Mattering Moments

2011-06-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

So, my sister told me about this site called Pinterest. It's very addicting and you can find so many cool, cool things there. I wanted to pin this picture on my board, but I couldn't find a way to do it, so I'm posting it here so I can pin it. Happy new way to waste all your time.....

Lizzy and Jesus

2011-05-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday we went out to my cousin Alex's homecoming from his mission. He gave a great report and you can tell that he was a great missionary. Afterwards we took the kids out to the temple. I asked Liz if she wanted to go see the big Jesus. When we came around the corner to where he was she gasped, threw out her arms and ran over to it. She couldn't reach anything but his toe - but she just held onto it. She said, "I love Jesus. I want to hug him." So I lifted her up and she hugged his knee.
She was mesmerized.

Why does a 4 year old feel love so strong for a man she has never met? Why the overwhelming love? It's been all she can talk about since we've been home. She keeps saying that she wants to see him, when she is very, very old. (I told her there would be no meeting him anytime soon.)

I love the faith and love of a child. I love that she loves him so much and at this age she doesn't even know why. Someday she will understand all that he has done for her. But for now, I think that love she had for him before she came here still fills a corner of her heart. I hope she never loses that feeling. She is precious.

Hard times

2011-05-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

See the burger king sign in the background. It's all true. And look at my bangs! Awesome.

So Saturday night I was sitting in the church parking lot about 10:30 waiting to pick up 40 kids from the dance and to shove them in every possible crevice of my car. (And don't forget the back smells like total death from the people before us, who either spilled a ton of dairy back there and never cleaned it up, or because they murdered someone and hauled them around in the back of my suburban for weeks.) Either way the ones in the trunk got a nose full.

Anyway, I digress. I was waiting to pick up all these kids and all of a sudden I thought, "When did this happen?? When did I become the old lady mom waiting to pick up the kids instead of the being one of the cool kids leaving the dance and heading over to Burger King afterwards. WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? It really freaked me out and I've been a little depressed ever since.

Life is flying by too quickly. One second ago I was 14, running around the dances and being just as annoying as Courtney and her friend Ally. (Sorry mom). When did I get all old? "I'm the crypt keeper!!!"

I know I have five kids, I know I've gained a bazillion pounds, but somewhere in my mind, I didn't get older.
Now I know for sure. And I don't think I like it.

Here she goes....

2011-05-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

She is heading to High School. I have a daughter old enough to go to High School. When did Jeff and I get so old? When did she? She is such a neat girl. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the out. She is kind to everyone. She is such a great older sister and helps out so much around the house. She loves the gospel and strives so hard to be a great example to others. She is modest. She is virtuous. She is ADORABLE.

And she is heading into the fire. Sometimes I look at the world and wonder how my kids are going to make it through unscathed. I hear scary stories about high school these days and I thought it was scary in my day. "In my day?" Am I 100? Really, I think today aged me 20 years. But I digress. I hope that in four years I can say all the same things about her.

I hope that, like me, she has a great friend who helps her through. Me and Michele didn't care about being "popular" or hanging with the "right" people. We just had fun together. We laughed and laughed and laughed our way through high school and it was great. I don't have horrible memories of that time of my life. It was fun. I had good friends and did good things. I'm grateful that Courtney has so many good girls that surround her and will help her to keep her values high. We made a great move 4 years ago into a ward that has so many girls her age. I am grateful for her. I love her very much. I hope the next four years bring her so much happiness (and very little drama and very little heartache ).

2011-05-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

So, Saturday night was the first annual Surprise AZ LDS prom. It was amazing. It looked so beautiful. We were all so proud of how it turned out. We personally thought it was at the greatest spot right by the lake and that everything turned out just as we had hoped.

One of the kids wrote on Facebook this morning that it was "like a prom in the movies." Do you know how great that makes you feel as a leader? I know the kids have no idea the time or energy that goes into something like this. I know I didn't as a kid. But when a statement like that is made it makes all the hard work worth it. I'm so thankful to Valarie and Annette and Sasha and Kristin and everyone else who put in countless hours to make this night a success. And it really was just that - success.

I couldn't be more proud of our kids. They were all dressed so modestly in amazing dresses and they danced and laughed and had a good time. I am glad that there was a place for them to have a dance that lived up to their standards. They want to be good and to be surrounded by goodness. They are an amazing generation. I love them so much!

Ah ha ha ha 3 days.....

2011-05-06T19:12:00.001-07:00

So Tuesday I made a goal to get back on here for just a sec everyday. I didn't even make it to WEDNESDAY!! I really am losing my mind. I really am a flake. But here is the picture of the day. I think my niece, Abby, may be the cutest baby on the entire planet. She is the most darling thing and I can't wait to hold her and love her and smother her with all these smothers that I have been saving since last August.
Today I am thankful for Lexi and all she does to raise these special kids. She is my hero. I don't know how she does it. She is a wonder to me.
And PS - Isn't it sweet how my picture in the corner is looking so adoringly over at my little Abby?

Friends

2011-05-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

So, I am terrible at keeping a journal. I never really get on here either. But I'm making a little goal to try to write something small everyday. I am sure that it will last 3 days, but here goes.

Today I am thankful for good friends. My friend Terri came out for her Grandmother's funeral and after that came out and stayed with us for a night. She has been gone longer than we were friends, but when we all get back together it's just like she never left. Our kids love each other and play so well. I adore her and think she's the greatest. It was just a perfect 24 hours. We will miss you Watsons.

Here's a preview ....

2011-04-30T22:39:00.000-07:00

Isn't he cute??

Today I did this fun senior photo shoot. I really have forgotten how much I love this and how much fun it can be. We all laughed and laughed, had a great time and in the end we got some great pictures too. We even got chased by a steer with huge horns! Thanks Breck for being so dang photogenic. You made my job easy.

Play Dates

2011-04-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

So lately whenever I'm around my kids friends, I can't help but get out my new lens and snap, snap, snap. Aren't these cute kids??

The Sacrament

2011-04-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

There are so many things I would have to explain about this to someone who was not a member of our faith, therefore, I will just write it like you know what I'm talking about.

Last week my 12 year old boy received the Priesthood. His dad once explained it to him as, "God giving a little bit of His power to you." I have loved that explanation and have thought about it many times. Well, last Sunday, God gave a little bit of His power to my son Chandler. It was beautiful to witness his ordination and to see this step in my son's progression.

Yesterday he passed the sacrament for the first time. I loved seeing him study and prepare so that he knew just right where to go and to make sure that he didn't mess up. I loved watching him get on his suit and making sure his hair looked just right. I loved how he proclaimed that morning, "The first time I get to pass the sacrament is on Easter! Isn't that great?!"

I love his enthusiasm for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love that he was so ready and worthy to receive this special gift. I love that the Priesthood was restored to the earth. I am grateful for Joseph Smith. I know he wasn't a perfect man and I don't expect him to have been. He was just a man, called at 14 years old to do the greatest work that has happened in this dispensation. I am grateful for the trials he endured, and for his bravery and compassion towards those who constantly persecuted him. I will ever be grateful for the restoration of the Priesthood that bright morning in 1829 when Joseph Smith was visited by Peter, James and John and the power of the Priesthood was once again restored to the earth.

This week God gave a little of His power to Chandler. And his life will never be the same.

Yea! Here I go....

2011-04-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

I'm back in business. After a four year break to take care of my two youngest, I have decided to start taking pictures again. I will only be doing it on a limited basis, but I am excited to do it again. Check out my website, www.matteringmoments.com

Am I Really Ready??

2011-04-03T23:37:00.000-07:00

So - I'm thinking of starting up the photography business again. I just bought a new expensive camera for my sister-in-law's wedding and I have to pay it off. I also want this really cool lens. I LOVE taking pictures. I think I have a talent for it and I've been doing it off and on for 13 years. My problem is that I get really stressed out before a shoot and I am such a perfectionist when it comes to editing them that I spend WAY too much time on the back end. I'm not sure I'm ready to get sick and spend hours in front of the computer. I'll have to see. Here is my favorite from a recent shoot. Isn't he darling??
WHAT TO DO?

Crazy Cody

2011-01-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've been a little deep lately. Today I just want to say I'm thankful for Cody and his crazy ways. He is always making me laugh. The other night at my sister-in-law's wedding dinner we were all eating these giant ribs. Cody looked up at Jeff and said, "Dad, I can't believe we are eating human ribs!" Jeff laughed and said, "Cody, these aren't human ribs - they are from a cow." Cody looked up at him and said, "Ewww. That's even grosser!" I love my Cody.

I washed his feet.....literally.

2011-01-26T21:50:00.001-07:00

Ok so Jeff had knee surgery about 3 weeks ago. He had his ACL replaced and some torn stuff fixed and had a fracture set or something like that. Basically, as my kids say, "Dad's knee got jacked." He can't put any weight on his leg for 6 weeks. It has been really hard for him. He can't do a lot of things by himself. At the beginning he had a really hard time putting on his socks or putting on his brace. One morning he called me in while he was in the shower and asked if I could wash his feet. He just couldn't get down there to do it. So I did. I washed his feet. It was then that I remembered the Savior and His great example. It was then that I knew I needed to be more like Him.

Now over the course of these three weeks I have had to serve Jeff quite a lot. I bring his food to him in bed or on the couch. I get his clothes and put all of his clothes away when he drops them on the floor. I make the bed and do all the things he can't do. And do you know what? I love him more. That's right. Serving without expecting anything in return is an amazing thing. Most of the time when I do things for him, eventually I get mad if he isn't doing things back for me etc. But not this time. I know he really can't do much so I don't expect it and I just keep serving. Happily. Maybe this is what the Savior meant when he said, "But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant." Matthew 23:11. Now I'm not saying I'm the greatest....in fact, I'm saying quite the opposite. I'm saying that I'm self serving and naggy most of the time and I keep score. But these last three weeks I haven't. Jeff has loved me more and I love him more simply because I have just served him.

My brother in law had a sister born with a severe disability. I don't remember what it was called but she couldn't do anything for herself. She couldn't even talk. She was only supposed to live a few years, but ended up living 18. When she died her whole family was devastated. They loved her sooo much. All those years they had served and served her and she had never been able to do anything in return. That is why their love was so pure. So heartfelt. I don't think we can really understand what those 18 years of pure service did to their hearts. I know it made them more humble. I know it made them stronger.

So - what did I learn in the end? I hope that I have learned to be a little less "me, me, me," and focus more on serving Jeff. I hope that I can tuck this little experience in my pocket and be less irritated in the future about pants on the floor or something else so tiny in the scheme of things. I hope I've learned to be a better servant. And hopefully this will carry over into other aspects of my life. Hopefully I can be a better sister, mother, friend and daughter. Hopefully I can serve harder in my calling at church and in my home. Hopefully I will remember the sweetness that I have felt these last 3 weeks and hopefully I'll let it change me for the better.

Hope, Grace and Purity

2011-01-23T22:32:00.002-07:00

I noticed something the other day. I bought this magical face cream one day because I saw it on Oprah's Favorite Things. And if it's Oprah's favorite and you can afford it, then doesn't it have to be amazing?? I don't normally watch Oprah. But I caught this episode. And the name of my amazing Oprah advertised face cream is called Hope. I loved it so much that I went out a bought some for Jeff's staff for Christmas, and for my mom. With all that extra purchasing of stuff at Ulta they gave me a little bag of sample stuff from Philosophy and in it was a body wash called GRACE. It really is called Grace. Now I'm getting to the good part. So the other day when I was getting ready I realized that the perfume I got for my birthday is called Pure. (It smells marvelous by the way.) Every morning I wash myself with Grace, apply Hope and then cover myself in a beautiful scent called Pure.

