Still working on B getting a new picture.

Merry Christmas

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May you enjoy your family and celebrate Christ.
Good Things:
1. Having hope because of Jesus Christ
2. Family
3. The feelings of Christmas

Good things:

1. getting things done
2. sewing for Christmas
3. beginning to look like Christmas

Good things:

1. K coming home
2. Good food
3. Safe travels

The Finished Product

The dress, not the girl! (Still working on her!)
And other cute pictures from prom.

For whatever reason, I can't add the picture for the felted hat. maybe later

Felting

I tried something new over the weekend...Felting! Felting is when you use a wool yarn and then shrink it down so it no longer looks like yarn, but felt. I found a super easy pattern for free on the internet at Crochet Me. I was very sceptical about it because when I finished crocheting, it looked like it would fit Shrek. But I added hot water, and TADAH...a cute little hat. It was so easy, I want to make more. So guess what I am giving for Christmas? Too bad all those difficult people I give to don't want a cute felted hat! I still need to add a few braids which I will add BEFORE felting next time, but I was so excited, I just couldn't wait.

Good Things:
1. learning something new
2. being excited about it
3. getting Christmas started

More of the Same

Yes, more of the same. That just means life keeps going so I run to keep up. Nothing spectacular or noteworthy really at my house. Just the usual. B starts regional playoffs in soccer today. Going in with the # 1 seat in our division with an 18-1 record. D is done with soccer, finished 3rd in his division. K is loving college and I think doing well. She got a part-time job and also volunteers at an afterschool program. G is now working with the deacons in young men's, which is good because D is there. I have gotten back into the gym and doing well, I just figured out how to breathe so I don't go home with a headache everyday. Last week I canned some green tomato raspberry jam and some green salsa. Both are yummy! I have also been working on a prom dress, (which is based loosely on this pattern, as always) table runner, and scrap blanket. Things are good, just more of the same!

Good things:

1. more of the same

2. sewing

3. life

Artisan Bread

Sounds pretty fancy,huh. A lady I visit teach was making this one day when I visited and she shared her recipe. Thanks Sister Perry. It is so good, easy to make, and costs much less than what you buy. I was so excited about my beautiful loaf, I had to show it off.

Good Things:

1. New recipes

2. Friends who teach you something new

3. Fresh baked ...anything!

Red ALERT!

Attention all drivers and pedestrians...B got her license! I now only go into town a few times a day instead of several. Think of all the money I am saving on gas...insurance you ask? Not so much!

Good Things:
1. Less chauffering
2. Children prepared to be on their own
3. Children still at home

What I learned about myself

I admit, I am a control freak. This I know. I think most Moms are this way, it is just how we work. It is our job to know what is going on and where everyone is. So I learned this first week of K being gone that I NEED to know these things. So I am having a bit of a hard time not knowing who she is with, and what she is doing. But I am controlling the urge to find out all the time. Call it withdrawls if you want... I like to think of it as good mothering!

Changes, Opportunities, & Advice

So, kids are back in school, and have been for awhile. I just was a little distracted by other things...Such as getting a child ready to go college, and take her there. I know, it doesn't seem quite possible that someone as young as myself could possibly be old enough to have a daughter in college. (wink, wink) Anyway, it happened.
Change is usually most difficult for those left behind. Our house seems quieter. Not that K was loud, but she liked to talk...alot. She would tell us in detail how her day went, what she did, who she was with, what time she did it (exact to the minute,) what she ate, etc. I liked it. The table seems empty. Set for only four, it just doesn't seem right. No one asking if I need help with dinner. No one calling to see if I need anything at the store before she comes home. Just little changes in the dynamics of our family. I am sad, and miss her, I think everyone does. However, I am so excited for her. She has so many opportunities ahead of her. So many new friends to meet. So much to learn. So much to see. What an exciting time in her life...
So here is my advice...
Remember who you are and what you stand for.
Right is still right when no one else is doing it, and wrong is still wrong even when everyone else is doing it.
Always say your prayers.(and read your scriptures.)
You are the Daughter of a King...A true Princess.
We love you.

