I am a little more enthusiastic about today than normal….not just because it’s “May Day” but because I have air conditioning. 
It’s been out since Sunday morning and the tech came last night around 5pm and fixed it. At least it wasn’t the middle of July yet. It was bearable but only because we kept it as dark as a morgue in the house and the kids didn’t play outside much so as not to let the cool air escape. I swear the Lord lets things like that happen to us so we don’t take for granted all the little things that make our lives so “comfy”. Today I am grateful for air conditioning.
So….I was sitting outside on the bench in front of our house like I do every morning…just watching the girls on the corner to make sure they get on the bus safely. Then they wave to me through the bus windows as it passes by and they head down the street to school. Some days Cassidy is awake early enough to wave too. Today was one of those days. Even better. I sat there watching her still in her Power Puff Girls PJ’s and her serious Bed Head Do as she cruised back and forth on the sidewalk in front of our house on her little Razor scooter. Barefoot and happy as can be. Just anticipating the moment when she gets to wave good-bye to her sisters as the bus rolls on by. She is soooooo excited to go to school next year and be like Bailee & Macey. Heck….I am excited for her to go to school next year. I will have no kids at home with me then. cRaZy!!! It kind of saddens me too. I am loving too much each season that we keep passing through.
I love that I have a hobby called scrapbooking that keeps me on constant alert for moments and not just events in our lives that mean something. That shows we had feelings associated with different times that have come and gone in our lives. My girls will never know how much I love the ages they are right now and how much I love the seasons they are in right now unless I write it down. Well….if it weren’t for scrapbooking or blogging….I can’t say that would have happened. I am just feeling grateful today to be a mom I guess. I wish my girls could stay this age forever. I know the time is quickly coming when they won’t beg for kisses and hugs anymore everytime I leave the house. I left my girls with my Grandma for a few hours on Saturday night so I could meet Shane at the Gwen Stefani concert (which was awesome!) and as I was leaving I kissed Macey and Cassidy good-bye and told them to be good that I would be back soon. Then as I approached Bailee to give her a kiss and a hug she told me no. She was embarrassed because two of her BOY neighborhood friends were sitting there talking with her too. I kind of laughed and told her she is NEVER too old to kiss her mother. I left for the concert and didn’t think anymore of it. I knew that day would come….just didn’t expect her to be only 9yrs old. I think I was in JR. High when I stopped kissing my mom in public. Anyway….it must have bothered Bailee because as soon as I came back to get them she came and kissed me and told me sorry for not kissing me in front of her friends. I have sweet, sweet children. I am grateful the Lord blesses us as Mother’s with short-term memory loss. How we swear we could beat them when they misbehave. But two hours later when they are acting like complete “angels” they can do no wrong. I ride an emotional roller coaster with Bailee right now and I am sure this isn’t gonna be a short one. She can be impossible some days but others I swear she makes my heart burst with pride and joy. This is what I mean about the short-term memory loss. I guess it’s more commonly referred to as unconditional love.
Okay….that was a tangent. Sorry. Just feeling grateful for my kids and my adoring husband who means the world to me also. I am at a good place in my life right now. Even though things are a bit stressful….I have never been happier!
Soooooooooo…..the talks in church went fine. I am not a great public speaker unless we are talking scrapbooking or coupons…..I pretty much just read my talk like an 8yr old in Primary. That painful day is thankfully in the past. And Hell didn’t freeze over….imagine that! Shane did awesome. I have never given a talk in sacrament as an adult I guess because they normally ask couples to do it and my ex wasn’t active. It was the best feeling in the world to be sitting up there next to my worthy priesthood holder. I am grateful to have that in my home. I love you babe.
Here’s a card I made last week with the scraps from the “Lil’ Buckaroo” album. Just thought I would share! Gotta love cardstock stickers!
I am bizzzzzzzay working away to finish those wood heart hangers for Mother’s Day. THANKS SO MUCH GRANDMA for all your amazing help with those this weekend! She helped me basecoat! She’s da bomb!
THANKS SO MUCH for all your sweet comments on my previous post! I hope it inspired some of you!
Okay…what else??? GO SUNS! Can’t wait for Wednesday night!
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm… I have 5 packs of big Lil’ Davis chipboard bookplates left over from the product donations I received for the crop! I will do a drawing to give these away to whomever makes it through this novel of a post and leaves a comment! Here’s to a great week everyone!
May 1st, 2007
May 1st, 2007 at 11:52 am
Jonni Says:
Shanna, glad to hear the talks went well. I have been asked only once, in the last 5 years. Which I am glad about. I read my talks as well. Wanted to thank you for the Saturday Crop. Had such a great time, and loved the music going on. The wedding party down the hall gaves us a bit to laugh about. I was invited in for a drink and some dancing, even with my bad hair day, (Janet);.)
May 1st, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Erica Says:
I tell you all the time. The kids are amazing because the Mom is amazing. and the Dad too. I paniced when #3 went to school and had a baby just in time to not be all alone. you are WAY stronger than me girl.
