adventures of the Hardy boys & girls

tuesday

2010-06-29T15:28:00.005-06:00

Carter & Ella finally come home tomorrow after a long 10 day trip to Seattle. I miss these gorgeous faces. I just want to hug them & squeeze them (and if my dad were here he would call them George). Now summer can finally begin.

monday

2010-06-28T14:06:00.003-06:00

All Nature is but Art, unknown to thee;
All Chance, Direction, which thou canst not see;
All Discord, Harmony, not understood;
All partial Evil, universal Good;
And, spite of Pride, in erring Reason's spite,
One truth is clear, "WHATEVER IS, IS RIGHT."

-Alexander Pope

Sunday

2010-06-28T03:22:00.003-06:00

I will give you three guesses as to why Vivian Tru looks so happy, and the first two don't count.

2010-06-09T13:23:00.006-06:00

The other day I had a client at my studio for a photo shoot & when I was done Aubree & Ella came in and started playing with the tea cups my Grandma Vivian gave them when we were in Texas. (Just for the record, I NEVER let them play with the tea cups, but they were in my studio because I was going to use them during my newborn shoot.) Usually I see my kids do or say cute things and I think to myself, 'write that down' but then the day goes on and I forget... but this time I had my camera right there and I'm so glad I did. Someday I will be able to show them that they got along!

And just in case you think they are always girly-girls & sweet, here's one that shows what really is going on...

post edit: When I say impromtu, I really mean it. Ella had just gotten home from her last day of school and instead of having her friends sign her yearbook - she had them sign her arms! And bree, she was dressed at one point, but then she changed and put on those mis-matched pajamas. But I couldn't pass up the cuteness.

Swiper, NO swiping!

2010-03-13T13:12:00.002-07:00

So, I know that my two year old is watching too much TV when she takes her brothers fork during dinner, shoves it underneath the table runner, turns to him with a big grin on her face and says, "You're too late! You'll never find it now!"*

*every mom who has seen too much of Dora is laughing right now, every dad (okay, I think my dad is the only male reader of this blog) is scratching his head and thinking, I don't get it.

America's Next Top Model

2010-03-11T18:00:00.004-07:00

I asked Ella to help me try out my new lights... and this is what I got. Seriously, this was ALL Ella. And no lie, she is the best oldest daughter that I have! I love, love, love her and her sparkling personality.

Carter's S.A.

2010-02-07T16:02:00.002-07:00

Part of Carter's standardized testing next month is to write a persuasive essay. At parent teacher conferences last week his teacher, Mr Paver, said this is an area that he needs improvement. Specifically in length and organization. So today when we got home from church, much to his chagrin, I told Carter and Ella that if they wanted to watch the Super Bowl that they needed to write a persuasive essay about why they should be allowed to. Ella came back with a piece of paper that said, "Ella's S.A." and was a list of reasons. Apparently, she needs some clarification. But Carter's was pretty good, so I thought I would share it here.

I think I should watch the Super Bowl because today I said my testimony. Which I have only done once in my life. To tell you the truth it was very scary to me. If you think about it I messed up when I said it.
My second reason is I was very well behaved in church. I held Vivian when Ella was done. I got Aubree two or three times. Plus I offered to change Aubree's diapers.
My next reason is yesterday I was reverent and funny. Why I was reverent is because when we were talking about fasting. When I was funny was when me and Ella were playing around when we were doing the dishes. Come on that was very, very funny.
Well I'm not going to say thank you and good night (the way he ended the essay I had him write yesterday) but I will say this, I hope the Saints win.

Needless to say, we will be watching to Super bowl today. Carter hopes the Saints will win and I hope the commercials are good!

The finished product.

2010-01-12T15:29:00.002-07:00

See, isn't the finished product so deceiving? Doesn't everyone look like they are just having the best time? Trust me, I know the power of the fruit snack! ;)

Abide with me.

2010-01-12T15:13:00.002-07:00

Growing up this was always a favorite him of ours. I'm not going to lie, occasionally, an alternate version was sung.... 'A bride for me'... but mostly just the real versions, either one. I love them both. So recently, a read blog post from the blog adailyscoop.blogspot.com where she posted an except from a talk by Jeffrey R. Holland. I don't know if it is because of my own personal love for this song already, but it just really meant something to me, something that I wanted to share with you.

"Christ said, “I am the true vine, and … ye are the branches.” 2 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” 3
“Abide in me” is an understandable and beautiful enough concept in the elegant English of the King James Bible, but “abide” is not a word we use much anymore. So I gained even more appreciation for this admonition from the Lord when I was introduced to the translation of this passage in another language. In Spanish that familiar phrase is rendered “permaneced en mi.” Like the English verb “abide,” permanecer means “to remain, to stay,” but even gringos like me can hear the root cognate there of “permanence.” The sense of this then is “stay—but stay forever.” That is the call of the gospel message to Chileans and everyone else in the world. Come, but come to remain. Come with conviction and endurance. Come permanently, for your sake and the sake of all the generations who must follow you, and we will help each other be strong to the very end.
“He who picks up one end of the stick, picks up the other,” my marvelous mission president taught in his very first message to us. 4 And that is the way it is supposed to be when we join this, the true and living Church of the true and living God. When we join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we board the Good Ship Zion and sail with her wherever she goes until she comes into that millennial port. We stay in the boat, through squalls and stills, through storms and sunburn, because that is the only way to the promised land. This Church is the Lord’s vehicle for crucial doctrines, ordinances, covenants, and keys that are essential to exaltation, and one cannot be fully faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ without striving to be faithful in the Church, which is its earthly institutional manifestation. To new convert and longtime member alike, we declare in the spirit of Nephi’s powerful valedictory exhortation: “Ye have entered in by the gate; … [but] now, … after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; … press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, … and endure to the end, behold, thus … ye shall have eternal life.” 5
Jesus said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” 6 I testify that that is God’s truth. Christ is everything to us and we are to “abide” in Him permanently, unyieldingly, steadfastly, forever. For the fruit of the gospel to blossom and bless our lives, we must be firmly attached to Him, the Savior of us all, and to this His Church, which bears His holy name. He is the vine that is our true source of strength and the only source of eternal life. In Him we not only will endure but also will prevail and triumph in this holy cause that will never fail us. May we never fail it nor fail Him I pray in the sacred and holy name of Jesus Christ, amen."

(by Stephanie) I pray that each of us will have the courage necessary to follow the counsel of Elder Holland and stay in the "Good Ship Zion" even through this most difficult and scary storm and even though there may be fellow sailors who make the trip even more difficult. It is not easy sometimes to stay in the boat. Sometimes it seems it would be better or safer to just abandon ship. But for our spiritual health it is best to stay in the boat and make it to our "promised land" where our children are waiting. May we all arrive there safely together. My love to you all and prayers that we may all survive the spiritual storms of our lives. (end Stephanie)

All I can do is echo what has been said before. I have a friend who recently has endured more than most people ever will or can even fathom, and I know that all of us have hurts and pains and burdens that the naked eye can't see. Sometimes it is a struggle, sometimes it is those who are with us that make this journey more difficult and sometimes it is just hard. So, stay - but stay forever. The Lord hasn't asked for any of us to make this journey alone. He is right there, abiding with us until we make it home.

Behind the scenes...

2009-12-18T12:05:00.003-07:00

I can't tell you how many times I hear from moms, "I hope you got something!" because maybe they feel like their children were... hmm... shall we say, maybe a little less than co-operative for family pictures. Here's a behind the scene look at my own christmas card picture.

So fun!

(And I'll post the actual Christmas card in a couple of days.)

This little one says it all...

2009-12-01T17:09:00.003-07:00

Last night we kicked off our Holiday season with a family home evening about the gifts of the season. This year we are trying a few new things. First of all, we told the kids we are going to have a 'home-made' Christmas. We are going to buy them some gifts, but they don't know this. We are also going to make them gifts. I hope the time and effort it takes to make gifts for each other will help us to focus on our family and grow closer. The second thing we are doing is having a box that is wrapped with a slit in the top. This is the box that represents our gifts for Christ. We talked about this last night. When they serve someone else, I told them to write it down and put it in the box. I told them I wanted them to take some time and really think about special things that they could do for other people. On Christmas morning we are going to open the box and read the slips of paper. We'll see how it goes. There might be a lot of slips that say, I didn't lose my patience with Aubree today. And those will be the slips that I will put in the box. ;)

Here's another example of a custom Holiday card. And isn't the model just darling?

Shameless plug...

2009-11-30T21:46:00.002-07:00

So, I've tried for hours to add a new header to the blog... but alas, blogger hates me. But check out that cute picture on the left! For my clients this year I am offering one of a kind Christmas card design! This is included with your session fee. You can pick your favorite photo, or photos from your session and I can design a Christmas card for you. More details are on my website or you can email me.

Random Thoughts...

2009-10-23T12:39:00.002-06:00

o I have some random thoughts and no one to share them with since I am stuck inside my house during nap time listening to one screaming baby wake up the other baby, who will in turn soon start screaming just in time to wake up the other one who just finally nodded off after screaming for more milk. Anyway, like I said... some random thoughts, but since no one reads my blog, this is as good an outlet as any. And how do I know that no one reads my blog? Because, the site meter I had got so bored from having nothing to do - it left.

