Moments in Hess Time

Weary

2012-01-18T19:38:00.003-06:00

Weary ..... probably the best adjective to describe me now.

I just can't seem to be the wife he wants to love.

And my attempts ..... well let's just say

After taking care of everything and everyone all day long,

there isn't much left.

I want it so bad.

I try even when I don't feel like it.

I am not giving up.

Just running out of ideas ...

and energy.

I guess it just might be one of those times

I have to give it to my Heavenly Father.

Savior, Please- by Josh Wilson

Beware - New Gun Safety Tips!

2012-01-13T12:25:00.000-06:00

Found at www.funny.com

Hilarious!

2012-01-09T12:15:00.001-06:00

Funniest Auto Corrects of 2011

(Click to go to website)

Beware it's Rated 'R'

Bucket List for 2012

2012-01-07T12:14:00.005-06:00

I've seen some really AmaZinG bucket lists, and I don't really want to be competitive so I've made my own with somewhat realistic things to do.

1. Throw EGGS at a stranger in my own driveway (oops, convicted already!)

2. Get in someone else's car (did that one, thought it was mine)

3. Skinny Dip (and I got caught)

4. Eat the last of the ice cream and put it back in the freezer ....

..... and then watch as someone else thinks they are going to have some ice cream - he he.

5. TP someone's house ...... wait for it ..... while they are with me and blindfolded.

(That one was quite funny)

6. Go one full day without doing any of the 'million' things I do all day long, and then wait for hubby to say "What did you do today?" and I say "NOTHING!"

7. Drink milk from the carton (but I don't like milk, maybe I can drink from the diet coke can?!?!)

8. Dance with the Easter Bunny

9. Be taller than at least one other adult in the room.

10. Pretend I am a different Professional (penis surgeon, ice cream taste tester, magician, pre school guidance counselor etc) with each person I talk to at a party.

11. At a public shower, take someone's clothes and leave behind a clown costume.

12. Sing on the streets for tips. (And since I can't sing, I probably don't want to quit my day job - oh wait, I don't get paid for my day job, only my NIGHT job.)

I think I should quit while I am ahead.

Started off my new year .....

2012-01-04T23:44:00.003-06:00

........ by making my own laundry detergent.

I got the idea from a FB friend and through Pinterest, my latest addiction.

Homemade laundry soap recipe from Being Creative To Keep My Sanity.

These were the items I used. Picture borrowed from Being Creative To Keep My Sanity.

I just did this but I seem to have lost my receipt already but I believe this cost me about $30.00. The blogger I got this from said hers lasted 9 months. Given the Tide I have left and this homemade detergent, I shouldn't have to buy any more detergent for about a year.

Goals

2011-12-31T06:00:00.002-06:00

I don't particularly like the tradition of making New Year's resolutions,

mostly because of the failure rate and who wants to start off their year as a failure?

However, I do like to set fun goals - nothing too outrageous or unattainable.

This year my goals are:

1. Read at least 12 books for the year (book club helps me with this)

2. Learn something new (this year I learned to can, sew and make pie crusts)

3. Advance in one area of photography

4. Attend the temple once a month

5. Catch up on my scrap booking

6. Do one thing to help my parenting skills

7. Cut a Mohawk on my son without having to say the word 'oops'

8. Let go of one pretentious habit

9. Lose more games

10. Be spontaneous once a month

My Boys .....

2011-12-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

...... bring me great joy!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T08:56:00.003-06:00

Moving to a new place creates new challenges and possibly new traditions.

We have lots of family here and Christmas wasn't just our own this year.

Also, Christmas was on a Sunday this year so we had church to attend.

So we opened presents on Christmas Eve.

My parents, and brother as well as Aaron parents came over for a big Honey Baked Ham lunch and then, mostly the kids, opened presents.

I tried to keep track of everything but it was kind of crazy but mostly because Jared and Aaron kept throwing wadded up wrapping paper at me.

This year we also told Bekka the Santa secret. It was better that she know than cast doubts with her brothers because of her questions and curiosities. In some ways I am surprised she lasted this long since I found out when I was about 5 years old.

Waiting patiently, or not so, to open presents.

Christmas morning, we got up early and checked out what Santa had brought and then got ready for church.

We only had sacrament meeting which ran a little long and then we headed home to make thank you cards and make a side dish for a second Christmas lunch at Aunt Cathy & Uncle Blane's house.

It was a stressful holiday season, more than usual. So I've been racking my brain for ways to simplify it. So if you have any ideas I am open for suggestions.

Happy New Year!

Twelve Days of Christmas in the Scriptures

2011-12-23T21:18:00.000-06:00

Day 12

Isaiah 7:14

Just a few crafty things I've done

2011-12-22T20:16:00.004-06:00

I've been trying some new things - like sewing, canning, making pie crusts and crafting.

