At Home with Lisa

Miss Millie gets her ears pierced

2012-02-05T07:47:00.001-08:00

Today Aaron and I took Miss Millie to the mall to ride the carousel. We decided to surprise her and tell her that we would be piercing her ears after lunch. (Yes this was a spur of the moment idea for the day.) We had lunch at Red Robins and heading to Icing where we watch 2 other girls get their ears pierced. I think this worked out well for us because Miss Millie saw how brave they were and they didn't even cry. When it was time for Miss Millie to get hers done she sat in the car very, very still and listened to all the instructions that Bonnie (the lady piercing her ears) had to say. I asked Miss Millie if she wanted to hold my hand and she said "NO". Wait what a shock.. are they not always wanting to hold their mothers hand? Then Bonnie placed the little purple dots on her ears and after a few minor adjustments we were ready to have her ears pierced.

The first ear was pierced and there was just a little flinch made by Miss Millie. WOW... she is such a big girl. Then the second ear was done without even a flinch... She sat there with a face like (Well guys that was really no big deal).

All night she commented on her ears and how big of a girl she was. This morning she woke up and said "I didn't take them out, I'm a big girl!"

My baby is growing up...

Florida

2011-04-18T18:56:00.001-07:00

Today in the car we were trying to teach Miss Millie that we live in Utah. This is how the conversation went.

Mom: Millie say Utah
Millie: Utah
Mom: Do you know what Utah is?
Millie: Ahhh
Mom: We live in Utah, you know like daddy use to live in Texas.
Daddy: Millie do you want to live in Texas?
Millie: Ah No... I want to live in Florida!!

How does this kid even know about Florida? Of all places, I guess she is smarter then we thought.

Happy Birthday Wishes

2011-04-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how I am feeling about turning 45. I told myself that I was done having birthday's - seems like there tends to be a certain expectations when it comes to our birthdays. Maybe this stems from our childhood with parties, cakes, presents etc. But I'm not sure at what age it comes, but all of a sudden we no longer expect parties, cakes and presents. Just having the people that mean the most around us is all that we desire. Caren made me a delicious dinner, Kenna made a yummy cake - Millie, Maddie, Craig and James were all there to enjoy the feast. Aaron came by to celebrate and as always stepped in to help out with dinner. It was a relaxing night, well for the most part. Miss Millie has been sick for the last several weeks and like any sickness it gets worse in the evenings. Last night was probably one of the toughest nights for her. Once she was able to stop coughing and crying she slept like a baby.

I have always said that when I turn 45 I wanted to be in the best shape of my life. Well needless to say i started this about 3 weeks ago. Not much time to accomplish my goal, but at least it was a start. I set out three weeks ago and started the INSANITY work out program. This has been such an exhausting but rewarding workout. I love the results that I am seeing in just a short period of time. I am going to see this through for the whole 60 days. Maybe if I'm brave enough I will post the before and after photos (MAYBE!)

What I'm most Grateful for

2011-03-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

I am very humbled today for the love I have for my Savior. He has blessed my life so deeply and continues to pour out his love and understanding to me. Through all my trial and tribulations my testimony of the Gospel of Christ has grown deeper and my understanding of the atonement is personal and one of deepest gratitude.

I am blessed with a loving family and amazing children whom I love dearly.

I am blessed with health.

I am blessed with wonderful friends.

I am blessed to be able to live in a free country.

I am blessed with wonderful employment.

I feel I am the person I am today because of everyone who I have been blessed to have in my life. I'm grateful for all the associations that I have. I am so grateful for those who have stood by my during my most trying times, I hope one day to be able to bless the lives of those that are struggling and not stand to judge them but to love them as the Savior did.

Last October our Church Leaders addressed us in conference. One of the talks that stood out to me was given Elder Holland. The talk was addressed Because of your Faith. I remember listening to him express his love and gratitude and being compelled to tears and overcoming emotions. Too often we fail to express our gratitude to those that mean the most and for the things that are truly of value to us. I am overcome with gratitude for all that the Lord has blessed me with. I often struggle to express the way that I feel and to my fault I struggle to express how exactly how I think. It seem my tongue does not cooperate with my thoughts.

Because of my faith I am blessed Because of my family I am blessed. Because of my trials I am blessed.

Owie...

2011-03-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought things were going great... then your little one takes a nose dive off the swings and plants her forehead into the dirt. She will not let me put any medicine on her owie... so therefore it is up to her to put the medicine on. And she does it quit well. I asked her to pose for the camera and these are the two pictures that I got. After she saw the first one that looked quite dreary she then did the second pose that turned out cute. She is really a trooper about the whole experience.

Thoughts for Tuesday

2011-02-22T03:56:00.000-08:00

(Scotty Graham)

"We simply cannot maintain wholeness if we talk and walk differently than we see"

This morning I was woken by a dream. In this dream I was at a family BBQ, everyone was running around getting everything prepared. I was sitting in a lawn chair talking to a man we were observing the activities of everything going on. He leans over to me and looks at his wife and said "She was my world, my everything. She just didn't know it. There came a day whey I had to choose, I could either start showing her or lose her forever. I choose to show her, I'm sad it took me so long and I wasted so much time."

This week I have realized there are others that need me more than I realized, I am a mother everyday but this week I realized that I must be a mom more and push everything else aside. I am sad that I have wasted so much time not really being there for my children. I was there but more as a friend instead of a mom. I choose to walk and talk differently than my divine roll as a mom. I'm not perfect and my children will be the first to agree.

I have to wonder the significance of that dream for the man is now in heaven. Why would I have been so moved by his comment? My heart was racing when I woke from this dream. How many people in our lives have we not shown up for and we are just wasting precious time that we will never get back?

The Pout-Pout Fish Song

2011-02-21T16:44:00.000-08:00

This is Miss Millie's new favorite book... now song. It's a cute story. ENJOY!

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

2011-02-20T06:13:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite pictures by Greg Olsen. I love the tenderness between the Young Woman and the Savior. How many times have we been in this position as the Young Woman. Kneeling at the Saviors feet asking for forgiveness and for the tender mercies of his love.

Are not the words of Abraham Lincoln beautiful which he spoke out of the tragedy of a terrible civil war: “With malice toward none, with charity for all, … let us … bind up the … wounds.” (In John Bartlett, Familiar Quotations, Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1968, p. 640.)

"Sincere forgiveness isn't colored with expectations that the other person apologize or change. Don't worry whether or not they finally understand you. Love them and release them. Life feeds back truth to people in its own way and time."
Sara Paddison

Songs for Saturdays

2011-02-19T11:32:00.000-08:00

Who are you drafting off?

2010-11-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

Today was a day of reflection..... a time to really reflect on the path that I am on and the directions that I am taking. Am I on the best path at this time in my life?

As with all reflections comes comparison, I love stories that have a comparison and that is exactly what my dear friend relayed in her blog.

Thank you for bringing the perfect devotion to a meaning full day.

So please click on the link below and enjoy!

Who are you drafting off?

Sleepless Nights

2010-11-01T03:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those sleepless nights? Not so much that you don't sleep at all but for some reason, at an unforeseen hour your body decides it's had enough and no matter what you do there really is no more hope for sleep. So you find yourself with additional hours on your hands. What to do? Do you start cleaning and try to catch up, read, watch T.V., take a bath.

This morning I find myself turning on music. What really is more powerful than music, it can effect us in so many ways. It can stir so many emotions: happy, sad, angry, joyful and spiritual.

Last week I went with Madison to The Music and the Spoken Word and although the program is just 30 minuets I found myself being spiritually fed. So this morning I turned on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on Pandora and once again found myself being spiritually fed.

Along with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir they played additional artist that stirred just as strong of feelings. This bring a story to mind of when Miss Millie and I drive in the car to and from work. I love to listen to the Christen Station, once again being spiritually fed through music. When I play this music Miss Millie sits quietly and tries her best to sing along. Then when I switch the music thinking she wants to have a little more fun, she will ask for me to turn back to the soft music. "I like the other music Mommy!"

So as I sat and listened this morning to the Music of Peace my heart is so very full of gratitude for all the things I have been blessed with. And although my journey has not always been an easy one, I am so very blessed. I am reminded this morning that my needs are not unnoticed by a loving Savior. This journey on the path of life is indeed a blessing to be enjoyed even through the most difficult time we are really never alone.

So thank you sleepless night....for starting my day off with gratitude!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Took Miss Millie, Maddie and Kathryn out Trick or Treating tonight. Maddie walked with Miss Millie while I followed in the nice warm car....Every once in awhile they would come in to warm up.... Upon one of the visits Miss Millie stated with a very high and excited voice "This is fun Mommie.... lets go to the next appointment."

Where does she come up with these things?

Pledge

2010-10-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

Miss Millie was so excited all night reciting the pledge over and over. GOSH.....we just love this little girl!

Lots of Changes!!

2010-10-02T18:47:00.001-07:00

Well after many years we finally got a family picture done. The last time we got one was in 2005 time goes by so fast. I hope we do not wait that long for the next family picture.

Ali is going on her diet to prepare for her treatment. I have been doing a lot of reading up on her cancer and treatment. I have to say I was pretty naive about what she is going through and will go through. Although the doctors warned me this was going to be the hardest stretch for her I had no clue.... To support Ali I will be doing the diet right along side her. It's amazing how supportive everyone is being towards Ali, more so it's incredible how many people are effected by cancer. Thru this experience we have had so many strangers reach out to us who now we call friends.

Miss Millie turned 3 and had a wonderful birthday party with family and friends in Texas. She got to go fishing for the first time and I must say she talks about going fishing all the time.... She loved catching the fish but at the time she was fishing she did not seem too interested. Her dad did most of the fishing Miss Millie just had the opportunity of pulling the fish in and holding it for the picture.

Craig has been busy this week fly fishing with his Uncle Colby and hunting with his brother-in-law Kasey.... I think this young man is hooked on the outdoors. He has also been working very hard. He and his friend have created the opportunity to make some good side money mowning lawns... Then while Craig was out with his friends family picking berries he asked the man that owned the farm if he needed someone to help him pick berries. The man said yes and gave Craig his business card... Way to go Mr. C you're AWESOME!

Thyroid Cancer Awarness Month

2010-09-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

Please visit my daughters blog....Ali is posting her experience with her Cancer which she has rightfully named "Walter". She is amazing, strong and beautiful...tested by this challenge both emotionally and physically. Please follow along on her journey.

www.aliriding.com

Sunday Joys

2010-08-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

Today was just an ordinary day.....get up, get ready and find interesting art work on the toilet by a wonderful and up coming 2 year old artist.....

SURPRISE

2010-08-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Last night after dinner we all pitched in to help with the clean up of the kitchen. Miss Millie loves to do the dishes, she loves to wash the dishes, mostly for the water factor and the bubble effect..... After the dishes were done and loaded everyone left to do their own thing while I finished washing off the counters. I turn around and this is what I saw.....I guess Miss Millie enjoyed doing the dishes so much that she thought it was a great idea to wash herself too.....And why not...it seems like a perfect fit.

Thanks Miss Millie for the ongoing laughter!

Sunday Joys

2010-08-01T15:52:00.001-07:00

Some Sundays you wonder if all the effort is worth it especially when your little one is tired and fussy and just being down right a stinker.....But when you pick her up from class and she is beaming and loving the time she spent with her friends....you think "It is so worth it!"

Good Times

2010-07-31T20:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend was very very relaxing and very very enjoyable. I was able to spend some much needed time with my two oldest daughters. I have forgotten how funny the two can be together. We headed up to Park City to celebrate Ali's birthday before she starts her treatment on Monday. We had dinner at the Blue Iguana, this wasn't the best food nor the best service. We were excited to eat there because of the ambiance, needless to say both Ali and Deb had me in stitches with their story telling and jokes that we really didn't mind the food and service not being that good. We then shopped and walked main street. Can I just say I love Park City at night. We must have walked up and down 3 or 4 times. I think we had more fun people watching and sitting on the benches listening to others drama and realize that our drama wasn't that bad. We have decided that this will became a yearly tradition!! We will start planning for next year the only difference we will make it a whole weekend adventure.

Thanks girls.....for making me laugh!

Steady as she goes!

2010-07-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

I am finding new ways to keep myself busy, as if working full time and being a mother of seven isn't enough. I have taken up running mostly to help get in shape and because I can't afford to take up anything else that would cost money. Such as biking, rock climbing, going to the gym etc. On my runs I am finding that I am getting much more out of it then physical exercise.