1. I was reading Glamour magazine at the doctors office the other day and came across the article, "oh. wow. these bodies are beautful." This article came about because of a UN-RETOUCHED picture in a previous issue of a woman with a confident smile on her face and a little belly. What I found to be shocking was a comment made by a reader in the second article; "Putting a young model who is obviously overweight and living an unhealthy lifestyle in your magazine to make some people feel better only serves to propagate that unhealthy lifestyle" and another, "we have enough problems with obesity in the U.S. and don't need your magazine promoting any more of it."

Stop, STOP, STOP!!! She is 5'11" and 180 pounds. She is a size 12 and an avid belly dancer and softball player. And she is smaller than the average American woman. What part of her is promoting an unhealthy lifestyle? What part of her is promoting obesity? I'll let my shorter friends in on a secret.... tall girls weight more. Hi, we are taller! C'mon! I can remember being 14, a freshman in high school, 5'11" and 140 pounds and being mortified, MORTIFIED, because I weighed more than my friend who were between 5' and 5'5" tall. So, weight issue aside, when are we going to stop idolizing photoshopped pictures of 14 year old pre-pubesence girls and start accepting all of the beauty of our God given bodies?

2. I have a very serious problem with the blog Seriously So BLessed. I didn't grow up in Utah. I went to a high school in Texas where there were all of six mormon, me, my sister, her boyfriend and three other girls. And the three other girls weren't exactly on the popular list. I was teased for my standards. My beliefs were constantly called into question. Try explaining to your friend why you can't go to a school dance because you aren't 14 yet or why you can't go on a date because you aren't 16 yet. Or better yet, have my sister tell you about the time when she was a freshman in high school and was asked to go to prom by her boyfriend (a senior) and my parent agreed to let her go as long as my grandfather acted as a chauffeur! And he drove a Porsche! I still don't know where her date sat! I also lived the majority of my adult life outside of Utah. I cannot tell you the number of times people asked me why I don't drink, why I don't wear tank tops when it was 100+ degrees outside. Basically, I am very used to defending my beliefs and sometimes being ridiculed for them. Which is why I will never understand why anyone thinks Seriously So Blessed is funny. She might be making fun of the stereotype of Mormonism, but it is still Mormonism she is laughing at. I know it's supposed to be irony or sarcasm or whatever, I just don't think it's funny.

Okay, so the babies are sleeping which means it is time for me to get off of my soap box. What do you think?

Honey, how about you take this one?

2009-09-27T20:44:00.004-06:00

Yesterday Ella and I were in the bathroom at Nordstrom Rack and Ella asked me, "mom, what's a tampon?" Isn't a kid learning how to read a blessing and a curse!?! So I say, "I'll explain it to you later, wash your hands, let's go!" And so as we were shopping she says, "Oh, yeah mom, what's a tampon?" and then again at REI, "mom, remember you said you would tell me later what a tampon is?" and then AGAIN at Nordstrom I hear, "what's a tampon mom?" Where's Ducky (c'mon, this is a GREAT 'Pretty in Pink' reference!) when you need him to convince your kid it's really a candy dispenser?

So seriously, how do I explain this one? Seriously, to a seven year old? We actually tried recently to begin the conversation with Carter about sex, and it so went over his head. I can't imagine that Ella is ready to learn the intricacies of a woman's body. Of course, then again, if she puts a quarter into the tampon dispenser she will be sorely disappointed when candy doesn't come out!

Darling!

2009-09-01T21:16:00.003-06:00

I know I'm their mom, and I'm probably SO biased... but aren't they cute?

My desire...

2009-08-27T16:30:00.006-06:00

I recently came across this video. I have felt this desire from a very young age. I told my mom how she should sew a pair of pants when I was just three. When I was eight, I made a coordinating, hot pink, corduroy pant, skirt, vest with a matching plaid-pink shirt. Man, was I stylin'! I also made two prom dresses and a homecoming dress, but I will spare you those pictures. Since then I have created in many different mediums and ways. But all of that has taken a back seat to my four dearest creations; Carter, Ella, Aubree and Vivian. I'm finally at a point where the desire to express myself artistically is so strong, even though I am a little sleep deprived, I feel like I must act. Elder Uchtdorf said, "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul." Photography has been my medium of choice for quite sometime now, I just haven't done it as much or as often as I'd love to. I feel like the time is right for me to re-focus myself on photography and capture the masterpieces that Heavenly Father created.

The following video is an inspiration to me...

And here's a shameless plug for my photography blog, destrylynnphoto.blogspot.com

PETA, here she comes.

2009-07-26T22:12:00.002-06:00

Ella’s latest hobby is reading books about endangered animals. She has decided that it is bad to kill animals to eat, CANNOT believe that people would wear fur or leather from animals, doesn’t understand why people would cut down the rainforest when they can go to Home Depot to buy wood and she is concerned about pollenation (we finally figured out that she meant pollution) in Europe because it is harming the otters there.

My only consolation is that somewhere out there a Democrat is wondering where they went wrong, wringing their hands and questioning, “why god, WHY?” because their child wants tax cuts for big businesses, and NRA membership and oil drilling in Alaska.

Saturday morning.

2009-07-18T12:14:00.003-06:00

I decided to go garage-sale-ing this morning, (that's right, there is a first for everything) just to see what I could find... and look at this!

I think I'm hooked! I got these sweet trick bikes for $25.00!

In the meantime Bree was finding new and improved uses for the pool floaty.

Aubree, Aubree, Aubree.

2009-07-14T10:35:00.000-06:00

After I was done writing the last post I walked downstairs and what did I find?

Well, last night we made cookies and took them to our new neighbors to get to know them. (Much to Matt's chagrin) I didn't clean up the mess before we went to bed last night, see the next post and you'll know why.

I guess it's buttercream frosting for breakfast. Nothing like crisco and powdered sugar in the morning.

The meth house in the circle.

2009-07-14T10:24:00.004-06:00

We decided it was time to do the bedroom shuffle. Vivian is almost sleeping through the night and I want to keep that momentum going, in her own bed. Up until now Aubree has been in the crib and Ella is sleeping in the den/study (that has french doors) until we finish the basement and move her and Aubree downstairs. Until then, Aubree and Ella will share a room. Because it is the den/study or maybe just poor planning on the part of the builder, above the window there is another smaller window. It doesn't have blinds or shades and that never bothered Ella. But last night was Aubree's first night in her new-big-girl-hand-me-down-used-to-be-Ella's-bed. She was just sure it was not bedtime because there was so much light in the room. (That room faces west.) Finally at almost nine I was so frustrated I covered the window with aluminum foil! Anyone have a better idea? Cause it looks like we are cooking meth in here!

So that helped a little, but let's be honest... freedom to an almost two year old is a wonderful thing. There were several more trips into the room to put Aubree back into bed, with very stern warnings not to get up. But since she can't really talk, can she really understand? And then I had a flash of genius. We had put Aubree in Ella's old DAYBED. And we turned the daybed around. Now it's a Ella's-old-bed-slash-transitional-crib-when-she-stays-put-we'll-turn-it-back-around-bed for Bree!

I am a genius, or at least I can still outsmart my almost two year old.

Top of the World!

2009-07-14T08:55:00.007-06:00

I had an epiphany of sorts recently, the sort that I've had before and I'm sure I will have again. There are very few pictures of me with my family. I have even fewer candid photos. I am either a) taking the picture or b) avoiding being in a picture because... well... okay, I think I need to lose a few pounds. Now granted, I did JUST have a baby (three months ago) and I'm sure I will lose the baby weight. But in the mean time, I've decided to make a concerted effort to be a part of the pictoral history of my family. After all, I'm sure someday I will look back and realize that I didn't look as bad (or maybe big?) as I thought. Or maybe I will just be more forgiving of myself.

So on to the family adventure...

Matt drug us out for a drive this weekend. He loves going for drives. Me, I just get carsick. But I love being with Matt. We ended up at Alta (the ski resort where my grandparents met, such a cute story) which might be the highest point in Utah, I don't know for sure but it was pretty dang high. We decided to go on a one mile hike, cause it was just one mile and how bad could that be? We got out and the cute summer outfit that Vivian was wearing was way to skimpy for the 60 degree weather. That's right, 60 degrees on July 11th. We started our hike to Cecret Lake. Not to far in we passed a patch of snow. That's right, snow on July 11th! Anyway, we kept going. Matt and I alternated between carrying, dragging, and cajoling Bree up the mountain. I don't think we realized when we started out how steep the climb would be. We passed several streams and a slightly (maybe more than slightly) overweight man who noticed I was sweating profusely and breathing hard and told us that if he could do it, then we could too.

We got to the top and it was beautiful and worth the climb. The wildflowers were amazing, the scenery was breathtaking and Aubree learned how to say the word 'rock'. Thanks Matt.

Don't you love Bree's face? I'm the mean mom that makes the kid sit for a photo.

Seriously? Snow?

I do exist!

Carter dubbed this one, "toilet rock"

The many faces of Bree.

