Chicago!

I have been wanting to go to Chicago since we moved out to the Midwest, and finally we went on a spectacularly freezing day. Notice the children all bundled so they don't lose any fingers. The children had saved their money from birthday and Christmas of this year, and were so excited for a shopping trip just for them. We were off to the Magnificent Mile. I had been there years ago, and I love it. A lot.We started with Little Man's store. He was so excited to go to the Lego Store. Randy was pretty excited too. He likes Lego's a lot too. We could have spent a lot of money there if we weren't careful.
They had all sorts of fabulous Lego statues. The kids especially liked anything that was Star Wars. They get that from their father, not me. We spent quite a bit of time shopping in there and looking for just the right purchases for Little Man. He spent all of his money in one store, and he couldn't have been more excited to hand over his cash and receive his purchases. I liked that he mulled over what he wanted and was able to think about spending his money and what he really wanted. Normally I am the Mom that makes my kids save their birthday and Christmas money, but this year they really wanted to buy things.
After our Lego store adventure we were off to the store for Little Miss. She was so excited and ready to get moving down the street. She was a little girl on a mission. She couldn't wait to go to American Girl Place. We made the half mile trek in the freezing cold, my ears were numb, Little Man was sure his ears had frostbite it was so cold! Happily were made it in the store and Little Miss was in her own personal wonderland.
She had an idea of what she wanted to purchase and was ready to get down to business. She wasn't interested in looking at all of the accessories she didn't have money for. She was a girl on a mission. Little Man was sure to show her all of the things she could buy, but she knew what she wanted, a doll. I thought for sure it would be Rebecca. We have her book and love her story. But quickly she changed her mind and Elizabeth won her heart and she proudly plopped her money on the counter for the cashier, she was so excited to pay for it all by herself.
And with that she was ready to leave the store. I figured we would spend a good hour or more there. Instead we were in and out in under thirty minutes. She was on a mission and ready to go so she could play with her doll. Enough with this shopping stuff. And with that we were off for a late lunch. We had planned on pizza but the waits were 45 minutes, and we would have been outside. No thank you. We got a quick lunch and then we were off.

Here are the kids with their loot!

Randy and the kids, proof that we were there.

And the kids and me.

We headed back to the car and decided that staying the night was overrated. The kids wanted to play with their toys, and we figured we could be home before more snow fell and we could sleep in our own beds.

Lessons I learned take Little Miss to her store last, always. If you want to shop anywhere else after she goes to her store she will move at a snails pace. She will want to play with her doll and the cold will become unbearable for her and the only thing to help her will be to be in the car with her doll. Little Man is more than happy to help shop if he gets to pick his stuff out first. And me.. I like to shop. Maybe.. just maybe I will make it back up there for a fun shopping trip without kids.

Christmas 2009

Christmas morning at our home was lovely. The children woke up after 7 AM, much to my dismay. I am all about the 5 AM Christmas Morning wake up! I actually woke them up, I was ready! The kids were dazzled by the gifts left by Santa and were excited to give the gifts they had for each other and for us.

Little Man was especially delighted that he received the helicopters he had been wanting for years.

Little Miss was thrilled. She received the Just Like You doll she wanted. She has hardly put her dolly down.
She also received many outfits for this doll. An elf was busy sewing for her. We enjoyed our day as a family. We didn't leave our home once. Honestly I couldn't ask for a better Christmas Day. The children played happily and we had wonderful dinner guests to make the day even more enjoyable. We are especially grateful for our Savior and for His birth. For the gift that He gave us. What a wonderful time of the year.

Merry Christmas

The kids are in their brand new homemade jammies. The Christmas Story has been read. We are ready for Christmas. A magical night. Merry Christmas.

From our home to yours..

We're Jumping for Joy!

2009 was a great year for our family.

We were very blessed and had so much fun together.

Merry Christmas.

Baby it's cold outside..

My poor children have a crazy mother. A mother who doesn't care that it is cold. That it is snowing. A mother who wants a picture at any cost. Even if that means standing outside in the cold while it snows and pictures are snapped when we should be in the car rushing off to Church. They sure look cute though. And cold.
The laugh through the craziness and have fun, even if they are freezing. And that melts my heart.
Little Miss wore her hair in her natural curl. I love it. But then again I think I might be partial to curls.
And Randy and Little Man were all over the place being the crazy fun loving boys that they are.

