~Thankful~

At this Thanksgiving time, it is a time to ponder on what we are truly thankful for. I have been thinking a lot about what is important in my life.


(the mushy)
1. A wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally and accepts me, my flaws, my strengths and everything about me. I feel so loved by him and I cherish him with all of my heart. He is such a hard worker and a wonderful provider for our family.
2. Awesome kids who are healthy and so smart.
3. A fabulous daughter who has a good head on her shoulders who knows what she wants in life. She has a tender heart and is becoming one of my best friends that I can talk to about things.
4. Another fabulous daughter who has her own mind and is set in her ways. She strives to be better everyday and loves and accepts people for who they are.
5. A rambunctious son who always keeps me on my toes. He is such a loving and caring person and I cannot wait to see the person he grows up to be. I sit and watch him learn everyday and he can always make me laugh.
6. My mom who is always there for me to talk to and give me the advise I need to get through any problem that I am having.
7. A loving extended family that we can share our triumphs and trials with.
8. A caring and strong grandfather who has always been an inspiration to me. I admire him so much for the person he is and how much he cares about others.
9. Honest true friends that are there for me to talk to and don't judge me. True friends that I can always rely and that tell me the truth. Friends who don't stab you in the back and that I can sit back and laugh with.
10. A warm and beautiful home and a comfortable bed that I can spend my time in.
11. A reliable car that I can feel safe in.
12. A healthy body with a tender heart that helps me everyday. Working eyes that can watch my children grow, and ears that I can hear them laugh.
13. My mind and creativity
14. My heart that can be so easily broken. I love that I wear my heart on my sleeve.
15. All of the trials that I have encountered in my life (good and bad) They make me who I am and I take the situations I have been in and learn from them.
16. Freedom. I am proud to live in a country that we are free to make our own choices.

(the not so mushy)
17. Diet Coke (this is a must for me)
18. Make-up. Without this, I would scare the smallest of children.
19. Chocolate. This is also a must for me. I am afraid that any diet had no chance with me as long as there is chocolate in this world.
20. TV-- I know superficial, but I love to set my problems aside and watch my shows. I can tune out my busy mind and concentrate on other things.
21. Scrapbooking supplies. This is my out. This is when I can put my creative flow to work and create something that can be enjoyed by others.
22. Music~ It is amazing to me how a certain song can speak right to you and help you deal with the problems in your life.

I sit here and think of so many other things that I am thankful for but the list could go on and on.
The thing that I am most thankful for is a loving Father in Heaven who loves us and is always there to listen to us. He sacrificed himself for us.
I am also thankful for all of you who care enough to check in on our family. We care about each one of you and hope that you can stop and think about everything that you are thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Love the Hollands

And the story goes on.....

So for many of you that did the same thing I did this weekend???? (go see Twilight) I found some good news......... I am so excited!!!!

SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES TWILIGHT SEQUEL - NEW MOON
Los Angeles, CA November 22, 2008 — Summit Entertainment announced today that the studio is officially moving forward with the production of NEW MOON, the second installment of its filmed franchise TWILIGHT, the action-packed, modern day vampire love story. The movie will be based on the second novel in author Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series titled, New Moon. The first movie in the TWILIGHT franchise, the self-titled TWILIGHT, arrived in theaters this weekend to sold-out showings.
Stephenie Meyer stated, "I don't think any other author has had a more positive experience with the makers of her movie adaptation than I have had with Summit Entertainment. I'm thrilled to have the chance to work with them again on NEW MOON."
Starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, TWILIGHT tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen, a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together...even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires. Their unorthodox romance puts her in physical danger when Edward's nemesis comes to town and sets his sights on Bella.

So how many of you did go see the movie and what did you think about it?? Personally I loved it! I want to go see it agin and again and again! I was a little reluctant about Edward at first when they announced who would be playing his role, but I think Rob Pattinson did an AMAZING job and his eyes sucked me right in!! So let me know what you think....

TOMARROW!!

It's almost Here! Tomarrow is the opening for Twilight and I am so excited! I don't know how many of you are going at midnight?? (I wish I was) but we are making a girls night out of it tomarrow!

I have been waiting so long for this movie to come out (as many of you are too!) I know it will be everything I have been longing for! So WHEN you see the movie, let me know what you think.

SO amazing!

Many of you have seen the commercials for the exhibit called "Body Worlds 3" that is at the Leonardo. We knew when it first came that we really wanted to go. So we got a bunch of us and went up today. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The first thing you see when you walk into this dark room is a brightly lit box containing a real human heart. I am in awe of the human body and how it works. My cousin, Hayden, went with us who just graduated from nursing school and she was so helpful in explaining things to me. I cannot describe the things that we saw. Jon and I were totally mesmerized with everything. The most amazing thing was to see how an embryo grows from a tiny seed and into a baby. I wasn't sure if I wanted to take my kids, but after seeing the stuff that we did, and learning so many things, I think it would be a good experience for older children who are on a more mature level to go to.
They don't allow cameras, purses, food, drink, or even chewing gum. I would really recommend this to everyone. It is definitely worth the money though it is pretty inexpensive to go.

