Clark Family

From Summer to winter in a week

2012-01-24T14:21:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful to have a minute to blog today! One crazy week down an eternity to go!

This winter has been a nice one. Never in my life after Tasia's birthday we had a chance to play outside with rainbow balloons bear foot.

And then a couple of weeks later have a blizzard! AJ still thinks Christmas is coming! I have to keep reminding him : "In another year!

Today the snow was still on the ground so we hurried outside after school to go to the slide at least ones in a year.

Last week was crazy and fun. I sighed up Tasia for two things and they both had to happen on one Saturday. Since we are in the pursuit of saving money to go to Ukraine this year I did not put Tasia in dance at Gotta Dance as usual, she did not seem to care as long as I did not say the word "Dance". When it did come up she seemed so upset that she did not go so as soon as I saw the flier about Ballroom dance I quickly sighed her up.

Tasia's cute partner Colton. They did such a good job.

We are also very excited to announce that Jim is going to be working in a Chiropractic office doing Myofascial Release and massage upon request here in Saratoga Springs on Saturday mornings. We have been waiting and looking for a place for a while and now it is finally happening. Jim is very exited to offer an affordable prices to people who need his help and even a more affordable prices to ward members.

Jim has been working on writing articles on special condition that he treats. Here is his web site.

Before Jim started practicing MFR I had a friend who suffered from infertility. She spent a lot of money and nothing worked. We recommend trying MFR and she got pregnant after one treatment. It does not work the same for everyone but it is worth a try and it is far not as expensive as paying thousands for other fertility treatments.
http://conditions.genuine-healing.com/infertility/

Here is another article on fibromyalgia

http://conditions.genuine-healing.com/fibromyalgia/

Depression

http://conditions.genuine-healing.com/depression/

Another article on TMJ's.

/http://conditions.genuine-healing.com/tmj/

Migraines

http://conditions.genuine-healing.com/migraine/

Christmas at the Clark house

2012-01-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was a great time for our family. Tasia learned the lessons from the last year and really got into the nativity. She was making her own nativity everywhere, especially in the bath she got creative. This girl amazes me every day with her new inversions.

This Christmas season was also great because my wonderful and the best in the world husband was the cook for the holidays. He cooked huge breakfast when we had Jim's family came over and after that he cooked - our Christmas dinner. It was to die for. Honey glazed ham, sweet potatoes and apples and stuffing. Everything was so good and I did not have to cook it.

We also had my friend Natasha stay with us for Christmas! We knew each other from back home. it was great to have someone to talk Russian to.

This is Tasia and AJ opening some percents on Christmas Eve morning from aunt Carolyn.

Kids have been so good this year that Santa stopped by before making the rounds and gave them some percents on Christmas Eve. They were so excited!

Tasia and AJ playing with nativity during the Christmas Story.

Santa brought some fruit and veggies for AJ to cook

a first computer for Quinn.

I should have put this picture first, that is a reaction of a one year old to Christmas Morning.

This Santa got happy when he was eating marshmallow peanuts.

Christmas mess

AJ in his new outfit from aunt Carolyn

Tasia with her soft bunny from Santa

At one point of the hassle and bustle of the preparations for Christmas i got a little carried away with frustration. I am glad that we have a family tradition of singing at the retirement home in Lehi, which made my frustrations disappear. There is something about service this season that makes a happy Christmas for everyone.

Christmas Update!

2011-12-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

Winter used to be one of the most not so favorite seasons of the year for me. I remember back in the summer I used to dread upcoming winter, cold and all that comes with it. I did not even want to think about the most wonderful time of the year- Christmas. But it seems to be a LOT better this year.

Photography has slowed down, giving me a chance to give my house one big WET cleaning. I am one of those weird people who cleans for satisfaction. In one day, a week ago, I washed all the carpets and carpet cleaned all the couches. It was a long, wet day but it is done! Yey. Now I can feel accomplished. It has been nice to just have more time to play with kids, and get ready for Christmas.

Since we did not do a family letter with our Christmas Cards I was going to give everyone an update here:

Jim is working on his business. He put a lot of work on this web site that explains more about What Myofascial release is and what it treats. Check it out.

http://genuine-healing.com

and trying to work more on each symptom that he treats. He truly believes that this new therapy will help a LOT of people and will change medicine ( some day). During a short time that he has practiced Myofascial Release he had already successfully treated patients with chronic pain and other issues. My Mom's tumor has dissipated only after a couple of treatments. Right now he has a breast cancer patient who chosen to only do Myofascial release therapy and other non invasive treatment. She is always in our prayers.

I started volunteering more at Mountain Trails Elementary. I absolutely love it. Photography has slowed down a little, giving me a chance to catch up with other things that need to get done. I started teaching Tasia some Russian. We are mastering the alphabet and now Tasia is working on reading. We watch Russian movies and listen Russian songs.

Tasia is Loving Kindergarten. She is reading like a pro and now corrects Mom when she get a chance. We are still working on comprehending the books we read and paying attention, but other then that life is good.

AJ is enjoying Joy School. He is working on his ABC's and now he knows how to spell his name. He still is very much into helping Mom with cooking and baking.

Quinn is a typical 15 months old. In other words he is into everything, especially climbing. I often find him standing on top of the dinner table, or roaming around with big chair that he brings everywhere with him to reach the things I don't want him to reach.

We are very much enjoying this Christmas Season and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Scarry Nightmare ( our own Halloween Story)

2011-10-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

After our last stay at Moab, we discovered that we brought a bed bug with us. I do not wish this on anybody. After having been bitten on my legs a couple of times I had to go to the doctor becasue my foot was swollen up so bad I could hardly walk. The doctor said I got celulites form some insect bite. We had no idea who or what bit me. So I was on antibiotics for 10 days. A week later the same spot on the other foot i get an identical bike and another cellulites again. This is when we startet to worry or what was biting us. First we thought mosquitoes, then the second time it happened the mosquitoes were gone so it had to be something else. Jim started researching what could bite you and make your leg swell up like that. Apperantly the bed bugs have been very common throught the states and most of the people get them from motels they stay in. Sure enough, after searching the bed we found one. We have not found any more, apparently they are very good at hiding. After thinking of where did we get these things from, a picture poped out on the computer of us in Moab and Quinn had a swallow cheek in it. As soon as I went online and reviewed some reviews of the motel we stayed in, we were not the only ones what got bed bugs from it.

Exterminating the bed bugs has been a huge challenge in our lives. We had to sleep in our daughter's room floor for three weeks before we finally got rid of them. After that I did not even want to come back to our bedroom. I was and still am very paranoid of any bug, dry skin and germs. I constantly vacuum my carpers twice a week and wipe all the surfaces with disinfecting wipes every day. This probably will never change.

Well Life IS and always will be busy when you have three kids, two jobs, beg bugs and a family. This last week I felt like stuff just piled up on me and that I had to do all these things because we had a little vacation and now it was time to work hard. I had thought Joy school, and it is usually fine, I love doing it. This time was a little different with a teething one year old. Kids were crazy, Quinn was super needy. But we made it. Next day I was in charge of the Halloween Party we had lots of fun. I also was also doing a family session for a family from the ranches. They wanted to find a place for pictures close to home. So after the party and the clean up I went and drove all over the place to find a place. When I told them about it they decided to do it at the orchard anyways. I remember thinking why the heck I just drove 2 hours with three kids to find a different place for pictures when you decide to do them there I wanted to do them in the first place. After the busy night I finally go to bed and trying to rest my overworked head. You know one of those nights then you so need the rest but just can't fall asleep. My brain was still thinking :"How to pose this family so that they look good, what time to schedule the session so that it looks good, how to find time to edit and babysitters to watch your kids while you work" It went on and on. Then after having bedbugs in our bedroom (they are all gone now) I have become super jumpy at times. Little things like dry skin that might seem like a bed bug apparently can make me jump. As I was trying to fall asleep jim and still putting programs on his computer.