The craziness was worth it. I am grateful for the fun memories that were created. The snow falling. The freezing cold, and the love that was felt.

One Year Older..

..and wiser too! Happy Birthday! To you!

Today my dear old Dad (did you catch that I called him old.. oops!) is celebrating his 67th Birthday. I wish I was there to wish him a happy happy birthday in person. But I am far, far, far away so I called him really, really, really, really early instead. I figured I could beat all of my siblings to the punch since I get up earlier than they do. Or at least I should.

I am grateful for my Dad and the wonderful blessing he is my life. My kids think he is a pretty fun Grandpa. He even will play Wii with them, and is pretty good at Wake boarding on Wii Sports Resort. He has the best sound effects. He might not know it, but he has one for most everything. And my kids know that Grandpa always has time for a hug, a five, a story, for them.

I am grateful for the strong testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ he has. And for sharing it with us many times. I am blessed to have wonderful parents for examples. I am grateful for all he has been through in his life, for his wisdom and his love.

My Dad. He can water ski. He can build anything. Fix anything. Make anything. He is strong. Like really really strong. He is funny. And caring. He is brave. Courageous. He is my Dad.

Happy Birthday.

The Birthday and the Baptism!

Little Man woke everyone up on his birthday. We had jokingly told him he had to wait until after Church to open presents, that we wouldn't have time to open them before. He made sure we had plenty of time. He was thrilled with his presents. Bakugan we have more than I think we could ever need. I am even learning to play the game with him.He received brand new scriptures with his name engraved on them. Lucky boy, I never have had my name engraved on mine. And best of all they are green, his favorite color!
He got dressed for Church and was ready for a few shots of him being an awesome 8! He does it so well. And he looks so grown up!! When did this happen? I keep thinking he should still be tiny.
He has mastered the fake smile. And likes to give it a lot. He is pretty darn cute even with a fake smile.

After Church and dinner it was baptism time. He is lucky he was able to be baptized on his birthday. What a great way to celebrate his birthday. He couldn't wait for his baptism, and neither could we. He was excited to make sacred covenants with the Lord.Randy and Little Man dressed in white. How grateful I am for a husband who is worthy of his priesthood and was able to baptize our son.
I think Little Man was getting over the pictures. But we were so excited. I wanted to make sure we remembered this special day. I wanted him to always remember his baptism. (I love how I look as tall as Randy, thank you heels!)


Nana and Papa came for their first visit to Indiana for his special day. We were so excited to have them here to witness his baptism.
And my parents came with my sister. She looks so thrilled right?

Little Man's baptism was wonderful. The Spirit was so very strong and we were so grateful to have so many of our family members there, and also to have many of our friends who were in attendance. Randy and I were shocked there were over 75 people who came to see Little Man's baptism. We were humbled and grateful for the attendance of such a special day. I didn't know what to expect, and I haven't quite known what to even say about it or I would have blogged it sooner. But the Spirit touched my heart so strongly. I was so grateful for the choice our son had made to enter into the waters of baptism. It was such a great blessing to watch him be baptized. It was the best way to celebrate his birthday.

We asked Little Man how he felt. And he said he felt Happy, but a different Happy. That was his best way of explaining it. He has talked continuously about his special day and the fact that he feels the Holy Ghost with him stronger than he has before. He is such a wonderful kid. I am so blessed to be his Mother. How grateful I am for his testimony and for his courage to do what is right.

After the baptism we invited everyone over for cake and ice cream. It was a little crazy but we had fun with it. And we all recovered from the mass crowd at our home. Little Man was a little bashful when everyone was singing to him. I love it!

He really loves being the center of attention, and I love his fun expressions.
It was a perfect day for my boy. It was a perfect day for our family. It was a perfect day for me to reflect on being a Mother for eight years. What a tremendous blessing and responsibility. I feel honored to be his Mother. I am in awe of the wonderful boy he is. I couldn't have asked for a better son. Love you Little Man. Happy Birthday.

Turning 8!

