Busy In The Beehive

A Good Woman Knows

2012-01-18T09:33:00.000-08:00

Julie B. Beck once said, I have felt that there has never been a greater need for increased faith and personal righteousness. There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes. There has never been more that could be done to help others who are in need. How does one increase faith, strengthen families, and provide relief? How does a woman in our day find answers to her own questions and stand strong and immovable against incredible opposition and difficulty?

A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. Ladies we have work to do, we have responsibility and we must constantly be striving to do our very best. With personal revelation she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently.

In order to receive personal revelation, we must be in a position to receive the Lord's Spirit. Qualifying for the Lord's Spirit begins with a desire for and implies a certain degree of worthiness. Keeping the commandments, repenting, and renewing covenants made at baptism and also making and keeping temple covenants.

A good woman knows she can search the scriptures to find the answers to difficult questions because the scriptures are an aid to revelation. We must read from them daily, we can receive peace, inspiration and strength.

Also, a good woman knows the greatest strength is found on our knees in daily sincere prayer. It is essential to success in dealing with the road bumps in the day to day busyness madness.

Mothers can feel help from the Spirit even when tired, noisy children are clamoring for attention, but they can be distanced from the Spirit if they lose their temper with children. A good woman composes herself well in opposition and relies on God for guidance in unfavorable situations. Promised personal revelation comes when we ask for it, prepare for it, and go forward in faith, trusting that it will be poured out upon us.

Attendance at Relief Society meetings also help us be blessed by the combined spiritual power of all the sisters. Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. We all want to be appreciated but if we don't get the appreciation that we think we deserve, what matters? A good woman knows we serve unconditionally, we are serving God when we serve our families and others around us. We are here to please God not man.

The greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities.

We are doing well when we develop attributes of Christ and strive to obey His gospel with exactness. We are doing well when we seek to improve ourselves and do our best. We are doing well when we increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help others who are in need. When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves.

Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the latter days will come because many of the good women of the world, they will reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different in happy ways--from the women of the world. The Lord depends on His daughters to do their part. A good woman knows that part.

Paraphrasing and quoting between Julie B. Beck's May 2010 Conference address, rearranged with my own thoughts. Read it yesterday, it has been one of my favorite motivation speeches. Wanted to share it.

Treat Your Body Right! Discussion on Sleep/Food Intake and Exercise

2012-01-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

Do you feel yourself by late afternoon sluggish, burned out and exhausted? You might ask yourself three things?

How many hours of sleep am I getting each night? Don't know, maybe start keeping a sleep journal. Do I stay up late and get up early? Why am I staying up late? Are the things I'm staying up late for important? Sleep like good nutrition and exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Practice self-care and make sleep a priority. Consequences of inadequate sleep:

Impaired immune response. The quality of sleep before becoming infected is a significant determinant of the severity of cold symptoms. Even one night of inadequate sleep reduces the number and activity of natural killer cells the next day.
Impaired learning and cognitive function-blood oxygen levels in the brain are measurably lower after insufficient sleep.
Increased snacking-lack of sleep results in dysregulation of hunger and satiety hormones.
Weight gain
Emotional disturbances and excessive emotional reactivity.

How much sleep should one get? Answer: 7 + hours each night for adults, more for children.
Why am I not sleeping well even though I go to bed early? The answer can be many different reasons but ask yourself these questions.

2. What am I doing right before bedtime? Do I eat after or snack after 8:00pm? Do I partake of caffeine in any form before bedtime? (drinks, prescription, headache medicine, chocolate, etc.) Am I thinking of things that would bring me stress before bedtime? It is important that we pinpoint our weakness and fix it. We must be more careful what we put into our bodies before bedtime so that we can get the sleep we desperately need and deserve. Make a habit of not eating or drinking anything except water, before bedtime. (Water should not be drank at excess amounts before bed to avoid many trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night.) Also, it is important to take notice what foods you are partaking of at the beginning of your day. Remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a reason. So that we have the energy to participate in the day, we must eat a nutritious breakfast, we MUST NOT SKIP breakfast because we are afraid of the pounds it might add. We owe ourselves, our kids, or job if you have one to treat yourself right. So, at the beginning of the day eat the right foods and drinks (not caffeinated or diet drinks that loaded down with sugar-quick start to a quick dive), giving yourself plenty of fruits and veggies throughout the day to give positive energy. Do Not Skip lunch. Keep peanuts/cashews handy for a quick shot of protein and energy for in between meals. Opt out of candies that are sweet and fun these will head you in the wrong direction, a straight course down hill. Be Smart, Eat Right.

3. What kind of activity am I doing throughout the day? Don't be a couch/chair potato always looking at some screen or another. This is exhausting. Limit your hours watching T.V., internet, facebook, blogging or gaming, these are sure ways to drain energy. When you find yourself getting tired, get up and do something; stretch, jog in place, climb some stairs, take a walk, circle your arms, change of scenery, anything active. To give yourself extra energy do at least 20 min.of formal exercise a day.This can be done in a variety of ways. I will let you brainstorm for that one.

Some real and tested things that help me sleep better at night:

Reading - I find that when I read before I go to bed, I have less wake up times in the middle of the night. Of course, you may not want to read an intense thriller book or of that nature before venturing to bed.
Don't go to bed in a huff - I found that I have less of a chance of a good nights rest if I have had a disagreement with my spouse. The saying "Don't Go To Bed Mad" is a good saying.
A long sincere, emotional prayer helps in big, big ways. I'm able to get all my feelings out in the open, crying helps cleanse the body, I am left with a clear mind to sleep peaceably.
A very warm bath- invigorates the body, but, afterwards, as I lay down in comfortable, soft blankets, I can sleep uninterrupted, so very nice.

Twenty-four hours in a day usually doesn't seem like enough to "get everything done". Exercise and sleep are often sacrificed in our busy lives. Maybe you didn't finish everything on your mile long to-do list. Let it go--you owe yourself some rest! Start your new year off right! Be healthy: eat/drink right, exercise/stay active but don't over do it and get enough sleep.

Health Challenge

2012-01-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

Week 1: Keep a food journal
Week 2: No eating after 8pm
Week 3: No Sweets
Week 4: Drink 64 oz. (8 glasses of water a day)
Week 5: Choose your own challenge
Week 6: Get 7+ hours fo sleep a night
Week 7: No Soda or Juice
Week 8: Eat 5 servings of vegetables per day
Week 9: No refined flour or sugar

Along with these challenges, I think it is appropriate to add: At least 15 minutes of active exercise each day. We exercise more than we think we do, but, here are some scheduled challenges for those who might need it.

Here are some exercise challenges already put together for you. Thank you Jen Ward.
It's called the 3-2-1 Workout: (3 min. Cardio, 2 min. Resistance, 1 min Abs)

3-Jump Squats
2-Bicep Curl
1-Plank

3-Standing Mountain Climbers
2-Tricep Kick Back
1 Bicycle legs

3-Plank Jacks
2- Moving Lunges
1- Full sit ups

3-Burpees
2- Wide arm lat pulls
1-Straight leg lower

3-Skiers
2-Wide leg squats
1-V position hold

3-Jump Rope
2-Shouldler raises
1-Medicine Ball side to side

or there is this challenge:

30 Jumping Jacks
5 Push ups
25 High Knees
7 Burpees
10 Crunches
7 Squats
5 Push ups
10 Crunches
5 Push ups
7 Squats
30 Jumping Jacks
1 minute wall sit
5 push ups
25 high knees

*Repeat 3-5 times

This is the health challenge, anyone can do it with me. A group of us are doing the health challenge, maybe you want to too. To our health.

Be Comforted in Christ....

2011-12-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

Suffering from depression or having difficulties going through trials of adversity? You may want to read or listen to this talk with healing in His wings It is a great talk given to women at BYU Women's Conference in 2002, but all of us can gain from the wisdom. We can be comforted and given perspective as my husband puts it.

perspective (pəˈspɛktɪv)

— n
1. a way of regarding situations, facts, etc, and judging their relative importance
2. the proper or accurate point of view or the ability to see it; objectivity: try to get some perspective on your troubles
3. the theory or art of suggesting three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface, in order to recreate the appearance and spatial relationships that objects or a scene in recession present to the eye
4. the appearance of objects, buildings, etc, relative to each other, as determined by their distance from the viewer, or the effects of this distance on their appearance
5. a view over some distance in space or time; vista; prospect
6. a picture showing perspective

This talk will also help us, inspire us and motivate us into relying upon Christ more than ourselves. This life is a test. Can we or must we do it alone? The answer is within the talk, hope you take the time to hear it or read it which ever you choose.

So Much To Be Thankful For

2011-11-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

I hope you take the time to listen to the song Thankful by Josh Groban above. I am always thinking of the things I'm thankful for, it helps me appreciate every day living. Really there is so much to be thankful for. I'm thankful for:

Life to live

Beauty, it's everywhere, not only to please the eye but to gladden the heart, and it sure does make me happy.

Creations created for me and all of us to bring us joy

Joy of Life, happy moments

Troubles of life, helps me appreciate the joy of life

For Earth and all it's wonder and the power that presides over it

For Heavenly Parents who love enough us to send us here to learn, to experience the good and the bad that help us grow and become as They having knowledge, allowing us to use our agency and make mistakes.

For providing a way to make right our mistakes

For Jesus Christ for choosing to be my Savior, atoning and sacrificing so that I could return home. I know that He loves me. He is my perfect example. He is amazing to me.

For my parents who love me and taught me valuable lessons in life, who never gave up but kept loving me no matter what.

For my husband Ron whom I love, works hard to provide, loves my children, plays with, works with and cares for their every day needs and married me in spite of my preexisting circumstances. I have had a fairy tale like life finding my prince charming, not always living happily ever after but continues to keep it real. I'm grateful for covenants that have been made in the temple that can be forever, like anything worth having, it takes lots of work, sacrifice and love. I've learned this from my Savior. I feel I am still getting to know Ron and love so many things about him.

For all of my 8 beautiful, smart children who are constantly blowing my mind at how awesome and terrible they are, yet I would never exchange them for anything in the world, they are mine to cherish and love. They are my treasure to enjoy, given to me by my Heavenly Father. It is a lot of responsibility but I'm happy I'm not alone. They help share with me the responsibility of taking care of the home whether they want to or not. They are very bright and very different personalities but each is child of God entrusted to me to help them find their way back home and they help me find my way back in the process. It's been tough but also very rewarding in many different ways. Grateful they know me, they cheer me when I'm not feeling well, they inspire me to keep living and trying when I feel like giving up.
I'm grateful for our home and that it was made for our family in mind. It's perfect to me, not to big, not too small, open and bright. With that being said I would give it to God and turn my back on it and anything else in a heartbeat because I have nothing without Him. All things come from God. And things are not more important than He.

