone.

Here I am at the Dermie.....{Dr. Jason Hadley} FANTASTIC! he is a friend of some mutual friends And I adore him.

The nurse who helped out cut more CHUNK out of my legs.....left me a message on my blog a few days ago.

then she saw me and says......your Annie? You have a blog?

I just left a message saying how I found your blog...

SMALL WORLD PEOPLE!

So after I pulled myself together from a 2 inch incision and 1/2 inch deep and another few stiches on the other leg......we had to get a picture. :)

Hi melissa. :)

Ya-----I didn't do well.
glad I had the girls and other good company to help me!

:(
So we will see what the tests say in a few days!
then I will just have someone knock me out to get the rest out.......mmmkay?

.
.

Other good news....
My friend Marissa had her sweet baby boy...."Baby J"
I love him. and i love her.
She had a rough delivery.....good work mama!!

We took off to Idaho for 5 days.

I took the girls.

The girls needed mommy bonding time......

I took these pictures as the boats got ready early as 6:30 a.m to begin the Bow Fishing tournament, waiting for the horn to blow.
.
.
As I edited these two pictures
I had a sweet thought.
.

This trip with my daughters was a new beginning for all of us....

we made some changes and set some goals.

Like the morning.......

the sun ALWAYS comes up.

and we ALWAYS have the chance to begin again........try again.......

Picture of my owies.

you can also see my bandaid with the other stiches on the other leg.....

call me gimp.

I got a hole......

2011-07-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you are unsure about decisions the ONLY thing we have to rely on is HOPE!

And HOPE takes Patience. Damn patience! I hate that word......)

But have learned to keep calm and carry on and then HOPE it all turns out ok!

Last week I had a a small sore deep rooted bump cut out of my leg.

I have 4 other ones on my body...

But this one he cut out and then did some tests on it.

Well, I got the phone call today they they don't feel good about it and its growing and the cells are splitting and i was told to come back in and they will actually cut deeper and wider.

{hole now is double the size of a pencil eraser}

ewe.

Not excited being that I crawled up the table and almost hyperventilated last time.

and now being told it will take him about 30 minutes to do this.

FOR ONE!

looks like I will be getting them all out.

can they just KNOCK ME OUT? someone.....please?

Me and My girls will continue to bloom together!

I'm one worried mom.

Teenagers ARE hard!

fun, exciting, silly, goofy, stressful, many sleepless nights, many tears,

AGAIN.......

hope.

dreams.....

2011-07-14T13:09:00.001-07:00

{wow, two blogs in a day? lucky...}

Wishing and dreaming is more then just throwing in a penny in a wishing well!

I love this picture of charlee takin last night as the sun begun to set..

The innocence of a child sometimes still plays a factor when your older....

Keep wishing.

Keep dreaming.

Begin again.....

2011-07-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

Its been almost 3 months of non exsistant blogging.....

I didn't die.....but a part of my life did.

So im strugging finding my place.......

I miss my DAILY blogging routine every morning.

and I know you do too....

I have the emails that tell me!

All of you that know Annie....Know, that blogging and journaling is my salvation and therapy.

so.......here we go......pushing my way through.

carry on........

Here we go with WEST updates:

Me: Busy, overwhlemed, distracted but still smiling!

went to Lake powell and met everlasting friends.

Went to a bow fishing tournament, been boating out on the lake alot!

Sister dates, going out to dinner, and plays...

bear lake for our annual 14 years and counting couzins kamp!

{pictures to come as well}

dad dont kill me.....

and then just playing mom!

Its been a new adventure forsure!

Abbie: she is almost 15....what more ya want me to say?

I spend alot of time keeping my eye in the back of my head on her!

{pictures coming soon}

Autumn: She is my rock.

And is into animals more then ever! just got a new kitty for her, and yesterday it got out and we can't find her......so many tears at the west house today!

Jax: Just got the coolest new hair cut {picture soon}

little rocker!

he is enjoying NO SCHOOL!

Charlee: she is 100% fully potty trained.
bout TIME!!! and......still cute and ever so naughty. :)

This was taken before my sisters night out!

A MEMORY thats inprinted in my mind for life!

This is Autumns kitty........who is lost.......hope we find her!

Promises:

I promise myself I will use tools I have around me to heal my heart.

including this blog. :)

The end.........

Counting......

2011-05-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

Everyday things cross your path and you NEVER

realize how much you need them and unintentionally take them for granted.

I hate when this happens. Its only when its gone you realize.......

Im trying to count the things....and keep a Mindful heart about these things......

Maybe thats why I love Photography so much...

I can capture the small things I love.

ONE thing I wish My camera would capture would be feelings.....

Everyday Emotions.....

I guess its only pictures we have to draw our heart strings back to that moment!

This was a good day for Charlee!!

SHE CUT HER BANGS. {again}

Mix matching shoes..

Inside out dress.

and scooby doo fruit snacks.

She is perfect to me!

Im slacking on my training for the half marathon this time around..........

Im at mile 9. {bearly}

oh well....

we can only do what we can do ...RIGHT???

rainboots!

2011-05-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

How am I suppose to run 8 miles today in rainboots?

Damn rain!

Its probually for the best......im spending every waking moment editing and getting caught up.

