A New kind of adventure...Part 1

What I really wanted to label this was "My dogs are barkin' my eyes are droopin' and I am SOOO grateful to live in the comfort of a home!"

Back in November Jeremy and I were asked to be a Ma and Pa for a Handcart Trek.  We would be the Trek parents to a group of 10 teenagers ages 14-18.  I was totally stoked, we quickly got a sitter lined up to trade our 6 kids so we could have 10 teenagers.  We would get to dress up as pioneers in the 1800's ...

and pull a handcart.

In this handcart would contain cooking items, sleeping bags, padding, tarps and a 5 gallon bucket of belongings for 10 people.  Then we would head out into nature and pull this for three days up hills, down hills, through snow (OK one little bit of snow), through a mud puddle or two...we would camp out under the stars...If it was only under the stars it would be tolerable, but the bugs, ugh the bugs!

Let me introduce my "family" and tell you what I think of them.

This is David.  He is SUPER quiet.  He is a hard worker and does anything he is asked.  He has a great smile he loves basketball, in fact that might have been the only animated conversation I saw him talk about.  One of my favorite parts of trek was when the boys returned from the Mormon Batallion. He was the first to return to our "family" and the girls were so thrilled, they gave him a big hug.  His face lit up, I don't think because it was the girls but that he was appreciated.  He is a faithful young man and will make an amazing missionary!

This is Cybelle (pronounced cy-belle, not cybil).  She stole my heart as soon as I learned she could play the guitar.  What I was surprised to hear was that she sings and plays the guitar.  She also has a great smile and very easy going personality.  She is beautiful inside and out.  She is honest, quiet, and so nice!  The last night she sang "I'll Follow you into the dark" while playing the guitar.  Oh how I wish I had batteries in my camera, it died at the end of day one.  It was beautiful.  This day in particular we talked a lot about death.  Husbands who started the day pulling their carts and by the end the wife was burying him, or the new mom who had to bury her baby, or even a husband who had to bury his wife and child.  It was devastating.  This girl is very talented!

This is Quinn.  He started off a little on the shy side but I can tell you he is anything but shy.  I would say he speaks his mind.  He is easy to talk to and is very inquisitive.  One quality that I admired the most about Quinn was something that you wouldn't necessarily notice unless you were paying attention.  Quinn can be a gentleman.  One incident that stood out to me was when the four girls were pulling the cart.  The boys had been pulling the majority of the time, the girls wanted to do their share.  They pulled it up a hill then down.  Going down hill is equally as hard as going uphill.  you really have to dig in your heals, not slip but keep walking.  It started going pretty fast and most were not paying attention.  It was Quinn who ran to the cart grabbed on and slowed it down...by digging in his heals and sliding.  I don't think anyone noticed, but that touched my heart.  There was another time when I was helping pull (trust me I think the family would agree it is not a help and it was a miracle I didn't trip and end up under the wheel of the handcart!)  Quinn pretty much told me to move so he could take over.

On the left is Caroline.  She is the all american girl that you want to be friends with.  She is bright and always chipper.  She has a great laugh and is fun to be around.  She is friendly, but can be quiet.  She is a really sweet young lady.  There are people I feel drawn to because of the spiritual strength and she is definitely one of them.  She loved out baby dearly, enough so that we "adopted" a second baby, that we named Alfredo.  She even drew him a nice suit coat with a flower!  I can't think of a particular incident but overall she has a very Christ like attitude.

On the right is Ashley.  She is spunky and fun.  I doubt anyone can tell her what to do.  She has high standards, and is extremely social.  I think I heard "Build me up buttercup" a fair number of times, I think it was an inside joke I was never in on, but none the less I enjoyed that she was always having fun and singing...I love listening to music, even when it is from the backside of a handcart.  One of my first impressions is when we were waiting to start the trek.  A song was being sung and she stated that it was inappropriate for this, she then said she did like the song, but that this wasn't the place to sing it.  I admired that she stood up for her beliefs.  It made it easier for me to speak up when something wasn't appropriate.  I am grateful for that example.

This is Alexis, I think you pretty much know what is on her mind, because she is easy to read...well actually she pretty much tells you!  She has so much energy and is a social butterfly!  I think in any 5 minute period she was saying hi to at least one person.  She is one that I would be grateful if she had my back!  She is loyal, and not fake in anyway.  She is one of those "scary" softball chicks (yes they scare me, they are tough and I am a wimp!) she also plays basketball.  She is also a neat girl!  Plus she said she was glad that I was her "Ma."
 Secretly I think it was because our last name is Jacobs so she could call us Team Jacob!

I wish my camera didn't die because I have no better pictures, or solo pictures of these two.  On the left is Nate and the right is Todd.  It took about two days before I got the right names to the right faces.  I ended up deciding, if he was bleeding it was definitely Todd.