Here is a vinyl lettering board I made for my newly RE-married parents.

Below are finger and foot painted reindeer heads on t-shirts for my kids

I've made some fun place mat scripture totes but I've given them all away so I have no pics.

And then there are the washer necklaces/bracelets I've made.

Twelve Days of Christmas in the Scriptures

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Day 11

Luke 2:8-20

Finally!

2011-12-21T10:06:00.002-06:00

We never wait until this late in the season to visit Santa, and those who know me well enough are probably mumbling under your breath "she probably usually goes in October, just to show us how organized she is". ha ha Not quite true. We usually go the very beginning of December because I hate long lines and crowded stores.

Well, we waited cause we were busy and we paid the price. This was our third attempt to see Santa. Santa was always so busy this year that we missed our opportunity twice but by the 2nd failure we got an appointment and had a GREAT experience. Except for the 2 youngest getting scared and not wanting to sit on his lap but we worked past it. And Bekka who has her doubts about the existence of Santa so we had to have a grown up talk with her so she wouldn't spoil the magic for the boys. And instead of a picture with all 4 of them with Santa we got individual pics which turned out just fine.

Blake

Mitchel

Ryan

Bekka

Bass Pro ROCKS! We love going to visit Santa there. The added bonus of playing on the 4 wheeler's just makes the kids very happy.

Twelve Days of Christmas in the Scriptures

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Day 10

Isaiah 9:6-7

Twelve Days of Christmas in the Scriptures

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Day 9

Luke 2:1-7

Twelve Days of Christmas in the Scriptures

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Day 8

Helaman 14:2-6

Twelve Days of Christmas in the Scriptures

2011-12-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Day 7

Matthew 2:1-12

Twelve Days of Christmas in the Scriptures

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Day 6

3 Nephi 1:12-21

Twelve Days of Christmas in the Scriptures

2011-12-16T08:57:00.001-06:00

Day 5

Matthew 1:18-25

Twelve Days of Christmas in the Scriptures

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Day 4

2 Nephi 9:19-22

The Twelve Days of Christmas in the Scriptures

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

Day 3

Luke 1:39-45

The Twelve Days of Christmas in the Scriptures

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

Day 2

3 Nephi 1:4-9

The Twelve Days of Christmas in the Scriptures

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Day 1

Luke 1:26-38

Baby ....

2011-12-06T00:29:00.002-06:00

.....it's cold outside.

-4 degrees

that's what my phone says.

We have at least 6 inches of snow hanging around from the last few days.

Tomorrow it's supposed to be 25 degrees which will seem warm compared to our 11 degree high today.

Wednesday = 46 degrees = heat wave (woohoo)

I can deal with the cold snowy weather but I would rather not.

I would rather be taking this shot in the warm sun.

Or better yet......

I should be hanging out here!

Isabela's Ribbons

2011-11-29T19:38:00.002-06:00

Isabela's Ribbons

click above for web page

Owned and operated by my friend, Teresa.

I've never been disappointed with her products ...

she's always quick.

And best of all

it's for a great cause!

Please consider your next gift idea to be from Isabela' Ribbons and support Teresa in her marathon walks to cure cancer!

Isabela's Ribbons can also be found on Facebook.

Brotherly Love

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

For some of you this will be news ....

I have a brother!

I don't get to see him all that often but as you can tell, me and my sister do

like to pick on him ....... still!

We haven't had a sibling photo in many many years,

so this was a rare moment to be cherished.

Carrie and I made the best of it.

Check out this super cute family

2011-11-27T21:44:00.003-06:00

The very best part of owning a nice camera is being asked to take someone's family photos.

It seriously brings joy to my heart.

And I just love this family.

Thanks Shelby for allowing me to catch your families' smiles!

Thankful Thursdays

2011-11-25T06:00:00.002-06:00

grateful

for

the

atonement.

Especially at this moment when I am behind and late for this and last Thursday's 'Thankful Thursday's' post.

Given that, sorry this is late, very sorry.

However, it's late because I've been so busy with the kids because Aaron has been working all day and into the night for the last two weeks.

So, it's kind of a good thing.

And I am thankful for the work he has been doing.

I am so very grateful for 'agency'.

And this has been brought to my attention lately by a family member who has helped me remember this VERY important aspect of the gospel. Because without it we are no better than the devil ourselves.

My favorite passage about agency is from 2 Nephi 2:27

27 Wherefore, men are ^afree according to the ^bflesh; and ^call things are ^dgiven them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to ^echoose ^fliberty and eternal ^glife, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be ^hmiserable like unto himself.

