Memory Monday

A memory that I wanted to remember happened in church about six months ago. Kale was struggling going to his class so he was in Sunday school with Garry and I. They were talking about synonyms in the scriptures. What was symbolic to what. As time started to wind down they were rushing past the few last things. The teacher mentioned a devil. Kale in his all seriousness stood up with these great big eyes and pronounced, "I know what that is, that is my mom. Devils are mean and she is sometimes mean to me." (Oh my, I didn't know that he was even paying attention let alone understanding what was happening in the lesson.) I wanted to crawl under a chair. So now my new ward knows that my son thinks I am a devil. GREAT!! I have to laugh because there is probably more truth in that then I would want to admit. Oh well I guess now I know where I need to change.

Thankful Thuesday

Today as I am getting ready to go to girls camp I am counting my calling as a blessing. I am the beehive advisor. We currently have 16 girls in our class. I am thankful for this calling because of the girls in my class, the women that I work with, and the oppurtunity to continue to learn.

We have an exceptional class. Very different personalities but they all get along. They ALL are so special. You can feel the greatness in their spirits. They are strong women that have a desire to choose the right. They have different family situations but understand the power of free agency. They are a great bunch of girls. I can truly say that I love them.

The ladies that I work with are incrediable. We all have different strenghts and talents. When we come together we draw on the different strenghts. Our common goal throughout our presidency is to teach the girls about Christ. We have a desire to teach them with the spirit of the Lord. I look up to these women a lot. I am so thankful that I have the oppurtunity to work with them.

The things that I learn are priceless. I learn so much as I talk with the girls, as I prepare and teach my lessons, as I listen to the spirit. I am thnkful for every little activity. I always leave a little bit better than when I came.

Weekly Writing's- Join Me

Okay I have had a lot of friends start blogs and then they say they don't have anything to write. I was thinking about this and thought that we could theme something for each day.
So here goes:

Monday is "Memory Monday", write about any kind of memory that you have. From childhood to your own children. Just write something that you want to remember.

Tuesday is "Thankful Tuesday," Write something that you are thankful for and why.

Wednesday is "Wordless Wednesday", Post a picture of anything. New or old

Thursday is "Thoughtful Thursday," Write something that you have been thinking about. Maybe an insight, or a realization, or a quote. Just something that gives us something to think about.

Friday is "Family Friday", write anything about your family. It can be immediate, extended, heritage stories, anything that help connect you to your family.

If you want to do this feel free to. If you want to do one day and not the next, that is fine. Just do what you want. If you can, drop me a comment so that I can make sure that I check your blog. Have fun!!

Okay I will start with "Memory Monday"
When Hailee was about 3 years old, she had a runny nose. I told her to go get a tissue so that I could wipe it. She was gone for quite sometime. When she returned, she had a whole roll of toilet paper unrolled and gathered in her arms. She came into the living room and all I could see is white toilet paper with little tiny pony tails peeking out from the top. She acted very confident in herself. She wiped her nose and dropped the bundle of toilet paper on the floor and continued what she was doing. of course I had to have her pick it back up so that I could take a picture. Too bad I don't have it on digital.

What's the point of trials?

Today in sacrament the speakers talked about trials and hardships. I asked myself, "What is the Lord trying to teach me?" I listened as the speaker talked about trials and how through our trials we become great. We are not able to progress without trials. We only progress by choosing to be better. I had to ponder that for a while. As I thought about it I remembered the statement I have at the bottom of my blog. Here is is,

"It is our choices that show what we really are, far more than our abilities."

I thought about Christ and the choices he made throughout his life. Through his choices he gained abilities. The ability to love all unconditionally, the ability to call down the full power of heaven, the ability to love all unconditionally even as his friends betrayed him at the deepest level, the ability to always see good in all, the ability to teach the gentle lessons of our loving Father in Heaven, the ability to redeem all.

I thought about my own personal abilities that the Lord has given to me. I can see how through choices I made during my own personal trials made it possible for me to develop my abilities into who I am today.

In short we all have abilities. Your ability is a gift from God. It is through our choices that make those abilities who we really are. We all have gifts and abilities it is our choices that determine how great we become.

Agency the right to become great or the right to remain.

Kelby and Me.. Best Friends As Can Be!!

