Wednesday #1-Goofy Spirit

This being Christmas Eve I must say I have been enjoying a great laugh at the poses my kids come up with for our Goofy Pictures Tradition. This being year 2 of this tradition. I have them pose for one really nice one, and once I get my nice one they get to choose poses and act as goofy as they want for the pictures until the camera runs out of room. What a riot it can become! I will post some of the photos for you later.


Lately it seems I cry at the slightest sign of Christmas Spirit. This season means so very much to me. The promise that came when our Savior was born...well it simply feels my heart to overflowing. And as all of my dear friends and family know, when my heart overflows...it has to go somewhere, so...out the tear ducts it comes! I am so very full of gratitude tonight that the slightest thought of Christmas makes me teary eyed. Which...of course it being Christmas Eve...is often! I have been so blessed and continue to be blessed. So, here is wishing that you and yours are filled with the true Joy of the Christmas Spirit at least as much as I am tonight and tomorrow! And thank you for all the joy that you each have brought to me in my life!

Tuesday #1-Sleepy Finish

Tonight's post is going to be short and simple...what do I need to do?? I NEED SLEEP! I am being reminded through sleep deprivation why I usually start working on my homemade Christmas items in June. And I am finding greater resolve NEVER to miss that starting time again!!


What have I accomplished? Tonight I am going to stick with getting my kids to bed! Man, that can be a chore! Tonight it was Courtney that was the hold out...and goodness is she turning into the negotiator. She even started crying because I wanted her to be quiet on her bed before she could have a drink, then proceeded to tell me that water would stop her crying! That girl has a brain...now the challenge comes to help her put it to use WISELY!! Oh, and all of my Christmas shopping is done...majority of our packages will be mailed tomorrow, yes I know a week late. Of course, when you are behind schedule with Christmas by 5 months...one week doesn't sound so bad after all!!

Good night catch you tomorrow!

Monday #1-Alexis, Our Little Angel

Tonight we will start with the growing moment. December, and actually most months, do not pass without thinking of and remembering my sister, Alexis. She was/is an inspiration to me. She was born with Hydrocephalus and from the moment she was born my parents were told she wouldn't live past a few minutes...she did, then that she wouldn't live past an hour...she did, then that she wouldn't live past a day...a week...a month...a year...the next year. She amazed doctors for all nearly 11 years of her life. All who were privileged enough to work with her recognized her spirit for what it was/is...that of an angel.

While her death had been greatly predicted for years her passing Dec. 8th, 1993 hit our family hard nonetheless. I was in high school at the time and somehow got it in my head that her time of death was just after I had left for school. In my mind I thought over and over about how I could have stopped by her bedside and done something...anything...I plagued myself with these thoughts. I even got it, falsely, in my head that it was my fault somehow. Life and a desire to keep living it was really hard that December...until some really good and true friends talked me into going to a tri-seminary fireside on night.

The speaker that night was Michael McLean...a gifted musician well known for "The Forgotten Carols" and other amazing songs. He went about giving a fabulous "presentation" which I was enjoying as much as anyone in a numb state can. But then he stopped...not at the end of a story...not even at the end of a sentence...he stopped mid-word and grew silent. He looked out at the audience for a bit, and then said, "I am going to be doing something different than I had planned. There is a someone maybe more than one that has a special need tonight. So, whoever you are this is for you." And he proceeded to play his song "Together Forever".

It starts off..."Well it's hard to say goodbye and let go, and it's hard to see it end. When the memories we've just made may never happen again. But it's harder for time to ever erase the together times we've shared. So, when we're apart remember all the love we shared together and thank the Lord above for showing the way. We can be together forever someday..."

It goes on but you get the idea. I knew in this moment that my sister knew how much I was missing her, and more importantly that my Heavenly Father knew and was there for me. This is also when I started gaining a testimony of families being together forever. I won't say that it has been easy since that day...but it has been a TON easier than it was before. I still love her and still miss her being here to hug...but I know she is there watching over us when she can. Without having faced this...one of the HARDEST challenges of my young life, I wouldn't be who I am or where I am. I wouldn't have had the chance to know her precious spirit, and I wouldn't have been so blessed to know what a priceless treasure those that are physically or mentally challenged in this way are. Truly the most precious souls I have come across and continue to come across are those "trapped" in bodies that others see as less than perfect.


