Musings of Mothers

2012-01-21T20:51:00.000-06:00

Click the link to see my "I am a mormon" profile

A wise friend

2012-01-12T21:18:00.003-06:00

So,

I have this friend. She is a wonderful wise friend. If I ever have a problem I can't sort out, I call her. I spend 95% of the time talking. Then my sweet friend will say something profound and wise. I will listen, and think of that thing she said for weeks. Every time I end up pondering and then applying her treasures of wisdom.

Recently I started home-schooling my kids again. I called my friend and said, "What am I thinking?" "Why am I doing this?" "Am I crazy?"

My friend quietly let me talk through my fears, and when I was done, the last thing I said was, "I am crazy, I can't do this."

Then my friend asked in her quiet, wise voice, "Can you do it today?"

Well dang! I had never thought about life like that! Shoot! I CAN do it today. If all I have to do is be happy for 8 more hours- I can do it. If all I have to do is cook 3 meals, I can do it. If all I have to do is be patient for 20 more math problems, I can do it.

For the last 2 weeks I have been living day by day. This makes me so happy. I am not sure how this will effect my life long term, but it works for TODAY.

(This is a picture of her! She built up stamina for this crazy hiking trip, by hiking up and down her stairs in her 2 floor apartment.) (I love her!)

Silly, Spaceship, Scarves, Santa, Sister, Snickers, Soft, Simple

2012-01-02T10:37:00.007-06:00

Dad and #5 enjoying Christmas Brunch

#5 opening a gift From Great Grandma and Great Grandpa

Giving is better than receiving for #2

#2 excited to open his gift

#4 gave Dad bakugans for Christmas!

#3 gave #4 some new skates

#5 helping mom with the Laundry- This is what happens when you go down to get the laundry with a baby in your arms, and realize you cant carry the baby and the laundry back up.

A sister in our ward brought this yummy candy train to us for Christmas! Such fun!

Isn't it cute!

There is something so sweet about Daddy and his little girl.

Don't you think?

This is her new Christmas Dress. She loves to suck on it!

Everyone thinks she looks fancy.

#5 so interested in this big man with the white beard and the red hat.

#4 is trying to think of something really good, to ask Santa for.

#3 is telling Santa he tried to be good.

#2 is asking Santa if he is really real.

#4 is finally brave enough to hold this little time bomb full of spit up :)

He even invited her to fly in his space ship- to go find Yoda.

and here I am being silly- ribbit.

All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas full of giving and love. We read all of our favorite Christmas books. We cried and laughed. We loved. We celebrated Christs birth in our own way. Now, my goal is to continue to celebrate his birth, life, and Resurrection this year. I hope you each had a wonderful year.

Finally here is a little video of the final Christmas present- Santa's cookies.

With Love

Living the Word of Wisdom

2012-01-02T00:32:00.002-06:00

I am a Mormon. Actually officially I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was born to parents who were/are both mormon. I grew up going to a mormon church and learning from the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and other modern day teachings from prophets. One of the things that I learned about was something we call the Word of Wisdom. http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89?lang=eng I had the donts of the Word of Wisdom down pat. Don't drink tea, coffee, or alcohol. Don't Smoke. Don't do drugs. Then we come to the do's. Do eat fruits and vegetables in their season. Do eat grains-they are the staff of life, wheat especially for man. Eat very little meat-with Thanksgiving, in cold and times of famine.

So, I did well with the don'ts, but upon closer examination of our diet- I wasn't doing so good with the do's.

Grains were not the "staff" of our life. Possibly sugar possibly meat, eggs, cheese, milk, but not grains. So last week we switched it up a bit. I got rid of all of our processed food, white flour, white sugar. I restocked my shelves with multiple kinds of nuts, grains, beans, lentils. I filled the fridge with fruits and vegetables. You can not find a snack food in the house, unless you count fruits and vegetables-which my kids do(and I don't mind).

I figure during the winter we will probably have meat on Sundays. I am willing to be flexible here. I think I will follow the spirit, and let it be my guide. Just until my family gets used to this new way of eating, I don't want to have quick calories in the house. So, no cheese, eggs, dairy, for a while.

I checked into the calcium issue here- apparently 7 of the top 10 calcium dense foods are plant based. I checked into iron, and the amino acids found in meats. They can also be found in balanced plant, grain, and nut based diets.

The other issue I wanted to address was #2 and I's gluten free diet. We have been eating whole grain oats, wheat, and barley with no effect on my stomach or his mental clarity. I don't know if this is because it needed to be in flour form or what, but so far so good.

Before I jumped in to this, I read a book, watched my friends who already eat like this, prayed, reread the Word of Wisdom several times http://lds.org/study/topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng and finally decided to take the Lord at his word, with this "Principle with a promise".

I will let you know how it goes. But, I am hoping that we will have more energy and more clarity of thought.

And here is a little break down of wheat

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	1,506 kJ (360 kcal)
Carbohydrates	51.8 g
- Dietary fiber	13.2 g
Fat	9.72 g
Protein	23.15 g
Thiamine (vit. B₁)	1.882 mg (164%)
Riboflavin (vit. B₂)	0.499 mg (42%)
Niacin (vit. B₃)	6.813 mg (45%)
Pantothenic acid (B₅)	0.05 mg (1%)
Vitamin B₆	1.3 mg (100%)
Folate (vit. B₉)	281 μg (70%)
Calcium	39 mg (4%)
Iron	6.26 mg (48%)
Magnesium	239 mg (67%)
Phosphorus	842 mg (120%)
Potassium	892 mg (19%)
Zinc	12.29 mg (129%)
Manganese 13.301 mg

Gluten Free little dude

2011-12-17T09:30:00.002-06:00

Not the best picture-but the most current- Look at those lovely eyes!

#2 is my little man with a sensory processing disorder. When #2 was 5 years old, and started kindergarten, he could read, but he could not write. When he had to do things that required fine motor skills, he had a melt down. Melt downs include screaming, hitting, stomping, laying on the floor, crying, and a general sense of being completely out of control of his own body. I know that #2 has a brilliant mind. He thinks so deeply. He understands things that lots of children his age don't. He is a typically sweet, kind, loving, tenderhearted child. This is why the meltdowns were so confusing to me.

I worked for about 6 months, trying to figure out how to help my boy. I wanted to be able to understand why he did what he did. I wanted to help him to become strong enough to handle hard things. I wanted him to be able to function in society.

I finally ended up at an occupational therapy center. They asked me questions that helped me describe #2's challenges perfectly. They asked about fine motor skills, large motor skills, eating, dressing, transitions, social interactions, smells, sounds, lighting etc. After filling out the survey, I was sure I was in the right place.

With in a month of intensive therapy, #2 was able to write. By the second month, he was able to wear more than sweats and t-shirts to school. Month 3 and 4 were devoted to sleeping, eating, large motor skills and transitions. During month 5 and 6 we worked on social interactions. During months 5 and 6 we were still having problems with screaming and meltdowns. Because it wasn't happening at therapy, the therapist couldn't really understand what I was talking about.

A friend of mine's oldest son was flagged as autistic around that time. As we started talking about different ways that it presented, I was reminded of my little guy. I told her all about therapy and how much it had helped us. She said she wanted to try a gluten/casein free diet first. After a few weeks, she couldn't believe the difference. About the same time- I went to a dietician, who recommended I go on a gluten free diet- to try and relieve some of the stomach problems I had been having for years. After a few weeks of me being gluten free, I decided to have #2 go gluten free as well.

Within 2 weeks the number of meltdowns #2 had went from 20 or 30 a day to 1 or 2. Homework time went from 1 page in 2 hours with constant re-direction, to him independently doing a weeks worth of homework in 5 minutes. That month the therapist came to me and said, "Well it looks to me like we have met all of our goals. #2 seems to be functioning perfectly. Do you have any more concerns?" I didn't. We ended therapy. He was happier. We were all happier.

He stayed away from gluten for most of the summer. In August he started to eat more gluten. But, we didn't see a noticeable difference, except for a stomach ache the first couple day- and some explosive bowel movements. He had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich daily and weekly chocolate chip cookies.

In October we started to notice an increase in meltdowns. We also noticed a decreased ability to follow instructions. Finished homework was coming home- because it hadn't been turned in. He lost his coat several times and he even lost his shoes once (at school). The last part of November was like living with a Zombie. We would say, "Please get your shoes on." He would just look at us. Then we would physically put his shoes one, his coat on, and take him by the hand to the car. Over the last couple days, the only time we have seen #2 respond has been to scream and have meltdowns. Needless to say, we are putting him back on a gluten free diet.

I am constantly amazed how much his disorder is affected by his diet. I haven't read enough to understand exactly why a gluten free diet works. I just know it does. In fact, this morning #2 had a bowl of gluten free cereal for breakfast. After breakfast, I saw his eyes look at me for the first time in 2 weeks. He came over, sat on my lap and put his arms around my neck. He kissed my cheek and said "I love this house".

Here goes our first Gluten free Christmas, wish me luck!

Merry Monday

2011-12-12T23:37:00.002-06:00

We ask our boys to only do things on Sunday that will bring them closer to the Savior. #4 and #3 were begging to watch Iron man. Hubbin was trying to teach him how he could decide for himself if it was an appropriate Sunday activity. Here is the criteria.

-Does it teach of Jesus

-Does it remind us of the things that he taught?

#3 promptly said "Yes, it teaches us how to help people."

-note to self - refine the criteria

- He almost convinced us.

I know Heavenly Father answers Prayers

2011-12-05T10:57:00.003-06:00

My prayers have begun to evolve over the years. When I was little I learned to pray from my parents and this little children's song

I Pray in Faith by Janice Kapp Perry

1. I kneel to pray ev’ry day. I speak to Heav’nly Father. He hears and answers me When I pray in faith.

2. I begin by saying “Dear Heavenly Father”; I thank him for blessings he sends; Then humbly I ask him for things that I need, In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

My mother is so faithful. When I was younger if I had a question or was seeking a special blessing I would ask my mom to pray for it. It seemed like she would put in a petition to the Lord and instantly the prayer would be answered. I started to rely on her faith. I thought she was more likely to get the answer than me.

When I was pregnant with #3, a sister in our family was having complications with her pregnancy. We were concerned for her. We prayed that she and the baby would have health and strength. Just after #3 was born, the little boy passed away. I was so mad! I did not want him to die. It wasn't fair that I had a sweet baby to hold and she didn't. It wasn't fair that their good family suffered a loss. I didn't understand why the Lord wanted us to pray with faith and then not answer our prayers. I was in the mothers room crying for my sister in law. I was holding my baby and wishing she could hold hers. My friend came in. I told her how I was feeling, and she said, "You just have to have faith that that was his will." Later one of our nieces or nephews said, "I bet all of our fasting and prayers helped Baby Kris to live with us for as long as he did."

For me, this experience led me to stop praying for things that I wanted. I started to just pray prayers of thankfulness. I would think about praying for someone or something- for example- please bless so-in-so that they may be healed, if it be Thy will. But, it seemed useless to ask for things, to me. I figured we were meant to just go along life and whatever experience we needed would be provided whether they were sickness, death, health, or wealth.

Then our brother moved far away to go on a mission. He didn't know the language well. He wasn't used to the food. He needed help, and he asked us to pray for him. At first I started to pray, because he asked. We would pray for his safety. We would pray that he could find people to teach. We would pray for his health. We would pray for his faith. Eventually I started to pray with more faith. When he returned from his mission, another brother went to Afghanistan to serve in the Military. He also asked for prayers. I couldn't imagine what his wife would do with out him. So, I prayed for her to have the strength and patience she needed while he was gone. I prayed for him that he would stay safe. He came home and they were happily reunited. During this time my brother started having problems with anxiety. My sister was working and a new mom. I was concerned for them. I prayed for her and for him. Every day I prayed for someone. I tried to think what the Lord would want to bless them with. And then I prayed for that. My faith has been strengthened. My families faith has been strengthened. My boys know that when they pray, there prayers are heard. There is a father in heaven who listens to their prayers and answers them. Several times the kids would say, "uh-oh we forgot to pray for so-in-so". Then we would all fold our arms and pray for the person we were concerned for.

Christ taught us this story.

Holy Bible (King James version) Luke chapter 18:1-8

1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

The other day after a family prayer, Hubbin asked the boys if we had forgotten anyone in our prayers. #2 piped up. "Yes Dad, I am really worried about the people in Somalia. We need to pray that the leaders of their country will soften their hearts and accept help, so people will stop dying." We all folded our arms and added the people of Somalia to our prayers.

An excerpt from the Bible Dictionary (Cambridge University Press)

As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part. Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.

I know that faith is strengthened from prayer. I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers. I challenge you to pray. He hears and answers you when you pray in faith.

-with love

Merry Monday!

2011-12-05T10:40:00.002-06:00

Christmas 2010

#2 said, "Momma- I think Jesus is fake and Santa Clause is real."

Oh boy, I thought to myself, we have some work to do. Then I asked him why he thought that. He said, "Well Jesus died, but Santa Clause lives forever."

Things to teach #2-

-The definition of Fake

- Reiterate the Resurrection

This little boy never stops thinking!

8 year old me

2011-11-30T21:49:00.001-06:00

Terrific Tuesday

2011-11-30T17:10:00.002-06:00

What was terrific about your Tuesday?

Merry Monday

2011-11-28T13:01:00.003-06:00

#2 asked me the other day, "Mom, is teleporting really real?"

I said, "No, it is just pretend"

#2 said, "No sir, it is real, Jesus teleports"

I laughed and said, "No, he doesn't"

Then he said, "Well how does he get from one place to another?"

I thought about how to answer, and then told him he would have to ask Dad.

Who knows? maybe Jesus does teleport

Politics

2011-11-22T10:07:00.005-06:00

Growing up in Idaho, I had the idea that moral/smart people were all Republican, and the democrats ranged from confused to corrupt. Then I moved to Minnesota and found out that all most everyone here was Democrat. Most are not confused or corrupt. Most are good, kind-hearted, intelligent people. This made me wonder, how can all of these good people have such opposing opinions?

As the elections come up, I would encourage all of you to be careful and respectful. It is wonderful that you have opinions. I appreciate those opinions as long as they don't fall along the lines of "mud'slinging". I hate to think that an election may be won or lost on viral clips of human error.

I guess because I come from a farming community, my advice would be- you reap what you sow, and so do the candidates. You can handle debates of politics respectfully. There is no need to prove your point by making another look bad. I say this to our candidates, and to all of you who are thinking about forwarding emails to me prior to the 2012 Elections.

Thanks!

As a side note I met a communist the other day. A good woman fighting for the rights of people everywhere.

Terrific Tuesday

2011-11-22T10:02:00.002-06:00

Today is Terrific! You know why? Because I get to stay home with my kids all day. I have no appointments. I have no projects. I have no babysitting. All I have to do is stay home with my babies in this warm house. All I have to do is kiss, hug, hold, and clean. I am the luckiest mom in the world on this terrific Tuesday.

Why is today terrific for you?

Merry Monday

2011-11-22T09:52:00.005-06:00

The other day #3 got hurt on the trampoline. I went over to him and asked if he needed a kiss. He said, "It hurts here", pointing to his knee. So I kissed it. "It hurts here", pointing to his nose. So I kissed it. Then he got a silly little look on his face and said, "It hurts here," and pointed to his lips.

What a cute little stinker!

Terrific Tuesday

2011-11-08T11:42:00.001-06:00

you?

Merry Monday

2011-11-07T09:28:00.003-06:00

Here is another funny story from our family book.

18 months ago

Hubbin said to #4, "This is a phone, can you say phone?"

#4 was holding a car, so he holds it up, shows it to Hubbin and says "Tar".

Hubbin says, "Phone, say Phone"

#4 says "tar say tar"

Hubbin says, "f,f,f,f,f, phone"

#4 says, "f,f,f,f,f,f, TAR"

Merry Monday to you!

Workin' Wednesday

2011-11-02T22:18:00.001-05:00

I will finish removing the wall paper in the bathroom this week, and paint- Should I put up wainscoting? The end goal is something similar to this. My bathroom is not this big, but I do love the little pedestal sink, the mirror flat against the wall, and the subtle hint of blue, with white and silver accessories.

I just found a super great idea- for storage above the shower! Brilliant!

Have you seen these? I love them! This is such a great idea! Really any basket or box screwed to the wall is cool!

What are you working on this week?

Terrific Tuesday

2011-11-01T09:22:00.006-05:00

Catching On?

Yep I am trying to start a theme here.

OK, so today is another terrific Tuesday. What is so special about it? You may be asking yourself this very question. Well, tonight is IKEA night! On Tuesdays at IKEA, kids eat free. So, every Tuesday night we go to IKEA, feed the kids, check them into the free 1 hour babysitting, buy 4 hotdogs and 2 sodas-for $4 and have a date. If we choose to, we walk around the store, but usually we just sit in the cafeteria and talk.

Thank you IKEA for feeding my family of 7 for $4 and providing free babysitting for date night. Love YA!

A few more terrific things

fall colored leaves

little boys in sweaters

long sleeved onsies

warm blankets

In God We Trust (restored)

studying with Hubbin

garage

hot showers

clean clothes

plan B for date night

Why will your Tuesday be so terrific today?

Merry Monday!

2011-10-31T09:48:00.004-05:00

(#2, #1, #3)

Welcome to the first of the new series.

Every Monday I will be posting a funny story from our family book. I hope that the stories will make you laugh.

This one is from 2009.

The other day we made stew. My family calls it Rainbow Stew. The boys could have a treat if they ate dinner. #2 has inherited his mommas sweet tooth. He will do anything for a treat. He gobbled his stew up, and he started on his ice cream. #1 was a little bit leery. He asked #2 what it tasted like. Without missing a beat #2 said, "Dead Frogs". #3 had just finished his stew. Upon hearing what he ate, tasted like dead frogs, he threw up. Surprisingly, after all of this #1 ate his stew and had desert.

Have a Merry Monday!

Moms Day Off

2011-09-29T09:14:00.004-05:00

One of the little ones was telling us that they didn't want to continue school. We laughed and told him he would have to get used to it, and learn to like it, since he would be at school for a long time. As Hubbin and I discussed the matter, the realization set in, that we should do the same for our own work. I'll admit I started to get a little overwhelmed at the years that stretched before me. I could see hundreds of dirty diapers, piles of laundry, mountains of dishes, meals to be cooked, garbages to be emptied, and the list went on. The only end to my job, will be death. Hopefully in heaven the messes aren't so messy. As I thought about this, while complaining a little that my only day off is Sunday, and that just means double the work load on Monday, I realized that my attitude to the monotony of being a house wife better change quickly! So, change it, I did. I decided not to worry about days off, and enjoy and "put my shoulder to the wheel".

OK so fast forward 3 days. Yesterday was my turn! Hubbin changed the clock, to sneakily let me sleep in. Then he and the boys quietly got dressed and ready. He left, with #4 in tow. He dropped the boys off at school, and took #2 and #4 to the grocery store. (#2 was sick). By now, I was up and dressed and wondering where my family could be. As I started to straighten the house up, Hubbin #2, and #4 walked in grinning. "Your not supposed to do anything today Momma." #2 said. So I put the last dish in the dishwasher, ran it and sat on the rocking chair, wondering what my purpose was. Then #2 came and cuddled with me. It was so wonderful to just be able to let everything go, and cuddle my little sick boy. When he was finished cuddling, I decided to take a bubble bath. So, I did! With the door locked and everything. Wonderful! When I was good and pruny I got out and dressed. I blow dried my hair and carefully put on makeup. I brushed and flossed my teeth and used mouth wash! Then, Hubbin handed me the keys and the baby and told me to have a great day. So, I left. I went to an indoor tropical atrium, and leasurely drank in the colors of each vibrant flower. I listened to the sound of the water running, and smelled the wonderful smell of growing things. I browsed the library, then I checked out a pass to the Museum of Russian art. I drove out to Minneapolis in perfect silence. ahhhh.

The exhibits were amazing. I loved studying each peice of 7,000 year old pottery. I wondered about the artists that crafted them. Did they make them to sell, or to use around the house? Did they wonder if anyone would ever want to buy their art? I know they could never have imagined that 7,000 years later, some one would unearth their earthly treasures and put them on display for all to see. The upstairs and basement galleries were filled with work from one artist. A man named Oleg Vassiliev. http://tmora.org/exhibition/oleg-vassiliev/ He worked mainly on canvas and paper with oil paint and ink. I loved reading his story. Learning his style. Glimpsing in to his life. Wondering what it must be like, to know the freedom of art, but not being able to express it during a communist regime. There were two pieces that I really loved!!

First a print. When Oleg was in school, there were statues all over of famous leaders. They were every where to glorify communism. Oleg sketched several of the statues, but was criticized because of the downfall of communism. Later in life he got on top of a thatched roof, with a womens dress and a pillow to fill it out. He had a friend take his picture- and called it The Conductor of Crows.

