Shining Ray's

The Dizzy Daisy

2009-10-02T09:06:00.002-06:00

Here is my friends new fabric & notions online store. I have seen all her stuff and its beautiful!! Check it out.
http://web.me.com/thedizzydaizy/The_Dizzy_Daizy/Shop_Talk/Entries/2009/9/24_Grand_Opening!!!.html

Odelia's first day of Dance

2009-09-10T12:17:00.004-06:00

Odelia has been excited about "Dancy Dance" for weeks. Well today was her first day and I just had to post her picture. She was in a rush so the only picture I got was her scratching her ear. But she's still cute none the less.

How to survive a Pre-School application with 6 kids in the office

2009-07-30T14:51:00.001-06:00

First let me say don't try this at home, but if you must let me tell you my story so you can learn from my mistakes. Last week I tried to make it to the Head-start office to apply for pre-school for my 4 yr old. First time I tried was on Monday, my husband was home so I only had my daughter Odelia with me. Well some how I had the wrong address and wound up in the wrong city. I didn't have enough time to get to the right office before closing so I just went home. I made a second attempt at getting to the Head start office on Wednesday. This time with 3 of my babysitting kids, and all of my own kids. Grand total, 6 kids. I thought it would be easy because I had my older babysitting kids. I was wrong. When we got there I thought it was off to a nice start because I found a spot right up front to park. So I attempted to get the 5 big kids to hold hands and I pushed my daughter Eliza in her stroller. As soon as we got in the kids found their way to the play table and toys. First problem was 4 chairs, 5 kids. Then as I started to fill out the application my baby woke up so I tried to nurse her while filling out a 6 page form (with incredibly small writing). She wasn't having any of that and continued to fuss. So I started to bounce her and fill out my form (not my neatest writing). Meanwhile the kids are starting to fight over the toys, and 2 kids have to go to the bathroom. And did I tell you this is all happening in a 10 x 10 room that included me, 6 kids, 1 receptionist, 1 job applicant, 2 desks, 6 chairs and a child's table and 4 chairs. It was a little crowded, and the poor receptionist was trying to answer the phone and hear over the roar of the children. I must have looked very frazzled because the Head start administrator told me she didn't need me in her office and that she would call me later. I was grateful, having to move the heard in to her office would have been a nightmare. When we got to the car I noticed one of my kids and stolen Lego's, so I had to send er back in while I got the rest of the kids back in the car. As I was getting ready to put the baby in the car, someone locked the door. My oldest son couldn't figure out how to use the button, so he manually unlocked the door which set off the alarm as soon as I opened the door. This would have been okay except I now couldn't find my keys. The alarm went off three times before I found my keys. And Lucky for me I was parked directly in front of the office, so everyone that saw the fiasco inside now witnessed this event as well. I just laughed hysterically, it was that or cry uncontrollably so I chose to laugh.
Here is the wisdom I took from this event:
1. Offices with toys are to be avoided, they end in mess and loud fighting.
2. When going to an office with children, put them all in diapers, it saves on bathroom trips.
3. Wear keys on a Lanyard around your neck - would have solved the alarm problem
4. Check children's hands, pockets and backpacks when leaving an office with toys, you may come home with toys that aren't yours.
5. Last but not least, get someone to sit with your kids... your sanity will thank you.

Eliza's first Chiropractor visit

2009-07-21T13:48:00.003-06:00

I decided to go get some good crack from Dr. Carr while I was in Prescott. Eliza got adjusted too. Here is a picture of her getting her first adjustment and wearing her first pair of sunglasses.

Out of ICU

2009-07-21T13:45:00.003-06:00

My dad got moved out of ICU on Sunay before I had to fly out. Here are some pictures of Eliza and my dad. Ignore my dads crazy eyes, he was trying to open them big.

The Maverick

2009-07-21T13:34:00.003-06:00

Recently I had an impromptu trip to Arizona because my dad had surgery that did not go well. The first night after we visited my dad at the hospital we needed some comic relief. So we went to the new Maverick (gas station) built in front of my parents subdivision. My mom had said that it would attract rifraf so we went to check it out. When we were there we found a broken down vehicle, a motorcyclist that wouldn't let us take his pictre because he may be wanted. We found a bathroom with an obscene name and beer and Candy. Its one of those times you just had to be there, but me and my sisters were laughing so hard by the time we were done. It's so great to belly laugh with your sisters!

Laundry

2009-07-14T08:30:00.002-06:00

Having a new baby means that we get behind on a lot of the chores in the ray household, laundry is no exception. The other day I sat Eliza next to me while I started folding, it took so long that before I finished she was fast asleep sitting up. It was so cute I had to take a picture.

2009-07-13T18:21:00.001-06:00

We had a great 4th of July. Here are some of the pictures from the parade in Provo. Its the largest 4th of July parade in the state. People even camp out to get front row seats. In one of the pictures you see Harrington pouting in the bakground. He was mad because we wern't up front and he thought that he wouldn't be able to see. But as you see in the other photos we were able to get right up front. A really nice family that had camped out had a ton of space and let me, Odelia and Harrington move up front. Zeb stayed behind with Eliza. Odelia loved the Disney princess's. When they came by she went right up to them and hugged all of them, there was no stopping her. We had a great day with the parade, block party and ended the day with fireworks in our street and watching the big ones in our backyard. So much fun!

Bunny Ears

2009-06-25T15:47:00.002-06:00

I was reorganizing Eliza's closet to put in her bigger clothes, when I found these adorabe bunny ears. Just had to post the pictures, she's so darn cute!

Baseball

2009-06-18T14:41:00.002-06:00

This is Harrington's first year of baseball. He's a great hitter and understands base running. Learning how to play defense will be hard to him, so many places to throw the ball.

