She's a chicken. No pun intended.

We've had chickens for quite some time now.  We love the eggs we get, we just don't all love retrieving them.  Kimber has no problem sticking her hand in the nesting boxes.  But Addie on the other hand has only done it twice now.  Today being the second time.  I felt like she deserved a turn to get the eggs so I told her that she could do it right now for 50 cents, or wait and do it for free.

She went in the house and returned with sandwich bags on her hands.  Then she cautiously entered the coop like something was going to jump out and grab her.  Keep in mind that all of the chickens were out of the coop, roaming around the backyard.

 She was even more cautious as she reached inside for the eggs.  She was squealing!

 There were only four eggs to get but after retrieving one, she needed a break.  Wrong move, Addie.  That was just enough time for Lucy Chicken to mosey back to the coop.

 She made her way in....

 And suddenly, Addie was trapped!

And I was laughing so hard!  I finally had to take a video.  Unfortunately, I didn't get the screaming that was happening, but she still had me cracking up at her expense.

75 things

Someday when my kids are grown up, they'll read this list and:

A) realize how similar they are to their mom

or 

B) wonder who this weirdo is that raised them

Either way, maybe they will learn something new about me.

__________________________________________________________________

I hate shaving my legs 

When I was a teenager, some girls told me I was so skinny that it was actually disgusting 

I hate the sound of people eating 

I learned to drive stick shift in my best friend's Toyota in the church parking lot 

I had a boyfriend in high school that I wish I'd never had 

I won't eat other people's food unless I know who made it and how clean their house is  

My mom used to give me perms 

I can't let my knees touch while sleeping 

I stole my best friend's yearbook when we were 10 because I didn't have my own 

I don't miss Facebook one bit   

I'm a chronic doodler 

I love coming from a big family 

When Jared is gone, I sleep with a light on 

When in public, I am too prideful to look like I'm enjoying myself.  

Sometimes I surprise myself with how patient I am 

My dentist told me I have nice gums 

I'm very realistic and reasonable

I really really resisted getting a smartphone 

I don't have much patience for people who question their belief in the church 

I've had red, brown and blonde hair 

I work best under pressure 

When I was younger, I would always cover my ears at the end of the Duracell Battery commercials  

I've never seen the Grand Canyon 

I am a really good secret keeper 

I hate going to bed early 

I love getting up early  

I'm always tired  

I don't know how I lived before I discovered filling in my eyebrows 

I've built up a tolerance for Caillou 

I'll never wear leggings in public  

I'm very punctual 

I put Chapstick on ever night before going to bed 

I won't use abbreviations when texting 

On my left foot, my third toe is longer than my second 

I will never get a gym membership. I don't think it's a place for moms.  

I started wearing glasses just before I started ninth grade 

I floss every night 

I don't like reading books 

I love dessert 

If someone tells me something I don't think they would want repeated, I keep it to myself 

I don't like movies 

I love getting into bed at night 

I hate grocery shopping  

If I was rich, I'd buy as much as I could for other people 

When I get old, I'm going to get acrylic nails 

I was in a commercial for BYU 

I love to bake and cook, I just hate cleaning it up 

I love a good laugh 

I was almost kidnapped when I was about 9 

I don't like politics and usually just ask Jared who to vote for 

I did synchronized swimming when I was little 

I swore I would never wear skinny jeans. Now that's all I own 

I love to be chauffeured if I am confident in the driver. Otherwise, I will insist in driving  

I work out daily, but never allow it to 
interfere with my family. If my kids need me, I quit 

I believe that if your kitchen is clean, the rest of the house feels clean 

I love comfy pants 

I've never read or seen the Twilight or Hunger Games series  

I don't tolerate gossip 

I only wash my hair about twice a week  

In sixth grade, I asked if I could have a birthday party. I only wanted the presents 

I will go days without touching the computer 

My mom says I was easy to raise 

I give people eyebrow makeovers in my mind 

I'm a major procrastinator 

I had back problems for over a year after the spinal I was given with my C-Section 

I don't like having a calendar or being scheduled for too many things  

I hate crafty projects  

In elementary school, I would stay in for recess to play in the classroom. I was extremely scared that the fire alarm would go off  

I don't like to have my nails clipped or filed by other people 

I buy real brands at the grocery store 98% of the time 

I have a strange ability to remember phone numbers  

Dressing modestly has never been an issue with me 

I've learned I don't love surprises as much as I thought I did 

I get super excited about my (what seem to be) good ideas. I start working on the in a fury right away 