Good Things

I have forgotten about the Good Things!
1. working in my "office" all morning
2. figuring out a program I have been stumped about for a long time
3. Cool evenings

Swimsuit

I recently found a very cute swimsuit at Target. It was even on clearance, so I just had to try it on because I am always in need of suits. It was just a top, which was great since I wear board shorts on the bottom to help with the unsightly mom hips. Anyway, I tried it on and it really was so cute...no cleavage showing, long enough to cover muffin tops. It seemed to fit all the common criteria of a great thing including the price, since it was on clearance. So I threw it in the cart and away I went, ever so happy with the last suit purchase of the summer season.
We were staying at our timeshare with hot tubs, so when I got there, I pulled off the tag, and went for a little dip in the tubs. Yes, it even looked pretty good in water although a little baggy on the stomach. But that was even better, I wouldn't have to worry about all those ab exercises I have been meaning to do all summer. The next day I was doing a little clean up, and picked up the tags off from the night stand to throw in the trash...WHAT? A MATERNITY SWIM TOP! Yes, I had purchased myself a lovely maternity top. And although I am not pregnant, nor plan to be anytime soon, I will continue to wear my ...Oh, so cute top!
I think I better get real serious about returning to the gym!

My baby is growing up!

D turned 12 this week! Although the actual day didn't seem that significant, everything else is. We started his day at 6:50 with a visit from Bishop Wadsworth. He kindly arranged for D to receive the priesthood that morning before he went to work so he could go to the temple the next day. That was very exciting, and D has been looking forward to that, and getting himself ready to receive the priesthood. He is such a good boy, and continues to amaze me in his understanding of the gospel, and his awareness of the spirit. Not too long ago he came to me crying and said he didn't feel good about going to a friends house. (He had not been there before.) He really wanted to go, but knew he shouldn't. I had been busy with camp stuff among other things, and apparently not paying attention. I am so thankful for his worthiness to recognize the spirit, and follow its promptings. There seems to be time and time again when he is blessed for his faithfulness, and his sincere prayers. We are so lucky to have him in our family. He is a hard worker, thoughtful, smart, funny, and loving young man.
That evening G and I took D and Reed and Carissa out to dinner and to an Aces baseball game. I think they had fun.
On Saturday our whole family went to the temple. I have been looking forward to all being there for a long time. I always felt bad when we would leave D home while the rest of us went in for baptisms. But today, we all were there...I look forward to many more days like that... A little taste of heaven.
Today D will get to pass the sacrament for the first time. A new suit is definitely in order for that. Hopefully he will let me take a picture. I really wanted a picture yesterday of all of us at the temple, but when we left, not a soul was around. A great weekend not only for D, but for me, the Mom as well.

Good things:
1. Being in the temple with everyone
2. A worthy family
3. Growing up (sad too)

The rest of the family

While B and I were at camp, everyone else was busy as well. G had the unpleasant experience of working all week, and being home alone. He didn't think that was much fun, and I think even appreciates all the noise and messes the rest of us make. I was happy to see him too, I missed him not coming up to join me for testimony meeting and clean up.
D had the time of his life with his cousins. They did all the things he and boys love. Camping, 4 wheeling, shooting, and various other things he could not get enough of. He asked to stay just one more day. Thanks, to those who made that possible, and did lots of extra driving, and cooking to feed a growing boy.
K went to Hawaii with her dance team. They had four performances, and taught workshops. They also had lots of free time for going to the Polynesian Cultural Center, which was her favorite thing, and snorkeling, Pearl Harbor, surfing, visiting the temple, and just enjoying the beach. She had a great time and is trying to talk us into Hawaii for spring break.
With everyone going there separate ways for even a week, I can see how the dynamics of our family are about to change.