I will venture a guess at the meaning of this picture, I would say that since the fall of communism in Russia, the economy has never really recovered and poverty is the new glorified status.
This one is a painting of his wife. A memory he has of her at the beach. He painted it of her after she died. I love the focus of light. In the writing next to the painting, he suggests that he also meant for the painting to be like she was walking in to the light. This is actually a different focus of light, than the one on display. But, it does give you a perspective of his ability to play with light variations, perspectives, and color. Isn't just like a dream or memory, how you can't quite focus all the details, you just can't quite get there. Brilliant!

One of the canvas and oils on display, was of self portrait of him sitting in front of a broken down building with a glass of vodka in front of him. The story behind it, was that he had always loved a painting of beautiful home with lavish gardens. He went to find the home, and when he did, he was met with a broken down shell of a home, that had become a shelter for local drunks. A sign rested on the homes outer wall that read-"protected by the state".

The perfect balance between political contraban, sketches from early years, children book illustrations, and later large scale detailed oils on canvas, really gave me insight in to the life of this man and artist.

I came home grinning and dancing with excitement. I told Hubbin all about my day. We ate lunch and fixed dinner. After dinner I blew out the candles on my cake- (Rocky road cake) and recieved my presents. A 2.5 lb. bag of Peanut Butter M&M's from Hubbin, A 1 lb. bag of Cheesey Corn puffs from #3, a bulk bag of pixie sticks from #1, and Body wash, puff ball, lotion, and spritzers set from the family. Then I got to soak my feet in a foot spa, later followed by a foot massage from Hubbin.

I must have fallen asleep by 9, because when I woke up this morning there were two messages on the answering machine wishing me happy birthday. Well, it was.

#5 the little Fashonista

2011-09-23T13:52:00.003-05:00

My Uncle on my moms side is going to get married. We are all so excited for him. He is marrying a woman from Switzerland. After #5 was born, my uncle and his fiance took a trip to Paris. While they were there, the bought this precious outfit from the designer Sophie La Chipie.

Here is the link to her site. http://sophielachipie.hautetfort.com/album/ete-2010/page1/

It fits well now, and I think it will still fit well next spring. I like the design, and the fabric is so precious. Thank You Scott!

2011-09-23T11:27:00.002-05:00

#2 was pretty overwhelmed the other night. He was sad because he wanted to be good in class, for his teacher, but he just couldn't control his body the way he was supposed to. He kept saying, "It's not fair, why did Heavenly Father give me this trial? Why would he make me like this, so I can't control my body? Maybe I should go back to therapy. How long do I have to be like this?" The whole time I just kept rubbing his back and telling him how great he was and how awesome he was and how some day, when he had to understand others who had trials that were hard like him, he would know how to have compassion for them. So often we look at our trials like #2. Joseph Smith did. He asked God in prayer, where he was, and why he was letting the trials that were so hard, continue. Heavenly Father answered that his trials would be but a small moment, and that he should endure them well.

http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121?lang=eng read it here

So #2, on this 8 second ride we call life lets grin and hold on tight-Heavenly Father has great things in store for you! I Love You Bud!!!

Kindergartners are so sweet!

2011-09-23T10:42:00.004-05:00

This is #3. He is now a kindergartner. His teacher is a wonderful woman. She believes that boys need extra recess, so she takes her class out for more exercise every day, snow, rain, or shine. #3 loves school, and the reports coming home say that he is a leader in his classroom. He really tries to help others be good. He has come home with many stickers and he is trying to win a school t-shirt for good citizenship. Way to go bud!

This is a picture of the boys in front of their new school.

#3 is a real problem solver. Here are a few pictures I will try to describe for you, so you can get the full effect. See the big tree behind the garage? He was trying to reach a branch that he could climb- by building a tower to get to the garage roof, so he could step on to a branch that hangs over the garage.

Next he used the strollers to climb on, and pull him self up with the little branches shooting out. He did eventually get up on to the tree.

The oreos sitting on the counter were on the top shelf at the back. #3 opened the cubboard door, then walked over to the dishwasher and opened it. He climbed on the door of the dishwasher, then opened the dish cupboard. Next he climbed up on the counter above the dishwasher. He used the cupboard door to steady him self as he walked from one side of the sink to the other-grabbing the other cupboard door to finish crossing the sink. Success! He reached the oreos and sat on the counter until every oreo was devoured-this was the scene I encountered as I came into the kitchen.
#3 knows that when the water gets splashed out of the bathtub, the basement floor gets wet. Dad recently went to North Dakota to help clean up flood damage on the Mouse River. He told us how some of the houses had floated off the foundations, and the basements were full. One day I went in to the bathroom and found #3 flooding the bathroom. I told him to stop playing in the water. I caught him at it twice more, and finally asked him why he was doing it. He said- "Mom, I am just trying to build a swimming pool in our basement" That is a bulb syringe for a plug-little smart stinker!

Date Night

2011-09-23T10:33:00.003-05:00

This little man asked me on a date last week. He wanted to know if I had an open schedule on Friday night or Saturday. We went on Friday. He opened my door, made great conversation, took me to a carnival and shared his fruit cabob. We had burgers under a canopy, and danced to some pretty hip music. When I was in high school, I went on 3 dates. All of them were initiated by me, after some begging. Now I have 5 guys clamoring for my attention, sneaking kisses, and treating me like a lady. If I only knew then what I know now, I would have never let my self be sad! I am the luckiest Girl in the World, with 5 boys to kiss!

Give the boy a fish!

2011-09-23T10:15:00.003-05:00

#4 has been trying to keep him self occupied during the day, now that 1, 2, and 3 are in school. This often includes a game of "fishing". But, unfortunately fishing was often done with computer parts, unhooked from the tower ie. keyboard, mouse, headsets, and speakers or x-box controllers. There was nothing wrong with the game, I just needed to change the tool out.

Here is a before and after

You will just have to scroll from the bottom up :)

Taking #2 out of the Kinesthetic/Intrapersonal/Sensory Processing Disorder Box, to let him think

2011-09-16T22:01:00.003-05:00

Have you ever met a deep thinker?

Some one who is so focused on their own thoughts, that they do not hear anything else. As of late, I have been wondering what a deep thinker can do for a living. With so many wonderful thoughts to think, I would hate for my little deep thinker to be stuck at a 9 to 5 job, answering to a boss or deadline.

I wish I could pay for a personal tutor for my little deep thinker. I wish I could let him think all the thoughts he wants to think. Without having to stand in line, pay attention, or do work sheets.

I want to paint this picture for you. So, I will try to describe it, the best I can. I went to school today, to eat lunch with #1, #2, and #3. When it was time for me to eat with #2, I went to find him. He was out at recess. There were hundreds of kids running and playing. The play ground is slightly raised-about 1 foot off the ground, with a plastic retaining wall surrounding it. #2 was balancing the retaining wall. I walked up behind #2. I said his name. "OK mom, this is the rules, if you fall, you have to start again at the last corner" A kid from his class comes up to him, says his name, and asks him to play. He doesn't respond. Eventually the kid leaves. A girl ( looked like a 6th grader) sits on the retaining wall in front of him. "Please Move." She does, and on he goes. Undeterred. He makes it to the apparent starting point. "Yes, I win!! OK mom, what do you want?" I laugh and ask him to eat lunch with me. "No thanks, I have to make it around 2 more times before recess is over" Love you boy!

A few days ago I went to pick #2 up after school. He was sitting with about 100 kids in the Media Center. Every one was quiet, but it wouldn't have mattered if #2 was alone or with a million people he could not have been more deep in thought. I called his name. He glanced my way, and then went back on to thinking. A couple kids nudged him, but he didn't register it. The vice principal called his name, but he didn't notice. I walked over to him got down at eye level and said, "what are you thinking about bud?" He said, "How does she do it Mom?" "Who do what?" I dumbly asked He pointed to a mural on the wall where several "she's" stood out to me. "Oh like this" he says as he holds up a peace sign. Then I see the woman he is talking about. An African American hippy doing the peace sign with her fingers.

After recess, #2's teacher let him come and sit and chat with me for a while. We were sitting at a table when another family asked to sit with us. A european american mother with 2 african american sons. After a short conversation where #2 remained quiet, he finally spoke up. "did you adopt those 2 boys?" The mother said that their father was from Nigeria. "So he had dark skin and they have dark skin like him?" affirmative.

This week we talked about trials-one of them being school for #2, another trial being a mother who gets frustrated, and it seems like she does not understand. Dad said when he was a little boy he felt the same way. #2 said, "But then you learned that Heavenly Father gives us trials to help us be better, more like him?" yep, lesson was over.

Yesterday #2's Afterschool teacher pulled me aside. She was shaking with frustration. Been there, before comprehension. #2 just cannot come to the afterschool program any more. He is clearly not mature enough for the program. Maybe he can try again in the spring.

As I look at the situation with a perspective that is foriegn to me, I realize that some day #2 will be thinking freeing thoughts( I am reminded of Plato and Aristotle) , while this uninformed teacher will still be trying to put 1st graders into boxes labeled "will conform" or "reject".

If a picture really is worth a thousand words I have 2 for you

Man, have I seen that look before! Can't wait till the Spirit world when I get to swap stories with his Mom. By the way, do you think some relief society sisters are comforting Hitlers mom? I hope I get to! But that is beside the point.

By the way, I asked #2's teacher how he was doing today. She said, "well he does really good, except for transitions. It is almost like he doesn't hear me. Maybe you should check his hearing" :)

Family Picture 2011

2011-08-29T10:24:00.002-05:00

Thanks Bro! Thanks Sis!

Levi Shaffer took the picture Sarah Lynn Camper edited it.

You guys are awesome.

June-Aug Fun*with pictures

2011-08-28T11:04:00.006-05:00

#5 2 months old

Boys after 1/4 and 1/2 mile races at Como Park
#2 got his cast off- picture courtesy of #1
What do you do to keep #5 from crying on 22 hour trip? Give her a dumb dumb of course!
#2 and #4 at family reunion
Grandpa and #5 sharing a nap
Sister and niece at Rain forest cafe

Sister and Son at Rainforest Cafe

#5 coming home from HospitalThe Boys prayed that a turtle would come to our house- it did, but we are going to have to pray for a smaller one!Minutes after delivery of Beautiful #5

Project: Keep my kids alive till school starts

2011-08-23T12:08:00.003-05:00

T-14 days and counting

A- Take them to the doctor to update shots-keeping t

hem away from sharp objects, emergency exits, examination tables, and bio-hazardous waste- while modestly feeding baby and trying to listen for important instructions from said doctor.

B- Take them to the dentist, so their teeth will not fall out- causing them to survive on Mashed peaches (said with lips bent around teeth) (go ahead, no ones watching- try it)

B1-even if this means admitting to dentist that we may not brush daily- let alone 2 times daily- which some weeks may translate to weekly.

C- Refuse to take 5 non-swimming children 8 and under to places where they might drowned, with out pre-authorized designated help.

Why? you may ask-let me tell you what happens when I do

. Last week got to the lake, #1,#2,#3, #4 ran out to the lake, as #5 was recovered from a blow out. I glanced again at the lake to make sure 1-4 were safe, #1 and #4 were simultaneously drowning. #4 was rescued by play group momma. #5 was left nude on an un-designated beach. #1 was pulled sputtering from lake by overwhelmed, 1/2 dressed, poop stained, grateful momma. No more water!

D-Limit the number of times I make new found recipe for caramel popcorn-thus reducing risk of Sugar Coma

D2 1 cup of Brown Sugar, 1 Cup of marshmallows, 1 cube butter- melt together and pour over popcorn- Happiness

D3 Sugar Coma Bad for mother with 5 children 8 and under

E-Increase structured activities-thus eliminating free time

E2 Free time promotes creativity and ingenuity which often includes the use of found sharp objects, high places, or toys used in unintended manner.

E2B ie. tricycles ridden off trampoline at high speeds-recreating Wright Brothers pre aeronautic success. Long sticks sharpened to points aiding in eliminating bad guys AKA #3 and #4.

F- Keep #5 in baby front pack at all times thus eliminating probable accidental death by love from 1-4

14 days of survival here we come

By the way- If you are looking for a blog that points out the wonders and delights of child raising go here www.soulemama.com-sorry that it is not me today

9 year Anniversary

2011-08-16T21:30:00.002-05:00

9 years of holding hands

8 year old baptized

7 people in our family

6 year old swimming in the lake

5 year old figuring out life

4 BOYS

3 years in Minnesota

2 year old in training pants

1 precious little girl

Happy anniversary Babe! Sorry this post is a little late- but, you were in Minot and I am most obviously usually over my head. Love you!

Will add photos at the next post

Mommy- warning- look out for the soap box!

2011-07-31T22:11:00.004-05:00

What do you do for a living?

I am a mom

He looks and waits for me to continue.

I start to say what I used to do

Then I realize, That Mommy is a job

So I say, I am a mommy

Just then the boys run out of the house

Mommy, Mommy, Mommy

Save me Mommy

Yes I am the Saver

I am the cooker

I am the one more bite enforcer

I am the bum wiper

I am the bath runner

I am the clothes folder

I am the driver

I am the cleaner

I am the hugger

I am the swatter

I am the teacher

I am the lover

I am the garden weader

I am the dish washer

I am the hole in the knee mender

I am the owie kisser

I am the flower reciever

I am the baby feeder

I am the diaper changer

I am the record keeper

I am the calender

I am the money spender

I am th rocker

I am Mommy

I have a favorite speech given by a man named Ezra Benson. It is called To the Mothers in Zion.

http://emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/PDF/ToMothersofZion.pdf I refer to it often, as it reminds me of what my most important job is. In 2005 my church released a document that is also part of the foundation in our home. http://lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/unto-all-the-world/proclamation-on-family-is-still-a-clarion-call?lang=eng I can't help but feel the daily attack on mothers that I see, whether subtle or blatant. I believe the title of mother is loosing its importance. I see movies impose there belief that a mother would be a better mother out of the home following "her dream". Or, a current pop hit movie that sends teenagers away for months at a time to school. I am often stopped at the grocery store and asked- Are these all your children, or is this a day care. When I responds that they are mine, it is always followed with a "God bless you". Which, leads me to believe, with my 5 that I am not a common site. I remember feeling like a day care would do much better for my children than I can do for them. But, as I ponder that I realize how wrong I was. How could someone else ever be better for my child than I am? I see mothers- my self included focusing on weight or beauty. I see mothers giving in to the lie that life is too hard- or that it would be easier with addiction. I feel like this is a time when mothers, whether future or current, should ban together to protect our families, to teach, to learn, and to nurture each other and children every where. A favorite speaker of mine is a woman named Julie Beck. As she speaks of families, she points out that we need to be intentional. I love that word! We don't need to be perfect, but we need to live with intent. I think for me this means, not to let life just pass, but to be intentional about what I allow in my home, and what I allow out of my mouth. She mentions being "brilliant in the basics". She goes on to list a few. -pray, study the scriptures together, have family night, make a priority of mealtimes, and speak respectfully of your marriage partner.

http://lds.org/ensign/2011/03/teaching-the-doctrine-of-the-family?lang=eng&noLang=true&path=/ensign/2011/03/teaching-the-doctrine-of-the-family

10 ways a mother can mother

Be at the Crossroads

Be a Real Friend.

Read to Your Children.

Pray with Your Children.

Have Weekly Family Night

Be Together at Mealtimes.

Read Scriptures Daily.

Do Things as a Family.

Teach Your Children.

Truly Love Your Children.

I guess this is my challenge to you mothers out there. Don't give up. Don't give in. Be intentional. Rely on the strength and knowledge of mothers who came before you. Be a little better. You can do it. Look at your precious little ones and do it!

And can I just add a post script-

Please be respectful of Men. Respect and show respect for Husbands, Fathers, Grandfathers, Brothers, Sons. They have a hard roll. With our respect, doing their duty will be more joyful.

She is here!

2011-06-28T20:57:00.003-05:00

We are in love! She is so sweet. We are having so much fun dressing her in pink. She was 8lbs even. She was 20 inches long. She is good at everything she is supposed to do. Good eater, Good sleeper, Good diaper filler. And, if you know me, you will be excited to note that she has a white streak in her hair- right up front. We are tired, and happy. We are taking the month of July off to rest and relax. Have a wonderful independence day, pioneer day, and strawberry, raspberry harvest. See in you all in August.

With Love!

Birthdays and a Baptism

2011-06-19T22:37:00.003-05:00

Some how I don't have pictures of #2 and Hubbins Birthdays. Shoot! But #3 had a birthday in June and #1 had a birthday in May. #1 was baptized in June. And #1 had his very first birthday party with friends. It has been a fun couple of months! #1 wanted a spring cake. #3 wanted a cake with strawberries on top.

highlights -at the baptism, we were listening to one of the missionaries play church music, when everyone hears #2 shout- "look, guys I found the font- lets jump in."

-At the party someone hands #1 a card. He looks at it and says, " I am saving the best for last" Nice cover bud!

-#3 made sure no one else blew out his candles this year, because he wanted to make sure and get his wish!

Life is sure fun with 5 boys to kiss!

A 5K and a hospital visit

2011-06-19T22:27:00.005-05:00

Some how I didn't get in to this picture. I was there though!

Last Saturday Hubbin, boys, and I decided to jog/walk a 5K. It was pretty fun. #1 ran the first mile walked the second and 1/2 of the third, and finished strong at the finish line. Way to go Bud! Dad pushed #2 and #3 most of the way, only coaxing them to run from time to time. I carried, ran with, walked with, and chased #4 all 3 miles. We had a good time. It was fun, and I can't wait to do it again.

After the 5K we drove home. All day long I was having regular contractions. 2.5 minutes apart. For 10 hours. At 8 pm I decided we better get the kids to the sitter and prepare for a night at the hospital. At about 2 they sent me home after I had only dialated a cm. Bummer!

They gave me something to help me sleep. When I woke up the next afternoon the contractions were virtually gone. Bigger Bummer!

I have been having irregular contractions off and on for a week now, and I am seriously getting sick of them! Come or wait- but this in between stuff is driving me crazy!

Maybe we will go do another 5K :)

The Receiving End

2011-06-14T21:37:00.004-05:00

Service.

I love to serve others. It is hard for me to swallow my pride and except the service. Today I was on the receiving end. It was wonderful! I don't know what inspired these two wonderful angels to come to my door with paint brushes in hand, but come they did.

They came with their smiles, their expertise, and their paint brushes. They worked for two full days, and later dropped off some of the things I needed to finish. One of the sisters brought her husband, and he did all the muscle work.

I had gotten to the point, where I decided it was going to be ok if I didn't get all my projects done before Baby came.

They painted walls and ceiling. They painted the oven fan. They put up the wainscoting and replaced all the out let covers and vent covers. They steamed cleaned the lanoleam. They fed us lunch, played with the kids, and let me sit and chat.

Tomorrow my sisters are coming to stay for a week. I know they will be equally helpful and full of service.

About a month ago the women from church gave me a baby shower. It was so nice to fill the babys closet, and know that I only have to get socks! More blessings!

I have needed babysitters for multiple doctors appointments through out the month- each time, some one has been more than happy to serve.

I am so blessed. I really have found a home away from home. And I must admit it is just as wonderful to be on the receiving end!!

Thank You Thank You

A good day!

2011-06-08T21:49:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had a good day. I mean just an average good day? I did. Today. I woke up and took a shower. Then, I took about 2 minutes to blow dry my hair. Put some makeup on. I found some clean comfortable maternity clothes. I got the kids ready. Hubbin and kids were out of the house by 8. Dropped Hubbin at work and kids at school. Little two boys went to a friends house. I went to the doctor. I was a bit late, but no one seemed to stressed about it. I got poked, and prodded, signed up for the option of a birthing tub, and found out I was a little dialated- 1cm. Fun! Then I went to get the boys. Last week someone gave me a baby shower. So, the boys and I went and bought them some fresh cut flowers, from our new favorite store. I stopped at a dear friends house, to tell her good by. I got to help her fold laundry for a minute and gave her a few hugs. She is moving with her family-East. Sad. Then she gave me the food in her fridge. Yum! Ice Cream with 3 ingredients. Mixed berries. Mini pizza. Butter. Thank You! We took flowers to the other dear friend who gave the shower. Hugged her. She was having a bad day. Then we went home and ate berry milk shakes and mini pizzas for lunch. We got that done by 12. I came up stairs, and relished the wonderful window air conditioner. Thank you hubbin. I thought of my sweet friend. Oh sweet friend I wish I knew how to help you. I love you. I talked to my mom on the phone. Thanks! Then I watched a sappy movie. Where the heart is. I cried. I talked to my sister in law on the phone. We schemed. I talked to my sister on the phone. We laughed. I ate yummy left overs. I took number 2 to therapy. I worked out at the Y. I took all the boys to the park. They played. We listened to Harry Potter on tape. We got Hubbin from work. We filled the car with gas. We listened to Harry Potter. We came home. We ate more yummy leftovers. I visited a friend at work. I encouraged her. I hugged her. I laughed with her. I went to the mall to pick up a few graduation gifts. I finished Harry Potter 2. I mowed the Lawn. I weeded the garden. I bathed my children. I put them to bed. I ran another load of laundry. I folded 3 loads of laundry. I decided it was a good day. I documented it. Good night, Good Day.