For hot water to shower (I literally say this everyday) I really am grateful for hot water to shower because not every place in this world gets to have it.

For history, it helps me appreciate the blessings of modern conveniences such as wash machines, dryers, indoor plumbing, my beautiful kitchen to work in and have fun. For cars and stores and I could go on forever.

For the Restored Church, for the Truth, I really love and look forward to every Sunday to go to church. It fills my lamp and it makes me happier, it changes my mood to a better one when I've a hard day.
Thankful for having scriptures we can open any day, anytime, without persecution. It makes me happy to feel the words spoken by prophets of old by normal people who too struggled and didn't always make good choices. They are pure inspiration to me, helps me to become better through their experiences. As I read the Book of Mormon, I really feel like I love these people and look forward to meeting them someday. I've read the Book of Mormon enough times that every time I read it's like going for a visit. They have strengthened my testimony in Christ and helped me to become happier in my own personal life.

For music; it gladdens the heart, it lifts the spirit, it makes me want to dance and sing like no one is watching. It has played a huge part in building and strengthening my testimony in the Gospel. Listening to people like Jenny Jordan Frogely, Jessie Clark Funk, Hillary Weeks; these ladies have helped me through some really mentally,emotionally hard times. I love all music and have found joy in each genre, it makes me feel happy, it inspires me.

For my husbands family, for they are my family. I love each of them as I have always known them and they were my own. They give me the sense of belonging to something important and it makes me happy to be around them. For my new parents, because they are inspiring, they teach me to be organized, they love and appreciate me.

For Joseph Smith for being innocent and brave, faithful to the things he saw and heard even though he was greatly persecuted for doing so. For translating the Book of Mormon and many more things for my benefit through inspiration and revelation from God.

For Adam and Eve for being our first parents, I know that they were wise and brave too. I love them for doing the right things for setting the example for us. Without them and their correct choices we would not be here. Because of them we can experience joy and pain here on earth.

For beautiful smells, sights, sounds, to feel the gentle warm breeze or the rain or snow on my face; to see colors, storms, sunsets, mountains, rainbows, my family; to feel sweet baby kisses and warm hugs, the embrace of my honey bear and the touch of his hand and to hear I love you from people who love me, music and the Word of God. I'm grateful for all my senses.

Thankful to be a wife and a mother, it's the best job in the world

For animals of most kinds, just not mosquitoes or spiders or snakes.

For time, time to listen, time to spend with my family, time to learn, time to be inspired, time to improve, time to laugh, to cry, to forgive, to repent, to love, to be lazy, to communicate, to create.
For the tender mercies of Christ, for blessing me even when I don't sometimes deserve, he helps us, forgives us, he removes the stains.

I have so much to be thankful for, I could go on, I find it easy to count my many blessings, because I realize where they have come from and why. What are you thankful for?

Month by Month Activity Days 2011

2011-10-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

This is our 2011 Activity Day activities. Hope you find something useful.

January 2011

1st - "Bring in the New" -Explained some of the things we had in store for the new year. They helped us plan upcoming activities-this passes off a goal in the Faith in God booklet. We ended up having fun playing broom hockey in the cultural hall at the church. Lots of fun. They couldn't get enough.

2nd- "Picture This" We are doing an ongoing activity for each girl to create their own personal history scrapbook. We are starting with the cover page and their baby picture. I've asked each of the moms or dads to write their feelings and memories of their daughters as they were a baby.We will learn different techniques of scrapbooking using the computer. It will be fun to see how each girl creates. This project will not only benefit them but for generations to come. It will be a special project to complete.

February 2011

1st- "Souper Bowl" Daddy/Daughter night. We started off having soup in bread bowls and then end up playing a SEEK football game. I created a table length football field , we used the SEEK game (scripture questions game) to play and make moves. I created slips of papers if they answered correctly which everyone did (we supplied scriptures to make sure) the slips of paper will tell them how many downs they get or maybe they will choose one that says touchdown on it. It was tons of fun.The room was very festive in super bowl garb and the girls loved spending time with their dads.

2nd- "We Love our Missionaries" - This is one of the activities the girls helped us with. I was so excited and impressed with our girls for wanting to be more serviceable this year. We wrote letters and gave Valentines to our missionaries by creating small care packages to send them. We gave each a tie, chapstick and a candy treat along with the letters we wrote. Ended with a Valentine Party, each girl brought something to give the other.

March 2011

1st- "Shopper Savvy" - First 15 min. talked about being smart when shopping, compare, ads, coupons, etc. We planned the menu we wanted to do for the Bishopric Appreciation Dinner. We then took ourselves to our local grocery store checked for prices for our menu. We bought donuts for our treat. Fieldtrips are fun.

2nd- "Bishopric Appreciation" - We made and served a homemade Cafe' Rio Pork Salad dinner. We made the Relief Society room look very classy and cozy. We had met earlier to have the girls decorate and slice and dice veggies and cheese for the salad. We had created a special table for our special guest. We sang a melody of songs for them to entertainment. They (the girls) loved the attention they got from the work they did. They felt good telling the Bishopric thank you for all that they do to serve, that they wanted to serve them back. If you want the recipe for the Sweet Pork Salad let me know by responding I will post it separately because of the length.

April 2011

1st- "Follow the Prophet" - We each took a turn sharing our favorite conference address and told why we chose it. We then played General Conference Jeopardy. Lots of fun. We ended with our quarterly Activity Day Store. Since the beginning of the new year the girls earn play dollars for coming, being on time, saying prayers, passing off Articles of Faith, passing off goals in the booklet, etc. Every 3 months we have this store of things we had bought from Dollar Tree that they can buy, this is suppose to help them budget and save and spend.

2nd- "The Real Story" - Had an Easter Egg hunt. Each egg was numbered 1-12, inside was a scripture and an item that represented that scripture and told the true Easter story. My partner gave the FHE lesson using the plastic eggs that also taught the importance of the Sacrament. We then had them make their own Family Home Evening kit. we had them fill gallon zip-lock bags with Easter grass along with the numbered and filled plastic eggs and lesson plan. At the end we made a treat- Easter basket cupcake. The girls were thrilled.

May 2011

1st- "My Super Mom" - Scrapbook pics, information and thoughts about our moms. Talk about how to prepare to be a mom 1. Learn to love yourself-good self-esteem 2. Education- a mom needs knowledge 3. hard work- the most important job in the world 4. Learning important life skills -laundry, cooking sewing, how to clean a house, taking care of children, etc. 5. Learn to become selflessness, to sacrifice and to love 6. Become a righteous influence on others, be a good example and 7. Nurturer/Teacher- We can practice with siblings and with babysitting. We also made a list of things they could do around the home pg11 # 7 in the Activity Day booklet. We filled out service to our moms in a coupon book. Example: Mom, You Are Super!, Super Mom, Someday I want to be just like you!, Super Mom You Are My Hero! This coupon is good for: The girls loved to scrapbook and I loved talking about how I have the best and most important job being a mom. In the end we all love our moms.

2nd- "Blast to the Past" or In Memory Of"- Talk of the importance of remembering those who have gone on. We had them fill out pedigree charts and a family group record before coming. Faith in God pg. 7 #8. We put them inside our scrapbooks. We learned how to use the new.familysearch.org. We had them bring at least 2 names to look up. They also brought from home one family story to share. Just in time for Memorial Day.

June 2011

1st- "My Dad is Great!" - Scrapbook pics, information and thoughts about our dads. We put together emergency kits for our dads car. This included: small amount of kleenex, first aid kit (band-aids w/neosporin, nail clippers and wet wipes), chapstick, 2 sticks of gum, breath mints and a 2 packages of peanuts. The card that we put with it said, It's time someone takes care of you with a picture of a clock on it too. The girls were excited to give them to their dads. They had lots of fun.

2nd- Stake Activity Day "Princess Academy"- They allowed the girls to come dressed as a princess. They had us sit at round tables which we placed our name to save our spot. We were divided up into 3 groups. One group would learn to line dance (princesses know how to dance with all the balls they must attend), the second group was helping with a temple service, we made border frames using scrapbook pages for the Bountiful Temple for those kids that would be sealed in the temple. They would get to take those home to remember their special day. (Princesses know how to serve others) The third group was to decorate cupcakes. They would turn their cupcakes into pigs, cows or BBQ grills. They were unique. (Princesses know how to be creative) But most of all, Princesses are royalty they are a daughter of a King and he is leading us to our beautiful castle which is the temple. Which will give us our happily ever after. This activity was so well thought through, the activities were fun and the girls loved it. They loved dressing as princesses, it made them feel special. It was very evident.

July 2011

1st- "Good Citizen Scavenger Hunt" - We found clues to how we can be good citizens in our community. We first went to the library to weed out the front and side gardens, the second place was our local grocery store Bowmans to help straighten canned foods on the shelves (we had gotten permission day before), we figured since this grocery store is always giving to our community we would serve them with pleasure by helping them, next we went to Nicholls Park in Fruit Heights to clean up litter which is in high demand every time. We came away feeling good that we made it a safer and cleaner place for children to play. We only gave ourselves 20 minutes at each place. But at each place we found the next clue to where to go next. At the park we finished with a cold treat.

August 2011

1st- "A Hiking We Will Go" - We hiked up 1/2 mile into Baer Canyon near our home to the bridge. This gave us some physical activity to enjoy God's creation but also to teach us to be prepared. We had a beautiful talk on how life is like a hike. At times the trail was hard but not too hard but you had to work at it, sometimes you might have to depend on someone else to help you up like I did my son Cameron. He was our Priesthood guide up the mountain to keep us safe. Their was a part of the trail that skirted close to the edge but you could avoid it by walking closer to the mountain, we need to make sure we are staying far away from those kinds of dangers. The water gave us relief and fun, but remembering Christ as the Living Waters at the same time. It was a very good activity not only for us physically but spiritually. Even I could climb it. Yeah!

2nd- "Late Night Summer Fun" - we began for an hour swimming at our sweet and generous neighbors pool. We went to my house to dry and change clothes, we started a fire using a fire pit to cook our hotdogs, we had dinner hotdogs, chips and watermelon. We had a campfire devotional, my partner and I both gave small talks sitting around the fire, we then opened it up for bearing testimonies. Each of the girls bore their sweet testimonies some more than once or four times because they wanted to add more things to their testimonies. This was a very spiritual moment for all of us. The Spirit was strong, some of these girls are going through tough times, one lost her mother to an illness, a couple of them have divorced parents, one of those girls who had divorced parents also had an inactive family but she wanted to be active so very badly. It was heart wrenching and an eye opener. We ended the night by making smores and playing night games. Too much fun for one night, not at all. We had fun but we also had a different kind of fun feeling the Spirit. Awesome night!

