Lots of Blessings

I have wanted to buy a step to workout on. It is low impact and something I can do while I'm home and caring for the little ones. I need something like that for my non-jogging days. However, I didn't want to pay $100 for the steps. So I asked Heavenly Father to help me find some at the D.I. He answered my prayer and I purchased used steps for only $4. I also met up with a sister I visit teach who I haven't been able to contact by phone or home visits. It was a great way to let her know I'm still thinking of her and would love to visit her. Heavenly Father answers our prayers and some. I can't tell you how many times similiar incidents have occured. Finding things at the D.I. is hit and miss. But when I pray about a need or sometimes even what I consider an important want Heavenly Father paves the way. We are ever so blessed!

School

I'm so grateful the kids have great schools to go to. What a blessing! I don't have time to give them all the education and experiences they need. I'm doing laundry, dishes, gardening, and running a household. I'm grateful they love to learn and utilize their teachers, books, and opportunities. Heavenly Father has really made things so much easier than they used to be in this world.

Looking Forward to the Weekend

We have been running this new school week! It's been great and we've accomplished a lot. The kids have kept great attitudes. I think working out really helps with this.

The little kids (Hyrum -6, Ella - 5, and Tank - 2) and I are headed to the park to float the boats they have made. While they play I will jog around and get some fresh air before it gets to hot. Heavenly Father has given us this gorgeous day!!!

First Day of School

Benjamin, Moroni, and Natalie all started school today. Natalie has never gone to school before, but today she started the third grade. I hope things go well for her. We are going to pick them up in a few minutes. I'm excited to here about their day. Jessica started high school tomorrow.

The little kids and I started school here today too. We didn't get as far as we wanted to today because Tank had a immunization fever and needed a lot of attention. But hey, it's only 2:17. We can surely get more done today!

I'm grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with ways to educate our children. I'm also grateful for the natural love of learning with which Heavenly Father has given me. I'm grateful I still have the little ones to teach and homework with the older ones when they get home. It's good bonding time most of the time.

Sundae Run

Last night we went on a fun run put on by the local running store. Jaremy had already run in the morning, so he took care of the little ones and drove the support vehicle. It was a great family activity. We had tons of fun. The course was 4.8 miles, but you could run or walk as much or little as you wanted. After you finished your jog they had ice cream sundaes waiting at the store. Great small business idea! Great family fun!

Our family started a bit later than everyone because of Tank(2). But Benjamin(12) and Moroni(10) quickly caught up with the pack. In fact, Moroni came in first out of everyone! Benjamin would have been right with him, but his dinner made him have a pit stop at the park. He was close to Moroni though. Natalie(8) ran up ahead with the boys for awhile then slowed down. She ended up without a jogging partner, but finished the whole race anyway! Hyrum(6) and Ella (5)ran 2 miles. Then they ran another mile with the stragglers at the end. Jessica (14) ran with the store managers little son (6). His dad was back at the store, so he needed someone to help him run. She was so sweet with him and kept him going the entire way. Jessica is so thoughtful and kind. I wogged (half waddle, half jog) the whole way, expect for about 50 steps when my knee hurt. I've never jogged that far in my life. Not bad for being 5 months pregnant. Tank(2) ended up running 3/4 of a mile. Jaremy kept tabs on us and cheered us on. The kids got ice cream at the store. It was tons of fun!!! Tons better than watching a movie. We bonded as a family and with the community.

Heavenly Father has blessed us so much!! in everyway!! I'm so grateful He lets us have fun meeting challenges and being together as a family!

Rhythm and Family Traditions

I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father has allowed our family to spend great amounts of time together. Together we eat all our meals, read books, clean and cook, exercise, hike and camp, nap, read scriptures, pray, get ready for the day and for bed, learn languages and practice instruments, and just hang out and work on other goals. We have spontaneous conversations about challenges, current events, values, friends, fears, silliness, and the gospel. Conversations that happen because we have lots of unrushed time together. When we are too busy this doesn't happen.

Whether we are in school or out, on vacation or at home certain things remain part of the rhythm of our lives. These simple family traditions (mealtimes, naptimes, reading, cleaning, exercising, studying) unit us. They provide not just safety but security for each member. They create a feeling of belonging and identity. They weave together to form a beautiful family culture. Not a perfect one, but beautiful nonetheless. They help each member know they are extremely important. They open opportunities to express and discuss anything, and I mean anything. Our kids quite often say after one our regular outings together, "I love our family!" They know they are blessed to be in a traditional family that really experiences life together.

We don't do many organized community sports or activities, but we spend that time as a family instead. We do tons and tons as a family. Driving, hiking, hanging out on the beach, jogging, exploring, playing at the park, camping, swimming, sitting in the shade or around a campfire, backpacking, boating, gardening, skiing, visiting family and friends, sledding, shoveling, etc, etc. We realize we have something amazing going on here. Most people aren't this blessed. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has let us see and feel how important our family time is. I'm so grateful He has allowed us to have tons of it!

Up and Doing

I love Captain Moroni's admonition to "begin to be up and doing." There are so many people that need help. Sometimes I feel we should move to a third world country or to a new place in the mission field. That we should do some amazing, huge thing! That might be wonderful in the future. However, right now I struggle to get my visiting teaching done well. It is a constant effort to keep up with seven, soon eight children. They must be fed, clothed, washed, educated, and trained in the ways of the Lord. I feel it a challenge to get to the temple once a week. In fact I've only gone nine times this year so far. Extended family and aging grandparents need attention and time. I find so little time for family history, missionary, and humanitarian work. But I must try harder. There is much to be done. I must stretch my every resource. I must increase my energy and pray for guidance and strength. If I could just do what was already in my capacity and reach it would be some amazing and huge thing. And I would have proved myself ready for more. I love working in the Kingdom of God! I will be more devoted. I will be up and doing!