Oh what do you do?

2011-06-01T04:13:00.002-05:00

What do you do in the middle of the night, when you can't sleep?

I, think about all the things I could be doing if I wasn't trying to get back to sleep.

I finally give up after 2 hours of that and go do some things on my list.

like- paint Eve's dresser

- prep the kitchen for painting

- write it on my blog

- check my email

-read about what to expect at 35 weeks prego

-plan a vacation to Idaho

You know all the normal stuff that you do when your supposed to be sleeping.

Going to try again

g'night!

Way to go Daddy!

2011-05-30T10:31:00.002-05:00

Today Hubbin ran his first 5K. His company encourages a healthy lifestyle. Each year members of Hubbins team run in several 5K's to compete with other teams. The idea is to have the most individual runs per team. Hubbin ran with 3 team members today, and did very well. He attributes his success to 9th grade cross country and last octobers 1 training run, that ended in a 6 week pneumonia. Of course I am a little jealous that he can up and run a 5K without training, but mostly I am just proud of him. The boys yelled and yelled for him. They claimed him the winner and tackled him with flying hugs. Great Job Daddy!

Freaky Friday

2011-05-27T20:49:00.002-05:00

I was planning on putting the garden in today, but I found something else to do. A quick 7 hour trip to the emergency room. #2 fell off the slide at recess. Luckily I was at the school, so after a quick assessment from the paramedics, I took him to the ER.

Here is a little video, of my poor #2

Remember this list?

2011-05-26T11:05:00.002-05:00

Week 28- Lovely Wonderful General Conference Weekend! Run a Triathlon-Hooray! (check)

Week 29-Paint the new Master Bedroom (check)

Week 30-Move all the furniture up to the new master bedroom- Find a comforter that is both masculine and graceful and matches the fresh paint! (We don't really need a new comforter yet, but furniture is up stairs)

Week 31-Garden Preparations #2 birthday (check)

Week 32-Paint new guest room- Have house sprayed for Ants. (check)

Week 33-arrange furniture in new guest room -Go to Texas (check)

Week 34- find a mattress for #3. paint Eve's room and find a crib for Eve- Love Craigslist free stuff!- (check)

Week 35- Paint kitchen (Baby Shower)

Week 36- put up wainscoting in Kitchen

Week 37- take down wall paper in bathroom and paint (try to find cute mirror and new pedestal sink on craigslist free stuff

Week 38- Finish built in Book shelves in hall and between dining room and kitchen

Week 39 find a dresser for Eves clothes. Move all the Home school stuff to the ?? Uhh Basement? #3's birthday (check)

Week 40 Get Tom to paint my toenails, pack hospital bag, find a car seat, choose a come home from the hospital out-fit for baby

Lets be honest here

Week 41 Hoe all the weeds out of Garden enjoy the rest of the strawberry crop

Week 42 Play the waiting game and eat lots of spicy food!! Induction July 17th

OK, so I am not doing to bad! Thats good. I was at 34 weeks on Sunday. I plan to paint the kitchen today. I didn't realize I was ahead of schedule. I still need to get the garden in to the ground. But, hoeing is so hard. I will have to get something figured out. I need to get that in before Saturday. #1 will be baptized on Saturday and Hubbin is helping friends move, so hmm. I guess I will do the garden tomorrow.

What else?

possibly make some frozen meals

cut all the boys hair

spray the apple trees, weekly for the rest of the summer

sign boys up for free summer camp- last week of june

look into a lawn care company

move the trampoline

build a fence around the yard

de-junk the basement

find a good homeschool curriculum for the summer

Organize the fabric closet

deep clean the piano and serving table

paint the dining room

new ceiling fans in all the rooms

new lighting in bathroom

paint loft

schedule the ants to be sprayed while we are gone to Idaho

work out #1's scouting and primary stuff for summer

put #2 in a yoga or karate class

Teach #3 to read

No more potty accidents for #4

Not quite sure

2011-05-19T08:52:00.002-05:00

I went to my Doctors appointment yesterday. I realized that I have been off on my due date all along. I am not due until July 3rd. Crazy!! So that gives me two extra weeks to tick stuff off my list. Good! Because- I got a little behind.

However, Yesterday when she measured me I measured at 38 weeks. My LMP date is a little shaky. It could have been a miscarriage or it could have been spotting. So, when am I due? Eve only knows. I am hoping for the July 4th weekend. That would be awesome! Hubbin will have the weekend off any way. He can stay home with me. Then we can add his paternity leave to our vacation and go home for a little longer. Sounds so good to me!

I have traditionally been a week late. So, I may have the baby around the 10th of July. But, I always have measured spot on. So I may only have 3 weeks left. Oh the uncertainty of it all!

By the way, I lost 5 lbs. since last appointment, even though baby has gained 2. Hmm. Doctor said Baby feels like she is about 3.5 lbs. which according to the due date calc. means I am only at 30 weeks- and I still have 11 weeks to go. Which is August 4th. After writing this, I have come to the conclusion that it would have been easier to be a pioneer. With out all of this information . It would have been easier to just say a summer baby, and leave it at that. Surviving daily trials and going in to labor while making a loaf of bread or scrubbing the kitchen floor or better yet walking across the plains. OK, so maybe I always wish that I was a pioneer(not just when I am pregnant), but still I think I may have to much information on my hands!

Tom

2011-05-13T17:40:00.002-05:00

I love you Babe! I don't know why you only get a post once a year, or so, but I love you. Did you know that? Some times I forget to tell you. Some times I forget to show you. Did you know that I think your awesome? Did you know that I think about you during the day? I do. I think about you when I put my dishes away in my neatly labeled cupboards. I think about you when I pick up your socks and move them 3 feet to the left-into the laundry basket. I think about you when I lay down for a nap and smell you on the pillow. I think about you when I type on your computer. At 4:00 I think about you, and know that I will see you soon. At 5:05 when you come, handsomely, striding out to the car, my heart leaps and I feel like running to throw my arms around your neck and kiss you. But, I don't. I sit there. Last night when we talked about going on a date, I tried to remember the last time we went on a date. We went to the temple a couple weeks ago- does that count? We went to a fancy formal dinner last week. Does that count? Before that It may have been back in December, when we went out on an actual date. Lets go on a date, O.K.? I watched a silly chick flick last night. The plot-also silly- went as follows. A girl has a list. The list has all the things she is looking for in a future husband. Her challenge is to find that man and write about her success. Do you remember that I had a list?

I thought about it last night. Do you remember what was on my list?

I can't remember all of them 9 years will do that to yah!

Here are a few.

Beautiful singing voice.

Play the piano

Ask the wall flowers to dance

return missionary

eagle scout

willing to do the dishes

feast on the scriptures

temple attender

great with kids

from a big family

from a farm

serving heart

Smiling eyes

That is about all I remember. As I watched you help the boys rebuild the garden tonight-I loved you for the father that you are. As I listen to you down stairs at this very minute serenading me, I love you. When you said, I would rather be home with my family, then hanging out with the guys after work, I loved you. When I watch you make dinner, I love you. When you read to our kids every night, I love you.

So I love you. Thats all I wanted to say.

Donuts and orange juice

2011-04-26T12:24:00.002-05:00

This morning number 2 cuddled up to me in bed. He was all ready for school, and waiting for breakfast. I was just enjoying snuggling with him. He even got to feel number 5 "saying hi". It was a good morning. Not rushed. Finally we got up. We went out to the kitchen to find some breakfast.

Last night after a last minute carnival meeting for the PTO, I stopped by the store. I picked up some cupcakes for number 3's "un-birthday". While I was there I bought some donuts as well. A couple days ago I found half gallons of OJ for $1 a piece. I had those on hand.

Number 2 had a donut and a glass of OJ for breakfast. He started with the donut and half way through took a drink of OJ. He said it was "SOUR" and I forgot to add the sugar. We talked about how life is like that. If we always have it easy, then when we have something hard come in to our lives it will taste extra bitter. But, the OJ was actually the only part of the breakfast that helped us grow. And after drinking the orange juice, the donut tasted even sweeter. Number 2 then related that to "Lehi's Dream" found here- http://seminary.lds.org/manuals/book-of-mormon-seminary-student-study-guide/bm-ssg-02-1ne-1-6.asp

He mentioned how some people already tasted the sweet fruit, and wanted others to taste it. But, the only way to get to the sweet fruit was to do hard things. Some people chose not to do the hard things. Some people did all the hard things, tasted the sweet fruit, and then gave it up to try something that looked sweeter but wasn't.

Then number 2 reminded me that our AMAZING Aunt/sister-in-law is "tasting the sour" (she has breast cancer) but it is helping her to be able to enjoy the "sweet" even more.

Lesson learned

-God gave us families to help become what he wants us to be

-eating meals together-even if it is just a donut- is worth it!

-6 year olds are full of great wisdom

-family scripture study actually does sink in- even hanging from the curtains and free falling from the top of the couch.

-praying for others increases awareness of blessings and our loving Father in Heavens hand in our lives

-you can learn a lot by starting with dessert- no wonder I am so smart ;)

Repost From January of 2010

2011-04-24T20:27:00.002-05:00

I know the Lord rose again. It seems the birds knew it this morning too. They were chirping louder and the sun seemed to be shining brighter on this wonderful day that we celebrate when Jesus Christ rose from the dead. I celebrate his miraculous birth, his life, his atonement, his death, and his resurrection from the dead. I know he Lives. Last year I posted this poem. It is a comfort and an affirmation of my testimony.

With Love.

The Sun will rise

In this life we have rare glimpses of Heaven
the touch of a hand as we say good bye
An answer that seals Forever
A baby's first cry
the shadow of a baby that never cried
Each one a glimpse
The Heavenly Father that loves
The Son that gives all
Each brings a family closer
To one another and our Eternity

As I thought of what you might be going through
I wished that I could think of something to say
that would take your pain away
This poem flowed and as I cried I knew
What He would say
Don't take your eye off the Sky line
Keep Watching
The Sun will rise

When pain is too hard to bare
When all seems troubled
the light impossible to see
When families are far
Never forget
The Sun will rise

Life is lived
Death comes
just another season
Easy for the ones who leave us
Those left search for a reason
Tears fall, hearts feel empty
hard lump in your throat
In the darkness
One we know calls our name

Please don't cry, My dear one
I love you,
that's why I have come
I know what you're going through
Because I went through it too
I did it just for you
I bore your pain
I felt your grief
As I knelt and begged for relief
I did it because He asked me to
And I did it all for you
The Sun will rise

So during this middle hour
When morn's light seems so far
When all is dim and unclear
When pain and doubt seem to sear
Look to the sky
And hear my reply
Clear your eyes
Know
The Sun will rise

I know for I am the Savior of All
I love you
I came, lived, died for you
I carry your burden
Through me it is light
Making your way through this dreary night
Never forget
I am the Son
I died
I rose again

Loving my new swim suit!

2011-04-20T19:36:00.004-05:00

For years I have been searching for the perfect swim suit. I love swimming, and HATE being immodest! It is a tough balance. For a long time I have worn a t-shirt and basketball shorts over my suit. But, recently I did a triathlon and decided that was just too much excess. So I was back to the bathing suit. I felt so immodest. I hated the feeling. I bought a new suit a few months ago, that covered a little more, but it was not a maternity suit, and I have now grown out of it.

Our family has a lovely little vacation at a resort in Texas coming up. We are so excited. But, this meant I needed a new suit. So, I searched online on Monday, looking for the perfect suit.

First I found these

I didn't get it-just not me. Though I love the mission of the site. http://aquamodesta.org/

Next I googled Modest Swim suits. I came up with all sorts of images that I didn't feel were so modest. Then I realized I should be searching for Maternity. And finally I remembered that my boys wear these rash gaurds- we call them sunscreen shirts. So I googled Maternity Rash Gaurds. I am so happy I did!!

I found a site called Mermaid Maternity http://www.mermaidmaternity.net/

I loved the rash gaurd, and bought the matching swim shorts. It is oh so comfortable-flattering- and modest. They shipped it to me the same day, and I got it today! Monday-Wednesday! Wow!! The rash gaurd is made to wear something supportive under it. The short have a built in swim suit bottom. Here is a picture of what I got in the mail today.

I am not sure if later I won't buy a long board short. But, at least now I feel mostly covered. I feel like I can chase boys in and out of the water all day, without feeling uncomfortable or self conscious. Not to mention, my shoulders and back will be covered, no more sunburns! The shorts come to the end of my fingertips. The shirt sleeve goes about half way between my elbow and shoulder. The neck is really high. I touched my toes and touched the ceiling and there was no gapping between the shirt and shorts. I have had a maternity tankini before, it was long enough out of the water, but floated up as soon as it got wet. There is a tie on the side of this, so it won't float up!

I noticed that they just started a non-maternity line (horizons) on their site.

Any way, this is my plug for modest swim wear.

I am so excited for summer in this land of 10,000 lakes, and I am so excited to be modest!

I am a Triathloner

2011-04-02T14:40:00.000-05:00

I am a Triathloner

Today I am 28 weeks pregnant. Today I finished my first sprint triathlon. I Ran a 5K-45 minutes, biked 12 miles-45 minutes and swam 400 yards-10 minutes. It took me 1 hour and 40 minutes. I love to set goals and accomplish them!

I know this goal is small compared to my "no empty chairs" goal, but it is a goal none the less.

Goals are great because you can break them up in to small steps, to come up with a big out come.

Any way that is a different topic altogether. The important thing for today is I did it I did it I did it. I am a triathlon-er!

Woot Woot!

Pictures will follow later.

Uhm, really a Chinese Cabbage?

2011-03-31T11:54:00.004-05:00

Yep, that is the size of sweet little Eve. At least that is what those crazy baby due date calendars say!

Take a close look. I am thinking of going to the store and posing with one of these babies- teehee pun intended.

We are at 28 weeks.

I think I need to set up a list to make sure I can manage all of the projects I have to get done before she debuts.

Week 28- Lovely Wonderful General Conference Weekend! Run a Triathlon-Hooray!

Week 29-Paint the new Master Bedroom

Week 30-Move all the furniture up to the new master bedroom- Find a comforter that is both masculine and graceful and matches the fresh paint!

Week 31-Garden Preparations #2 birthday

Week 32-Paint new guest room- Have house sprayed for Ants.

Week 33-arrange furniture in new guest room -Go to Texas

Week 34- find a mattress for #3. paint Eve's room and find a crib for Eve- Love Craigslist free stuff!- Back from Texas

Week 35- Paint kitchen -#1's birthday

Week 36- put up wainscoting in Kitchen

Week 37- take down wall paper in bathroom and paint (try to find cute mirror and new pedestal sink on craigslist free stuff

Week 38- Finish built in Book shelves in hall and between dining room and kitchen

Week 39 find a dresser for Eves clothes. Move all the Home school stuff to the ?? Uhh Basement? #3's birthday

Week 40 Get Tom to paint my toenails, pack hospital bag, find a car seat, choose a come home from the hospital out-fit

Lets be honest here

Week 41 Wish I was at Nauvoo with my Girls!! Hoe all the weeds out of Garden enjoy the rest of the strawberry crop

Week 42 Play the waiting game and eat lots of spicy food!!

This looks like way too much! Maybe I will just stay in bed for a few more months and cuddle my baby when she gets here! Who needs fresh paint any way.

My Super Heros

2011-03-24T10:14:00.006-05:00

Who do you call, when your house is a mess and your rib is out?

Where do you turn when natural disaster in the form of #4 hits your Living Room?

Bet you wish you had these handy Heroes around, huh!

"faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound"

#5 does not know what she is getting herself in to!

We are so blessed to live in 2011!

2011-02-21T20:19:00.004-06:00

So, it snowed last night. And all day today. At 11, hubbin and I went out and shoveled, until 12:30. We got up to the 18 inch mark, during this storm. We have had 74 inches this year. This year is 2nd place in the last 60 years. 76.3 inches in 1982 at first place and 73 in 1963 is in 3rd. After we shoveled (for hopefully the final time of the year, hahaha we have 4 forecasted snow days this week), I went to the thrift store. Today is a double discount holiday, so I had to go. But, as I drove I was reminded of the Little House on Plum Creek by Laura Ingels Wilder. In the book Lauras family faces starvation, white outs, frozen nights, loss of herds, and the longest winter in 49 years. So, like I said I was thinking about it, and I decided that we still have bad winters. We just have amazing machines to remove the snow. We have amazing houses, to keep us warm. We have amazing roads, to truck in food. We have amazing vehicles, that can take us out of the house for double discount Mondays. We do not live off the land, depend on herds, fresh springs, wax paper windows, and coal burning stoves to help us survive the winter. As I sit here in my shorts and t-shirt typing to the world I feel blessed.
In the book, Lauras dad took a job helping to dig the train out and keep it running. I imagine it looked something like this
That seems like a much more daunting job than the few feet I shoveled earlier today. I was also thinking about the terribly uncomfortable clothes that they used to wear. I am so blessed! Try shoveling in one of these, or staying warm and dry for that matter.
I wish I was grateful more often, for all the blessings I have been given, but I am grateful today!

Pink we think!

2011-02-14T12:34:00.003-06:00

Arriving soon to our clan is little miss Twila Eve. Eve for short. She is due on June 21st, which means that she will most likely be here around the 28th- the 5th of July. We are excited. Enoch points to the baby (from experience we realize that he has no idea what we are talking about- but it is still cute) , and the boys tell everyone we meet.
I am finally going to paint a room pink- and get all of the little baby girl clothes out of storage- the ones I have bought with each pregnancy.
I also get to dust off my glass dolls and put them up. I think I may have to buy some pink finger nail polish for the hospital. This is, in fact, a momentous occasion!
The boys thought of some ideas for names. They like Chrysanthemum, Daisy, Emily, Aleasea and Stop sign. They were all ready to vote on the names. But I had to tell them, since I was growing the baby, I got to name the baby. However Tom reminded me, as he often does that he actually gets to name the baby. And he has always liked the name Quintessa(especially for a fifth child, if that fifth child was a girl). I sure hope he comes to his/err uh my senses before blessing day!
So top 10 reasons why Erika is excited for a girl
(here we go)insert drum roll please
10 Baby dresses and bloomers are so adorable!!
9 I need to keep my mad hair doin' skills up, the boys are sick of me trying to put their hair in pigtails
8 Tom has vetoed all fingernail painting on little hands in this house- I think I can over ride that, when she comes
7 A shopping buddy would be nice
6 I have been severely out numbered for the last several years
5 Knights in shining armor(I have four) want Damsels in distress to rescue (mommies don't count)
4 Girls camp, young womens, bows, activity days 3 white dresses!
3 ruby red slippers
2 A gender I can understand
1 Curling Irons, hair spray, blow drying, strawberry smelling shampoo, pretend makeup, mud pies at tea parties, dandelion cakes for desert, help with dinner, playing house, dancing with daddy, dates with daddy, no more wishing and praying, longing, and crying for a girl.

Oh their are so many reasons- and these of course are mostly silly and superficial. I mean I may have a "Tom boy" on my hands. But I have cried for, begged for, and longed for a girl. I am just plain excited.
This would probably be a pretty good place to interject. They are only 70% sure its a girl. But it is the first time that they haven't been 100% sure it was a boy. So, that is like 170% points in favor of a girl, right? Any way I am going with it. Even if in the end, I have to wash all the baby boy clothes and write a top 10 list on why Erika wanted another boy.
So for now, I am seeing pink!
*Imagine momma dancing for the next 4 months absolutely giddy with excitement!*

Snowman Gruesomly Murdered

2011-02-06T15:27:00.003-06:00

On Saturday February 5th, in the Suburbs of St. Paul a snowman was gruesomely murdered. Passerby's figure the homeowner, Tom, was just plain fed up with the winter. Neighbors interviewed later said, " Tom seemed like such a normal guy. He always plays with his kids and helps out where he can in the neighborhood. We think the sub zero temperatures must have finally made him crack."

The area was having a bit of balmy weather on Saturday. Toms wife, Erika took their oldest son shopping in preparation for Valentines Day. Nothing could have prepared the two for the shock and carnage they would see as they returned home. "When we saw the snowman, we ran into the house to make sure everyone was all right. They were sitting around the table sipping milkshakes, like nothing had happened. I worry about that man." Erika said later, when asked about the crime scene and her husbands' state of mind.
The Snowman's family has decided not to press charges.

Nice weather we are having, Dear!

