Baby Check-Up

Today Natalie(8) and I went to see how the baby was doing at 16 weeks. We were in and out pretty fast, so I took her for Aggie Ice Cream. She chose Cookie Fudge. It looked great, but I don't eat sweets. We then went to Anderson Seed and Garden and bought a bunch of herbs for the front of the garden. Natalie is such a sweetheart. She is thoughtful, full of smiles and giggles, helpful, hardworking, and easygoing. I just love being with her! I'm so glad we have one-on-one times with our kids. It is great to be able to give them our full attention for a bit.

This morning we got the kids up at 6:00. Jaremy rode his bike on his off-running-day while Jessica (14), Benjamin (12), and Moroni (10) ran along side. I just got a new jogging stroller (used, but new to me). I put Ella (4) and Tank (2) in the stroller and Natalie (8) and Hyrum (6) ran in front of me. We jogged 3.1 miles (5K). Hyrum has never gone that far. He was mad we started out so slow. He wanted to go with the big boys. He was full of big dreams of winning the 5K race we are running on Saturday. About a mile into our run reality hit. He wasn't happy, but kept going. At the 2 mile mark the tears started. He denied ever wanting to run, he didn't care about the race. But he kept going. After awhile he got his second wind and finished strong. He pushed through even though it was really hard. He's going to become a great runner. Hopefully, I will too! I'm grateful for the inspiration I get from my kids and husband. I love them so much!!

Everyday I feel so blessed by Heavenly Father. He has given me everything. I'm surrounded by love, comfort, beauty, and peace. I praise His name!!

American West Heritage Center

Yesterday we had a great time volunteering at the American West Heritage Center. We weeded, chopped firewood, remade flower beds, chinked a cabin, played in the mud and water, visited, hauled water, picniced, and had a lovely day. There were only a handful of visitors. And that was a big day. So everything was very laid back and nice. I'm grateful Heavenly Father has given us a way to escape to the country, work the land, and remember our pioneer forebearers even though we live in downtown Logan. He truly has cared for our desire to do this.

Today there is much to do. I've enjoyed over an hour of quiet time to study the scriptures, pray, ponder, and write. But I should probably wake of the kids pretty soon here. They have slept for almost 12 hours! They were woren out, so we went to bed at 7:45 last night.

Well, anyway back to what must be accomplished. Gardening, swimming lessons, visiting teaching, cleaning, cooking, exercise, laundry, and maybe a date. We will see how it goes. It's going to be a great day no matter what. How many people get to live their dream life everyday!!!? I do!! I'm surrounded by my wonderful kids. We get to work on goals, household chores, building up the Kingdom, playing, hiking, biking, etc. everyday. I have the dream career. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has given Jaremy a job that allows me to do this. I'm so grateful Jaremy is passionate about how important it is for me to stay home and care for and train our little ones. He is so selfless! I love him so much!!!

Sewing Dresses

Today I'm going to be sewing pioneer dresses for the little girls. I've never sewn much, so this ought to be an adventure. We will see how it goes. I'm grateful we get to learn new things and continue to become more like Heavenly Father. Of course, half the battle will be staying caught up on dishes, meals, toddlers, and laundry while figuring out dress patterns. I just have to stay organized, keep the kids busy, and above all be sweet and patient.

Logan Temple

I'm so grateful I can go to the temple so easily. I was able to shower and get ready then cross the street to the temple this morning. The big kids are more than capable to take care of the little ones and the house while I'm away for a bit. It was nice to feel the Spirit of the Lord in His Holy House this morning. I need to do the little it takes to get there more often.

A Non-Movie Night

I set a goal for our family to only watch five movies/DVDs this summer. We don't watch very many in the first place, but in the spring we were up to 2 sometimes 3 a week. Not the best use of time, so I imposed the goal on everyone. No one has complained or even mentioned it really.

This evening I was tired and felt like popping popcorn and crashing a movie. Jaremy is away for the night, so it sounded so easy. The little kids were being crazy and I knew a movie would lead to peace and quiet. But peace and quiet isn't always what's best for the kids or me. Easy
doesn't lead to good results with children or people.