Now for the cherished moment...our doorbell rang tonight, and we opened the door to a young man who had a diaper box full of presents for my family. He simply said, "This is from two of your friends." Then handed me the box and started walking away. I hollered a pleasantly stunned, "Thank you...Oh, and tell them Thank you for me!" before closing the door and joining my family. I am teary eyed tonight...whoever you are, if you even read this...THANK YOU!

One of my most treasured and cherished Christmas memories not just having this done for my family as a child...but then turning around and doing 12 days of Christmas, and Sub for Santa's for other families after having spent the month going door to door selling ornaments to raise the money to do it. Ornaments handmade by my mother...again a post for another day. The best part was keeping it secret, running and hiding to make sure they didn't see us. But I also won't forget the priceless memories, as people caught on that our family would do these each year, of people coming up teary eyed and saying something like, "If it was your family that did this...Thank you. And if not and you know who did...Thank them for me/us! This really made our Christmas." I have dreamed of the day when I could pass both sides of this cherished memory on in full to my children...and now thanks to 2 amazing families/people my children too have caught the bug of Service at Christmas time.

As I brought the box into the kitchen and we looked at the names on the wrapped gifts, L.J. again said to me, "Mom, we should do a Sub for Santa." And I said simply, "We are...remember." And his eyes lit up even bigger and I knew...tears...I just knew that a precious gift that could never be wrapped was given again tonight. My heart is SO FULL of gratitude for good friends who truly care...and not just about us...and for family traditions that aren't just fun, they are filled with priceless lessons not soon forgotten! Thank you again to our Little Angels!!

Sunday #1-Christmas Music and Mess

Okay...what brings me peace? Well, OF COURSE, with Christmas only 3-4 days away...depending on how you count...Christmas is on my mind. And one of things that bring me the most peace at Christmas time is MUSIC. I love to sing it, I love to hear it, and I love to teach it to my children. When I hear it my heart just swells with peace and comfort and my mind flows with happy memories and gratitude for my/OUR Savior and all His life has meant for me and my family!

And I do have to say I have my favorite...not just song, but verse of a song...Away in a Manger is my favorite song, and verse 3 gives me chills and speaks straight from my heart! In case you don't know the third verse it goes:

"Be near me, Lord Jesus.
I ask thee to stay
close by me forever
and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children
in thy tender care,
and fit us for Heaven
to live with Thee there."

So very MUCH spoken in so few words! In fact, my children will tell you that this is a year round song in our home, as I sometimes sing it to them at bedtime just to hear the third verse again! Of course I sing them other songs too...but that will be a post for another day!


Now...what drives me crazy? When I say "Yes" to my children just to find a big mess left when they have moved on to other things! Like when I let them use my scrapbooking punches with scrap (NOT scrapping) paper, only to come across a big mess on my floor later from all the punched out paper. I shouldn't have to tell them to clean up a mess that I was kind enough to lend them tools to make! I shouldn't have to be forced into saying "No" next time they ask because they didn't clean up this time right away...but what am I teaching them if I don't!

I want to be one of those mothers that can say "Yes" to my children without having to worry about it coming to bite me later! Anyway, obviously this is something we are working on in our home. And maybe SOMEDAY we will get there...I pray it is someday SOON!


Well...hmmm...don't want to end a post on that note, maybe I will switch the order next time. The good ol' "which do you want first the good, or the bad?" question! Anyway, I will instead end this post by adding this...The Lord does work in Mysterious Ways! Last night we had a family "emergency" and needed to call a friend for some help...Jim hit dial on one number and got a different friend altogether...but this friend was the PERFECT friend for the situation in the end and the "emergency" was taken care of the right way.

We had received some disappointing news on Friday about plans on a family tradition that will cross a generation this year...so we spent this weekend praying for help to know what would be best to do. And today at church received our answer in an unexpected way. It just goes to show that Heavenly Father KNOWS each and every one of us, and what our needs are and who we can best help or be helped by...even if we are clueless as to what or who they are at that moment in time.