 Nate is an athlete as well.  For his senior year he recently got elected as ASB President.  He seems like a nice all american guy!  I would say if Caroline was the all american girl, he is the all american boy.  I don't think I ever heard him complain.  He was very helpful.  He is an athlete as well (Yes all our guys were athletic...and the girls too...except Cybelle, who said she only played street hockey when she was younger.)  Nate was very easy to talk to, I am glad I got to know him.

Todd and Nate are very similar but are very different.  Todd is very confident.  He seems to be laid back, but definitely competitive.  I heard through the grapevine that he was captain of the football team.  I am not sure that it is true, but it wouldn't surprise me.  He is athletic and a leader, I would say that he is another one that you probably couldn't get him to do something unless he wants to, yet he still did everything we asked.  I wish trek was about one day longer, because he opened up a little more as the days wore on.

I was so pleased with this group, but sad that we missed out on getting to know our other two family members.  I have served in the primary and in all honesty teenagers scare me.  (remember I am a self proclaimed wimp!)  This group was easy going but they worked hard.  I told them they were all rockstars on multiple occasions.  The proved to me that there are great teenagers in this world, which give me hope for my children's future.  I have a love for these kids and am so impressed by their personalities.  They varied so much but shared a common quality, they are all great youth!  I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of this experience with them and that they accepted me as their "Ma" shich yes they even called me "ma" which was a little disturbing because it made me feel so old.

In my next post I will share a little more about my experience, but definitely wanted to document my feelings for this awesome family!

Wordfull Wednesday {Wholesome Recreational Activities}

"Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." Proclamation to the Family, Paragraph 7



When I read this topic I remembered the talk given by Dallin H. Oaks in the October General Conference.  It was called "Good, Better, Best."  I would highly recommend reading it if you aren't familiar with it, or re-read it, if it has been a while.  In summary he is talking about the abundant amount of good things there are to do with our time.  BUT, there are things that are better that should take priority,  And even more importantly there are the best things that we shouldn't ignore.


I struggle with this because I see so many children who are involved in baseball, dance, music lessons, church activities, Boy Scouts.  They are all good wholesome activities.  At times I feel guilty for not getting my kids involved in these things.  Each and everyone takes time, precious time.  I look at my children and wonder which is the better part?  Are these activities going to help them later in life?  Quite possibly yes.  Then I think about the time we get to spend as a family.  The moments when we turn on the sprinklers in our nearly dead lawn, and let the kids run through it.  Then cooling off on our driveway eating Popsicles.

Trying to squirt dad with a squirt gun.  The times when I am asked to sing Hannah to sleep, and it works (I sing a lot like Scuttle from The Little Mermaid).  Or the moments when we bake cookies together.  Even being a little goofy no matter how unattractive it is!

We love our family time and with all the other good activities, especially with 6 kids, we would never get to be spontaneous and often times we would find us split and probably heading in different directions.  We enjoy family walks on Mount Diablo.  Playing the Wii as a family, and the most regular is family meals.  When school is in, we pretty much start and end our day with a family meal, but 98% of the time get to have dinner together.


Dallin H. Oaks says:

We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.

In all that we do I hope our children realize how important they are to us and more importantly that we are teaching them about the Savior.  He is the absolute BEST part.  I love the above quote because it states it plain and simple, the best helps develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ AND strengthen our families.  This is the question I should be asking myself when I choose to get involved in something, does this help develop faith and does it strengthen my family?

If you want to participate go to Chocolate on my Cranium.  And add your blog post to Mr. Linky!

I felt it again, finally!

When I was 9 months pregnant with Jackson, Jeremy got called into the Bishopric.  Jackson was born 3 days later, 5 days past his due date.  Life changed dramatically.  Mostly on Sundays.  Jeremy was gone in the morning, away from us at our meetings and would come home as soon as he could.  Some days earlier than others.  I am not complaining, I know the time he was away from us was nothing compared to being the Bishop.  The first few weeks I didn't mind, but it got harder to get all 6 kids dressed and ready for church AND do it ON TIME.  For the next 17 months I would say most Sundays I got home from church frustrated, exhausted and far from spiritually uplifted.  When we changed to 9:00am it got better, I was feeling like I was in a groove and we had a great system.

At the end of May I got released from primary where I had served in various capacities for 4 plus years.  The bigger change was Jeremy getting released from the Bishopric.   It was a little sad, because I knew we were abundantly blessed because of his service.  Since Jeremy has been released we have had conference and Jeremy went to another ward for his new calling.  It is so nice to have him sit next to me and help with our children.  (Don't misunderstand, I did have other help, my mother-in-law and brother-in-law made it so church was never too hard.  I appreciate all the help they give me!  It is just different when both parents are there to help.)  Jackson will be 18 months on Wednesday, so we cheated and sent him to nursery today.  Life again has changed dramatically!