2009-07-09T18:53:00.008-06:00

I thought I would try to get some pictures of Vivian, as she is getting older everyday, and Bree was very sad that I wasn't including her. That is until I tried to get pictures of her and then she was just her little punky self. Exhibit A, B, C & D:

This is when I asked her to smile;

This is when I tried to get her attention by telling her there was a cow outside;

And this is when she told me that a cow says "moo"

At least she has personality, right?

Wishes...

2009-06-14T13:45:00.003-06:00

Remember when you were little and loved to make wishes by blowing dandelion flowers? It was only cool until we bought a house with a yard where all of those little seeds get deposited and make weeds grow! Ugh! But as a kid, isn't making wishes the best?

(but they don't taste so good, as bree found out!;)

Race for the Cure

2009-06-14T13:36:00.005-06:00

So Matt signed us up to be part of the Chevron team at the Salt Lake Race for the Cure. There were over 18,000 participants. It was crazy but so much fun. Matt finished in a respectable time of 22 mins with only 2 practice runs before race day. And... my time wasn't as good as his, but hey, I had just had a baby!

These pics were taken with my iphone, so they aren't the greatest.

This was after the race. My friend Monica took it for us. She also came over and watched the kids while we ran. Monica is the best! She came over super early, brought a muffin mix to make with the kids, took them on a three mile walk and got them all tired out so when we came home Aubree took a nice, long nap. Thanks Monica! You are awesome and the best baby-sitter ever!

Ella, Ella, Ella sigh

2009-06-14T13:33:00.003-06:00

I asked Ella if she was going to go put on the matching tights to wear to church with her dress. She said, "No, but on the bright side, I've got big, sexy legs!" (And that was her pose!) Honestly, where does she come up with this stuff????

The Patio...

2009-06-14T13:17:00.007-06:00

So my darling, sweet, talented husband decided that to save money he would do all the prep work for our new patio. He started by renting a tractor for the weekend to dig up six inches of dirt in a 18 x 40 foot space.

By Friday night at around six I was done with the four children and said, "enough! come inside and help me, you can finish this tomorrow!"

Of course the next day it poured and poured and poured some more... which would have been fine if the tractor had not been (according to Matt) a gutless piece of s#@!. It was SO stuck in the mud! I told Matt someday we would look back on this and laugh, but he didn't find it very funny.

Matt was able to save the day and get the tractor unstuck. He framed it, leveled it and then got 3.5 ton of gravel as the foundation of the patio.

(and yes, in case you are wondering, we do get paid for the advertising on the roof)

And this is the beautiful finished patio...

It is HUGE. We love it! Eventually, of course, we will get great outdoor patio furniture so ignore the ghetto chairs! We envision this as a outdoor living space that we will be able to enjoy all summer. Matt did such a great job, especially on the details like the rounded corners. He also saved us thousands and thousands of dollars. Next projects are the sprinkler system and sod. So the next pictures will look amazing!

Thank you, Easter Bunny!

2009-06-14T13:16:00.001-06:00

We had a great Easter this year. My parents were still here visiting, and because of this we decided to bless Vivian Tru on Easter.

Ella and Aubree had cute Easter dresses... of course Aubree did not look cute as she was melting down waiting for her milk... we couldn't even get her to put it down for pictures, but at least she is happier!

After church we headed up to Tremonton for the Easter egg hunt and Aubree got to pet the baby cows for the first time.

All in all it was a great day spent with family... and although we had lots of fun goofing around, we are especially grateful for our Saviour Jesus Christ who through His sacrifice makes it possible for us to be an eternal family.

Out of the mouth of babes...

2009-06-12T13:56:00.000-06:00

(Ella) "Mom, I'm glad we're not rich"

BUSTED!

2009-05-02T12:26:00.001-06:00

I got an email from my blog today. It read;

Dear Destry,

Please stop cheating on me with Facebook.

Love,

Your faithful (and much ignored) blog.
xoxo

Our new baby!

2009-04-02T14:59:00.004-06:00

Vivian Tru Hardy was born at 2:37 am, March 21st. She weighed in at a whopping 6 lbs. 7 ozs. and is 19.5 inches long. And she is as perfect as they come. Please excuse the pictures, they aren't the greatest, but I haven't had time with four kids (Holy crap! I have four kids!) to take good ones.

Aubree giving her sister one of MANY kisses!

Our new house!

2009-04-02T14:49:00.005-06:00

In the beginning of January we sold our townhouse and moved to our new, improved and much bigger house that has a yard, basement and everything. Although I miss living so close to so many good friends,,, I love our new house. It's kept me busy, which explains my lack of blogging, but it's been fun. I thought I would share some of my favorite 'touches' with you.

I miss my Farmington Crossing friends... but I'm just down the road! So come on over!

Overheard...

2009-04-02T14:45:00.002-06:00

I was driving down I-15 today with my Dad in the front seat and Ella in the back. My Dad, for the first time in his 65 years, is beginning to look his age. And by that I mean, the gray hairs are coming out. So I say something to my Dad about this and he replies, "I'm 65, it's about time I got some gray hairs!" And from the back seat I hear...

"You're 65? I thought you were 100!"

For you.

2009-02-20T12:37:00.002-07:00

Thanks to Emily I have something to blog about (and now do/create) for the month of February:

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!
My choice.
For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be photography or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may sew or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your own blog and offer the same deal to 5 of your own lucky blog readers. So, the first 5 people to leave a comment telling me they are in win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

And since I only have about three blog readers, this should be really interesting for me!

Don't get too excited, it for sure won't be as awesome as this ski mask:

The True meaning of Love according to Ella

2009-02-16T18:00:00.003-07:00

1. What is love?

It is when you like some one. And two pepole together.

2. Write one example of love.

kissing.

3. What is the best age to get married?

26

4. Why is that the best age?

Your out of colege.

5. What do most people do on a a date?

go to the movie go out to Dinner

6. When is it okay to kiss someone?

16

7. When you get older, do you want to be married?

yes

8. Why do you want to be married?

I just like pepole.

9. What do you think it feels like to be in love?

good

10. Why do people who love each other hold hands?

there in love.

11. What is the best way to make someone fall in love with you?

Be pretty and nice.

12. What is the best way to propose?

curtsie and say will you mary me?

13. What is the best thing to do on a honeymoon?

swimming

*All answers (spelling) transcribed directly from Ella's paper. Isn't she darling? At least me pounding in the "no kissing until your 16" rule seems to be working.

My sabbatical.

2009-02-11T17:01:00.003-07:00

So I have been a bit of an absent blogger lately. For those of you who don't know (and who reads my blog anyway?) we moved to a new house! Yeah! But we didn't have internet service for about three weeks and we are not even close to being settled in. Hopefully by the time this baby comes, all will be done. So I will resume my posting activities, including pictures of our new house (those are for you dad) as I try to get life to get back to some semblance of normal.

By the way, and this is especially directed to my family members... Thank you so much for all of the love, support and prayers as we were trying to sell our house. Selling a house in the middle of December is almost impossible. I am so grateful for all of the support and answers to prayers that we received.

I am also indebted to certain members of the Farmington Crossing Branch. I know we could not have done it without all the help we received. Thank you all for being of such great service during our time of need. It made me sad to go, but happy because we are less than a mile away!

Spotted: My doppleganger...

2009-02-11T16:36:00.003-07:00

So I was at a store in Layton, which shall remain nameless, and I was checking out and the girl said to me, "No way, Is your name really Destry?" She was looking at my debit card which isn't stolen or fake (and would I cop it if it was?) but I decided to answer anyway, "Yes it is." "That's my name!" she said. Which to be honest, I couldn't quite believe. I mean, in my whole life I have NEVER met another Destry. I've heard tell of a friend of a friend but I've never actually met or know anyone else with my name. And in addition to this, she is tall. Like my height tall. So tall girls are rare, but tall girl's named Destry? So she says to me, "But my name is spelled Destree and my middle name is Lace." Destree Lace. I don't know how to put this so I'm just going to say it... Her parents gave her a porn star name! And if I ever decide to change career paths and enter the adult film industry, I know what my stage name will be!

Overheard...

2009-02-11T16:34:00.001-07:00

Carter: What's for dinner?

Me: Chicken enchiladas.

Carter: (Said in an exasperated voice) Why don't you just beat me?

New Year, New Me.

2009-01-01T12:10:00.003-07:00

I recently found this quote from Brigham Young and it has changed my perception. And it's become my mantra for the new year.

"... When you are influenced by the Spirit of holiness and purity, let your light shine; but if you are tried and tempted and buffeted by Satan, keep your thoughts to yourselves - keep your mouths closed; for speaking produces fuit, either of a good or evil character... You frequently hear brethren and sisters say that they feel so tried and tempted, and have so many cares, and are so buffeted, that they must give vent to their feelings; and they yield to the temptation, and deal out their unpleasant sensations to their families and neighbors. Make up your minds thoroughly, once for all, that if we have trials, the Lord has suffered them to be brought upon us, and he will give us grace to bear them... But if we have light or intelligence - that which will do good, we will impart it... Let that be the determination of every individual, for spirit begets spirit - likeness, likeness; fellings beget their likeness... If then we give vent to all our bad feelings and disagreeable sensations, how quickly we beget the same in others, and load each other down with our troubles, and become sunk in darkness and despair! ...In all your social communications... let all the dark, discontented, murmuring, unhappy, miserable feelings - all the evil fruit of the mind, fall from the tree in silence and unnoticed; and so let it perish, without taking it up to present to your neighbors. But when you have joy and happiness, light and intelligence, truth and virtue, offer that fruit abundantly to your neighbors, and it will do them good, and so strengthen the hands of your fellow-beings." (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses)

I hope that in this new year I can live up to the examples of this that I have had in my own life.