As I am running I find myself alone with my thoughts, unless Madison goes with me then she will do all the talking and keep me very entertained and informed. As I run I am left alone to my thought I have realized that I can get a lot of peace from them as I turn my thoughts into prays. Many times I have had questions, concerns, frustrations, doubts and goals pressing on my mind. As I focus on these and turn my thoughts into more meditative and reflective thoughts I can find strength and peace. I don't always solve my concerns or get answers, I do however find that as I am strengthen my physical body I am also strengthening my spirit as well.

At one point on my route there is a path that is lined with trees that canopy over the trail. On one side of the trail is a stream that is steady and flowing. On the other side are homes that are neatly manicured. This is my favorite part of my run. On this stretch of the route I find a sense of comfort enjoying the beauties that we have been blessed with, the cool breeze, the sound of rushing water and the shade. My favorite part is the stream, steady, flowing and the sound of comfort, this is much like our lives, we need to be constantly flowing and moving in a direction. At one point the stream seems to be still and not moving at all. Although this is still beautiful it does not capture my attention nor draw a sense of peace as does the rest of the stream that is flowing. When we become still and stagnant we stop the progression of both our spiritual and physical body. As with my steps I realize that it's the small and steady movements that keep us progressing. Although at times I want to give up, it's too painful, I don't think I can do it. I keep going and push through it all knowing that the outcome is well worth it.

I have been loving my new outlet and look forward to progressing and moving forward, small and steady!

Swings

2010-07-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

Miss Millie loves nothing more then to go to the park every evening and swing on the swings...It seems that is what she lives for. And I love going with her mainly because I love to see her so happy and it gives me something to do in the evenings.

Well today the request to go swinging at the park was the same as every day. So after church was ate dinner and waited for it to cool off enough to go to the swings. Once we were there Miss Millie be-lined it straight for the swings and of course her first request was the famous Under Doggie.....after a couple of Under Doggies I just started to push her. Many times she will just close her eyes and enjoy the motion of the swing going back and forth. She had her eyes closed and seemed to be really relaxing. As time went by I noticed she was really relaxed, I mean really, really relaxed. So much so her head was starting to "BOB" around. I laughed and thought, "Mission accomplished"! I slowly let the swing come to a stop and went to lift her out. She realized what was going on and asked if she could still swing. I didn't think it would hurt to keep going so I began to push her some more....Again her head started to "BOB". Once again I let the swing come slowly to a stop. I slowly lifted her out and gently placed her in the car. We drove home and laid her in bed.

I don't think this will happen again but it was fun to watch her relax and just enjoy her swing to the point of putting herself to sleep!

Quote

2010-07-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

QUOTE OF THE CENTURY....MAYBE EVEN THE MILLENNIUM!

Some people have the vocabulary to sum up things in a way you can understand them. This quote came from the Czech Republic . Someone over there has it figured out. We have a lot of work to do.

"The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America . Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president."

2010-07-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday, let me begin by saying we had a mission.....to find princess boots....Miss Millie had it set in her mind that she wanted princess boots to wear with her princess dress.

We came across these boots at Target and Miss Millie was sold...These were the "PERFECT" princess boots to wear with her pink princess dress.

We came home to take a nap before we went to Kasey and JoEll's wedding reception. Well at least I thought we were taking a nap....Miss Millie was way to excited to go to sleep.

So we played and tried to do things around the house to stay busy. By 7 it was time to head out the door...Miss Millie was in heaven, so so so excited to go to the wedding and see the beautiful bride and the fancy cake. We arrived at the reception and it was beautiful...Miss Millie ran to Deborah to show her the new princess boots. Deborah took Miss Millie to see Kasey, Kasey told Miss Millie he loved her pink cowgirl boot...."NO PRINCESS BOOTS" cried Miss Millie. They argued back and forth all the time Kasey had a cute smile knowing he was just playfully bantering with Miss Millie....Miss Millie soon caught on and she to had a smile. The rest of the night Miss Millie played with all her friends on the swing. Especially loving Carson, Miss Millie's new bestest friend and I think the feeling was mutual. Deborah and I sat and visited with wonderful friends and family and had a wonderful evening sitting outside in the cool breeze.

As Kasey and JoEll were getting ready to leave we all lined up and lit sparklers. Miss Millie thought this was the best. She said "Mom, I LOVE IT".

What a wonderful evening and it all started with Miss Millie and her pink princess boots.

Summer has begun

2010-05-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

I have not been on my blog for quite sometime and this feels really strange to be writing something about us....I feel like I don't have anything to say but yet so much has happened during the last six months.

My kids are all doing well and moving forward in life. We have moved into a new home and so far we love it. But not really sure what or where life will be taking us.... Deb announced that she is expecting in December...Ali is still undergoing Cancer Treatments, James is actively looking for a job and getting into UVU. Makenna graduated and will start Beauty School on Tuesday. Madison finished up at Alpine school on Friday and all of her dance competitions are over with....she is spending the weekend with all her friends there then she will be moving in with us. Craig is busy with baseball and playing with friends. And Miss Millie is growing up like a weed, so so fast....she is counting, singing her ABC and talking up a storm....

As for me I'm just working and trying to improve on a daily basis......

Change

2009-12-16T02:24:00.000-08:00

Change is always uncertain in ones life....just as the seasons change so does every aspect in ones life. We cannot control it for the most part it just happens.

I am so grateful for loving and good examples in my life. My Grandma Colby was such a person. She demonstrated unconditional love and a will for life. She loved life to it's fullest. She never had a lot of money but I never heard her once complain. All I heard was how grateful she was for everything she had....Especially her family. She was faithful to her husband, family and to God. I could not ask for a better example in my life.

She was so determine to live to be 100 and she almost made it. She passed away at the age of 99. I will always love the memories of her and all that she did for me. I am even more grateful that I acted upon promptings to go and visit her just recently and to take my kids with me. She fell in love with Miss Millie and couldn't get enough of her. I will never forget watching Craig cry as he hugged her to say good bye. It was so touching.....he has such a tender heart.

Thanks Grandma for all the loving memories.....you are truly blessed. Oh the happy reunion on the other side with her sweetheart and child.

She was laid to rest on December 15, 2009 I just wish I could have been there but my thoughts were of you all day.....I will miss you deeply.

Another change was that we laid our dog of 15 years to rest on Saturday. She was a faithful companion to my children. Where ever they went she went. If they went to a friends house she would follow and stayed by the door until they were ready to leave. I always knew what house my kids were at by walking around and seeing where Socks was. One time Craig disappeared and we could not find him. Socks was in a frantic trying to get our attention. We clued in and started to follow her. We had a hard time keeping up....She led us to a fast moving creek due to all the run off from the winter....Craig was there. He was only 4 I hate to think what could have happen had it not been for Socks protective nature.

And yet another change......my house sold! I have had extreme mixed emotions about it all.... I didn't think that coming back I would get so attached. After the divorce I was the one that left the house...Then Richard got married and the house sat empty. I moved back in in August to prepare the house for sale. I have gotten reattached to my home. We built the house in 1998 and have lots of memories here....It's very scary for me to think I won't be here anymore. I think of all my kids Craig is having the hardest time. So I'm trying to spend some extra time with him.....
Change is hard and when your young sometimes you don't understand it.

Life is good and change happens all the time....Just when we get comfortable or think nothing more can happen we get a little reminder that sometimes we have no control......

Snow, Snow and more Snow

2009-12-10T06:07:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note on what has been happening here......SNOW....and Freezing temps.

These were taken Tuesday morning as we were heading to work. It was freezing so I was not so interested in getting the perfect shot....just a memory of Miss Millie and how much snow we got in two days.

Miss Millie loves the snow and all the pretty lights......as we drive she says "Moor Lits" although I know she is saying more lights....she is pretty fun right now. I love every second with her and all my kids. They are so amazing.....

The Sounds of Laughter

2009-11-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

Today I had everything planned out....Shopping for Christmas, cleaning the house to get ready for company, grocery shopping and a good movie to end the day. What I find myself doing is dancing with Miss Millie....listening to the other kids laugh and play in the other room and not caring if anything else gets done today.....I love having my Kiddos around with love and laughter in the air....It's a good day after all!

Fall Pictures of Miss Millie

2009-11-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

Today we decided to venture out and take some Pic's while the weather was nice. This is a dress that her Nana sent her for Halloween. Isn't it cute!

Silent Monks Singing Halleluia

2009-11-05T05:36:00.000-08:00

History Unfolding

2009-11-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

I received this email from a friend of mine and as I read it I was moved. Our History is Unfolding or is it that History has a way of repeating it's self. Please take the time to read:

Dr. David Kaiser

History Unfolding

I am a student of history. Professionally, I have written 15 books on history that have been published in six languages, and I have studied history all my life. I
have come to think there is something monumentally large afoot, and I do not believe it is simply a banking crisis, or a mortgage crisis, or a credit crisis. Yes these exist, but they are merely single facets on a very large gemstone that is only now coming into a sharper focus.

Something of historic proportions is happening. I can sense it because I know how it
feels, smells, what it looks like, and how people react to it. Yes, a perfect storm may be brewing, but there is something happening within our country that has been evolving for about ten to fifteen years. The pace has dramatically quickened in the past two.

We demand and then codify into law the requirement that our banks make massive loans to people we know they can never pay back? Why?

We learned just days ago that the Federal Reserve, which has little or no
real oversight by anyone, has "loaned" two trillion dollars (that is $2,000,000,000,000) over the past few months, but will not tell us to whom or why or disclose the terms. That is our money. Yours and mine. And that is three times the $700 billion we all argued about so strenuously just this past September. Who has this money? Why do they have it? Why are the terms unavailable to us? Who asked for it? Who authorized it? I thought this was a government of "we the people," who loaned our powers to our elected leaders. Apparently not.

We have spent two or more decades intentionally de-industrializing our economy.. Why?

We have intentionally dumbed down our schools, ignored our history, and no longer teach our founding documents, why we are exceptional, and why we are worth
preserving. Students by and large cannot write, think critically, read, or articulate. Parents are not revolting, teachers are not picketing, school boards continue to back mediocrity. Why?

We have now established the precedent of protesting every close election
(violently in California over a proposition that is so controversial that it simply
wants marriage to remain defined as between one man and one woman. Did you ever think such a thing possible just a decade ago?) We have corrupted our sacred political process by allowing unelected judges to write laws that radically change our way of life, and then mainstream Marxist groups like ACORN and others to turn our voting system into a banana republic. To what purpose?

Now our mortgage industry is collapsing, housing prices are in free fall, major industries are failing, our banking system is on the verge of collapse, social
security is nearly bankrupt, as is Medicare and our entire government. Our education system is worse than a joke (I teach college and I know precisely what I am talking about) - the list is staggering in its length, breadth, and depth.. It is potentially 1929 x ten...And we are at war with an enemy we cannot even name for fear of offending people of the same religion, who, in turn, cannot wait to slit the throats of your children if they have the opportunity to do so.

And finally, we have elected a man that no one really knows anything about, who has never run so much as a Dairy Queen. All of his associations and alliances are
with real radicals in their chosen fields of employment, and everything we learn about him, drip by drip, is unsettling if not downright scary (Surely you have heard him speak about his idea to create and fund a mandatory civilian defense force stronger than our military for use inside our borders? No? Oh, of course. The media would never play that for you over and over and then demand he answer it.

Mr. Obama's winning platform can be boiled down to one word: Change. Why?

I have never been so afraid for my country and for my children as I am now.

This man campaigned on bringing people together, something he has never, ever done in his professional life. In my assessment, Obama will divide us along philosophical lines, push us apart, and then try to realign the pieces into a new and different
power structure. Change is indeed coming. And when it comes, you will never see the same nation again.

And that is only the beginning..

As a serious student of history, I thought I would never come to experience what the
ordinary, moral German must have felt in the mid-1930s In those times, the "savior" was a former smooth-talking rabble-rouser from the streets, about whom the
average German knew next to nothing. What they should have known was that he was associated with groups that shouted, shoved, and pushed around people with whom they disagreed; he edged his way onto the political stage through great oratory. Conservative "losers" read it right now.

And there were the promises. Economic times were tough, people were losing jobs, and he was a great speaker. And he smiled and frowned and waved a lot. And
people, even newspapers, were afraid to speak out for fear that his "brown shirts"
would bully and beat them into submission. Which they did - regularly. And then, he was duly elected to office, while a full-throttled economic crisis bloomed at hand - the Great Depression. Slowly, but surely he seized the controls of government power, person by person, department by department, bureaucracy by bureaucracy. The children of German citizens were at first, encouraged to join a Youth Movement in his name where they were taught exactly what to think. Later, they were required to do so. No Jews of course,

How did he get people on his side? He did it by promising jobs to the jobless, money to the money-less, and rewards for the military-industrial complex. He did it by
indoctrinating the children, advocating gun control, health care for all, better wages, better jobs, and promising to re-instill pride once again in the country,
across Europe , and across the world. He did it with a compliant media - did you know
that? And he did this all in the name of justice and .... . .. change. And the people
surely got what they voted for.

