Mother's Day 2011

I am blessed! Although Warren never disappoints in the gift giving area, most of the time my favorites are the homemade ones. I scored this year, don't you think??

Mother's Day 2011

Mother's Day 2011 was a hit! Warren and the boys spoiled me. Even though Warren took me out and bought me something expensive, it's always the homemade gifts that I love the best. Each of them was so excited to give me what they had made!

Hot Stuff!

Found this pic this morning and just wanted to show off my sexy legs and tan. I was actually going to BYU at this time, but my good friend, Allison, and I had come down for a visit. Remember this Al?? We both have 7 kids between us now, but I think that we are still as sexy as ever!!

Piano Lessons

This year my overloaded 10-year-old had to take a break from piano. I reluctantly took his place. We loved his teacher, CeCe, and didn't want to lose our spot. And so, after 5 months of piano lessons I had my first recital.

I really didn't want to do it, but she said that it would "be good for me". I swallowed my pride and played "Silent Night" and "Go Tell It On The Mountain" without error. I must say that I have come a long way. I can play two hands, use pedals, and read music. I'm gonna keep on taking lessons too!

I am excited to start teaching all of my boys what I learn.

And yes, I took a bow at the end with the rest of the 10-yr-olds!:0)

Happy Birthday To Me!

Every year I write a list of things that I learned over the last 12 months. This year, I only have one...

"Be yourself, no matter what, and love everybody for who they are."

With each year it becomes more clear to me how individual God made each of us. We are special and unique in so many complicated ways. I am learning how my faults make me who I am. I also realize that it is usually through the flaws of others that makes me love them so much more!

My words are short and quick these days. No time for metaphors and flowery sentences. But, what I am trying to say is, take me or leave me. And, i'll take you no matter what!

It has been a fantastic year, but I am ready for 2011, and to be 38 (Because I just LOVE even numbers). Bring it on!!!

15 Years!

August 18th was our 15 year anniversary! About 17 years ago I met Warren Coates at Spa Fitness in Orem, Utah. Once he looked past my hot bod., he found out what a great spirit I have! I was attracted to Warren instantly because of his good nature, sense of humor, and desire to do good in this world. His huge biceps also helped a little.

We have always enjoyed being together. Warren is a doer. He doesn't like to sit around. There is always something going on at our house, or we are leaving to where there is something going on. He is my love and my very best friend. I love this man more than life itself, and am glad that we found each other! Happy Anniversary Sugar!!!

p.s. Warren loves to take pictures of himself. I find them in my camera all the time. Here is one of many!

Disneyland 2010...The Rides!

We had such a fine time at Disneyland this year. Everyone in our family thoroughly enjoys "The Happiest Place on Earth". However, I think that Warren gets more excited than anyone to go. He never went as a child, and I think he is making up for it now! There are no pictures of me on this vacation for some reason...don't cry, we'll take more of me on the next trip!

This is what Dane looked like the entire time. We were worried about taking him, but he opened and closed the place each day with the rest of us! He is SO ready for California Screamin'!

This is what happened every time we tried to take a picture with all four boys. What you don't see is the group of Asians to the left cracking up, and taking videos of us trying to get our four boys in a picture together!



Tyler is our first child who is totally into the characters. It was so cute. He wanted to wait in the little character lines and get pictures with some of them. I loved it!

Tyler and Tigger!

This was one of Dane's favorite rides. We went on it over and over and over!

It was fun this year because most of our kids wanted to go on all of the scary rides. We got Fast Passes and Switch Passes, which made getting on and off all of the rides quick. We love nothing more than spending time with our little family. We had an awesome time!

Mother's Day

The biggest joy in my life is that of being a wife and mother. I have tried to find it in education, occupation, and vacation. However, these babes keep calling me home, and continually help me stay grounded for the most important job on earth. I love them. Thanks moms and grandmas for teaching me, although I still have alot to learn. I love you all. Happy Mother's Day!

My New Blog

I have started a new personal blog in regards to one of my callings at church. It is still in the early stages, but I would love for you to take a look! I would love any input, comments, ideas, or connections that you have for my blog. Please check it out...

www.becomingselfreliantblog.blogspot.com

To my best friend....

You constantly, consistently amaze me! Every second of your day is devoted to your children and to me. You have so many wonderful talents and traits that I wish the world could know. You are an amazing woman and me and the boys learn from you daily. We love and appreciate you so much! Eighteen years ago, I prayed that one day I would find the girl of my dreams. Now each day I pray thanking Heavenly Father that I did. You're the best friend, wife and mother anyone could ask for. Thank you for being you!!!

PS. Even if you erase this post or change your password, I'll find a way to post it again. You deserve all the spotlight you can get. You're simply the best.