Christmas Morning!

2008-12-31T15:37:00.002-07:00

So many of you have asked 'WHAT WAS IN THE BIG BOX??" Here is a brief re-cap of the Christmas highlights...

Carter and Ella exchanged presents...

Matt got the game he had wanted for months

And THIS was the BIG present wrapped up for Ella. A kitchen set!

Because good things come in threes...

2008-12-31T15:30:00.003-07:00

1. Carter got his braces off!

2. We got a dog!

3. Ella turned 7! (More to come about that later...)

It was a Merry Christmas for all!

2008-12-31T15:21:00.004-07:00

We spent a very fun Christmas Eve at the Hardy House in Tremonton with all the cousins. We sledded, played games, ate soup and treats and opened presents from Grandma and Grandpa.

Carter and all the older boy cousins got Night vision goggles! They were a big hit. I think the dad's were a little jealous.

Ella got an I-dog.

Aubree got Ming Ming...

and tried to wrap herself up in the guitar box. Gotta love boxes!

It was so much fun and I am just glad we have a great family and they live so close.

There IS a Santa Clause!

2008-12-24T08:58:00.005-07:00

The anticipation is KILLING them!

Btw, Carter is 5 feet tall!!!

Namesake.

2008-12-23T16:21:00.003-07:00

Some of you may know of my abiding love for Truman Madsen. I love him! Recently I was re-reading one of his books and came across a passage that really touched me;

"The great tragedy of life is that, loving us and having paid that awful price of suffering, in the moment when He is now prepared to reach down and help us we won't let Him. We look down instead of up, accepting the adversary's promptings that we must not pray; we cannot pray; we are not worth to pray. But, says Nephi in response to that, "I say to you that ye must pray always, and not faint" (2 Nephi 32:8-9). There may be things that we are unworthy to do at times in our life, but there is one thing we are never unworthy to do, and this is pray... You GO to the Lord regardless of the condition of your soul, and He will respond. He NEVER closes the door against you. You may close it against Him, but if so that is your initiative, not His."

When I read this, I could see in my minds eye someone struggling with the weight of their burden, be it emotional, a fight with a friend, a family problem, finances, a sickness, hurt feelings, or personal mistakes. And as the private battle presses on her, what she can't see is the Lord reaching down, extending His arm 'all the day long' as Isaiah promises He will, waiting and hoping for her. No one has more of a vested interest in our success. I know that no one loves me more.

And so, this is just another reason why I have always wanted to name a child after Truman Madsen. Since I am having a girl, it is going to be a little more interesting. Anyone have any ideas?

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!

2008-12-09T11:41:00.003-07:00

Things that go bump in the night.

2008-11-07T20:31:00.006-07:00

Carter and Ella chose their own Halloween costumes this year.

Carter was a skeleton.

Ella was Sharpay Evans from High School Musical.

Aubree was a lady-bug.

And they were all too cute!

Also, please note Carter and Ella's carved pumpkins in the background. Carter and Ella had so much fun dragging me all through the neighborhood in the drizzling rain collecting candy. Half-way through Ella started complaining about her wig being scratchy and her make-up bothering her. I was like, "you're a girl, get used to it sister!" All in all they collected TWELVE POUNDS of candy! That should tide them over 'til Christmas, don't you think?

ps. Ella was hilarious. We went and saw High School Musical the Monday before Halloween. That was when she decided to be Sharpay. Cause Sharpay is everything pink and girly and even has a little dog that she dresses up. Anyone who knows Ella, knows that she is an animal lover and has been begging for a new dog for months. So she said to me, "mom, I'm going to be Sharpay for Halloween. And I'm gonna need a real dog for my costume, okay?" Yeah, she is sneaky smart like that. Please not the stuffed dog in her pink purse. Cause I'm smart too.

Patch's pumpkin patch

2008-11-07T17:38:00.004-07:00

After much pleading, begging and cajoling, Carter finally convinced us to take him to the pumpkin patch so that he could carve a pumpkin. It was 4:00 on Halloween, but he desperately wanted to do it. (I just think it's messy.) The pumpkin patch that we went to was free, and you could wander the field of pumpkins and pick your own.

So, although I was less than thrilled about going... I am so glad that Carter made us. It was so much fun, and we'll do it again next year. (with less prodding from Carter, I promise.)

Black Island Farms

2008-11-07T17:11:00.003-07:00

My friend, Alisa, organized a great field trip to Black Island Farms in Syracuse. I thought it was just a corn maze and hay ride, but it turned out to be all kinds of fun. Carter and Ella were off of school so they got to come along. We didn't do the hay ride (it was really a tractor-pulled ride, and let's be honest... Grandpa Hardy's farm can beat that any day!) But they had HUGE slides made out of hay bales, pig races, pumpkin bouncy house, play ground, animals to pet, fresh made kettle korn and a barrel rides. We had so much fun that when Matt got home from work, we all went back! Aubree was only sad cause she couldn't keep up with Carter and Ella. But this will definitely be something that we do every year.

Is that a look or shear joy or shear terror?

I hate to admit it, but I'm on the other side of the see saw... don't do the math!

Say what?

2008-10-30T12:23:00.002-06:00

Last night I was trying to explain the concept of adoption to Carter and Ella. I guess I didn't do a very good job, because when I was done talking Ella said, "If you ever want to sell one of us, it has to be Carter!"

Statistically speaking...

2008-10-29T22:34:00.002-06:00

I'm really not one to wage into the political warfare... but this election season must have brought out the responsible adult in me. At the beginning of the election cycle I was interested to learn more about Barack Obama and what he stood for as a candidate. And honestly, I wasn't that big of a fan of John Mc Cain. Ironically, as the race has heightened the media overkill has actually turned me way off of Obama and made me big proponent of Mc Cain.

And this is what I am talking about...

"A study from the Center for Media and Public Affairs even kept a tally of jokes told about the presidential candidates on the "Late Show With David Letterman" and the "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno, and found they hammered Republicans over Democrats by a margin of 7-to-1.

Some say it's all in good fun, but others aren't laughing.

"The election results aren't in yet, but there is one set of surveys with an unmistakable conclusion. Everyone should be forced to admit that the publicists formerly known as the 'news' media have worked themselves to the bone this year to elect Barack Obama," Brent Bozell, president of the conservative Media Research Center, wrote in a column Wednesday.

He wrote that the Media Research Center found that network news shows aired 84 stories criticizing McCain ads, versus 32 criticizing Obama ads, between the end of the primaries and Tuesday.

In an article Tuesday, Politico.com addressed the apparent bias in media coverage of the two presidential tickets and conceded that McCain and Palin were "getting hosed" in the press."

And now I am done talking politics. I'll try to write something entertaining. ;)

Follow the Prophet...

2008-10-23T18:15:00.002-06:00

There are some, including President Hinckley, that would say not drinking caffeine is part of following the Word of Wisdom. Even knowing this wasn't always enough of an inducement to give up 'the good stuff'. Sure, from time to time I've quit, but I've always gone back for more. I mean, c'mon! I'm a mom! How are we supposed to function on no sleep? But today I read a new study that said drinking 3 cups of coffee a day (or the equivalent amount of caffeine) can cause breast shrinkage. Breast shrinkage!!!

Here's a quote; "Drinking coffee can have a major effect on breast size," said Helena Jernstroem, a lecturer in experimental oncology at Lund University. "Coffee-drinking women do not have to worry their breasts will shrink to nothing overnight. They will get smaller, but the breasts aren't just going to disappear."

That might be reason enough.

Overheard...

2008-10-22T23:13:00.001-06:00

Ella (age 6, after having a melt-down), "I'm sorry for the way I was acting. I guess I'm not grown up yet."

My Decision 2008

2008-10-19T22:46:00.004-06:00

Friday, at 4:30, I suddenly realize that Matt and I hadn't registered to vote yet. Of course, we had already missed the deadline to mail-in our registration or do it online. We throw all three kids into the car and rush to the courthouse to get there by 5:00. We run in, dragging the children and register to vote. (Yea!) And the lady behind the counter looks at us like, really? where have you been that you waited until almost the last minute to do this? DId you not know there was an election going on? But that's okay, cause I still registered. And I know I live in Utah, which usually goes Republican anyway... but part of me just wants to vote to give a big old 'screw you' to the leftist media because even with all of your slanted coverage and polls, I will make up my own mind! Seriously, did you know that in these polls that are being conducted and reported that they include a higher percentage of democrats (it used to be 3% but now certain pollsters are using as much as 10%) because they say that reflects voting patterns. I just don't understand that. If that were true, how could Republicans ever win? But alas, I'm not a statistician, I only took it twice in college, so maybe someone can explain it to me. All I know is come November 4th, I'll be voting. Cause you know, I am registered.

