Merry Christmas

This time of year has always been one of my favorites. I love the Christmas spirit, and the joy it brings to everyone to think of others as they shop for that special something. Even if it is only for a minute before their thoughts go back to themselves. I love Christmas stories, and the tears they bring when I read them. So today, I want to share a personal story we have experience for almost a year, but really had a Christmas Miracle ending just this week.
The girls have been sharing the gospel with two of their friends that are sisters for over a year now. They starting with coming to young women activities, then one moved on to coming for home evening and giving us a topic to teach each week. That progressed to coming to church first as one girl then as 3 girls and a Mom (Dad is in Iraq working as an engineer.) Then they watched 4 hours of general conference, all the girls came to girls camp, and have become very active for the last about 5 months. Add to that regular FHE's with the elders. The youngest (12) sister E was baptized in September. But the others weren't quit ready. The two older girls started attending seminary, a real sacrifice because they have early school classes, so they attend at 6 am! Sister H also went to a dance competition at BYU-I and knew when she saw the temple she wanted to be baptized. Upon talking with sister S, she also decided she wanted to be baptized. But Dad asked them to wait so he could talk to them at Christmas.
Meanwhile Dad was coming home on Saturday. They went to the airport to pick him up, and no Dad got off the plane. As you can imagine, the girls were quit upset. Not to mention poor Mom. He doesn't have a cell phone with him, but they finally get a call saying he missed his flight in Amsterdam. And will be at the airport at 11 on Sunday. His flight is coming through Seattle, and you all know what happened in Seattle. Snowstorms... nothing going in or out. The Mom recieved a text while in sacrament meeting that he is delayed again. The youngest is crying, but goes to Sunday School. About 40 minutes later Mom got a call saying he was able to get out, his flight will be in at 1. Safe arrival of Dad!
Monday night the Elders had planned a FHE centered on Christ so Dad would understand that we are Christians. Sister H called to say they are coming, but no Dad. He doesn't want to be preached to, and is overwhelmed with everything after having a fairly intense conversation with sister H. She should be on a debate team! He said they could be baptized, but he isn't really interested. We are kind of disappointed that he didn't come, because the family is so excited to share the peace and happiness that they have found with him. So we answer some of his questions he has typed and sent over with family, come up with a date for baptism of sisters, ( Mom wants to make sure he really is truly alright with it and not just giving in before she commits, ) discuss how Dad was prayed home as his flight was the only one that left, and call it a night. Dad is picked up and then we all go to friends for a Christmas get together of food, crafts for the kids, singing, and visiting. I think most everyone there was LDS.
Tuesday morning Mom calls to say Dad has asked about the values of our church, and a 2 hour discussion ensued. He thinks it sounds like a good thing. He thinks that sister H would be in a good environment if she went to BYU.
Here is the true miracle in it all. It wasn't just a coincidence. All of these things took place for a reason. I know that the whole family was praying for him to get home. Sister E said the closing prayer in Sunday school and asked that he would get home. At FHE they all admitted that they were praying for him to get home. Mom said the closing prayer at FHE and prayed that Dad would understand. I know so many others are praying for them, and that his name was on the temple prayer roll. What a miracle that we have a Heavenly Father who hears, cares and answers our prayers. I just keep thinking "Sweet is the peace the gospel brings!"

Merry Christmas I hope this is a season of Miracles for you and your family!

Good Things:
1. Faith
2. Miracle for my family to witness
3. Prayer

Good Things

1. Beauty all the way through
2. Boys who care about that kind of beauty
3. Christmas time
4. Family, family, and more family

Whew, Is that a slow down I see ahead?

I am almost certain it is! What a crazy few weeks. But it was great. I think I would even do it again! Yes, I am crazy, but that is a given. Sometimes it is just worth it. For instance...

Going home for Thanksgiving. Which also ended up including a baby shower, some not so good family pictures, and a funeral. But all things considered, it was all good. Even the funeral. When Grampa is no longer the Grampa I knew growing up, it was time for him go home. But I will never forget his teasing, tickles, and hugs. I will alway be his "Tut." ( I don't even know why he called me that.) I got to see lots of cousins I hadn't seen in years, and enjoyed seeing who belonged to who, and how they had grown up and married. Grampa left a great posterity, and would have loved us all together getting reaquainted, and reminiscing. 8 children, 45 grands, and 89 great grands. What a family!
I also got to see, hold, and love two new babies that joined our family in the last few months. both so cute in their own way. It was fun to hold them and give them back to mom and dad, but I do miss those days. They went so fast!

