Streets of Treats

Yesterday our ward had a get-to-know-you activity kinda of like trick-or-treating for the family without costumes. The part of the ward that everyone else came to visit made treats then waited to greet the other ward members who came to visit and get a treat. I must have been ornery last night. I really didn't want to be social, but my kids wouldn't hear of it. Our whole family ended up having a great time. I'm grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with wards and with opportunities to change our moods.

Running with My Girls

This morning Jessica, Natalie and I jogged a 5K very slowly. It was wonderful just to be with them and visit and goof of a bit. The big boys watched the little ones for us while we were gone.  Now they are on their run. It sure is nice  to be able to switch off and become fit together as a family. Heavenly Father has blessed us to be close as a family. We have a great, active, adventurous, fun, literary, charitable, goal-accomplishing family culture. I love it! With families all over failing or just existing without really being a team or enjoying adventures together it really makes it obvious how blessed we are.

The Future

I was just praying to Heavenly Father that sometimes it would be nice to have a glimpse of our life five, ten, fifteen, etc. years into the future. But I struggle just doing what I should day-to-day. I think knowing the future might be overwhelming and distracting. So I will trust Heavenly Father and follow Him the best I can.

Buying Ivy 'n Pine (May 2012)

Jaremy is back from China!!!  I love having him home!  He is a great strength to our family.  It's been fun to hear about exotic lands to which I will probably never venture.  Oh, well!  Heavenly Father knows where he needs me so I'm content to do His will.

Today we are going to close on Ivy 'n Pine.  I'm excited to start on that adventure.

December 2011?

I am taking a footzoning class! I really enjoy the challenge of learning about the body and the foot. I like to play music while I rub people's feet; I enjoy the rhythm of the massage. But most of all I enjoy the the connection with the person I'm zoning. 

School Days

I love working with the kids on their training, goals, and education. Today has been a normal day of great literature, vocabulary, spelling, and such. Heavenly Father has bleed me to be apart of it all.

Answers to Prayer

Since we moved to Herriman I haven't been able to find my footzoning flashcards.  I could remake them, but it would take hours.  I asked Heavenly Father to help me find them.  I told Him I try to be organized, but it seems there is always plenty of room for improvement.  On Saturday we were cleaning the shop and found the cards in a automotive box.  Why they were there, I have no clue.  I would have never looked there for them.  I quickly thanked the Lord.

I have been praying about how my efforts are seen by the Lord.  Yesterday in church the Holy Ghost bore witness that certain parts of lessons and talks were for me.  I was chastened and comforted and encouraged. I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father listens to our prayers.  As we study His word answers come.  He truly guides us in specific ways.  I'm so grateful for the Savior who makes communicating with Heavenly Father possible.

Tony Grove

Our family has been so blessed to go to Tony Grove every summer for a day or week. It's so beautiful up there.  It's fun to get together with extended family as well. Yesterday we hiked to the Choir Seats, a huge rock formation. Then we spent the rest of the afternoon swimming in the lake. We have been blessed with safety on all of our many family outings. And blessed with great memories that bond us together.  Heavenly Father is truly glorious!

Read and Weed

Today we weeded the Miller's garden. It was nice and cool with a bit of sprinkling, a break from the heat, perfect gardening weather. As we weed we quite often listen to audio books. Today we finished "Cheaper by the Dozen." It's such a delightful book. We had many good laughs while we moved through the rows of the garden. What a blessing to live in this day and age! Work is play with a book being read in the background.  Heavenly Father has blessed us with a plethora of excellent literature. This afternoon we will venture back to the garden and begin Charles Dickens, "Nicholas Nickleby." Can't wait!

Hot Summer Days

The kids are a bit restive, because of the heat that keeps them inside doing schoolwork. I guess I need to spice things up a bit. Mothering seems to involve providing large and sundry amounts of motivation. I need to find quick and easy ways to inspire the kids to work hard and focus. I want them to learn more and more how to harness their own lives and motivate themselves. But in the meantime I better get some carrots. Maybe today's carrot can be a trip to the water park. I'm grateful Heavenly Father has blessed me with the chance to work with these dear ones!

Christlike Children

I'm so blessed to have dear children who minister to me, each other, and to all those around them. They jump at opportunities to help around the house and yard. They weed for hours in elderly neighbors gardens day after day. They include everyone. They instinctively pick up little ones and entertain and love them. They testify to each other and share their love of the Savior. They serve Him with all their hearts. They constantly inspire me to stretch and try harder. I love them with ask my heart.

Forget to Pray

It seems so often my morning starts before I do.  The kids, teens,  keep going long after I am done for the night. Babies, irrigating, dogs, etc. full my night. So sometimes I rush out of my room to meet the 24/7 demands of motherhood without saying my prayers. And shocker! Most of the time they don't stop for me to have my prayers. I have to ask someone to watch the baby and run block for me for just a minute or two.  Of course, I can't even use the bathroom without banging on the door and prayer time its no different. It can be so frustrating! However, I must keep trying! My prayers may be in sections throughout the day, but I know Heavenly Father answers them.For this I am grateful!

Jaremy's Work

Jaremy has been working like crazy at work.  He is putting in hours and effort like it's his own start-up.  He is stressed out of his mind.  We are praying for him and trying to keep up with things here.  I know things will eventually work out if we are faithful.  Our family's size and needs keep increasing, so we need a lot more money coming in.  I pray Heavenly Father will bless us to be able to go on missions, educate, feed, and cloth our children, get out of debt, and store a year's supply of food.  I'm grateful He has always blessed us.  We just need to live worthy of miracles.