Now is the Time~

I want to document my time in Cosmetology school.  No better place than my blog.  It's been neglected far too long.

My 2014 montra is "Now is the Time".

I've wanted to do hair for years.  I thought about going when September (my cousin) went in 2000.  I was advised by a loved one, that this was not a viable profession.  I listened.

Sixteen years later, an almost 12 year marriage to Jason, and realizing my divine worth as a daughter of God, I have finally washed those "viability" thoughts out of my mind.

I contacted Paul Mitchell Boise in January and started the process.  I was horrified.  And thrilled.  I made Candace go with me to my tour at the school.  (Jason had to work).  We left, she was almost more excited than I was!  It was pretty darling.

I started school yesterday.  April 22, 2014. I survived.  The long lingering thoughts of my personal doubts slowly went away.  Somewhere, along my life journey, I convinced myself that I was dumb.  Slow.  Not able to learn new things.  Which, in itself IS DUMB.  But alas, often times that voice is the loudest.  And although I found myself overwhelmed at times, I processed things in small pieces.  And survived.

Here is a list of some of my fears.  Just so we are clear....

Will I be WAY older than my classmates?
Can I do the chemistry aspect?  (I never took chem in HS)
Will my kids be ok while I am in school?
......
The list goes on, but you catch my drift.

How does one combat fears?  


PRAYER.


Here were/are some of my prayers:

Let me find a friend.

Let me be calm.

Let me be open minded.

Let my divine potential shine through my doubts.

Let me lead.

Let me be lead.

Never leave me feeling alone.

Let me find joy in all the new things.

Don't let who I was in HS, cloud who I am now.
...................


There are more as well.  Some I will hold close to my heart.


I can tell you that prayers are being answered.  One by one.  Some through others, some through the Holy Ghost.  All through my Father in Heaven.


I am so thankful for all those who have made it possible for me to take a step out of my life, and follow my dreams.  Jason.  Candace.  Grammy.

 This is me.  Finding JOY in my new kit filled with awesomeness!

I will keep this blog going, especially about my journey through school.  I hope you enjoy, find joy, some laughter, and escape your life.  Just for a moment.

#NowIsTheTime

xoxo Alli

Lot's O' Lov'n

What a fun day we had!  

February 14th 2002 was a very special day for me.  I officially met Jason.  Unofficially I had heard my room mates talk about some guy named "Blue", but had yet to meet him.  

I woke up 10 years later to a Valentine's Day note on my bathroom mirror wishing me a happy day.  And then on the seat in my van he wrote a note that said:

"A 10 years ago today I met my best friend".

It was rather TENDER.  I loved it because it did not say "My sexy lover", or "my hot wife".  But more referred to me as his BEST FRIEND!  Oh how that melted my heart. I mean, I am glad I am all those "other" things to Jason too, ;), but being his best friend means more than anything!  

I had plans for the kids today, but Jason and I were going to have to celebrate later cause Tuesday is his late class night.  And some doofuss decided to call a study group that night.....VALENTINES DAY.....from 8-10pm.  Are ya kidding me????

I was totally shocked when Jason asked me to meet him down by the campus for a quick dinner!  WHAT!!!  ME?????  OH JOY!!!!!!  

I was even more shocked when instead of taking me to Chili's (our trusty favorite) he took me to the EXACT place we met a decade ago.  Smoky Mountain Pizza and Pasta on Park Center!  Oh I almost cried!  I could not believe that he thought of that!  We were so close to BSU, but I had not even put it together!  In celebration of our love, we tipped our waitress $10.  :)  

I woke up to these two smiling cheeseballs.  

Treated the boys to some "rings" for lunch!

Graden passed out in a Valentine Coma after school! 

We bought the kids all new swim suits for the special day.  I loved it cause it was fun and practical!  Getting us ready for Spring and Summer!  

I hope you felt love this day.  

I posted on FB earlier in the day (prior to my invite for dinner with the hubs) this:

"I don't need flowers, or candy, or a hot date....I have eternity"

TRU DAT YO!  :)

Alphabet soup

Nattie has a tooth that is hanging on for dear life.  It's seriously grossing me out.  

Jason and I decided that it is about time that Graden start wearing a white shirt and tie to church.  The black polo with skulls is cool and all but.......  ;)

When you have had a tough day at church fulfilling all your duties, you need some R&R.  

Cause staying in the nursery for the ENTIRE 2 hours and playing with your friends is REALLY hard work!  I guess there is a first time for everything!  