Love you,

Me and the boys...

Happy Easter My Friends

It has been a wonderful Easter season for our family. We are enjoying the rememberance of our Savior and all that he has done for us. This time of year always brings alot of reflection for me as a wife, mother, friend, and person.

I am so thankful for my Savior. I am thankful for the knowledge that he died on the cross for not only my sins, but EVERYBODY'S sins. Each one of us is of infinite worth. What a gift. This year the Atonement of Jesus Christ means so much to me. Never have I understood it better. Never has it meant so much to me.

I love this picture so much. It reminds me that we are all part of Christ's flock, even the little black sheep behind him. No matter our circumstance, history, or situation, our Savior loves us and wants us to follow Him. I love my Savior. Happy Easter!

1st Grade Zoo Trip...Need I Say More!?

I really enjoy being involved in the education of my children. One of my favorite things to do is go on fieldtrips with them. The 1st grade field trip was nothing short of spectacular! We had a fun group of kids and moms. It was a beautiful day of 70 degree weather. Most importantly, we didn't loose any kids. Maybe that's because I kept telling them that if they got lost, the zoo people would just put them in to live with the Spider Monkeys!

Miss Merrill

Preston and Kenzie...good friends.

Spring Break 2010

We spent most of Spring Break this year in Strawberry at our family cabin. We took the Goodfellows along with us. We always have so much fun with this family...we are so glad they came with us again!

Bowling in Payson! Woohoo!

The kids.

Yes, that is Warren rolling down a hill! Our kids did this for a good hour.

You can't visit Strawberry without going to the goat and lama farm.

Warren and Brad felt very manly cutting up some fallen trees on the property. They got to use chainsaws...arrgggg!

Campfire.

Although the kids didn't want to leave the cabin, we came back and spent the last few days at Jump Street, Golfland, and movies. Warren took an extra day off to spend with us. We had such a great Spring Break!

6 Boys and a Babe

Dear Friends,

Just in case you were wondering what I did with 6 4-year-olds on a rainy, wet, Friday morning, for two and a half hours, I would like to tell you.

1. Let them take out every toy from every bin that we own.

2. Read The Magic Fish, by Freya Littledale (My very favorite version...).



3. Create our own magic fish with sequins, pretty paper, and string.



4. Look at "Finnigan", the Coates family magic goldfish.


5. Jump off the top of the bunkbeds (Don't worry, I made them stop after I found out...).


6. Eat homemade brownies, and talk about why powdered sugar is way better than frosting.


7. Wrestle...did you even need to ask?


8. Clean up, clean up, everybody, everywhere!


9. Play "Duck, Duck, Goose" and "I Spy With My Little Blue Eye".


10. Wait for mom by the window.


***And now, I am going to take a nap.


Sincerely,

Monica

My Latest Competition

I had a brilliant blog post all planned out in my mind. It was going to say, "Meet my husband's new girlfriend. Her name is the T-Mobile Dash 3G. She's sleek, she's slim, and she never talks without permission."

Unfortunately, Warren told me that it was NOT an appropriate statement, and that he did NOT give me permission to say that. So, of course. I won't.

Nevertheless, this baby has occupied what little free time that we have for the last couple of days. He bought us each one. Warren has it all figured out. I am happy for him. However, I no longer know how to send out a text, receive a text, or even look in my contact file. I am helpless, and feel extra technologically challenged lately. I may need to take a college course to figure this one out.

In the meantime, send me a text. I might learn how to send you back a message in a week or two!

Here she is...

Self-talk

The other day a friend of mine made the comment that she knows a lady who has made prayer her "self-talk" each and every day. I thought, "How cool is that?" When I researched self-talk a little bit more I realized that there are thousands of studies and articles about how self-talk can totally define a person. "Motivators" are often brought in to competitive athletic teams to help them with their own self-talk as it makes such a difference on the field. Often children who struggle in school are riddled with negative self-talk. The list goes on and on.

Then, I started to wonder what my own self-talk is.? So, I have been listening to myself and my mind alot lately. I realize that most of the time I am kind of down on myself. I say things to myself like, "Man, I wish I would have been able to finish this, or do that." I say things to myself like, "What did you really accomplish today? Was it that important?"

Not good. And so, starting today, I am starting a new revolution of positive self-talk for myself. Here goes...

Dear Self,

You are an awesome lady. And even though your hands don't work as quickly as your mind does, you are important to the well-being of yourself, a wonderful husband, and four rockstar little boys. Even though you get frustrated in your imperfections, and never feel good enough, YOU ARE MORE THAN GOOD ENOUGH! You are a great friend. You love to serve other people. You love to do fun, creative things. You are smart. You are funny. You are spiritual. You are a daughter of God. Have a great day!

