motivation found.

I think I found it. Taking a break for a few minutes just have to tell you what I've done in the past 36 hours.

- Created 3 picture frames w/ vinyl for a customer. Can't wait to post pictures they are awesome!

- Made 13 vinyl projects complete ready to wrap.

- 2 loads of laundry

-made in my fabouous kitchen Kent made for me the following:
aprox 8 dozen of each of the following:
- Buckeyes
-peanut better blossoms
-cherry choc chip cookies
-oatmean choc chop cookies
-mint choc cookies
-orange balls
-snow men rice crispies (only 3 dozen)
- 2 pans of fudge

Still to make:

pretzel rods and orange slices dipped

I was feeling like it was alot until I typed it.

Off to put it all in baskets and deliver!

I wish we did this all year is so much fun!

Merry Christmas to all!

Motivation needed please

Ok I'm not in the mood to complete any of the things I have left to do. I want to do them but, don't!

I have started the last of my vinyl christmas presents (only have to stick them)
I have grocery shopped and made fudge.
I have the kitchen I begged for and have yet to cook in it like I wanted (What's up with me).
I have designed the things I need to scrap book.

I have started loads of laundry. (the don't get put away or folded).

I still have to pack for our trip to Michigan on Thursday night.

If any one out there has any motivation could you please send it my way. Please just for a day or two.


I was ready to cook only to find taht someone somehow had broken my Kitchen TV AGAIN! I'm bummed. I just got it back working. I just want the noise realy but, it makes me sad, upset that things keep getting broken. I don't understand some times I want to live in my own little bubble. I can't stand broken things. I've been like this since I was a child. Mind you I kept many of my toys new in the box because I didn't want them to be used.

I think I must have some type of phobia or something. Oh well Guess I need to get something done.

Merry Christmas

So what does one do on a snow day?

I have not had a snow day in 15 years and I lived in Idaho for 3 years. Let's say there was not even a trace of snow on my side of town this am.

Kent even made it home from Reno (via airplane) by 9:30 am. Wow then showered and went to work much to his princesses (Clarissa's) dismay!

So what did the kids and I do you ask.

-- we slept in, Clarissa and I slept til 8:30 and my early rise til 9 (he us usually up at 6).

-- Cleaned Clarissa's room

-- Went to lunch With tutu (my mom) and Inn and Out burger

-- Clarissa and Hunter finished their Christmas shopping. Yes, they buy presents for friends and an angel person. We don't have a huge family and I feel its extremely important they learn to give. If I do this right I'm hoping that one Christmas we can only give to others and they will not want presents but, find the joy in giving to others. I know they will have to be older. I'm hoping.

-- Now the kids are down and I'm off to get presents wrapped for school tomorrow and the rest of them made.

Snow day

Yes, that's right tomorrow is a snow day here in Las Vegas! There is 6-10" of snow we have not seen this much snow since 1979 and 1974!

Bad News Kent only goes on 1 business trip every other year. Yes, you guessed it was today to Reno and he is stuck there! I'm not thinking he'll be home before 4 tomorrow either. Fun Stuff!

Christmas photos

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

New pictures of our Rock Star Princess

A big cupcake cheese Who me?

I'm 4. You can have a shirt like mine!

My natural pose- mouth open.

Getting to know you.

This was on a friends blog and I thought I'd copy her. Please answer the following questions on your blog. Comment so we know to go read your answers.

What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

What traditions does your family have?

What do you usually like to give your spouse?

What is the most expensive gift you have given?

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

My answers:

What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Giving (finding those in need), Decorating,

Cookie party (it's tomorrow night (sat) can't wait to see you)

What traditions does your family have?

Cookie party, Giving to others, Day after shopping,

What do you usually like to give your spouse?

Presents he'll like it's hard to surprise him.

What is the most expensive gift you have given?

A gun

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

The one I remember the most is Someone secretly game me green velvet. I wanted to make a green velvet dress real bad, Not the fake stuff and it was wrapped and left on our pourch.

I have many more memories that I cherish when I have been the giver but, sharing them ruins them for me. Sorry. I love finding those in need and being Santa. It's my favorite part. I wish I had an unlimited supply of money to do this part of Christmas. I hope I can teach my children this is Christmas it's all about the giving.

Please sign the petition!

You'll find a petition on my side bar. I'll leave it at the top for a few days and then move it down a little.

Please sign the petition to fight premature birth.

As the Mother of a premature baby I know the effects of premturity. We have beeen very blessed as Clarissa only spent 7 days in the NICU but, leaving your first baby in the NICU for 7 days was rought. Going home with out her was hard. Even worse than visiting her in the NICU would and could have been never getting to take her home. I feel like I can't complain about my 7 days when I think of that.

She is a very smart, active 4 year old as you can tell from this blog. Many others are not so lucky. I attribute it to that fisty attitude and disposition she has. I always say that's what got her here 6 weeks early and kept her in the NICU for only a week.

Please help educate others.

For Healthier Babies,

Autumn

Mother of a premature baby (Clarissa)
Mother of a Health full term baby (Hunter)
Educator
Former March of Dimes employee

Drama Queen

Did any of you hear any whaling and gnashing of teeth and moaning last night?

Did you hear loud laughter in the Henderson, NV area

Clarissa was trying out for Drama Queen of the year.

Or so I hope that is what all the racket was about. I'm afraid she has been paralyzed by fear. If you happen upon her in the next few weeks I'm sure she'll tell you the paralyzing story.

It's called 4, 4 year old shots.

She went to the Doctor last night and "he hurt her". (I didn't think she'd be getting shots til Spring so I didn't prepare her, so I do feel a bit guilty.) None the less I'm sure my writing can not do justice to the drama that has been going on at my house.

