you know you're a M.O.M. when......

....time for YOU is at the bottom of the To Do list.

I know, I know some of you may be saying you do things for your self a lot and yes I do take some time to put my feet up and soak up the sun.

The thing is if you don't take time to do the everyday simple things like eating, showering, working out and putting on makeup, then the get aways, mommy time-outs may not be as much fun or as 

rejuvenating . As it turns out I am actually a lot happier and way more productive if I do these simple things. If I do these simple things I will also be healthier and stronger and that is what makes me better.

I can say yes to a child, husband, friend and possibly even foe before I say YES TO ME. 

I know I've learned this lesson before and I don't think that long ago, but here I am hoping that it's not just me and I can encourage YOU to say yes to you too.

This post is not intended to endorse selfishness! It's just a reminder to put the oxygen mask on me first so that I have all that I need to take care of those the Lord needs me to serve. 

Autism Council of Utah's Blue Carpet Gala

I am so blessed to have the opportunity to serve as one of the Autism Council of Utah's (ACU) fundraising committee chairpersons. I get to work with incredibly talented brilliant women ( Cheryl Smith, Laura Anderson, Amy Baker and Amanda Patten), who are making a difference in the lives of so many here in Utah.
Pam Winn, the former fundraising chair, had the inspiration to hold a Gala and this year we were able to make her inspiration and a dream of mine come to life with the help of our generous sponsors, MICHE, BRIO, Cobble Creek Countertops, UofU, Doug Smith Auto and many others.

We hosted a beautiful Blue Carpet Gala with the focus being a "spectrum" of entertainment as a reflection of the spectrum of autism. We were honored to have Jason Hewlett as our Emcee for the evening and he knocked our socks off as he does every crowd. Jason is a singer/impersonator extordinaire, check out some of his work here.

Other entertainers were One Voice Children's Choir, Shawn Rapier (comedian), Katherine Nelson (Folk singer), Kyle Kou ( Pop singer), Nelson sisters and Static and the Sound Band closed out the evening with dancing.

We all came dolled up to the nines, ate a delicious 4 course meal from Brio Tuscan Grill, laughed till our bellies ached, shed a few tears on behalf of our loved ones and danced the night away. Thank you to every one who opened your wallets and let your bank accounts show your support. This was the most successful event to date for the ACU and we look forward to raising the bar next year.

Chelsea Peterson Photography captured many of the special moments. I am so thankful to have these pictures as proof of accomplishing this dream I have had of hosting a Black Tie event for the last 15 years. It was a wonderful evening with a spectrum of friends and emotions.

Autism on a daily basis has many miracles, tantrums, laughs, and tears. This evening we were able to celebrate the friendships we share because of our common lifestyles and make a difference in the lives of many. This gives me PEACE as I hope it did for many others. 

Till next year!

Expressionism Thinking and Art

My friends say they can't understand me, that I talk in riddles. I blame it on my Mom, because she does similar things. Maybe it's just the fact that the world isn't ready for what we have to say. I had a friend not too long ago say, it's never just about the weather with you when we talk, it's always deep.
I tend to think in quotes, lyrics or poems, therefore making it difficult for me to to put all my different emotions and thoughts in my head to words. I am constantly writing down quotes or thoughts that explain my emotions. Now with the new Rhonna Designs App on my phone I LOVE to combine these quotes and art together. Here are a few of my recent faves...

It's about Creating everyday!

Today I'm sharing my heart and some deep thoughts over at Brassy Apple go take a look! 

Thanks to Rhonna Designs App for making this photo above possible.

The Croods = Speech Surprises

You may not think that bribery is a good way to parent but I believe in a reward for a job well done, and that's what my kiddos got tonight. We cleaned the basement SO we went to the movies. Little did I know this "Wild Child" below would spark something in MY non-verbal/echolalia wild child to say a word I haven't heard in a while, DaDa. 

Daddy wasn't even there to hear it. Don't worry I hurry and recorded it.

The Rock doesn't mimic us or movies all the time so we are genuinely surprised when something sinks in and he mimics something or someone. 

The Croods was a great movie for the whole family, from the 34yr old to the 5yr old we all were entertained and inspired to speak out about it.

you know you're a M.O.M. when....

.....validation is all your heart desires most days. Today is MY day! 

Thanks to Mom It Forward for honoring me as Mom of the Day.

This means so much to me because of how much I admire the women and men that work so hard to make Mom It Forward such an incredible place of inspiration. Mom It Forward has an incredible mission to uplift and make the world a better place, goals that I share with them.

For me I wonder all the time if I'm doing enough for my family, myself and those I come in contact with. It's a battle of balance and peace, but it's days like today that show me I'm achieving my goals to make a difference by someone noticing and sharing what they've noticed with others. 

Thank you so much to all the magnificent people at Mom It Forward. 

I challenge each of us to give someone a little validation today and share with them how much you see they make a difference in the world. 

