Bonjour!

Bonjour!
I’m a 51 year old mother of five amazing daughters and wife to a caring, sensitive AND sexy husband. I adore my family. I’m dedicated to my faith. I enjoy a good laugh. I'm nostalgic and love to reminisce. "Remember" is my favorite word in the English language. I love life! I’m passionate about music, food and {dreams of} traveling the world. I wanna be a castle and waterfall chaser. I’m fascinated with anything European. {PARIS! Hello!} I love celebrating anything and everything! I love to read, especially a good biography, mystery, Regency Era Romance or Historical fiction novel. I love thoughtful gift giving. To me the gift wrap is almost as important as the gift itself. I have a bit of an obsession with gift boxes and gift bags. As well as old world maps & globes, apothecary bottles and jars! I love being creative…bolts of ribbon, coordinating scrapbook papers, producing a table scape, or planning décor for a themed party puts a smile on my face. I love the details! I’m a freak for anything theme oriented. I enjoy event planning, but oddly enough do not like to host or entertain. I enjoy fashion, but have to really be in the mood to clothes shop. I love purses and funky costume jewelry. Especially big rings! I’d rather wear wedges or heels any day than flats. I enjoy decorating and searching for the perfect decorative pillow or picture. However, you’ll never see me frequent high-end stores. I'm more of a Ross, TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning kind of gal. My favorite decor style is an old world rustic Italian chateau/Spanish Villa look with a hint of bohemian! OR a vintage shabby chic French country cottage/English cobblestone farmhouse. My #1 cookie-Molasses! Autumn is my favorite season. I’d go through childbirth a million times. I enjoy biking with my man, Pilates, and power walking. You’ll never find me in a gym working out. I love movies, whether watching them in the theatre or cuddled up on the couch with my family. I enjoy a good chick flick or real life drama! I'm a sucker for movies on the Hallmark & Great American Family Channel. I have a tender heart for the elderly. I adore Disneyland. I enjoy being in the canyon on a summer or fall evening at dusk. I love my friends. While I have some extroverted characteristics. I’m a self proclaimed introvert. I’m generally quiet, calm, reserved and pretty darn private. Why in the heck do I blog? It’s a creative way to record family history. I enjoy photography. I really don’t like to write, although I write in my journal often. My journals, patriarchal blessing, scriptures, quote book, and beloved Christmas tree filled with ornaments of family memories are among my prized possessions. I love the beach. I enjoy WWII history. I love a clean, orderly house, but ours usually looks lived in. ;) PBS Masterpiece is my friend. I adore Jane Austen films. They transport me to another time and place. If I had to choose another time period in which to live, early 19th Century England would be my pick. "Sense and Sensibility" is my all time favorite movie. My 3 favorite TV series are...BBC's Larkrise to Candleford, the 1950's Spanish Drama "Velvet," and the travel/food show "Somebody Feed Phil." My biggest pet peeve is people who blow their noses in public. So gross! {Take it to the bathroom people.} I’d go on a wine tasting vacation if it wasn’t against my religion. I’ve always wanted to adopt a baby from a foreign country. I’m an avid BYU football fan. I'm a Educational Support Professional. I tutor elementary kids in phonemic awareness, phonics, reading, fluency and comprehension. I love our campfires at Scofield Lake. I have a 'thing' for fairy gardens, Gallic French roosters, fresh flowers in a vase, pretty bowls & plates, and yummy smelling candles & soap. I love summer rainstorms and warm baths. I'm a scripture podcast fanatic. I'm also a fan of several Fox News shows; Hannity and Dave Ramsey Talk Radio. I very much miss Rush Limbaugh! I hate when my kids have homework. I'd rather clean 20 toilets than give a talk or prayer in church. I have quite a collection of Madame Alexander Dolls, children's books, Disney pins, and quotes. My favorite quote is "Don't underestimate me. I know more than I say, think more than I speak & notice more than you realize." True True LOL! I always prefer sitting in a back row versus the front. {I'm sort of a seat snob..yikes} I also have high expectations for my lemonade, salsa, and french fries too. HA! I work well behind the scenes. I love a good Dateline, 20/20 or 48 Hour Mystery. I’m a night owl. I'd rather be cold than hot. I love to budget our finances! I enjoy being a chauffeur to my children. I'm not a huge fan of social media. I don't snap, pin or tweet. All I want for Christmas every year is a ticket to the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. It's my FAVORITE. I’m an Anglophile…a royal watcher who loves anything English! Especially tea parties! I would like to serve a church mission to England with Jaren someday. I'm queen of paper towel, used kitchen dishrags and sponges kinda make me squirm. You’ll rarely find me out of the house not ready for the day, except when driving the kids to school on the days I don't work. I feel naked without lipstick or lip gloss. Mismatched socks, chipped fingernail polish, chapped lips and brownie crumbs on the floor drive me nuts! I like to organize and BE organized..but not saying I always am. ;) I enjoy hiking to waterfalls, ATV’ing with my family and snowshoeing with the hubs. Although I enjoy collecting recipes and occasionally watch cooking shows... (Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade, Paula Deen, Jamie Oliver, and the Pioneer Woman are my favorites) I’d rather not cook. Eating out is so much more fun. I'm a foodie. I live to EAT! LOL Trying new foods and restaurants is a favorite past-time, and believe it or not so is intermittent fasting. I'm not good at a lot of things... but gosh, if you need help with a themed celebration or someone to enjoy good food with, I'm your girl. I love the joy of anticipation and the celebration of holidays. Family traditions are important to me. I'm a memory preserver. I'm a pathological picture taker ;) a visual storyteller, and a lover of happy lists!

