Thoughtful Thursday

Several years ago we had the opportunity to visit Nauvoo and other church history sites. We spent the week gaining an understanding of what the saints went through as they move forward in their dedication to the Gospel. I was amazed with all the faith they seemed to have. On the way home we stopped at Martin's Cove. The missionaries taught us about the great suffering the families went through. They taught of mothers freezing to death as the cuddled their children to keep them warm. They listened to their children cry out in hunger knowing there was nothing they could do to ease the enormous pain.
At that time Caden was 10 months old. I thought about what I would do if I were in the same situation with my kids. I would take off my coat to give to him. I would give my food to quiet those hungry cries. I would do what those moms did. My question to myself was, Did I have enough faith to go through something like that to substain my belief in God?
I hoped so, but I wanted to make sure that I did. I decided that I would pray to increase my faith. I was scared to pray. I thought that if I prayed for something like that that I would definitely loose a child, or my husband, or some other great catastrophe. After a few weeks of thinking things through I decided if that is want it took to get the faith necessary for myself in this life than I would be better off.
I knelt by the side of my bed and asked that the Lord grant me with a stronger deeper faith. The faith that I would need to do those things that he would require of me.
Days later I had to run some errands. I loaded my baby into his car seat and begin to back out of the drive way. I had an impression to switch cars and take Garry's car. Well that was obviously a big pain since I would have to move car seats and everything. I decided that I would follow the instructions recognizing them as a prompting from the spirt. I made the change and continued on my way. As I was driving I thought of all the things why the spirit would want me to change cars.
Hours later I returned home I remembered the earlier thoughts I had had about changing cars. I laughed to myself and thought maybe those instructions to change cars came from my own mind. As I turned to corner to my house I noticed that Garry was in the garage. I asked him what he was doing and he told me that he was changing a flat tire on my car. Then I had these thoughts impressed upon my mind....
"You don't have to learn from the big things if you can learn from the little things!"
My eyes filled with tears as I knew my prayer about faith had been answered. My quest for more faith had been answered. I also know at that very second that I had a Heavenly Father that loved me and know how to teach me in a way I could understand.

Wordless Wednesday

So my wordless Wednesday has words of course but a little explanation is needed. This first pic is about this huge bee that had a stinger a half inch long. (Notice it in the bottom left hand corner of the picture) While we were in Yellowstone it flew in my window and hit my check. I jumped a tad bit and said to the car's occupants that something had hit my check. (At this point I had no idea what hit me.) A couple of miles down the road I noticed a GINORMOUS bee on my shirt. I am terrified of bee's and this particular bee had a stinger a half inch long that was trying to sting me with. I was so scared I started to scream with turned to tears after the fact. BUT.. I did not get stung and after a few minutes of feeling greatly superior, being that the bee was tucked away in a plastic bad, I let it go.
This pic is one of those could have been scarry scenes but because everything turned out okay it is funny. As you can see there is a log over the river. Kale decided to walk across it to chase the little duckies on the other side. His very responsible parents were eating lunch at the time when we heard some screaming. As we ran to were the screams were coming from this is what we found. He had obviously fallen off the log into the river. LUCKILY....the river was slow moving and not deep. He rebounded out of the river so fast that no one had jumped in yet to save him. He was terrified and being the good mom I am I decided to let him be. I figured that there are somethings that it is okay to be afraid of.

Family Friday

My dear sweet Kale says the funniest things. Caden is playing tackle football this year and Hailee is one of the cheerleaders. As Hailee was practicing last night I noticed she could do things a little sharper.
Tonight I was standing in the kitchen talking to Hailee about what she could do better. I was getting ready for bed so I only had my shirt and underclothes on. (I had taken of my pants) As I begin to show Hailee how she could make her moves "Sharper" and how she could do the little hop thing better. Kale simply replied, "Mom you really should not cheerlead without your pants on."
Oh my, that kid. I asked him why but he just said "Cause."
I tell ya! That's what family is for.