Next thing I remember I was sitting in my bed, my whole body was shaking and my heart rate was going 1000 beats per second. I had no idea why I felt like I just went through hell. I was terrified of everything I had no idea what was going on when Jim came into the room and tried to calm me down. He kept saying it is me, it is ok. Apperantly as Jim was entering our bedroom I screamed from the top of my lungs and was very terrified of something. When he came to calm me down I found myself sitting on the bed being very terrified of something that I did not remember. Jim said I have literally jumped off the bed in terror and screamed. This has never happened to me before. After this Jim and my Mom have been telling me to slow down the work and everything else I do to calm down my life a little bit so that this won't happen again. This time I agreed and now working on learning how to be lazy:)

Kids

2011-10-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

Here are our kids at grandma's house. They got a chance to decorate these cute pumpkins. So much easier then carving them out.

Our Zion Getaway!!!

2011-10-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Cince life has been more then hectic Jim and I decided to take a little vacation, just the two of us and go to Zion's National Park. We have been there a loot with kids, but we have never attempted the harder strenuous hikes because we had little ones with us. This time, our sweet Mom Susan, sister Carolyn and Dad Steeve watched our crazy rascals while Jim and I enjoyed our time together at Zions.

We had so much FUN!!! I do admit I missed the kids the first night when there was nothing to do but watch TV. I was thinking, My poor Mother in law! But the next day I was grateful that we left them this one time. There is no way we could have done all the hiking we did with those kids.

Our first hike was Angel's Landing. We started out strong. Some of us too strong. The burning out part came about 1,5 hour into the hike where we had to practically save ourselves from falling by holding on to the chains. Never in my life I was so grateful for chains.

At one moment we stopped to catch our breath and we saw two 60 year old grandmas resting. I was thinking, man, how did they make it here? They are probably so done and ready to go down without going to the top. Little did I know that those grandmas led the way and totally beat us to the top!!! I hope I am that athletic when I am 60!

This is me at the beginning of the hike, still sprinting up.

this was the picture that Jim actually wanted to take

This was the passage with drop offs that a lot of people were not willing to do. I am glad we did it, it really was not as crazy as it looked.

Views on the park from the top

Picture of Jim and I taken by awesome grandmas

Me, ready to jump

Another hike- the Narrows that we started to hike

As you can see we were not very ready to hike the river of 50 degrees. Apperantly you have to rent the waterproof gear to make it all the way.

As you can see the water here gets a little bit Deeper, all the way to the waist. This is as far as we went.

Next year it is going to be our hike #1 to do at Zion's.

Family Pictures

2011-10-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

This year has been extremely busy with photography. I had no idea how I would fit our family pictures in this fall. But I am so grateful for a wonderful friend and a photographer and a designer herself that swamped taking pictures with me. We did not get a lot of time, just a couple of shots. The life of the photographer does not allow a lot of time for photographing their own family, I guess. I am glad we got these.

Fall Fun!

2011-10-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago our Joy School went on a Field trip to Hew haw Farms! We had so much fun riding the wagon and going down the slide! I love Fall! there are so many things to do!

Quinn was so cute on that hey.

Looks like AJ is trying to hurt Quinn's finger. Quinn does not care.

Wagon Ride

My kindergartener

2011-10-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy that even forgot to mention or post pictures of my first Kindergartner. Tasia has been sooo excited to go to Kindergarten. She loves learning and she loves being challenged. I think she is my easiest kindergartner so far. She has learned how to read before the school started and now all homework and spelling is a piece of cake. I still read books to her, but most of the time she prefers to read to me. It is so much fun!

it is about time to upload my blog, huh

2011-10-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

My Gosh, it feels like the summer has slipped through my fingers. So Mush has happened, Where to start?

So, I will start from he beginning (the summer). We were very lucky to welcome my Mom at our house once again. This time I was NOT pregnant and DID not just had a baby. We went camping, hiking, and we visited the Arches National park, which was the first time for my Mom. I like it when my Mom is impressed, that is why I like to show her all the beautiful places we have here in Utah. We had so much fun. We hiked in the early morning while the rest of the people were still sleeping. Then in the afternoon we hung out at the hotel and enjoyed the pool. Then in the evening we went on easy hiked with the kids.

Camping the American Fork Canyon.

Arches National Park

One of the most beautiful hikes- Park Avenue

Sand Dune arch

My Mom and I also hiked and saw the symbol of Utah- Delicate Arch while Jim and the kids slept in. Spending time with just my Mom and I reminded me of my childhood, when we went places in Krimea and Russia.

Delicate Arch

Goblin Valley

While my Mom was here we also celebrated Quinn's birthday with a Hawaiian Party. Jim grilled hamburgers and pineapple. Mmm it was the best.

Two Weddings and a Dentist

2011-06-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

I am so happy that it finally feels like summer. It makes all the difference for me. Another crazy week or two at our house. AJ managed to get his first house fire. I was folding laundry in his room, and all of a sudden I hear fire alarm. (thoughts going through my head, I am not cooking yet, what could it be). I look and see that something burning int he garbage can. Yep, AJ decided to burn the paper I told him to put in the recycling bin. We had a good chat about house and fires I don't think or hope that this won't happen again.

Another great thing happened last week. I had an opportunity to shoot a wedding. It was so much fun. I had a blast just being among the families of the bride and groom. It was amazing to see big families celebrating a wonderful event. Seeing young love took me back to 8 years ago when Jim and I were married, awesome times.After a great shoot like this I can do weddings any day...

I also went to the dentist and found out that I need to pay $10.000 to get all my problems fixed. Well, I think we can only afford some miner fraction of that price and then it is off to Ukraine for us to fix my teeth. I can probably get all of that done for $500 there and see my family. So something FUN can come out of this craziness.

Well, I better get back to my whiny cranky kids, I hope they get better soon, I am starting to go crazy in the house already. I don't like taking them out to play with anybody a lot when they have coughs and snots, but it sore is not fun sitting at home while it is nice and sunny outside.

I am glad I found some pics. This one is from trafalga. AJ's favorite ride- airplanes.

This is Quinn when he is happy. We haven't seen him smile in a while, he has been cutting 3 teeth on top. Poor kid is very miserable. But here he is happy so i will enjoy that for a little bit.

Tasting mashed potatoes

And amongst everything else that was going on, I forgot to mention a very important Event in our life. Tasia got married to Bracken. She had a little ceremony made by herself. Sorry nobody else was invited, it was kind of a spear of the moment thing, even parents had no idea.

Choosing

Dating

Marrying

All in one day.

well, AJ got hooked too, i guess he did not wanted to be left out.

Crazy Week-End

2011-06-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

This week has been a busy one. On Thursday Tasia Graduated from Joy School. This fall we are going to be going to kindergarten. Yeay, Tasia is going to LOVE IT.

These are from Tasia's Dance recital a week ago, I am finally getting around to post it. Tasia did a wonderful job. We were so proud of her. I finally did some picture of her outside when we went on the walk yesterday.

Jim and kids also have been playing in our mud pit looking for tadpoles.

We also got a chance to be in Eagle Mountain parade with my Photography business. We ran put of candy before it ended, next time will know better.

