My 2012 Christmas Update

Christmas is upon us and it has been a long time since I've posted anything. So although there are no pictures included, I hope to add a few in the next little while from Amanda's birthday, Halloween, and shortly Christmas.  However, here is the update of my family.

Cameron-He is in working on a teaching certificate to teach History in High School. He is also trying out Seminary Teaching and we will hopefully hear from that soon. Meanwhile, he is continuing to drive bus for the city. He is the Gospel Doctrine Teacher in our ward and he enjoys teaching alot there.

ME- I am staying busy keeping up with  my children. I am the ward choir pianist and we have our Christmas program on Sunday. So in the following weeks I will have a lot less to practice on the piano.  :) I had my 29th birthday in November and was able to spend it with my family. It was a lot of fun.

Amanda- Oh where to begin. She is doing gymnastics twice a week and is having a lot of fun and learning a lot. She is a natural if she can focus long enough to do what the teachers ask. She likes to have tea parties and actually today we are making mini-cupcakes and hot chocolate and sitting in the living room for a tea party with me, her, and her sisters. Funny things she has said recently... 1- "Since I'm too young to go to kindgergarten this year, I will just go to college."  My sister is in cosmetology right now, this is what Amanda said, 2- "Mom, I think I'm going to do hair like Morgan. I will work with her. My chair will be next to hers. You can come visit me when you want. You can bring me lunch or something. I don't care."  Her third was when she was giving a talk in primary last Sunday. I told her to bear her testimony, here's my favorite part, 3- "I know Jesus will come again. I know it. And nobody knows when he will come. Only Heavenly Father knows. And I don't care, he can come when he wants to, he can."   Oh my little big girl.

Emma- Emma had eye surgery and it went well. We had the results from a couple months later and her eyes are still straight and the doctor didn't think she will need another surgery. We will check them again in 6 months. What a blessing. She is starting to talk more and likes to play with her sisters.

Eva- She is growing so big and has full conversations with you. Even though you can't understand her, she knows and will find other ways to get you to understand. She is such a mommy's girl but I shouldn't complain, I like to hold her. Her and Emma are 2 and living it up.

Christmas should be fun this year. We have a lot going on. I will miss my parents who are serving a mission in the Nashville Tennessee mission though. They are doing magnificent work and they are a great example for my daughters. Amanda prays for them in every prayer and thanks Heavenly Father for their example. I love it. Oh yea...the babies like to pray now too and so we usually have about 3 prayers over every meal. Good times. Merry Christmas everyone!!! I will post pictures soon. :)

All Sorts of NEW!

 Since the 4th of July our family has been to Priest Lake Idaho for a summer vacation...I will put those pictures up another time, I have celebrated my 6th Anniversary being married to my best friend, went to the Eastern Idaho State Fair, Celebrated Emma and Eva's 2nd birthday, had Amanda's hair cut, and finally as of today, chopped my own hair all the way off. I loved all of these things and look forward to more celebrating. Seeing as how Amanda's 5h birthday is next Wednesday. More pictures to come as usual.

 We took super hero family pictures this last Monday. It was a lot of fun.

 Emma wanted to wear Amanda's cowgirl boots. And everyone wanted to be in the picture.

 The second birthday cake for my two little sweeties.

 Eva and Emma getting ready to blow out candles on their second birthday!

 Amanda needed a haircut pretty badly, so we went to Morgan who is in Cosmetology at ISU. The before...

 The AFTER...Amanda with my sister Morgan Reece.

 Amanda got to be in the ISU Homecoming parade and throw candy with her gymnastics group. She had so much fun.

 I chased down the float so I could get a close up of her on their throwing candy to the crowd. :)

 Another of our super hero family. :)

 This is my BEFORE...

This is the hair that was cut from off my head. Morgan put her foot next to it so we had a comarison of actually how much that actually was. :)

This is the AFTER. I love it and it is easy to manage. I can get up, style it in 5 minutes or less and be ready to tackle the day with  my children. Thanks Morgan for a great hair cut. :)

4th of July Festivities

This is our 4th of July Festivities.