"Gooder than ever!!!"

I have never been the best about watching General Conference.  As a youth, it was a "free" card for me. No church.  :)  I was really looking forward to GC this month!  I was excited to hear President Monson, and find out where the new temples are going to be built!

As a mom, I find it difficult to get my kids to watch.  I don't blame them.  We struggle through Sacrament.  But I was determined this time!  Taylor was the only one who was really into it this time.  Nat sat in our front room and listened.  I can understand that.  I have a hard time sitting and watching.  But if I am in the kitchen or working on a project (such as de-cluttering my laundry room) I can hear EVERYTHING!  Bananas I know.  So Taylor got a pad of paper and drew a picture of each speaker, and wrote their names down.  Later she came into the laundry room and said Mom:  "I feel GOODER then ever!!!.....I have like this crazy feeling in my tummy!!!"

I mustered all the strength I had not to bawl in front of her!  But I was able to tell her that she was feeling the Spirit.  And that what she was feeling is amazing!  I was so proud of her.  I guess I will get my kids one by one!  :)

My friend Cherie over at BakowBabble posted the most wonderful quotes of GC.  I loved all of the same ones!  She did a great job!  

Smith Girls 2011

My sister Megan (Second Oldest) held a huge party for her husband Matt's 40th birthday this Saturday.  Very seldom are we all together in a non-family situation.  It was funny to see people put together that their are 4 of us.  Like it's some kind of anomaly.  

Either way, we had a delightful time and I am honored to have such amazing women as my sisters~  

Julie Ann~ Megan Sue~ Jennifer Elaine~ Allison Leanne~

September 2011

Utterly Disappointed~

I received news of a friend this weekend.  She has made what I would consider and utterly bad choice.  It's shady, and dishonest, and schemey.  I would not call us good friends, but I would be there if she needed me.  At first I just thought it was so lame of what she did.  And I was a little mad.  But now I am feeling the worse out of all the feelings.  DISAPPOINTMENT.  

As a Mom I have not ever really felt this feeling till tonight at dinner.

We don't have problems behaviorally with any of our kids.  They are all sweet and delicious.  And every now and again have their sour moments.  

Tonight as we were getting ready to say the prayer I asked Burke to offer it.  He is still a beginner and gets rather distracted.  So they are short, sweet and to the point.  As I was slowly said each word for him to repeat Taylor became irritated that is was taking too long.  She sighed really loud and Jason got after her.  Then after we said amen, (from a 10 word prayer), Taylor blurted out "Great, now can we pray for reals?"  

I don't know why it hit me so hard.  But it hit Jason even harder.  She was immediately sent to her room with out eating.  Where she bawled at the top of her lungs.  Jason went up a few minutes later. I'm not sure what he said but he came down alone.  

We decided that she would eat dinner alone, after we were all done.  As Jason was up talking to her I just became overwhelmed with disappointment.  How does she think she learned to pray?  I can remember hundreds of meals where Jason and I sat patiently and listened to the girls first prayers.  

The feeling did not last long, and while she was eating alone at the bar I told her I love her.  I cannot hold a grudge against my child.  Just like Heavenly Father does not hold them against me.  I am so very thankful for that.  

The more tender your feet......

The more tender your spirit.

Those were words spoken by a teenage girl about Trek. I could not have said it better myself. It is so true. But not just your feet. Your body, your mind, your everything!!!

There were so many beautiful and marvelous things that happened on Trek. It is not for the weak in spirit. It was the hardest thing both physically and mentally I have ever done. And for that, the blessings I have received have been insurmountable.

For starters, I could not have done it without this man. He kept me going when I thought I could go no more. He took care of our kids and our camp with pride. He made sure everything was as easy as it could be under our circumstances. From setting up camp, to packing the handcart, he is a man's man. It was no easy task, and he did it without complaint. (Or at least none that our kids could hear! I may have....)

Thank you for allowing me to do this Jason. It changed my life forever. And I know it strengthened our marriage.

This is the last passage of water we went through. It was more a mixture of manure and mud really. We still had another day to trek and my feet were still fine, so I chose to jump the water. But I did not have to. The day prior we had heard a devotional about the crossing of the Platte River crossing. We were told of a 16 year old GIRL that carried 17 members of her company across a frozen river.

When I came to the place that the women were crossing, there was a girl, approximately the same age, with one foot in the muddy water, helping others across a thin log. She sacrificed her own dry shoes and socks for us to keep ours. We live amongst amazing youth.

MA & PA Blue in all their glory!

