100 Things to do in your life

To participate, just copy and paste the list in your own blog, and color all of the things YOU have done - use any color you want. Things you haven't done will be in black. Have fun and if you have your own blog you might want to post your results there for the rest of us to see. I was suprised by how much I have been blessed enough to do!

I HAVE...
1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower ( didn't see much though)
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world (both:)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped ( never and proud of it)
12. Visited Paris(greatest trip ever)
13. Watched lightning at sea( from an airplane it was cool and terrifying)
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning ( still have a hard time with dominoes and applebees)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables (we had a wonderful garden this year)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France (it was so small)
20. Slept on an overnight train( from Switzerland to Austria it wasn't technically through the night but I did fall asleep)
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked ( umm no)
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (TMI)
27. Run a Marathon ( maybe someday)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice ( does the one in Vegas count?)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (really neat to watch while in a plane)
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors (half of my line)
35. Seen an Amish community( we drove by it though)
36. Taught myself a new language (does counting in other languages count?)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (is there such an amount?)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (yes but never actually went down the rock)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted ( I did have it drawn though)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris( It was so breezy that day that the whole thing was swaying)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling( my sister and I both got stung by jelly fishes, and no we did not pee on ourselves to take the sting away!)
52. Kissed in the rain(shower)
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in( we love going)
55. Been in a movie( have been on the news and tv a couple times!)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen( we did meals on wheels)
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching ( we went on our honeymoon)
63. Got flowers for no reason (once upon a time...)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp(one of the most sacred things I've ever done)
67. Bounced a check (oops!)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy( and a few of my siblings too!)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt( only helping someone else)
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London( very cool)
77. Broken a bone( seriously my toes must hate me)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle( hated every minute of it)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper( my sons picture was with my quote)
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating( a fish once and could never do it again)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (5 of them)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Ridden an elephant ( almost but the line was to long)

ARCTIC BLAST!

This is the official title of our storm out here. i still can hardly believe that we are getting snow let alone a lot of it! We rarely get snow out here so this has been a treat. so here are some pics of Addalyn's party and some of our snow fun. Hopefully ya'll have been following my sisters blog and know about our hopeful Christmas miracle. Please keep the prayers coming.

My baby turns 1!

Yesterday was my sweet Addalyn's 1st birthday. I can hardly believe how far we have come since first finding out I was pregnant with her. We were living in NC and had no idea where are lives would take us from that point. All I knew was that I wanted and loved the precious baby that grew inside me. Even when I was so sick and we believed on several occasions that we might never get to see her in this life I knew that she was meant to be apart of our family. I truly believe that the Lord was gently reminding me of how precious life is and no matter how many times you do something it does not guarantee that the results will be the same, seriously who knew you could get sent home from an induction, truly our Heavenly Father's love is about the only thing that can be guaranteed and when we do what is asked of us his blessings to us are also guaranteed, although they might not always be what we were expecting. The experiences that I have learned since becoming pregnant with Addalyn have altered my life forever.

My crazy elves!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A time to give

We had a great Thanksgiving last week. This year was the first year I hosted it for my family and I think it went over well. Jason and I shopped the next morning and had a great time spending the insanity together. The kids stayed at my mom's house so they were spared the 4AM wake up call! Poor Addalyn looked at me like I was insane as I woke her up. Anyway the weekend was fun and we decorated the tree.
I am trying really hard to enjoy this year with my kids. Since Avarie got sick it has been so hard to see an importance in a lot of the things that I used to really enjoy. Avarie had chemo yesterday and we are waiting on the results of the bone marrow test today. My heart ,this season, is so full of empathy for all those families that are having to endure similar experiences to my sister and our family. I do want to express my thankfulness for all of our many blessings though. My family has had the privilege of seeing some of the greatest generosity and thoughtfulness of so many that it is impossible to not see our Heavenly Fathers hands at work though others. I truly hope that we are all able to see the miracles at work all around us. I know that never before in my life have I felt the true meaning of Christmas the way that I am feeling it this year. I hope that others out there are touched by our sweet Avarie and think to reach out to others in need this year. On a lighter note I hope that everyone takes the time to send letters to Santa this year at Macy's. They are donating $1 to make a wish for each letter. Also this Thurs, Fri, and Sat. in Sellwood, OR a store called Real Deals is donating a portion of all sales to help Avarie. I heard that AM Northwest might be there doing a story on it also. Thanks again to all those that continue to remember Avarie and our family in your prayers.

Twilight at midnight!

On Thursday my mom came and babysat so Jason and I could go to the midnight showing of Twilight. I then went again today with my mom and sisters. i loved it but mainly because I was able to use my memories of the book to fill in the parts from the movie that needed some help. I have heard many differing reviews and I mostly agree with all of them but really the books were good enough that the movie for me didn't have to be equal I just enjoyed revisiting the story. I knew that with the length of the movie and small budget it wouldn't have all that was necessary to make it as good as I hope the next ones will be. I know that we could pick it apart but after all is said and done there is something to be said about simply just wanting to like it and really I didn't expect that it would be as deep as the book but I really didn't need it to be I just wanted to like it flaws and all. The movie just made me happy I had read the books so I could greater appreciate the complete story, I had to explain missing parts to Jason. On another more important note Avarie has been making huge improvements and truly all so thankful for the good news. I was able to go spend time with her on Friday and I truly cherished my time with her. I know Jenell has been trying to upload some film footage of her from today. Hopefully it will be up by tomorrow I long to see her smile and apparently today for the first time in more than a month she did just that. I can't express how much her parents needed that, they needed the expression of hope to refill their hearts and minds with the sweet baby girl that they had been missing these last several weeks. I pray that next week we will get some more great news but for now the smile is the miracle we all needed to renew our spirits.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Okay so I'm a little late, her birthday was on Saturday, but I did want to let everyone know a little about the women I call mom. Violet May Foushee is the most caring loving person I know. My mom has always tried to be there for all of us kids and now tries to be close to all 30 grand kids. She was the kind of mom that you could tell just about anything to, She would let us stay home with her when we were having one of those days ,and she always went out of her way to show us her love for us. I cannot express how much I admire her. When I was growing up I often thought I'd be something important like a lawyer or Senator but when I watched my mom I knew that there was no greater position in life then to be a mom. She has always been the kind of mom I hoped to be and know that I am the person I am because of her. I have always loved writing poems for her but found this one and thought it was a good fit.