September 2011

1st- "Scrappin' Gramps"- We wanted to celebrate Grandparents day by scrapbooking them. We gathered pics, information and thoughts on our grandparents We told why our grandparents are so awesome. We told stories about them.

2nd- "Finding the Lost Ten Tribes"- Started out giving them the Book of Mormon challenge cards, we read the introduction together taking turns. We then went in search of the Tribes of Israel which is spoken of in Articles of Faith #10. We had them memorize the Article. My partner had hidden the Tribes on small pieces of paper with their name on it all around her front and backyard. The girls were excited that we were able to find and gather all the tribes of Israel. It was nice to hear my partner explain what the tribes of Israel were and how they will be gathered in the Latter days.

October 2011

1st- "We Believe in Being Virtuous" - Had them memorize the Article of Faith #13 before they came, we focused on one word in the Article, the word Benevolent. We watched a 12 min. clip of the Young Women Conference on Benevolence from my laptop. Every word was so very well said. We made a list of things we could do to be more benevolent in our lives. We also practiced it by playing a board game called Like Minds. Super fun, the girls did not want to stop, but they did to make a spider treat. We handed out bookmarks with words of the Article on it. It's good to be kind and we need to remember "Kindness Begins With Me".

2nd- "Fun with Homemaking Skills" - learned laundry tips, stain removing, checking pockets, we had a relay race folding the clothes properly (because moms are so busy we must be able to work fast sometimes), We finished the day out by making homemade donuts. A hit for sure. We used cans of biscuit dough, flattened them out and created a hole in the middle by using a soda pop top, fried them up and rolled them in cinnamon sugar mixture. Very quick, fun and yummy.

November 2011

1st- "Fieldtrip"- We took a trip to Harvest Bread to learn how they make their bread. Talk about how Christ is the Bread of Life. We had fun sampling their product. So very good!

2nd- "Another Fieldtrip-All Dressed in White" - Show our gratitude by giving service, temple service. We told them they can prepare now. We took a trip to White Elegance to take a tour but, also to try on beautiful white dresses meant for the temple. To get them excited to do temple service they can see what they will look like. After we took them for a treat on the town.

December 2011

1st- "We Need Culture"- We decided to take them all out to the ever awesome Weber State Institute Christmas Extravaganza. My brother in law Jack is to be in it. This provides a perfect evening of fun and culture but also testimony building entertainment. You can't go wrong with this annual program. We had the girls dress up and really look nice.

2nd-"Christmas Party Babysitting Service" - Moms need time to go Christmas shopping sometime, so we created a 2 hour Christmas party to entertain the young ones so that moms could. Faith in God pg. 9 #5. We created 6 different things we would do. 1. Nativity Play (have dress ups available) have them act out the Christmas story. 2. pinata w/small toys and candies 3. Story telling (Grinch or Scrooge) 4. Small craft-candy cane reindeer 5. Snack- food time 6. Short movie or a glimpse into The Polar Express. Each child would leave with a Christmas gift under the small table tree we will have there. The girls are going to have fun planning this out. Christmas parties are fun but this will also be a service so that moms can get some things done like shopping or whatever they need to do at that time. Sweet!

A glimpse into the new year: Our Activity Days are on Fridays, so this next activity will work out very nicely.

January 2012

1st- "Goal Setter Late Night" - Start off with dinner -make our own personal pan pizza, brain storm ideas for the new year and finish with a movie in my theater room. We plan on watching Tangled or How to Train Your Dragon". This will be lots of fun. I'm already looking forward to it.

And that's our year of Activity Day activities. Wow, it's been another great year of fun and spiritual highs. I love my job! I love my partner Holly Paulsen who allows me to create fun activities, she's very easy to work with, we seem to be on the same page about everything, you can't ask for anything better. She is so good at perfecting my ideas as well. We make a great team!

Daily House Cleaning

2011-10-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

So, I was inspired this past weekend by one of my neighbors who does something similar. I started it this week hoping to better motivate me to do all that I should be doing when it comes to cleaning house. I keep it up on the Fridge so that I see it everyday along with my menu for the week. I Wanted to share it.

Daily House cleaning

Monday:

Clean the Kitchen

Laundry

Wash Windows

Empty Trash/Refill

Sweep & Mop Kitchen & Doorways

Tuesday:

Clean the Kitchen

Laundry

Upstairs Bathrooms

Organize cabinets/closets

Wednesday:

Clean the kitchen

Laundry

Downstairs Bathrooms

Wash Walls

Thursdays:

Clean the Kitchen

Laundry

Clean Appliances

Dust

Friday:

Clean the Kitchen

Laundry

Vacuum floors

Empty Trash/Refill

I don't have Saturday on my list up on the fridge, but we work as a family to do what we need to get the house and yard ready for Sunday.

Ideas:

Clean the Kitchen/prepare meals

Laundry

Mow Lawn

Weed Gardens

Rake Yard

Touch up on straightening rooms

Do something fun for all our work.

I thought I wouldn't make myself a list to follow this year, but, I really think it helps me remember what I can do. I need to be doing my part while everyone else is working and going to school.

This Is The Way

2011-09-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

It took a couple of detours, but, my daughter has finally got to the point where she comes to visit and I listen to all her concerns, give my own advice and wisdom, encourage her, direct her in her own relationships, to make them strong, reminding her to communicate openly and nicely when needed. The other day, she couldn't wait to tell me all their happenings, she was bursting at the seams. She told their experiences of house hunting, and wanted to give every detail about one they really loved, their plans, etc. She was happy and it was so fun to hear her talk of painting and planting gardens. She even asked if she could get a few recipes. She said they eat out every night and she wants to start cooking to save them money. Shocking! But very exciting! Ever since she met Chris, she has been doing so well by leaps and bounds. They talk of getting married and it won't be long now. I was hoping they would marry before moving in together, but, I will be happy that she is doing so well. Chris also has a young 4 year old son, Trea (Tray). She is already in the mommy mode, taking him to pre-school, hanging out with him and taking care of him, in fact, he has asked her if he can call her mommy. He loves her to death. He really wants to have a real family with a mommy and daddy home. Chris is getting full custody of him and Trea couldn't be happier. She was asking me the other day what to do with him all day, she was worried about the cost of it. I told her that she could do things that didn't cost like going to the library or to the park, he also loves coming over here to play with Kaydon. He is always asking her when can they go to her house meaning our house. She doesn't have to entertain him the whole time, he can just play. Christina has been more family oriented lately, she has made it to see Jonathon's band show the other night. She wants to go and see Danielle cheer at a game. She has more of an interest in her siblings and what they are doing. She has come a long way. I keep thinking, this is the way it should be.

Love...No Trouble at All

2011-09-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

I've been reading and finished While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin. Wow! Another great book. Can recommend this book to anyone to read. It's a faith promoting, historical fiction book of World War II. Three different lives becomes intertwine with one another. Loved learning about the Jewish people, whom we have direct lineage with. It's very sad what happens. In this book it gives great Bible stories like Queen Esther that help us understand that God allows these kinds of things to happen but it doesn't mean he he's not there.Everything happens for a reason. We can't always see the whole picture and understand why things happen, but, we need to have faith that God knows what he's doing. We need to continue to do those things he has asked us to do, like keep the commandments, pray, read scriptures, go to church. We can't turn our backs on Him when things aren't going the way we think it should. Very good book. It ends the way it should, I will leave it at that, maybe you will read it, so I won't give away too much.

Something in the end stuck out to me, I will need to give the couple of sentences before for it to sound right. It reads, "I finally realized why I always had so much trouble telling Sally how I felt. It was because what I felt wasn't love. A man in love should have no trouble at all. Even if he's tongue-tied, he should overflow with ways to express how he feels. I was dazzled by her beauty and by the fact that she would even look twice at a guy like me." Not sure why it stuck out to me,I guess sometimes I feel doubt, but I loved it. Sometimes people have a hard time expressing themselves when it comes to verbally saying I love you, but it should show in other ways. It really becomes necessary to let others know you do love them. If not, sometimes there can come into a persons mind doubt, in what they once knew. People need reassurances that the feelings that made them get married in the first place is still there, if not stronger than before. If a couple loves each other, it shouldn't be no trouble at all to express it in one way or the other where the other has no doubt. We need to remember to smile and make it easy for the other to communicate.

I love when Ron sends me text or email love notes. It reminds me of the days when we first began. he would leave smiley notes either in my car while I was at work and I would find them when I got off or he would leave them in the bathroom of my apartment. I would find them after he had left. Little reminders that someone cares and loves you. It makes the day a whole lot sunnier and happy. It leaves no doubts.

It's also nice to get a kiss hello once he walks through the door from work, it communicates to me that everything is alright, I'm glad to be home. While staying in their home on a quick vacation stop, I've been impressed with my brother-in-law Jim who kisses his wife Rebecca and he seems to always be in a good mood, discusses his day when he comes home from either work or church business. It's not just a quick kiss, it's a kiss that in every way expresses his love for her. It's like watching a love story. Sweet! You got to love it.

What kinds of ways do you express love to one another?

Priorities and Using Time Wisely

2011-09-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

In August, a couple of weeks before school began, I started studying the Relief Society declaration or theme and I really love what it says and it keeps me in line with what I should be doing. It reads:

We are spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction. As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar. We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who:

Increase our testimonies of Jesus Christ through prayer and scripture study.
Seek spiritual strength by following the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Dedicate ourselves to strengthening marriages, families, and homes.
Find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood.
Delight in service and good works.
Love life and learning.
Stand for truth and righteousness.
Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth.
Rejoice in the blessings of the temple, understand our divine destiny, and strive for exaltation.

I have really taken this to heart. As the new school came closer, I sat down to decide how I would spend my time when the kids were in school, using this guide. Because I have all my kids in school all day, I wanted to spend my time wisely and actually improve myself at the same time. I made a list of things I could do to fill in my time once I was done with my morning chores.