2010-12-11T21:22:00.003-06:00

Well, all week long we have been looking forward to the Christmas breakfast at church. It is so fun, and the food is so yummy, and to top it off Santa clause comes. Well, last night at 5:00 we got the call that the breakfast had been canceled-due to the weather. Bummer! Then, we looked outside, the skies were clear. Tom and I laughed. We couldn't believe they would cancel for snowy conditions 15 hours early, when there was no snow in sight. Ahh well, we decided we would enjoy sleeping in anyway. Then, I got on the internet to see what all the fuss was about. They were predicting a 14 inch dump, high winds, and freezing temperatures. So, Tom and I decided to wait and see. The weather man did not disappoint! We got 21 inches. Our temperature with the wind chill is negative 20, and the wind blew all day. Tom is a human snow plow. I mean the man can shovel! But, today when he went out to shovel all of the forces of nature were against him. He shoveled off the side walk, and 10 seconds later I saw that it was covered with about 3 inches (the wind was drifting it). Then, I looked back out the window, and it was clear again-more wind! On the 5:00 news we saw that they pulled all of the plows in our county off the roads until the conditions improve. We got an email from the news man at church, saying church is canceled! When I went out to help Tom with the shoveling, all I could think of was "Nice weather we are having, Dear!"
We giggle a little about how much people talk about the weather here, but this year Minnesota gave us all something to talk about! This is the worst weather year since 1991. I am proud to be a part of it. With the bad weather comes offers of meals, neighbors plowing other neighbors out, people offering to pick up groceries, and general care and concern among every one you meet. What a perfect way to put us all in the Christmas spirit!! Keep it coming Minnesota winter- give us all something to talk about and a reason to reach out to our neighbors.

Mi Vida Loca!

2010-11-10T08:47:00.002-06:00

Long time no see. I can't remember if I posted about this already, but #2 has a sensory processing disorder. We have been taking him to therapy, and the brushing technique that they showed us, has made a world of difference. Taking my tiger and turning him into a cuddly kitten. We do therapy twice a week. On therapy days, he runs down the stairs singing "I get to go to therapy!" Other things have improved. He gets dressed with out a struggle most days. Most days he dosn't yell as much. Most days he is more like the other boys. This is after one month of therapy. I am just so pleased! I haven't had a call from the teacher in weeks. Great job #2
#3 is in preschool. He is so happy to ride the bus, eat at school, and make friends. #4 and I go in 3 times a week to volunteer and help with the small group activities. There are 16 kids, and usually about 4 adults. It has been really nice for me to see where #3 falls in terms of behavior. He does great during play time and the small group activities. He does really well during the "good morning" large group circle time. But, he has a hard time during the "good bye" circle time. He seems to be getting better though.
#1 is loving school! Usually he does his homework without being reminded, because he has friends that come knocking at 4:00 sharp to play. The rule at our house, is you can't play until the work is done. So, jobs, reading, and homework all need to be finished. I love that his friends come over to play with him, it is such a great motivator!! All of the 2nd graders and up, here, get tested at the start, middle, and end of every year. They found out he was ahead in math and behind in reading. So, they put him in an intervention program- to catch him up. He just graduated. I learned alot from the program, too. I didn't realize that I should have him read books that were simple for him. I thought I should challenge him. They say, that they should be able to read all but 4 words in the book, otherwise it is to hard. So for a while Seth went back to the original books that he first read. But, now, just a month later he is into the box car children and loving it!
#2 is also in reading intervention. I think it has more to do with behavior than anything else, but I am sure he will get it sorted. Until then, I don't mind that he gets the extra one on one attention.
I just got asked to be the nursery leader. Four kids later I was surprised to find that I do not have a talent for teaching 14 1-3 year olds! Who knew?! I was shocked when I realized this. And very overwhelmed! This is the hardest job I have ever had, and I have so much to learn. I know the Lord wants me to make this the best experience for these kiddos. What a job!
We have all been sick for the last couple weeks. But, I think we are on the mend. Today I get to go to #3's class and help. After words, we take #2 to Therapy. When we get home from that, I am going to lunch with the Fast Wives. This evening we have a date with the plumber to pull something out of the toilet. Tomorrow I clean the house till it shines, because on Friday we have 4 teenage boys staying here for a church activity. Saturday is the leadership meeting, and Sunday the primary program. I am so grateful for the Sabbath! It is so wonderful to have a day of rest from mi vida loca!

Hoist with your own petard

2010-10-21T22:01:00.003-05:00

I was hoisted up with my own petard :) Don't look to deeply into that phrase, I just wanted to say it.
My sweet friend and sister from the ward, who I thought was perfect, in rebuttal to the "I don't look so good on paper" post, sent me a link to an article she wrote. As I have received a few comments about that particular post, I thought I better post her article here.

Author: Tiffany Gee Lewis
What you don't see, when we all march into church on Sunday morning, is the chaos of the morning that happened just 10 minutes earlier.

What you don't see, when you look at my four little boys in their suits, is that the 7-year-old is wearing Dad's socks because we couldn't find his. And they go all the way up to his knees.

What you don't see, when I pull out the lovely quiet book I made a few years back, is that below it, in my church bag, are five baggies of smashed raisins because I haven't cleaned out the bag for months.

When you enter my house, with its shining entryway, you don't see the three loads of laundry dumped on my bed. Or the dirty pots I stashed in the oven. And you will never see the interior of my minivan, not until I find the time to vacuum it out.

When you admire the hand-sewn pajamas I made for all the kids, we don't talk about the three nights I got no sleep to make those.

If you look on my blog, you will see pictures of homemade chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles. You won't see my confession to popping in a frozen pizza THREE times last week for dinner.

Or the night we ate Cheerios for dinner, dry, because we were out of milk. There is a zoom on my camera for a reason. There is a delete button for a reason.

I don't think we're all playing a part. We naturally want to put our best selves forward, so that is what other people see. They don't see what's going on behind the scenes. I like to think that good parenting is like a duck on the water. What you see is the gentle, almost effortless gliding, not the furious paddling that happens underneath.

I keep a mental list of about ten people I want to stalk by camera, from morning to night, to see how they do it all. Are they up at 4 a.m.? Can they survive on three hours of sleep? Do they have a housekeeper? Because I drop balls just as fast as I can grab them. My intentions are of pure gold, but they come out as tinkling brass, at best.

I started a blog last fall. I dragged my feet into it for many reasons. One of the main reasons I hesitated was I didn't want to be another contributor to the cyberspace guiltosphere out there. Especially where mothers are concerned, do we need one more reason to feel guilty?

Because from the looks of things, other families are happier, their houses are cleaner, their marriages are better, their clothes are more stylish and their craftiness is even more crafty. Their lives are perfectly lovely, while my kids are running around screaming in their diapers.

My worst fears were confirmed last week when I got an e-mail from a friend who asked, "How do you do it all? Your column, your blog, all the things you do with your children? You're amazing!"

I looked around at my house, at the six bins of winter clothes waiting to be transported to the garage, at the sewing projects stacked against the wall, at the state of the toothpaste crusted to the sink ... I let things go, a lot of things.

A spanking-clean house is not a high priority for me. I'm a big believer in mud and its importance in a child's life. The time I take to write is time away from scrubbing that bathroom sink. I would rather read with my kids than shop at the mall, so I am certainly not up-to-date on the latest styles. I've been listening to the same music for 20 years because I can't seem to keep up with the latest music scene. And I require a lot of sleep.

We all have priorities. For some, it is keeping a spotless house, and they are good at it. For others, it is writing, or exercising, or serving others. And yes, there are some who seem to do it all, the Benjamin Franklins of the world. I tell myself I don't have to be them. And also, Benjamin Franklin was not much of a family man. Even he let things go.

What we don't see, when we look at each other on Sunday, or on blogs, or in our shiny kitchens, is that we all have different talents and unique situations. I tell my kids all the time: Life is not a race. The only person you are competing against is yourself.

What we forget to see, when admiring others, is our own personal finish line.

Thanks for sharing this with me Tiffany. I always get caught up in comparing my worst to everyones best.

simplicity

2010-10-07T09:35:00.003-05:00

#4 and I have been walking together every day. We go at his pace. He is one so, he has little legs. We go just over a mile. I love it! He points out little things that I don't notice when I push a stroller and hurry through the walk. Whenever I look up, I seem to notice old men driving by with big happy grins on their faces. They seem to say, "You got it, this is what life is all about, this is where happiness is, keep it simple momma, and keep smiling." He loves to crunch the leaves, listen to the birds, and look for baketbaw hoops. I am very much enjoying mommyhood during this season.

I don't look so good ... ...on paper or caterpillar in training

2010-09-14T09:10:00.008-05:00

I know this is a strange post, but its on my mind.
Tom went home teaching on Sunday. When he got home he told me all about it.
Important to note *
This family that he home teaches- have for boys, just like us. Their boys are about the same age as ours. And they moved in to the ward, so I was hoping we would be fast friends, and we could swap stories about our crazy boys. I dearly love the family. I have taught each of the boys in primary, subbing. They are just endearing and tender heart-ed. Their mother is equally as endearing. She leads the music in primary. For the first time ever, I see my second oldest joining in the singing and trying with all of his might to get chosen. I just love this family. The only problem is they are perfect! She writes a column for a paper. She even makes her own cheese for heaven sakes. She is a writer and avid reader, carrying on conversations about authors and their works. She always has perfect hair, and the sweetest most angelic look on her face. Like she lives in Bliss. Get this, she has to get her oldest son to quite reading- she has to force him to go bike riding :)
**If you ever read this, Dear Sister, Please know I love you, I am just in awe of your well rounded perfection!!
OK sorry, got side tracked.

So, Tom told me that they asked about me. Of course, I was interested. I am self centered like that. He said that they wanted to know what I got my degree in. But, alas I did not get my degree. I am 8 credits away from a degree in sociology. Why haven't I got it? I chose not to. I guess I am a non-conformist. So, then he says, but she went to beauty school. Oh, they say, so does she have her license? No he says, she chose to be a motivational speaker instead. Oh, they say, so does she do that? No, he says, she chose to stay home with our boys. Later they discuss the applesauce that this sweet sister is canning. One of the jars breaks, and she jokes about her apple soup. Tom goes on to mention that we have apple trees, but we wasted garbage can after garbage can of apples last year, from our 2 trees. After hearing all this I decided that I sure didn't sound very good on paper! I am a college drop out who finished beauty school, didn't get my license, got offered a motivational speaking position where I could make big money, wear fancy clothes, and shower daily. But instead I chose to raise four boys, who run around at church, fight, yell, and more often than not, forget to brush their teeth. I also waste apples where other mommies pay money to pick them.
Now, don't get me wrong. I am happy with who I am, and what I have done with my life. I know I am not defined by a degree a license or how many jars of applesauce I can put up. I am defined by my Eternal lineage. I have a father in heaven who loves me. I am constantly trying to improve myself to be like him. So, even though I don't look that great on paper I know that that is not important to Heavenly Father. What is important to him, is that I believe the Savior, and what he teaches, and act in faith.

Recently I re-read Sister Beck's talk, that she gave in conference in the spring http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=869dde009da38210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
This paragraph meant a lot to me
The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. Qualifying for the Lord’s Spirit begins with a desire for that Spirit and implies a certain degree of worthiness. Keeping the commandments, repenting, and renewing covenants made at baptism lead to the blessing of always having the Lord’s Spirit with us. Making and keeping temple covenants also adds spiritual strength and power to a woman’s life. Many answers to difficult questions are found by reading the scriptures because the scriptures are an aid to revelation. Insight found in scripture accumulates over time, so it is important to spend some time in the scriptures every day. Daily prayer is also essential to having the Lord’s Spirit with us. Those who earnestly seek help through prayer and scripture study often have a paper and pencil nearby to write questions and record impressions and ideas.

Have you ever tried to reinvent yourself? For example you can identify about 10 things that you feel need improvement, so you say, starting Monday I will do all 10 of these things every day for the rest of my life, only to find that by Wednesday you have already forgotten to be perfect?
Here is the plan, this year I am going to start reinventing myself. This month I will "spend some time in the scriptures daily" keeping a paper and pen near by. Then next Month I will add something else- continuing to read, write, and pray. Month by month I will add little things, and by the end of the year I will hopefully be able to cross the little things that always show up on new years resolutions, off my list. Then I can add something really great to the new years resolution. Something like saving a life or building a woman's shelter.

So, as you probably noticed, I blog about my goals to add a bit of accountability to them and hopefully inspire some one along the way. I am going to send it over to my marathon training blog. So if you're interested in my 12 month makeover go visit there. Thanks for reading!

Late Summer Winds

2010-08-24T13:36:00.003-05:00

Late Summer Winds
Wind, You don't fool me
Disguised as a welcome relief from the blistering Sun
I know, Life slows as you blow
The Harvest comes
With frost on your tips you bring death
Like wrinkles, the leaves change
Like cancer, the leaves cover the ground
You bring death to this sea of green
Dimwits will remark on the beauty of Autumn
The loveliness and kindness that rest her wisend eyes
They see her royally sitting in her hospital bed
and pray for her to live
But, There is an order to things
A spring, a summer, a fall, a winter
You are blowing dangerously close to fall
Now she hangs ominously in the balance between life and death
so, don't blow wind
Keep your colors
your rays of shaky hands, age spots, and lost memories
Stay far from those I love
Too late
Why was she so brave?
Why couldn't summer have lasted a little longer?
Did I savor every moment?
You, wind, carrier of bad news
Blow
Carry these questions to the one
The one who keeps order
The one who made her brave
The one who took her away
How many times will you blow before I see her again?
Asking you not to blow is the same as halting the seasons
The miraculous miserable seasons of life
A birth in spring
A life lived in summer
A preparation in fall
A loathsome death in winter
As you carried her away you carried another
The One
The one who plead for life but accepted death to save us
The one who made her brave
An all knowing Father hid in the deepest corner above
Not far enough
Still not far enough away to keep from hearing
Hearing his Son cry, "Where are you father?"
As he died in agony
You The Father quaked the earth
You darkened the sun
You cried
I know you will understand as I grieve while the wind blows
It blows smells of fresh bread, homemade jam, garden harvests
It blows memories of her hugs, her working in the garden, the orchard, the kitchen, her
Oh Father who knows all, who loves all
Thank you for blessing me with her
Blow wind
Blow
Blow the memories
Advance the seasons
As He willingly died
I willingly live
This is my summer
so
Blow wind
Blow

You always have a friend in the Lord.

2010-07-14T09:09:00.004-05:00

Well I just got back from Girls Camp. The Theme this year was "Your not alone, You always have a friend in the Lord". All of these girls go to different schools. Can you imagine living in a place where there are more schools than Mormons :) There was 120 girls. We had a terrific time. We went canoeing, hiking, and swimming. We learned lashing, knot tying, and whittling. We shot arrows and rifles. We cooked with a reflector oven, vagabond ovens, bunson burners, gas stoves, open fires, dutch ovens, roasting sticks, and sandwich sticks. We did a ropes challenge course and viewed the observatory. We went to a butterfly tent, where we learned of 20 species of caterpillar/chrysalis/ butterfly. We slept in Cabins on bunks. There was running water for showering, and washing. We met with the mission president and his wife, the stake president, and had a wonderful testimony meeting. We sang every song in every book, and slept as little as possible. My total hours of sleep for the week was 15 :)

What did I learn? Our girls are amazing! The Youth Camp Leaders (age 16) did everything! From enforcing rules, to organizing the cooking, cleaning, singing, and hiking. By the end`of the week I was ready to write them a recommendation. These lovely ladies could work anywhere- they are prepared to go to college and take good care of them selves and there surroundings. I give much credit to their parents and the amazing Stake Girls Camp director who understands the power and importance of delegation.

Only the girls bore their testimonies, during the testimony meeting. We had about 60 girls get up and bare their testimonies. We asked them in the beginning to keep their testimonies strictly to principles and ordinances of the gospel and not a thank-timony, confessional, or travel log. For the most part they did really well. They talked about how they were the only Mormon in their schools. They shared stories of being teased or mocked for their beliefs, and how in their saddest and loneliest moments, they realized that they were never alone, because they always had a friend in the savior. They are so strong and beautiful! Heavenly Father is preparing them. They also talked about how they found friends among other Christians, muslims, and jews. Other teenagers who believed in the same moral guidlines and family values that they did. They talked about the power of prayer, scripture study, and quiet meditation on the Savior. They talked about how they look forward to girls camp, so they can get together with other girls who know and believe the same as them, so they can just let down and be themselves.
I love these girls!! I am so grateful for their strength and example to me. I am grateful for the spiritual boost I received. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the youth. I love being outdoors in the beauty of the Earth. It was a perfect week!!
The purpose of girls camp is as follows:
Camp is an outdoor experience for young women ages 12 to 18. It gives young women opportunities to:

* Draw closer to Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ
* Feel the influence of the Spirit.
* Serve others.
* Build friendships and unity
* Learn skills.
* Appreciate God's creations.
* Have fun!

Camp is essential to the Young Women program. Camp is significant in strengthening young women’s testimonies and is an experience to build upon all year. Camp is challenging but it is worth it.

I say we fulfilled our purpose!!
Thank you Heavenly Father for the experience.

Pondering

2010-06-28T22:30:00.002-05:00

Has any one ever pondered what is meant in the scriptures when they say "rumors of wars"? I would love to get your feedback!

Marathon Picture

2010-05-25T11:02:00.002-05:00

So that was fun. I am glad I am done. They will be mailing me my medal.
This summer we will be focusing on our remodeling projects. I think I will take an Art class in the fall. That will be my next big adventure.

I finished! I am a marathoner!

2010-05-24T11:17:00.001-05:00

I will post pictures later, but a 14 month long goal is finally done! I completed my marathon just 10 minutes after my goal time. I am so happy to be done!

Little sisters big challenge

2010-05-04T10:10:00.003-05:00

Write a post about what you love most about being a mom. Because more people need to know that being a mom is a full time job that should be respected.

As the title says, this is my little sisters challenge. Isn't she great!

What do I love most about being a mom?
I love the Vases full of Dandelions
I love the peanut butter kisses all over my clean clothes
I love teaching my children skills that will last them a life time
I love hearing my babies sing
I love our family night traditions
I love cuddling under a blanket on my bed and reading to them
I love seeing them ready for church in the white shirts and ties
I love coming in to the kitchen to see Hyrum and Enoch unloading the dishwasher
I love to watch Gabriel clear his dishes-and anyone else who is done after every meal
I love hearing Gabriel and Hyrum talk after we put them to bed
I love hearing Seth read to Hyrum and Enoch (doing the voices just like I would)
I love when they use their imaginations to come up with creative costumes
I love how they comb their hair
I love when they say, "Mom I love you"
I love it when they say, "Mom, don't where that dress, wear your princess dress"
I love discovering life again through their eyes
I love teaching them to clean up their own messes
I love watching them scrub their own masterpieces off the wall
I love the thunderous stampeded I hear when Tom gets home from work
I love the tradition of waving good bye-this tradition has been carried down
I love throwing my hair back in a ponytail, with no makeup on- only to hear "Mommy you are beautiful! You are the most beautiful princess in the whole world."
I love looking for bugs
I love listening for animals
I love making mud puddles and splashing in them
I love that their favorite food is pb&j sandwiches, and if I make that, they thank me for the yummiest dinner ever!
I love the way they think
I love how they cuddle up for hugs, kisses, and comfort
I love when they remember habits I am trying to teach on their own
I love when I tell them to hop in bed and they say, "But we forgot scriptures!"
I love when they dig for buried treasure
I love that my dryer goes to the moon almost daily
I love that ropes and sticks can be turned in to any thing useful
I love that when I go to a grocery store I can not leave without hearing "Are those all your boys, or do you run a day care?" To which I always respond, "Yes they are all my boys and they sure are fun!"

I don't know if this list would cause some one to respect motherhood or not, but it sure makes me glad I am a mom- thanks for the challenge Sarah Lynn!

Happy Mothers Day Mom- Thank You!
Happy Mothers day to all you other mommies out there- have a wonderful one!