She screamed out with pain for hours last night. Could hardly walk out of the Dr's office. Told everyone there the Dr. hurt her and was mean. Advised the kids in the waiting room to not go back to see the doctor as they hurt you.

Screamed and cried like she had gotten stitches. Moaned as she walked down the hall and to the car. Was so hurt she couldn't eat a Happy Meal. But, could try a Frosty.

I had to pick up some items for school at Joann's and Michael's. She moaned as she walked around the stores, crying out in pain like she was beaten. As we walked out of Jo Ann's she screamed so loud the people 2 stores down had to look at her and me. (I have to tell you all the time I'm trying to not laugh, and telling her maybe she needed to go to bed if it hurt that bad. And we wouldn't be able to put up her Christmas tree). She moaned and screamed all the way home and fell asleep for a few short seconds.

She hurt so bad her dad had to carry her in the house (The only person who gave her sympathy). She advised her brother that doctors are mean and he shouldn't go see them. They hurt you. She continued to carry on like at the stores being able to do nothing. We didn't even put up her tree as she was to hurt. When she had to get off the couch to get ready for bed. She requested a walker to help her walk. She feebly crept down the hall for her PJ's and had to sleep on the couch due to pain.

In her defence I was up til 2 am peeling vinyl and she whimpered in her sleep and called out til about 1 am. (Which has me concerned, She felt fine). She woke this morning hardly able to do anything (according to her). I told her we may have to cancel a play date and she seemed to feel a little better.

Yes, we have a DRAMA QUEEN on our hands. Guess I got my money's worth from Hollywood Kids!

I think she could have gotten an Oscar for her performance.

It was so funny to watch our little drama queen!

May we see Red carpet in our future. Guess I should listen to those talent agents. I could spend my weekend in LA instead of at Crap shows (craft).

Letters from Santa, Elf coming soon.

Clarissa and Hunter both received letters from Santa in the mail last night. It seems he's been spying on them and seen a few naughty things they've done. He is even sending an elf to come watch after them. I have added a new tradition to my even busier holiday season. check out this site. http://www.elfontheshelf.com/

You can google and find out all types of elf sightings. I've heard he moves from room to room and reports to Santa each night when you go to bed. I can't wait for the elf to arrive.

Last night Rissa got all of her dolls in her room to get ready for the elf to come.

I have to say I truly am excited about this little elf. We'll report about him when he arrives.

Christmas letter

In my effort to be technologically savy, I'm posting my Christmas letter this year on my blog and then sending out fewer cards/ letters. So here it goes.

Merry Christmas to all

We do hope this Christmas letter finds you in good cheer. We have been blessed with yet another successful year of good times and good health.
Clarissa turned 4 this year and is quite the social butterfly. She was in her first play as a munckin and had her first dance recital. She loves to sing and dance and can't wait to be in more plays. She also loves to rider 4 wheelers with her dad. She is Daddy's little princess and has him wrapped around her little finger. She is excited to start school next year and be a big girl.

Hunter is still his Momma's boy and loves anything that involves dirt, to his mothers dismay. I swear he is a dirt magnet. He keeps baby wipes in business and mom criying with all the dirt. He loves to make his sister sqeeal most recently just by calling her Cassie instead of Clarissa. He is the BEST hugger and kisser. He loves to give hugs and kisses to his mom esp. before she leaves in the morning. He is a charming boy and we are told all the time he will be a heart breaker. I hope we can teach him to be prince charming.

Kent is on year 20 of working at Western Casework and still enjoys all he does there. He had quite the hunting season and we are looking forward to seeing more of him now that it is over. He finished our addition including laying my new bamboo floor in the additon and kitchen. I wanted it so I got it, and well it is nice.

I have spent my year running in circles with my house being added upon which I am greatful for, I have lived in a cloud of dust. I finished an additonal 16 graduate credits this past school year for a total of 29 in 2 school years. Yes, I'm crazy. I was accepted into the Las Vegas Crafters Guild with my bows and vinyl and thus my business took off. I have been doing large craft shows and kickin butt, That also means I have been staying up to keep up with demand. It's getting taxing. I'm still teaching 8th grade English and well I'm ready for a change.

The kids, Tutu and I started our year with a trip to the big D, Disneyland with our dear friends the Lindbergs. We only made one other trip to Disneyland this year but, I was lucky enough to go to FL for a conference and went to Epcot and got to see my grandparents too. Not to mention shop at some great southern outlets (heartstrings). We took our annual pilgrimage to MI via plane again. This is where I earned 50 grey hairs. Me and 2 kids on the plane. Yeah I think I'd rather run 30 miles up hill. I say everytime never again. (and then I agree to do it again for Christmas) We had a good time but, Poppy (my dad) spent most of our visit in the hospital, so Rissa was very sad. She is still a little upset over that but, we all know time heals all wounds. While on vacation we went to the Toledo zoo and saw how big baby Kalie and Louie had gotten and did not miss the zebra's (Rissa's favorite animal, missed last year) this year.The kids also got to attend their first Tiger's game! It was my first in the new stadium. It was grand. Hunter is now in love with baseball which is good since he doesn't even fit into 18months pants at 2 1/2.

That's about all for our travels this year.

I had a cow elk tag and harvest that in early Oct. Kent had a PIW tag and was able to hunt a lot (almost every weekend) this fall. He harvested a nice buck that we are hoping will appear in a magazine.

We are busy with all hte hustle and bustle to get the holidays ready and ourselves ready for our Christmas trip to Michigan. The kids are excited to see snow. I'm excited to see family again.

I'm so excited for blogging and facebook as I have been reunited with some dear old friends and now can't wait to see them in person again. Stay tune to our blog for the many things we do. We manage to keep life interesting to say the least.

