tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54590009239932467642024-03-19T21:13:20.284-07:00Ayres InsanityUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-75181735711820672362023-12-05T11:14:00.000-08:002023-12-05T11:20:45.861-08:00Surrogacy<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;"> Have you ever had a thought, like kind of a weird one? One that that pops back into your head often and you're not sure why? I think we have a tendency to question these thoughts and wonder, "Is this just me being crazy or could this possibly be from God?" </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I remember thinking several years ago about surrogacy, most women hate being pregnant, but I never have, and the thought intrigued me. I looked into it, but at the time, Aspen was still little and the intensity of it overwhelmed me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> It has popped into my brain several times over the years, I’ve even mentioned it to Russ before, but he has always responded with an adamant “no way”, he (along with most people) thinks it’s weird. I on the other hand don’t think it’s weird, and it came up again about six months ago. It was the last day of school, and I along with another mom, Heidi, had taken the girls to the lake for an end of school party, her husband, Curtis was there as well, they are Addi’s parents, she has been a cute friend of Zoey‘s for a while now. I had heard that she had been a surrogate before, and somehow it came up, and naturally, I asked her to tell me more! I was so intrigued by everything she had to say. She had done it twice and was just starting her third process, she spoke about how much she enjoyed the experience, and still kept in touch with the families she had carried for, her husband was a big fan as well, they both laughed as they talked about how much fun it was watching these kids grow and going to the birthday parties of these babies she had carried. I was completely hooked and it a fire within me just lit up, I went home, and mentioned it to Russ, and as always, it was an adamant no, but this time I persisted. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I had some idea that there was compensation, but I had no idea how much, Heidi confirmed that there is payment involved, but it was specific to each contract, it was the only thing I felt I could use to persuade Russ. Over the next few days, I prayed and prayed, and kept feeling more and more excited about the idea, as with most things, I feel inspired to do, I fight until I win, and although some may feel bad for Russ, let’s just remember that my fight is the reason we have Aspen today. Knowing how much the compensation would help us, Russ, finally relented. Although that’s never been my primary purpose in all of this, I have prayed that this would not only bless someone with a child, but that it would bless our family as well.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> The funny thing about prayer is that when I started doing it, I was asking permission, I thought it was my idea, and I had to get the go ahead from my Heavenly Father. It was something that I wanted, and I really wanted Him to be OK with it. I felt good moving forward, but as things have progressed, I have seen His hand in all of it, which has led me to believe that perhaps He was behind it from the beginning. In fact, one of my favorite coincidences was about a year and a half ago, I was going to get a tummy tuck. My friend Brigit had found one of those studies where they test out new pain medication and will pay volunteers to do the study. I was all about it, we went, and did the initial appointment with the clinic, and was scheduled to go consult with the plastic surgeon the next day. I woke up early that morning, and as I was getting ready, I felt a distinct voice, that said “Amy, you don’t need this”. It was so strange, but undeniable. I couldn’t figure out why I shouldn’t do it, I mean it was free, and I would get paid like 1000 bucks for doing it! I called Brigit and she convinced me to go with her to the appointment anyway. I was starting to change my mind, but in the end, it just didn’t work out, and now I know why. Got is so smart!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> It was the beginning of June when I contacted the fertility clinic, which is where Heidi directed me. Russ and I had a phone call with the nurse coordinator where she explained the entire process, and upon agreeing to move forward, I scheduled an appointment to meet with them. They started me on birth control immediately, which sounds counterproductive, but I guess there’s a process to it all, and I went in to have an ultrasound and bloodwork, just to make sure I was in good enough health to move forward. I had concerns being 44 years old but the clinic didn’t seem concerned, they even said they’d had women in their 50's carry for their adult children who couldn’t, which was reassuring. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Upon getting all the required approvals, I was put on a list with the clinic to be matched with a family. I had no idea who they would be, but I started praying for them. Bringing a life into the world is a big deal, and I knew that I couldn’t do this without involving Jesus, so I prayed that the family I would be matched with would be Christian, it didn’t matter so much to me whether we shared the exact same faith, I really just wanted them to have a foundation in Christ so that we would have some shared values. It felt like it took forever, but I finally got a call from the clinic, they told me a bit about the couple and asked if she could share my information with them, I said of course! I knew that this match wasn’t a guarantee and that both parties would have to feel good about it, but I was excited when I got Katy‘s first email. She shared with me a bit about the struggles they’ve had with fertility, and asked a few questions. I responded, and we agreed to meet up within the week. We met up with them at Chick-fil-A and one of the first things I noticed was a CTR ring on her finger. God is so good! Not only where they Christian, but we shared the same faith, and I knew that we could approach this from a spiritual level. The meeting went great and they contacted their attorney right away so that we could move forward with the contract.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> So far, the contract has been the most awful, tedious part of this process, they require you to think and talk about the worst-case scenarios, and how to handle every aspect. There was some back-and-forth, but we signed on a Monday and by that afternoon, I had a calendar and all of my appointments with the clinic were set! We had our first appointment last Friday, an ultrasound and bloodwork. I am taking hormones and soon injections. I will have another appointment this Friday, the next and then our transfer date is set for December 22. I feel excited and nervous all at the same time, but I do feel good about it, and I hope that by the end of this, Mac and Katy will have a family, and mine will be blessed by this experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I’m so grateful to have Russ who has been so supportive, although skeptical in the beginning, he has been involved and has had my back through it all. Those we have told so far have been amazing and I feel blessed to be surrounded by so many fantastic people.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-30217068505183985842023-11-25T10:54:00.000-08:002023-11-25T10:54:01.226-08:00Cruises, mountain biking, graduation, and other fun things<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">I really should spend more time on this blog, It's the only kind of journaling I do, and our lives are so full of things that are worth remembering. I actually had to re-read the last post so I could remember what I needed to catch up on. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> As per the usual, the kids went back to school in the fall, Taevin entered his senior year which was exciting and crazy and involved some ups & downs. The nice part was that since he had most of his required credits completed, his schedule was pretty flexible and I got to spend a little extra time with him. The awful part was that he had his first relationship... and she was a nightmare to put it lightly. I find it interesting that people get so worried about their daughters being mistreated in a relationship (and I'm no exception) but few really consider the possibility of their sons being in an abusive relationship, but when it happens, there are few things more heart-breaking for a mama. Let me explain, feminism has become front and center in the world today, but not in a good way, modern feminism is not what feminism was ever meant to be, women are “empowered” to the point that they feel like they need to destroy men in the process, “toxic masculinity” is the buzz word that justifies the behavior these days, and men are just expected to take it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I’ll leave out the miserable details, but what I will say is that it was a lesson learned, and we are beyond grateful for Taevin‘s current girlfriend Hayley, who is beautiful inside and out, and genuinely loves him for the amazing person that he is. More on that later, but luckily Taevin was freed from the monster by Christmas time last year, and since he'd be graduating soon, we really wanted to do something big before he left home, so for Christmas, we gave the kids a cruise to the Bahamas! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Russ and I had gone on a cruise to Mexico with our friends, the Hanna's in November and were so excited for our kids to experience it. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">We left at the end of December and stayed for a week. We flew into Florida the day before the ship embarked and spent time enjoying the beach and the warm weather. It was a bit of a debacle getting to the port, but we made it and couldn’t have been happier to be boarding the beautiful Carnival Sunrise! The cruise was an absolute dream, and in my opinion, the best way to travel as a family. The kids enjoyed more ice cream than any person will ever need, and there was plenty of food and activities on the boat to keep everyone happy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> We swam with stingrays for our first excursion at the Princess cays, and had signed up to swim with the pigs for our next excursion on the island of Nassau. Unfortunately, the weather took a turn for the worse, and they had to cancel it, which was life-shattering for Zoey, she had been looking forward to this and was completely inconsolable. We jumped off the boat to see what our options were, and were approached by the kindest, most wonderful man named Damien, who saved the day! He saw Zoey’s broken heart and helped us get signed up for an animal encounter excursion, and was our personal guide for the entire day, giving Zoey everything she wanted. We swam with dolphins and had an amazing experience with Bonnie the sea lion, who was the highlight of the day!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> We stayed in Florida one day after the cruise and although I’m usually ready to head home after a vacation, I think we all could’ve stayed forever. The kids still talk about that trip and are insistent that we do it again before Ryler graduates.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Speaking of Ryler, 2022 was his first mountain biking season. He decided it was something he wanted to try early in the year, and as it turns out, he's a natural! Ryler’s coaches told me he was good but I had no idea until I went to his first race, that kid is a beast! I’d never seen him so focused and dedicated. Because it was his first year riding, he was placed in the F</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">reshman C category, which he was way too advanced for, but as a result, he took first in his division as point leader, and completely crushed it! I’m generally not a competitive person, but dang was I proud of that kid! His uncle Josh told him that if he won, he’d buy him a new bike, I don’t think he actually thought it would happen, but he came through and he ended up going halvsies with us on a new bike for Ryler, which we were incredibly grateful for. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Ryler was bumped up to the JV B category for the 2023 season, which was much more challenging, but still, he did well. He missed 1 race in favor of a trip to lake Powell with his friends, which caused him to barely miss the qualification for state, but we're confident that next season will be amazing for him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> The girls both made the move to a new school this year, with Zoey entering middle school, and the only district school being a huge school in Tooele, we decided that the local charter school, Excelsior Academy would be a better option for her. Aspen moved with her simply for convenience. It has proven to be a fantastic choice for Zoey, I haven’t loved it for Aspen, but she seems to be liking it OK, so we’ll stick with it for the time being. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Taevin has had the most going on so I'll get back to him. He started dating Hayley shortly before the end of the school year. She had graduated the year prior and was already living in Cedar city for college, but ended up spending most of her summer at home to be with him. As luck would have it Taevin was accepted to SUU and decided to register for his freshman year of college there. He graduated with the class of 2023 and worked through the summer saving up money. We moved him in to his college apartment in August, and when it was time to go, we both lingered as long as we could, but finally had to say goodbye, and this is the most unfair part of parenting. I miss him every day, but I am so proud of him, he’s working hard, taking care of himself, and will no doubt do amazing things. He has been with Hayley for 6 months now and they are so in love, and have even talked about marriage, but they are wanting to wait a couple of years. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> We hosted Thanksgiving just a few days ago, and the Christmas season is here again. Oh and I almost forgot, but Russ is no longer working two jobs! He was promoted at Union Pacific and was able to quit UPS. He’s on call most of the time, but it’s still way better than being gone all day every day. I’m working for primary children’s as a scheduler which enables me to make a little money working mostly from home, which is nice. We have lots more going on but I’ll save that for the next post. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-17936576131247218702022-07-15T18:07:00.005-07:002023-11-25T09:10:49.492-08:00Another Summer <span> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's the middle of July, I just got back from the pool with Rebecca and the girls, who are now playing at her house for the evening. The boys are at FSY and Russ is at work. The house is quiet, except for the ice cream maker that is running downstairs, but this is a rare event so I figured I'd sit down and make the most </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">of it.