Speaking of fast...My oldest baby went to her Jr. Prom. And that is what kept me busy for the rest of the week. Her dress finished, altering another, and making a jacket for her friend. They had a progressive dinner. The main course was here. Prime rib, mashed potatoes, and green beans with cranberries and almonds. I also did the pictures here. K looked so beautiful, but it wasn't just the appearance, she radiated beauty on the inside too, and I think that made her even more beautiful. I know, I have fallen into the mother hole, but really... She looked so incredibly pure and wholesome. The kind of girl we all want our sons to bring home. I was so proud of her. It was all a lot of work, but so worth being a part of her special night. Of course when she got home we heard every detail, until the wee hours of the morning. We love you...please go to bed and tell us in the morning. So here is the beauty herself!

What to Do?

A Sunday with no meetings for anyone seemed to be a very long day. So with a little persuading from me, we took some pictures. Although we have taken them in the past, I still didn't have the perfect one that was wall worthy. I think we finally got it. And just in time for Christmas cards.

Who is missing?

Unfortunately, I am not like all of you, and it takes me forever to get pictures on the blog. So...coming soon will be our Halloween. I am sure you are just holding your breath to see what the K family came up with this year!

Moving On

Life always keeps going... sometimes it is good, sometimes it is not, and sometimes it just means you are getting older. Such is life in our family. G was released from the bishopric on Sunday. After serving for almost 7 years, it is time to move on. I have given him 2 weeks or less to have another calling. I wonder what it will be?!
We had parent conferences on Thursday for D. We actually got some valuable information. He rotates through 4 teachers each day. 2 were in agreement that he needed to be changed to a more challenging class. The peers in his current class were affecting his attitude for school. (lazy, schoolwork,success) And so they told us to go talk with the counselor and have him moved to a higher achieving class. Amazingly, it happened the next day! He was excited about changing classes.
K is going out with someone. (for all you old people...going out is not actually going anywhere! It means you are dating. When I asked if it meant she couldn't date other people she said she could. So...I really don't know what it means!) Anyway, although I am not completely thrilled with the idea, she chose well. I could not have picked a nicer boy. He is one of my counselor's son. Great kid from a great family.
The prom dress is coming along slowly, but has some fitting issues, as you could imagine if you have seen K's physique lately. I hope it turns out as good as it looks in my head. I still have 3 weeks, and a visit home to the fitting expert. Maybe she can help me out.

Good Things:
1. not having to buy a prom dress - I think
2. more time with G
3. improvement for D

Did you think I was on vacation?

Well, I wasn't!
Things have been especially busy lately. But the good news is ...THE SOCCER SEASON IS DONE! Let me repeat that just for fun...the soccer season is over. It was great, but it is always good to move onto the next thing. I have been busy finishing up a wedding and 3 professional sessions. And of course doings kids, and all the other things that come with them. (laundry, meals, etc.) Sewing again...Almost finished up on Christmas. (At least in the sewing department.) I even cleaned out my sewing closet. I sure do have a lot of scraps I need to piece together for a quilt! And, I do need to get real serious about this prom dress I need to make. We also just finished up a young women fireside. It turned out wonderful. Once again thanks to my great presidency. My oven died, so I had to get a new one. But it won't be in until the 12th. That is a long time for me to go without an oven. I bought a papa murphy's pizza the other day, jumped in the car and went to call the kids to tell them to preheat the oven, and then realized we didn't have one. So I stopped and bought burritos for dinner. The crock pot will be heavily used in the next few weeks, but doesn't do so good in the cookie and muffin department. Send us your favorite crockpot recipes.
Good Things:
1. Sewing
2. Doing nothing on a Saturday
3. Cool nights with lots of covers, and my window open

Tender Mercies

As many of you know, we have been sharing the gospel with some family friends for quite a while now. The youngest recently was baptized. They are a great family, in many ways they are an extension from ours because our girls are always doing the same things. Unfortunately, the Dad is in Iraq, and not able to learn about the gospel. He is civilian, which means he is not on a base, and would have contact with the church. A few weeks ago he emailed and ask questions about the church, he had gotten some information on the internet, which was incorrect. he doesn't know anything about the church, and is concerned about his family joining. I just kept saying "there has to be someone over there he can get in contact with who could talk to him." I decided to pray that he would come into contact with a member of the church who could answer his questions. Well, He did! I told them last night it was not a coincidence, that I had been praying for that. I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who hears and answers prayers. Once again, my faith has been strengthened.

Good Things
1. opportunities to share the gospel
2. A heavenly Father who cares
3. answered prayers

Autumn?

Okay, who forgot to remind Autumn that it is her turn? And as for Winter, You just wait, it isn't quite your turn!

