101 Things I know...

A week ago today, Darrin received news that his closest friend's wife (Shauna) passed away suddendly (but not unexpectedly) early Sunday morning. So Darrin jumped on a plane to attend the viewing, funeral and spend some time with Chad (the friend/husband). When Darrin returned last night, he shared with me the events and words that were spoken at the funeral. One thing Shauna's sister shared was a list Shauna made when she found out that her time on Earth was limited. The list was called "101 Things I know..." As Darrin read me the list, it touched me so much that I thought I should make one of my own. So here it is...

101 Things I know…
1. I know that I have a Savior and Redeemer.
2. I know that I was born of divine Heavenly Parents.
3. I know that I have a Father in Heaven who loves me and knows me.
4. I know that Satan wants me to forget my divine potential, my divine worth.
5. I know that I have righteous and wonderful parents, that I love dearly.
6. I love my husband and am so grateful for him. I love him; I love being with him; he’s my closest friend.
7. I love my children. They are truly blessed children with the sweetest and purest spirits.
8. I know that Heavenly Father blessed me with daughters so that I will love and appreciate my parents and what they have done for me.
9. I know that the Lord and our Heavenly Father have a plan for me, with my husband and with my children.
10. I know that our family is eternal.
11. I know that all three of my children were meant for me.
12. I know that childbirth is truly the miracle of life.
13. I know that a cell is a living organism and so life begins at conception.
14. I know of my faults and I have many.
15. I know I am impatient.
16. I know that patience is a virtue and those possessed of it have a spiritual gift.
17. I know that Darrin is more patient than I.
18. I love the rain. I love listening to the rain.
19. I know that we are supposed to find joy in this life.
20. I know that life has challenges, but those challenges help us to grow closer to our Heavenly Father and help us to become more like our Savior.
21. I know that when we serve others, we are serving our Heavenly Father.
22. I know that movie theatre popcorn and Diet Pepsi are not healthy for you, but I love them together any ways.
23. I know exercise is good for you and so run daily (to counter act my bad habits).
24. I know that I have been blessed with choice friends, who have enriched my life and hopefully I have been able to enrich theirs.
25. I believe in the words of my mother in law and that we are here on earth to be taught or to teach, just depends on the situation where we sit on the side of the table.
26. I know I always feel better after a really good cry.
27. I know I love falling asleep next to Darrin.
28. I know I love watching and kissing sleeping children.
29. I know that all things were created by God.
30. I know that our bodies are sacred.
31. I know that there are doctors who have been inspired to learn and discover medicine so that we can live healthier and longer lives.
32. Teachers are selfless, especially elementary school teachers.
33. I know that I have a better day if I kiss Darrin goodbye in the morning.
34. I know that I sleep better if Darrin and I kneel in prayer together at the end of the day.
35. I know that prayer is real.
36. I know that I have seen miracles.
37. I know a good hamburger when I see and smell one.
38. I know that the French and Belgians make better fries and chocolate.
39. I know that I love to laugh, real hard.
40. I know I love to hear my children laugh.
41. I love watching movies.
42. I know that I am a better wife and mother when I am able to spend alone time with Darrin.
43. I know that Darrin is the best man for me.
44. I know that Darrin came from goodly parents.
45. I know that Darrin’s parents set an example of how to live a good life, wonderful life, a happy life, and humble life.
46. I know that service makes us humble.
47. I know that I have a mother in law to make me more humble, more patient, more accepting of others.
48. I know that pain is irritating.
49. I know that I don’t like trials.
50. I know that I don’t like being out of control.
51. I know that I am not in control of my life.
52. I know that I don’t like seeing poverty.
53. I know I don’t like seeing others hurt: emotionally or physically.
54. I know I need more sleep, eat less sugar, smile more, yell less.
55. I know that there is something special about quiet mornings on a cold winter day.
56. I know that everyone likes the beauty fresh fallen snow.
57. I know that noble fir Christmas trees smell the best.
58. I know that Christmas music always brings the joyful season into our home.
59. I know that every child believes in Santa.
60. I know that deep down every adult has a hope for Santa.
61. I know that our Savior was resurrected on the third day and so we too can rise again and live with our families forever.
62. I know that the oceans were created so that I could smile, even on the dreariest day.
63. I know that Darrin wishes at times he could upgrade me like he can with his computer and cell phone.
64. I know that I need to appreciate my mother in law more.
65. I know Darrin loves his brothers and sister.
66. I know that they love him.
67. I know my brothers and sisters love me, as I love them.
68. I am grateful for my nieces and nephews.
69. I love fresh tomatoes in the summer.
70. I know that our forefathers were foreordained.
71. I know that America, The United States of America, is awesome and a choice land.
72. I know that freedom is an incredible blessing, but is not a right, but earned.
73. I know that I cry every time I hear or sing “The Star Spangled Banner.”
74. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God.
75. I know that we have a living Prophet and Apostles on the Earth today.
76. I believe in revelation.
77. I believe in personal revelation.
78. I know and am gaining a stronger testimony of The Book of Mormon the more I read it.
79. I know that Darrin snores.
80. I know that I drive Darrin crazy.
81. I know that I probably am crazy.
82. I know I love having the late night munchies with Darrin.
83. I know I always feel better after I cuddle with my children.
84. I know I love it when they fall asleep in my arms.
85. I know that taking bike rides as a family brings us closer together.
86. I know ice cream always makes a sad child happier.
87. I know I am happier with a Diet Coke/Pepsi in my hand.
88. I enjoy beautiful music.
89. I enjoy a really good meal.
90. I know that I enjoy fresh chips and salsa/pico de gallo.
91. I know my dad was given a second chance.
92. I know I love my dad.
93. I know that my mom is beautiful and has many wonderful talents.
94. I know that I can make great lemon bars and carmel corn.
95. I know that I need to worry less and laugh more.
96. I know that I am far from perfect and have many imperfections, but want to keep trying.
97. I know that I should spend more time with my children and less time cleaning.
98. I know that I don’t like to sew or quilt, but really cherish the things that have been made for me and my family.
99. I know that I need to be a little more kinder and less judgmental.
100. I know I need to be more like my Savior.
101. I know that I need to tell Darrin and my children I love them more.
I love you Darrin, Jack, Megan, and Surrey… Love, Aly (& Mom)

