It's been a while....

I apologize for my lengthy retreat. Between an entire sick family with influenza and a computer bogged down with viruses, I haven't been able to blog. Let me tell you it's been hell! I almost had to check myself into a medical facility for withdrawal symptoms. And not from being absent from my own blog, but from being away from all of yours. I felt like I was missing everyone else's reality.

Anyway, I promise to do better this week after I download the pictures from my camera. And if my cat leaves me alone. Every time I sit at the desk, she jumps up and plops right in front of the computer so I can't see. I have to scoot her over, and then she sits and watches me for the rest of the time. I swear, if one of my kids isn't hanging on me, it's the cat. AAAHHHH!!!

Oh yeah, did I mention that Avery has chicken pox? And I just found spots on Ashtyn and Jordyn. What a year!!!!

Wishing away Winter!

(My little family on a 4-wheeler ride last summer in the mountains. We stopped at a little spring to cool off, swig some gatorade, and snap a picture for posterity.)
Oh how I wish for sunny weather and snowless days. I wish my little family was in the mountains right now on a warm, summer day instead of curled up by the fireplace trying to stay warm. Don't get me wrong, I love living in a place where we get to witness the four seasons at their best, but this particular one has overstayed it's welcome at my house. We just received 6 inches of snow last night and are expected to receive 4-5 more tonight (on top of the tons of snow we already have-I think there is close to 4 feet in our backyard).

And of course Jim is out of town; thanks to my Dad and neighbor for plowing me out this morning. Can you imagine me and my three girls loaded up on the 4-wheeler in all of our fat snow clothes trying to figure out the blade to plow the driveway? I guess I could resort to the perfectly capable snow shovel, but who wants to get that much exercise in one afternoon. We have a very long driveway!

I'm thankful for all the snow we've received as our reservoirs will be full this spring and our farmers will have enough water for their crops. It is also so beautiful outside with the land blanketed in a glistening snow. I should hardly complain since the Lord is blessing us, but I am longing for the days when I can complain that it is too hot because my legs are sticking to the leather seats in my car. Will I ever be happy?

Book of Mormon Challenge

To honor President Hinckley, a challenge has been made to read the Book of Mormon in 97 days. To be honest, I have never read the entire Book of Mormon. I have started it a thousand times but have never completed it. I have had such strong feelings these past few years that I need to read it, but I've let a million things (and excuses) get in the way.

I am excited and completely DETERMINED to achieve this goal and take on the challenge. I was so touched watching President Hinckley's funeral, and with tears rolling down my face, I felt in my heart that I need to do better to follow his great example and stand a little taller. I had an overwhelming feeling to go to the temple more, as it would have a direct effect on my becoming a better mother. I just felt so many different emotions during the funeral that I know need to be acted upon.

I am thankful for a loving prophet, who even in is death, has continued to inspire me and touch my life. Last month when I was writing my New Year's Resolutions, I decided this would be the year to have my testimony and spiritual growth my #1 priority. Yes, I need to lose weight. Yes, I need to stop biting my fingernails. Yes, I need to me a better mother, wife, and homemaker.......But in order to do all of this, I first need to recognize that I am a Child of God, and he loves me. I need to find a way to love myself so I can love and serve others the best I can-I think the key is in my own spiritual journey.

I hope all of you can strengthen your own testimonies in some way this year, also. I hope you will all rededicate your lives to living the example our great prophet has shown us. There has never been a better time than now. Jim and I recently heard a quote that we both loved: "It is never too late to become what you could have been."

I'm sure some of us will fall short at times; feel inadequate or think we can't possibly do anymore. I'm sure some of us will have small successes along the way; little moments of growth that will change us forever. But along the way, if we support eachother and remember we are not alone, I think it will be a really great year! If you want to take on this challenge with me, go to http://www.hinckleychallenge.com/ and let me know so we can do it together. Good Luck!

In his loving arms...

