Anita's Bella Vita

Fish Tacos

2010-02-19T19:47:00.001-08:00

What an awesome day! Our principal sent four teachers(one of which was me) from our school to the Love and Logic Conference in Little Rock. We are all big fans of Love and Logic so it was great fun! The best part was lunch! We drove downtown and finally found a parking place. We ate at The Flying Fish. I have never eaten there before. I had fish tacos and they were amazing! I know we shouldn't love food so much, but I really enjoyed eating them! They were crispy corn tortillas with fried catfish and this wonderfully sweet sauce, coleslaw, and pico de gallo on top. WOW! I wish I had thought to take a picture of them. (I'm going to have to get a better phone with a better camera. Another thing to add to my want list.) The best part about lunch, though, was eating with friends. We laughed and talked and laughed. After the workshop, I went to visit my mom. We had a nice visit. Then on my way home, I felt like doing something fun so I stopped at a flea market for about 30 minutes. Going to flea markets is one of my favorite things to do.

Positive List

2010-02-18T18:58:00.000-08:00

How is it possible to feel so positive one day and not the next? I am having to force myself to think positive today. So what things do I have in my life that are wonderful? My wonderful husband, my children, our new house, my job, my friends, my health, .... The list can go on and on. Okay, I feel better. Speaking of wonderful things in my life, a friend wanted me to share an update on the house, so here goes. Brian almost has all the sheetrock up. We have started priming and painting upstairs. We are planning on moving in this summer!!!

Trying to choose paint colors for the living area

Our warm fireplace!

Trying Again

2010-02-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

I started this blog a while back to promote a positive attitude (mainly in myself). It evolved into a family blog and then stopped altogether. This year, before I made my goals, I wrote a mission statement for myself: "I can do all things with the help of my Heavenly Father. I will take care of me spiritually, physically, and emotionally so I can help others. I will live my life by these priorities in this order: my own personal salvation, family, church, work, then everything else. I am in control of my own salvation and will depend on Heavenly Father and myself to solve my problems." I'm really working on taking care of myself (as moms know, it can be difficult). After having my spirits lifted by posting some positive comments on facebook and reading my friend's blogs (yes, you Chelsie), I decided I need to get back to why I started this blog in the first place. So, as I struggle to take care of myself, I will be posting as many positive, uplifting things as I can find.

This is a story I read today that touched my heart.

http://mormonlife.com/story/1579-boy-sings-primary-songs-until-rescued-in-haiti

If the link doesn't work, let me know.

Tupperware!

2009-06-06T09:33:00.000-07:00

I am hosting a virtual Tupperware party! If you are interested, email me at grisham60@yahoo.com and I will send you an invite with a link to the catalog!

Thanks!

Grisham Family update

2009-05-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

HOUSE

The front porch swing is already stained and in use. It seems like yesterday that Jaydan was a baby. How did she grow up so fast? She is my ray of sunshine and totally keeps me grounded.

Our fireplace insert to keep us warm in winter.

Electrical wiring is taking place now, thanks to the Elders and Bro. Randy Smith.

ZOO FIELD TRIP
I had the privilege of going to the zoo with Jaydan and her class. We had a great time! They had an awesome bird show! Jaydan likes to see the Lorikeets and the monkeys. She thought the train ride was great. (Funny, but I remember it being a lot more fun when I was little.)

Jaydan in front of the African termite mound

The girls loved the pink flamingos!

Oops! I think three monkeys escaped!

I see you! All the kids had homemade binoculars. It was so cute to see the kids use them as if they really worked.

GARDEN

The rose bushes are loaded! They will always make me remember Sis. Thomas.

I can't wait for green beans! Maybe the curse has been lifted. Brian says when he was a kid his mother made him pick green beans. He hated it and one day said, "Curse you, green beans, curse you!" He said they've never been able to grow green beans since.

My first zucchini blossom!

Baseball is in full swing (pun intended). Brian is having a great season! He is by far the best player on his team. Jaydan and I don't get to all his games, because some of them are at 8:00 at night. I'll try to get some pictures up soon. He now has his permit and is driving everywhere. He's a good driver

Alec has signed up for the Air Force and will find out soon when he leaves.

Matt is out of the Army and is here with us for a bit. I am enjoying having him here. He's planning on going to school in the fall.

Dominic Cooper Daniel

2009-04-05T15:58:00.001-07:00

I had a great Spring Break! It is awesome to see your kids grow up and be parents. I am so proud of David and Priscilla. They are both good parents and love each other! Here are some pics from the week:

Priscilla, Dominic, David in Hot Springs

Woo Pig Sooie!!

Go Hogs!!

