You are a GOOD MOM!

Being a Mommy is hard. It was hard being a single Mom to one little guy and trying to keep us afloat all on my own. It is hard being a Mom to 1 and Step Mom to 2 that works 40+ hours a week. Being a Mom has taught me an endless number of things, with millions of more each day. Being a Step Mom is a whole new book of lessons to learn each day. Some are harder than others and most are completely unrewarding to us all. A lot of days, a big deep breath is all that gets me through. Other days seem like a breeze. I find myself ready inspirational quotes and articles to make my life feel easier and to lighten my load.

{{{This is one of my faves! I know you have probably read it 100 times, but it is still great!}}}

Also, I saw this link of a friends Facebook page this morning and the article is a very good read. http://www.kveller.com/blog/parenting/tell-a-friend-you-are-a-good-mama/

So to any of my dear friends and family that might be reading this, remember - YOU ARE A GOOD MOM!!!

XOXO - Jo!

Reasons I love Fall Time

I'm a Summer girl, through and through. I love the dead heat of Summer and all the fun events that take place. I love the time spent outside, the sunshine and long summer evenings. I would be perfectly content in a warmer climate, like St George or AZ. I do, however, enjoy the changing seasons that we get here in Central Utah. I could easily get depressed that Summer is leaving, so I always have to remind myself why I love the other seasons too.

So... here is a little list of my favorite Fall things:

* The beautiful colors from the valley floors clear to the mountain tops.
* Halloween is soon. I LOVE Halloween :) And then Thanksgiving, CHRISTMAS (YAHOOOO) and New Years! I admit it, I am a Holiday Freak!
* A change in wardrobe. Bring warmer clothes out of the basement and put Summer attire away. Almost like a whole new wardrobe :)
* Bottling!!! It is something my sweet Grandma Georgie has taught me and even though it is too hard for her to do now a days, I enjoy doing it in my home with my kiddo's and letting them help, so they can have the memories like I do. Plus, it just feels so nice to use the things I know that I have made through out the year. It feels so rewarding!
* The smells... Delish! It is always funny to me how a fall scent just does not smell right from January to August, but come September, it just smells right. Fall scents are so comfy and homey to me.
* Cuddling - Getting out a warm blankey and snuggling with my loves makes me a happy Momma :)

Happy Fall Ya'll!!!

The Hones

It is official, my blonde haired, skinny minny, cowgirly, smart, gorgeous, perfect little Sister got married to her amazing man this weekend! It honestly turned out more than perfect for her and Zach. The weather was just right. We ate and drank until our hearts and belly's were completely content. We had lots of laughs and made tons of great memories. The turn out was amazing and I was so happy to see so many friends and family members. Brons, Bry and Dax walked down the isle together and Dax got the rings to the Bride and Groom without even losing them. (That made for a thankful Momma!) There were lots of happy tears shed and lots of love shared between all.

Dax is such a tender hearted, emotional little man. (I have NO clue where he got that from ;) After the wedding ceremony, he came up to hug me and told me he had a hard time not crying during the wedding because he is so happy for Jonie and Zach. Then he layed his head in my lap and cried for a good 5 minutes. Just happy tears, he said. When we were cleaning up to come home on Sunday, he was saying bye to Jonie and did the same thing to her, layed his head in her neck and cried. He said he is happy for her, but sad she is moving away. What a precious little man he is.

It was such a fun filled, busy day that I didn't get a ton of pictures, but here are a few!

{Me, Ronnie & Molly}

{Miss Lynzee & I - not just cousins, but forever friends too!}

{The handsome little ring bearer himself. The other kids were not having anything to do with pictures!}

{Jonie & Zach Hone est. 9/28/13}

{Daddy/Daughter Dance - I love their expressions!!!}