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.