Lagoon

2009-06-18T14:20:00.004-06:00

So I haven't been to lagoon in 14 years. And since last Friday was stake lagoon day and we got such a great deal, Zeb and I took the day off to have some family fun. We were there from 11 am to 10:30 pm and the kids were good the whole time. Even Eliza, she enjoyed sleeping and spending the time outside. The weather was perfect no rain, and a high in the mid 70's. And I am proud to say that none of us were sun burnt. Thanks to Neutrogena Bay sunblock SPF 55. And the best part was for $10 we got a
100oz mug with unlimited refils and .... they had Mr. Pibb eat your heart out Desie! We did get a couple lemonade refills for the kids, didn't want them on a caffine high. All in all it was great!

Spring Soccer

2009-05-27T14:11:00.004-06:00

This is Harrington's 3rd season playing soccer. He's not perfect at it, but he loves to go out and play. He's learning to assist in goals instead of trying to make them all himself. I am so proud of him and his willingness to give it his all.

When Odelia and I get bored we take photos of ourselves, not that we ever get bored at a game.

Abe's Wedding

2009-05-26T21:00:00.003-06:00

My husband's little brother tied the knot this last weekend. We drove 7 hours round trip all in one day, it was a little crazy. The kids did great though, Eliza even took a bottle for the first time. The weather was great and the bride was beautiful, can't ask for much more.

Eliza's Blessing Picture

2009-05-19T15:49:00.003-06:00

Recently Eliza went to get JCPenny's to have her Blessing picture taken. Here is the website access code and album number you need:

www.smilesbywire.com
Name : Jami Ray
Access Code: LTPP0657109398JCP
For Album :2009-05-04 12:04

She looks super cute!!

Only a 3 yr old would say

2009-05-11T13:26:00.001-06:00

On Sunday they were passing the sacrament and Odelia wanted to know if they were going to pass some cheese. Apparently she was hungry. I had to try hard to control erupting laughter.

A Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-11T09:01:00.002-06:00

My husband and kids made the wall art, Harrington & Odelia made the necklace and Harrington made me the cookie. Odelia made me a cookie too, but then she ate it. We were at Michaels (craft store) and she was in need of a sweet snack so I told the kids they could eat the cookies, Harrington insisted that the cookie was mine. So this afternoon I will enjoy it with a glass of milk. I had a great mothers day, crapes for breakfast, a tomato plant from church, a nap and steak & pie for dinner. I am well loved.

A Name and a Blessing

2009-05-04T15:19:00.006-06:00

Eliza was blessed this last Sunday, here are some pictures.

I love having my babies blessed, Zeb always does a such a good job. I love to hear what Heavenly Father wants to bless these sweet children with. Eliza did great, she didn't cry or spit up or have apoopy diaper. I even made it through church without having to nurse her, which was great since my dress wasn't nursing friendly. All in all it was a great day.

Chicken Noodle Soup

2009-04-17T20:10:00.002-06:00

I made chicken noodle soup for dinner and a crusty loaf of bread. It was yummy!! It's funny how something so simple can be so satisfying. I think that I have been more in to food since I have been nursing than while I was pregnant. I am hungry all the time, and unlike when I was pregnant I am losing weight. It's a wonderful thing to pig out and still loose weight, I love nursing!! And so does Eliza, it's one of her favorite pass times. The day I got home from the hospital I made a cake and ate most of it myself in a couple of days. In fact I think that I will make a cake right now, it would go great with some ice cream. Okay so I must say goodbye so I can feed my cravings.

Easter

2009-04-12T15:38:00.001-06:00

First Bath and more Eliza pictures

2009-04-06T17:26:00.007-06:00

Mom and Odelia being silly! Harrington holding his new sister

Kisses!

Watch out world, the Ray girls are here!

Eliza all ready to go get poked at the hospital

Nappy time for mom and Eliza

Eliza's first bath

Eliza with her Photo Therapy wand, she looks like a little glow worm.

Zeb's always in charge of the first bath. Slippery wiggly newborns are not my speciality. An Eliza is especially squirmy. Yesterday she rolled from her tummy to her back twice. She's a feisty little girl.

Oprah Show & Peeing in the Kitchen Sink

2009-04-06T17:07:00.004-06:00

Just caught the Oprah show. Not something I watch much because I am busy with my kids. But since I had a baby last Wednesday I am hunkered down in my room, especially since Eliza has Jaundice and is on photo therapy, we are plugged in all day. So today I had the special treat of watching Oprah. It was based off of mom secrets and the things that make motherhood difficult. Some of it was funny, but some of it was just plain sad. One woman said she bathed her kids in the jacuzzi, another mother said that she didn't give her kids a bath for like three weeks. I admit I have had my crazy days, like the time I had to pee in the kitchen sink because the bathroom doors were locked to keep Harrington out of them and I couldn't find the key. I was pregnant with Odelia and it was the sink or my pants. I would've gone in the backyard, but we didn't have a fence and it was daytime. Not my finest moment, but even that day I was able to pull it together fid the keys, make dinner and give Harrington a bath.
I for one love motherhood and being a homemaker. Their are days I want to take a nap and I get cranky. I yell more than I should and I could probably do more activities with my kids. But I think that their is nothing wrong with "putting your apron on" so to speak. Ten or twelve years ago I heard Tamara Zinn give a talk in sacrament meeting about women needing to embrace motherhood and being domestic. I have always wanted to be the best homemaker I could, largely in part to learning from my mother and other women like Tamara. I am not ashamed to say that I love making bread, cleaning my home, making do with what I have, growing a garden, canning, and reading to my kids. I may not have time to go to the gym, get my hair done or have weekly nights out with the girls. But what I do have time for is to take care of my kids, my home and support my husband. I take pride in nourishing my family and taking care of their physical and spiritual needs. No one forces me to do these things, I do them because I want to. And if their is time left over I will spend time with friends, or maybe even wax my eyebrows (which I do myself in the bathroom). So to any mom who reads this and just enjoys being a mom, here is to you! Perfection isn't necessary, their may be days when you pee in the sink, or your kids eat ice cream for dinner. Just love your kids and do the best you can. I'd love your pee in the sink stores in my comments section, so share away. Some days all you need is a good laugh.