I learned about love from you,
Watching your caring ways.
I learned about joy from you
In fun-filled yesterdays.

From you I learned forgiving
Of faults both big and small.
I learned what I know about living
From you, as you gave life your all.

The example you set is still with me
I'd never want any other.
I'm thankful for all that you taught me,
And I'm blessed to call you "Mother."

By Joanna Fuchs

What board game are you?

You Are Scrabble

You are incredibly clever and witty. You can talk your way out of (and into) situations easily. You are an excellent decision maker. You are good at weighing the options in front of you. You're the type of person who can make something out of nothing. You are very resourceful. You know a lot of things. Most importantly, you know when people are wrong - even when they won't admit it.

What Board Game Are You?

The Infinite Power of Hope

When we're weighed down and are given to worry
We can lose focus and know not where to hurry
Oh, ye who are overburdened unto despair
Come, rest and sit beside me as I have much to share:

Just like this stool you sit on needs three legs to stand
We need three bright guideposts to be always at hand
Hope is the first, it is trust in God's goodness
When we lean unto Him, we hold to His good news

Hope arises out of gratitude and need for the atonement
Then faith in Jesus Christ our next post before us does glint
Hope is like a beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon
For when we awake unto Christ, He's a brilliant dawn to envision...

We see the path of hope step by step as we grow
And the things that we hope in sustain us as we go
So that when we're in darkness we are still upheld
Until we walk in the Light and find our hope has not failed

The things we hope in lead us unto charity
And with this third post we learn of Christ with clarity
As we put faith and hope into action and we move forward
We discover the joy of being Christ- like as we serve outward

From life experience, I testify this is true
I have been a refugee and felt discouragement, too
It is through our membership we find brightened hope,
And strengthened faith, then charity to help us to cope



President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The Infinite Power of Hope
Ensign, November 2008

some good days

Is anyone else freaking out that November is nearly half way over? Twilight comes out next week! I am excited to see it and am still trying to figure out whether I'll be able to go to the midnight showing or not. I tried to win tickets to the sneak preview last week, but that was hopeless. Mark my words people will be blown away by the amount of money this movie is going to make. I think that it will make the 150 million mark no problem, it has to in order for them to get the go ahead for the sequel. I read today that "Edward" was going to make an appearance at a mall in CA and they were expecting about 500 people to attend and they had to cancel the whole thing once at least 5,000 people showed up!
Well Avarie has had two good days now and I am so grateful for all you out there that continue to have our family in your thoughts and prayers. Please keep the comments to Jenell and Craig on Avarie's blog coming, even if you don't know them they look so forward to hearing from people that have been touched by their daughter's story. Please feel free to send Avarie's link to all you know. I believe that we are meant to learn through others experiences and their story has the potential to touch so many and it brings such comfort to her parents when they hear from people that have been touched by their trials. I have faith that those that follow this story will be witness to many tests of faith and miracles.

Treat, sweet and new baby feet!

Halloween was great the kids had fun running through the neighborhood. Michelle, Adam, and Hudson came as well as Addisen and Carter. Brandon and Becky and their kids came later but Becky was having lots of contractions and so they left soon after. I'll post pics of all the kids later but can't find my cords right now. Saturday was the big garage sale for Avarie. It went really well and it was so worth the effort. I can honestly say that we all were blown away at the generosity of people. Everyone had sweet Avarie on there mind and I will never forget the gratitude I have for all those that helped. Please I ask anyone that reads my post to please take the time to read her post. I can't really bring myself to give a complete update right now. Unfortunately Jenell and Craig are still in the refiners fire. But please remember them all in your prayers. I believe that faith can move mountains and the more prayers the better.
The Foushee's have now entered the 30's. Grandchild number 30 was born at 5:30pm on Saturday. Grant Samuel Foushee' weighed 6lbs 7oz. He is so cute and perfect! Congrats to Brandon and Becky on their sixth child:)Hope to be there someday!

Saying Hi!

For Jenell

The following story is a great example of how the Lord teaches and molds us through life's trials.

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." (Malachi 3:3) This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week this woman called up a silver smith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silver smith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot--then she thought again about the verse, that he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.

She asked the silver smith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silver smith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy--when I see my reflection in it."

Author unknow

Benefit for Avarie

Click on the scrapblog link on the post below which will then bring you to the home page you can then view it as a full page. Please anyone that can help out or come we would be so grateful.

Pumpkin Patch Fun

Pumpkin Picking

Bored

A decade of marriage!

Today is our 10th anniversary. It seems so odd to think that it has been that long but my memories before my marriage are beginning to be less clear so you know it has been awhile. This year funds are nonexistent so besides making homemade pizzas tonight with the kids and maybe going to the pumpkin patch that is how we are spending our anniversary. So I decided to relive some of my favorite romantic times with my Sweetheart.

1. Jason blindfolded me and took me to the Portland Art Museum to see my favorite painter ,Monet, on exhibit. That is where he proposed!

2.All of our babies births. Jason loves that first night as much as I do. Babies bring out some of the best of him. He completely pampers me for at least a week.

3. For our 3rd anniversary he went shopping a few days before with my younger sister, I did not know, and she helped him pick out a few outfits for me! He then surprised me on the big day and brought them out and told me to get dressed and ready to go out!

4. One of my favorite dates before we got married was he came and picked me up from work with a dozen roses and took me to the rerelease of Gone with the wind, my favorite movie!