Listening

Yesterday was bit of a weepy day for me. D had been invited (monday) to go with grampa this weekend chukar hunting. He was very excited because he got to go last year, and had been looking forward to hopefully being invited again. It just wasn't seeming to work with details of us meeting up with grampa because of a crazy weekend - as always. G asked if I could take D there (2hours away) and I said I would have to think about it. Something just wasn't right. I dropped D off to school, and called G on my way to the temple to discuss what we should do. I told him, I just wasn't super comfortable with it. I could hardly talk to him, because you all probably know how I get when I am weepy. Anyway, It was decided that the spirit was trying to tell me something! Why couldn't I listen? I immediately felt much better, and know that is the decision we needed to make. After D got home from school, I explained what I had felt. I told him I didn't know why, maybe danger, maybe not, but I just didn't think he better go. Although he was very very sad, he accepted it. I asked him to pray about it to see if he felt the same way.

So this morning I asked if he had received a confirmation that we had done the right thing. He told me that yesterday he had felt sick when he thought about going.(I had the same feeling) He then went on to say he had gotten up at 6 to read (as he always does) but had read the scriptures. I asked how long he had read them because he usually reads until 7, and he said an hour. If only I could do that. He is so amazing...I get weepy all over again. So my resolve is to try harder to be the example.

Good Things:
1. promptings
2. listening
3. amazing kids

Refreshed... and Ready to go?

G and I went to LV last week. G went to classes, and I was able to recharge. Okay, He had a little fun too. We visited our friends,had dinner, and played pinochle. That was so much fun! It was great to see them again. I can't believe how their kids have grown. I guess that happens. We also went to see Chicago - the band, that was good, but I didn't realize they had alot of stuff before the 80's that I did not recognize, but fun anyway. There are so many good restaurants to choose from. We ate well! As for my recharging...reading by the pool, getting a stone massage, facial, shopping, and just laying in bed. I think I needed that and came back recharged. I also did some thinking about what I needed to do at my house, (clean, dejunk, yard) young women's, Christmas, and life in general. What a great getaway.

Good things:
1. hot stone massages
2. a getaway partner
3. coming home

Crayon Fun

What color are you? I expect to see on your blog.


You Are a Green Crayon
Your world is colored in harmonious, peaceful, natural colors.While some may associate green with money, you are one of the least materialistic people around.Comfort is important to you. You like to feel as relaxed as possible - and you try to make others feel at ease.You're very happy with who you are, and it certainly shows!Your color wheel opposite is red. Every time you feel grounded, a red person does their best to shake you.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatcolorcrayonareyouquiz/

check these out!

KK has a blog, you can follow the link on the side of mine. She named herself well..."I want to do it all."

My friend who moved away recently to be near family while her husband is in Afghanistan has an amazing blog. Most of the ideas I use come from her. She recently posted a beautiful post about how Heavenly Father knows each of us. It is well worth your time to check it out. It is the link "the great balancing act."

Good things:
1. Knowing I am not the only one with bad days.
2. Friends who put life into perspective.
3. A husband by my side.

Is This the New Normal?

We are now in the third week of school. And I think we have settled into the new normal. Some parts of it I like, and other parts...not so much!
The day goes something like this:
5:10 girls get up and get ready for school
5:40 they come down stairs making noise, turning on lights, and clanging dishes. Now I could get up, but they seem to find something to eat, and load their bags with food and other necessities for the rest of the day without me. Which is fine with me, I don't function too well this time of day.
Out the door to be at the church for seminary at 6. So far they have been on time.
Seminary ends at 6:45. B has dance on MWF at 7 at the school. K has AP chemistry at 7:20 everyday. But B has to stay in the same seminary class so on the off days she finishes getting ready, sleeps, does homework, or talks with friends until the regular seminary is done and then catches a ride to school with Gramma who is teaching seminary this year.
I don't see them again until about 5:45 when soccer practice is done.
That is a long day for them! It wears me out just to think about it.

After the girls leave, I doze in and out of sleep until about 7 when the rest of us get up and get going. Either G or I take D to school. I go to the gym at least 3 days a week for a class at 8:30. On Wednesday I go to the temple. During the day I do things all moms do, (laundry, dishes, toilets, etc.) I also go to meetings dealing with school committees, do pictures, read, talk on the phone - best if I call then I can use the ear piece, and still get something done,- shop, weed, blog, sew, young women, and I am taking a photography course. Most days D takes the bus home which gives me more time, and less taxiing. I really like a driver and not having to pick up high school kids. With all my less going in and out of town, I think we are actually SAVING money on gas at this point.

Soccer games are for K and B on Tuesday and Saturday's. G helps on the side lines. So we will try to go to all the games, home and away. That is 4 games a week. Add D's on Saturday. 5 games. Double header this week. 6 games. So far the weather is very pleasant, and it makes for an enjoyable day. I think you can kind of count that as being together as a family?!

Also add throughout the week, voice lessons, scouts, FHE, YW, school board, bishopric meetings.
It sounds like more than ever, but with me not chaffuering I actually feel like I have a lot more free time.

Good things:
1. more drivers
2. more free time
3. more time to talk to sisters ( okay not to K, it gets to crazy when she is available for talking, and my brain turns off about the time she gets home.)