Merry Christmas

P.S. We will add Pictures to this post soon

Enlightening news

I have to say I love my husband! That being said his message to me this morning struck a cord of panic.

He asked me the date to which I replied Dec. 1st. He then enlightened me by telling me Christmas was only 3 weeks away. (just in case I didn't know that).

I'm not sure why maybe it was the fact that he seemed so worried about it too. But, it made me panic. I'm pretty much done with my shopping. I'll tell you about that later.

I have a few presents to make and well. I've taken to gift cards for all presents that need to be sent any distance. I know lazy and impersonal but, heck I can give them an extra $10.00 as oppose to paying it in postage. I am getting to make a few extra presents as we are going home Christmas day.

My sister and Dad have been here since Tuesday and are leaving tomorrow. That has been great fun. The kids are sad to see them go. But, the good news in we'll be there in 3 weeks for Christmas, the bad news is I'm not sure when we'll see them next after that.

We'll I'm off to run errands and then get home. I'll tell of my adventures this weekend later this week. It has been full of fun and shopping.

nostalgic

I'm cleaning for the holidays today and consequently going through my kids toys. Hunter has baby toys left that he rarely plays with. I think the 2nd child grows up a little bit faster. I did good I boxed up a whole box of toys to sell at my yard sale in a few weeks. However, There are 2 toys I just couldn't take off the self. It made me feel like my baby boys was to big. He has this cute fisher price animal train and the stacking turtle thing. I love them they are so cute. I just left them. Maybe when he's 12 I'll take them out of his room. Okay before then but, still. It was so hard to go through toys. I boxed all the happy meal toys first and then those that were not age appropriate or haven't seen them play with in ages. I have friends who say they just get rid of all the broken toys and that does it. I'm happy to say I only found one broken toy in his room. I'm so glad my kids take care of their toys but, it does make it hard to get rid of them. I use the excused they are home all day unlike other kids thus they need all the toys. They do a great job of rotating. The only toys I don't think they play with a lot are the little people but, I think that may be my collection. As I had little people before I had kids, oops.

So I guess Hunter's room is ready for Christmas. He even has empty shelf space, bring on the Dr. Jones toys (Indiana Jones is his new favorite movie and they even have age appropriate Dr. Jones toys, he spotted them this weekend).

Now for the Princesses room. I'm going to let her help me. She has 2000 little things and believe me she has them all inventories. I know when ever I try to sneak something out I get caught. I'm going to bribe her with 1. Poppy and YaYa are coming and 2. We can put up her Princess Christmas tree in her room on Thursday if we can get it all clean.

Now off to finish the rest of the house.

Addictions

The boys at our house suffer from addictions.

Halloween has taken it's tole on poor Hunter. He came away with a Chocooolate addiction. I swear he is a chocoooooolate hound and can sniff the stuff out. The other day Rissa came to tell me Hunter was in the chocolate (mine you she was completely innocent, NOT). This is what I found in our family room.

Think this looks bad when I moved the couch to sweep under it later in the week there were more wrappers found.

And this was the cause of all the wrappers. It might not be so bad but, he can't eat the chocooolate with out wearing it too.



Such a disturbed face as his mean mom told him NO MORE CHOCOOOOOOLATE!

He has been sited walking back and forth in the kitchen saying chocooolate, chocooolate when he knows it's on the counter. I try real hard to put it up. I make these cute break in case of emergency chocolate kits for craft shows and he steals candy out of them if they are left unwrapped. I'm scared he has a serious addiction. My only hope is chocolate is not enough motivation to use the potty. But, it will get rooms cleaned and other chores done and dinner eatten. I see a big chocoalte santa in Hunter's stocking.

Just for the record us girls suffer from no addictions. We are not addicted to paper. I promise! The fact that I have 24 feet of wall space with nothing but 12x 12 paper proves it.

Rissa is not addicted to paper either, just because a girls has carried a Bath and Body works bag of reciepts around for a week and steals her mom's cute pads of paper at every chance does not mean she is addicted to paper. We use paper for writing and journaling and all that fun stuff one must do in life.

We all know that Dad is addicted to antlers (Hunting).

So as I see it we are a family of addictions.

Hunter- Chocooolate

Clariss and Mom- paper and scrapbook stuff

Kent- Hunting items

But, hey we'll go to our recovery meeting together and have fun as a family.

Just think. Hunter will provide the food on our Hunting trips that Clarissa and I will record the memories forever!

What a deal

A rissa funny

I just have to share this Rissa funny more to save it than anything.

Today when Rissa was blessing her food, after fighting with her brother over who would say the blessing. (really is it necessary to fight over who says the prayer).

She started her prayer off with My favorite Heavenly Father.

I'm so glad he is her favorite as opposed to her unfavorite one.

Kids say the darnedest things

I'm going home for Christmas

Well sort of. We (the kids and I) are leaving Dec. 25th on a red eye and will arrive in MI the next morning. We are all so very excited. My dad e mailed me a faboulous deal on tickets the other day and then got them for us as a present. I have wanted to go home for the past few years. The day before I was whinning to my DH that I wanted to go to MI for Christmas but, it was just not in our budget. I have not been to MI for Christmas in 13 years. So it will be a real treat.

Clarissa is so excited to see snow. I'm scared she will freeze to death as she is freezing with our cold weather now (it's a whole 50-70 degrees out). She keeps telling me about all the sweaters she will need to take. Her only concern was we couldn't leave til after Santa came. It will be fun to see my family 2 x in almost a month. My Dad and sister are coming for Thanksgiving. They came last year and I surprised my dad that I knew how to cook so he had to come back for 2nds.

I love cooking Holiday meals. I don't understand why some people complain about them. I think they are fun. I truely don't see that they are a lot of work but, that's me. It's the house cleaning I could do with out. I think my goal for next year is to have someone else clean my house 2x a month. Esp. if I'm going to continue to do craft shows.

