Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Happy New Year!
This evening we are just chilling at home. Jaremy and the kids modified the kids' bunk beds. We played a family history game and watched "Brave." The little kids carved soap bars. Now Jaremy and Benjamin are watching YouTube on their phones. Jessica is cleaning. Tank is writing. Adelynn is cuddling with Jaremy. Moroni and Natalie are practicing soccer tricks in the living room. Hyrum is modifying his soap carving. Ella is cleaning up the soap shavings. Jeebz is in his crib sleeping. We have people mentioning they are ready for bed. They already have their moonbeams done and we have already had scriptures and prayers. So they are set for bed. Others are determined to stay up and bring in the new year. I so love having my family here! I love this stage of life!!! I'm grateful Heavenly Father has blessed me with this beautiful, dream life!!! My family rocks!!!!
Robber in Happy Valley
Just so my kids have a funny story about when Jaremy and I were first married....
We were in our first little apartment in Logan, Utah. We had a little VW Jetta. Jaremy had just added a custom sound system to it. We never locked our car because it was Logan. We kept our CDs out there and everything.
Late one night I thought I heard something right outside our bedroom window where our car was parked. I woke up Jaremy and told him I thought someone had gotten into our car. He said I was being absurd. He knew I had an active imagination. Cache Valley was Happy Valley and there weren't any robbers.
I was sure I heard something so I looked out the window and saw a man walking away from our car with something under his arm. I quickly got dressed. Jaremy thought I was crazy and rolled over to go back to sleep.
I ran out of the house. I followed the man a bit and watched him walk about a block away. Then he went into a house's front yard and bent down by a bush next to the house. Next he stood up and walked into the night.
I quickly searched our Jetta for anything missing. The only thing missing was part of our sound system. So I headed down the street to the bush next to the house. It was very dark, so I just felt under the bush with my hand. Sure enough I found the part he had taken.
I brought it back to Jaremy. He asked what I thought I was doing. What would I have done if the thief had confronted me? Well, I hadn't thought that far. It was adventure I was after not safety. When your eighteen you don't always act with forethought. Heck, I'm almost twenty years older now and I sometimes I still don't.
Anyway, just I fun story.
We were in our first little apartment in Logan, Utah. We had a little VW Jetta. Jaremy had just added a custom sound system to it. We never locked our car because it was Logan. We kept our CDs out there and everything.
Late one night I thought I heard something right outside our bedroom window where our car was parked. I woke up Jaremy and told him I thought someone had gotten into our car. He said I was being absurd. He knew I had an active imagination. Cache Valley was Happy Valley and there weren't any robbers.
I was sure I heard something so I looked out the window and saw a man walking away from our car with something under his arm. I quickly got dressed. Jaremy thought I was crazy and rolled over to go back to sleep.
I ran out of the house. I followed the man a bit and watched him walk about a block away. Then he went into a house's front yard and bent down by a bush next to the house. Next he stood up and walked into the night.
I quickly searched our Jetta for anything missing. The only thing missing was part of our sound system. So I headed down the street to the bush next to the house. It was very dark, so I just felt under the bush with my hand. Sure enough I found the part he had taken.
I brought it back to Jaremy. He asked what I thought I was doing. What would I have done if the thief had confronted me? Well, I hadn't thought that far. It was adventure I was after not safety. When your eighteen you don't always act with forethought. Heck, I'm almost twenty years older now and I sometimes I still don't.
Anyway, just I fun story.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Snowy Birthday!
Happy 41st Birthday, Dearest Jaremy!
This year your mom gave you a card that said:
This year your mom gave you a card that said:
For My Son, My Gift
From the first time I held you,
I know you would be
something special.
And you are--not just to me
but to everyone who knows you.
You're kind & funny
and generous and caring...
and I'm so proud of you.
You're a great son,
a tremendous blessing,
and a wonderful gift
to the world.
Happy Birthday
With
So Much Love!
Love, Mom
You are certainly a gift to all of us! Heavenly Father has blessed us with an amazing husband, father, provider, protector, leader, friend, entertainer, and example. You are my everything! I love you so very much!!!
Monday, December 22, 2014
Christmas Around the Neighborhood
We have had so many people drop off little treats and gifts to our family. It's fun to exchange greetings this time of year. Jaremy and the kids went caroling with the ward a couple weeks ago. It's about the season we start the adventure of secret knocks. We want to go to the nursing home and visit the residents there. On Christmas morning we want to make a bunch of cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate and deliver them to our neighbors. We also want to give foot massages to some of our elderly friends. And play lots of games with each other, our friends, our extended family. We don't want anyone to be lonely this time of year. Our home is the antithesis of loneliness. The recreation center is going to provide an excellent place to get our wiggles out. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with a wonderful family and community.
