I love my Cricut!

I got a Cricut for Christmas, and have been playing with wall paper stickers. I've been wanting to do some of that darling vinyl lettering forever, but I've been paralyzed by the endless options and the uncertain future - how long are we going to live here? Will that be reusable in the next house? Am I going to hate it in 2 months?
So this solves my problem! Cute, fun, and oh so removeable! (DISCLAIMER: I actually do cook, and even enjoy it, when I'm not pregnant. But I thought my husband would appreciate the truth and humor of this particular statement at this time in our lives!)

In mourning

It is an interesting thing to mourn the passing of someone I didn't know personally. I live a very small life, very centered on my little family and small community. But this mans' influence has reached into the heart of both. And I feel a great loss that he is gone.
President Gordon B. Hinckley is truly one of my heroes. He served as prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the time I was 15 till Sunday night, when he died.
His guidance got me through difficult decisions as a teenager, and more difficult decisions as a 20-something. Time and time again, as a young wife, I have turned to his counsel. I know the gospel is true, I know he is a prophet of God. And that testimony was developed during his service. I am constantly recommitting myself to try harder, to be a little better, to reach higher and stand taller. It was his message - a message of hope and optimism and progress. And I know that message came through him from God. I am so grateful for this servant of God. And though I know he is in a good place, finally with his wonderful wife again, I miss him dearly.

I'm an addict

It's time to come clean. It's effecting my family life. I can't take care of my children. I can hardly get dressed in the morning. I never cook dinner anymore, and I'm lucky if I make it to work on time. My husband is trying to help, but what can he do?
My name is Tara. And I'm a digital scrapbook addict.
har har (I know, I'm ridiculous).
I decided to make J-boy's baby book (yes, he's nearly 3) a digital one since I'm still paper scrapping K's first birthday (that would be 4 years ago). So, for the past few weeks I've neglected hearth and home, not to mention children and husband, and digi-scrapped to my hearts content. And I love it! Most of the layouts have too much personal info for me to post here, but here's a few.
If you want to encourage me in my new obsession, shoot me an email or leave a comment to that extent and I'll send you the link to the whole album so far. I've finished 19 pages in one month!!!!!!! That's a TON for me. (I'm a VERY SLOW scrapbooker).
Anyway, this is what I do all day to take my mind off my rumbly tummy/morning sickness junk. Drugs are great (thanks to zofran I can now digest!!), but I still feel gross a lot. So this helps! :) There, I've rationalized the neglect of my family. I can scrapbook in peace. :)

Backtracking to Christmas

I know this is about a month late, but I just had to share my little Mary and Joseph (nevermind that baby Jesus has a pink checkered bonnet).

Snow Time!

Joseph is the designated snow-playing-parent. If you don't have one in your family, I'd highly recommend making the assignment in your favor (ie, if you prefer to make the hot chocolate and cookies, stay inside! Or if sledding tubes and freezer fingers and snuggling up to a snowman is more your style, plan accordingly). We never had much snow in the places I remember growing up, so getting 2-3 inches of snow every two weeks is a lot to me. But in spite of it's frequency (and the accompanying inconveniences) it's still magical for my kids.

Christmas Letter 2007

I tried to get Christmas letters out to most of you, but in case you prefer the digital version, here it is!

Hello to all you dear people we don’t see nearly enough! We’ve had a relatively quiet year – we’ve managed to stay in the same place, enjoying fabulous neighbors, wonderful family, and a fun city.
Joseph fills his days with:
· His third year of Dental School (only one more to go!!)
· Serving at church (Elders’ Quorum), school (American Student Dental Association leadership), and home (taking care of everything I don’t get around to – i.e., dishes!!)
· Hunting/Survival hobbies (he brought me home a turkey and a buck this season!)
Tara fills her days with:
· Teaching piano lessons & classes
· Serving in the Primary (children’s ministry) at church.
· Working out with a friend [almost] every weekday
· Accompanying our congregational choir and a regional choir
· Taking care of children/home while coping with morning/noon/night sickness (#3 will be arriving in July! How’s that for a birth announcement? :) )
Little K stays busy with:
· Being a FIVE year old & learning to read!
· Attending preschool 4 days a week (she LOVES it!).
· Playing the piano in mom’s piano classes (I love that I get to teach her to love all the things I love! It’s like I’m creating my future best friend Pygmalion-style!!)
J-boy stays busy with:
· Wishing he were potty trained (he sure loves his Lightning McQueen underpants… maybe over Christmas break) (pathetic attempts were made, all unsuccessful)
· Playing with and [mostly] adoring his big sister
· Being mom’s 2 year old errand buddy while sister's in school.
We’re grateful for our home, for our family, for all of you – and we are especially grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We hope you have peace in your home and heart this Christmas!