As you can see we had fun at the Inkom Parade...

This is Amanda getting candy at the parade.  

And the babies are eating otterpops that got thrown to them from a float.                            

Then we had a BBQ at my parents house with Kelsey, Morgan, Norman, Jenna, London, Rian, Quinn, and my family. The kids went swimming in the little pool and did the slip n slide.

All the kids in the swimming pool.

It was easier to drink from the slip n slide than come get one from a cup. :)

Here we are at the Greenbelt in Idaho Falls waiting for the fireworks.

 I had to take a picture of the temple all lit up. It was very pretty. So glad that Families can be TOGETHER FOREVER!!!

This has nothing to do with the 4th of July...but Emma has crossed eyes and her left one isn't very strong so she has to wear a patch on her right eye for one hour every day. Hopefully we will get the results we are looking for so we can move forward with the surgery and get her eyes fixed. Love that she keeps the patch on though. :)

DAY #11

PET PEEVES

Yep...I've got them...here they are...

1- People who say one thing then do another.

2- Dishes that get left in the sink instead of the dishwasher...especially when the dishes in the washer are dirty.

3- Whining children.

4- People who honk their horn of their car at other people.

5- People who drive under the speed limit...mainly when I'm in a hurry.

6- When someone lays things around the house instead of taking a few extra steps to put it away.

7- Being Late to Anything. I'd much rather be really early than 2 seconds late.

8- When I'm trying to talk to someone and they don't look at me when I'm talking so I don't know that they are even paying attention.

9- When my children pull all the DVD's off the shelf after I just put them back for the 10th time already.

10- People who swear...it shows a lack of original thought.

DAY #10

EMBARRASSING TIMES

Ok...I really couldn't think of a time that I was really embarrassed. It doesn't mean there weren't times...they obviously weren't that bad cause they didn't leave a lasting

thought in my mind. Sorry to disappoint. However...if any of you who have known me

awhile and can think of a time that I was embarrassed or even you thought I should have been feel free to leave a comment telling the story. :)

DAY #9

10 INFLUENTIALS

1- CAMERON (My Husband) - I have been married for 5 1/2 years and even though we have had our ups and downs Cameron has always been there for me. Cameron is a great person who teaches me something new all the time, either by word or by example. I love him very much and am

glad that he is a part of my life.

2-3- MY PARENTS- I don't think I will need to go into any more detail here because a lot of the things that they have influenced me by

I have attributed in Day #3...my relationship with them. But

just to paraphrase...they have raised me and so a lot of who I am I owe to them. (My dad is funny.) :)

4-6 - MY SISTERS

4- LINSEY- Linsey has taught me that you should do what you feel is right and you want to do regardless of whether anyone else agrees with you. To be able to listen to

what you believe.

(Linsey and her cute little family)

5- KELSEY- Kelsey has taught me that if you have enough faith you can get

through anything. Rely on the Lord and pray and he will help you through

hard times. To be able to come out on top of even the worst of situations. She has shown me by example all of these things.

(Kelsey and her husband Dan)

6-MORGAN- Morgan has shown me that you can find the good in whatever. She always has a great attitude and finds the humor in everything. I love that she can laugh at herself and can take it as well as she gives it. I love that she also has shown me to follow what you know is right, and to stay close to the Lord in all you do.

(Morgan and her husband Norman)

7- RAY SIMPSON- This is my aunt. She has been very influential to me. She is a great example of unconditional kindness and love. I can't express

all the things that she has done for me and my family. I have lived at her house on a number of occasions in the summer, and when my children

were in the hospital. She doesn't ever ask for anything in return...she just gives. She was also the one who taught me that stuff...is just stuff.

That has helped me a lot with my own children. I am so grateful she is a part of my life. Love you Ray. :)

(Cousin-Tayva, Aunt Ray)

8- LYNDA HOMER- This is my mother-in-law. She has been a great example and influence

for me. She is a lady who will keep giving even when she feels she has nothing more to give.

