The other day we were driving home from St. George and Charlie had something that he wanted to say. He got all of our attention and proclaimed, "Mommy, can I go back into your tummy?" "Why?" I ask. "Because I want to hatch again." Gotta love him!

For all you FOODIES!

We have been trying to more careful about the ways that we spend our money lately, and the other night I found a great way to have beautiful fresh produce for less than half the price we pay at the grocery store. I was at a Parents Night Out for Cystic Fibrosis and they were doing a round table of a bunch of different information that might be of use to us. One of the stations was lady that was promoting a food co-op. I was a bit hesitant at first, but as I listened to her I fell in love with the idea. This co-op is called The Harvester Food Co-op of Utah. I haven't recieved my order yet, but I will be picking it up on the 29th of this month. And the best part is that they have pick ups all over utah, the one that I go to is in the University Housing West buildings. That is like 2 blocks away, how great is that! So they have many different options of shares that you can buy, the only money that you have to put up is for that months. This months full share is $23 and it includes:
2 lbs Boneless, Center Cut, Pork Loin Roast
2 lbs Split Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless)
1 lb Lean Ground Beef
4/4 oz Cubed Steaks
Fresh Fruits (3 varieties)
Fresh Vegetables (5 varieties)
Stone Ground’s Artisan Wheat Bread
16 oz. Lentils
Looking into co-ops that night I got home from the meeting, I found another co-op that sounded really great too, so I signed up for that it as well. This one is every week but each location does it every other week. So last Saturday I had to go out to Daybreak, and this Saturday I am going to Bountiful. Unfortunately there isn't a pick up in SLC, but I am hoping to change that. When I picked up my basket I was shocked at the wonderful produce was. So fresh! This Co-op called Bountiful Baskets cost $15 and it was a laundry basket totally full. This is what was in it: Honey Crisp apples, bananas, plums, persimmons, bosc pears, pomegranates, carrots, celery, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, 10lb. bag of New Potatoes, oh year and a big bag of red grapes. This is something everyone should look into, because the more that people get involved the less expencsive the food becomes. Think about it, it's a win win situation! So from one frugal mom to another, this it totally worth your time and money. This Saturday I will take a picture of my basket so that you can get a better idea!

Christmas Boutique for Elliot's Angels

Hey Friends, I am coming to you and asking if you can help me. I am doing a boutique fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and am in need of people wanting to be a part of it. We won't have a booth fee or a percentage cut from your profits, we just ask that you can donate what you can of your proceeds. I understand that times are hard right now and people are pretty strapped for money, so I wanted to make it possible to donate your time and recoup your material costs on things, and if you are able to donate more. Even if it is baking some bread, or making some cookies, it doesn't really matter. We will be having it on December 4th and 5th. That is a Friday afternoon/evening, and Saturday morning. It should be really fun, and if you can't donate anything come and do some philanthropic Christmas shopping. It is for a good cause. We will also be having a silent auction if you have only one of something or would work better for that. I really appreciate all of you help and support, and if I can ever help any of you please please just ask, and I would do it in a heartbeat!
Love to you all!

Hawaii

Here are a few pictures Mike's mom took of us up on the North Shore. I am so bummed because the 2nd to last day we lost our camera, but the worst part of it all is that we lost all of our pictures. It put me in tears, I so wanted to document this trip because we are so bad at taking pictures in the first place. Total Bummer!

Is it always so hard to say goodbye?

I haven't been able to sleep the past couple of nights very well. I find myself staying up way to late, and awaking before the break of dawn. Granted some of those days I have an alarm set for my long runs, but like today I woke up with no reason. Laying awake in bed for hours seems pointless to me when I can be getting so much done while the rest of the house is still sleeping. Mike and I are leaving our kids for a week and going to Hawaii today, and I kinda think that is the main culprit for my insomnia. I have such a hard time leaving home, Mike thinks I am a little silly, but it really is so hard for me. My 3 little ones are my world, that is what I do 24 hours a day, I am their #1. It is hard sometimes, and I go a little crazy and wonder what I got myself into, but it is times like these that I realize how much they are a part of me and who I am. Ahh, I have butterflies in my tummy, and tears in my eyes. Bless my parents for watching them while I am gone, it is such a peaceful thought to know that they are in such good hands. My parents are such wonderful people, and I couldn't ask for better more loving and supportive parents and grandparents for my children. I think that each of my children feel like and think that they are their favorite, and isn't that just how if ought to be? Ok I can't get started here or I will be a complete mess. All I can say is that I have the most wonderful parents in the world, and the very sweetest children ever, and I am going to miss them so very much. I will miss my Boo, Char Man, and Bubba, your mommy loves you more than words.