B's Happy Birthday

14 Things we love about B
1. A ready smile
2. Mischievious giggle
3. Sense of humor
4. Respectful of others
5. Very thoughtful
6. Gives great pedicures
7. Quiet testimony
8. Competitive
9. Sweet clear voice
10. Fun loving
11. Creative
12. Helpful - most of the time
13. Good student
14. Independent

We love you B! Has it really been 14 years since K said "Baby, Come Out!" Our life wouln't be the same without you as part of our family. We want the very best for you, and always remember you are worth it.

new pictures

Well, school has started, and the first week is almost done. What did I do while everyone one gone? I am not sure, but it wasn't sit on the couch and eat bonbons all day. I did head back to the gym after a too long of a break. Somehow all that work and muscle gained goes away much quicker that it took to get it there. So... back to the lighter weights! And spinning, that will just have to wait for next week. I also caught up on folding clean clothes. I always get the laundry washed, but folded, that is another story. Mowed lawn, cleaned the pool, and of course picked up D for this week. Next week, he will just have to ride the bus sometimes. Lucky for me I don't have to worry about chauffering K and B. K is gone to a soccer tournament until Saturday. G will go tomorrow. I get to stay here and hold down the fort.

Good things:
1. Miracles- Daniel Lords surgery, and Rita coming home
2. fresh mowed lawns
3. bottom of the laundry basket - at least until tomorrow

Yes, you know me!

You all know me very well, I sew when I don't have to do anything, and sew, and sew! I bought a few new patterns and have had such a great time. I have even been using a few of my scraps, but of course buying more fabric to go with it. The cycle just never ends. HOpefully I am getting a jump on Christmas, and hopefully the recipients will know they are made with love. Some have already been given away.

Good things:

1. School starts in one week(also a sad thing)

2. wedding picture editing is done

3. a cooler day (90)

One more week of summer down

Time is quickly running out on summer! I think we are finished with our travels though.

The kids got back on Monday from San Diego and we left of Tuesday to go east. Well, not to far. We spent Wednesday touring Temple Square, the Beehive house, and the conference center, and seeing Josesph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration, finishing with a late lunch at the Gardens on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith building. I loved the view overlooking the temple. What a great day. The film was fabulous even the 2nd time.

Thursday and Friday were spent visiting with our friends who were visiting Utah from Virginia. We had such a great time catching up with them and seeing how the kids have grown. It is so fun to be able to pick up where we left off the last time we saw them. Even after 5 years, we still miss them. It is rare to find both husbands, wives, and children to get along with! Funny Kids playing in the pool.

Today we had a great sacrament meeting with a newly returned elder talking about testimonies. He talked about the difference between believing and knowing. When we believe we just go through the motions, but we have to pray to know. It was some great food for thought for the day.

Oh yeah, and I almost forgot about my new nephew Jaxon. He was born last saturday, and doing well. So is his mom Brooke. Also, we have been having fun with Luke and Dallin too. It will be fun to see them often, and watch them grow.

And do you remember all the time I had last weekend by myself? I will take some pictures, and show you what I do when I get time to do whatever I want....

Good Things

1. Knowing, not just believing

2. Catching up with friends from far away

3. one more nephew

Alone at last?!

Things as always have been pretty crazy, but why should I think they wouldn't be. We have had extra children here since the end of June. So...I can't be nice any longer! I have hit my limit. Not that any of the children were bad, just that I am used to 3 who just do there own thing, and take care of there own stuff. (parents: if I had your kids, don't take it personally. There is just something about your own family that is comfortable. )
Anyway... Gramma invited the kids to go to SanDiego with her this weekend, and so I am all alone. It seems kind of strange and very very quiet. There are lots of things I should be doing, but I don't think they are on today's list. Maybe when school is back in session, and I have lots of time alone, I will get to them. But today, and I am doing whatever I want!

Good Things:
1. Doing whatever I want
2. Spending time with just G
3. A moment to sew

I am so smart!

Actually if you all click on the little advertisement in the left hand corner of my blog...the cutest blog on the block, you will find that I am really not. Just find the layout you like, and they tell you exactly how to apply it to your blog! I am looking forward to something really cute from all of you.

Good things:
1. family reunions
2. end of family reunions
3. eternal families

Miracle

Sometimes I am just amazed at how easy things are...after I finally take the time to look into them. How do you like the facelift? Maybe I will change it again sometime. Of course, I will probably have to learn how again. Anyway, I think I like it. My house seems to be
Grand Central Station anymore. Maybe next week we can have a minute to ourselves.

Good things:
1. almost finding the sewing table
2. getting the lawn mowed early in the morning
3. finding a moment of solitude

Oh, yes and Good things

1. Being exhausted after having such a fun day!
2. Finding old friends...I mean finding friends again!
3. Playing with new friends, and always having family!