Mother's Day and Thanksgiving Point

2011-05-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

This year for Mother's day i really wanted to visit Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving point. I even told Jim this is what I want for Mother's day. It is not Jim's favorite place, but he willingly went with all of us. I love spending time there, I just wish it wouldn't be as crowded. Jim even had enough patience to take pictures of me and kids as you know it get's complicated taking pictures of more then one child, but Jim did great! It was the best Mother's Day ever.

My three Perfect angels (only on the pictures)

My beautiful model

some with Mom for once

I need to find time to live

2011-05-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

We are still alive..... Life has been kind of like a hurricane, spinning and turning me around. I think I made in into the eye for now, it calmed down for a minute but not for long.

We had a wonderful Easter this year, even though it has been incredibly cold. I thought kids were going to be Easter egg hunting in the snow, but thank goodness it melted. Easter, just like Christmas our kids needed reminders that it is not the Easter Bunny or candy that make Easter, but the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. I think we had to have a couple of lessons to get through to Tasia and AJ. I guess we will have to see next year if it got through to them.

Easter Morning

Here is Quinn perfecting his standing ability

Tasia and Sierra after Easter egg hunt

Happy Bunch

After dinner outside play

When AJ was 9 months old I took some pics of him in the same outfit, they look like identical twins

This was so cute. AJ was blowing bubbles and Quinn was giggling up a storm. it was so cute to watch.

We also had a boy who turned Three this year. We had AJ's first Birthday party this year. We were all excited. AJ was too, but when it came to the party he kind of became shy (it probably had to do with only girls at his party) and no boys could make it. Oh well, we will have to do better and plan it when friends are home.

Three years ago

One of my favorite midwifes Claudua

AJ is three

Mom's creation

Jim is making animal baloons

Even thought we had AJ's favorite Buzz light year party I was not brave enough to make Buzz Light Year cake so we went with the Guitar cake that AJ LOVED. The night before his party we had spent at Thanksgiving point so my cake decorating time was midnight before the party. I finally finished decorating the cake and wrote AJ 3 on it. I showed it to Jim and he approved. I wake up in the morning and we look at the cake to see that Mom really was very tired while she was decorating at midnight. I wrote AL 3 instead of AJ. We had a good laugh.

Amongst all the fun I, as usual over scheduled myself with 5 sessions in 4 days. I am so glad i have survived.

I met some amazing and some very interesting people. Now I am trying to work on "God loves them too" theme in my business.

Also amongst all the craziness of our lives we like to use our Pass of All Passes and go to Trafalga. Kids have been loving this unlimited fun. The only person who still throws a fit when we have to go home is AJ, I guess the term "Unlimited" and we can come back as many times as we want was not understood.

I want to go back ....

2011-04-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

Those have been the words out of my mouth pretty much every day

I feel like Hawaii is the only thing I post about but it just makes me happy so I do it anyways. I might need to take a break and catch up on our family life in the next couple off posts and when I won;t have anything to post about I will have to post more pics.

I don't think I will be chronological at this point, we pretty much lost track of days in the middle of the week and that is why I am having a hard time remembering what we did on which day.

The hike to Twin waterfalls was our first hike in the rain forest that looked like jungle. It was so beautiful.

We past many tall banana trees and green shrubs on our way. The destination was this waterfall that we almost had to swim to get to. it was FUN!

Little banana tree

Quinn and I one day explored the Pineapple Plantation.

In our words a Pineapple Farm. Jim did tell me that to grow a pineapple you cut the top of and plant it, another pineapple somehow grows out of that. I think that info went into one ear and out of another. After I visited pineapple plantation I was 100% sure that I saw pineapples on a tree and even told couple of my friends on facebook how they grow, you know 'cause I got all educated on the "Plantation". Well, the same day I realized that what I saw on a tree looked like a pineapple but it was not.

Nature Hike

Those trees were Humangus

The roots paved the way

Another Waterfall

Another adventure that we got to experience in Maui was a Road to Hana. They call the most beautiful scenic rout in the world. It takes a whole day to do it and we did not have a whole day in our trip where we could leave in the morning and come back at night so we went there twice. First time we had a hard time finding all the waterfalls and hikes because we were too cheap to buy a CD guide. Next day i found out that our hotel land it for free so we took it. I guess if they say you need some kind of a guide for the road you need to listen and not be cheap, huh?

Maui day 2and 3

2011-04-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

Tired of my Maui posts yet, bear with me as I continue. Since the main reason going to Maui was Jim's MFR seminars I guess I should not complain that he had to leave and attend them, I wish he would spent all that amazing time with us, but first things first.

On the Second day I decided to drive Jim in our( for the week) new Shevy Malibu to his seminar. Let me tell you, we are not new car people and probably never will be, so driving this spanking new car was something to get used to. Ones we got over the fear of driving, scratching or breathing at it it was fun to accelerate fast and just feel cool:)

Another reason why I loved Maui is because I got more hours in my day there. Hawaii being 4 hours behind from us was amazing. My first day I woke up at 5-30 and couldn't sleep any more, I was rested and ready to go for the day. So before Jim had to be at the class at 8-30 we had time to kill. We watched the sunrise from our back glass door, we went to the farmer's market and I ate my first fresh coconut and drank it's juice.

So after i dropped Jim off to his class I went to explore the rich area of the hotels and beaches. Some people pay 300 to 500 dollars per night to stay there and I thought 125 was expensive, but not for Maui.

Quinn and I went to the beach and then we spent 3 hours at the Wialea Mall. They had a lot of cool art exhibits and expensive shopping.

On the day three I decided to stay close and enjoy the sun and the beach not too far from the hotel. Poor Quinn was my primary target of photography, well if you do not count all the flowers.

This is me with my farmer's tan. It took a lot to get rid of it. Quinn and I walked up and down this beach every day.

Maui day 1

2011-04-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

The day has finally come for us to take a vacation and head over to Maui. We spent a night at Jim's parents house where we left Tasia and AJ. Thank goodness for great parents who were willing to spent a week with our kids. As is always happens to us, both of our kids had colds and pink eye when we left them, all we could do is to give them a blessing and hope for the best from grandma. She survived I don't know how, but they made it after all the inhabitants of grandparent's house shares our kid's colds.

The morning of our arrival he had to leave the house at 4-30 am, well I was up at 3 , too excited i guess. We kissed our sick kids good bye and got greeted by the 3 inches of snow outside. But who cares we are leaving to a much warmer place.

12 hours later and still awake

On the way there Quinn did exceptionally well. Out all of the screaming kids he was the most quiet. I think he was enjoying the time in our hands and I bet it was nice to feel like the only child for a while.

Here we are getting ready to land in Honolulu. I was freaking out on the plane and kinda reliving this again while doing this post!!!

First walk to the beach from our hotel!!!

It was a beautiful sunset.

We were so excited to get into the ocean that we totally did not take time to get Quinn used to the idea of the big waves. Poor kid did not like it at all and was afraid of water for the first couple of days. That is why we did not stay at the beach very long and decided to check out the pool. I like the pool and all but not after the fun went down, there was no way I was getting into it, but Jim surprised me. Here he is being a goof ball.

Jim is going to kill me but I love his massive pectoral muscles in this pic, I just want to squish them.

Coming from Utah, I was amazed at all the greenery they have in Maui. Flowers blooming on every bush. I took time to get some pictures of those beautiful flowers that grow like weeds. It bring me back to thinking when God said : " I will send forth briers and noxious weeds to afflict and torment man" somehow skipped Hawaii islands. It is truly like a Garden of Eden to me.

See what I am talking about, Paradise!!! More to come in later posts!!!