She has helped me through all my pregnancies, helping take care of me, and Amanda

when needed. She continues to help and be there for my family and me. She is also a great example of someone who will forgive unceasingly. What a great thing to have.

(Cameron, LYNDA, etc.)

9- AMANDA- I have to include my little girl Amanda. She is such a great example of love and kindness. She is always so nice, regardless of what you

have done to her. She also is such a smart little girl and loves the gospel. She is a wonderful spirit and shows no fear. I love her to death and am

so grateful she was born into my home.

(Me, and My sweet Amanda Jan)

10- JESUS CHRIST- I know that this might be obvious but I don't know how you can not aknowldge the Savior and all he did for us. I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation, for the Atonement that allows me to repent, and for the sacrifice that allows me to be ressurected and live with my family for all eternity. My life wouldn't be as happy without this knowledge. I love

my brother Jesus and am forever grateful for all he did for me, my famiy, and the world.

DAY #8

Now that I have finally caught up to what day I'm suppose to be on...was in Utah for a funeral this weekend...Here is what today's will be

5 PASSIONS

I don't know that I can truly say I am passionate about a lot of things but here goes...

1- PIANO: I love to play the piano...I have always had a strong desire to learn and

push myself to learn new songs and styles. I love to be able to sit at

the piano and play and hear the beautiful music that comes from it. Someday...I want to get a baby grand piano...those have absolutely amazing sounds.

2- FAMILY: I can say that I am passionate about my family. I love to spend time with them, I love to make them happy and to comfort when they are sad. It's not just my own little family. I love my family that I grew up with, their families, my husband and his family. I feel that if

you have a good supportive family...which I do, there isn't anything that can't be done.

3- CAMPING: I love to camp. I have been doing it for as long as I can remember. And since

I have been married, I have experienced camping again with my family. I feel that

there isn't anything better than sleeping in a tent in the outdoors where you are away from

all the fast paced going ons of the world. It's a great way to relax and enjoy what the Lord put us on the Earth for.

4- CHOCOLATE MILK: I don't know that I have ever been able to pass up a glass of chocolate milk in my life. It is definitly on my top two choices of beverage with any meal.

In fact, I like to drink it whenever...for a snack even. My husband actually uses that as his number 1 resource for bringing my blood sugar up if it ever gets low. Great stuff. :)

5- TRAVELING: I love to travel. It doesn't really  matter where. I like to just go. I would love to travel to other countries outside of North America with Cameron sometime also. But in the mean time...I enjoy jumping in the car with all the kids and just going for a drive.

Seeing new places is always an adventure.

DAY #7

DREAMING THE DREAM

It's hard for me to say exactly what my dream job would be because I feel like I'm doing what I always wanted to do anyway. I LOVE being a stay at home mom. But...when all my kids are gone...I still don't want to work. :) Haha...I do have a few jobs though that I would thoroughly enjoy.

FOOD CRITIC

I figure if you are well enough known, you can travel and critique all the restaurants around the world. Imagine the different flavors you would experience.

BOOK REVIEWER/EDITOR 

I love to read. I enjoy all types of generes and to be able to read a book and give an honest opinion about the plot and concept would be amazing. I think that to be able to read and help a story progress for a profession

would be something exciting...also that you could do at home. :)

DAY #6

HARD EXPERIENCES

I would say that there a few in my life that I have considered hard experiences. I agree with my sister Kelsey though...the hardest ones though are LIFE CHANGING.

I have come to accept a lot of the hard things that have come my way and know they are for the best. However, the hardest one for me is losing my little boy.

Cameron Clifford Homer was born on June 1, 2008. Due to trying pregnancies and my water breaking too soon, he wasn't able to live.

Realizing that the Lord had other plans for him and I needed to accept that we wouldn't be raising our son in this life was hard and is still hard on many occasions. I don't fully understand why, but know that the Lord has a plan for all of us and that someday we will see our son again and I will get to hold him. All because of the Plan of Salvation and our Savior Jesus Christ's Atonement and Sacrifice. I am so grateful for that blessing of the sealing power in my life that I know these things are true and my son is waiting for me.