A tender moment within our sweet and loving little...cough...cough...10kids!

Rosalyn~ What a wonderful YW she is! She was so helpful and has such a wonderful spirit.

Marlon~ Ok, we are in the same ward as Marlon. But he did not know that! He was so funny and sweet. And occasionally bored.....(that was quickly fixed by making him go get water, or our food box)! His brother's Brando and Hyrum were on trek too. If we could not find Marlon, he was with his brothers. I thought it was sweet.

Bri~ What an interesting character. She was quiet, and then would say the funniest things. One of which is that she thought we should do the trek in Nebraska next time because it's flat.

Trenton~ He is 12. Need I say more? He was fun to have around. He loves candy and was always into some! To the point where I had to hide the Jolley Ranchers I brought for the kids to have while walking! Trenton also announced during a devotional that the spirit was telling him to go see Harry Potter. (It was the night it came out). I gave him the look. You know the one!

Chandler~ This boy pulled our handcart 99% of the time. We had to pull him off to take a break. But then he was right back on. I want my daughters to marry a guy like Chandler. He was the best son a Ma and Pa could ask for!

Nathan~ This guy is a wonderful person! He was delightful, and helpful, and just such a pleasure to be around. He is a spiritual giant! Another boy my girls to marry! He loved our rice baby David. He even fashioned several outfits, and slings for him to wear!

Bailey Rae~ Well, we all know how much I love this one! SO MUCH! She was thoughtful and kind. I needed her on Trek. She kept me sane, when I thought I may lose it!

Jared~ Our other 12 year old! What a sweet boy this one! His Mom was so worried about him going. Her prayers were answered! He was amazing to have! His hand was always on the cart! I miss this guy!

Megan~ Our mini ox. Megan pulled for 2 straight days! She was funny, and adorable! I thought it a pleasure to be her Ma!

Alex~ This guy got some serious blisters starting day 1. He NEVER complained. If we needed anything he was right there to help! I loved having all these awesome boys!

The last 1/4 mile we were given the chance to walk in barefoot. We heard the most amazing story of sacrifice. How could we not do it? We were the second to last handcart and actually walked closer to a mile barefoot. It was dirty, rocky, and there were lot's of little thorns. But Jason said that the Spirit was so strong you could not feel them.

(Megan's tootsies)

We had such a spiritually significant time that I am finding it difficult to blog about. They are tender and personal. I hope you understand. But in these words and pictures, I hope you get the feel of the love we had for this special adventure!

On a funny note. One night we played Mafia with the Barne's family. That is one hour of my life I will never get back. And I have no IDEA what happened. And I as the police! LOL!

Boom and a Crack.....

We had so much fun visiting with Candace and the kids! I am even more excited that they are coming back in August! We enjoyed the pool, s'mores and lot's of laughing!

My friend Dina has a cupcake business called Crazy Cupcake Lady! Every Sunday night she designates a place and posts clues or pictures on FB. The first 2 people there get the cupcakes. It was rather fun! We came in 2nd and enjoyed delish Andes Mint cupcakes! Although there was some speculation we cheated....I assure you it was all on the up and up :) Thanks CCL for the fun night! This is her daughter Bailey in the Victory Picture with us!
Our friends the Miner's invited us for a swimming/BBQ party. We had a blast and a close call, but all was fine! Brandon is actually Jason's new boss. He won't be working at Centennial next year. Sadly, not coaching either. With his school schedule for BSU, we would not see him until the weekends. So we had to make some sacrifices and coaching was one. Jason was truly broken hearted about it. But I am thankful he put us first. Thanks honey.....

I am in love with Lilly. She reminds me sooooo much of Natalie and Taylor when they were her age!
This is BAILEY! (as previously posted) She hung out with us for a while before fireworks last night. We headed to her house and sat in the drive way to watch all their crazy neighbors literally light the road on fire. It was fun though! Good times! Thanks Gardners for having us!
And last but not least. During our YW's meeting we were talking about Trek and what needs to be done to get ready. I mentioned that I have got to QUIT drinking Diet Pepsi or I am going to be crippled by headaches while Trekking! Well. In case you are ever in the same room as Dina Gardner and Ursula Tingey......Don't mention that you need help quitting something. Cause these two ladies are NOTHING BUT A HUGE HELP. ;)
Ursula came straight to my house and confiscated my stash. SERIOUSLY. My world was NOT refreshed. It's all for the best. The next day was hard, but by today, I am drinking lot's of water and seem to be on my way!