By the way, if anyone else is lame like me, i.e. forgot the register, Monday is the last day! GO REGISTER! GET OUT AND VOTE!

Overheard...

2008-10-12T21:29:00.002-06:00

During the prayer before dinner offered by Carter...

"please don't let the mashed potatoes kill me."

Joe figures it out!

2008-09-22T22:56:00.001-06:00

Yes, I am preggers! I am about 12 weeks and due in the beginning of April.

Mom's Chicken Enchiladas

2008-09-22T22:30:00.003-06:00

Just for clarification; not MY mom's chicken enchiladas. As a matter of fact, the other day I did get a phone call from my mom. She asked me what she could do with cilantro because she had never cooked with it before. Now why, at 66 my mom is deciding to try cooking with something new is another question. But good for her for trying something new, right? So I tell her that I have a GREAT recipe for chicken enchiladas that calls for cilantro. I tell her the recipe and she says that she is going to try it. And here's the recipe that I gave her.

1 lb. chicken breast (cooked)*
4 green onions, sliced
2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced**
3 cans (10 oz each) GREEN enchilada sauce
8 corn tortillas

2 cups lettuce, shredded
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour crean
1 tomato diced
1 can olives, sliced

*if I am in a hurry, I use 1/2 a Costco rotisserie chicken and shred it.
** you can also use canned green chili's or jalapenos

1. Preheat oven to 350. LIghtly coat a square baking dish.

2. Oil large cooking skillet. medium -high heat. add green onion, cilantro (and I usually use more than 2 tbsp.) jalapeno. saute 2 min. add shredded chicken and 1 can en. sauce. cook about 5 mins.

3. pour 2 cans of en. sauce in a medium bowl & microwave until warm, about 2 mins. dip each tortilla in sauce and fill with 1/8 of chicken mix. roll up and place seamside down in baking dish.

4. pour remaining heated sauce over enchilada and sprinkle with cheese. bake about 15 mins. broil for about 4 mins.

5. top with lettuce, salsa, sour cream, tomatoes and olives.

So later in the afternoon my mom called me to tell me that she had tried the enchiladas and liked them. Of course, my mom was talking to me on speakerphone (cause that's what my parents do) and I could hear my dad yelling in the background, "She did not use your recipe!"

"Mom, what's dad talking about?"

"Well, I added garlic to the recipe. I couldn't remember if yours called for that."

"Okay. And?"

"Well, the only enchilada sauce that I had was red and hot and I was afraid that they would be too spicy for me, so I added sour cream and cream of celery soup instead. And I didn't have corn tortillas so I used flour instead. But it was basically your recipe and I really liked it."

"Mom, that wasn't my recipe at all! You made a version of sour cream and chicken enchiladas!"

"No I didn't, I used followed your recipe."

"What about that was my recipe?"

"I used cilantro."

(Dad yelling in the background) "What she isn't telling you is that without some kind of sauce the flour tortillas suck up all the moisture and they tasted like paste!"

(Mom) "They did not taste like paste, they were really good!"

(Me) Laughing hysterically. Laughing more hysterically later as I was retelling the story to Matt.

So, the next day I got a phone call from my mom at the grocery store IN ST. LOUIS (cause that's where they live) because she had gone to buy corn tortillas and couldn't find them and wanted to know where I thought they were. That's right. Later in the day I received this email from her.

Well, my attempt really did taste quite good with flour tortillas, sour cream and cream of celery soup substitutes. However, dad wasn't having any (my not making yours, that is, not the sour cream enchiladas!)

So today after power walking, off to dierbergs, that's where we called you from----and I had to "unmake" the leftovers, scrape out the chicken, chilies, onions, garlic, etc and put them in corn torillas drenched in green chille green enchilada sauce, sprinkled with cheese----Dad loved them; I got to eat the leftover flour tortillas! (they weren't bad 2nd day either---even without the chicken!)

Love ya,
Mother

I didn't have the heart to tell her that STILL wasn't my recipe! I love you Mom!! So try my recipe. I promise they are SO GOOD and even really healthy too!

FRINGE Fanatic!

2008-09-10T12:34:00.002-06:00

So last night we watched the premiere of J.J. Abrams' new series FRINGE. And WE LOVED IT. I have to be honest with you, I'm a little worried... I've been sucked in by J.J. before. I LOVED and cried with FELICITY. I wanted to be Sydney Bristow in ALIAS, and I hung onto every word and tried to follow every clue from LOST. (All other shows created by J.J. Abrams) And in the end, (or for LOST, now) he would let me down. Maybe he has learned from his mistakes... the premiere for last night's FRINGE was FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! .... okay J.J., I'll give you one more chance... c'mon, let's hug it out, or you could at least let me hug Joshua Jackson. Did I mention he's one of the stars? That's right, good old Pacey is back on tv! So, if you missed it last night, they will be re-showing the episode on Sunday night... and it is soooo good!

Blue's Clues...

2008-09-08T22:58:00.003-06:00

Don't bother looking for the paw print, but here is the first clue...

By the way, my dad totally hate Blue's clues. He is always like, "If Blue is so smart, why doesn't she just tell Joe what he wants instead of doing the whole annoying clue thing???" And I'm all like, "Dad, so not the point! See how the kid is quiet? How Blue sucks them in? That's the point!"

Go! FIght! Win!

2008-08-17T19:34:00.007-06:00

So my day started with me taking Carter to the Urgent Care Clinic due to an injury in football practice Friday night. After three different sets of x-rays, he either has a sprained or a fractured pinky finger on his right hand. Of course, i'm not 100% confident with the diagnosis as the doctor had to consult a book! Apparently, I took a wrong turn and ended up at the Urgent Guess Clinic.

Okay, so our day was going to be tight. Ella's cheerleading performance started at 10:15 and Carter had to meet his team at a different park at 10:30 for warm-ups and weigh-ins (but his game didn't start till 12:00). Of course, trying to fit in a doctor appt. didn't leave a lot of extra time. We left the dr. office at 10:10 so I called Matt to ask him to get Carter's gear together. When Carter and I got home, we looked all over the house... but no gear. I called Matt... he had taken the gear with him! And it's 10:25. So Matt says, "Ella's game was supposed to start 10 minutes ago and YOU KNOW HOW SHE WILL BE IF WE MISS HER GAME." Let's just say that Ella has the middle child syndrome down. So Matt rushes to the other park where Carter's team is meeting and Carter changed clothes in the parking lot, much to his chagrin. But I was all like, Get changing! It's not like someone is checking you out. That's right. First you teach a kid to be modest and then you have them change clothes in full public view. We leave carter to go with his coach to the field where he is playing and RUSH back to the field where Ella is cheering. As we walk up, Ella turn's to me and says, "Great mom, you missed it." As it turned out, her game had started late, about two minutes before we showed up. And Matt gave me a look like, see, I TOLD YOU SO! So we watch Ella cheer and do a half time dance that LITERALLY lasted for less than a minute!

We leave and rush to West Point (a city about 20 minutes from us) to get to Carter's game, which lucky for us, started late.
Not so lucky for Carter, because of his hurt finger, he was here a lot.

And sadly, even with this great play, his team lost 12-6.

So after a long day in the sun, Matt and Ella have the sunburns to prove it, Matt decides that we should go and see the Declaration of Independence which was on display for two days only at the State Capitol. There was a short film playing that talked about the history and meaning of the Declaration. Part of the movie talked about getting involved and being citizen activists, like the mom who started the organization Mothers Against Drunk Drivers when her daughter was killed by a drunk driver. And all Ella took away from it was there was a girl killed by a drunk driver. The rest went in one ear and out the other. When we went up to the second floor to see it, we also saw the ridiculously long line that wrapped all the way around the inside perimeter of the capital building. Ella cried, "But I don't even understand it! Why are we here?" "Mom, remember how that girl was killed by that guy who was drinking? Do you think she was in a car too?" And on and on... FOR THE LOVE OF PETE, ELLA, WE JUST WANTED TO SHARE SOME HISTORY WITH YOU AND I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE GIRL WHO WAS KILLED as we stood in a non-moving line for half an hour.

Now this picture may look like we were close, but no, it was taken from the floor above with my zoom lens because eventually we gave up, took some pictures from a distance and went outside to play on the lawn of the capitol. Where the kids stopped complaining, Ella stopped asking about the girl who died and shocking, the kids had fun.

For Virginia

2008-08-15T14:18:00.005-06:00

I was talking to my lovely sister Virginia, who coincidentally also lives in Virginia, yesterday and told her that I had gotten my hair colored again. She said, "Take a picture with your computer and send it to me so I can see!"

So of course the kids wanted to get in on the action...

And then Aubree, well to say it delicately... needs a diaper change...

Sure they can be pills, and this last week while Matt was gone, they were (or maybe I've just gotten soft)... But I think I'll keep them.

A daily scoop.