I can't tell you how excited I am for my kids to make Christmas memories with my family. I have a very small family. It's kind of a joke on my dad's side as it's a family reunion when I come home. My dad only has one brother and he has 3 boys.

Thanks dad for a great Christmas present

Now the only thing on my wish list is a flat screen TV for my scrapbook room.

well I have a few other things but, that will do it. Santa are you reading this? I hope so!

I'm so excited

Ok remember that long hunting season that I was oh so happy about. Well, it may make one of my goals/ dreams in life come true. I have always wanted to have my work published and now is my chance. Kent submitted his pictures to a hunting magazine and they have asked him for more pictures and an article in hopes that they will publish it. I'm so excited I just can't hide it.

Now, I was hoping it would be my craftyness that got my published but, hey it's a start. Stay tuned for updates.

knocked myself out (or tried to)

I had my last craft show of the season this past weekend. Let's say it ended with a bang or knocking myself out. This nice little tile below is not as innocent as it looks.

It caused this to my face on Saturday morning. No I did not need stiches nor did I get a bad black eyes but, It hurt real bad for several days.

It was great to hang out with friends but, it was not my most productive show of the year. But, you can't win them all. Part of the process is seeing where your stuff sells best and I am learning this. My items are at a home show this weekend, it was kind of weird to drop my stuff off and leave, a little unnerving but, we'll hope for the best. I'm busy doing custom orders from here on out!

Primary program update

Sorry for the delay the computer would not work with me!

I did not have to crawl out of chruch. Rissa was the first child to talk so it was intereseting and her shy side came out (yes, she has one). We couldn't hear her but, I'm assuming she said her line correctly My name is Clarissa and I am a child of God. She didn't even realy sing the songs that she knows so well. She always puts them together at home and makes intersting songs.

Here is her Thanksgiving dress. She was not in the picture taking mood as you can tell from her face.
Here are my 2 greatest blessings. I love how both kids can't look at the camera at the same time.

Cheese, I want my picture taken by this ugly pole isn 't it a cute prop. Don't mind her sore on her face she kept picking. I told her she couldn't see Santa til it was gone (mean mom) so she finally stopped picking it.

Sorry for the delay the computer would not upload my pictures!

I'm scared

Clarissa has her primary program tomorrow. We made her a cute new dress that almost sold for $45.00 today. She is going to look so cute, and I may be crawling out of church on my hands and knees of embarassment. We'll post pictures tomorrow I hope.


She is suppose to say My name is Clarissa and I am a Child of God. She has been saying My name is Clarissa and I am a whinny butt Child of God. Great Here I go to the Bishop's office.

Yesterday she went with me to the craft show and we were practicing I swear she said My name is Clarissa and I am a SEXY child of God. She didn't repeat it but, 2 of us heard it I thought I was going to DIE! So I'm scared. I'll bring Knee pads and sit on the edge of my seat waiting to see if I need to quickly crawl out. Maybe I'll pinch Hunter so he'll cry so I can leave with my red face.

Tomorrow will come and we'll see what she says.

Then today after practice she came up with My name is Holly Ghost and I am a child of God.

I've gone to bribery so we hope she gets it right! She can chose a My Little Pony or a Littlest Pet Shop if she says it right and loud. Hey a mom's got do waht a mom's gotta do. It'm my reputation on the line here. I don't want her to be a spaked Child of God.

I guess she know that no matter what she is a Child of God.

Can't wait to post pictures with her and her dress. She looks so cute and I'm not bias at all. She was told that all day at the craft show with her scabbed face (that's another story).

Come see me this weekend!

Join us at our Crafters Market

Friday, November 14 * Saturday, November 15 * Sunday, November 16, 2008

Show Times: Friday noon – 6pmSaturday 9 am – 6 pmSunday 10 am – 4 pm

Located at: 5060 S. Fort Apache ste 140, Las Vegas, NV 89418

40+ Talented Crafters and Artisans will display their hand crafted products at a unique craft show experience.Shop with all of our vendors and only pay once at our central check out. All Major credit cards accepted.

I will have my plotter there on Saturday and Sunday and will be able to make custom items.!

Life this week

I wish I had a lot to report for this week but, since I spent half of it in bed and am still recovering. I don't have much to report except health is a great thing. I know I said this earlier but, I have never in my adult live been down for 3 days, not Knee surgery, not 2 babies, not laporoscopies (3) not anything but, that 102 fever I had this week. I promise you as soon as it broke I was out of that bed. YOu know me I have to go. I did cancel out of my show for this weekend and was sad but, couldn't risk not getting better.

It was so nice to be home and to have Kent home we kept teasing him. Oh, this is what it's like to have a Dad on the weekend. It was great to have help at church and the melt downs were far less altought Hunter did tell the whole ward he'd rather get a spakin and stand in the corner than sit there another minute. I kind of didn't blame him the speaker was hard to follow.

Oh yeah News from the Chapel Heights ward

I'm so excited I was in the first group to get a calling and I wasn't called to a presidency! I would have served where ever I was asked but, I am the Enrichment Coodinator/ Director- It is the perfect calling for me. I can't wait we can do so much and have an enrichment blog!
And it looks like we'll only have one calling in this ward! The YW president was sad as she said she requested me to but, I was taken. How it feels to be a wanted woman to serve the Lord.

The only real thing I have accomplished this week is vinyl for a YW in excellence. I'll post a picture when I get it. The whole idea was mine and they look so cool if you ask me!

I'm excited to get busy enriching and I'm so happy for good health. I've had a killer headache all day but, I can live with that in comparison to a 102 fever.

Have a great week and I'll post about my chocoholic later in the week!