Young Women Camp

I went to camp June 14-18. This time with only one daughter, B. It seemed strange to not have K with us, but I guess daughters grow up, and can't be in YW forever. G didn't get to join us either because he had to work. I also missed the Austin's due to health, and a counselor, Kenna, and her husband due to back surgery...The things people do to get out of camp! And although they were missed, we did survive without them, but had to work extra to fill their jobs, as they all just pitch in to do whatever is needed. I love help like that!
I was a bit worried about the weather situation because of the cold spring, but left it in God's hands knowing I couldn't do a thing about it...And just like always, He took care of us and gave us beautiful weather. Many from our stake went up the Saturday before and shoveled snow out of the ampitheatre and off tent pads. There were still piles around when we got there and a little mud. The days were warm and the nights cold, but I took extra blankets, and slept warmer than ever.
The theme this year was "stolen" from my sister..."Got Courage?" We focused on having the courage to stand up for what is right, and how those good decisions will lead us to the temple. The leaders were wonderful. They all took such good care of their young women. And did some really great things to teach about courage and the temple. We had great speakers, fireside, workshops, and devotionals. To all who took part, any part in the planning of camp, I thank you. It could not happen with one person. I have such great people to work with, who love the young women, and want them to feel the spirit. I know the young women felt the spirit in not only an amazing testimony meeting, but as they participated in workshops, learning, and team building experiences. My prayer is that they continue to feel and recognize the spirit in their lives, and they make the small changes that will keep them on the path to return to our Heavenly Father.

Dilemma(sp?)

So here is my most recent dilemma...I have been doing two thing for the last 9 months that take a considerable amount of my time. I have done it not because I wanted to necessarily, because I have felt an obligation to, let's just say the "community." I have now come to the conclusion that I am under appreciated, and no one seems to notice my "good works." Now understand, I don't feel entitled to a grand thank you, or anything of that sort, but a genuine heartfelt thank you would be a nice gesture. So without going into further detail not fit for public viewing, I have a decision to make for the future...Do I continue with the obligations knowing that no one will notice, I will again be under appreciated, and get over it, or do I simply say "no thank you" next time with no explanation, and feel guilty for being a non-supportive parent? Please help me out with your comments. I know I am not the only one who has felt this way. My new goal is to make sure those who help me out are thanked and let know of my appreciation.

Good things:
1. knowing someone appreciates you
2. those who say "thanks"
3. friends who listen to me ramble

K my Graduate!

G and K
Mason, K and Kai

B, K, and D

Me and K

G giving K her diploma

K talking about retiring teachers, her Grandma G

K singing "Don't Stop Believing"

K and Lauren, Senior President and Vice President

Leading the Graduates

Wow, could it really be that K graduated from high school already? Wasn't it just yesterday she had her kindergarten graduation? I just can't hang on to the time...It seems to get away from me. How did my shy tiny preschooler turn into a confident beautiful intelligent young woman? Although I am not ready to admit it happened, it did. She is ready to face to world and go out on her own. She will be fine...she knows who she is. Thanks to all who have supported and taught her...It really does take a village to raise a child. I am so proud of all that she has become, and will continue to become. She has worked so hard in, and excelled in many aspects of high school, academics, sports, music, leadership. I know she will continue to make me proud and will find success and happiness in her future. I love you. Be who you are and you will be happy.

I forgot!

About posting good things. And I do have some, I just forgot.
Good things:
1. Rains that come AFTER the party
2. Boys who listen to the still small voice (even if they don't listen to my big loud voice)
3. Daughters who grow up to be strong, confident, beautiful, and make good choices
4. Dads, Moms, and sisters who come and work while they stay at my house
5. A husband who interacts with teenagers

K's final dress for her high school career...On to the next child

G and I missed this event. But B and a friend filled in for the role of hair dresser, and so forth. I know I am a little prejudice, but K looks fabulous. And the dress was finished with 24 hours to spare. How I will miss sewing for K, even though she always changes her mind about something, or doesn't like the fit, and every other thing imaginable. The things we do for our children. You are beautiful.

Woo Hoo!

Just got news this week that K was awarded the "Award in Excellence" scholarship from BYU-I. That means full tuition for two semesters! So happy about that. Good to see all her hard work academically, practice time in extra- curricular, service, seminary and leadership paid off after all. So proud of her.

Another Dance another Dress

I really like to sew! Have I mentioned that before? Here is the latest creation for Prom in the next town over. This is K with her friend Nate. For me... On to the next project.

What do you think?