5. Jason has several times faked that we were going to run errands when he then drops me off at a day spa!

6. For my 19th birthday he surprised me with and took me and my parents to a dinner theater.

7. On valentines day this year he made me think we were going to my parents to fax papers when he surprised me and dropped the kids off and took me to lunch and shopping!

8. When I was pregnant with Payten he spent months getting gift certificates for Babies R us and surprised me with a card at my baby shower.

9. He is the one that had the idea for me to go to Time Out for women in Raleigh, I had such bad morning sickness but he thought that it was important that I went, he bought me the electric bracelet before hand and all my snacks. He then cleaned the whole house while I was gone( trust me I had been so sick it was a big job) and took great care of the kids!

10. He loves me and tells me so everyday. No matter how much weight I have gained or how how hideous I look sometimes, he always tells me that I am beautiful.

I love you Jason and as I wrote to you 7yrs ago after you got a bad grade in A and P " I will love you no matter where we live, what you do for a living, I will support you through it all." Of course I had no idea of the journey's we would have to go through to be where we are. I would change none of it because through every experience we have been through we have grown together and become stronger. So, 10yrs down an eternity ahead!

Life continues

Well soccer season is done and with that three to four trips a week to the soccer field goes with it. It seems like this last week was on stand still. I was so engrossed with news from the hospital that I can't believe this week is over. I truly am still living in a bit of a dream like state but life seems to always continue around you even when it is hard to make it through another day. I went and spent time at the hospital today and it was so great. Avarie was doing so good today! She was so excited to see Brooklyn they sat on her bed (Avarie still can't walk yet) and got their fingernails painted and played barbies. Jenell was so excited and even her nurse came in and couldn't believe it she has been so unhappy and showed little interest in much until today. I can not express how much that did for my heart I had to contain my tears because it was the most heartwarming scene watching the two girls play together like always. I even got to sit with her and soak in the moment more as I cuddled her(until I sat on one of her wires and made a machine start beeping). Tomorrow we will have a day of fasting and a lot of praying, so far we have contacted everyone I know to join in on the fast or at least the prayers. I am so touched by the outpouring of support for our family. Hopefully Avarie will have her pain lessoned so she can come home tomorrow. I truly do believe in the power of prayers and have so much faith that this will help. So again thank you to everyone and keep up the prayers:)

We need your Prayers

Avarie started chemo last night. It was extremely hard to concentrate on sleep while knowing what was going on. I still feel like I'm living on auto-pilot. Anytime I forget for a second about what my sister and her family are going through or have to endure I almost immediately am reminded of something that triggers my mind and once again I am swallowed back into our reality. It was especially hard when I had Addisen and Carter stay the night on Monday and could not shake the absence of their sweet sister. Brooklyn kept getting mad that she had no one to play with. Brooklyn and Avarie are so close. They have always been so similar in so many ways that it is almost impossible for me to see Brooklyn now and not think of Avarie. In some ways that has helped me. I know that it seems almost selfish of me to go on about my grief when I am not the mom but Jenell and I are so close that it is impossible for me to seperate my feelings from hers. I truly love each one of my neices and nephews so much, being an Aunt for me has always been a verb to me. I truly hope that everyone who reads this will please keep Avarie and her family in your prayers. I have no doubt that prayers heal. This Sunday is fast Sunday in our church please join our family in fasting and praying. Even if you don't go to our church please consider attending some church this Sunday. You might just find what you've been missing.

Leukemia

I just got word that the our sweet Avarie has leukemia. I can't really express my truest sorrow of this but I just wanted to let you all know a story Jenell shared with me this morning. Her and Avarie caught some of conference yesterday and as Jenell lay beside her sweet daughter Avarie turned to her and asked if the prophet would ask Heavenly Father to make her better because she was tired of being sick. Jenell told her she was sure he would mention to bless the kids who were sick. After a little while of listening to one of the speakers, Avarie not realizing it wasn't the prophet asked why the prophet hadn't said "please make Avarie not sick" Jenell told her that the prophet hadn't spoke yet but not to worry. One more quick story to share is that when they were giving Avarie an ultrasoud the other day she was having a hard time holding still and began pleading with her mom to sing the primary song "I love to see the temple"so Jenell looked at the technician and explained that she would then began singing her daughters fav. church song(so she wouldn't completely weird her out) so sweet Avarie held still as her mom sang the these words

1. I love to see the temple.
I’m going there someday
To feel the Holy Spirit,
To listen and to pray.
For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty.
I’ll prepare myself while I am young;
This is my sacred duty.

2. I love to see the temple.
I’ll go inside someday.
I’ll cov’nant with my Father;
I’ll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God, I’ve learned this truth:
A fam’ly is forever.

where much is expected much is given

I write with heavy heart but not with little faith. My barely 4yr old niece has been battling what we thought was arthritis but what now is thought to be leukemia or lymphoma. We went to see her in the hospital yesterday, she has been there since Friday, She was in so much pain I struggle with the words to adequately describe how my heart ached as I looked upon my sweet Avarie and saw her crumbled up in pain. She will have her bone marrow tested today or tomorrow, so until the results come in we wait. Jenell is holding up well but I fear that the toll of this will become evident soon. It has been hard on her being away from her other kids especially her baby. General Conference has never meant more to me nor have I ever I feel needed it more. There were so many wonderful words expressed. How truly blessed are we that have the gospel in our lives to help us through times of trial. I rely so heavily on my faith in my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that at times like this it is what brings me comfort. I'm not sure how others make it through without turning to them. I by nature research things when I do not understand something so here are a few things that I have found that have brought me comfort.

When Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail, he cried to the Lord for comfort, and the Lord gave it to him. He said that “if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” (D&C 122:7.)

Such trials give us the development of spirituality that we probably never would get if we didn’t have the experience where the very jaws of hell gape open their mouth wide after us. Not only must we survive, but we must develop the ability to have a concern for others while we are suffering. It is a key element in our spiritual growth. As we lose our lives in the service of our fellowmen, we find ourselves.

