Burn Out

Alright, I am going to vent just a bit so I can go about the rest of my day with you worries. As some my know, I am now going to school. This is week 4. I have reached burn out stage. I am taking the beginning classes that "teach" you all about plagiarism and how to speak to others without offending them. I have written several papers on those subjects and I am just about done with them. Yes, I know how to not offend others (for the most part). Yes, I have integrity and I will not cheat and steal from anyone. I think I "learned" it. Actually, I know I did. My parents taught me. It is basic knowledge. I can't believe some of the papers I have been reading from some of the other students. It must be a new concept for them.

Okay, I will breathe and move on. Life is good. I am glad I am in school. I just needed to vent a bit...Thanks for listening...

School Time

Well as for many of you, school is back in session. Before school started Monday, we had a back to school mini cheeseburgers BBQ on Sunday. Jeremiah demonstrated the fine art of stacking a mini cheeseburger...yummy homemade rolls

After dinner we had a reverent experience with before school priesthood blessings. I feel so appreciative to my husband for his worthiness to hold the priesthood. All the kids felt so relaxed and ready for the school year because they have received a little extra protection from their father on earth and their Heavenly Father.

The next day was school and I had the hardest time letting go of Jack. He is in 6th grade!!! Two reasons it was hard to let go...Firstly, he is in 6th grade!! Secondly, I am NOT old enough to have a middle schooler.

He was so cool. I was trying not to cry and he said, "Mom, you will be okay...it's just another year of school." When did he get so mature and sensitive to emotions. He is growing into such a young man.

Zaylie was so excited to just GO! She is so cute...she will have a great year in 4th grade. I am excited for her.
Her priesthood blessing truely touched me. She has an important work here. I know she chose our family because she needed to teach her mom how to be a better daughter of God.

My little kindergartener, Elijah. Elijah is in PM kindergarten and all morning it was like the time was ticking so SLOWLY. He couldn't get in the class fast enough.

But when we got there he slowed down a little bit and peeked in the room. He saw some kids from church and gave me a kiss and ran in. We will continue to work on his speech with the school. He will have a great year.

Last, but definetly not least, my Wyatt.
Wyatt is going to stay home with me one more year. We are going to do preschool stuff together. I am getting my fingerpaint, playdoh mojo on. We will have a lot of fun. I think that I am just not ready to let my baby go.

We will wear the armor of God. All is all, this year is going to ROCK (I hope)!

We are Back!

Whew hoo...I am back! After much techincal difficulties I am conquered the blogger bug! Wow, I really need to catch up...

This summer was fabulous! We had weddings, went camping, did some kayaking and did LOTS of visiting with friends and family. Here are some pictures of the tribe in action.



Jack and Uncle Andrew made a tow hitch for his bike. He went around the neighborhood and mowed people's lawns for $5.







We square foot gardened this summer and WOW what a garden it was. It was our first sucessful garden. We now have 6 different size boxes with lots of veggies, fruits and herbs. It has been so nice to have fresh, "local" produce.







This was one of our camping/motorcycling trips...loading up and planning takes the longest.







We had a Harry Potter Count Down with the Westovers. On this day we made rice crispy snakes and then decorated them with candy. The snakes were from the 2nd book, Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets. They kids had a great time. On the last day we all made pipe cleaner glasses and casted spells all day...it was GREAT!







Zaylie and Wyatt at Dominic and May's wedding. They look calm but as soon as the music started they were dancing machines!




Jack asked Andrea to dance at the wedding. She is the first girl he has danced with not including me or Zaylie. He danced her around the floor. Can you tell he was a little proud of himself...




Elijah and me dancing the night away. Elijah is such a little Romeo. He would even bow after each dance...what a cutie!






Here we are camping in LaPine Oregon with nothing but a port-a-potty. It's our annual trip the Reck family. Between the 2 families we had 20 people there...it was so much fun!








What more can I say. We had a great summer! Now that my blogger bug is beat I will be bloggin' hopefully more often...Hope you had a good summer too!