I just wanted to my little Kelby how much she means to me. You are the biggest sweet heart. You do so much for everyone. I have never heard anyone say anything negative about you. You are one of those genuine people. Someone who never asks for more than you give. You are an excellent mother who cherishes her kids. You are a special spirit that has faith like a child. You have so many talents and abilities that will forever bless your family and those around you. I love you! I care a lot about you. I thankful that I can call you my friend. Marla

My New Niece

I have a new little niece! She is 6 lbs 11 oz. She is the cutest little thing. Colby LOVES his new little sister. He got to make the final decision about her name. She is lucky to have been born into this family. They love the Lord and want her to understand true happiness. Congrats Autumn and Chad. I love you.

Girl Night Out andSwimming

I have had a fun couple of days. As always filled with friends and family.
One of the BEAVERS is moving. Chris is such an awesome lady.



She is one of those friends that always gives more than she takes. She is someone who teachers others the true meaning of life. She has taught me how to be me and to take pride in the differences of others. That everyone has strenghts and weakness. That you don't have to hide your weaknesses to be okay. She is awesome.

I am really gong to miss ya girl! Some of my earliest memories of being a mom are with you. Thank you for all you have done for me. You might be moving but you will not be forgotten. Your place up there is lucky to have someone like you moving in.

Here is a group of ladies that love you! You somhow touched each of thier lives in a way that will never be forgotton.



After dinner we walked outside to our cars and talked for another hour or two! swear I have the best friends around. Thank you all for all the laughs! (AMY AND SHERRY)

After dinner I drove Nickcole home. We sat and talked for another few hours. I am thankful that I have had the chance to get to know her. She is an awesome lady.

The next day Nickcole and I took our kids swimming. We had a lot of fun. Nickcole has two boys the same age as mine and they get along well together. Her husband, Scot and Garry used to work together at Kraftmaid.






After swimming we went to their house to have a bite to eat. They are always so thoughtful to us. Thanks guys!!

I've been tagged!!

I've been tagged by Amber
Okay here are the rules:You link back to the person who tagged you
Post these rules on your blog
Share six unimportant things about yourself
Tag six random people at the end of your entryLet the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs
Enjoy the results!

Six unimportant things about me

6. I used to suck my two middle fingers.

5. I wanted to be pop star when I grew up.

4. I can't stand peas.

3. My feet protrude out when I walk. Thus making me look like a duck when I walk.

2. I've had blisters in all the wrong places.

1. I have always hated my teeth.

I tag Stef, Amy, Janet, Natalie, Marilee, Brenda

Just counting my rocks!

I am having one of those days when I feel down. I have decide that I will "Count my rocks."
1. Garry- The hard work he puts in for our family. The way he treats me. The kind of father he is. The way he honors his priesthood. The way he puts me first. The gentle touch he has with the kids and I. The way he allows me to learn and grow through my mistakes.
2. Caden- The example he is to my other kids. His love of the gospel. His ability to understand others and their needs. His desire to do what is right. The help he gives me. His sweet obedient spirit.
3. Hailee- Her ability to recognize right from wrong. Her ability to clean and organize. Her desire to do what is right. Her sense of creativity. Her quite way of life. Her love of Christ. Her understanding of the power of prayer.
4. Kale- His sense of humor. His fierce determination. His ability to not quite until he accomplishes what he desires. His love of people. His innocent face. His knowledge of right and wrong.
5. Marlie- Her sweet spirit. Her love of all people. Her cute little innocent face. Her way of making all of us laugh. Her sweet little laugh. Her soft spirit.
6. My family- All the support we get from them. The way I feel like I belong, when I am around them. The patience they give to me. The support of life.
7. The Gospel- The hope it gives me. The peaceful feeling I get. The opportunity to grow and progress. The blessing of forgiveness. The blessing of learning from my mistakes. The patience the Lord grants me each and every day. My brother Jesus Christ.
8. My earthly possessions- My house, the food I have to eat, the clothes I have to wear, The warmth that my house has, the cool that my house can be.
9. My friends- the ones that I can call when I need someone to talk to, then ones that smile and say hi, the ones that have been through a lot with me, the ones that have done so much for me.
10. The conveniences of modern day- Modern medicine, washing machines, cars, computers, phones, fridges.

I have a lot. I need to think of all I have and not concentrate on all I don't have.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!

To ALL the men in my life,
HUSBAND, FATHER, GRANDPA OR SON
I wanted to tell you what a blessing you've been.

I thought about life
and what would be lost?
If I had paid such a high cost?

Mine looks for one,
Since they seem to be
not too far from the old tree.








The lessons in life
that my gramps' sat and taught,
hoping that one day they would be bought.











The love of Christ
that I hold dear
and hope my children are able to hear.