Friday, December 19, 2014
New Testament
As a family we have moved our scripture study to the mornings. We have always read The Book of Mormon daily as a family, but usually right before bed. The switch to mornings has allowed it to be more meaningful, less like an afterthought. Also we have added reading the New Testament as well. What a beautiful spirit this has invited into our home! I feel closer to the Savior and have better comprehended His mission and atonement. Heavenly Father has blessed us with our Redeemer and the scriptures that help us know Him. What a wonderful, magnificent gift!
During scripture time in the morning our little ones seem more reverent. Maybe they are just still too groggy to get into trouble. Everyone sits around on the sofas, chairs, and fireplace with their scriptures on their phones, tablets, and/or leather-bound copies. We usually take turns reading The Book of Mormon, but sometimes just one of us reads. We have read it about a dozen times as a family since we've been married. Jaremy usually reads the New Testament to us. Then we kneel in family prayer. These traditions have blessed our family beyond measure! I believe they have saved our family and given each of us the strength we need to resist temptation.
No, each day is not a spiritual feast. But it is like Elder David A. Bednar likened it to a painting. Each stroke on it's own can be abstract, meaningless, even ugly. But together they culminate to make a beautiful, meaningful picture. I have to admit most of our family scripture times include scolding for reverence or tardiness. Slowly, as parents, we are improving and becoming more patient. And as the years pass the kids are becoming more attentive as well.
I'm so grateful we decided before we were married these traditions would be at the heart of our family culture. The Lord has blessed us so much!!! We have more peace in our home. Yes, we still have bursts of contention, but we are gradually replacing that with love. That blessing comes from the Lord!
During scripture time in the morning our little ones seem more reverent. Maybe they are just still too groggy to get into trouble. Everyone sits around on the sofas, chairs, and fireplace with their scriptures on their phones, tablets, and/or leather-bound copies. We usually take turns reading The Book of Mormon, but sometimes just one of us reads. We have read it about a dozen times as a family since we've been married. Jaremy usually reads the New Testament to us. Then we kneel in family prayer. These traditions have blessed our family beyond measure! I believe they have saved our family and given each of us the strength we need to resist temptation.
No, each day is not a spiritual feast. But it is like Elder David A. Bednar likened it to a painting. Each stroke on it's own can be abstract, meaningless, even ugly. But together they culminate to make a beautiful, meaningful picture. I have to admit most of our family scripture times include scolding for reverence or tardiness. Slowly, as parents, we are improving and becoming more patient. And as the years pass the kids are becoming more attentive as well.
I'm so grateful we decided before we were married these traditions would be at the heart of our family culture. The Lord has blessed us so much!!! We have more peace in our home. Yes, we still have bursts of contention, but we are gradually replacing that with love. That blessing comes from the Lord!
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Dishes
This may sound weird, but I think we are so blessed not to have a dishwasher. The whole family gets to work together. We get to visit, sing, and laugh together, a ton. We have hours to be together in the kitchen everyday. I'm so grateful for these special times where we can learn to love work, cleanliness, and order. We also get the chance to serve each other. It also builds discipline and character. We don't have a cow to milk, but this is a day-in, day-out activity similar to milking a cow. This morning we are a bit behind on the dishes. We had a big birthday dinner and celebration and went to bed without the dishes done. But right now the kids are singing Christmas carols and scrubbing away. Jeebz is asleep so I'm going to join them!
Monday, December 15, 2014
Happy Birthday Tank!
Dearest Teancum,
Happy 6th Birthday!!! You are such a sweetheart! You are very spiritually in-tune and often say things that are deep and profound. When you do this we all look at each other in amazement. You frequently speak the word of the Lord. Your prayers are from the heart and reflect a great understanding of the gospel and a deep love of the Lord. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you so much. Of course, we do too!
You are full of spunk and activity. You are funny and already understand and use irony and word play. You are so stinking smart! You are learning to read very well. You demand to read the scriptures. You know they are so important.
You have a kind, tender heart. You share hugs and kisses so freely. Thank you! They make my day! You are so good to your little sister and brother! They love you so! You have patiently taught Adelynn to be kind and soft. Now you are dear friends. You are a good example to your siblings and to Dad and I. We are so blessed to have you in our family!