</span><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> My last post was a little sad, but the reality of it is that I was <strike>a little</strike> a lot sad. It's not like I wanted to die and leave my family or anything, but I certainly didn't feel like I was truly living, so I finally broke down and talked to my doctor who put me on a medication that has helped immensely! Like seriously, this was the kindest act of self-care I've ever done for myself and I wish I would've done it years ago. I'm finally the mom I've always wanted to be... for the most part anyway. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> The world is getting weirder and more evil by the day, but I'm handling it, and doing what I can in my own little corner of the world, in fact I'm running for the school board in our district, I'm not convinced that I'm qualified or will even win, but I guess what's meant to be will be.</span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span> So to catch up, Russ and I had to renew our temple recommends at the end of </span>February, I honestly considered not doing it because why bother if I </span>couldn't go anyway, but I wanted the Lord to know that I still had the desire to go, so I did. When I went for my stake interview, I met with one of the counselors, Brian Cowley. He's a cool guy and I just love his wife, they think like I do so I felt comfortable airing my grievances about the mask requirement to enter the temple. He agreed that it was ridiculous and assured me he would speak to the area authority at their next meeting. Stake conference just happened to be the following weekend, our area authority was there, and as promised, Brian brought the issue to him and expressed concern that it was something that had divided the entire church. He didn't say much, but took some notes and moved on. Brian called me on March 15th to let me know what had happened. Then on the 16th, the church came out with an announcement that effective immediately, masks would no longer be required to attend the temple, I'm guessing I wasn't the only one with that complaint. Anyway, although the details are fuzzy, I'm pretty sure I cried. I jumped on the computer to check and see if there were any available appoints to take my kids to do baptisms, I expected to have to wait a couple of months as those appointments are hard to come by, but there just happened to be 5 open spots for the very next day! It was Russ' day off and it was just the amount of spots we needed to get all of us there who could go, so we let everyone but Aspen skip school and we made a day of it. I can't even describe how amazing it was to be back, and it was Zoey's first time so it was extra special. So many times I wondered if God even cared about what was going on, but those 5 available spots, just after the announcement was no coincidence, in fact I consider it a little miracle. It was my Heavenly Father's way of reminding me that He really did still care.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> There are still a few weirdos that wear the mask in </span>public, I think that most of those people are just doing it to proudly show their political stance, I call it the banner of liberalism, but to each their own I guess. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> Like I said, the world is still crazy. The liberal extremists can't define what a woman is, they're trying to convince us that men can get pregnant and that there are more that 2 genders... and what's worse is that they're trying to push this nonsense (along with pornographic material) into the public schools.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span> </span> Roe V. Wade (the federal abortion law) was just overturned, giving local government the right to make their own abortion laws, meaning that some states will ban it, and many women are outraged that that they no longer have the right to kill their children, which BTW are the same women who think men can get pregnant. Sometimes I think that Satan is winning, but there is still so much good, and we are starting to stand up for what's right.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span> As far as our family goes, all is well. We finished our basement and love having the extra space. Russ is finally off of the graveyard shift. There are pros and cons, but we LOVE having him back at church! Taevin is 17, still works at the Maverick and will be entering his senior year soon, Ryler will be heading to high school next month as a freshman, Zoey will be in 6th grade and is getting so mature and beautiful, and Aspen</span> will be in 4th and is just as sarcastic as I am (well played Karma).</span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span> I can honestly say that I am happy and am grateful to have such amazing people in my life.</span><br /></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-47388980306588682152022-01-16T12:10:00.000-08:002022-01-16T12:10:16.542-08:00Alligators<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;"> I've</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> mentioned a few times how I feel about this "pandemic". A hoax, a man-made virus, fear mongering with side effects far more dangerous than the virus itself, and an agenda driven by politics and those seeking power. This has been going on for nearly 2 years now and there's always some new scheme to assert control over the masses; new variants, masks, vaccines and boosters. Everyone is confused and divided, and I'm tired. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have sought inspiration and feel like the Lord has supported my decisions, and as long as He has my back, nothing else matters, right? That's what I thought, until my answers went against what the prophet was saying. I mean how does that even work? I was always taught that my personal revelation would never contradict the council of the Lord's prophet. So I cling to Jesus like a life-line, knowing that at least He understands me, even when my priesthood leaders see me as rebellious and lacking faith, or at least that's what it feels like. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> I HATE masks. That's not really a secret, but what most people don't truly understand is why. Like other mask-haters I believe that they are ineffective, and used primarily used for fear and control, but in addition to that, I am severely claustrophobic. C</span>laustrophobia is defined as the fear of confined spaces and is typically classified as an anxiety disorder. I don't actually mind elevators or windowless rooms, my fear is of not being able to breathe, and since there isn't a word for that, claustrophobia is the best way to describe it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> My earliest recollection of feeling this was when I was a kid, probably 8 or 9, playing in a friends backyard pool, I got trapped under a giant floaty that all of my friends were on top of, and I couldn't breathe. By some miracle I got out, but that experience is burned into my mind, much like when I was 19 and working at a club on Halloween night, and had to take my turn in the coffin by the </span>entrance, with a scary mask over my face, reaching up my hand to scare the people who walked by. Almost immediately there were tears streaming down my face and I was hyperventilating. Luckily a co-worker came by to check on me and grabbed my boss who got me out of there. I've never liked snorkeling or being in the water the way Russ does and I will instinctively turn my head to get some air if Russ kisses me for too long or accidentally puts the sheet over my head while we're in bed. I always knew that this was an issue, but because I wasn't faced with it regularly, I never gave it much thought. Then came March of 2020...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> Imaging having a debilitating fear of alligators, but it's not that big of a deal, I mean it's not like we're living in the everglades of Florida, and that's not exactly something that comes up in casual conversation, so most people are unaware. But one day you're suddenly surrounded by alligators, everyone has one, and even the government is saying that everyone must own one to keep them safe. But you know that it won't keep you safe, in fact for you, it'll do way more harm than good, but still, everywhere you go people have alligators, and even though it raises your blood pressure seeing everyone </span>else's, you put on a fake smile and say to yourself "to each their own". But that isn't good enough, people are giving you dirty looks and making snide comments about you being irresponsible for not having one. You have anxiety every time a friend wants to go out because you're not sure if that particular establishment will honor your medical exemption (but hey, at least your doctor gets it). Then one day, insult is added to injury, the church that you love and have given your whole life to, for some asinine reason, makes a statement that you must have an alligator to attend the temple. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> This is how I feel. The one place that I should be able to go to find solace, now won't let me in. It doesn't make sense, how can the Lord's church discriminate in this way? I am paying tithing that helps build temples that I can't even enter, despite being worthy and having the desire to go. I guess I'll make that sacrifice and trust that the Lord knows more that I do, but what do I say when my sweet Zoey who just entered Young </span>Women's asks when I can take her to do baptisms? What do I do when in just a year or so, Taevin is ready to receive his endowments before he leaves for the mission he wants to serve? These are the questions that keep me up at night. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> It's hard not to question your faith in times like these, I keep telling myself that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, I've had too many experiences to deny His presence in my life, but the church... Yes, I've heard that the church is perfect but the people are not (and all those other go-to cliche's church members use). For the record I don't think the church is perfect, the gospel is a different story although many members see them as one in the same. I've spent countless prayers petitioning the Lord for understanding, and although I have my theories, it doesn't change my situation, so I'll keep praying for a miracle, one that is way bigger than me.</span><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-2503949558431532452021-09-23T06:34:00.007-07:002022-01-16T10:28:22.196-08:00Dreams<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> I don't always dream, and I don't</span> always remember them clearly when I do have them, but when it's a happy dream I'm super grateful when I wake up thinking about it. Last night I dreamed about grandma. I've had a couple of dreams about her since she passed and it always makes me smile.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> It's weird because I rarely dream about my dad, I wish I did because I really miss him too, and he left me with so many questions that it'd be nice if he checked in once in a while, but I guess he must have a full schedule on the other side.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span> Anyway, I'm grateful that I was able see grandma for a bit last night. She looked so beautiful, still like a grandma, but not as old and frail as she was at the end. As soon as I saw her I ran and gave her the biggest hug, it was funny because I offered to have her stay at my house (she must have known that we sold hers), but she declined because my house was too full of noise and chaos, I get that, I'm overwhelmed by it too most of the time ;) I don't remember where she was headed next, or really anything else, I just remember how happy I was to see her.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span><span> </span>Gosh I miss that lady! I have lots of love for all of my grandparents, every one of them was incredible in their own way, but my sweet Grandma Whitney... there was a special bond there, something about her presence always made me feel like I was home.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span><span> Sometimes I like to believe that she's my guardian angel or something. I know we get help from the other side but I honestly don't know if there is someone specific assigned to each person or exactly how it works, and it would be selfish of me to think I could have her all to myself, but a girl can hope. </span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span><span><span> Yesterday was hard, really hard. Those days are becoming more frequent. Corrupt government and powerful people feeding lies through the media, especially to children. There is propaganda everywhere and anything that disagrees with the agenda and tries to share truth is </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">censored. Our freedoms are being challenged with the hopes of taking them completely, and all I can do is hope that there are are enough people like me who are willing to fight. Even our church leaders are encouraging us to conform, I suppose they are trying to preserve out religious freedoms for as long as possible, but it feels so morally wrong and I am so confused. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> These are the last days so I don't expect things to get easier, but I'll always be grateful for a little visit from grandma. I'll be relying heavily on help from the other side to make it through all of this because GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME, even when it's hard.</span><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-79073656369486949992021-08-01T15:04:00.003-07:002021-08-01T15:07:37.812-07:00A dog person<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> Yesterday we went to a get-together with the the people from my pathways gathering, it was nice to meet in person with these people that I had thus far only interacted with online. As we chatted, one person in our group revealed that he is afraid of dogs. He owns a pest control company and has been bitten a few times while being in peoples homes, I guess I can understand his reservations, but it's hard for me to wrap my head around the idea of not liking animals. I was raised with them and as a general rule, I like most animals.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mJL_yc3omz6g4Ab7cV-GdVjktDbM3u5liLbXtYIcD5tWLjRsdiwas6cXZD6pcMX5bDIc1EwGhrrPC0z_Tjnrxmtl9IM2WjtSWM7z2dHuUZFWp5bi_CZcxPwEE5Lfv4A3R_-2_QJO6VSC/s2048/70D54AC6-C41C-4C8F-BA0B-E04F896E9575.