Nie Nie Day

It's amazing how there are still smiles, laughter and hope in the midst of tragedy.  Today is Nie Nie day. Who is Nie Nie and what is Nie Nie Day?

Nie Nie is someone I have never personally met.  However, she has allowed the world to meet her via her blog Nie Nie Dialogues.  She and her husband Christian were in a terrible plane crash a few weeks ago which has left them in the hospital fighting an incredibly hard fight. You can check out more info here or here (check out the benefit blog link)

Maybe I am drawn to this story because they are Provo natives. Maybe it's because Nie Nie is the sister of my high school friends, friend. Maybe it's because she's a young mom with 4 children and one of my biggest fears in life is that something would happen to me and/or Jared and that our children would not be taken care of with the same love that we would care for them. Whatever the reason, I am drawn to help in whatever way I can. Most days all I can do is pray for them but today, I have the opportunity to do more.

Today is a day where many fellow bloggers have auctioned off things they have, talents they have, etc. and all proceeds will go to the recovery fund of Stephanie and Christian. Their medical bills are expected to be in the millions and every cent counts. I have spent a few minutes searching online {and bidding} and have found a signed guitar from Maroon 5 or tickets to a Maroon 5 concert, photography sessions, BYU football gear, etc. The list is endless.

What has continually inspired me as I have followed their story is the vast amount of love that surrounds them. From their family, friends and of course complete strangers.  It has reminded me of  a sense of goodness in the world and a reminder that after a tragedy hits and the hearts of so many are touched, it's often hard to remember the tragedy. Instead we often see an opportunity for service, sacrifice and a reminder that prayer works and heals.

So, what are you waiting for? Go find an online auction and bid, for Nie and her family. Once your done, go hug your children and spouse and say a gratitude prayer and of course one for Nie.

Pure Yumminess

Tried this today and fell in love. It really is frozen yogurt. I mean, really. Take vanilla Dannon yogurt and freeze it and you've got red Mango. (yet yummier).  {It has live and active cultures!}

100% All Natural
No preservatives
No artificial flavors or colors
NONFAT
Kosher
Gluten Free

It's in Orem, stop by and give it a try....super yummy {just not super cheap}

A Forever Family

This past week the adoption of my brother's little girl Izzie became final. A few nights later we were able to meet them at the Mt. Timpanogos LDS temple and witness them become an eternal family.

If you'd like to learn more about temples, you can click here,

or here.

Such a perfect evening. Just look at Izzie's smile!

To recall their story, you can read this post. 

Congrats Jason and Jen and welcome {officially} to our family Miss Izzie. We sure do love you!

In need of a superhero??

{I LOVE this picture of Easton. He loves Jared's clothes. The red "cape" is Jared's shirt and the black is a pair of Jared's workout shorts! No matter how many times we take it off him or hide them, he finds them, puts them on and smiles!}

When Gibson was the age that Easton is now {20 months} I would have called myself a good mom. I was patient, loving, outgoing, overly concerned about his physical appearance, attended story time, playgroups and went out of my way to find educational and physical activities for him to grow and learn. He was scheduled and took a nap at the same time each and every day. I avoided frozen foods and instead opted to make his meals using fresh ingredients. His TV time was limited to educational movies like baby einstein and so yes, I thought I was a good mom.

Fast forward to Easton entering the same stage in life. I think the first thing to leave me is my patience. Why is it when Gibson wanted to sit in the back of the shopping cart I thought it was cute and now when Easton wants to sit in the back it's frustrating? Why is my purse chuck full of fruit snacks, raisin packets, suckers and tootsie rolls so that I can calm the ever expected tantrum? Why is it that going to the park, library or playgroups are more hassle these days and I justify that he can get the same simulation by running around in the backyard? Why is it that my fridge is filled with dino nuggets, hot dogs and I have several boxes of mac and cheese on hand? Why do I sing my praise to Noggin each and every morning and sometimes agree that it's really "like preschool on TV"?

Maybe it's the 2 kid thing. Maybe it's the end of the summer and we could all really use a schedule right about now. Maybe, maybe, maybe.......

I've really been thinking that I could really use a superhero right about now. Gibson has been talking non-stop about his superhero birthday party he's going to have on his birthday. Easton apparently likes to dress up as a superhero and I could USE a superhero. So if anyone has any super suggestions on the tricks of how to be a good mom....my comments are open!

we {heart} the Olympics

We've been inthralled with the Olympics this year! We have enjoyed watching the coverage each night on our temporary 12 inch television! We sincerely miss our DVR and since we can't record the amazing athletes we are forced to stay awake until 1am watching the entire coverage.

Gibson who is currently in swimming lessons has been watching the amazing Michael Phelps.  He's been inspired and told his teacher that he's going to swim in the Olympics! We ALL {heart} the olympics around here!

Where on earth am I going??

I never really thought about directions until I left Utah seven years ago. Living in Utah we have the grid system. If you're on Center street and you want to go to 3rd East, you head East and count 1,2,3 and you're on 3rd East. Simple as that. If you get lost, you go around the block. 

Moving to Cleveland all the streets have names. Not really in conjunction with one another- just a name. Hours were spent trying to go around the block when really, no block existed.

At least in Idaho, the streets were clumped together as in "bird names", "first names", etc.

So, now I'm back in Utah. I've had a couple of exact places to go. I don't know why finding 224 E. 1200 South is so hard for me but I've driven around, around and around trying to find these locations.  I have had to literally stop and think which direction I'm heading! It's so frustrating to me as I wonder, "where on earth am I going?"

On the positive note. In my driving around I've been able to rediscover Artic Circle! Now, you may cringe at the thought of another hamburger, fast food joint (my mom practically raised us ranch burgers, so Artic Circle holds a special place in my stomach.) Anyway, with children past the hungry point and myself needing a little substance, I went through the drive thru and got ourselves some kids meals and then ever  so yummy grape ricki!  

There's a few reason's why Artic Circle has won yet another place in my stomach.

 1) The kids meals were hot, not scalding! I sincerely hate it when I get food for my kids and I can't give it to them for 10 minutes while I wait for the steam to lift from the french fries. I'm all over fully cooked food and the right temperature but I'd rather wait at the window an extra five minutes then have to listen to my kids scream for food they can see and smell but can't eat because it's too hot!  Also, Artic Circle offers Corn Dogs in their kids meals! Oh yeah, my 20 month old, loves corn dogs. This makes me happy!

2) They give coupons! So with my meal, I got coupons for my favorite grape ricki (sprite with a splash of lime and grape flavoring). So I can return and this time save money!

So, I may not know where on earth I am going but I do know I'm going back to Artic Circle for a yummy drink and happy kids!