Spiritual High

Well last week I went to Women's Conference at BYU and let me tell you I am still vibrating from the spiritual high! It was doubly great because I went with Joann...my bestest friend. It was amazing. We did service during one of the talks. We cut out school bags for children in our countries.

I think that one of my favorite talks was about "Doing your Best vs Being your Best".
The speaker reminded us that as we know, Christ is perfect, but he is perfect in eternal things such as compassion, charity, love, obedience etc... we do not know if he was perfect in multitasking, cleaning, cooking, running errands, baking etc...
unfortunately we sometimes get bogged down the latter tasks and feel that we fall short. We need to stay focused on the eternal tasks and with every day we can evaluate and with our Savior's love we will come much closer to our goals. Isn't the atonement great!

Anyways, I can't wait for next year!


P.S. for some reason I am not able to add any pictures SO I will add them as soon as I can...is anyone else having this issue?

Tax Day

Okay, maybe it is just me but I get a little depressed on tax day. I think that it is because I am reminded how my money is just being wasted on stuff that is for the most part fluff. I know that when things are tight it my house we cut things like going to the movies and eating out. If I was the government I would just ask you for the money so I could take you, me and all my neighbors to the movies and dinner because it was the "right" thing to do...

Okay, I know that some good is done and I am grateful for your government I just would like to see a little more control and a little more responsibility. After all they employ my husband so I am very grateful for that. I just would like to see a little more control. Today is the tea party protests all around the country. I am proud of my parents...they are going. Find out more, Tax Day Tea Party

I guess the best thing for us to do is do put the right people in office and let our thoughts be known...

Thanks for listening to me rant a little bit...

Confessions of a Bad Blogger

Sorry everyone who once checked out my blog I have neglected my bloggin duties. I have found Blogger's arch nemeses, FaceBook and I haven't been able to stop the insanity. After much shame and guilt I am now back, hopefully for good. Don't get me wrong, I can not leave the instant gratification of FaceBook but I will stay true to Blogger too.

I must confess FaceBook has been so fun. I was able to find some of my long lost dear friends. We had dinner a couple of weekends ago. What a great time! I know it sounds silly but I was a little scared to reunite but within seconds of hugging all fears were gone and the laughs and stories started just like old times minus the old high school habits. It was a great night!


New news!! Elijah lost his first tooth...Zaylie pulled it out cause we are always so squeamish about pulling teeth.



So I will do better...I will be a better blogger for you all! Thank you for forgiving me...FaceBook is just so intoxicating. Ha ha!

Proud Mamma

Make a Smilebox slideshow

You are Divine

Hopefully, no matter what your faith this is inspirational to you. I am so glad that I know without a shadow of a doubt who is my Heavenly Father and where I came from and where I will return. If you what to know for yourself just ask, He will answer! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k

A Quote

This morning we were dropping off the kids for school and Elijah said to me, "Mom, wouldn't it be great if we didn't have to grow up." Then he shook his head and said, "Man, it is just going too fast for me." I thought to myself isn't that the truth! I can't believe how fast it has gone. I feels like just yesterday I was up to my eyeballs in diapers and super sonic messes. Don't get me wrong I am so glad that is over but to quote my five year old, "man it was fast."

A Feeling of Renewal

Today I have such a feeling of renewal! I just am so grateful for yesterday. I was able to feel of the spirit and enjoy experiences share by others. I remembered the bare necessities of my life and made a commitment to always remembering. I think that the thought of spring, springing is getting me excited for change and warmth. My 2 oldest kids are having their birthdays this weekend and I can't believe how much has changed since I became a mom. I am definitely better now then we I first started which, I guess is a good sign. When we first had Jack we were still in the hospital and he started crying. Jeremiah and I looked at each other and then called the nurse. She explained to us that he was ours and we needed to care for him. At that very moment I felt the change, the shift from just me to me and my child. As a mom life is totally different then I ever imagined but all for the better. I just love it. I feel totally grateful that I have been able to be a full time stay at home mom. Watching all the growing and experiencing all the hurdles along the way. What a beautiful plan that our Heavenly Father has created for us. All the pieces fall into place if we just have the faith and trust in him.

Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother
-Lin Yutang

Random Acts of Kindness

Today, I am just grateful for all the love in the world. It is definitely not focus on if you only listen to the news but I am convinced that the people of the world are, for the most part good-hearted people. I have witnesses a couple of random acts of kindness and they have restored my optimism! I know that the Lord works in mysterious ways. We need to spread the word that WE are still a good people. That all is not lost. The economy and maybe( but hopefully not) the government maybe going to hell in a hand basket but that will be okay. We will endure to the end. We are a good people. WE will help each other and WE will not let each other down. With the craziness of the economy and the hopelessness that is being spread through out, I feel like what can I do? Now I know, I need to warm the hearts of my fellow men. In turn, that will help each one of us to gain a better the eternal perspective. Remembering that life is not just now but it is goes on. Wow, that sounds a bit deep, but not really. A simple smile or hello can be an act of kindness, right? So thank you for showing me all of your random acts of kindness! I am grateful for all of you!

Okay Okay I am now ...

Okay Okay I am now on facebook. I know, Sarah is finally doing it. After many requests and alot of prompting I have done it. I hope you all become my friends because I might get a complex if not. Ha Ha!

Well, 6 more weeks of this...what should I say... beautiful weather. I don't know about you but I am ready for the heat!! This winter has really sucked the life right out of me. I could never understand the whole "snowbird" thing until this year...I totally get it. Punxsutawney Phil says 6 more weeks well then let's pray that the rodent is wrong!

The Power of a Name

In our home we have struggles. We have the struggle of....what cereal to have in the morning. The 2 older kids love Cream of Wheat and would love to have it everyday. The 2 little ones hate Cream of Wheat. They even gag when I have them taste it. So as the mom, I try to be the peacekeeper and stay neutral be let it be known I love it too! Well today I found a way to make all parties happy. Up until today we have called it, Malt o Meal (another great cereal) just because they are very closely related and it is a fun name to sing, (another story...) but this morning when asked, "is this Malt o Meal?" I said, "no, it is Cream of Wheat." Instantly the little ones said, "this is great, I love this, Mom can we have this everyday?" Success!

The power of a name and how it is perceived. In a round about way, I started to think about other things that "hid" behind their name. Some for the good and some for the not. It is just so important to keep sharp and focused and not let tricky people, (mom) fool you...lol!

As You May of Guessed...

Well as you may of guessed...Jeremiah and I have joined the gym and we have started a new healthier plan for our lives. We started on 12/26/08. We both love working out, we have just decided to make it a priority again! Jeremiah has lost 10 lbs and I have lost 3 lbs. I will keep you updated!

Tag...I'm it!

Okay I excepted the challenge of the RommaLamaDingDongs and posted my 4th picture in my 4th "my pictures".This was such a great day! This is my beautiful mom...really Jeremiah's mom (my mom too!) We went to downtown Pasco to the farmers market and bought firey peppers. Later that week Jeremiah and I canned those peppers. We made pepper jelly that ROCKED but we did learn the importance of wearing gloves when handling peppers. (I always thought, "no big deal...how bad could it be?") So if you are brave...take the photo tag challenge and post your 4th pic in your 4th "my pics" folder. Have fun!

Freebie!! David Bowman

I wanted to share these beautiful pictures and what the artist has to say about each one of them! You can ALL win a FREE signed 8x10 print of your choice (out of the three prints), by copying and posting to your blog or website this whole post! After you post then send an e-mail to David (contact@bowman-art.com) with your website or blog address telling him you posted it and that you read about this offer on my blog. Also send him your name and mailing address and he will send your signed 8x10 print of your choice :) Hurry because...
*This offer expires Monday Jan. 5th at noon!!*

David Bowman: has had a passion for art ever since he could pick up a pencil. He loves creating images of the Savior that inspire and uplift. Along with his Christian fine art, David has also written and illustrated a series of scripture storybooks for children titled "Who's Your Hero". Check out his website at www.bowman-art.com to see more of his precious art.