For about 3-4 years now, I have wanted to paint my door red. Last year I actually went and got some samples, but didn't find the right color. I didn't want it to be tinted pink in anyway. Yes, a red door, kind of not my usual self since just about my entire house is tan and white. But sometimes I like little splashes of unexpected color in my life such as a red wall in the kitchen, or an orange purse. Sometimes I even go as far as putting on some colorful jewelry instead of the gold standby. I finally did it. I know have a rhubarb door. Some of my family members don't like it. And that is okay, but it is staying rhubarb for now. What do you think?

Where I Come From...

Take a look at how I grew up. At Petunia's Patch blog. She is my sister. This is what we did growing up every spring. For those of you who are city folks, it is called branding - when you put your brand on them, (with a hot iron) vaccinate them, dehorn them, ear tag them, and make the bulls into steers. We also take the cattle to the hills - actually driving them with horses - not trucks - to where they graze for the summer. In the fall we would bring them back home, and put them in a field nearby for the winter months. When I was younger, I rode with them some because it was a day off school to help. But as I got older I liked it less, and would sooner prefer to help with the meal my mom always brought to the hungry cowboys. And although my sister and I are alike in many ways, this is one area we aren't,she loves it, and as you can tell, still wants to grow up to be a cowboy. I still don't know what I want to be...do I have to decide yet?

Run away Mia

Just when I thought the dog (mia) had the wireless shock fence figured out, she ran away again! All I can say, is that D has a lot of faith when he prays, and that Heavenly Father really does care about even the little things, like runaway dogs, and boys who love them. I am not sure how many more times this will happen, but am grateful to Heavenly Father who knows the faith and lessons that a young boy can learn when he prays and his dog comes home. Or, maybe the lesson is actually for me. Even when I don't make the best choice, Heavenly Father still loves me, and answers my prayer that a boy's prayer will be answered.

Good Things:
1. unconditional love
2. childlike faith
3. D

Courage and being Strong

I went to a movie this weekend. Yes, I went to a movie. I don't usually do that, it just kind of bores me to sit still for so long. Well, I don't think I will be going again for a long time. I should have gotten up and walked out, but unfortunately, I didn't. I guess I didn't have the courage. It makes me sad that I didn't, I apologized to k and b for not doing that. If I as an adult with my peers who believe the same things I do cannot get up and walk away, how can I expect my own children and young women to walk away. I was surrounded by friends who know what I know, and have the same values as I, but many times our teenagers are with peers who don't necessarily have the same values. I wish I would have acted on my instinct, and walked away. Next time I will, I don't like how I feel. I truly think that everyone there wishes they were the one who stood up and walked away. I am convinced that if one person would have, the rest would have followed. I wish I would have remembered what someone once told me. "When ever there is a Nephi who stands up for what he believes, there will always be a Sam who follows." I commit to be that Nephi in the the future, whether it is a movie, or something else. How can I talk about courage to my young women when I don't have the courage to do the right thing. I suppose that is what repentance and the atonement are all about.

Good things:
1. Recognizing wrong (even when it is too late)
2. Repentance
3. Those who walk away

Something to say.

Sorry for the lack of blogging, or maybe no one reads me anyway. But I just haven't had anything to say. The same old stuff sometimes gets boring, and who wants to read about what we do all the time. So since I use this as a journal, I sometimes put in my thoughts and opinions. (as you may have noticed) That will come next. But here are a few...

Good Things:
1. enjoying "phantom of the opera" with k and b
2. eating really good food
3. seeing things turn green

Wait...

It is already half way through March! And I am relieved. Things have been a little stressful for me the last three weeks, but I think I am good for a bit. Talk on modesty...done, blouses for B's dance team...done, presenting at the parent summit...done, Ten Virgin production...done, costumes for D's dance team...getting done.
Although track has started and soccer is just around the corner, I feel pretty good about things. I don't have to do anything for those activities. Oh yeah, I do have to show up for games and meets. And by the way it was freezing cold at the meet on Saturday.
But yesterday, it was the day I have been waiting for...Sunshine, 60 plus degrees, it was beautiful. I spent some time out in the yard cleaning out flower beds. It was so warm I had to take off my sweatshirt. Today is even warmer...Please stay!
Good things:
1. Sunshine
2. Wearing flip flops without numb toes
3. The end of the tunnel

The Good News is...