Today was awesome, I got to sit through the entire Sacrament meeting, then Jeremy took Jackson to nursery  while I saved him a seat next to me.  I got to hear the lesson in both Sunday School and Relief Society.  Both lessons were fabulous.  We talked about David and Jonathan's friendship.  When I read the lesson ahead of time I didn't feel passionate about the subject.  It was kind of like, yeah Saul tried to kill David again and again.  David was saved by those who love him, blah, blah, blah.  So when the lesson started out and talked of the qualities of friendship, it put a very relevant meaning to the lesson.   I am so blessed to have great friends, and I feel I may not be as loyal as Jonathan.

The lesson in Relief Society was about acting on spiritual promptings.  The more you act the more you receive.  It was again so relevant to being a mother.  Life is crazy at times, some may call it loud.  Even though we can find excuses to not act, we need to, it is for our safety, spiritually and even physically.

Last month, I prayed a prayer that is only asking for trouble.  I wanted spiritual growth, BIG spiritual growth. It was a prayer that I was scared to pray, but want it so much.  Usually growth is painful, and you learn so much.  Today I knew my prayers were answered during these meetings and especially when I came home and still felt great about the day.  Heavenly Father always surprises us, I guess it helps keep us on our toes.  I am sure the people who taught today don't read my blog, but I am grateful for their knowledge, testimony and love of the gospel.  They are truly an inspiration to me!

and WOOT-WOOT! for nursery, I am grateful for those who serve there.  They are the sisters I loved the most today!

Did anyone see an ECLIPSE?

Last night we had our Twilight Saga Dinner party, then we went to see the movie Eclipse.  I had so much fun and enjoyed hanging out with a group of great girls!

Instead of helping with the food, my friend Teri and I put together these Eclipse Survival Packs.  It was so much fun, and I think all the guests enjoyed it.

My favorite was the bookmark.  I got the idea from here.  She does a great tutorial on how to make them.  It is really easy and a great gift I think!  The cookies were dipped in Chocolate.  To go with the theme these are called Eclipse cookies (that part is not made up).  For the "Solar Eclipse cookie" I used the Wilton Vanilla Sugar Cookie recipe then dipped them in Hershey's Chocolate (with a little shortening to make it smooth).  The chocolate ones were cake mix cookies (I used half the cookie recipe and it was milk chocolate cake, next time I would do the Wilton sugar cookie and add chocolate) dipped in White dipping chocolate.

The table setting was great as well.  Each person got a survival pack and a bottle with labels on them, that read "I'm Thirsty," "Drink Up," "O Negative," "B Positive," and "A Negative".  It is really just a water bottle with Hawaiian Punch Singles in them so they are red.  I got the labels from this link.

 The highlight of the night was waiting to see what my friend Cindy would do for a cake.  I have raved about her before.  I emailed her Monday while she was at work and asked if she would do a cake or cupcakes.  She has a career that is not cake decorating, this is her hobby.  She is so good and just whipped this up.  Her favorite part was the eclipse on the top.  It was awesome because at the start of the movie it looks just like that.

 At one point there were 17 of us girls, there was laughter, fun, great food and lots of anticipation for the movie.  Fourteen of us headed to the theater where we took up a whole row. (One friend brought her adorable baby so she took the only remaining seat with her baby gear).  Thanks ladies for a great night.  I got a few photos but none were too flattering so if you took a good group shot, I would love a copy!

A giveaway or two!

Crafting blogs all over the web are giving away  Silhouette machines.  Oh how I want one so I can jump on the vinyl band wagon.  You can use it for so many facets of crafting.  Check out their website and see that the possibilities are endless!

You can enter to win one by going to Tater Tots and Jello or Just a Girl and entering.  You can earn up to 10 entries between the two websites!

Good luck if you enter and if you do, would you mind sharing your coolness with me?

Bear Creek!

A new couple moved into our ward and kindly invited us over for a barbecue.  It was fun to get to know them as well as some of their friends.  As Jeremy was talking to the husband, Chad, they got on the subject of running.  He introduced Jeremy to the life of trail running.  They decided that they would run in the next one which happened to be a week away.  Jeremy waited until the last minute to register, but he did it.