DAY #5

5 THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY
 I have found that a lot of these days kind of get the same answers...however...I will try and think of different ones.

1- My children: They drive me crazy but they also make me laugh and when I'm down, they help boost my spirits.
2- My husband: He is very supportive of me and knows just what it takes to put a smile on my face. And he loves to do suprises and I love to get suprises. :)
3- Playing the piano: It's a major stress relief for me...or just any mood relief. I have enough variety of music to fit any mood.
4- Spring Time: I love the warm weather cause it's not too hot or cold. I can go sit outside with Cameron and just enjoy. Plus that means more walks with my kids and more park time which they love and I love to watch them.
5- Driving with the window down: I love to put my arm out the window and even though the wind makes my hair in knots...I like the feel of the breeze. :)

DAY #4

10 Things I'd Tell My 16 Year Old Self
1- You are going to move after this year to a new town and highschool. So I know you've had the same group of friends for several years but you will need to step out of your comfort zone a little and make a better effort to let other people get to know you.

2- Even though the trials you will go through with not really feeling accepted in your new school, they are very trivial in comparison to some of the trials you will face later in life. So in other words, don't worry about whether or not the other kids accept you and make you their friend, cause in the end, it's just highschool and life DOES go on afterward.

3- Your younger sister is going to get married before you...yes that will be hard for you, but be there for her and just be happy for her. Your time will come.

4- When you find out you can't serve a mission because it doesn't feel right and you don't understand why since you've been preparing pretty much your whole life, realize the Lord has other plans for you. Because you made that choice and stayed you will meet the man of your dreams who will love you despite all your faults. He will say he never thought you were fat, but you know better and that's what makes you love him even more. :)

5- Your pregnancies are going to be really hard. So wait a little longer before you have your first because the time you thought you were going to have with just your husband having fun while being pregnant isn't going to happen. But then again, follow the spirit and in all honesty, you will probably still get pregnant when you did. And even though the pregnancies are hard, they are worth it.

6- When in college, take a semester off and go somewhere. Go try out to work at Disneyland like you want to do. It would count as in internship in your degree and be a lot of fun. Going and finishing school is important, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little adventure along the way. You have to do two internships anyway...why not at the Happiest Place on Earth.

7- Sometimes your children are going to do things that make you really upset. Just remember, they are learning just like you had to. Try to have more patience with them and remember, if they ruin something that is a material possession...Know that it is just that...a Material Possession. It doesn't matter in the long run. Your relationship with your children does.

8- One night your little car is going to be parked outside your apartment and a drunk driver is going to hit it and total it...so, I know there won't be any parking spaces on the sides of the complex but if you can, park it behind the other complex and walk a little further, otherwise say goodbye to your first car.

9- When you are asked to take a dinner to a lady in your ward who just had a baby, don't put the food in the back, cause it will start to tip, you will reach back to save it and end up hitting a fire hydrant. The vehicle is only slightly damaged, but you end up with a ticket and still food on the floor. So, place it on a tray on the front seat where you can hold onto it while turning the corners.

10- My last piece of advice to myself would be...Even though I've warned you about a lot things that you should or shouldn't do, most of the experiences you've had has made you into the person you are today. You will still have a lot to work on and continue to try and be a better person everyday. Just keep in mind, Be better today than I was Yesterday, and in the end you will be alright.

DAY #3

My Relationship With My Parents

Well...to start off I would have to say that my relationship with my parents is good....Now for more details. :)

MOM: Growing up had it's rough patches with my mother. I was never a rebellious child, but I did have a mouth on me when it came to talking back to my mom.

In my defense...I figured if my mom was wrong I had the obligation to tell her...regardless of whether I really should or not.

We got into plenty of arguments that always ended with me getting my mouth washed out with soap when I was young, to being grounded when I was older...all because I felt like I had to have the last word.

After leaving home and going to college, I realized that it doesn't really matter who is right or who is wrong and knew that we would always see some things differently.

