Sunday, October 30, 2011

Pierced Ears!

We decided several years ago that Olivia could get her ears pierced when she turned 10, but by the time that birthday came, she had seen Oprah getting her ears pierced and was convinced that it was too scary. I kept trying to tell her that it hurt, but just for a minute, and then it was done. She didn't believe me and decided to conduct her own research (interviewing everyone she knows).  Her young friends told her that it didn't hurt at all, so she felt all courageous and wanted to do it. By then soccer season had started and since she couldn't wear earrings during her games, she had to put it off.  Since fall soccer season ended a few weeks ago, she decided it was time.


I remember paying ten dollars or so to get my ears pierced, so I was shocked at the hefty price tag (but shouldn't have been, since they talked me into doing the 14K gold earrings instead of stainless steel... to which Ryan said, "What? There was a cheaper option!?"). Liv was so nervous and squeezed my hand so hard I thought it would fall off, but she let the worker do it.  Truth be told, I was a little worried that she would only let her pierce one of her ears.  After it was all over she told me that when her friends said it didn't hurt, they probably meant that it hurt, but just for a minute. Hmmmm, did I ever have or share that thought with her?  I guess the time of the mom knowing everything is over!

She looks pretty cute with a little bling in those ears!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Six Years

Six years have passed since Mr. Chance left us. Some days it seems like just yesterday that we heard his laugh and looked at his beautiful blue eyes, with eyelashes that were longer than any I have seen.

We remember him every day, and miss him, and love him. Today I got to spend a couple of hours with my sister, Megan. We laughed and cried as we remembered Chance's brightness and joy and all of his crazy antics.


We looked through pictures and I found one that reminded me so much of Sophia's latest smiling habits.


Chance brought so much joy to so many people, and now that he is gone it is hard not to feel an achy hole in our hearts, especially for Megan. I loved reading through the beautiful obituary that my sister Lauren wrote because it captured who Chance was and what we all feel about him. We miss you Chance!


2002 ~ 2005 Chance Tyler Fulton blessed our family with his birth on Nov. 15, 2002. He departed this life on Oct. 19, 2005 after suffering in-tractable seizures since Sept. 26th. Although his life on earth was short, his influence is forever reaching. His death leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of his loving mother, Megan Wirthlin Cole, and his father, Tyler Kay Fulton. Our "almost" 3 year old was looking forward to celebrating his birthday. He loved superheroes, especially Spiderman, and wished he could be one. Chance proved himself these last 3 weeks with his superhuman strength and bravery ...he is truly a hero in our eyes. Chance loved to listen to music and to dance. He was his mommy's sweetheart, but his bright smile, beautiful blue eyes, and engaging personality made him everybody's baby. He enjoyed going to nursery at church and he loved to play with his cousins, who were his best friends. Chance found joy in all things, including throwing any ball around and watching his uncles compete in their sports. He liked to help his Grandpa Mike mow the lawn and hear his grandma sing. His grandma and grandpa just took him on his first camping trip, and he also got to visit his Grandpa Cole in San Diego, where he relished playing on the beach. He loved to ride on the bus and on the back of his mom's wheelchair. Chance was a strong-willed, stubborn little boy who made us laugh with his antics and smile at his joyful spirit. Now we mourn the absence of his little feet running, jumping and dancing. He never did anything half-way or half-speed. Chance is lucky to have a large family who loves and adores him. Chance also leaves behind many other loved ones and friends. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Primary Children's Medical Center, especially the fantastic doctors and nurses who cared for Chance. Chance, until we see you again, you will live in our hearts and memories, and our happy thoughts. May you rest in the arms of Jesus. 

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Coleman's Baptism

This handsome boy chose to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Coleman has been preparing for his baptism and confirmation for a long time, and is grateful to finally be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ.

We were so happy that so many family members and friends were able to share his special day with him.


He was so excited to plan out the dessert table for the luncheon--Sugar cookies in the shape of the number 8, pumpkin bread, Oreo Truffles, Cookie Dough Truffles, chocolate chip cookies, and cream puffs.

I feel so blessed to be Coleman's mom. He is thoughtful and kind and full of love for people around him. He is happy and intelligent and hilarious. I love that he chose to follow Jesus Christ and I love that Ryan was able to baptize him. My heart overflows with love for this kid!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Tips on Organization


There are so many great organization blogs/websites out there, so this might be redundant information for some of you, but last week I went to a great Relief Society class about organization. These are some of the thoughts I came home with... they are brief, so if you want more of an explanation on something, just ask in the comments.
  • Being organized isn't about how an environment LOOKS but how it FUNCTIONS.
  • Calendar! Get it out of your brain and onto paper (or planner, iPhone, etc.)
  • HOMES (find one for everything) - SIMPLIFY - ROUTINES - FINISH
  • Ask yourself: What is the best use of my time RIGHT NOW?
  • Routines - Commitments - Chores - Projects
  • Bedtime Routine: "Neat Your House" Put everything in its home (FINISH), Prepare tonight to make tomorrow easier.
  • FINISH--part of going to church is putting bags, books, clothes, shoes, etc. away, part of dinner is doing the dishes.
  • Clutter/Paper 1. Incoming--Stop it at the door, deal with it only once, sort and conquer. 2.Rotating--file system (HOMES for everything) Binders/file folders--move from piles to files. 3. Outgoing--Recycling, donations (DI), returns (Great to store these in the car)
  • KITCHEN--Clear off countertops (is it a friend or freeloader? tool or trinket?). Clean out cupboards--open doors and drawers, take it all out and only put half back. Condense--"point of first use" ABC management (put things you use daily in your A space, the least frequently in your C space, etc.)
  • CLOSETS--Determine how much of everything is enough and get rid of everything else (ie 22 ties--one for each work day of the month). Use the rule--if one comes in, one must go out.
  • STEWARDSHIP--Depart with STUFF to bless the life of someone else... Less is more because more is a chore.
  • RETIREMENT--best things to do... own your own home, have food storage, no debt.
  • Children do what you INSPECT, not what you EXPECT
  • Be EARLY--run ahead of the game.
  • GARAGE--build a wall to put your stuff behind (genius--if only my garage was big enough!)
  • Simplify your children's lives so they don't have to deal with so much stuff.
**What is your favorite organizational tip?

Friday, September 30, 2011

Should you be practicing?

Olivia is preparing to compete in a piano festival next month and is learning a 13 page movement of a concerto piece. Between juggling soccer, school, friends, clogging, church activities, chores, and trying to have a little fun, Olivia often feels just like this:

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Hip Hip Hooray

 

Sophia started Nursery today!


Friday, September 16, 2011

On My Honor

Welcome to the Wolf Den!