Jesus gave us the perfect example at Gethsemane when he forgave his Apostles who slept while he bled at every pore for all our sins. He only asked, “Could ye not watch with me one hour?” (Matt. 26:40.) Suffering is universal; how we react to suffering is individual. Suffering can take us one of two ways. It can be a strengthening and purifying experience combined with faith, or it can be a destructive force in our lives if we do not have the faith in the Lord’s atoning sacrifice. The purpose of suffering, however, is to build and strengthen us. We learn obedience by the things we suffer.

I truly hope that each one of us does not waste the precious time we are given on this Earth in things that do not and will not matter once we pass on. We each are given the opportunity to come here and have the freedom to live our lives according to our will but what a waste if we do not strive to make our life full of things of purpose. We have but little time to spare doing things that are not of eternal importance. I cannot waste the lesson this experience with Avarie has already taught me I will not allow here suffering to be invane. Please remember her and her family in your prayers. I will keep you all posted of her condition.

what a wonderful world

I realized after looking back at my last post that I was feeling overwhelmed but truly everything is actually going amazingly well. The kids are doing great at home and in their classes and are making friends. I am feeling really great about life right now. Jason is also doing well and spent the weekend giving IVs to a banana! I want to comment on the state of our world right now but I'll save that for another one. I just wanted to post some pics of the kids on their first day of classes and some of Jackson's soccer practice yesterday, which by the way was such an awesome warm day! Sadly though summer is over and the weather will be turning soon. Anyway conference is this weekend and I am very looking forward to feeling renewed and listening to the prophet.

Busy Times

Just thought I'd check in and let everyone know that I'm here but I am really busy with school and life. The kids and Jason start classes on Monday so really my life is about to get even more crazy. I remember when I graduated from high school I had the thought that unless I go to college the stress of all that was over but I swear it is like my life is reverting back to that time in my life. I didn't always apply myself in high school and I used to be such a procrastinator not necessarily by choice but by default. When it comes to my kids though I really want the best for them and want to give them every advantage which I believe for them is to be homeschooled but I have to keep on top of myself so much, I'm sure that is the reason more of you don't go this route. I am extremely excited about their classes! Payten has an American Girl class on Monday's and a History/an intense writting/math/ art class all day Tues. and Thurs, Jackson and Brooklyn have a math class on Monday's and Jackson has a class like Payten's on Tues. and Thurs. Brooklyn then has a Kindergarten class on Wed. and then the girls have Ballet on Fridays. Oh ya Jackson and Payten have a skills class on Friday's also, not to mention Payten and I have achievement day's everyother wednesday and jackson still has soccer three times a week. I think if I didn't homeschool I'd never see my kids! . Anyway I am getting very excited about the political debates coming up for those that don't know Oct. 2 is the VP debate. I'm sorry but come on Joe Biden???

Out of the mouth of babes

The kids were tagged by Kaylee and Nikayla Lippy so here are their responses

and no I did not bribe them nor did I beat them!

1.What is something mom always says to you?
Payten: Do your school work
Jackson: Do your math
Brooklyn: go do your laundry

2. What makes mom happy?
Payten: when we listen to you
Jackson: when I do my school work
Brooklyn: When I love you

3. What makes mom sad?
Payten: When we yell at you
Jackson: When I don’t listen
Brooklyn: When I hit you

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Payten: When you act like Jackson!
Jackson: when you tickle me too much!
Brooklyn: When you make funny faces!

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Payten: Always happy
Jackson: you played Nintendo
Brooklyn: you had light hair

6. How old is your mom?
Payten and Jackson: 28
Brooklyn:21?

7.How tall is your mom?
Payten:5’2
Jackson:5’2
Brooklyn:11

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Payten: spend time w/ our family
Jackson: Have fun w/ our family
Brooklyn: read scriptures

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Payten: watch movies
Jackson: talk on the phone
Brooklyn: clean up with Daddy and watch movies with him

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Payten and Jackson: singing
Brooklyn: Dancing and music

11. What is your mom really good at?
Payten: cleaning and taking care of our family
Jackson: reading, writing, and math
Brooklyn: cleaning and laundry

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Payten: I don’t know?
Jackson: your not good at climbing trees anymore
Brooklyn: nothing you’re perfect mommy!

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Payten: takes care of our family
Jackson: helps Daddy with his homework
Brooklyn: she very, very, very takes care of the family( she insisted that there were 3 very’s)

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Payten: lasagna
Jackson: taco casserole
Brooklyn: cake

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Payten: When you help us out
Jackson: Always helping us
Brooklyn: Because I love her soooo much

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Payten: Sleeping Beauty’s Mom
Jackson: Your not a princess your more like a queen
Brooklyn: Sleeping Beauty

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Payten: we go to Achievement Days
Jackson: go fun places
Brooklyn: We go to restaurants

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Payten: we both like going shopping
Jackson: we both like video games
Brooklyn: we both like pink

19. How are you and your mom different?
Payten: I have dark hair
Jackson: you make some gross dinners
Brooklyn: you have green eyes I have brown

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Payten: all you do for us
Jackson: because I love you
Brooklyn: you love me very much because

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Payten: the way he laughs and talks
Jackson: you just love him
Brooklyn: he helps you clean and do the laundry

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Payten: Target
Jackson: the mall
Brooklyn: taco bell

We now tag Addisen, Carter and Avarie

Happy birthday babe!

Today is Jason's 31 birthday! He has to go to the second part of his all day nursing orientation.
I decided for his birthday I would write 31 things you may know or not know about him.

