Busy busy like a little elf

Here are a few of the things that have kept me busy in the last few weeks. I made so much jewelry that I don't even want to look at my tools for a while. In fact, I think I am done doing this as a business for a few years. I am more than happy to make gifts for friends and as favors but having a business, small or large, is hard when you have little kids. I was sacrificing my time with my husband and boys. Sure a few days doesn't seem like much but, they are only little for a short amount of time. I will not stop completely because it is something that I have grown to love. I have to have a creative outlet or I will bust. I have the most supportive husband. He encourages me and loves me through all my crazy. So for now my shop is still up but, will slowly disappear in the following months. Thanks to all that have supported me through this.

34

Last month was my birthday. I turned a big whopping 34. I had such a great day. We went to a turkey shoot that morning with my family. I wasn't good at all but, I did come home with a ham... only because of the splatter board.

I made a cake for myself. Yes, there is a big chunk out of the corner. I'm not sure why but, knowing me I needed a taste before it was time. It was my favorite and pretty much the only kind of cake I really like, carrot cake. The kids weren't big fans but, I was in cream cheese frosting heaven.

We had plans and a babysitter all set up to go on a date. The only thing I wanted was to spend time with everyone. We cancelled the babysitter and went to Texas Roadhouse, my kid's favorite. It was so much fun. I love days like that. The kids behaved themselves, which is a VERY rare thing in my home, I didn't have to make dinner , and I got a yummy treat at the end of the night. Love birthdays!

The Griswalds

Bethany: Is your house on fire, Clark?
Clark: No, Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights.

My kids love looking out the window. I'm so glad there are people who are festive and take the time to put up lights. Jared and I watched the neighbor put these all up. It took him quite a while so, I was a little curious to see what they would look like. It makes me excited for Christmas!

Update on Jared almost a year later

This is just a quick update for those who are curious how Jared is doing. If you are new to this blog, his story is HERE.

I still can't believe that this happened and I am still so grateful for his safety. Jared is doing fine and has been for a long time. In fact, you can barely see his scars.

Entrance wound

Exit wound


From everything we have seen and heard, there is no doubt that this is a miracle. I am so grateful that Jared is with me today. It scared me and still makes me a little sick to think about. I would like to think we learned a great lesson through all of this. Actually, there were quite a few lessons learned.

My family and some friends of ours went shooting this weekend. It was a lot of fun. I have to admit, I was much more comfortable shooting the shotgun over his pistol. I was a little nervous holding it. I'm not sure why.

I will say this again and again, I am so full of thanks to my Heavenly Father for keeping my husband whole. I love him and want to spend many more years with him.

Strength and thankfulness

As some of you heard there were two missionaries hit and killed while riding their bikes. One of them was in our ward. I never met Elder Strong but, I have only heard wonderful things about him. I'm so saddened by this. I can't imagine loosing one of my children. I am so touched by the strength of the Strong family. They have continued to show great faith during such a hard time. The Deseret News wrote a beautiful article. If you want to read it go HERE. I am so thankful for missionary work. It was through this service that my mother was taught the gospel. I am so grateful for the sacrifices of these young men and women. I may not understand why things like this happen to such good people but, I know it is a part of God's plan. He loves us and wants us to have happiness in this life. My thoughts and prayers go out to the two families that were affected by this tragedy.


As Thanksgiving is fast approaching, I can't help but think about the pioneers that sacrificed so much for us today. We watched 17 Miracles as a family a couple of weeks ago. I hope you have a load of tissues nearby if you watch it. Even though I cried through most of it, I loved it. I hope those that have passed on know just how thankful my family is for their sacrifice. I would like to think that I would have the strength to endure so much hardship but, I'm not so sure I would have made it. They had such great faith and courage.

I am thankful for so may things. There is no way I could write them all down here on this blog. I started a thankful tree last year and did it again this year. I hope I can raise children who are always mindful of what our Heavenly Father has given to us and gives to us continually. Everything I have is because My Heavenly Father Loves me and that I will be eternally grateful for.

I pray that all of us take the time daily to show our gratitude and thanksgiving for all that our Heavenly Father gives to us. Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Felt Rosette Wreath

I was in need of a new wreath on my door. I didn't want anything too big or fancy. I really like simple and clean. I saw a wreath on ETSY and had to recreate it. It was also made in grey felt but, with one white flower. I'm happy with the way it turned out. If anyone is interested in how to make it, just let me know.

Boo to 2

How many of you get to say BOO on your birthday? This boy is going to have a sweet treat for his birthday for years to come.

He got brownies instead of a cake. I knew everyone would eat them better. This boy takes after his mom in the chocolate department. I bought a whole bag of mini Hershey bars and topped the brownies with them. Holy crap they were good!

Here he is showing off his new Elmo slippers and Harley Motorcycle. We caught him sitting on that thing. I see trouble in my future

I wouldn't say this little guy gets hurt more than the other two but, he is going to give me a heart attack! He got his finger slammed in the door and I didn't handle it too well. I do better with other people than I do with my own kids. Just below his nail, part of his finger came up too. I think it looked worse than it was. He was in so much pain. Poor little guy. Somehow he has already ripped off the skin and nail. I put probably 10 band aids on this little guy a day. He can't keep his busy little fingers out of things. Hopefully it grows back quickly.

Happy Birthday to my little turkey!