This morning, Chad picked up Jeremy and they were on their way.  When he got there Jeremy saw another friend.  As they were talking Jeremy told him that this was his first trail run experience.  His friend said that this was the hardest trail run that Brazen Racing puts on, in his opinion.  That kind of freaked him out he was wondering what he had gotten into.  The first three miles was uphill, he had to walk a little.  Jeremy said the last mile was a thin trail where there wasn't room to pass  As well as a couple trees to climb over.  The trail was up and down.  After it was over he was able to see the times.  When he crossed the line, he saw the time was 1 hour and 30 minutes.  He was a little disappointed, but considering the inclines, he thought it was reasonable.  He looked at the times as they were posted and he found his time and it said that it was 1 hour and 11 minutes.  His friend explained to him that the time starts when the Half Marathoners go so you had to subtract 25 minutes.  He also pointed out that Jeremy came in first for his age group.  Woo-Hoo!  I wish I was there to greet him across the finish line.  Needless to say, I am proud of his effort, the only thing that would make him more cool was if he did a Tri-sprint! ; )

Here is a picture of Jeremy when he got home.

A close up of his medals.  One for finishing and one for being an "Age Group Winner."  The bummer part is that since he signed up so late, he didn't get a t-shirt, but there is always next time!

Of course he had to make sure the medals were real!

Sure enough they were real medal!  I would have preferred chocolate but this isn't about me!

Just for information sake, Jeremy Bic'd (you know like the Bic Razor and Shaving gel) his hair so a friend would do it, kind of like a support group.  He didn't do it for wind resistance.  He says now "I will never shave my head again until I have to!"  Here is the "Bald Brothers Unite"  Support Group!

Unfortunately for Jeremy, he is the only one who is not balding so he actually cut off lots of hair!  Chris' hair was longer but he didn't have as much!  I don't think it looks bad, but I think I like his head better with hair, and he does too!

Yeah for Saturday, I hope you have some good memories today, I know we do!

Repentance AND Forgiveness {Wordfull Wednesday}

June 23 - Repentance and Forgiveness - If any of you have never done anything wrong please raise your hand!  All of us have had need to seek out forgiveness, to give forgiveness and to repent. How do you teach your children about repentance and forgiveness? "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness," (Family Proclamation, paragraph7)

I think this is funny to come up right now.  This week in Sunday school at church we are talking about Samuel.  This is the question that caught my eye: What does 1 Samuel 16:7 teach about how the Lord evaluates us? What does the Lord look for in our hearts? How can we improve our ability and commitment to see beyond the outward appearance of others and look on the heart?

In Chapter 15 it talks about how Saul obeyed the Lord in killing all the Amalekites and he was supposed to destroy ALL possessions, including livestock.  Saul didn't want to see such fatted calves and such go to waste so he kept them and gave them as a burnt offering to God. While offering the best is what God wants He wants us to be obedient even more.  While this is a side note the second part of the question is what caught my attention.  I have a real problem of judging people.  Not in a way that I automatically assume who they are but, "Why would they do that?  I would do..." kind of a way.  It is not good and it is something with this lesson that really was brought to the fore front of my thoughts, it is something that I need to repent of.  This is for this reason that I am grateful for the gift of repentance, I don't need to be perfect, but I need to do my best to be obedient to the commandments that have been given to me.

I love the topic of repentance and forgiveness.  We use it all the time in our home.  On a scale that the kids can grasp I teach them how it works.  When the so called innocent was wronged and they come tattle I ask if the "wrong-doer" apologized, if the answer is yes, then I explain that we are required to forgive, and it is now between the other person and Heavenly Father.  I have said this so many times that I wasn't sure they were listening anymore.  Then I heard one of my children (pick one) say "Logan, I am sorry" Logan responded with "I forgive you."  I thought that was awesome.  In their sweet innocent childlike understanding, they get it.  After that they walk away and are friends again.


Although this is a gospel principle that I have a testimony of and believe in wholeheartedly, it is hard for me to use.  I kneel down and say my prayers and share those things I am grateful for and the things that I pour my heart out about.  It is very rarely that I think about my numerous mistakes.  Lucky for me there is no time expiration on the gift of the Atonement!


I loved the talk from Pres. Uchtdorf when he educated us about flying.  He explained that when piloting there is always "a point of safe return" or more commonly know as the "point of no return."  Before this point the plane will have enough fuel to make it safely back to the airport.  He goes on to share this:

It’s Never Too Late

Satan wants us to think that when we have sinned we have gone past a “point of no return”—that it is too late to change our course. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the gift of God to His children to correct and overcome the consequences of sin. Christ came to save us. If we have taken a wrong course, the Atonement of Jesus Christ can give us the assurance that sin is not a point of no return. A safe return is possible if we will follow God’s plan for our salvation.

There Is Always Hope

Wherever you find yourselves on this journey through life, whatever trials you may face, there is always a point of safe return; there is always hope. You are the captain of your life, and God has prepared a plan to bring you safely back to Him, to your divine destination.
The gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ provides us at all times and at all places with the blessings of repentance and forgiveness. Because of this gift, the opportunity to make a safe return from the disastrous course of sin is available to all of us. Happiness in this life and eternal joy in a life to come will be our reward if we choose to accept and apply this gift of our Heavenly Father.