Me, Dominic, Jaydan (having camera problems)

Jaydan and Dominic (giggle buddies by the end of the week)

Uncle James and Dominic

Happy Dominic!

I think I only heard Dominic fuss a couple of times the whole week. He is a happy, lovable little boy. We really enjoyed having them here for a week.

House Update

2009-03-15T14:51:00.001-07:00

I love this front door!

Brian is doing a great job on the siding!

We found a great deal on rockers and a porch swing! Jaydan is convinced the swing is just for her, but I can't wait to snuggle up with my sweetheart on a cool evening and swing on our awesome front porch!

A Good Man!

2009-02-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to write about my husband for a while. I just didn't think I could express how I feel in words. This picture taken today has inspired me. Brian left for church this morning at 6:15 and came home after 2:00. After eating, he laid down on the couch to rest a little. It wasn't long before he was asleep. Jaydan loves him so much she wanted to make sure he was comfortable. She covered him with a blanket and put two of her animals beside him. It was so sweet! It made me think about how much I love him, too. We've only known each other a few years, but we feel like we've known each other forever. He really is my best friend and I love hanging out with him. He is the most positive person I know! No matter what happens, he always says "life is good". He really keeps me going through the tough times. He sets such a wonderful example for me. He is constantly sharing the gospel and studying the scriptures. He gives away lots of Book of Mormons. He is there for me when I need him. Back in December I had surgery. The night before he gave me a blessing. It amazed me that he asked Heavenly Father for all the things I had been worried about without me telling him. After surgery he was by my side and spent the night in the hospital with me. It was so comforting to me to know he was there. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father to have this wonderful man in my life now and for eternity!

Did I mention that he is building this amazing house with his own two hands?

Blast from the Past

2009-02-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

My brother, David, has been scanning some old photos (before the days of digital) and emailing them to me and my sister. It has been fun to look at them and be reminded of some good memories. I have several boxes of photos before digital and would love to take the time to do the same. Hmmm maybe next summer. Anyway, here's a glimpse into my past.

Me in front of my Dad's old Dodge truck. We had a lot of fun in that truck. When I was 12, my dad let me drive it all over the place. He used to go to auctions on Saturdays and would come home with a truck full of stuff. My mom would get so mad. I loved going to auctions with him!

My mom and dad

Me at Christmas in Poplar Bluff, Missouri - probably in 1st or 2nd grade

Me in front of the piano - I took a few lessons but my mom couldn't get me to practice

Me again

Proof that I was a natural blonde in spite of my dark roots and gray now.

More next time...

On Raising a Grandchild

2009-01-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am one of those blessed to be raising a grandchild, something that is far too common in our society today. I love her and really want her to have a good life. My own grown children were talking about some of the things they remember from their childhoods. I was a stay at home mom and we didn't have a lot of money. Now I have a full-time job as a high school teacher and a little more money. I'm glad that I can afford to give Jaydan opportunities, but I don't want her to miss out on the fun things that I did with my kids. I guess I am trying to give her the best of both worlds. My kids liked making cookies with me. I couldn't afford extras. Chocolate chips were a luxury. I remember one time my daughter and her cousin decided they wanted extra cinnamon on the snickerdoodles. Those were the brownest, hardest cookies I have ever seen, but they had so much fun! So last week Jaydan and I made snickerdoodles. I jokingly call them my food storage cookies because they take so little to make. We had fun and the rest of the family devoured them.

More catching up!

2009-01-12T10:21:00.000-08:00

I know this is a dark picture, but this was just one of those moments. Sometimes I feel bad because Jaydan doesn't have any siblings close to her age. She makes do with dolls and animals. She had them all lined up on the couch, each with its own plate, fork, and cup. She was making sure they all got fed. Later she was up and she walked by the couch and hollered at them, "Stop yelling at each other!". I'm sure glad she goes to Pre-K and church. She definitely needs some socializing.

More pics of our amazing house!

Isn't that the most beautiful dormer you have ever seen?

Catching Up!

2009-01-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know it's been a long time since I have posted. This post will contain lots of pictures. The biggest thing that has been going on is the amazing progress of our house. I am totally amazed by what my husband has accomplished with is own two hands.

HALLOWEEN 2008

We had a fun Halloween! Jaydan had a non-party at school and then we went to Trunk or Treat at church. She was a princess again this year. Even though she wants to play soccer and can keep up with the boys, she is still a princess at heart.