The Power of 52

It always seems that we get to this point in the year, and start reflecting on what we have done over the past year that we can share with friends and family in newsletters or cards. I always seem to think...what have I REALLY gotten accomplished this year? What was this past year REALLY worth? Did I make the most of it? And of course, what do I want to get accomplished next year? Well, a month or two back I was thinking of challenges I might be able to host this next year and at the same time thinking of my poor neglected blog that I really should get back to and I decided to combine the two.

I have watched on a friend's blog (Jaime) how she did 52 blessings this year, and LOVED this idea. However being the overachiever, and making projects overly big, person I am...I couldn't settle on that alone. So, thanks to knowing how to schedule posts...I have decided to post every day for the next year...this doesn't mean blog everyday as I am definately going to take advantage of scheduling posts!!

Also, I have been accused in the past of being to chipper and cheesy...sometimes a bit rightly so...and I do want my children to have a record of the REALITY of my life. So, I am going to do my posts as "Opposition in All Things" posts. So here is what I think my run down will be at this point:

Sunday's-
Things that bring me peace or calm...and...Things that drive me crazy!
Monday's-
Moments I cherish...and...Moments that helped me grow (As I believe all challenges and trials in life help us to grow...even if we would rather not have faced them.)
Tuesday's-
Things that I need to do...and...Things I have accomplished.
Wednesday's-
Things that make me laugh...and Things that make me cry (not necessarily a sad cry, happy cries count here too.)
Thursday's-
Things I dream of doing SOMEDAY...and...Things I have done or am doing now.
Friday's-
Things I love creating...and...things I can declutter (another New Year's Resolution).
Saturday's-
Ways I am finding Joy in the Journey...and...Things I am going to find Joy in if it does me in!

I am determined that next Christmas I will be able to give each of my children a little book titled, "The Power of 52" as there are 52 weeks in a year. This is also why I am starting this early and not waiting for the new year. If you want to follow along...probably on a smaller scale, as I do realize I am insane...I would love to see it!

If you want to know how to schedule a post on a blogger blog...
1. Go to your blog and click on Customize, then Posting, and make sure you are on the Create sub-category...or go to where you normally do to make a post.
2. Look at the Publish Post button...now raise your eyes about 3/4 inch to the arrow with Post Options next to it, and click.
3. Enter a date and time in the right-hand side of the box that appears.
4. Type up your post and click publish...it won't show up until when you have it scheduled for. If you want to check to make sure it is there...click on the sub-category of Edit Posts and it should appear as scheduled in the list.

Hope this helps you! Stay tuned for post #1!

Anniversary, and Training a Parakeet

Well, I had every intention of doing a post yesterday, and just didn't get that far. But it has now been nine fabulous years that Jim and I have been married! And I couldn't have married a more fabulous man! He makes me laugh...especially when I need to the most. He it patient and playful with our 4 children. He overlooks my shortcoming, and helps me to see more of the good in myself. He is a valiant, and wonderfully inquisitive, and easy-going man! I couldn't be happier or feel more privileged than I am to have him in my life!

Now, some of you are probably rolling your eyes at the mushy beginning to this email, but I felt like saying it and it is my blog...so skim if you must, but that is the truth!

So, for the next part of this post...so far so good with Green Thomas! We started "training" him this week. That means giving him opportunities to bond with us enough that in the not to distant future he will feel comfortable enough to let us hold him. Which would make cleaning his cage a LOT easier! Well, so far so good! Here are some pictures of him eating out of Neil's hand!! YAY!!

Green Thomas and Our first broken?? Arm?

Here is the explanation of our newest family addition, Green Thomas. Neil has been having a rough year and we wanted to do something extra special for his birthday to help him realize even more how special we think our little guy is. Well, he asked for the usual things plus one. He wanted a train set...he has one! He wanted a remote control car...Santa brought that for Christmas last year. And he wanted a pet...hmmmm!!??!! Well, I told him I might be willing to let him have a fish, and asked was this what he meant by a pet. He let me know he was thinking about a bird. That was one pet I hadn't seen coming, but after much pricing and discussing with Jim decided that it would probably work.

After multiple "discussions" about how "hard" it would be to take care of a bird and that if he was given one for his birthday then HE would have to be the one to take care of it...we got him one for his birthday! He has been VERY responsible with his parakeet, Green Thomas. He named him Green Thomas before he even knew he was getting one!! Green is of course his favorite color, and Thomas the Tank Engine is his favorite show...so Green Thomas just made sense!