Hike to Ensign Peak

2011-03-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

Last week-end we wanted to do something outdoor so we decided to show my friend Natasha the Ensign Peak. I have never been there so it was the first time for me as well. We hiked up to the top of the mountain, the view was amazing!!! You could see pretty much everything, Capital, Downtown and even The Great Salt Lake!!! it was fun to have Natasha with us she took some pictures of our family!!!

On Monday we attended our first Bishop rick Family home evening with our new Bishop Marshall. Kids had a ton of fun doing a scavenger hunt and they got to find a treasure chest with cool stuff. Then we kicked it off with some Rock Band! It was awesome to see Brother Genteel and Brother Marshal as a Band!!! Lots of fun. AJ also got a chance to play the guitar. He has been very much into a guitar recently. We might need to get his a new one for his birthday without strings, otherwise they get cut off.

Leah took this one of me playing Rock Band

AJ playing Rock Band with an eye patch

This week we also had a Beautiful RS birthday party. I was asked to give a talk on Celebrating our Life and the Life of Christ!!! I thought oh, easy, I can do that with my eyes closed. I even got my thoughts written down 2 weeks before, I thought I was set. WELL, not so fast, the day before I am looking over my talk and feeling that I need to add some scriptures and direct my scattered thoughts into one place. WELL, I had no idea that would be little harder then I thought. But I loved the time I got with the scriptures and my thoughts alone. I also thought that it would be cool to sing "Words I would Say" by Sidewalk prophets. It would be cool, and intimidating and nerve racking, BUT I DID IT!!! I am proud of myself that I was able to overcome my fear... yeay...

It is funny, you know when you are asked to speak at Church about something and you know that you will have to live through some experiences to prove yourself that what you are talking about you are living. So, I talked about The steps of Being happy and Celebrating every day. Now I think I am being tried if I stay happy when financial problems come along. This week Jim hurt his back and had to skip a day at work, then on Friday he had no patients and on Monday he has Jury Duty, does it really have to happen within one week? Seriously. When I ask Jim if we are going to be OK, he Says : " we are doing what we are suppose to be doing, Lord will take care of us". A lot of times I find that he has more Faith then I do, I am grateful for my hubby.

This is Tasia Ice Scating

Quinn's 7 months old pictures at the park.

What we have been up to

2011-03-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

well, it has been a while, time to update...

It has been a fun couple of weeks.Some of my girlfriends and i decided to train for a triathlon this summer. I thought it would be a great motivation to get back in shape. We have been swimming, running (up to 3 miles) and working out every day. ( well except for a day when I did not sleep at night because AJ wouldn't stop coughing and because of it threw up all over our bed), but on the good days. It has been my new motivation!!!

Last week, we had a Field Trip to Sweet;s candy factory in Salt lake. Kids had a lot of fun wearing goofy hear nets and sampling candy and watching hot it is made. I will admit, it is very interesting, even for Moms like me who have never been in the candy factory. Our tour guide told the kids that as soon as they are 18 they can come work at the candy factory and eat as much candy as they want every day.

After that Tasia kept asking me on the way home : "How old do I need to be to work int he candy factory?" I am thinking great!!!My kid will grow up and work at the candy factory!!!

The time is also coming close for us to go to Hawaii!!! We are so excited! We got the snorkeling gear in the suit case already!!!

I have been taking a brake from using my camera, sometimes I feel like if I bring it with me everywhere I go I have to treat it like a 4th child, for which I am way not ready. So I have been very camera less and don;t have a ton of new pics.

I don't think I have even posted these ones of Quinn

The one on the left is my fav, he has such a chubby chubby face!!!

Well, I guess another NEW thing that i am going to be doing is WEDDINGS! Will see how that goes but I am wanting to give in another try. Here are some pics I have done couple of year s ago of my friend Kristina

These are a bit more traditional then what i usually do, but i took her to my favorite place in the Af canyon where i had my bridal shoot. It is gorgeous out there.

things I learn along the way

2011-03-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

It has been an extremely busy week, like any other one I guess. But I am loving life, because I am alive and I have unbelievable friends and neighbors. I love meeting new people and I love learning things from them. I am Grateful for the circumstances that Got has put me into and for the People that I got a chance to meet. When my friend Audra was mooing this week I realized that the most important things in life besides relationship with God and family, it is relationships with friends that we will take with us after we die. Those are the things that matter most in life.

Never in my life I have learned things that benefited finding joy in my life like in Eagle Mountain. I have been blessed with friends I met and they have taught me many things. If not for Leah I would have never knew that making a dinner for somebody would answer their prayers. If not for Rebekah I would have never learned the art of canning and self reliance. If not for Consuela I would never know how to entertain people and (still don't know) how to cook a delicious dinner.

If not for Audra I would have never learned how to love every single child you see, I would have never learned putting others needs first before your own, I would have never been myself as I am when she is around. I wanted to say I would have never learned mooning people, but I haven't tried that Yet.

The list could continue, but you get the point. I just wanted to say how grateful I am for all of you what I know, you play much bigger role in my life then you realize.

Life is busy life is FUN!

2011-02-26T08:12:00.000-08:00

It has been so long again since I updated my blog. I have been busy with lots of photo shoots and re shoots, but it has been fun. I am trying to learn to balance my life with kids and work. It is an art form. Sometimes I wonder, why am i so grouchy and unhappy and WHY are these kids driving me nuts all day and then I realize that I am working all day long and my kids need attention too. So after a day like that we were blessed with some spring weather and I got a chance to take kids to the park two days ion a row. What a blessing, when kids are happy Mom is happy too.

So, this winter I decided to re learn and give snowboarding a second chance. I am feeling like if I don't dare, I am getting old. SO, if you see a crazy lady on the slopes this year, watch out it is me, I am not very good but i can sweep you of your feet (because i have a hard time controlling where I am going half of the time).

We also has a wonderful Valentine's Day. Jim cooked French dinner which was really good, but having a nice quiet atmosphere failed, well, we have kids you know.

Last months we also had a chance to have an airplane ride with Grandpa Steve. Grandpa and AJ are The best of friends. AJ absolutely loves going places with him, especially flying.

This is Tasia in dilemma of WHAT to wear?

Even though I am enjoying this winter a whole lot more then last year's I am very excited about summer. Even more when I found these summer pictures form Thanksgiving point. We had such a wonderful time with Grandma Lidiya and she is coming to spent a month or hopefully two with us this next summer!!!

Another new adventure that awaits us this spring is our first trip to Maui, Hawaii. Jim is going to have a Miofascial Release Seminar and me and Quinn are going to tag along with him. We are very excited!!!

We have been trying to find inexpensive living to not go much in debt, but no luck.

But, if anyone knows anyone who has a time share or a spare room, PLEASE let us know. We would love to rent it and I would absolutely do a couple of photo sessions for a trade.

Also, if you have notices the change of the design and our new header, thanks to Katherine, my talented friend who helps me with my blog.

Life is not so picture perfect

2011-01-20T20:04:00.000-08:00

I know I always try to take pictures that reflect the best in life, cute kids, beautiful families, fun times so on and so forth. Perfect is how it looks a lot on the pictures. This post is not about that.

A lot of people I know (most of them are Ukrainian) think that "there are no cats in America and the streets are covered with cheese" that is if you were a cat. But I hope you know what I am saying. A lot of people think that everything is perfect and beautiful ALL THE TIME here in U.S. Sometimes when I tell my Mom that we have been sick with strep 3 times this winter she will have something new to tell those naive people who think American children don't get sick. Can you believe it? Well, that is what it looks like from far away. I wish, we wouldn't get sick, I wish my house and car was always spotlessly clean and children looked groomed and not snotty all the time. Well, maybe someone out there, you have to be really OUT there who thinks that everything is BEAUTIFUL and Perfect but not in my house.