Alive and Well

Life got crazy there for a bit!...just kidding, it got crazier for a bit! But crazy in a good way. So here are the last few weeks in a nutshell.
Young Women's camp was great, exhausting, rewarding, stressful, and in my opinion a great success. Not because of me, but in spite of me. Once again, we had some wonderful women up there who did a fabulous job of teaching the girls both physical and spiritual survival. Our theme was "Steadfast and Immovable, Anchored in Christ." We also had really great young women. Testimony was the best I have ever heard, and I counted that I have been to 9 camps in the last 11 years. A special thanks to my great secretary, counselors, and camp director.
Youth Conference I hear was wonderful, but I opted to attend my 20 year high school reunion, with hesitation. But I had so much fun. I have only had contact with one through a Christmas card (which she did not send this year....Okay, I will forgive you since you had a baby!) Three of my best friends were there, and I hadn't seen any of them for about 18 years. And now I have the email of another one. I loved that people had actually grown up in 20 years. And it was fun to see what people were doing with their lives. We may need to have a friends reunion with just the girls...Anyone interested?
I also got to visit with my family between selling hotdogs at the ranch rodeo and my reunion. And my kids got to have a great time with their cousins. Thanks Aunt and Uncle!
Then came the 4th of July with one party after another. But, once again we had lots of fun with family and friends, In the pool, paradise, and just relaxing. I have decided that I have one child who maybe should go into event planning. But at least I was home this time!
Now if you just include photographing a wedding, extended family, and all the editing that goes with that, laundry from both traveling, having a pool, (lots of towels) and camp, yard work that just keeps growing, and the everyday stuff, you really will know what has been happening. But, Life is good, and summer is fun. Today I planned to take some great pictures, but in the rush of actually remembering my camera, left the memory card sitting on the desk where I left it after downloading. So....Enjoy where you are, wherever it is.

Good things

1. camp is over
2. it was great
3. my own bed

Back in the saddle...so to speak.

The stitches are out, and the swelling has gone down. Still soft food is best, but it's the play offs! Yes, D was back on the ball field Saturday. This week is the tournament. He played center field last night with no problems, and we will continue to hope for that. The Yankees (his team) won, so we go on to the next game. I fear sliding, batting, and fly balls of any sort. I don't think he fears anything. That is good...i think!
The count down is on for Young women's camp. I think most things are taken care of, but time will tell. Any ideas on teaching that Christ is the bread of life? I am open for suggestions.
Good Things:
1. laziness of summer
2. truth
3. my own situation

Player Down!

We had a bit of excitement last night at D's baseball game. In the bottom of the 5th, D the left field man, was running for a fly ball, sliding to get it when he lost it in the lights. When he found it... actually, it found him, Right in the mouth. Of course, there were no towels, or anything of the like in the dug out, so I has handed a boy oozing blood from the mouth, a bag of ice with a tooth in it, with instructions to be careful, the bag has holes, don't loose the tooth. Well, luckily, we have a great dentist who met me within minutes to clean up the mess, put the tooth back in, and stitch D's lip closed. All went well, and we will know within a few weeks if the tooth can be saved. D was very concerned of how he would look, but I assured him that even if the tooth could not be saved, he would not have to be toothless, and work at walmart, but get a fake one. Today, he looks like he was on the losing end of a fight, but is doing well.

Good things:

1. Dentist who answer there phones at night

2. K passed her driver's test,and got her license

3. Insurance...for both!

Good Things

1. Breezes through open windows
2. Good book discussions that make you want to read it (God Wants a Powerful People)
3. chatting with friends

Good Things

1. Memories
2. Laying in bed on a Saturday morning
3. FINALLY getting the garden planted

COMING SOON TO A THEATRE NEAR YOU...

PROM PICTURES!

Good Things

1. Soup on a blustery day
2. A patch of blue sky
3. Responsible kids

18 Years!

Yes, G and I are celebrating our 18th anniversary today. How the time has flown. So in honor of 18 years, here are 18 good things about being married to G.
1. Our marriage will last forever.
2. He is still my best friend.
3. I love him.
4. He is fun to be with.
5. He honors his priesthood.
6. He still brings me flowers.
7. He is a good Dad.
8. He accepts all my faults.
9. He leads our family in righteousness.
10. His eyes.
11. He compliments me ...still.
12. He tells me he loves me almost everyday, sometimes more than once.
13. He has never forgotten a birthday, anniversary, or Mother's day.
14. He provides for our family.
15. He supports me.
16. He supports our children.
17. He lets me be right.
18. He is the best person for me.