The fun of family
That runs so deep
I hope my kids will always keep.







The feeling of achievement
I have felt before
Knowing that later there will be more.







The blessing of belonging
can not be replaced,
knowing who you are can be retraced.





A family of mine own
is such a treasure
a blessing, a gift, to hard to measure.








A Man tall and dark with pretty black hair.
My kids always call him a great friend of theirs.














I am so excited to say happy Fathers day to all of you that have touched my life. I have been so blessed to have such admirable men in my life to call grandpa, dad, and husband.


A special thanks to Gar, for being so great! You truly help me see who the Lord sees that I can be. I appreciate the father you are to your children. They love you dearly and want to be like you. What a blessing that is to me. If they turn out like you I will consider our job done. Thank you for find joy in the Lord. I am grateful that we have the same goals and dreams. Thank you for supporting me in everything I do. Most of the time, I know, it is only because it is what I want to do. Thank you so much for your love. I hope that you will always remember how much we love you. Thank you for working so hard for our family. It astounds me what you do for us. THANK YOU. I love you, Marla


























Thanks dad for all of the help you have given to us. Thank you for ALL of your time on our house, the cruise, all the dinners, the list goes on... I love you! I am so thankful that you are Garry's dad. I am thankful for the example you set for him. He is wonderful. I love to hear my kids call you "Grandpa" because that is a special name. Thank you for letting Garry come home for lunch. I am grateful to have you in my life and consider you a great friend. Love you lots.














Thank you so much dad for all you have done for us. This song reminds me so much of you. It is so true I walk like you, I talk like you, and I can see my father in me. I hopw that I can live up to what makes you proud. I apprecipate all the "little" time we have to be together. I know that time right now is so scare,(I am willing to share because I believe in what you are doing) so I appreciate the phone calls even if you are headed up the canyon. Thank you for taking time out of your shedule to help us with out house. I know that that was the last thing that you had time for. Also, for letting mom come out and stay with us. We could have not done it without her. Thank you! I know that I can come to you and you will do what you can to help me. I really enjoy knowing that I am secretively your favorite daughter. Thanks for everything dad, I really do love you and am grateful to call you DAD.

Camping and a few funny comments!

We just got back from a camping trip in Wallsburg. It was our annual ward camp out. Since we were too busy to go last year, this was our first year with our new ward. We had so much fun. I feel totally blessed to be a part of this ward. We got there around 6:00 pm and set up camp. We were responsible for our own dinner so I started to cook. I decided to make dutch oven potatoes and chicken, but since I only have one dutch oven I combined the two dishes into one. It actually turned out pretty good. While we were eating Caden dropped a piece of barbecue chicken on his new white tee shirt. He looked down at it and then looked up and said, "I got a barbecue stain on my white tee shirt." To which Garry immediately replied, "I hope your not killing me with your mini skirt." Oh my gosh, I laughed for a long time. I think it was just the look in Caden's eyes as it change from, oh no what do I do? Too, I am going to be really cleaver about this.

Later on as we were going to bed the kids wanted me to tell them stories of when I was little. (I guess that has become one of those family traditions that you don't plan, they just happen.) Kale said, "Tell me the one where the horse bit Amber's BOOOTIE." Oh my gosh, how funny is he? I thought where did you get the "BOOTIE" part from. The stories I told them about last night were: The one when I snuck home from my aunt's house because I was alone on the couch. (I was about 5. I remeber thinking I was pretty smart to go home and not let her know where I was) The time when Amber throw a cup at me and I ducked and it went through the grandfather clock glass. Garry told them about all the times they would play baseball in the back yard and how many times the window was broken. He said that grandpa would always get mad.(I don't blame him)

This morning we had breakfast and then started a game of baseball. We had about 6 people on each team and about four mitts total. The play of the game is when bishop caught a fly ball with a tee-ball mitt that fit the wrong hand.(He is left handed) I was proud of him.

This was one of those times that didn't take a lot of time to prepare to go. But the memories that we made and the time that we spent building our relationship as a family and ward family are not measurable.

That's what friends are for!!

Well the Silver Beavers had a reunion. All my California buddies came up to my house to have the first official "Silver Beaver" reunion. I was so excited to have them come up and see my new place and share a piece of my "new" place with them. We had some really yummy food and then watch a video I made of the trip. I have to say that it was not professional but for my first not to bad. It only took me like 100 hours to do. When we were talking we started talking about the top 10 list that Chris made. So I wanted to post it. It is so true.