So...without further ado, We proudly present GREEN THOMAS!!



Oh...and were you wondering about the "broken arm"? Well, last week with both girls sick, I got a call from the school...thinking what now!...I answered to find the school nurse on the other side. Thinking one of the boys had caught the bug, I said who am I picking up? Well, she sounded a little stunned by my immediate response, and informed me that she had L.J. in her office. He had apparently been at lunch recess and landed on his arm badly. She said that she could tell it wasn't a bad break, but it was bruised and swelling bad enough that she didn't want it on her head if it was a hairline fracture. So, it being noon and for the first time in our experience Urgent Care actually being open, I loaded up the girls...picked him up...and rushed him to Urgent Care.

Of course, this was just to sit there for almost an hour before we were seen by a doctor. In that time L.J. was completely putting his arm to use, and I almost just left right then. But the words of a kindhearted mother who had watched my girls for the minute or two I was in the office picking L.J. up kept running through my mind..."yeah, best to be sure. I actually let my son wander around with a broken collar bone for a week before he complained and we found it was indeed broken."

Well, after about 2 hours that included going for X-rays...we were told that it was just badly bruised. They said that they are sending the X-rays on the the hospital to be absolutely sure, but they didn't see anything themselves. So, L.J. begging to go back and show his bruise off to his friends was dropped off at school only 1/2 hour before school got out. His teacher wisely let the class all go to recess, where my little monkey was swinging all over the equipment! But he informed me that he stayed away from the slide that he had gone down HEAD FIRST before!!! The little twirp!!

So, I keep pondering...I would never really wish a broken bone on my child, but if we were going to have to go through all of the hub bub...would it have been better for him to at least have injured something enough to slow him down, or is it truly best that my son escaped his first possible major injury?? Yes, I really do know the second scenario is best...but I can't help but shake my head!! All I can say is I sure hope it scared him more than he lets on!! Maybe at least half of what it did his mother!!

So Busy but...

...that is not to say it is going to change any time soon. So, I have had some thoughts about how to do this better and have fun doing it! But I am getting ahead of myself! First you need the update on what has kept me so busy...or at least I feel the need to update you!

Well, after school started we were off to our summer vacation. Yes, I know a little backwards...but since it was to be planned around my brother's wedding and he had to deal with the immigration systems of two countries. So, needless to say after his big adventure and education of how it all works...we were taking our vacation after school had started! Here are a couple pictures:

We left on EARLY on a Thursday and made it to southern Utah about 12 hrs later...yes, I wrote 12 hrs.!! This trip started as our worst ever with our children...and we had come prepared! Anyway, we got to the cabin the family reunion was at and had enough time to eat dinner, chat for a little bit, and go to bed. This is a picture I took the next morning! GORGEOUS area isn't it?!


Analise wasn't feeling well at first but seemed to perk up pretty quick and went off to play. Well, it wasn't long before someone came hollering to tell me that she had thrown up. My thought...well at least it was OUTSIDE!! Well, she perked up again and we got on the road a little later than we expected...but maybe that was okay...I still haven't decided yet.


Well...we were only on the road but about 5 minutes when we heard the sounds we had hoped we wouldn't. Only the sounds were coming from a different child...Neil...and was in the back seat!! So, to save all of you the details...due to illness we made the next 20 minute trip in 2 hours!! When we got to the nearest town we loaded up on ziploc bags, pull ups, and rehydrating fluids. Then we drove and drove without another stop except for a little food and gas!


We got to my parents house to find it locked up tight...I wanted to cry until I remembered that they were off decorating the church. So, off we headed and after dinner and decorating we got back to their house at a late hour I was too tired to remember and went to bed! By this time the kids seemed to all feel better...which we were very grateful for! So, just for the record Friday we spent between 7-8 hrs in the van.


The next morning we were up and getting ready early, then into the van we went for the 2 hr drive to the wedding. It was BEAUTIFUL...and my new sister is BEAUTIFUL! She is Beautiful inside and out!! Though she only speaks Portuguese and I only speak English fluently, we actually managed to say a lot! Of course, when my brother could translate he did and that was very helpful. And it was a two hour drive back to the reception. I was struck by the same bug the kids had been...but was determined that the happy couple wouldn't know how much I was struggling.