Therefore...I apoligized for my actions to my mother, and that's that.

Since then we have had great times talking about what I would do when raising my children that have ended in lots of laughter on my mom's part...in theory I still think they might work.  ;)

My mom has always been a great example of someone who will help when needed and be a support during hard times. I have learned a lot of important things from my mom, like the importance of visiting teaching, being on time, approaching situations with kindness and patience. All of these things have been a great benefit and continue to be in my life.

DAD: I have to admit...growing up...I was a daddy's girl. I wanted to do everything my dad did and be just like him. I did follow in his footsteps in a number of things.

Some of my best memories were when we would wake up at 6 in the morning and go running. It was usually cold and very early, but I loved it cause it was my time that I had with my dad that no one else could come and butt into. Mainly cause I was the only one willing to wake up to exercise. :) But I'll take it. During those runs I could talk about anything.

One of the best things about my dad is his ability to listen when you just need to vent and give advice when it is necessary and you're ready to hear it. He seems to have a sense about when something isn't quite right and you needed to talk.

I loved that we had PPI's on Fast Sunday's. We knew that he was going to ask us how we were doing and this was my time to express myself about whatever I felt was on my mind.  Love that.

I have been very privledged to have been coached in sports by my father. He always set such a great example for me about teamwork, leadership, honesty, and hard work.

I later was able to coach with him and continued to learn life lessons from his example and ability to relate. I love that he has a testimony of the gospel and can institute that into daily living. I am so glad that I was able to learn from him.

He is always supportive too. Whether he agrees or not, he realizes it's my decision and will help wherever he can. I remember when I decided to go into Recreation Leadership in college. He was one of the very few that was excited for me and gave me encouragement. I will continue to appreciate and take his unconditional love he has for me and now my children.

In short...I have amazing parents that although they aren't perfect, they still set an amazing example for me and my children and allow us the opportunity to spend time with them. I'm looking forward to raising my family and hope that Cameron and I can be half the parents that mine were to me.

Love you guys!!!!!



DAY #2

3 FEARS

1- SPIDERS...I can't even express how much these scare me. I was looking at what scares my sisters and they put pictures up of some of the things...yep...not me. If I put any type of picture of a spider on here I wouldn't be able to ever come back to my own blog again for fear that I would accidentally see that picture.

I really have no idea how I got to be afraid of them, but I was a little afraid then became a lot afraid after someone had me watch Arachniphobia...worst idea ever. So I say that I am borderline Arachniphobic. Mainly cause I have killed a spider before because it was next to one of my children...but otherwise, I call for HELP!!!

2- PEOPLE COMING INTO MY HOUSE AT NIGHT... I'm a little like my sister Kelsey in this aspect. I think a lot of it came from movies that I have seen and shows that I have watched on t.v. It's to a point that I have an exit plan for myself and my children for every possible entrance of the person entering...I have even got a plan to use deadly force if necessary to protect my family...so...don't come sneaking into my house at night unless you want some serious battle wounds that could be life threatening when you're done. :)

3- GOING BLIND... I have always dreaded losing my eye sight. I love to see...obviously. And I think about how much I would miss seeing my children grow up and my husband and just all the beautiful things in this world if I lost my eye sight.

I'm pretty sure this comes from the fact that I've had diabetes for 18 years and eye sight is one thing that is affected by the disease. It also doesn't help when your eye doctor tells you that there is a slight issue with one of your eyes and it needs to be monitored so they can intervene if necessary...otherwise you could lose sight in that eye. Yeah...I'm pretty sure that's the reason I'm a little afraid of going blind.