Last week I felt like giving Tasia a haircut and this is how she looks on a good day, not every day

This is Quinn he is 4 months old now, and he is always that cute :)

I enjoy this baby a lot. He just today learned how to blow raspberries

Quinn loves taking baths, it is my favorite time with him too

We have this ritual that we do with our kids every day before bed. First we read books to them. Then we read scriptures, pray and then we sing their favorite songs to them. They can't go to bed without each of those things.

Now as I said before we got strep again. This is the third time this winter. Sometimes i wonder what i do wrong for us to be sick all the time. Today I come from showering and see this, watching a movie. She is suppose to be laying in bed sick and she does this?

After Holidays Catching up

2011-01-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

Celebrations don't end after Christmas and New year. We had a blast party at Audra's house that we will never forget. Then after all the holidays are over we still spent weeks celebration Tasia's birthday many different ways.

First on the morning of her birthday we opened a present from grandma Lidiya

then she opened a present from Mom and dad

then since we did not have any parties scheduled Tasia wanted to have a tea party with her friends

not all her girlfriends could come so we had to have another one next day

Tasia made some mini cupcakes with the set grandma Susan gave her for Christmas

On the New Year's Day we celebrated Tasia's birthday at grandparent's house. Grandma Susan made this beautiful cake for her.

Shu-Shu pet and a car from aunt Josie and uncle Mike

Cute outfits from Grandma Susan

Then Just this last Saturday we had a Polar Express Birthday party for Tasia and her friends

kids pretended to ride the homemade Polar Express

decorated gingerbread cookies

we had lots of fun. it was fun to see kids that were excited about Polar Express as my kids were. Fun Fun.

Well, I think we are up to date now, almost

What a Great Christmas!!!

2011-01-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

Nothing like our kids anticipating Christmas made it unforgettable!!! I admit I was not looking forward to upcoming winter. Last one (when Jim was in school) got me little bit depressed, so I was worried the same will happen this year. I thought Christmas will make it better but nothing more. Well, so far I have not been bored even for a minute. I love it when My friends keep me busy and my kids as well. Now it is kind of hard to be bored with three kids, Photography business and on the side job.

This Christmas was one of the more unforgettable ones. Tasia was getting us all excited. She asked me practically every day, is it Christmas yet? And when it came she definitely had ants in her pants. On Christmas Eve at the dinner table she keept asking me, "Mom, when did aunt Carolyn said Santa was going to come?" I said after you are asleep. "Can you wake me up then", I said of cores not!.

After kids were in their beds on Christmas Eve, Jim and I still had a TON of things to do. About 30 min later I was mopping the floors by Tasia's room and I hear her : "Who's there?" in hopes for A Fat Guy with a beard.

We took time to teach our kids more about True meaning of Christmas and it was amazing to see the changes in their attitudes. They loved giving Gifts for Jesus, by serving others.

Tasia and AJ with their ctockings

Quinn's First Christmas

This year for Christmas Jim and I decided to do symbolic percents for each other, since we are saving (paying off school debt) some cash to go to Jim's Myofascial release seminars in Hawaii. It is going to be our Anniversary and Christmas presents for each other. So I was looking forward to see kids open their toys and patiently waiting for April when we get to leave the kids and enjoy some son in Kauai. I used to looking forward to what I get for Christmas, but now since I have kids things have changed.

We loved when Grandparents come for breakfast on Christmas morning. It became our new tradition since last year.

AJ and his new Buzz

AJ was also very into Thomas the Train recently. Grandma and Grandpa gave him a cool set with trains and tracks. He absolutely loves them. I often hear him screaming Chaga- Chaga- ChOOO- CHOOO through the whole house

Christmas Toy Solder

2010-12-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

It is exciting for me to see what dance Tasia's Ballet Class will do and what costumes they will come up with. This year she is a Christmas Solder. I loved the costume.

Quinn is 3 months old

2010-12-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

Couple of weeks ago I had a Mom call to schedule an appointment for kid pics. She asked me a couple of questions and while we were talking she told me she get's her daughter's pictures taken by a professional photographer EVERY MONTH. I was amazed!!! No wonder why she needed to ask her husband if that was ok:). Anyways, there are some amazing parents out there that treasure their kid's every day of life. And all memories and pictures are Priceless, aren't they?

So now I am trying to not be too busy and take my kid's pics as much as I can, since it is mostly free for me.

Arches Winter vacation Part I

2010-12-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

For Jim's birthday this year we decided to save up some money and go to his favorite place in the world Arches National Park. Their average temperatures in the winter is 60 F, but of course not when we were there. At that time we all had a huge storm rolling in and it was in the 40 ies, still better then freezing Salt Lake Area. We booked an inexpensive hotel in advance and agreed on the conditions of not being able to cancel it to get the best price. That being said, right before we had to leave we found out that I had Strep and that there was a good chance that all of us would get it. In a haste to get antibiotics during the holidays and getting ready we still went on a 4 hour road trip to the arches. Despite of sickness which kids got too, we had fun. Arches still amazes us and impresses us with it's majestic beauty. We have to go there again when it is little bit warmer we said.

My favorite Sand Dune arch, so much fun for kids to play in.

Jim is gazing at his favorite....

Double arch on the picture here

On the way to sand dune arch, it is in those narrow rocks

Our Wild animals

Quinn's first vacation

Sand Dune arch again

Tasia loving Sand dune arch

Quinn's Blessing

2010-11-30T11:40:00.000-08:00

Catching up, I was suppose to post it long time ago. This is Quinn when he was 2 months old after his blessing. My Mom brought this Ukrainian blessing outfit for him from Ukraine. He was just the right size for it when we blessed him.

Sweet Joyschool

2010-11-23T21:23:00.000-08:00

Last week was one of the craziest weeks I have had in a while. I had two photo shoots, one Long and Dreadful Immigration appointment for which I had to study History and Politics, Joy School in the mornings, life with three kids and another evening job. Few... it is over... I can breath now.

Teaching joy school was lots of fun. We wrote a BiG list of thanks, and Really, thank goodness for BONES and FOOD, without those we could not live...

We also made yummy and crumbly cornbread and Pilgrim hats. Kids loved wearing those.

And last but not least- we made Turkeys!!!!

who would have thought , that you can make turkeys out of apples and marshmallows?

Family Pictures-Done

2010-11-15T18:02:00.000-08:00

What a Day- the day when you have an appointment to get your Family Pictures done !!! It is so much easier being a photographer rather then a Mom who needs to get all family ready for Family Pictures!

We get ready in the morning. I had to bring all the nice clothes for myself hubby and kids. I go to work, then hurry up and get the kids dressed, ready, fed , Tasia;s hair done (the most time consuming this ever), take their pics, then on the drive to the appointment I so HOPE that my make up and hair done in the car will look OK for this big event-Pictures!!!!

I am grateful for Kristine Nabaker who took these. I did edit them and head swapped in a couple of places. The nicest lady ever, who agreed to trade picture taking so last minute. She was great!!!

So after about an hour and a half kids were getting crazy, we are calling it done. I am amazed that they turned out so good. I even look OK, which is surprising on such a crazy day.

Last bits of fall

2010-11-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

I finally got a chance to take some pics of my kids last Saturday!!! That was a hectic day! But the big thing is done--- Family Pictures!!!