This has taking me by surprise how busy I am at this very moment,

I THINK i see a light at the end of the tunnel?

I said........I THINK!

Speaking of rain.

This Senior session was Minutes away from being canceled.

SO HAPPY it didn't.

cuz-----look how stunning she is! :)

I know I have only posted sessions.......

Sorry!

Its filling my days to the rim!

Thats where I am right now.......

give me some slack....lol

TWO weeks.....I may be normal again?

But then....who wants to be Normal anyways??............boreing!

Pee and buckets!

2011-05-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Mothers day!

good day!

I can't tell you all the strange noises that were expressed and heard durring these pictures.,.....but they made us pee. :)

Sisters are healing to me.

My bucket was filled and then i went on my way..........

My mom......well we didn't get a pic with her.

little stinker.....she would hide!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MOM!

Thank you for loving me.

No matter what.

Thank you for inspireing me to be better..........

and thank you for shareing your gifts and talents!

Love you. To the moon!

Busy Bee......

2011-05-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

Some more Highlights with what THIS busy BEE has been doing......

I think bee's deserve more credit!

Dear Mr Officer....

2011-05-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

Logan City Chief of police: Annie, can I wear your rain boots?

Me: Yes, if i can wear your shiny shoes?

DEAL!

I took the Logan City Police officers pictures today!

Up at 3:00 am.

ready by 4:30

there by 5:30

Shooting by 6:00

Infact I was on a ladder shooting this picture and I said:

"Ok---im going to count to 3 and then start shooting"

LOL!

I didn't get the joke at first.....but they sure did!!!

What a fun day!!

Sometimes its OK to not be "professional" ALL the time...

right?

{my sister Kristi....911 disbatch}

Good day!

a minute.....

2011-05-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

When I get a minute from the chaos of my live.

I will indulge in my Favorite Sonic drink.

Dt. Coke White coconut and lime. :)

Seems to always hit the spot.

Don't you hate when people think they are so much better then you?

in reality we are ALL the same....just never on the same mountian top at the same time. :)

Im actually kinda getting fond of my mountain.

Its is what It is.....

I Think I might as well plant some flowers........

M.I.A.

2011-05-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Its because the only thing i have time to do is download one session just in enough time to shoot another!

Here is what I have been working on...............................

This doesnt even scratch the surface.........7 more sessions to go......THIS WEEK!!!!

im exsausted....but I am thankful. :)

Cherry!

2011-04-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Finally they are coming out!

Means....new beginning!

the are so beautiful........

Everything gets second chances.....even trees.

The sun feels good.

OH, so good!!!!

Happy sun day!

So guess what......

2011-04-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

I ate a whole bag of damn peanut butter M&M's.

really?

good laws..........

Good Thing this Zumba is kickin my bootie. :)

I love staying home with Charlee....

Even tho she had to go to her room 9 million times yesterday....

I still love it.

We have fun.

Last night She set the table for me.....ALL BY HERSELF!

and dang me....i didn't take a picture!

We all enjoyed her 3.2 second prayer! :)

Im busy with spring sessions.....

holy YIKES!

Everyone wants them done at the same time!

Sure wish MR. sun would come out and play for a few days.

Suuuuuure would be helpful!

I have Easter pictures I will be posting soon!

Looks like a beautiful day.

SO CHEERS TO THAT!!!

{in my case a V8 and celery....lol}

Finally..........

I had to post this email I got from a long lost friend.....

Its these sweet tender mercies that help us grow and become strong and feel loved NO MATTER WHAT!

I'm so grateful to have wokin up to this today.

I hope she doesn't care I shared.

I keep MOST of these treasures secret.....but this one struck me.

love you Miss T!

I feel honored to be her friend!

Hey Annie girl-

First, I have to tell you that you are one of the strongest women that I know. I read your blog and I am lifted, every single time. Lifted by your strength of not being afraid to be you! I hope that you know, realize and fully embrace that this is a talent! A talent from our Heavenly Father and you my friend, are magnifying and sharing, so it continues to grow.

Really, your words, though I don’t know your “story” behind them, they have been the words to my story that I was too stubborn, afraid or stubborn to say myself.

I adore words. I admire words because when you put words together-they can do amazing things. They have great power.

I felt like you needed to know that your words have given me power. Power that I didn’t realize I was missing until I read your words.

Thank you Annie.

Really-you have no idea the strength that your latest words have given me.

You were an answer to my prayers today.

Thank you.

Look at how awesome you are!!

Really though Annie, thank you for saying what you say-having the courage to do what you do, be who you are, wear what you wear and love your lime, coconut Diet coke’s the way you do.

Anytime that you want to open up a world of sonic diet coke’s too me, and hit up the DI-let me know. I would so love to get together.

Have a wonderful, happy night!!!

Happy Sunday!

2011-04-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

Today is Sunday.......Usually the best sunday.

Easter Sunday. :)

Not feeling it this year.......

But its ok! We can't be up to par 100% every day.

Thats what makes life Interesting!

I guess it does anyways!?

I know HF loves me.

alot.

I will just enjoy knowing that today. :)

I am a GLEEK!

And This song pretty much sums up My thoughts.

Luv me some Glee......

Carry on...... :)