Winter Camping

Jaremy is taking Benjamin, Moroni, and the other Scouts camping tonight.  They are so excited!  I can't stand the idea of camping out in the freezing cold.  I'm glad the other kids and I can stay home listen to audio books, watch a movie, and sleep in our warm beds.  Better yet when I have to get up and work my legs during the night I will be in my nice warm house.  I won't have to stay up all night making sure my little ones haven't kicked off their bedding.  But I'm grateful the boys can have this experience.  Maybe someday when I'm not pregnant and I don't have little ones I'll be excited to go winter camping too. Probably not.  Unless we are winter camping in Texas.

I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has given us the Boy Scout program to help our boys become the men He needs them to be.  I'm grateful for dedicated leaders, like Jaremy, that sacrifice so much to help the boys along this journey.

Amazing Start

I got up at 5am. Wow! That hasn't happened since I became pregnant. It feels great! I got to workout and do a bit of grooming before everybody got up. Now I'm going to pray and read my scriptures. I pray I can keep the commandment "Retire to thy bed early that ye be not weary. Arise early that your mind and your body may be invigorated." (That is not a direct quote, but as close as memory got me.) Heavenly Father has given us simple (yet challenging) direction on how to be successful. I'm grateful for it!

Skype

Yesterday we got to Skype with Jaremy in China. It was lots of fun to see him. I love and miss him so much. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed me with such a good, loving man. I can't wait until Thursday when Jaremy comes home!

Cute Little Guys

Tank came and told me Benjamin was ruining his life. I asked why. He said because Benjamin was always at school and never had time to play with him. I basically told him he better get used to it. Benjamin was growing up and in less than 3 years he would be on a mission. That news didn't go over so well. Sweet Benjamin had made it a point to play with Tank today.

Fire

The kids built a fire and spent several hours enjoying it and attempting to cook on it. I stayed inside where it was warm and just enjoyed the camp smell they brought back in with them. The Lord has blessed us so much with these simple pleasures!

Discipline

Today I was reading about the brother of Jared being taught by Christ. Christ told him what He was going to do to save the world. He knew He would do it. So much depended upon Christ, everything. He had enough love to just do it when the time came. He could have backed out at anytime, but He didn't. He had enough love to make sure we had a chance. Maybe that is how I can gain greater discipline. I can have greater love for those I serve and those I will serve. I'm so grateful for the perfect discipline and love of my Savior.

Slumber Parties

Jaremy is in China now. We miss him.  The last 2 nights that he has been gone I invited all the kids (ask eight of them) into my room for a slumber party. It's kinda like camping. We listen to The Book Thief in the light of one candle while we cuddle with the little ones until they go to sleep. Of course, we listen way too long, but it is so interesting it is hard to stop. We all wish it wasn't a school night. I hope the kids remember these fun, good, bonding times. Heavenly Father has blessed us so much! So often I feel overwhelmed with all my blessings and happiness.

Excited

Jaremy comes home today for one day before he heads out again, this time to China. I'm so grateful I at least get to be with him for a few hours in between trips. I love him so much and can't wait to see him. We need to hurry and get the house and myself nice before he arrives. Heavenly Father had blessed me with such a wonderful man!

Chilly

We have lowered the temperature to 63 degrees in the house day and night. Our bodies are starting to ramp up their metabolism. The kids don't like cold fingers while they are studying. We are giving it a few more days to see if or bodies will further adjust. Hopefully, we will burn more calories and save a bit of money too. I have been sleeping better since the change! That's huge right there! I'm so grateful that when out is freezing outside Heavenly Father has provided the means for our survival and comfort.

Inheritance

It used to be parents would leave their posterity land, farms, houses, etc. as an inheritance.  Man, we are barely making it leaving in a tiny, old, rock cottage on a bit less than an half an acre.  Neither one of us knows how to become wealthy. We are trying to educate our children well, but I often wonder if it will be enough.  Sometimes I worry about the economy and future. I hope we are preparing our children and giving them what they need to succeed temporally. I feel we are barely making it ourselves. We are very blessed! It just seems we are on the edge financially and bonuses, raises, and even small windfalls aren't happening like we had half planned on. Maybe I'm just comparing us to the extreme wealth all around us. All our needs are met. I enjoy the challenge of penny pinching. I just hope we will be able to pay for missions, educations, etc., because we definitely can't right now. Missions and college are right around the corner. I'm sure Heavenly Father has a plan and way for our family. He always has! I should never worry, just be faithful! Maybe I worry I'm not very faithful and not deserving of blessings. Maybe that is why things are so tight right now. Visiting and home teaching rarely if ever get done. We rarely attend the temple. It seems with a large family and being pregnant I run our of time and energy way before I even think of leaving the house. I just need to be less selfish. Somehow I just need to be able to do all this stuff and stop worrying. I pray the Lord will help me obey Him, because I'm not able to do all He asks on my own. I know He will.

Mom's Visit

My mom called this morning to see if she could come for a visit. She stayed for several hours. It was such a treat! We don't get to do that very much and out was so special. Heavenly Father has blessed me with such an amazing mother and father. I'm so grateful they have always taught me the gospel and shared their testimonies often with me. I love them both very much!

Emily

My sweet sister came out for a visit today. I haven't seen her in a long time. It meant a lot that she thought of us and came out. I'm grateful Heavenly Father has blessed me with three brothers and for sisters. I hope we can bring about much good together in the years ahead.

Settlers

Kids having a great time playing together. The Lord has blessed us so much with each other!

January Health Points

Our family started a health point system to help us stay motivated, exercising, and eating right during long, cold January. The kids seem way excited and are earning points like crazy. I'm grateful Heavenly Father helps us set goals and fun ways to achieve them.

Leftovers

Are leftovers wonderful?  Even though I love cooking some days it's nice just to reheat.  I'm grateful Heavenly Father has given us fridges, freezers, dehydrators, and canners to make our lives so simple and easy.