ToOt ToOt~~~

That is the sound of my own horn. Cause I'm tootin' it! We met our Trek families for mutual last night. Jason and I had delivered cookies the Sunday prior to introduce ourselves. The kids were all delightful. There were only two boys that were not home. At mutual we were to make our family flag for during trek. It's to identify your family. We also have blue bandanas. We also had to make a verse to The Handcart Song. The guys actually worked on that and did a GREAT job. They came up with this for the first verse:

"WHEN ALL THE BLUES WENT ON THE TREK,

THEIR FAMILY WAS A TOTAL WRECK.

FROM BIG TO SMALL WE LOVED THEM ALL,

AND AS THEY WALKED THEY GAVE THIS CALL......."

Then the chorus is: (this part is the same for everybody)

For some must push and some must pull, As we go marching up the hill;

So merrily on our way we go, Until we reach the Valley-O.

As for our flag, I really had no idea what we were going to do. So we went to Walmart and as I looked at some fabric I had a great idea. I was a tad intimidated. Mostly because some of the flags I had seen prior were incredible. But I presented to the kids and they loved it. We cut out all the pieces there and I came home and started hot gluing. (I bought iron on fabric glue and it did not work. Why I stray from hot glue I have no idea. It's a gem every time!)

The people/handcart are all hot glued on. Then for the letters I used Heat n Bond. I cut out letters with my Cricut. I am so proud of the way it turned out. I put our names on it with a fine tip marker and then added some detail.

I know it is probably over the top, but it makes me happy. The work was minimum, and overall I think the kids will love the flag.

Jason and I are in front of the flag. We are the host family for Bishop Berg and his wife. They will make camp with us and eat with us if they want. We are to also include them in family activities.

We have been collecting our supplies. And to our surprise we actually had a majority of what was needed. The clock is ticking and we are so excited to go! We also have a big family reunion the week before, so July is going to be crazy for us!

Snarky

Hi. My name is Alli. I am sarcastic.

Hello Alli. Welcome to the SARCASM support group.

I can be snarky. I am not sure at what point in I decided that being sarcastic was a good life choice. I would like to say that I was born this way, but I don't think the Lord installs the ability to give somebody a good tongue lashing. Over the years I have honed in on my skills. I primarily use them for good and not evil. Although sometimes I can feel somebody creeping under my skin and the one liners start compiling in my head.

I would like to say that being sarcastic is a fault. But really I am blessed to be quick witted, and light on my feet with my words.

My friend posted this picture on FB and I had to steal it. It made me laugh. I was still in bed with a full bladder and thought I better hold off on posting it till I was, you know, emptied!


So have a good laugh on me. And have a happy Wednesday!

Sew awesome!

My MIL is SEW awesome! When she came for Spring break she was working on the most

a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e. skirts for her grand daughters. She picked out the fabric that she thought
would best suit each girl! The style she picked for my girls was RIGHT ON! I loved it! Well,
she finished up and sent them in the mail this week! Nat & Taylor were so excited to open
the package! It even had Graden and Burke's name on it too! (They got fruit snacks and
smarties! Thoughtful for them to not be left out!!)

Sunday!! They were dazzling in their new skirts! And the best part??? They TWIRL! Like really twirl! Like I had to tell the girls not to twirl at church cause people could see their undies!!!
The skirts look like they were purchased they are so professional! Teri is a methodical
seamstress! (Although she is scoffing right now!) TAKE THE COMPLIMENT MOM!

Well, she ain't the only one that can sew in this family!! Totally joking! I just thought I
would hem the girls jeans into shorts for the summer! My sewing machine does some really
cute stitches! I did several designs! This was just one of them! (PS.....how do twins, who
share pants get holes in the right knee only in EVERY pair we own??) Let me know when
you think of the answer!

I am thankful to have such a giving MIL. She is wonderful about sharing her talents with her
kids and grand kids! We are blessed to be her family! Love you Teri! (Is this not better than
being in the list of my blessings??? You got your own post woman!!!!) ;)

Negative Nancy

Or Debbie Downer. Or Wanda Womp. Or Alli Blue? Nah......

I decided somewhere along the way that life is too short to worry about things you have no control over. That does not always stop me from trying, but I generally have a pretty firm grasp on my reality.

Instead of listing all the things that I want to pull my hair out over, I thought I would list all the things that bless my life. (And of course not ALL of them, but the ones that come to me. Or before Graden wants lunch. Whichever comes first!!!)

• My marriage.
  