Thoughtful Thursday

"It is better to be trusted than it is to be loved." Pres.David O McKay

When I heard this statement I had to think about it for a bit. Then I realized that the Lord loves us all, but we have to EARN his trust.

Wordless Wednesday

While we were in Vegas we went to a splash park. The kids discovered that if you put water down the slide before you go down you go really fast. Marlie discovered that if you put soap and water down the slide you go SUPER fast. (They used the "doggie do-do" bags to transport the water.

Thankful Tuesday

Today as I was thinking what I was thankful for. I have many things that I am thankful for but today I am thankful for Kale. He is the one in this family with a sense of humor. He always says the cutest thing. On Sunday Kale lost his very first tooth. He was so excited. On Sunday Kale said, "Now that my tooth is gone my boogers won't stay." I said, "What?" He said, "I used to put my boogers there and now my tooth is gone." I suggested that he use a tissue to put a booger on. He is so cute. He is a such a sweet kid.

Memory Monday

School started today for my kids. This year I have three in school all day. It is just me and Marlie here at home. What a weird feeling it is to have the realization that my kids are growing up.
I remember the first time Caden was preparing to enter kindergarten. I was so concerned that his sweet spirit would be corrupt by the influences of others. That I would not be there to protect him from evils in this world. I prayed diligently that he would make good friends and be an example to those around him. That he would be true to who he is.
The day that I took him to kindergarten was the beginning of my understanding of the true plan of redemption. I could not help but think the Lord know when he sent us down to earth we would be corrupted. That we would falter in the temptations of the world. That some of his children would never have a desire to see him again. He knew that coming to earth was our chance of gaining a spiritual education. He knew that we would suffer ridicules of others and other such things. BUT he knew if was for our good.
Today. as a dropped off Caden, Hailee, and Kale. I thought back to this lesson. I know that this year there will be hurt, there will be trails, there will be joys, there will be growth, there will failures, there will be accomplishments. And they will begin to understand the plan of salvation.

Thankful Tuesday

I am thankful for the spiritual gifts that the Lord has blessed each one of us with. I recently returned home from a 12 day dental trip. My aunt(who is my age) and her husband are the dentists. It was so awesome to stay with her and her three small children. While there we were able to talk about our lives, our kids, our beliefs, our memories, and ect. We have always been different. We have different personalities, different wants, and different needs. We talked a lot about the Gospel and what it means to us in our lives. The thing that we both thought was awesome is that we each had differnt strengths. It was apparent that we each have a mission in life in which we need specific spiritual gifts. I realized that with our individual spiritual gifts the Lord's work is able to be completed. I am unique in the Lord's eyes but yet I have a part in the whole plan of the Lord.

Memory Monday

Up until the age of 8, I grew up on a dairy farm. We had cows to milk, bails of hay to turn over, horses to groom, and plenty of playing to do. Milking the cows with my dad was always a favorite of mine. Being with him and waiting for the milk truck to came and pick up the milk, were always something I looked forward too.
One day while I was helping my dad I decided to go in the other room that housed the big 5000 gallon milk tank. While in there I got a great idea. I was going to help myself to a drink of milk. I had watched countless times as the milk man came and hooked up his two inch hose to the faucett. I had also watched as my mom would bring down a jug a get some milk for the family.
In my little five year old mind I thought this was a great oppurtunity to get a drink of milk that I was not allowed to have. See, I am allergic to milk. I LOVE milk.!! But my parents would not allow me to drink it. SOOOOO, this was my chance.
I walked to the front of the tank. I slowly and carfully removed the cupling(I am sure there is a more technical name for it)Then I pushed the handle to open the lever oh, such a little tiny bit. For some reason that dang thing opened fully. I was knocked on my behind by a two inch stream of milk. I could not stand up to shut the milk stream off. It just kept coming and coming and coming. I thought that I was going to drowned in a room filled with milk.
Sometime from the point that I opened the tank to right before it completly emptied my dad notice milk seeping into the room he was in. As he followed the river of milk he found me knee deep in milk. He quickly closed it and asked, "Are you okay?" I remember thinking that I was really in trouble. He looked at me with the most gentle of eyes and told me to run home and change. He said that it was cold out and he did not want me to get sick.
As I walked home I remember KNOWING that he loved me. I remember understanding what love really was. I understood that as my dad, he realized that I would make mistakes. That I would cause him pain as I learned and grew. And through his pain I would learn lessons about life. That would someday help me get back to my other Father that is waiting.
I found out later that I flushed 2,000 gallons of milk down the drain. You might asked what I learned? Well, When your parents give you rules to obey....OBEY THEM. Weither they be your earthly parents or your Hevenly parents..they really do know what is best.