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="2048" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mJL_yc3omz6g4Ab7cV-GdVjktDbM3u5liLbXtYIcD5tWLjRsdiwas6cXZD6pcMX5bDIc1EwGhrrPC0z_Tjnrxmtl9IM2WjtSWM7z2dHuUZFWp5bi_CZcxPwEE5Lfv4A3R_-2_QJO6VSC/w234-h161/70D54AC6-C41C-4C8F-BA0B-E04F896E9575.heic" width="234" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Something I've learned about myself over the years is that although I love animals, I'm pretty picky about the kind I will have as pets. We are dog people around here, well for the most part anyway, Taevin is a cat person, but I think the rest of us prefer dogs. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span><span> </span>I don't love having big dogs in my house, I prefer their temperment to small dogs but the sheer size is too much in this already crazy house, but small dogs are way too </span></span>yappy for my taste. I also hate groomable dogs, grooming is expensive, and I hate doing it myself, although my dogs usually get bathed weekly because I can't stand the smell of stinky animals, and I know this is a super unpopular opinion, but I think groomable dogs are ugly, particularly doodle dogs. It has become trendy to breed poodles with other breeds in an effort to create hypoallergenic, even tempered dogs, then charge $5000 for what is essentially a mutt, people love them though. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvQ0CWyaZ41BrfnHXDxKEyN9GUAoIdEuuvihItGUIISnM1kngmPfRazjEqNzcjBVlMHUBIQXlE55J9GkFUC5WXIp8aZ0RNZk2FLfX6BRl_wTOTa_KO7RU1Xz3n6So65I2R5jmf4ES0NiP/s2048/09F6B13A-FED2-4E29-9572-6DD5AA7A0A4D.heic" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvQ0CWyaZ41BrfnHXDxKEyN9GUAoIdEuuvihItGUIISnM1kngmPfRazjEqNzcjBVlMHUBIQXlE55J9GkFUC5WXIp8aZ0RNZk2FLfX6BRl_wTOTa_KO7RU1Xz3n6So65I2R5jmf4ES0NiP/w230-h173/09F6B13A-FED2-4E29-9572-6DD5AA7A0A4D.heic" width="230" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> Anyway, we've had French Bulldogs for quite a while and I love this breed! They're non-groomable, small-ish and good </span>tempered, great with kids, happy to take a walk, but content if you don't have time, ridiculously cute and just an all around good dog. They're not smart, like not even a little, and can be a bit stubborn, but I think it's part of their charm.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHPUsvnrho3niEDcmjQeaqGKhpC1c-67emOOKreqtn_WqPvG4ALKtyt-kB-ReCnib5V2QvRKG-mJ7qWBP19DXB7_vp3Df8GxTmEJANIA1f9HmBH0XNqKNu4S7nuGJ16Ru_5VJln8bj7R7/s1796/IMG_2798.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1796" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHPUsvnrho3niEDcmjQeaqGKhpC1c-67emOOKreqtn_WqPvG4ALKtyt-kB-ReCnib5V2QvRKG-mJ7qWBP19DXB7_vp3Df8GxTmEJANIA1f9HmBH0XNqKNu4S7nuGJ16Ru_5VJln8bj7R7/w223-h168/IMG_2798.heic" width="223" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> I always say that when these dogs (Rocco, Stella and the Beard) die, we won't be getting another, but if I'm being honest with myself, we'll probably always have dogs... because I'm a dog person.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-69357305634897553822021-02-14T11:28:00.000-08:002021-02-14T11:28:44.040-08:00The best part of my day<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Russ has worked a graveyard shift almost our entire marriage, and for much of that time he has held a second job as well. Most days he leaves around 5:00 pm, goes to both jobs, and comes home around 7:20 the next morning. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> I couldn't be more grateful for a husband who values hard work and does what it takes to support our family, but I don't love being alone at night, and I worry about him. I pray every night that he will be brought home safely to me in the morning, and I always breathe a subconscious sigh of relief </span>every morning when I hear the garage open. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> I am usually up and getting the kids ready for school by the time he gets home, but sometimes on the weekends when I don't have to get out of bed, he crawls in next to me and somehow manages to stay awake long enough to cuddle for a while, and this is the best part of my day.</span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-41686082218690069852020-12-27T14:55:00.003-08:002020-12-27T15:01:03.659-08:00Recap<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX901XgifefNSRzk-uohJKbSK4l5g4lRYfzNlJB570kkL5M-qgpdG7UdxAz1xHQnxTfX6z2Sl3i93eaFG8RzZm21ufyXFM-EVEseCJGgrACs38Bj5AH-zvFuu9obGWhxwNjm-vMQPcodH5/s2048/79EF7680-BFE6-493A-80C5-E94E6C88AB17.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX901XgifefNSRzk-uohJKbSK4l5g4lRYfzNlJB570kkL5M-qgpdG7UdxAz1xHQnxTfX6z2Sl3i93eaFG8RzZm21ufyXFM-EVEseCJGgrACs38Bj5AH-zvFuu9obGWhxwNjm-vMQPcodH5/s320/79EF7680-BFE6-493A-80C5-E94E6C88AB17.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: verdana;"> What a year! It's almost over so I figured a recap was in order. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Taevin is 15, he's had his learners permit since January and has become a pretty decent driver. He'll be turning 16 and getting his license in about 3 weeks, and is so excited! I'm excited to have someone to run my errands for me, but the doubling of my car insurance... not so much. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">He's in the middle of his sophomore year, he doesn't love school work, but what teenager does? He does work hard though and has amazing friends, and a crush named Maddie who lives in Highland. He still loves to run and is playing the Cello in chamber orchestra.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Ryler turned 13 in November and it's weird to think that I have 2 teenagers! He is in 7th grade and playing the trumpet in band. He gets good grades and loves to be outside with his friends as much as possible. He definitely loves his mama and for the most part is helpful and sweet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Zoey is in 4th grade and really enjoys school. She has some wonderful teachers and despite her struggles, works so hard on everything she does. She has many friends who love her because she is so kind and easy to get along with. She decided recently to quit her piano lessons but is hoping to try art lessons sometime soon. She's growing up so fast... too fast in my opinion, but her maturity is delightful and I'm loving the time we spend together.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Aspen is in 2nd grade now, she turned 8 at the end of November and is also growing up way too fast! She's quick-witted and snarky, but so bright. She enjoys school and also loves as much time as possible with her friends. She will be getting baptized on January 9th and it's crazy to think that this is the last of my babies to reach this milestone. Taevin will be getting ordained to the office of a priest next Sunday so that he can baptize her. I think this will be an amazing experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Russ is still working his tail off to make sure we're all taken care of, but he takes it like a champ and we just keep praying that one day his schedule will get better. I can't even express how grateful I am for that man, I don't know what I'd do without him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> As for me, I didn't go back to work this year. In fact, none of us went back to Bonneville. Before school started, I felt prompted to move the girls to Old Mill Elementary. There were several factors that played into this decision, but ultimately, it just felt right. Ryler moved to Clark N. Johnson and I started the Pathways program. I'm not sure yet where it'll lead, but it's been interesting going back to school after all this time. It's all online which has been fantastic, and I'm learning and growing so much. If nothing else, I hope this will help me teach my kids and set an example for them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> It's been hard to feel blessed this year, but the reality is that we have been. We are gaining perspective and learning to rely heavily on our Savior. We need more than ever to hear Him so we can know what God wants for us during these times. We really are blessed and are cautiously optimistic about the upcoming year.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-57466046122721612212020-12-27T13:57:00.005-08:002020-12-27T14:12:16.810-08:00Grandma<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwFIxtyCQFy5yW-_E_s4Jna-8mcKzQKIj33JFc0z2kh1AMURNBfvDtM5nCoTkZuv1umouo7OvIKCaArf6UHbN4qB3PE1ExYgVJWTmV9CCHMTUTBP2qbsRPT6rPFW02NsIBsBksTUBMCYQ/s2046/127177A6-A32C-4A82-B8B4-FEB4CA3C8663.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2046" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwFIxtyCQFy5yW-_E_s4Jna-8mcKzQKIj33JFc0z2kh1AMURNBfvDtM5nCoTkZuv1umouo7OvIKCaArf6UHbN4qB3PE1ExYgVJWTmV9CCHMTUTBP2qbsRPT6rPFW02NsIBsBksTUBMCYQ/w320-h240/127177A6-A32C-4A82-B8B4-FEB4CA3C8663.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE60sBoM9lXrbGgNqPODsn0Mk5YiirSjSXaexNUmnttjl0DNLqYVqeRshixSfE_j89YARMmEK2paODGJisq17HYLUIem2-5aFE4WxISH7uljbIkVIbmDM7crSYbkTqjhJAva7Hugj9CUmT/s2048/8C2DC73E-133E-450C-A419-E8CE50A31E3C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="2048" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE60sBoM9lXrbGgNqPODsn0Mk5YiirSjSXaexNUmnttjl0DNLqYVqeRshixSfE_j89YARMmEK2paODGJisq17HYLUIem2-5aFE4WxISH7uljbIkVIbmDM7crSYbkTqjhJAva7Hugj9CUmT/w320-h253/8C2DC73E-133E-450C-A419-E8CE50A31E3C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: verdana;"> My sweet grandma Whitney passed away this year. It was on November 10th, Ryler's 13th birthday. We knew it was coming, she'd been declining for a while, and it had gotten to the point that we were all praying that Heavenly Father would bring her home to her husband. It was just time.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> It's been about 7 weeks now, I miss her, and it was weird not spending Christmas Eve at her house, but I'm so grateful to know that she's happy and reunited with my sweet grandpa. I'm grateful for the amount of time I got to spend with her throughout her life, and the spirit I felt as I sat at her bedside at the very end. Death is hard for those of us left behind, but the knowledge that is isn't permanent brings peace.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I was asked to speak at her funeral, so here is the talk I gave.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px;">It’s been nearly 27 years since I stood at a pulpit much like this one, sharing a tribute about grandpa. Now I only bring this up because it’s almost impossible to talk about one without mentioning the other. They were each others sweethearts, still are, and will be forever. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px;"> As a child I had the opportunity to spend lots of time with them, and there is an image that is burned in my mind of the two of them, standing at the end of their kitchen island, both in aprons probably canning peaches or something, and I remember it like it was yesterday, grandpa looking at us grandkids as he put his arm around her and said “I want you kids to know that this is my sweetheart!” and I’ll never forget the way she smiled at him. In my mind, this was what marriage looked like, it was total perfection. As I’ve gotten older, what I’ve realized is that even though neither of them were perfect, they were absolutely perfect for each other, and that’s something I have strived for in my own marriage. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After my grandpa passed, I think a lot of people worried about grandma, see, he was the more assertive part of the relationship, and that was obvious, but within my grandma, has always been a quiet strength that could’ve gone unnoticed if you weren’t paying attention. Well let me tell you, it has not gone unnoticed! Over the last almost 27 years, she has shown us a strength that is unbreakable, and a faith that could literally move mountains if that’s what was needed, and I’m pretty sure I can speak for most of us when I say that there were many times when we needed it!</p><p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I reached out to my cousins to see what kind of special memories they wanted to share, and Cara told me about a time when she worked close to grandmas house, and would stop by on her lunch breaks to visit, and was always welcomed with a lunch date, a nap, a good talk or whatever was needed. She also told me about the first time she met her newest baby girl and how they just stared at each other and smiled as she held her. She did this with my babies as well, and I’m sure all of them. She truly loved her great grandkids, and let them get away with much more than we ever could, but they brought her so much joy.</p><p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She always told us that we were “good kids” and I think she really believed it even though I didn’t always believe that about myself. She loved to tell a story about Dan and how she had to go up to his school and pull that naughty little boy out from under the bench in the principles office, but she always finished with how proud she was, of him and what a good boy he had become. </p><p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I had the opportunity to live with her a few times throughout my life, because of this, her house has always felt like home to me. I stayed there as I prepared for my mission, and again when I returned, until I got married. I always loved coming home after a date, I would peek my head into her room to see if she was still awake, and she usually was, so I’d sit on her bed and chat with her for a minute before going to sleep. It was usually late but she always made the time to let me know that the things happening in my life were important to her. </p><p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Her home was always open to stray grandkids who needed a place to stay, and several of us took advantage of her hospitality. Christie reminded me of grandmas treadmill, as if I could forget. It was important to grandma to stay healthy, so she kept a treadmill in her basement, and every morning she would get up early, or at least it felt that way to us, and walk on that thing blasting her workout music, which was a CD full of instrumental patriotic songs, now I’m not sure if that was just what she needed to stay motivated, or if it was her way of punishing us for being out too late the night before, but it definitely got us out of bed!