Water on the brain, Hand, Heart Valve and Jaundice

2009-04-04T20:23:00.003-06:00

Eliza in her Photo therapy bed

Heavenly father has blessed is so much. When Eliza had her first ultrasound she had fluid on her brain. At 32 weeks she had an ultrasound and the fluid was gone. Many of you know that I was put on restriction at 32 weeks because I was had some bleeding and lots of contractions. And yet Eliza made it to her induction date full term. When my doctor broke my water he found her hand up by her head. He was able to maneuver her hand away, avoiding a C-section. In fact just after that Dr. Jones and my husband gave me a blessing, and when she delivered their were no complications. When they checked her in the nursery they noticed she has a heart thudder, her valve wasn't closed all the way. That night her daddy gave her a blessing and the next morning when the doctor checked her the valve was closed. When we left the hospital she was borderline Jaundice and this morning she was high enough that they have her on photo therapy, she is still on photo therapy at home. She has had lots of wet diapers in the few hours she has been on the therapy and her color is much better. I wouldn't be surprised if tomorrow morning when we go back to have her billi level tested if she is all better. I feel like Heavenly Father has blessed us so much to allow her to over come all of these health issues in her short little life. I am so greatfull for the priesthood power that allows men to bless in Jesus name, the tender mercies of the lord have been poured on us. Through all of this I have been calm and have felt the lords nearness. I can't imagine being a mother without the power of the priesthood and the gift of the Holy Ghost

Eliza Jayne is Here!!

2009-04-02T07:06:00.006-06:00

Only a few minutes old.

Look at my little chubby arm

Mouth open looking for food

After her first meal!

View from the room, see the temple on the far left

Odelia and Harrington meet Eliza

They think she is sooooooo cute!

After a meal, a girl must nap... She sleeps like Grandma Rose.

Every little girl loves to have her feet rubbed.

All snuggly soft in her blankie and hat.

She weighed 7 lbs 8 oz, 21 in long and her head was 14 in. Her Feet and toes are nice and long. No Ray thumbs. Her bottom lip is pretty pouty, and her chin is not real big. The hair she has is pretty light, her eyelashes are long and very blonde. So far she is very quiet, she squeaks a little. We feel so blessed that she is here and we are all healthy.

Waiting for Baby

2009-04-01T15:55:00.005-06:00

Well I am almost 5cm dialated and we are patiently waiting for baby Eliza to come. I thought I would post a baby belly shot of me before I deliver.
Now all I want is to have my baby and then enjoy a nice cheeseburger, maybe Pizza, or even tacos. I will post some baby pictures tonight.

Pregnancy Woes

2009-03-25T07:42:00.003-06:00

Okay so I haven't blogged in like a million years. I have been a little tired, uncomfortable and generally feel like I am losing my mind. For a while I was on Pelvic rest and light duty so the baby wouldn't come early. For the last few weeks I have been in the clear to go ahead and have her, but all I have had is contractions that don't turn in to anything. I am currently 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced. Last night the contractions were hurting so bad I threw up. But like everything else they stopped. We are inducing next Wednesday, so she'll be here by April 1st, shes getting an eviction notice in the form of the "Pit". On the funny side my OB just happened to be behind me when I was weighing yesterday and he put his foot on the scale adding about 10 lbs. I thought I was going insane. When I stepped off and realized what he did, he got a firm whack in the arm. He is such a tease. So last night I went to get a milkshake with Zeb (dessert therapy) and when I got home I was so nauseous that I threw it all up! What a waste of an Iceberg thick creamy Strawberry cheesecake shake. Hopefully today I will have the energy to clean my house the way I need to.

Harrington takes flight

2009-02-05T12:00:00.003-07:00

On Monday Harrington had Teacher Development Day, no School yipee! His uncle Waldo happened to have the day off from work. Uncle Waldo has his pilots license and called to see if Harrington wanted to go for a flight. I quickly said yes knowing he needed something fun to do, or else he would drive me nuts all day. One of his favorite cousins Mary, went along too. At first Harrington told me he didn't want to go, but I was told he enjoyed every moment of it. When he got home all he talked about was being inverted in the plane, all the mountains he flew over and how much fun it was to talk on the microphone. Thank you Uncle Waldo and Mary for making it such a fun day for Harrington!

Happy Chinese New Year

2009-01-26T14:03:00.003-07:00

It's the year of the Ox. In case your wondering about what that means for the children born this year, here's a clip from what Wikepedia had to say:

The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.

I have a fond place in my heart for Chinese New Year because as a child my best friend was Chinese and I celebrated with her family almost ever year. As children we got red envelopes (filled with cash) called Lacee, almond cookies and a lots of great food. This year when the rest of the world celebrated New Year I was too tired to come up with a resolution, I wasn't even awake for my new year's kiss. So I am having a Chinese New year do over. I am resolving to work on strengthening my home and family by living the gospel of Jesus Christ. That means more scriptures, prayer and patience. So for anyone who forgot or already broke their resolution it is time for a Chinese New Year do over. Since we are expecting in a couple of months, I guess I will have a Ox baby... heaven help us if she is more stubborn than the Ray children that preceded her.

Kids are so funny!