My sisters decided it was time for an updated sister picture...and Courtney decided to join in for fun! I am of course the one on the left, and it goes down in age from me to the right, except Courtney! And my sister in the middle is due with her first little guy any day now!!

We went to church on Sunday, and then headed back. We made it back to southern Utah and a lovely hotel there for Sunday night. Then took a leisurely drive on Monday, stopping a few scenic places to stretch our legs...but in all the easiest trip we have taken with our children before. We have decided it really helps when they aren't sick on the trip. Anyway, that has been the adventure that this summer brought for us!

Other than this trip daily life has kept us hopping. Jim has trained and had quit on him (for jobs with full-time benefits) two contractors. Making his work load even bigger rather than getting him the help that they were trying to get him. So, he remains the only IT support for 1800 people in this area of the company.

I have been busy volunteering in each of our school age children's classrooms, working on the PTSA membership drive, participation in a designer's contest at Kjoistudios.com, celebrating Neil's birthday...complete with a story for another post, making a trip to Urgent Care...again another story for another post, and trying to balance every day living!

I am exhausted...Jim is exhausted. The kids are energetic and actively figuring out life. And we are all happy through each moment...I didn't say blissfully...but we are content in our life, so...happy!

The house is ALMOST empty. BACK TO SCHOOL!

Well, the kids are back in school and already the adventures have begun!

L.J. felt so grown up that he waved goodbye and walked to his class like I wasn't even standing there. I know the hugs are only for me, not for him anymore, but does he really think that I can let him go to school for a whole day without one??

Neil did pretty well also, but did give me my hug without me following him. I peaked in on him after I dropped Analise off and he was sitting at his desk looking around all WIDE-EYED, not sure which to take in first.

Analise, was VERY antsy after we dropped off both of the boys and made it to her classroom before me. But she was thrilled that I stayed for a few minutes. She gave me lots of hugs and kisses...and then told me it was time for me to go. That was okay, I knew that it wouldn't be long until kindergarten was done for the day. And I really did have some cleaning to catch up on!

Courtney wasn't sure what to make of everyone but her having a classroom, so we stopped at the school playground for half a minute and let her play. Then it turned out that the library was open enough we could sit and read a book, so we did that, then headed home. Goodness it was so much fun cleaning our kitchen floor with her turning me into a pumpkin and back into a Mom every few seconds. We truly rolled on the floor with laughter...I was glad I had cleaned it. Then after playing while we worked, it was already time to get Analise.

So, off we went. Analise was happy to see us so she could give her teacher "5" and say goodbye. We made sure to get a picture of her with her teacher, Mrs. Montes. On the way walking home to the house, we spotted a little kitten by the brick wall that lines the street. The scared little kitten gave us a bit of a run, but we caught it and went to see if the house by where we found it knew the owner, or was the owner. They had no idea where it could have come from, as both of their neighbors only owned dogs, and they didn't own any animals.

So, we figured with coyotes running the streets at nights from time to time, the only chance this little guy had was for us to take it home and call a rescue place, or some friends that own cats and might know what to do.

Well, the contractor was back to texture and paint the patch left from removing the beehive. So, I told him the story and asked him and the 2 guys that he brought with him to do the work, if any of them wanted a little kitten, or knew someone who did.

It turns out that the contractor had been thinking of getting one, since their cat was getting old. Also, his mother runs a cat rescue shelter, so he knew just what to do to take care of the little guy. And he had a dream last night about a little kitten, and could he see the kitten?

So, I pulled the kitten out of our stroller and showed him...turns out it looks just like the kitten from his dream. He said that it must have been meant to be...I agreed and when he left he took the kitten with him. All I can say is I love that things worked out so well, and I find this more proof to me in my life that Heavenly Father watches out for even the littlest of his creations.

The girls hated to see it go, but since they already knew I was allergic then it wasn't too hard to get them to understand that it really was better for the kitten to go with "the guy that fixed our house". And they are now having fun playing "kitty-cat". Well, off to see what adventures my boys had at school today. Then I will come back and add in some of the pictures we took.