What an amazing man! I was so sad to hear of President Hinckley's passing yesterday. Jim and I both shed tears over the great love we have for him. He truly is a prophet of God, and has touched so many with his gentle manner. We will miss him, but I'm so happy that he is once again in the arms of his sweet wife. I'm sure they are sharing their own glorious moment of peace and happiness.

Crazy!!!

I think this is so sad! I really liked Heath as an actor-I love Ten Things I Hate About You. I feel so bad for his little daughter. He obviously loved her so much and she looks so much like him. Whether it was a drug overdose or not, this seems to be happening more and more. When is the world going to get a clue on the dangers of drugs-prescription or illegal? They are both dangerous!

Sad situations like these always put things into perspective to make sure you tell your loved ones how you feel. Too bad mine is on a plane right now heading to Texas! Hopefully he already knows how much I love him, but I'll tell him again when he calls tonight.

Three Amigos!

I swore I'd never be one of those moms who dressed their kids alike. But it is just way too cute not to-especially having 3 girls. I usually only have them in coordinating colors but these overalls were too adorable to pass up. (Notice the slight difference in their pink shirts. Hey, they have to have a little uniqueness, don't they?) By the way, age 5 is way worse than terrible two's! Ashtyn decided to have an attitude and not smile. Oh how I look forward to the teenage years!

Writer's strike rediculous!

This writer's strike is getting pretty dang annoying. I keep forgetting it's happening until I go to check my DVR for the latest episode of Desperate Housewive's (I'll repent later!!) and nothing is recorded. I know this sounds pretty lame, but I actually look forward to the show every Sunday night for a little escape from reality before Monday starts with all of the craziness of a new week. If every actor donated one of their cars or 10 pair of designer shoes to the writers, maybe they could get something worked out. COME ON, there are people starving all over this world, and Hollywood alone has enough money to change that. What's up?

Kids' Christmas 2007

All Bundled Up!

Help! I can't move! Little kids in snowsuits are so dang cute. Jordyn liked it for a little while, then felt a little too constricted and wanted it off. Idaho is so dang cold that to enjoy the snow, one must wear layer after layer as to resemble the little brother in "The Christmas Story". Hey, at least it's not a bunny suit

!

The Hassman Nativity

I've decided this is as close to Angel as Avery is going to get. The children in our family dress up for the Nativity Scene every year, and Avery played the part of Angel. Too bad she has been acting like a little devil lately. I seriously think she is just too smart and gets bored so easily. She's into everything, and now she throws attitude into everything. She can talk better than most 2 1/2 year-olds, knows her ABC's, counts to 11, and sings several songs including "I am a Child of God". I don't know what to do with her 'cause she's do dang cute, but sometimes I want to slip a little tranquilizer into her sippy cup (not really for all of you who are worried about an impending breakdown-I'm Fine!).

Ashtyn was Mary, and Jordyn was the tiny little shepard with the white head piece and brown headband. She kept saying "I'm a wiseman". Who do you think enjoyed this little play more, the kids or the parents?

Whirlwind Christmas

Christmas was great this year! The girls were so excited to see that Santa had come (well, Ashtyn was. Jordyn was mad that we woke her up, and Avery was just happy as usual). It was so fun to open presents and watch their reactions! To all those who had a nice, calm, relaxing Christmas, I'm a little envious. We've been back and forth from Rexburg and I.F. trying to fit in both families. It's been so great to see everyone (Jim's family from Texas and Utah are here), and I'm so thankful to have such close families on both sides, it's just a little hectic trying to fit it all in. But I'm still in my jammies right now, and I wouldn't have wanted to miss any family. It was so great for the girls to see all of their cousins, and Jim's family is always so much fun. I'll post more pictures of the festivities when I have more time. Right now I need to go shower so we can head up to Rexburg again!

Scarlet Fever Anyone?