So I stopped thinking about myself. We popped popcorn and listened to a book on tape. Then we cleaned up and bathed Tank who had found a container of super hair paste. Next we went on a beautiful, evening walk to the park. The kids all bonded as they played tag together. We enjoyed all the flowers and trees on the way home. Everybody got ready for bed then I read The Friend and The New Era magazines to the kids. That led to good discussions and to making plans to go on a handcart trek. After singing to the little kids, having prayers, and tucking the younger ones in bed we have settled down to read our scriptures. Somehow they were pushed off until tonight, but at least everyone that can read is reading their scriptures this evening. This has been a great evening. It wouldn't have been so great if it had just been a movie night. Easy isn't always best. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father reminded me of this.

Overkill

Yesterday I was so excited! I walk/jogged over 7 miles! However, I am stiff and tired today. It seems when I'm pregnant if I over do it one day I pay for it the next. My body isn't as forgiving as it usual. But still that's pretty exciting 7 miles! I'll just take a hot bath and stretch out. It's plenty warm today so maybe I'll skip the bath and go for the yoga. I'm grateful Heavenly Father gave me a body that can work, walk, have babies, and for the most part feel terrific.

Too Much Pizza

We try to be healthy, but about once a week we go for easy, delicious, expensive, fattening pizza. I know I could save significant money and heartburn if I was more disciplined in this regard. So my goal is to buy pizza only six times a year. That makes it more of a treat instead of a fall back. It will save money for our future. It will help us be healthier.

I'm so grateful Heavenly Father helps us find small and simple ways to improve ourselves and our family's lives. He does this in every avenue of our lives. He loves us so much!

Gardening in the Rain

We are gardening in Paradise with our friends the Neilsens. What a blessing! It's so beautiful out there! We worked for a couple hours then it started to pour. Okay, rain. So we went a bit early. It's fun to work with friends and family.

Morning Jog

This morning at six o'clock Jaremy took Jessica and I on a refreshing, challenging jog. We jogged up to Old Main at USU. It was a beautiful morning. Well, it still is. Exercise always makes me feel more clear, clean, and invigorated. I'm so blessed to be healthy enough to exercise.

Jaremy's Amazing

Jaremy has been working tons of overtime for the two or three weeks to get a treadmill ready for a show. He works so hard for our family! He can solve most any problem and has invented several new mechanisms. Unfortunately, his lastest invention isn't going as well as he would desire. The show is today and it broke last night. He's been working so hard and is rather frustrated. Some people get ornery or discouraged when things aren't going perfectly. Jaremy doesn't. He just keeps at it! He is the kind of mature, level-headed person you want around when there is trouble. He is amazing!! I love him so much!!! Heavenly Father has blessed him with amazing talents and characteristics that bless our family greatly. I'm so grateful he is mine for eternity!

Camping Reveals True Character

I am so grateful for camping! It's beautiful and fun! It's a great way to bond with the family and nature. However, it is not always easy or comfortable. When the going gets tough and we feel out of our element our true character is revealed. In years past I haven't always liked what has been revealed about myself. This year has been a lot better. That might have a lot to do with the fact that my youngest is two and a half and sleeps through the night most of the time. New babies and tiny toddlers are a lot to worry about camping. So this year is tons easier than in times before.
Our families goal this year is to camp once a month. We are doing pretty great. We did skip February. And we were snowed out in March even though we were at the campsite and everything. January we camped in St. George, April in Oregon, May in Green Canyon, and June in Dry Canyon. We have bought new backpacking gear and that adds a whole new realm of possiblities. We have really simplified packing and unpacking. We have lots of big helpers. It's really been fun!
Last weekend we backpacked in a mile and then camped. It was tons of fun until night. The ground was very hard and I got a migraine headache. I wasn't able to sleep from 11pm until 3 am. But I'm very grateful for the experience!!! Even at the time I knew it was helping me understand a tiny bit of what millions of other people experience everyday. Pain, discomfort, minimal shelter and amenities, displacement, poverty, etc. Just like fasting helps us feel a bit more understanding and compassion for those who are truly hungry, camping helps me understand and feel campassion for those less fortunate. It helps me better imagine what they have and are going through.
Before I had children I heard of a pioneer woman having a baby in the back of a leaking wagon during a rainstorm. I thought that would be hard and awful. But when I was in the middle of labor myself and recalled the story it took on a much deeper meaning. The woman must have suffered greatly. She must have felt a terrible amount of fear. She became superhuman to me then.
I'm so grateful for these physical experiences that draw me closer to my fellowman and my God. He has blessed us so very much!! I love Him!!!