Like many things, applying agency is a continual learning process. Some of us are better than others but ultimately we ALL make poor/bad choices at some point and require the atonement to correct our spiritual corruption. And so is the plan, and for a plan that helps me progress and grow, I am incredibly grateful.

The last 3 years has been wrought with trials for our family, but I have to say that I am a stronger person today and I'm grateful for all the things I have learned - cause it's the only way we can grow and progress in this life.

As a parent, it's even more difficult to determine when we should allow our children agency to make their own decisions. This too is a gradual process because once they turn 18 and leave the home we have to hope that we have taught them all the tools to make good decisions in 'real life' and that we haven't held onto them to closely or let them go too freely. It's a tough balance.

1. Atonement

2. Agency

3. Temples

4. Ward families

5. the great outdoors

6. grandparents

7. sense of humor

1. electricity & indoor plumbing

2. America - the land of so many opportunities

3. soldiers willing to voluntarily fight to keep our freedoms

4. music and it's powerful effect on my mood

5. patience, sometimes waiting is the best choice.

6. smiles & hugs - they are priceless

7. and have I mentioned the atonement and agency?

Why we choose 4

2011-11-13T22:45:00.002-06:00

...... that is 4 children.

Why?

Yep that is the question I am now asking, almost daily?

I should probably keep a HUGE poster in a prominent place that will remind me of all the wonderful things that my children do.

Cause being a parent is DIfFicuLT!!!

I don't even know where to begin because the duties of being a parent is never-ending.

I thought I had a few things figured out, but wait, they are past that stage and onto something new.

And hey, I've done this already, right? No sorry, different kid, different story.

I'm starting to think having a baby is easy because they only have so many needs. Then they grow up and starting talking and using their brain and having ideas of their own. Now that may sound cute except when it involves explosions using your favorite kitchen utensils.

Then there are the things that come out of nowhere and you are left wondering why no one warned you about 'that'.

And just how many times must you tell them that they CAN NOT write on the walls, not in marker, pen or pencil or that you need to hang up your towel and not leave it on the floor next to the puddle of water.

So, don't get me wrong, I love being a mom and a stay-at-home-mom at that, but there should be some sort of degree that is earned before you do this.

And exactly how did mom's do this before 'google' - cause when I don't know how to do something, I 'google it' or maybe I ask on Facebook.

I've learned creative teaching methods from Pinterest, and I only have time to share the 'JOYS of parenting' on my blog.

And tonight when I couldn't handle it any more and I broke down in tears, it was my daughter who rescued me - in the same fashion I've rescued her so many times before.

She grabbed my scriptures, offered up a prayer, gave me a hug and then grabbed a fresh diet coke and a Reeces Peanut Butter Cup.

So, why did we choose 4?

Cause it sounded like a nice number.

IF I had to do it the old fashioned way, I might need to be medicated.

Thankful Thursdays

2011-11-10T12:00:00.003-06:00

7 Things I am thankful for this week!

1. family - near or far

2. Veterans - I can hardly keep from crying when I think of this one - thank you Dad.

3. personal revelation

4. for my talents and my desire to share them & vice versa

5. books - I love books, I love to read

6. diversity - I would be BORED without it.

7. my husband and for sharing a life with him.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T19:05:00.000-06:00

Not Me Monday!

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

'Not Me Monday' is about ....... well all those moments you would rather not remember, let alone confess ...... RIGHT HERE ...... and live to blog another day.

For more 'Not Me Monday' posts check out MckMama's blog:

My Charming Kids

I was not overly excited to give my eldest son 'the sex talk' - mostly because he is so easy to talk to and I knew I could defer the whole thing to my husband if need be. Nothing like delegating when I don't want to deal. However, the talk was quite pleasant and not the least awkward. Is it wrong to wish all my kids as easy-going as my eldest son?

I did not miss, not 1 but 2 (two) green lights this week. Ye,p I just sat right through them while talking to my kids. I think I might need to pay more attention to the road. Because I did not also think I was in the left-hand turning lane when in actuality I was on the wrong side of the road all together and all because I was giving instruction to my kids.

I did not hoard and hide a good portion of my kids Halloween candy with the intention of giving it to them for Christmas. Nope, not me! Of course, that is if I don't eat it myself before then.

I'm working on more imperfections this week so stay tuned!

Now it's your turn!

Have a great week!

Thankful Thursdays

2011-11-03T09:51:00.002-05:00

Of course I could do this all day long, but I am going to list 7 things I am thankful in this last week.

1. snow days, sledding & hot chocolate

2. technology, my smart phone and the internet in general

3. friends, good friends and BFF's

4. Books - and literacy. I love to read!

5. Children, for teaching me to see things through their eyes.

6. 4 wheel drive - very handy in CO

7. Colors - they add variety to my day

It's starting to look a lot like .....