Quinn is 2 months old

2010-10-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

I just can't believe that my baby is 2 moths old already! Where did the time go? He is such a joy in my life! I am so enjoying this soft cuddly little bear. Quinn is such a good baby. With my busy life his good attitude toward life helps me survive in the world of kids.

In the way raising a third child is little easier then 1st or second. By no means I am saying that it is easy, we just learn more along the way. I remember when Tasia was a baby. She cried a lot, or so it seemed to me as a new Mom. I always waited for her to be 4 months to stoop fussing. Then I was waiting till she could move on her own so that she won't be that frustrated, so on and so forth. I always waited and waited instead of enjoyed.

I remember talking to girlfriends and asking when is it going to get better? Was a big question. Now I know that it is not going to get better. This is THE BEST TIME right now. They sleep, they eat, yeah they cry, but then they sleep again so enjoy it while it lasts.

I love Fall

2010-10-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

I guess we all love it when it is worm and beautiful. I love fall for pretty colors, for harvest and photography seasons every day. It has been crazy busy lately, but I think I like it that way. I have noticed if I am away from home then i want to be home. I know it is obvious, but so true for me. It has been fun getting the veggies from the garden, going to the canyon to roast hot dogs and doing fun parties and photo shoots. Now I need to spent weeks on end editing.

Here are three of my kiddos in one place

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AJ being a boy

Last week, while getting potatoes from our garden

we found an interesting creature

AJ- the FARMER

Teaching Joy School

2010-10-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I was teaching Joy School at our house! I loved it. I hope kids did too. We talked about the Earth, how lucky we are to have it. We went to my garden and picked carrots beats and pumpkins. Then we had a talk about how we need to keep the earth clean. The activity for this part was picking up garbage at the park.

Those are the bags of garbage that kids collected. I was impressed

Play time on the swings!!!

Halloween Party

2010-10-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

Today we had a very Fun Halloween Party. Thank you Katherine and Leah for all the help. I hate doing parties alone, it is always too overwhelming but with Katherine's planning abilities it was not stressful at all. Katherine, you should be a Professional Party Planner!!!

We had all these cute kids in their costumes decorating cookies, doing cake walk/ musical chair type game, making ghosts and having fun. We also had a ton of tattoos to put on little hands. I am shore parents will love wiping them off in the baths:)

Here are some pics of some kids who did not leave early

My crazy rascals

Jessica's cuties

Leah's warriors

and a ladybug

Annie's little cutie

Hot Mama

Katherine's superheros

and a princess

Audra's Goofy (she is)

and Buzz Light Year

2010-09-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

After months of waiting my husband Jim finally got his Massage Therapist and Myofascial Release Therapist License. It is finally the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

Now he will be practicing Myofascial Release therapy and Massage Therapy at Pioneer Comprehensive Medical on Fridays so far. Hopefully after his fill up his Friday schedule he will get more days to do it.

Here is his Ad

A lot of people know what Massage therapy does but not everyone is familiar with Myofascial Release Therapy (well including myself, I am just starting to get it).

When I ask Jim what is the difference between Massage and Myofascial Release, one of his answers finally made sense. Shortly speaking Massage forces your muscles to relax and you do feel good after a session but after a a couple of days the muscles go back to what they were before - tense.

During Myofacsial Release session your muscles are not forced to relax they are gently pulled to allow fascia to freely flow, which makes tense muscles relax naturally. That is just one of the many benefits of this therapy. I won't go on about it more. Jim is revising his web site and putting more information about his practice. I will have to post the address to it when it is done.

My Poor baby...

2010-09-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

Due to Mom's profession and the need of practice gets my poor baby in bowls, baskets, trunks every kind of photography prop I can think of every week-end it seems. I still have a hammack to put together and try it out.

Now that I have my own newborn he ends up being a guinney pig for my new ideas, poor kid.

I have knitted this hat and a cocoon myself. I am not a very good knitter, I have a lot to learn from my Mother in Law and sister in law, but this one I made myself.

Fun with 3

2010-09-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

So, here I am almost stay at home Mom with 3 kids. I never thought I would find myself being a Mom of three so soon, but it is challenging and fascinating at the same time. It is like having the Best and the Worst of the both worlds. Sometimes I am amazed at how well I do and sometimes I go crazy.

I am enjoying every minute with my new baby. I don't want him to grow fast and want him to stay this little just for a little bit longer. I love when he snuggles to my shoulder and curls up close to me. I LOVE it, LOVE it!
In the middle of the night I try to explain to my hubby how much I am in love with this baby and can't fully express my thoughts. Then Jim tells me : " I love you ". Sometimes I loose myself in this baby and really need to remember to express my love to my husband and other kids as well.

Anyways, it has been nice to be home more and to have Jim home these past two Saturdays. Jim has fixed a ton of stuff in the house and made me very happy by doing so. We finally got a chance to do some more pictures of Quinn. Still not all of my ideas but some. So here they are:

New Arrival

2010-09-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

We have been waiting for a long time for this baby to come ( I think I will always be that forever prego woman on the street) for Baby Quinn to join our family. It has been such a blessing to have this little angel in our home. I keep starring at him and thinking how sweet, soft and cuddly he is.

Shortly speaking labor and delivery went well, after they broke my waters nothing happened, then 10 min after they gave me petocin it had started for good. An hour and a half later we had a baby boy. I know, shortly speaking, without details, it may sound that having babies is a piece of cake for me, but we (women) all know that it is a lot harder then it sounds, let's leave it at that.

Tasia mothering Quinn, AJ- ignoring him

Imagine that, It has been a week and I have not done a session for my own newborn. These are just some that I managed to shoot while my mom was here.

Baby Shower

2010-08-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

This Last Saturday I was checking my mail and found a couple of cute Baby Shower invitations and thought, "Cool, I get to go to a baby shower". Just when I was reading the rest of the invitation where it mentioned "helping Olya to prepare... Little Quinn should be..." it hit me it was for me.

It was a total surprise!!! Thanks Leah and Audra, you guys are the BEST!!! Now I am all set with Diapers and Wipes.

Some of us from the Party, I always forget to take pictures before people leave

Audra ...... Audra.... our baby hungry girl, Quinn is definitely going to recognize her after he arrives

Being prego is not an easy thing, but I feel so special with all the friends and family around who are as excited about you and the baby as you are!!! It makes it all worth it.

Summer Fun Never Ends

2010-08-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

I am trying to catch up with posting, life is just too fast! We, as always, are having a ton of fun this summer. I think I got so tired of winter that I am trying to get the most of this summer that I can.

Let's see, what did we do last week?:

We went to Temple Square,

the aquarium,

a swim party,

Idaho,

Thanksgiving Point(next on my editing list),

and today we were home getting ready for baby Quinn. I was thinking since the due date is tomorrow I should get the kid's bed set up or something. Now it is done!!! He can come any time he would like and hopefully he won't follow his brother's footsteps of sitting in my womb for 2 extra weeks.

Tasia got a cute Ukrainian Shirt from grandma Lidiya

One picture would not be enough of it

Cherry Hills

2010-08-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

It has been an incredibly busy summer, but I won't have it any other way. We have been busy doing a ton of fun stuff with my Mom. I absolutely love having her here. I get spoiled with sleeping in, having a healthy lunch and dinner cooked for me every day. Recently I got a pedicure and a shopping spree from my Mom. It feels so good to be pampered ones in a while. I also need to make a post of all the cool things she brought us from Ukraine when i get a minute.

Last week we went to Cherry Hills with my neighbor and her kids. My brother in law won us a couple of tickets so it was nice not to pay a ton of money for it too.

We had a ton of fun. Kids loves it, My Mom had a blast on the slide too.