Ashtyn hasn't been feeling well since Tuesday, and I finally took her in yesterday after looking in her mouth with a flashlight and finding all sorts of yummy germs. Turns out she has Scarlet Fever! I know, I know....you are probably thinking about the mobs of people Scarlet Fever used to kill back in the day. I was a little shocked myself, but not to worry, it's not as bad as most people think as long as it is treated (which, back in the day, their was no treatment for anything). It is basically a severe form a strep throat that has progressed to a bumpy red rash allover. What a great Mom I am to have let it progress! They're treating her with a strong dose of antibiotics, and we're supposed to stay out of public for a few days. I think Ashtyn felt worse about missing the family Christmas party with her cousins than the actual sickness. Poor girl-I felt so bad for her (me too, since I also didn't get to go!!).

She's feeling a lot better today, but to our utter joy (not), now Jordyn has strep throat, and I'm sure Avery is on her way since she had a slight fever before her nap. Lucky us! A house full of antibiotics that taste gross and make for some yummy toilet/diaper experiences! Wish us luck! As long as the girls are better for Christmas, I won't complain. Especially since we have some of Jim's family coming to town to stay with us for Christmas. (Did I mention one of them is only 3 weeks old-they might want to consider a hotel.)

I hope this finds you all a little healthier than my house is right now. Warning to the wise: don't come near our house-it is full of nasty, little grinch germs that are trying to take away the Christmas magic. We will conquer!

Santa Claus Meltdown

Avery has been loving Santa Claus this year and points to everything with a picture of him, gets excited, and says "Sanna Claus". It is so dang cute! We took the kids to the Mall a couple of weeks ago to sit on Santa's lap. Ashtyn wasn't shy at all, but seeing him in person (instead of on a kitchen towel) made Jordyn and Avery a little nervous. The only way to get them on his lap was for me to sit on it also. I guess I caught the Christmas spirit and the whole idea of why we sit on Santa's lap because my wish list just started spewing from my mouth. "Forget what my kids want, Santa, what about me?" I want; I want; I need; I need......

• Ipod
• True Religion jeans
• New perfume
• Snow board
• Elliptical
• Maid
• Cook
• Nanny
• 10 fewer pounds
• Bigger boobs
• Smaller butt
• Tummy Tuck
• Makeover
• Shopping spree to dress my new, HOT self
• I don't sound vain at all, do I?

The list goes on and on, and mall security was finally called to force me off Santa' lap. I threw a terrible tantrum ("I wasn't finished; Let me speak") and made an embarrasing scene, but hey, I bet it will pay off on Christmas morning when my new boobs are under the tree.

Of course I didn't act like such a brat, but the memories of me as a child sitting on Santa's lap came flooding back. My list is actually not that big this year as I feel pretty blessed to have so many wonderful things in my life. Most importantly, my family-my great husband and adorable daughters. I'm also thankful for a loving Savior who paid the ultimate price for me to be happy and able to return to him one day. I think teaching my children about Christ is the greatest gift I could ever give them. What a better time than Christmas to feel of his spirit all around and share his love with others.

Hope all of you are feeling the spirit of Christmas as the last week is upon us and the mad dash to get everything done sets in. Good Luck!

Anniversary Getaway

It is Jim and I's 7th anniversary today (Love you, Babe!), and we just got home from a getaway weekend to Salt Lake. This has kind of become our tradition the last few years. We leave our kids with Grandma (thanks a bunch, Mom), stay in a nice hotel for a couple of days, and do whatever we feel like for the weekend. This year we ate at some cool restaurants, went to the spa for facials (Jim's motto is "don't knock it 'til you've tried it") and a pedicure for me, went shopping at the malls and Cabella's, worked out together (the best since we never get to), drove around looking at the gorgeous houses and Christmas lights, and just hung out, slept in, and laughed a lot. It was so great to be just the two of us again. A couple needs that every so often to remind each other why they fell in love and to get a fresh perspective on their marriage. I recommend it to all!