Top 10 reasons to leave 7 husbands and 47 children behind and go to Disneyland with your girlfriends
10. Someone is moving and you want to spend a little time with her, sleeping in the same room and spending 18 hours in the same car, before she leaves
9. You can have a bonding, spiritual moment without 7 husbands and 27 children, and surf the "wave of emotion"
8. You can wear an "I'm with Goofy" T-shirt or orange shorts and not get strange looks
7. "Chip and Dale" dancers, plate hair lady, silver beaver backpacks, pin trading, hot cigar store indians
6. You can pay top dollar for large portions of food (turkey, soup, pickles, corn dogs, pretzels, and chocolate cake)
5. You can throw up in the bushes and all they say is "that happens sometimes"
4. You can boost up your score on Buzz Lightyear without having to pass the gun and ride roller coasters as many times in a row as you want (even get a little work done while you're standing in line)
3. You can embrace your inner dork, or princess, or pirate (AAR, matey)
2. You just know someone will do something stupid and it's fun to predict who that will be (Zippy Limbo)
1. You can pee your pants laughing and everyone will just think you've been on Splash Mountain After the reunion.

I was talking to Stef and telling her it made me want to move back because of all the great friends I have. She said, "Marla, this is beyond a ward friendship. Most of these ladies don't live here anymore." She was right.

The next day after the reunion, I went to Santaquin to help my little sister paint her bedroom in preparation for her new baby. While I was there I was able to visit a couple of friends. I thought about my friends and what they mean to me! I am so thankful for ALL of my friends. A BIG THANK YOU to you all. Friends are an important part of my life. I was thinking about how blessed I am to have such good, honest,true friends. I know that I am able to be me and that is what they like about me. Thank you all so much. You all have done so much for me that I know if I spent the rest of my life trying to repay, It would be insufficient. Thank you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS. WE LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday SIS! You made it to 34. I know when when we were kids we thought we would be real mature by the time we hit this age. I guess we hit the age but not the maturity. Oh well, when life gives as much as we have we can't complain.

Here is a list of things people love about you!

From Mom and Dad:

She was the first to venture out of the security of Heavenly Father and come to earth.
She is one of the most giving siters.
Each of her 11 children are such a treasure to her and she makes them feel that.
She works night and day to meet the needs of her whole family. (All 13 of them.)
She teachers her children about Christ.
She teachers her children how to work.
She teachers her children respect.
She has taught her kids how to provide for themselves.
She is well known cook. (Skinny butt)
She is aware of others and knows what they need.
She lets her kids have ALL kinds of animals to teach them responsibilities.

From her Family:

Kyle- I love her because her heart is pure. That she is fulfilling her preordained mission. She does what is right not matter what the consciouses will be. She is willing to sacrifice all: including: friends, family, or anything of value, so that God will bless her as he intends.
Kyler- Because she is so sweet and nice to me. She is the best mom in the World.
Nick- For all the sacrifices she has made and for how she loves each one of us individually.
Lance- She sacrifices so much for me everyday.
Kylie- Because she had me and gives up a lot for me.
Michalea- Because she cooks and cleans for us.
Stacey- She is the best mom in the world. She loves us and takes care of us.
Landon- Because she buys me stuff and cause I love her.
Kolby-I loves mommy
Kolton- I loves mommy.
Luck- I loves mommy.
David- I love mommies milkers, and mommy.

Grandma and Grandpa Perry:

Grandpa- I love Nicole because she is my very first grand daughter. Matter of fact, she is my first grandchild.
Grandma Perry-I love Nicole because she is so generous and sacrifices herself for our good.
Grandma VT- She is a sweet person and a good mother. The children look like they have just been shined. To be around the family you would not know she has that many of kids because of how well behaved they are.

Sisters:

Me- I love you cause I always have a friend when I have you.
I love you because we are so different but so similar.
I love you because of the strengh that you have.
I love you because of the mother you are.
I love you because of the times when the phone will do.
I love you because of all the stories we have to share in.
Suitcase under bed
Sneaking out at WAYYYY to young
Riding a bike down the hill, through the ditch(Okay almost through the ditch)
All the miles spent walking to and from school
Those hours and hours on the softball field.
Those campin trips. With not outhouse or kitchen.
Those before we go anywhere wars. he-he
I guess I had better stop.
Amber- Because she loves us no matter what. She is always willing to help us and she is the best big sister.
Autumn- I love Nicole because she is one of my best friends and she will do anything for us.
Marci-She has always been my biggest sister and always been there to give me loves and hugs and I have always looked up to her.

