Schedule

I've been trying to keep a routine lately. Finally, Adelynn & the dogs are starting to feel the rhythm. They are not yet fully in it but getting there. Heavenly Father had blessed me with different ideas that have been helping us do the things that are important. I don't have time for much fluff, but I have a ton of eternally significant things to do. Quite often it is a bit daunting! But with the Lord's help I can do all things that He needs me to.

Heavenly Chaos

Wow! It can be loud and crazy around here. It its wonderful! But crazy! I love the constant whirlwind of children! However, it is nice to have a quiet moment during family home evening now & again. I need to help the kids understand & become more reverent. Noisy is fine most of the time, but I think our spiritually & love well increase as does our reverence. But I thank Heavenly Father for all the darlings humming about our dear cottage day and night. We are so blessed
to have the constant party, belonging, entertainment, & companionship a large family can bring. There is never a dull moment! Not only that, there aren't many meaningless ones either. Life us full of chances to nourish, train, testify, encourage, & really make a difference. I love this phase of life! It is rich & full! God is so very kind!

Priesthood Preview

This evening Moroni had a Priesthood Preview.  Jaremy was a bit under the weather and I didn't feel like leaving Adelynn to go.  But Benjamin gently persuaded me by telling me he enjoyed his and that he would be glad to go with Moroni.  So I got with the program and went.  I was glad I did.  I need to be better at fulfilling my duties and supporting my family in theirs.  I'm grateful Heavenly Father has sent me righteous sons to be wonderful examples.

Thanksgiving Party

It is so nice to get together with family during the holidays. This afternoon we went to a party with the Butler family. We are so blessed to have each other.

Safety & Health

Every night, especially when Jaremy it's gone, I get a bit nervous. But Heavenly Father watches over our little family each night. He cares for my sweet husband as well. For this I am most grateful.

The kids have been taking turns taking the dogs out at night. Last night they slept 7 1/2 hours in one stretch. Excellent! Now if we could just get Adelynn to do that. The potty training has been getting better as well, but boy what a constant job. It requires diligence and complete attention. Even then we've had some misses. It will all come together nicely in the next couple of weeks. During this time though it can be tempting to rethink having dogs, especially inside dogs. So I wrote the reasons we have dogs down. A well-trained dog is a fun addition to life. But if we say at this point it it's simply too much of a hassle the dogs must be outside then they never get trained properly. So when you go outside they jump, bark, chew, steal people food, knock over toddlers, & make such a nuisance of themselves that we have to confine them to a tiny kennel. Then they become a dreaded chore. Yell at the lonely dog to stop barking, feed it expensive food, get pulled on a walk with it, & shove it back in the kennel while wondering why in the world we wanted a dog in the first place.  The kids, especially Jessica, really wanted a dog. And here it's the list of reasons (some just tricks we want them to learn) why a are going to persevere through this demanding phrase of puppyhood:

Protect garden from deer & coons
Protect family and belongings from “bad guys”
Protect runners from “bad guys”
Protect hikers from dangerous animals
“Babysit” runaway toddlers
Pull a cart of deliveries or children
Carry supplies on a hike
Provide comfort as a cuddle companion
Visit nursing home and hospitals
Warn of fire and smoke
Warn of intruder or visitor
Help us learn patience, consistency, and unity while we train them
Encourage runners and walkers by bringing leash
Eat scraps and clean around table
Help Ella overcome fear of dogs
Increase chance of starting up conversation with strangers
Find and bring members of family
Throw things in garbage
Bring diapers and wipes
Find people after earthquake

Well, I am tired and need to be well-rested to start a new week. Good night!

Migraine

Yesterday I had an awful headache & spent most of the day in bed. My children were amazing! The took care of the baby, the meals, the puppies, and the house! No small task! They are so sweet and kind! Heavenly Father has blessed me with wonderful, dear children!

New Gun & Dogs

A few months ago I felt prompted to take my family's security more seriously. Then the next day I read about the people of Zeniff who lost life because they didn't take security seriously. Ever since then I have wanted a gun and guard dogs. Finally we have both! And just in time for Jaremy to leave again to NYC to help with hurricane relief. Hopefully, we will never need them, but I feel blessed to have a bit of extra security. The Lord and obedience to Him is where ultimate security comes from.

Benjamin Becomes a Teacher

Benjamin was ordained to the office of a Teacher yesterday. He is an amazing young man! So living, funny, obedient, spiritual, respectful, thoughtful, strong, cool, mature and just amazing! He takes his covenants very seriously. He inspires me to be a better mother.

We had extended family over for dinner afterwards. That was very enjoyable! We are so blessed to have such a living support group. Gravely Father gave us another wonderful day!

Hurricane Sandy

Jaremy was able to go help in NYC after Sandy for the last week. This amazing experience its an answer to prayer. Heavenly Father had opened doors to help Jaremy help others, discover & develop his great leadership capacity, & become a hero! He felt guilty coming home, leaving all the people who are in so much need. Heavenly Father blessed him with safety & health in a dangerous place. The  Lord blessed us with the same while he was gone. Jaremy goes back next week.

Natalie's Flip

Last night at Kami's house Natalie did a front flip and landed on her head twice and popped her neck. She was in tons of pain and we were worried about it being a neck injury so we called the ambulance. After tests and x-rays we were blessed to find she was okay! I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed our sweet Natalie with safety and health. She is such a joy and blessing to our family! She its always smiling and serving us all! I love her so much!