Recovery Week

Now that ballet week is over, I'm finding myself very tired, lazy, and lacking in motivation. Ashtyn has gone to church and two days of school with straight hair; the cleaning supplies have been in the bathroom unused for five days; the presents are yet to be wrapped; and I've only cooked two nights this week. The one good thing is that I've gone to the gym every morning and spent more down-time with the kids.

The Nutcracker was amazing, and Ashtyn was so dang cute and really good. The Utah Regional Ballet Company (professional dancers) performed with the kids to make it a really awesome show-even my Dad enjoyed it! Ashtyn's dream is to be a professional dancer, and I know she has the talent to do so. The director of the pro. dancers even commented how good Ashtyn was for her age. Yeah-I'll have to keep in contact so they'll remember her when she gets older. Here are the costumes Ashtyn wore!

Ashtyn was a little girl in the party scene who got her bear taken away, then danced with all the other little girls at the party!

Ashtyn was an overture princess dancing for Clara at the Land of Sweets.

Ashtyn was a Madomoiselle and got to come out of Madame Ginger's big skirt to peform her dance. This was definitely the cutest!

I'm surprised how well Ashtyn survived the week. Ballet is truly her passion!

This is what I did to her hair five times last week (not including switching it to a bun mid-performance).

Before After

Ashtyn has thick hair and a lot of it so the whole process took me a couple of hours each time! Jim cleaned our bathroom last night (what a great hubby!) and had to scrape the hairspray off the floor.

Now I need to get off my butt and clean the girls bathroom. You know-the one that's been waiting for five days. But before I go, here's some pictures of Ashtyn after her last performance with the flowers she got from Daddy and her great-grandma! We love our little ballerina!

Great Job, Ashtyn!

Ballet on the Brain

Sorry everyone for such a long break from posting. We are all breathing ballet this week because Ashtyn performs in the Nutcracker tonight (already peformed a matinee today) and tomorrow night. Ashtyn is only 5, but this is her third Nutcracker performance and she has three parts this year. Ballet is truly her passion and God-given talent (believe me-I don't have a dancing bone in my body; just ask my high school friends how horrible I was when they tried to teach me to move my hips!). If she didn't love it so much, I definitely would not go through this week.

She has had ballet every night this week for 4-5 hours. Most of the girls either dance Friday or Saturday night, but Ashtyn dances both. What can I say-she's amazing for her age. I am helping backstage so I've been there every night as well. By tomorrow's end, I will have done Ashtyn's entire hair in ringlets five times and in a bun five times, and also done her makeup 5 times (mascara and eyeliner included, which also means scrubbing her face in the tub every night). Ashtyn has three costume changes and I have to put her hair in a bun after her first part in the party scene. I think we've gone through an entire bottle of hairspray and a few hundred bobby pins. I also have to help 12 other little girls through two costume changes. Moral of the story: don't wear high-heeled boots every night! My feet are killing me!

I will post some pictures soon, but I left my camera at the theatre. Good thing I'll be there again tonight and tomorrow. One of Ashtyn's costumes is the prettiest purple, poofy dress and pantalooms. She looks so dang cute! My husband deserves a big thankyou for watching the younger girls so much this week and eating cereal for dinner on several occasions.

Great message for us all

I saw this and couldn't believe the wisdom and faith of such a young boy. Definitely a touching moment. Check it out:

http://www.ksbj.org/eblogs/morningShow/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/logan-calf-story.mp3

My beautiful Girl!

I know, I know... should I send her to Hollywood now? We got our family pictures taken last weekend (nightmare!!!) and this is one of Ashtyn's. Her's all turned out beautiful, which I can't say about the rest of us. I will be posting some in the next few days. I know I'm a little prejudice, but I think Ashtyn is gorgeous.

Until next week...

Jim and I are working on our disco dance this week. When we master the disco fever, I will post our dance for your viewing pleasure.

We've been busy!

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!
Sorry I haven't posted for so long. All of my free time has gone to my dance lessons with Jim.