</p><p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She always kept us laughing, even until the very end. As a few of us surrounded her bed last Sunday, not only was she making us laugh, but she was leaving us with her very last example of faith, love, endurance and strength. And that strength held out until she made sure that every single person had the opportunity to say goodbye. </p><p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Today might be a hard day for us, but there is a scene that I can’t get out of my head. It’s a scene from a book called “The Message” by Lance Richardson. In this book, Lance tells about a near-death experience he had while in the hospital after a tragic accident, and the opportunity he had to visit the spirit world. Upon his arrival, he was assured that everyone who dies has close relatives and friends present to greet them when they pass through the veil which separates our two worlds. </p><p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As I share this excerpt from this book, feel free to visualize this beautiful scene. He says “I watched numerous people pass through the veil while I was there. It was most enjoyable. I witnessed an elderly woman whose family anticipated her arrival. There were about 20 individuals, jumping up and down excitedly, as if waiting for a loved one to come off of an airplane. A slender man, who was most obviously the husband of the woman, paced back and forth nervously. Two women kept patting him on the back and excitedly hugging him as they anticipated the arrival. Another man, who acted as a leader to the group, then stepped partly through the veil so that I could not see him. He then stepped back, announced happily, “it’s time,” and turned back into the veil. He reached his arm forward and drew it back holding the hand of the elderly woman. She seemed startled, and a bit blinded at first. Then upon seeing the group, her expression turned to one of absolute splendor. They parted for her to see the gentleman standing at the back; the one who appeared to be her husband. They rushed into one another's arms. The entire company encircled them and eagerly welcomed her home.”</p><p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s hard to let go of someone who has played such a critical part in who you are, but today is a happy day, and she is with people who love her just as much as we do. </p><p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We don’t get to choose our family, they are given to us as a gift from God, but one thing I know, is that even if she hadn’t been given to me, I still would’ve have chosen her as a friend, and I believe that when it’s my turn to go home, she will be a part of that group waiting for me.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-76032322568252193392020-11-22T12:54:00.000-08:002020-11-22T12:54:30.453-08:00The Hoax of 2020<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> My last post was in March. It was the beginning of the "pandemic" as people are calling it, but over the last several months, it has become alarmingly clear that our country is changing, and not in a way that anyone ever expected or wanted. America used to stand for freedom, and we were proud of that, but this virus has been used by people and politicians as a means to get gain & power, defy the constitution and steal the freedoms of the American people. The COVID-19 virus, although real and somewhat dangerous, has become a modern-day secret combination. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Here in Utah, and several other states, we are being forced by tyrannical governors to mask our faces, despite the massive scientific evidence that they not only are ineffective in preventing the spread of this disease or any other, but are highly detrimental to both the physical and mental/emotional well being of people. The survival rate of COVID patients is 99.97% as of the last study, yet mental illness, child trafficking, domestic violence and suicide are at an all-time high due to government shut-downs, masks and isolation. Small business are suffering and the economy is tanking, and for the first time in American history, voter fraud is happing all over the country. Forced compliance, which is not only unconstitutional, but completely defies God's plan of agency, is on the rise, and many are too blinded by the media's agenda to see that they have been fooled into giving up their freedoms, and I fear that once those seeking power have succeeded, we will never be able to get those rights back without a war. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> These are things that have been prophesied for many years, and as I have studied the Book of Mormon and prayed for answers, I have felt strongly impressed that these times truly are fulfilling prophecies. I told Russ the other day that one would think that the opportunity to live through the fulfillment prophecy would be exciting, but turns out these last days are scary. I'm scared that my children and grandchildren will grow up without the freedoms that I've enjoyed throughout my life. I'm scared that wars are imminent, and that my children will one day have to fight to protect their families and their freedoms.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> This is not something that I could've ever imagined, but despite the anxiety I feel during these times, Jesus is my constant. He will come again, and hopefully soon, our world needs Him. As we move forward, I will make more of an effort to find the joy, and teach my kids where they can turn for peace.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-88112101908888322302020-04-02T21:43:00.000-07:002020-04-12T10:08:34.567-07:00Ye shall not fear <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just so I NEVER forget... This is what is going on in our world right now, and one day it will be a story I tell to my grandkids, like the way my grandma talks about the the way she remembers the great depression or WWII. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are making history, and I want to remember the good & the bad. </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gas price a mile from home was $2.35</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">School cancelled - We are all home/ online schooling</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gyms - closed! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Social distancing measures on the rise.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tape on the floors at grocery stores and others to help distance shoppers (6ft) from each other.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Limited number of people inside stores, therefore, lineups outside the store doors.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Non-essential stores and businesses mandated closed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Parks, trails, entire cities locked up.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Entire sports seasons cancelled.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Concerts, tours, festivals, entertainment events - cancelled.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Weddings, family celebrations, holiday gatherings - cancelled.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Churches are closed- this is also being done at home.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No gatherings of 50 or more, then 20 or more, now 5 or more.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don't socialize with anyone outside of your home.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Children's outdoor play parks are closed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are to distance from each other.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shortage of masks, gowns, gloves for our front-line workers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shortage of ventilators for the critically ill.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Panic buying sets in and we have no toilet paper, no disinfecting supplies, no paper towel, no hand sanitizer. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shelves are bare.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Manufacturers, distilleries and other businesses switch their lines to help make visors, masks, hand sanitizer and PPE.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Government closes the border to all non-essential travel.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fines are established for breaking the rules.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stadiums and recreation facilities open up for the overflow of Covid-19 patients.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Press conferences daily from the President. Daily updates on new cases, recoveries, and deaths.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Government incentives to stay home.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stimulus package passed by federal government to support economy,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Barely anyone on the roads.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">People wearing masks and gloves outside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Essential service workers are terrified to go to work.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Medical field workers are afraid to go home to their families.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic, declared March 11th, 2020.</span></div>
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looking back, my last couple of </span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">posts seemed a bit sad. but as we are all settling into the new "normal", one thing keeps coming to mind, D&C 38:30. This is a revelation given through Joseph Smith, in which the Lord Talks of troubled times, but reassures us that "<i>If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.</i>"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These are troubled times indeed, and I have had my bad days, but overall I am not afraid, and I feel at peace. I have done the best I can to heed the long-time council of our prophets to be prepared; temporally and spiritually, and I am ok. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I do worry about the many who are sick, afraid, or otherwise suffering, but Christ has brought me peace. "Peace in Christ". This was the theme for the youth in 2018 and it is my favorite. Every time I hear <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R46J-GjbRWA" target="_blank">the song</a>, it's like a beautiful reminder of who is handling all of this, and my worries just seem to melt away.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I have been trying to focus on the positive in all of this, and it actually hasn't been that hard to do! We had gotten to a point in life where we were so busy that I felt like I was drowning. Working, running my kids to all of their extra-curriculars, trying to manage things at home while Russ is working 2 jobs, serving in the RS presidency, keeping up my visit's with <span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">grandma, managing my health, and the list goes on... I never would've stopped had I not been forced, and I'm so grateful for the slower pace. We are together as a family all of the time now and it has given us an amazing opportunity to reconnect, and I am loving it! It's the kind of thing that makes you really reevaluate your priorities. If I could, I'd never go back to work! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Both of Russ' jobs have been deemed "essential", so even though I'm not going to work, we still have his paychecks, and will be fine as long as he doesn't get sick, which is something I am constantly praying for.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We will likely need to cancel our summer vacation, but in January was able to take a girls trip to Palm Springs CA with Jennie and Rebecca, and it was just the recharge we all needed, and I'm so grateful that we had that opportunity before all of this happened. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I still don't love homeschooling, but we're starting to get the hang of it with the help of my kids amazing teachers. I have always had a great deal of respect for teachers, and this has just solidified my belief that they deserve a WAY bigger salary, they are truly incredible and I couldn't do this without them!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> As for church, the transition to a home-centered Gospel learning was truly inspired as it has been implemented with fidelity during this time. I feel so blessed to have 3 Priesthood holders in my home so we can still partake of the sacrament and receive blessings while not at church. This has brought an increase of the spirit into our home and I love it!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> This weekend is a bicentennial General Conference, and as such we have been asked to study the restoration, and as I've done so, I've realized that God didn't just restore a church, he has restored His people. I'm so excited for what we will learn this weekend, and for the things that our Heavenly Father has in store for us. It is an exciting time.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-86420141998872837142020-03-18T21:34:00.000-07:002020-03-18T21:35:40.993-07:00What is happening?<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I just wrote about the crazy virus and how pretty much everyone is self-quarantined right now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Well if that wasn't enough, we all woke up this morning to a 5.7 earthquake. Just after 7am, my bed started shaking, waking me up totally panicked and disoriented. It didn't last long, but it was scary for sure. Dan called to make sure we were ok & once I got my bearings & realized what time it was, I called Russ but couldn't get through. I knew he was on the road coming home and was worried about traffic, but he showed up about 10 minutes later. Turns out he didn't even feel it! </span><br />