• My children.
• My faith in the gospel.
• Jason's job.
• My kids have insurance.
• Chex Party mix and Diet Pepsi.
• This warm day.
• My new neighbor I met today.
• Faithful Friends.
• Laughing at Denny's.
• Volleyball (even when hit with the ball).
• Netflix.
• My sisters.
• Judy.
• Creativity.
• My no soliciting sign.
• My iPhone.
  
• Candace and the kids coming for 2 weeks.
• Jason going back to school.
• My kids' teachers.
• People in my ward.
• My calling.
• MIA MAIDS.
• Trek.
• Health.
• Reality TV.

Well, this is just my short list. I have many more. I know sometimes it's hard to see the good when all you feel is bad. But it's there. Just have to open your eyes, and your heart to them!

{Perfect Pedicure's and a flower Pot}

Graden invited me to preschool for a special Mother's Day pampering session! (Little did he know that I have been before with the girls! But he was so good at keeping the special events secret!)

So my friend Kendra watched Burkey (otherwise known as JERKey, but that is a different story). I came as instructed. Wearing flip flops and no polish. Hmmm......what could this mean????

How about a PeDiCuRe?????????
(If you have never had the chance to let a 4 year old give you a pedicure.....
YOU ARE MISSING OUT)

Graden started by offering me a beverage. I picked lemonade. It was delightfully refreshing. Ahhhh.....

My sweet handmade gift~

Don't forget to tip your pedicurist. So not cool! Luckily mine is easy to please!

This is only part one of many Mother's Day events for us. Wiffle ball tourney will be on Saturday. Then Mother's Day on Sunday. Oh, then MY BIRTHDAY next Sunday. Oh how I love the month of May!

You be the JURY....

On the 15th of May I will be 31. I have never served on jury duty. I have always felt left out! I was jealous of Jason when he was asked to serve. He was never picked to be on a jury, but he got to go to the courthouse and see how it worked. I think that although inconvenient, we, as citizens, should be willing to serve. I try to think.... "What if my child was injured and someone (not me) was put on trial for their crime???" I would want a jury of people who are willing to be there.

Well my wishes came true. A few months ago I got the questionnaire in the mail to select jurors. I was thrilled. Jason thought I was insane. I mailed it back the next day and have been waiting for my number so I could call in and see if I had to go!

On Monday I received a call and did not recognize the number. So I let it go to voice mail. It was a message from the Jury Commission office stating that I was requested to serve on Wednesday April 27th. It also stated that if that did not work that I could call that same number back and request a postponement. I did. I chose option 5, got the email, and requested a postponement. I had no childcare, and asked to serve this summer. I never heard anything back.

Fast forward to Wednesday. Normal day. Getting ready to put Burke down for his nap, and then playing Guess Who with Graden. I get a call from a number that I don't recognize, but I know is ok to answer. It is a jury commissioner lady SCREAMING at me that the judge is WAITING for me and I need to DROP what I am doing and DRIVE to the courthouse IMMEDIATELY. Needless to say I was beyond flabbergasted and not quite sure what to say or do. She just kept going on and on about the fact that I talked to somebody and said I would be there. I NEVER TALKED TO ANYBODY.

I was able to stay calm. Burke on the other hand tested his lung power SCREAMING while I was on the phone. Everything I was trying to tell her she was not buying. She thought I was lying. About all of it. Emailing, not talking to a person on Monday......I could have died.

She let me finish what I was saying then she replied: "You'll be receiving a letter". Then hung up on me. I was totally numb. Shocked really. And scared.

So today when I was coming around the corner from dropping the girls off at school I could see somebody parked in front of my house and walking up to my door. I pulled in and kept the boys in the car. It was a lady giving me a summons punishable by law. She was very nice and I explained the story to her and she felt very badly. But I was still screwed.

I have to report to the courthouse on Monday the 9th of May at 7:30am. No calling in, nothing. I am freaking out. What do I do with my kids??????? Hello? How do I get them to school. How do I get Graden to and from preschool?

This is how I am feeling!!!!


Then the Lord blesses me.......


I have had some really great people drop by that have blessed me so much. And they had no idea any of this was going on. My friend and neighbor Cindy came over just minutes after the crazy phone call. She brought me cookies and this tile. And I bawled. I told her the story.

Then my friend Tamra stopped by last night with the ADORABLE bag full of Diet Pepsi and chocolate! It had the nicest note inside. She had no idea any of this was going on either.

Will I survive this? Yes.
It's all about your attitude.