2011-11-02T12:32:00.004-05:00

Wednesday, the 2nd of November!

The view from my office window.

Really, I could just put some ornaments on it.

Bust out some gifts.

Call it Christmas.

I'm making BBQ chicken

but

don't

think

will

eating

outside.

We are cozy warm inside by the fire.

(the fire that the logs never burn which my kids are confused by)

See, here we are still celebrating Halloween with costumes

and decorations.

Pumpkin seeds and lots of CANDY!

(That would be spider web weighed down SNOW)

That shape there in the middle is our lawn mower.

I hope it's warm blooded.

It's the middle of the week, No School, our third snowfall this season,

and we are loving life.

Enjoy yours and blog about it.

And this is why ....

2011-10-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

This is my mom!

It explains A LOT!

part of my halloween costume

2011-10-21T19:08:00.001-05:00

We play in trees!

2011-10-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

This park in Fort Collins had a playground .... a nice one.

But no, my kids - and husband - were playing in the tree.

And did I mention that we were at a family reunion.

And nobody but MY immediate family was in the tree.

Maybe they (my kids) took their que from me after I emptied out a big metal trash can, turned it upside down and used it to stand on to take the picture in the previous post.

I'm just sayin .....

A celebration

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

My great Aunt Jan & Uncle Jim gathered the family together to celebrate 60 years of marriage. How grateful I am to have been able to attend. This is a side of the family that I haven't seen in 20+ years and most of these kin folk were unknown to me.

It was great to get to know my family and to work on the family tree.

Not Me Monday!

2011-10-17T10:18:00.003-05:00

'Not Me Monday' is about ....... well all those moments you would rather not remember, let alone confess ...... RIGHT HERE ...... and live to blog another day.

For more 'Not Me Monday' posts check out MckMama's blog:

My Charming Kids

No, I am not seriously considering getting the frozen cookie dough out of the freezer for breakfast this morning. Okay, maybe I gave it one loooong moment of thought and then I ate 3 Reeses's peanut butter cups instead.

I did not selfishly bring along my BFF to our Church's Super Crafty Saturday so she could make me some scripture totes. I mean really I just wanted her company, okay so I did want her company but I did want her mad sewing skills too.

I have not gone to any extreme for this year's Halloween costume because normally I care so little about it. So I would never get my hair permanently colored (blond of all colors), or get contacts and have a coat specially tailored for a silly party. Nope, not me!

I am not ridiculously behind on reading this month's book club book .... and book club is only 3 days away. This would not be the third month in a row that I've had this problem. Why do I do this to myself? ...... Wait, I like to read, well normally I do.

Okay, it's your turn for confession!

Is it Monday yet?

2011-10-10T16:21:00.000-05:00

We are all helpers

2011-10-09T21:52:00.004-05:00

How does one end up on stage at a woman's conference?

That's what happened to me this weekend, among other things.

Time Out for Women is a conference put on by Deseret Book Company to help support and uplift women. The theme this year is 'Choose to Become'

As usual it was a great conference with many wonderful stories and messages.

I always come home with small treasures to help me in my everyday life.

This year in the Saturday session of conference about 1 1/2 hours from the end of the conference, there was a power outage - No lights, no sound.

Yet the show went on.

The speaker stood in the middle of the room and used her best 'loud' voice to finish her speech.

And this led to how I ended up on stage.

The singer/song-writer/pianist, Hillary Weeks was up next to play/sing a song and she needed my help.

So I was up on stage sitting next to her on the piano bench.

How, you might ask?

Cause I had an app for that!

A flashlight app(a bright one too) to be specific on my smart phone.

Yep, I was her light - well just for that moment.

Then I was the light for the next and last speaker.

And alas the lights came on and I exited the stage.

It was a girls weekend, and we had a fabulous time.

Girl time in a hotel room with no children - a rare treasure.

Additionally I was able to see an old friend from my early St. Louis days.

I love when women get together and support and uplift one another.
That's the power and love of Christ.

Hope your weekend was just as amazing!

Exquisite Corpse

2011-10-04T14:24:00.003-05:00

The game we played at girls weekend was called 'Exquisite Corpse'

Yes, that is it's actual name.

Below I have documented it's definition according to Wikipedia

Definition:

Exquisite corpse, also known as exquisite cadaver (from the original French term cadavre exquis) or rotating corpse, is a method by which a collection of words or images is collectively assembled. Each collaborator adds to a composition in sequence, either by following a ruleor by being allowed to see the end of what the previous person contributed.