Healthy Dinner with a whole lot of Yum!

Top Sirloin steak, Blue Cheese Lettuce Wedge, Asparagus, Yellow and Green Zucchini, with Sweet 100 Cherry's sautéed in garlic olive oil and fresh basil. Every thing here is fresh except for the steak. Our cute neighbors row asparagus in their garden and occasionally they have more than they can eat and bring it to us. How lucky are we. Our garden has been extremely bounteous. Gardening is so fun when you can reap what you sew.

BBQ for a good cause!

20% of all proceed go toward the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! Eat, Drink and be Merry! Monday, September 21st!

5th percent in height, 2nd in weight!

Elliot is starting to move up on the charts. We just went in for his quarterly CF clinic. All looks well, and they were very happy with how he looks, and amazed at how active he is. They said that they were exhausted just watching him buzz around the room. They still want him to be higher on the charts, so we need to still boost the power packed foods. Any ideas? As for now, I am just grateful that the visit is over. I hate it when they have to draw his blood, only 2 pokes this time, but still quite painful for me and mainly him. He must think that I am so evil. Oh yeah he got his flu shot as well. Man, rough morning for such a little guy. Let this be a reminder to you all, GET YOUR FLU SHOTS!!!!! It is the time and lets keep this horrible stuff at bay. Also FYI the H1N1 shot will be available in the middle of October.

Air dried clothes anyone?

It has happened again, our dryer went out so I am back to the old fashion way of hanging them out to dry. My neighbors are kind enough to let us use their line. They do this with all of their clothes, and my kids love to run through them. Now its my turn to watch my kids with sticky hands touch all of my nice clean clothes. What the saying? What goes around comes around. Anyone have a spare dryer?

American Girl Doll FYI

Just to let any mommy's out there who have little girls that love American Girl Dolls, 4 of their movies are on sale for just $5. I believe they are Kit, Molly, Samantha, and Felicity. These would be great Christmas presents, at quite a bargain. Just go to their web site and look under movies, pretty easy. Happy Shopping!

Loving Family Time

I was going through my pictures tonight and came across this one. It was taken last year around Thanksgiving. My mom's family have a cabin down by Capital Reef, down in southern central Utah. All growing up it was a tradition to drive down to our cabin the night of Thanksgiving after our feast with my Dad's family. All of my cousins would come down and we would fit around 35 to 40 people in a 2 bedroom 1 bath cabin. Some of my fondest memories of my childhood were the times that we spend down there crowed as can be. So this past year my parents decided to start it back up again with their children. We all went down and had our second thanksgiving dinner down at the cabin and we had the most wonderful time. This is a picture of us hiking to Casidy Arch. For those of you who haven't been to Capital Reef, it is a place worth checking out. I love it down there and I wish that I could visit more often.

I want, no, I really want this Madsen Bike.

So I have been looking at these bike for over a year thinking they are so great. I really want one, and now I have a chance to maybe win one. Madsen Bike's are giving away ONE free bike a week. WHAT, yeah you heard me ONE A WEEK! How awesome it that? Ummm, Totally!!!! This company is SLC based and one of our good friends is the founder and owner. He is such a creative guy, and has come up with a design that is totally killer. I have ridden one with all of my kids in the back and loved it. It wasn't hard at all which really surprised me. So take a look at his site and dream a little of how cute you would be riding around the town in one of these little sweeties! Just click on the Picture and it will take you to the MADSEN website!

Oh and that cute girl on the BIke is my darling friend and running partner Jill, isn't she so cute, and look at those darling kids! Way to go Hottie Mommy!