Sincerely,

monica

A Very Happy Ending/Beginning

Our family literally had weddings coming out of our ears during the month of December. Kris and Michelle, two of Warren's sisters, were married at the beginning of the month. Due to me leaving my camera battery charging at home, I will not have pictures of those festivities to post until I get the disposable camera pics placed on a disk later this week.

On New Year's Eve, my little brother, Ben, and his cute honey, Sarah, were married. Because she was waiting for a temple divorce to go through, the two had planned a civil ceremony for New Year's Eve night. However, THE MORNING they were to be married, Sarah's Stake President in Dallas called to say, "Can you believe it,the papers went through this morning?!" With the Mesa temple closing in just an hour, Ben, Sarah, my parents, cousin Dallas, and a few of her family members rushed to the temple so that the happy couple could be married for all time and eternity. They were the last couple married in the Mesa Temple in 2009. It was all very exciting and dramatic.

Later that night, Ben and Sarah enjoyed a ring ceremony instead of a civil wedding. It was beautiful. Their wedding party was at my cousin's very fancy home with a very fancy Italian dinner. My mom did a great job planning and organizing it all with Sara. It was so much fun to see so many friends from the past. It reminded me what an awesome childhood I had. I hope that my kiddos can have the same kind of memories that I enjoy.

Uncle Bill giving them important advice.



Tyler and Cody at the wedding brunch. Don't worry, it's just apple cider, and we didn't let them drive home!

The boys and Owen got to take gifts and help guests. They had a great time, and were SO deliciously cute.

Our family. Not the best picture of me, but I know that you all know how absolutely gorgeous I really am!!

It was a fantastic ending to a great year! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Bring it on 2010!

9 Lessons I Learned During My 36th Year...

The older I get the more I learn. Some lessons are painful, but most are sweet. Either way, I never regret the deck that Heavenly Father has handed me (Even though sometimes i'd like to tell Him to "Go Fish"). I know that He knows me, and that's enough.


1. Remember who's in charge...and it ain't me, that's for sure.


2. Trials are blessings. It might be a long time before you know what the blessing is, but you will see it at some point and be thankful.


3. Good friends are truly gifts from Heaven...enough said.


4. A strong relationship with your spouse makes EVERYTHING about life better.


5. The time you have with your children on this earth is short. Be thankful for every second. Love them, enjoy them, have fun with them...Even when they are all talking to you at the same time!


6. Know who you are, what you stand for, and never waver.


7. Everyday try to be a better person, even when you feel like you are failing miserably.


8. Don't judge. You never know what is going on in someone else's life.


9. It's O.K. to accept help from other people (I am still learning this one!).


p.s. If you're wondering why I don't post pictures lately, it's because I have had some computer issues. Exciting pictures to come, I promise!

Just Some Stuff

This last weekend Warren and I were able to get away and fly back to Utah for a few days.

It was a humbling experience for a couple of reasons.

First of all, I had to write down a schedule for my kids. It is crazy to see your own life written down on paper. I guess I didn't know how busy I truly was until I sat there looking at it all.

Also on that paper I saw the many friends and family members willing to come and go, take and pick up, check on and love our children while we were gone. Thanks to all of you who helped us out. Thanks mostly to my parents who willingly gave up three days of their lives to love our kids. My kids LOVE them and are always excited to see them and visit their house (Not to mention they got to throw away every pair of socks they own for grandma to buy them new ones). Thank you, thank you, thank you!

There will be an official Utah trip post to come. We had some camera issues, so it's going to take a little bit before I get my pictures back. We did so many fun things and got to go to Wyoming (It was zero degrees baby!) and see the Coates clan. Can't wait to post it all.

And here is Allison (Sorry about the blur, it is a cel. phone picture). She is my best friend and roommate from college. We met her and her wonderful husband for dinner. It was just like old times I tell ya. I miss her so much. We are truly soul sisters. And by the way, Allison and her cute hubby met on an airplane. Can you believe that? That's just the kind of fun, interesting gal she is. Never a dull moment with Allison!

I'm a Year Younger This Year!

Warren and I go back and forth about birthdays each year. He has a hard time turning older, while I am usually just thankful that my 20's are over. I don't pay much attention to age. In fact, Warren has to remind me how old I am most of the time. Last December my birthday went well. I turned 37, and went on with life.

A couple of months ago, at dinner with friends, we were discussing age. Warren asked me how it would feel to turn 37 this year. I quickly reminded him that I was already 37. "No, you're 36, I must have told you wrong last year."

I did not quite know what to do. Should I be happy, or mad? Afterall, I only got to call myself "36" for two months of my life. But then again, how many people get to be 37 for two years in a row?

And so, I am happy to inform you all that on December 18th, I will be turning 37...again.