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.

Baby Check-Up

Today Natalie(8) and I went to see how the baby was doing at 16 weeks. We were in and out pretty fast, so I took her for Aggie Ice Cream. She chose Cookie Fudge. It looked great, but I don't eat sweets. We then went to Anderson Seed and Garden and bought a bunch of herbs for the front of the garden. Natalie is such a sweetheart. She is thoughtful, full of smiles and giggles, helpful, hardworking, and easygoing. I just love being with her! I'm so glad we have one-on-one times with our kids. It is great to be able to give them our full attention for a bit.

This morning we got the kids up at 6:00. Jaremy rode his bike on his off-running-day while Jessica (14), Benjamin (12), and Moroni (10) ran along side. I just got a new jogging stroller (used, but new to me). I put Ella (4) and Tank (2) in the stroller and Natalie (8) and Hyrum (6) ran in front of me. We jogged 3.1 miles (5K). Hyrum has never gone that far. He was mad we started out so slow. He wanted to go with the big boys. He was full of big dreams of winning the 5K race we are running on Saturday. About a mile into our run reality hit. He wasn't happy, but kept going. At the 2 mile mark the tears started. He denied ever wanting to run, he didn't care about the race. But he kept going. After awhile he got his second wind and finished strong. He pushed through even though it was really hard. He's going to become a great runner. Hopefully, I will too! I'm grateful for the inspiration I get from my kids and husband. I love them so much!!

Everyday I feel so blessed by Heavenly Father. He has given me everything. I'm surrounded by love, comfort, beauty, and peace. I praise His name!!

American West Heritage Center

Yesterday we had a great time volunteering at the American West Heritage Center. We weeded, chopped firewood, remade flower beds, chinked a cabin, played in the mud and water, visited, hauled water, picniced, and had a lovely day. There were only a handful of visitors. And that was a big day. So everything was very laid back and nice. I'm grateful Heavenly Father has given us a way to escape to the country, work the land, and remember our pioneer forebearers even though we live in downtown Logan. He truly has cared for our desire to do this.

Today there is much to do. I've enjoyed over an hour of quiet time to study the scriptures, pray, ponder, and write. But I should probably wake of the kids pretty soon here. They have slept for almost 12 hours! They were woren out, so we went to bed at 7:45 last night.

Well, anyway back to what must be accomplished. Gardening, swimming lessons, visiting teaching, cleaning, cooking, exercise, laundry, and maybe a date. We will see how it goes. It's going to be a great day no matter what. How many people get to live their dream life everyday!!!? I do!! I'm surrounded by my wonderful kids. We get to work on goals, household chores, building up the Kingdom, playing, hiking, biking, etc. everyday. I have the dream career. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has given Jaremy a job that allows me to do this. I'm so grateful Jaremy is passionate about how important it is for me to stay home and care for and train our little ones. He is so selfless! I love him so much!!!

Sewing Dresses

Today I'm going to be sewing pioneer dresses for the little girls. I've never sewn much, so this ought to be an adventure. We will see how it goes. I'm grateful we get to learn new things and continue to become more like Heavenly Father. Of course, half the battle will be staying caught up on dishes, meals, toddlers, and laundry while figuring out dress patterns. I just have to stay organized, keep the kids busy, and above all be sweet and patient.

Logan Temple

I'm so grateful I can go to the temple so easily. I was able to shower and get ready then cross the street to the temple this morning. The big kids are more than capable to take care of the little ones and the house while I'm away for a bit. It was nice to feel the Spirit of the Lord in His Holy House this morning. I need to do the little it takes to get there more often.