What if this was true? What if every morning we put on hope? What if I woke up and had a firm hope that the day was going to be great; that my kids were going to do well in their lives and make good choices and be kind to the kids in the lunch room who don't have enough friends? What if I woke filled with hope that my Aunt Louise will continue to get better FAST and that she will be able to eat again just like me? What if I was filled with hope that my friends dad would pull through his cancer and that my little sister would be able to manage her tough road with two disabled children? What if I woke to the hope that I would live together with my dad, who died much to early, again someday and that all my family would end up in the same beautiful place because of the blessings of the gospel in our lives. Isn't hope magical? Just like the cream that makes my skin so soft and firm, the same can be done for my life if I just have a little more hope everyday and think about it more and really hope for the things that "are not seen, which are true." (Alma 32:21) President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, one of our modern day apostles described hope in this way. "Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness. . . Hope is a gift of the Spirit. . . We have the responsibility to make (hope) an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace, mercy,rejoicing, and gladness. The hope of salvation is like a protective helmet; it is the foundation of our faith and an anchor to our souls." If you want to read the whole article you can find it here. It's worth the read. Let's have more hope.

Grace. I have thought a lot about this word in the last year. When I first think of the word, I think of being graceful. When someone is graceful I think of them being soft and calm and kind. My husband says he thinks of a ballet dancer. I think my Grandma Marge was a graceful woman. I want to be more like her. I want to be less brass or loud and more still like her. I know when people think of me, graceful isn't the first word they think of. And that's ok. But I'd like to work on that.
But then when I think of grace as in the grace the Lord offers us it takes on a whole new meaning. When I think of that kind of grace I think of the scripture found in 2 Nephi “It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Ne. 25:23) I think of the atonement of our Savior and the blessing that He gives to me. Me. He knows my shortcomings and my weaknesses and promises me that if I do the very best I can, He will step in and make up that difference to make me whole. I don't think that most of us really understand this principle. I think most of us are out there trying to perfect ourselves and are always falling short. But if I understand grace correctly it is an AMAZING gift from our Father in Heaven through His son Jesus Christ. Because of grace I can return to live with Him again. Because of grace I can make mistakes and repent and He will love me just the same as He did before the mistakes. I want to study more about grace and understand it more. But I know that it is something that I want everyday. I know I need that extra help and support from the Savior everyday. I went back to Ulta to buy the big container of Grace and found it was too expensive. I went home empty handed and decided to use my little bottle sparingly. This is the opposite of the grace I get from heaven. The grace I am offered is free. The grace I'm offered never runs out and can be used as often as I choose to turn to the Lord. I am grateful for Grace. Wouldn't it be great if we really did wash ourselves in His grace every day?

Lastly, in my morning routine I spray on my perfume. "Pure". This word is a beautiful word to me. It embodies so much. I want to be pure. I want my thoughts and actions to be more pure. I want to think only the best of others. I want to judge less and love more. I want to watch good media and listen to uplifting songs. I want to have a clean heart. I think it would be awesome to have a spray that I could cover my body with every day, like a blanket or a protection that would keep me pure. I wish the influences of the world didn't creep in so often and make me feel a little less worthy - a little less pure. I want my children to be protected from the terrible influences of pornography and the evils of the world that try so hard to invade our homes and our children's minds. I want my three year old to stay as pure as she is now. Purity. It's beautiful. It's clean. It's tangible. It is visible in the eyes of those who's thoughts and actions are pure. I want it to be more visible in me.

Now that I have noticed these things, I hope I think about them every day as I use them. What a sweet little blessing it was to see these things in such a new light.

Validation

2010-11-16T09:22:00.001-07:00

Found this on one of my mom's students blogs this morning. I love it so much. A little long, but worth it. Validation

Answered prayers

2010-11-15T11:05:00.002-07:00

Today, (well yesterday really) I am thankful for answered prayers. I am thankful for the times when the Lord gives me specific answers to my problems. At times they have come as thoughts, like when I prayed strong and hard one night at a loss at what to do over my son's stuttering problems. Before the prayer was finished, the thought came into my mind: read to him, have him read to you. Very specific. And as I did this I saw improvements. The Lord told me right away what to do. There have been other times where searching, praying, fasting, getting blessings and the like have drawn on, testing my patience and faith. But eventually answers came. Other times, like when my dad passed away far too young from cancer, the answer wasn't the one we all prayed for. But even then, in those still moments I knew He had heard us, that He loved us still and there was a plan for us. Most of the time the answers to my prayers and pondering come to me through the words of the scriptures. The Book of Mormon is magic in this way. If you are searching or struggling for answers or to know the will of the Lord in you life - immerse yourself in the scriptures. Pray, ponder, repent, pray some more and read. The Lord will tell you plain as day in the writings of the scriptures what you should do and how He feels about you. It's amazing.

But this week I fasted and prayed for an answer and a thought kept coming to my mind. It wasn't my plan. It wasn't anything I had thought about, but it still kept nagging at me. So I started investigating into the solution and one was laid out for me in a miraculous way. I love my Heavenly Father. I love that He knows me, listens to me and answers me.

Antibiotics and other little things I take for granted

2010-11-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

I'm grateful today for antibiotics. I'm so glad I live in a day where I can catch a sickness early, take a prescription and feel really good within 2 days. What did the pioneers do when they had a UTI while crossing the plains? Poor, poor ancestors. I'm grateful that the Lord lets us live in so much luxury. Even when I complained about being soo poor in school we were so rich compared to those early saints and what they had and what comforts they didn't enjoy.
I wasn't asked to grind up my china to put in the walls of the temple to make them shiny. I wasn't asked to walk across the plains or give up all my possessions and family or burry kids along the way. I'm asked to make some posters, get some speakers, arrange some music for a youth conference. I'm asked to go to a lot of meetings: meetings that are held in a climate controlled beautiful building where I am free to worship unafraid. Really, I've got it easy. I need to never forget that.

Generous Strangers

2010-11-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was thankful for the lady in line at Michaels who gave me an extra 40% off coupon because I was buying something big for Courtney's good grades and I don't get the paper and so I didn't have a coupon and I was going to put back my item and go home and search the internet for a coupon and then come back later and buy it. (wow really long sentence!) She said, "I have an extra one." She saved me $30.
It reminded me of the lady on the plane when I was heading back from Las Vegas once. It was super turbulent and I got really sick. The stewardess wouldn't let me go back to the bathroom - just handed me a bag. I was sitting between two STRANGERS and had to throw up and throw up into a bag! I was horrified. I bent my head down as far as I could between my legs to try to spare my "neighbors" - well, all of a sudden, I felt someone rubbing my back. That stranger on the plane felt bad for me. She didn't dry heave or roll her eyes or any of the things she could have done. She just rubbed my back until I was done.
"When saw we thee a stranger...."

Lexi

2010-11-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight I'm thankful for my sister Lexi. She is something of a wonder. I don't have the words to write how much I admire her. She is an amazing mother and wife. She has 4 kids -two of which are disabled. I don't think any of us realize what her days are like. I don't think any of us realize how hard it is. And somewhere along the line she got all crafty. She's really talented. Today I got a box in the mail with a ton of paper flowers that she had made. I told her how darling her wreath and garland were, but that it was too hard to make the flowers and I was burning my fingers off - so what does she do? She makes me a ton of flowers. And leaves. I just have to go get the garland and hook them on.
Do you not realize how much she has to do in a day? I can't even make it to the post office and my life is a piece of cake compared to hers. How did she find the time to make me the flowers AND mail them. Thank you Lexi. Thanks for being AMAZING. Thanks for taking your trials with your head held high and for being a great example to all the rest of us. And thanks for making all those flowers for me. Hug that sweet little Abby for me and give a big high five to those cute boys. I love you.

2010-11-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

So last night I didn't get a chance to write what I was thankful for because I was making Cream Brulee French Toast for breakfast. Sounded so delicious but just ended up being suggary sog. :( Anyhow, if I could rewind to last night I would say that I am thankful for Blake. He is such an amazing little kid. He loves the gospel so much and has such strong feelings at such a young age. He came home from church on Sunday and wanted to share a scripture with me. He read to me the story of the Good Samaritan. He talked about how sad it was that people just walked by. Then I said, "We are having company over for dinner tomorrow, do you want to give this for a family home evening lesson?" He said, "Sure." Even though it was a new family in our ward and he didn't know any of them. He then spent the day copying down the scripture on a piece of paper. Then he found the picture of the good samaritan in the gospel art kit. He climbed up the counter and found a bandaid and then he pestered me for a container that holds oil and wine to pour in his wounds. The back of his lesson is the cutest.

He gave it like a pro. Asked questions. Had volunteers hold up the "water bottle" (vile of wine) and the bandaid. He had someone else hold the picture. I couldn't stop smiling. What a great kid he is. I know the Lord has amazing things in store for him. I love Blake.

Mom's mission

2010-11-07T21:10:00.001-07:00

New goal: Taking this blog back to where I had started - writing on thing a day where I had seen the hand of the Lord in my life.
Tonight I talked to my mom. She has been on her mission exactly one week and is in the MTC. She is having the time of her life. She and her good friend Tina are companions and they just laugh and laugh and are having a ball. I am so happy for her. I am so glad that she gets to have these great experiences and spend time doing what SHE wants to for the first time in at least 37 years. Being a missionary is the best. I loved so much of it, and when I had a great companion that I loved like Crossman or Takoaka Shimai it made it so much better. I am jealous. Such great things await her. And even though I don't get to talk to her nearly as much as I used to....it's ok. I'll give her to the Lord for a little while. And in the meantime, I couldn't be more proud of her.

Little Lizzy

2010-11-06T19:48:00.010-07:00

In thinking over my blessings how I saw the hand of the Lord in my life today I would have to say this: Lizzy. This morning we told her that we were going to see Megamind.She looked up and said, "REALLY?? YEA!!! AT THE THEATER??!!! YEA!" She was so excited! Later when we went to the movie she was dancing, loved the popcorn and the whole experience. I love the enthusiasm of a three year old. I wish that I had that all the time. I love going to the movies, don't get me wrong... but Liz just reminded me of my mom today and all that Jones enthusiasm and gush that pours down that line. I love you Lizzy.

Humane Society

2010-09-24T14:12:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I caught the cat, kenneled it and took it all the way to 15th Ave and Hatcher. Is that bleeding heart enough for all of you? I even gave a "donation" to the society. Yesterday afternoon I got a call that I left my drivers license down there. It's only about a 2 hour round trip to go pick it up. Awesome. I needed it today, too, to go get my passport so that I can go to Mexico with all the Wellmans for Thanksgiving. It also happens to be our 15th wedding anniversary that weekend. So, if this delay causes me to get my passport too late and I can't go we will definitely know that NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED. That has always been my mom's phrase and Jeff has always thought it was an awful thought. But the more I live life, the more I see how true that phrase really is. And if it's true enough for for a musical to write a whole song around it, then it must be true.
No wonder I hate cats.