In 5 days this boy will be 8! He is very excited. We are very excited for his special birthday. And this lucky boy is going to be baptized on his birthday. He is looking forward to becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We are so proud of Little Man. He is a great example to those around. And he is a joy in our lives. I remember my baptism, it doesn't feel like it was that long ago. I can't wait for his.

Dreaming..

Little Miss is dreaming of:

::Christmas::

::American Girl Dolls::

::Barbies::

::Make-up::

::Anything Pink::

::Santa Claus::

::Grandma and Grandpa coming tomorrow::

::Her Birthday, next June::

She makes me want to dream too.

*And please tell me, is her hair dark blonde or light brown. This picture makes it slightly lighter than normal because of the sun please refer to the Halloween pics if you need a better look.*

The Family

When I was in High School "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" was introduced by our Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. I didn't really grasp the magnitude of it when it first came out. In fact I believe it took years before I really understood it. We have been going over during Family Home Evening this past month. And I am grateful for the whisperings of the Spirit that have confirmed what I already knew, that this is truly an inspired Proclamation from the Lord. It was written ahead of its time. I had no idea how much our world would change from 1995 until now. The trials and challenges we face are different. The attack on family is rampant.

I particularly love this part, "Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live." My children and Randy are my greatest blessings. Randy and I are so very blessed to have our two children to love and to teach. I am in awe of those who have more children than me. The work it takes is great. But the blessings are even more.

And here is the whole thing. I love it.

“We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

“In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

“The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

“We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

“The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

“We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

“We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society”

Done!

I made a goal to read the Book of Mormon in one month. I started this after our last General Conference and listening this talk by Elder Jeffery R. Holland. I loved his sentiments and his feeling for the Book of Mormon. And in 29 days I read all 531 pages of it.

I have felt extremely blessed for reading the Book of Mormon in such a short time period. I am more patient and kind, especially with my family. I have felt the outpouring of love from my Heavenly Father. There has been a calm peace with me at all times. The Spirit has been stronger in my life and I have been more in tune with things that I should do. My testimony of this great book has grown. I love what Elder Holland said, "I want it absolutely clear when I stand before the judgement bar of God that I declared to the world.. that the Book of Mormon is true." I too declare that I know the Book of Mormon is true. It has the power to change our lives for good if we let it. How grateful I am for the Book of Mormon. It has truly blessed my life.

I am so grateful for Elder Holland's talk. It was bold and powerful and you knew without a doubt that he knows the Book of Mormon is true. Take a moment and read the talk, and then read the Book of Mormon.

This is one of my favorite parts:

For 179 years this book has been examined and attacked, denied and deconstructed, targeted and torn apart like perhaps no other book in modern religious history—perhaps like no other book in any religious history. And still it stands. Failed theories about its origins have been born and parroted and have died—from Ethan Smith to Solomon Spaulding to deranged paranoid to cunning genius. None of these frankly pathetic answers for this book has ever withstood examination because there is no other answer than the one Joseph gave as its young unlearned translator. In this I stand with my own great-grandfather, who said simply enough, “No wicked man could write such a book as this; and no good man would write it, unless it were true and he were commanded of God to do so.”

I love this Book. It has the power to change people for good. It is another testament of our Savior Jesus Christ. I love reading the accounts of the Nephites when Christ came. The blessings they felt. I often wish I could have been there to see that great day. I am grateful for the Spirit it brings. How blessed are we to have such a great Book. And how grateful am I for the inspiration I needed to read it, to do better, to be better, and to love this Book more.

Happy Halloween: 2009 Edition

Trick or Treating is done. The children are happily sorting and eating enormous amounts of candy. The sugar rush is coming. And we are all happy.

This year Little Man opted for something scary, a vampire. I am quite pleased with the way his costume turned out, and the overall look. He was thrilled to be scary.

The serious and scary vampire. He does this quite well.

Showing me he really is THAT scary.

He really wanted to scare his sister. He tried. Can you tell she is completely terrified?

They took a moment to pose with their Daddy.

Little Miss was more than willing to pose for me, and work it as Sleeping Beauty. Her favorite.

Look at her eyelashes. Look at them. How can you not be jealous. Seriously.

This picture, I love it. It makes me melt.

Good night.