Doesn't that bring you peace of mind? It does not only for me but knowing my children have this gift as well.

Thank you Cocoa at Chocolate on My Cranium, for presenting a topic!

The Beach

Yesterday, along with a couple of friends, we ventured out to Alameda and hung out at Crown Memorial Beach.  It is in the bay so the waves are not much more than a lake would be.  It was a great place to go and not stress about the dangers of the ocean.  Don't get me wrong we watched the kids like hawks but there was no huge waves to pull the sand out from under their feet and pull them away! 

It was windy but sunny.  The view was pretty cool too.  You could see the fog rolling over the hills into the bay.

The kids had a blast running around, I was reminded why I hate the beach.  I wish there would be an invention to keep the sand off the kids hands, as well as blankets and really far away from food.  Luckily it wasn't about me but about the kids and they had a good enough time that they even said they would enjoy coming back.

The boys loved playing on the rocks and the girls laid down in the sand and collected about 1,628,158 broken pieces of shells.  Sadly, ahem, we left them in their natural habitat.  As well as the feather...don't tell the girls they haven't asked about it's whereabouts yet! 

Jackson was free for about 30 minutes.  In that time he ventured around the rocks, tried to pet a chipmunk (or are the ground squirrels?), tried to chase ducks, pet geese and really wanted to take home a cute little dog!  So mostly he just stayed in the stroller.

Since we finally got our car cleaned from our cross country trip last summer, I was a little hesitant to get my beach babes into the car, so we headed up to the nearby park/play structure.  The kids surprisingly wanted to play in the SAND.  By then they were all dry so the sand fell off of them.

After a long day we headed home and 5 of 6 kiddos fell asleep in the car.  When I got home this was the most precious reward for a great day.

The kids really love each other and I want to treasure these memories so when they get to be teenagers and everyone is always in their space I can remind them of these moments.

And a quick reminder that she is precious:

She was telling me she didn't like the sand...or maybe she was picking her nose, the face would work for  either situation!

This is what summer vacation is all about!

Brookwood Park...no pictures!

We went to the park today.  It was Brookwood Park in Pleasant Hill.  It was my first time so I thought I would do a little review.  Pictures would be help, but I didn't bring my camera. (You can try this link http://www.360villagevirtualtours.com/phparks/phparkstour.html then click on the bottom left little bubble at Taylor and Withers)

The park is in the hills so there are trees surrounding the park.  The down side is that there are no benches to sit on near the play structure.  Also there are no swings.

This park is probably great if your children are walking,  It is really not good for crawlers.   There was a basketball court and picnic benches, they just happened to be further away than you would probably like with little ones.  There is a great grassy area but it is up above the park so you can't really see the grassy area if you need to be at the play structure.  For older kids there are trees to climb and be a little more adventurous as well as a really little stream, but when watching little ones at the park, the adventure could be a little dangerous.

My opinion:
For 5 and up I think it is perfect.   For crawlers, I would suggest finding another park. For mixed ages I would suggest not going alone, then everyone can be happy and be supervised!

If you came to this park and have something to add please feel free to leave a comment!

The story of the day...

Today was our Stake Conference.  Twice a year all the wards and branches (congregations), about 6, in our stake meet together and get the same leadership direction.  Our stake boundaries are kind of long and skinny so we actually hold two meetings, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.  Jeremy got to speak at both of them.  For the first one it was perfect, I got to stay at home, the kids ran free, albeit too free, but free nonetheless.  Then the second one came around.  I kept Jackson awake so he would sleep through the two hour meeting.  I even became "one of THOSE mothers" and put sleeping Jackson in a stroller, so he would stay asleep through the meeting.  Since Jeremy was on the stand it left me and my dear mother-in-law to keep 6 kids reverent though out.  The first 30 minutes were perfect.  Jackson stayed asleep, Lauren colored and the other four didn't have any problems.  Then Lauren got hungry, then thirsty, then cranky so I had to take her out.  After I sternly whispered at her I went to sit back down and I tripped over the stroller.  Which woke Jackson up.  So for the next 20 minutes I spent wrestling with Lauren and pushing the stroller, going to the bathroom and getting more frustrated with Lauren.  I brought her in a room and bear held her while she screamed.  I am not sure the spirit was with me at this moment, but I prayed for patience.  My goal was to be able to hear Jeremy speak and things were not looking good.  I keep wondering if the Lord is trying to teach me humility, but honestly I didn't think I would get to sit through the whole thing.  Together Jeremy and I have not sat through a whole Stake conference yet, so I didn't believe my kids were any exception to two hours being too long for the kids to sit still!  Maybe I think my kids are pretty awesome and that they can do it and I was being taught that my kids are like everyone else's.  So after near tears and frustration to the ends of my capability we made one last trip to the bathroom since Lauren was screaming "Poo-poo! Poo-Poo!" I asked her several times are you sure, and she said "yeth" so I took her, it was not a successful mission, back to my empty room I went.  I might have been pouting and stomping at this point but there are no witnesses that I am aware of so what I mean to say is, I walked back to my safe haven full of grace and poise, with the patience of an angel, and sat in a padded Relief Society chair wondering why couldn't I just be able to hear Jeremy's talk.  Lauren continued to scream in my ear.  The good part was that I just told her to sit in the chair next to me and she did, she actually stayed seated, she continued to scream.  Then she calmed down put her head on my lap and fell asleep.  She stayed asleep for the rest of the meeting and I got to hear Jeremy's talk and it was wonderful.  I will not lie I am so happy to be his wife, and I always love to hear him speak.  The second hour was perfect, well a little warm with Lauren asleep in my arms, but I heard the last three speakers in their entirety.  Towards the end Logan handed me his note book which he had written his favorite things.  Here is how he wrote it: the ( ) contain my editing