2009-01-12T06:30:00.003-07:00

Yesterday we were at church and we were there early enough to hear the prelude music. Odelia thought the tune was familiar so she started to sing, "Some day my prince will come". It wasn't to quiet either. Then she had to pee so I took her to the bathroom and when we got back she proudly exclaimed, " I went potty". She's not a loud kid, but when she has something she wants, whispering is not her forte. Harrington gave a talk in Senior primary and did really good. I wrote all the words on the back of the pictures and he knew all but the really big words like, translation. He's doing so good at reading, lately he's really gotten in to reading the scriptures. It's been so fun to watch him grow and learn. The only bad thing is that we can't spell in front of him anymore.
On a different note my mom and I went to Savers on Friday and I got a new couch, baby bumper and a munch of clothes. I had no idea that Savers had such good stuff, usually I just go to DI. I think I have been converted. For those of you who sat on my old couch you will appreciate being able to sit in this new couch without sinking a foot. My last couch cost $20, this couch cost $60 so hopefully it last longer.... we shall see.

Christmas Morning

2009-01-01T05:15:00.007-07:00

We had a great Christmas this year. Zeb and I enjoyed making a few things for the kids. Like Harrington's green Lego station and Odelia's Doll bed. Mostly we enjoyed watching them open presents. They were greatful, they didn't complain and they enjoyed watching each other open presents almost as much as they liked getting them. Here a few photos of the morning.
All Set up by Santa before the unleashing of the children...

Harrington opening his present from his sister. Who knew the Dollar Stuff had such great stuff.

Zeb's new apron that will get as much use from him as his comb. He cooks very little, however it will be a nice addition to my collection. :)
My Cute new apron made by Zeb's mom. My not so cute early morning face.

Cute Sunday bag, the kids each got one made by Grandma Doreen.

Harrington's Legos all set up, before he tore them apart to construct his own creation.

Christmas Eve

2009-01-01T04:49:00.007-07:00

Our Beautiful pies with cute cut out crust!

This year we had the blessing of having Zeb's Mom and some of his siblings here for Christmas. On Christmas Eve we had traditional Tamales, rice, beans, doughnuts and Pumpkin Pie. I love to make food from scratch and because my mother in law was here, we did. The house was humid and warm all day due to the tamales steaming and the pumpkin cooking. For those of you who know how cold it is in Utah, that was a welcome change. But it was so worth it. I was to tired and busy to take pictures of our beautiful Tamales and doughnuts. But I did take a picture of the beautiful pies. On Christmas eve we also had Zeb's Uncle Waldo, Aunt Becky and 7 extra cousins for dinner, add that to the 9 people staying at the house and we were full to the brim. But what a great way to celebrate Christmas. Here are some pictures I did manage to shoot off....

Odelia Not listening to the story, instead she is pretending to be a cat.

Kaity, Reta & Harrington Listening to the Christmas story.

Aaron listening well

Zeb Reading, doing a quick non-monotone job.

Cookies made for Santa

And then it was off to bed with the children.... they waited for Santa to come.

Saturday fun & Christmas Sunday Pictures

2008-12-21T16:03:00.008-07:00

Saturday we made "Trish's Brownie Pancakes" , you can go to kobialkafamily.blogspot.com to get the recipe. Then we made some ornaments and window decorations. The kids had a fun time chilling with mom.

Christmas Pictures

We took some pictures today after church. Odelia is wearing her Christmas dress from last year, but I did make her some new bows. And Harrington is wearing his typical Sunday attire. He did get his new Volcom dress pants a few weeks back. I wanted to buy him a sweater vest but couldn't find one I liked. My kids are polar opposites so we couldn't get them to smile at the same time, except for when they made silly faces or when Harrington had his hand over Odelia's face. Harrington took the one of just us, he said he was trying to get the nativity in too.

Now I see where Harrington gets it from.

My Sassy Apron is here!

2008-12-20T13:07:00.004-07:00

A big thanks to my Sassy Apron Swap Partner, Marla. I hit the motherload of good stuff from her. She even got me a subscription to EveryDay with Rachael Ray. For those of you that know me, thats the perfect gift. I love magazines, I subscribe to 5 magazines already and this is one I don't have that I have wanted for a while. She even got me the Christmas mini cookie cutters I have wanted since last year. I bought the Fall ones after Thanksgiving last year, and I have loved them they work so great to make cut outs in pie crust tops. A picture of me in my apron, Harrington took it, I think he did quite well. You can see the bulge in the middle from my baby belly.

This package totally made my day. I tried to go on my partners blog to thank her, but its a private blog. So if you read this Marla send me an email so I can log on. jamirayrsmi@yahoo.com

So excited to use all my new stuff!! Money is tight this year so I told my husband no presents, just a few things in my stocking (I don't want the kids to think I was on Santa's naughty list.) What fun it is to open a present that I new was coming, but had no idea how many extras there would be. It's a Christmas miracle, and I am so greatful! My kids are gonna have so much fun making cookies when they get up from their nap.

Ready for Christmas

2008-12-20T05:12:00.002-07:00

Are we really ever ready for anything? Probably not. I think sometimes we get all caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all we forget why we celebrate this time of year. I have always thought of myself as someone not tied up in materialistic things and that I enjoy the season more than I plan for it. The last few weeks I have been sick with a cold, and have been grumpy and sleep deprived. I have been yelling more than usual and the other night I went shopping and was so tired I didn't even enjoy it. And for those of you who know me well, that is not typical. Usually I enjoy retail therapy, I crave it. Anyways, on Thursday night I went to Relief Society and the Stake President shared a story of a Christmas past when he had a son die a few weeks before Christmas. It made me want to go home right then and hug my babies. So tonight as tired as I was from being at home with the kids all day, making and cleaning up dinner; (Without the help of Zeb, this is his busy time of year at work.) I snuggled in bed with Harrington and Odelia and read them a book. Usually book reading is Zeb's thing, it gives me time to myself to unwind. But he wasn't home yet and I know they needed that time with me. I am so looking forward to tomorrow, to play with my kids, do some crafts and maybe even let them cook in my kitchen. Am I ready for Christmas, probably not. But my kids are ready to just have mom to themselves. I might even sneak a room cleaning project in to get them ready for what they are getting for Christmas. Harrington loves to organize, as long as I am calm and let him help. He's even slightly neurotic at times, definitely my kid. So to anyone who is reading this who feels like they have so much to do, just stop it... stop it right now. And realize that no child cares if all the projects are done, if the house is spotless or if your postman got the collage you made him. Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy the tender moments you share with those you love.