Scary cats and crazy mothers

2010-09-19T20:24:00.005-07:00

So. There is this freakishly ugly cat that has adopted my neighbor and in turn likes to hang out on my front porch. My neighbor has decided to feed this cat and so it has decided to stay. Now when I say I am not a cat lover - this is true. When I say I HATE the smell of cat pee - this is true. When I say that I haven't looked twice at this mangy cat - this is true. Blech. It is skinny and has oozy sores that oozed its ooze on my front chair. My mom went to pet it and it is missing half its front teeth. Blech. It is a disgusting cat. I personally think it might be a witch. But anyway...I digress. My mother is a cat lover. She has always had cats and will one day be one of those crazy cat ladies with 5,000 cats running around her house. And peeing all over her house. It will not smell nice to visit her....Again I digress.
Anyhow, here is the story at hand and the purpose of this blog post. Compassion oozes out of my mom like ooze oozes out of this cat onto my chair. Jeff told her not to feed that cat because he doesn't want it hanging out here. I think she triednot to feed it. But on the last day she was here I saw her sneak out front with something. I ran out after her and saw her giving that witch cat the leftover eggs from breakfast. She had the most guilty look on her face and the most sad one too. "Oh Mel, Look at how skinny he is! He is sick and skinny and needs food." Then she went on to quote some scripture that she embellished and changed to meet her needs, "When you have done it unto the least of these my creatures....." My mom sat down on my front driveway and petted and petted the witch until it purred and purred. Then it opened its mouth and tried to bite her. (That's how we know it is missing front teeth.) My mom could not NOT feed that cat. It isn't in her nature.
Tonight when I pulled into the driveway, that cat bolted off my porch and over to my neighbors. Right then I got thinking about my dear mom and how much she loves me and EVERYONE and every creature too. When we were younger she brought people home too. She is has had many people live with her. My cousin, another cousin's son...some kid who slept in our garage - Thomas, the list goes on and on. She is letting a couple and their daughter live in her house for free when she goes on her mission. She is always the one who became friends with the kids in her class that needed the extra love and attention. The elders in Rochester are going to LOVE her. She is so fun and so encouraging and so concerned about everyone around her. She has a gift. I love her for it.
Someday when she is gone I'm going to remember her sneaking out the door with food for that mangy cat and I'm going to wish that I can grow up just like her someday. I'm grateful for her example of always giving everyone the benefit of the doubt and not judging - just loving everyone. Thanks mom. You're amazing.
(And I still hope I accidentally run over that freaky cat. I have a long ways to go....)

It's Always Something......

2010-09-17T00:14:00.003-07:00

This is me as Roseanne Roseannadana. I think I'll wear my hair like this to church Sunday.

Fat Hippo

2010-09-15T21:47:00.002-07:00

So the other day I was in the pool with my two youngest. I decided to give them a ride on my back around the pool. Cody looked over at Lizzy and said, "Hey Liz, we are getting a ride on a fat hippo!" And I said, "Cody!!" and he looked at me and said, "A super fun fat hippo!"
Like my father in law used to say, "Kids, why do we have kids?"

The Prayer of a Child

2010-08-23T16:50:00.003-07:00

Last night in Cody's prayer he said, "And please bless that we will have a good sleep, and that no one hucks a spear through our neck..."
I feel like I'm raising Chandler a second time over.

Great Grandma Paulson's Platter and my soul

2010-08-17T10:02:00.003-07:00

If you could take a picture of my soul this last week it might have looked something like this....
What a hard week.

Tonight

2010-03-15T23:06:00.004-07:00

Tonight somehow I ended up with some extra minutes and some boredom and just read a dozen or so blogs. This is something I gave up probably a year ago and now I remember why. I'm going to bed feeling like I'm not "Oh so clever." My house isn't "Oh so clean." I didn't make the "most amazing dinner..(here are all the steps)". I didn't snuggle all my kids on the couches all day and I actually spanked Lizzy for drawing all over her door with her new birthday crayons. I didn't go to the gym and do ten classes and then run five miles. I didn't take any amazing photographs and then spend oh so much time editing them in photoshop. (Ok, well I take THAT one back. We did take 37 amazing pictures and posted them on facebook. And we laughed our guts out while we were doing it.)
Anyway, to all the women out there who let their kids fix their own breakfast (and it wasn't hot and was full of sugar) and then selfishly went out to lunch with a friend, had fast food for dinner and then watched 24.... Here's to us!!

Christmas Card 2009

2009-12-21T22:53:00.008-07:00

Here we are.
My goal for next year is to start doing this again. A little. We'll see how it goes.
Merry Christmas everyone in blog reading land who has stopped reading this blog many moons ago when I stopped writing it.

Wow - I'm kind of famous!

2009-09-12T21:28:00.002-07:00

Ha Ha ha. I spoke at an event in Mesa called Creative Escape. It is a huge scrapbooking convention of sorts and I was the keynote speaker at the end of it. I have had many people google me I guess and send me emails. A few have found this blog and left me notes. Thanks so much to all of you around the world who took the time to write to me. I'm overwhelmed. How nice of all of you! I haven't thought about this little blog in what ... four months or so? Maybe I'll have to begin posting once and while. Tonight I'm going to sleep but I will put the quotes on here that some of you wanted from my talk soon. Thanks again!

Shelby's post

2009-05-02T18:56:00.003-07:00

Check out Shelby's version of the race . . . ha ha ha. It's true. All of it. Especially the thanks to all our friends for donating and also the part about the beans.
Shelby's blog

Thank You Shelby!!

2009-04-30T17:47:00.004-07:00

Here is my sister Shelby. She is the real hero in all of this. This is her 2nd 1/2 marathon since she got cancer. She is AMAZING. I fully made her walk way more than she wanted to and she made me laugh and smile for 13.1 miles. Who could do that?? I love her and I'm so glad she made me do something so hard.

Here is the whole crew. My little brother Jamey started training in Jan. like the rest of us and he is some kind of running prodigy. It's sick really. Everything he tries he succeeds at. He was amazing!! Shelby's husband Jaymee ran like the wind also and did amazing. And then there is Jeff. He trained like 4 times. He didn't buy any new shoes or clothes. And that brat got out there and also ran like a total champ - staying up with Sara for 10 miles!! Way to go. He schooled me by like 40 minutes! He is amazing. He too can do anything he tries. I am so proud of him too. Our great friend Sara is also awesome and even schooled Jeff. Way to go Sara!

Lexi really wanted to run with us and started training but fractured her foot and couldn't run with us. But she cheered us on and laughed a lot and we needed her there. I love my sisters.

Ok - something wierd kicked in about mile 7. I'm not sure what it was. Maybe it was this illusive "runner's high" I have heard so much about. Maybe it was the magic caffiene beans we started eating. Maybe it was the fact that I was doing something so hard for me and not dying - I don't know but I got really crazy. I started high fiving everyone I could see and just went a little nuts. As you can tell by the pictures straight after the race. I look high! It was so fun. I really loved it.

The rest of these pictures are just pre-race fun and night before jitter pictures. I was scared to death and Shelby was delighted. I had a blast with my family and I am so glad I did this. I will fix this later and organize it better but for now I just wanted to get the pictures up before I left for Utah.

And this last one is because for one day I really was a celebrity! Yea me! Yea Prices! Yea Team In Training. Yea to all of you who helped us raise over $4,000 for cancer research. It felt really really neat to feel I was part of something so big and that I helped make a difference.

I did it!!!

2009-04-25T19:02:00.001-07:00

When I get back in town I will post all the pictures and talk all about it but I just want to say that I CAN DO HARD THINGS!!!!!!!! I ran the half-marathon today in Nashville and it was great! I had a blast.
SEE YA!

Discouragement

2009-04-16T09:44:00.002-07:00

When Shelby asked me to run this race back in January I thought, "This is crazy! I don't do any exercise - how am I going to run 13.1 miles in just 3.5 months?" But then I thought I couldn't say no. It's for cancer research. It's for Dad and Yuko and Grandma Marge and mostly - for SHELBY. So I bought some shoes and started running. And it hurt. And I hated it. But I kept going. I think deep inside I envisioned myself becoming this great runner. I imagined being all skinny and perfect and happy like all the runner girls I know. To put it bluntly - I was going to excel at this. So I ran. And at first I couldn't even run to the next light post. But then I made it two and then three. And all the while my calves were killing me. And then I went one mile without stopping and I cried. I was so proud. And my calves were killing me. But I kept on going. I have gone 127 miles now in preparing for this race. That is 5 full marathons if lumped all together. And guess what? A week away from this race I still hate it. My calves have never adjusted and kill every time I run more than a mile. So now I walk run. Run a little, walk a little. I went nine miles the other day, pushing two babies in a double stroller. I was exhausted and it took too much time. Why??? Why??? Why didn't I excel at this? Why am I not a runner yet? Why do I want to stop? I know there is a great gospel analogy in here about some people have some gifts while others are given others. We don't all get all gifts. Christy H. can sing like an angel and is BEAUTIFUL and started running and is great at it. She got all the gifts. Why not me? Shelby can go 13 miles without stopping and she has messed up radiated cancer lungs. Why not me? Blah blah boo hoo. I'm just sad that I didn't end up a runner. But, actually I am glad cuz remember, I hate running!
And PS - I've gone 127 miles and haven't lost 1 pound.

But we did reach our goal and have raised almost $4000!! That's something! Yea for great friends and family.

Dream Day

2009-04-05T08:16:00.004-07:00

If this happened to me in a train station I would be forever happy. Would someone arrange this for me. Thanks.

Sound of music

A Great Potty Training tip

2009-04-03T13:53:00.002-07:00

I think one way to help with potty training your boys is to accidentally slam the toilet seat down on their extended unit while they are trying to go. . . I think this will lead to a lot less anxiety the next time we try. DANG IT!!

April Fools

2009-04-03T13:23:00.003-07:00

Lizzy and Cody got me so good on April Fools day. It went like this. "Mom - go up and take a shower and we'll be really good kids."

Then in unison, "APRIL FOOLS!"

What funny, funny kids.

****WE MET OUR GOAL FOR OUR RACE!!!! THANKS TO ALL YOU DONATED! WE LOVE YOU.

Really? She writes again?

2009-03-25T09:32:00.010-07:00

I think I got all blogged out. When it became something else on my "to do" list I decided to heck with blogs. But I have some fun pictures I need to post so I'll go back a little bit and start at the beginning.
Where is the best place to begin? On the back of a bull perhaps? Yes. Jeff, Summer and Shawn talked me into riding a mechanical bull at some restaurant in Glendale. I felt awkward and fairly foolish - but did it nonetheless. 2 days later my back went completely out. The doc said it was because of that stinkin bull. My career was short lived. No more rodeos for me.
Shawn and Jeff had a hay day though and couldn't wait to get back and do it again. Shawn set this whole big thing up after our stake conference Sat. night meeting and to make a long story short . . . poor Shawn . . . the reservation fell through, no place to eat. WE WERE STARVING!!! But a few guys in the ward decided to ride the bull before we left . . .starving. Shawn had on the foulest Wranglers you've ever seen and he didn't even get on the bull. He did bring a prize in a brown paper sack that he carried around all night and then very non-ceremoniously gave it to Jeff on the ride home. Yes, of course, my ever talented husband Jeff won the competition and got the coveted bell. And then I FINALLY got some dinner at this great little Mexican food place with HOT salsa and free soppapias. MMMMMmmmm. Which reminds me, I'm still hungry.

That's all I have for now. Blogging makes me tired and hungry. . . .

Here is the aftermath on Jeff's thigh. NICE!!

Don't forget you can still donate to our race. It's only three weeks away!!
Click here.

THANK YOU!!!