Fresh

Well, the snow has started to melt and the rain has replaced it. I love how the rain makes everything fresh again. I have been thinking about the new year and today when I saw the rain I thanked my Heavenly Father for the new start. Of course, I will do the goals of losing weight and learning something new this year but I will also strength my soul too. If I take small things like, reading my scriptures daily and going to the temple weekly I know that my spirit will benefit, greatly. Sometimes, I think that I get overwhelmed with the standard that I know that I need to reach. My Heavenly Father knows that I am capable and He wants me to achieve but He also knows that I am human. He knows that I need a way of starting over and being fresh. He has giving me the atonement. He has also giving me my Savior. My Savior will be my advocate. He will stand with me and give me mercy. I am so grateful for that. Just as the rain washes the earth, my Savior, Jesus Christ will help me to wash away my shortcomings and help me into exaltation. Isn't that great. It brings me such comfort. I love how each precept that I learn builds my testimony. Our restored gospel comes directly from our Heavenly Father. During this year I will do my best to achieve all I need to do but when I come up short...and I know that that will happen (at least once, ha ha) my Savior and my Heavenly Father will be there with out stretched arms helping me to stand again.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Today is my Mom and Dad's 36th Wedding Anniversary. I am so thankful for their example of a happy, eternal marriage. My parents are the greatest couple. They love to hold hands. They date as much as they can. I know that in my Dad's eyes, my Mom lights up a room every time she walks in. I hope that you enjoy your day, I love you both!

Snow Cavin'...Can You Believe It

Since church was canceled we got to have time together. What better way to spend time together then to make a snow cave! Jeremiah shoveled the drive and the sidewalk into our yard. Then he dug out the hole for the cave...


All done! They played in it for a while.

Wyatt loved it...I think that he is part polar bear.

It was so much fun just being together. It was definitely a treasured memory!

All is Well

I just wanted to report that Elijah's surgery went great! He is home and all is well. He is in the land of popsicles and ice cream but is starting to eat some foods. The doctor thinks that his hearing should be restored to normal and he shouldn't be so sick. So cross your fingers everyone! Thank you for all your prayers.

I love the snow!

It is a week before Christmas and I am not even close to being done! The snow has put a cramp in my style! Don't get me wrong I do love it...but...I have so much to do! So just as I was starting to curse it I checked my email and saw a great reminder about why the snow is not so bad...it could be WAY worse...

Check out the ice! This is in Switzerland...

Snow is nothing! I love the snow! I am not going to worry about the Christmas stuff...Santa will bring everything, Right?!!

Our Great Weekend

This last weekend we were able to go and visit our dear family and friends. Our dear friends, the Reck family were sealed in the temple to their 3 newly adopted little girls. Earlier this year they(Mom, Dad, Domi and Christina) were sealed to their other 3 adopted children. They are now a totally complete eternal family. Congrats to you all!

We also got to visit with all the family and enjoy getting really hugs from them, not just phone hugs and kisses. We are truely blessed to have such great people in our lives. It does take a village to raise children (and most adults). I am so thankfully for the snowy whether...it helped us be able to stay another day!

Reflections of Christ

This is why we do what we do...watch this movie and feel...Reflections of Christ.

Now the Christmas Season has Begun...

The Christmas season has now officially begun. The Christmas devotional was beautiful, (as usual). If you haven't see/hear it yet take some time to be spiritually fed. It is soooo worth it! Merry Christmas to you all!

Oh The Joy...

Last Sunday was a great "love being a Mom" moment. During church Elijah asked to go to the bathroom so I gave him the speak about being reverent and folding his arms then let him go. About 10 minutes later he returned with a strange look on his face I asked him what was wrong and the conversation went as follows...