I can't believe you are already so big! I'm so blessed to be your mom. You always bring a smile to my face! I love you!!! Keep following your Savior. He has a wonderful life planned for you; He needs you to help and love many people. He knows He can trust you! You are a wonderful disciple of Christ. Again I love you so much!
Love,
Mom
Happy 6th Birthday!!! You are such a sweetheart! You are very spiritually in-tune and often say things that are deep and profound. When you do this we all look at each other in amazement. You frequently speak the word of the Lord. Your prayers are from the heart and reflect a great understanding of the gospel and a deep love of the Lord. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you so much. Of course, we do too!
You are full of spunk and activity. You are funny and already understand and use irony and word play. You are so stinking smart! You are learning to read very well. You demand to read the scriptures. You know they are so important.
You have a kind, tender heart. You share hugs and kisses so freely. Thank you! They make my day! You are so good to your little sister and brother! They love you so! You have patiently taught Adelynn to be kind and soft. Now you are dear friends. You are a good example to your siblings and to Dad and I. We are so blessed to have you in our family!
I can't believe you are already so big! I'm so blessed to be your mom. You always bring a smile to my face! I love you!!! Keep following your Savior. He has a wonderful life planned for you; He needs you to help and love many people. He knows He can trust you! You are a wonderful disciple of Christ. Again I love you so much!
Love,
Mom
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Early Morning
I got up at 4:40 this morning. It feels marvelous to get a bit of a jump start. I worked my core and upper body. The kids are enjoying a gorgeous sunrise from the front window right now. They are also enjoying bubble gum balls. Now I'll see if I can get them to enjoy doing the dishes. The Lord must have blessed the morning with a bit extra.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Thanksgiving
The day before Thanksgiving we bought an old MCI bus! It's been our dream for years! We are now beginning that adventure. We are converting it into an RV. We are all so excited! That is our Christmas present to the kids this year and maybe for the next 10 years!
Thanksgiving Day we spent at my parents. It was really nice to visit with Kaleb and LaNell, Emily, and KyVan. I picked Kaleb's brain on how he is making money flipping garage sale items. He says he is making enough to pay for his truck, their clothes, and trips that they take. Sweet! My goal is to try it out and see if I can make enough to build out the RV and pay for trips. That means I need to make about $2000 a month. Okay, the reality is it could suck up $10,000 a month if we let it. So we will just see how much we can do with what we've got. But part of what we've got is imagination, hard work, creativity, and excitement. So right there I'd say we are doing great! We really enjoyed visiting and the food was wonderful! The little kids loved playing with cousins! And the big kids played with aunts, uncles, and grandparents. It was fun to visit with Kaleb and LaNell who are also raising little ones and we have a lot in common. They are great parents!
The day after Thanksgiving we went to Garland for Jaremy's family party. The kids enjoyed the games at both parties. I enjoy the visiting, but there wasn't very much this year. Everyone played, ate, then left. I play in the nursery with the little ones. The gym is too dangerous! I'm the only one out of Jaremy's big family that has a baby or any little ones under 7. So it can be a bit lonely as far as adult company goes. But that's okay. It gives me a great chance to play with my sweet babies and wee ones.
I'm grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with wonderful families! And the ability to get together with them.
Thanksgiving Day we spent at my parents. It was really nice to visit with Kaleb and LaNell, Emily, and KyVan. I picked Kaleb's brain on how he is making money flipping garage sale items. He says he is making enough to pay for his truck, their clothes, and trips that they take. Sweet! My goal is to try it out and see if I can make enough to build out the RV and pay for trips. That means I need to make about $2000 a month. Okay, the reality is it could suck up $10,000 a month if we let it. So we will just see how much we can do with what we've got. But part of what we've got is imagination, hard work, creativity, and excitement. So right there I'd say we are doing great! We really enjoyed visiting and the food was wonderful! The little kids loved playing with cousins! And the big kids played with aunts, uncles, and grandparents. It was fun to visit with Kaleb and LaNell who are also raising little ones and we have a lot in common. They are great parents!
The day after Thanksgiving we went to Garland for Jaremy's family party. The kids enjoyed the games at both parties. I enjoy the visiting, but there wasn't very much this year. Everyone played, ate, then left. I play in the nursery with the little ones. The gym is too dangerous! I'm the only one out of Jaremy's big family that has a baby or any little ones under 7. So it can be a bit lonely as far as adult company goes. But that's okay. It gives me a great chance to play with my sweet babies and wee ones.
I'm grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with wonderful families! And the ability to get together with them.
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