2009-02-21T21:20:00.002-07:00

I can't believe it. Our first day of fundraising for this race and we earned $300! I can't believe what great family and friends we have. I know that many of the donations already were a huge sacrifice and I'm so humbled that so many are willing to help and believe in us and this cause. Thanks for being so good. We love you!

You knew it was coming!!!

2009-02-20T17:24:00.003-07:00

Ok kids - you knew it was coming. Here is the official link to our fund raising page for this race. Thanks so much for all your support for this cause! I love and appreciate you!

YOU CAN HELP STOP IT!!!!

Look at my little running gal

2009-02-17T09:01:00.001-07:00

Look at my little running girl on the bottom of this page. She's MOCKING me. I haven't run in a week because I hurt my back and now she's mocking me. For rude!

Martin Luther King

2009-02-17T08:43:00.004-07:00

So, our friend Maegan's son came home from school recently and proceeded to have a discussion with his mom about Martin Luther King. After they talked a while about him he said, "Mom, I'm so glad there was Martin Luther King, because if there wasn't, I couldn't play with Blake!"
Isn't that the best story?! Wyatt thinks Blake is a black boy. I love it. And I love my little tan boy Blake!

I promise this isn't always going to be about running!

2009-02-09T11:13:00.006-07:00

Ok - so last Saturday I ran my first 5K. My time was so slow. I had to stop and walk a few times - and about mile 2.5 my foot started feeling like it was getting poked by a stick. The more I ran the more I was getting poked. So I stopped and dug my finger into my shoe and couldn't feel anything and then kept running - after doing this a few times I finally sat down, took off my shoe and dug around in my sock and checked my shoe and still couldn't see any stick. So I got up and finished and after I crossed the finish line (with a bunch of strangers cheering when they called out my name - that was awesome!) I took off my shoe and found the hugest blister I have ever had right on the bottom of my foot. Perfect. One more reason to LOVE running! But I completed my first race and it was exciting, blister and all.

Today I ran 2.5 miles in the pouring rain. Am I insane?? All I could think as I was going was "chemo was harder, chemo was harder." I'm so grateful everyday that Shelby is ok and I want to do all I can to help fight Lymphoma!

This whole running thing reminds me of a little thing I wrote up for the relief society sisters when we lived in VA. I'll finish with that. Because this whole running goal reminds me so much of the goal that all of us have of eternal life.

"One of my most valued possessions is a yellow letter written to me on hospital paper. It is from my Dad. He was 48 years old and had just found out that his cancer had returned. He had six children, the youngest just 9 years old. Things did not look good. At a time when bitterness and doubt could have prevailed, these are the words he wrote to me, "The Lord must really love me, because he says, 'Whom the Lord loves he chasteneth,' and 'I will have a tested people.' He has certainly tested me. But if he thinks I'm going to give up, and be resentful, He's wrong. My faith is strong. I know that Jesus, my Savior, loves me and cares for me, and wants me to be a strong servant. He just has to refine me a little." In closing he wrote, "Don't worry about me. It's in the Lord's hands and I accept whatever he wants for me - everything will turn out for the best." He passed away just four months later.
What an example of faith and courage he was to me. When I get feeling sorry for myself and begin to feel overburdened or discouraged, I think about that yellow letter. "The Lord must really love me . . " The severity of my problems diminishes, and I am left with a sweet peace that "everything will turn out for the best." And it will.
The scriptures are a lot like that yellow note from my Dad. They are encouraging words from our Heavenly Father to guide us and comfort us. "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:20)
Life gets hard sometimes. Trials come. Tears fall. Hearts break. But the Savior has taught us how to get through it. He will be there to help us, to guide us, and to comfort us, so that one day we will be able to return home to live with Him and our Heavenly Father again.
Recently,some members of our ward participated in a 10K. Upon asking a sister how she did, she replied, "I reached my goal - I finished the race." How strange would it have been for her to reply, "Well, I got tired and a little hungry halfway through the race, so I just sat down and quit." So it is with our lives. Our goal is to "finish the race," to return to live eternally with our Heavenly Father. But when we turn away from the truths we have been taught, become offended, close our hearts to the spirit or in some way walk away from the Lord and his promises, we are in essence, sitting down and quitting the race. If you watch races you will find that people will do anything to cross that finish line. They come crawling, crying, stumbling or sprinting. But they cross the line and they are joyful!. Imagine the joy awaiting us, as we crawl, cry stumble or sprint across that eternal finish line and into the loving arms of our Savior. Don't sit down half way through. You can do it!
In closing I want to leave with you a few words from another letter that I hold dear. My sister-in-law recently returned from a mission in Madagascar. Her last letter told of the many trials and joys she encountered while serving: fleas, malaria drugs, periods of time with no electricity or plumbing, falling in open sewers, sickness, shoes held together by safety pins, kids throwing rocks at her, the list goes on. And why did Tami do all of these things? Her answer is a beautiful lesson. "Why? Because God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith the prophet and restored the fullness of the everlasting gospel on the earth. And I know it. And other people need to know too. It was so worth it."
May we all endure to the end and trust in the Lord, so that when our life is over we, too, can say with conviction, "It was so worth it!"

Thanks!

2009-02-08T10:56:00.003-07:00

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you too, can become great." Mark Twain.

I am overwhelmed by all the encouragement and kindness that I have received about starting this silly running thing for Shelby and Lymphoma research. I am surrounded by "really great ones!" Thank you.

I RAN MY FIRST MILE WITHOUT STOPPING TODAY!!!

2009-01-30T11:35:00.002-07:00

You have to understand that this has been crazy hard for me. Why am I so out of shape and why is running so hard?? I started just being able to run between one set of lamp posts. Then I could do two but I'd have to stop and walk some. Then every now and again I could run three without stopping but today I just took off and watched all those lamp posts fly by! (well not really fly . . .) but you know. I cried. I was so happy. 10 min and 30 sec. for one mile and I'm crazy happy. I'm sure half the world is laughing at that feat but to me it's the best! Woo hoo.

Lizzy too is celebrating me running one mile - showing off the destruction she did to herself while I was out running and Jeff was . . . watching her?

I'm going to run a half marathon! Really. I never thought it was remotely possible but I'm going to do it. And I'm also going to help kick cancer's butt. I joined Team in Training to help raise money for Lymphoma and Leukemia research through running this race. I cried through the whole meeting. I have already lost too many people that I love to cancer and came too close with Shelby. I'm not going to sit back anymore and just let it happen. I'm going to do something about it. Something dang hard. Woo woo. Look I'm crying again. Who knew that just getting off my butt could cause such emotion!

Ode to Codes

2009-01-29T11:14:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I was doing Lizzy's hair and when I got done Cody said, "Mom, Lizzy looks like a princess! I wish she could marry me someday."
He is a sweet, sweet boy. I think it would be hard to be the 4th child when the 5th came so soon after and demanded so much attention. Cody just goes his way and is so chill about everything. He demands so little and is so good. I just adore him and am so glad he is part of our family.

The answer is still no, Shawn . . .

2009-01-23T09:28:00.005-07:00

Stop sending me these pictures!

I won't post this one.

Or this one.

Or this one.

No Shawn, a box of Krispy Kreme's will not sweeten the deal to get you on my favorite people who make me laugh post. You actually have to make me laugh.

You are wasting your time.

Or maybe this is my new favorite quote . . .

2009-01-22T14:01:00.005-07:00

"Maybe if you ate more comfort food, you wouldn't have to go around shooting people."
Hurley from "Lost"

Laughing

2009-01-22T11:07:00.003-07:00

The thought this month in Real Simple magazine was this:
"Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh." W.H. Auden

I have thought a lot about this since I read it and I have thought back to past best friends and the people I enjoy the most and realize that this is so true for my life. I am so glad I was born into such a fun family and that we have laughed our way through life -even the really hard trials. I am grateful for my fun, fun husband and hope that the couple above is us in 50 years. He makes me laugh every day. I am thankful for fun friends who make me chuckle even hours after they have left. Here are a few pictures of some of those I love because of all the laughing. I'll post more when I get a second to scan some more pictures. Here's to all the laughs!

Are you done counting your blessings??

2009-01-15T09:45:00.002-07:00

So my sister in law asks on here the other day, "Are you done counting your blessings?" I had to laugh. No - I'm just lazy. Or maybe I have too many blessing to count. Or maybe Shelby is slowly trying to kill me by making me run a 1/2 marathon in April and by night I have nothing left. (ok, maybe that would be true if I had to type with my calves, but since I don't we'll just go back to lazy.) But my body is rebelling. My calves are crying, "Are you trying to kill us???" Honestly. I think it's torture. Needed torture - but none the less TORTURE. We have these Nike + things that go in our shoes and then we race each other in different states etc. I don't want to get behind so I go. But my legs won't stop hurting. You'd think after 3 weeks it would settle down a little - but it's worse today than it has ever been. Maybe because I am going from atrophy to running. I really haven't exercised in my life so my muscles (or lack thereof) may be freaking out. Blah blah. Boo hoo me.
But I'm not going to quit. We are running the Lymphoma marathon in Nashville and we are doing it to prove that Shel kicked cancer's butt and maybe to help someone else kick it too. Every time I start to get discouraged with this training, I think of Shelby fighting her way through chemo, radiation and the whole disease and I think ,"I really can just run a few miles." I'm grateful Shelby challenged me to do this. This is really hard for me. As you can tell by my little guy on the side of my blog - I'm no speed demon. But look at me - I've almost ran a whole marathon worth of miles in just three weeks. I never thought I could even do that. So thanks Shelby for being so inspirational. For making me do hard things. And for living through something so scary so that when I feel like quiting I can just chant to my self, "Did Shelby quit?? Never!" If she ran a half marathon not a year out of full on cancer, I can get off my butt and run with her in April. Wish me luck. And then come over here and rub my legs.

The Armor of God

2008-11-25T22:12:00.007-07:00

She is no longer set on my destruction. She and Cody have been much nicer. And I know why. Last Saturday I had to speak for an hour at a 4 stake youth conference. Last week was a terrible week. It seemed that Cody and Liz were set on destroying everything in their paths. I was in a really bad depressed place with a darkness hanging over me that I can't explain. I had one million things that needed to be done. All my older kids could do was tattle and fight. Every time I tried to study or prepare for that talk I got hung up and couldn't do it. Finally, Friday I was at my breaking point. I called my mother in law and had her come help with the kids so I could work. I worked on it all day and still it just wasn't coming together the way I wanted. After I came home from the Friday night activity I finally had Jeff give me a blessing and finally the darkness cleared and I was able to put it all together in a cohesive manner. In the end, the talk went well and many of the youth said they were touched.

I have never had that happen like that before. I have never been so stumped or had so much unleashed on me the week of a talk or presentation. It wasn't until that night before I spoke, when I really sat down to think about it did I understand. I was speaking on putting on the armor of God. I was basically going out to tell the kids how to resist Satan and his influence and how to stay on the Lord's side. Of course SATAN didn't want me to have the spirit or to give that talk! Part of my pat. blessing says that Satan will put roadblocks in my path at every chance and I need to be on guard to always recognize his actions. I wasn't on guard. I didn't get what was going on until it was almost too late. I am grateful again for the priesthood and for that blessing that let the light back in and made it possible for me to give that talk to the youth. There was an important message there for someone. Here is a quote I used in my talk and I think it's so true:

M. Russel Ballard said, “Long before the world was formed, Satan and those who followed after him raged against the forces of good and tried to overthrow the work of God. That struggle has not ended, only shifted battlegrounds. It is ruthless and relentless, and the objective of the battle is your eternal soul and mine.”