Ward Christmas Party

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Santa visited our ward Christmas party this past weekend. Jack and Megan loved sitting on his lap and tell him everything they wanted for Christmas. Surrey, on the other hand, couldn't get off his lap fast enough.

I think it's pure irony that we teach our children to be afraid of strangers, in fact, to avoid them. We teach them to not allow others to touch or be cautious when it comes to personal space. But for some reason, we shove our children onto the lap of an old, huge, red, and fluffy man and share with him all your deepest desires...Hello child, go ahead sit on his lap and like it! ;)

I do like to believe that Santa represents all the good in humanity, the innocence and kindness that many have forgotten. I hope that I can instill those values in my children, but first, I need to keep them within myself. And tis the season to be Merry and Kind...

Merry Christmas!

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas...

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas my trainer said to me... 11 minutes of arms and abs.

You mean again??? I guess my abs and arms are a lot flabbier than I realize. Granted I have noticed in the past year how much I have "aged." I guess I am truly getting older. I am no longer so critical of Botox and eye lifts, as I have in the past. It all makes a lot more sense to me.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas...

On the Tenth Day of Christmas my trainer said to me... drink 10 full glasses of water!

Ok, this one is totally easy peasy. Just may be visiting the Loo a little more often today.

On the Ninth Day of Christmas...

On the Ninth Day of Christmas my trainer said to me... run 9 miles...

On the Eighth day of Christmas...

On the Eighth day of Christmas, my trainer said to me... 8 hours of sleep.

This means I need to shut the tv off, brush my teeth, wash my face, etc... all before 9:30 to make this work. This is a good goal, because I am more than exhausted and really could get into a better routine of getting to bed earlier. Early to bed, early to rise...