1. He weighed 8lbs 7 oz
2. He was born in Kennewick, WA
3. His older brother Kris and him are 22 months apart.
4. He had surgery at a few weeks old because of a condition called pyloric stenosis.
5. Once he was so sick and had such a high fever his mom laid him naked in the snow(and swears he was the healthiest child from then on)
6. He is allergic to dust, pollen, grass and most other things in the air.
7. He tried to burn his school down( he says he was just playing with matches) when he was 7, the FBI interviewed him!
8. He told his mom he wanted 10 kids when he grew up!
9. He shares a birthday with his youngest sister Tara( Sweet 16 for her today!)
10.He loves all music
11. He has OCD!
12.He loves to wake up at 3AM on Christmas!
13.He could go to Disneland or world every year and never tire!
14.He loves dollar coins and believes they will be worth money in the future ,so if they are we will be millionaires!
15. He loves cologne.
16. He hates sour cream, mayonnaise, and does not drink milk.
17. He loves spaghetti!
18.He can and does put most things on his ice cream sundaes.
19. Mint chocolate chip is his favorite flavor
20. He likes sushi
21. His favorite show is Monk
22. His favorite show of all time is Highway to Heaven.
23. He does not like to dance
24. He wears a size 11 in shoes
25. He always has a pocketful of change.
26. He worked in plumbing for 4 years
27. He hates camping (though I'm working on this with him)
28. He has nice handwriting
29. He loves the Lord of the Rings trilogy
30. He is the most caring person I know(which is why he is a great nurse)
31. He is the best Husband, father and nurse in the world!

All these things have helped make him the person he is and I'm so glad he's all mine!
I love you and hope that you have a wonderful birthday.

Tall and Spacious building come to mind

I thought I'd chime in on the latest political stuff from this last week. Ok, am I the only one that sees Obama for what he is? Is he not the popular 8th grader running for class president that promises things will be different if he's elected because he's going to give more recess's and pizza everyday for lunch! I mean come on, he has No experience running anything. Unfortunately so many Americans fall for his over the top shenanigans but please friends don't be mislead by the hype. Just because Britney Spear's set designer designed him a big fancy set does not mean he is qualified to be president. If you truly checkout Obama's record on issues it will make your blood run cold he is sooo extremely liberal. I do not trust him whatsoever and do not think he is anymore genuine then any other hollywood actor. As far as McCain he has never been my favorite but I do think that he tries to do his best and doesn't have to stroke his own ego all the time, picture Biden or Obama. I do really like Palin and think she is pretty great but do feel sorry for her kids. I am one of those that puts a babies life as my litmus test for all candidates so it is with out question who has my vote but it just amazes me as I watch TV that so many people truly know nothing about Obama but are willing to trust him with the presidency anyway. I don't think it will matter in the end if you are liberal or conservative there will be only one clear choice when you look at things like ethics, honesty, and experience. Well glad I got that off my mind. By the way Everyone should know that if you go to Settings on your blog you can make it so your blog is private unless someone knows your blogs name that way your blog won't come up if goggled.Feel free to leave your opinion about politics even if they differ from mine. I never mind a good debate:)

Creep'in and a Crawl'in

Sunday we stayed home from church because all of the kids were sick, at least we were getting it over all at once:) After the babies first nap I came downstairs and set her on the ground then all of a sudden there she went. All of her firsts have been on Sunday, even her birth! My sweet Addalyn is officially a crawler. I have no idea why my yellow wall looks pink!

Berry pick'in

Friday we went blackberry picking with my brother Brandon his wife Becky and their almost six kids! Jason had to work so he missed out on the fun.We decided to take a hike first and then got down to business. Only those that live in the NW can truly take for granted the abundance and often irritation of this berry. They grow like weeds here! Anyhow, the kids had a blast and it is nice to pick them for free. I should have taken a picture of of the kids hands and shirts but those that have kids or have been berry picking can imagine I'm sure. We ended up with three containers full. I had to quit because my baby is getting heavy and after more then an hour my back was about to break!

Good Find

Just thought I'd post and let you all know that Target has some new fun things in their $1.00 bins that might be cute for your kids Christmas stockings. They have Spiderman and Batman everything from socks to school stuff, Hello kitty jewelry and accessories , lava lamp night lights, bracelet making kits and baby stuff. Anyway I need to go back I was very excited. Christmas will be tight so finding good deals now will really help. Anyone that doesn't already know Morgan, our niece, has started a blog. I have her linked to mine. I am very excited that we will be able to include her in this blogging world. Ugh, someone knocked something over so I better go see what's up. If anyone else finds good stuff or has good ideas for Christmas please post them to me.

Frogs, Hiking and Teeth oh my

So I think we might be being infested by frogs. I have found two in my home in the last two days. I am not scared of frogs but when you see something out the corner of your eye crawling up your wall and it is at least three inches long you can't help but freak. Tomorrow is Jason's last test and then he is officially in the RN program! He received a B+ in Sociology and at least a B in math. I am sooo proud of him! This last weekend we were over 100 degrees and so we are very much enjoying the cool down lately we've only been about 70 and overcast yesterday ,today and tomorrow. It is beginning to feel like fall. Fall is my favorite time of year but I am always sad to end summer. Yesterday we went on a hike which was perfect ,other then Payten almost breaking her finger. I think Jason is finally starting to enjoy the outdoors a little more. We are so lucky to live so close to some of the best hiking in the nation so I am so excited that we might finally be able to take advantage of that. The kids had so much fun and it is always fun to see it through their eyes. The baby is moving all over all though she still hasn't figured out how to crawl forward. I am so fine with that though because I am not quite ready to have her completely mobile. I can't believe she is 8 months already. Her top teeth are almost visible when she smiles. Jackson lost his first front tooth on Friday. He stayed up until a little after 11pm tugging it out. The tooth fairy doesn't come that late in our home so she(he) came the next night. He looks so different with it gone. Anyway I'll post pics later.

Breaking Dawn

So I finished Breaking Dawn yesterday morning, ya I started after dinner on wed. I was not disappointed! I love me a happy ending and everything got neatly tied in a bow which might bother some but not me. I am so glad that I waited to read them until they were all out, it would have tormented me. I loved all the books the same because to me they each supported the other so I think of them as one big story instead of four books. I enjoyed that they were able to have a baby and everything that ensued because of that choice. I am being a little sketchy because I know not everyone has finished yet. I am still going over the story in my head and still feel connected to it. So i am in need of discussing it with others. Please people write me your thoughts I am not wanting to let it out of my system yet. I still want to dwell on Bella and Edward and "their lives". So please share your thoughts!