Volunteer at school
Go do temple work
Do family history-I have lots to do
Indexing
Work on my autobiography "My Beautiful Life"
Work on my personal history scrapbook
Go to the gym or workout at home
Go to institute class on Wednesdays
Make treats for kids to eat after school or special treats for Ron
Prepare meals/cook
Organize or clean something in the house (bathrooms, closets, cabinets, etc.)
Work in gardens-keep up on weeding
Work on vacation scrapbook
Work on kids scrapbooks
Visit teaching
Service in community/neighbors
Visit with neighbors
Read a book
Read scriptures/lessons
Watch movies-only on Fridays when everything is done.
Work on my next New Year's project- postcard birthdays -it's never too early to begin on projects
Blog

This is my list, it's not in order of importance, and I'm not limited to this, but, it gives me an idea if I don't already know what I want to do for that day. We recently had a Relief Society lesson given by one of the ladies in the Presidency about Priorities and Spending our time wisely. I felt good about it because I feel like I'm already doing this. A normal day for me looks like this, lets take a Monday:

6:00am- ready the waffle mix, set the dishes we will use for breakfast, put dishes from night before away.
6:30am - wake everyone up for family scripture study and family prayer
7:00am (depends when we are done)- 8:00am- cook waffles, ready a tub of hot soapy water for washing dishes when kids are done eating. They don't all eat at the same time, they have different times they need to be to school. During this time I'm usually signing planners or looking over notes from school, helping with homework, sometimes the younger kids will do homework before school, especially if they know they have soccer practice or whatever after school. I'm able to get into some workout clothes and make up my bed, tidy my room, and bring the laundry to the pantry room. Of course I'm reminding either Kaydon or Dallon to bring me their basket of laundry to wash (I will combine either of theirs with mine but not both), I'm also reminding kids to brush their teeth, make up their beds, tidy up rooms. I feel like I'm forever reminding them. Luckily, some of them don't need to be told.
8:30am- send last of the kids to school, by this time I'm done washing the dishes, cleaning counters, the kitchen is clean and perfect. I feel it is important to get these types of chores done as soon as you can, it helps you enjoy the rest of the day without worrying about it.

As soon as everyone leaves the house I begin a load of laundry, that way I don't have to compete for water pressure. By the time I'm done with my morning workout, either at my house or by going to the gym, I'm ready to switch clothes into the dryer or sometimes I wait to wash clothes after my workout, because I only want to do one load of laundry a day, sometimes on Mondays I have two, because I take Sunday off. It's more manageable that way. A load a day will keep the mountain of laundry away. It's good to keep up on laundry, if not it becomes stressful and we don't want to do it. When I'm done with the workout and laundry is begun, I begin my scripture assignment I have given myself. It usually takes me 30 min. or more to read and ponder. I love to read when everyone is gone, this gives me the quiet time I need to really focus on what the scriptures are saying to me. After reading scriptures, I fold the clothes and I work on a project, I decide on the project by looking at my list above. Sometimes I wake up before my alarm clock goes off and I will think through my day and the things I want to do with my time. Depending on the meal of the day, I might need to do some preparing ahead of time or I decide to make kids an after school treat, so I will do that. On Tuesdays or Wednesday's I like to clean all the bathrooms to my perfection, as the kids and my perfection differ. The other day I spent all of my remaining time on typing some of my autobiography. On Monday's I like to work on weeding the gardens. It depends what I'm in the mood for that day. I have decided that I was not going to write a to-do list this year, that way I don't feel confined to just that, but I would have projects in mind and if I got those done than great but if not, I would be okay with that too. When the kids come home, it's about helping with homework, taking kids here or there, Activity Days and all about Them. I had my "me time" and I feel good I can help serve my children in this way, although, sometimes it can get crazy if I have more than one thing going at a time. After dinner and when the kitchen has been cleaned I can relax and read a book, right now I'm focusing on books by Lynn Austin, I would like to finish all of her books. Around 7:30pm I remind the younger boys to take their showers and get ready for bed. Family prayer is usually around 8:30pm this year. After everyone has been sent to bed, it gives me an hour to read from my bedside book, right now that is Gordon B. Hinckley's "Standing For Something". It gives lots of great things to improve on and I love books that help remind me what I need to be doing. I only read those types of books before going to bed.

The Relief Society lessons Sunday also focused on how we need to love what we do, she talked about the hard parts of being motivated when we get overwhelmed. I wanted to comment but didn't, but I will here. I love being a mom and a wife and being at home. There has been times when I have felt discouraged, neglected or unappreciated. This year I have come to know through music like Jessie Clark Funk, Hillary Weeks, Jenny Jordan Frogley or Mercy River & Jenny Phillips that that's not the whole purpose of being a mom or wife. Our Father has come to depend on us as women to be faithful, to remember who we are and why we are doing the things we get to do as mothers and wives. He is dependent upon us to do our part, to be nurturers, to be teachers, to give support, to be an example as Christ is an example. We need to do it with a smiling attitude. We've made covenants and Father is the reason we do these things, we do it to please our Father in Heaven, to show our love and gratitude to Him. When we give it our all, to be all we can be during our day, he is going to give us the feeling of great satisfaction, the kids or even our spouses may not notice the things you have done, but the Father will notice and that is what counts, He is pleased when we remember why and who we are doing it for. We are doing it for Him, we are doing it for our Children and Spouses because we love them, we want to make them happy, safe and create an environment that has order, peace and love. A healthy environment that kids can grow in the gospel and know truth. So, next time you are feeling unappreciated, look to the Heavens and you will get all that you need. Nothing goes unnoticed and you will be blessed for your efforts guaranteed. I'm grateful for inspiring music that reminds me throughout the day who I am, that I'm a women with responsibility and God is dependent on me to do my part. he loves me and wants me to be happy. When we do all that we can and should be doing, we will. As for priorities and spending our time wisely. We should put God first and all other things will fall into place. There is only 24 hours in a day but when we put God first, everything that we wanted to get done will and we will have time to spare for ourselves. Everything is in perfect balance and we will have peace by the end of the day. I know this to be true as I have experimented with my new school year routine. I have found great satisfaction by the end of the day. I feel lucky and blessed to have the gospel in my life, to know who I am and what is expected of me. I don't want this message to sound as if I'm saying "Hey, look at me and how great I'm doing" but a message that will help and inspire those who may be struggling. In Relief Society they asked us to share how we spend the time in our day, there were others who were willing to share. I wanted to share here today in hope of helping others. Maybe you could share what you do and inspire others too. I encourage you to look over the Relief Society declaration and ponder how you can work this into your life. It is a guide that will not only make you stronger spiritually, but, will make you happier as you follow and implement these words into your life. Let us find our work a little more joyful, that our children and spouse will see smiles and a good attitude.

Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe

2011-09-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

I got to make this recipe for my extended family last night and I was happy with the result of it. I can't make this with just my little family, they won't eat it. But, I love it. Although, I noticed some of them actually ate some. Hmmm. I'm thankful for special occasions that allow me to cook this and many other recipes that I normally can't make. Picky eaters, I'm cursed, but blessed.

Chicken Piccata Pasta

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
2 T. olive oil, divided
1 1/2 T. lemon pepper
3 cans of chicken broth
2/3 c. onions, chopped
12 oz. uncooked angel hair pasta
1 lemon
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) quartered artichoke hearts in water, drained
1/4 c. capers, drained (near the olives in most stores)
chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

In mixing bowl, combine 1 T. olive oil, lemon pepper and chicken. Toss to coat. heat remaining oil in large, deep skillet over med/high heat until hot. Add chicken; cook and stir 10 min. or until chicken is golden brown and is cooked all the way through. Take the chicken out and set aside. In a med/large saucepan bring to boil the broth. Add onions to skillet until fragrant, slowly add broth and uncooked pasta to skillet; cook uncovered, 7-8 min. or until pasta is tender. Stirring occasionally. Zest lemon 1 T. and juice the lemon for 2 T. Add zest, juice and cream cheese to skillet; stir until cream cheese is equally distributed. Add chicken and artichokes. Cook covered, 1-2 min. or until heated through. Remove skillet from heat, stir in capers and garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Now I Know...

2011-08-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

Now I know how my folks felt when I turned 16 and could drive a car. I remember being sent to the store for this or on a errand for that and I didn't mind because I thought driving was fun and I could listen to the radio as loud as I wanted it. Well, I have had that experience turned this week. I'm now the one sending my sons to take someone to this or pick up someone from that and even running errands like recycling the newspapers at the local school. Wow! I never thought it could feel like this. It felt good to get things done, like recycling the newspapers that were spilling over, and I don't have to go anywhere, I can send my boys and they don't mind because they get to drive but not listening to the radio because it doesn't have one. Ha Ha! But still, I think I'm going to like this. I find myself relaxing when I see my board and the places my kids need to be and I know I have someone else that can take someone somewhere. There are less conflicts. We bought the kids a 1998 Honda Civic, didn't cost very much, but it works. It's a stick shift, so the kids had to learn all over again how to drive, but practice, trial and error makes them more confident in themselves when they accomplished it. They are already driving themselves to school and to places like the orthodontists. Makes my life that much more relaxed. Now I know how my folks felt when I could finally drive. Happy!

Back to School Has Never Felt So Good

2011-08-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong, I loved my summer with my kids. I thought it was the perfect summer, it went slow and care free as summer breaks should be, but there is something about getting back into a normal routine even if that means crazy. Crazy because we are in the beginning of soccer which means adding practice and games into the mix of already busy. Yeah! Although, it has been extra nice having more people to play taxi. It's been helpful having both Cameron and mostly Brandon drop kids off here or pick them up there or drive themselves to school, it has been very satisfying not having to do it all myself.

This past summer has been very fulfilling in a way that we have been rounded and not to swamped in activities. All of the month of June was filled up with church activities. Scout Camp, Girls camp, Cub Day Camp all happened on different weeks but got over with in June. Nice!

Cameron attended Boys State for the first week of June and loved it. Being part of mock elections and trials was educational. Got to shake the hand of the Governor of Utah. He also earned a $2,200 scholarship to Weber State if he chooses to endorse it. I was proud of that accomplishment, because that was one of the highest honors to receive. Not to mention all the days of work he did, way to go for adding to your savings. He has been busy attending Missionary Prep classes, it makes me sad and excited at the same time.

Jonathon had band all summer long, early in the mornings 7:00am -12:00pm, parades to march including the Days of 47'. I got to attend and be a chaperone for the band. Very fun, never got to see the parade in person before and I loved it. Cried when I saw the handcart pioneers walking down the street, when the Prophet Thomas S. Monson passed by in his car, when the military passed by as the neighbor across from where I was standing played God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood. Everyone stood and clapped the whole time singing the song, I will never forget it! He then attended band camp for a week. Now, for each home game he is performing for Davis High football team. It's pretty exciting.

Danielle has had lots of cheer camp practice during the summer and earned lots of money babysitting for a neighbor and cleaning out a chicken coop while a neighbor was on vacation and now she is a popular cheerleader performing at volleyball games until the next sport.

Samantha this summer also tried out for a new gym-Ligthtbox chearleading team and made it. She begins in September with her fun. She also earned money babysitting and watched lots of movies. She begins Junior High this year and is very excited to be there with Danielle. Hoping to make good enough grades to try-out for KJH chearleading team in the Spring. She wants to be on the same team as Danielle. Sweet!