On the Seventh Day of Christmas...

On the Seventh day of Christmas, my trainer said to me... 7 ounces of lean protein.

This one shouldn't be too hard. Some days I seem to get plenty of protein and other days, definitely not enough. Fortunately with higher protein content of yogurt, protein shakes, lean poultry, I can fit 7 ounces in somewhere.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas...

On the Sixth day of Christmas my trainer said to me... 6 minutes of ABS!!!

I admit that I don't do a whole lot of abs, unless it I am forced to (meaning taking an actual weight training class or in an aerobics type video). Even then I sometimes skip out. So this one will be tough.

OK, a day later and my abs are sore and my rib cage hurts. I somehow believe that this is sort of good, but sort of not. It means that I actually exercised my core, but means how out of shape my abdominal muscles are. Need to make this more habitual and routine.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas...

On the Fifth day of Christmas my trainer said to me... 5 quick HILL-Y Miles...

This shouldn't be too bad, but definitely harder than 4 servings of vegetables. We'll see how much breath and leg wobbling I have once it's all through. Good challenge for me.

On Fourth Day of Christmas...

On the fourth day of Christmas my trainer said to me... 4 FULL servings of vegetables!

OK, this shouldn't be too bad. I need to organize myself a little better so that I get all my vegetables in today. I have been a little lax, hence the weight gain. I need to be more proactive, more aware of what I am eating and putting in my mouth. Want my fat ass to turn into a bad-ass!

On the Third Day of Christmas...

On the third day of Christmas my trainer said to me... 3 x 1 mile sprints!

This is going to hurt...and it did.

On the Second Day of Christmas

On the Second Day of Christmas my trainer said to me... 2 weeks without Diet Cola!
And a 1 whole day without sugar.

Yep, that's right, no Diet Coke, no Diet Pepsi...ugh! It's been over 7 years since I have gone a day without diet soda. I am that bad! I love the stuff and a long with my running, it helps me keep my chi, my balance, my sanity, whatever you want to call it. I had a neighbor, Becky, who would go to the grocery store with me when they were advertising 5 (12 packs) for $12. We would make multiple trips to stock up on the stuff, as it wouldn't last long in my house. So I am taking the plunge and trying to really cut back. So between no sugar and no diet coke, today is going to be interesting.

First Day of Christmas...

On the first day of Christmas my trainer said to me...a whole day without sugar.

Yes, a whole day without sugar!

The 12 Days of Christmas

I am going to start the Twelve Days of Christmas a little early this year and with a little twist. My 12 Days of Christmas will be exercise and diet related. When I put on my "fat pants" before heading off to Thanksgiving dinner at my cousins, I realized that my fat pants were a little tighter than I would have liked. For the next 12 days, each day I will announce a new challenge on top of my previous ones with hopes that I will physically and emotionally feel great before the holidays. So let the 12 Days begin...

Little Molly

Little Molly was born early, Wednesday morning (November 17, 2010). Molly was born 3 months early. My sister in law went into labor Tuesday night. The doctor's were unable to stop the contractions. So just a few hours later, Molly was born. She is 15" long and 3lbs. She has since undergone multiple procedures to keep her alive and well. We are so thrilled she is here, but are so grateful for the medical care she is receiving at the NICU in SLC, where she will stay until she reaches full term at the end of January. We were told that Mandy was able to hold her this week for the first time. I know how important and incredibly special that is with a new baby. I can only imagine the feelings Mandy and Adam were feeling. Just like the Unsinkable Molly from The Titanic, we have our Miracle Molly here in the Ford Family.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

Our first Thanksgiving as official residents of Washington was spent here. My parents-Aly's parents-were supposed to come visit, but we had a very early arrival of a new niece. Adam's wife Mandy went into early labor (try 3 months early) and delivered their baby girl. (See above post on that.) So their trip to Washington for the Thanksgiving Holiday was canceled. And to make matters worse, the PNW was hit with one of the worst snow storms in over a decade. Roads shut down, schools closed, buses weren't working, Microsoft employees couldn't get to work. That I didn't feel too bad about, as Darrin just worked from home for the week, which is nice. Any who, a nightmare for a very busy time of year. Fortunately, by Thursday, roads were clearing up and were able to head out to Chimacum to spend Thanksgiving with Aly's cousin and family: The Ejde's. We had a wonderful time. We just adore Maggie and her girls. Sadly, with all the bad weather, Chris was out working. But we understand that, as so many people were still without power.