THANKSGIVING 2008

We had a great Thanksgiving dinner. Brian fried a turkey, of course. One of these years, I am going to sneak in a roasted turkey. (It seems I am the only one that's not a fan of fried turkey). Our guests were: Desiree, James, Beth, Dylan, Laney, Makynzee, and Mary. Alec was here for a while and B was at his mom's. Later in the evening, Brenda, Josh, Paxton, Lorelei, Jon, Amy, Jerry, and Emily came out. All the kids had a blast! Just try to get 7 kids under the age of 5 to pose for a photo together!

Don't you know frying a turkey is exhausting?

CHRISTMAS 2008

Considering I had major surgery on Dec. 17, we kept things simple at Christmas. Of course, Brian fried another turkey. Do we see a pattern here? I'm not complaining. I certainly wasn't able to cook anything, although I did manage to make mashed potatoes. Instant, of course. James and Desiree came and ate with us and played with Jaydan. Jaydan got a pink digital camera and pink cowgirl boots and many other things. She has worn the boots almost every day. She also got a

matching outfit. Desiree and Gigi are going to take her to have pictures made.

Let me tell you about Jaydan and Santa. We
saw him in Kroger one day. She said, "why is Santa in Kroger?" I said, "He just wants to see children." Then as we went outside, she said, "where's his sleigh?" I said, "maybe it's parked around back". She said, "But I don't hear any reindeer." Then as we were standing in line at the Ward Christmas party, she said, "He's not
really Santa because he doesn't have a beard." I said, "Yes, he does." She said, "it's not long enough." She still sat on his lap and took the candy. On the way home, we asked her if she had a good time. She replied, "He wasn't really Santa." Then we left cookies out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning, of course, the cookies had been eaten. Then she proceeded to tell us how she got up in the middle of the night when Santa was here. She talked to him and everything. He told her not to break any of her toys. What an imagination!

Jaydan at Pre-K

2008-11-06T16:20:00.001-08:00

Jaydan's class has been on two field trips and is having lots of fun! She loves school and is learning many things!

Dominic and Jaydan

Jaydan in the purple shirt laughing

Jaydan is the fourth from the right

More Pics of the House

2008-11-04T15:08:00.000-08:00

Brian's brother, Mark, came in from Kansas and is helping this week. Today, 3 elders came and helped also. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of them. Maybe next time. So much was accomplished!

I Made it to the Finish Line

2008-10-19T07:17:00.000-07:00

On September 27 I walked my first 5K! I wouldn't have even tried without the help of friends. Dawn Brown is the most encouraging person I know. I felt like she was my cheerleader cheering me on! And Nicole Gatewood talked to me Friday and told me I could do it! There were four of us that went; Dawn Brown, Emilee Davis, Shellee Kuykendall, and myself. The other three ran and did great. Emilee came in 4th of the women! I was very happy with my 48 minutes. My goal was to make it to the finish line and not be the last person across. I did it! I was so proud of myself that I wore my t-shirt to school on Monday!

How are you living your dash?

2008-10-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.adashmovie.com

It looks like a house!

2008-09-07T15:46:00.001-07:00

I know, 3 blogs in one day is too much. Life has just been busy lately. The house is going up fast. We are getting excited!

Jaydan's 4th Birthday!

2008-09-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

We had a party for Jaydan at home with family. She thought it was great. I made ice cream cone cupcakes and Brian grilled burgers. Gigi, Pops, Desiree, Mary, Haley, B, Alec, and Mommy and Daddy were here. Whenever we would ask her what she wanted for her birthday, she would reply "a shooting gun" or "a horse". Even though she didn't get either one of those things, she seemed very happy with what she got. We got her CandyLand, a CareBear, a new dress and dress shoes. She got $10 from Gigi and Pops. Mary got her some jelly beans and lip gloss.

Mom's 90th Birthday Party!

2008-09-07T15:14:00.000-07:00

My brother, sister, and I decided to give our mom a surprise party for her 90th birthday. We invited her 4 living sisters and her 2 living brothers and lots of cousins and friends. We had a huge turnout. The best part of the whole party was when my aunts all got up and said things about my mom. My mother was the 2nd oldest of 14 children. She quit school in the 8th grade to stay home and help her mother. My aunts (with tears in their eyes) shared stories about how my mom looked after them. My aunt Bonnie shared how she lived with my mom and dad with her little girl, Sheila. My mom took care of Sheila while Bonnie worked. My aunt Ruth shared how she lived with my mom and dad for a while also. My aunt Essie cried as she told about how my mom made their school clothes and took care of them. I didn't know my mother had done all those things. It was a great day! Here are some pictures. The sisters had fun posing for pictures! Uncle Joe bought the t-shirts.

L to R: Essie, Betty, Joe, Bonnie, Ruth, and Della seated

L to R: Brenda, David, Anita and our Mom

Grandchild #4!!!