I'm back to cleaning and getting ready for the Holiday season. I can't wait this is my favorite time of year. Cookie party, gift wrapping, crafting, friends, family and well no snow here it's just final got cold but, we still have not had to turn on our heater!

I'm so glad the PIW tag is filled ! to the tune of I'm so happy when Daddy gets home.

Yes, the long await is over.

The day that has been anticipated as much as the birth of our 2 children has come. Kent filled his Partnership In Wildlife tag Yesterday.

Much to his dismal his sick wife only posted the pictured today. (I was sick in bed for 3 days with a fever of 102 thus this post was delayed (that post was ate bv blogger a few hours ago.)

Here he is in all his glory.

4 x 4- 180'' +/_

I think the song goes I'm so happy when Daddy comes home.



My version is:

I'm so happy when the PIW tag if filled.

Our Daddy will be ours again.

No more coolers in our kitchen,

No more hunting clothes to wash.

No more weeks left alone to tend the kids.



I'm so happy the PIW tag if filled.



OK in all seriousness I'm happy. I mean just think we may have a topic of conversation that is not interrupted by a hunting thought. Hasn't happened yet, but, it could maybe. I mean approx 45 days waiting for the season to open and then for figuring sake I'll say 3 months I know it wasn't daily but, it was talked about daily of "THE PIW SEASON" and now it's over. Today I had to laugh as Kent called on his way home to see if I'd made this post yet. I mean really it's not over. for 4 1/2 months we've anticipated or been working on harvesting this buck how long til it's over? I don't know. I suppose it will be talked about a while longer. It may be the great Kizerian Legend. The year our marriage with held a PIW tag with 2 small children.

It's OK Dear we love ya.



We're just glad to have our Daddy back.



I'm glad to not have to wrestle 2 kids every Sunday by myself because I was about to throw in the Cheerios. We're also glad that we have a full freezer to feed us and He owes me BIG. Look out Girls trips here we come! After all I have 3 months worth of weekends right?

strp throat kicked my butt!

I've been sick Yeah me flat in bed for 3 days! I didn't think it was possible to lay in bed 3 days and do nothing but, sleep I mean surely you'd find something to do. But, I was sick 102.7 fever when I went to the Dr on Monday afternoon with a sore throat that only got sorer. At some points I though death would feel better. May have been the dream where I was be hung by IV lines from the ceiling?

I don't know how many bones we have in our body but, I know I could feel all of mine and they hurt esp. in the joint areas.

I have never missed 3 days of work unless child birth or surgery and I don't think for my last surgery I was out 3 days.



I don't do sick well. Thanks to my husband and mom for watching my kids as you know they just want to take care of you too. Clarissa loved to come lay on my bed with me. But, I just kept thinking I'm going to get her sick.



I even canceled out of my show for this weekend. I could not have set up tonight for anything. I can still hardly talk but, It doesn't feel as bad as it did this time yesterday when I couldn't swallow.

I am so thankful for good health. Kent says he thinks this is the only time in 8 years he's seem be down for 3 days. I think he may be right. I was up hours after having Rissa- had to be to see her and just the same after Hunter, Despite what some people think I'm not a wimp. Heck I walked the Susan G. Komen a the Saturday after I had Hunter and carried him in my front pack.



But strep throat kicked my butt!

4 years ago

I was looking at the pumpkins on the table tonight as we decorated cookies and thought my big girl use to be smaller than that pumpkin. I so wish I had hallowed out a pumpkin and put her in it back then. Here is Rissa's first halloween picture. This is a pumpkin costume from the Build a bear store. She was just over a month old in the picture.

I have to tell you Her due date was Nov. 6th and I was just sure she was coming early. I wanted her to have an Oct. B day so her birthstone could be an opal like her mom's. I had my eye on this cute Dalmation costume at Target. Kent told me he'd go buy it even if I went into labor on the 31st. Just in case she made it before midnight. Didn't want her to miss out.

Well as well all know she made her grand entrance 6 weeks early on Sept. 25th- guess she wanted to share her Yaya's birthstone and not her mom's. And well everything was to big for her. But, the build a bear costume and clothes were just right.

Look how our little pumpkin turned into a princess

Pumpkin Time

It's Pumpkin Time Yes, that is vinyl on our pumpkins! Yes, we put vinyl on anything that does not move! Dad and Rissa drew the images on CADD and Mom cut them on her plotter.
This will be dinner tomorrow night. I wanted to make them tonight but, you have to let the dough rise. I got the idea from here.
I'm so excited. My friend Jodi told me about worms in a bun too. I also make witch hats. I love the Holidays and can't wait for Christmas!

Pumpkin row.
Dad's, Mom's, Hunter's and Rissa's


Hunter and Rissa's pumpkins

Mom's pumpkins. yes, with bows!

Rissa proud of her pumpkin!

Choco boy with his. He found the chocolate while mom and dad were designing and cutting. He is a chocolate hound!

Mom and Dad's pumpkins

Who can get upset with this cute choco boy. See I do let them get dirty.

OK I didn't let this happen.

And to end with our cute story of the day.

I was cooking dinner Cornbread casserole YUMMY.

Hunter and Rissa were playing and chasing each other around the house. I was thinking how "Normal" it all seemed. Rissa is telling Hunter he is the dog and he needs to bark (yes, she is a bit bossy, where does that come from?). Hunter, tells her no he doesn't want to. She won't give in so he says, "I don't want to Cassie.". I'm not sure where the Cassie came from but, he called her this Monday on the pilgrimage across town to the Dr's office and it made her so mad. Yes, it made her furious tonight as well. It seem Hunter at 2 1/2 has figured out how to get under his sister's skin. Call her Cassie and she erupts. It's kind of funny. She just melts and tells him that is a bad name her name is Clarissa or Rissa but, not Cassie! Oh the joys of kids, How fun these times are I can't wait til they are teenagers.