Precious Children

2008-12-13T04:05:00.003-07:00

I have two very precious children and one on the way. My eldest Harrington is much like his mother (before children) and sleeps about 11 hours a night soundly. We call him a lunk head, that's probably why he wets the bed. He doesn't get up even to pee. Which brings me to tonight. My daughter is a night owl and not a sound sleeper, about 10 last night I heard, "Harrington needs medicine, he's coughing". Sure enough her brother was hacking up a lung sound asleep. So my husband walked down the 5 steps to take him some medicine which he swallowed completely asleep. I wish I had thought to take a picture. Then this morning my Eliza (the little girl in my tummy) woke me up to pee at 2:05 am just in time to watch Martha Stewart's canning show. It was great, but then I was up and decided to go online to check Saturday's specials. They have a few things I need at Toys R US for the kids and Zeb so I decided to set my alarm to wake up at 5:40 and go get what I need before Zeb leaves for work at 7. About 3:50 I heard my sweet daughter cry out in her sleep, so I went to see why. She must have had a bad dream. I asked if she wanted me to turn her TV on, to which she replied "Yes mommy, you lay down and sleep on snow white with me. "(That's her pillow) So I turned on the TV, snuggled her in her blankies and layed down. About 2 1/2 seconds later this is what I saw...

I know that she is mine and I am partial, but she just looked like the most beautiful sleeping angel to me. Having children has definitely cut into my sleep, but who wouldn't love to get back out of bed to snuggle up to this sweet little girl. I took this picture so I can show her when her babies are little just how much I loved her, even at 3:50 in the morning. So thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who entrusted these sweet spirits to me.

Baby Belly and Odelia's New Hair

2008-12-12T10:09:00.002-07:00

First and foremost I hate taking pictures of my pregnant self. However my niece Desie asked me too and because I love her so much I decided to oblige. But don't expect anymore shots when I am embarrassingly huge.

Me at 22 1/2 weeks pregnant. Not my best picture but then again I am not a great photographer. Side Shot of my belly.

Princess Odelia's new Hair, a few sassy new photos.
Look at that pout.

Some day my prince will come.

I am an angel.

Yeah I am cute!!

Odelia's hair was rapidly approaching her butt, and she hated getting it brushed or braided. She screamed when my friend came over to cut it. But she calmed down eventually when she got to hold her barbie doll. Plus I bribed her with a chocolate bar. Now she tells everyone she meets that she got her hair cut, she is so proud. Between the new hair cut and her going potty on the toilet she has just grown up over night. I think she's getting ready to be a big sister.

My Productive Saturday

2008-12-08T12:42:00.004-07:00

I have soooooooooo many projects to get ready for Christmas. I was so proud that this Saturday I finished my Peace & Joy sign, Odelia's Jewelry box, and a bunch of bows. I still need to make her bow to go with her Christmas Dress but I haven't decided if she is wearing the same dress from last year or if I am buying her a new one. I loved her dress last year and if it still fits it will probably make a return visit. Then I can buy new shoes and make a cute bow to match. Maybe even a sweater. The dress is silk so I just have to take it to the cleaners. Harrington will probably just get a new tie and vest. I will wear whatever fits and Zeb doesn't do Christmas outfits. I still have a bed and two dressers to paint as well as move the office in to the basement so we can get started on the nursery. Whoo.. so much to do. I better go. I love you all and hope you are enjoying the Christmas season.

2008-11-19T10:37:00.002-07:00

Metro Station Concert

In The Venue 11/18

Okay so last night Zeb and I went and saw Metro Station. I checked them out and their music seemed pretty "poppish" with some electronica from the 80's ala Pet Shop Boys meets pop. Well they rock pretty hard live. There was no where to sit and the bathrooms in the venue were awful. Don't even get me started on the bathrooms. However Zeb was totally surprised that we were going for his birthday and he had a great time. Lets just say I tried to enjoy myself and not make dirty faces at the band when their language was lets just say, not what I have heard in a while. Their music was good as was the opening band, The White Tie Affair. The best part was that we got to park right out front of the venue, since most of the attendees were dropped off. 15 year old girls scream loud, really loud. At the end of the night I needed my bed and some Tylenol. It felt real late, but I was in bed by 10:30. I would love to say it rocked and I had the time of my life, but really it was great because Zeb loved it. He went to many concerts in his younger days and I think he loved reliving those memories. He probably would have gone in the front and got in the mosh pit, but have a wife who is 20 weeks pregnant we stood behind the sound guy. He even aked us to watch his station when he went to the bathroom. I think I got called mam like 5 times. Crazy. FYI if you have teenagers I would not let them attend a Metro Station concert. Too many f bombs for my approval, not in their songs, in between when they were just talking. They kept telling us to put our hands in the air and I told Zeb that I would only do it on the times they didn't curse when they asked us, total times that happend 2.

Random Ramblings

2008-11-15T12:09:00.003-07:00

Okay so I haven't blogged since like forever ago. I am not sure who even reads my random thoughts. But hey it feels good to write. I've been busy lately, but nothing interesting enough to blog about. Just taking care of kids, and working on my Mary Kay business. So far everything has ran pretty good. I just need to get all my stuff organized. I am kinda putting it off because on Wednesday we find out whether we will have a boy or a girl. As soon as we know we will be moving the office in to the basement and working on the putting the nursery together. For those of you that know me, that involves painting of furniture, a new theme and quite a few trips to DI. Should be fun though. I will take pictures of the process. What that also means is that I start to feel guilty about my other kids rooms so I will be cleaning and organizing them too. Odelia will have to get a new dresser, as her dresser is the only changing table that I have. I really hope I am having a girl because I am so much better at decorating girls rooms. Anyhoo's it's off to the store. Zeb is turning the ripe old age of 27 on Thursday and I need to buy him a few things. We are pretty tight, but the dollar store is always fun. Love you all.