2008-09-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, Dominic Cooper Daniel was born today at 11:56 a.m. in McAllen, Texas. He weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. and was 21 inches long. He has dark brown hair. I have a picture on my phone, but for some reason can't get it to the computer. I just can't wait to get down there.

Sleepover at Nana's

2008-09-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

From left: Dylan, Jaydan, Laney, Pandora

Makynzee - the only one who actually slept!

Pics of Grandma's 90th birthday coming soon!

The walls are going up!

2008-08-25T15:42:00.001-07:00

Wall 1 went up today! It's so awesome to actually see progress! Brian had 3 sections up when we got home from school. B and I helped him put the last one up. I was so afraid it was going to fall on me! Check back here for further updates.

The JOY Movie!

2008-08-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

It's worth a few minutes to watch this.

http://www.thejoymovie.com

Who are You?

2008-08-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz here!

First Day of School

2008-08-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

August 19 was Brian's first day of school and August 20 was Jaydan's first day. I took Jaydan to school her first day and neither one of us shed any tears. She is enjoying school and doing good! Today, August 22 was her first day on a school bus. She rode the bus from her school to my school. She did really good! Another teacher has a daughter in 3rd grade that rides the same bus, so they walked off the bus together holding hands. She is growing up so fast!

Post-it Memories

2008-08-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

I saw this on my friend's blog and enjoyed posting a comment on hers so I hope you all will do the same for me. Here's what you do:
1. Add a comment to this post on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn’t matter if you knew me a little or a lot…anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It’s actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I’ll assume you’re playing the game and I’ll come to your blog and leave one about you.
3. Go!!!

Blessings!

2008-08-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for the priesthood that Brian holds and honors. I have been sick a lot this summer and have lost 10 pounds in 2 months. I was prescribed birth control pills and then diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Last Sunday Brian gave me a blessing and I have felt great this week! It's my own little miracle. Another doctor has told me that I need a hysterectomy and bladder repair (which should take care of the problems). It should be a relatively easy surgery with only one night in the hospital. What a blessing it is to feel good and have the energy to do things.

Today I spoke with my sister, Brenda. She had major surgery on her foot on June 2. She was in a wheelchair for quite a while. Then she had to use a walker. She was so excited when she called me today because she was actually standing up ironing! We both laughed because who would have ever thought we would be excited about being able to iron. Just another one of those things we take for granted. What a blessing it is for her to be able to stand and do things around her house!

The Engine that Brian Built

2008-07-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Brian spent many hours, some late at night, rebuilding the engine on our 1998 Ford Windstar with 204,000 miles. Pops and Alec lended a hand when it came time to actually put it in the van. It will probably last another 10 years. He really takes care of his vehicles. The inside of the van is immaculate and there is nothing wrong with the outside. I consider myself lucky to have such an industrious husband!

Fun at the Lake

2008-07-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

Greers Ferry Lake finally went down enough for us to go have fun. The water was so high under the narrows bridge that Brian could stand up in the boat and touch it. Jaydan was a little afraid of tubing this year, but Brian finally talked her into it. She loves riding on the boat, though. I realize there are no pictures of me, but I was the one taking the pictures. Maybe next time. I know everyone wants to see pictures of me skiing. (LOL)

Swimming lessons

2008-06-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

School is out and we finally got to start swimming lessons! Jaydan's primary teacher is her swim instructor and she knows 2 of the other children in her class so she is very comfortable. She is doing great!

And of course, there is time for a little fun with friends after the lesson!

New Bishopric

2008-05-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

I did have a slight lapse in blogging for a while, so I am trying to catch up. On April 13, our Ward sustained a new Bishopric. My amazing husband was called to be the second counselor. We had been having a few trials in our lives and it was very humbling. It is such a blessing for our family and a wonderful opportunity to serve. I am striving to be a loving, supportive wife!

Brenda's new baby!

2008-05-16T17:38:00.001-07:00

Jaydan couldn't wait to go see Aunt Brenda's new puppy. Jaydan absolutely loved Belle! The pics were taken with my phone so they're not the best, but still cute.

Another first for Jaydan

2008-05-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

Today was Jaydan's first time to sing with the Primary in Sacrament Meeting! It was such a precious moment and brought tears to my eyes. Brian, Jaydan, and I visited the Moms after church and are finally home. It has been a good day spent at church and with family.

New pics!

2008-05-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

May 6, 2008
James and Makynzee

Makynzee

Jaydan and Laney

Laney sliding down the stair rail.