A Rut

I am in a blogging rut right now. I don't have any fabulous thoughts. My thoughts have been drifting back to high school a lot lately. My senior year was spent with me at the doctor trying to figure out my stupid asthma. I feel like I have been transported back in time but without the body I had. My lungs aren't working like they should. I happened upon the ER this week trying to get them to work right. And my nebulizer is attached to my body. It feels eerily familiar. My mind is on one topic. Breathing. In. Out. In. Out.

Monday Night

I love Family Home Evening. It is quite possibly my favorite activity of the week. I look forward to Monday Night and the chance to have time with just our little family. I do not have elaborate lessons with pretty things. That isn't my style. Our lessons are simple, and short. They are full of the simple gospel truths.

Sometimes the children are rambunctious. Other times they sit and listen intently. But always the Spirit is strong, and I feel an immense love for my children and my husband. I know that we are doing something worth while. Something that will benefit my children and my family in the years to come.

Tonight was no exception. The lesson by Randy was lovely. He taught us from the Proclamation to the Family. The important roles of men and women and the blessings of eternal family. Little Miss led us in songs. And Little Man gave the most earnest prayer, praying for those in need, and going through hard times and asking our Heavenly Father to help them to be happy and to bless them.

How grateful I am for Prophets who guide and direct us, and are so inspired to have made Monday nights a Sacred Night for the Family.

Found!

A while ago... or should I say a long time ago I had a flash. This flash was lovely. It was a good flash and I took it with me to every wedding I happened to attend. And then one day I went to use my flash and it was gone. I searched high and low. I searched under things, behind things, in the garbage and in absurd places for this flash. But it was gone. Long gone.

Randy thought he must have thrown it in the garbage, or it had fallen in the garbage and was never to be seen again. I decided he was right, and have since blamed him for the missing flash. I even replaced it.

And today I received a call from my lovely Mommy. She informed me that her sister, my Aunt had my flash. It has only been there for sixteen months. She didn't realize what it was or that it was mine until this week, she thought it was either her husband's, or one of her kids. While in Texas last year, June 2008 I left it. I have only driven myself slightly mad looking for this flash in my house, calling airports, and everything else I could possibly think of. But I never called my Aunt. Silly me. Soon, it will be returning to my home. Where it belongs. And I am happy, I didn't throw it away, and neither did Randy. I just left it on an extended vacation.

Prayers Needed

Today my heart sank as I read the blog entries of my dear friends. Their sister lost her husband yesterday, leaving her a widow with six little girls ranging from ages 1-9. Today I ask that you pray from Abby Maile and her six sweet girls. Her husband Naki died suddenly. You can read about them here. If you would like to donate any amount to their family please go here. Naki was 32. And this sweet family will need all the blessings they can get from those around and from their Heavenly Father.

Today I pray for them, and pray that they will feel the love of those who are praying for them. Our hearts are with you, our prayers are with you.

Check it!

I just want you all to go here if you want to see my latest photography work. Things have been hopping. Not everything is blogged, but I am trying to catch up. Check it!

Dear Mom... From Little Man

Today Little Miss brought me this note from Little Man. He is in his room tonight after some disgruntled behavior. I almost let him out his note made me laugh so hard.

Dear Mom,

Please STOP treating me like a poop-head and let me out.

From Little Man.

P.S. Can you bring me a cheese stick.

I am still laughing. The things to remember.

The First Meet

Little Man loved his swim meet. Can you feel the excitement?
He warmed up for one hour before the meet began, and he was ready to go. He practiced his strokes diligently and was so excited he fell in the pool, but only once.
He started his meet ready for the 25 meter freestyle. He had a false start. He climbed back out and jumped in after everyone was in when they officially started it. He swam his little heart out. He placed 7th.
And then it was 25 meter back stroke time. He placed 5th in this event. But 2-6th were almost the same. It was a close race, and he did wonderful!
And his final event was the 50 meter freestyle. He swam against kids ages 7-14. He had some serious competition. He came in 8th. Not last! He swam his heart out and did a great job. We cheered loud, and he worked hard.


We can't wait for another meet. I love watching him do something that he loves and that he really excels at. He is determined to get faster and do better. I cannot wait to see the progress in the coming meets.