Dance Tokens

Competitive dance season is in full swing around here!  For each competition 2 dancers are teamed up to bring "good luck" tokens to share with all of the girls on their teams.  This year Kaylie & I thought it would be fun to make hangers to share.  We designed them to have their studio colors, their names and a little bit of bling!!


These were really easy to make!  I just bought a box of wooden hangers from Target, some spray paint, ribbons, vinyl letters and rhinestones.  I taped off the handles with some blue painters tape and sprayed them all blue.  I let them dry for an hour and then put random sprays of black to lightly cover the blue.  I let that dry for an hour.  Then we put on the lettering for the names and finished with a nice coat of clear lacquer.  Next we added the rhinestones and tied bows around the tops.  I think they turned out great!! They are soo easy!  You can do it too!!!! 


Here's a close up view!

Good Luck Small Elite!!!!

So I'm marrying a Widower...

So its official!  I'm marring the man of my dreams.  Someone I didn't see coming.  Someone who ended up being EVERYTHING I thought I wanted and someone who is so much more than I could ever have imagined.


I didn't think remarriage or love was in the near future for me.  I have been single for about 6 years.  I was dating, but didn't think I was going to find a companion any time soon.  However, I wasn't dating the guys who were looking to be married.  I was dating the guys that were looking for a good time, no commitments and whatever was convenient for them in the moment. 


Lets see, there was the "milkman", who worked for Winder Dairy.  Our first date was to Music and the Spoken Word.  He was nice, but no real connection for me.  He would randomly text me after months of not talking to see if I wanted to go out.  Then there was Rocky Mountain...he worked for Rocky Mountain Power.  He was an outdoorsman and athletic.  He was always running or playing volleyball.  I liked to WATCH sports, but I wasn't as big on playing all different sports.  We weren't a match.  And then, there was the Nurse.  He was mean and degrading.  I did everything I could to not make him mad or to disrupt what he wanted to do.  No matter what problem arose, he was never to blame.  It was everyone else.  I dated a few other guys that were fun to hang out with and I would rearrange my schedules to hang out with them, but I would never get that in return from them.  I was just a thing of convenience.  They were attractive and fun and had LOTS of girls at their disposal.  I finally had to take a look at the kind of men I was dating.  I always dated guys that deep down I knew I would never marry.  I think I was afraid of being loved, afraid of failing at marriage again since I was so great at it the first time around, afraid of being who I knew I was but not being accepted for it.  As I started to recognize the things I did to sabotage myself, I began to change.  I began to look for guys that had traits I wanted in an eternal companion.  I started to see myself worth increase.  I began to believe I was good enough to deserve the type of man I knew I wanted to have in my life.  One who would value me as much as I did him. 


Then, one night online I saw Rex.  As I read his profile, I liked it.  He seemed honest and sincere.  I thought he was cute and had a good sense of humor.  But then there it was....He was a widower.  I wasn't sure how I felt about that, but I didn't really think I would get serious with him.  I mean, this was one of my first attempts at actually talking to a "good" guy.  We communicated online for a little bit and then we finally met.  Ironically, he came to the same office building I worked in for work himself periodically.  We started dating.  He met my daughter and I met his kids.  Things got more serious & we decided to date exclusively.  I remember thinking that I might need to break it off with him because I wasn't sure how I felt about marrying a widower.  I also remember my mother giving me some of the best advice I have received..she told me not to let my fear take away my happiness.  I needed to give him a fair shot to see if he was truly someone I could spend my life with.  I took that to heart.  I saw the kind of man he was.  He wasn't just in this relationship for himself.  He actually cared about me and wanted to take care of me and my needs.  He was exactly what I was looking for.   And then one day...we were picking out rings, tuxes and dresses, planning a wedding and looking for houses. I can't imagine my life without this guy!!  He is kind, funny, loving, accepting, a provider, my best friend, spiritual, intelligent, handsome...and I could go on, but I think you get the picture! But if not, here is one you can look at !!

I never knew that someone could be so loving and complete me so fully.  I didn't really know what a marriage was before.  My first marriage wasn't an example of what a loving, fulfilling relationship should have been.   Heavenly Father has plan.  I am convinced more of that now than I ever have been.  Nothing happens by chance.  It is all part of His divine plan for us.  He loves us and wants to be happy.   I am so excited to start my life with this guy, and our kids, and our families.  I'm thankful for the opportunity I have been given to be married.  I feel extremely blessed to have found you, REX!  You are the perfect match for me!  I love you!!