Dylan, Jaydan, and Makynzee

Nana and Makynzee

Our Garden

2008-05-07T19:04:00.001-07:00

We tilled and planted all day on Monday. It was hard work, most of which was done by Brian. I am just not good at physical labor. I'm great at planting seeds, though. I can't wait to pick fresh tomatoes and squash. We put up a fence in hopes of keeping wildlife out and Cinderella (our black lab - named by Jaydan). Hopefully, we'll have enough veggies to share this summer.

Home Again

2008-05-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

Makynzee's billiruben was too high, so she had to spend 2 more nights in the hospital. She went home again today! I can't wait to get my hands on her tomorrow.

Update on Makynzee

2008-05-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

James called last night and they were back at the hospital. Makynzee's billiruben (not sure if that's spelled right) was too high. I can't reach them yet today. Hopefully she'll be back home today.

Thumbsucker

2008-04-30T19:30:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist putting this one up!

Makynzee is here!

2008-04-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

Isn't she beautiful? I can hardly wait to hold her and kiss her! Pictures are not enough. She was born at 8:02 this morning. She weighed 6 lbs. 8.6 ozs. and is 18 1/4 inches long. She and Beth are both doing good! I am so grateful! Look out, Brenda, I'm catching up. This is #4 for me and #5 is due Sept. 6.

Choices

2008-04-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Attitude is a choice! I decided today that I am going to be happy no matter what. At a Primary Presidency meeting a couple of nights ago, I realized that I am happiest when my life is focused on living the gospel. There are just too many distractions in the world.

My little business idea, "Treasure Me This" has finally found a purpose. The mission statement is simple and to the point: "Treasure Me This will provide families with vintage and shabby chic faith-inspired furniture and accessories at an affordable price." How can furniture and accessories be faith-inspired?, you ask. Soon to come are pillows, pictures, plaques, baskets, dishes, and furniture with scriptures, quotes, inspiring words, and family memories. I can just envision this going in so many wonderful directions. Of course, it's just a little flea market booth right now.

Nauvoo the Beautiful

2008-04-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

Carthage jail and visitors center

Jaydan writing in the Pendleton Log School

Pioneer memorial - lists all the pioneers who died traveling west

View from Parley St.

headstones of Lucy Mack and Joseph Sr.

Jaydan and Anita on a cold wagon ride through Old Nauvoo

Anita and Jaydan in front of an original sunstone from Nauvoo Temple

Anita, Brian, and Jaydan - Carthage, in front of statue of Joseph and Hyrum

Jaydan in the Women's garden - one of my favorite places

It was definitely the trip of a lifetime! Talk about life-changing! There aren't words to explain the thoughts and emotions I went through while we were there. I have read many pioneer stories in my life, but to actually be where they were and experience leaving such a beautiful place and beautiful temple was so touching. I am amazed at the faith and strength these people had. Ever since I joined the church, I never felt the importance of learning about pioneers. I don't have any pioneer ancestors. I didn't feel like it was part of my heritage. Between going on Trek last year and visiting Nauvoo this year, I now understand. How will any of us ever be able to show our gratitude to these pioneers for what they sacrificed?

Forced smile

2008-02-17T19:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, I started this blog to keep my family updated and to remind myself how beautiful life is. Somedays I have to force a smile. It has been scientifically proven that if you force yourself to smile it triggers something in your brain and releases endorphins which makes you feel better. Sometimes I just start making a list of all the good things in my life and everything's okay.

Nothing new has happened to our family. Brian and I went to a youth dance last night. We had a good time! I love dancing with my husband! He is at the top of my list of good things in my life. I spent most of Friday going to flea markets. It was so much fun! I bought an ugly green wicker chair and some white milk glass ( I've decided its reproduction but I like it anyway).

More later........

2008-02-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a pic of my new ride!

Life is Beautiful

2008-02-03T13:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, I guess I'll get with the program and start a blog. I hope it will be a useful tool to keep my family informed about all the beautiful things going on in my life.

Here's the latest:
Jaydan has strep throat, but has antibiotics and is recovering. James, Dylan, and Laney all have the flu and Beth is worn out taking care of everybody.

Matt has been promoted to Specialist, so packages can now be addressed to: Spc Daniel, Matthew. He has also received the Combat Infantry Badge. In spite of the difficulties, he says he feels like he is making a difference. The children really touch his heart. Because of this, he will probably reenlist. I am very proud of my son!

I finally got rid of the Taurus. I really think the car was a lemon. It didn't have that many miles, but was constantly having things wrong with it. I traded it in for a 2003 GMC Suburban Z-71. It is in excellent condition with all the things I wanted. Now I will really have to be conservative about gasoline.

I will try to post at least once a week. Hopefully, it won't bore you!