Yes, I am a teacher and Yes, I am a Republican!

With the elections less than one week away, and all the political talk I just wanted to make my statement!

I am Autumn Kizerian and I am a Republican.

I fondly remember the day I registered to vote in front of Winn Dixie (yes, there is such a store) at Tates Creek and Man O War. I registered Republican that day and in every state since. I had to make my husband change is political party or I would not marry him. Sorry no free agency in this marriage.

There are few things in life I can claim to be in 100% agreeance with my father on. My political view are one.

I will admit I was hoping to be going to the polls to vote Mitt Romney in as president but, Mc Cain/ Palin will do. I like a woman who can use a gun. We have one thing in common.
I work hard for my money and I want to keep it in my bank account. I do believe our life choices bring us to our social economic status. Some choose to make more than others. I have chosen to be a teacher thus I make less money than if I had gone with my true passion in life business but, I can spend time with my family. 80 hour work weeks do not make the mother I wish to be.

OK my real point. is I'm tired of people assuming that I am a Democrat because I'm a teacher.

Why must I vote for Mc Cain you ask. well first and foremost I am a Child of God- a christian and I just can't vote for someone who does not agree with that 110%.

I don't think my family should be penalized because we work harder thus we should pay more in taxes. Or the extra tax I would have to pay as my house is larger. I pay for this house, I (and my husband) worked hard for many years so I could have this house.

If I want to own guns to feed my family or protect my family I should have that right.

This country was found on the principles of FREEDOM I feel like these very principles are being challenged. I'm scared for the United States my children will live in. I pray we do not become a socialistic government. Life is not fair and equal. As people we are not fair and equal. I know I've been at the bottom and am hopefully on my way up food chain. Hard work will get you where you want to be. Time and dedication will get you there!

I am a Republican I am voting for Mc Cain/ Palin and I'm praying the rest will vote with me.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween After multiple attempts the first picture was the best.
Hunter's ears make squeaky noises. so he'll be playing with those all night.




a not so happy tired, Minne from her photo shoot.

and then a few Halloween funnies.
For skeleton Hunter says a scaryton.

\He must be related to the student I had at the beginniong of the year who called me Mrs.Scarezarian.
and Rissa is finally not scared of the scaretons anymore and wants one for her room. She got a little pumpkin and some Halloween stickers and informed me she needed to decorate her room for Halloween.
A girl after her Mommy's heart.

Have a safe Halloween. We're excited as we are going to AZ to our friends to go trunk or treating.

What have I been up to this week.

What have I neen up to well these pictures should show. I made these blocks this week. I'm rather happy as to how they turned out. Here they are on my mantel- Please ignore the mantle. it's gross. I think that is one of the things I miss from my last house was the beautiful mantle Kent built me. I said that's one of the 2 things I want for Christmas this year. anyway here it is. I moved some of the pumpkins to the end for the picture. The kizerian tile I taught in enrichment last year.
I've made lots of bows. This is a bow I had to add to Rissa's Minnie ears for Halloween as the one with the ears is well not up to par. It was her idea and she even helped make it. Fun!


And then other vinyl projects as well. I love this sign. I don't know why. I just think it's cute. I still have 2 left. I should have a drawing for people who commnet but, then Marsha you'd be the winner.

When you think your life is crappy.

I have this vinyl on my tub for months (It was part of a line called mirror motivators I never launched). I think I need to ad to it.

No Poopin in the tub! yes, that large floating was left by the blue eyed boy below. Thank goodness mom listen to sister and let her bathe alone that night.

I also have to thank the haz mat clean up crew. Sorry It wasn't in my job discription so I called in the not fait of stomach Super DAD. See with his clean up gear. BLEACH!

I just have to say as the bathroom mirror says.

When you think life is crap just hang on and endure the good times.

and don't take baths with Hunter!

Chapel Heights

Doesn't the name just make you want to belong. I now belong to the Chapel Heights ward. I was so excited to go to Church today. We were having our boundaries redone. I love my ward I'm in, I have fun teaching Enrichment calsses and being the Achievement Day leader . We've lived in this house 4 years and this is our 3rd ward.

Clarissa and Hunter were upset as there was no Primary today. I told them it's because we are getting new friends. I wasn't sure what the change would be but, was excited for it. There are many things in life to get upset over ward changes just are not high on my list.

So our ward and another was dissolved and the Chapel Heights ward was made. I love the name it just sounds cool. Kind of sounds like a TV show. Live on BYU TV what's happen in teh Chapel Heights ward. Maybe I can remember my ward name now.

I'm excited as there are lots of new people. I'm hoping my kids can make friends. Hunter needs a friend, so his sister told him on Saturday. All the friends we have are girls thus according to Clarissa they belong to her. She was gracious to offer Anya after some cohersion. I think Hunter claimed her. Smart boy.

I wonder where I will get the chance to serve. What will I get to do? I quickly came home to clean up my living room as you know those drop in visits.

This Weekend- again a Hunting widow. (IE. I can get things done and stay up late)
Laundry sorted this weekend. I did 13 loads of laundry ( I'm a little anal and sort to much like red are a load so are blacks and then blues. Towels are NEVER washed with colors not matching and I have 4 colors of towesl (yes, it makes like nuts but, I don't like towel balls and would then need new towels) and it is folded minus one load. It still needs to be put away. But, I will get that done tomorrow. (Heidi or was it Stacey thanks for the clothes/towels/bedding tip. It did help.)

I also got hair bows made to match Rissa's winter clothes which were also gotten out. I think it may be a sin to have so many clothes. Definitely another closet of Gymboree (they are havign a sale as we speak, I haven't looked yet, as really we only need pants for Hunter and I'll end up buying more clothes) clothes but, they were all on sale. Honest they were cheaper than Target or Walmart. I'm so excited for her to wear them all. I'll take pictures of the bows and post later this week.