Ward Halloween Party

2008-10-27T10:58:00.002-06:00

Here are a few pics from our ward Halloween party and chili cook off. I made pumpkin pie, but next year i am definitely making chili. While what was there wasn't bad. It was definitely Utah Chili. I will have to show them Arizonan chili, you know where there is actually a little heat to it. I should probably mark it as hot so they don't burn their taste buds. The kids had a great time. I even got asked to be in a skit with the RS presidency, it was an American Idol theme. I was Simon, not very convincing though since I have only seen the show a few times.

The Costume Parade

Odelia after being pushed in the Parade, oh the drama.

Harrington & Odelia before we left, all smiles.

Salsa & Pumpkin

2008-10-27T10:43:00.004-06:00

Last Tuesday I set out to make a few quarts of Salsa, as we were all out. And tomatoes are so cheap right now and I already had the rest of the ingredients from my garden. (Unfortunately I never had enough tomatoes all at once to use the tomatoes from my garden.) Anyhoos Zeb had the day off so I figured he could help keep an eye on the kids while I made the salsa. So after my prenatal appt. I came home picked up Eva, one of my babysitting kids and headed off to Walmart. I bought all I needed and two pumpkins. I failed to inform Zeb of the two rather large pumpkins that were in the back. One fell out of the back of my SUV and landed right on his toe. Since it was cracked it was throw it away or can it, waste not want not. So we had salsa to make and pumpkin to can. 14 quarts later I still have about 5 more quarts to do, so tonight I am taking my double canner to my Cousins (it doesn't fit on my stove under my micro hood) and we will finish the pumpkin as well as do some pinto beans. So much for a few simple quarts of salsa.

Pumpkin Pie anyone?

2008-10-24T15:57:00.002-06:00

Mary Kay

Okay so I decided to try something new. Starting my own business. I have been researching direct sales for a while and I kept coming back to the same company, Mary Kay. For those of you that know me I am not to prissy when it comes to make-up. But their business plan made the most sense to me and I already use a lot of their products. They encourage God first, family second and business third. Which is the way I have always felt. I am so ready to suceed at something new. So check out my website and email me with any questions.

www.marykay.com/jamiray

jamiray@marykay.com

If you are interested in hosting a beauty class, or would like to order product let me know. I look forward to being a sucessful director by this time next year. But I will need the help of my friends and family. I am soooo excited to be a part of this great company. If you are interested to know why I am so excited just ask. I would love to have you on my team!

Wild Hair Day

2008-10-23T16:22:00.004-06:00

It was wild hair day at Harrington's school, something to do with Red Ribbon Week. Anyhoo, I got Harrington's overgrown buzz cut in to the best mowhawk I could. He better live it up, because if he ever comes home with a real one, he's in a lot of trouble. He liked it a lot, he didn't even complain about all the hair gel, hair spray and the blow dryer.

Fall Color

2008-10-19T15:16:00.003-06:00

I just thought I would add a pictures of some of the beautiful fall colors and scenes that surround my home. A great picture taker I am not, but hopefully you will see some of what I see. Heavenly Father blesses us with such a beautiful world, and Utah has some great sights. If I can get up to Provo canyon and shoot of some pictures I will. I am so grateful for this time of year where we reflect on the fall harvest, not just the food but the blessings we receive all year round.My Front flower bed

The view out my front window, the mountains look way better in real life.Odelia's new monkey P.J.'s, not fall colors. But so cute. Don't you love when it's warm enough for footie P.J.'s

Tutu tutorial

2008-10-18T13:51:00.016-06:00

Princess Tutu Tutorial

Odelia has about 4 Tutu's but none that match her butterfly headband that she wants to wear for Halloween. So I decided to make her a pink and green tutu. Here are the steps if you want to make one. They are super easy, and require very little sewing.

Materials List:
*6-8 yds toole (can be two colors, make sure you buy the kind with the small holes, it looks better)
*1/2-3/4 inch elastic - long enough to go around waist
*Thread

Step 1-Measure the princess's waist, even if they refuse to smile. Cut elastic just smaller than waist, by 1/4"Step 2 - Over lap ends of elastic 1/4" and hand sew or machine sew together. I like to Zig-Zag it about 4-5 times back and fourth, you want it hang up to lots of play.

Step 3 - Set waist band aside and cut all your toole in half lengthwise. I use the crease from where it is folded on the fabric bolt as a guide. You may want to cut shorter than half if you have a short princess.
Step 4 - Cut strips 1' wide.
Step 5 - Separate by colors in to two bags. Or put all in to one bag if you use all one color.
Step 6 - Go turn on your favorite TV show and get ready to tie knots. Place toole on inside of elastic band. Make sure the elastic band is in the middle of the strip and tie a square knot. Alternate colors until all toole is used up.

Finished Tutu
Princess Odelia Rose modeling her new Tutu

2008-10-15T14:17:00.014-06:00

Cheesecake by Odelia Rose

Recipe Courtesy of The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook, cute little girl courtesy of Heavenly Father.

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 350, combine crushed graham cracker 1 2/3 cups with 1/4 cup Sugar.

