White Pine Adventure

Yesterday afternoon around 2 we started packing for a backpacking trip from Tony Grove Lake to White Pine Lake (4 miles). Jessica and Moroni especially wanted to do this trip. Benjamin was worried it would be impossible. He did have a good point. Only the three oldest kids and Jaremy could carry packs. I'm five months pregnant or close enough anyway. Teancum is only two and hikes a tedious 1-mile an hour and that's with a lot a prodding. Jaremy was going to have to work late so we would have to start early without him in order to arrive before dark.





We arrived at Tony Grove a bit after four. From the very beginning, Tank informed us he was too tired to hike. But we knew that meant he just wanted to play instead. We made it to White Pine by 8:30. All the kids hiked the whole way! We figured Jaremy was right behind us. Suprisingly, there were tons of people camping up there. Because you have to backpack in there are usually only a few people there. Luckily, we found the second to last campsite just as the light was starting to fade.

Jessica started a fire then the big kids went back along the trail a ways to tell Jaremy where we were. Then one of the potty-trained kids pooped their pants. I didn't handle it well. We were four miles away from the van and it was pretty much dark. We were ultra-light backpacking we had only brought a change on clothes for Tank. I wasn't very nice. So we cleaned up the best we could using the last of the wipes and a diaper. I prayed I could calm down, be nice, and have a clear head. I apologized and feelings got a lot better. I set up the four sleeping bags we had brought. Jaremy was bringing two more. With just six sleeping bags for nine people it would be tight, but hay, it's called roughing it. Again we were packing light, so we decided to go without a tent. It's good to sleep out under the stars once in a while.

The big kids came back with out Jaremy. We prayed he would be okay. We had some more of our power bars (meal replacement bars are light and don't require prep or cooking gear). I put the little kids it bed. The big kids hunted for little sticks to keep our fire going. We couldn't find any real firewood, so they brought back so semi-dry pine boughs. We started to worry. It was now 10:30 and completely dark except for the stars. We didn't think Jaremy would be hiking in the dark, so we had left him no flashlight. We prayed for him again and again. We hoped he wasn't hurt along the trail. We kept the fire going until 1:30am. I told the big kids to climb into the sleeping bags with the little ones. I slept on the dirt with an empty backpack as a pillow.

After an hour I woke up. The stars were amazing. I prayed for Jaremy again, readjusted my pregnant body around the rocks in a new way, and went back to sleep for another hour. Jessica put her sweatshirt on top of me and told me to come squeeze in the double zipped sleeping bags with her, Ella, and Tank. She is the sweetest person, so thoughtful and selfless. So we made a tight squeeze. That woke everyone up for about an hour. Around 4:30 we all got back to sleep for another hour. It was a long night. But it was nice to know we were safe and morning was on it's way. I prayed for other people that might be hurt, driven from their homes, or out in the cold, dark night for some terrible reason. We were so lucky and hoped Jaremy was too.

In the morning we got everyone's shoes on and fresh mosquito spray. We figured we would stay put for an hour or so in case Jaremy was just waiting for light so he could find us. It turned out that's just what happened. It was so wonderful to see him okay and safe! We filtered fresh water and packed up.

It took us over four hours to get back to the van at Tony Grove. It was a gorgeous hike!! We had plenty of time to study all the rocks, flowers, trees, and bugs. Tank was slow, but he did an amazing job. Jaremy was so good at keeping him going and happy. But sometimes Tank hit "walls." But then he'd get another second wind and keep going.

As we finished the switch backs I started to get light headed because I needed water. Jaremy gave me the last of his water even though I'm sure he was thirsty. Then we hiked about a mile and a half to a stream and filtered more water. Delicious! The kids played in the stream and had a great time.

We came home and cleaned up while Jaremy picked up a 36" pizza. It's huge! We stuffed ourselves and took naps. Now I'm rambling on because I'm too tired to unpack, bath kids, and do the dishes. Not to mention I should pack for our next Tony Grove campout on Monday morning. Ugh! I'm not ready to do that yet.

I'm so grateful Heavenly Father watched over us. I was so grumpy with some of the kids yesterday evening I don't deserve His protection and blessings. I'm so grateful for the Atonement and for forgiving children. I love my family!!! The are incredible!!!

Full-Time Job

Being a Mom is a full-time job. I love it! We have charts that help us get chores and goals accomplished. Keeping everyone on track and on task is a constant job. Once you get one child reading or working or practing you quickly move to the next child. With seven awesome kids you just go and go. I love it! It brings such a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. It also gives me a great time to be close to my kids and help them develop their talents and knowledge. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father sent me these beautiful children. I'm so grateful He has provided Jaremy with a good job that allows me to stay with the kids full-time. I love my job!! It's the funnest, most fulfilling in the world!!!

Getting in Shape

We started exercising on June 5th. We were walk/jogging. Today Jaremy ran an entire 5K and then walked a bit. Awesome! He is training in barefoot shoes. He says he's been sore for a month and a half now. He was a bit frustrated with how long it takes to get in shape, but this morning was good news. My jog is extremely slow, but I'm almost 5 months pregnant. So when I trot I'm only going 4 miles an hour, but the extra bounce I put in the step gets my heartrate where I need it. It also gets my body used to a little more impact, so I'll bounce back after pregnancy faster. It's slow, but fun and fulfilling. Our family is having a great time. Heavenly Father has given us health and knowledge on how to keep healthly.