{Now keep in mind, Elijah doesn't whisper, really at all and we are in a very quiet time during church}
Elijah..."Mom, me need you to wipe my bottom. Me couldn't do it very good"
Me..."Elijah, please whisper. Just sit and I will do it after sacrament."
Elijah..."Mom, me need you to do it now. I can't sit. It feels funny. I am just going to stand"
Me..."Elijah, please whisper!!
Elijah..."I think that I have poop on my bottom. Me really do!"
Me..."Okay, let's go but please whisper and fold your arms and walk reverently."

I guess I share this somewhat gross event because I am sure some of you have gone through it and are laughing. Also because Heavenly Father has taught us to be like little children. Elijah is humble and he knows when something isn't right and wants it taken care of right away. I love that about him. In my own life I can totally learn from that event. I need to not just smile and let things slide. I need to stand up when things are not right. I need to also be humble and ask for help and advice. Heavenly Father doesn't want us to do this alone. Which is great because I definitely need all the help I can get! Being a Mom is the greatest job ever...I just love it!

A Recap of Events

Well I haven't posted in a while...life has been (is always) crazy. Thanksgiving was so great! Jeremiah and I leisurely woke up around 9am and started cooking the feast. It was the best! We had the music going. We would stop mixing and baking to get in a dance or two. It was so much fun. The kids just played...it was totally like a thanksgiving moment of bliss! Our friends came over around 1:30pm and we enjoyed a super feast! After dinner we laughed about silly things like sleeping habits of our spouses. Ha, Ha! Friday came and so did the Christmas decor. By the end of Saturday we had totally decked the halls. I am now on the search for the perfect gifts and for me leg warmers. I am a little obsessed right now about them I think that they will solve some of the fashion dilemmas of staying warm but still looking cute. I was looking for tall ones and I have found them so my dream/obsession will come true. Ha, Ha...silly I know. I just love the holidays. Have a very merry Christmas! Enjoy the moments...whether they are perfect or a little lacking, they are your moments to treasure.

Question?

Life really boils down to 2 questions:

1. Should I get a dog?




2. Should I have children?


My sister sent me this email today...I had to share because I couldn't stop laughing!

Keep your head up!

Do you ever feel like this picture? Limp and not going anywhere...never fear! Remember you are a child of God. You came from divinity! He is rooting for you every minute of every day! So shake off your limp attitude and start swinging! All is Well!

Do Something Now

I am totally disturbed by the FOCA. This would eradicate state and federal laws that the majority of Americans support, such as:

• Bans on Partial Birth Abortion
• Requirements that women be given information about the risks of getting an abortion
• Only licensed physicians can perform abortions
• Parents must be informed and give consent to their minor daughter's abortion

FOCA would erase these laws and prevent states from enacting similar protective measures in the future.Please do your research and help us stop this gassly bill from passing. Check out the info on the button to the right also the youtube videos. Thank you!

The Plan

Sometimes it takes a while but I think that I finally am starting to get it. I am so grateful for the patience of my Heavenly Father! I have had several conversations about blind faith lately and I have come to the conclusion of when you are in a very dark tunnel and there is no light to see which way is the right way it is smart to follow the person with the flashlight. I have done lots of things in my life both for the good and not. I can totally tell when I was following the "flashlight" and when I was doing things on my own. I know that by following the Prophets I could not go astray. Sometimes, I didn't understand exactly where or why I need to do those things but I knew that if the "flashlight" was in their hands I could not go astray. Today I had a great epiphany! All of the choices I have made have led me to this day and this situation that I am in. I love my hubby. He is wonderful. We followed the plan and what a blessing. I know that currently in the world people are confused about our Heavenly Father's plan. Our Prophets have been very clear,

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."
The Family: A Proclamation to the World
The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Prophets speak for our Heavenly Father so therefore this is what our Father in Heaven wants for his children. It is not discrimination. It is just the plan. We all have our agency, that is what he wanted for us. He loves us all. We need to love everyone too. We just need to remember to not get caught up in the PC thing to do or say. We know the truth and we need to live it.