Finally Here!

We want to welcome baby

Cason Steven Goulding

to the world! His mommy had a hard time getting him here and after 9 days after her due date, and 24 hours of trying to get him here, he arrived at a healthy 9lbs. 12 oz. (Yes you read that right. No wonder he was being stubborn!)

His mommy and Daddy are so happy that he is finally here and they can start their family. Congrats to Kelly and Boden!

(I cannot get over his cheeks!)

Potty Training ????

So this has been a little difficult to me. I am not sure how to do it. I know this is my third but the other 2 were potty trained while we were on a vaycay, so I am lost. Plus a boy?? totally loses me. Tukar gets the basic concept, he knows how to do it, it is just teaching him WHEN to do it that I am having a hard time with. Any help or suggestions from you moms out there that have done this before??

Going private.

After some debating and some wise words from friends, I have decided to make this blog private. It is for our familys protection as well as yours. I would love if you want to keep up with our family so let me know if you would like to be added to our list of pals.
We love you all and hope things are doing good for you and your family!
Please email me or leave a comment here! We have had some weird things happen with our computer lately including a hacker into Jon's email account who sent out a message form him stating he was in Great Brittain and needed $$ to get home. We contacted Yahoo and got things resolved but it is still scary.
I will however keep my scrapbooking blog open with all of the info for my upcoming classes at Roberts so check that out also!
I also am trying to update my calendar with everyones bdays so please let me know that also.

Now she's a fan!

As many of you out there are probably some fan of some football team either it be the cougars or the utes, we have never really been big into college football. Well as of yesterday, that all changed. Syd got to go to the BYU vs. San Diego game yesterday with the young men/ young women in our ward. She absolutely loved it (it did helo that they won the game 41-12). So now she is a fan! They have been having a pretty good season too. So I guess we will be keeping up with the zoobies from now on!

Now what???

I have had so many mixed feelings about the day to day and wondering "now what?" And especially after hearing the election results.

I have heard so many comments today about voting and "why should I vote, it doesn't count anyways." Well I read a message on a friends blog that really hit me. I voted and even though it may not turn out to be the way I wanted, at least I can vote. We live in such a wonderful country where we have so many things that we take advantage of and voting is one of them. I am proud to be an American and I am proud to live in such a place where we have the FREEDOM to cast our votes for what we want. I asked Jon today if he had voted and he said, "no, not yet." I told him that if he didn't vote, he couldn't complain. (he did vote btw) I am a firm believer in the old saying, everything happens for a reason. I just can't wait to see what that reason is.

(I've been Tagged!)

I've Been TAGGED
The Rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you Madge
2. Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading).
3. List 6 random things about yourself.
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up!

Here are six random things about me:
1) I still sleep with a blankie (my pooh)
2) I am deeply fearful of E.T. (some of you know this though)
3) I have a shoe thing - love em!
4) I am an only child
5) I can't sit indian style (I sit backwards)
6) I am a true blonde

The six people I am tagging are:
Sandy
Megan
Christy
Emilie
Ashley
Katie

Happy Halloween!

We just want to wish all of you a Happy Halloween and hope that all of you will be safe tonight!

Scare lots of people and remember to CHECK YOUR CANDY!!

Memory Tuesday

Ok so I have been a little slackin in the Memory department so I am trying to get back on track.
Things have been really weird for me lately and I have been thinking a lot about what is important in my life. First and foremost is my family. My husband and children are the most cherished things in my life. I could not live without any of them. My husband gives me strength and unconditional love. He is my best friend. He loves me no matter what I do or say or even look like. He is such a rock for me to lean on. I feel like even though we may bicker every now and then, we have an incredible marriage. We share something that is indescribable. Then there is my kids. I love them with all of my being. I would do anything for them and I pray each day that they will grow to be good well rounded people who aren't judgemental and belittling. I pray that they will always find the good in others without getting stepped on.
Next is my family, my mom and grandparents and all of the others whom I love deeply. I love all of them for who they are and what they stand for. There are some who I don't get to see a lot, but they are never far from my mind.
Then there are friends. Someone told me once that friends weren't important to have. But I think they are. They help make us who we are. They help us through trying times. (and sometimes they make the trying times) It is hard to find good friends though. Ones that you can truly trust. I have had my share of bad ones as have many of you, but I have decided to forgive and forget. Any of the bad things that have ever happened to me from a friend or family member, have made me who I am. It has made me stronger and I am very grateful for that. I love my friends and I appreciate the ones who can stop and listen and take a minute. I found this poem and I loved it....