If you think I am exaggerating, look it up. It's all there in the history books.

So read your history books. Many people of conscience objected in 1933 and were shouted down, called names, laughed at, and ridiculed. When Winston Churchill
pointed out the obvious in the late 1930s while seated in the House of Lords in England (he was not yet Prime Minister), he was booed into his seat and called a crazy troublemaker. He was right, though. And the world came to regret that he was not listened to.

Do not forget that Germany was the most educated, the most cultured country in Europe . It was full of music, art, museums, hospitals, laboratories, and
universities.. And yet, in less than six years (a shorter time span than just two terms of the U. S. presidency) it was rounding up its own citizens, killing others, abrogating its laws, turning children against parents, and neighbors against neighbors.. All with the best of intentions, of course. The road to Hell is paved with them.

As a practical thinker, one not overly prone to emotional decisions, I have a choice: I can either believe what the objective pieces of evidence tell me (even if
they make me cringe with disgust); I can believe what history is shouting to me from
across the chasm of seven decades; or I can hope I am wrong by closing my eyes, having another latte, and ignoring what is transpiring around me..

I choose to believe the evidence. No doubt some people will scoff at me, others laugh, or think I am foolish, naive, or both. To some degree, perhaps I am. But I
have never been afraid to look people in the eye and tell them exactly what I believe-and why I believe it.

I pray I am wrong. I do not think I am. Perhaps the only hope is our vote in upcoming
elections.

David Kaiser

Life at our house this week!

2009-10-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well I am into day three of my new job and can I say what an adjustment we have had to make. Miss Millie and I are not use to getting up so early in the morning especially Miss Millie. She is really having to adjust with going to a sitter house. It's so sad when I drop her off and she is really confused about what is going on. "This is not what is suppose to happen!" is the look on her face. The first day was OK because she had no clue as to what was going on. By day two she was a little more clued in and this morning....she was really clued in.

Other things that have happened this week.

Colby my brother came back into town for a class and to job search. Not really sure how long he is planning on staying but if it was up to me he would not be going back. I love having family here.

Kenna was in a car accident yesterday. Nothing serious just a minor accident but none the less she was shaken up. But today she went down to the DMV and got her drivers licence. This was an exciting day for her since she has waited almost two years to get it.

James has an infection in his back molars. I am pretty good and not passing out at the site of things but to be honest this one about did me in. Saturday night he came up to me and said "Mom look at this!" He then opened his mouths tilted his head back, pulled his cheek from his teeth and pushed on the roof of his mouth. Out came the most disgusting puss. I about lost my dinner. He asked if I wanted to see it again and the answer was a definite NO......so yesterday he went to the dentist and they drained his infection. The worst part is we have to take him to a specialist to get this fixed.....MONEY! OUCH!!!!!

Deborah picked Miss Millie up today so that we could all attend Madison's last football game. It was so cold and the wind was awful. Thanks Deb for all your help. Love ya.

Ali is proceeding with treatments and trying her best to have a positive attitude. She amazes me with her outlook and keeping things together with all that she is going through and will have to go through.

Craig is doing great in school and loves to play with Miss Millie when she gets home. His greatest challenge right now is just getting out of bed in the morning when his alarm goes off....at least he is not alone in the world on this one.

Fall is our most favorite time of the year.....We are loving life at the Riding House!

Sunday Drive

2009-10-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

Today was a much needed day for a drive.......location of choice the Alpine Loop. Miss Millie and I headed up the canyon to Sundance. Which by the way is one of my most favorite places in Utah. We continued on up the canyon to enjoy the beauty of the Loop. This is what we saw!

Bitter/Sweet

2009-10-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

I have mixed emotions.....I want to jump for JOY and CRY and the same time. Thursday I was offered a job with an amazing company.....doing what I love to do.....but it comes with a price.

I will not be with my kids all day long......Miss Millie will have to start going to daycare..... seeing Craig when he is done with school.......chatting with Madison on IM....hearing about Makenna's day. Helping Deborah out when she needs it no matter what time of the day it is. Talking to Ali and James about their day and having lunch dates with them.

I am grateful that in this economy I have been able to locate a wonderful job.....but the JOB I long for the most is FULL TIME MOM! Hopefully soon.....

Miss Millie has been a wonderful helper while I have been job hunting....she would bring me food.....all sorts, some eatable and some not......she would sing and dance for me, sit on my lap and help type......OK not so helpful but I will miss it. And best of all she would give me foot massages.....and she is pretty good at it too.

My foot massage.....YEA!

Thoughts for the day!

2009-10-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

Some friends of mine brought these comments to my attention.

Over five thousand years ago, Moses said to the children of Israel, “Pick up your shovels, mount your arses, hitch up your camels, I will lead you to the promised land". Seventy-five years ago, FDR said, "Lay down your shovels, sit on your ...arses, and light up a Camel, this is the promised land". Today, Obama has nationalized your shovels, taxed your arses, raised the price of Camels, and mortgaged the promised land.

Some other differences between Moses & Obama; Moses didn't want to be a leader because he was poor in speach, Obama wanted to be the leader because he could give a good speach! Moses was a man of few words, Obama is unavoidable for comment 24/7. Moses feared God & did what God asked of him. Obama fears no one & thinks he is God.

It's been far too LONG.......I'm back to Posting

2009-09-29T18:40:00.001-07:00

Miss Millie

This summer has been one eventful ride.....and I'm not sure if it was to build character or teach me more patience...one thing this journey has been is humbling beyond belief.

I finally have a home to call home at least for awhile. (Until it sells)

I am still looking for a JOB!

I had to break down and get Internet service.......(a cost I really do not want to endure right now but must) it helps to have it to find a JOB.

Through everything I have had the support of an AMAZING family. I have had the opportunity to spend additional time with and build stronger relationships with.

I love being with Miss Millie all day long and dreaming of the day that this will be a permanent situation.......

Last weekend I had the opportunity to take the family up Payson Canyon and set up a campfire.....cook hot dogs and roast marshmallows......A perfect ending to a perfect day!

Colby, Makenna, James, Madison & Craig

Miss Millie and Aaron

LOL

2009-06-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

I guess you might what to check your camera to see every picture that is taken on it. I had no clue that these pics were on my camera...... While we were shopping a WalMart Craig took the liberty to snap some shots of his little sister and this is what we got.......I loved them, thanks Craig......I should let my kids take more pics you'll never know what you might get.

This Weeks Adventures

2009-06-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

So much happened this week with the family..... A wedding, beesting, swimming, D-Back's game and sadly the passing of my Uncle Craig.... (my Craig is named after him).

Dawna got married on Wednesday and it was so beautiful especially for a June setting.....weather could not have been more perfect.

Craig started building a fort in the orchard.......he spent most of the day out there......oh the memories of when I was a kid.....

Thursday Miss Millie, Craig, Colby and I went swimming and while Miss Millie was walking around the pool she stepped on a bee and guess what happens???? Ouch!!!!! Tears - Tears and more Tears. She did quite well and didn't cry too long. Her foot swelled up for awhile but it didn't take long before she was up and running around.

Friday night was Dawna and Nik's reception...... the setting couldn't be more beautiful. Desert setting, Arizona sunset, a cool breeze, friends and family and YUMMY FOOD! We had so much fun visiting and dancing.......

Saturday night Craig, David, Hannah and I went to the Diamondbacks Game....Hoping that they would win but NO such luck! It was again a perfect evening.

Fun Filled Week

2009-06-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

This last week we were able to attend several Major events.....the First being my sons High School Graduation. It seem like just yesterday I was holding an infant in my arms and looking forward to his life. I remember thinking he would Graduate High School in 2009 and thinking "WOW that is a long time away". Oh how the years go by before you know it. How proud I was of him. Way to go James!

Second we also attended the Open House for the Oquirrah Temple. My Dad, his Sister Judy and her husband Alvin along with Miss Millie, Craig, Madison and Me. We went around Miss Millie's nap time and I was wondering how she would do. Why worry she did wonderful....she Loved the stairs and wanted to climb them all. Madison stated how beautiful she thought everything was and Craig was just so worried about his little sister climbing the stairs and wanted to be close to her the whole time.

And last Craig played his last game of the season and we were glad that Papa was there to take all the pictures as I chased Miss Millie around.

Back with the Three Amigos

2009-05-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today was such a wonderful day......I got to spend the day with my two best friends from High School....We did just about everything together we were pretty much inseparable.

The morning started off with me hurrying to get ready....and with a young one this is a task in and of it's self alone very difficult to do at times. But today she discovered my bag of supplies since we are now officially living out of the suit case.... I guess I should pay more attention to what Miss Millie is getting into.......

Do you remember ROZ in the Movie "Monsters Inc." The old lady that says "I'm watching you always watching you." Well this would apply to my very own Miss Millie.......She discovered my little stash of Panty Liners....she carefully unwrapped one and the without me knowing decided to place that where it belongs.... ON ME..... in the appropriate place......."What the Heck, you did not just do that!" Oh how I laughed and realized they do watch more then you think.....so she "Is watching me always watching me!" Which made me really think it's not so much what you say but what you do! Lesson of the day.

OK so back to what went on today.......Miss Millie and I met up with Melanie at Paradise Cafe for lunch......it was very good but again Miss Millie can only take so much restraint then she is gonzo..... so we packed up and headed to Melanie's house...... Melanie has a little boy Crew that is 3. Miss Millie and Crew decided early on that they have a love hate relationship...... Sharing is such a hard thing at this age........ Thanks Melanie for the wonderful afternoon I just wish I would have remembered my camera.....

Later on after Julie got off work we (Miss Millie and I) headed over to Julie's house. We then headed out to dinner at Famous Dave's....once again Miss Millie could only be restrained for so long and this time she was much worse only because it was closer to her bedtime. So once our food arrived we asked the waitress to box it up so we could go home and eat it without trying to fight a fussy baby........Then once in the car I said to Julie "Let's go for a ride that will put Miss Millie to sleep." YA RIGHT.....I really believe Miss Millie is very smart and understands way more then I think she does.......did she go to sleep OH NO she didn't........but we did stop at Cold Stone to get another treat in Scottsdale......(because we went for a ride).

Miss Millie Happy While Waiting For Her Food!

Miss Millie Starting to Lose Her Patience......She is Very, Very Tired

Back At Julie's House With Our Bags of Goodies

Oh How Miss Millie Loves Salad......How Nice of Julie to Share.

Once back at Julie's we then devoured our food and Miss Millie was happy and content to be roaming free from restraints......Julie and I was able to relax and visit about High School day's.......

Thanks Girls for a wonderful day.....to just visit and relax and LAUGH!

It's ABOUT Time!

2009-05-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

Craig and Miss Millie Playing in the water. Oh how she loves the water.

I Know I Know....I have been slackin on blogging but I have been quite busy. We moved out of our home of 3 years on the 16th of May. Packed up all of our belongings and placed everything in storage. That same night Madison had her dance recital. It was one of the best recitals I have been to. It was put together so nicely and they had it running so smoothly. Madison did an amazing job on her performance.

Mom, Madison and Miss Millie and the Dance Recital

Sunday morning Millie and I packed our car and heading to Arizona to spend some time with the family and get some much needed rest. Most of last week was spent getting caught up on the lack of sleep from previous weeks of packing and playing with a 20 month old. I did discover one thing - I can do things on my own........Multi tasking with a most adorable but very busy 20 month old is manageable.......Let's just say I would play with her and when she would fall asleep I would hustle and get to packing then around 1 or 2 in the morning I would crash myself.

Miss Millie taking a dinner break while Mom tries to pack.

The Elders and High Priest were wonderful in helping to move everything to storage. You should see my storage unit. They did an amazing job on packing everything in and being very careful with my belongings.

Oscar and Aaron helped to move my bedroom over to Prissy's house. I really appreciate all the help that everyone offered to me during this time.

I went back over to the house and Aaron and Melanie helped to clean the house. Words can't describe how grateful I was to have help by this point. I was exhausted and at my ropes end by this stage.

Driving to Arizona was so relaxing and Miss Millie does such a good job traveling. I couldn't ask for a more delightful child. We made few stops but when we did we took our time and stretched. We arrived Flagstaff around dinner time and we talked about it and we (Miss Millie and I) decided to stop at Cracker Barrel for dinner. I am so glad that we had that discussion........then again Miss Millie was agreeing with just about anything by this point.

On Saturday Ashlynn, Colby and I went to see Angels and Demons it was so much fun we had so much fun......