2008-08-15T10:18:00.005-06:00

Recently a friend recommended a blog to me... and I found myself reading and crying for hours. I called Matt, sobbing, and he said, "Why are you reading a blog that is making you cry? Why don't you just stop reading?" But it is so beautifully written and so inspirational that I wanted to recommend it to my friends too.

adailyscoop.blogspot.com

"Our lovely daughter Camille, drowned in our backyard spa on June 13, 2008 and died two days later in the hospital. This blog has served as a tool for me to work through my emotions in this grieving process. "

Since reading this I have to admit I have hugged my kids more, kissed them more and been a little more patient (even when aubree throws her food at me, which she does like to do right now.)

Sign of the times.

2008-08-10T22:01:00.003-06:00

Aubree turned one a couple of weeks ago. (Sigh. And, yes I am late for her one-year-old post.) I'll be honest, her communication skills are less than stellar. Okay, she is one, she doesn't want to communicate a lot. But I would like to teach her some sign language to try and stave off the terrible two's, which are certainly coming. (I am a firm believe that sign language helps kids feel less frustrated.) But I haven't taught sign language since Carter, and I can only remember like five. So... can anyone recommend any good books or even better yet, just tell me some signs if you know them? I'll be indebted to you when I am NOT pulling my hair out with her!

Do blondes have more fun?

2008-08-04T16:02:00.005-06:00

Okay, so here it is... my blonde year. I have told many of you about it, most don't believe it, so I found proof. Of course this was four years, one baby and 20 pounds ago. It was also before I met Matt. So every once and a while he'll say, "Why don't you go blonde again?" And I was seriously considering it... (that's why I got the highlights) but along with highlights come upkeep, and more frequent haircuts... and so much work! I think I'm going back to this...

(Of course, to really look like that I've gotta lose the 20 pounds! Anyone want to go running?)

LAGOON CONTEST!

2008-07-31T14:38:00.002-06:00

You've heard the commercials on the radio about what a summertime paradise Lagoon is, and now is your chance to experience it for yourself. I have 4 tickets to Lagoon for Saturday, Aug 2. (That's this Saturday.) Leave a comment below and on Friday night at 5:00 we will have a drawing and announce the winner. Good Luck!

Going for the green!

2008-07-17T15:11:00.005-06:00

I have decided that I do not like the color of my kitchen and I want to change it. Yesterday, this is what Matt came home to. Luckily my friend Maria was over, so he had to contain his true reaction.

Matt: "You know they have these neat little color chips that you can tape to the wall to see how the color will look."
Me: "Hmmm." (But what I am silently thinking is, but this way we HAVE to paint, if for no other reason so the wall doesn't look so ridiculous.)

So which shade of green should we use? And if you live in the F.C. feel free to stop by and give me your opinion.

Coming out of the closet...

2008-07-17T14:45:00.006-06:00

Many of you know that our little Aubree's crib has been in our closet for the past year. Without a real closet for the past year we have had to get create with where to put our 'stuff'. Well I finally kicked her out into Ella's room and decided to re-claim my closet. Just so you know I do aspire to be many things, one of which is to be as neat, clean and organized as my husband. (He get this from his mom, and boy could I tell you some stories!) So today I began the undertaking of cleaning the closet, which I have documented for your amusement with pictures.

That's right, that is a layer of DUST on my skirt hangers. I have obviously made good use of them during this past year.

I color-organized all of my t-shirts. Take a good look, I'm sure it won't last long. But Matt will be so happy, I'll probably get lucky tonight.

I even organized my church shoes which is good news for anyone who ever stops by my house because now they won't trip over them as they are walking in the door. That's right, I'm looking out for your safety.

Mom! Mom! Mom!

2008-07-17T14:36:00.006-06:00

You know those time when this is all you hear?

Quit touching me! I don't want to play with you! Stop copying me. Stop copying me.
Get out of my room. You are not invited to my birthday party. I'm telling mom!

It's moments like this

that make ALL of that bearable.

Wanted: Model Children.

2008-07-11T10:02:00.002-06:00

I know what you are thinking, but...

In an effort to build my portfolio and add some seasonal shots, I need some volunteers. The photo shoot could be on location or at your home and usually takes about 30-45 mins. I am looking for some siblings and some individual children.

In exchange for your cute kids and time, you will receive a FREE 8 X 10 print from our shoot!

If you are interested, feel free to post here or email me at destrylynn@mac.com and I will contact you about setting up a day and time.

On becoming a Butterfly...

2008-07-10T11:41:00.003-06:00

This post is inspired by a friend's blog. Actually, it could be inspired by many friends.

I have a great quote that I keep taped to my bathroom mirror; (Bear with me, it's a little long)

"When left to herself, Nature is in no particular hurry. This is especially true when nature transforms something ordinary into something special. Flour and yeast need time to rise before becoming bread. A flower may take an entire season to mature into fruit. The mineral graphite spends millions of years deep in the earth under immense pressure and extreme heat before emerging as a diamond. And even then, it looks like a rock until someone cutes and polishes it.
In humans, the transition from raw to polished is just as arduous. World-class athletes spend years in relentless, repetitive practice, as do the best musicians and dancers, and the same commitment is needed for excellence in any art, trade, craft or profession. Even great beauties are made, not born; they've honed natural prettiness with poise, style and confidence. It's a law of nature that change and growth come from the inside out, and that both happen at their own stately pace."

As women, our bodies have to bear a lot. The pregnancy pounds, after-pregnancy pounds, nursing pounds, i'm having a bad day pounds, is my butt big pounds, i don't look like that supermodel pounds... and let's not forget all the diets, bad haircuts, and unforgiving fashion... you get the idea. I wish instead of being so quick to judge ourselves and others, we could be able to see the beauty of one's soul. The beauty that comes with being nice, making good choices, having the light of Christ, nurturing one's families, sacrificing for children, crying with a friend, staying up all night with a sick child, and loving your spouse unconditionally.

I applaud any and all of my friends who are on the journey to becoming their best selves. I think YOU are something special. Heaven knows I wish I could speed up my own timeline. (When, o when is the awkward stage going to end?) But truth be told, I would rather peak later than sooner, cause it's all downhill after that.

Let Freedom Ring!

2008-07-07T12:02:00.000-06:00

I heard on the radio that this year there was a fireworks shortage. And sadly, due to the fireworks (can I use the word show to describe what I saw? hmmm, no.) display we saw... I can say that it is true. We went up to Bear Lake with family to enjoy the holiday weekend. And while completely under-whelmed by the fireworks, the fun beach activities, golfing, four wheel riding, and spending time with cousins made up for anything the fireworks may have lacked!

Happy Independence Day America... you don't look a day over 200!

Aubree's first four-wheeler ride!

The Pixton Party in Provo, 2008

2008-07-07T10:02:00.002-06:00

My wonderful grandparents decided to celebrate their 90th birthdays in grand style. And being the generous and brave people that they are, they invited their two chidren and 15 grandchildren plus spouses to tag along. They rented a 12,000 square foot mansion in Provo (I know, who knew that you could rent 12,000 sq. ft. mansions in Provo, right?) for 4 days, provided all the airfare and meals and just asked us to bring the crazy. And we brought it. Unfortunately, my sister Virginia fell the day before she was scheduled to fly out so she was unable to attend. (And we missed you!) But really, a good time was had by all. My grandparent brought nearly everyone together, which in itself is a near herculean feat, fun family memories were made and Shelly fed us the best food this side of the, well... her house on the mississippi.

I've included a picture of almost the whole gang sunday morning, the house, my parents and grandparents, and just cause there are hardly any pics of me and Matt, one of us too.

File Under: Insane!

2008-07-04T01:01:00.003-06:00

At about noon today I was driving behind a guy riding on a motorcycle. I followed him onto the on ramp to get onto I-15. And then I saw him fidgit with something in his pocket. And as we started to cruise down I-15 I see him pull out his cell phone AND TEXT MESSAGE SOMEONE! And he did it more than once, at one point putting his cell phone in his mouth! Did I mention he wasn't even wearing a helmet? Honestly, there has to be easier ways to commit bodily harm, right? Man, I should have used my phone camera to take a picture.

She's got teeth, she knows how to use them!

2008-07-01T11:45:00.004-06:00

Yeah, we used to call her fang. (See previous posts.) I have to admit I worried about the level of teasing she would have to endure if her from teeth never grew in. But lucky for Aubree, and not so lucky for anyone who sticks a finger in her mouth, the girl's got teeth!

Button My Fly...*

2008-06-24T16:06:00.004-06:00

So I bought a new pair of jeans today. Jeans have evolved so much over the years, right? I mean first there were Levi's. No nonsense Levi's. And I am going to tell you a secret. Growing up, I was ALWAYS so FREAKIN' tall that I would buy boy's jeans just so that people didn't assume I was waiting for a flood. (Honestly, is there anything worse that a tall person wearing pants that are too short? I'll answer that, No.) I still remember when I first started shopping at GAP and could finally buy girls jeans that were long enough. Ahhhh, those were good days.