My Fam!

My Fam!

The Hubs and I

The Hubs and I

My Girls!

My Girls!

Kyleigh Dawn (28)

Kyleigh Dawn (28)

Emma Abigail (26)

Emma Abigail (26)

Hannah Isabelle (23)

Hannah Isabelle (23)

Brielle Olivia (19)

Brielle Olivia (19)

Kate Evangelene Lyllie (13)

Kate Evangelene Lyllie (13)

Mr. Charles "Bingley" Wentworth III (4 yrs.)

Colonel Edward Fitzwilliam "Darcy", Duke of Westridge (3 yrs.)

My Man!

My Man!

Good Times!

Good Times!

Wedding Day 5*17*22

Lillian "Lilly" Belle

Disney Food Fun! 2019

Disneyland Tips

What I Believe!

Our Missionary

We Bleed Blue! {Except for the Poppi}

My list of favorite movies!

Learn more about Dyslexia!

Music To My Ears!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

What's On Our Happy List?

ONE CRAZY WEEK IN JULY
I thought it was about time that I share our good news with those that may not know. To do so though, I have to go back a couple of months to explain one of the craziest weeks I've ever had in my life. I got issued the call to be the next Relief Society President in our ward back in mid June. What a SHOCKER ROO! Three weeks later on the first Sunday in July, I officially took over. Big change for me. Even though I've had numerous leadership positions, this one throws you for a loop. Trust me. Not only that, I was lov'in working with the Youth again. We had just gotten back from Youth Conference and had really had a bonding experience. We were on a high from that and then.....BAM. New call. Lots of tears. Sadness for leaving those I worked with in the Y.W. Presidency, feelings of inadequacy, not feeling spiritual enough for what the new calling entailed, the pressure, the expectations, wondering if I even ACTED like a Relief Society President, (Do R.S. Presidents go toilet papering?) Thinking that I was too young to be a RS Pres. especially in a ward where most of the sisters are twice my age and much more seasoned in the gospel. Wondering how I was going to fulfill this calling with everything else on my plate... raising a young family and working... and then having to deal with my fear of public speaking on top of all of it...giving lessons, conducting...Yikes! Doing it in front of Primary kids is one thing, the sisters, another story.....Needless to say I felt OVERWHELMED. Did I mention a lot and lot of tears shed? Anyhow, I'm happy to say that after a couple of months and experiencing many of the "firsts" ...first funeral, first food order, first lesson, first visit to a sick sister in the ICU...I'm feeling much more confident.