Here we are on the way to the Movies, we had to stop and get goodies at the store first.

Today is Memorial Day and we had a really fun day. Colby, Miss Millie and I went swimming over at Colby's friends home (Pam) although she was not there she was nice enough to let us use her pool. Then Millie and I came home so that she could take a nap.

Miss Millie and Mom swimming on Memorial Day

After Miss Millie's nap my Mom, Colby, Miss Millie and I went to Joe's BBQ for dinner. It was so Yummy! Miss Millie just wanted to go and visit with all the customers.....she didn't want to sit still at the table. They were all making a fuss over how cute she was and she was eating up the attention. Oh well......we don't always get what we want.

Mom and Miss Millie at Joe's

Take me out to the ball game

2009-05-08T10:47:00.001-07:00

Sorry it's been a while since I have posted anything. I have been quit busy with packing, looking for a job and just being a mom. We have had a fun filled spring so far with Maddie and Craig participating in the Hope of America program put on by The Freedom Festival. Although our economy is in a recession and me being a product of that. My spirit was so touched by the program. I am so proud to be an American and to live in a country that is Choice and Blessed. I am so proud that Madison and Craig were able to be a part of such a wonderful program. I was brought to tears so many time through out this presentation.

We have also been busy with ball games. As long as the weather permits..... It is so much fun and Millie loves to go and cheer for her brother Craig.....which she pronounces Keg..... She cheers him on for a while then head over to the playground.

Easter Morning

2009-04-19T09:00:00.001-07:00

Sorry it has taken so long to post pics of Easter. We had fun. Aaron and I went up American Fork Canyon......tried to go hiking but it was way too cold.....so we turned around. When we got back we had Chicken Junk for dinner and then Millie was surprised with an easter basket......

Momma Tickles Millie

2009-04-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday was fun. The best part was of this clip...Lisa tickling Millie and listening to her contagious laugh.

A New Year A New Beginning

2009-03-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

Life can take so many different changes...some very unexpected and some not. I have been very blessed this last year to have made such loving and wonderful friends.....Thank you for all you loving support and for always making me laugh. I love looking at your blogs and having my day brighter with knowing that everyone has issues just like me (Wendy with issues on the trampoline (same as me) and Jen with her funny stories of her cute kiddos and Pedaling with her political views just to name a few) and everyone just having life experiences everyday.....We are all in the same boat I just feel like mine is sinking faster then yours.....HA HA! Thanks for your friendship and good laughs.......

Last Nights Workout

2009-03-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

What an interesting workout I had last night. Miss Millie was super cute last night and wanted to be involved in everything. So I started back up on my P90X after being sick. Of course she wanted to join in and what a wonderful time we had. She was right there by me mimicking all my moves and smiling away like this was just about the best time she was having. It only got better when I was doing my Ab Ripper workout and she was kissing on me while I was laying on the floor. Then without warning she jumps on my stomach while I was working out. This did not stop me she just added additional resistance to my workout. It was so much fun working out with my girls.... :)

We Have a Cheerleader!

2009-03-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Madison......She made the Cheer Squad in Alpine....Through all her hard practice and nerves she finally got the results and she MADE THE TEAM.....She will be cheering at football games and competitions. I know her life just became super busy which I am not going to complain at all.....It's better to be busy then NOT! Good Job Maddie, we are so proud of you!

Bouncy Fun

2009-03-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Richard brought the trampoline over from Payson for the kids to have here at the house. Craig was so excited to put it together. So Craig and I set out to put the trampoline together. We soon discovered that we needed additional help so we enlisted the help of Ali, Makenna and Alison (friend). We soon had the trampoline frame together and we were ready to start putting on the springs. Ali, Craig and I put the springs on around the trampoline. Craig and I stretched the mat onto the springs. We had a few mishaps and some minor pinching but we got it all assembled.

Now may the fun begin! Craig ran in the house and grabbed his little sister and onto the trampoline they went. At first Miss Millie was a bit confused as to the ground being soft. Her look was priceless.....she caught on really fast as to the enjoyment of the trampoline. NOW A FAVORITE OF HERS! Craig was trying to show Miss Millie how to jump but soon realized that she was just trying to stand without falling.......Good Times!

Want a GOOD Laugh

2009-03-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

I could not pass this up because it hit too close to home.

Getting Back In Touch

2009-03-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

So it has been a while since I have been on my blog. Some in our family have felt a little green they have had the flu. I'm hoping that we are done but not too sure.....

Millie had it the worst and it broke my heart. All she wanted to do was have me hold her and lay with her. She is still struggling with some of the symptoms but she is getting better. Needless to say I have not slept much since Thursday night because she has a rough time at night. I'm hoping for a good nights rest tonight.

Craig came down with it on Sunday morning and was pretty miserable. Ali came down Sunday morning as well but she had to drive home from Arizona. What a miserable experience.....she is still sick and is hoping to get better since she was suppose to start her new job on Monday.

I just hope that the rest of us will avoid getting that beast.... Therefore I have had no energy nor desire to be posting anything. Hopefully soon......

Millie's New Favorite Show

2009-03-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Millie has a new favorite show "Dancing With The Stars"! You should have seen her last night. For two hours she would dance, when the dancers started to dance she would grab her doll and spin around and around until the song was over. Several times she would fall I'm sure between her ear infections and spinning it was not a good combination.

When the song was done and everyone would applaud Millie would grin and clap like she just won the award for best dance team! She also can move very well in her car seat. When the radio turns on she starts to groovin' back and forth in her seat. Or when we walk into the store and music is playing she starts to dance in her seat or in my arms by swaying back and forth. Maybe someday she will be gracing us on the dance floor! My cute little bugaboo has dancing fever!

Recipent for the Optimism Bright Blossoms Sudsing Scrub

2009-03-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

Jen at crazygreenelove.blogspot.com will be receiving last Tuesday's give-away! Congratulations!

Friday's Favorites

2009-03-06T07:27:00.000-08:00

MISS MILLIE'S FIRST WORD!

Last night Miss Millie decided to join me in my bed around 2:30. (I LOVE IT) and around 6:00 I finally talked myself into moving and making any effort needed to get myself ready for the day. I heading out of my bedroom for a few moments only to return to my room to gather some items. Upon returning Miss Millie sits straight up and yells "HI" and then smiles the BIGGEST smile! I ran to her side and we hugged and giggled.....I asked her if she would like to take a shower. I do not know why I ask she has always loved her bath time of course the answer was a head nod YES.

After her shower we went to her bedroom to get dressed, she loves to do everything herself and I let her do as much as possible. When we got down to putting on her shoes I said "Millie let's get your shoes on!" Millie then said her first real word (this being anything other then mama and hi) "SHOES"!

WHAT? Did she just say "SHOES"? So I said "SHOES" only to have Miss Millie walk around the house saying "SHOES,SHOES, SHOES, SHOES".

My babies first real word is "SHOES". I guess I'm not too surprised since one of her favorite things to do since she could move was to play in my closet with all my shoes and once she could walk she would always put on my shoes and walk around the house. I know it's sad when she would rather be in the shoes department at Target then in the toy section. So I can not be too shocked that her first word was "SHOES".

As I was driving to the sitters I wanted to make sure that she understood her new word so I asked "Miss Millie where are your shoes?" Up goes her feet and she reaches for her boots and smiles and says "SHOES" then tilts her head on her shoulder and smiles.

OK it's official she can say and understand "SHOES". Do you think I'm in trouble with her shoe fetish?

Sick and Tired of being Sick and Tired!!!

2009-03-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

What is it about being sick and having to work through it? For the last week I have had earaches, sore throat, chest congestion and headaches. Now I'm sad to say that Millie is having the same symptoms! We both toss and turn at night not sleeping well then I get to wake up at 5 to get ready for work. I keep thinking that I will start to feel better but NO......unfortunately not! I have been taking medicine that should be working by now but I am not seeing the benefits of that either.

For me I can manage through this but it breaks my heart to see my baby miserable....

Any suggestions?

Tuesday's Give-Away

2009-03-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

Who is ready for SPRING? I can't wait to be out in my yard working!

Just leave a comment on some fun ideas for the yard and on Saturday I will choose someone to receive this Optimism - Bright Blossoms Sudsing Scrub to help beat the winter blues.

A Recipe Worth Sharing

2009-03-02T13:12:00.000-08:00

Here is an amazing recipe you have to try: Hope you enjoy!

Sweet Pork
4 lbs Pork Loin Roast (double the meat if you want, it makes a lot of sauce)
2 8oz cans tomato sauce
1 1/2 tsp pressed garlic
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
2 tsp. cumin
2 cups Dr. Pepper (it is 1 can)
2 tbsp. corn syrup OR Molasses (I prefer the molasses)
1/4 tsp. Salt
pepper to taste

Mix the entire about ingredients and place in a crock pot and cook until meat is tender and pulls away with fork. Shred meat and return to sauce in crock pot and let simmer another hour before serving so the meat can marinate and soak up the juice.

Lime Rice
2 tbsp. butter
1 1/4 cup rice (long grain rice)
2 1/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 tsp. salt
pepper
juice and zest of 1 large or 2 small limes
2 tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro
1/4 tsp. cumin

In a skillet melt butter with rice, add liquid, and all other ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook for 20 minutes.

Creamy Cilantro Dressing
1 16oz Jar of La Victoria green salsa
1 pkg. Buttermilk ranch dressing (dry)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup fresh chopped cilantro
2 cloves pressed garlic
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 cup sugar
Few drops Tabasco sauce (optional)
Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth and creamy.

This has been a BIG hit at our home!

A Precious Gift

2009-02-26T11:47:00.000-08:00

There comes a time in ones life that something beautiful and amazing happens. It teaches you love, understanding, joy, sorrow, sacrifice and unity. We have been blessed to have such an experience happen in our lives this week.

I am so humbled this week because of the actions of my daughter, she has taught me so much in these last nine months. And then this week I have been so touched by her amazing strength and out pouring kindness. She has demonstrated the true meaning of love and sacrifice.

A new family of three has forever been touched and their lives have forever been changed. But the change does not stop there, change has come to so many. I know for me my heart is so full of love for my beautiful daughter for her strength, her love and commitment. Adoption is the most amazing experience I think I have ever been apart of to see the joy on a woman's face who thought that she may never hold her own child. To see tears in a grown mans eye's who is looking at his new child. To hear my daughter ask the adoptive mother if her (the adoptive mother's baby) was healthy. For this child is theirs, she was just the source used to get their child to them.

We have experiences that happen in our lives that can forever bring blessing and will strengthen us and in the end bring comfort. After living through this experience I truly feel that the Lord's hand is in all things. I am grateful for a wise and brave daughter, for her courage to do what she felt was in the best interest of everyone. We have loved getting to know the adoptive parents and could not be more happy with her choice. They are truly amazing people and I am positive this week has been the best week of their lives. I know that this is a week that I will never forget for the experience has been sweet and comforting.

Ready for Spring Cleaning

2009-02-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

I am being forced into Spring Cleaning whether I want to or not. Starting tomorrow I am having both my bathrooms re-done. I am so excited and will post before and after photos. But for now I have to empty both bathrooms out which will cause me to see all the junk I have accumulated over the years and be forced to throw them out or keep them.

Monday Night Dance Off

2009-02-23T19:20:00.000-08:00

So today was a very busy day but we still found the time to have some fun with all of us being so tired. We turned on the music and away we went DANCE TIME. Hands down Millie won every one's heart and laughter. Her chosen partner was her doll around and around they went. Ali's chosen partner was Ziggy, what a pair. Makenna and I just popped around and laughed at how cute they all were.

Millie is sporting her new PJ's from Old Navy. I went into Old Navy today and they were having a 50% off kids clearance. I picked these up for $2.49 WHAT A DEAL. Love it when I can find deals like this.

Friday's Favorites

2009-02-20T09:45:00.000-08:00

Black is a Classic, here are just a few of my favorites:

Every girl must have a black skirt: This is great for dressing up or playing down. I love this one from J Crew, I love it's simplicity. The classic black heel: These are from Aldo another one of my favorites. I wear these almost daily, they can go with just about anything and are perfect for work and casual events.

Another one of my favorites is by Kenneth Cole: I have used this perfume for years now and LOVE IT!

Family Circus

2009-02-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

I purchased a new car seat for Millie at Target. She loves her new big girl seat. She can face forward to watch me and better yet she can actually see out the window instead of looking at the roof of my car. There has been many oohs and awe's coming from the backseat.