Step 2 - Add 6 tbs of melted butter to Graham Cracker mixture and stir.
Step 3 - Firmly press mixture into spring form pan, and bake for 8 minutes.
Step 4 - Prepare cream cheese filling. Beat 3, 8 oz pkgs of cream cheese in electric mixer until creamy.Step 5 - Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well. (Sugar not child)Step 6 - Add 3 Large eggs one at a time.
Step 7 - Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla, mix well.Step 8 - Spread cream cheese mixture over prepared crust, bake for 35 min at 375.
Step 9 - Lick beater, then wash beater and bowl so you are ready for to make sour cream topping.Step 10 - After the cheesecake has baked 35 min, beat 16 oz sour cream, 3 tbs. sugar and 1/2 tsp of vanilla for 2 minutes. Then spread over cheesecake and bake additional 5 minutes at 400. (Picture not taken for this step)

Step 11 - Cool Cheesecake to room temperature on wire rack, then cover and chill 8 hours.

Enjoy!!

Arizona Trip, Parent/Teacher Confrence & Trash

2008-10-09T20:02:00.003-06:00

Okay, so Desirae helped me and made the slide shows you see below. It's kinda hard to describe whats going on in each picture since they are a slide show. But bless her heart for taking pity on me. While I was in Arizona we made a tutu for Charlotte, and we went canoing. You will notice that in all the pictures Zeb is in the Canoe, that is because he was the only one paddling. He was our tour guide, and pretty cute too. At first Desirae and my Dad didn't even want to attempt the Canoe, but we broke them down. If you look closely you can see my dad isn't on a seat he was sitting on the bottom of the canoe holding on for dear life. He hates cold water and was afraid of capsizing the boat. This coming from a man who served in the air force and at one point was a light weight boxer. Yes you heard me right light weight. You would never guess it now but he weighed like 125 lbs when him and my mom married. She was a scant 85 lbs. They have both gained another person in 50 years of marriage. After the canoe ride my dad had to take a nitro for his heart and lie down on the dock. My niece Charlotte road in the canoe for her first time, and she loved it, especially looking at all the ducks. She is the cute little one, with the life vest as big as her. I have been asked to do a tutu tutorial, but I don't have the step by step photos so you'll just have to wait until I make another one for Odelia. It's actually quite simple. I saw them at the mall and figured out how to do them on my own.

On another note, I am a scatter brained mom. I thought I had everything so planned for Harrington's parent /teacher conferences. I did my hair, Zeb got off work early, we ate dinner early as not to be late. I even changed my P.b. & J stained shirt and put make-up on. We got to Harrington's school, and his teacher wasn't there. We were supposed to be there the night before. I still don't know how I messed up on the night. I wrote it on the Calender, Harrington's teacher even sent a reminder note home. I never thought I would be a mom that would miss a Parent/Teacher conference. Somewhere between watching 7 children and going through Harrington's back pack I recorded the wrong day on the calender. Harrington even told me last night that we had Parent/Teacher conference and I assured him that it was tonight. Being pregnant messes with your brain... sometimes I think my mind is totally lost.

Second totally retarded thing that happened today. It's trash day, I heard the trash go to the curb and saw it on the curb. So I crossed it off my last, so glad that Zeb had remembered to do it for me. So this morning I emptied all the trash and the diaper pail (I have 6 kids in diapers... so it was a full bag of just diapers) I noticed that the trash can had less trash than usual for us. I shrugged it off because we were out of town. So I proceeded to go back inside and grab my broken brown chair I have been waiting to throw out and added it to the can. Then about 11 I heard the trash guy so I thought I would check the mail and haul the can back to where we keep it behind the fence. And to my surprise when I opened the gate there was my trash can, almost full. I had been putting trash, diapers and a broken chair in my neighbors trash can. Thank goodness she didn't see me, or I would have been totally embarrassed. So I wheeled her trash can back to the curb, and went inside totally disgusted that I hadn't checked to make sure my trash was out.

Lets hope tomorrow is better, at least I have the picture fiasco taken care of. Thank you, thank you, thank you Desirae. Lets hope I can sleep tonight.

Visit to Arizona 2

2008-10-09T19:58:00.001-06:00

Visit to AZ

2008-10-09T19:56:00.001-06:00

Blogging Gods

2008-10-09T04:59:00.002-06:00

Okay, so I have tried everything to get my nieces pictures to open and still nothing. She has sent them to me 22 ways from Sunday and still nothing doing. The only pictures I did have of my sisters 50th birthday are not opening now. So I got desperate and I ordered the picture CD from costco.com. I know that is a blatant waste of $3.18, but I will use less toilet paper squares on the potty to save money. It's worth it for a little bit of sanity. If the CD doesn't work then so help me, so help me, bum, bum, bum, bum... (line from Disney's Monsters Inc.) I woke up at 4 this morning so annoyed and have been trying to get them to work for the last hour with to no avail. Then I decided to blog about how annoyed I was and I kept getting a message about the server being too busy to post. Then my internet stopped working completely and I had to restart my computer. I had right clicked and copied my blog, but when I restarted all was lost. So I am going to attempt to post this now and get a couple hours more of sleep. Hopefully the blog gods are smiling in my favor, because it it doesn't go through I will be more annoyed and I can't sleep when I am annoyed. Hence why I am even awake right now. Good Night :)

I need a vacation from my vacation

2008-10-07T19:54:00.002-06:00

Okay so I am back from Arizona and I have a few things to blog about my trip, but I can't get the pictures off of my email. Hopefully my niece Desirae can help me out. So you will have to wait with baited breath to find out about all the fun I had. We got home late Sunday from AZ, and since then I have been trying to catch up. There has been a lot of laundry. I am proud to say that I have the month's FAMILY CALENDER all updated. My family Calender comes from years of having a desk job. I had a large desk calender where everything I needed to do was right in front of me. I know that their are more modern technologies, such as a blackberry, PDA and online calenders. I have used all of them, but I am retarded, I have to see it in large print everyday so I can prepare, and remember. Since I spend very little time at my desk in my home office, I rip out each month and pin it up on the wall in the Kitchen. It's not the most aesthetically pleasing thing, but it keeps me sane.
Harrington is all caught up his school work, and we are getting started on a project for the Utah PTA competition.
Zeb has been busy at work getting the show room up to par for the big "VP" visit on Friday. Saturday Zeb and I are going to the Discount Tire annual party and we are staying the night at the Hilton. I am sooooo excited, Zeb and I haven't been on a date in forever, much less getting away for a whole evening.
Odelia has been reacquainting herself with all her toys and enjoying having time to herself in her own room.
Since I am finally past the first trimester, I am starting to feel good enough to cook and bake. I have made dinner two nights in a row. Yesterday I even made bread and cookies, and today I made granola. Money is a little tight since our trip, so making goodies from scratch is a way to use my food supply and save money. One day I will be rich, then I can make things from scratch for fun, instead of necessity.... some day.