I was one of two people who had a cell phone in high school

I hate finding a babysitter

I have never broken a bone or had stitches

I was student of the month many times in Elementary and High School.  I even met the mayor because of it

I played the flute in 5th grade

I am not athletic and I'm very uncoordinated

I go through more paper towels than the average human being (okay, that's not a fact)

I'd rather have chocolate than fruit flavored candy

I threw up Hawaiian Punch when I was little and haven't drunk it since  

I have been to AZ, UT, CO, NM, CA, ID, TX, NE, IL, IA, MS, PA, NY, IN, OH, WI, Canada and Mexico

I've had my hair colored since I was 13

I have poor posture

I believe I have told my kids every a story for every personal childhood memory I have

I'm bad at math

I didn't get an engagement ring until a week or two before we were married.  The jeweler took his time

I love the beach, I just hate the smell of it

I wish I could be the 4th Sunday Relief Society teacher

I can stay very clam in emergency situations

I hate being the center of attention

I would rather have peanut butter and honey than peanut butter and jelly

One summer I swam so much my hair turned green and I had to chop it off

When we moved to Gilbert I was in fifth grade and worried sick that everyone would know my phone number.    My mom calmed me down by telling me that the phone number does not stay with the house

My least favorite parts of my makeup routine are putting on my eyeliner and mascara

I love music that reminds me of my dad

I would be fine to go days without seeing or talking to another person

I love to find new and improved ways to do things

Vegas // Birthday Getaway

I am rarely speechless but Jared left me so when he told me what my birthday present would be this year.  He said that the two of us would be going to Vegas for the weekend after my birthday.  The first thing I said was, "who is keeping our kids?"  It was music to my ears when he said it would be Annie!  Ahhhh.....I knew they would be in good hands.

This is the third time we've vacationed in Las Vegas.  It's not that we love it or think it's the idea place to vacation, because let's face it, it's far from Disneyland, but it's far enough yet close enough and has a variety of things to do.

We got a room at our favorite hotel, The Trump, for Friday through Sunday.

Friday night we had a late dinner at PF Changs inside of Planet Hollywood.

We got dessert and took it back to the hotel with us.  I loved laying in bed at midnight while I ate it.  (It was felt kind of rebellious!)

We spent a good part of the day on Saturday shopping at Fashion Show Mall.  Time flew past and as we were walking out of the mall I said, "we've been in there for FOUR hours!"  Jared was quick to remind me that I never get to do that!  I did score a few sweet deals on stuff that I needed, like jeans and belts.

That evening we headed out to Caesars Palace.

When we've been to Vegas in the past we've always driven our way through the city.  This time we got wise and took the shuttle.  It was a huge time saver.  The drivers knew their way around time and whipped up right to our destination and back.  Not to mention, the Trump only offers valet parking so it can become a hassle.

We went to an antique car show which was L.A.M.E.  $12 per person for one of the most disappointing sights we've ever seen.  But, it was something new and different.

This car belonged to President John F. Kennedy.

We then spent a while walking around a new section of the strip, The Linq, where the crowd and surroundings seemed to be of a higher moral standard.  We debated and debated about whether or not to take a ride on the Linq's ferris wheel.  In the end, the thought of being in a pod with strangers for thirty minutes was not worth it.  

We had dinner at Cheesecake Factory then made our way to the Paris Hotel to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.  I have a strange thing for noises and the sound of the elevator was probably my favorite part.  Strange, I know.  

Hello, highlighter.  I look dead.

The view, however, was great and I was able to get a few quick videos of the Bellagio fountains for the kids.

We bought a piece of cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory and I indulged again, in bed at midnight.  And again in the morning.  Totally worth it.

It's always interesting to see people in Vegas.  The woman want to look beautiful and dress up.  You can tell that they had their hair and makeup professionally done.  As we were standing in line to get into the Eiffel Tower, I looked around the casino at the people.  Everyone has a story, what brought them there?  Who are they when they are home?  What events in their life had made them who they are?  And let the record show, it is extremely easy to pick out Mormons in Las Vegas.

Jared and I had a great time.  We didn't do anything grand, we just spent time together.  We held hands and we talked.  I couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift.

Motherhood

Being a mom is hard.  Like stinking hard!  

I believe this was taken when my parents were going to Philmont, NM for a scout thing.  This was at Grandpa and Grandma Richardson's house in Bluewater. 

My mom would die if she knew I was sharing this picture.  I actually took it from her house about two years ago and now keep it in a book on motherhood that I have.  This pretty much sums up motherhood in one snapshot.  Wiped.  Out.  But the kids are still going.