Along with the growing experience comes some changes: instead of me caring the car seat with Millie in it inside she can now walk. She has become accustom to this new aspect of her life. But as with all kids this is not a short and straight process. Yesterday I was reminded of Billy's adventures in the comic strip Family Circus. Millie has to look at everything, make her marks in the snow, pick something up, set something down, look at something else, make some more marks in the snow with her shoes, pick something up again, set something down and so on and on and on. After about 10 minutes we are finally at the door, she has to try to open it herself, then going up the stairs has to once again be accomplished alone (with mom right behind her of course).

Once inside the adventures continue the same as described above except this time inside. She defiantly is busy and when she finally decides she has had enough she is out like a light.

I love this stage of new discovery she is going through it makes slowing down to enjoy the little things even more enjoyable.

Miss Millie's Kitchen

2009-02-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

Millie loves to be in the kitchen cooking and cleaning and what better way then to have a kitchen she can actually do this in. Needless to say a must have (a goal for her Birthday or Christmas). I can just picture her cooking away in this room.....

Going on Week Two!

2009-02-17T10:19:00.001-08:00

OK I think I have officially become an addict of fitness. Last night when I failed to get in my workout I went into a panic attack (well kind of) but I was feeling like I was somewhat out of sorts from the absence of the workout and knowing that the pain would not be there to follow the workout.

How pathetic that is when you look forward to walking and moving from pain and when you don't hurt you think something is wrong. I know plenty of people that hurt on a daily basis and wish they could go a day or two without feeling the pain that ales their body.

The P90X system is a set of 12 DVD workouts which involves body-weight moves (like push-ups, pull-ups, plyometric moves, etc) as well as cardio and weight training cycles. The equipment you will require is a large enough space to go bouncing about in all directions without causing serious injury to you or your property, free-weights of varying sizes, a chin-up bar, a yoga mat and blocks, you may prefer to use bands, be sure you purchase heavy duty bands not the ones sold in stores that are shopped frequently as they will snap, look at getting these online or from P90X, as well as push-up bars (optional.)

The actual workouts range from a plyometric workout, core and cardio, to several weight/target area workouts (like legs & back, or shoulders & arms, etc). There is also a 90 minute Yoga session which you do every week (this is killer and your sides will hurt), as well as a cardio workout of Kenpo. My favorite of all the workouts is the plyometric, Plyometric is HARD! I love all the moves that are in plyometrics and I promise you will feel this in 30 hours after your workout. Since the yoga also comes dead center of the week, it helps to relieve some tightness that you end up acquiring through the earlier workouts.The weight workouts are good because there is not a ton of monotony. You have a lot of different exercises you move through, and you never get bored because of that. The pull-ups are not as bad as they sound. Yes, they're HARD. Yes, you end up doing a LOT of them. But there are ways to "spot" yourself, and assist with the pull-up until you can switch over to doing them without assistance. The DVD does show you how to do this, even expects you to. If you are interested in just learning about how to get your body doing pull-ups. I use the assistance of a chair for now but my goal is to do 10 chin-ups without assistance by the end of the program.

On certain days, you are expected to tack on the 16 minute "Ab Ripper" routine. This thing sucks. Sorry to use the language, but...Well... OW. Necessary, but OW. Be sure that you eat properly or you will feel like throwing up during this part of the workout.

These workouts are hard-core, but they're also geared for your own level. Basically, you will get out of this what you put into it. As with anything you do. If you go through these 12 DVD workout like a Whimp: only lifting low amounts when you could lift more and doing half-hearted moves when you should be taking it to the mat as in all the push ups that you will be doing - well, then you'll only get out what you put in NOTHING. But if you hit it with the intensity you KNOW you have, and you work HARD and focused, you will get solid results. The upside to all of this is that it is an unlimited challenge. You keep pushing yourself harder and higher, and you will always be challenged by this workout. But, if you decide to be a slacker, then it's likely the best you'll do is whine that it's not enough and "whyyyyyyyy" doesn't it work for you like it does for everyone else?

This is life, people. You want it? You gotta put in the effort. Plain and simple. In the end, you have the map - if you don't make it there, you have no one but yourself to blame. RIGHT? RIGHT!

So many of the workouts are hard and you feel like giving up but that does not mean it is not worth doing. If anything, it is because it is hard that it is worth doing. Sometimes you are on the verge of tears with pain and sweat only to see the instructor still going and doing things that a re near impossible. SNAP.......

Going on my second week I can already see a noticeable difference. Makenna told me on Saturday that she too could already see a difference in my muscle tone. (AWESOME) at least my obsession is not in vain at this point.

I have also noticed that I do not enjoy Dr. Pepper as much or at all. SAD to say but true, I am also finding that I can not get enough water during the day. Benefits to drinking water, better looking skin, healthier and no side effects (that pop brings) plus so much more.

Another noticeable difference is for being a chocolateholic I do not enjoy the taste of it like I use to. I can taste all the wax in the chocolate and less flavor. This is a sad occurrence for me as I LOVE CHOCOLATE.

As with anything Garbage in Garbage out! If you are after visible results, you need to understand that those are 80% rooted in your kitchen. What you feed yourself, how much, and when are absolutely KEY. There is no workout, pill, or magic wand that will enable you to get around this fact. What you eat is what you get. If you want to see results then you have to eat right! There is no escape from that FACT. By eating right you will experience an increase in strength/power, you will feel better! You decide on the results you want. Why do all the workout if you are just going to eat pizza and ice cream later.

You want to see your abs? You could do a million crunches, and it won't make any difference if you are eating in excess along with all wrong things. It's the one hard fact that people want to deny, yet can never truly do so.

You will also see a difference in how you sleep at night. If you are struggling in this area you will find that you go into a much deeper sleep. I also am finding that I desire to go to bed earlier and get up earlier, unless Millie wakes up for a couple of hours crying because her teeth are coming in.

Next step to this workout program is starting up on my running again. I hate to be exercising in the cold but love to be outside so summer PLEASE, PLEASE come....

Valentine's Day

2009-02-16T07:40:00.000-08:00

You have to love having teenagers home and the excitement they create over just the simplest holiday's. Each one had something going on for Valentine's Day.

Mike flew in from Arizona to spend the weekend with Ali. They went to dinner at Market Street Grill and then took her to see He's Just Not That Into You (an amazingly good movie) but definitely a chick flick.....on Sunday he took her to Park City for the day.

Makenna was so excited as she made her first Build-a-Bear for her Valentine, James and McKenzie took her to the mall and had a wonderful time.

James made a picnic for McKenzie at our house. They had a blanket set up with candles and flowers in front of the fireplace. Ali was there to help out with anything that they needed and to babysit Millie while I took the other kids to go and see Coraline.

Later that evening I made Hawaiian Haystacks for Makenna, James, McKenzie, Matt and his date. They watched movies and had a great time. Madison, Craig and I retired to my bedroom to watch movies and let the teenagers have their space. They had a really good time and it was so fun to have a busy home with Love and Laughter.

Little Miss Independent

2009-02-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

Little Miss Millie is also LITTLE MISS INDEPENDENT........

I wonder where she gets that from? It CAN NOT be from her parents.

She is always wanting to do things on her own such as eat, bathe, brush her teeth, get in her car seat, get my drift.

LITTLE MISS INDEPENDENT is also very neat, she has to clean up after herself with everything that she does. Picking up her toy's, throwing things away (I have to watch this very closely) and she loves cleaning up spills with a towel. Sometimes I think she creates spills on purpose just so she can clean. Now remember she hates being dirty and messes....and she knows how to hold and handle a towel better then Craig.

Sunday night we had Jello with dinner, MILLIE LOVES JELLO (as all kids do). As she was eating the jello she realized that if was really wiggly and would not stay on the spoon. She was chasing the jello everywhere. This took time and to an adult jello really is not worth that much work. But to a child PATIENCE.......and the practice of learning the whole hand to mouth coordination results in YUMMY REWARDS.

Last night we had scrambled eggs and once again LITTLE MISS INDEPENDENT wanted to do everything herself. From preparing the eggs to eating the eggs. This time she found more success in eating and less chasing. Although you know the old expression "Egg on your Face" well she had it going on, all over! And you can always tell when they are done eating the food takes on art forms. First they start squeezing it in their hands, then they start making a pile on the table and the last can make for quite interesting art if they are allowed to continue. The throwing of food on the walls, floor, ceiling and just about anything around. I am happy the Millie has not yet discovered this form of creativity yet.

One quick note to SELF, bath time is always better after she eats then before.....

Returning HOME

2009-02-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

Two years ago in October '06 Ali ventured away from home and set out on her own life and adventure. It has been an amazing experience for her. She has made countless new friends that she now calls family. She has had many misadventures with her car.....I think she would rather not have me mention any of those due to anxiety....and she has learned how to live on her own.

She acquired a new family member or two along the way. Marley and Ziggy (her babies) ruff ruff.... Now all three are coming home to stay.....

She set out this morning driving from Arizona to Utah with her two babies Marley and Ziggy. She will arrive tonight I'm sure exhusted.

Ali we are excited and happy that you have decided to come back home......Love ya!

Millie's first day in Nursery

2009-02-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

Wow can you believe that Millie is going to Nursery...Today was her first time and can I say she took to it like a Champ. She walked right in and started to play with the other kids. It helps that your two friends are in the nursery and Millie loves them both. She colored, sang and played.

My baby is growing up.......I forgot what it was like to sit through all of Sunday School and Relief Society.......

Music

2009-02-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

Music can stir such an array of emotions.....

During the day I listen to pandora.com and usually I will listen to Michael Buble....

LOVE that swing era music.

Then I get in my car and blast Nickelback or Ozzie.

When I get home I love to listen to Josh Turner or Colbie Caillat on pandora.

Saturday nights I like to turn into Showtunes on 106.5 my kids think I'm corny but hey when there is a load full of teenagers and you start singing a song from "Anne get your gun" and the best is "Lion King" and then the whole car is singing along..... rockin to showtunes...... Gotta love it.

What is even better is all these re-mix songs that they are doing. When you know ALL the words and your kids thinks that it is a new song. "How do you know this song?" and your response....."I'm just too cool." They have that stare down with the jaw dropped..... "Mom, no way." and all the time you are just chuckling and the look and amazement on their face.

Cell Phones

2009-02-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

Last night Makenna stayed with me so I had the opportunity to drive into work with her today. We had a wonderful conversation (I miss riding with her). She made me laugh at a story that she relayed to me and it got me thinking about what our society has come to.

Modern Convinces, Are they really convinces?

Makenna was thinking that James was still on his way home from school. She started to text him to see how he was doing. They carried on a conversation for quite sometime.

Finally James texted her asking "Are you home?"

Kenna answered "Yes and you?"

At that moment they both emerged from their rooms only to discover that they were only a wall away from each other the whole time. A good laugh erupted from both, turning they went back to their activities and the conversation stopped.

Have we gotten to the point that all of our conversations happen through text messaging, IM, email, facebook, my space......? What has happened to having a conversation over the phone, face to face.... is it a dying art? I don't think so and I would hope not. There is nothing that can replace the human touch, the human emotion.... You do not get that from text messaging or even emails. I have found through text messaging something that you said was taken totally the wrong way because it lacked the emotion behind what was said. Depending on the mood of the receiver is how that message is read. Hence a lot of problems can arise from little short messages that are trying to pack a lot of meaning. It just doesn't work.

Cell phones are great.....I don't think at this point we really can function without them. I would hope that our communication with each other doesn't turn into little abbreviations otherwise one day we will have a conversation that would go like this.

Girl: HRU (How are you?)

Boy: AAF (As a matter of fact)

DBAU (Doing business as usual)

Girl: GAS (Got a Second?)

Boy: WU (What's up?)

Girl: DUR (Do you Remember)

Boy: RW (Remember What?)

Girl: ROTFLUTS (Rolling on the Floor Unable to Speak)

Boy: dood (dude)

LOL (Laugh out Loud)

SRSLY (Seriously)

Girl: DNR (Dinner?)

Boy: FBF (Fat Boy Food e.g. pizza, burgers, fry's)

Girl: WH5 (Who, What, Where, When, Why)

Boy: CML (Call me later)

Girl: SYS (See ya soon)

Boy: PZ (Peace)

The Start of P90X Workout

2009-02-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M POSTING THIS!!!! But I thought IF I did then I will be more committed to working out then just telling myself I am.

Tuesday February 3, 2009 I started the P90X workout!!!!!

Day one was chest and back. Boy, was it a killer, I was pushed more then I had ever been pushed before. I purchased a chin up bar on Monday after work so Millie and I assembled it for Family Home Evening while singing Primary Songs..... (I hope that counts)

On Tuesday I emptied all my CANDY in the Lunch room and told everyone to enjoy. They were all glad for the treats. Drinking a gallon of water makes for frequent bathroom breaks, I just hope I can keep up the motivation on drinking soooo much WATER!

