Christmas Wishes

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Grandparents Lovin

Grandma & Grandpa Fitzsimmons

Grandma Fernandez

We love living close by our family. Especially our parents.

 Miranda has been able to get to know her grandparents and loves spending time with them.

We love you Grandma Erva, Grandma Sally and Grandpa Cliff

Walt Disney World 2009

We just got back from a fun trip to Disney World. We ate great, played hard, and made wonderful family memories. Miranda is already putting her money in the piggy for her next trip (not as soon as she wishes).

Entering the "Working Mom" Force

We decided last week that I needed to see what I could do about getting a job. I was not feeling positive about finding anything seeing how so many are out of work now and are struggling to find new jobs. So after I got over the dread I laced up my boots and hit the pavement. Now I am a very religious person and truley feel that we can be guided and directed to where we need to be. I fasted and prayed to find an employer and work place that would be best for me and especially a situation where Miranda would still be able to have her needs met. I wasn't fully convinced that I needed to be a "working mom" but I feel if I do the work then I'll get to where I need to be. So I went over to the community center where I used to work and let them know I was looking, no promises. I took a scentsy sampler over to one of my past customers who wanted to order. After I did that I thought hey let me go over to this pre school close by and apply. Now I had applied with them 2 years before but was onlly looking for part time work and had called about 6 months ago as well to see if they had anything. My neighbor works there and we have discussed it as well. So I thought no harm if I tried it one more time. I went in and my neighbor was in the office and the other director ( I was not aware my neighbor was the assistant director). They told me that they had a teachers position open and were interviewing. So I took the application home filled it out and decided to return it that afternoon. I also needed to get a copy of my school credits. so I went to the college and got a copy as well as seeing if they had any positions open. They only had a temp position open and it was part time. So I returned my application to the first school and was told to go get my clearances done. I called the next day (by my neighbor) for an interview on wed. ok. I went in with all my clearances and even a few referral letters I knew they'd ask me for. The interview went great. I thought to myself. Now if I don't get this job it will be because Heavenly Father has other plans for me. I did everything I could. So that afternoon. I get a call from the owner offering me the job and asking if I could start the next day. (they new I would be gone this next week). So on thurs I started my orientation and friday was my first day. Miranda goes to the kindergarten after care. She said she didn't miss me so I'm taking that as a good sign. I get to teach the 1year old class. I'm excited to get to decorate my classroom and plan my lessons. I feel this is where I need to be and I am truly blessed. "Lead me guide me walk beside me help me find the way"

Graduated to the School Bus

The final milestone on Miranda's way back to walking is riding the school bus to school. Yesterday she finally did it. She actualy did it sooner than I thought she would. Miranda insisted on leaving for the bus stop early (it would have been at the crack of dawn if she had it her way). When we got there she was all smiles her lil neighbor friend took her under her wing. She holds Mirandas hand on and off the bus and even walked her to class. I had nothing to worry about. She had her lil angel with her. I asked her when she got off the bus from school if she like it and if she wanted to ride it again tomorrow. Her response was a huge "yes". The evil mommy in me used the bus as a threat for her to get out of bed faster today. Hey if you can't get out of bed you will miss the bus. I am very proud of her. Her physical therapist even said she only needs to see her one more time next week.

Boo-tiful Skirt (and Girl)

I had this great fabric from the material girls quilt shop in Utah that I needed to make a skirt for Halloween with. I knew if I didn't do it this week Miranda would not get to wear it much before the holiday. So today she gussied herself all Halloweenish for school to kick off the Halloween season. What a cute model.

Goals Calander

I love to make lists and pretty paper to put my lists on. Here is what I am using to set my daily goals for the week. Each topic and day has a column. I put exercise, household, menu, scripture study, and crafting as topics at the top. I left it so I can change them put depending on what I need to focus on. then I put the specifics. like if I want to do pilates for that day or get my laundry done. Its a fun way to organise my day and to keep improving in important areas. Now to add my disclaimer. I don't always get my goals accomplished and we all know that life happens that way. But if I at least have my focus planned out I wont (hopefully) sit on the couch with a box of mallamars wasting the day away on my computer. Heres to dreaming.

Birthday Bike Test Ride

We have been waiting till Miranda is strong enough to ride her new bike. She got it from her wonderful brother for her birthday. Unfortunately she also broke her leg that same night and has not been able to ride it. Now that she is walking we decided it would be fun to take it for a spin.   She did pretty good and I have to tell you it is a great bike and much easier to ride than her hand me down.

Hand Bag Happiness

Here is my cute handbag I finished today. I cant wait to use it tomorrow when I go shopping. How stylish I'll be. I should make one for Mirand so we match. Tee-hee. Of course she would have to have one in pink.

Cast Off, Horray

Yipee. Miranda got her cast off. She had such a great attitude about having to be in a cast. She is still weak and has to get her leg muscles stronger. She starts therapy on Tuesday. She has graduated to a walker for school but still is not walking or putting weight on her leg.

"I'm so dizzy me head is spinning"

Miranda is finding new ways to entertain herself with her broken leg. She can get going pretty fast with her spin. Hey at least shes happy right. It takes alot to keep this girl down. 3 more days and I hope were done.