My journey with weight

2010-05-03T08:46:00.002-05:00

I have reached the end of the 13 months I gave myself to get in better shape. I have not, however, hit the goal of the marathon. I am happy to report that marathon day is May 22nd. But, this is not the end or the beginning of my journey with weight.
Some of my earliest memories are when I was 4, and I was the happiest little girl ever, because I fit in to 6 slims. I normally wore regulars- and my brother normally wore slims, but I, one time in my life, fit in to slims! I remember being really proud that I had accomplished some feet! How funny that a four year old would think of such things, but I did. Those pants were so uncomfortable, but some how in my mind I was skinnier because they were slims. So I wore them often and quickly out grew them.
I remember hearing my Grandma say that I walked like a little football player. I also remember always comparing my stalky body to my brother, sisters, and cousins thin bodies. I think at this point it was mainly a body type thing, and I just happened to be the only stalky bodied child in my whole town! I see the same thing with Gabriel. His body is stalkier than Seth and Hyrums. His chest is more barelled. And he is not FAT!
As soon as I went to school I was paired with the big kid in my class. I knew at that point that I must be fat too. People would always tease us that we were in love- because we were both fat. Looking back, I realize I was not fat just stalky. But then I thought I must be huge!
Some where in about 2nd grade I remember starting to sneak food. I would eat sweetened condensed milk and frosting. Probably 3 or 4 times a year. I loved that sweet taste in my mouth! When I was 12 I got a job mowing my aunts lawn. She would pay me 5 dollars. I would walk to my grandmas house, and on the way stop at the store and buy m&ms and a Sobe. These were really the only things that I can remember eating more than regular meals provided. In Junior high and high school I struggled with weight. When I learned about eating disabilities ie. anorexia and bulimia I tried them both out- wishing I could look like the bag of bones( the starved girl in the bikini) they showed us to scare us away from these eating habits. However, I did not have the will power for either of these behaviors. So, I resigned myself to being fat. When I was a senior in high school I went to Boise to work in the capitol building. I lived with a family- and paid them $100 a month for rent and food. I never knew what food was ok for me to eat. So, I ended up eating a yogurt, a cheese stick, whatever food was at the page office, and dinner if the family had it. This made it very easy for me to loose weight with all of the running I had to do at the capitol building. For the first time ever I felt confident with my body. I even felt beautiful. My mom made me a beautiful prom dress, and I felt very pretty in it. So, even though I literally had to beg a guy to go to prom with me, and pay for everything for my senior prom, I still felt very happy and pretty.
Then just a year later I was engaged. Something I thought would never happen. My mom again made me a beautiful wedding dress and I looked like a princess. Even though I weighed 70 lbs more than Tom he told me daily how beautiful I was. He would tell me about my eyes, my hair, my lips, and my curves "blush". Eventually I really believed him. I knew no matter what I did or became I was beautiful. This led to 6 years of untaimed weight gain. Totalling 68 lb. Woo. exhausting. Honestly I realized I was gaining weight, but I still felt very beautiful. The only thing I didn't like was pictures of myself. I thought the camera caught a bad angle-honestly! Then I would ask Tom- Do I really look like this? and he would say your beautiful to me. So I thought I was. Last year after I had Enoch I went in for my 6 week check up, and the doctor told me my BMI showed I was morbidly obese. These words effected me. Hearing the word Morbid rocked me and I decided even though I was beautiful it couldn't hurt to get into better shape. This started a 13 month goal. I added up what it would take to train for a 5K a 10K a half marathon and a full marathon. That's how I came up with my 13 month mark. Amazingly enough I was able to stick with the goal right up through August of last year- and I had to take a 4 month brake due to Toms crazy work schedule. Then, January 1st I started scheming again. And now just 14 months later with a 4 month break I am about to hit my fitness goal. Training for the 5K was just as difficult for me as training for the marathon is now.
I have a completely different out look on food now. Food is fuel. If I eat junk I run like junk. If I eat 4 fruits, 4 vegetables, 2 cups of cooked wheat, and about 6 oz of meat, and a couple glasses of milk I run like a well oiled machine. My body feels happy and energetic. If I eat the same amount of calories in junk food. I feel like a couch potato. All I want to do is sleep and eat. This new outlook on food lets me eat a sweet snack here and there, but not for most of my diet! I don't crave it like I used to. I feel free from food just like I used to feel a slave to it. I still every once in a while recognize that I am over eating. But, now it is occasional. This will take much more discipline when I am not burning an extra 3400-3600 calories a week. But I will address that when I come to it.

When I got Married I weighed about 200 lbs. I got up to 268 at my heaviest. Now, 14 months later. I am down to 209. This feels strange! Some times I feel bone(ey). Like when I am laying on my side at night, I used to be able to snuggle in-with all that extra cushion- now I have to actually use extra cushion for that job :) I have not bought new clothes, just because I don't want to spend the money on it, so I am still wearing the same clothes. Which means a size 18.
On Saturday I went to the store with a $100 clothing budget and a goal to buy a dress for Tom and I's fancy vacation we are going to. I tried on the 16's which were to big, and then the 14's, but ended up being most comfortable in the 12. I can't believe I am in a 12. I can't shop at Lane Bryant any more. Nothing fits! When I look in the mirror I can not see a difference. To me I look the same. I feel differently in that I can run a bit faster and my arms don't rub on my sides when I run.
BMI says I will be in a normal weight range when I am at 175. I am just barely into the "overwieght category" on the heavy side. I am probably a little smaller than I was when I got married, because my wedding dress fit again at 220. So- I think my muscle may tone down a bit and I will loose a little bit then. Any way I guess the point of this post is to say I am no longer morbidly obese. I now have a chance at raising my kids. woot woot!
One of the promises in the word of wisdom is that we will be able to run and not be weary. I take Heavenly Father at his word. I know that as I do the things that allow my body to accomplish the plans he has for me- he will help me to accomplish them.

Top 100 Dreams

2010-04-25T16:49:00.004-05:00

1 Run a marathon (check)
2 Go to Europe
3 Go to Nauvoo
4 All my children happy and healthy
5 Write a Book "funny mommy days"
6 Keep whole house spotless for a week
7 No children in diapers
8 Loose 39 lbs
9 Find someone
10 Paint a masterpiece
11 Relate to someone on an intelligent level
12 Masters
13 Doctorate degree
14 Save my way to a million
15 Teach #2 (done) and #3 to read proficiently
16 Pay off all debt in 5 years
17 Sit through Sacrament meeting happily (check)
18 pull off a successful Girls camp (check)
19 Travel to
great wall of china
20 pyramids of Egypt
21 go inside a real castle
22 help with Aides in Africa
23 teach hygiene in India
24 help orphans in China
25 learn more, to help with poverty in south
26 Memorize the declaration of Independence
27 Stop "baby momma syndrome"
28 serve a mission
29 or two
30 or three
31 temple mission
32 or two
33 or three
34 spoil my grand kids with cookie making and housecleaning
35 teach my kids to be financially savvy
36 Teach Russians to smile
37 be an advocate for mothers and families (check)
38 have all my children graduate with a bachelors without debt
39 learn to balance my time- so I can finish each day with a smile knowing that I did my best
40 go on a week long bike trip with my family
41 do a triathlon (check)
42 memorize 5 poems
43 read 2 c.s. lewis books
44 make my husband feel like the best man in the world
45 teach the boys how to provide for their families
46 teach my girls to proficiently mother, budget, feed, clean, and nurture their families
47 No empty seats
48 make a garden oasis in my backyard
49 learn to dry wall
50 learn to restore hard wood floors
51 decorate my home
52 keep my car clean (uh its clean right now, does that count?)
53 memorize all scripture mastery's
54 sew my next dress
55 teach early morning seminary
56 read the standard works and all past conference issues before I am 30
57 consistently wake up at 6 ( I changed my mind :) )
58 1 year supply
59 6 month emergency fund
60 weekly date with Honey
61 weekly FHE (check)
62 Nightly scripture study (and morning, check)
63 2 a day family prayers
64 consistently go to bed at 10
65 drive to Boston and see the historical sites along the way
66 go to canada
67 go to samoa
68 go to tonga
69 listen to the islanders sing as much as possible (check)
70 plant rasberry bushes (check)
71 never have a bad day
72 create a family history book that goes back 5 generations full of stories and pictures
73 watch my thoughts always! no gossiping even in my mind
74 buy a farm in Idaho
75 build a house for the kids to visit us in
76 go where he wants us to go
77 carve a figure out of wood
78 get a yearly family picture
79 make a cd with Tom
80 or two
81 or three
82 learn basic car maintenance- no more paying for oil changes! wahoo!
83 be content but not complacent
84 swim with a dolphin
85 make 1000 quilts to give away
86 help make our parents retirements happy
87 Retire with dignity
88 don't let anything from the garden go to waste this summer!
89 teach Hyrum to quite sucking his thumb
90 Teach Gabriel to quite screaming
91 recycle
92 Go to Brazil
93 speak fluent portugese
94 speak fluent spanish
95 play in a family band or sing in a family choir at a concert
96 make curtains for each room- or buy them- but get them up before we move
97 adopt a child -no age requirement
98 foster parent
99 eat a fresh mango
100 eat a chocolate fruit: Black Sapote

Uh-Oh!

2010-03-26T21:53:00.002-05:00

So,
I posted earlier, I am girls camp director. But, I just realized some of what that might entail. You guys, if I have to start a fire and know for sure how to cook food with a crock-pot, I am going to need some practice. Don't tell any one ;) in my ward- because I am really excited but I have never been totally responsible for the out-doorsy stuff that happens at camp-I don't even know if I can set up a tent for myself!

By the way- do you guys remember paying for camp-my girls have to pay 125! Is that ridiculous or what?

I feel like Blogging!

2010-03-22T14:31:00.004-05:00

Things I am learning will probably be the topic of the day.
Over achievment
Letting some things go
little by little
consistency
when life throws you for a loop
having faith in the midst of trials(Haiti)
Lessons learned from marathoning
I am a marathoner
Chocolate
What do you find when the snow melts
Talks at church (Young Men)

OK, so like I said I want to blog. I have been learning a little bit lately and I want to write about it. I recently went back and read a few of my earlier posts (2 years ago) I laughed at the things I had learned-and am still learning. Maybe I have a broader perspective-but in essence I am still learning the same lessons- like a ripple in the water.
I may be a ripple or two away from the starting off point- but I am still stuck in the endless circle of learning.

Over-Achievement
I have a job at church- basically I am the party planner for the womens group. We get together once a month to learn, eat, do charitable works, and maintain friendships. I am normally in charge of the food. The wonderful woman I work with normally carries the load as far as what we do on any given night. Last month we did a lesson on the story from the Bible, the 10 virgins. This month was a celebration- 150+ years since the Relief Society was started. So having said that, I have had an eye-opening experience. Last month I prepared 10 courses- that would have been eaten at a wedding feast at the time of Christ. I prepared duck, lamb, stuffed grape leaves, sardines, balled melons, salads, humus, pitas, etc. I served cheese cake and pomegranite juice. This time(Birthday party) I made a vegetable tray This tray was a lot of work!! Then we had cake, fruit trays, meat and cheese trays and drinks. As I was preparing this ridiculous, beautiful, creative, insightful vegetable tray I realized I may have a problem. Much to my own detriment, I may be an over achiever. So, today I spoke with a friend of mine. I talked to her about my feelings. She saw the tray and has known me for 2 years, so she agreed. She is a bit like me- just older-50. So I figured she may have a little bit of wisdom on the subject. I am a, "Yes, I can" kind of person. If some one can do it, I know I can. She is the same. We like to do our best in all we do. But some times the balance can be tricky. I didn't want to give up all creativity. I think I have figured out what to do. If I can ask myself-"Is this something that you really want to do?-Something you can honestly say Yes, I want to do this"-go ahead and do it. My sister-in-law also had a good idea. When I am asked to do something- write down my initial idea, and then think of 2 things harder and two things easier and then choose from a list of 5 things what I should do. Also, remember to ask my self it what I am doing will save souls-that should help to keep it in perspective.

Letting some things go-
So, I have recently been asked to visit a family that goes to our church. As I have gone to visit them I have started to realize what a sheltered and really wonderful life I grew up in. One day when discussing this particular family with our bishop, I asked him How it was possible to raise a family in such circumstances. He said simply- It's Not! This family is so far beyond your wildest dreams-that most of you can not comprehend what they live like. After coming home from their home, I am often grateful to still be alive. But, I also have gained a new perspective on my life. If their are dishes in my sink, if my children watch a movie, if I raise my voice occasionally, if we eat sugar, if I didn't iron the white shirts before church, if I have "let some things go" we are going to be OK. Because, where it really matters, Kissing and Hugging my children, keeping swearing, drugs, violence, out of my home, showing my husband love and respect, and him mutually showing me the same, having rules with consequences and follow through, reading from the scriptures, praying, and spending time together as a family at meal times and specific times during the week- these are all essentials- so it is ok to let some of the minor things go.
Little by Little
We learn from the scriptures that lessons are taught line upon line. As I was speaking to a friend of mine about one of my little guys, and some behavioral problems I was having with him, she mentioned several things that would help. Then she said- implement them one at a time-just ease in to it little by little. It is to hard to change all at once. So once again I am learning patience through learning line upon line.
Consistency
Again with my little guy we have tried a few approaches to teach him right from wrong and how to calm himself down when situations get intense. One thing my Mom told me was that there is not a magic answer. What really matters is being consistent with the technique you choose. I have often compared having children to training a dog. You can take a dog outside to "do his business" 100 times before he will get the hint that that is where you want it. Children are the same! Saying the same thing over and over to a child starts to wear you down, but if you can keep that same picture of consistency in your brain eventually the child will get the idea.
When life throws you for a loop
So, I have mentioned it a little, but we have had some struggles with our boys- especially in public places ie. church, stores, parking lots
One of our little guys got kicked out of primary- he can only go if Tom or I go with him. my focus of study in college was Family Science. I tried to prepare for this, but as most of you may know by now-preparation for parenthood- is something you really do over your life time- not out of a text book. So, I kind of thought- I have got this in the bag- I am going to be the best mom ever. *Imagine* Little Mom- perfect hair, makeup, clean clothes, shoes, jewelry, apron, smiling children, all leaning over a large bowl of cookie dough helping to make pans of steaming hot cookies- to be delivered in a little red wagon to friendly neighbors all over town. Children politely giving hugs and words of encouragement to elderly while talking only loud enough to be heard then walking right by my side home- following all directions after only being told once. Yep, that is how I imagined it!
So, Now for the Loop :) It has not been like that for me. Yes we make cookies, no my clothes are not clean, no make up, nice hair, or jewelry, yep barefoot!
Kids are smiling as they stuff cookie dough into their mouths, later sword fighting with mixing spoons, this normally ends quickly with time outs and ice packs. By the time the cookies are baked we have enough left for one or two neighbors- and as you can guess the above scenario doesn't go quite as planned. Well anyway- so you can see idealism and realism are 2 different things. My little guy got kicked out of primary and the leader asked us to get some help for him. So, we are now going through evalutions and therapy. I can just say life through me for a loop. This was something I never planned for, and I am riding it through. I trust that Heavenly Father knew him before I did, and he knows what to do for him, better than I do. So when Life throws you a loop, ride it out and see where you end up.
Having faith in the midst of trials
A friend of mine went to Haiti as an interpreter. He worked mainly in the hospitals and tent cities. He saw a lot of death, but he also saw a lot of faith. He described one time when he had the job of telling a Father that his daughter had just passed away. After he told this father, the Father immediately prayed and thanked Heavenly Father for the time he had with his precious daughter, and thanking him for taking her home. Heavenly Father-please let me remember this kind of faith and trust when my time of loss comes.
Lessons learned from marathoning
I realized this week as I ran 12 miles, that a marathon is not like any other race I have ever run. Normally in a race, you would not stop in the middle to use the bathroom, stretch, eat, or drink. But these are all normal marathoning things to do. Just about every 6 miles, you should eat 100 calories- every 3 miles drink water, every 4 miles stretch. What can we learn about life from marathons? If you want to keep going you have to take care of yourself! Spiritually and physically.
I am a marathoner
In the book I am reading about marathoning it says to say- I am a marathoner. So if you ask me, I will say, Yes, I am a marathoner. As I run I say I am a marathoner along with my strides. What does this do for me? Marathoning is mental. So is life. I am a good Mom, I have lots of energy, I am happy, I am a strong, I am a good friend. Those are my important things. Try it- while your doing the dishes.
Chocolate
Have you ever tried 100% pure chocolate? The fragrance is delicious, it is just this beautiful velvety dark color. It is the new health craze- you can eat chocolate as long as it is 100% pure chocolate- you can eat 1 ounce after each work out. So, I bought some. I unwrapped it with mouthwatering anticipation. I took a little nibble. I am glad it was a little one! It was the most bitter appalling thing I have ever eaten. Imagine taking a big bite of cocoa powder. Yep, that is what it tasted like. It got me thinking, you know that is how sin is. If sin was stripped down to the awful wickedness it really was, you would never want to sin. But, when it is packaged nicely and sugar coated all of a sudden it seems quite enticing. Oh Satan is cunning. What has been sugar coated and nicely packaged for you?
What do you find when the snow melts
The snow has melted and revealed last years bags of leaves- forgotten. Last years tree branches abandoned in a fire pit pile. And...250 tulip bulbs lovingly planted in anticipation of the spring shooting their green heads out of the frozen ground. I love the law of the Harvest.
Talks at church (Young Men)
The last 2 weeks in church our deacons (12 and 13 year old boys) have amazed me. First, 2 weeks ago Freddy helped his mom(Spanish speaker) by interpreting her talk. He was so sweet and looked at her with such love. Can my boys please grow up to look at me like that? Second, Josh, this week, he spoke on Honoring mothers and fathers. Wow! this talk was so sweet. speaking of parents who laughed with kids. Never being idle, instilling a work ethic, tickling, and teasing. Can I just once again say-Please let my boys grow up to be like this!!
I love my congregation. What amazing families and love of the gospel I see. Thanks for letting me live in Minnesota right now!!

Girls Camp Leader- WOOT WOOT

2010-03-14T20:01:00.002-05:00

I am so stinkin' excited. I love the youth, and now I get to be a leader- and stink, sweat, work, play, and pray with five of the strongest teenage girls in the whole world!

Here are some of my brain storming ideas.
Go through camp manual- divide it into days. Also Divide the days up into sections.
Day (A) do the young women theme. So all day girls are working on different projects of the theme. Maybe some kind of rainbow treasure hunt through out the day. Rainbow theme (with Faith, Divine Nature, etc.)
Day (B) "Be Strong" (Youth theme) Possible hike day- with quotes-maybe ropes course, testimony building-blitz day- with camouflage theme
Day (C) Stake Camp theme-Don't know what it is, but I will next month.
Day (D) Bonding day-so maybe bandaid and super glue theme.hmmm. This will be a day when we focus on preparing these 5 girls to take on the other 100,000+ teens in the area, including drugs, violence, gangs, gay rights activists, teen preg issues in their 5 different high schools-by teaching them to stick together and stick to the Savior.
I can't wait!!

Please write in with ideas. I am so excited!!

Enochs birth story

2010-03-09T13:11:00.000-06:00

Yes 14 months later I realize I am behind.
To bad I missed writing this down earlier while the details were fresh. I will do my best.
On Sunday the 25th of January, I decided I could not face another day of inquiry. So, I did the unthinkable-yep I skipped. I stayed home with Hyrum and a made up fever :) Now I realize skipping church is no laughing matter, but I did. I stayed at home and sat in bed. Trying to meditate on ocean waves-why? I was desperately trying to induce labor. I also had a little notebook. With every contraction I wrote down the time. Pleasantly surprised and pleased, I started to see a pattern. 20 minute contractions, then 10 minutes apart etc. So finally Tom got home. He said every one asked about me. Go away I said, with a conch shell at my ear (joke). Finally by 6 I emerged from the bed room, giddy. We are going to have a baby soon, I say!
Well we started to call through our list looking for someone to watch the kids. We got to the last person on the list (10 people) they were all out of town or not answering the phone. We put the boys to bed and prayed for help. Soon after our home teacher called. He had noticed I wasn't it church and just wanted to make sure I was all right. "Well", I say "I am in labor". We are looking for a babysitter to watch the kids so I can go to the hospital. I was about to leave Tom and go by myself. As we hang up with him, one of the ladies we left a message with, called back. She could help, until 6 am. OK, please come over.
We ironed out the details, someone else would come watch the boys, when they took their son in for seminary.
At 10:00 pm we head for the hospital. I check in, and the women at the desk look at me to see if I am being serious. You do not look like your in pain, they say. Well, I am not really in pain, I am just having regular contractions. OK, well we will check you in then, but we will probably be sending you home. So, they check me in and tell me to go walk the stairs. I go walking with Tom. (Oh yah I had group b strep yadah yaddah) so I had to have 4 hours of an antibiotics IV, before I could have Enoch. So I get the IV and go walking. I made one round, around the hospital, when my water broke. How embarrassing! Well, I guess I was just slightly embarrassed. This had never happened to me before, so we went back to see what we should do. The Midwife said, oh that's great- now we know your really in labor. Go walk again. So, I started to go out of the room to go walk, and I knew I could not walk any more. I told Tom to get the nurse and midwife.
They came in and asked where my pain was. A 6 really high for me. Then I told them I felt like pushing. Go ahead and push they say- really? yep. So I did. They complemented me on my corny jokes and light sense of humor. They laughed and I laughed. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. I told them, that it hurt. They said, yup. It does. But your strong. I told them I was sorry for letting out a little yelp at one point. They said I was calm. After about 45 minutes of pushing, joking,and I think maybe a little crying (Tom?), Enoch came out, the wrong way! silly guy. That is what took so long. Normally its 3 pushes and I am done. So at 1 AM roughly we had our 4th little guy. I do remember being in love with him, and feeling really good about the way I handled actual labor. The nurse and midwife had let me dictate exactly what I wanted. I felt confident in my body and alive with excitement to be a mom to this sweet little guy. I also felt this sort of mother bear instinct( not that I growled, just a natural feeling of protecting my little guy). The nurse could sense it and shewed all help away, saying they could do the tests later. They shewed the help a way so quickly that they gave him to me all wrapped up, without a diaper :) I held him and fed him, and cuddled him. I don't think he spent one second in that plastic box(except with his check ups from nurses and pediatricians). I was very happy. Because we didn't get the 4 hours of antibiotics, we had to stay 48 hours. I joke to Tom that my stays at the hospital are the only vacation I ever get :) Someone comes and feeds me, makes sure I am alive and changes my sheets. However, like most vacations, they get old after a while, and you are ready to be home.
Tom took the first week off, and stayed home with us. At the end of the first week my mom came out and stayed with us. We saw Mall of America, the Minnesota chamber orchestra, The children museum, and the worlds largest indoor shark tank(also at M of A), and a hot air balloon festival all while mom was here. The boys loved having mom here and I loved sleeping/showering in peace! Mom took the boys out to sled and play. We all had a blast. So there yah go Enochs baby story.