Funny things kids say...sometimes make sense.

Just yesterday, my little Courtney...who is the one who is in this fun stage of life...got so frustrated with being told that something would take just one minute. Well, she starts throwing herself on the ground, pouting and yelling, "I get up! I get up!". I knew what she meant but just couldn't help myself and said, "Well, go right ahead." Little Courtney looked at me with a furrowed brow, and sheer determination and said very slowly...so that I could get it right this time, "I GIVE up, Mommy!"

But this got me to thinking, how often to we think we are saying that we are giving up...when it seems to everyone else that we are "getting" up. And when we feel like giving up, what we really need to be able to do is just get up and keep moving.

This moment reminded me of a few months back when I was at the park with the kids for a picnic. We had just finished eating and they were headed to play when Courtney walks right up to a man by the playground and says boldly, "My Mom says your dangerous!" And waited wide-eyed for his response. I turned red-faced and about killed over, not knowing whether to laugh, be proud of her, or hide myself in embarrassment.

He looked over at me and I quickly said, "I really didn't, but I have told her not to talk to strangers because they can be dangerous." He being a father himself was soon joking with me and his wife about this, calling himself "Mr. Dangerous". And Courtney went off to play. But it truly clued me in to how well our Stranger Danger lessons were going. Apparently she knows they are "dangerous" but isn't worried about going right up and telling them they are!

And then there was a few weeks ago, when I was generous and let each of the kids pick on of the candies next to the check out. She quickly picked a pack of Skittles, then promptly asked me if she could have another one for potty treats. I told her no...she knows how to do that without them, but I might let her have them for treats if she gets her poop in the potty. Well, she got the funniest look on her face and said, "No Mom, they don't match!" and started looking at the candy again. I thought, "WHAT???!" But then she stood up and flashed me her enormous smile, and says, "Mommy, these ones match!!" And is holding up a package of the new chocolate Skittles. I had a hard time not cracking up right there in the store, but to my little girl this made sense.

I sure do love that smile of hers! And she gives it so freely! The other day we were making our monthly grocery trip to Costco. We always stop and eat dinner there when we do. Well, we hadn't been sitting down long when I turned to look at Courtney just in time to see her go head first onto the concrete floor. Oh, she was NOT happy, and we were swarmed with Costco people trying to make sure she was okay, and find out if we needed an ambulance. (It is too bad that people are so sue happy now days!)

Well, she wasn't sure what to make out of so much attention, so she being the naturally happy person she is started smiling and hiding her face from them when they would catch her. I was simply amazed. But the second they left, she looks up at me with that same big smile and says, "Mommy, my head hurts, I want to cry!" I told her to go right ahead and let all the tears out and I would just keep hugging her. This got the biggest smile yet, followed by the flood that was truly needed. Bless her brave little heart.

Wow...the options have grown!!

Hi all, in the process of blog hopping I found a link to a website that gives us "laymen" the know-how so that we can create our own background for a blog! (THANKS AIMEE!!)

So, my new blog, now has a new background!! YAY!! This one is all of my own creating. The only things I used that weren't mine was the textures for both the white and the blue, and the bow is also a CU bow. Those three I got from the So You Think You Can Design Contest at ScrapOrchard as a consolation prize for not making itto the final round.

It was fine to not have made it...I have some growing to do before I am ready for that kind of exposure to digi-scrapping customers. However, for any that beg to differ...you can check out my growth in this field at my scrapping blog, or in my store at DigiScrapStation. Links are in the sidebar along with the site for the backgrounds. I also have been guest designing at Benevolent Boutique for their charity collaboration kits.

A New Start...A New Name...But Still Me!

Well, my private personal blog hasn't worked out to well. And after some pondering and thinking about what I should do about it. I came up with that it was time to close it, and open up this one that is a public accessible one. So, those of you that know our last name and where we live...please be careful not to use them in any comments.

This blog is in celebration of life's events, and the place that hopefully they will bring us all back to. It is dedicated to finding the true lessons in each moment that we are here to learn and grow from! And above all else it comes from my heart, and my desire to truly seek to live the life that our Heavenly Father, and our Savior, Jesus Christ have taught me how to live. And continue to do so, as I turn to them in prayer, with faith.