My 10 year old still kisses me goodbye in front of the school..so I am safe yet :). Although she does wear a training bra now. AHHHHHH!!!!!!
May 1st, 2007 at 12:10 pm
erinwillis Says:
Did Bailey tell you that I saw her at the zoo last Friday? We were at the otter exibit. I was like, “Hey isn’t your mom Shanna?” and she was like,”Yeah,” and then I said, “I’m one of her coupon ladies, I came and bought your old couches,” then she said, “oh, yeah I remember you.”
May 1st, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Mechelle Wendt Says:
Shanna, I love reading your blog and quite enjoy your tangents! You have such amazing girls. I completely understand where you are going with unconditional love. While I was reading your blog, Jacob broke Allison’s “pretty picture frame.” I am thankful that Austin has not outgrown public affection. As long is it is not from sister, he is just fine with it. I dread the day that happens. I love to love on my babies!!!
I hope that you continue to have a great week!
May 1st, 2007 at 12:33 pm
April Hall Says:
Hey Shanna! I love your story and i’m sorry to hear about your air. Glad it’s fixed!! Your kids sound like angels! I think I was about 6th/7th grade when I stopped kissing my mom in public.
I can’t wait until I have my own! 
As always I love your blog and your stories!!
May 1st, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Ashley Says:
Gotta love parenting and wifing too! Life is just full of amazing experiences that we will actually miss as such if we don’t record them some how. I Love the card you made with the scraps! So cute. Seriously wish I could get one of those hearts. HEE HEE. Anywho, glad all is going well have a great day and I enjoyed your tangent!
May 1st, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Allison Says:
I love the card you created and I am so jealous you got to see Gwen! Of course, I was able to wrangle some friends into taking care of our lovely monsters so we could see Nelly Furtado…fun!
May 1st, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Jessica Says:
I love that card… not as much as the album though!! hehe
Glad to hear your talks are over. We have never spoken in church since we’ve been married!! I know now that I said that I’m going to get a call today!! Glad Gwen was good! My Mom and I are going to see Kenny on Saturday!! I’m so excited!! I hope my kids show their love for me like you kids do! Have a great week!
May 1st, 2007 at 1:00 pm
bev hodges Says:
love to see all the little cards you are making from the scraps…so cute.
May 1st, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Elly Says:
What a great post. I am so happy for you Shanna! I’ve seen you go through so much and I’m glad you and Shane found each other. He is a nice guy and you deserve a little happiness
May 1st, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Keri (Jessica's Mom) Says:
Thought I would comment for the first time…. that I can remember anyway!! LOL! I can’t wait to see the Little Buckaroo album in person! It looks way cute, I am sure the adorable Little Buckaroo himself gave your project lots of inspiration! (you know us grandma’s can be alittle partial to our cute grandkids!) The card is a cute “leftover” as well. I love all your work as well as your insights!! As for talking in church….. it’s a known fact in our family that I would rather have a baby, than talk in church, cause they can give you drugs when you have a baby but they can’t when you talk in church! LOL! Know what I mean! Thanks for sharing.
May 1st, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Nicole Says:
I really enjoy reading your blog (I started blogging but gave up…), you have great kids, a great husband, you are a blessed woman (not that I can complain myself!) and most of all I love to see your work, you are an awesome scrapper, so keep these cute cards coming!
May 1st, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Amie Says:
What a great post, beautiful card, and lovely sentiment. I suggest you read that blog to your kids to let them know how you are feeling about them at present. I go thru the same emotions with my nearly-eight year old. Sometimes he’s the easiest, sometimes he’s the hardest! No matter what, we always love him.
May 1st, 2007 at 4:04 pm
Zarah Says:
Your kids ARE adorable, and I agree with Erica - they get it from their parents, hun!!
(Sidenote: I mentioned you in my blog… *grins*)
May 1st, 2007 at 4:33 pm
lacey Says:
Hey Shanna! I needed your post as I just came home from a playdate with my 2 year old..she wasnt’ ready to leave and kicked and screamed the whole way home, down the hall, taking her shoes off, and finally tucked in bed. She is sleeping now! Sigh! Thanks so much for your inspiration..I too am so grateful to be a mom and the blessing it is to have a happy healthy family! We need daily reminders that we are blessed!
May 1st, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Kaelene Zapata Says:
Why you gotta make me cry?? I’m not a mom yet, but I can imagine how it feels to see them grow up. Heck, watching my neices and nephews grow up is hard for me!
Keep on scrappin’, girl!
Love ya
May 1st, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Angie Says:
Gosh, I love those good mom days! Don’t they make you feel all squishy and Hallmark cardy? I’m glad you had one of those days. Oh, and my girls l-o-o-o-v-e waving goodbye to the kids on the school bus as it passes our house. I’m so thankful I’ve got a couple more years before it’s *sniff, sniff!* one of my own! Finally, way cute card.