<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/7c/7f/d6/7c7fd60bc54eca79c76b3d69f1a13798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="I testify that bad days come to an end, that faith always triumphs, and that heavenly promises are always kept. - Jeffrey R. Holland" border="0" class="hCL kVc L4E MIw" height="320" importance="auto" loading="auto" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/7c/7f/d6/7c7fd60bc54eca79c76b3d69f1a13798.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We were supposed to start home-school today but my phone was going crazy so we got a late start. There were several aftershocks (although I only felt 2 of them), but we still managed to get the kids school work done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The last while has been difficult. I have been feeling pretty miserable for probably 18-ish months, I'd been to the doctor and couldn't seem to get an answer, so I kept digging & finally I saw someone else who diagnosed me with Hashimoto's, which is an auto-immune disease that causes your immune system to attack your thyroid, and there's likely more that I don't know yet. I'm still in the process of trying to figure all of this out, but to say that I'm frustrated would be an understatement. I feel like my life has been turned upside-down, and this last week has only added insult to injury. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I know that things will get better, and that there must be something I need to learn from all of this, so in the mean time, I'll trust in Elder Holland's words...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-14250371240966726042020-03-16T22:32:00.000-07:002020-03-16T22:32:15.349-07:00Surreal<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surreal: marked by the intense irrational reality of a dream. Also unbelievable, fantastic or dream-like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This is the only word I can think of to describe the situation we are in right now. And when I say "we" I don't mean just my family, I mean the entire world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The media calls it a pandemic, and I guess that's accurate. It's a strain of the coronavirus called COVID 19, a new strain that spreads rapidly, and because of its newness, we have no immunity built up against it, or at least that's how I understand it. It manifests itself in flu-like symptoms and is currently taking America by storm. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It started in China, then moved to Italy, and has now spread here, causing people everywhere to panic. The stores are sold out of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfecting wipes, and shelves are completely cleared out of canned & frozen foods and bottled water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> All events, including General Conference, and even church have been cancelled for the time being, and we are being asked to do our meetings at home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The schools have shut down and teachers are setting up classes remotely so that students can get their schoolwork done online. Right now it's a "soft closure", but this is evolving so quickly that within a day or two, it is likely that we'll be in a full quarantine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I went to the grocery store today for some produce and it just felt weird, truly surreal, like we're in the middle of a crazy dream. Trying to explain to the girls why they can't see their friends is going to be impossible, and homeschooling... I don't even have words. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As the last week has unfolded, I have been surprised at how much peace I've felt. Of course I feel uncertain and I have my concerns, but for years we have been told to prepare, and I've done the best I can in that regard, and I feel at peace. I'm struggling with my health (I'll save that for another post) but spiritually I'm in a good place, I am close to my Savior and I know He is so mindful of us right now. Trials are a time for growth, and He sees our potential. It is an amazing time in the church and I am optimistic (somewhat cautiously) that this will all be for our good. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-24625262390390967362020-01-08T19:25:00.000-08:002020-01-08T19:25:04.929-08:00Rage-waiting<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Rage waiting... that's a thing. I saw it on a meme the other day about parenting, and it totally resonated! I usually write about the great parts of our life, the positive highlights and such, but parenting is so freaking hard! Most days I really do feel like all I do is repeat myself and rage wait while they ignore my 27th request to put away their laundry or whatever. Someone tell me I'm not the only one.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-38181969967365236362019-11-22T22:42:00.000-08:002019-11-22T22:42:24.921-08:00So so blessed <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Last night I was sitting in bed with Russ, I looked over at him and had this overwhelming feeling of gratitude for this man that completes me in every way. He is so good, so kind, and loves me far more that I probably deserve. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and this time of year tends to bring out the gratitude in all of us, and with the year we've had, a little dose of thankful is just what I've been needing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I turned 40 in February. It was weird. So good in so many ways, but so scary in others. My amazing friends threw me a beautiful dinner party with some of my favorite people and gathered kind words from so many people that I love and had it framed. I got to stay 2 nights at a hotel downtown, the first night with Jennie, and the 2nd with Russ, I was truly spoiled. Everyone was so incredibly thoughtful, but the most meaningful gift of all was from Russ, he showed up at the hotel on the morning of my birthday clean shaven! He finally shaved that dreadful beard that I had hated for almost 3 years... and I know how much he (and everyone else) loved it, so it was truly a sacrifice and an act of love for me. I literally cried when I saw him!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It seems like we were celebrating 40th birthdays all year long. Jennie's was just 2 weeks before mine, Brigit was in May, and several other friends were scattered throughout the year, so we took a weekend girls trip to Lava Hot Springs in May and had a blast.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We had a great summer, abnormally busy, but good nonetheless. I built a bunk bed for the boys that took a pretty good chunk out of our summer but I love how it turned out! We also did a family vacation with the Ringwood's to the tree houses in Oregon, and then to the Redwoods. I've decided that I love traveling with friends. I heard a quote in a movie just the other day that said "Friends are the family you choose", I concur. Anyway, knowing that our poor old minivan was on it's way out and would likely not survive another road trip, we said goodbye to the van that I had loved for almost 7 years and got a new car. It's a nice car, a Honda Pilot, but I cried and cried over my loss, so many memories. Russ thought I was crazy but it was like letting go of a very big chapter in my life. I still miss those sliding doors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In September we had the opportunity to go to Lake Powell, again with the Ringwood's and the Brambles as well. We had never been so we were excited to go, and it was wonderful! Absolutely beautiful and such great company.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As for the crazy... With the instability going on at Union Pacific, Russ picked up a second job back in April at UPS just in case something were to happen. I can't believe we're back to this, it's been frustrating to say the least, and now we are in limbo trying to decide if we will hang in there with UP, or make a switch to UPS. For now we'll just keep on keeping on until an answer comes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Taevin started High School over at SHS this year, and he made Chamber Orchestra! He is such a good kid and has an amazing group of friends, I couldn't be more proud. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Ryler is in 6th grade, which is middle school at Bonneville, he is such a smart kid and so cute. He still plays trumpet and teases his sisters incessantly. He just turned 12 so for his birthday I checked him out of school early and took him out for sushi then to Temple Square for a few hours. It's always so nice when I can get some one on one with the kids. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Zoey had some testing done this year which revealed some executive functioning/ processing disorders, and also some anxiety. Her and I have been seeing a therapist to help us both navigate this process. I think our first instinct is to see these things as a negative, but there is so much more to my little Z than her differences, and it breaks my heart when she doesn't see her value. She may struggle in school, but her creativity, attention to detail, and kind heart will take her so far in life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Aspen is just as goofy as ever, she always has something funny to say and keeps me on my toes. She started taking dance in the fall and seems to be loving it, her teacher tells me she has a natural ability so I'll be excited to see her progress. She'll be turning 7 in a week!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As for me, I'm still working at Bonneville. They cancelled the Food Science class I was teaching which made me super sad, but gave me a position as the Tier 2 coordinator, which means I gather DATA, find out which students are falling behind, and figure out how to help. I was a little unsure in the beginning, but I've ended up really enjoying it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> After 3 years of serving the Young Women, our ward split in March and I was released. I love those girls so much so it was a tough change, especially since we started a new ward and so many of my girls stayed in Porter Way, I had never been so attached to a calling before, but I came away from it with a deep love for teenagers, and a strong testimony of their worth and their crucial role in the future ahead of us. I was called to serve in the RS presidency in our new ward, it's been 8 months now and I'm still trying to get to know everyone, but I serve with some fantastic ladies and I'm sure we'll get there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Being 40 has not been very kind to my health. My eyesight has gotten worse, my metabolism is disappointing and my stomach has been bothering me a lot lately. I've been trying to figure out what's causing it all and will be seeing a hormone/ thyroid specialist in January, but in the mean time, I'm trying to cut out sugar and scale way back on junk carbs. It's hard because carbs are delicious, but I'm going to make it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Life has gotten challenging and it's easy to dwell on it, but I know that Jesus has my back. I'm trying so hard and am so grateful for the incredible support system I have. God is good and has blessed me with so much.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-940930677006943052019-02-03T12:19:00.000-08:002019-02-03T12:19:31.557-08:00Fresh start<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Christmas came and went and it was lovely. Busy, but lovely nonetheless. Mom was here celebrating her 60th birthday and it was fun to have her. We saw the Forgotten Carols & Christmas lights, shopped, ate, and crammed as many things in as we could. By the end of it all I was exhausted, but isn't that always the case that time of year?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The new year has been full of change already and I was right not to hold my breath. After only a week of Russ being on day shift, the company decided to make their employees as miserable as possible, and take weekends away from almost everyone. Russ opted to go back to the graveyard shift for the sake of making it to church, he now has Wednesday & Thursday nights off, so he sits at home alone on his days off while everyone else is gone, then goes back to work when the rest of us are just starting our weekend, causing me to spend my weekend yelling at the kids to be quiet while dad sleeps. In case you can't tell, I'm not thrilled. Still, we have much to be thankful for and are trying desperately to focus on the positive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> On another note, for the last while we've been having some testing done for Zoey at school. She has been struggling in many areas and I've felt that it's time to do something. The school has put an IEP (individualized education plan) in place so she can get the extra help she needs and I feel blessed to have such good people working with her. We will be seeing a child psychologist in March and I'm tracking all of her food intake this month to check for internal issues and food intolerances, that poor little girl always seems to have a tummy ache! It's all a lot to manage but I'm optimistic that we will figure things out so that life can be a little better for her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'm approaching 40 and think I might be going through some kind of midlife crisis. From the wrinkles & adult acne to the extra 15 pounds, I feel like physically, I'm falling apart and I'm not emotionally prepared to handle it. I used to be so cute, what the hell happened?!? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Anyway, overall life is good and we are very blessed. I have a beautiful family and a husband who still whistles at me when I get out of the shower... cellulite and all!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-25410458647622830222018-12-17T16:27:00.001-08:002018-12-17T16:27:48.722-08:00Don’t hold your breath<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Russ has been working for Union Pacific for 13 years. We have always considered it our retirement job; good benefits, pension, decent pay. This has always been our plan, but now we’re not so sure. In addition to Russ losing his foreman position about a year and a half ago, they have been closing shops like crazy, & just 2 weeks ago, they laid off 47 guys in the shop. That’s over 60% of their workforce... and just 3 weeks before Christmas! We have been heartbroken for the families that have just lost their livelihood, some of them are friends of ours. Russ made the cut, but we can’t help but wonder for how long, this doesn’t exactly instill confidence in the company. We’re praying about what to do so I guess we’ll see where the Lord takes us, but we’re sticking it out with UPRR unless we feel directed to do otherwise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> With all of the layoffs, Russ' schedule changed, he has Sundays and Mondays off on day shift...DAY SHIFT! We haven't had that in 13 years! I used to hate sleeping alone, then eventually I got used to it, and then I became accustomed to it. As we laid in bed together on Thursday night, it felt surreal, and I couldn't help but wonder if we were really done sleeping apart. it'll take some adjusting but I'm looking forward to being a little warmer at night 😉</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> On another note, my job is going well! I’m teaching the food science elective for middle school. I felt very inadequate going into it, but am really enjoying it, and as it turns out, am pretty decent at it! Like anything, I won’t be holding my breath, but will enjoy it white it lasts!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> My kids are getting older, and so quickly! In November, both Ryler and Aspen had birthdays. Ryler turned 11 and Aspen turned 6, and it’s so weird to think that my baby is so big! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> On Friday some major changes were announced in the church regard the youth and transitioning from primary. Starting in January, anyone turning 12 in 2019 will progress to YM/YW at the beginning of the year. This means Ryler will be going into Young Mens in one month and will potentially receive the priesthood and get his temple recommend! this is so exciting but I feel overwhelmed given that I haven't really even discussed it with him yet. As I read the article explaining these changes, there was one part that stuck out to me. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Woman general president, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">said </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"the Savior is directing His Church. He knew this change was coming, and He inspired it for this group of 11-year-olds, who are ready for new assignments and for increased opportunities to serve. He knows the capabilities of His sons and daughters. We have complete confidence in them. How grateful we are for revelation.” </i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WHOA! That statement brought tears. I may not have prepared Ryler, but the Savior has, and he will be ready. I am so grateful to be raising kids who will be ready for whatever God has in store for them, it really is a </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">privilege!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Christmas will be here before I know it and we’re looking forward to it. My mom is turning 60 on the 24th so she will be here spending the holidays with us this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We came back from St. George yesterday, we took the kiddos there to see a play at Tuachan and have a quickie vacation. It was nice to get away from the cold for a couple of days but we’ll be happy to get home too, we’ve got a fun week full of Christmas activities to get to and I'm excited for the family time.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-85528300591900584892018-08-26T10:28:00.004-07:002018-08-26T10:30:32.612-07:00Zoey's baptism<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> My sweet girl got baptized 2 weeks ago. She was so funny about it because for the longest time she was very hesitant to do it, but after much discussion, she revealed that she didn't want a lot of people watching, it was particularly stressful for her to have tons of kids gathered around the glass watching... A little claustrophobic perhaps? Either way, we respected her wishes and only had immediate family and grandparents come. Grandma Cindy made her a beautiful dress patterned after mommy's wedding dress, at her request, and Pop Pop & Grandma Airplane flew out and spoiled her rotten! We did a party with family at the lake that evening and it was fantastic! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbweTPItTvxgDfhIF6R4zBVrHOceX7HPuN7F8Zbgo1gXnqnSJqxIXBUprtfttx85eTWUzED5iEzkVpbysG7jzKyEkckDMIZ-HBWlTWJYT2vM13ou-B8Sb5d531DJjSWa7cZZlUNCFgy13/s1600/a4i8VU6zRyOMvG5j9tPvtw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbweTPItTvxgDfhIF6R4zBVrHOceX7HPuN7F8Zbgo1gXnqnSJqxIXBUprtfttx85eTWUzED5iEzkVpbysG7jzKyEkckDMIZ-HBWlTWJYT2vM13ou-B8Sb5d531DJjSWa7cZZlUNCFgy13/s200/a4i8VU6zRyOMvG5j9tPvtw.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> It was such a busy week for me with girls camp and getting ready to go back to school and work, but I had an amazing experience at camp and knew that Heavenly Father was mindful of my Zo</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ey</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The night before I left for camp, I prayed that with her baptism coming up, I would know something about Zoey, that I could learn something new, or know how to help her. The first night there we had a fireside, the speaker talked about God's love for us. She spoke of Ether 12 when Moroni speaks of his weaknesses and says that the Gentiles would mock him because of his weakness in writing, and he compares himself to all of the great prophets before who he considered better than himself. He was told in verse 27; </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span class="verse-number verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span class="verse-number verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">And if men come unto me I will show unto them their </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">weakness</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">. I </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">give</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"> unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">grace</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"> is sufficient for all men that </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">humble </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">weak </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">things become strong unto them."</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><i> </i>She pointed out that God gives us our weaknesses and loves us not in spite of them, or if we change them, but because of them! He gave us them and wants us to come to Him with those things that we consider to be weak so he can show us how to turn them into strengths. It was so powerful and such a good reminder to these young girls not to compare ourselves to those who we consider better. As the closing prayer was being said, Zoey came into my mind, and the prayer that I had said for her, and in my mind I heard a very clear voice say "Tell her that I love her". It was so simple, but so powerful. Heavenly Father loves my little girl, and He told me to make sure she knew that. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDciWpLYhjulmNlB1Ia1p429NFPwUWn-FEoVoLhj1r0r6nUAi5v_3PAU3XtAIjkn8Omk20mDk3KNO6b8lNsQTret-GPSDzejThCPV9gunqydnF1cIhfm-PyoMjklc1QvjmTsqLtpOvv03j/s1600/DN4KBHC%2525QUGK1re6ltboNQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDciWpLYhjulmNlB1Ia1p429NFPwUWn-FEoVoLhj1r0r6nUAi5v_3PAU3XtAIjkn8Omk20mDk3KNO6b8lNsQTret-GPSDzejThCPV9gunqydnF1cIhfm-PyoMjklc1QvjmTsqLtpOvv03j/s200/DN4KBHC%2525QUGK1re6ltboNQ.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> After I got home, we were cuddling in my bed after Russ had left for work and I told her about my experience. It was so sweet to see her face light up as I told her how much she is loved by me and her Father in Heaven, and so many others. I am so grateful for my beautiful girl and her decision to be baptized, she is a blessing in our family.</span></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-28549131536963754882018-08-05T18:02:00.001-07:002018-08-05T18:06:39.985-07:00Summer fun <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This summer has been amazing! I'm not sure if it's just because I had been looking forward to it more than any other, or if it really has been that amazing. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDlx7QkDo4o5UvNvhMqe_SD2JG13CRDLWaNI2QPst9cc4LhCUYTZJ29h1csOnIeQHv8DnfppTcIcLkkM87UKlCbE1WKEHUK4lCNFosXdF94GppMJDGfhhz01IgNy5jUz1OA4Xl24fQgb-/s1600/tq%252BTadmLQROG8utYzwMkzA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDlx7QkDo4o5UvNvhMqe_SD2JG13CRDLWaNI2QPst9cc4LhCUYTZJ29h1csOnIeQHv8DnfppTcIcLkkM87UKlCbE1WKEHUK4lCNFosXdF94GppMJDGfhhz01IgNy5jUz1OA4Xl24fQgb-/s200/tq%252BTadmLQROG8utYzwMkzA.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> June was pretty chill, we spent pretty much every Tuesday at the lake paddle boarding and enjoying friends. Dan bought us a pedal boat, which has been a fun addition to our rapidly growing collection of lake toys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> July was jam packed with Fun! We celebrated the 4th here in the neighborhood with a pancake breakfast, the Grantsville parade, a huge neighborhood party with a bounce house, bike parade, complete with all of the guys wearing matching flag shorts. After a little time at the lake with Russ' family the evening was spend BBQ-ing with good friends and a firework show that was just as incredible as any professional show I've seen, I love my neighborhood!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvK6WS3E9DnpLa-5g79RYaTJ66BTIWKG7F5yyr7V-WHugr6cjuPsG-TgFX3dZeM62RHf1APnrI51es0UT8yfU8oLFoJRTdBCekkCkr0tlLSZVMWsIywoXGweHHguQfiI52nz27GnjyYJS2/s1600/IMG_9063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvK6WS3E9DnpLa-5g79RYaTJ66BTIWKG7F5yyr7V-WHugr6cjuPsG-TgFX3dZeM62RHf1APnrI51es0UT8yfU8oLFoJRTdBCekkCkr0tlLSZVMWsIywoXGweHHguQfiI52nz27GnjyYJS2/s200/IMG_9063.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> July also included the baptisms of 2 cousins and our niece Amber's mission homecoming. She served in Independence Missouri, after her return the Coopers decided to go back and tour her mission and invited Taevin and Ryler to come along. They saw so many church history sites including Liberty jail, Carthage jail, Nauvoo, and so much more. They had a blast with their cousins, felt the spirit, and came home with a stronger testimony of the restoration of the Gospel. We went 10 days without seeing the boys because they left while Russ and I were on his birthday trip to CANNON BEACH OREGON! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> This trip has been in the works since February, both Russ and our friend Forrest would be turning 40 this year so Jennie and I decided that a big celebration was in order. Jeff & Rebecca decided to come as well and it was amazing! The trip was a surprise for both Russ and Forrest, so the night before we left, I gave Russ a letter and a gift. The gift was a Goonies T-shirt and a Baby Ruth candy bar (all from the movie since The Goonies was filmed in Cannon Beach) upon opening the gift, Russ immediately knew where we were going... what he didn't know was that we'd be going with friends. He said that he had suspected Lake Powell with our friends because that's what he thought they were doing that weekend, which made</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the final surprise the next morning</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> all the more fantastic. As we were leaving the house, I told him that we needed to drop off a life jacket to the </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ringwood's</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> to borrow for their Lake Powell trip. When we showed up, Forrest was equally confused because neither of them knew that this had been a surprise for both of them. Forrest caught on quickly, but Russ was still so confused, Jennie and I were cracking up over the awkwardness of the whole situation! Once he finally figured out that we were actually there to pick them up, he was so excited. We stopped at the gas station for snacks, which is where the Brambles met us, which was also hilarious to watch as they finally figured out our master plan. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPJYzcWePtIjeVMeCUGrYJljJpFWIHUgEqdhU1gdnNNesdw7RaCDqIzmbDkVHlqT5gLg6wea1nyhfPuwX_j2RJR5W25JLi6FCr84GD6N3ROF79BsZeR1wBw2tUZwX93wuMvpVR0zGjOdV/s1600/IMG_0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPJYzcWePtIjeVMeCUGrYJljJpFWIHUgEqdhU1gdnNNesdw7RaCDqIzmbDkVHlqT5gLg6wea1nyhfPuwX_j2RJR5W25JLi6FCr84GD6N3ROF79BsZeR1wBw2tUZwX93wuMvpVR0zGjOdV/s200/IMG_0787.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We did half of the drive Friday, making a pit stop for lunch at the Boise temple then stayed in a little town in Oregon for the night. We got an early start Saturday morning, drove through Portland, saw a few sights, picked some fresh lavender & checked out the Tillamook cheese factory. We arrived in Cannon Beach late afternoon and were anxious to check out the beach, it was cold, but so beautiful and full of fun things to look at.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4KT4qBjVPGWgCKZYTeF8iB4oBpsZ1KjYSRo_MrS5Sc0sqO7gMlDTpJTysTmRESfNhahNf1sOU6Ce8fEObWWqcN32tJju3z_jIHFvu20z362we3Sqk6dfvHELRYlqpbEyTezaMYy3Ki_d/s1600/R0DKZkiuS2S9wnXJc3j4Yw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4KT4qBjVPGWgCKZYTeF8iB4oBpsZ1KjYSRo_MrS5Sc0sqO7gMlDTpJTysTmRESfNhahNf1sOU6Ce8fEObWWqcN32tJju3z_jIHFvu20z362we3Sqk6dfvHELRYlqpbEyTezaMYy3Ki_d/s200/R0DKZkiuS2S9wnXJc3j4Yw.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We spent pretty much the whole vacation exploring Cannon & Hug Point beach and eating, it was fabulous! On Sunday evening we celebrated the guys' birthdays with a fire on the beach, s'mores, and rice krispy treats with birthday candles (couldn't find cake). It was the perfect way to celebrate a 40th birthday! </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wrlB7xYbD8KyJM4NRPohxoa6uT4T-8NPxyf2Z_A8u504FOihiXq-xzQcwRH3p3XIp3ILKdUrJ2eIWRrluGRFe-a3RmQ99Xq32Ob8nybwAMCeFBoT64MgM8Y8fvqfih0gcC7zABMBp7lH/s1600/NgDzdWpFRf%252BwStpyVc%252BXWg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wrlB7xYbD8KyJM4NRPohxoa6uT4T-8NPxyf2Z_A8u504FOihiXq-xzQcwRH3p3XIp3ILKdUrJ2eIWRrluGRFe-a3RmQ99Xq32Ob8nybwAMCeFBoT64MgM8Y8fvqfih0gcC7zABMBp7lH/s200/NgDzdWpFRf%252BwStpyVc%252BXWg.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We headed to seaside the next morning, and then home, but I could've stayed another week! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> It was a long week waiting for the boys to get home from their trip, especially since I was returning the babysitting favor for Jessee, but I was so happy to see them when they returned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Unfortunately our month didn't end as happy as it started. On Monday, July 23rd, I received the heart-breaking phone call that my cousin Christie's 15 year old son had been killed in a side by side accident. As a mother, it's difficult to hear these things and not think of your own children and how fragile life can be, I was just sick for her. Dan and I decided to head down to Arizona for the funeral Saturday, but for some reason I felt quite uneasy about it, Dan thought it was crazy and so did I, but I called my Aunt DeAnn and she told me not to come as the burial would be here. She asked me to organize the luncheon following the burial service, and I figured that's why I was feeling prompted to stay... until Thursday afternoon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I received a call from our miamaid advisor, who happens to live next door to 2 of my YW, Maddie and Mikala Moody. She is good friends with the family and Miken, the mom, had asked her to come to the hospital and be with the 2 sisters as Mikala was in the ER and non-responsive. She was in Ogden and could not get there so she called me knowing my relationship with the girls, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">which she said later felt inspired </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(They had been in my beehive class for about 2 years and just turned 14 a few months ago). I rushed to the hospital to be with Maddie and Mariska, we prayed together and hoped for the best, but sometimes Heavenly Father has another plan. Mikala passed away after suffering</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> cardiac arrest due to a blood clot in her lung. I cried with the family and kept reassuring Maddie the everything would be OK, but in reality, none of us were really OK.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> After I left the hospital I made a few calls and went over to Steph's to be with her and Audrey (another one of my sweet girls), we talked & cried some more. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh416GOsFgMFj03L2TWV5EJBaOmoW9Uz1KlyEsvJiAKcxSWhaHpFESEIj_7Ai2Gzak81DHkUURGa7XbffabQ0sOxfk3iKNrJzoDmGOUhzX_BVj0FRS4r1fGLPOrB70knMqLgh3nLylZH6f2/s1600/5b5ff64cc6df6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="513" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh416GOsFgMFj03L2TWV5EJBaOmoW9Uz1KlyEsvJiAKcxSWhaHpFESEIj_7Ai2Gzak81DHkUURGa7XbffabQ0sOxfk3iKNrJzoDmGOUhzX_BVj0FRS4r1fGLPOrB70knMqLgh3nLylZH6f2/s200/5b5ff64cc6df6.jpg" width="146" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It has been a difficult 2 weeks, but as I have prayed for the spirit to be with these two families, I have felt my own peace and the reassurance that God's hand was in every step of this. As much as I wanted to support my cousin, I needed to be here for my girls and am grateful for the prompting that caused me to stay. Both services were beautiful and full of so much hope, and amidst all of the sadness, both of these families have amazed and inspired me with their faith. Today during testimony meeting, Gino (Mikala's dad) said something that really resonated, he said "If there was ever a cause for me to question my testimony, the loss of our daughter this week would've been it, but as I have felt the love and support from so many friends and neighbors, I have finally understood what it means to be a ward family and to call you all brothers and sisters". WOW! Could anything be more profound? I am so grateful for my family that extends far beyond a genetic connection, for this Gospel that gives my life meaning and perspective, and for my Savior who has made it possible for families to be together forever. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJYtNVI5XJJ1OW8ESxkiobztzlZ-RbCN1HjkQH3B1HzD8fsdzcUJ5esrCr9ympiI79v0CRoXXSSvictFlTiwf72hfPnNlvOkO7BdiSweJWO9au1y6yTI5ylWPApNCUz-rVlO9Ust79Igh/s1600/4V7XqK31SWm%2525f0wOgiG9ng.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJYtNVI5XJJ1OW8ESxkiobztzlZ-RbCN1HjkQH3B1HzD8fsdzcUJ5esrCr9ympiI79v0CRoXXSSvictFlTiwf72hfPnNlvOkO7BdiSweJWO9au1y6yTI5ylWPApNCUz-rVlO9Ust79Igh/s200/4V7XqK31SWm%2525f0wOgiG9ng.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> In spite of it all, July was still a fantastic month. On the 28th we took the boys to their first concert; Imagine Dragons, with some neighborhood friends, the Petersons (which BTW was awesome!) then on the 29th, Russ' birthday, I made the dinner of his choosing along with a coconut cake for dessert. I seriously can't believe my husband is 40! I absolutely adore that man and am surprised sometimes by how much he loves me despite my nagging... he proved that again this morning by letting me get rid of most of his beard. There is still some left, but it is much shorter and very well groomed. Perhaps someday I'll win that war but for now, I'm thrilled about this battle, it was a huge sacrifice for him and a demonstration of his deep love for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Taevin spent last week at scout camp and I'm headed to girls camp this week, I'll be back early to get ready for Zoey's birthday & baptism, 8 already! Then it's back to work, school starts this week and I can't remember if I mentioned this, but I'll be teaching the 7th & 8th grade food studies elective. I'm terrified but will do my best.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Summer was way too short but I'm glad we made the most of it!</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-67885763077388680222018-05-07T21:54:00.002-07:002018-08-05T09:44:17.714-07:00Birthdays and holidays and vacations oh my...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 12 days left of the school year, my cute friend Rebecca made me a count down paper chain for my birthday so I’ve been counting down since February. I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited for summer! Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to have a job to supplement our income but if I had a choice, working while there is still so much need for me at home is not what I’d choose, but hey, 12 days and we’re free for the summer!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I’d say the school year has been decent. Taevin turned 13 in January. He is enjoying Jr High and getting good grades for the most part, and he has an amazing group of friends, which I’m super grateful for! He’s rockin the braces right now and probably will until the end of 8th grade, he doesn’t love it but is being a good sport about it. He really is such a good kid and I’m very proud of who he’s becoming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Ryler is doing well in school as always, it seems to come naturally to him. He got in a fight at school the other day, at first I was pretty mad, but then I heard the whole story. Turns out the other kid was egging him on (most of the staff tells me he’s kind of a trouble maker) and as Ryler tried to walk away the kid jumped on him. Unfortunately the teacher turned around just in time to see Ryler put him in a headlock, they both got sent to the office. I did make Ryler stay after school that day to help out Kenny, the janitor and write and apology note to the teacher, but in all honesty I couldn’t be too mad, he did what I’ve always told him to do, which is never throw the first punch, but defend yourself if you have to. He’s a great kid, he chooses good friends and loves his mama. What more could I ask?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Z, although still struggling a bit academically, has made a ton of progress. She has an amazing teacher who has helped her to believe that she can succeed, and I’m so grateful. Zoey is still one of the most creative kids I know, and so sensitive & sweet. I thoroughly enjoy any alone time I can get with her. Oh, and totally worth mentioning, she is still obsessed with pigs! She just loves them and refuses to eat any pig products. It’s seriously the cutest!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And Aspen... oh my! Where do I even start with that one? She’s about to finish up preschool and I have a feeling will excel in school. She loves unicorns and is just about as vibrant as they are, that’s the best word I can think of to describe her, just sweet, outgoing, a bit snarky and such a funny sense of humor. Her independence makes me a little crazy but I love her excitement for life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As for the updates, we surprised the kids with a trip to California for Christmas. We went a week before and hit Disneyland, Sea World, Legoland, and of course, the beach. It was such a fun vacation and the kids loved it! We got back just in time to spend Christmas at home with family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I turned 39 in February and am desperately clinging to whatever youth I might have left in me. I’m still working at Bonneville Academy, but not as a lunch lady anymore but as an Aide. I help with the reading program and assist at recess, it’s been a nice change. I’m still serving in the YW program and enjoying it, we had a change in leadership and I’m the only one who stayed, it’s been an interesting transition but I love those girls, I think I’ve found my niche in working with the youth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Russ is turning 40 this year and I’m surprising him with a trip to Cannon Beach OR with some friends. He has no idea and I’m so freaking excited! He’s going to flip when he finds out, he’s wanted to go ther forever!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I can’t think of anything else to report, except did I mention that there are only 12 DAYS LEFT OF SCHOOL?!? We bought paddle boards this spring and were dying for summer so we can get out on that lake and use them. I have a feeling this summer is going to be a good one!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-167779268413010302017-11-12T18:17:00.000-08:002017-11-12T18:18:09.051-08:00Grateful <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Today our lesson in Young Women's was on gratitude, and a fantastic lesson it was! Did you know that statistically, grateful people are happier? No joke! There have been <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/ocean-robbins/having-gratitude-_b_1073105.html" target="_blank">studies</a> done on this topic. I won't go into detail but I found it super interesting, but not surprising how much just a simple thankful attitude can change your life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> With this month being November, gratitude seems to be in the air as we prepare for Thanksgiving, and I can't help but think about the many things I've been blessed with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> My last update was in August and shortly after that I started my job as a lunch lady at Bonneville Academy. With the changes in Russ' job earlier this year, my job has been nothing short of a blessing and I'm always amazed at how God's hand is working in my life. I got my job before we had any idea what would happen with Russ', but it is obvious to me that God knew and had a plan for us all along. I am grateful for a job that I enjoy and that I work with fantastic people.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> As for the last couple of months, life is good. The kids are settling into their new schools, Taevin at Clarke N. Johnson, Ryler and Zoey at Bonneville, and Aspen finishing up her last year of preschool with Ms. Sherri. They are all doing well and for the most part enjoying school. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> In September we spent the month adjusting to our new schedules. The only significant thing that happened was the passing of our cat, Ammo. Taevin called me one day after school saying that he was "breathing weird" I hurried home, and sure enough he was, so we took him to the vet who gave him a cortisone shot hoping that would help, it didn't. By the next day it had gotten worse and there wasn't much we could do so we made the decision to let him go so he wouldn't have to suffer any longer. We put him down on a Friday and it was a sad weekend. Taevin had the hardest time and still misses him but we're glad he's happy now... and probably in a place where he doesn't have to deal with dogs!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> October wasn't super eventful other than Halloween. Dan did the usual over the top decorating of our house (he even made me help him build an outhouse with a peeing skeleton, which turned out to be a pretty big hit) and we gave out hot dogs and hot chocolate. Taevin didn't trick-or-treat this year but instead had a pretty sweet party the weekend prior to Halloween. Oh, and the kids costumes were pretty awesome, everyone loved Aspen's!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> November is off to a good start, Ryler just had his 10th birthday, Grandmas is on the 15th, and we'll celebrate Aspen's 5th on the 30th. These kids are growing so fast! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> For this month we decided to do a family challenge, so it's officially no-sugar November. All of us (except Aspen who is a bit young to understand) has taken the challenge to cut out most sugars. Our only cheat day is Thanksgiving but at the end if the kids complete the challenge they'll earn $30. Taevin and Zoey and doing amazing! Ryler gave up after 8 days and Russ and I are miserable but hanging in there. It's tough but hopefully a good lesson on being more mindful of our health.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I'm thankful for this little family of mine and love this time of year and the opportunity we have to focus on the gratitude we have for each other.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-42509282539250075692017-08-15T14:41:00.000-07:002017-08-15T15:39:25.143-07:002017 Update<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I think the older my kids get, the busier I get, and the less I remember it all. No joke, I'm sitting here scrolling through my calendar trying to figure what we've done all year. Thanks to old Facebook posts, I can give an update.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> January- Taevin turned 12! My sweet little boy is growing up! 12 is a big number, he was ordained to the Aaronic priesthood on January 22nd by his dad, It was a fantastic experience. That week Russ & I took him to dinner then to the Bountiful temple to do baptisms for the dead for the first time, Ron had given us some family names to do, I loved being there with him and watching him help ancestors take their first step toward the gospel. The following week he passed the sacrament, he was so nervous but with plenty of help from his dad and some good friends he did great! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> February- I turned 38. Nuff said. OK, there's actually more. My grandma went to Arizona to stay with my aunt DeAnn for about 3 weeks so while she was gone I renovated her entire kitchen, like not just painted and put up new curtains, like completely gutted it and started over. It was about 40 years old and so ready for an update so I enlisted some help from my favorite handyman, Grant Peterson, and jumped in. DeAnn helped me with design choices over the phone but grandma said she trusted me and to just go for it! (She's either gotten too old to care or has way more faith in me than she should) It was a crazy 3 weeks but we got it done with just minutes to spare, aaaaand she loved it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> March- Nothing significant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> April- For my mom's birthday/ Christmas gift, Ron, my brothers and Russ & I bought tickets for my mom & I to go to the Neil Diamond concert. A few years ago we did the same thing for my dad and I enjoyed it so much that when I heard he was coming again, I knew we needed to get my mom out here for it, so we flew her out here and on April 10th we spent the evening singing along to Sweet Caroline (so good so good) and Coming to America, and because Neil Diamond has to be in his 70's, we had fun counting the number of fans there sporting walkers and oxygen tanks, good times for sure!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> More big news, I got a job! I hadn't planned on going back to work until Aspen was in 1st grade, and had always thought about </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a job at the school when the time came so I could be on the same schedule as my kids, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">but with 2 new schools opening in our area it seemed like a good time to get my foot in the door. I applied for a part-time kitchen staff position at Bonneville Academy (the Charter school Ryler & Zoey will be attending), scored an interview, and got the job! We were pretty excited about being able to make some extra "fun" money & I was excited to get back out into the world of employment. We had no idea the blessing that would prove to be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Oh, and I prettied up the main bathroom downstairs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">May- The last painful month of school... LONGEST. MONTH. EVER. I discovered a <a href="http://community.today.com/parentingteam/post/worst-end-of-school-year-mom-ever" target="_blank">blog post</a> that perfectly describes my feelings in May. Here's just a few excerpts from the beautifully written masterpiece; <b>"</b></span><span style="color: #404040; letter-spacing: -0.10000000149011612px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>I feel like any sort of school energy required at this point is pure oppression, like the universe is trying to destroy me."