Team Edward!

I had my ten year high school reunion this weekend. It is always strange to remember my previous life. I won three awards which was slightly embarrassing, longest married, most kids and high school sweethearts. We did get some great gifts though! on to more important matters on Friday evening I broke down and began the Twilight serious and even though i read none on Sunday and only a little Saturday i am ready for the fourth book! I have been sucked in or bitten as I heard someone mention. I don't get Breaking Dawn until tomorrow so that is why I have free time right now. I won't discuss to much until I finish the last one. But just for the record of where I stand there is no team Jacob to me. I have heard arguments to the contrary but I do not think that Bella truly loves Jacob more then a brotherly love and if they had more time before Edward I do not think they would of ended up together. I think she only confused her "love " and concern for him with love love:) when I was young I thought i loved others but ended up realizing that it was just infatuation with them especially after experiencing the real thing. Well i have to wait till later to say more.

Pearls of wisdom

I had this sent to me and wanted to pass it along.

The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting
with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening
white pearls in a pink foil box.

"Oh mommy please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?"

Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked
back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.

"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll
think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money
to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might
get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17
pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went
to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten
cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at
last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She
wore them everywhere, Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only
time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath.
Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed,
he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story.
One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, daddy. You know that I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh, daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from
my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, daddy? The one you
gave me. She's my very favorite."

"That's okay, Honey, daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek
with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do
you love me?"

"Daddy, you know I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one
I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket
that matches her sleeper."

"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you."

And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed
with her legs crossed Indian style.

As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear
rolled down her cheek.

"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"

Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And
when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little
quiver, she finally said, "Here, daddy; this is for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's daddy reached out with one
hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached
into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine
pearls and gave them to Jenny.

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the
dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure. So it is, with
our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in
our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures.

Are you holding onto things that Heavenly Father wants you to let go
of? Are you holding on to harmful relationships, habits and activities that you have come so attached to that it seems impossible to let go? Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other
hand but do believe this one thing

Our Heavenly Father will never take away something without giving you something better in
its place.

We get blessings for this right?

so today was like any typical Sunday when Jason works. we watched church videos and got ready then headed to church at 12:30 which for some reason I always try to do but normally I always get there with like 5 minutes to spare, not today. we actually got there 25 minutes early. Once I got everyone to sit and gave them there coloring supplies I was feeling pretty good. Then Harrison wanted Brooklyn's crayon so he took her toy so she climbed on him. I broke that up but Harrison was still being a turkey. Brooklyn then grabbed her coloring book which hit Payten in the eye. Jackson was starving and laid sprawled out on the bench, When I was dealing with the baby Harrison decided the top of the hymn book needed some pink highlights,ugh! After that we had the sacrament which is normally fine but today Harrison grabbed a handful of bread, I swatted his hand away and decided to give him none after that which of course meant that he would cry about getting none. The YM lined up by us to take the bread back and what do you know, but a a piece of bread drops on the ground. I took that as some kind of sign so i let Harrison clean it up. Some how while sitting between my four kids( I was nursing the baby on my lap) I took a breath and was able to enjoy the spirit for a fleeting moment. Afterwards I had a few people come up and tell me how well behaved my kids are! The newly called 2nd counselor even came up and wanted advice on how I managed because his wife was trying to adjust to him being on the stand, and they only have 3. I told him the truth I spend the next two hours after sacrament unwinding from the last hour. I then went and visited with his wife in the mother's room ,AKA my reprieve, we laughed about who's kids were worst in church , I told her what Harrison had done she said her son once ripped the hymn book up right in front of the chorister! She then said that last week her son had a pen and drew on an old man's suit who sat in front of them, the poor man had know idea and she debated where she should even tap him on the shoulder and tell him! I love talking to other moms it always makes you realize that we are all in this madness called parenting together. I ended up teaching Jackson's class when his teacher didn't show. I'll have to save the description of that class for later let me just say one girl is so hyper she practically seizes.. oh well at least I made it through another Sunday and got to take the sacrament I promise you that becomes such an accomplishment on days like today. However insane my Sundays can be I make it through because I truly know that there is no better place I can be with my kids. They won't remember the insanity they'll just know that they went to church every week and to me that is makes it all worth it.

The meaning of "things"

I have been trying to find something to blog about this week. Every time I went to post my mind literally was blank. So I just decided to start typing and see where it leads me. We have been cleaning and organizing this week which I am so happy about. It is amazing how organizing can make life feel so good. I have started working on my kids Christmas list. This year will be TIGHT so I am trying to get a good head start on sales. Each child will get a big gift(around $30) and a couple small gifts. My friend does three gifts total for each of her kids(she is having her 8 and her oldest is 12) they represent that Jesus only got three . I am wanting to instill more of the true meaning of holidays into each of them. It can get tough when they know some kids that the toy store for each holiday, even St. Patricks day. Luckily most of my kids cousins are going to be having a similar Christmas. It is amazing how as a society we ingrain in our kids that receiving is of more value then all else. It kills me to he that the tooth fairy gave a child a few presents or more then some change. Sometimes I think parents get caught in the trap that gifts equate their love for their child. It is a trap that even I gets caught in. I do think that giving things shows affection but I don't think that the monetary value is what shows the affection. I have always been big on meaning in gifts although just getting what you want can be nice too. I love when my mom or grandma used to make us gifts. i can nearly recall every gift they made us from dolls to, decorations, clothes, photo albums and many other ones. I can remember how special they were just because of the time and loved put into them. I want to give more gifts like those and less "things" that are forgotten within the month. I of course am realistic enough to realize that kids love getting and playing with those"things" but I just want to take into account that because they're just things anyway why spend a lot on them. plus once you start spending a lot on gifts where do you go from there, especially with five kids. alright I'm done ranting on this one. Jason's working a double today and it's finally raining so we're taken it easy today. Oh ya Comcast finally picked up the cable box today. We have been receiving free cable for 3 weeks! My kids cried as they took it away. So now the true test goes into play. I was hoping to see Monk and Psych tonight, oh well we'll have to start using the computer. I promised my kids that now we'll play more games instead of watching tv and they quickly forgot about the loss of our channels which couldn't have made me feel any more prouder.