A womans purse

2010-03-04T17:10:00.000-06:00

"They say you can learn a lot by looking at the contents of a woman's purse." quote Incredible's
Well today I was rummaging through my purse, and realized how comedic it really is.

What does my purse say about me?

You never know when you might want to just break down and play with a toy!
The camera is best hidden in my purse amongst the toys.
I am too cool for a diaper bag
Yep .26 cents-I am poor!

That about says it!

Good Things are Happening

2010-03-02T18:19:00.002-06:00

So,
I am having a good spurt in my life. The Sun is shining, the snow is melting, I am running, Seth is doing well in school, Gabe's behavior is improving, Hyrum and Enoch are getting along great. What more could I ask for? Well other than I lost 17 lbs, fit back in to my junior prom dress, and wedding dress, and almost got registered for a marathon that is going to be perfect for me.
Like I said good spurt.
Oh yeah- got my own debit card with my own name on it, that matches my own drivers license with my own name on it. And there is money in that account and I am saving 10% of that money. All our bills are paid for the month and we are making progress on the house. The boys are devouring the Box car children series. I am planning a trip to Idaho to see my friend get married and run a marathon while I am there. I think :)
Did I mention that drips were pouring off the roof tops today? Yeah very good spurt.

Thank You Heavenly Father
*edited*
Gordon B. Hinkley says:
Some years ago I clipped from the Deseret News a column by Jenkin Lloyd Jones, who said, in part: "There seems to be a superstition among many thousands of our young who hold hands . . . in the drive-ins that marriage is a cottage surrounded by perpetual hollyhocks, to which a perpetually young and handsome husband comes home to a perpetually young and beautiful wife. When the hollyhocks wither and boredom and bills appear, the divorce courts are jammed. . . . Life is like an old-time rail journey--delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

Thank You Heavenly Father for the occasional beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed, and thank you for the ride!

Arnel Ramos

2010-01-25T09:50:00.000-06:00

Arnel,
I considered the best way to respond to your question, and since I do not know you, and you obviously already found my blog I will reply by giving you a post of your own. Lucky Guy!
I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints since I was 8 years old. But, I have been blessed to have parents who taught me about the Gospel of Jesus Christ for my entire life.

As I attended church yesterday I was blessed to hear a man we look to as a leader called by God. His name is Donald Hallstrom. His title in the church is Elder. His calling from God is to be part of the Presidency of the Seventy. Set up The same as you can read about with Moses in the Old Testament; Numbers 11:16-17 and Christs church in the New Testament; Luke 10:1. Both of these references are found in the Holy Bible. In the Doctrine and Covenants 107: 97 in a revelation given to the church through Joseph Smith it speaks a little more about the calling of a seventy.
"And these seventy are to be traveling ministers, unto the Gentiles first and also unto the Jews."
So after that lengthy introduction, I will tell you what he said. Of course I am paraphrasing, but the general idea of his talk was that you could be fully active in the "church" of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and not be active in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So lets further analyze this.
What is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?
and
What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

My belief What is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? is, the organization of the Church. We have prophets, apostles, stake presidents, bishops, missionaries, relief society presidents(women's organization), primary presidents (children's organization), visiting teachers, home teachers, seminary (teenage scripture study), Mutual (middle of the week for teens. In all a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints could be at the church or involved in a church related activity any where from 5-10 hours or more each week. We would consider these people to be very active in the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints.
But, if this activity in the church does not lead them to being a more Christ like person, what is it for?
So, What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ? and how can we be active in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? I think this is a personal question. I come closer to my Savior by carefully inspecting my own life. As I do I find things in my life that need maintenance and fine tuning- just as a piano does over the years. Maybe I need to lower my voice, speak a little kinder, think more of others, or think more of the Savior. I learn more of the gospel of Jesus Christ as I read of his life and teachings and apply those teachings in my own life.
This is the reason I am grateful for the Church of Jesus Christ. The Savior set up this avenue as a sort of university for gospel learning. We are blessed and our family is blessed, because we have leaders to look to during these trying times. We are blessed because we have the priesthood power used for healing, blessing and passing the sacrament and the ordinances of the gospel such as baptism, giving others the priesthood power, and sealing a family for eternity. We are blessed because we have teachers who are not paid, that take their own time to study the gospel and teach us. We are blessed because our children enjoy this same enrichment. Being baptised makes me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints, but it is also part of a covenant that I make with my savior
1. Come into the fold of God.
2. Take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.
3. Bear one another’s burdens.
4. Mourn with those that mourn.
5. Comfort those that stand in need of comfort.
6. Stand as witnesses of God at all times.
7. Agree to serve God and keep his commandments.
This is something that you understand in basic terms as an 8 year old and come to know and love the wiser you become. This surely is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love the Savior. I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and I love to learn of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I hope this answers the questions that surely would have followed your initial question. Please feel free to ask more. I know he will be with you in your own search for happiness.
Your sister in the gospel of Christ

2010-01-21T10:09:00.000-06:00

Fabiola Beauvil holds her 4-day-old daughter, Klaira Eliska, at the LDS Central Ward chapel in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Tuesday. Beauvil went into labor during last week's quake.

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-aid-continues-to-arrive-in-haiti

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ!!

The Sun will Rise

2010-01-20T13:10:00.000-06:00

The Sun will rise

In this life we have rare glimpses of Heaven
the touch of a hand as we say good bye
An answer that seals Forever
A baby's first cry
the shadow of a baby that never cried
Each one a glimpse
The Heavenly Father that loves
The Son that gives all
Each brings a family closer
To one another and our Eternity

As I thought of what you might be going through
I wished that I could think of something to say
that would take your pain away
This poem flowed and as I cried I knew
What He would say
Don't take your eye off the Sky line
Keep Watching
The Sun will rise

When pain is too hard to bare
When all seems troubled
the light impossible to see
When families are far
Never forget
The Sun will rise

Life is lived
Death comes
just another season
Easy for the ones who leave us
Those left search for a reason
Tears fall, hearts feel empty
hard lump in your throat
In the darkness
One we know calls our name

Please don't cry, My dear one
I love you,
that's why I have come
I know what you're going through
Because I went through it too
I did it just for you
I bore your pain
I felt your grief
As I knelt and begged for relief
I did it because He asked me to
And I did it all for you
The Sun will rise

So during this middle hour
When morn's light seems so far
When all is dim and unclear
When pain and doubt seem to sear
Look to the sky
And hear my reply
Clear your eyes
Know
The Sun will rise

I know for I am the Savior of All
I love you
I came, lived, died for you
I carry your burden
Through me it is light
Making your way through this dreary night
Never forget
I am the Son
I died
I rose again

The LONGEST 3 hours of the week!

2010-01-04T21:20:00.000-06:00

I feel like there should be some sort of disclaimer at the beginning of this. But I have no excuses. Since January of last year I have not once sat through all of Sacrament meeting, Sunday School, or Relief Society-unless I was teaching. I go to church because I remember what it used to feel like when I went as a teenager-single adult and young newly wed-and early in motherhood. I would feel the spirit so strongly. I knew with every sentence spoken that Heavenly Father loved me. In drastic contrast I now spend all of Saturday desperately preparing so that my kids can learn to love it as I do. As soon as we pull the church shoes out to shine on Saturday Gabriel throws himself on the floor in fits and spasms. "NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I don't wan't it to be Sunday I don't want to go to church. I think to myself-I don't want you to go either buddy! But, of course I do want him to go. So every Sunday morning the clothes are lined out on the couch ready to put on, we eat breakfast and begin dressing. "I hate that tie", "These shoes are dumb" "Thats not mine" etc. begin to be chorused. Some how we all finally get to church. Mostly on time- hardly ever do I get makeup on-everything else seems to take to long even though it has been carefully planned the night before. Then we open the doors to the van and Gabe and Hyrum take off for the church-at a dead run. No, they are not excited to be in church they are excited for the long open hall ways to run and run and run, till some one takes pity on us and pins them till we can catch up. This is almost always on lap number 3 sometimes 4. Then we go sit in the Chapel. Usually with 5-10 minutes before the meeting starts-which I cannot decide if this is a good thing or a bad. It gives us 5-10 of uplifting music and time to quit breathing hard after our morning run...but it turns a 70 minute meeting into 75 or 80. During Sacrament our pew is quite entertaining. Just this Sunday alone Hyrum screamed "Dad your squeezing me to hard" "1 minute is a really long time" "your breaking my bones". He also peek-a-boo-d with a girl 2 rows back and batted his eyelashes at a newly wed behind us-saying "Your Gorgeous" all through the meeting. Hyrum took a book from Gabe so Gabe kicked him in the head. Enoch threw several toys (the boys kept giving to him) several rows up. Seth lays across the entire bench. Most of the time we are laughing or crying at comedy ensuing. Oh yeah I forgot, when they pass the sacrament- Gabe looks for the fullest cup of water and Hyrum grabs handfuls of Bread. A few weeks ago we stood to sing the rest hymn and Gabe got mad that Tom stood so he threw his head back and conked Tom in the nose. He almost passed out, until he realized he was bleeding all over. He left all four boys with me and I knew I might just DIE! Neither of us leave the other alone during sacrament for very long. Though both of us would like to just crawl in a hole and stay there. You would think with this kind of ruckous "Well it is obvious to me that all these folks need is a little discipline and some good ground rules". I am here to tell you "Be my guest!" I will personally pay your round trip to fix this problem! Next comes primary. You would think-break right? Wrong! Ever since Gabe got switched from Nursery to Primary meaning (play time and snacks to singing time and class) we have all been paying for it. I am a librarian and Tom is Sunday School President, so we both have jobs to do right after Sacrament. Do we ever get to do them or do them right? NO! We take our kids to there classes, drop them off and then hurry to get as much done as possible before someone inevitably comes and gets us. Some times it is-"Hyrum ran outside and we cannot find him". Other times it is "Gabriel is throwing the chairs in primary across the room". Most of the time it is a little giggle outside the Library window and when I peak to see who it is, the chase begins again. Most of the time by Relief Society/Priesthood Meeting Tom and I are settled in and mostly sure that we won't be interrupted for the last meeting of the day. But, then someone has to go to the bathroom or some one ran away or Enoch has to eat or someone has a talk (don't mind this one, just saying...). So church gets out. The chase begins again- and again both Tom and I have Sunday callings that need to be worked on after church for about 15 minutes. So what do the kids do? Run!! Do we get our jobs done? No! I say the kids- but really it is just Hyrum and Gabriel. But it is hard to chase boys when your holding a baby. One time we decided not to chase them, and figured we'd see them again soon- come to find out they were playing in the parking lot in the snow "ice skating". So we chase and we time out and we scold and sometimes we spank and we hold them and we walk with them- I have even made them walk the mile and a quarter to church to wear them down. We have a reverence chair for them to sit in after church, we have family home evenings on reverence, we practice during scripture study and family scripture reading, we practice during the week and we practice during FHE, we bribe, we pull our hair out and in the end we find our selves saying "Thank goodness that is over for another week"

I love my kids and I love being a mom but it is HARD WORK!

And for you who wonder why I go to 3 hours of church
Copy and paste this into a browser
http://mormonwoman.org/2010/01/04/ask-a-mormon-woman-why-do-mormons-go-to-church-for-so-long/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email

"The Lord loves broken things"

2009-12-13T00:54:00.000-06:00

Tonight I was able to go see Elder Holland speak. It was wonderful. I loved to watch him as the other speakers spoke-he looked at them with such love and compassion. When he got up and started to speak he set his scriptures in front of him. He talked about how much he loved all of us. He talked about the trying times we are in. He talked about how we all have refiners fire that we go through.
He gave us three pieces of hope and advice for the holiday season.
-God loves broken things. I love this-he said Broken rain nourishes the ground, broken ground grows wheat, broken wheat makes bread, broken bread nourishes us.
Before the savior atoned for our sins people were asked to sacrifice a burnt offering. After he fulfilled the law of Moses he then asked for our broken heart and contrite spirit.
-God fixes broken things.
This life is hard, we have to do hard things. We don't just give lip service any more (burnt offerings) instead it is a little closer to home, to say "This trial in my life is hard-but my broken heart is all I have to give." He said every heart ache can be fixed by our saviors love.
-In the middle of the storm hunker down-shut up and stay in the boat with the master at the helm.
After he said "Shut up" he did apologize and say that he probably shouldn't have said it. :) He went on to explain that when life gets hard, most people want to give up or pull out. When in all actuality we should be hunkering down and waiting for the storm to pass.

There was a sweet moment in his talk when he started to read Marks version of the storm. He pointed out that it said the Savior slept on a pillow. Elder Holland broke down and cried and said he was grateful that this tired savior was afforded the small comfort of a pillow. You really got an idea how much he loved the Savior. He also talked a little about how he wished the apostles would have let him sleep. And it was interesting to compare him a modern apostle to the apostles at the time of the Savior. He must have understood what those apostles went through.

I wondered if he has ever been in a time of tumultuous storm, when it looked as though he wouldn't survive and "woke" the savior later to receive a reproach from the Savior-Why are you afraid?
Again I was grateful to be taught.
I love the Lord

hmmm....

2009-11-18T09:27:00.000-06:00

Has any one else in the world ever realized that they don't have it all figured out?

I went to an Electricity Museum yesterday. They have come up with a way- with electrical impulses-to reduce the symptoms of Parkinsons. Wow!!

Will our planet every really look like Wall-E's world? Ever realize how much that actually sounds like Walyworld aka Wallmart? hmmm...

Why can't you grow a garden from seeds that come from fruit at the store? Why do we have genetically altered single generation fruit? Conspiracy?

Couponing-Can anyone else figure out how to buy $500 worth of stuff for 50 cents and get free money back-puzzling!

In Brazil they recently had several years of a recession. They tried everything from stimulus packages to welfare to "waiting it out". Then finally they brought in the top economic advisers in the world, to make suggestions. What did they suggest? Teach the people to save, and the economy will turn around. Is this what wise men including our prophets have been saying for years? Inspiring!

For as long as I can remember Women have been asked to get mammograms at age 40. Now, as we are moving into socialist Health Care, Government paid Health "advisers" are suggesting that mammograms are not needed until the age of fifty. Sad!

How do I end this blog on a happy note? I guess I sort of sound like a dooms day-er. I guess I was just mind dumping. In our last stake conference Elder Ward and Elder Packer(not of the quorum of the 12) came to visit us. Elder Packer taught us about receiving personal revelation. He told us to learn to be guided by the spirit, so that when something comes along, we will know what we should do, with out having to ask someone else. He told of the following example- He was a mission president in 2001. He was sent out in July. He was giving a Mission conference in September, when someone told him that he had better go and watch the news. He saw the second plane hit the tower. Then he went back into the conference and told the Elders to take off their badges and ties. To go purchase some food if they didn't have enough in their apartments, and wait at home until they received further notice. One Elder spoke up and said President-have you discussed this with Salt Lake? Meaning uhh-I came to be a missionary-that is what I am here to do-and if the Prophet tells me to take off my badge, I will-but...
Elder Packer then used this story to teach us. If this missionary was used to receiving personal revelation- he would have known by the spirit that this was the right thing to do. After I read Elder Scotts talk from the Ensign I read Sister Motssomoris talk. Again it was on revelation. In a world of uncertainty, knowing how to receive personal revelation-direction from the Lord will be our certainty.

Sister Matsumori spoke directly on this subject
This is the link to her talk

Here is an excerpt and one of my favorite parts.
A Sunbeam(3-4 year old class) teacher wrapped each of her class members one by one in a blanket to teach them how the Spirit feels like the comfort and security of that covering. A visiting mother also heard the lesson.

Many months later the mother thanked the teacher. She told how she had been less active when she accompanied her young daughter to Primary. Several weeks after the lesson, the mother suffered a miscarriage. She was overcome with grief when suddenly she felt a great warmth and peace. It felt like someone had covered her with a warm blanket. She recognized the reassurance of the Spirit and knew that Heavenly Father was aware of her and that He loved her.

I know the Lord sent us here to Earth for a reason. He loves us, and he didn't leave us to figure out our purpose on our own. He gave us the spirit, prayer, scriptures...If we have nothing else we can still be taught which direction to go and comforted in our time of need. I know this is true. I encourage you all to seek to be able to recognize the spirit and its promptings. By doing so, you will come closer to Christ.

Re-reading the conference talks

2009-11-12T16:33:00.000-06:00

Well,
I got out my conference Ensign today and began reading. I only got through the first talk and half of the second. I couldn't help but thinking of the excitement and tears flowing when people from those areas heard they would have a temple close to them. 83% of the members of the church are within 200 miles of a temple. Wow!! We are so blessed to live in this time, when we can have temples among us. Now, if we could only use them as much as the Lord has intended for us to.
The second talk is from Elder Richard G. Scott. Rereading it this time, I know that these words are meant for me. So here is a little quote...
Throughout the ages, many have obtained guidance helpful to resolve challenges in their lives by following the example of respected individuals who resolved similar problems. Today, world conditions change so rapidly that such a course of action is often not available to us.

Personally, I rejoice in that reality because it creates a condition where we, of necessity, are more dependent upon the Spirit to guide us through the vicissitudes of life. Therefore, we are led to seek personal inspiration in life’s important decisions.

I kept Highlighting more and more, and realized I want you to read it all :) So hear is the link

Isn't that powerful. I have moved away from family and friends, to Minnesota. I don't know anyone well enough to seek them out for emulation. I love that he is telling me, that this way is better any way. I can seek the promptings from the spirit to figure out how to be a better mom-wife-person. To figure out how to parent a child or teach a child or love a child.

I really hope you read this talk. Beautiful!
I finished it by the way-and still incredible teachings for our time.

By the way I hope you are all remembering to pray for all the world to be open to receiving the gospel of Jesus Christ. Miracles can occur as we do so.