Sleepover

The kids, all except Jessica (and Benjamin who's at scout camp), went to sleepover at Grandma Eva's last night. They were so excited! We had a relaxing evening. We even went to a movie, 17 Miracles. It was about the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies. It was wonderful and touching to be reminded of what some have given to follow Christ. It renewed my determination to serve the Lord, no matter what. I need to be more zealous in my discipleship. I need to help others and overcome weakness and sin with renewed gusto. I will!!

It was nice to have a quiet evening with Jessica. She is such a sweetheart and strong in faith and love. It's so fun watching her grow and experience life. She is proactive and just plain wonderful. I'm so glad Heavenly Father let her come to our family. She is a huge part of it!! She's growing up so fast. I will miss her terribly when she goes out on her own, but I know she will bless the lives of her future family and many others as she has ours.

I Love Summer

Yesterday evening we took the kids on a leisurely bike ride to Willow Park. There we met up with the Kellers, Melissa & Avie, and Melissa's in-laws and their new adopted daughter, Sierra. It was a beautiful evening and the bike ride was so relaxing. The kids loved seeing the animals and visiting with extended family. It was amazing to see Sierra. She is about 7 years old and is from the Congo in Africa. She doesn't speak English, but is already learning so much. She has never experienced ice, flushing toilets, or a million other things we take for granted. Yet last night she learned how to petal on Tank's bike. Tank (2) was so sweet to share with her. She just loved it, so we let her take it home for a few days. She repeated everything people said to practice English. And above all her sense of humor came shining through as she teased and smiled. It was neat to see!

Today we get to plant our fall garden. We will plant carrots, beets, turnips, peas, herbs, cilantro, lettuce, chard, collards, kholrabi, and tons of fun stuff. I love gardening. I love warm summer evenings. I love getting wet then sitting in the shade on hot summer days. I just love everything about summer! Heavenly Father has blessed me to live in a place with beautiful summers!

Jogging

Jogging has been a real neat addition to our lives. It's helped slow down my weight gain this pregnancy. It's challenging and fun to push ourselves. We've bonded while we workout. It's wonderful to get outside and experience the beauty Heavenly Father creates everyday. It helps me have more energy and pushes me to meet goals in jogging and other areas of my life. I'm grateful Heavenly Father has blessed me with a healthy body, a great family, and beautiful scenery.

Oh, today I walked 3 miles and jogged 3 miles. For me that's a record!

Spiritually Fed

Today I have been spiritually fed as I have studied, prayed about, and pondered the scriptures and the words of the prophets. My testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith has been strengthened. The Savior's life, ministry, and love seem closer and almost palpable. I'm so grateful for the blessing of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of these things and sharing God's love and encouragement. Heavenly Father is there watching and caring for us. He loves us so much. I feel His love often.

A Bit Worn Out

Yesterday we went on a 10-mile bike ride. Usually not a big deal. However, I was pulling almost an hundred pounds in the bike trailer against a strong wind. It was all I could do to just keep going. Most of the time I don't sunburn and no one else did, but my arms are toasted. Pregnancy makes my skin more sensitive.

This morning we played a barefoot game in the park and worked in the garden for a couple of hours. It's 3:40 pm and I'm struggling to get the basics done. I'm dragging myself through the motions of grooming and fixing dinner. I know I'm going to make a healthy, cherry cobbler and a green shake, but after that? Maybe I'll steam some veggies and have Moroni bake some bread. That should work. Maybe I just need a multivitamin to put the pep back in my step. Who am I fooling, every pregnancy has days where you are so tired you can hardly function. It's just part of it. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father blesses me with plenty of energy most days. I'm so grateful for naps as well.

Weeding

This morning we will head out to our neighbor's farm in Paradise to weed the garden. Sometimes the garden seems to be so big and the weeds so many. After several hours of work it doesn't seem to be enough. But I love it! This situation reminds me of my life. Sometimes, okay, most of the time, my weaknesses and sins seem to be insurmountable. But if I keep working on changing, repenting, and improving with the Savior's help I will be a productive garden. But only with lots of hard, patient, hopeful work and the grace of my Redeemer.

I'm so grateful for the chances Jesus Christ gives me to repent and try anew to become like Him. I hope to develop His Christlike attributes and bring joy and love to others as He does. I love my Savior.

Lists

I love lists!! They help create order, keep us on task, and accomplish big goals. I make lists for everything! Menus, shopping, camping, packing, date ideas, books-to-read, things to do other than watch movies, daily activities, weekly activities, monthly activities, master to-do lists, workout plans and records, labor techniques, service projects, etc. Heavenly Father has blessed me with the ability to plan. And I love doing it!! I don't always accomplish everything on my lists, but we accomplish and become better with their assistance. I'm so grateful for notebooks, scraps of paper, word documents, and napkins that allow me to become more productive.

Day Camp

I'm so grateful Heavenly Father gives us callings that nudge us out of our comfort zones. I'm cubmaster in our cubscout pack. The last couple of days I spent recuiting Weblos for day camp and then taking them. It was fun to get to watch the boys push themselves and have fun. I'm grateful Heavenly Father gives us chances to push ourselves and discover that it's actually fun.

Happy Independence Day!

I live in the most wonderful place on earth. I'm free!! I am accountable for my own choices and life. I get to worship how I choose and teach my children what I believe. I can make money, own property, own guns, vote, run for office, say whatever I want, and pray outloud. I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for these profound blessings. Why was I so blessed to be born in this great country during this amazing time? I don't know. But I'm determined to share my blessings, my knowledge of the truth, my extra material wealth, my love, and the love of God. I'm determined to stand up for truth and freedom. I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for these precious gifts. I want to serve Him and obey Him to show my love for Him.