This summer we went on a family vacation to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, we did a lot of camping and hiking. Lots of fun seeing beautiful America. It was short, sweet and refreshing. Just enough time away. We also went to Hogle Zoo several times with our season pass, I love the zoo. I could stand and watch the tigers all day if they would let me and the bird show is always a winner. Swimming was in the mix every Monday at our awesome neighbor The Helgesen's. We just love them! Thanks for sharing. Also,every Sunday at 6:30pm we had other multi-neighbors host a homemade ice-cream social for all who wanted to come. It was a great way to visit with church members and neighbors. We all brought things to contribute when we could. It made the summer memorable for my kids, they looked forward to going each Sunday and visiting with their friends in a setting that is more appropriate. Makes me want to get an ice-cream machine for Christmas so we can make our own to bring next summer.

With all this summer fun, it's great, but, like I said, I love being back into it. Back to school has never felt so good. I like having time for me, time to exercise, go to the gym, read my scriptures and study in peace without any kids fighting about who's turn it is to play this or that. I like finding things to do to improve my house, organizing something, cook something, weed something, cleaning something, I like reading books that will take me places and meet new people without leaving my house. Nice! I like having time to finish projects undone, my book that still needs to be written about me, family history, temple work (if you ever want to go with me, that would be fun), personal history scrapbooks, vacation scrapbooks to be completed from 5 vacations ago. Yeah! It will be fun when I actually sit down and do it. I recently made a list of things I could do to fill up "my time" and I came up with 20 things and it didn't even include movies. Ha! I feel good! I'm trying to fill my time more wisely and not waste it. We all know "time" is everything and we will be held accountable with the way we used it. Scary! But, I'm excited.

Summertime Datenights

2011-07-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

So far summer break is going nice and slow, just the way I like it. Ron and I still continue to do our datenights but lately we have done some unusual activities. Some of the things we have done:

Cherry Hill Water Park - after 4:00pm you can get half day splash passes for only $10.00 each. About the price of a movie but this last longer and is much more fun. You can swim, take on the slides or take it easy in the lazy river. A fun way to be interactive with your spouse. We went back the night after for the free Jessie Clark Funk concert that Cherry Hill sponsors every Friday and Saturday at 9:00pm. I can't say enough about Jessie, she is way awesome and very talented. I got to sit in the front row, which was the best except it was a little loud.

Swan Lakes Golf Course - This was lots of fun. We ended up doing the 18 hole championship putters course. No silly toys just putting. It was quiet-beautiful scenery and challenging, not sure I will ever be a champion at this course but maybe with lots of practice anything is possible. Sat for awhile in the great outdoors talking-drinking cold water and then took the batting challenge back at Cherry Hill. I have had the urge to hit a softball for over a year and it felt really good to let it rip. I wouldn't mind doing it again.

Ron has been planning a King's Peak hiking/camping/fishing trip with his boys. He bought a new backpacking stove and wanted to test it. So, he put together some freezer dinners and packed other items that would make it possible for us to have a camp-stove dinner for two. We went up to the campground at the castle in Layton where there were picnic tables we could use. It was fun almost like camping. For the most part we were secluded from others and the weather was perfect. The stove worked and it was a much needed dinner for I was starving. We spent time talking about what our next year's summer vacation should be. The last vacation before Cameron leaves for his LDS mission. Because of an approaching evening storm we left but only to snuggle in our room alone watching The Scarlet Pimpernel mostly falling asleep to the thunderstorm.

Tired of doing the same thing every time you get a chance to get out? Don't get me wrong I love going out to eat, it's my favorite thing to do and I do love movies another favorite thing to do, but sometimes you need something different. Going out on dates with your spouse is extremely important, it's a way to continue to learn about them and spend needed one on one communications, a chance for them to treat you as a princess. Sometimes it's awkward, sometimes you may not know what to talk about or want them to open your door. But, this is important also for your children to see so they will know how they should treat or be treated.

Maybe nights don't work, you could do a lunch date instead. Those with small children should make a priority to get out and away from kids often. Finding a babysitter can be awkward but just remember there are girls everywhere needing to earn a few dollars (some will be glad to do a service) and most will do a good enough job for a few hours of sanity. Can't really afford it, really you can't afford to not do it. Get creative. Pack a dinner and play scrabble at a picnic table in a park, go rollerblading, hiking, swimming, rent a movie, go to dollar movie or watch movie off of internet or using your cool laptop sitting in the back seat of the car (don't forget to bring treats and soft pillows to be comfortable). Go to the temple. Can't find a babysitter? Put the kids to bed early enough so that you have time for each other often. Get in a habit of doing this.

Summer Break On Its Way

2011-05-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

I would like to think we are planning our summer break fun but I think summer activities are planning us instead. I'm looking forward to it and hope we can do some good.

We are planning a reading challenge to keep the kids, well all of us, reading during the summer. Our prize is a family day at Boondock's. Ron purchased a year pass to Hogle Zoo. Got a sneak peak of the zoo on a 3rd grade fieldtrip recently and I'm excited for the 2012 season already. They are building a polar bear exhibit that will be quite amazing. I will have two kids in the Kaysville 4th of July parade (one in the Davis marching band and one for KJH cheerleaders) pretty excited and 3 family members in the Wizard of Oz annual 4th of July play. My brother lives close to Pineview beach in Huntsville, we will do small hikes, boating, wave runners courtesy of his girlfriend and lots of fun activities on the beach. My mom will be in town during the summer and also my daughter Christina will be around. So happy about that.

I plan on having the girls sew their own aprons, sew pants into shorts and make homemade bread. Cameron has been invited to attend Utah Boys State on a scholarship. Cameron/Brandon/Jonathon and maybe Ron will all get to go river rafting for their Venture Adventure. The girls both have Young Women Camp. Dallon has Cub Day Camp. Dallon and Kaydon get to have swimming lessons, yeah! Swimming every Monday at a neighbor's house. Love her for sharing her pool with us. She is awesome. Ron is planning a Kings Peak adventure with the older boys, party for the rest of us. Ha. We will have family vacation at the Grand Canyon/Zion's National. I'm excited to do some backyard camping with a fire pit.

The best part of summer break is I have the kids cook the meals. Breakfast and dinners will be made by each having a turn. I will continue to make Ron's meals. This gives my kids experience in the kitchen, helps them be independent.

The kids will also update their individual scrapbooks, We have been putting everything in the front pocket of their books, now it's time to everything out of the pocket and scrapbook it in . Some take more time than others, more creative, but they are all helping with this project. I'm having them go through all the pics we have on the computer and choose which ones they want for their own book. I get to scrapbook all the vacation pics.

I'm hoping to do a service project every week, keeping an eye on what we can do to be good citizens in the neighborhood. To make someone happy, to have good feelings in helping where we can.

I'm hoping it will be a fun summer break, one that doesn't go by so fast like last year's. One that will allow us to slow down and enjoy it and hopefully we will have some summer weather to go with it, nothing to hot, workable. So who's ready for summer?

I know I am but before that I still have field day activities to do, 3rd grade water party, 6th grade graduation. My sweetie Samantha is moving on to the big leagues of Junior High next year, the land of Drama queens :) , poor girl, I'm hoping she makes it through without to much damage done. But until then, ready, set, summer break!

Teachers

2011-05-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

I have been excited about summer coming up, however, I also have been dreading it. I was sitting, listening to my young son's "Spring Sing" put on by the first graders. They were going month to month and singing the things they had learned. They had made it to July which celebrates my favorite holiday. As they were singing those patriotic songs I couldn't help but feel teary-eyed and pride, I love those songs. I know first hand that Kaydon's teacher had put the majority of it together. I volunteer on Fridays in her class and see how wonderful she is, teaching through song. They would sing those patriotic songs while I was there and I always feel the same way. So grateful to have a teacher who feels these songs are important . While sitting there listening I had sad feelings of missing this awesome teacher and for the first time ever in all my volunteering wasn't looking forward to the end of it. I love the teachers I work with right now, I love the things I get to do, how I feel when I'm done.

Even as an adult teachers are still teaching me, just by watching them teach and they truly do mother the kids they teach. I felt like Mrs. Robinson (Kaydon's teacher) really loved each of her students. Later on in the year she found out I had eight children through a show n' tell, she kept thinking of me as a Saint because there wasn't a week I missed, seriously I had the exact thoughts of her. Mrs. Furse was so friendly and would talk to me forever if we could and just loved Dallon, she was always praising Dallon about something to me and of course who doesn't want to hear good things about their child. Just keep feeding my ego. She used him for everything as an example for the rest of the kids. The kids really looked up to him too, not to mention Dallon loved the attention. She has helped him be the leader he was meant to be and I think that will carry through. I was glad I got to work with her, she is way awesome. But it will be sad when it ends. We build these friendships and then they seem to end when school ends. No more close associations with them.

I think school teachers are still to this day an inspiration to me and are still affecting me with their wisdom and kindness. Teachers are like mothers, they reach us, and teach us like no one can, without really expecting anything in return. Teachers are to be cherished and deserve our gratitude. Granted their are some teachers not worth mentioning and we are glad they are gone from our lives forever. But, there those few teachers that touch our lives for good and we never forget them.

Therapy Sessions

2011-05-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

I thought since I have a lot of build up tension and thoughts running through my mind, it would be good to have therapy sessions. Don't worry, I don't plan on spilling it all out on here, some wouldn't be able to handle it. But, I thought, people go to therapists for all types of things to get their mind cleared and to have someone actually here them and hear it out without any strings attached. So, I think I'm going to start "therapy sessions" at home with Ron. See if he can't help me and I him. I think it's good for spouses to be able to do this in the first place but sometimes we need to plan these little sessions just so we can speak what's on our mind without everyone getting upset. The one must play the role of therapist and that's all, can give good feedback and advice, but can't comment on the others words. Let's see how this goes, first of all I have to talk him into becoming my therapists.

Mother's Day Gift

2011-05-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

Ron took me to J & J's to buy my garden and some tools for Mother's Day. I've been itching to get my garden planted, Ron thought it was the right time to do it, so, I was busy digging about and getting it planned after getting the plants. I'm excited for this year, I'm trying some new things.

This year I've planted:
cucumbers
tomatoes
bell peppers (red, green and yellow)
pumpkin (our ward is having a pumpkin growing contest and they gave us seeds
cabbage (the state is having a contest for each child to grow one, lucky for me)
turnips
carrots
onions
garlic
yellow squash
eggplant (not about to pay $3.99 each when I can grow them, I hope)
lettuce (ice-berg)
zucchini
and peas

Wow! You type it out and it sounds like a lot and I guess that it is. Grateful to have an area to have a garden.
I'm also starting an herb garden in pots, so far I have cilantro. With the $20 Mother's Day gift from Brandon I plan on getting basil and oregano and some other herbs once I find out what they have. It's going to be great unless some natural disaster comes and destroys it, too much rain, sudden snow, etc.

My daughters also surprised me with little boxes of homemade chocolate turtles and a sewn rice bag that you can use as a heating pad. It works pretty good. They made those in Mutual. Danielle came home early from church to decorate the inside of the house and make no bake cookies. She is sweet.