Here is a sampling of our poetic works:

Elise was a girl
with a mad twirl!
Hyena laughter
ringing through the breeze
I hear the birds chirping
The trees are so beautiful!
With 10 turkeys to share
And beer with no flair.
Flat. Flat. Flat. like
an undeveloped school girl.
She drank to much diet coke
and now she is crazy!
But don't blame the baby,
It might be the turkeys.
Gobble, gobble, gobble
Gobble, gobble, gobble,
we ate too much chocolate!
So our tummy's hurt!
But we are alert
Cause we need Certs
for the reak of the
odoriferous breath that stank
like dirty diapers, so
please eat a breath mint!
And don't be late!

And yes we actually saw turkey's.

Not Me Monday!

2011-10-03T18:54:00.004-05:00

Not Me Monday is about ....... well all those moments you would rather not remember, let alone confess ...... RIGHT HERE ...... and live to blog another day.

For more 'Not Me Monday' posts check out MckMama's blog:

My Charming Kids

I am not trying to wean myself off of www.scrabblecheat.com while playing 'Words with Friends'.

I would never cheat ...... except maybe when no one is looking. Nope, not me!

I did not have chips for lunch today and justify it by having pico de gallo with it, calling it 'healthy'. This is not really healthy, and I do know better and I wouldn't let my kids have any, so that doesn't also make me a hypocrite.

I did not seriously consider shooting a/or several turkeys with my handgun without a permit/tag when I was vacationing at my mom's mountain house. Because I thought it would be cool to show up my hubby (since he hasn't gotten anything hunting the last 3 years. Okay, so maybe I did but I went with my better judgement and didn't do it.

But I do not have some regrets for not even trying.

Nope, not I!

Okay, not it's your turn!

Scouts popcorn

2011-09-30T09:55:00.004-05:00

Ryan says ....

"I love Scouts! I love learning new things and being with my den and pack. Please support my adventures in Scouts; I hope to be able to go to camp this summer.

Thanks!"

$25

$10 / $10
$35

$40

Trails End Products

Behind the lense

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

What do you see behind your lense?

2011-09-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Our new business!

Colorado Cleaning & Restoration Website

Featuring:

Carpet & Upholstery cleaning

Tile & Grout cleaning

Air Duct cleaning

Sandless Wood refinishing

Blog Owners

If you could put a button/picture on your blog with a link to our website, it would be greatly appreciated. It helps with our google campaign (it's a whole new world in advertising these days)

Like our Facebook Page!

Not Me Monday!

2011-09-26T10:17:00.007-05:00

It's back!

Not Me Monday is about .... well all those moments you would rather not remember, let alone confess ... right here .... and I will LIVE to BLOG another day.

For more 'Not Me Monday' posts, check out MckMamas' My Charming Kids.

I did not complete two (2) to-do lists and then brag about it on Facebook. I most certainly would not be that motivated and organized, or that braggy (is that a word?)

I did not play games on my phone during my last church meeting because that would be considered rude and inconsiderate especially not after getting after my husband when he did it in church. I wouldn't be such a hypocrite, would I?

I did not put up my Fall decorations after visiting two of my friends houses and saw they had already put up their decoration. I am way past peer pressure, right?

I did not LET (meaning I encouraged it) my youngest son go on errands with me dressed in his batman costume so that folks would concentrate on him instead of me who hadn't showered and looked awful that day. Is that even logical?

I did not WAIT two days to tell my hubby that our daughter's frog had died because I just didn't want to deal with cleaning out the tank. And then I did not make jokes about the frogs level of decomposition to make the clean-up more fun. Nope not me!

Now it's your turn!

Smile, Momma has got her camera!

2011-09-25T13:19:00.000-05:00

My world in Black in White

2011-09-23T21:34:00.005-05:00

Another photo shoot with my kids,

DONE!

It's always a great source of stress for me.

And this time it was impromptu.

But they did pretty well.

Living in the moment

2011-09-22T15:55:00.003-05:00

It's another chaotic day, and my to-do list is still loooong!

I tell myself, in the next season of my life I will be able to ________________.

(fill in the blank with your own wish)

I am going to:

*get up early and exercise and then make my kids a healthy and hardy breakfast

*read my scriptures for 30 minutes before I begin my day

*not drink 6 cans of diet coke to keep me going

*patiently help my children with their homework and not lose my temper

*volunteer at the school

*do a charitable act of kindness

*pay next to nothing for my groceries because I am coupon super mom

*make a healthy dinner from scratch

*spend quality time with each of my children before I tuck them into bed

*have an enriching evening with my husband

Okay, so usually I am lucky to do one or two of those things.

And then I smile, make another list

and do it all again.

Colorado has some beautiful rainbows.

At the end of a busy one Saturday afternoon, we had a full double rainbow.

Oh how badly I just wanted to stop and take that gorgeous picture.

Sadly I was on the interstate going 75mph with no where to pull off the side.