My faveourite

things

Drawing, writing, Playing with Legos, Movies, Star Wars transformers, Playing video games, Playing with Dad, Coloring Pictures, Playing, My friends, Money, gutairs (guitars), Lego sets, Reading, Quack Quack (his stuffed penguin he got when he was 1) When Gramal (grandma) and Uncle Chris come, Playdates, Bugs, Akchen figurs (Action Figures), going to my cusens (cousins), Origamy, BaskettBall, Baseball, going swiming, My Birthday, Christmas (7 days after his birthday), talking, being funny, My Brother, playing wiht fake wepens (weapons), Baking wiht mom, eating, Reseling (wrestling), sleepovers, going to gramals house, going to the Movies, Going to the CD credet Union (Jeremy's work), Doodiling (doodling), sleeping, Running, Hallidays (holidays), Dasert (dessert is Da-bomb!), dinner, lunch, snacks, Breckfest (breakfast), naps, long naps, Activities, Milk, Jiuce, Lego watches, finding legos, My best friend Aiden, spanesh (Spanish), Romote kuntrol things (remote control), Music, speshal nihgts (special nights-this is when one child gets to stay up late with just me and Jer and choose what they want to do, usually involving "da-sert!"), Books, Animals, Webkinz, Wii, My Mes (Miis from the Wii), Gifts, School, Being chaste by girls, Mom and Dad, Hoolihoops (Hoola Hoops), tricks, climbing, Gum, Blizzards (you know the ice cream kind from Dairy Queen), candy, Ice cream Cream (yes he put it in twice), going to the parks. 

When I read this a few things gave me reason to smile, like the food part, I am sure he was starving when he wrote this.  The part where he wrote that his Brother was one of his favorite things.  I am glad to know that special nights mean that much to him.  The nap, long naps, that was funny too.  My all time favorite was when he wrote Being Chaste by girls!  Of course he meant chased, but I thought how cool that he spelled it wrong and it means something virtuous and awesome.

According to yourdictionry.com the third definition of chaste means 3.pure, decent, or modest in nature, behavior, etc.  I hope he truly is chaste in all his actions.

After reading his list, I couldn't help but be in better spirits.  I was impressed with the amount of things on his list.  I was grateful to see how we don't have him involved in anything extra curricular, yet he still has over a page full of "favorite" things.  It also made me think how grateful I am for him and his example.  He is the best big brother that I could ask for these girls and even Jackson.  I know he loves them, and that makes me happy.

Except for the rough 25 minutes, it was a success.  I was so glad to hear the words shared.

Goodbye my friend!

Logan's first grade teacher is going to teach her last day of school on Monday!  Yes you read that right our last day of school is Monday, how weird.  Not important, the point is we decided that this end of year class gift needed to be something special that represented her near 30 years of teaching and at least 10 at this school.  She taught abroad as well.  Truly  an amazing teacher.

One of the moms came up with the idea of a quilt, I took that idea and ran with it using my all time favorite tutorial on the web.  Homemade by Jill has a tutorial to make Custom Silhouette Pillows.  Using this technique I not so sneakily barged into this teachers classroom at a super busy moment...twice and got all the kids profile pictures.  Then I did the prep work and brought it back.  Each of the kids got to pick the border around their pictures as well as paint their own profile.  This is a sample of my "trial" block.

Then another mom took all the blocks home and sewed the quilt together.  As for the back the "idea" mom got all the kids to write their name on a piece of paper and I scanned it in, cut and pasted rearranged and printed it out so it looked like this:

This is done by using fabric and sending it through your ink jet printer.  I bought some expensive stuff for this than later learned if you iron your fabric to freezer paper, than attach it to paper it will work the same and it is a whole lot cheaper!