Wallace Tether Ball Champ

This is my brothers dog playing tetherball. I'm sorry for how many times I say it's hysterical, but it is. You can also hear my brother telling his stories in the background. (he always has good stories). We had so much fun n our trip to Utah this summer. Miranda asked to go to Utah on sunday. She said "I miss Uncle mike and my cousins". I'm so glad she will have memories of family fun.

Lady Bug Wishes

I have been trying to think of a name for my website and i'm leaning towards something with either lady bugs or bees, beehives in it. I had some pics of Miranda in her lady bug dress that I made and I was messing around with photoshop. there is so much I don't know how to do yet. I am trying to learn more about website design and about graphic design so here is one of my pieces. I added the lady bug and the effects. I like how artsy it looks. What do you think. Do you have any photo editing tools you like to use?

Born in the wrong time.

I always thought I was born in the wrong era. As for Joe maybe he should stay in the here and now. I may have to tweek his a bit more.

Lurking for new friends

I have been lurking around various blogs today. so many neat and wonderful stories. I even found a women who also had her child break their leg on the trampoline. same place as Miranda did just before school started I told you trampolines are evil. (click link to see more proof)
 I found some great up-cycling(http://theoldpaintedcottage.blogspot.com/) and some inspirational blogs as well. They are each on my blog list to follow. Ive also decided I need a fairy godmother. any volunteers?

Happy Birthday Hubby

Birthday Cakes from WiddlyTinks.com


I have to wish my sweet hubby a happy birthday. I always tease him about how much older he is than me. But I have to admit he has been through stages of life I have yet to experience and he shows me how to get through them. He also teases me that I am going to be the one in the wheel chair and he will push me. I don't care whos pushing who as long as we are together pushing each other to keep going and to be strong. Your my rock Joe. I love you!

Computer Overdose

I am Addicted to my new computer. I know the floors need cleaning and the toilet has that lovely line that is going to reach up and grab me next time I sit down. But I can't help it. I honestly got on the computer at noon just to get my bills and budget updated. It is now 9pm and I still am on this drug with a keyboard and I am getting the deer in the headlight stare from looking at the screen too long. Hey didn't I have a child I was supposed to care for today? (I did feed her). well I may have to ground myself from this evil device tomorrow and hide the "crackberry" too. But at least my blog looks cute and my Ipod is full of great music and even some books. Don't they have support groups for this. Oh yeah thats what Relief Society is for. Talk about inspiration. Tee-Hee.

Miranda saying of the day

While coming out of school. Miranda dramatically places the back of her hand on her forehead and says" I had so much fun at school today I have a headache". Oh the trials of a 5 year old.

10 Years and Counting

I am so proud of lil family. This week Joe and I celebrated 10 years together.

I tease that our secret to staying together so long is that he travels so much its more like 2 years together. But seriously he is missed when he is not home and we wish we could live closer so we can be together more often. I do want to be sure to share how thankful I am for being blessed with a loving sweet husband who takes his role as a provider very seriously and works so hard to help others as well. Thank You Joe. Your loved more than you know and I hope I can be better at conveying that to you. 

New Catalog Yipee

I'm hooked again. Scentsy has given us another wonderful new catalog FILLED with amazing new items. Like: Travel tins, Mid sized warmers, New designs for plug-ins, and nose tingling new scents. They make me want to tell everyone about it (so excuse me if I'm Scentsified for a while). I'd love to give you a catalog and let you sniff away on those new scents. Come see my Scentsy site.

Weekend as a "City Gal"

We had a great time seeing the sites of NYC. We even took in a show. "Mary Poppins" (my favorite fictional character). Even Joe enjoyed the show. Miranda clapped and cheered after each number and Uncle Pete was caught singing along with a few of the songs. It rained off and on butMiranda was prepared with her pink umbrella.

Do we blend in?
Big Brother in training. I can't wait for her to call and tell him "Lets go shopping". He'd probably take her too.
Meet Charissa. Miranda's new doll. I think they look a lot alike.
We had a fun birthday shopping trip at "American Girl Doll Place". Miranda researched which doll she wanted on the internet and grabbed her as soon as we went in to the store. It was a lil girls dream store.

The day was too long for the poor lil city girl. Time square and no place to take a nap.

First day of school cast and all

Miranda is all ready for her first day of kindergarten. Unfortunately she didn't get to ride the bus but once she has her cast off we will make it a special day. Her teacher is Mrs. McCauley and she even has a friend from church in her class.

All of this parent talk is BORING. When you ask Miranda about her first day of school all she can say is it was "Boring". (almost said with a sing song voice). She liked the rest of the week much better.

Trampolines are EVIL!!!