So I waited, and despite my disappointment in not getting the first picture I wanted, I still snapped a couple of pictures of the 'left-over' rainbow beauty.

I just wanted to soak up that moment with my kids.

I can't do it all.

But I can try to take a moment and make it mine.

April Fool's

2011-09-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

As I was driving my car leaving a friend's house the other day, this thought crossed my mind

'I've overstayed my welcome here'

and

then

realized

Ohhhh, I live here now.

I don't have anywhere else to go.

It was an odd moment!

New schedule

2011-09-14T20:10:00.002-05:00

Moving somewhere new, your plate is wiped clean and you start fresh.

Well I have been here 2 1/2 months and was complaining cause I don't have that much to do.

Yep, I've been canning (you heard me right)

and

baking

pies

from scratch!

Just as I am getting some stuff on the calendar (volunteer at school, visit teaching, scouts, play dates and what not)

I SCREW UP my schedule and double book some appointments.

Seriously?

I must have been enjoying the have-nothing-to-do-life.

So after unscheduling and rescheduling, my calendar looks like my multi-colored sharpie's threw up on it.

I might be even more confused.

And I'm not done planning.

I have a few more things to add.

Oh help me!

This kid can fall asleep anywhere

2011-09-14T09:21:00.000-05:00

To Remember & Honor

2011-09-09T15:52:00.003-05:00

I personally knew none of the victims from the 9/11 attacks.

I don't think I even have a friend-of-a-friend relationship

(or maybe I do and don't realize it)

Regardless, it doesn't change how deeply I was affected by the violence that day.

It's like a mother with her children,

you just don't attack certain things.

My freedoms, my love of country and innocent lives are not to be attacked;

Not out of hate, selfishness or anger.

I will not cower, or fall down and hide. I will not give up my freedoms. I stand tall and proud

(okay, not that tall but mighty)

I will honor those who fell victim to this terror plot

I will honor those fighting to protect us from another attack

I will honor those who won't and don't back down from those evil individuals who try to tear us down.

I will rebuild

I will be more resolute

And I will Remember!

Labor Day recap

2011-09-08T17:29:00.006-05:00

So, my kids got to hang out with their cousins this last weekend.

But, we also got to meet my SIL's brother's family from Germany.

Way cool.

We went rollerskating/blading (depending on your coolness factor) and played some Glo Golf.

The kids had a blast.

The adults

survived!

Blake tried really hard and was quite a trooper.

Anita's SIL & niece from Germany

Mitchel had a lot of falls up front but really got the hang of it after a while.

Anita and I chatting away while skating.

Some serious golfing

And that was just the first day!

Day 2

Castlewood Canyon State Park

We did some rock climbing

and some general goofing off.

Day 3

Well that just might have to wait for another day.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-07T11:41:00.000-05:00

What we saw

2011-09-06T11:27:00.002-05:00

Castlewood Canyon State Park

Devil's Head

We saw some incredible views

We live in God's country

I live to capture it.

Labor Day weekend preview

2011-09-05T20:00:00.002-05:00

Really, I am too tired to do a full post. Besides I really need to take a bath and get all this mountain dust off of me. However, I took over 350 pics and as soon as I get them edited there will be a longer post about our adventures this weekend.

In the meantime, I hope you had a great Labor Day and a great start to this wonderful month of September.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

Camping in Northern Colorado

2011-08-29T13:19:00.006-05:00

This was a quick camping trip.

5 1/2 hours up to this beautiful lake and campground.

14 hours at campsite.

An hour spent attempting to find another fishing spot and then we headed home.

The drive home was through a gorgeous canyon.

We must go back ..... but when we have more time.

View from our camping spot

Bekka fell in the lake

The boys off fishing

Making lunch

Blake & Mitchel were the only ones to catch fish

Flower found at the lily pond just off the lake.

*My apologies for the not-so-good pictures. I only had my phone camera.

Another one leaves the nest

2011-08-25T17:07:00.002-05:00

Mitchel started school on Wednesday so now I have 3 in school.

He is very excited to be a big boy now.

Mitchel with his class

First Day of School

2011-08-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

I was only able to get a picture of Ryan on the first day of school.

We are still adjusting to the new schedule but so far the kids seem to enjoy their new teachers, friends, and school.

In true Ryan style, he had a BFF by the end of the school day.

Covering the evidence

2011-08-18T10:31:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's a very cheesy title,

(but there was blood stains where Ryan hit his head on the particle board stairs).

These are the very stairs where Ryan fell and sustained the nice deep gash on his head.

We had plans to carpet these stairs when we moved in but hadn't had time.

However, yesterday, we made it a priority and got the job done with a nice nylon frieze carpet.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-17T13:51:00.003-05:00

Yep, I did that!!!!