Thankful Tuesday

So many times I look at all I have to be thankful for and wonder why I still struggle to understand the plan of the Lord. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure. Yet, when something happens that I don't understand I feel that I am lacking something. I feel like I am lacking an ability, an understanding, a perfect heart, something I don't have.
As, I am faced with these feelings I am thankful for a patient Heavenly Father. I know that I don't deserve the clothes on my back but I do know that they Lord loved me enough to sacrifice his son for me. With that knowledge I will continue to trust and learn to understand the Lord.

Tidbits about me

1. Song that always makes you sad?
2. Last thing you bought? It has to do with a couples thing!
3. Last person you argued with? I am not sure.
4. First kiss? Paul Duncan
5. Did you ever own a Michael Jackson Cd? NO
6. Favorite day of the week? Saturdays because I get to be with my family. Sunday because I always feel refreshed.
7. Did you take Piano lessons? 10 years. I used to be really good.
8. Most frequent song played? Right now it is Promise, I also enjoy Bleeding Love for no particular reason.
9. T.V. show you secretly enjoy? Some on the A&E, friends, dateline.
10. Favorite scents? Cinnamon, dust, wet rocks, fresh rain, clean house.
11. Date someone older or younger? Older. I was 19 when I got married so dating someone younger would have been scary.
12. One place you could travel right now? Germany- I would love to go visit my friend Juli and my host parents. Of course Garry would have to be with me.
13 Favorite time of the day? Bedtime
14. Do you know all the words to the national anthem? Not Sure so probably not.
15. Something you're wearing right now? Believe it or not I am fully clothed. It is only 9:18 to be exact.
16. Job you've had? Telephone sales woman, Motel cleaning lady, bank teller, bank loan officer, scrapbook teacher.
17. Did you go to your high school prom? Garry took me to my senior ball.
18. Perfect time to wake up? 7:00 to 8:00
19. Perfect time to go to bed? 12:00
20. Favorite soda? Pepsi with LOTS of crushed ice.
21. Ever been in a car accident? The biggest one was three weeks before we got married and Garry fell asleep at the wheel. It did not help that I was already asleep. We were on the freeway going 60 or so. We rolled 5 or 6 times. I had taked my shoulder belt off and only had the lap belt on, because of this my head hit the windshield. I always told Garry that he did not HAVE to marry me. I would have let him out if he would have asked. Instead he tried to kill me to get out.
22. Closer to mom or dad...or neither? It depends.
23. Who would you want on a deserted island with you? Garry and my kids. I would have a lot less to worry about.
24. Have you been bungee jumping? Almost. (different story for a different time)
25. Favorite ice cream flavor? I am not a huge ice cream fan. Chocolate it anything.
26. Do you have an article of clothing you have had since you were in high school? My prom dress that I wore when Garry took me.
27. Did you play high school sports? Volleyball, Fast pitch softball, and cross country.
28. Were you ever in a school talent show? In 6th grade. Then I got smart!
29. What are you allergic to? Penicillin, Codeine, and milk.
30. Have you watched sex and the city? No
31. Fun place you lived? I have to say the funnest place is with my grandma and my aunt when I was at school at Weber State University.
32. Do you shampoo first in the shower or soap? Shampoo
33. Wet the toothbrush or brush dry with the toothpaste? Wet
34. Blue or black ink? Does not matter. I am lucky to find a pen to write with. I can not be that pacific.
35. Have you ever gambled at a casino? Funny, I am in Vegas right now. I have done slot machines but not gambled at a table. I just had the you shouldn't gamble talk with my kids so I do not want to play even once because they will think that they can do "things" just once.
36. Have you thrown up on a plane? UMMMMMMMM-Yea, two years ago when I was on my way to Cleavland with Garry and the kids. We were sitting amongst his co-workers and landing at the same time. I felt like I was going to throw up but did not want to do it in front of Garry's friends, so I tried really hard not too. Finally I realized it was coming so I stood up to go to the bathroom and the flight attendant was yelling at my to sit down and I said "I am going to thro....." I put my had up to my mouth and this acted as a shield and the thrown up deflected the vomit and it came back all over me. In my hair, my shirt, all over the walls. It was lovely. I went in the bathroom to finish and when I came out there was coffee everywhere. I guess rather the smell of coffee the puck, So yes I have trown up "ON" the plane and also "on" me in the plane.