I also got some things ready for the show I'm doing on Saturday. I got a lot of vinyl peeled and a cool Harvest blocks done that I have been visualizing for weeks. I also got 3 stackers done.


I cleaned and organized a little in a few rooms.

We went trick or treating at the Springs Preserve with our friends the Hendersons. We also went to the Disney store to get our costumes- I finally talked them into being Mickey and Minne. Mickey was easy. Minnie- we'll she's not a princess nor Fancy Nancy but, some creative mom talk and it was settled. Ears and all I'll post tomorrow. We had fun.

So I'm still looking forward to next Sunday to see who all my new ward members are. New friends! I can't wait and old ones too. I'm begining to learn to embrace some change. The only think that is kind of yuck is we now have 9 am church but, that should be til January right.

Another fun, exciting and productive weekend.

up date on the trophies

Here I am dreaming of fame and spotlights, thinking I have a future olympian, padgent queen or actress on my hands. Nope, The prized trophies are none other than Piston Cups.
Yes, Piston cups. I guess I have a future NASCAR driver on my hands. Oh well atleast she was going for the gold. So if any of you outgoing mom's out there have Cars fans. Go to Target and buy the Halloween trophies for $2.oo and call them Piston Cups. You'll be loved forever!

Happy Birthday to me!

I've thought a lot about this post. I've recently thought a lot about how I got where I am today. Not that I'm famous to anyone(maybe a child or two, maybe not). As I've strived to make a difference in the lives of the students I teach. I know many of them have changed my life forever.
Who has influenced me to be the woman I am today?

I would obviously not be the woman I am today with out my parents.

Thank you mom for all your love and support.

Life was not always a bowl of lemons but, we learned to make lemonade and make the best out of what we had. I learned lessons in my youth that I could not and will not have learned any other way. I'm thankful for those lessons, in these harder economic times, life does not scare me. I know how to work, I know how to be frugal and I know I can do what ever my Heavenly Father requires of me. I know my youth made me a strong, independent woman, the only time I ever regretted that was in those days I was seeking an eternal companion and many men are not looking for strong women. I just reminded Heavenly Father he created me and he had to find me someone who could love me. My mom and I have had many adventures together. Camping out for NKOTB tickets (Front row), delivering newspapers, essay contests, sending me off to college, midnight phone calls with a broken heart, life lesson's learned, Hawaii, surgeries, Vegas and a premature babies.

Thank you dad for teaching me how to figure it out.

We have not always been the best of friends and I have not always been Daddy's little girl but, you've taught me to figure the trials in life out. You've taught me to depend on myself and that I can do what ever I plan to do. Many things I've learned from your examples. I'm so thankful for the happy memories we've made these past few years. I'm thankful for a daughter that is closer to my dad than I was. I only dream she can be the Daddy's girl I dreamed of being.

I'm thankful for my step-mom,Elise and her family.

She has always been there to listen to me and to support me. When I could figure out no other way in life she was there. Many times in adolescents it meant so much to me that she choose to love me so unconditionally. I'm so thankful for the example she and her family have been to me of loving me, I was never a step child or step grandchild. I've always just been theirs. I could never have had a better step family.

I'm thankful for Judy.

She has helped me to see life in new ways and to be an example of being a SIW. For encouraging me to not give up and to seek what I want from my life. She is a great Nana to my kids. She loves unconditional and has my best interest at heart. She is a great cheerleader and understands things that others can't.

I have to say one of the most influential people in my life has been Elizabeth Brumfield.

She was my 5th grade teacher and she changed my world. She believed in my and gave me a chance to be at the top of my class. I didn't let her down then and haven't since. I teach today because of her. I hope I am some child's Miss. Brumfield. I hope I can believe in them the way she believed in me. I know I expect from my students great things because she expected great things from me. I performed what was expected of me. I am the educated woman I am today because she believed in me.

There have been many key leaders in my life who have aided me in being to woman I am today.

I'm thankful for the great priesthood example I had Pres. Krebs, Bishop Abbott,- For the youth/ young adult leaders Sis. Allred, Patrice, Mom Durrant, and those who just took the time to love and guide me- Aleta, Nancy, Bert and Linda . They have all been great examples and leaders in my life people who have been in my cheering section and lifted me up. Have encouraged me to go beyond myself and to be the woman I am today.

I know for every season in my life I have been blessed with great friends who've support me.

To Twanna and Aaron my friends since 5th grade you're awesome esp. you Aaron, You've been my rock during hard times, Thanks. It's hard to believe how old we are now.

Marsha- Your growth in the gospel is astounding, You're such an example to me! It amazes me to think what 15 years has done to our lives.

Beth- We've lost touch throught the years but, I miss you, you've been on my mind a lot lately. NKOTB still rulz. I miss our adventures. I think you are the only one as crazy as I am to do the silly things we've done but, we've had fun!

To my Roommates from my first year at Ricks- I could never survive life without you guys. You're my backbone. My support even though we are so far away. I miss you guys and love you guys. We had such great times and have more to come.

To the foothills girls- life was trying and fun. Aimee you still amaze me. I still laugh about freezing ourselves on the way to IF or the silly boys that woulds stalk our house.

Kristianna- You made BYU- Hawaii a place to be for me. I treasure our friendship always. Who else can give a girl money so she can get $20.oo out of the ATM as she only really has $5. College life it was Grand.

Getta/ Ginny- Memories, Maui and the end of the poor times, The last year of college was truly the best because of our friendship and adventures. Yes, I can still go on a hike and fall on my way to the car.