Nanny sewed these dresses for the girls. This is the third day that Megan wore hers. She even woke up this morning (Friday) and asked to wear it, yet again. hhhmmm, in the hamper by now!
Thursday, November 25, 2010

Our Megan Turns 5 today!

Megan, You're Five Years Old and growing with each passing day...

This week has been a super crazy week, especially since Daddy has been in Iowa. We knew of his departure and so celebrated your birthday a little early-quite early in fact. First, you found the pink scooter hidden in our closet 2 weeks ago. You just HAD to open it, so you did. With Daddy traveling to Iowa, we allowed you to open your presents on Sunday, October 31 (yep, Halloween) morning because he wasn’t going to be able to make it back until after your birthday. You were thrilled to open Polly Pockets, Barbies, Barbie movies, and clothes for school.

This morning, you brought cupcakes to share in your preschool class. It seemed like they were a hit. After preschool, you, Surrey, and I drove to Costco, where you picked out new PJs. You can see them in your picture with your new doll from Nanny and your new doll bag and hamster from Grandma.

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! Daddy and I surely love our precious preschooler.

November 2010

Happy Halloween 2010

Our Little Trick or Treaters: Megan, Jack (as Indiana Jones), and Surrey

Surrey and I stayed home, as Darrin took the children trick or treating with several children (and their parents) from the neighborhood. Surrey had been sick all week, and was still congested and coughing, and so used her help in passing out candy. She wanted to be a part of the "big group," as Surrey thinks she is bigger than she is...but it seemed to work out best with her at home. We enjoyed seeing the various children from the neighborhood, wearing their costumes. It was fun, as I think there were more parents and grandparents than actual children trick or treating.

As usual, Jack and Megan brought home plenty of candy. Jack's new favorite are Kit Kats and he managed to wrangle in more than 20! Megan seems to like anything that doesn't have nuts in it, especially peanuts. But as long as it's sugarcoated, she's thrilled! We had several neighbors pass out full size candy bars...hhhmmm, Darrin do you remember which house those came from? Last year, we had a neighbor in Utah that passed out JW Religious pamphlets. Needless to say, they were blacklisted by the various children this year, as I was told. Halloween is about the candy and tooth decay, not religious literature! Someone apparently didn't get the HOA newsletter memo that year. ;)

Megan and her "Nanny Do"

Friday, October 29, 2010
We are getting ready for preschool and Megan asks me to do her hair how like Nanny did it when she has a sleep over (back in early September). No clue or remember what my mom did and so did these instead. Megan was disappointed at first and then saw "my creation" and was excited. I admit, that I am not the best hairstylist for little girls, but I give it a go once in awhile. And with Megan, it's only when she lets me or on Sunday morning. I guess with two girls now, I will get more practice and better over time.

Surrey and the Jelly Belly Bowl

Saturday, October 30, 2010

I left Surrey sitting on the dining room for all of 30 seconds, while I walked over to the kitchen. I came back and this was her, eating away, happy as a clam, with no worry in the world. Ok, a little worried about getting caught. But even then, she didn't seem to mind. And here is the sequence of events as I took pictures.

Apparently, she found more candy on the Haunted Halloween Gingerbread House...