Twila Adamson

2009-10-23T20:14:00.000-05:00

I am excited to write this post about my Grandma Twila. Her birthday was October 14th 1931, and her wedding anniversary is this month- Halloween day. As well as passing away October 27 2003. Because of this, I cannot help but have her in my mind and heart.
I grew up living just a fence away from my beloved grandma. One of my earliest memories of Grandma is when I was running over to her house for a visit. I went bare foot, and I stepped on a bee on the way over. It was my first time getting a bee sting. Grandma lovingly put me on her couch, and put a baking soda paste on my sting. Then she pulled the stinger out.
I remember another time I stayed at Grandmas house. I had a bad dream, and couldn't go back to sleep. Grandma woke up and came in to check on me. I told her I had had a bad dream. She said, "You know what?" "I just got a movie, that I have been wanting to watch, do you want to watch it with me?" of course I wanted to, so we got up at 3AM, to watch Mrs. Arris goes to Paris. We often played late night games of checkers, Chinese checkers, and card games. She would also talk late into the night about her mom and dad and sisters.
Grandma was asked to teach early morning seminary my Junior year. I was always so amazed and surprised how nervous it made her. She studied every spare moment to prepare the lessons. She loved each of her students. She would often ask me if I had any ideas of how to get through to one student or another. I heard her pray for each student individually. I also knew that she changed her teaching style, to try and reach the students she was "loosing". Just a couple years ago I had the opportunity to do one of my friends hair for her wedding. When I was doing it, she said-"You know your Grandma said she would be at my wedding...and I know she will be there today." I didn't know that the other seminary students loved her as much as she loved them-but I don't know why I am surprised-she is wonderful!
When I was growing up, I can remember that Grandma was the Relief Society President for a while. I remember that meaning quite a few funerals. She was always making a cake or a dinner for someone. She always had to run to the church to set up or take down from a funeral. I can often remember her saying..."I always cry when I am mad, sad, glad." She wore her heart on her sleeve and we all loved her for it. I think this may have been when she perfected her dinner roll recipe- and they were perfect!
Grandma had a really long telephone cord. She was often talking to someone on the phone. She loved to talk to her daughters. I can still remember how she answered the phone-with sort of a country girl accent..."Hallow". What a happy sound that was.
I spent a lot of time with Grandma, and that meant cleaning her house often. I remember one time I was cleaning her bathrooms. I was trying to hurry so she would say what a fast cleaner I was. When I got done, she took me into the bathroom and showed me the streaks. I especially remember how dirty the faucets still looked. She said, "Erika, if your going to do a job, you might as well do it right the first time." I told her I was trying to do it fast, so she would be proud of me. She said she would be proud of me if I took my time and did it right. After that I always tried to pay careful attention to the details and do everything I did the right way the first time.
When it came to cooking, Grandma taught me much. She taught me how to make bread, candy, salads, applesauce, jam, and jelly. She taught me how to garden. I remember picking strawberries, raspberries, and apples with her. I loved to be in her company, no matter what we were doing. The only thing I didn't really like was when I had to vacuum, because I couldn't talk to her when I was vacuuming.
Grandma had a "Crystal" brush. I smile to think back on it now, realizing that it was only clear plastic, but then I thought it was crystal. We would love to brush Grandma's hair. She was so funny, she would start to fall asleep as soon as we started brushing. She would say-"Oh, don't stop, that feels so good!" So we would brush for as long as she would hold still.
I could go on forever about all of my memories with this wonderful woman. Maybe I will just stop after 3. Grandma loved to swim. During the summer, she would often have to go to pick up parts in Twin for the shop. She took me with her quite a bit. We would always stop at the pool in Shoshone for a quick swim so she could get in her exercise for weight watchers. Then we would go to the snack bar for a shake and some tots. Oh how I loved this cheerful lady.
Grandma started decorating for Christmas right after Halloween. Out comes the tree, up with the decorations, the lights, the nativity, the clock, toys, circus, village, train, music, outdoor lights, snow men, signs, outdoor nativity, and decorations for the shop. Grandma and Grandpa would joke that they saved all there money to pay the electric bill during the Christmas season. I still remember listening to Bing Crosby singing "Silver Bells", while setting up the little carousel. Grandma passed away just before Halloween, and we decorated her house for Christmas that year. Some things that Grandpa would tease her about being a little over the top-The toys and especially the Christmas clock that would chime a carol every hour- are still up and lovingly cared for now, as a constant reminder of this special woman.
The last memory I want to share of Grandma, is a dear one. I remember one time, when one of our relatives was getting married. We were having a shower for her, and Grandma took us in to the boys bedroom to show us a night gown that she had bought for her. It was pretty with pink lace. It must have been kind of a sexy little night gown, because after everyone walked out of the room, Grandma took me aside, and said, "Erika, I never want to buy a nightgown like this for you." "I want you to get married in the temple. I want more for you than this, OK?" I said OK.
My only wish on most days, is to be able to call Grandma and ask her advice for one reason or another. If I am ever having an especially rough day, I wonder to myself what Grandma must be thinking of me and I try to buck up and do a little better. I can not smell fresh baked bread, hear a smoke alarm, or eat homemade fudge with out remembering one of my favorite elect ladies.
Thanks for taking so much time out for me Grandma- Tenho saudades de voce

Julie Beck

2009-09-24T21:18:00.000-05:00

My Sweet Family!

I had the wonderful privilege of seeing Julie Beck speak, last weekend. She was wonderful. I wasn't sure what to expect, though I love her, I thought she might be a bit set apart or distanced. She was so sweet and kind. Many women lined up to give her hugs and kisses or just hold her hand and tell her what she meant to them. She was standing with in my grasp for a few minutes. So, I got to watch her, watch her eyes. She loved them. I felt a little like Matter..."I knew I made a good choice...For my best friend" :) I love Sister Beck, and after I got to see her in person I could say "I knowed I made a good choice".
For those of you who don't know, Julie Beck is the president of the Relief Society, The largest woman's organization in the world. The Relief society is dedicated to helping others and self improvement. It happened that I sat right behind her assistant. I was just that lucky or blessed. This meeting (fireside) was a question and answer session. In the beginning Sister Beck bore her testimony that women are the female half of our Heavenly Fathers plan of happiness. She spoke beautifully of our role as women. Then she opened the discussion up for questions. Imagine if you will, the seen. Every seat in the entire building is occupied. Every Mormon women, and 1 women(she happened to be sitting behind me) who was not Mormon in all of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the southern part of Ontario Canada were there. I didn't even now there were that many Mormons in this area. You got a real feeling of sisterhood and companionship looking out among the crowd.
The first women stands to ask the question, some one hands her a mic. She says, "you have eluded to the fact that we are the female half of Gods plan, how do you propose that we work with the other half." Then the woman sits down as the audience giggles a little. Sister Beck said,"your giggling?" She was pretty stern at this point. She talked about how in order for society to raise the value of a woman, the had lowered the value of a man. She said that was not the Lords way. She said that to work with our brothers, we should know them, understand them and love them- then working with them should be easy. She said she didn't really understand how hard it was on men to provide for their families, until her son grew up and got married. When she watched him struggle to provide, she knew the pressure that he faced, and she gained a greater appreciation for men and their role. She referred to The Family (a proclamation to the world).
The next question was from a young mother-"how do we teach our children to love each other". We all laughed, and Sister Beck giggled a little as well. She told a story from when she was growing up. She said she was raised in a family with 10 siblings. All were dominant personalities. Every family night, they would sing the hymn, Love at Home. When she was a teenager, she said "Dad, there are lots of nice Hymns in the Hymn book, can't we please sing a different hymn." He said, "When you have learned lesson 1, we will move on to lesson two." She talked about how from the beginning there has been sibling rivalry with Cain and Abel-we also have examples in the book of Mormon, with Lamen Lemuel Nephi and Sam. She said that the family was designed to teach social skills, to learn how to love any way, patience, forgiveness and compassion. Again she referred to the proclamation.
Someone then stood and said, "There are women in our ward who no longer actively attend church. When we speak to them, they tell us they are not coming, because they are burnt out. They don't want to help anymore, they are tired, and there for they are afraid to come back, because they don't want to be put to work." "How can we get them to come back, and not share the work load, when we already feel like it would have been easier to be a nun?" Sister Beck said, The gospel of Jesus Christ is simple. What ever your percieved work load is, it is self inflicted. He(the Savior) requires very little. Then she told us how she outlines her day. She gets a paper with 3 columns. In the first column head it with things you must do. Only ever put 2-5 things on this list. Musts should include scripture study and prayer. Some days temple attendence might be a must. The second column header is need to do. This list includes things like...if you have children, feed them; if you have a home, clean it; if you have a job, go to work. The third column is the "nice to do' column. Things that would be nice to do, if you get the time...she said read a book on her back porch was on her list. As far as the women who were not coming to church-which I believe she actually addressed first, she said...Love Them! hmm... how profound :) She then refered to Elder Bednars talk on finding the one. She told them to remind the sisters of the miracles that they had seen in there own lives when they served the Lord, also to ask them about their testimonies.
Someone else asked about forgiveness. She quoted some scriptures and then she kind of ended that question by saying..."Just be more like Jesus and you should be OK" :)
One women said, "I know many wome struggle with guilt. I am of the impression that there is a good kind of guilt and a bad kind of guilt, could you ilude to the kind of guilt we should and shouldn't listen to." Sister Beck at this point got pretty teary, then she said, Because you are a Daughter of God, he would never tear you down. Any voice that tells you you are not enough - is from Satan. The voice that says - You can do better, and I will help you - is from the Savior.
The next 2 questions were the last 2 questions, so she took them both before answering. 1st question-What can we say to bring comfort to women who have families struggling with sames sex attractions? and the 2nd Question-What can we do to help women who are married to men who do not share their faith? Sister Beck commented that the answer was actually the same for both of these questions. She said whether your trial is cancer, financial struggles, naughty children, same sex attraction, a lack of unity in marriage, a single member family, a widower, or divorced with children, the answer is still the same. She then referred to the proclamation again. She quoted one of my favorite parts, so I will quote it in here as well. "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." No matter what your circumstance is, the gospel and its truthfulness remains the same.
She started to close, then she said, "I feel led to tell you one more thing." She refered to her father-in-law a steal-mill worker. She said he was one of the hardest working man that she knew. He worked shifts. He would work a different shift every day. Either the swing, the morning, or the night shift. She was always in aw at his abilities. She wondered how he did it. Then one day, she realized, he only worked one shift a day. She then went on to say, that Heavenly Father did not mean for women to work all 3 shifts. She said choose your shift, and for that 8 hours do your very best work. For her, it was the swing shift. When every one was tired and hungry she needed to be at her prime. If she was tired and hungry then, she was no good to them and not fulfilling her roll.She started to close again. She then looked right at me for a long moment. She said Heavenly Father loves each of you. Then she looked else where. She closed and we sang. and the night was over to quickly. It was a wonderful meeting. I am so glad I got to go. Now, this week is already General Relief Society meeting on Saturday night. And Next week is General Conference. I do hope you all get to join me in listening to the words of our beloved leaders and their inspired words. Heavenly Father loves each of you!

9-11-01

2009-09-09T11:22:00.000-05:00

Eight years later. We remember all of those affected by September 11th, those who died, and those who live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWc_EKLs4E
I don't know why the link won't work, so you can copy and paste it in a new tab.

New idea

2009-08-29T14:31:00.000-05:00

Well,
I have an idea for my blog. There have been many women that have influenced me in my life. So, if you cant tell I changed the name of my blog. Now I will be featuring one of my favorite women each week. I don't intend on running out of women, I have been blessed to know many!
I will still have some personal anechdotes and things I have learned from time to time, but I hope to have much more testimony bearing so stay tuned...

A great opportunity to teach!

2009-08-28T21:00:00.000-05:00

Today Heavenly Father gave me a perfect teaching opportunity for Gabriel. A lesson I remember learning when I was about his age. We were at the store today, and Gabriel asked me for a "yummy candy bar". I told him no. When we got home Gabriel pulled the same candy bar from his pocket and licked his lips. When I saw the candybar, I instantly felt grateful for this opportunity to teach him while he was still young, the importance of not stealing. We talked about it, until he felt more sorry for taking the candy bar, than he did about not eating it. Then when Tom got home I took Gabriel, the candy bar, and his money to the store. Gabriel gave the candybar back and he gave them all of his pennys, that he has been working for. Then he told them he was really sorry. They told him that people who steal go to jail. Then they told him because he brought it back and did his best to pay for it, that it would be OK this time. Gabe went out to the car and said- Whew Mom, I am glad you didn't have to go to jail, and I didn't have to go to jail. I said Me too! Then he said, Mom I never want to steal again! But, I do want a candy bar! I thought, Me Too!
Then we got in the car and drove home. We got to talk about the spirit. How Gabe felt a little sick in his stomach when he took it and how he felt nervous to eat it. When we got home I told him about what happened when I was a little girl.
When I was a little girl I was at Adamsons with my family. I wanted gumballs-Rainblo if I remember right. I knew if I asked my mom for them, she would say no. So I just put them in my pocket. Then when I got home I ate some of them. My mom of course noticed that I had gum, that she had not given me. I remember that I had a pack of raisins and the money from my piggy bank. We took them to the store. Grandma worked at Adamsons. I had to tell Grandma Twilla that I had stolen the candy, I gave her the raisins and my money. Mom and Grandma both told me it was better to be honest. I never stole again. It is funny how similar my story is to Gabe's. He is so much like me, that I am never suprised at most things that he does. I sure love him!! I am glad I get to carry on my Mom and Grandmas wisdom. I love being the mom...

Journals, Grandparents, and Bounty!!

2009-07-13T22:15:00.000-05:00

So, I was going through a box from Hyrums closet today. Books. And, one was my journal from High school. I have four Journals from before we were married and 3 and a blog from after. My life from the Gulf War on is documented. This particular Journal was full of my life when I was a Senior in High School. This was a life changing year for me. This was the year I had my first boyfriend, first challenge of my testimony, first time to live away from home. I loved my Senior year. I realize that that year was a real starting off point for the way that I have lived for the following 9 years. Wow! what a pivotal year. I am so grateful for the Lords guidance in my life.
Grandparents. My parents-my kids grandparents have taught me so much. Similar to Nephi, I have been born of goodly parents. They taught me how to understand right from wrong and then they let me make my own decisions. This let me succeed and fail when the stakes were low enough that the rebound was small. I relied on my Dads calm steady pace. His Wisdom and his quiet. I loved to go home teaching with him, to work in the yard with him, and I hated to go fishing with him :) because I had to be quiet. And I loved to talk with him, so fishing was not my favorite. I remember when my Dad to Levi and I hiking one time. We learned about wild spearmint, eating the baby bright green shoots on an evergreen, not drinking from a stream in the middle of the mountain, how to make a shelter from pine bows in the rain, and how beautiful and quiet a mountain lake can be. I seem to remember every turn of that hike. I sure would love to do that again!
My Mom is so different from my Dad, but yet so similar. If I were to wax philosophical I would say my parents are like a river. My Dad the slow swelling river rolling quietly around the bend and my Mom rushing, bubbly, and sometimes as exciting and thrilling as a white water ride. They are the same...but different. I really enjoyed talking to my Mom to. These conversations usually happened on a trip to Twin. When the Radio was turned up a conversation would usually comfortably begin. I could often get a lot of things sorted out in my mind by talking them through with my Mom.
I remember that my Mom would always tell us...If we ever needed an excuse to leave someones house we could always say our parents wanted us home. One time I wasn't strong enough to use that excuse on my own, so I called my Mom to ask permission to stay at a friends house. She almost always let me stay. Rarely would she say no, in fact this may have been the first time. I was praying so hard that she would say no, and I can remember her clearly saying... No, not tonight, I think you better come home tonight. I acted put out, but I was really so grateful.
So, recently as I have prayed for my parents I have thought about how grateful I am for them and all they have taught me. I just had to get it in writing so that I could remember it forever. Thanks Mom and Dad!
Now, onto the bounty. I must have moved to the Garden of Eden. I have Corn, strawberries, Strawberry Jam, Raspberries, Raspberry Jam, and Zucchinis put up for the winter. In the Garden waiting to be harvested I have more zucchini, lettuce, peppers, rhubarb, green beans, eggplant, tomatoes, chives, cilantro, mint, oregano more raspberries, and apples on the trees. Most of this was free to me, due to the generosity of my neighbors. Now I just need to buy a freezer to store my bounty for the winter. But this summer we are eating like kings...or maybe pioneers either way it is yummy!!

How do I keep up?

2009-07-06T22:29:00.000-05:00

The Lady who used to own our house still lives close and drops by every once in a while. She caught me home for the first time last week. She also caught me in the middle of life. We had morning dishes in the sink, lunch dishes on the table. Clothes and toys strewn on the floor. And laundry in the hall waiting to be carried to the basement. Outside the Lawn had not been mowed in 2 weeks and the garden had yet to be weeded-at all. Hyrum was running around in a diaper, Gabe was in his underwear, and Seth was in a bad mood. I had spit up on my shirt and pants- hair up in a sweaty pony tail and no makeup.
In contrast...This woman had 10 kids. She was house cleaner by proffesion and all the neighbors talk about how she would scrub the garage floor every 3 days. She had a garden full of flowers that she kept, so she could take a vase to anyone in need. She scrubbed the rafters in the basement every night and she said she was always right behind her kids if there was ever a mess. She brought toys, cookies, and a vase of flowers for me. She also had a dog bone in the car for our neighbor across the street and a banana bread for my next door neighbor. Granted this women is 80 with no children at home, but she wasn't always. So, is there something I am missing. How do I keep up? How do I keep the house clean and be the Mom I want to be? That day that she came we had gotten up early, I had gone for my run, when I got home we read scriptures, then we all rushed through breakfast and went to the zoo. When we got home from the Zoo, the boys were exhausted and I was exshausted. I was giving them some scrambled eggs for lunch and clearing the table of breakfast. We have no airconditioning so the boys were stripping to try and cool off. After I made their lunch I sat down to blog my run. That is when she showed up. I felt so embarassed at the condition I had let "her" house get in. I just can't figure out how she did it. Maybe I spend to much time blogging? This week several times I have thought about calling a lady in our ward and asking if I could come and observe her. I just am not sure how to become that super mom I am sure our Mother in Heaven is. Any Ideas?

I love this talk!!

2009-06-24T09:18:00.000-05:00

O.K.
Do you want a great motivator to clean the house? Read an inspirational book or poem? Enjoy the Beauty of the Earth? Spend real quality time with your beautiful children?

Read this wonderful talk. http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=a1f5ceb47f381210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
I am so inspired. And I have been all week, OK I know its only Wednesday :) And while your at it, google Ralph Waldo Emerson and read a few of his poems. I am not exaggerating when I say that his words are a spiritual feast.
Here is a little taste of Emerson...
The Rhodora

On Being Asked Whence Is the Flower

IN May, when sea-winds pierced our solitudes,
I found the fresh Rhodora in the woods,
Spreading its leafless blooms in a damp nook,
To please the desert and the sluggish brook.
The purple petals, fallen in the pool,
Made the black water with their beauty gay;
Here might the red-bird come his plumes to cool,
And court the flower that cheapens his array.
Rhodora! if the sages ask thee why
This charm is wasted on the earth and sky,
Tell them, dear, that if eyes were made for seeing,
Then Beauty is its own excuse for being:
Why thou wert there, O rival of the rose!
I never thought to ask, I never knew:
But, in my simple ignorance, suppose
The self-same Power that brought me there brought you.

I know that Heavenly Father loves us, that he made us, and that he made us for our own specific purpose. I love this life. I am grateful for the experiences I have. And I am so grateful for the beauty that surrounds us. I hope to some day be able to express the feelings I feel like Emerson. Until then, my simple testimony will have to do.

Mormon Woman- So Check it out!!

2009-06-19T12:47:00.000-05:00

OK, my sister-in-law just emailed me this...
Dear friends and family and even my awesome acquaintances--

As many of you are well aware, there are a lot of myths, rumors and lies about the LDS religion on the Internet --practically everywhere, if we think about it --and top Google search terms result in anti-mormon websites and misleading images. In fact, here's what Elder Ballard said about it:
The emergence of New Media is facilitating a world-wide conversation on almost every subject including religion, and nearly everyone can participate. ...
Conversations will continue whether or not we choose to participate in them. But we cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches. ...("Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet," Ensign, Jul. 2008, 58–63).

Personally, I would like the chance to participate and see the correct information being found.
Maybe you do, too?

For over a year, I have been following a website called Mormon Women. Last month, I was asked to be an administrator of the site (completely voluntary), and I was so excited to help! Mormon Women, which is sponsored by the More Good Foundation, is one of many other websites dedicated to flooding the Internet with positive and correct information. [Although they are not official websites of the Church, they strive to be in alignment with all doctrinal teachings and policies put out by the Church.] Because of sites like this, many people have found the truth online, rather than misinformation. I encourage you to visit Mormonwoman.org today, but I want you to do more than visit the site. Much more!

We need women to help --to see this as a missionary effort, and to help us get information out there about real live Mormon women --women who do not feel ashamed in their faith, but rather live it the best they can each day.

Will you please help me gather material for this site?

This is what we need:

· Comments. Come and comment! Share your faith and beliefs in brief and effective ways on easy topics like tithing, Relief Society, etc.
· Pictures. We need to replace the misleading google images pictures with pictures of me, you and your mom. We want all ages, nationalities and marital statuses represented. We are Mormon Women! We work, we play, we serve and we can do all these things with the love of the Lord in our hearts. And we do it differently! Some of us bike, others of us are into photography, some are vegetarians, some are musicians, many of us are writers...we need to show this!
· Portraits. We need you to submit articles on Women who inspire you and include with it a picture of that woman. So easy! Do you love your RS president? Was your Young Women’s President inspirational? Is your mom the best? Tell us in 1000 words or less, and include a picture.
· Essays, articles, artwork, poetry etc. Are you creating something that is inspired by the scriptures or the Spirit? Share it with us!
· Video. Do you have video from a ward activity, service project or Enrichment night that quickly bears testimony of who we are and the typical things we do? Send it our way.

Remember, though, that this site is for nonmember and investigator use and hopefully will be a powerful missionary tool. This site is not for social networking among members. This is not the place to discuss your misgivings about your local leaders or highlight other doctrinal issues that should be solved by personal prayer and study. We are trying to reflect an articulate, united front of love, intelligence and testimony!

Maybe you remember Sister Beck quoting President Hinckley in a recent General Relief Society Meeting:
If [the women of the Church] will be united and speak with one voice, their strength will be incalculable. . . . It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord.
(Quoted in Julie B. Beck, “What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable,”)

To me, this is a way for us to speak with one voice!

Here is the contact information for your convenience:
You can reach me and other administrators for questions and/or to place submissions at mormonwoman@gmail.com.
You can comment at the site at www.mormonwoman.org.
You can join us on Facebook! Go here to join our group.
You can learn more about the More Good Foundation at www.moregoodfoundation.org.

And then, if you would like, tell other Mormon Women! I'm working on an email that can be sent out --which is easy to forward, less long-winded on my part, etc.-- to all of your friends and family as well. I will send it within a day or two...