The "sewing" mom has a sister who quilts and did the quilting for us!  It was fabulous!

Here is the front of the finished project:

On the back is the "signature block," it is the key to whose faces are where on the front.  Then it is surrounded by matching fabric from the front.

Since school ends on a Monday and a few kids wouldn't be there, we presented "the teacher" with her gift.  And a few pictures that show how surprised and pleased she was.  The "Quilter" mom said our goal was to make her cry.  That is how we know it is a great gift.

Let me tell you it was a great gift.  It really was a group effort.  From the parents who donated financially to those who shared their creative talents, and the mom who got the whole thing started in the first place.  I hope it was worth it for all involved.  When I asked "the teacher" what she was going to do after retirement, she said "I am buying me a nice sewing machine and I am going to make stuff for my grand kids."  Because all the parents donated so generously we not only were able to give her this great treasure but a large gift certificate to JoAnn's.  Overall it was a great success!

FAITH ~~ {Wordfull Wednesday}~~

 "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer..." (Family Proclamation, paragraph 7)

Faith - There are many religions throughout the world. They are different in doctrines, traditions, beliefs, rituals but there are also many similarities. Faith is what keeps families grounded, helps to bring meaning and purpose to our lives. Tell us about your faith - no matter what it is - and how it has helped you in your life. How are you teaching that to your children?

For the first eleven years of my life we pretty much didn't attend church.  We did for a time attend a catholic church but really I am not sure I learned anything from that.  When I was 11 we moved in with my grandma.  We met some girls and they invited us to church with them a few times.  Later my mom met a christian man whom she later married.  As they started to get serious they started "shopping" for a church.  There were a few I remember walking out mid service.  We ended up attending our neighbors church and it was the one that they got married in.

This was my true introduction to faith.  While attending this evangelical church, I had many awesome opportunities such as going to Mexico and doing little day camps for children, then returning the next two years as a team leader.  Back at home I got to help with summer day camps as well.  Then I started working and church really landed on the back burner.  Then I moved out of my parents home and it was something that was just part of my past.  While I didn't make perfect choices, I didn't get into too much trouble either.

Then in came my night in shining armor.  You know the one I brag about in practically every post about families!  He gave me a book of Mormon for Christmas, said I love you, but I am only getting married in the temple, then left for college, to meet lots of ladies who were prepared to meet that requirement.  I was lonely and I had this book, which if I read and believed it would lead me to the temple and be sealed to this man for time and all eternity.

I look back at that time and know how right he was, I was a little offended that I wasn't good enough as is, but now after 10 fabulous, imperfect years, I see!  We have a family were we are unified in what we believe.  We are unified in how we view our Savior and loving Heavenly Father.  Because Jeremy and I are unified in our faith, we have a strong foundation that is stable for our children.  I watch them grow and change.  I love that they are not ashamed of who they are.  They know that they are the children of our Father in Heaven, and what their purpose is here.  I can't help but believe that this has come about because of the wisdom of that young return missionary who didn't compromise his standards.

We had the opportunity to go to a Christian Family Camp with my parents this last summer.  There are lots of differences in how our church runs and how they run theirs.  It was such a neat experience, we got to talk to our children about some of the differences and some of the similarities.  I loved how we as Mormons fit in there.  I am not sure any one knew or if they did if they would have thought of us differently.  We had the opportunity at the very end to thank the Pastor's wife and we explained that we were Mormon and we really enjoyed their camp.  There were so many aspects of it that we wish we could start here.  There were so many great memories.  I am grateful that just because we have different beliefs we didn't miss that opportunity.  I love that people can be of different faiths and still love to be in each other's company.

Prayer, do you do it?

We had a great lesson on prayer yesterday and it really got me thinking.  I love the ability that we have to pray to our Heavenly Father, to share our deepest struggles and our brightest moments.  We get to ask for needs to be met and share our gratitude for our many blessings.  It is an amazing time to contemplate and receive personal revelation.

As I sat there listening I was reminded of the struggle that I have with prayer.  It is not that I struggle with the concept, or struggle with the belief of its power.  What I struggle with is the fact that I HAVE to do it.  I never felt I have been a rebellious person, but in this area I really feel rebellious.  I know when I get in to bed I need to say my prayers but there are times when I just don't want to and it really is because I don't want to HAVE to do it. 

Another rebellious reason I don't like to pray is I don't want to be challenged.  I know when I pray for patience the next day is going to be extremely trying, when I pray to help me with what I eat, guaranteed there will be extra awesome food temptations.