Tuesday night after a delightful evening with Millie (laughing, playing, hugging and kissing) she went to sleep like a CHAMP at 7:30. Of course I had to finish watching AMERICAN IDOL. So Promptly at 8:00 the TV went off and I was starting my new workout.

Now thinking and KNOWING that I will not be able to keep up with the amount of reps that the Professionals would be doing, but focus on doing my best, I proceeded to workout with the BEST I HAD TO OFFER. Pushing myself until I thought I would CRY. Boy was this a workout I can't say enough and YES I could do chin-up's (surprise) of course I had my chair handy like they suggested (and it was used). After the workout I thought I felt sore but not that bad (MAYBE I DIDN'T PUSH MYSELF HARD ENOUGH). But I was tired and in bed by 9:20. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

When morning came I was so WRONG.......... I am sooooooo soooooo sore today. It definatly was a good workout. So tonight after I play, laugh, hug and kiss with Millie I will put her to bed and once again I will hit my home gym for a KILLER workout for Day 2.

Goal: BEACHBODY for Summer......VACA

Superbowl Sunday

2009-02-02T07:27:00.000-08:00

For all Arizona fans this was an EXCITING day.... Our first time to the Superbowl. All the excitement and buzz of a team that has made a huge comeback. We love our Cardinals and are so proud of the progress that they have made as a team.

Millie woke up Sunday and we had a wonderful morning just playing and dancing and singing. We ate breakfast and got ready for church. She was amazingly good for me today in Sacrament. She sat on my lap for the most part of church which was so surprising but I was loving the opportunity of listening for once. She would open up the Hymn book and sing right along with everyone. She sure is growing up.

After Sacrament we left to go to our Priscilla's house to watch the big GAME...... There was tons of food, laughter and fun, Millie was so excited that there was chips and salsa YUMMY.

Carolyn THANKS for cheering my team on with me, we had so much fun and I think we taught Millie how to scream and cheer (she loves her new voice)...... It made it more fun having the excitment there..... the bantering was awesome between us all... Good sportsmanship..... Millie had a blast playing with everyone's cell phone and if you got a call that was unexpected we do apologize. Although you would have heard a sweet voice on the other end. Mikaela and Savannah were wonderful to play with Millie and she loved it. She even warmed up to Ken......but we were too slow in getting the cute picture....

We left tired and full a very fun evening. Although our team lost we could not have been more proud of their accomplishments and the exciting game we witnessed......

The little things we love!

2009-01-29T10:08:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help but laugh at Millie this morning. I went to get Millie out of the car I just stood at the window and busted up laughing.

She waved a BIG Hello.... quickly pulled the blanket up around her chin and grinned the BIGGEST SMILE (as if she knew the moment I opened the door it was going to be cold again)......Moments you don't want to ever forget.

As we were standing at the door waiting for the sitter to open the door she wanted to just hold hands. OH HOW I LOVE HER LITTLE HANDS......

And when she takes a bath she squeals with joy......One of her favorite things to do..... so tonight I get to listen to the joys of bathtime.....

And hold her little hands........

And maybe tomorrow she will do something again that will just make me laugh.....

WHY WE LOVE KIDS

2009-01-28T14:07:00.000-08:00

NOW THAT YOU HAD A GOOD LAUGH HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND GIVE YOUR KIDS A HUG

For All Photography Lovers

2009-01-28T06:45:00.000-08:00

lovenest

This is an adorable blog if you LOVE photography or if you just enjoy seeing an amazingly talented photographer. I was captivated by the photos posted. I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I did.

Sleepless in Orem

2009-01-27T07:37:00.000-08:00

OK it is official.....

AMELIA IS CUTTING TEETH.... (molars are coming in)

Results!!!!!!!!!!!

SHE has Sleepless nights...... (Which in all reality means I DON'T SLEEP)

SHE has Bouts of incessant crying....(Ear muffs)

SHE Doesn't want to be HELD.....(wiggleworm)

SHE Doesn't want to be PUT DOWN....... (I'm not talking about putting to sleep either..duh)

SHE Bites....... (Shoulder pads.....are they back in yet? 80's flashback, a fashion mistake)

SHE Drools....... (towel needed at all times)

SHE Chews on everything........(No she is not a DOG)

With all that.........

She is soooooo adorable, I LOVE MY LITTLE MISS MILLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday Night

2009-01-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful time on Saturday night just Chillin at home with my kids.....

Millie loves the weekend and the time she gets to spend with her brothers and sisters. She hates to go to sleep for fear she will miss out on something fun and special.

Madison spent most the time on the blog reading and visiting others blogs.

I decided to let her start her own blog. She came up with a really cute name "Smiles and Freckles" her blog will be set to private. If you are interested in reading about the life and times of an 11 year old and would like to be invited to view her page please let me know so that we can get this set up. She had the most wonderful time getting everything going and did a very cute job with her blog.

I thought that my evening was going SMOOTHLY, I was working on an accounting project, Madison was on the computer blogging, Craig was watching TV and Millie was sleeping.

At 10:30 everything changed, Millie woke up and was very fussy and was crying until 2:30am.

Craig was playing with a small plastic container and decided it would be fun to put this around his mouth and SUCK really hard.

(WE ALL KNOW WHAT THAT DOES)

Needless to say he has a very PURPLE and RED mouth and chin. We were doing all that we could to reduce the Purple and RED but he still looks very silly.

I just hope that by the end of next week it will be gone (Grandpa's funeral).

I am so grateful that everyone is sleeping in unfortunately for me my internal alarm clock goes off everyday whether I want it to or not. It doesn't matter if I go to bed early or late come 5am my eyes open and sleep time is over.

HOPEFULLY tonight Millie will sleep better..........cross my finger!

Love Story

2009-01-24T17:38:00.000-08:00

Madison has decided that she is loving this blog thing and is looking at others blogs and wanting to do posts. She always asks permission to do so....... With that being said here is one of her most favorite artist. ENJOY

2009-01-24T09:26:00.000-08:00

On Januray 22, 2009 at 9:00 am my grandpa died it was a sad time for me i miss him so much i want to see him again.My sister Deborah is taking this pretty hard i feel so sad for her that was her favorite grandpa but some things happen for a reason and i guess Heavenly Father wanted him to go so he had to.Next week i get to miss two days of school am so exicted because then i don't have to do work at school and am happy for that.I wish my grandpa was still here.I feel bad for my grandma because now she will be all alone and that is just sad.I will miss my grandpa so much!!!!!!!!

This is touching!

2009-01-23T07:40:00.000-08:00

This morning as I was getting ready for work I heard the letter that the Bush twins wrote to the Obama girls. I found myself getting emotional as I listened to their inspiring words.

The Value of Money according to a Nine Year Old.

2009-01-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was driving in the car with Craig (who is Nine Years Old) and having a wonderful
discussion about all the changes that have been going on in our lives.

Mom: "Craig are you doing OK with everything that is going on?"

Craig: "Yes, I just miss all my friends at Orem Elementary."

Mom: "But I'm sure it is easier to be going home to a house where there is a mom there when
when you get home."

Craig: "It is! You know she doesn't have to work!"

Mom: "Oh really that must make it nice for everyone."

Craig: "Ya it's pretty nice. Her husband was killed and they are still paying her."

Mom: "Oh I know but I'm sure she would rather have her husband."

Craig: "Ya but he was a Doctor and made really good money. Like 50 bucks an hour."

Mom: "Really 50 bucks" (I am trying not to laugh, Craig was so serious)

Craig: "Oh I'm sure his check for the month was $250.00." (Now I realize he has No concept of time either)

Mom: "Now wait a minute (teaching moment) you are telling me he was a Doctor? "

Craig: "That's a lot Mom!"

(Trust me I would love to be making 50 bucks an hour)

Mom: "I know that's a lot but didn't you just make $60.00 helping your dad work and you are
only in the 4th grade. That doesn't make sense to me." (Trying to have him see the
concept of time and money)

Craig: "Ya I guess your right he probally made like a $1,000.00 a month. I know it! Now that's a lot of money." (And to a nine year old this is a lot)

Mom: "That is a lot of money."

At this point I realize that time will only help him to view the value of a dollar and maybe the concept of time too (Only through his own experiences).

I love this kid and we have the most wonderful conversations.....

Madison's Birthday

2009-01-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

Madison had her birthday on November 22 and I have yet to post or say anything about her..... (I was on hiatis at that time). So this is her spotlight on our blog. Madison is our little entertainer.... Although a lot of it is behide the scenes or should I say closed doors. Madison loves to sign and dance. She loves to be with her friends and she had a wonderful birthday. We had six girls come and spend the night (What was I thinking) knowing that a sleep over really means no sleep at all for anyone. Amazing enough Millie did sleep through it all.

We did our nails which was a big hit with the girls, had cake well it was an ice cream cake. Yummy.... watch chick flicks or should I say teen girls flicks.....and you know what I mean about those. The ones that you will watch over and over and over again until you have every line memorized and when you sleep at night the songs are incorporated into your dream. Yep that is what we watched. There was tons of giggly girls and loud conversations ALL night long.... Then in the morning I got to sing and jump and tickle the girls to wake them up. On my time since they kept me up......They were shocked but we all laughed and had a wonderful morning again talking and laughing. They really are cute girls. Madison has a good group of friends.

We made pancakes, eggs, bacon and hot cocoa for the girls. Then as planned their parents came and picked them up. It was a wonderful 11th birthday.....Madison we love you......

Christmas 2008

2009-01-01T11:12:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that another year has come and gone. Is it just me or did 2008 start off slow then the second half of the year just whized by? Before you could blink it was over. Everyone is a year older and hopefully wiser. We experienced happiness and grief, we became united as a country yet divided at the same time. Some of our families grew and some experienced loss of loved ones. All in all we just expereinced LIFE. Each day we have choices to make, some will be good and some will not but non the less whatever choices we make is what makes up our own life and the lives around us.

This Christmas I couldn't have asked for anything better. I had my family around me. My mom and dad came up from Arizona to a winter wonderland of snow, snow and more snow.

Ali came up with Marley (her baby), Matt came and spent Christmas Eve and Morning with us.

Deborah and Kasey were there along with James, Kenna, Maddie, Craig, Millie.

We had a wonderful time opening presents, playing games, laughing, visiting and eating and some of us shoveling snow several times during the day. James would have to differ on the wonderful part since he became sick on Christmas Eve and spent most of the night in the bathroom but I have to wonder if he was hoping to see Santa and was just using that as an excuse.

I know that we all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Trying to pick out that perfect gift but when it comes right down to it the perfect gift isn't the kind you buy. It is there all year long. "FAMILY"

Christmas 2008

2009-01-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

Blessings

2008-11-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

To be perfectly honest, this week my brain has been in complete and utter shut down.......... but telling you about my blessings are going to be easy. It doesn't take much to think on this one, all I have to do is look around and just see all the wonderful things and wonderful people that have truly blessed my life and the lives of my children.

I have been blessed with a wonderful job that I love and couldn't be happier that I am employed here.

I have been blessed with the privileged of living in Utah for the past 11 1/2 years. I couldn't think of a more perfect place to live.

I am blessed with the opportunity of driving with my daughter on a daily basis to and from school everyday. With this has come some much needed conversations, laughter and tears. I love you Kenna.

And last but not least I am blessed with a little angel.... Millie who LOVES Goldfish and can't wait to get home to open the bag. You can't just get the regular Goldfish they have to be the EXTRA FLAVORED ones. We laughed so hard on the way from the store. Her determination was priceless........

First Snow Strom of the Season

2008-11-05T13:19:00.001-08:00

This morning we woke up to SNOW...... I knew that it was going to take a while to get into work today but I had no idea how long. I left my home at 7 took Millie to the sitters then Makenna got sick and needed to go home. I took Makenna home then proceeded to the freeway......by this time it was 7:30. Once entering the freeway I could tell it was going to be a long and slow drive. So I threw in Josh Groban's Noel CD (I know it's a bit early but very suiting for the occasion..... SNOW). I crawled at a snails pace and listened to my early Christmas music. Once arriving at work at 9:40 I was surprisingly calm and rested. Just gotta love the snow.............

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T08:16:00.000-07:00

My kids woke up early this morning... you would have thought it was Christmas around our house. They could not wait to get their costumes on for school. Millie even woke up with excitment. I guess it was just in the air this morning.

Just Couldn't Get Any Better Then This!

2008-10-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

You know when you go to pick up your child at the sitters and they are so excited to see you and you can't get to them fast enough. Then they throw theirs arms around your neck and kiss you and hug you and smile the biggest smile. Then you go to the car and all you hear in the back seat of the car is giggles and this talk that sound like aliens speaking. Kind of a cross between Spanish, Chinese and English...... You hear them talking and you know that they are trying to communicate to you about their wonderful day and all the adventures that they had and they are sure that you are understanding every word because you are just talking right back. Having a full fledged conversation that really doesn't make any sense to either one of you. But it is basically one of the best conversations EVER!