Thank you so much for your time!
With Love,
Cheryl

P.S. If you are a man and you received this, could you pass it onto your wife, sisters, mothers, etc.? That was my intent if you were included in this email (and probably because I didn't have their email addresses!). :)

Something I am proud of

2009-06-17T09:33:00.001-05:00

http://www.beniceorelse.com/newsletter/video/A_Day_of_Beauty.html

Things that I have learned

2009-06-10T18:37:00.000-05:00

I have learned...
...I cannot bare anothers trials, I am grateful for my own trials, and after visiting my dear family for the last few weeks, I can say for sure I would not want their trials. So, in the scriptures, when it says bear one anothers burdens-how can we do this? What does the Lord mean? I am not sure if I have this right, but I know that most of my burdens could not be born by another. Most of my trials can only be eased with understanding or by serving others.
...My boys are good! After spending 8 days of traveling with them, I have come to realize how funny, intelegent, sweet, and caring they are. They are a few of my best friends!
...We live in a beautiful and very diverse country. There are mountains, valleys, flat lands, platues; There are trees, grassy praries, red rock canyons; There are blue skys, brillant sunsets, breathtaking sunrises, deep grey rain clouds. We are so blessed by the beauty that surrounds us. I love the sage brush, and the color of the yellow grass against the lava rocks, mingled with the blue and yellow wild flowers. I love the color of purplish green on the mountain behind my parents house- with a vibrant see of green growing in between. I love hiking up mountains in Montana and gazing across hills and valleys in Moscow. I love the ominous waterfalls in Twin Falls set with a background of the new temple. I love the new Rexburg Temple, that you can see for miles away set as an ensign to all who come within its shadow. I love the feel of the sand, and the convenience of the ocean to wash it a way. I love to here the sound of the ocean as it tickles the shore. We live in a vast play ground. How blessed we are!
...Marriage is wonderful! Being away from Tom for three weeks helped me to remember that. At the end of an exhausting day when all I wanted was to relax in his arms, there was no arms. Kisses are rejuvinating! Talking on the phone is never the same. I am almost sure I would never survive as a single mom. And I am positive I would go inactive!! Church was impossible with 4 active little boys. Some stood on benches some were dropped on the floor, some through toys. Heavenly Father knows if he ever took Tom away, he would loose the whole family :)
...There is a time and a season. I am in a terrific season of my life. However it is not the time of peace and quiet or nice things enjoying sacrament meeting long quiet strolls beautiful delicous meals that everyone compliments you on organic food manicured lawns clean cars or a feeling that all is accomplished. I think if I were to choose I would call that a summer season. This may be my spring season. The season of endless running, endless hugs, endless teaching, endless laundry, endless dishes, naptimes, bedtimes, sunburns, first words, first steps, no quiet, fingerprints on the walls, fingerprints on the windows, finger prints everywhere. I hate you and I love you in the same sentence. Giggles fights laughs knock knock jokes that make no sense! Learning, growing changing. Finding strength in the Savior. Finding Strength in prayer. Finding Strength in the scriptures. Yes this is my Spring season and even though I am bound to get a little dirt under my fingernails I would not change it for the world and I know I will be sad when it is over.
...Vacations don't last for ever, nor should they. I am glad to be home. I love my home and my little quiet family and our slow life.

I am so blessed!

2009-05-19T12:51:00.001-05:00

I have no anecdotes or thought provoking things to say. I just wanted to make a record of how happy I am at this moment in my life, so I can always remember it.
I guess I should maybe start with my take on why I am so happy.
First, During our General Conference-A gathering of members of the church world wide to hear the words of our Modern Day prophet, I had the strong impression that increasing my temple attendance would increase my capacity. I knew that this was the Lords promise to me that if I attended the temple I would become the person I wanted to be. Keep in mind that prior to this prompting, I was falling short, wondering where most people got the time to do all that was required for survival. I decided to listen to this prompting, and take Heavenly Father at his word.
Since then I have attended the temple weekly. I am not sure that my "trials" have lessened, but I think my understanding of them has increased. I have gained more patience with my children. A greater desire for love and quiet in our home. And an increased capacity to help my husband be happy and become a better protector and provider and presider of our home and family.
Second, the sun is shining! Because the sun is shining we have been outside everyday. We have worked in the garden, mowed the lawn, visited the nature center, rode our bikes, played football, had hot dog roasts, walked around just to see all the green and growing things in our yard, and smelled and smelled and smelled. I had no idea how depressed I get in the winter, except to compare it to how happy I am now. My boys are so happy to be outside, running around in the swimming trunks and running through sprinklers. I love spring!!
Third, I have been exercising. I started training for a marathon. I started with a small goal of a 5K. I ran that with my sister in April. Then we set a goal for a 10K in June, so I am now training for that. I feel so good knowing that I am doing what I set out to do. I also think I have more energy-though this could have come from either of the previous two changes, as well.
These are 3 changes in my life that have had some pretty major side effects. The side effects are what I enjoy the most.
I enjoy-love-love-love my smiling happy baby!
I love Gabriel and Hyrum and their sweet little imaginations. We painted flowers a garden a snail some birds and butterfly's all over a basement wall yesterday. We also did lots of laundry, the boys spent the morning jumping on the laundry pile from the basement steps, and the afternoon playing in the dryer-using it as a spaceship to blast off to the moon-all the while calling me commander.
Seth is learning so much! I am so proud of him. He is starting to be concerned with his own hygiene. Telling me when he needs fingernails clipped. He also gets himself ready in the mornings and gets his own breakfast usually.
My husband smiles and looks at me so lovingly! When Shawn-my brother in law- was married last month, he was looking at his wife with such loving eyes-It was a look so familiar to me, because that is how Tom looks at me. He has such a wonderful way of showing his love and I am so grateful for him!
I know this is a little fickle, but I love my house! And the harder I work on it, the more I love it! I love my little gardens, my huge trees, my lawn, how nice everything looks when we put everything in its proper place. The green wall in the living room and the beautiful white curtains. The piano and wonderful pictures. My orange kitchen, and how nice the floor looks after a good scrubbing. I love the large cool basement. Having a place for the laundry. I love the boys rooms with fresh bedding and a vacuumed floor. I love our spacious garage and the large drive way-perfect for beginner bike riders. I love my neighbors-their kindness and expertise! I love the lilac bushes and their wonderful smells.
I love Church on Sunday. A chance to hear others testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love to pay tithing and know that because I do the Lord will bless me. I love to see all the babies and children and parents trying their best to teach and train their children, so they can be the wonderful people we all hope are kids turn out to be. I love to see the Grandmas, with wisdom in their eyes console, council, and giggle, as the younger generations struggles to attain what they already have.
I love Minnesota! I love the green. I love all of the water. I love the trees, the rolling hills. And I am in such a great mood that I can even find it within myself to love the ants :)
I am happy! I feel true Joy. This is Life!

Gag!!

2009-05-03T21:45:00.000-05:00

I just got home from Idaho. We had a terrific time. When I got home, I noticed our mailbox was bulging. So, we went and dug out the mail. Between Tom and I we opened over 13 thousand dollars worth of medical bills. I am not sure if I am just really tired from arriving at 2:30 this morning or if this is really overwhelming. I will know tommorow!

Enoch-or Nichy Poo

2009-04-16T16:58:00.000-05:00

OK,
so it has been forever since I mentioned Enoch. He is such a joy, that I am afraid he gets forgotten. I love this baby! He is so good. He smiles and giggles. I have had no problem nursing him. He is so patient! He lets us know if he needs a diaper changing or if he gets tired. I can lay him down anywhere, though he prefers my new memory foam mattress. When I lay him down I hear a couple of grunts and then nothing. He goes to sleep and sleeps till he is hungry. When he wakes up it is usually coos that we hear sometimes grunts and if we don't come then it turns into something that really sounds like Mo-ahhhm. As soon as we come in to get him he stops yelling and starts smiling.
I took him to the doctor a few weeks ago and he weighed just under a whopping 15 lbs. He has grown to 25 inches. He fills out his 9 month clothes. I have had to put all of his little baby stuff away. The last 2 weeks we have gone outside everyday to work in the yard. I just put Enoch in his car seat, and then I attach a dog leash to it. Then I hook him to the nearest tree branch and swing him as I rake. He loves it! He is content to be outside and hear us all playing and working. Enoch also loves the bath. He kicks and giggles, splashes, and smiles. He is such a joy! All of the boys love him. I wish I could keep him at this age forever! or maybe just skip age 2 and 3. I don't want to stop his progression, I just don't want to meet the monster that will come all to soon. I would upload some pictures, but alas, the camera was destroyed by one of my little monsters. We had a doctor who laughed at us once when we were telling stories of Seth. He said don't you know toddlers are bi-polar. I thought that was a pretty good description. For you new moms, no worries-I know you can think of wonderful times with your toddlers and maybe some scary times too. However this time will pass all to soon. I miss cuddling with Seth and the funny things he used to say. But, I also love that he is now reasonable. He will sit quietly through church. He stays right by me at the grocery store. He helps. He does all the jobs on his job chart with out being asked. His primary teacher even told me what a good job I was doing with him. So there is hope that my little monsters will turn into future missionaries too. Ope gotta run someone just flipped the breaker...darling little monsters :)

BMI

2009-04-09T22:29:00.000-05:00

Does anyone have experiences with their BMI (Body Mass Index) numbers? A true confession- I guess this isn't something women normally share, however I am OK with how I look now, so I don't mind sharing. My BMI indicates that I am morbidly obese at present. It also shows that I have been obese since elementary school- rising right up through the BMI scale all through High School and marriage. Even with all of the high school sports. I was a volleyball, basketball player and distance runner/shotputter. I wore a size 14 womens begining in 8th grade and although I have gained 60 lbs since 8th grade, I have gone from a 14 womens to a 16-18. What does all this mean? I don't know. Whenever they check my blood pressure it is 100/60 on average. Good Cholesterol. No other weight related problems, etc. What should I make of all these numbers and statistics?
Holy Cow! I have got to get to bed. I guess I will just leave this how it is. Let me know what you all think.

Angry!

2009-03-30T13:17:00.000-05:00

Today I saw eating disorders in the making. I was at Burger king, watching the boys play. I over heard 2 women talking. One of the friends had three children, an 8 year old girl, a 5 year old boy and a baby. The other friend, from what I could tell, was a Grandmother with her two grandchildren a 5 year old boy and a 6 month old baby girl. The one friend commented on how chubby the baby girl was. The other agreed and said the doctor had limited this babies in take to 4-8 oz bottles a day and no food. Then this grandmother said that this little babies fat was getting beyond cute fat- it was starting to become embarrassing Fat. All the while her friend was agreeing! Then this little girl, the 8 year old, had enough guts to call the grandma out. She said, that's rude you shouldn't call a baby fat. The grandma said, well she can't understand me, on the other hand I wouldn't call you fat...to your face. And then both women cackled. Later they went on to talk about their diets- loosing 20 lbs, and not being able to finish their salads.
My take...
-This little baby was adorable! not even too fat. I have seen some fat babies, and this was just a normal baby with cute chubby cheeks. And yet even the really fat babies have turned out to be completely normal children and adults.
-Did the doctor really limit this babies eating? If so, shame on him and the mother for letting him. Do your homework! It is good for babies to be chubby. The underweight ones are the ones who are more susceptible to sickness and later learning disabilities.
-This poor little 8 year old girl sitting there listening to this. I am sure she was thinking, it must not be good to be fat. I wonder if I am to fat. Maybe I should be to full to finish my food. Do I need to loose 20 lbs. and on and on.
-grrr!

So, what did I do? nothing! shame on me! I hate confrontation. I didn't have thoughts fully formed in my head yet. I was just enraged and yet, it will continue, because I did nothing but blog about it.

What did it do for me? Made me think about how I should talk. Do I think or talk about my weight to much? Do my kids worry about how they look? How can I teach them healthy habits without destroying their confidence in how they look?

Sad Day!

2009-03-26T22:06:00.000-05:00

Tom left on Tuesday morning to go to Idaho to get Laser surgery done on his eyes. We have missed him and we were supposed to pick him up at the airport tonight. But alas, it is 10 pm and still no Daddy. His flight was canceled due to bad weather in Denver. He decided since he would be missing work tomorrow any way, he would just stay ,until Sunday morning, with his family. I am happy that he gets to spend good time with his family and rest his eyes a little after surgery, but I really do miss the big lug! I hate going to bed without him, which explains why I am still up.
Oh well, the surgery went really well and they figure he will have 20/20 vision before the week is up. What an amazing age we live in, where sight can be restored. He has worn thick glasses since he was 6 (I think) so this is a huge deal, to be able to play with the boys without the worry. I am really excited not to have to wake up to help him find his glasses in the morning ;) Oh Tommy glad you've had your sight restored-Wish I could see you!

8:40 and all is well!

2009-03-20T08:39:00.000-05:00

Wow, it really is 8:40 in the morning and everyone is sleeping! I am not because I am not tired anymore. That is a good feeling. Seth came downstairs this morning, ate breakfast and then cuddled with me while I was reading. He said wow Mom, isn't it peaceful with just the 2 of us :) He curled up and went back to sleep. Now it is just me and the clicking of the keyboard 2 hours later than our normal wake up time. I am loving it.
shhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Another Blog among other things

2009-03-17T18:03:00.000-05:00

I decided, rather than boring everyone about the details of my marathon training I would put it in another blog. I really want to keep track of where I have been. Then I can be proud of myself for the milestones I have reached. So if your interested in reading that blog, the site is-
http://13monthsofmarathontraining.blogspot.com/
I am so excited to have a new goal to look forward to!
On another note, I have had a little boy running again. The weather is beautiful, so we have been playing outside everyday. The boys love it, but everyday we have to go in due to the runner. Gabriel was able to get about a quarter mile away yesterday, I was unprepared with the "Enoch shuffle". I finally caught him and brought him home. We decided that from now on I will tie a rope around my belt loop and his, then he can only get about 10 feet away. Today I was feeding Enoch and talking to my sister in law on the phone. Hyrum decided to go ride a bike- no shoes and no coat. A fedex man knocked on the door, when I opened it I was surprised to see Hyrum outside with him, crying. Poor guy got cold. Thank You Mr. Fedex man. Not sure how long it would have taken me to realize he was gone. Is that the point you reach, when you start to realize you might have to many kids? I have almost gotten to the point where I have decided to give up phone calls. How sad! I do love talking on the phone, but it seems the kids really suffer when I do. I am just not that great at multitasking.
We got some new job charts for the boys. I love them because we can change out the jobs and the stickers are reusable. The boys are great at getting their jobs done. One week completed and one more week to go before we get to take a trip to the childrens museum.
A friend of ours gave us some play dough when Enoch was born. I tell you, this stuff is the ultimate in good times. The boys have a blast whenever we get it out. Because of this I decided we needed another craft to do, so last week I bought some finger paint and paper and now our walls are lined with colorful artwork. I have never been that kind of a fun mom before. I am more of a all work and no play kind of girl. I think the boys are starting to enjoy this new leaf we have turned over-and the house is not to much worse for the ware!
Tom is coming up on his 30th birthday, and though I hate to burry him in this post, I am afraid I won't be getting around to posting again for a while. This man is the perfect man for me! I looked for 3 things in my man, looks, compaassion, and a love of God-I was truely blessed to find Tom. Here are some reasons why I love him. Whenever he goes to the store he always picks me up a treat or some flowers. Whenever he gets home from work he changes his clothes and plays with the boys straight on through till bed time. He always compliments my cooking-most often it is hamburger helper! He tells me I am hot, even though I haved gained about 10 lbs per baby. He helps me set and keep goals. He holds me when I am cold. kisses me when I am frazzled, and loves me when I am grumpy. He is the best caregiver when I am sick or recovering from having babies. He even took a day off work this year to take care of me when I was sick. He gets up with the kids on the weekends, so I can sleep in, and makes breakfast. He braves the harsh working world everyday, because he loves his family and wants to take care of us. He teaches me gently and most often silently, letting me make my own mistakes and picking me up when I do. He truely feasts on the words of Christ. He loves the Savior. When I hear him pray, I again feel privleged to even know such a good and wonderful man. Every time I look at him I am reminded of what a handsome man I married. Athletic, muscular, good, mormon boy with the sweetest dimples and eyes that shine with the light of Christ! Thanks for marrying me Tom, and Happy Birthday!

Resume normal activity

2009-03-14T11:03:00.000-05:00

Well, I went to my 6 weeks doctors appointment, and she gave me the go ahead to resume normal activity. She continued, I can now go grocery shopping, do laundry, lift things over 20 lbs, and exercise. Funny, I wonder how all of that got done the last four weeks? However, the exercise does intrigue me. She said I could start out with short walks around the block. I actually started elyptical last week just a half hour at top endurance. Though, I have been eating like crazy since Enoch was born. I weigh 14 lbs less than I did before I got pregnant with Enoch. I feel the need to qaulify that statement for my short friends. 14 lbs is not very much at all for a tall person, basically water weight. I would like to loose 40 lbs in the next year. Again to qualify that, this is about 2 dress sizes for me. Not alot, but just get me back to my normal size. I have a few motivators. First, Shawn and Laurie, my sweet brother in-law is marrying my even sweeter sister in-laws sister in-law :) But that is next month. So I need a goal to set for myself for April 24th. The next motivator is another wedding. My sister Allison is getting married in June. Again I need a good goal to set for myself. Just a week after that we are going on a trip to Puerto Rico. There will be a profesional photographer there, and I would like to look good in those pictures, so again this is another short term goal I can work toward. From there I am not sure how to break up the goals to hit the one year mark. However, next year I would like to run the Run for the Lakes Marothon here in Minnesota in April. So, Who knows what kind of goals I should set? Who knows what I should eat, how I should train, and what I should be doing? Those of you who read this blog and know what I should be doing, please respond. I need all the help I can get.
Thanks and lots of love from Minnesota!

The No more HAPPINESS diet.

2009-02-28T11:36:00.000-06:00

Each of my boys have had a problem with me consuming dairy and chocolate. So in the words of my favorite comedian Brian Regan, I have once again joined the "No more happiness" club.
Each time I do this I come up with creative ways to eat the things I love. Especially Ice Cream. Yesterday I went to the store in search of dairy free Ice Cream. What I found was uh interesting. I found a rice Ice Cream- that I am willing to never eat again! and a tofu Ice Cream, which I must say is the closest I have ever tasted to the real thing. I also replaced my milk with soy or almond milk. Because I had my gall bladder removed after having Seth, I have to take acydopholis pills- instead of eating yogurt when I am nursing. Replacing dairy is pretty painless, however chocolate on the other hand, is a completely different story-Karab is not a good sub! Oh well. So Marie, I will be making that delicous cobbler again tonight!
I know this post is extra boring, so go search for Brian Regan on YouTube and laugh till your sides hurt! Thanks for introducing us to him Kiri and Joe!

Just for you!

2009-02-22T11:52:00.001-06:00

This will be fun. thanks LeeJean.Okay so the first 5 people to respond to this post will receive something made by me to you.my choice.made especially for you.of course there are some restrictions and limitations:
1 i make no guarantees that you will like what i make!2 what i create will be just for you.
3 it will be done sometime this year.4 you have no clue what it will be... it may be a story. it may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. i may draw or paint something. i may bake something and mail it to you. who knows? not you, thats for sure.
5 i reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? oh the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on their blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did will win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!!oh and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!!

Sister Stevens from the Primary General Board was at my house

2009-02-13T17:54:00.000-06:00

Last week our ward primary president called me to see if I would be willing to have 2 people from the primary come to my house. I said sure, and I wasn't quite sure what I had heard, so after I hung up I talked it over with my mom. I told her that I thought Sister Saltzgiver had said that the Primary General President wanted to come to my house. After we talked it over for a while, I was pretty sure I had heard her wrong so I didn't worry about it. Then, the next day I got a call from our Stake Primary President called to make the appointment. As a side note, our Minnesota numbers ring tone is a Las Vegas poker callers voice. It says something like "Place your bets now, will they answer or voice mail, last call..." So back to the story, she called, and she was laughing hysterically at our ring tone. She set up the appointment. I figured then that I must have heard wrong, and it was just the Stake Primary presidency coming for a visit. Yesterday at 3:58 2 women come knocking at my door. The first introduces herself as the Stake Primary president. The other didn't introduce herself. About 20 minutes after they were at my house, I asked them why they were doing visits, this is the point when I found out that she was part of the General primary presidency. I didn't catch her name though. Both of the Ladies were very sweet and soft spoken. They talked and played with the kids and found several occasions to bare testimony of our saviors love. They also quized the boys on primary songs, scriptures, and the articles of faith. The boys all did well. Can you also believe that none of the boys fought or raised there voices the entire time they were at our house. As she was leaving Sister Stevens told me that they meet weekly to discuss the primary children, and she said not a week goes by that they don't pray for the mothers and their children. She left me with encouragement and a big hug! After she left the shock of what had happened started to sink in a little. Now after having a while to reflect I feel sad. If I got to do it over again, I would have had a list of questions for her, or had the kids sit at her feet and ask her questions, and taken a picture with her and the boys to put in their scrap books. I sure hope this isn't the last time I get to sit with someone who does so much to help children to love the Savior as much as he loves them. I feel blessed!