37. Have you thrown up in a car? TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many times to count.
38. Favorite cartoon as a kid? I can not remember
39. favorite childhood tv show? Dukes of hazards. Little house on the Prairie. I wanted to be Laura.
40. Who was your first roommate? A bunch of girls. Then Sandy King.
41. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk for the first time? I have never drank.
42. What was your first car? I drove my parents truck that always died in the weirdest of places.
43. What was the last movie you saw? August Rush. My kids loved it.
44. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown? 16
45. Who was your first grade teacher? Mrs. Hall. She was a cut4e little thing.
46. Where did you go on your first airplane ride? Idaho to reposes a car with my dad.
47. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with? I never snuck out. That I can remember.
48. Who was your first Best Friend and are you still friends with them? Tasha Maxwell. I have no idea where she is.
49. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day? When I have a bad day I usually don't call anyone.
50. Who's wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid or a groomsman? My friend Micki Marshall.
51. What is the first thing you do in the morning? Get a drink of milk.
52. What were some concerts you have attended? Lenny Kravits, air supply.
53. First tattoo or piercing? My ears when I was 12
54. First celebrity crush? No clue
55. What was your favorite toy growing up? Trampoline, and this ball thing on a rope.
56. What is your favorite sport? Volleyball, softball
57. What is your favorite Movie of all time? Pure country. I gave birth while watching pure country.
58. What is your favorite Holiday? TChristmas
59. What is your favorite ride at Disneyland? Splash Mountain with other big ladies.
60. What special talents do you have? I don't know.
61. Favorite Color? I don't have a single one. I like a lot of color.
62. What car would you love to own? Dont know.
63. What did you love to do as a kid? I loved swimming in the canal,Jumping on the tramp, Fishing, Riding bikes, playing in the creek, riding horses.
64. Who do you most admire? Lots of people for lots of different reasons. I think that everyone has strenghts that admirable.
65. What is your favorite game to play? Currently hand and foot.
66. If you could be on any game show, which one would it be? Deal or No Deal. Which game show do you think you could do well on? Wheel of Fortune.
67. What country would you love to visit? I would probably say Japan
68. Favorite Restaurant? Tepanyaki, Sizzler

SISTERS!!!!

Over the weekend, Garry and I went to Vernal to visit my parents. The original plan was to come home on Sunday. As we were getting ready to come home I found out that my dad was driving by here Wednesday. We decided that Garry would go home and that the kids and I would stay for a few more days. On Monday I was able to spend some time with my little sis. I love her so much! We were at a barbecue at my grandmothers house when her son, Jett, brought over a burnt marshmallow. As it dropped to the ground I could see the wheels in Amber's head turning. I jumped up and almost beat her too it. (She is a little, oops, I mean, lots smaller than me so she runs quicker. (OR so she thought!) She grabbed it and after a small battle smeared it in my face! I sure was smart when I removed it from my face and proceeded to chase her around the yard. She was trying to be cute and bring back childhood memories when she tipped one of the roasters over as she ran by. I finally caught her (I can run pretty fast for being big. WAIT..Only if I have too..That's for you Monica)I totally enjoyed smearing black marshmallow over her brand new Tommy Hilfiger shirt. After a good laugh and fist fulls of dirt thrown at us as the kids joined in we decided it was time to clean up. As we were walking by we furthered the mess by giving our dad a kiss. What a great memorie my kids will have as they remember big mamma chasing aunt Amber. LOVE YA SIS!!