Here Tasia is receiving a Hydro Bum Mussage

Worming AJ up, he ususally needs a couple of hours before he decided to do things on his own

Tasia and Grandma in the Lazy River

Big Splash

Finding treasure on the pirate ship

Pretty Girls

Grandma went on a water slide and had a blast

Vacation Part II

2010-08-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

Our Hotel Room from the inside

AJ drying his hair just like Mom

Catching drops of water at the Weeping Rock

Throwing rocks with Grandma

AJ's cuteness

Weeping rock

Our Vacation in Zion

2010-08-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy and Fun couple of weeks. The long awaited day of the end of Jim's Massage school had finally came on July 20th. On July 21st we got my Mom from the airport and 3 days later we got to go on a little vacation at Zion's National Park. What a gorgeous place!!! WE got to stay at this nice Desert Purl ONN hotel for ones. I did not want to leave, we had so much fun hiking and playing in the pool and enjoying the beauty of Southern Utah.

Part of our hotel and the pool

After hiking in the morning we enjoyed cooling off in the pool

Grandma Lidiya and kids

I absolutely LOVE those majestic mountains, and just can't get enough of them

Our first outing. Waiting for the Zion Canyon Tour Bus to arrive

US WITH OUR CRAZY KIDS

Priceless Art

2010-07-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

I was getting ready to go visiting teaching, always running late and in a hurry when Tasia made a Surprise for me. She got me out of the bathroom and said : " I have a surprise for you, close your eyes" I am thinking, probably out loud, " Can you hurry Up? Do I really have to close my eyes?, just give it to me quick, I still need to finish drying my hair" She gives me a peace of paper with a picture, I quickly glance at it, thank her and continue doing what I was doing. A couple of minutes later I look at it again and see this Priceless Peace of Artwork that only a 4 year old can Do- our family through her eyes, even our unborn baby is there. How often do I find myself in a hurry and don't notice the uniqueness of my kids and how spatial they are.

Not only Tasia surprises me with unique pieces of art but AJ also makes me breakfast in the morning. yeas a two year old who LOVES to COOK! I admit it sometimes gets to me every ones in a while when I have two chairs with kids next to my kitchen stove and no place for MOM stand when I cook, but it is so sweet to finally be dragged out of bed by a 2 year old who says : " Mom get up, bread, bread". I get up to see a couple of frying pans on the stove with bread crumbs in them and a piece of bread where I sit and another one where AJ sits.
The sweetest moment of the day. My two year old cooked me French Bread I assume.

4rth of July and More

2010-07-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

I have not blogged for so long, life is just too crazy every day. So it is caching up time for us.

Cince I did 50 OFF sale I had a lot of Photography Appointments, which is usually GOOD thing, except when people combine two discounts at a time and make this prego woman slave for pennies, then it is less Buisness but More Business in my life. So I told myself no more Sales until I am Done with this pregnancy!

The 4th of July was a fun time. We had lots of fun playing with our neighbors, sorry no pics. Thanks to Mayfields we had a fabulous time eating delicious BBQ'd chicken and Dutch Oven desserts. Hopefully my hubby ate enough of the yummy cooking and won't expect it from me.

Then we had a Ton of Fun at grandparent's.

AJ is in the little pool being tickled with the wooden snake

AJ is happy when he splashes others

Wades in the pool

But not so happy when others splash him or push him into the water (aunt Carolyn's job)

Cute cousin Sierra

Mom did not have time to do any 4th of July outfit shopping, good thing we have aunt Carolyn who often supplies us with some fun shirts. Thanks Carolyn.

Tasia's Shirt said : " Mom's little sweetheart"

Then we had a chance to go Feed ducks at the Wheeler Farms.

it is amazing how fast the pounds of bread is being fed to the ducks and seagulls

Tasia was surprised by the cold water.

Then We had a FUN Episode when AJ bunked himself on the corner of the bed frame and got a HUGE goose egg. I have never seen such a huge goose egg pop out of anybody;s head so fast.

Here are some from this Sunday: My Lilies on the front porch

On a rainy Day

2010-06-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it rained all week-end, no yard work has been accomplished! BUT I have been organizing my house like crazy!!! I have visited the house of a friend of mine and it is her fault now that I just can't stop organizing. Well, even after 2 day worth of it it still look nothing like Mindy Horton's house(sorry for disclosing your identity but everyone should know that she has the most organized house that I have seen). And, yes, she said she cleaned it before we came(to make us feel better), but you just can't organize your house from chaos to perfection before someone comes, it must have been that way before. That is enough about cleaning. This week-end as soon as it started to show some sun (that was for a couple of minutes) I wanted to go see some new places to do photography at. And I found it, I have heard of it before and saw a lot of people with cameras there. I love the color that it brings out

I thought this door was the coolest thing and look at that texture

Tasia was meant to be born to a photographer Mom, I can't wish for anything better with that perfect little face (well, except when she chops her hair off).

This place looks like you are somewhere in Ireland and no one knows that you are just next to the other bright wall.

I love this one of AJ. He finally smiled.

Blue eyes go well with blue walls

My seriousness

more of it

Eagle Mountain Baby Contest winners....

2010-06-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

During our Pony Express Days, we had a lot going on in our neighborhood. Parade, outside movies, races and Eagle Mountain Baby contest. Unfortunately the judges for the baby contest were sick or blinded (Other EM Moms will agree and comment to support me) that they absolutely missed the cutest babies in town. I have seen many that did not got chosen, so, after those blind judges got fired these are two winners of the 1 year old Baby Contest!!! Congrats Miss L. and Miss A.

Summer Time-Pool Time

2010-06-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting for summer for so LONG! I am glad it is here. it is so much fun to have pool parties, camping trips and Popsicles, I Love Popsicles.

Last week my friend Leah had a Pool party in her backyard!!! We had a pool there, but most of the kids were playing on the inflatable slide.

This is when Audra must have been pinching my child, No AJ was just too scared

Same Audra with Happy Child- her own

Audra with another child

Cute Love!!!

Caden was doing some amazing tricks on that slide

I love J. cute chubby body and that grin

What a cute little boy

Oh, Precious Kisses

Kinners going down

This one is Favorite, I am going to put it on my Photo Blog.

"Little Diva"

Excited Tasia

Cute Tasia

Shocked Tasia

Adventurous Tasia

Happy Tasia

We had so much FUN!!! Thanks Leah and Audra for being a personal body guard for kids.

P.S. And all those who want pictures from he Pool Party, bring your own CD (I am quickly running out of my stash) and I will copy them.

I am so greatful.....

2010-06-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

for sleepless children at 1-30 am in the morning.....

Not every day, Just Last Night

it had to be one of those crazy days when kids were wild and crazy from the morning till night, they refused to take naps and drove me bananas all day long. It got worse before bed with all the tantrums and meltdowns of restless children that got me wondering how I can handle three in the next little while. They were finally in beds when at 1-30 am Tasia comes into our bed. I let that one slide and went back to sleep. In a couple of minutes AJ walks in I thought :"You have got to be kidding me" no rest in the day or night.

I woke up Jim to get them back into their beds and while still sleeping thought a heard something unusual outside through our open bedroom window. The sound got louder and louder and when Jim came back we realized that we are in trouble. Just as AJ woke us up one of the main lines of the sprinkler system has busted and the water was gushing into our window well in the basement. While going to turn the water off Jim sent me to the basement. Right, the scariest part was left for an impressionable prego wife . I came downstairs with the thoughts of walking in the basement full of water. To my surprise it was dry. The window well just barely started to fill. It must have been minutes since it broke. AJ woke us up at the right moment to save ourselves from he disastrous morning.