Little Sharks and Mermaid Swim School

Hey all you moms that are looking for swim lesson this summer, I Just thought I would let everyone know that I am teaching swim lessons this summer. I will teaching 3 different session each of them lasting 2 weeks. The pool is located up at my parents house which is very close to me. Check out the website www.littlesharkandmermaidswimschool.blogspot.com

Latest and Greatest

It you want to see the whole batch go to www.fridaynightaprons.blogspot.com

Elliot's Angel's Boutiques

Hello Friends and Family,
Many of you joined us at our 1st Elliot's Angels Boutique last spring. Well spring is almost here and we are starting to plan for this years boutique. We are very excited about this and want to invite anyone who would like to be a vendor this spring. We love anything and everything. I will be putting my aprons up, as well as some Hooter Hiders. This should be really fun and I know that some of you last year were asking me if you could join in this year. Well here is your chance. Elliot is doing so well and we are very excited, he finally hit 20lbs. That is huge for us.
So we can set it up any way for you weather you can donate all proceeds, or you need to get your overhead back. I am totally flexible and so very grateful to all of you. I understand that times are tight right now, so don't feel bad if this is a bad year. Just email me if you are interested and I will get back to you with dates and times. Also if you have any friends that would be interested too, let me know. love you all! You are what make me strong! The thought of last years boutique and the generosity still brings tears to my eyes.
Love to you all, and your families,
Alta Hales, i.e. Elliots proud mommy!

2009 Elliot's Angels Video!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

OK here it is. A sneak Peak of "Friday Night Aprons"

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

As some of you might know I have been tucked away all winter, so I got a bit cabin feverish and started to sew aprons. I was having so much fun with it and creating new patterns that I decided that maybe other people might enjoy them as well. I have had a few requests and more keep on coming. I guess what I am trying to get at is that I have started my own little apron making business. So if any of you would like one or have a special request for one let me know. The half aprons with the ruffles on them are $25, all other halves are $20. The full aprons with ruffles are $32 and all the other full are $28. All of them are made from the greatest designer fabrics. It has been such a blast working with such awesome fabric. I get so excited each time I start a new one. Thanks to my hubby, I am going to be having a website up and working soon, as well as a store on etsy. I will keep you updated on what's going on. ;)

So this is what we have to look forward too! Saaweet!!!!

A couple of Sunday's ago we were sitting around the dinner table with Mike's Parents, and were talking about what the kids learned in church that day. Charlie's lesson was on how we all get to go up to heaven and live with Heavenly Father again after we die. I know this because I am one of his teachers. Well let me tell you, he is so good at listening. Mom, "Charlie, where do we go after we die? Do you remember, we learned this in church this morning?" Charlie, "Yeah Mom, (very excited) we go to Yoda's House." He said it like there was no question. I love it. He totally love Star Wars. Every thing he plays with is a light sabor. He kills me. He is also doing this new thing saying that he wish's for things. For example, Charlie had just awakened from a nap and comes to me and says, "Mom, I wish that we could have bear skin." Mom, "Why Charlie?" Charlie "Because we could be so soft and warm, and I could snuggle with me." Mom, "Oh, thats a good idea, did you have a dream about bears today?" Charlie "Yeah, Mom, them are really nice you know."
I love him, and what comes out of that mouth!

A little behind on updates and Pictures

Here is Christmas morning.....

Who is that?

Yesterday I went to go and get my hair trimmed and clean up my roots, but when I got their I thought what the heck, lets do something totally different. SO I chopped off 12" and dyed it brown. I have had mixed reactions, but I kinda like it. Hair always grows back, and I can always go back to blonde. Mike and Lizzie really like it so that is all that counts in my book.