New and improved

How cute and professional am I! Jenell and I did it together on the phone and were going to keep it all a secret. She blabbed so if you also want fun new blog theme's and other fun stuff go to her blog she just posted about it. Today we went to our stake pioneer day activity. Other then it being hotter then I expected it was fun. I'll post more later and put pics on about it but am being rushed out the door by my fam.

odds and ends

I can hardly believe that summer is more than half way over. We still need to take our kids camping we have been promising them for like a year. We have been battling a nasty virus so we have been taken it easy this week. Just in case you are wondering I got an A on Jason's
paper! I was so elated, which I could tell made my husband happy since he still has two papers left! Dee moved in a week ago for those who didn't know Dee is my sister-in-law's best friend from BYU who has been living in OR for the last year, she's from TN, anyway she needed a place to stay for a few months. Long story short she's helping us out and we're helping her out for a while. this last weekend all the girls on my mom's side of the fam went to the beach for the annual girls beach trip. It was a lot of fun and was only the second time I have ever left Jason and the kids, last year I went to Raleigh with friends to Time out for Women. The kids had a blast going to the Battle Ground parade and carnival and to the park. Daddy even camped out downstairs with them both nights , which his hips paid for, sorry babe you're getting old! I even came home to dinner and a clean house! Maybe I will write some more of his papers. Anyway if you click on my sis Michelle's blog you can see pics since I left my camera there:( Life is good right now but I am starting to get antsy about the trials yet to come. I am trying to get back on a good schedule to better prepare myself for this next year. Which might be the greatest test of my tolerance yet. Hopefully my past lessons learned will help me through, who am I kidding I am counting on that!

The baby turns 25!

Happy birthday Airbear!
Tomorrow is my baby brother , and the youngest of the eight of us, 25 birthday. Although we can get into it at times we both can talk on the same level and get each others sense of humor. I saved my favorite memory of him for his birthday. When he was little my mom would literally have to restrain me from smothering him in kisses. So when I was in 1st grade we were told to bring in something special or our favorite thing. I knew right away what I'd bring, my 3 year old brother Aaron. I remember having to get permission from both my teacher and my mom. I don't think I knew when I thought of it that it was that special but after all the adults looked like they were going to cry and how cute it was and that it had never been done I began to realize that this show would probably be my best one yet! You have never seen a 6 year old more excited to present a show and tell. I can hardly believe that that was 22yrs ago! Well, have a great weekend and know that your big sis will always have your back and I might have some ladies up here that I could show and tell you to LOL! Love ya lots and am looking forward to some new fun topics like converting you from your liberal ways!

Happy Birthday Unkie!
love Payten, Jackson, Brooklyn, Harrison and Addalyn

Footprints in the sand

Once again my path has crossed a story that has caused me to reflect on life's precious joys. My sister Jenell got the link from her niece in Utah and she warned me of the sadness that it would bring but I had no choice I was drawn to the story and now I will share the link with you www.babymckallister.blogspot.com. I must tell you before hand it is about the death of a baby two days before his due date. But please don't let the shear heartbreak of this story stop you because the words written on the blog are so perfect and done so much out of love that I truly believe that the spirit guided every word. There is no words to express the sorrow this young couple must feel but their testimony and faith of the plan of salvation is truly an example to everyone that reads their story. Having an eternal family and perspective has never brought me to my knees quicker out of pure thankfulness for the opportunity we all have to be with our loved ones again. The temple covenants will never be seen as just a temperal step again how blessed we are to know that through those blessed promises we can see our loved ones again. I hope that everyone that reads the story will gain a better perspective of how much our Heavenly Father loves us by giving us the opportunity to be together again. And that we can all learn to recognize all the blessings we have around us and that this life is not the final destination. I know that I have held my kids a little tighter since reading it. I know we've all heard this poem but in this case it again brought me comfort because I am sure that there is only one set of footprints behind them.

Footprints

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.

---

Carolyn Carty, 1963

Memory blog

Do you remember the time....

I saw this on a blog that I stumbled across and thought it looked fun.

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. I think it will be pretty fun to see the responses.

I surrender

So the white flag is being flown on my blog. Wow, umm, where do I begin. well i stand by my earlier post but i think that people did not understand where it came from so everyone jumped to conclusions about why and who it was about. The fact is Everyone including myself is to blame, well no one is really at fault, I just was having a moment of frustration that stemmed from lots of places and it was about me transitioning from expectations and ideals about life that I am trying to make more realistic. I love and cherish my family if I didn't I would not care enough to feel hurt and frustrated sometimes. We are like many other families we don't always see eye to eye but we always make up quickly and rarely ever let things drag on. But unlike some we tend to be a little combative and shall we say bullheaded. we are not a quiet family and really I love that about us we have some of the best conversations but I think part of where I was coming from earlier was that we have all been quietly slipping into our own individual lives too much and I have seen from so many other families that once you go down that road you never really come back. I'm not exactly sure how the post got so far out of hand and when I mean out of hand I mean OUT OF HAND!!! I do want those that were most hurt to know that I truly am sorry it was not my intention, or have i ever intended, to make those i love feel as though they are not good enough or unappreciated in anyway. The fact of the matter is that sometimes i allow hurt feelings to build inside me and sometimes my cup runs over and now I have an outlet to release them a little. Ok so maybe they exploded out more then they should of but until recent events I thought only about four people were reading them anyway. I can't promise that everything I posts will always make people happy but i will never leave a vague post that my loved ones will have to wonder if it is about them. From now on I will name names and most likely I will name Aaron,LOL. I'm kidding about that but this has brought new clarity into my mind and with conflict can come change and in this case it has hopefully all been for the good. So I completely took that last line from the paper that I just wrote for Jason's sociology class let me tell you it was the hardest paper I have ever written and yes before you ask I write Jason's paper's when I'm ale but none have ever been this hard for me. I spent 7 hours on that paper and let me tell you I have never hated every minute of something more, ok it was barely second to morning sickness, but like morning sickness the outcome is so worth it.