Thanks for 18 wonderful years. I look forward to so many more. I LOVE YOU! You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Love, T

Clarification

There is a little confusion over K going to prom. She did NOT go to cchs prom, it was on Saturday, and her birthday was on Sunday. She has been invited to another prom and will be attending it on the 24th.(after her birthday.) As many of you know, I am a mean Mom, and she would have also made the choice to not go before her birthday.

Technical difficulties

You may have noticed that I had a few difficulties. It is past my bedtime! Sorry.

Sweet 16 KK

16 Great Things about KK
1. Infectious smile
2. Talented
3. Organized
4. Responsible
5. Fun to be with
6. Beautiful
7. Intelligent
8. Not afraid to try new things
9. Eyes that sparkle
10. Willing to share the gospel
11. Good Example
12. Neat
13. Positive attitude
14. Good cook
15. Does the right thing
16. Friendly

Happy Birthday K! I am so proud of you. You bring sunshine to our family, and I appreciate all you do. Continue to make good decisions, and you will find yourself where you want to be. I love you. (Thanks for the good idea Sue.)

Sweet 16 KK

photobucket slideshow

If you click on the picture, you may view the slideshow. I don't think I like this format. I will try something else next time.

What I Do

Photobucket Album

Sweet 16 KK

My favorite things about K:
1. Positive attitude
2. Eyes that sparkle
3. Always does the right thing
4. Responsible
5. Beautiful
6. Talented
7. Smile
8. Infectious laugh
9. Intelligent
10. Not afraid to try something new
11. Willing to share the gospel
12. Organized
13. Beautiful singing voice
14. Helpful
15. Good Example
16. Fun to be with

I love you K! I am so proud of you. You bring sunshine into my life. You are becoming a beautiful young woman. So keep doing what's right, and you will find yourself where you want to be! (Thanks again Sue for your good idea.)

Yes, I am still alive!

Sorry about the lapse in writing. But I have been so busy, I haven't had time to turn around. What have I been doing? Well... the prom dress is finished, as is the dress for honor society, the dog pictures have been taken and ordered, as well as the senior pictures, the gravel is just about level in the driveway...(all 8 cubic yards), the bark is mostly placed...(all 3 yards), K's surprise party has been planned, invited, and going on right now. (including 3 salads, 3 ice cream toppings, and pool and yard cleaned)
I am definitely looking forward to next week. Okay, I probably should plant the garden! G and I are going away to celebrate our anniversary. Not only am I old enough to have a 16 year old, but I have been married for 18 years. I just can't get away from this age thing. Where did the time go?
Good things:
1. Parties
2. Surprises
3. When they all go home!

I've been tagged!

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 other people and posts their names and leaves a message on their blog letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog to get directions.
****************************************************
1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
I was 7 1/2 months pregnant wishing I had my own house
2. 5 things on my to do list
Finish a prom dress, sweep and mop my floor, plan an anniversary outing, make cookies, file papers
3. What snacks do I enjoy?
chocolate of any sort, dill pickle potato chips, and watermelon
4. What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire?
Buy G a jag he has been drooling over, landscape my front yard, go to fiji, pay off house and school loans, take my sisters and friends on a shopping spree.
5. 3 bad habits
I too, am a "piler," procrastinating, not listening
6. places I have lived
Fallon, Forest Grove, Reno, Rexburg, Pingree
7. 5 Jobs I've had
Clogging teacher, school painter, retail, clerk at a dry cleaner, optometrist's technician
8. 5 things people don't know about me
I don't like meeting new people, I would love to be in a musical, I have the perfect office lying in my bed with the laptop on my lap, I used to clog, I wish I were an interior designer


I am tagging...Ashlee, Brooke, Janet, Wendy, and Lindsey

Good Things

1. good shopping deals
2. blogging friends and family - I love to see what you are up to!
3. Francisca

Good Things

1. Good Counselors and a secretary who get things done!
2. Being back together as a family.
3. Warm rice packs.

AHHH, Spring!

Well, this new stage of our life finds us at a track meet every Saturday. And today, it was truly spring, almost summer weather. (high 70's) Well, as you would imagine, we all have a little bit of color to our skin. But it was great to not be sitting in the freezing wind. K did very well in the mile, and not so well in the two mile. She has been suffering stomach cramps for the last two days, and they decided to hit on the 2nd lap, (there are 8) but she did finish the race, and wasn't even in the end few. B spent the day with a friend, and then had a swing dance performance. D was in heaven spending the day with friends who love to be true boys! Unfortunately, our yard still looks like winter, with spurts of green weeds coming up, and not much gardening going on yet. That will have to wait for another day!
Also in this new stage of life, I found K and myself looking at patterns and material for a prom dress. Although some beautiful fabric was found and purchased, a pattern was not! That may be a problem, but I will keep you posted on the progress, and with any luck, there may be a picture at the end of this journey!

Good things:
1. track in the sunshine
2. worn out kids
3. a husband who knows I need intervention until 2 am!