I said YES!!

Moab for the Win

We are officially only seeing each other and we decided to take a trip with our kids to Moab.  We know it's only February and we were probably insane, but it all worked out!! 

The weather was almost perfect & not very crowded this time of year!!  We walked right into every arch and didn't have to wait for any people.  The kids got along and there wasn't any fighting.  Rex's youngest is 5 & she got tired of walking during certain parts, but we tried to help her and carry her some so we could see the things we all wanted to see.  We ended up getting a condo instead of 2 hotel rooms.  It was cheaper and more comfortable to everyone.  I would definitely recommend doing that if you have a big family.  Everyone can have their own space and enjoy the trip.  Also, cooking is ALOT cheaper than eating out for every meal.  Since we went over President's Day, entry to Arches National Park was free. However, its only $25 for a private vehicle with up to 15 passengers, so still really affordable! 


Here are some pictures of Arches!  Did I mention, its absolutely beautiful!!

This is Double Arch

This place was really cool & the kids LOVED it!  Especially Ceceila!  You hike into it and then there are sand dunes to play in and an arch...hence its name, Sand Dune Arch.  Really a fun place if you have smaller kids!!

Landscape Arch is in the distance.  The kids think they are so cool in this pic, (and lets be honest...they are!!) they got the perfect photo bomb!  But we LOVE it!  I think this is one of my favorite memories of Arches!  I love that they did this!

We also went to Dead Horse Point State Park.  This is where the "almost perfect weather" comes in!

Yeah..it snowed!  We tried to get out and walk around and see the visitor's center and the outlook points, but it was just plain too cold and wet!  So, we didn't get to see as much of it as we had hoped.  We also had plans for Canyonlands, but it was in the same proximity and was getting snow as well so we bagged that!  I will say that the snow falling around all of the red rock made a beautiful sight.  We'll have to make that trip again!


Rex's sister and her family also came out for a few days too and it was fun to get to spend some time with them and get to know them a little bit better.  We were also able to see his parents for a little while.  They were on their way to serve their mission in New Mexico.  I'm really glad that we decided to take this trip together and get to know each other better.  It was a great way to spend President's Weekend!

💗💗💗💗💗💗
Heather





Meeting the Kids

This dating thing is hard enough, but adding children in the mix is a whole other thing.  I have introduced Kaylie to one other person I have dated.  When things don't work out or if your child doesn't like the new person in your life it is difficult.  Hopefully if things don't work out, your child won't have grown too attached to the person, and if they just plain don't like your new man (or woman) it could be the end of maybe what could have been a great fit for you.  Or perhaps, it creates other tensions that make your relationship as a whole strained.  I have never been a big supporter of introducing my daughter to many of the people I have dated.  Mostly because my ex-husband did that with women he would date and there was one that my daughter was devastated about when they stopped dating.  I feel like divorce is such a life changing event for a child that introducing them to people you are just casually dating is too emotionally draining for them.  Its a messy situation any way and that seemed to make things so much worse for our situation. 


The first time I introduced her to someone was a mistake.  I knew deep down that the relationship wouldn't be long lasting, but we were spending a lot of time together and he had a small child and so I went along with it.  I shouldn't have.  Not because Kaylie was fond of him, and she wasn't affected when we ended the relationship, but because I let what seemed good in the moment take precedence over what I knew would be the long term result of the relationship.  Live and learn.  From that time forward I never introduced her to anyone...until now!!


So the nice guy....the guy interested in a real relationship....he is great!!  He is someone I could definitely have a future with.  We have been dating for a few months and we think it's time we meet the kids!!  Kaylie got to meet him first!


Rex and I had been hiking in the mountains collecting sticks to make a Christmas Tree project for my activity day girls.  It was getting later in the day and Kaylie would be coming home from school.  So when she came home, Rex was at the house & I introduced them.  She was of course shy and didn't interact much, but she wasn't closed off to meeting him.  She knew I had been dating him for awhile and she would frequently ask if she was going to get to meet him.  She thought he was nice.  She was interested in meeting his kids and learning more about them.