We all must “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day. …
“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” (Eph. 6:11–18.)

Happy Anniversary!

2008-11-25T12:59:00.003-07:00

So, yesterday I woke up to roses going down all the stairs, around the corner and to the kitchen table. They started with white roses, then turned pink, then red. He said they symbolized our lives. First the friendship, then courtship then the true love. Awwww. I am so glad that 13 years ago I married Jeff.
He is a great dad. Each of our kids have their own song and he sings to them in their beds each night. He is crazy fun with them too - most recently, sending them flying off the stairs and across the dining room in his climbing harness. They love him mucho and always look forward to him being around.
I love how much time he wants to be with ME. He and I eat lunch together almost every day. We go out on dates every weekend. He basically choses me - always. I feel so loved. He is so funny and sometimes we just lay in bed and night and laugh and laugh. He truly is my best friend. He works really hard for our family and provides so well. He is handsome and smart and has a great vocabulary -(which I often challenge, but am always wrong.) I love him. Happy Anniversary Jeff.

Dear Santa

2008-11-19T08:34:00.002-07:00

I asked Cody (he's 2) what he wanted from Santa this morning and this was his answer.

I want a big dinosaur with CRAZY eyes that has little spiders all over his face. And he can talk - he says, "Ahhh! Ahhh! Get all these spiders off my face."

If anyone happens to see one around will you let me know. :)

And because this blog was originally made for me to try harder to notice the hand of the Lord in my life everyday I will say that crazy comments like that make 2 year olds so fun and make yesterday ok. Days like that also make me thankful for great friends like Nickie who come over and help wipe up all the nail polish and then babysit my kids so I can go to lunch without them. I am grateful for good friends to go to lunch with and a sweet husband who said, "Why don't you just leave tonight - you need a break" when he got home. (and he bathed them while I was gone.) And lastly, I am grateful that I don't have to have a baby with no epidural today. Good luck Summer!

End of the day

2008-11-18T21:19:00.004-07:00

So now they lay all nestled snug in their beds, while visions of breaking everything in my house tomorrow dance through their heads . . .

Here is what happened during the shower. . .

And here is what happened tonight while I was out. I get a text from Jeff that reads , "Lizzy just broke something else."

I hope Drop Dead Fred hasn't come to live at my house. Maybe tomorrow it'll be a mud pie on the kitchen table. . .

I am dead serious

2008-11-18T15:52:00.001-07:00

So when I got out of the shower and went downstairs this is what I heard Cody say before I saw what I saw, "Mom, it's the blood."

Pictures to follow. Why am I cursed?

Continuing fun . . .

2008-11-18T09:47:00.002-07:00

Here's what she did while I was typing the last entry. Anyone have the number to poison control??

I have to go take a shower. I'm sure this is what my house will look like when I get out. Thanks kids. Smoochy love and snuggles.

The petting zoo lady and me

2008-11-18T09:10:00.016-07:00

One day I was at the zoo with my kids. We proceeded to go to the stinkiest part of the whole zoo - the petting zoo. As I watched my kids chase goats and deer all around a small cage, I looked over and saw a worker quickly sweeping up the goat poop. As fast as she would get it swept up, 40 other goats would poop. It was a never ending battle. She just swept and swept and they just pooped and pooped. At that moment I felt a strong bond with that woman. I said to her, "You know, your job and my job aren't that much different. I feel like all I do all day is sweep up the goat droppings, just to have 10,000 more droppings fall somewhere else." She looked at me like I was stupid and speaking Chinese and went back to her work. But I'm not stupid. It is true. It's the truest analogy to motherhood I have yet found. Here is my week in pictures.

"Mom! The play room smells like barf!!"

After some searching I found the culprit. Leaking 2 day old rancid sippy cup. Perfect.

"Has your mother seen what you did?"

Thanks Cody for chopping your hair down to the nub. You are a fantastic kid!

"Who gave Lizzy a pen??"

"MMMMMmmmm. The laundry smells minty."

Who sends a full pack of gum through the wash? Jeff, do you have any ideas?

"She can't stay in nursery. What if it's pink eye?"

I'm pretty sure it's "blood eye" but ok. She's great in class. (And by great I mean the DEVIL) I'll take her.

I have no pictures of Jeff in the ER all morning Sunday.

I give up. The crap is going to have to pile up. I'm going to take a long, long nap.

Liz and Jeff

2008-11-16T22:15:00.002-07:00

I was just taking a little trip down memory lane tonight and looking through about 1 billion pictures that fill my computer to the brim and I came across this one. I had totally forgotten about it but it is one of my all time favorites. Lizzy wasn't one month old. I don't know why she is making that crazy face. But tonight as both Liz and Jeff aren't feeling well, I am thankful for these two people in my life and hope they feel better tomorrow.

Stolen post

2008-11-05T10:55:00.005-07:00

I want to paste a copy of Shelby's post today because it was beautiful and so important. I loved her words and the talk she found. Sorry for the cyber theft.

The Dawning of a Brighter Day

Anyone who knows me probably can't imagine I would write a title like that on a day like today. Back in January when I was
getting daily radiation therapy, I had to drive about 45 minutes each way. I became addicted to talk radio (we have a great FM
station here). It was the beginning of the election frenzy and I was on board. Since then I have listened to and read everything
I could get my hands on. I mourned when Romney had to bow out. I cheered when Sarah Palin and her big family and
conservative values joined Mccain. I think I began to scare people a little with my obsession. I teared up as I voted yesterday
and prayed hard for Mccain. I was angry with Obama and his supporters. Angry that abortion was fine with them. Angry that
we didn't know what he was up to or what he really was going to do. Angry that that was ok with so many Americans. I love
America. I didn't want "change" for change's sake. I love freedom of Religion. I want to be able to say that I am pro-life and
that I believe marriage is between a man and a woman without being told I'm a bigot or that I didn't care about women. I love
capitalism. I was sad that we had gone through 13 years of really hard times to get Jaymee into a practice only to have it
taken away. I love that we are the most generous country on earth. I didn't like being told we weren't. But I have to stop right
there. I've gotten off course and forgotten what I learned today. My point is that I was passionate about this election.

Last night when I saw that Obama had won I cried and cried. Unfortunately, Jaym was in a benadryl coma because he lost a
battle with poison ivy making us a huge fire pit in the back yard so I was all alone in my grief. I came upstairs and began to
pray. I prayed that my sadness could be replaced with peace. I prayed to know that this was indeed the will of the Lord. I don't
like being angry. I don't like those dark feelings. I begged Heavenly Father to grant me understanding and then I went to
sleep. It was a restless night. I tossed and turned and wrote a scathing blog in my mind about how it's the end of the world
and it stinks. Also, every time I woke up, however, the phrase "perilous times must come" came to my thoughts. Over and
over all night long.

This morning when I woke up, I went straight to my computer and typed in the phrase in to the search on lds.org. A talk by
President Hinckley came up called "the Dawning of a Brighter Day". It says that "peril is not a new condition for the human
family." It mentions the war in heaven, Noah's day and other times in the Old Testament, the wars in the Book of Mormon
and about poor Moroni wandering alone without a people because they had all been killed off. It talks about the apostasy and
the plague where 50 million people died and those who were left worried whether humanity had a future at all.

But then came the Renaissance. Light, science, healing, art. The Restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
It didn't mean evil was gone - evil manifested itself as persecution and hatred. Charles Dickens was quoted saying,"It was the
best of times and the worst of times... it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it
was the winter of despair.”

We are in a great time. The work of the Lord is moving across the earth. Knowledge increases every day. People can be cured
of cancer. The world is more educated than ever. President Hinckley said,"Man’s ingenuity knows no end when the God of
heaven inspires and pours out light and knowledge."

These are also perilous times. It would seem as if many people are choosing evil over good. Or choosing not to care. The end of
his talk was the part I was supposed to read the most. I'm just going to paste it here because I can't say it any better:

"Do we really comprehend, do we understand the tremendous significance of that which we have? This is the summation of
the generations of man, the concluding chapter in the entire panorama of the human experience.

But this does not put us in a position of superiority. Rather, it should humble us. It places upon us an unforgiving responsibility
to reach out with concern for all others in the Spirit of the Master, who taught, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”
(Matt. 19:19). We must cast out self-righteousness and rise above petty self-interest.

We must do all that is required in moving forward the work of the Lord in building His kingdom in the earth. We can never
compromise the doctrine which has come through revelation, but we can live and work with others, respecting their beliefs and
admiring their virtues, joining hands in opposition to the sophistries, the quarrels, the hatred—those perils which have been
with man from the beginning.

Without surrendering any element of our doctrine, we can be neighborly, we can be helpful, we can be kind and
generous.

We of this generation are the end harvest of all that has gone before. It is not enough to simply be known as a member of this
Church. A solemn obligation rests upon us. Let us face it and work at it.

We must live as true followers of the Christ, with charity toward all, returning good for evil, teaching by example the ways of
the Lord, and accomplishing the vast service He has outlined for us.

May we live worthy of the glorious endowment of light and understanding and eternal truth which has come to us through all
the perils of the past. Somehow, among all who have walked the earth, we have been brought forth in this unique and
remarkable season. Be grateful, and above all be faithful. This is my humble prayer, as I bear witness of the truth of this work,
in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I am humbled today that even though I don't always do my part, the Lord reaches out and answers my prayers. He lead me to
this talk and I do feel peace. I feel like getting over my feelings about the election and showing a greater love to all of the
people around me. That's all I have power over. Our country and its fate is and always has been in the hands of the Lord. We
need to do our best and be grateful to live in such an amazing time.

Sorry this is so long. I had to share.

It's because Adrienne is the coolest

2008-11-04T23:35:00.005-07:00

Adrienne. You are great.

And what the heck is Adam doing in the background? A dance? At a funeral?

Halloween

2008-11-04T15:40:00.004-07:00

Right before we left for Utah we had our ward trunk or treat. Jeff and I were McCain and Palin. We never do stuff like this so I thought I'd post a few - especially before the election is over tonight.
Now every time Sarah Palin is on TV my two year Cody says, "Look mom! It's you!" I think it's hilarious that he understands who I was that night. Too funny.

Uncle Gordon

2008-10-25T21:03:00.003-07:00

My uncle died yesterday of a massive heart attack. Why? I can't help but keep asking why? He was in good shape. He exercised. He got a clean bill of health at his physical 4 months ago. And yesterday he got up and went to play racquetball and while he was there he died. He was so young. His kids are too young. He just became a grandpa for the first time 3 weeks ago.

This picture was on my cousins blog tonight. It sums him up. He was the fun, happy Uncle that always hugged you and messed up your hair and laughed and was always smiling. His wife is one of my favorite people in the whole world. She is always smiling and upbeat. I am not looking forward to watching her ache. I am so sad for them. The only consolation I feel is that through the principles of the gospel we know that they can be together not just for this life but for eternity.
That doesn't stop the tears from falling. This is all very familiar. My brothers and sisters were too young too when my dad died. I know the pain ahead and the sadness. I know how much I hate not having my dad around - even 13 years later. But I also know the comfort brought by the Holy Ghost. I also know the peace that can be felt when it's needed. They will be ok. We are ok. But it's just feels so unfair. I love you Smart family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Christmas card

2008-10-24T07:54:00.002-07:00

I just re-read last night's post. Sounds like one of those Christmas cards -"My kids are better and smarter than everyone in the world."
Sorry. . . that my kids are better and smarter than yours.

Ha Ha! I just threw up a little.