But now there are designer jeans. (and if I could figure out how to put the word 'designer' in italics I would... anyone with mac know how - call me!) I started wearing them a couple of years back and fell in love with the great fit. I mean, I love wearing great jeans and a t-shirt. I tried going back to GAP jeans, I really did... but I felt like I was cheating on my great love. After all that good (sexy) jeans had done for me (hello, Matt) how could I turn my back on them now?

So one baby later, still not back in my original jeans but getting so much closer. And I really did need a new pair, but hear is where the problem lies. These jeans are made with cotton and some type of strechy-super-something-another fabric. I have, in the past, bought jeans that would stretch up a whole size. So I was kinda in between two sizes and couldn't decide if I should buy the size that was a liitle loose or the size that was a little snug. KNOWING that they would stretch, I went for the snug size. (Besides, the Nordstrom guy kept saying to me, "They are meant to be worn snug" Uh-huh, tell that to my fat roll!)

And now I lay here, typing this entry tryng to get these jeans to give a little, (you don't want to know how) and yeah, I know that long blogs with no pictures are SOOO boring, but no way in hell I'm taking a picture of my cute new jeans and my big butt!

*c'mon you know you remember those Levi's t-shirts from back in the day

We now return to our regularly scheduled programming...

2008-06-24T15:18:00.004-06:00

You know it's bad when you get an email from your dad. Dear Destry, update your blog. Love, Father. And that is the email I got, minus the 'dear destry' and 'love Father'. Has it been more than a month since I've posted? Apparently, it has. Why, why has it been so long? And so much has happened! Our family trip to Jackson Hole, (I've got pictures of buffalos!) my family reunion, (and if I've talked to you about it... you KNOW what I am talking about) the end of school, the beginning of summer and last, but not least, Father's day.

And yes on Father's day Carter's prayer was something like this, "Heavenly Father, Happy Father's Day, cause you are my dad too."

So, I know I have a lot of catching up to do, but in honor of Father's Day I'd like to give a little shout out to the amazing father of my children... I love you Matt. No one makes me as happy as you do.

Can I have some fries with that?

2008-05-15T14:53:00.002-06:00

My eight year old is obsessed with Indian Jones. He recently saw the movies and fell in love. As in, he wants to be an archeologist, wear a hat and carry a whip to work, LOVE. And then he found out that a NEW movie was coming out this summer. He has been counting down the days and asking questions ever since. He will talk to anyone about Indian Jones and Ella is his most favorite captive audience. He talks NON-STOP. Imagining what it will be like, pretending he's Indy, and just re-telling what happened in the first three.

So we went through the drive through at Burger King today. (Farmington, if you want to check it out.) And they have a life size Indian Jones cut-out outside.

Carter: Look, it's Indian Jones! (said gleefully.) He's old. (a lot less gleefully.)

Ella: Like, grandpa old. I don't think I want to see the movie anymore.

I've lost my voice...

2008-05-14T15:16:00.000-06:00

Recently I watched a segment on the TODAY show about mommy bloggers. They had a pre-taped interview with three bloggers and a live segment with another mommy blogger. It was interesting and afterwards I went and looked up the four blogs. They were entertaining, one was even a 'recovery mormon' - funny & blasphemous - but overall the impression was, they are a different kind of mom than me.

And it really got me thinking about my own blog. When I began, the possibilities were endless. I could do this... I have that... What did I want to do?

And then I went to my brothers graduation (Go Casey!!) from BYU-I where Elder Ballard was the keynote speaker. He talked at length about modern technology and the changing world and how it was all greek to him until he gave a talk in Iraq. Following the talk he drove across town to his hotel, called church offices where a secretary had his talk almost verbatim from her son, who was serving in Iraq, who had texted it to her. He pointed out what a great tool and a positive influence (to counter-balance all the muck out there) a blog can be.

And his words have really stuck with me since.

So I am trying to find my voice. I don't think I consider myself a mommy blogger. I am a mom. I do blog. But I am not holding myself up as an example for anyone. I am not a perfect mother but I try to love my children unconditionally. I have struggled with a great many things in my life but I know where to go to replenish my strength and faith. I know Heavenly Father loves me and Jesus Christ atoned for me. I know that I now have a partner, friend and oh-so-cute-boy-who-still-makes-my-heart-flutter to be with me forever. I hope that my blog will become a source of amusement, hope and strength for me, my friends & family or any fellow stragglers going my way.

May 2, Happy, Happy Anniversary!

2008-05-07T09:12:00.005-06:00

Happy Anniversary to my dear, sweet husband. I know I am a couple days late with this post, we were busy celebrating! So, on May 1st the doorbell rings. And it's a package addressed to Matt with an undiscernable return address. So I call him at work, "Were you expecting a package?" And he says, "Would you like to open it?" So I start opening... I open the box and I see another blue box inside... a Tiffany blue box... and I open that and inside I find a necklace that I had told him that I wanted a year ago! And I ask, "What is this for?" and he replies, "Happy Anniversary, babe." And I ... had... forgot! That's right, I had totally forgot our anniversary (and trust me, we have not been married long enough for that to happen!) but my wonderful, amazing husband had not. And that is just one of the many, many, many reasons why I love him so!

And so let's reminisce by taking a walk down memory lane....

I love you, Matt.

A Sign of Summer

2008-04-25T13:22:00.003-06:00

I'll let you decide if it is a good or bad sign... Lagoon is open again. Now, I don't dislike Lagoon. But my only interaction was last year when I got drug around all summer long by my kids watching them ride one ride after another. That's right, I was SOOOO pregnant (and hot) and I couldn't ride any rides (and did I mention I was hot?) and it was a LONG summer and I swore it would be a long time before I would return. And then... I got guilted into buying season passes again this year! When I told my sister she said, "Are you crazy? Do you not remember last year?" And so after much begging, we went on Saturday...

And... it was fun! Carter rode Wicked for the first time, Aubree rode any ride for the first time and Ella vamped for the camera.

We walked, and walked, and walked...

2008-04-25T13:11:00.003-06:00

Well, I know this post is a little belated, as we actually participated in the MS Walk on the 12th of April but I wanted to share our experience. Alisa Holland had invited us to be a part of the walk and so to Alisa we say, "THANK YOU!" At first Carter and Ella could not understand what we were doing... "We are going to walk? Why? For how long? Why? How is us walking going to help anyone?" And the list of questions goes on. (Literally) And sure, around mile 2 Matt and I had to take turns carrying Ella. (Man, it's a good thing we weren't pioneers! And yes, we are going to make our kids get out and play more!) But I loved being able to do this with family and friends. A good time was had by all!

destry's 100...

2008-04-20T22:55:00.003-06:00

I got tagged! I tag Virginia & Elizabeth F.

Alright, some things about Destry...