Greg/ Scott/ Jeff- where ever you are let's just say the times spent with all of you boys was great (It was fun to watch you all like, the same girl do any of you know where she is? ). Each of you blessed my life in different ways. I'm thankful for our friendships. Thanks for your priesthood examples as well. It was neat how each of you came from a different season in my life and we all ended up here in Vegas. Have you seen any blimps lately? and Can see the Grand Canyon. Good times, Good memories. Thanks

Christy- You are my support, my wind, my stability. The older sister I never had. I can't say enough about the lesson's you've taught and continue to teach me. Thank you for listening to this broken KY girl and making her the woman she is today. I miss you more than you could ever know. 2 hours is a long time when it's your BFF. I know that I can survive anything in life if you're on my side.

To my new friend Rochelle- I wasn't sure I could make friends especially one so like me. You're awesome. Who else would drive to LA to go shop for the day and tour the bathrooms with me. You rock. I love crafting with you. Thank you for helping me make my business dreams come true.

To my husband- All I asked HF for was a positive dating experience. I had a rationale that it wouldn't end. Thank you for that. For loving me and supporting me. For encouraging me. For understanding my desires to be educated. My need to be independent and allowing me to be me. For broadening my horizons. I can't believe I have dead animals hanging in my house and that I kill them. Love makes you do strange things. But, I also can't believe I have 2 beautiful children too. I am living my dreams. I have a career, which I love and a family, I can craft and serve the Lord. I know I am not always the most patient person ( I don't have a PHD yet) I know I have high goals and expectations from my life, Thank you for listening to them and helping me make them come true. My life is truly blessed. Thank your for holding the priesthood and using it.

I know there are many more of you out there who have blessed my life in many ways thank you. I know I could not be who I am today with out the sum of my life experiences. I'm thankful for all of them the good the bad and the ugly. For the late nights and the early mornings. I am who I am because of them. I'm thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the direction it has given my life, for courage it gave an 18 year old girl to leave home and go 2,000 miles away to college and make a new life.

I have to say there were a few old boyfriends who made me who I am as well. Learning to live though broken hearts was tough. I'm not looking forward to Clarissa having those experiences but, they made me stronger. I'll let them remain nameless but, I learned a lot about what I did and didn't want in life and for my life.

Happy Halloween

I did it I changed the skin and didn't lose anything. I was worried but, it worked. I just couldn't be unholidayish. Hope you enjoy.

We got a leter in the mail today our ward boundries are changing. I can't wait til Sunday somebody just spill the beans or the lines. We have known for weeks it was going to happen. Our Bishop said in testimony meeting as much a few Sundays ago. Our boundries changed 2 1/2 years ago just after Kent's BFF family bought a house to be in the same ward as us. That made us sad. I have to admit we bought this house to be in that ward. I was in that ward before I got married and loved it. I didn't want to gamble on wards as my first married ward was not fun. All I heard was how young I was and alot of assumptions were made because I was just married. For those of you who don't know me I was married at the age of 28. So while I was young I was not a spring chicken. I had been on my own for 9 years and had almost finished a Master's degree. Being treated like I was 18 was not my idea of fun.

Anywho. I like my ward when I moved and I like my ward now. I don't realy care. I think either way I'll know people. Atleast some of my closest ward friends live in the same neighborhood so I think we'll stay together. I hope. The anticipation is just killing me. I'm wondering will I still teach enrichment. Do I still have a RS Christmas party to plan. Funny thing is I just got inspired about it this weekend after Super saturday was over. I was on the the next event. Oh well. We'll see what comes. New friends, new faces. I'm hoping for friends for my kids. Especially a boy for Hunter to play with. I know HF knows best. I just have no patience. I want to know. I'm excited. Can't wait til Sunday at 11 am. Guess I'll have to be on time!

15 years ago

Pink Cookies and a refill

I've been feeling nostalgic lately. It was 15 years ago that I was at Ricks college living some of the best years of my life, making life long friends.

Maybe it's because I just helped a dear friend send her daughter off to college and I was telling Missy of all my great times. Or maybe it's thinking less than 15 years from now I will be sending my daughter off to college but, none the less I've thought a lot about those great days. It was a rough start and some rough times as I learned the lesson of LOVE. But, I'd do it all again!

I saw an orange pink cookie in St. George this weekend and it borough back memories of being poor and walking to Maverick and getting a pink cookie and a refill for my dollar and getting change. We use to go about once a week as a treat. Once I had a roommate who dated the Maverick guy so we got to more often and get FREE refills. Or I'd go home with Wendy my 2nd year and we'd stop for treats to sooth the pain of a lost love (boys the make you eat) (What was I thinking all broken hearted).

I love Granny B's cookies after I moved to Hawaii and Ky for a year I missed them. (now they have a cookie club, WOW)

Watching conference brought back memories as 15 years ago I sat on the lawn at temple square for the first time listening to conference and we stayed at Cindy's boyfriend parent's (now husband) cabin. Another great weekend I'd love to redo.

I spent my first birthday away from home and went to Jackson Hole, WY and it was snowing.

I think best of all 15 years ago I made friends I still talk to and see, friends who have seen me through my happy time and my hard times. Friends I could not live with out. Friends who we've cried together and laughed together. I had never belonged to a group of friends like them nor have I since. We had trials and together we grew stronger. I'm so thankful for them, for the blessings they have been in my life. I'm thankful they were all there when I got married. Girls when you read this we need a reunion. I have seen each of you in the past 6 years but, not all together in years. Thank you for your support and love the past 15 years. You've made my life worth living you've been great examples as you've shown me your faith in hard times, you've prayed with me and for me in all times. I love you Wendy, Katie, Corey and Cindy. May our friendship survive another 15 years. Here's a virtual happy sucker for ya ! Who can't be happy when your mouth is blue!

I know there are many more of you out there that I could not live with out either.