My Two Witches

These are my two favorite witches: Megan and Surrey!
I couldn't resist, but bought these costumes on Pottery Barn Kids, though everyone thought I made them. That's so nice of you, but if you only knew that I DID NOT know how to sew or even own a sewing machine, the thought of me actually doing something so creative and cute is totally out of the question. But any who, we are off to Microsoft's annual Halloween trick or treating party fest up on campus. And surprisingly, Surrey kept her hat on long enough for me to take a picture!
Friday, October 29, 2010

Surrey's 15th Month Check-Up

Our youngest is 15 months old... At Surrey's appointment she was in the 90% for height, 95% for head, and 26% for weight...hhhmmm! But we surely love our growing little girl.

Poor thing, she fell asleep on the couch at my aunt's house while I was running on the treadmill. Jack was in "charge"...

Tacoma Glass Museum

A couple of years ago, when I visited Darrin in Seattle while he was out here for Tech Ready, we went to the Tacoma Glass Museum. The week of our move, we took the children up there to color (Jack is wearing the mask he colored), visit the children's glass art work, and watch the glass workers in "the hot spot" to observe their newest creation. Some of the glass art work is displayed outside in a pedestrian crosswalk-totally amazing. This is just a fraction of the displayed work.
September 2010

The Pumpkin Patch-Everett, Washington

I love this time of year. It represents so many things to me: the changing of seasons and weather, leaves falling, jeans and sweaters again, soup cooking in the crock pot, shorter days, warmer food, colder weather, Halloween, Thanksgiving is coming, etc...

One of our family's tradition is to go to the local pumpkin patch, pick pumpkins to decorate our front porch, as well as to carve before Halloween. Well since there wasn't a "local" pumpkin patch that we were used to in South Jordan, we drove up to Everett to Carleton Farm. We ate hot dogs (which were actually quite yuck), rode on a hayride (which was fun), rode in a wheelbarrow, and then finally picked pumpkins. (I had previously bought pumpkins at our local grocery store a week ago and so with these, our front porch is pumpkin'd out.) We are ready for Fall!

Our Precious Pumpkins: Megan, Jack, and Surrey

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Our Chocoholic

After spending the evening at Shilshole Bay, we picked up cookies at The Metropolitan Market. Surrey devoured her whoppie pie cookie and then fell asleep happily in her carseat.

Twenties Girl

A couple of years ago, I was out visiting teaching when my companion and visit teachee both were talking about the "Shop-a-holic" series by Sophie Kinsella. I picked up Confessions of a Shopaholic and I was hooked. I have bought every book by Kinsella and loved every single one. I just finished Twenties Girl last night. It was extremely cute and really creative. I truly can see this book made into a movie, it was that good and entertaining. I admit, that I laughed so hard out loud on her first date with Ed in the pub that Jack asked me what was so funny numerous times. He just wouldn't get it...

Our Future Home...

This is the future site of our new home. Yep, we decided to build a home instead of buying an existing one. The existing homes we saw were lovely, absolutely lovely, but we felt strongly that we needed certain things in this home to really make it "home" for us. And since I don't plan on moving or building again for quite some time, I really want to make it ours. The one thing we love about this lot (besides the fantastic neighborhood and ward) is that it backs up to green space. So yes, those neighbors behind us are as close as they will ever get. Now we just need to get the permits to go through so that construction can start!!!

Our First Day of School in Seattle

The children finally start school in Seattle. Jack is enrolled in the local elementary school here in Seattle until our home is finished in Issaquah next year. He is in a Kindergarten/First Grade combined class. His teacher is named Ms. Doonan.

We have Megan in preschool (and this was her first day) just down the street. She is so excited to go. Now if she just had a little more patience to ride the bus next year...though we are told there are no buses in the new neighborhood. We live too close...

I look forward to the short, precious alone time I get to spend with Surrey just a couple days a week, as I know this time will quickly fly by.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Ballard Locks

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks located in Ballard provide a link for boats between the saltwater of the Puget Sound and the fresh water of the Ship Canal connecting to Lake Union and Lake Washington. The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, often called the Ballard Locks, link salty Puget Sound with the fresh waters of Salmon Bay, Lake Union, Portage Bay, and Lake Washington.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Darrin and the Kids as they watch a sailboat anchor itself to the wall so that it can enter the Puget Sound.