All I need to know I learned from Enizio Salon

I had the privilege of meeting the genius behind Enizio Salon, Alex.  Enizio started out as a mobile hair & make up salon, that's right they come to YOU. I absolutely love this feature, but sometimes you just want to get away and their brick and mortar salon is just that, A GET AWAY. The pics, don't quite to do it justice but don't you want to see it for yourself? Do it, GO, book your get away now at Enizio Salon. I learned so much this night and I'm sharing it all with you...........

These beautiful ladies above are Morgan, red head hairstylist guru and the stunning Carrian from Oh Sweet Basil. Morgan is Carrian's stylist and I'm so glad she shared her with us. Carrian was the hair and makeup model for the evening, lUckEE (napoleon dynamite). These are some of the brilliant items that have now been put on my makeup shopping list. Below is how to use them.......

Embroylise: Moisturizer and Primer; a must for every day and especially photo days. 

Mac Paint Pots: Soft Ochre or Painterly (primer for eye for long wearing) 

Eve Pearl Trio Eye Concealer: You must go darker and then gradually blend to lighter in order to actually lighten the under eye. 

Makeup Forever HD Foundations; powder T-zone and under eye, Contour palate or bronzer under jaw, cheek, forehead in a 3, draw lines up

Makeup Forever HD Setting Powder; helps your makeup last all day and through a photo session. 

Eye Shadow; 
light color as base all the way to the brow line
slightly darker in crease
make this< on each side of eye > point is at the end of eye, this can be any color you want
Eyeliner line changes with shape of eye, the more the smaller the eye becomes
Smoke eyeliner by brushing is out
Did you know, the waterline is in between eye and bottom lash? I didn't until now.

Lips;
Cream sheen by Mac beautiful
line lips for photos, more definition

Hair

Onesta Setting mist to give hair memory to hold curl

Dust It by Osistextured hair powder

Headshot Tips by Heidi Ann

• Never face the camera full front. Always angle away from the camera with your weight on your back leg. 
• Avoid white and black (usually). 
• Choose colors that make you look good. 
• Don't stick your chin/neck out no matter what the photographer says. The trick is to use darker pigments (makeup), not MORE makeup.
• Make sure you tell the photographer what you want. If you hate the urban background you'll end up hating all of your photos. 

Thank you Emily,  Is This Really My Life, for the invite, The Chocolate for delicious desserts, it was a wonderful evening out, even if I was in my workout clothes, doi (as I hit my forehead).

You know you're a M.O.M. when.....

.....a moment in the sun can be like a vacation to HAPPYland.

In the winter when the sun is shining, you can find me inside the house (because its still too cold to be outside) at any window soaking in as much Vitamin D as possible. I've even been know to lay down in the sun rays and go to sleep as long as the sun is on me. A moment like this can give me just the push I need to get through the day.

Boy, did I need the sun. I needed it so much I could call it a miracle it's out. The last few days I have been inside non-stop potty training (autism style) my little guy. He's done so well, but I don't do so well being inside for that long and I'm not sure how long it's going to be before its ok to take him out while potty training. I'm so grateful he understands what I'm saying when I say lets go to the bathroom, He couldn't do that last year. I don't know how long it will take for him to understand he needs to talk and tell me he needs to go.
I'm grateful for his progress. It would be so easy to throw my hands in the air and throw a fit saying This isn't fair! He's five and can't talk! How hard does life have to be?! Sometimes I do, but today I'm grateful for the sun and the strength to do my best and just love all my babies and all the ARE ABLE TO DO.

you know you're a M.O.M. when.....

you can find every stinky camouflaged item a child has left behind and wonder why they consistently leave a trail behind them.

Maybe the story of Hansel and Gretel was a legend from mothers long ago after spending their lives picking up the trail of garbage left behind from their children.

Maybe children really do need a trail in order to find their way back to bed, toy room or bathroom room. That would explain why when I ask them to go to any of these places the reply is always "I can't!" Maybe because I've picked their trail they left behind they seriously can't.

I think I may have solved a really life everyday mystery, what do you think?

Can you find the camouflaged item that's been left behind?

Oh my Cricut!

Cricut Instagram Contest

Cricut is having a fun Instagram contest going on to giveaway some of the awesome Tool Kits they have… Follow them on Instagram (@OfficialCricut) to find out how you can be a winner. They announce winners every day on their IG and FB pages.

I am astonished at the kindness and happiness that has brought to my life. I love working with companies that care so much about others that they give whatever they can to make a difference it the world. Don't think I'm crazy I know that the Cricut is a machine, but the incredible people behind the machine are what make the magic happen. I am always on the look out for good customer service and wow do Nathan, Mallie and Cara stand out! Thank you.

Recently I had the honor of helping a friend make 18 of these beautiful paper flower balls in honor and for the funeral of beautiful, little Emilie Parker.

(photos by Lucky Red Hen)

There was no way we were going to make 18 flower balls in 1 night without some Cricut help. At one point we had 4 going at once in order to cut out the thousands of tiny paper flowers we needed. Thanks to Cricut, friends and some caffeine we were able to make all 18 flower balls in 1 night. You never know what will bring PEACE to the souls of others and I'm honored to have helped in a very small way for the family of Emilie Parker.

I look forward to my next Cricut project. What's yours?