Ron did the dishes all that day and even made the Family Home Evening treat-Congo Bars. So, I did minimum in the kitchen yesterday, always a bonus.

My Dallon had made at school, a hand soap that had a cute saying inside the bottle:

I love my mom! grateful hands, clean hands, kind hands, loving hands, strong hands, teaching hands, giving hands, willing hands, gentle hands, caring hands, happy hands, working hands, helping hands.

He says they actually did put the saying in there themselves and filled it up with hand soap.

Kaydon made a picture frame with his smiling face as a picture, that came with a cute picture of me and a sweet note. My pride and joys. My kids are the greatest!

My Rock

2011-05-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

I'm so grateful for prayer. I find when no one else cares or is listening, I know He is. He is the one I can turn to when it seems everyone else has turned away. It's during these times, He brings me hope and comfort, that tomorrow is a better day. He is my one sure foundation, my rock, my salvation. Without Him, I would be lost.

It's my job to be there for everyone, to make sure everyone is taking care of. It's my duty to cook, plan, clean, do laundry, take kids around to varies activities, listen, care, teach, love, discipline, etc. Sometimes moms/wives need to be taken care of too, sometimes we can get a little burned out and we need a short break and for me it doesn't take much to put me back in place, it's nice when others don't make me feel guilty for taking breaks. But, I need to keep my first knowledge of knowing that I am cared for, that someone will spend time with me and listen to me. I've had it all along. I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who understands his daughter and when thoughts of Him come to my mind, when I'm calling for Him, I can feel Him and He is there.

Project Done

2011-04-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

I've been working with my daughters in setting and doing goals using the Young Women personal progress book. I had started my Divine Nature Value Project and finished it yesterday. My goal was to reorganize my recipes. I wanted to get rid of that system of filthy recipe cards (tired of rewriting them, can't read half of them) and put all of them in the computer to be put into a tangible notebook. I put a lot of hours into this.

I first went through my recipes and made sure to keep the ones that were tested and we were actually using, finally went through other recipes collected whether through Relief Society activities or what have you and found some great recipes to keep. I put the recipes into categories such as Breakfast, Salads, Seafood, Sandwiches, Dinners with Chicken etc. For the kids sake I even made recipes for the easy things I do like Spaghetti, Beef Stew , Hotdogs or Sub Sandwiches, etc., so they could open the book and see what they would need and how to do it on their own. One never knows what might could happen to mom. So for the sake of being prepared, I typed each recipe out, with few abbreviations, added cute clip-art for most recipes and all protected in sheet protectors for easy cleaning and I'm also using tabs for easy finding. When I was done with the kids/family recipe notebook, I made another notebook for Ron's healthy breakfasts, dinners, soups and desserts. No more recipe cards, no recipe card boxes, mo, gone, like yesterday. I still have the whole project on my computer where it will stay just in case I need to redo any. It was a little inconvenient to cook while my recipes were here and there, but it was worth it. Yesterday was my first time using my notebooks and I love it! It was a great improvement to my kitchen and to my process of making a weekly menu. I wished now that I had written down a time log for this project just to know how long it took but it took forever, for sure over 10 hours. Glad to be done. The notebooks look so much better than old dirty recipe boxes. It's good for a young women or an old one like me to be organized, it is the way God is and that is who we are trying to be like.

Spring Fever

2011-04-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

I don't think I'm the only one who has this thing they call Spring Fever. I'm ready to mow my yard, dig in the flower garden, start a vegetable garden, warmer weather, no rain until it's needed. Ready to get outside. We keep having glimpses and teasers of Spring, like last Saturday while watching the first soccer games of the season. It felt so nice and even got a little sunburn. Also, I'm ready for school to get out and for the days to get carefree. Not sure this will really happen with kids needing to be here or there. Several of the kids will have jobs during the summer if not that then band camp, cheer and I'm also doing a summer babysitting job this summer, but it's small, only two days a week. I have goals for the kids to achieve. I really want my girls to make their own kitchen apron for cooking. I need to find a simple pattern for them to follow. Until then, I will keep hoping for Spring to come and be grateful for the rain, praying that the floods never come.

Eating Healthier

2011-03-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

Each Monday I try again, hoping to make a dent in flubber. I attend my local gym, work my tennis shoes off til' I'm so sore the next day that its hard to move. In order to get on top of this problem I need to remember that it takes more than going to the gym. I need to eat healthier and limit my food intake as well. This is one of my biggest challenges. Let's face it, it isn't always easy eating healthy all the time. I love to eat good food, foods that taste good, that actually have flavor. I have a magnet that sticks to my fridge that is the food pyramid according to Dr. Fuhrman and I really like it because it puts food into perspective. I can see what I need to do. I love to cook the healthy recipes I make for Ron because I like to prepare food, chop and measure etc. but at the same time I think it would taste better if someone else would cook it. I think its normal to think this. I have put together some healthy food recipes on my blog with the help of Dr. Fuhrman's recipe page. even included desserts which is important. I have tried these recipes and have liked them. I am constantly adding more to the blog so you will need to visit often. Try some of these recipes, give yourself at least 2 weeks to get used to eating this way of healthy eating. That is how long it takes our taste buds to convert. Take the challenge this week and eat healthy. Really watch what you are eating and how much you are eating. Let me know if you try one of the recipes and what you think of it.

Faith Anyone?

2011-03-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

We should not be discouraged or depressed by our shortcomings. No one is without weakness. As part of the divine plan, we are tested to see whether we master weakness or let weakness master us. Proper diagnosis is essential to proper treatment. The Lord gave us this remarkable assurance: " Because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong" (Ether 12 :37) But Wishing for strength won't make us strong. It takes faith and work to shore up a weakened cord of integrity. Real faith in Him will provide real relief-- and glorious rewards. He said, "Because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father"

We had an awesome lesson in Relief Society on Sunday and wanted to share this quote and some of my added thoughts and feelings about it. It was on faith. What faith is, and how to obtain it.

This quote is from Bishop Edgley: Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today's world, I wish to suggest a single choice--a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as athe dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, "Come unto me" and "Knock, and it shall be {given} you" (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs--come, knock. They are choices. So I say choose faith. Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism.

Faith is more than things hoped for and not seen, it is a deep conviction, a deep feeling of knowing without assurance. It's deep hope in our soul, in our hearts. Faith begins with hope and desire. We learn this from Alma 32:27-43. With this hope and desire we become motivated and begin to experiment, to see if will work.

I had made the comment that when we want to lose weight we often go to the gym, you can't just go to the gym one time and expect to lose weight you have to keep going to the gym and not only that but going to the gym isn't the only way to lose weight so you could follow the Word of Wisdom, eat healthy, stay active, you don't go to the gym and then come and sit and veg in from of the TV or computer all day, you need to keep going. It's the same with faith. You need to have desire to receive it, motivation to prove it, and you have to keep doing it, but also try a variety of ways to receive it. You can pray, pay tithing, read in our scriptures, be chaste, keep the commandments, fast, keep the Sabbath Day holy, and a huge variety of other things to do to receive faith. We need to not only do one thing but do the variety of things to make the faith more balanced.

Remember you can't just wish for strength to overcome weakness or wish to have faith, it takes effort, action, we have to work at it. Is it hard work? Not really, it's quite simple but then again it isn't, it is work and like anything worth having it takes sacrifice and effort. It is a process, we are not going to be perfect all at once but as we keep at it we will become perfect in that thing we are experimenting in. The key is--we must keep trying. We mustn't give up on our faith, we must keep nourishing it like a seed that will someday with special care will turn into something beautiful, useful and sweeter than anything we have ever known because of the accomplishment we feel in achieving it. Faith is so essential in living the Gospel Plan. Without it we will never reach our highest potential. Faith is like a key which is used to opening a door to happiness and eternal life. We have the key within reach, we have the choice....do we want to be happy, do we want our families to be happy? Those things are obtainable even here in this crazy world that we live in. We have to have faith, we have to live the gospel principles which have been taught to us. We need to be a strength for each other, to be the cheer leader our for families and friends that we love. We have to help them by encouraging, teaching, and by being the example ourselves. We must work to overcome, to master weakness not the other way around. We can do it, some days will be harder than others, because there is someone out there wanting us to fail. He wants us to fall on our faces and give up. He doesn't want us to be happy, he doesn't want families to stay together. He is hoping we choose to give into the worldly ways, to stumble and hope we forget who we are and what we can do if only we make up our minds to do it and to work at it. "He never said it would be easy, but He promises it will be worth it".

Happenings:

2011-03-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Reading: Mental and Spiritual
Finshed Reading: I have finished reading these books this year so far, they are in order:
The Maze Runner
The Scorch Trials (still waiting for the third book to end the series)
The Help
The Hunger Games
Catching Fire
Mockninjay
The Count of Monte Cristo (unabridged)

Books I'm Reading:
The Book of Mormon (ongoing everyday)
The Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Books to be Read: (the small condensed version)
Great Expectations
Little Women
Pride and Prejudice
North and South
Sense and Sensibility
Emma
Mansfield Park
Still Alice
The Forgotten Garden
More books from Lynn Austin

I could go on but I'm starting with classics and working in some of my favorite authors like Lynn Austin. She has some great stuff and I haven't read them all yet. I would like to read something funny romantic soon, so if you know the perfect book for me, let me know.

Physical:

Everyday at home I do some exercises to tone the stomach.I need to get rid of flubber. Mondays I go to the gym to workout, this week I got the craving and was drawn to do Zumba. It's perfect for cardio. I went back to the gym on Wednesday and did the Hip Hop with power (which means with weights). Not only do you get cardio but you also tone. Perfect for what I want. I've also been eating healthier. Instead of pulling out my Kit Kat, I've been snacking on apples and pears. I've been eating small amounts of oatmeal or fruit smoothies everyday. (check out my recipe blog for smoothie recipes under the breakfast page)

Culture:
I had the opportunity to attend my son Jonathon's band performance recently and I love to hear them play. They are great. They played some great stuff but one of my favorites was this song named Fate of the Gods
Check it out. You can also hear it on my My music blog-Give Me A Beat .
I have collected a new playlist of songs of theme songs from different movies and also music from awesome composers even the great Paul Cardall.

General:

I have been been very concerned with some of my children's habit of brushing their teeth or should say lack of. Every morning before each goes to school or after family prayer in the evening I'm always reminding my kids to go and brush and floss (evening) their teeth. Although it seemed as if they were but with no real evidence. So, I now have several of my children brush and floss their teeth in my presence so that I know without a doubt. Sad really but, one of my children feared to brush his teeth or didn't like the taste of toothpaste. Of course reminding him we aren't to be eating the toothpaste just brushing our teeth with it. I'm not going to go get fruity tasting toothpaste when I know most of that is no good anyway. After several days of it, he now loves to brush his teeth and went as far as to say it was fun. Ha. I don't know about that but if he thinks so, okay...I'm not going to say otherwise.