Everyone young or old, needs someone to listen as their stories are told.
The difference is your to make, a minute from your busy day is all it would take.
Take a minute and lend an ear, listen intently to what you hear.
Take a minute and you will see, just how powerful listening can be.
Take a minute to offer a smile and a touch, your sincerity means so much.
Take a minute and simply be kind, a friend for life may be what you find.
Patricia A Gordon

I just want to tell the people in my life that I truly love them and you have all made some sort of impact in my life. (ok so some good and some bad, but an impact all the same) I know we all have busy lives, but stop a sec and make a call to someone who may have crossed your mind. I know that it has made a difference to me on bad days when someone calls just to say hi. It means I mean something to that person. So to all of you, I am saying hi. You are all being thought of.
We recently had a lesson in Activity days that talked about this very thing. It was humbling to hear what the girls had to say about what the word friendship means to them. We talked about how contagious a smile was and I gave them a challenge to stop a minute and give someone a smile because you don't know how bad they need it.

so here is the memory
~Have you been someones friend and have truly lived up to the meaning, maybe by just giving them a minute?? or a smile??

I ran away! (again)

So it was time for my scrapbook retreat again. It was time needed for me. I got a lot done and that I am very proud of. (I managed to sneak a little fun into the mix too!) I got there Thursday around noon and set up to go to work. It is so nice because they always give you a little prize and this time it was a magnetic cutting mat with the magnetic ruler, trimmer, circle cutter and posts. I was so excited. We also got what I like to call "bag o goodies!" It had paper, markers, craft knife, and other embellishments! I quickly got settled in and went to work. We all managed to get in the CHA CHA Slide and a couple of us learned how to stair slide at 4 am. Oh and it gets a little cold when you row row row your boat at 4 am too! We even got to see some celebrities (Madonna) I loved hanging out with these girls! I laughed so hard this weekend The food wasn't too bad either! I discovered one of the best brownies I have EVER had! I am so glad they gave us the recipes! Maybe if your nice, I will make you some! Now I have to wait until March to go again! That will be a much needed break too.
I want to tell some of these girls Thank you for the laughs, the tears, and the incredible talent that I got to be a part of . There is some really talented people and I am glad to know them. I really learned a lot this weekend about so many things. Now I really need to go and find those dang rolls!!!!

Here's a little bit of the work......

and here's a little bit of the fun.....(Heather you make me crack up!) OH NO SCRAPPER DOWN!!

Cornbelly's!

Last Saturday we took the kids to Cornbelly's and met up with a couple of our friends there. Wow pricey! They did have a lot to do though. Tukar was in heaven.... that was until we became horrible parents and took the kids though the "Creature". Brekyn had begged us to go through the creature until we got there then she was a little scared. It was so funny to see their faces (well when we could actually see.) Here are some pics of that fun day!

Scary party!

This year (as like many other years) Brekyn wanted to have a Halloween party for her birthday. I guess that makes it easy for me especially in the decorating department. It's already done! She loves dressing up as much as I do so we always make it a costume party. I have learned over the years, that simple is better. One year, I worked my butt off making mummy dogs, eyeballs, finger sticks, and some other weird concoctions that all of the kids REFUSED to eat because of what they were called. I mean for hecks sake, I had pickles and told them they were witches noses so none of the tots would eat them. Really??? So this year I made it easy (well with a little help from Little Caesars!) I did have to sneak in some witches fingers. You know the bread sticks with red almonds for the nails. They were still a little deceiving to the imagination for 9 year old so the adults enjoyed most of them.

I was very brave this year. I let the kids decorate their own caramel apples. I had fun ingredients labeled like raisins were dead spiders, chocolate sprinkles were ants, chocolate chips were bat droppings, crushed up pretzels were broken bones, and we even had some gummy worms in there. The kids had a lot of fun and the best part, I wrapped them up and sent them home with them. This was the goody bag.

We also played a game that has become very popular in our house, FIND THE BODY PARTS! I take a pumpkin, leave in all of the guts, add some cooked spaghetti with a little oil in it, and add in the key ingredient, body parts. You know the severed fingers, and eyeballs that they sell around Halloween. Perfect! It is so funny how grossed out the BOYS get! The girls are great with the stuff.

Next the kids got to feed "Elmer" He is my monster that made with a science project board. I put a face on him and cut out holes and they had points on them. My mom found these balls that were shaped like brains, a heart, and an eyeball. The kids had a lot of fun throwing the body parts into Elmers mouth and eyes! (he even had nose holes)

After the games were over, we had cake and ice cream and then opened presents. I gave the kids their apples and they watched "The Corpse Bride" until their parents came to get them. All in all it was a fun party.