Good Things

1. Half price gerbera daisies
2. allergy shots
3. sharing the gospel

Life is good1

G and I went on a little vacation, or at least I did. We went to a school board conference in Orlando. We went a day early and enjoyed the Disney animal park and Magic Kingdom, so I guess that counts for his vacation too. Although the rest of the time he spent the majority in classes. We did go to Epcot, and enjoy our evenings together. But mostly I got the vacation. Relaxing by the pool, reading a book, shopping, and taking care of some business stuff on my computer. It was a great break, and very enjoyable, but now it is back to the regular busy-ness. Thanks to my sister B for taking care of the kids. Although she did a great job, and the kids had fun, I don't think she liked the instant family. Okay, not so much the family, just the craziness with life of teenagers that makes is difficult for a two year old who isn't particularly fond of being in the car, and being woken up from naps to pick up someone. The true test will be when I ask her to do it again! Thanks B!
So the vacation is over, and it is back to track, play, and baseball practice, violin and voice lessons, cub scouts, and young women's. And that is just the kids. School board with budget cuts, meetings, and more meetings with me for community and parent involvement in the schools. And we can't forget church meetings. But such is life, and I don't know what I would do with free time if I had it, probably just waste it. So I will just keep swimming!
Dad gave us a scare this week. We had some type of a stroke, just like he had a few years ago. Although he lost his short term memory for a while, and one whole day, they think he is doing okay. More results will be back on Monday. Thanks for family close by to take care of Mom and Dad and various other things. Unfortunately the stroke means he has to lay low for awhile. No branding, riding his horse, and taking the cows to the hills, all of which my Dad lives for. But at least I still have a Dad around, with at this time no real serious side affects of a stroke. Sometimes we just have to be reminded of what is really important.

Good things:
1. Dads
2. Sisters
3. Ability to have a crazy life

Thouights of a restless mind!

As if just celebrating a birthday doesn't make me old enough...K just got asked to the prom, and she is actually old enough to go. Where does the time go? Didn't I just go to my first prom? The Dad of the boy did say I could save him a lot of grief if I didn't let her go. Not such a bad idea.

Yesterday was a great Easter. Warm weather, friends, and family, and good talks. I am sure many of you heard the same story I did yesterday of the little boy with Down's syndrome who was supposed to fill his egg with something that reminded him of Easter. He left his egg empty, signifying an empty tomb. I am so thankful for an empty tomb. And the chance I have to see a little boy who taught me so much again. What a great blessing. Also today at church, I chatted with a friend who told me the secret of life. We don't have to carry all of the burden. It doesn't do us any good to stress and fret over something we can't change. We just have to do our best, and give the rest to God. He will help us if we ask! (Did everyone else already know that?) I guess sometimes things just make a little more sense at times.

D has been busy getting ready for the pinewood derby. He enlisted the help of his fishing buddy to shape the wood block, and he has been sanding, sanding, sanding. Fortunately D has more of my competitiveness than G's. He and I are just hoping for wheels that don't wobble this year.



Good things:
1. Beautiful daughters (I think)
2. Blessings of the atonement and resurrection
3. Friends willing to share their wisdom

Spring Break

Spring break is happening this week, and I like the break! We are enjoying a week at our timeshare doing not much of anything. Although it isn't a full break for us. A little back and forth for church and G working part of the day in offices closer to here, two cars and track meets, we are enjoying it. Sometimes it is nice not to have to do anything or go anywhere.
Things are picking up speed for us. (Did they ever slow down!) D will be starting baseball practice this week. He is very excited, and wants to try his arm at pitching. B is Bertha in the school play (April 24-26 if you are interested) and K is enjoying track. Yesterday her 4x800 team took first. Thanks to her in part for gaining in her leg of the race.
Also while we have been on break I got another year older. As I am sure age comes with wisdom, I am getting very wise! I am starting to take that old saying "You are only as old as you feel," to heart. Since I haven't slept in my own bed for a few nights, I feel pretty old this morning. But I still can't believe I am old enough to have a child in high school, almost two. Soon, a driver, and a dater. I think that alone must make me old!

Good things:
1. age and wisdom-mostly the wisdom, ok, maybe it is just a little more maturity.
2. mineral hotsprings
3. laying in bed until I have to get up

Good Things

1. Not having a full time job (other than Mom)
2. signs of spring
3. FHE - We are teaching one of the girls friends

Good Things

1. freshed baked pretzels
2. intervention
3. "I love you"'s

good things

1. happy endings
2. babies on the way
3. bill pay

Good things

1. Austin Branch
2. New friends
3. Family

Today we went out to speak at the Austin branch. What a treat that was! Everyone was so kind, gracious, and welcoming. It was really neat to see how a branch functions, and feel the wonderful spirit that was there. D was one of 4 primary children, and K and B made 6 young women. Later we had dinner with the branch president and his family. It was so fun to get to know them and enjoy their company. We had a great time, and would love to go again. What a great day!