K and B's honor choir concert was great...both of their dance teams took first in their category, and both did well in individuals. The bad news...Neither made All-State Choir.
Good Things:
1. Safe travel
2. A surprise Sister day
3. good news

Well, it's over...

And I am so glad it is. I had the ...uh...pleasure?... of speaking at the adult session of conference yesterday. The topic...one of my favorite...just not to speak about...modesty. As you all know, I have quite an opinion on this subject. Lucky for me, I found many quotes from apostles, prophets, and other LDS leaders on this subject, so I didn't have to share much of my own thoughts. And I must say, I am in good company on this one. I think it mostly went okay, I just read what I had prepared. I am not so good at speaking "from the cuff." Just one quick thing I think most people could benefit from...(I found this in the New Era)...Head, shoulders, knees, and toes. When you get dressed, put yourself in front of a full length mirror, and proceed to raise your hands to your head, shoulders, knees, and toes. Does what you see change your mind on what you are planning to wear? When we dress modestly, we can have the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Good Things:
1. Principle to live by
2. Modern Prophets
3. Having it over.

Rolling Along...

I really don't have anything to share today...no strong opinions, nothing irritating, nothing spectacular. But G keeps telling me I need to update my blog. Just rolling along. We did have a fun weekend with friends celebrating a birthday, visiting with a missionary who served here, going to Walley's. You know it has been a successful weekend of play when it is time for a major clean-up on Tuesday. K has a new blog address, you can get there on my link. Here is something exciting. We are going to Belize to celebrate our 20th year wedding anniversary. And yes, we really are that old! We just look young! If only it were true!
Good things:
1. Something to look forward to
2. Playing all weekend
3. SUNSHINE

Good Things

1. Sunshine
2. Sweat and cycle
3. accomplishing something

New Toys...

I must tell you, that the last post was sincere...However, today my new toy was delivered, and G's too. We got each other new toys for Christmas...And it isn't what you think! I got him a dryer, and he got me a washer!
OHHH, they are so wonderful! And QUIET! It just got fun to do the laundry. I have been wanting new ones for about 3 years, and they just kept on giving. But then the washer started to leak, so we decided after about 13 years of a used set, we would get new one. I really didn't realize how loud the old ones were. I don't even have to shut the laundry room door. I can barely hear them with the door open.
And just so you know, I went with the Electrolux.
I really like them so far. I like them enough that I just might start doing my children's laundry again. Just kidding kids! I will share them with you though.

Good Things:
1. Quiet
2. Meaningful gifts
3. A husband who wanted a dryer.

Christmas at the Koenigs

We had a great Christmas season. Here were a few highlights:

• Making a gingerbread house (or castle) with someone else doing the gingerbread making. And yes, it was even homemade. It was so much fun. Thanks Sommer family.
• Caroling with friends. This is my favorite tradition. I grew up doing it, and I just can't stop. We sounded amazing thanks to friends with great voices. Thanks Brummett, Barton, & Sommer families.
• A visit from the Brummett's - to go caroling. So fun to see their cute family grow.
• Christmas Eve with more friends. Yummy food, fun games, and visiting. Thanks Jones and Williams families.
• More Christmas Eve and Christmas with Family. Of course more food and games. Thanks Guisti and Koenig families.
• New Year's Eve blessings we want for the coming year and making new friends. Thanks Lords family.
• Braiden's baptism
• A visit from my parents - even if it was quick and I had meetings all day.

The rest of the time we just relaxed, played more games, and ate more yummy food. As you can see we are so blessed to have so many friends and family to spend time with. We enjoy the time we spent with all of you and appreciate your kindness and friendship. Sometimes we get caught up thinking life is all about things, but it is really about relationships. I love that we had so many opportunities this Christmas season to strengthen friendships with both family and friends, and hope I can be a better friend to all. I learn from all of you and your example.

We are also blessed to understand the importance of Jesus Christ in our lives and the need for the sacrifice he made for us. So silly that we try to give tangible gifts in celebration of what he has done for us, when the gift he has given is so precious.

So...Thank you to all who made our Christmas wonderful.