So that first week in July I was sustained and set apart. A couple of days later the blessings start pouring in. We finally got a suitable offer on our investment home that (due to the nasty downturn in the economy and real estate market) we had unfortunately been stuck with for who knows how long. Years? Consequently, the whole situation left us losing all our hard earned savings. GRRR! Despite that setback we were and are very grateful to have that burden lifted. A couple of days later, now this is the biggie....I find out that I am pregnant. YES, PREGNANT! HELLO! What a surprise. I was like, "Lord, are you kidding me?" You want me to be Relief Society President and pregnant at the same time? Now this isn't anything that I would choose to do simultaneously (I don't know what mormon woman would) but for whatever reason it is what it is. Obviously he thinks I can handle both. The timing of it all is truly unbelievable. And quite humorous actually. I really realized that crazy week in July that I am not on my own timeline but I'm on the Lord's. If anything I knew that he loved me, was aware of me and my righteous desires.

Now back to talking about this BABY that is due in early Spring. I'm so excited. Even though we weren't seriously planning on another child, I do have to say I never felt done having kids after Brie. Jaren did, but I didn't and now I know why...there was one more spirit needing and waiting to come. Reaffirming those little impressions that I've had many times in the last few years. Despite knowing this, I can't believe we are going back to diapers and middle of the night feedings. With Brie turning five this October we are a little out of practice so it will be an adjustment no doubt. Poor dad is a little in shock about it all. Can't blame him. He's going to be 43 when the baby is born. Not quite what he had in mind to be going back to the baby stage at this point in his life but he is being a good sport about it and very supportive. :) I'm just thrilled to have one more chance to go through childbirth. Call me crazy but I love it, so much so it's on my happy list. And picking out another name. squeal. One of my favorite things to do for sure.

Like I mentioned before, I've contemplated the timing of this baby and have wondered why now? Why not a few years ago, maybe when we were a little younger, had more energy. etc. I've come to the conclusion that this pregnancy has come at the perfect time. It's a blessing in disguise, not only for my little family but my extended family as well. It's a reason to be joyful amid the family tragedy that we are currently dealing with. We are losing my brother's wife to cancer. It's THE most heartbreaking thing many of us have experienced so far in our lifetime. When you think you have no more tears left, they still come. My beloved sister-in-law is 44, a mother of five children, ranging from 20 to 5 and one of THE most christlike people you'd ever meet. They've been living in Ohio these last few years but just moved back this past week so she can die back at home, surrounded by loved ones. We said our goodbyes to her on Friday and expressed our love for her knowing she could pass any day now. Painful. If anything, this baby has already taught me a lesson that through the challenges of life, despite grief, and sorrow the Lord always provides, at the same time, opportunities for you to still feel joy in your life. If you recognize it. This is what this baby is providing for me... the knowledge that Joy is always possible and there is always hope for brighter days ahead.

6 comments:

  1. Oh, Angie. Congratulations on the baby! I know you were thinking maybe one more. I am also very sorry to hear about your sister in law. My mom is in her parents ward and she has been telling me about it. Super sad. P.S. I hope your baby is a boy! And thanks for helping tutor Noah. He is so cute isn't he? I hear you two are a good match.

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  2. Angie! There is absolutely NOTHING that could be any better news than a beautiful new baby spirit coming! I am SO VERY happy for you. Congratulations!

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  3. A new baby, that is so cool! I'm so excited for you girlie! I am so sorry to hear about your sister-in-law, that is a heart breaker. Your family is strong and I have no doubt you will all make it through.
    You are a great RS president and you will bring some much needed youth into that room! I have loved getting to know you and love the Jane Austen movie nights we have! Thanks for being a good friend!

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  4. I have been wondering if you were prego but havent dared ask oh angie I am so excited for you hope you get a little man this time so bubba has a playmate Yay

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  5. Oh my gosh! Talk about a lot going on at once in your life! First of all CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy - Soooo exciting! And, I can't imagine anyone being a better R.S. President than you - you just rock at whatever you do!! Also, I am so sad to hear about your sister-in-law - we will keep their family in our prayers. I'm glad that they are near family now, they will need all the love & support they can get.

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  6. You know that saying - "There but for the grace of God go I?" LOL You will be an awesome RS Pres. PREGNANT?!?!?! Woo-Hoo! Are you hoping for a girl or a boy? Just wondering...cause now you have the girl thing down pat...so the only other surprise Heavenly Father could bestow on you at this point would be a BOY! I am so sorry to hear about your sister-in-law. I can't imagine having anything harder for a family to go through. Our prayers are with you. Love you Ang..and Congratulations!

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