Family Pictures

2008-10-01T17:56:00.009-06:00

Here are some of our pictures from last
Saturday of the Ray Family.

Vacation in Arizona

2008-10-01T10:12:00.003-06:00

Well we made it 12 1/2 hours to Tucson. We stopped as little as possible, argued a lot, but we made it. We had a great time with Zeb's family. We went shopping, swimming, had some new family pictures taken and best of all blessed my new nephew Zander. Of course my kids were awful during the picture taking and we didn't get nearly the amount of pictures I wanted. The baby blessing went well, except for Zander losing his entire breakfast in the middle of the blessing. Thank goodness he missed his outfit and the men's suit's, it hit the floor. I tried to clean it up with paper towels after sacrament meeting, but I think they will need to shampoo that carpet it was a huge spot. We left on Monday to head up to Dewey with little incident. We picked up my sister Karen's little girl on our way through Chandler. Since we have been here we have enjoyed relaxing and eating. We are going to the mall and movies today and tomorrow we are taking our canoe to the lake. My mom found a few chairs on the side of the road before we came in to town so I am working on refinishing them while I am here. For what purpose I don't know. Some times I can't help my self. I made my famous crusty white bread yesterday and it didn't turn out, I was so dissapointed. I will have to try again when i get home. It's so much easier to bake when you have all your own tools. Now it is off to the blow dryer, time to make me beautiful... or at least try. Being pregnant does crazy things to you hair and skin.

getting ready to go on vacation

2008-09-26T01:00:00.001-06:00

Why is it that men wait for us to do all the little stuff. Today while babysitting I packed the kids and most all the stuff we need for the trip. As well as finish the laundry & clean the entire house. My husband got home and I asked him to help with two things, clean my daughters room and fill ziplock bags with ice. He grumbled about both and did niether. I am a little miffed since I tried to make it easier on him. And yet he managed to complain much and complete little. I love my husband, I do. I just don't get him sometimes. Anyways, Arizona here we come.

2008-09-25T04:59:00.003-06:00

So I haven't really even advertised that I have a blog yet, So I know no one is reading this. But some how it is therapeutic to write. It's like 4 am and I just has a weird pregnancy dream. So now I am wide awake. Yesterday was very productive for me, I got my haircut, ate dinner and my visiting teachers came over all at the same time. If I knew how to put a picture on this blog I would show you my new hair. I am sure that while I am in Prescott my niece Desirae will help me figure it all out. I used a computer for so many years in the mortgage industry, but never for fun stuff. So when it comes to blogging, facebook, my space I am just clueless. In fact the only time my my space page gets a new layout is when Desirae or my niece Kaitlynn fix it. Anyhoo, my hair is cute. I have had long hair for about 2 years, but it was time for the mop to go. Mostly it was getting mangy... that happens when you're a busy mom with no spare time. My friend and hairstylist Christi lives just around the corner and she came to my house with her kids. It was sooooo convenient. Especially since my last 2 babysitting kids didn't leave until 6:30, and my husband didn't get home until 7:30. With Zeb's work schedule, the sheer volume of Children I have with me, and no one here that I can ask to watch my kids on Saturday, getting my hair cut has only happened once in 8 months. Pretty sad. But now I can get my haircut every 6-8 weeks like a normal person. Plus, Harrington really likes Christi's 6 year old daughter, they play well together. He's been grounded the last few days, so he was excited for the change of pace. My husband even played with the kids when he got home, I thought he would hide in the office. He also likes the new short do. He never really comments on what he likes and dislikes, so he must really like it, or really hate the old hair. I am just excited that I will save a ton of hair product and it will be easy to blow dry, supposing that I ever so that. Okay, so I am going to lay my new tresses back down on my pillow and try to get some more zzz's. Good night, or morning, depending on how you look at it.

2008-09-24T14:15:00.001-06:00

I am getting ready to go on vacation. Laundry is done, and I am just cleaning like a mad lady. Right now I still have 4 baby sitting kids here. They should be up from their naps any minute. I have been running an in home day care and pre-school since March. This is my first trip since I started. Zeb has been working without a vacation since right after Thanksgiving of last year. For those who don't know he is an assistant manager with Discount Tire. He works 10-12 hour days, poor guy. Harrington my oldest, is six and in first grade. He's bummed about missing school but oh so excited to go see his family in Arizona, mostly he's excited to see Joey his BFF that lived a few houses down from us in AZ. Odelia is just happy to be away from the babysitting kids, she spends as much time with them as I do. Even though she is only 3 she likes her space and her stuff and they invade it daily, she needs a break. We are leaving Friday after my first doctors appt. If you didn't know I am 12 weeks pregnant. We are first heading down to Tucson to see my new nephew Zander, so excited to meet him. They are blessing him on Sunday. Then on Monday we are going to Prescott. All I have to do before Friday is pack, get my haircut (family photos), and go get my snack's for the trip. As weird as it seems I will miss my baby sitting kids while I am gone, some probably more than others. But I will miss them just the same, they are like extended family.