2011-08-16T10:13:00.002-05:00

Despite my many domesticated untalents, like sewing,

I did this yesterday.

"What is that you ask?"

I canned peaches.

38 large jars

I think next we (Mom in law and Dawn, my SIL) are going to peach & raspberry freezer jam).

For Time and All Eternity

2011-08-15T11:01:00.002-05:00

'Till death do us part' was not part of this ceremony.

This was a marriage for all time and eternity.

"...... whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven..."

Helaman 10:7

And so Isaac, my nephew and his beautiful bride were sealed together for all time and eternity.

With his and her family in attendance as witnesses of their covenant's with God and each other.

Isaac and Lisa were a fun and easy going bride and groom.

And Lisa was simply beautiful!

A day at Cherry Creek State Park

2011-08-09T23:37:00.003-05:00

A Blessing

2011-08-08T00:08:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T19:38:00.000-05:00

Ozzie's 2nd BD party

2011-07-24T22:42:00.001-05:00

It's fun getting a bunch of toddlers to line for a picture

But they sure were cute.

Bike accident

2011-07-24T22:39:00.002-05:00

Ryan was in a bike accident where he sustained a nasty boo boo on his bottom.

I had put a large bandage on it but that evening my husband re-bandaged it!

And this is what got to remove.

His poor bottom was half taped up.

I got quite the giggle out of it and then put on a smaller bandage.

Report to Colorado

2011-07-17T20:03:00.003-05:00

1. Moved into a new home

and yes, I am mostly unpacked.

4 bedroom,3-car garage, 2 story with an unfinished basement.

The kids like their new rooms. Mom and Dad have a nice big bathroom and a BIG walk-in closet.

Everything is close - shopping, church, school, family & friends - total bonus!!!

2. Attended a new Ward - we are starting to build a new ward family. We are blessed to have a brother and sister-in-law in the ward.

3. We have had friend/cousin sleepovers.

4. BBQ's with family

5. Aaron is on the path to starting a new business. He went to training in Vegas and has ordered the equipment needed to begin his new business.

6. Bekka had a weekend of one-on-one time with her grandparents this weekend and Ryan will get the same treatment next weekend.

7. We have Mitchel, Bekka's and my mom's birthday's coming up with a family celebration on Sunday.

My next goals are to enroll the kids in school, get a driver's license and a library card.

In the meantime, I continue to put the house in order and start a new life.

We miss our St. Louis friends dearly.

The New House

2011-07-08T22:52:00.007-05:00

basement storage area

kids play area

scrapbook area

basement office/work area

stairs

upstairs looking down at living room

kids bathroom

Mitchel & Blake's room

Ryan's room

Master closet

Master bathroom

Master bedroom

Bekka's room

loft area

Main level 1/2 bathroom and garage door

office

Kitchen and eat-in breakfast area

Living room & media room (converted dining room)

Living Room

Family Room

My new toy!

2011-06-26T09:25:00.002-05:00

I love having a smart phone again!

Even Aaron got one (after having a Blackberry he didn't want another 'smartphone')

and he LOVES his Droid Thunderbolt.

2011-06-09T08:21:00.000-05:00

Transportation Museum

Part 2

the gang - The Thelen's, The Lofton's and The Hess's

Lexi had the best seat on the train.

Cool

Guess who?

"What's a drive-in?"

Emma

It's a plane, it's a car, it's a ..... fire bug!

2011-06-07T16:01:00.000-05:00

Part 1:

Transportation Museum

New Broadcast Location

2011-06-07T07:44:00.003-05:00

Moments in Hess Time will be presented from Colorado next month.

Yep, you heard correctly.

The Hess clan is moving to Colorado on July 1st.

More details to come on how this came about

Tessa Winger - Life Is Precious

2011-06-04T15:08:00.000-05:00

Life in Slow Motion

2011-05-29T16:56:00.004-05:00

This has been my life for a while

Just waiting to crossover to the next adventure

It's been very sloooooowwww.

However, as of last week, life is beginning to pick up pace.

I have direction again.

And it's beginning to look like this .......

So if I seem a little busy and distracted,

I AM!

2011-05-27T12:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday

ME!

2011-05-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

I have got some BIG news

And next week, I will be telling you all the details!

2011-05-25T22:54:00.003-05:00

WELCOME

JOVIE CORINNE!

Congrats to the Micah & Elise & the boys.

I seriously can't wait to hold her.

I will be there soon Jovie!

2011-05-25T15:00:00.000-05:00

I've been relearning 'Backgammon'

However, Aaron doesn't like it so much.

So I guess it's time to teach Bekka.

Do you play?

What's your favorite boardgame?

Let It Go! - borrowed

2011-05-17T15:50:00.005-05:00

*Disclaimer - Jen, this is not about letting go of our friendship. Quite the opposite in some aspects. -added May 19th, 2011

Thank you Melissa for sharing this!

