free gift

I copied this from my friends blog and thought it would fun.

"So, here's how it works: the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well. Before you leave your comment, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going (or copy and paste like I did). Then come back, let me know you're going to play and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Come and play!!"

I have no idea what I will make but you are brave if you play because I am no Martha Stewart.

book drive!!

I'm way behind on my blogging/journal! I have typed in several entries dating back to Fall, but not yet posted them. I just have to take the time to download the corresponding photos. But for now I'm excited to write about an upcoming book drive.

My new friend Olivia Votaw, is holding a book drive to raise money for Mothers Without Borders. So cool!!! I'm always thinking of ways to help others but I never do anything about it. But this girl thinks about it and acts on it. I wish I was more like that. I've always wanted to save all of the children in Russian orphanages but I don't know how to do it. I'd also like to help out the homeless, battered and neglected people of the world especially in our own country. Olivia has been taking action and not just sitting on her bum thinking of how bad she feels for those in need. So I'm asking everyone I know to help her out. All of the funds from the book drive will raise money for orphanages in Zambia. Send me a message or email if you can help out. More info is below. Thanks!!!

Used Book Drive and Bake Sale
to Benefit Mothers Without Borders
• Prices ranging from $2 - $4.
• Monetary donations are also
gratefully accepted.
• Cash only please.
For more information or to volunteer,
contact Olivia Votaw at 801.766.8934,
or Olivia@oliviavotaw.com.
Please donate your GENTLY-USED books, DVD’s and videos.
The books should have no torn pages or watermarks and all
items should be in sellable condition.
The books will be sold to the public on Saturday, May 2.
ALL the proceeds from the sale will go to purchasing new books
for children in an orphanage in Zambia, Africa.
Please support this worthy effort!
Collection dates:
• All through March and April
• (Call for pick ups)
Sale date and location:
• Saturday, May 2
• 10:00 AM - 5:00 P.M.
Location:
• 60 West Main St.
Lehi 84043
(Right off of I-15)

Lauren is five!

I love my girl Lauren. I loved her the first time I saw her tiny little heart beat on the ultrasound when I was six weeks pregnant. She has been cute every since then. She is one of my best friends and I can't imagine life without her. When she was a baby people would stop me everywhere to gaze at her beautiful little face, big blue eyes, dark hair and ivory complexion. Things haven't changed much. She is still beautiful but now with attitude as well as a lot of love! Oh well. I kind of get teary when I thought about her turning 5. She will be starting kindergarten this year and she is ready. What happened to my baby? She is all grown up, the big sister, likes to help me cook, knows how to read, learning to tie her shoes and tell time. This can't be happening. I asked her what her favorite things are and this is what she said, "My birthday party was about my Nana and Papa here! They had the cutest stuff ever at my birthday party. One day Papa had a new idea and he made a ball and a stick and rolled it down and was almost tired so he stopped and Nana do it and didn't know not how to do it so Papa showed her how to twist it in the right spot and play ball". I guess she likes her Nana and Papa. She likes the color blue the best but also likes red and yellow. She loves watermelon, pizza, bean burritos, apples, blueberries and cantaloupe. Her favorite toy is her cat and lamb beanie babies.

We had a big birthday celebration for her. Her birth date is near Valentines day so we decided to have a sweetheart party. She invited boys and girls. We played musical chairs and other games, we ate lunch and pink cupcakes then opened her presents. Lunch was pb&j sandwiches on pink bread cut into shapes of hearts, fresh fruit, pink and red candy and pink rice krispie treats. The windows were covered in big pink, red and white streamers, ribbons and hearts. The table was covered in valentines heart candies and pink tulle. It was fancy and cute. She loved it.

News Years

We had family here for New Years Eve. I made dinner and we lit a few fireworks. Then I fell asleep before midnight. I know... I'm a crazy party animal! I got up early on New Years Day and ran a neighborhood 9k to ring in the year 2009! Hope its a good one.

Sleigh Rides

Jingle bells jingle bells jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride on a one horse open sleigh!!!

We went on out annual sleigh ride again this year. One sleigh ride with my family and one sleigh ride with Dans. In these photos we went with John, Cheryl, Jack and Kay. We were picked up each time at Stein Erickson Lodge in Deer Valley for an evening ride through the glittery snow. The area is gorgeous and scenic. The driver let Jack and Lauren each take turns holding onto the reins and wearing his big cowboy hat! We all had a great time and a relaxing ride. After we feasted at a local resort with dinner by the fireplace.