One of my daughters also has a fear of water, particularly showers. She doesn't do it often enough I"m embarrassed to say. She prefers the bath but doesn't even do that enough. My debate about a bath was that you can't wash your hair correctly. When you are washing your hair in the bath water, you are only washing it in dirt from your body. Therefore not really washing your hair as it should, because you can't rinse all the dirty soap you put into it. I offered to do it for her. So, she finally came to me and asked me to do it. It was hard on her neck and back but we did it. After we dried her hair and styled it, she was in heaven. She loved the bounce it gave, because it was clean. I'm hoping this gives her the motivation she needs to do it on her own next time.

So as a mom I feel like I'm making a difference in this area. Hoping to improve on my children's habits of being clean in every aspect of their lives.

Can't Win Them All

2011-03-03T12:17:00.000-08:00

I've had one of those weeks. Not only did my favorite basketball team-BYU not win their last game...I was so bummed especially after hearing the bad news about Brandon Davies. But also, my two sons who tried out for the Davis Soccer team found out last night they didn't make it. Brandon was close, he made the first cut but not the second. We got up early Mon. & Wed. mornings just for the conditioning for the try-outs. Glad that's over, maybe it was still a good thing to do. My two girls didn't win big at the Cheer Nationals even though I thought they should have been placed different than they were. Oh well. We can't win them all. It's been that kind of week. We can't always have winning relationships all the time either. But, what are we to learn from all this besides not winning all the time? Well, we need to keep trying, don't give up. Always work to improve yourself. Stay positive and work at it. Eventually, something will happen for your good.

The girls may not have won big, but we had fun at Disneyland/California Adventure Park with the four youngest kids. The boys may not be on the soccer team but they can try out for tennis. They have a better chance playing together. That will be awesome. Relationships improve, people forget about being selfish and think of others. As for BYU, their future still looks bright, I still have faith in them and I know they will pull it together even with Davies gone. Maybe we can play some of our rivals again and this time win. I'm looking forward to seeing the team again in action. Maybe we can't win them all but that's okay, we will still have fun watching them. Go Cougars!

Another Activity Day Idea #2

2011-02-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday, we had another Activity Day activity. It was the day after Valentine's Day. We got together to write Valentine letters to our missionaries in our ward. We also put together a small care package for each. I had created my own missionary stationary, using this picture of missionaries and I put that on a corner of a text box. I had the clpart of CTR on the other corner.
Each of the girls choose a missionary to write. We had bought some of those large gold envelopes. Inside we put a tie (my son got a 100 ties for Christmas from his friend as a joke but most of the ties were great so we used them for the activity), we put in a sample of men's cologne from Avon, we used Patrick Dempsey and Sports Driven and then we put in a box of conversation hearts and of course the letter. For our Sister missionary, we put in chapstick, candy and sample perfume from Avon "Just Because" this perfume is so great. The girls really liked serving our missionaries. It's nice to receive love from home. To end our activity we had a Valentine party, we decorated cupcakes and gave Valentine's to each other. It was a great success. We had lots of fun and we were able to serve our missionaries whom we love. We think missionaries are great!

Love Is

2011-02-14T11:56:00.000-08:00

They say it's a river, circles the earth
A beam of light shining to the edge of the universe
It conquers all
It changes everything
They say it's a blessing
They say it's a gift
They say it's a miracle and I believe that it is
It conquers all
but it's a mystery
Love breaks your heart
Love takes no less than everything
Love makes it hard
And fades away so easily
In this world we've created
Where this place that we lived
In a blink of an eye the darkness slips in
Love lights the world, unites the love that's for eternity
Love breaks the chain
Love aches for everyone of us
Love takes the tears and the pain
And turns it in to the beauty that remains
Look at this place
It was paradise but now it's dying
I'll brave the love
I'll take my chances that it's not too late
Love breaks your heart
Love takes no less than everything
Love makes it hard
And fades away so easily
Love breaks the chain
Love aches for everyone of us
Love takes the tears and the pain
And turns it in to the beauty that remains
(Brian McKnight feat. Vanessa Williams)

It is the answer to every problem in the world. On this Valentine's Day, hope love enters your hearts and that it spreads to everyone you know, reaches out to someone new, someone who needs a helping hand, someone who needs love, until it spreads throughout the whole world, to all our brothers and sisters, that hunger and hate will cease to exist. Grateful for the Love of my life Jesus Christ. I love Him because he first loved me. He has blessed me even when I don't deserve it. He gives me love in the form of my parents, my brother, Ron my eternal companion, my children and my extended family. I would be nothing without them. There would be no happiness. But God does love us, he gave us family to endure the journey below, to make us happy. Wanted to tell all that I know how much I love them and admire them. Happy Valentine's Day!

QuotesThat Inspire

2011-02-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

"There is a divine purpose in the adversities we encounter every day. They prepare, they purge, they purify, and thus they bless." --James E. Faust, "The Refiner's Fire," Ensign, May 1979, 53

"Our task is to become our best selves. One of God's greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final." --Thomas S. Monson, "The Will Within," Ensign, May 1987, 67

"...the strait and narrow path, though clearly marked, is a path, not a freeway nor an escalator. Indeed, there are times when the only way the strait and narrow path can be followed is on one's knees!"
--Neal A. Maxwell, "A Brother Offended," Ensign, May 1982, 37

All In The Family

2011-02-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

Last night I had our February Family dinner. It was a Valentine theme. I thought it went really well, we had a house full, but it was great. I love visiting with family. You can check out my recipes I used for the dinner on my other blog Busy in the Kitchen. It made me happy to hear they liked the dinner and wanted the recipe. I had worked hard on it not knowing how it would be favored, but I ended with a happy face by the end of the night. Thanks, you guys are the best.

We had Grandma Shapiro give us a Family Home Evening on having a Happy Home. I thought she did great considering how many kids we had trying to be quiet. :) She asked them what a a plant, a baby and Kaiya (our puppy) needed to be cared for properly, asked them what makes a good mom, dad, brother or sister. They were good questions for all of us to think about. She touched on what makes a family a great family.That they play, work and love and help one another. I thought the kids gave great answers. Some were pretty funny.

I would like to add that "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families." This includes spending quality time with their spouse and children (which Ron does so perfectly), they spend time teaching their children skills (Ron had Brandon fix the bathroom toilet and Jonathon helped install a new kitchen sink faucet this past Saturday, this is awesome). "Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners." Again, I think Ron does this nicely. He washes the dishes on Sundays, usually and he always makes up his side of the bed. Always clean and organized and helps with the kids. I love that he spends time with each of them playing games or what have ya. He helps them clean their rooms, showing them how to do it correctly. So grateful to have him and my children, they are the best. Danielle, Dallon and Kaydon had helped me with the potatoes and she helped with putting up the decorations. She is so sweet.

It was a fun evening with the family and I love them so much. So glad Uncle Dale, Carry, Jared, Meghan and their kids came. I miss having them around. Meghan makes me feel like I can be my goof off self. The same for Ellen, I don't have to be so serious all the time. I was so happy to have my own brother there with us too. It seemed complete for some reason, can't wait to add my own parents to the fun when they move here. :)

School Is In

2011-02-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

We had our Stake Conference this past Sunday. I really like what the General Authority had to say about us being in school. That's all he said about it, but, I've always had this analogy of us in school and so when he said it, it brought me back to focus on my own analogy of it.

I know we were taught before we came here. I have no doubt of this. They wanted to prepare us. We were in elementary school with our Heavenly Father's teachers and we had classes on what we needed to learn to succeed in life, things that would bring the most happiness, how to combat temptations, etc. Now that we are here, it's like going to college, ready for the next step, we left home, away from our parents care, but not to the point that we can't communicate, we can call home anytime through prayer. We are now on our own, we experience different types of things and learn new things. We get side tracked every once in a while trying to have "fun". The key of this life is to remember those things that we were taught and be successful and happy here. We learn things here a little, there a little, line upon line, precept upon precept. Depending on how we handle that new information, we either get more information to further us along or we stumble making things harder for us. Some of us get this knowledge easier than others, depending on how focused we are, how in tune we are. But, everyone has it eventually. Some of us want to learn more, actually do the homework, put what we have learned into practice, plant the seed of faith and let the experience grow in us. Some of us put it on a shelf hoping we don't run out of time to complete it, wanting more time to have "fun", wondering why we have to change our ways. Some of us don't even care, don't even have a clue. They do whatever they want, forgetting the reason they are here. But, we have all been given a gift, the light of Christ. This helps us know right from wrong. We know it! Deep down, we know something to be either right or wrong. We are now here to pass the test that we have practiced so hard for before we came. Each day is another day at school to learn all that we can. Are we going to pass the class today? Am I going to pass, am I going to do all my work that is required to pass the class each day. This is the question I asked myself after hearing that talk. There are days I have failed horribly, but then I bounce back, there is mercy. There are days I've been awesome and feel good about the things I've done. I started to evaluate my life even more and look at how far I've come since I joined the church when I was 15. So grateful to have the knowledge and testimony I do. I know who I am, I know why I'm here, I know where I want to go and I know how to get there. That is a great gift alone. Everyone can have this. The hard part is staying focused, not losing sight of the goal, the prize.

I want to pass this test, I want to pass it so bad, it has brought the thrill of living in each new day to a new height. I can't guarantee each day will be perfect because let's be "real" nobody is perfect. I have myself to deal with (this isn't always easy), I have others around me to deal with, I'm not here on this planet alone. I have to deal with others' in this world and their choices. All of us are at different levels in this life, just as we are at school. Some of us learn faster, some of us it takes a little longer (that would be me), but when we get it, it's a great day.

Pretty soon school will be out and I hope all of us will graduate together. When we return to our Heavenly home we will be prepared to live life as we have been taught and live forever, forever learning new things. Learning to become as our Heavenly Parents. This can be pretty amazing to think about. But, first things first. Let's deal with today. Pass the small quizzes of the day. I must study and do my homework, experience what I've learned already, put it into practice, because practice makes perfect.

Honor Roll Tradition

2011-02-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

It's been a tradition for awhile now, but we take our children who have made the honor roll out to dinner. This time we got to take Danielle, it was her first year in Jr. High. We got to take all of our children in High School and Jr. High. All of them had straight A's with one having an A-. What can you say to that? We are so proud of our kids for putting forth the effort for their education. It will pay for college in the long run.

We decided to go to Red Lobster, because the kids love it so much, even Brandon who doesn't like seafood. It's pretty expensive after eating dinner and dessert but, we tell our kids they are worth it. We are so happy with them for what they accomplished.. The younger kids look forward to when they can join us for our tradition. I hope it will be enough incentive for them to do their best.