1st Anniversary / One Heck of a Year

It has been one year since Elliot was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. I was looking back at my thoughts in my journal and what kinds of things I was thinking about, and dealing with. It was a time that the future was unknown, scary and sometimes very dark. I have learned so much and I see such a bright future for our Elliot. I know that he is going to grow up to be some special man, husband, father, friend, and hopefully grandfather. I am posting my very first post about Elliot that I wrote on my other blog that I tried to start but was to hard. I am putting this up for my own peace, and accomplishment. We made it through the year with huge success, and all I can say is hallelujah! I know that my family has been so blessed this past year and know that we are being looked after at all times. This past year I have realized how important my little family is to me, they are my life, and soul. I am connected to them in ways that I never thought possible. I love you Mike, Lizzie, Charlie, and Elliot! You guys are my one true love in life, and you complete me. We are a family forever and I couldn't be any luckier.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2008

Elliot's News
As most of you know Elliot was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis on January 4th. It was quite a blow for our family and it took a bit for the shock to wear off. It is hard to be told that their is something wrong with your perfect baby. Elliot was tiny at birth at only 5lbs. But we all thought that he would grow. Well he didn't and so we started to worry. We eventually ended up at the Failure to Thrive Clinic up at Primary Children's Hospital to see if they could figure it out. So They naturally wanted to run some tests to rule out the worst. One of the tests was one for Cystic Fibrosis. The doctor said he was sure that he did have it but it would be good to rule it out. After we left the hospital Mike and I went to lunch and look up on the internet about CF. We both quickly decided that we didn't want that disease and we were sure Elliot didn't have it. How silly of us to just assume we knew more than the docs. The next day Elliot and I went and did the tests and didn't think anything of it. I went back to my moms house and spent the rest of the day with my sister who was leaving to go back home with her family to Kansas. That night we got home late, around 8:30 and Mike and I were in different cars. Lizzie and Elliot were with me and Charlie was with Mike. I got home first and checked our messages. I think we only had one, I can't remember the night to clearly. I just remember listening to the Message from Dr. Jackson. (Ahh, just thinking about this night still makes me cry, I can barely read the screen right now.) He said that he has the test results from today and that he needs to speak to us immediately and that he will keep on calling us until he could reach us and that we should call him on his cell phone until we reach him. My stomach just dropped and I called him. I don't remember really what he said except that the test was positive for CF and that we need to treat him right away.. He told me that the doctor that is over the CF clinic up at Primary wanted him to be admitted that night. I remember just falling to the floor. That is about the time that Mike walked in with Charlie. He quickly pick up the other phone and started to listen. I am so lucky to have him, he has been the rock through the whole thing. He seems to remember most of the conversation with the doc. We decided to not admit him that night and wait until Monday, and try to do it as an out patient deal. It was a long weekend. That night we decided to bless Elliot that Sunday. I called a few people that night to let them know the news mainly family, and some close friends. (Thank you Brooke for crying with me). I didn't get much sleep that night as you can imagine just thinking of what was in store for me and my family especially Elliot. The next morning I started to take down Christmas, so that we would be ready for the blessing. Pretty solemn morning. That afternoon I went with Lizzie, Mom, and Brooke out to find a blessing outfit for him. That ended up to be a bit tricky, most babies a lot bigger than 5.5lbs when they are blessed. When we would ask if they had any smaller sizes they looked at kinda funny and asked why I don't just wait until he is a couple of months, he would fit in them by the time he is 2 or 3 month old. All I wanted to do is just shake them and yell at them, my baby is sick and small all I want is to bless him can't you just help me with that... Silly I know. But we ended up finding one that fit him perfectly and as you can see he looked very cute in it. That night we went to La Frontera for dinner with my Dad, Mom, and Grandma Beth. It was nice to be with family, it didn't hurt as much when I was with them. That night I got more sleep. We woke up and went to church. It was fast Sunday. We got home from church and I was totally exhausted so I took a nap. Mike ended up cleaning the house and getting it ready for that night. (thank you love). Everyone came over at 7pm, and so did Bishop Brad Romney. He conducted the meeting, and was so sweet. He was the one that started the fountain of tears. After he got teary eyed everyone seemed to join in. What a special sweet man. Thank you Bishop Romney for your sweet words and spirit. Mike then gave him his name and then blessed him. It was just beautiful. My children are lucky to have such a wonderful father. After the blessing Mike gave one to me, and then he received one from his father. Then we told anyone that if they wanted to say anything or ask us anything that the floor was open. All I can say is that I know that me and my family are so loved. I felt it that night and I still do today. Our families are so great, they are supportive and understanding with unconditional love. Thank you. Even our family that is away. I can feel it from Kansas too. We are so so blessed.
Well it is getting late and I need some sleep, I will try to post more tomorrow.
Good night!