I have tons of pictures to show you from Mirandas birthday, our weekend in NYC, and the first day of school. BUT I have gotten distracted because "Trampolines are EVIL". Monday night Miranda had family over for birthday cake and gifts. She got a beautiful "big girl" bike from her brother and was waiting for dinner to be over before she opened her other gifts. She and her cousins went out to pass time on the trampoline. Next thing I know she is crying on the trampoline and I run out to get her. Apparently there was some slipping and landing on each other, littlest (miranda) ended up on the bottom. I thought she'd feel better soon but she kept it up and seemed to be getting more upset. Of course we all had our opinions and felt she may be dramatising. So Joe and I took her for a ride in the direction of the ER. We still weren't sure she was really hurt. She calmed down in daddy's arms and even fell asleep. So we decided to go back home. She was coaxed to open her presents and was excited to eat cake as well she played with some of her spoiles. Still she would not stand on either legs. No swelling and no pain when we touched her. So I gave her some pain meds. and she went to bed, at 2am she woke up in pain and I moved her to the couch she still kept her leg bent to ease the pain. Tue morning I gave her a bath and took her to the minor Emergency center. They took x-rays and low and behold. "SHE BROKE HER LEG". She has a beautiful purple cast and toe nails polished to match. She also has a small wheel chair to use for school. As you can see she isn't fazed one bit by all of this. She is amazing and plays contently. No fussing. (so far, this is only day 4 I wonder when she will get bored with all this.)

Cake Day

Today was "Cake Day". Miranda and I worked all afternoon on her cake. It was my first time using fondant. Miranda rolled it and kneeded the colors in. She called it "playdough frosting". I think she did a super job mixing those colors. We have a chef in the making.

Flowers for Conor

We went to visit Grandpa & Grandma as they were RVing in Hershey. Conor, Tucker & Isaiah (her cousins) had been staying with them. So the older boys took off on their bikes for a ride to the pool with Grandpa. As they were riding down Conor's shoe slipped off the peddle and into the spokes of his wheel. He of course went flying. We thought he'd been done in. Luckily he had minor scrapes and his bike was fine as well. Miranda was concerned and felt she could cheer him up with some "wild" flowers (what we call weeds) . He wasn't impressed but she didn't care. It's the thought that counts.

Let The Celebrations Begin

I wasn't sure we were doing a birthday party for Miranda this year but she had already told her friends. She chose 3 girls to come to an afternoon cupcake party and is having family over another night. Not only is she having these "small" parties but we had plans on staying in NYC for the weekend with the "Fernandez Gang". Which has grown to over 20 people. So we thought a show would be nice (wow they are expensive and tough to get). So she gets to go to "American Girl Doll Place" and choose her own doll. I think she will get enough excitement!!! The perks of being an only child.

Under Consruction

I've been wanting to go to a 3 column layout so I finally found a site to do it for me. I did have to set my stuff back up but it kept my postings. So I'll keep adding as I go and rearranging. I have some summer postings in the works hopefully I'll get them up soon.

Scary Mary

I love Mary Poppins but this gives me the creeps.

Tote Bag Diva

We had a sewing class at Relief Society the other night. It was fun to learn some of the basic sewing ticks. Miranda loved getting a church tote bag out of it. Our instructor gave me an A+. if only I got grades like that as a teenager trying to sew a three armed sweatshirt. It got my creative juices flowing. I may have to had a pocket and maybe even some ruffles. tee-hee.

Climbing Toys

Uncle Mike & Cousins

We were able to visit my brother Mike and his family this past weekend. We had so much fun. It was great to chat and catch up with everyone. Miranda loved jumping all over Mike and the boys. They carried her around and humored her when she wanted to hold hands and give kisses. She also learned a few wrestling moves. If you wonder why she looks like she is posing in every picture it' s because she is. If she saw a camera pointed in her direction she'd strick a pose. I hope we can get out again realy soon.

Mother & Daughter Pedi's

While Miranda & I were visiting Joe in Cape Cod it rained a lot. So we decided to go get Miranda her first Pedicure. She was so excited. The whole time she giggled and smiled. At one point she leans over to me and whispers "this is awesome". All the women in the shop were watching her enjoy her pedi. One of the technicians said "I wish my mom would have done that with me when I was little". They even painted lil lady bugs on her toes to match her dress. She only smudged it a lil. She is still showing everyone (even total strangers) her lady bug toes.

cape cod

We decided to visit Joe as he worked in Cape Cod last week. Unfortunately it rained most of the time. We did find one afternoon to enjoy a walk on the beach. Miranda and I mostly did girly stuff like shopping and even got pedicures. It was fun to be away. I don't know how Joe can drive so much. I am still recovering. Here is a little scrapbook of our trip.

Joe showed Miranda how to eat a lobster. She was not even interested a lil in tasting it. Good, she'll be a cheap date.

We Hope to go back to Cape Cod on a sunny day. There are so many things to do there. I just need to forget how long the ride felt. It was nice having the time as a family.

Scentsy Sale 50% off My Scentsy Stock

Pre-School Graduation

Oh my how they grow. It seems like it was just 4 years ago I was holding my sweet lil baby girl in my arms. Now she is graduating. Thank goodness it's just from pre school. Miranda loved St Stephens school and her sweet teachers.

Miranda's Teacher Mrs. Hyman & Mrs. Barger

Anthony, Miranda's Brother, drove all the way from Brooklyn, NY just for her Graduation. What a sweet brother.

The Pre School Graduate, Miranda is all ready for Kindergarten. She is so proud of herself. We are proud of her too.