1. I used to be secretly in love with Truman Madsen. And then I met him and told him that I love him, so it’s not a secret anymore.
2. I don’t have a favorite color, it might make the other colors jealous.
3. I have an amazing husband. I tell him all the time, but I don’t think he realizes just how happy he makes me.
4. My dad was in the military, so I grew up moving around. I lived the longest in the south & I used to have a really, really strong accent.
5. Sometimes the accent creeps back when I am tired.
6. I curl my hair with a flat iron. I wish I had known how to do it years ago! It would have saved me SO MANY bad haircuts!
7. One of my all time favorite books is Room With a View.
8. Someday I will travel to Europe to see a room with a view. And have Matt walk across a field of lilacs to kiss me. (From the movie, Room With a View, best kissing scene ever!)
9. I love Isaiah. Not the basketball player or the actor, or even Isaiah Holland (although he is adorable!) but the prophet from the Old Testament.
10. A favorite quote: "As a reminder of those days, Jesus has chosen, even in a resurrected, otherwise perfected body, to retain for the benefit of His disciples the wounds in His hands and in His feet and in His side—signs, if you will, that painful things happen even to the pure and the perfect; signs, if you will, that pain in this world is not evidence that God doesn’t love you; signs, if you will, that problems pass and happiness can be ours." Jeffrey R. Holland
11. I wish I knew as much about the scriptures as my mom.
12. I have the most sweet, lovable and trustworthy boy, Carter.
13. Matt has MADE me addicted to fountain sodas! They are just so bubbly and cold! (Pause here while I go get one…)
14. I used to show horses. English Equestrian Style.
15. I don’t really like roses, but I’m a sucker for wildflowers.
16. I have only kept a journal consistently twice in my life, once during my mission and again during my divorce.
17. I believe in Christ. I read and I prayed and I know that the Book of Mormon is true.
18. I’m a Mac person. Can’t even remember how to use a PC. (But why would I want to?)
19. I love being tall, but I would like to lose 20 pounds.
20. So in that vein, I am starting a 12-week work out program TOMORROW! Feel free to ask me about it, and make sure I am going to the gym everyday.
21. I was born 12 minutes after midnight on New Year’s Day. My dad was VERY mad because I was three weeks late and he didn’t get the tax deduction.
22. I am afraid of not living my life deliberately.
23. I read ridiculously fast.
24. When I was a teenager I had a very romantized idea of what my future-husband would be like… and Matt fits the description almost to a tee.
25. Things I don’t want to live without: my laptop, iphone, camera, internet, mascara, chocolate, Starbucks, hot bubble baths, toothbrush, AIR-CONDITIONING!, a good pair of jeans, non-stick pans, diaper pail, and really so many more things.
26. Things I can’t live without: Matt, Carter, Ella & Aubree. My family, faith, hope and prayer.
27. K, I’m a little embarrassed to admit this one, but I like Battlestar Galactic! (What the FRAK is going on!)
28. But I loved Gilmore Girls more! I miss them!
29. I love photography. It enables me to create and capture beautiful moments.
30. I have to sleep with one of my feet out of the blankets. It drives Matt crazy cause he likes to be all tucked in.
31. Matt in a neat freak and I aspire to be like him… but I fall way short.
32. I think sponges are gross. They smell and are germy!
33. I love how Aubree is always so exuberant and happy.
34. I love how Ella is so creative and smart and girly.
35. I love how Carter has so much integrity and good in him.
36. I try really hard not to yell. I usually don’t. I just don’t like doing it.
37. My ideal vacation spot would be somewhere with sun, water, sand and really quiet.
38. Honestly though, I’d be willing to vacation almost anywhere. I love exploring and visiting new places.
39. Getting a pedicure, massage or facial are my guilty pleasures.
40. I have a hard time finding pants or jeans that are long enough. And I love to wear heels (which only exacerbates the not-long-enough-jean-situation) but when I do people look at me like, ‘is that necessary?’
41. I wish I was smarter, like Doogie Howser or photographic memory smart… oooh, even better… McGyver smart.
42. I re-upholstered a couch and two chairs once. It was pretty cool. I liked that I could do whatever I wanted and I didn’t have to rely on what was in the stores.
43. When I was little I had freckles and thought that someday I would grow out of them… but alas, I still have freckles.
44. If I could have one ridiculously indulgent thing it would be to have someone come to my house, wash and change my sheets every third day like Oprah. I love sleeping on clean, crisp, fragrant sheets.
45. I have been sewing since I was like five. When I was eight I made a whole coordinating ensemble; hot pink corduroy overalls, skirt and a reversible vest with a hot pink plaid shirt. I was smokin’! 1982 wasn’t the best fashion year.
46. And I am sorry to say that I made three prom dresses. I have the pictures if you ever need a good laugh.
47. I have lived in Kentucky, Germany, Alabama, Texas, Omaha, St. Louis, New Orleans, Provo, Brazil, Georgia, Tennessee, Arizona, North Carolina, Seattle, and Salt Lake.
48. I ran my first race on Saturday! Salt Lake 5K, Yeah!!!
49. My marriage to Matt is better than I even knew marriages could be.
50. I am a procrastinator. As a matter of fact, I procrastinated writing this list.
51. My brain is a recepticle for mindless celebrity trivia. That’s right, I love to read the celebrity gossip web sites.
52. I am not a morning person. I would like to be. But I’m not. Night owl all the way!
53. The spirit has prompted me and guided me so many times in my life. I am sure that I am where I should be.
54. I wish I were a computer geek.
55. I would love to be tan (I used to be a sun-worshiper) but I don’t do it anymore because I want to have good skin for a long time.
56. I sometimes worry that I am not being a good-enough mom. I try really hard, but I don’t want to fall short.
57. I don’t like white bread.
58. I would love to know more about art, music and literature.
59. Carter got braces this week. Am I old enough to have a kid who has braces?
60. Really does anyone want to know more than 60 things about me?
61. I love Nikon cameras. They are just cool.
62. I love, love, love Matt.
63. I am so lucky to have Carter, Ella & Aubree.

To be continued…

Introducing...

2008-04-16T19:36:00.002-06:00

So, this is beautiful little Aubree. Of course, we are going to have to change her name to Fang. That's right, on her top jaw she only has her left incisor and she is getting her right incisor now! What happened to her front teeth? Seriously, we call her Fang!

The tax man cometh!

2008-04-16T01:55:00.003-06:00

I made it. WIth 14 minutes to spare. Towards the end my eyes were starting to cross and I might just have been checking random answers.

Did you buy a hybrid boat this year? NO!

Do you have any other children you would like to claim as dependents? (Me, thinking to myself, "Are you giving extra dependents away? Do they come with the $72.00 computer program?") SURE!

I swear next year will be different! Of course, I did swear that last year....

Kid Logic

2008-04-10T16:44:00.001-06:00

Carter: "Mom, why do babies where onesies, kid's don't, then mom's and dad's do?"

Hmmm... How do you explain the difference?

Run, Forrest, Run

2008-04-09T16:12:00.002-06:00

Okay, sorry for the cheesy by-line! I have been running again and I am so sick and tired of my music. So... If you know any good running music please let me know. Or maybe just your favorite song to work out to! There are no wrong answers here. Maybe your song will inspire me, but I probably won't run as far as Forrest.

Priceless? Priceless.

2008-04-09T15:36:00.005-06:00

Alright, let me run down the numbers for you...

Ten months of ballet lesson at $40 a pop = 400.00
One dance costume = 65.00

And I was so looking forward to her ballet performance! Matt showed up minutes before it was to start with Aubree in his arms and said to me, "I think she might be poopy." Uh, yeah, I could SEE poop from her waist up to her shoulders! So we take her out into the hall and change her as quickly as possible. (We had to throw away the onesie, it wasn't even salvageable!)

So the way her school does the performance is by having one whole ballet that integrates all the classes. We hurry into the auditorium... Ella is just finishing up her 'dance'!!!! And when I say dance, I do use that term loosely. Running around the stage would be more accurate. And then we had to sit through the next TWO AND A HALF (insert favorite word used in times of frustration here) HOURS!

So then the classes begin to come out one at a time to take a bow. Ella's class is second. They are supposed to take a bow and then sit down where they have been assigned on stage. (Ella's class, very front) But instead of sitting down, Ella decides to dance to the music. All the other classes are continuing to come out. Everyone is applauding. Ella must think it is just for her. I say to Matt, "If she is dancing, just keep recording... I want my money's worth!" Other kids in her class are telling her she should sit down. But the crowd is cheering and she just keeps on dancing!

At the end of it all, she comes down from the stage and says to me, "Mom, my tap dance was the best." and I say to my beautiful, talented and fearless daughter, "Yes, your TAP dance was the best tap dance in the whole ballet!"

Having the video to show future suitors when she turns 16 = PRICELESS!

ps. Yes we are going to post the video here for all to enjoy as soon as we figure out how!

Happy Easter Egg Hunting!

2008-04-01T13:41:00.002-06:00

For Easter, we were lucky enough to have my sweet and oh-so-good-looking brother with us. We also had a fun Easter egg hunt with all our cousins. Unfortunately, my kids were so hopped up on sugar, I couldn't really get a good picture out of them! And, I know, I look like I am glaring at the camera, but really I wasn't mad!

Diaper-changing bandit!

2008-03-31T16:02:00.000-06:00

So the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words". Well, this picture has gotta be worth more, and a few laughs too. In case you are wondering what is covering Matt's mouth, it is a pair of Bree's pink tights (he used the legs to tie around his head!). He hasn't quite gotten used to the smell yet!

Hello!

2008-03-31T16:01:00.000-06:00

Well, we have decided to jump on the blogspot band wagon and add our own. Hopefully this will be our way of keeping up with our friends and family.

adventures of the Hardy boys & girls

tuesday

monday

Sunday

Swiper, NO swiping!

America's Next Top Model

Carter's S.A.

The finished product.

Abide with me.

Behind the scenes...

This little one says it all...

Shameless plug...

Random Thoughts...

Honey, how about you take this one?

Darling!

My desire...

PETA, here she comes.

Saturday morning.

Aubree, Aubree, Aubree.

The meth house in the circle.

Top of the World!

The many faces of Bree.

Wishes...

Race for the Cure

Ella, Ella, Ella *sigh*

The Patio...

Thank you, Easter Bunny!

Out of the mouth of babes...

BUSTED!

Our new baby!

Our new house!

Overheard...

For you.

The True meaning of Love according to Ella

My sabbatical.

Spotted: My doppleganger...

Overheard...

New Year, New Me.

Christmas Morning!

Because good things come in threes...

It was a Merry Christmas for all!

There IS a Santa Clause!

Namesake.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!

Things that go bump in the night.

Patch's pumpkin patch

Black Island Farms

Say what?

Statistically speaking...

Follow the Prophet...

Overheard...

My Decision 2008

Overheard...

Joe figures it out!

Mom's Chicken Enchiladas

FRINGE Fanatic!

Blue's Clues...

Go! FIght! Win!

For Virginia

A daily scoop.

Sign of the times.

Do blondes have more fun?

LAGOON CONTEST!

Going for the green!

Coming out of the closet...

Mom! Mom! Mom!

Wanted: Model Children.

On becoming a Butterfly...

Let Freedom Ring!

The Pixton Party in Provo, 2008

File Under: Insane!

She's got teeth, she knows how to use them!

Button My Fly...*

We now return to our regularly scheduled programming...

Can I have some fries with that?

I've lost my voice...

May 2, Happy, Happy Anniversary!

A Sign of Summer

We walked, and walked, and walked...

destry's 100...

Ella, Ella, Ella sigh