All the above makes it challenging, but I do realize it is all by my own choice.  I had the sweetest experience with Lauren and prayer that I shared recently.  She can be a lot little challenging at times.  It was a particularly rough day, and I am sure the night before I prayed for patience, especially patience with her.  I prayed that I would know how to love her, how to make sure she is getting what she needs.  If I need to change please help me.  With all that I asked I wasn't terribly surprised when I wanted to blow my top.  Clutching my hands I went into my room and kneeled down to converse with my Heavenly Father, first asking for forgiveness for the way I lost it with Lauren (I come from a family of yellers, and I am not too different!)  I got a peaceful feeling and the prompting came to me that I needed to let Lauren know that I pray for her.  So I went in and told her how much I loved her and that I was sorry for yelling.  Then I asked if we could pray together.  She said yes.  As I started to pray out loud, she repeated everything I had said.  It was such a sweet moment.  I kid you not when I tell you her countenance changed and my attitude did as well.  Then we cuddled on her bed, she was adorable and happy and we read some books together.  It was exactly what I needed.  I also learned that she needs to know that we love her and she needs attention too.

I think so often that we use prayer as a last resort, because we don't stop to listen until we are in crisis mode.  I know for me when I can't do it anymore and I am pleading for help, I get a quick answer.  I am sure I had been given the answer so many times before I just didn't stop to listen and obey.

As I was thinking of these experiences I realized that Heavenly Father doesn't challenge us with this type of answer.  Yes, He wants us to grow, He does want us to change in any way that brings us closer to Him.  But the thought that touched me the most was the realization that He knows what I am capable of.  He promised he will never give me more than I can handle, this is His way to help shape me into a better me!  When my patience is tried to the very tips of the end, He knows I can handle it and I will grow from it.  So in a round about way, I know that prayer works, it works to let us know we are not alone, that we are loved.  I am so grateful for that knowledge!

P.S. The picture has nothing to do with the post but I know it is like dessert after a heavy meal, and she is super sweet!

House Party Rocks!

Have you heard of House Party?  It is an internet based company.  They set up and organize parties for products.  You go to them and click on parties that you would like to host, then they send you a party pack in a box.  Right now you can sign up for several events including a PS3 (PlayStation 3 for you non-gaming folk) they are creating the sign up list for that one.

In March I hosted a Ziploc Party and this is what my party pack included:

•(1) Ziploc® Brand Big Bag XL
•(1) Ziploc® Brand Flexible Tote XL
•(1) Ziploc® Brand Flexible Tote XXL
•(1) Ziploc® Twist and Loc® Medium Round Container
•(2) Ziploc® Brand Extra Small Bowl Container(12 each)
•(4) Ziploc® Twist and Loc® Small Round Container(12 each)
•(7) Ziploc® Brand Divided Rectangle Container (14 each)
•(15) Home Organization Pads
•(15) Sharpie Pens
•(15) Home Organization Brochures with Money-saving Coupons
•(16) Ziploc® Brand Big Bag Large Swirl  

Each guest got a bag with one of each of the multiple containers listed above.  There are a few things I just didn't see myself using, the zipper under bed bags.  Did you know they even exist?  So I gave those away.

It is a little frustrating when you start signing up for lots of parties and don't get picked but trust me you will!  Keep trying.  There were a few that I REALLY wanted but didn't get. Like the Ball one that they sent you a free canning pan, how awesome would that be?  When I applied for the Hasbro game night I hoped that we would get it considering we have a LARGE collection of games.  Sure enough I was picked woo-hoo!  I got my party box on Thursday and I opened it up.  It included:


•The latest version of TRIVIAL PURSUIT Bet You Know It
•ELECTRONIC CATCH PHRASE
•TABOO
•Coupons ($5.00 off one of the following games Taboo, Electronic Catch Phrase, Scattergories, Pictionary or The Game of Things---this game is a hoot!)
•1 bag of Hershey’s Pieces candy
•1 Box Triscuit classic
•1 Box Reduced fat Triscuits
•1 Box Triscuit Thin Crisps Quattro Formaggio
•1 Box Triscuit Thin Chrips Parmesan Garlic
•1 Box Wheat Thins

Can you believe, they send it to you for FREE as in costs you nothing?  Jeremy and I decided to play the Trivial Pursuit Game so on party night I won't be playing it for the first time.  I am so glad I did.  It was a lot of fun.  Even though Jeremy creamed me and he didn't even feel the least bit of shame, not one bit!

That stack of tokens is actually Jeremy's winnings, there was maybe 8 (1 point) tokens left in the bank, Jeremy had earned over 200 points.  It really is a lot of fun and I can't wait to play with my friends!

I am looking forward to the party and having some fun.  To add to the gaming theme, I asked all guests to bring a food item, where they will compete for some prizes!

If you know a person who likes to play games, this is one that I would recommend.  If you live close and would be interested in playing let me know!  Oh and a side note this game won't hit the market until this fall so you will be among the first to play it!