As I've pondered transitions that lay in my future, and my refusal/denial of wanting to move forward I read this and thought ....... I will just let it go.

I keep trying to figure out how to hang onto the goodness that I hold dear here but I guess it's time to let it go.

Let It Go

A little something a friend shared with me today by T.D. Jakes...

There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left. The bible said that, "They came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us." [1 John 2:19]

People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay. Let them go. And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person, it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead. You've got to know when it's dead. You've got to know when it's over.

Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay. Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to...LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains... LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth... LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you ... LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge.... LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction ... LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents .. LET IT GO!!!

If you have a bad attitude... LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better... LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him... LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship.... LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves.. LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed ... LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to... LET IT GO!!!

Let the past be the past. Forget the former things. GOD is doing a new thing for 2010!!! LET IT GO!!!

Get Right or Get Left .. think about it, and then LET IT GO !!!

2011-05-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

In Honor of Carrissa

Laughter is good for stress - right????

2011-05-14T10:02:00.003-05:00

And we could all use a laugh once in a while.

JrGS

2011-05-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Huh???

Bekka is a junior girl scout and at this year's bridging ceremony, her troop was responsible for the flags. They did a great job!

These girls are crazy fun

too stressed to think of a title

2011-05-13T19:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday sweetie!

2011-05-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Double riding

2011-05-12T15:26:00.000-05:00

Because things can always get worse

2011-05-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

Like living in life in limbo for 2 1/2 years isn't enough,

I figured I relieve some of that frustration and anger while getting some exercise.

Jokes on me I guess

What the students saw

2011-05-10T08:21:00.003-05:00

And because I had my camera at the zoo, of course I took pictures of the animals as well as the students. This is some of what we saw.

humboldt penguin - I think it wanted to kiss me

somali wild ass

lion

Kudu

black rhino is disguise

back side of a mammoth, okay, an elephant

baby giraffe

a mangy camel (shedding it's winter coat)

A silverback

What the animals saw.

2011-05-09T14:01:00.004-05:00

Yep, I signed up to be a group mom for Ryan's 1st grade field trip to the zoo. I may have lost my mind, if it weren't already gone.

My group

They were 'dying' for lunch.

watching the giraffes

our docent giving us bear facts

our docent trying to walk backwards

The trip was eventful, our bus driver got lost on the way there (she didn't know the zoo had a North and a South entrance). I was nominated 'the navigator'.

But we ran into heavy traffic because of a car accident.

Then one of the kids started to get 'car' sick.

I got off the bus with him and we walked the rest of the way.

The zoo was packed full of field trip kids.

I would have sworn that my group was continually high on sugar.

We managed a lovely and quick tour with a docent and a good self-guided tour of the elephants.

Our trip home, the bus driver got lost again, ran over a curb which made one of the students head bang against the bus and gave him a nice goose egg above his right eye.

I took the rest of the day off just to REST!

Stay tuned for what the kids saw at the zoo.

Mother's Day Goodies

2011-05-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T15:15:00.000-05:00

When the World Stopped Turning: A 9/11 tribute

2011-05-02T08:30:00.000-05:00

We will persevere!

2011-05-02T08:23:00.003-05:00

Osama bin Laden killed by U.S. Forces

Osama Bin Laden Dead: U.S. Team's Mission Was To Kill, Not Capture

Former President George W. Bush calls bin Laden's death a 'momentous achievement' - Reuters

2011-04-29T08:19:00.002-05:00

Yes, I have a bit of royal wedding fever. I was up at 5am to watched the lovely ceremony.

While I felt the dress was understated for such an event, and 'the kiss' a tad disappointing, the wedding ceremony itself was elegant and beautiful.

Kate made for a exquisite bride and William a noble groom.

Britian showed themselves to be a most gracious bunch.

Photo courtesy of The Telegraph

(I was unable to provide my services because my son needs me in the classroom today).

As a bit of background to my fascination with the royal wedding.

I lived in England during Lady Di & Prince Charles wedding and also the birth of Prince William. I have been to all those wonderful places in London and love the 'fairy tale' aspect combined with the honorable service that Princess Di did during and after her reign.

I sincerely hope that the Duchess of Cambridge can magnanimously fulfill her role to the British and all the world, and pray for a long and memorable marriage for the two of them.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Bekka and the 'Whip Guy'

2011-04-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

While at Ryan's Tiger Scout Blue & Gold Banquet, Bekka was selected as a special helper to assist in the 'Whip Guy's' first trick.

The Whip Guy

(link to his webpage)

Mrs Brown Gets A Bikini Wax

2011-04-25T11:00:00.000-05:00