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY

When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself
I thought this quote was a powerful one. I think it is true. It explains why Christ is the way he is. Someone who see's the best in all. He is not afraid to be around those who are different, Those who are sinful (Thanks goodness for myself), those that are not like him. He loves ALL!!

Memory Monday

My kids said a couple of funny things that I wanted to remember.
Yesterday in church Kale came up to me and asked if I would tickle his head. So I picked him up and put him in my lap. After a few seconds he got down and went and sat by my dad. A few minutes later and I said, "Kale, come and sit on my lap and I will tickle your hair." He said, "Mom, your legs are too short."

Last night my kids were at my sister's house and I had Marlie. We were snuggling in bed and having one of the connecting moments. She said, "Mom are we going to have another baby." I said, "No." She said, "Why cause another baby won't fit?" I asked her to repeat herself cause I was not sure I understood her right. Sure enough that's what she had said. I thought it was cute. I think she was understanding the love I had for her and she thought maybe there was not enough love left for another. I hope all my kids feel that I love then that much!

We are going to play a game!

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. :) If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Thoughtful Thursday

"It is better to be hated for what you are, than to be loved for what you are not."

I do not know who this quote is by but I like it. I think it is way true.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

GIRLS CAMP!!!

Well, I am home. I survived girls camp. In fact I did more than survive,

I had a blast!!

We meet at the stake center at 7:00 a.m. to leave. That does not seem to terrible early but since I had spent the night (till 2:30 A.M.) with Kelby, Nickcole, and Scot (well actually...them helping me make my devotional hand outs) I was a little tired to start the whole trip out.
I took out truck to pull the trailer up that had all the "stuff" in it. I have not done too much trailer pulling in my life so I was a little nervous about pulling it.
But I did get it up there. I do think the truck is okay.

Once we got there we set up tents for 20 girls and 7 leaders. The girls all got their tents set up relatively quickly. The leaders tent was a different story. We called in the Tajma hall. (Excuse for not knowing how to spell that) It was a huge tent with two rooms, a closet, and even an arched entry window. After awhile we got it set up and moved in.

We were at a beautiful camp site. We went as a stake but each ward had their own camping spot. Ours was kinda of away from every body's. That was nice cause it was just us. The negative thing is that the dang bathroom was 20 miles away. Okay not really but down a steep hill through some one's campsite and down another hill. You really had to need to go to go on that hike. A couple of times I visited the trees.

The first day we went to the stake's campsite and made socks with ribbons running through the top. They were actually pretty cute. Sorry I don't have any pics. That night all the wards gathered to do their skits. We had the funniest bad. We had a bra...One like mine of Stef's. The girls didn't know they came that big. hehe. We had a depends and a sign that said "I like Cheese" We had to say that four times.



The theme for girls camp was "Super Daughters". So our skit was about super daughters with super powers. Alex's power was that she could nurse 100 babies in a hour. At the end of the skit all the "super daughters" found comfort in the gospel. It was actually pretty good for a bad full of crap.

That night we had to wear our identifying "things".



We were the "sparkle" girls. We got to wear these nifty little head bands. This is me and Tiff. She is the second counselor and I am her advisor. I love this women. She is really awesome.

After the program we went back to our campsite and Chrsitie lead all the girls in songs, games, and everything else. Christie is one of those people that knows how to make everyone have a good time. After all the songs and dance we went to bed. Or so I thought.....