As we laid in bed Thanking Heavenly Father the thoughts that were going through our minds :

"Was it LUCK?"- Oh no, it was definitely Heavenly Father's Hand looking after us for which we are so Grateful!!!

Tasia is playing Mom and AJ is actually looks like he would go down for a nap, but we all know that it is all a BIG PRETEND GAME!!! Don't fall for it!!!

Trip to the ZOO and beyond

2010-06-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

If from the header of the post you are expecting to see any animals, you will be greatly disseminated. The only monkeys that will appear on this blog are my own. (Don't tell anyone but I hate taking pictures of animals at the zoo, never been a big fan).

Last Monday was just a blast.... We loved spending more time with our Dad, it is just what we needed.

Some of us have been at the Zoo pretty regularly and we decided to avoid the Stinky snake house, that is where AJ's photo shoot begun

Daddy Love

Cute Cousins!!!

Genuine Healing

2010-06-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

The time is coming close for my husband Jim to be done with some school. July 20 is the last day. Yeah, BABY!!! Jim is very excited to be able to practice what he loves the most and help people in more healthy ways then our today medicine. Most of you have asked me What is it that Jim is going to be doing and did not really get any GOOD answers, since I am not very good at explaining in any complex medical and more understanding terms like Jim. All I can say is what I hear from Jim. I am so happy that he found the way he wants to help people.
A couple of month ago, I was going to blog about this, but never did, Jim was so excited to tell me that he got a chance to practice Myofacial Release on some patients that came for a massage at Healing Mountain school where Jim does his practicums. When some of those people explain their problems Jim suggested to try Myofacial Release, all of them walked away not only feeling a whole lot better, but they also got to book Jim(while still a student) a couple weeks in advance at the Massage School. Quickly the word got passed around and Jim was booking sessions of Myofacial Release with the Massage Therapists themselves, that teach in the school. They said that he was the most progressive student that they have had in the school and now he will be working there for pay after he is done with his practicums hours. It have been (still 2 month to go) an interesting 5 month of schooling and crazy days in our lives, but I am glad we stuck to What we have been inspired to do. In July, right after Jim graduates he will be getting his Massage Therapist License, which will allow him to practice Different Kids of Massage and Most importantly Myofacial Release.

Jim has been working hard to create his own Web Site where he explains What Miofacial Release is and WHY it is more helpful then the DRUGS. (But I still Jim himself can explain in better then he can write bout it)

So here it is: sites.google.com/site/genuinehealing

This week end we got a one in the last 5 month time to spent with Daddy and Family. We had so much fun just hanging put at the zoo and enjoying a day OFF.

Joy School Graduation

2010-05-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

This Last week Tasia had a Graduation from her preschool called Joy School. When Tasia was asked what she liked the most about Joy School she said :"Dancing". We had lots of fun this year.

This is what Tasia said about her family in this book they made ( I can't quote, Tasia misplaces the book) but it went something like this: My Name is Tasia I am 4 years old. I have One Mom, One Dad, One AJ and one brother. I have two brothers. It was funny to hear her include her unborn brother into the family already.

We are in the Joy School Dance

Good thing we got a picture of her Joy School Certificate because it has been already cut into pieces.

Treats

Precents From G-ma

2010-05-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

Here is what Grandma Lidiya gave to AJ for his birthday!

Cool Tricycle and Tasia had to get something so we got her a Tinkerbell Camping Chair!

Surprises along the way!!!

2010-05-27T07:13:00.000-07:00

Tasia loves surprising Mom whenever we are on the walk with a wonderful bouquets of dandelions. She says:
" Mom, I have a surprise for you, I make you happy". "Now give me a flower and make me smile".

My little dancer!!!

2010-05-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

This is my little dancer in her whole glory!!! Oh how she loves to dance!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!

2010-05-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

I decided to dedicate this post to my wonderful Mom Lidiya. I sometimes feel like I don't do enough for her when it comes to Mother's Day or birthdays since she is an ocean away. So, this time it is for you MOM.

First of all on this day thank you for giving me life and raising me the best that you could. AND Happy Mother's Day Mom!!! I have the best Mom in the world, she is not only my Mom but a best friend that have always been there for me. I love you Mom and can't wait to see you soon in July!!!

My husband Jim did a fabulous job taking these pictures on Mother's Day. Thank you sweetie!!!

Birthday at Grandma's

2010-05-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we celebrated AJ's birthday with the Family! Grandma made this cute monkey cake, looks a lot better then mine.

Percents from Grandma and Grandpa

AJ loves his new Tomas the Train toys!!!

AJ also got the cute outfit from Grandma but since it was not a toy he was not going to have a [picture taken with it.

I am also glad that all three of us have our own guitars now! I hope this will eliminate some of the fighting for the pink guitar and maybe, just maybe AJ will stop trying to tune mine.

AJ also got some cool toys that he can build with his own power tools and screw drivers from his aunt Carolyn.

Rocking our with the Guitar!

AJ's Birthday

2010-05-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

AJ's second Birthday came too fast!!! I can't believe he such a big boy! I still see him as a baby every time iIlook at him.

This year we did not do a kid party as we usually do for our kids, I just don't think I could handle it on my own. So we celebrated just with our little family. I made the cake and (with Lead's direction and help) tried to decorate it. I am really not that good at it, but I try.

AJ got PJ's for the summer

A percent from Tasia that AJ picked out for himself- he calls it BITE ( I am assuming because of the claw)

New to us, toddler bed (thanks to our friend Lenette form Dad's work)

He absolutely loves it! Every time he sees it he says, My BIG bed!!!

And His Present from Mom and Dad, BIG CAR!!!

This can was a little more work to put together then we thought, it really tried AJ's patience during the time of assemblence.

After about an hour of waiting it was done!!!

Happy Birthday!!

Just kids

2010-05-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of my kids

AJ during Joy School (Tasia's preschool that parents take turns teaching).

AJ's favorite vacuum. It is the vacuum that does not suck worth poo. Now it is the outside toy.

My little helper. Today I was mowing the lawn and AJ with his lawn mower LOVEs to Help.

Resting after Hard Work. He looked so cute sitting there on the rocks.

It was AJ's Birthday yesterday. I will do a post on that soon. But this is the car that he got.

Vacuum and I-BEST BUDDIES!!!

The other Day Tasia was getting Private Dance lessons at our house. She LOVES dance. I have a great teacher across the street that comes almost every week and teaches Tasia some cool moves, she even dresses her up and does her hair. I know you all wonder who it is.

Here she is Tasia's favorite girlfriend Shentelle

Last but not least. Tasia is riding as she calls it her two wheeler all on her own. We are so proud of her.

Women's Conference at BYU

2010-05-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday and Friday my girlfriends and I got a chance to go to BYU women's conference. Even thought I had an emotional brake down the night before on the topic of leaving my baby AJ, it all passed when I hoped into a car full of fun and crazy women (I am talking about Audra, her Mom, Leah and her Mom). WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!!!! I had the flashbacks of life before kids, I mean BYU. I really enjoyed the messages from the inspired speakers and learned a lot how to be a better Mom.

Overflow of the session called "What matters Most". No doubt everybody whats to know what does matter most?

Leah and I. Gush I am getting round in my face, Leah, can I have yours?

Eating cafeteria food. Some of it was OK!

Me, Audra AND Leah at the Marriott Center

Early Morning

Leah and her Mom were anxiously engaged in the humanitarian knitting project.

Audra when she is awake, always smiling!!! I have something to learn here.

Crazy as Can be!