The Kids

2008-10-23T23:02:00.005-07:00

Parent Teacher Conferences. I love the kindergarten ones - where you sit in the tiny chairs and pretend that it's normal that your knees are higher than the table.
All my kids teachers raved about them this time. Courtney's teacher called her the "darling of the class" and said that he wished that he had 28 Courtneys. (He's an ex football player for the Minnesota Vikings.) He said that one time Courtney taught him an easier way to do a math problem and he had her teach the whole class.
Chandler's teacher said that she has never seen a fourth grader who writes so well and someday when he is famous he will have to sign a copy of his book for her. She said she reads his stuff out loud to the class and even runs it over to other teachers once and a while and says, "really, my student wrote this." I told her it was so nice to have a teacher that praised him and valued his talent because last year his teacher . . . didn't. She said, "Last year's teacher probably was just jealous that her 3rd grader could write better than her!" She also said something about how she wishes that Riley Evans would stop going on democratic rants in the middle of silent reading.
Then I went to Blake's. Watching him sit there with that huge grin on his face while his teacher went on and on about what a sweet, good, honest and helpful boy his is was priceless. He loves school and she said, "This will be my easiest conference."
WOW! Who knew my kids were so fantastic? I better be nice to them from now on.
Oh and Cody and Liz got report cards too. Cody did great. Mostly A's. He got a C in eating. Doesn't put down much more than French fries and hot dogs these days. Lizzy - mostly F's in behavior and getting along with others.

Hunky Dentist

2008-10-22T14:53:00.003-07:00

No cavities today. I was a year over due for a cleaning, something about the shoemakers children having no shoes .. .but anyhow, no cavities. And a lecture about not flossing.

I am also grateful today that Jeff works so close to home and comes home for lunch almost every day. Well, that's just a plain lie. More like - he takes me out to lunch almost every day. What fun that we get to spend so much time together.

Into the mind and heart of Blake

2008-10-21T08:31:00.007-07:00

I've been recording some of Blake's prayers on my family blog for some time and I thought I would post a few here. Each one is a different entry from the last year sometime.

(This was Oct. 20, 2008) Last night Jeff asked Cody if he wanted to pray and Blake said, "Don't ask for candy Cody, He (meaning Heavenly Father) doesn't have any." Like he had tried that before and it didn't work. Ah ha ha.

Saturday, September 6, 2008
Another Blake Prayer
It's been a while since I've written here but tonight was another sweet Blake prayer.He said, "And bless the kids in my school class that need help, that they will feel the Spirit and know how to choose the right."

I think I need to just tape record Blake's prayers at night. He always makes me smile. Here is tonight's (I'm paraphrasing). "Thank you for that Santa that came to the church. And thanks for Jesus that keeps that eye on us. And thank you for that activity thing that we take the activities out of every day and then do the activity (the advent calendar) and for that other activity (nativity) that we play with." (Grammy Price sent him a fisher price nativity) I forgot half of what I loved so much but he just prays so dang cute and from the heart.
Earlier today he was playing with the nativity and this is what I overheard. "Are you that EVIL wise man? Yes! I am! Well . . .blah blah blah." I love it.

Last night in Blake's prayer he said,
"Thank you for The Book of Mormon and President Monson and that the church is so special." I love him!
He also said the other day, "Mom, why can't we just go see Jesus instead of having to stay here and just learn about Him?" He thinks a lot about the gospel and I can tell he has a sweet little testimony already.

This kid has some crazy ideas these days. So we are driving home from Wallmart today and he says, "What was that zooming up in the sky? I think it was Jesus Christ." Then a few minutes later he said, "Is Jesus Christ for real mom?" And I said, "Yes he is Blake" and he said, "Well then where is he?" And I said,"Up in Heaven." And Blake said, "Well, where is heaven then?" And I said, "We aren't sure Blake. It's far away - maybe up in the sky, someplace we can't see." Then he said,"I know. Heaven in up in that place like Utah. Not the Utah where your grammy lives - but the other Utah - the one where all the dead people live." Ha ha. His mind is constantly going.

So tonight this was in Blake's prayer. "And please bless Santa that he can get a wii for his birthday - like in a week or in two weeks."
I'm not sure what to do with Blake's crazy prayers. A few months ago he uttered this one," . . . Thank you for my Pokemon cards and all that crap." That sparked a lesson on better language! (but I did want to sit back and giggle and giggle when he said it.) I love my kids. I love what they are learning and I can't remember a time when I prayed for santa to get a gift. Not once. What a sweet boy.

So much for every day . . .

2008-10-20T11:24:00.006-07:00

Dang it. How did Eyring do it?? I can't ever remember to write on here.
Right now I am grateful for the fun month of trips. We do almost nothing all year and then take our two biggest trips within 2 weeks! How fun. We love the Martineaus and enjoyed going to Powell with them so much and then again to Disneyland. The Ives came too to Disneyland and it was such fun. Every kid just grabbed whoevers hand was closest and off we all went. I am grateful for fun friends and good kids and the opportunity we had to go on these trips before the economy tanked. ( Too bad Lizzy and Cody got left behind both times!) Thanks to all the family and friends who watched them while we were gone too. You guys are awesome! (Wellmans, Gordons, Petersons)

Hey Elder Uchtdorf

2008-10-07T12:08:00.004-07:00

Hey Elder Uchtdorf! Look at my jam! I made my own jam. Who knew it was like two strawberries and 4,000 lbs of sugar? Look at my clean spaces. Look at my garden. (Don't look at my bread - it turned out like doorstops and paperweights, just like you suggested it would. ) I even cut out 6 monkeys during conference. Someday I will sew them. Thanks for telling me to create. I so needed it.

Priesthood Blessings

2008-10-02T21:34:00.005-07:00

Today I am grateful for priesthood blessings. My neighbor has been to the hospital twice this week and just hasn't been feeling well and the missionaries came and gave her a blessing this morning. It was beautiful. The spirit was strong. I am so grateful that the Lord gave a little of his power and authority to the men of this church. I am thankful for 4 random men on a plane that answered a call over the PA last year and, I feel, saved my husbands life. I am grateful for five extra years we got with my dad - due to miracles that I know started with priesthood blessings. I am grateful for that first back to school blessing that I got shortly after my dad died. It was from my uncle Gordon and he said many of the same beautiful things my dad had always said to me. It was that night that I realized that all those blessings I had received from my dad all those years didn't just come from my dad - but from my HEAVENLY Father and that He knew me and loved me and that my life would always be blessed because of the priesthood holders in it. I am thankful that I am married to a man who honors his priesthood and blesses our family. I am grateful for righteous brothers who honor theirs and serve and bless my mom in Utah. I am grateful for Joseph Smith and the sacrifices he gave to help restore this gospel to the earth.
We are so blessed.

Terri

2008-09-30T10:27:00.011-07:00

Best picture ever! This is why I love her.

Blake and Michael

I miss her. I want her to come back. She was so much fun and made me laugh all day. Her kids and my kids were the same ages. She disciplined her kids the same way I did and liked the things I did and ate food like I did. (Except she ate wacky flaxseed and peppers dipped in NO ranch) I loved her testimony and how everyone always said to her, "You look like that girl . . . Helen Hunt." I loved how much Michael and Blake loved each other and how well they played and how I'd watch her kids and she'd watch mine and it was easy to ask her. I loved that she loved to read too and always had a suggestion or loved what I suggested to her. I miss the way the very end of her nose moves up and down when she talks and how she always made me want to be a better mom like her. I've been sad about her being gone all day.
But she's coming for Christmas and may even stay with us for a few days. Yea!

Pies

2008-09-28T20:39:00.003-07:00

My neighbor came with me last night to the broadcast. She is not a member of the church but has been investigating it. Tonight she brought over two pies. She said, "I just kept mulling around in my mind the words that he (Elder Uchtdorf) said and I just wanted to create!" She even found an area and cleaned it up and made it beautiful just like he suggested. . . "create a space." Her husband joked, "You can go with Melanie to those meetings whenever you want." Isn't that great? I love how we all were so touched and hopped to it. I made a great dinner complete with rolls and a broccoli salad. I don't do that enough and I used to really enjoy creating in that way. Now on to the monkeys . . .

2008-09-28T09:06:00.008-07:00

I am so grateful for the leadership of this church and for conference which happens twice a year. Last night we went to the Relief Society broadcast from Salt Lake and it was wonderful. I loved Elder Uchtdorf's talk! He said so many things that as women we need to hear. Let me share just a little of what was said. He said (speaking of women) " . . they focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than on that which has been accomplished and who they really are." I think this is one of Satan's greatest tools. I think he loves to jump in there and tell us that we aren't important and that our contributions don't matter. He is very good at showing us other's strengths and comparing them to our weaknesses. It is easy to think that everyone is better and more talented than us and that we have very little to contribute. But then he said these beautiful words. "Remember, you are spirit daughters of the most creative being in the universe! Isn't it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it, your spirit body is a masterpiece created with the beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination." Wow. Who am I to ever think that I am not of worth! He even said later that we all have talents and mentioned that "flowing laughter" in one's home is a talent! Yea! I came home with a new sense of purpose and just happier to have felt the spirit. I also went to that broadcast with some friends, including my neighbor Norma and then to dinner afterwards. Perfect.
Then I had to opportunity to go chaperon the Laurel/Priest activity until midnight. Well, um, like I was saying, the broadcast and dinner was fantastic. I am so grateful for my membership in this church.

. . . And I really am grateful that we were able to jump in on the regional Laurel Priest activity so last minute. We had 55 kids there from our stake and it looked like they were having a blast.

Swimming

2008-09-26T17:07:00.002-07:00

I love that our family has found a sport we all love. Our kids signed up for swim team this summer and LOVED it. Blake has even signed up for swim school this winter. He loves it too. So, wanting to be that great mother who understood her kids pain, I signed up for an adult swim class twice a week too. It has been hard to get there - but the times I have gone, that coach has about killed me. First night - 60 laps. Yes. Me, the fat, lazy one swam 60 laps. Anytime I'd stop to rest she'd say, "Stop hanging on that wall!! Get moving." Anyway, I have learned so much! I love it too. I'd probably actually lose some weight too, if I didn't eat half a bag of buttered movie popcorn and half a box of milk duds right before practice. Oh well. I guess I've stayed off that heart attack for one more day.

The Gospel

2008-09-23T20:37:00.003-07:00

This blog was made not to keep a record of all our family happenings - but to record the hand of the Lord in our lives everyday. Today I am grateful for the resurrection and the knowledge that we have through the gospel of Jesus Christ that there is a life after this one. My good friend's mother died today. She had been quadriplegic for 13 years. As my family sat down to read the Book of Mormon together tonight we were in 2 Nephi 9. It was all about the resurrection. (I love how that always happens! The scriptures always apply to our daily lives!) We had a beautiful discussion with our children about the plan and about how Nickie's mom can now be free of that body that didn't work and that one day she will be restored to a perfect body that moves the way she wants it to and can fully function again.
I remember the morning that my dad died. Right as my mom and I realized that he was gone, we knelt down and thanked our Heavenly Father for our blessings and the knowledge we had of the gospel and that this separation from our Dad was just temporary and that we would be able to return to live with him again. The Spirit was so strong and confirmed the truthfulness of this to our hearts. My heart is breaking for Nickie to lose her last parent while she is yet so young. I am so sad for her at this time. But I am happy for her mother to be free from that body and that she is now reunited with her husband that died just 3 years ago. The gospel is true. It is such a comfort and I love it.