I get home to see that my yard is getting some new landscaping and I am so excited because I really hated my front yard. Now all the wood chips are gone so when I mow the lawn I won't come away with battle wounds from the chips smacking me just about anywhere imaginable. I go inside and I hear "MILLIE'S HOME" and the kids hurry to take her out of the car seat. Which really isn't fast enough for anyone. Then Millie wraps her arms around Maddie's neck and gives her a huge hug and tons of kisses. She then puts her down and off she goes! Millie is home and taking control of the house. After being home for just a few minutes we again place Millie in the car seat and head to Wal-Mart. Now if anyone knows the Wal-Mart by my home. It is probably one of my least favorite places to go. I HATE IT THERE. So we hurry through the store to make our purchases and of course we just went there for three items and walked out with a basket full of things. Did I tell you I HATE IT THERE. But the entertainment was the cutest little girl sitting in the basket, MILLIE. We would walk a little then she would want one of us to lean over and give her a kiss. Can you see the game that we started. I'm sure we looked silly but how can you pass this up. Madison needed to get a pair of shoes. It seems like we are buying her a pair of shoes about ever three months, she is growing like a weed. We get to the shoes section and I put the basket to the side so that we are not blocking the walk way and I proceed to help Madison pick out what she wants. Then to my amazement I hear a crash and look over and Millie is just grinning from ear to ear. She had pulled down a small box with about twenty pairs of shoes. Now just a little side note on Millie, she can spend hours in my closet just playing with my shoes. SHE LOVES SHOES. So for her this pretty much was the greatest discovery. How can it get any better for her. We hurried and made the purchase and headed home to make dinner. Madison needed to get a report done so I helped her with that and Kenna fixed dinner for everyone. Millie got her banana and was again the happiest little girl. Since I was trying to focus all my attention on helping Madison I decided to give Millie a piece of the banana thinking that she would just eat it. OH WAS I WRONG..... OK you are all thinking "What was she thinking?"..... you see what is coming next don't you? Yep that's right we had banana everywhere and again the happiest little girl ever. She was smearing it all over the floor, cabinets, her and I'm sure in a couple of days I will find more places that she smeared it. We got it cleaned up but not without tears of disappointment. Boy was she MAD. Maddie got her report done on John Wesley Powell and I got an email from her teacher today saying she did a wonderful job with her report and her presentation. I am so glad that is over..... she was very stressed the last couple of days. And I'm sure she is relieved that she has that out of the way.

Life was very fun at my home last night and I LOVE IT!!!!!!

Blessings

2008-10-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well here is another Friday and can I say that time it just going by too fast. It just seems like the older you get the faster time flies by. I have so many blessings in my life to some they might seem silly but honestly I feel like every little things can be counted as a blessing.

I have been blessed with Costa Vida. Yep that's right! They have THE Best Smothered Pork Burrito I have tasted and I get the craving for it on a weekly basis. YUMMY!

I have been blessed with modern transportation. This came into play just this last week. Instead of dealing with a fussy baby for 10+ hours I only had a fussy baby for a total of 1 hour.

I have been blessed with Key Lime Pie. Just about one of the best pies around and sooooo refreshing.

I have been blessed with the beauty of Gerber Daisies. Just Love Them!

I have been blessed with Computers. Although I wonder if modern technology is a curse sometimes. This is definitely a "love, hate" relationship.

I have been blessed with Good Books. Just getting lost in a good book is so much better then vegging out in front of the T.V.

And last but one of my favorites is I have been blessed with the convenience of Sundance being so close to home. I love picking up Millie from the sitters and driving up there just to sit and listen to the stream and smell the mountain air and relax and think.

Day Four Coronado Island

2008-10-19T22:49:00.001-07:00

Today we woke up to get ready for church. But what better way to wake up then your daughter kissing and loving on you. I could have stayed in bed for a very long time if I knew that she had the energy and the attention to keep that up. It doesn't get any better then this.

We got ready and headed out the door to attend Sacrament Meeting with my Aunt and Uncle in El Cajon. We arrived with not a moment to spare and this is only because I gave my dad a hard time about wanting to leave so early. Remember I have a one year old that I have to chase, I don't get the chance to just sit and listen to the music before hand. So if any of you remembers what it is like to have a little one my Sacrament Meeting goes something like this. We sit and make it through the opening song. She gets a little restless and by this time is ready for a nap. Having a child that really only goes to sleep when she is in her bed is a struggle when you are having to hold her and entertain her to keep her quiet. Then there is the opening prayer I can tell at this point if we are going to have a good experience or a bad one and this morning when she started to cry during the opening prayer I knew that we were in for the long haul today. After the prayer I stood up with Millie in arm and headed towards the mother's lounge. My policy is "If Momma ain't happy no one's happy". Just trying to teach her that at no point during church is this a playground, or that it is ok for her to throw a trantrum just so she can run around. If she gets taken out then she has to sit. Well she screamed and she screamed and she screamed and I could keep writing this but I think you get the point. Oh if only there were an extra set of hands some days..... After the first speaker and seeing that she was not going to budge on this I proceeded to look of another room that would allow her to walk around and I could at least try to get some spiritual enlightenment.... We found the empty Relief Society room. (Now at this point you are going to say that I must eat my words.) I shut the doors turned up the speakers and sat down and let Millie have her freedom. This was working out perfectly, she was happy and I was relived. With only 15 minutes to spare I got a terrible whiff of something. That's right! Millie had a surprise for me and it wasn't going to be pleasant. Problem.... bag was back in the chapel. So I sat there baring the smell and waited for the meeting to end to head back to retrieve the bag. Once all was said and done and feeling like I had listened to just enough to fill part of my spiritual bucket we headed over to the nursing home to visit my Grandmother. "98" years old. She just lit up when she saw Millie. Over and over again she kept pleading to hold her. We sat and visited with her but of course she really doesn't remember anything so all the visiting was going on between the other adults and Grammy and Millie just did their own thing. Almost like one child to another. Millie was sharing her Cheetos with Grammy and sometimes Grammy would get upset if Millie walked off to soon with her Cheeto in hand. I think that when Christ said we must become like little children to enter into his kingdom he was in reference to what happens when we become old. I love this lady and I still remember her as an elect lady with all the poise and passion for life. This is just a shell that she has become but inside sleeping is the lady that I love and remember.

After visiting with Grammy we heading out to eat. I know it's Sunday. After eating we headed back to the condo to let Millie sleep and let the rest of us relax. We were driving in the car and I was seating next to Millie and in one second she was playing and the next she was out like a light I laughed so hard. It was so funny, just like in the movies. Oh my sweet little angel. My parents decided to rest in the condo and I headed to the beach to (you guessed it ) READ..... This was so relaxing that I actually feel asleep for a while. I did get my reading in and enjoyed listening to the sound of the ocean when I realized that I was freezing so I summoned for a jacket to be brought to me. (Just kidding) I asked if my Mom could bring me my long sleeve shirt. This I did for two reasons. I was cold and I wanted some company..... It worked out perfectly and we sat and visited for a while.

We decided to head back and by this time my brother David had arrived from Arizona. He is in San Diego this week on business. Oh my gosh did Millie light up when she saw him...... Hug, hug, hug..... and giggle, giggle, giggle..... Playing hide and seek with Uncle David became her favorite. We headed out again for dinner. (I know it's Sunday) but when your hungry you gota eat, right? We headed to the a really good hamburger joint on the Island it is the Burger Lounge and it is everything that we heard.... OK we were just walking up the street trying to decide on a place to eat and a couple sitting outside this place told us this will be the best burger you have ever eaten. (I wondered if they were paid to sit outside and say that.) We decided to give it a try and it was worth the try. I think that every time that I make this trip I will be having at least on of my meals at this place. YUMMY!

We ate and enjoyed the company and Millie enjoyed feeding David and I...... then we headed for the beach to take one last evening walk. It was a little cooler so we put on our jackets and it was so much fun.. Millie was so excited that David was there and proceeded to play with him and laugh.... She started doing this really funny laugh with him and I wonder if this will be just their little thing. After enjoying the beach we again headed back to the condo to see if we could put our little tornado to rest but NOPE!!!! She was still wanting to play.... Finally after the second attempt she decided she was tired and out she went. We pulled out the Rook cards and everyone had to teach me how to play. We had a lot of laughs and fun playing and surprisingly I was on the winning team, Thanks to David.....

This has been the most relaxing and wonderful trip. Thanks Mom and Dad for helping me to relax and enjoy the moment..... Love ya, tons.

Day Three Continue:

2008-10-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight I took a walk along the beach. There were mixed feelings in this walk. I was alone and was able to do alot of thinking on the other hand I wish that I had someone there to share it with. Well at least I was able to relax and do a considerable amount of thinking. I'm not so sure yet if this is a good thing!

Day Three Coronado Island

2008-10-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

OK our days really don't start off until after 12:00 like I mentioned before. Millie has been sleeping so good while we have been here that it is worth the trip to let her sleep. After she woke up from her nap we headed for the beach. I think Millie would take off and swim in the ocean if she could. It was all I could do to stop her from just running right into the ocean. She would squeal and think that this is the most wonderful thing. She always has loved the water and it really shows here. She loves playing in the sand. I think I have a beach babe here, What do you think? Blond and blue eyes, I'm in trouble!

After we left the beach we had to come back to the condo to get cleaned up again and then we headed towards Main Street on Coronado Island. I thought that I would pick something up as a memento of us being here. Well I had to second guess that choice because things are just way to expensive here. We walked around and just enjoyed the atmosphere of this wonderful town. We found a cute little ice cream shop to stop and get some treats. We were just leaving when we were approached by a group of couples doing a scavenger hunt. (They were very nice and about my age, they looked like they were having so much fun.) They came up to us and told us that they only had one more thing to get for their final item on the hunt and that was a picture of a babies bottom. I said no problem I didn't mind Millie posing for this shot since she is defiantly camera read and knows all about what it takes to have a picture taken. Then when I got Millie out of the stroller they said it has to be a pic of a bare bottom. I laugh and said of course it does. Again this didn't bother me because if you ever seen Millie's bottom you would know that she has about the cutest bare butt there is. So I pulled down her britches and loosened her diaper, just a little to expose just enough of her butt for them to get the pic that they needed but also covered enough to make MOM feel like this was OK. We all laughed and Millie was probally thinking what the heck is going on. The only thing I regret is that I didn't hand the camera to my dad to get a picture of the group taking the picture. That would have been awesome.

We headed back towards the condo and took a detour through Hotel Coronado. There were weddings going on and it made me miss being married. It seemed like every corner we turned there was a bride and a groom, smiling and kissing and loving on each other. I know that sound Corney but it gets lonely being single. I probably shouldn't put this on the blog but what the heck it's how I feel and this is my blog so there.

So here I am with Millie sleeping AGAIN and doing my blog. We are talking about what we are going to do for dinner. I think I have eaten more this weekend then I have all month. It's been so fun being here with my family. I'm sure I will add more after dinner but this is what I have for now.

Day Two at Coronado Island

2008-10-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

Today is my DAD'S BIRTHDAY!!!! Happy Birthday Dad...... We Love You.

We lounged at the condo until 12:00. Millie took a very long morning nap. This is a combination of not sleeping well at the sitters and having a sever reaction to her MMR shots and not sleeping well at night. Poor thing she really is a good trooper and still loves all the excitement that is going on. We loaded into the car and headed to find a bookstore to get some good reading. OK we traveled to San Diego to be in a bookstore. What can I say. We went to a really neat outdoor mall and pulled into the wrong parking garage. But the attendant being a nice guy let us go ahead and park there for the price of $15.00. Expensive parking for just a couple of hours. OUCH! We walked around the mall and around down town San Diego. We found our bookstores to which none of them had the book that I was in search of. UGH!!!! But I went ahead a purchased another book that a good friend of mine recommended. "The Five Love Languages" so far I am on chapter five and loving it. Thanks Karen.

After we left the mall we headed over to the pier. Millie again fell asleep so we put her in the stroller and just sat outside under the shade. I don't think that I was very good company for my dad. Give me a good book and goodbye. I was glued to the book, but I don't think he minded, the scenery was beautiful, the weather was amazing and the people were entertaining. Especially the men on bikes giving tours. They were quite the pranksters and were joking with their paying passengers. Going down the hill and telling them that their breaks are broke and soon they will have them fixed so if anything happens don't hold it personal. The girls screamed and the guys just laughed. We were sitting next to the Bob Hope Memorial. OK for us that are older we know who this amazing man is but for the younger generation they have no clue. A young man was talking to his parents and was saying "Look mom they are calling this guy Bob, that is funny, who is Bob?" Talk about generation gap. Millie decided to wake up and she was ready to go. We got her out of the stroller and she was loving it. She wasn't quite sure about the statues of the soldiers but non the less she loved walking around and again being the center of attention.