DAY #1

20 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME

1- I am 28 years old with 3 children, a 4 year old, and twin 19 month old girls.
2- I am married to my best friend...I am so glad that I found the one person who could look past my faults and insecurities to marry me for time and all eternity.
3- I have had Type 1 Diabetes since I was 10 years old...Yep...18 years now.
4- I love to play the piano...it has become a nice stress reliever for me...and an enjoyable time to spend with my family.
5- I have a Bachelors Degree in Recreation Leadership...so my husband tells me that I pretty much played all the time in college...it has some merit. :)
6- I love spicy food...didn't know it until I got married and my husband cooked all the time with Tabasco sauce...but now, I love the spicy.
7- I played the violin a little when I was in middle school and high school but then stopped so I hope to relearn it.
8- I'm left eye dominant when it comes to shooting a gun so...even though I'm right handed, I have to shoot with my left...and I'm not too bad.
9- I love to tie flies for my husband to use fly fishing. I learned in college and it's quite enjoyable.
10-I love to play volleyball...even though it's been over a year since I've played... I still love to play competitivly.
11- My husband was my first kiss...yep that's right...I haven't kissed anyone else but him. :)
12- I love to read and have gotten attached to a few authors...Robin Hobb (fantasy) John Grisham (Legal Fiction) Susanne Collins (Young Adult Fiction) and Robin Cook (Medical Thriller Fiction).
13- There a few t.v. shows that I really like...even though I don't have t.v...I watch them on Hulu, anyway...they are Bones, Top Chef, and Psych.
14- My lucky number is 14...always has been...always will be. Always tried to get this number for jersies when I play sports, and if I ever get to choose a number...that's always my first choice...it's a family number.
15- My favorite Disney princess is Belle...although Rapunzel is coming in a close second.
16- I like to put my cold hands and feet on my husbands bare skin at night...I think it's funny.
17- My head is pretty small...I can wear my 4 year olds hats...yep...my head size is a 6 and 3/4.
18- My favorite flowers are daisies...not gerber daisies. Just the regular white ones. They are just simple and pretty.
19- My husband loves to garden and me...I kill absolutely anything that tries to grow...not on purpose, I just forget about it and next thing I know...It's dead.
20- I think I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have such an amazing husband, children, mom, dad, sisters, nieces, nephews, and in-laws ever.

30 Day Challenge

I saw this on my sister Morgan's blog and thought it was a good idea...Especially since some of the things I really don't even know. Anyway...You do one question about yourself every day for 30 days...here's the list.

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

Ok...now to begin...

PICTURES!!

Ok...Here are a few of the pictures of the girls and what has been going on in the last several months. :) Although, they are mostly in order, some of them are not and so just enjoy.
Eva, and Emma and their "BEAR BUMS"

They fell asleep playing in their crib together and they look the same. :)

Halloween costumes...Amanda-Darth Vadar, Emma-R2D2, Eva-C3PO. I might have posted this one already...but it's cute so why not again. :)

Our trip to Nauvoo last October for my old roommates wedding. We stopped and saw my Grandma and Grandpa Rhoades, as well as Jeralyn and Buckley (Cameron's sister). We walked around Nauvoo too. It was a lot of fun. Good to see my good friend Kristi again too.

This was the babies birthday cakes this year when they turned 1. Emma had the bunny and Eva had the lady bug.

This was at the Eastern Idaho State Fair last September. Amanda and I held this cute little puppy. Pretty much we would buy and puppy and take it home...if we could...and if we had somewhere to put it. So needless to say, we just loved it for a few mintues, then moved on.

Babies first time playing in the snow. Eva on the left...Emma on the right. Not sure if they liked it as much...but they stayed warm in those clothes.

This is pretty much what Eva looks like now. She loves to climb up on boxes and then will just sit there and play with whatever she can reach from on top.

Emma likes to have her picture taken...but only if she can get really close and try to touch it.

This is Amanda's first tumbling recital. She did so well, and had a great time. She is in tumbling again this session and has her recital at the end of May...hopefully I'll get pictures up of that too. She's in the middle if you can't tell. :)

Doing the butterfly at the tumbling recital.

This was this last weekend for conference at my parents house. Amanda wanted to play volleyball so my sister Morgan took her outside to pass the ball. Let me just say...Amanda has the form of a volleyball player. Look at that stance already. She's a natural. :)

Our family picture in our Nebraska stuff. We are Cornhusker fans and we must show it proudly. :)