Nieces and nephews, and brother in laws:

Colby- Aunt Kollie because she has sooo many toys at her house.
Haliee- Because she is nice and she loves us.
Kale- Because she is not mean to him
Caden- She lets us come over and play a lot.
Jon- Because she is a good mom and she talks to me.
Garry- Whatever Nicole has she shares with everyone.
Alicia- She is nice. She makes sure that we are doing stuff right and that we don't fight.
Stanley-She is nice and good and I like to go to her house cause I like my play with my cousins.

Fun with the family

The rest of Saturday was great......

Bradly and Jackson brought their motorbikes and mom and dad Anderson brought their four wheeler to our house. (Kevin, Ashley, and Brinley joined us) After a quick bite of lunch we took full advantage of having the toys here.

Brad and Jack were so awesome to all of us. They shared their bikes with everyone. At first Jackson would run along the side of Hailee to "protect" her. (Or his bike, either one is okay) After a couple of times around the little trail he let her go it alone. She did awesome riding it. I was a nervous nellie hoping and praying that I was not about to purchase a crashed motorcycle.



Here is a picture of Jackson taking Kale on a ride. After this Jackson got a little braver and so did Garry and I and we allowed Kale to drive it himself. This is what we got.............



Kale living his dream! Driving a motorcycle all by himslef. He has always loved them. Anytime he sees them he is in ah. He once asked a guy in Wal-mart parking lot if he could have his Harley for Christmas. They guy told him no and he said that Santa could bring it to him it he would let him. Anyways, as he was riding around he decided that he would go for a little drive. He went out on the street and drove around. Garry had to go get him. How crazy is it that a 6 year old can drive a motorbike and not crash. He is amazing. (A BIG thanks to Jack for letting him drive it. You made his day)

Hailee did great as well. She is such a tom boy. She told me that she really liked being able to drive it herself.


Bradly shared his bike with Caden. Caden drove the four wheeler up the moutain with Garry on the backand said that they came to a hill that was pretty steep and scared him. He wanted to walk down it but Garry encouraged him to drive down slow and steadty. Garry told Caden that he thought they would be safe. After getting down the hill caden was proud of himself for doing something that was hard for him to do. He faced a fear and won!!



Brad is really good. He wanted to know if I had jumps in my yard. I told him a had a few. He wanted his mother and I to get pictures of him "getting air". I tried to get a few but this was the best one. Brad buddy, I think you did great. Look at that air!!


Marlie LOVED to ride. Garry took her on a ride at first. They went around the track. When I took her on a ride she told me that she wanted to go in the mountains. I have to admit that I am a little afraid of four wheelers so I was a little reluctant. After getting a little more comfortable with the machine we went up the mountain. As we were driving Marlie said, "We need to tell daddy to buy one of these for us." I laughed and thought, that is what he tells me once a week or so. (Someday honey I really do want to get one)

Brin liked to ride too. At first she gripped the football as something to hold onto. Then Jody convinced her to give it to her and she gave it up. She is the cutest little stink ever.




Other fun pics:


I am so thankful for these fun days. They build stronger family unity and provide that comfort feeling of being around people that love you and you love. Thanks mom and dad for all you do for us. I enjoyed watching you being so happy for everyone around. Thank you Brad, Jack, and Jod for sharing with us. It was such a great day. We all had so much fun. Thank you so much. We love you all!!

Those times that just happen!

Our family had a great weekend this past weekend. It started with an end of the year school party! (Thanks Nat) Each one of the kids invited a few friends over and we made personal pizza's and bannana splits. Then we had a huge waterfight. I protected the front door and referred. It was a great time!


On Saturday morning my oldest three kids had baseball games. Hailee at 8:00, Caden at 9:00, and Kale at 10:00. It would be great if they were all at the same location but they were all over our little city. Garry coaches Hailee's team. I think that it has been a fun experience. Saturday was their last games.

Hailee is really good at baseball. She is really talkented in sports. Can our run any boy in her class and generally has ALOT of coordination.

Caden's games are really fun to watch. They are pitching to each other. They are really good. At the first of the season quite a few kids got hit but now not as many are getting hit. The big thing for him is that he had to have a "cup" to play this year. It was kind of funny. My little boy needs a cup.

Kale is a heavy hitter is baseball. He is playing coach pitch this year. At first the coach thought I had him on the wrong team because he is bigger and good at baseball. Now if only his attention span would keep up with his talent he would be set. He is fun to watch play.


More of the weekend to come!