All of us leaders were so dead tired. But you know women and sleepovers. Let me just say I laughed soooooooooooo hard. We talked till 2 or 3 a.m. We told stories that were sooo funny. Man that was really awesome. The stories we told are in the secret vault. Although I think most of you Santaquin gals can probably guess what a couple of mine were!!! (SSSHHHHH)

The next day was the usual flag ceremony and chants. After that we did our certification. We then had the rest of the day to ourselves. Adrianne, our camp leader,(who by the way was WAY awesome) had an afternoon of pampering. She had hair things and nail painting things. I ended up doing about 5 girls hair. You know me, the bigger the better. After I did their hair they all joined in on mine. Let me just day. It took a lot to comb in all out.





The next day was the hike. I did not go on this because I was afraid I would not be able to finish it. I was worried that they would end up calling search and rescue up to help me out. I hard they had a blast I hope that I can go next year. I did use the time to ponder and think about life. I am thankful for all of my blessings. I have many many.

That afternoon the bishop and his wife came up. They are some wonderful people. I have a lot of respect for both of them. OH WAIT....We played bum charades. I don't recall if any of you were there that time when I was forbade to play them?? Not this time... This time bishop didn't join in but he did laugh. After dinner was of course testimony meeting. What a powerful time. I was so impressed with the strengh of our girls. They are incredible.

As I look back over the days I am amazed at what camp was able to accomplish. I saw some of the girls come with a determintaion not to be happy and leave with a smile on their face and warmth in their chest. I saw one come mad at the world and she left with a soften heart. What a blessing camp was. Through all the laughs and fun I enjoyed feeling the spirit and being amongst such powerful women and girls.

I've been tagged- Husband style

All right, i was tagged again but this time it is about my husband. So here goes...

1. What is his name? Garry Richard

2. Who eats more? HIM!! I know that it does not look that way

3. Who said "I love you" first? I really don't remember

4. Who is taller? Him

5. Who is smarter? He is. We think differently. He is practical in his thinking. I tend to think of things "in the long run"

6. Who is more sensitive? It depends. He is sentimental and I am not as much. when it comes to the kids it depends on who is doing the discipline.

7. Who does the laundry? It starts out as my job but he is usually the one that keeps it going and makes sure that we have clean piles.

8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me

9. Who pays the bills? I do. I would not mind sharing this!!

10.Who cooks more? I do. He is not afraid to cook. If there is nothing to eat he is excellent at finding something to eat.

11. What meals do you cook together? Not quite sure.

12. Who is more stubborn? Me I think JK

13. Who is the first to admit they're wrong? I think we both are. Neither one of us thinks we are perfect.

14. Who has more siblings? Him

15. Who wears the pants in the relationship? I think to others I appear too but really we have a great respect for one another. There are times when it is all about his wants and then there are times when it is all about my wants.

16. What do you like to do together? Laugh, wrestle, go on a date, talk, lay on his chest and watch t.v., Talk about personal growth, problem solve.

17. Who eats more sweets? Me by FAR

18. His guilty pleasures? I don't think that he has one. I love it when I see that he spent 2 or 3 dollars in the morning for breakfast because he gets ups so early and works so hard that if I could I would bring him something every morning.

19. How did you meet? At the Pinneburg church house in Pinneburg Germany as he was holding the door open for everyone.

20. Who asked who out first? He did. After "THAT" phone call I decided it was over. He called back and invited me to his homecoming.

21. Who proposed? Him

22. Who kissed who first? He did. We had been dating 9 months. If it were me kissing him it would have been done long before. Not that I am married I appreciate his reasoning. I am the only girl he has kissed and he wanted to be able to say that he only kissed his wife.

23. His best features? His black hair, his distinguished face. His sexy butt, his legs, his hands.

24. His greatest quality? He has a lot. I am very lucky to call him my husband. He is patient, hard working, caring, respectful, talented, forgiving, understanding, smart. Oh wait the question is what is his greatest. I would have to say that he follows the Lord. Because he does this I know he is doing his best. I also know that he knows I am doing my best.

I tag Stef, Brenda, Marilee, Janet, Monica, Christie, Amy, Lisa, Natalie, Okay all of you that would like too. It is a lot of fun to think of these things!

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.