After we left here we headed for the airport to pick up my mom that was flying in. We pulled up and there she was. We talked about going to Old Town San Diego for dinner. We could not remember where it was so my dad loaded it into his GPS. We discovered an amazing thing about the GPS. They are amazing backseat drivers. My dad was trying to get there on his own and was trying to avoid the 5 which the GPS wanted us to get on. So he kept turning down streets and not listening to the GPS. Finally the GPS said "recalculating your destination, make the next illegal U-turn." We busted up laughing. My father was frustrating the GPS. It kept spitting out directions to which my father was not listening to. And it didn't help that I kept pushing the talk button so that she was constantly repeating the direction to go. He finally gave in and started to follow her directions and we were there in no time at all. Why do men have such a hard time taking and following directions? But it was so funny that it was worth all the confusion.

We found a parking space in the very packed parking lot, due to the fact that I had my mom stick her head out and ask a girl if she was leaving. She said yes but took her sweet time while she was texting on her phone. I guess it is better to wait in the parking lot then to have her texting on the freeway. We got out of the car and by this time Millie and I were starving. Again we headed to a Mexican Restaurant. (Do you think we like Mexican food?) We found this cute outdoors Restaurant and had the best chips and salsa (HOT) so just bring be a jug of water. While we were eating the Mariachi band came to our table to play us a song. They asked what we wanted to hear and I told them just play anything. (I don't know Mexican Songs.) They asked if they could play something for the little girl and I said sure...... Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer is what they sang. OK I know what you are thinking.....What the heck this isn't a Mexican song. But it was a crowd pleaser..... Everyone was laughing and singing along. Millie was the center of attention. She was dancing and memorized by the men playing their instruments. People were taking pictures, me included. From then on where ever they went to play and sing Millie was watching and dancing and having a good time.

This was so much fun and I didn't want it to end but like all good things it did. We headed back to the condo to get some rest and relaxation. What a wonderful day.

Day One in Coronado

2008-10-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

UGH! I had just typed this story once already and failed to save it and then the computer crashed and I lost everything that I had just typed and as always you can never write things the same as the first time. Hopefully this time I can redeem myself and my frustrations. (I will remember to hit the save button more often this time)

Millie and I left Thursday morning for our wonderful and much needed vacation. We woke up at 3:45 to get ready to leave for our flight at 6 am. Millie has become quite familiar with the routine of the airport and I must say that I have become very familiar with this routine also. While running through the airport with child in one arm and a bag over my shoulder pulling a suitcase and car seat behind has become something that is becoming easier and easier to do. I am sure that we are quite the sight, everyone was watching and it is probally because they are just checking out the cute little girl in my arms. We check in and head for the clearance. We strip down and again we do this with ease. We have learned to simplify and can do this one handed. Millie knows the routine by now and knows what needs to be done and is quite patient with all that we have to do to get on the plane. She is an amazing traveling companion. We headed to our gate just in the nick of time and loaded onto the plane. We sat next to a wonderful lady that we engaged in conversation. Before we knew it we were off in the air and Millie was out like a light. It was a pleasant trip for all especially Mom. Millie slept during the whole flight and didn't wake up until we landed in Vegas.

We had time to spare in Vegas, there was an 1 1/2 lay over to which we walked around the airport and looked at things and people (we are big people watchers). Millie was the center of attention with her talking and dancing. She was very happy until we were told that we were ready to board the plane. Wow she didn't like that and started to scream and I mean scream. She screamed while we sat on the plane and waited for the other passengers to load the plane. Needless to say no one wanted to sit by us and can you blame them. I must have had a look of concern on my face, the older lady sitting in front of us turned around and told me to relax that everyone was understanding. I'm not so sure, the three business men sitting in the isle next to me kept looking our way. I'm not sure if it was a look of concern or compassion. Either way Millie was upset and everyone on that plane knew it. We were cleared for take off and we weren't in the air for more then 2 mins and Millie decided she had enough and was out like a light. I don't know if that was an answer to prayers from probably everyone on the plane or just pure exhaustion.

The flight was wonderful and we landed in San Diego with a loving father waiting for us. We loaded the car and headed for the condo on Coronado Island. Coming over the bridge was breath taking, the fog had rolled in and it was beautiful. Millie was excited to have her freedom and quickly became familiar with her new surroundings. After she felt comfortable with her new home she decided she was tired and took a nap for the next three hours. This was much needed for both her and I.

When she woke up we threw on our shoes and headed to the beach. Millie couldn't wait to be down on the sand walking around. She was Oohing and awing over every little thing. She was so excited and wanted Papa to know how excited she was. She loved walking on the sand and discovering all the new things around her from the birds on the beach to the sea shells. It was quite the adventure for her.

We walked up the beach and headed to Main Street for dinner. We found a cute little Mexican Restaurant and ate outside. Millie decided that she loved avocado salsa. Papa gave her a bite of his avocado to which Millie loved, then with the second bit she decided that she had enough and let us know. We all laughed even Millie found the humor in her actions. After we had our fill or dinner we headed back towards the condo and walked through Hotel Coronado. It is such a beautiful hotel and the atmosphere is amazing. One day I would love to come and stay at this hotel. Millie again was Oohing and Awing with all the beauty that was around us.

We arrived back at the condo to relax and get some much needed sleep for the night. I am so blessed to be surrounded with the ones that I love.

Happiness

2008-10-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Just taking the time to step back and look at things really does help and make a difference. So many times we get caught up in the day to day things that we don't realize that happiness and peace is just staring you in the face. I came across this quote the other day and it just really hit me at how true this statement is:

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."
Helen Keller

One of the talks that I enjoyed during Conference was Elder Wirthlin's talk.....He took a moment to lighten things up in a most gloomy and depressing time. He told us to "Come what may and love it." What does this really mean? Did you ever just ponder what our lives would be like if we just accepted things instead of trying to fight them.

Have you ever thought about laughter. When we laugh we enjoy that moment, we live that moment and experience it for what it is. Then it is gone and we go on to other things and every once in a while we will remember what made us so happy and chuckle again. On the other hand when we are sad we stay sad for a longer period of time. Why is that? What is the difference between happy and sad? I look at it this way. We don't try to fix "Happy" we live it and experience it. We do try to fix "Sad"! We don't just let ourselves experience being sad and live it. We think that we are weak or vulnerable. When sad comes up again we try to bury it or hide it. This is why Elder Wirthlin's talk was so simple and beautiful. He said to:

1: "The first thing we can do is learn to laugh. The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable. "

I am tempted everyday to groan, but yesterday I thought I needed to lighten up and enjoy my life. What an amazing thing happened: I had such an enjoyable day, I laughed more, I bonded with my 16 year old daughter in a way that we both needed. All in all it was a pretty amazing day and one that I want to have over and over and over again. I laughed with my kids and I laughed at myself for just being silly ol' me.....

2. "The second thing we can do is seek for the eternal. You may feel singled out when adversity enters your life. You shake your head and wonder, “Why me?”"

Kenna is going through some hard times right now and believe me this "Why Me?" has entered my head more then I want to tell you. (Or should I say the last 4 years of my life has been "Why Me?") But one thing is certain everyone has adversity and everyone has their share of problems. I know that going through these classes with Kenna and learning of others problems and trials has helped me to realize I would not trade my problems for anyone elses. I have learned to accept and appreciate what lays before me. In the strength of the Lord I can do all things! And with the love a support of family and friends I will never be alone.

3. "The third thing we can do is understand the principle of compensation. The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."

This just gave me all the strength and hope that I need at this time. I know we are being watched out for and loved. We are not alone and we will never be alone.

4. "The fourth thing we can do is put our trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."

For some this is easier then others. Some of us (me) have a hard time putting trust in others. Be it by personal trials that we have had to face or just leaning on the arm of the flesh vs. the hand of God. For me I do want to know how things are going to turn out. That is so much easier then just trusting. We live in a society that is "I want it now". Putting our trust in God means we are allowing him to come into our lives and help us journey this long and sometimes challenging road. He knows what is the best for us and sometimes we only see what is good for us.

He closes his talk with a sweet and simple testimony: "Although my mother has long since passed to her eternal reward, her words are always with me. I still remember her advice to me given on that day long ago when my team lost a football game: “Come what may, and love it.”
I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.
As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, “Come what may, and love it.”"

May we all "Come what may, and love it" how plain and simple is that. Just live the life you love and love the life you live.

Blessings

2008-10-10T07:19:00.001-07:00

We all want happiness and dread the thought of rain.
When the sun fails to shine, we worry and complain.
We forget that God above is infinitely wise,
and sometimes our ails are blessings in disguise.
For if we're always happy filled with sunshine and cheer,
our hearts would hold no mercy for others who shed tears.
So when trouble comes knocking, remember to stay strong.
Rainbows always follow the storm and dark clouds never stay long.
~~ Author Unknown ~~

This has been a very good thing for me to do, reflect on my blessings! I have taken the time to stop and appreciate even the smallest blessings. A single breathe of air....a needed phone call, a quick note of appreciation, holding your child, reading good news. Somethings I consider blessings you might think are silly or maybe I should say what I am grateful for but to me they are all blessings in my life for I can enjoy them another day.

I have been blessed with Chocolate, truly my comfort food.

I have been blessed to enjoy the songs of birds.

I have been blessed to enjoy the smell and sound of rain.

I have been blessed with warmth and comfort.

I have been blessed with a good name and heritage.

These are just a few blessings in my small and meager life. To which I am grateful to enjoy another day with those I love, with friends that make me laugh, and all the hugs and kisses my children can give. Today is a Beautiful day!

2008-10-09T07:13:00.000-07:00

"Every worthwhile accomplishment has a price tag attached to it. The question is always whether you are willing to pay the price to attain it - in hard work, sacrifice, patience, faith, and endurance."
John C. Maxwell

Quote for the day

2008-10-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

"It is not merely for to-day, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children's children this great and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives."

Abraham Lincoln

August 22, 1864

Speech to the One Hundred Sixty-sixth Ohio Regiment

A day to ponder

2008-10-07T15:33:00.001-07:00

Have you ever just had one of those days when you ponder "What is Life About?" Today has been that day for me.... I often just go through the motions that day to day living brings. Wake up, get showered and ready for the day, wake up kids, drive to work, work, drive home, make dinner, help with homework, throw some laundry in and hope that you remember to put it in the dryer before you have to re-wash it again and again because you forgot, play with the kids, read (if you can stay awake) and go to bed, some nights your head hits the pillow and your out like a light, others that little voice in your head won't stop thinking and you can't go to sleep.

But when you take the time to look at something and ponder the greatness of just a single flower, or the snow peaks on the mountains, a child laughing because they got ice cream on their face, two friends laughing in the car and your wondering what made them laugh, an older couple holding hands and you are wondering what their 80 years of life as been like.

I can honestly say I love my life, I love all the opportunities that lay waiting for me. This weekend I took the chance to listen to all four sessions of General Conference, to really listen to what was being said and my heart was so full of love and a greater desire to do better at just being me.... I felt as though the Savior was speaking to me (as I'm sure everyone else felt the same) I felt the love and concern that the leaders of the church have for me and everyone that I love. I didn't want this Conference to end, I wanted that feeling to continue. I am so greatful for the council that was given to us to become Unified and so much more. I can not remember ever feeling more love and peace, maybe that is because I finally stopped to really listen to what was being taught.

Life is short, too short and just when you think everything is going your way we are pushed a little more.... I am aware that "life is just that LIFE". We come to earth as spirits to have a mortal experience. So what experience are we going to create for ourselves. What are we going to be remembered for when all is said and done......

I know for me it's day's like today when you stop to really enjoy life and watch all the wonderment around you and you know your purpose. Let us take refuge in the plain and simple things. And stop to love the one's that really count.

Quote for the day

2008-10-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."
Charles Dickens

1812-1870, Novelist

Quote for the day

2008-10-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

"One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone: and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering."

Hugs and Kisses

2008-10-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Does anything get any better then getting a hug and a kiss from a child. Saturday was filled with tons of them in our home. Millie just kept going from one person to the next giving hugs and kisses away and when I say hugs I mean HUGS!!!!! It's like she finally got it...... Not only did she give them but she started something. There was such a peace all day in our home. Not saying it was perfect but it was close.....