Our night out!

Brekyn got to go on a field trip last weekend to Build a Bear workshop with her Brownies troop. I volunteered to drive so Brekyn and I loaded up with some of the girls and her leader JP took the other group and we headed to Gateway! Each of the girls got a gift card that they got to spend. This was money that the troop had earned selling cookies. Now, Brekyn wasn't there for cookie time, but this year, she will be making up for it so BE PREPARED to get your girl scout cookie fix from Brekyn! Jon is so excited about it. He can't wait for the SAMOAS!

It was so fun being with these girls. They are so full of laughs! They each picked out their own animal, named it, got it stuffed (after making a wish on it's heart) and they all got an official Girl Scout Brownie uniform complete with a real badge! (How stinkin' cute)

After they were done, JP offered to drive the girls home and Brekyn and I got to just hang out the rest of the night. We went to Ben and Jerry's and got ice cream, then went home and we all climbed in our bed and watched a movie and ate popcorn! It was such a fun night!

Growing up!

Today is Brekyn's birthday and it is such a bittersweet day for me. She is growing up before our eyes and it makes me sad sometimes. She is 9 years old today and where is the heck ahs the time gone?? I blinked for a sec and she is so big now.

This girl cracks me up everyday and brings so much joy to our family. We call her Random because she comes up with the funniest things all of the time. And totally random things too.(this the nickname) She is such a smart and creative girl too. She excels at eerything she puts her mind too. She is such a good helper and loves to snuggle. We are very proud of the girl that she is growing up to be.

We love you Bee!!! Happy Birthday!!

I got a job!! (well kinda)

I am so exstatic because I kinda have have a job! I am teaching classes at Roberts in Af now. I will be doing pages and projects twice a month. I am a little nervous but so super excited! My first class will be Thursday October 16th from 3:30-5 pm. I will be teaching every 1st and 3rd Thursday (sometimes it will vary) I am ready to get back in the saddle and talk to adults for a while. It will be good for me to get out there adn get back into the game of scrappin! So come sign up for my classes! Here is a preview of my first class (Boo paper bag album)

Looking back over the years!

I got this from one of my friends and I thought I was going to die laughing! Check it out!

You can yearbook yourself at www.yearbookyourself.com

Great weekend

Brekyn's Baptism

It has taken me a bit to post this last weekend. It was such an amazing weekend too. It all started on Saturday when Brekyn got baptized. She was so excited for this day and has waited a while for it to happen. She has been ready for a while and has actually been waiting for her dad to get ready. It was totally worth the wait. This is a moment that they will both treasure forever.

I was so proud of both of them for the decisions that they made. The day was perfect. All of our family and friends were there to share this wonderful occasion with us.

Brekyn was so cute about the whole thing. She "had a dream" about this dress and knew exactly what she wanted. She drew a picture of it and asked my mom to make it for her. She picked out the material and everything. She didn't want a white dress because she wanted to be able to wear it all of the time. Somehow my mom turned her dream in to this dress and Brekyn was very happy about it. It was a wonderful baptism. While we were sitting there listening to the talk on baptism, I looked over at Brekyn sitting there with her dad, snuggled up to him, and you could see the love shared between them. After trying to squeeze all of our loved ones into this room to watch the baptism, we went into the cultural hall and Sydnie gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. Brekyn asked her to give this talk because she looks up to her and it wasn't too long ago that Sydnie had gone through the same experience and she could remember how it felt. Syd did a great job. She was very nervous though. Then Brekyn was confirmed by her Great Grandpa. This is something that she really wanted and it was amazing. She was surrounded by so many people that she loved.

Later, we all went to our house for some refreshments and everyone signed her baptism book that I made for her. She received some awesome presents including scriptures, a bag, some scripture stickers, necklaces, and her dad and I bought her a CTR ring. She was so cute because she said she really needed a CTR ring to remember.

_________________________________________________

Bunco TIME!!

Later that night, Jon and I went to play BUNCO with our friends. every other month we meet at someones house and play BUNCO. This time it was at Dave and Amy's new house. They made an awesome dinner and we had so much fun. For the prizes, Amy got gift cards for different restaurants. Jon and I won one to CHILI'S. (very perfect for us) Then she got us all these bug eye halloween glasses and vampire fangs and when we all put them on I thought I was going to pee my pants. I was laughing so hard at all of us.

I love spending time with my friends and goofing off. These people are very special to me and I am very greatful to have all of them in my life. I have been friends with some of these people for 15 years.

It is nice to have friends who love you no matter what kind of fool you are and what kind of mistakes you make in your life. I love this group and I am glad that we are all friends. (Sorry Ruthanne- Somehow I missed a pic of you and Fathead)