Find the right spot

Has anyone else ever gone to www.findyourspot.com. It has you answer questions and tells you where you should move. Jason and I have always had fun on this website. Recently we have been pondering where we'd want to live. I really don't want to pack up again but with the way this economy is going it might be worth going somewhere cheaper. We have also been tossing around the idea of having Jason be a traveling nurse and going to some fun locations like Hawaii! With homeschooling we do have more leeway to do that. Who knows what we'll do next year mostly it is fun to explore different options because i have to always have to have at least plan A, B and C. Plus it takes the stress of worrying about the daily grind of getting through this year if we have fun things to look forward to. Of course I'm sure we can find fun things to look forward to right here. I do love many things about living in the NW I'm just not positive if this is where I'm suppose to be forever. I'm sure though that this is where we are suppose to be right now though. So who knows maybe we'll go to Alaska to make some good money or maybe Hawaii. To bad it cost so much to live there. Maybe I'll just send Jason ,LOL ,just kidding! How fair would that be. Well whatever we do I'm sure it will be the right spot for us.

4th of july

Today we went to Jason's work for their celebration and we got see the cutest ponies ever. There was even a baby and it was the littlest thing ever and seriously it was almost absurdly cute. We had to practically drag our kids away. The residents were very sweet, as always, and so appreciative of seeing our kids is was as if we had brought them for the same reasons the ponies were brought. I always love to here the sweet older ladies tell me how wonderful Jason is with them and how much they appreciate him. I think they love the fact that he goes home and takes care of a bunch of little ones. It always cracks me up when we go there because everyone always knows exactly who we are there for. Well anyway we had our own BBQ and went to a park and played and now we are waiting for it to get dark, since it doesn't till about 10pm, to let off our fireworks and crackers, since they are legal here in WA. Our kids are still sad about us not going to the beach since their cousins Hayden and Tanner are in from AZ and they worship them because they are the oldest cousins and they don't get to see them very often. Hopefully we'll see them next week. Oh ya our Cookie is finally riding a bike without training wheels! I love seeing her speed around. Have I mentioned lately how big my children are getting! Addalyn is now rolling places and can sit enough to be trusted. I am officially pressing pause though I might fast forward Jason so he can be done with school. You might have noticed that Payten cut about 12 in off her hair. Don't worry it's hair it grows back plus she donated to Locks of Love, I know plenty of people that had forbidden me to touch her hair. It looks so cute though and like I said it's not permanent.

Happy Independence Day

I have nothing of real interest to say just wanted to blog to blog. Tomorrow is the 4th of July and I love this country and am very nostalgic about about all things patriotic. My kids also have been getting in on it. They are determined to learn the National anthem and we have been doing a whole unit study on the USA because they are so eager to know about the USA. It has really been quite fun. We unfortunately aren't going to be going to the beach with my family this weekend because Jason has to work Friday and Saturday. so we are going to go to a BBQ at Jason's work, which the elderly residents at his work are always excited to have little ones around and being that we have lots of them it works out perfectly. We will probably then come home buy fireworks and have our own party at home and if the last few nights have been any indication enjoy quite a show in the neighborhood. If you are reading this please tell me what you're doing tomorrow I always like to hear what others are doing.

Another crusade

Ok, so I haven't posted for a while. To be honest I have been in a slump, and for you that truly know me you know that that is not a common thing. My thoughts and spirit have been sad lately and I can only attribute that to my lack at working on it. Yesterday though I had such a great day at church that it throughly replenished me. First all the songs during Sacrament were ones that I like, lately they have been those obscure ones that no one knows, Praise to the man and Joseph Smiths first Prayer are some of my favorites. Then I really enjoyed the talks and enjoyed the letter from the 1st Presidency. I then got to go to primary and teach CTR 7, Jackson's class. I did all that by myself because like you all know Jason works every other weekend. Church has almost always been my escape from my stresses but going by myself this often has worn on my spirit. I of course will be the first to admit that I would never use him not being there with me as an excuse as to my own spirituality because I believe with all that is in me that you chose that by yourself and cannot allow someone else to have the power to make or take that away from you. With all that said I truly appreciate and realize my sincere joy at having my husband there with us. I also opened July's issue of the Ensign and must be the first to report that it is truly an amazing issue. Amazing because each article deals with something that someone close to me is dealing with. All I can say is read it and you'll not be disappointed it is very uplifting. So I finally did it I canceled our cable today. So tomorrow we will have NO CHANNELS. While i have done this once long ago this will truly be interesting, difficult and exciting all at once. Exciting, you might be wondering? Well it is truly amazing how inventive and creative a family can become when there is nothing on, literally though. My hope is that our family will enjoy quality time together and not count sitting and watching the same show together as that. i hope that more of you will take the plunge, you will suffer for the first few weeks but after that you will be blown away at the amount of time it has freed up for you, not to mention the money it frees up. Any how this is one of my attempts to refocus our families goals and save us some money. I just get in a rut sometimes spiritually and the best way out for me is to strive extra hard to do as much as possible that is right. I guess I've always felt that if I am in great need to have the Lord's blessings that I better live up to my part of the bargain. However you want to look at it fortunately or unfortunately I am always relying on him to help me with many things in my life and most of the time he has helped me when there was no way I could do it alone. My life seems so busy right now that I truly do need the temptation of TV removed from me. Don't think that I've completely lost my mind we can still watch some shows on the computer which will make weekends fun and cheap. Plus this will free me up to Blog!