Family

2008-09-15T08:50:00.002-07:00

Today I am grateful for family. I am grateful to be a part of two great families. I love the Wellmans and am glad that I married into such a welcoming and friendly family. We all get along so well. It was so fun to see 5,000 cousins running around chasing a stray kitten last night and to all be present for Renee's blessing. There is so much love and support there. We are going to miss the Hardins as they move to Utah and part of me is jealous that they get to move within 10 minutes of my family - the Prices. They too, are such a loving and supportive group and I loved being with all of them for so long this summer. I have awesome brothers and a great sister in law up there and fun nieces and nephews spread all over. Shelby and her family was just here last week and it was such a blast. I'm begging Lexi to move to Phoenix because I would love to be near her every day. I hope that is what Heaven is going to be like. One big street of Prices and Wellmans playing kick the can all night and Ticket to Ride until morning. I certainly see the hand of the Lord in my life as I look about my two extended families.

Laughing

2008-09-13T23:16:00.003-07:00

Tonight I am grateful for laughing. Last night we had some friends over to play games and laughed ourselves silly. When we went to bed we kept giggling about things we had said. Finally Jeff had to tell me to be quiet because every time he'd start to fall asleep - I'd start laughing again. Then tonight we went with the above same friends to hear a comedian named Jim Gaffigan? Hilarious. I almost cried. And then we got stuck in the car on the billioneth floor waiting for every car in the parking garage to get out before us and (I WAS SO THIRSTY) we retold like every joke the guy had said and laughed our heads off a second time. Even the drive thru (to FINALLY get some water) was crazy funny. Happy Birthday Summer. I'm grateful for all the laughs - my stomach hurts.

Food

2008-09-08T20:56:00.004-07:00

Today I am grateful that every time I start a new diet I find some reason to make some extra great treat and blow the diet all to crap the very first day. Maybe because I always start my diets on Monday and then by FHE I think, "Wow - the kids really need a great treat . . . " (but really I'M STARVING) and there it goes. Cinnabon Cinnamon rolls. Mmmmm. They took all day to make but so worth it.
I love watching my family during Family Home Evening. Tonight as Blake was leading the closing song Lizzy ran up beside him and pretended to lead too. Darling. Also Jeff had the kids act out the Good Samaritan during the lesson and it was awesome to watch Cody beat up Blake and then steal all his money. I love Family Home Evening.

Also - a side note: We are getting addicted to Haught Fresh donuts from Krispy Kreme. Last week our friends brought us a box from Mesa and Cody snuck like 5 of them. Well the next day Shelby was here and bought some glazed donuts from FRYS and Cody took one of them and said, "Ugg Theses donuts are grossie!" I guess he has become a true donut connoisseur like his mommy. How funny that a two year old could totally tell the difference.

Blake's Prayers

2008-09-06T21:02:00.001-07:00

I love Blake's prayers. Every now and again I just have to write them down. Tonight he said, "And please bless the kids in my school class that need help, that they will be able to feel the Spirit and know how to choose the right." He's 5. He's the best.

Shelby

2008-09-06T20:55:00.003-07:00

Shelby's family was here this week and as I think about the hand of the Lord in our lives this week it is definitely that Shelby is doing so well and that she was able to beat cancer this year. Last year this week was when she came down for the Creative Escape convention and on the last night she came out to stay with me. She had been having some pain in her chest and so I took her to the ER and we found out that night that she had a huge mass in her chest and by the end of the week we knew that she had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It's been a rough year - but I am so glad that she was healed and that she is healthy and still with us. I love her so much and count my blessings every day that she is ok. If you haven't, check out her blog www.shelbysjourney.blogspot.com Start at the beginning. You'll be inspired.

Surprise Stake Young Women

2008-08-29T22:11:00.002-07:00

Today I am grateful for the youth in this stake. I finally boxed up all the food and supplies that the girls gathered up at camp to give to the troops in Iraq. My whole guest room was filled with stuff! I weighed it as we packed it in the truck - 325lbs of goods was generously donated from the young women and their leaders. Up at camp the girls decorated pillow cases for wounded solders and wrote letters of gratitude to send to the men and women in Iraq. Their letters were beautiful and heartfelt and many included their testimonies of the gospel. What great girls we have. I am proud of them and I love them.
I am also very grateful for the troops serving our country. I can't imagine how hard it would be to have my husband gone for over a year, worrying every day that I could lose him. These families sacrifice so much. I am so glad that Toni Huskey thought of serving the troops for our service project at camp. Way to go!

Provide means . . .

2008-08-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful that this scripture is true. 1 Nephi 17:3 "And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them . . ." Most of the time we have to take that leap of faith FIRST, pay that tithing or give up that bad habit. Then he will take care of us; make the money last, help us find the resources to kick that habit etc. Sometimes it happens in reverse order. Sometimes the Lord provides the means and then asks the commandment of us. Either way, I know that when the Lord needs us to do something he will always provide a way for it to happen.
A month ago Jeff got in a car accident. We decided to get a new car and put the money that the insurance gave us for his old one in the bank for a "rainy day." Yesterday that money was unexpectedly needed and we had it. I know for a fact that the Lord will always "provide means" for us when we try to keep his commandments and do what he asks.
It's not always financial means either. In dental school Chandler was getting ready to be born and we needed to kick Courtney out of her crib to put Chandler in it. We didn't have any money to go buy a new bed for her. Shortly there after, I walked out back and our neighbor had thrown away a perfectly good futon (minus a few very fixable broken slats). I asked if I could have it and she said, "Sure." I needed a bed for my child and the windows of Heaven opened and poured one down for me. It wasn't brand new or fancy - but it was just what we needed and I knew that Heavenly Father provided a means for us because we were paying our tithing, serving in the church and doing what had been asked of us.
Another time, after Courtney was born we had been living with my Grandma in Ogden and needed to find our own place. There were no apartments near where we wanted to be and the ones that were further away were more money than we could afford. (I had decided to quit teaching school and stay home to raise Courtney. Jeff had a part time job while going to school and I was going to go back to waiting tables part time at night so that we wouldn't have to put Courtney in daycare.) Anyway, we did not see how this was going to work. Our limited incomes couldn't really afford for me to stay home with this new baby, but I knew that is what we had been instructed by the Lord to do if possible. So we fasted about it. That day in church this awesome couple in our ward came up to us and said, "We are going on a mission and would like someone to live in our house rent-free while we are gone. Would you be interested?"

"If it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them . . ."

Double Suicide

2008-08-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

I'm grateful tonight that my husband is smart. Here's why. We were sitting is his new car in the garage trying to figure out how to sinc his phone with some hands free bluetooth thing and it was a long, confusing process and we were reading the manuals and trying all different ways to hook it up and Jeff stops and says, "Um we better stop this or open the garage. We're committing suicide." HELLO!!! We had been sitting in the garage with the garage door closed for 45 minutes with the engine blazing. Wouldn't that have been the worst story ever if our kids would have come out in the morning and found us dead in the car with the manuals on our chest and one big confused look on our faces?!
So tonight I am grateful that we are alive. (and that we figured out how to sinc his phone to the car.)

Two Pieces of bread in a ziploc bag

2008-08-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Sunday we had to go speak up in the Wenden Branch. It is about 2 hours west of Surprise. In the summer they have very few people who attend because most of the town are snowbirds. (That's the reason that members of the stake are all assigned to go up and speak there - because they don't have enough members there to speak each week.) Anyway, when we sat down I looked over at the sacrament table and there were two pieces of bread in a ziploc bag for the sacrament. Jeff is in charge of bringing the bread for our ward each week and we use almost a whole loaf! I looked out at the congregation and there were about 9 people there. Including the branch presidency, the missionaries, pianist and music conductor there were about 15 people. It reminded me of my mission and the small little branches in which I served. But suddenly, I was filled with the sweetest feeling that the church is true wherever you are and that the Lord would of course love to have all His chapels overflowing with people but he also will pour out his spirit in a room of just a few people. There is only one young woman in the whole branch. How valiant she has to be - to be the only member in her whole school - and yet she comes to that little branch every week and loves the Lord. I am proud of those who live the gospel where they are so few in number. This little branch got chastised by their high counselor about not attending the blood drive in Surprise. The message was for everyone in the stake but picture the sacrifice THEY have to make - a four hour round trip to attend. We only have to drive 4 minutes up the street and yet many of us didn't attend either. We complain that the temple is and hour away - it's 3 hours for those members, and still they go. I guess today I am grateful for THEIR diligence and example and also for the ease me and my family have with so many members around and so many youth to buoy up my kids and keep them strong.

Blake

2008-08-22T22:44:00.000-07:00

I need to add just one more thing. This week was Blake's birthday and I am so grateful for that sweet boy. He is just good. He is mellow and happy and gets along with everyone. He is obedient and kind and loves his brothers and sisters. He's just an all around good kid. The night before his birthday I asked him if he wanted cupcakes or a cake for his birthday and he thought about it for a minute, smiled and said, "Well mom, go to the store and which one is less - get me that one." Really. My five year old wanted me to go ahead and get the cheapest one - let's save money mom. What five year old thinks like that?? He demands nothing. Appreciates everything. I love Blake. He has been a huge blessing in my life for these past 5 years. Sometimes I catch myself just looking at him and smiling so big. He is my only child with brown eyes like me. There was something about him - even before he was born that I felt very close to. I don't love being pregnant. I never was one of those women who rubbed my belly and smiled and sang songs to myself and read books to my fetusus? feti? Anyway, with Blake it was different. I did find myself sometimes just loving that belly full of baby. I can't explain it. I sound like a jerk. "Get those babies out of me . . STAT!" But really it's the truth. What can I say? I never loved being pregnant. It would be like loving the flu. I just didn't.
Focus back on Blake . . . I just felt that there was something really special about him and there is. He has had some problems with stuttering off and on for the past 2 years and one time when it was particularly bad, he got a priesthood blessing from Jeff. He was told that he would one day be a great orator and that his word would be heard around the world. Wow. The Lord has great things in store for my boy. I am so grateful to have him. I love him.

Room for the prophet

2008-08-22T22:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you Shelby for your gentle prodding for me to return to this blog. I am a slacker. I have all these great goals and ambitions and they last about 5.6 seconds. One of the parts I liked the best in Eyring's talk was how he said that no matter how tired he was or whatever that he always found the time to write at least something everyday. I guess that's why I'm not an apostle. :)
But here is my thought for today. So, recently I put on the BYU channel in the morning. President Monson was speaking at a BYU devotional (from 2004 I think). Anyway, he was telling the funniest stories and I was busting and thought, "I need to tape this for my whole family to watch!" So I pushed the record button on my ti-vo and it said I didn't have any room and I needed to delete something. So I quickly went to my recorded list and there tried to figure out which of the thousand hours of olympics I could erase. "Was Tuesday the night with the women's gymnastics?? I think Courtney wanted to watch that . . . Is this the race I started watching the other night and fell asleep? . . . " Anyway, to make a long story short, by the time I erased enough junk, I had missed much of the prophet's talk. Dang it.
Then I began to think. Is this how my life is? Is this how WE all are a little? We have plenty of time and energy for the things that don't really matter and often are left with "no room" for the things that do. I want to follow the prophet and read my scriptures every day and serve everyone and visit teach etc. etc. and yet so often I don't leave room for it. So today I am happy for my little experience with the ti-vo because it reminded me that I need to re-prioritize once again and make sure I have room for what's most important.

