Sweet

Austin and Daniel right before the youth Halloween dance. Here are some moves we told him to brush up on.

Sunday Blessings

I had an early, exhausting, insiteful, sweet day and just wanted to share a few things that happened.

1. Early - Preparations for church, Primary Program and meeting.

2. Exhausting - Watching a class or ANY class of 10 and 11-year old boys because they are always bursting with energy, spirit and what I like to call "potential leadership skills."

3. Insiteful - On the way to church, I reprimanded Kate (my 6 year old) and said something like, "...not my Kate, she's a BIG girl." she quickly responded by saying, "But mom, I'm MEDIUM."

4. Sweet - Watching a loving teacher console one of her class members.

Becoming emotional after reading a comment card about the Primary Program to the children and finding out later that it was my sweet husband who wrote it.

Being able to serve among the children every week where the spirit is so very strong. I am so grateful.

Wide Open Spaces

Here are some pictures I took at a friends house. You can't tell from the pictures but, they live on a very large plot of land without any neighbors right next to them. It was nice to go out there and just take in the space and beauty. She gave my sister-in-law and I some perennials and tomatoes from her garden. We were very excited! She also had some fun things in her yard that I just couldn't help taking pictures of. Country living is very cool.


I couldn't get over the size of the swing set, yet there was still plenty of room for football, baseball, etc. It was easy to imagine the fun their kids must have had growing up.

Fortunes

I was looking for a fortune cookie picture on the internet and this was the first one that popped up. I thought it was funny, but then again it is 1:00 in the morning. There was an article about a decorator in a magazine of mine that posts fortunes from cookies on an antique column she has. It looks really cool. Anyway, I love seeing how people make their home their own and personalize things. I have a friend that has been trying to help me with that in my own home and it has become something that I really enjoy trying to do. I want my kids to remember unique things about our home that will stay with them. I remember my sister and I taking turns riding in the giant, wooden spoon that hung on the wall in our kitchen. One of us would pull the handle, while the other sat in the spoon. I think we even broke it once. However, it was glued back together and we continued to play with it. My friend also turned me onto antiques and the stories behind them. I love to go to garage sales or antique stores and hear the stories that go along with certain items. It can be very interesting and sometimes very entertaining. I also love signs and quotes.

Here is a quote from one of the fortunes on the column: "Very little is needed to make a happy life."

The Lifeguard

By nature, I am a pretty naive person but, it is very evident that the candidates in political offices get more child like with every race. While it is very frustrating at times, I still believe in our government and know that this country is very blessed. We have so much to be grateful for. I cannot imagine living in any other country or having another form of government. I have visited a few other countries in my lifetime and I am always glad to be back in the United States. So, as I sift through the debates and mumbo jumbo of each politician, I hope that whomever gets sworn in will be a great "Lifeguard" and be the example that that office should define.

Firsts

This is a little late but we always take "First day of School Pictures" at home. This is Austin's first day of High School. I can't believe how much he's grown in the last year and that I actually have a "High Schooler." I remember my first day of high school as if it were yesterday. He also started Seminary. He really enjoys it and tells us what he learns all the time. In fact, they have released time here, which was even more exciting for him because he doesn't have to get up any earlier to go.


Alexis is in the 7th grade, 2nd year of middle school and is playing volleyball for the school. This is our first child playing a school sport! It is a lot of fun to go to her games and watch her progress and of course, cheer her on! Go Alexis!


This is the first year that Luke is the "BIG" brother at school! He is in the fourth grade and has been very vigilant at keeping track of Kate and making sure she knows where to go, whether it be at the bus stop or on the playground. Thanks Luke!


Kate started Kindergarten this year. She felt a little left out last year when most of her friends started. Her birthday is September 2nd and she just missed the deadline. She is doing great, loves doing "real" homework and loves her teacher.


Ellie let me know that she needed a picture with a backpack as well. She was not going to be left out. Troy and I think Ellie is a genius (lol). She talks in full, pretty plain sentences and understands just about everything we say. We have never had to be so careful with what we say in front of any of our children at this early of an age. I can't imagine what it will be like when she starts school and no one is home. I'll have to actually get something accomplished.

"I Can Do Hard Things"

I always enjoy watching conference and taking in the guidance and wisdom from the general authorities. It is also very evident that they are inspired as to what to speak about because I always feel that they talking directly to me. We are so blessed to have modern day revelation and prophets. I can't help but feel a sense of renewed faith and hope after such services. Especially during these difficult economic times. It has come to our attention that my husbands work will be laying people off soon due to the current state of our economy and while I am nervous and unsure of the future, I feel comforted and faithful that everything will work itself out. We can always be grateful for what we DO have.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from one of the conference sessions:

"Meekness is not weekness. It is the badge of Christian hope." Robert D. Hales

"Testimonies are only born in love and meekness." Robert D. Hales

"I can do hard things." YW President

"In the strength of the Lord I can do all things." YW President

"Nothing is as constant as change." President Monson

Recently, I was talking to a friend about the reality of people changing. It has been hard for me to change certain things about myself that I know I must but, with the strength of the Lord I know that I can. There are a couple of things I thought I would never be able to overcome and are no longer a struggle. Now, I still have many more to work on but, I feel very motivated in knowing that I can change even one thing in my life for the better. "In the strength of the Lord I can do all things."

Gangsta's

I came home tonight and my children had dressed themselves up - Hood! They started taking pictures and I had to get them ALL so, I took over. I have no idea what made them think of this but, they were having a good ole time. They are also the inspiration for my new title. I know - Cheesy but, I think they are so fun and cute! Luke kind of looks like he is taking it a little too seriously, ha ha. Kate was more than happy to pose for a few more. Has she done this before?