Yes, there have been good things lately, but I just haven't taken the time to post them. So here are a weeks worth of good things. And a picture of the boy who insists on a suit. He will make a fine missionary someday!

Good things:

1. massages (thanks, Ursula)

2. talents

3. freshly mopped floors

4. rain

5. sisters

6. lunch with a friend

7. and temples!

Good things

1. Sweethearts
2. Singing Balloons (you're still the one)
3. Love

Good things:

1. cell phones
2. unscheduled time
3. dinner together

Okay, I will try to remember I have to rotate BEFORE i upload!

Rexburg Temple

I am having some technological problems with my slide show, so until I get it fixed here is the Rexburg Temple.

Good Things
1. healthy children
2. no 6am basketball
3. sewing machines

Good Things:
1. Great presidency
2. Chocolate cookies with peanut butter chips
3. Obedience

Gratitude

A friend of mine recently added a gratitude journal to her blog. Almost everyday she finds the time to write down 3 good things about the day. I have found that I really look forward to finding out what Sue was thankful for, and was so inspired that I thought maybe I could inspire you! I am also sure it will be good for me to look for the good things that happen each day. So here goes, and thanks for the idea Sue.

today's good things:
1. boys who insist on wearing suits to church (maybe a picture later!) he'll make a great missionary someday
2. good coaches
3. messages from a living prophet
4. temple worthy kids, and spouse

Confidence and basketball

K's experience with basketball is over for the season. I think she had a great time trying something new. As most of you know when she told me she was trying out for the team I asked, "Do you know how to dribble?" Well, she does now. And she enjoyed being part of a team, even if she sat the bench most of the time. She was thrilled to get a minute of playing time even when we were 20 points down! What did I learn? It doesn't really matter how you play the game as long as you improve, keep trying, have fun, and keep a good attitude. If only I could view life through her eyes. I am so impressed with her confidence to try something new even though the odds were against her having never played. So now, she will try track, and see how it goes.

Christmas

As many of you know, we took a cruise for Christmas this year. It was a surprise for the kids, and I actually think they were surprised. Although we did miss being with extended family for Christmas dinner, we had a great time. Sometimes we just don't need anymore stuff, and need memories. This will be a memory we will never forget!

Friends

On Saturday our really good friends moved away. It will be a great move for them because it is not only a pay raise, but also back to their families. However, we are sad and lonely. Although they lived here for only a little over a year, they just sort of became part of our family. So not only do we lose good friends, but also a business partner here, a little boy for G and I, a little brother for our kids, a big brother and sister for my kids, a younger brother and sister for g and I, a great young women's leaders, and game players. So, thanks for being our friends, and letting us be part of your family! V- you set up a business that is so much fun and gave me so much help. (I am sure you will continue with all of your help!) I never would have done it alone. So Thanks guys! Fortunately I have other great friends in my life of which I am also grateful. I am glad none of you are moving away, but wanted to let you know I appreciate your friendship, and help. Life would certainly be dull without you. Have a great day

Swimming?!

Tonight as I sat contemplating life in a bathtub full of bubbles, the famous words of Dory came to mind... "swimming, swimming, just keep swimming." Today was going to be a relaxing day spent getting some paperless paper work done from my office. (aka laying in bed in my pajamas working on my laptop. ) So I get the kids and husband out the door to school and work and head to the bedroom. Cellphone rings with the "I need blahblahblah" Since I don't think it appropriate to show up at the high school in pajamas, I hop in the shower and make my first trip of my day into town. After dealing with a bloody nose of K's, & getting some groceries, I head home to get the work done not in my pajamas, and not in my bed. On the second trip to town I get pulled over for going a little too fast, and my proof of insurance is nowhere to be found. I get off with a warning for speed, but I have to go to the judge with my proof of insurance, or pay a $732 fine! Just as I am getting things done at home again, K calls with drivers ed being cancelled, so it is back into town to pick her up. Home again to get things gathered for tomorrow's personal progress dinner. Back in again to get K to basketball game, she must arrive 1 hour 45 minutes before it actually starts. Home again to load up V's part of the business as she is moving tomorrow. (more on that later.) Back into town to help them load the truck and go to the basketball game that K didn't even get to play in. But at least tonight she got to actually wear the uniform and warm up with the team. Now, you might wonder what was I contemplating? I am not sure, but if I don't keep swimming, I fear I will either drowned, or find myself down stream! So much for my relaxing day, But at least I am able to do it. I am both healthy enough, and don't have to go to work out of the home, although I am never in the home. Anyway, life is good, and I have so much to be thankful for. So for all you other mothers... Just keep swimming!