Community

2008-08-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

Recently I was having a discussion with a friend of mine who is not a member of the church and she was saying that she really envied the "community" that we share in this church. Tonight we had a Stake Young Men/Young Women carnival and all the wards made booths and ran them and I think it was pretty successful night. The kids really seemed to have a good time. But as I watched all these men and women set up, man and take down the booths, clean the grounds, mop and vacuum the floors, clean the bathrooms, haul garbage etc., I suddenly was very grateful for this "community" that I am a part of. No one got paid a dime to do any of that work tonight. No one got much recognition. People just did it because that is what we do. We serve and help each other and clean up afterwards. Men sweep and pick up soggy cupcakes off the parking lot street side by side with the women. We study and prepare lessons and paint peoples homes and babysit children and make quilts for those in need. When post-partum depression gets the best of you, someone comes over and cries with you and pats your back and takes the baby back home with her so you can just get some sleep.

A few years ago a friend of mine on our street had to go on bed rest with her pregnancy. My neighbor Michelle and I went down to her home and started arranging some help. I said, "Ok, I'll take your daughter and watch her tomorrow and bring you dinner and then Michelle will take her the next day . . . etc." She stopped and looked at us with the most bewildered look on her face and she asked, "Why would you do all that?" And honestly, I was surprised. "Why WOULDN'T we?" "Isn't that what you just DO when someone needs it?"
How many times had I followed my mom up to someone's door carrying the corn or the vegetable that went with their dinner my mom had prepared? How many people climbed out of the woodwork and helped my family as my dad lost his battle with cancer at such a young age? People cleaned our pool for free, painted our house! brought us meal after meal, mowed our lawn - the list is endless. When my sister was diagnosed with cancer last year the same thing happened - endless help, meals, babysitting, love, treats: she was spoiled rotten. It made us all want to get cancer a little. How grateful I am to be part of this wonderful church, whose members help and love and serve each other because it's just what we've been taught to do and we think it's normal. It's not. It's unique and it's wonderful and it's the way the Lord planned it. He didn't mean for any of us to be alone or to have to shoulder our burdens by ourselves. That's why we visit teach and home teach and serve in the nursery. And then our kids sit back and see all of this going on and grow up thinking, "It's just what you do." I am so grateful for this tonight.

" . . and now as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Yea and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, (or take our the trash or mop the floor after a youth activity when you'd probably rather be home watching the Olympics) and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places that ye may be in . . . " (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:8-9)

Testimony

2008-08-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

I think it was Elder Packer who said, "A testimony is found in the bearing of it." So many times in my life I have found this to be true. I remember one time on my mission in Japan we were at a mission conference and my mission president realized that we were not getting many opportunities to bear our tesimonies because people just didn't want to listen. He said, "Today bear your testimony. I don't care if you bear it to a light post or to a dog, but take the opportunity to bear your testimony." That night I remember riding my bike home along this canal. Bats were dive bombing us as we rode and then and there I remembered what our president had said and I just started saying my testimony out loud. I spoke of the things that I knew and about what I was grateful for. As I began to testify, the spirit flooded my soul and testified TO ME that what I was saying was true. I remember tears falling down my face as I spoke to no one (except maybe the bats) about what I believed. When we take the time to testify of our beliefs - it not only helps others but it helps us.
So tonight I was talking to my neighbor about the church and her feelings. She has been meeting with the missionaries for some time. She is an amazing lady and has really felt the spirit when they come to visit her and her family, but still there is some confusion. As we were talking it lead to a chance for me to share my testimony with her. As I said, "I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and the heavens aren't closed and families can be together forever. . . " I was overcome. Tears came to both of our eyes and we could feel the spirit so strong. I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who doesn't leave us alone in this world to figure it all out. I am grateful that he pours down his spirit on us so we can KNOW his will for us and what is right. I am so thankful that when I take the opportunity to testify about what I believe that the Holy Ghost confirms it not only to others, but to me too.

Goals

2008-08-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm terrible at setting and keeping goals. I kept this blog for 5 whole days. I read my scriptures like 7 days in a row - and then go weeks without emerging myself again. WHY?
Cuz I am slacker city that's why. I wish I was better at getting done what needs to be done in my life. (You should see my laundry pile!) But instead I wander around on random people's blogs, watch a thousand hours of olympics every night and still miss on the important things more often than I would like.
I guess that is what I am grateful for tonight; repentance. I am grateful that the Lord always lets us try again tomorrow and encourages us and cheers us on even when we eat that third maple bar on the first day of our diet. I want to be good and do what is right. I really do. I fast and pray all the time to be able to improve myself and conquer my laziness and do the million things every day that I know I SHOULD. Maybe that's why it is our life's goal to conquer the natural man and become more like the Savior. I sure can't do it by myself. I need his help EVERY day. I need to lean on Him more and rely on Him more and try harder.
See you tomorrow?? Let's hope.
(Also I want to thank my sweet husband for his kindness about my speaking in CA. It was really fun and I felt very prompted to say specific things that I know my Heavenly Father wanted those kids in CA to hear. They were a fantastic bunch and I was so impressed by the strength in that small group. We had a blast driving out there with the Haught's and meeting Shawn's friends the The Balls. (Even though Tonya Ball was the nicest person we've ever met and she set the standard for "wifehood?" so high that I will never reach it.) Our faces hurt from laughing so hard on the way home. The Haught's are fun people and I enjoyed sweating to death with them outside of Tonapah. I'm grateful too for Karen for watching our kids for those two days so we could go. What a nice Grandma. My kids love her and had a great time.)

"your word will be well accepted"

2008-08-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

We went to California this weekend where Melanie and a friend from the ward were asked to speak at a youth conference. It was a great weekend filled with a wonderful spirit and I enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and rub shoulders with some genuinely good people and an impressive, small group of good young men and women. As Melanie spoke I was in awe of her ability to speak and teach the gospel to these youth. She has an amazing ability to have the audience laughing one minute, silent the next, and tearful the next. Each time I watch her speak I reflect upon her home coming talk from her mission and remember how impressed I was. I knew in that moment she was the kind of person I wanted to be around and resolved to make her mine. Of course, I was successful in that endeavor and the rest is history.
I am blessed to have such a wonderful wife who is a fantastic mother to my kids. I am so proud of her for using her talents to motivate so many others to follow Christ. Melanie you still amaze me.
Jeff

Survival

2008-08-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

Cody fell off the top of the ladder on the playground in the back yard today and hit his head hard on our curbing. I guess the hand of the Lord saved that from being worse. He had a big knot on the back of his head and cried and cried but survived.

Lizzy survived her temper tantrum through FHE. Luckily she wasn't killed or suffocated by Jeff or I. Jeff survived after asking the question, "So how's your diet going?" after I had had a bacon cheeseburger for dinner and an ice cream sandwich for dessert. I guess it was a good day after all.

Fasting

2008-08-03T21:17:00.001-07:00

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we fast for 2 meals the first Sunday of every month. We believe that fasting coupled with prayer is a powerful tool in communicating with our Heavenly Father. Many times in my life I have fasted and prayed together with other family members for the health of someone we loved or personally to receive answers to personal prayers and questions. Anyway, after our kids turn 8 and are baptized we have them fast one meal on that Sunday and pray for something that they are thinking about or for someone who may need help. This afternoon when Chandler was about to eat lunch I asked him what he was fasting for. He told me that he was fasting for his Aunt Dany. (She had been trying to get pregnant for about a year and half and she finally is!) I then asked him why he was fasting for her now? And he said, "I was fasting today mom that her baby would be ok and that she wouldn't lose it like Marie did." (His best friend's mom miscarried a while back). What a sweet, thoughtful boy. I was so impressed that he would think of that on his own and fast for that purpose. I am grateful for my membership in this church and how it teaches us to be thoughtful and selfless from the youngest ages. I love Chandler and am grateful for his pure little heart today.

Courtney

2008-08-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight as I was driving home and I was thinking of how I saw the hand of the Lord in my life, I looked over at Courtney and knew that she was it. I am so grateful for a sweet little girl who helps me so much. Not only is she a great big sister and wonderful helper, but she is a really GOOD girl. She loves the gospel and knows what is right and does it. She wants to be modest and not do anything that would make Heavenly Father unhappy. I am very proud to be her mom and I think she is wonderful.

Scripture Study

2008-08-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight as our family was reading the Book of Mormon together (2nd night in a row!) it naturally led to a discussion about following promptings. Jeff and I were both able to share a few experiences when we were prompted by the Lord to do something. Chandler remembered an experience that one of his teachers had told him too. It ended by challenging our kids to pray to be able to know what the Lord would have them do. Then when Cody was saying the prayer he said, "Thank you that we go to . . . " and he didn't finish. We filled in the words for the rest of the prayer and then afterwards he said, "Where was that place we went where we saw Jesus?" And I said, "The temple?" (there is a huge Christus statue there) And he said, "YES! I want to go to the temple!" So we decided to go tomorrow and to ask our neighbors who are taking the discussions to go with us. Way to go Cody. I am grateful that we have made a new goal to read the Book of Mormon together every day. What a great discussion followed and a great prayer and idea by our 2 year old. I LOVE THIS GOSPEL.

Healthy Baby

2008-07-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today I was watching Lizzy walk across the room and was suddenly filled with overwhelming gratitude to my Heavenly Father that she is doing so well. Just 9 months ago we were told she might have Down Syndrome and that she was very delayed in her progress. She couldn't even sit at that time. Now, she is walking! She runs around and laughs with the kids and it is very apparent that she is just fine. How different things could have been. I am so grateful for her doctor that noticed things weren't quite right so early and for the therapists that have helped her along and for the fact that she CAN walk and that she is healthy and whole. We are blessed.

Time away

2008-07-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I went to Sedona for two days and a night. What fun. I am so grateful for the time we take every now and again for us to be alone. We shopped a little, read, took naps, walked along the creek, went on a 3+ hour ATV ride, and ate and ate. Really, for dinner we had an appetizer that consisted of Rattlesnake, Buffalo, Qual-kabobs and deep fried prickly pear cactus. Jeff threw it up in the middle of the night, but my stomach enjoyed it.
We stayed at L'Auberge de Sedona in a little cottage that overlooked the river. It was beautiful. Jeff upgraded us to that cottage instead of the room in the lodge that we had originally planned. We really enjoy each other's company and laugh a lot when we get to spend some time alone. I am so grateful for those two days and my generous husband.

Family Home Evening

2008-07-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am grateful for Family Home Evening. We are not super about doing it. Often we'll go out to dinner or a movie and call it FHE. But when we sit down and have a lesson and bear our testimonies to our children the spirit is always so strong and their little hearts are always touched. Tonight Lizzy and Cody ran around crazy the whole time - but when shared our own experiences with prayer the Spirit was there and our kids knew that prayer is important. I am grateful for this resource that always blesses our family when we do it.

Righteous Husband

2008-07-27T21:27:00.001-07:00

Today we went to Jeff's Aunt and Uncle Gilliland's homecoming. (it was great by the way) and after sacrament meeting Liz was being a real pill and Courtney hadn't been feeling too well and so I suggested just going home. Jeff said, "Why don't we stay." I protested and gave another reason we'd be better off just going home. He again quietly and rightly said, "Let's just try to stay." And so we did. Nothing spectacular. But as I was thinking of how I saw the hand of the Lord in my life today, that was it. I am grateful for a righteous husband who honors his priesthood and loves the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for his example. I am glad he loves the Lord more than sports or any other THING that might take him and our family away from where we should be every Sunday. He is a good man and I love him.