Once he had met my daughter we thought it would be best if both Kaylie & I came to his house to meet his children.  We planned to come over for dinner one night & just hang out and get to know each other a little bit.  I was nervous, but excited to meet the kids I had heard so much about.  They were very polite and quiet, but welcoming.  I'm sure it was equally nerve racking for them.  We had a nice time talking and finding out a little about  each other!!  His son sure does LOVE sports!!  He knew every stat for every sport..especially baseball!  And his youngest daughter wanted to play with her toys and be included in every aspect of the night!  And her curly hair....ADORABLE!!  His oldest daughter was more quiet and reserve, but sweet and friendly.  She is a talented piano player and it was fun to listen to her play.


Overall it was a successful night!  The kids seemed to get along well with each other, which is one thing I worry about.  Kaylie being an only child...I hope that she would be accepted as a sibling or at least a lifelong friend and included in every part of the family, even when we aren't around.  I know that will take some time to develop.  Its a big step for everyone!


Recently we attended a BYU basketball game...did I mention Rex is a Cougar graduate??  So we went to a basketball game together.  It was fun and the kids were funny posing for pictures.  I am really enjoying the time we spend together.  They are all great kids and I kinda like Rex too!!  I'm still optimistic on where this could go 😉

So I met this guy......

Online dating has been rough.  You just never know what you are going to get...who is lying...who is telling the truth..is that even your real name??  Its a gamble, but where else do you meet people?  Dating in your 30's is not the same as dating in your early 20's.  Sometimes I feel like I am dating all of the leftovers...the ones that couldn't have a successful relationship...wait...I'm single too!!  What does that say about me??  I'm a good person...there must be at least 1 more good person out there right??


This time, I decided to actually take a chance with one of the normal, good guys!  He has a good job, kids and seems to be a really nice guy.  He's not the flashy, look at me type, but more the lets get to know each other and see if we really have a connection & I'll actually treat you nice, kinda guy.  We've been talking for a few months now and I think he might really be a good guy.  We met for the first time in person at my office....turns out he spends a little time in my office building for work too! Who knew??  Here's our first selfie!  We'll see where this goes!!  I'm optimistic  😊

Caramel Deliciousness....

 

 

First off, can I just say how much I LOVE Pinterest!  I found the most delicious recipe for Caramel popcorn!  It was super easy & quick!  The website is called Pretty Providence!  They are awesome!!Heres the link

http://prettyprovidence.com/aunt-vals-caramel/

 

 

 

 

The recipe:

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1 Cup Light Karo Syrup

1/2 Cup Butter

1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

 

Put all the ingredients in a pan & melt together on medium-low heat.  When the caramel begins to boil, let it boil for about 2 minutes & stir it constantly!  Pour over popcorn.  They suggest it covers 3 bags of microwave popcorn & they were right!  Probably could have done 4!!

 

Delicious right?  I'm sure the can of sweetened condensed milk helps!  Totally worth it though!!  Thanks Pretty Providence!!

 



Small Blessings are Everywhere

We have been doing something new for our family...Scripture Study.  Don't get me wrong we have done it before, but more like were just reading them, not actually studying them.  So we have been using both the picture book scriptures & the actual Book of Mormon.  It was a struggle & I didn't feel the spirit as often as I had hoped.  Kaylie was stuggling to stay focused & I was frustrated.  So I did some research..if you can count Pinterest as research...haha!  And ALOT of praying!!

 

 

I found scripture journaling!!  She LOVED it!!!  We wrote down what we knew about him, one of our favorite scriptures, and what we could do to be more like him.  We are going to add pictures and designs to make them our own & add them to a binder.  I found suggestions from maps to other talks by the General Authorities to make scriptures make sense to us & how to use them in our lives.  If you need a template check out www.theredheadedhostess.com   She has some great ways to break down the scriptures and learn verse by verse!

 

I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows what we need & how to get it.  I feel truly blessed to be a member of his church and that I am teaching my daughter to follow Jesus Christ & how to feel the Holy Ghost!  I'm truly grateful for small blessing in every day life!

 

If anyone is looking for a new way to study the scriptures, try this!  Its awesome!!!