May 1st, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Administrator Says:
Yah…..so I had to come back here and read MY OWN post this afternoon because I just beat (spanked) my five year old for drawing a mural across her entire wall with crayon. I am now praying for a quick bout with short-term memory loss. Heaven help me. :o)
May 1st, 2007 at 6:42 pm
scrapperlindz Says:
I’m glad to hear you survived your talk! It always scares me too! I have to teach Relief Society and it always makes me sick to my stomach to get up in front of everyone, but I survive I guess! Cute card! Your daughter sounds very sweet too! Have a good day!
May 1st, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Lesli Says:
I’m so glad your talk went well - I stress out way to much too. Talking in sacrament in front of people I consider to be spiritual giants - is very hard for me - but I always feel blessed for doing it.
I love that you blog about your girls. I kept journals for each of mine when they were little. Once they got old enough to keep their own - I only wrote in mine. They have all told me how much they loved having my feelings and thoughts for them in a special book. Continue to cherish those moments - they disappear far too quickly. Just remember though - your reward for raising great kids - is you get to be a grandma. Have a great day.
May 1st, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Lori B Says:
I agree with another post, good moms make great children!!!!!! Your girls are so lucky to have you for their mom!! Love the card and glad you made it through your talk!!
May 1st, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Meghan Says:
Shanna, please don’t tell me that my little Cheekers will one day not want to kiss his mommy. It’s just breaking my heart to see he’s getting more & more independent now (well as independent as an 8.5mos old can be!).
I love the birthday card & can you say “Jealous”, yep I am jealous that you went to see Gwen Stefani. “Lucky” .
I finally went back to church this week. For the first time in probably 6 or 7 yrs. It felt good to be back & I took Ethan. I have to schedule his blessing soon! He loves Jesus & will smile & laugh at his picture. Of course this means he is the next Prophet! *wink wink* Hee hee!
May 1st, 2007 at 8:22 pm
lisa Says:
i made it!! woo–that was a good one. i love the quote kerry sent me today from a 2peas layout. it said “i love you more than yesterday, because yesterday you really got on my nerves!” or something along those lines! glad the talk went well! oh–you been tagged on my blog!
May 1st, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Jannell Says:
HI Shanna,
You are great mamma and I am sure your girls know that. Have a great day 
I love reading your blog and seeing all your creations. So inspiring.
May 1st, 2007 at 9:16 pm
liz (kt) Says:
Each day life challenges us.. Your kids are great and you are a great mom… Besides an awesome scrapper and cardmaker your blog is so fun to read and such. I think I was in middle school before I didn’t want my mom to kiss me in front of my friends and my daugher when she was a freshman would say i’ll kiss you when i leave but not in front on my friends.. Now she doesn’t care.. Enjoy laugh your a great person
May 1st, 2007 at 9:32 pm
jennie cambarare Says:
Love reading your blog, you are very inspiring. Love the card. And i can sooooo relate to scrapbooking helping you to realize the “life moments”.
Im glad all went well at your talks.
May 1st, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Suzanne Crockett Says:
Okay Shanna, your post brought tears to my eyes today. You are such a good mom. I don’t see how you do it all. Biggest tear was talking about your worthy pristhood holder. I’m so happy for you that you have found someone finally. Your blog is so much fun, keep up the good work. I told my hubby I need to do something like this. Love Ya, Suzanne Miss you too!!!!!
May 1st, 2007 at 9:59 pm
Kelsy Propp Says:
I am a regular lurker on your blog…I did make it all the way through your posting today and it really touched me. It is so hard to deal with our kids growing up sometimes I wish they could stay just the way they are forever. Thanks for sharing.
May 2nd, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Teri Says:
Don’t ya love it when it feels like they have acknowledged you? Even if only by a kiss or a hug? I get to pick up my oldest (the Navy girl) from the airport tonight. She will be with us for 9 days. Her sisters are so excited. Especially her youngest sister. She cried one evening when my parents sent me pics of time they spent with the Navy girl. It was so touching to see how Anna (5) had bonded with her sister who will be 20 in a week. So sweet.
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:18 am
tracie farmer Says:
all I have to say is: Holy Hell I can’t believe 29 people posted back!
May 3rd, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Deanna Says:
Ok a couple of things. Makenna still kisses me in front of her friends. She blushes but her friends all wish their mom loved them as much. And Erica, I am with you on the bra thing. We started NEEDING one here too! For Makenna…I still don’t need one. Hahaha!
Another great post and I wish I could have seen you talk in sacrament. Glad lightning didn’t strike the steeple or something. Hehe!
Last thing…Who is Tracie Farmer? That is my bishop’s wife’s name.
May 3rd, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Deanna Says:
Ok I just looked at my ward roster and the bishop’s wife’s name is spelled with a Y not ie. Funny!
May 3rd, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Casey Lu Says:
Shanna that card is cute! Love your work! I am there with ya about the kids walking the balls up to the 100. I caught my kids doing that one time and I did the same thing except they didn’t get the jackpot, they had to give a few of their tickets back. Stealing has to be one of the hardest things to deal with between the ages of 5-9. I have had a very hard time with my son lately about it. Glad yours knew it was wrong. Love the Little Buckaroo book, Jessica’s lil boy is such a cutie!