But the beautiful thing is, you are never alone.  I love this painting by Brian Kershisnik.  Look at the mother's face.  

I can't put a number on the times I have felt like that.  There have been many nights when I sat by my kids' beds wishing I had been more patient that day or shown them more love.  But somehow, they wake up in the morning and never remember what a monster I was the day before.  

And really, the same goes for them.  It can be pure pandemonium around here and I can hustle everyone off to bed, but once they are asleep, I miss them.  

And the really wonderful thing about being a mom is, you are never ever doing it alone.  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said,   "You can’t possibly do this alone, but you do have help. The Master of Heaven and Earth is there to bless you...Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be magnified, compensated, made more than you are and better than you have ever been as you try to make honest effort, however feeble you may sometimes feel that to be."

I could include a million quotes on this, but I'll just share a few that touch me the most:

“Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind.”  -Howard W. Hunter

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."  -M. Russell Ballard

“The future destiny of the child is always the work of the mother.”  -Napoleon Bonaparte 

This little note from Kimber hangs on my refrigerator.  It reminds me to slow down.  One evening I was buzzing around taking care of my normal evening duties.  Kimber kept hounding me to give her a split second of attention so she could hand it over to me.  I finally said, "what Kimber?!"  She then handed me this sweet note.

I love my hooligans.  They keep me on my toes, they keep me running, they keep me on the verge on insanity, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  Even on my hardest day.

32 Favorites

Today I turn 33.  I decided that I would eat whatever I want and not exercise.  That lasted until about 8:30 this morning when I couldn't help but squeeze a workout in and the most junk food type thing I've eat all day was a chocolate chip pancake for lunch that I treated myself to.  I've got this accountability thing going with a friend and apparently it's created some good habits.

Anyway, a friend of mine blogs about the most darling and creative things and I've stolen an idea from her.  In order to remember 32 more fondly, I'm going to share 32 favorite memories.  These are of course, in no particular order.

Being with Taylor and Nikki in the Temple for the first time.

Watching their sweet little Olive be sealed to them for eternity.

Spending a week with my family in Colorado.

Having my little brother live with us over the summer.

Spending a weekend with a friend in Idaho.

Learning that a brother and a sister would be moving close to me.

Maintaining a consistent exercise routine and weight.

Celebrating Colton's first birthday.  (First birthday's are mostly for the mom, I feel)

Sending all three of my girls off to go hunting with their dad.

Getting a new summer wardrobe.

Seeing that I have been able to make friends with some difficult people.  (I visit teach two ladies (Megan and Lacey) who don't let a lot of people into their circle.  Somehow I've been able to breakdown a few walls they've put up and we've formed some great friendships.)

Having friends come to me with serious life problems and asking for my advice.

Seeing family I haven't see in ages at Grandma Richardson's funeral.

NOT doing summer classes.

Watching my big girls grow and appreciating the friendship that is developing between us.

Catching up with Monica and Gina after many years.

Watching my kids' excitement when they saw the trampoline Santa had brought them.

Finishing the Book of Mormon and learning a whole lot thanks to BofM365 on Instagram.

Hiking Casa Malpais with my kids.

Realizing that I have limits on my time and have to really think about what projects I take on.

Going to El Paso with my kids, Allie and Cooper to see Ben and his family.

Getting involved with Addie's school.

My sisters surprising me for my 32nd birthday.

The laughter I shared with friends and family.

Finally becoming friends with a neighbor I have tried to get to know for years.  We've become really good friends!

Attending a makeup class.

Stepping up our families morning prayer and scripture routine.

Realizing how great my marriage is.

Picking up blogging again (though I am sure I will never be as good as I once was).

Learning to better accept compliments (that's always been hard for me!).

Taking my kids to a Christmas play at another church to support our neighbors.  I told them to pay attention to how they felt and we had a great discussion afterward about the difference between our church and theirs.

Realizing that life really does get sweeter with time.

You kids are stinking lucky!

My kids are spoiled.  They have no idea how good their lives are.  If they are hungry, they simply have to open the refrigerator and a whole world of deliciousness opens up to them (okay, that isn't really true).  If their pants get too short, their mom quickly takes them to the store to get a few better fitting pairs.  Dinner magically appears on the dinner each evening and somehow magically cleans itself up every night.  Someone uses a sweet and understanding voice to wake them up each morning before school.  They get a warm bath and their mom washes their hair for them (yes!  Even Addie, who is just a few weeks shy of turning 10!).  They never ever go without the things they need.  They may go without the things they want, but never ever without the things they need.

(I must interject that although the following situations do happen, there are plenty of times when my kids obey and do help when asked.)