</b></i><span style="font-size: 17.5px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 17.5px;">And my personal favorite;</span><span style="font-size: 17.5px;"> <b><i>"</i></b></span></span></span><span style="color: #404040; letter-spacing: -0.10000000149011612px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;">We were awesome back in October; don’t you forget that. We used to care, and that counts for something." </b>School finally ended on the 26th, whew.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="color: #404040; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: -0.10000000149011612px;"> </i><span style="color: #404040;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.10000000149011612px;">Anyway, we must've found a moment to go to the lake because my FB news feed reminded me that Ryler caught a fish there... well kind of. He had been begging to go fishing for quite some time, so when opportunity (or a fish) presented itself, Ryler was thrilled.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Unfortunately said fish had met its demise prior to it being found, but in all fairness, Ryler did put in quite a bit of work into digging it out of the water. He was so proud! Poor kid was devastated when I told him it wasn't coming home with us to be cooked over the fire pit.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> So here's the crappy part of our year. Just a few days before Mother's Day, I was visiting with my grandma when Russ called me with some news that just about stopped my heart and sent me into a full blown </span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">panic attack. He had just lost his Foreman position at work and was sent back to his old position as an electrician. This meant a $5 per hour pay cut, which would end up being about $500-600 a month. With a family of 6 to support this just wasn't going to cut it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">I spent the next few days in a daze just trying to figure out what to do, which must've been obvious because the next day I actually cried at my Zumba class when the instructor asked if I was OK, it was mortifying to say the least. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">Back to the blessing that my job would be... so much for extra money, but we were lucky that my job would compensate for the loss, and we were able to use out state tax return to help us get through the summer until I started work.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">The funny thing about all of this is that for years I've been praying that Russ would be able to get a schedule that would allow him to attend church with us, and as luck (or divine intervention) would have it, Russ had enough seniority as an electrician to get a weekend off schedule. He hasn't missed a week since, so the moral of the story: answers to prayers don't usually come the way you expect them to.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"> Anyway, for my Mother's Day present, I was supposed to go with Jessee to get my eyebrows microbladed, but decided to cancel as to halt all frivolous spending, I was devastated but am holding out hope that maybe it'll happen next year. Russ was sweet and did his best to make Mothers day special.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"> June- Our 14th anniversary was on May 29th but we waited until June to celebrate. I found a Groupon to go to a pretty cool place in Ogden where we did some simulated skydiving in a wind-tunnel, after that we enjoyed some grown-up time at a nice dinner and a hotel. The next morning we went back to the same place to do a little indoor rock climbing and simulated surfing before we headed home. We had a blast and Russ said he was surprised that I wanted to do something so fun. Apparently I'm not as boring as he thought!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"> Oh yeah, and since we had decided against a family vacay this year, we went camping with Russ' family for a few days. Good family bonding time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">July- Our van broke down on July 2nd, it was about a $430 repair (when it rains it pours, right?) but luckily it was a fairly easy fix and we were able to borrow Jessee's car in the mean time so I could get to the 4th of July parade with the kids and some of our neighbors. We enjoyed a block party and fireworks that evening with our awesome neighborhood friends.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"> The girls had a fun dance camp with Mrs. Heather (who is also my awesome Zumba instructor) and loved it! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"> I also went to girls camp this month, I came home stinky and exhausted but had a great time! I seriously love those girls!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">August- And here we are, about to start school again, in 2 days actually and this year I'll be going back with them. Taevin doesn't start for a week because he will be going to Clark N. Johnson middle school. In fact deciding which school to attend was Taevin's first really big decision I allowed him to make on his own. He could choose between Clark, the regular middle school, and Bonneville, the charter that Ryler and Z would be going to. He definitely did his research, went to both orientations, weighed the pros & cons, and spent quite a bit of time praying about it and ultimately felt strongly that Clark was where he needed to be, and as much as I would have loved to have him at Bonneville with me, I trust his decision. He went on his first run this morning with the cross country team, has chosen his electives, gotten his schedule, and is ready to go. Wanting to do track was no surprise, but what did come out of the blue was wanting to try out the Cello! I never would have guessed but I'm hopeful that he'll really love it and stick with it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"> My mom came into town last week just in time for Zoey's birthday party. My sweet girl is 7 now and has been begging for a baby pig for months, since that clearly wasn't going to happen, we brought a petting zoo, of course with a baby pig, here to the house for her pig party. There was also a baby goat (my fav), a sheep, duck, pony, fox, ferret, & turtle. It was so fun and I seriously considered keeping that goat!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And here are my not so Pinterest-perfect Pig cake pops & cupcakes...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"> My mom will be here for a couple more days and will be watching the girls tomorrow while Russ & I take the boys with the YM & YW to tour the new MTC.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;"> It's been a fun & busy summer and as always, my feelings about back to school are mixed, but peach season is here and fall is just around the corner so there's definitely a reason to smile!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; letter-spacing: -0.10000000149011612px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-25926357523670355992017-08-11T11:08:00.001-07:002017-08-11T11:10:09.301-07:00Life lessons & returning carts<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Taevin is a good kid, I've always known that, but the other day I had to ask him a defining question.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We were at the store and I said "Son, imagine you're alone at the store, you check out and go to leave and find yourself in in a miserable windy rainstorm, so you take your cart full of groceries and make a mad dash for the car. Once you finally get your groceries loaded, do you: A- abandon the cart in the middle of the parking lot, or B- tromp through the rain & return it to the cart corral?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Without hesitation he said, "return it". I said, "congratulations son, you passed!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I continued to explain that there are 2 kinds of people in this world, cart returners, who are kind, considerate people who are mindful and concerned about the welfare of others, and there are cart abandoners, who are ignorant selfish jackasses who only think of themselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> He gave me a weird look but still a parenting win if I do say so myself! I feel validated knowing that I'm raising cart returners.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-40588839621881199602016-12-15T10:16:00.001-08:002016-12-31T09:48:39.730-08:00All I want for Christmas is you<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I saw the sweetest post on Facebook today, I assume by an older mom who's kids are all grown, and it really resonated with me. It read;</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>My children each year ask me the same question. After thinking about it, I decided I'd give them my real answer:</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic;">What do I want for Christmas? I want you. I want you to keep coming around, I want you to bring your kids around when you have them, I want you to ask me questions, ask my advice, tell me your problems, ask for my opinion, ask for my help. I want you to come over and rant about your problems, rant about life, whatever. Tell me about your job, your worries, your sig<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: transparent; display: inline;">nificant other. I want you to continue sharing your life with me. Come over and laugh with me, or laugh at me, I don't care. Hearing you laugh is music to me.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">I spent the better part of my life raising you the best way I knew how, and I'm not bragging, but i did a pretty darn good job. Now, give me time to sit back and admire my work, I'm pretty proud of it.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Raid my refrigerator, help yourself, I really don't mind. In fact, I wouldn't want it any other way.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">I want you to spend your money making a better life for yourself, I have the things I need. I want to see you happy and healthy. When you ask me what I want for Christmas, I say "nothing" because you've already been giving me my gift all year. I want you.</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> It's funny how mom's are like this, my mom was, she would always tell us that for Christmas she just wanted a day for us all to be together and get along. My grandma now only asks us for our time. I get that now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> When we bought this house I definitely had the future in mind, we wanted a place that was tons of fun</span></span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">, a place that my kids would want to bring their friends and eventually dates around, and a place that would someday be where my grandkids want to play. I look forward to a full house for the holidays and Sunday dinners, so I'll echo this mom's sentiment. For every birthday, Christmas, Mothers Day or whatever, I want them, My husband, my kids, my sons & daughters-in-law and my grandkids. That's it.</span></span></div>
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459000923993246764.post-22457274126977782622016-12-06T21:48:00.001-08:002016-12-06T21:52:07.504-08:00A proud mommy<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The holidays are in full swing! Anyone who knows me knows that I don't love Halloween, but I actually enjoyed it this year. Dan decorated the house, and we're talking SERIOUS decorations, and we spent the evening handing out hot dogs and hot chocolate while the kids trick-or-treated. Next year I'll be doubling the amount of hot chocolate I buy since it was such a big hit!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Thanksgiving was fantastic as always, is there really anything better than a lazy day full of food and family? We got 2 for the price of one this year, my family on Thanksgiving and Russ' the following Saturday, and the bonus prize? We got to watch our beautiful niece Amber (LuAnn's oldest daughter) open her mission call to the Independence Missouri Visitor's Center mission. So happy for her and so grateful for an amazing family who are such good examples to my children. So so much to be thankful for!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Two of my kids have November birthdays, (mating season in our house is obviously in February) Ryler turned 9 on the 10th and Aspen turned 4 on the 30th. How are these kids growing up so fast? Ryler loves anything science and wants to be a geologist just like his namesake, Great Grandpa Whitney, he's so smart and handsome, but definitely still a tease. We have enrolled him in a new charter school for next year, it is a STEM school (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) and I think he'll excel there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Aspen... oh my, what do I even say about that little gem? She's so beautiful in every way! So optimistic and pleasant, and much like Ryler in a lot of ways. A bit mischievous but a joy to be around as she sings everywhere she goes, dances, giggles and radiates happiness!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Christmas is creeping up fast and I'm thoroughly enjoying the season this year. Since decorating didn't happen last year because of the move, I have had so much fun doing it this year, maybe too much! I love our home and have filled it full of Christmas spirit. I can't wait to cuddle by the fire and watch our babies open their presents on Christmas morning. And another bonus, we're hosting Christmas dinner with Russ' family so we can finish off the day with lots of fun & family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> And finally, I have to share the proud mommy moment I had the other day. My neighbor across the street has a son who is autistic, as does my friend Taryn. I have explained to my boys what autism is and the importance of being kind to everyone, even those who are different, and Taryn has expressed her appreciation for my boys kindness toward Spencer. Well, I guess a few weeks ago Taevin & Ryler were out in the circle playing a game when my neighbors son James came over to play with them, she stood back and watched the interaction and told me how impressed she was that not only did my boys include him in the game, but made sure he won. This was a welcome change as she said that most kids won't play with him and don't know how to respond to his disability. This story melted my heart and made me so proud of the people these boys are turning out to be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I saw a meme the other day that said "Behind every great kid is a mother who is certain she's screwing it all up". Truth. Often I feel like I'm failing at this mom thing but it's moments like that that give me the hope that I'm doing okay. Like I said, so so much to be thankful for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0