Pay it Forward

Kristin introduced me to this and it sounded like a fun way to get crafty wiyh a purpose!

SO--Here's how it works-the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well. Before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going. Then come back, let me know you're going to play, and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Remember that only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick!

I just liked these-

So I wanted to post them and share.

Hair cut..

I recently learned how to give a good hair cut, from a professional at a relief society enrichment. I sat and listened, carefully paying attention to details so I could remember the techniques. I knew Ben was wanting a hair cut so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to practice. So, this morning when Ben did ask for a hair cut I was up for the task. But....

he decided he just wanted it to be all one length. One of his greatest complaints about life, is that sometimes things just take too long, especially lines- and he is right, sometimes they do. So he wanted a 2 minute hair cut, and that is what he got, (well it really took about 10). So I now know that I can cut his hair; lucky I got a husband who loves to save money, as I do, doesn't mind a slightly-too-short-hair-cut, and tells me that even if it wasn't exactly what he expected he loves me so he loves the hair cut.

Serious.

Ben and I (and Archie I suppose) have started to get more serious about toning up and losing some weight. So I thought I would document the commencement of the 'serious-ness' of our goal.
Really though, we want to be healthier and more fit to take hikes this summer with Arch, and to go swimming, and maybe even do a biathalon- some day a triathalon. So Archie works out with Dad on the bike then he works out with me in the stroller- he is getting pretty buff.

Books!

I love to read, and lately I have been having a little more time to do it, either while Arch is asleep in my lap, or on his own. I also love to write, but that will come later, I might be brave enough to post a short story or two, but for now I just want to write about the books I read!

Marley and Me
Has anyone else read this book? I loved it. It was so simple and loving; the way the author writes about his life and his family made me feel like I could relate and therefore I wanted to be more invested in their life. I cried and actually laughed out loud, I love it when something you read makes you laugh out loud- it is as if the words are enhanced by the laughter, connecting something private in your brain to something other people around you can hear, then they wonder what was so funny, why did she laugh? That is a great quality in a book.
I have always wanted to get a dog, and of course reading this book made me want one even more, but the book wasn't just about a dog, it was about a family, about children, and jobs, coping with loss and the blessings of true joy. It was wonderful. I highly recommend it, and it is a pretty fast read, so check it out!

Sunday fun

Awkward family photo, but at least all three of us are in it...

I weighed him today-- a tiny bit over 16 lbs.....

I am an owner!

So here is an attempt at a family photo, I was showing off my boots, and Archie was showing off his muscles, but at the last second Ben lost his hold on the child hence the surprised/scared look on his face.

Happy early birthday to me. Ben and I, along with Archie, went for a long shopping extravaganza on Saturday. We thought it was time to get out of the house, all three of us. We made quite a few stops, even played soccer for a while with our friend Brandon, oh and the wii fitness, super fun. But our last stop of the day, when we were all tuckered out was R.E.I. land of all things outdoors; it was glorious. I have been in need and want of some new snow boots- so that was our goal, but our main reason for shopping there was to get a membership, which we did and now we are part owners of the REI co-op! The guy that signed us up explained the whole thing, how they are not a corporation, but a co-op and so we basically bought into the company and we can get discounts at garage sales, and pay less for rentals and return items no questions asked (sometimes), and it was AWESOME.

Anyhoo, I bought some boots, on clearance, and the next purchase will be snowshoes, our ultimate goal! Oh, and tying this back into my first sentence, this was my birthday present. I wore my boots yesterday for the first time in the snow, loved it. I walked to church in them, it was slushy and snowy, what better time could there be for new boots? I am pretty exctied about them...