So why would they cry and throw tantrums when they are asked to do a simple job?  I kid you not, all I have to do is say "will you pick up the living room?" and their knees buckle and they go into some type of strange seizure looking fit.  Honestly, it's as embarrassing as it is ridiculous looking.  

They don't always throw fits.  Other times they just say no.  Flat out no.  Take last Saturday for example.  It had been a long day.  Jared was due to be home from work, I was hurrying to get dinner done (a meal that Addie requested) when I told the girls that I needed some help.  I nicely asked them to clean up the front room when they all said no and turned the TV on.  Seriously?  I was appalled.  I decided that Jared could deal with that one when he got home.  And sure enough, he did.

The very next day, I told the girls that I needed them to help me clean up the front room so the home teachers could come over.  Addie and Kimber both found better things to do.  I kept my mouth quiet and cleaned up without their help.  Little did they know that I had a plan!  The kitchen was really dirty and there was an unusual amount of dirty dishes waiting to be washed.  I finished up the living room and kindly told them that they had missed out on the easy job; they were now on kitchen duty!  I left them to fuss while I stewed about my spoiled kids.  They really have no idea who lucky they are.  I decided that I would tackle the topic in Family Home Evening the following night.

We watched this video first-

And we fell in love with Luis Miguel.  We talked about what life as like for him and his family.  We talked about their kitchen, how much his sister would love to by clothes for her family, the condition of their water, the dirt floor they slept on, etc.  After a minute, Addie said, "I know where you are going with this!"  Dang right that's where we were going with it!

(If you think I'm joking when I say a picture of Luis Miguel will soon be hanging in the kids' bedroom as a reminder, just come see for yourself.)

Then we watched this video, which tells stories of families living in their cars.  (I have some personal issues with the story, like a homeless family who can barely afford to feed their kids but can afford a dog.  A giant one at that.) But, the attitide of the kids is what strikes me.  They aren't weeping because they have to get ready for school in a gas station bathroom.  And they aren't pouting because they eat cold food out of cans.  They see their life "as an adventure."  

I really want my kids to know how lucky they are to live in America.  To live in Taylor.  To live in this house, however little it may be.  And they are so lucky that even on their worst day, it does not compare to what others experience every day of their lives.  They were born into a situation that provides them opportunities that others will never have.  Free schooling!  Clean water!  Electricity!  Warm beds!  The Gospel of Jesus Christ!  Dang it, they are so lucky!  But, so am I.  Because I have just as many opportunities as they do.

At the end of our FHE lesson, I told them that if they started sliding back into their old habits, that we would sit down and watch the video of Luis Miguel again.  Apparently once was enough because things at our house improved.  

A Disciple of Christ

In my Patriarchal Blessing it tells me that if I will faithfully take my family to church, then no thought of apostasy will enter our minds.  That has always stood out to me and actually kind of bothered me.  I always thought "I'll never apostatize!  And of course I will always take my family to church!"  

But times are changing and people I once admired for their devotion to the church are turning their backs on it.  People are causing a ruckus about everything concerning the church these days; the women and the priesthood, polygamy, gays not being sealed in the temple, temple ordinances, etc.  The internet is flooded with good people using it as a platform to share their beliefs, but it is equally flooded with people attempting to tear down the church and desecrate it's sacred nature.  It's happening in our little community as well.  Good people over analyzing simple gospel principles thus falling further and further away from what once made them who they are.  

Because of the rapid rate at which the church is being scrutinized, it's made me reflect heavily on the words in my patriarchal blessing.  It's made me realize that I must be firm in my testimony and my convictions.  I must live what I know to be true all the way!  The church is everything to me.  It's why I married the man I did, it's how I can do what I do as a mother,  it's why I don't question where I came from or what happens when I die, it's what motivates me to help others, it's the reason I have joy, it's why I try, it's why I love.

I hope I live my life in a way that shows others I am trying my hardest to be a disciple of Christ.  I want to follow his teachings in everything I do, I want to be everything he wants me to be and I want my words and actions to show him that I am trying.  President James E. Faust said, "One of the greatest blessings of life and eternity is to be counted as one of the devoted disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ."  And that is what I am striving for, to be a devoted disciple.

I've decided that if I can get my family to church during the hardest years when they are young and I do it alone, then I will never quit going when things get easy.  So no need to worry about me turning my back on the church!  I promise to be the stalwart one when everyone else is faltering.  I promise to be the one whose testimony you can hold on to when your's is weak.  I promise to be the one who holds to the rod when the great and spacious building is bigger and louder than ever.  I will not budge.