Old-fashioned?

2011-01-25T13:12:00.000-08:00

I think I've been watching too many movies in the era where men are actual gentlemen and women were virtuous. Time has changed us. Some of our values have changed. Don't get me wrong...there are many a gentlemen still in our day. I see men opening doors and openly adore their lady where there is no question he loves her. And there are women and men for that matter who wait to be married before pursuing intimacy. Things aren't the way they were then and sometimes that's good and yet there is something to be learned by watching theses kind of movies, keeping mind that these are just movies. They don't always represent the real ideas a society holds.

But, it gets me to thinking about today's society and how things have changed. Today, women have their independence, thanks to a lot of hard working women from our history, however, some women have gotten out of the habit of not allowing a man be a gentlemen, therefore, they have gotten out of habit of being one. I think it's our responsibility to fix that. We should allow men to open doors, get up when a women needs a seat, to pull a seat out for her when at a restaurant or other public outing. We need to be teaching our young sons this too. I know, I'm one who goes ahead and opens the door myself because it saves the trouble or time. Sometimes, husbands might pull the car out so you can get in easier, but, shouldn't we allow them to get out and open our door for us too. At home, we can allow our young sons to let their sisters fix their plate of food first, to stand up and make sure others are treating their sisters or mom with respect. Some say that chivalry is dead, but I'm a voice that would like to bring it back.

What is chivalry?

The ethical code of the knight prevalent in Medieval Europe, having such primary virtues as mercy towards the poor and oppressed, humility, honor, sacrifice, fear of God, faithfulness, courage and utmost graciousness and courtesy to ladies.
Courteous behavior, especially that of men towards women.

I think chivalry is a great trait to have. I'm going to try harder to be more lady like and remember my own manners and code of behavior as I'm teaching the men in my life they are allowed to be a gentleman. Or maybe I'm living in an old-fashioned fantasy world. Hmmm. Lesson # 1- try

Makes You Feel Good

2011-01-24T12:44:00.000-08:00

I had Sister Sundahl call me yesterday after church to give her praise about Kaydon. Apparently, she and her husband were subs in Kaydon's class. She was so impressed with this kid and his insightful answers to their questions that after class she had to find out who the parent's were. They told her that he was a Shapiro. She had nothing but good to say of Kaydon: his manners, behavior during class and especially his answers. She's so funny because she knows me well, we worked together in Activity Days and our daughters (Danielle & Kira) are really good friends and had said I knew you had awesome daughters but I didn't know anything about Kaydon until now. Anyways, it makes you feel good when people comment about your children in that way.

Strengthening Families and our Homes

2011-01-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

The Relief Society has been established by our Heavenly Father to organize, teach and inspire His daughters and prepare them for the blessings of eternal life by helping them increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and home, and seek out and help those in need. If you are like me, you need a little boost by the end of the week, a little spiritual lift to help us through the next week.

Never at any time in the history of the world have we needed stronger families and stronger homes. It is out of the homes and families that the next generation comes. Our homes can be a refuge in a world of evil influences. Every home, large or small can be a "house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God" (D&C 88:19) Whether married or single, old or young, we all have a duty to defend and practice the truths found in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" . And let's not forget the scriptures which are at our fingertips. We should be reading the instructions given to us every day as my son Cameron taught last night at Family Home Evening.

I was given this quote to read in Relief Society, although they ran out of time and I didn't get to read it. I really liked it and wanted to share it here:

" It is the parents' duty to intervene when they see wrong choices being made. That doesn't mean parents take from children the precious gift of agency. Because agency is a God-given gift, ultimately the choice of what they will do, how they will behave, and what they will believe will always be theirs. But as parents we need to make sure they understand appropriate behavior and the consequences to them if they pursue their wrongful course. Remember, there is no such thing as unlawful censorship in the home. Movies, magazines, television, videos, the Internet, and other media are there as guests and should only be welcomed when they are appropriate for family enjoyment. make your home a haven of peace and righteousness. Don't allow evil influences to contaminate your own special spiritual environment. Be kind, thoughtful, gentle and considerate in what you say and how you treat each other. Then family goals based on gospel standards will make it easier to make good decisions. (M. Russell Ballard in Apr. 1999 General Conference report.)

I liked this because yes, we are in charge of what comes into our homes, not our children or anyone else for that matters. Hopefully, your children will appreciate what you are trying to do by separating the world from what is right.

The lesson was on Improving Our Lives. There were 4 areas in which was taught we could improve.
1.) Our relationship with Jesus Christ 2.) Ourselves Why? Because if we can't take care of ourselves how do we expect to take care of others. We need to give time for ourselves, to take care of ourselves, to do things that will help us be healthy and bring us happiness. We serve others better when we are happy, but also we are happier when we give service. 3.) Our Families. This is a gift to have children and should bring us the most joy than any other job in the world. We should help our families by setting the good example, reading scriptures and praying, having Family Home Evenings which are set aside as a teaching moment for our families on how to live gospel principles but also to have fun doing so. and 4.) Service --because service brings us and others joy, most of the time, it's our families that we are doing service for and we all know that when you serve your fellowman you are serving God. As they pointed out each of these categories actually intertwine with each other.

It was a good lesson and a good reminder that we need to evaluate and to improve our lives often. When we improve ourselves we are in fact strengthening our families and our homes.

5,6,7,8

2011-01-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

Here is the video for those of you who have been waiting. There are 4 videos put into one. The first two are the shows done the night before competitions given for the families and whoever wanted to come. The first show has Danielle and the second has both of them in it. It will be hard to see sometimes Ron zeroed them in. For the competitions the first video is with Danielle and Samantha and the second was just with Danielle. Danielle was in two performances. I hope you enjoy it. As you will see they are lots of fun, they are not perfect but they did it and that is what counts. We are proud of our girls for doing their best. Ready 5, 6, 7, 8

click her to view cheer performances

Month by Month Activity Days 2010/2011

2011-01-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

I didn't mean to delete this post from my earlier blog so I'm restoring it here. I hope someone will find it helpful in their calling.

January

1st- "Get Ready, Set, Goals" - we gathered to see what the girls had already accomplished in their Faith in God booklets. We planned some upcoming activities. We explained what a goal is and why its important to set and work and eventually accomplish them. We played a game.

2nd- "The Music In You"- We taught the girls how to conduct a song for the first half. (They really had fun learning, I was surprised) We discussed how music is everywhere, we talked of the good and bad and how it influences our lives. We used the For Strength of Youth pamphlet to see what the Prophet had said about music. I played 4 different types of music to see if they knew what they were. The fun part, we allowed them to show n' tell their favorite song. They brought their own CD and we asked them why it was their favorite song.

February
1st- "Be My Valentine" We wrote love letters to our parents, grandparents or leaders. I had made some Valentine Service cards they could fill out and give to whomever they chose. We then decorated sugar cookies to take home to our families. Share the love. The girls had tons of fun doing both.

2nd- "How Lovely Was The Morning" - I had the song playing as they came in. We had a Family Home Evening on Joseph Smith's First Vision. We had a song and prayer to begin. Holly took care of the flannel board story. I taught them how to conduct and plan a FHE click here, gave them print offs for a FHE chart Click here and ideas click here just for you . We put together FHE kits for them to take home. We then went downstairs to watch the First Vision movie on DVD Click here to view a part of it complete with their own popcorn bag with a few candy treats inside, everyone got to take home a DVD to do the same Family Home Evening to pass of the goal in the Faith in God booklet. We finished by eating cornbread and honey. This was a great meeting. The Spirit was very strong and I knew the girls felt it too. They actually passed off the goal by having their own FHE with their families. Some of the girls families were inactive and now are becoming active again, who knows maybe it had something to do with the FHE.

March
1st- "Holy Bread" - Taught the girls to make bread, they each had responsibilities to do. We then discussed the Sacrament and the importance of it. We made the bread to use for the Sacrament and how this would be a great service. We never got recognition for it, we weren't expecting it, but I could tell the girls felt good about what they had done knowing they had served their ward family. It was a great lesson.

2nd- "Day at the Spa" For the first half, we had guest speaker come and tell us how to take care of our hair, learned some techniques using a curling iron, a flat iron and learned new styles and she taught us about make-up, how to apply it, how much to use, etc. We had another guest talk about taking care of their skin, keeping it clean, moisturized. We gave each of the girls a hot washcloth to apply onto their faces to clean it. They loved it, felt like we had been to the spa for sure. The second half we spent talking about nails, taking care of them and we for fun we did some nail art. We gave the girls toothpicks and acrylic paints. We had a book that had tons of ideas of to do on your fingernails, very fun the girls didn't want to go home.

April
1st- "Body as a Temple" - We took the girls to the Bountiful temple grounds to discuss their bodies, keeping them clean from tattoos and too many piercings, read from the Prophets quotes about each and how our bodies are like a temple. We should treat them as such, be careful what we eat, wear, etc. The Spirit was strong. We also celebrated the real birthday of Jesus. I brought cupcakes to sing Happy Birthday. Also, we bought compact mirrors and put a picture of Christ on the top and then they could see themselves in the mirror. We talked about how our countenance should be the image of God and that when we see ourselves, we can see him.

2nd- "Spring Fling" This is the day we had been planning for awhile, with the previous activities leading up to this. A Spring Fling Modesty Fashion show. Each girl was to bring 3 different outfits: casual, church and PJ's (the girls chose that one), In the beginning we had a nice discussion about modesty and how hard it can be and that we needed to be the one to set the example. Again, read from the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet about what the Prophets have said, which is what Christ has said. We had the stage looking so awesome with glittery stars and with stage lights, we had a runway made out of balloons. I showed them some modeling techniques that they could do, we had 3 different locations they had to walk to and do a pose of some type, whatever they chose. I had my son video tape the whole thing, my daughter worked the music and we had tons of fun. We saved the tape to be shown later at our mother/daughter night.

May
1st- "Mommy and Me" - Mother/Daughter activity. We started out playing a Newlywed type game to find out how much the moms and girls knew about each other. Tons of fun, we had prizes for the two top winners. Had an ice-cream bar, ended watching the Fashion Show with their moms. They were both beaming with pride as they watched the show. It was a good idea to do it.

2nd - "Faith is Like A Seed"- We talked of faith and testimonies as being like a seed, we planted a Marigold seed and gave each a charge to nourish it and take care of it. We topped it off by eating a dirt dessert with gummy worms. A great activity. The girls are so fun.

June
1st- "Sporty Me"- learned skills in each of basketball, soccer and tennis. We did some relay type games and did a mini game of each. We had access to someones yard that had a basketball court that was also used as a tennis court. The girls really loved playing around showing off their skills. At the end, we recruited each to become Secret Service Agents. I gave them each a manila envelope with the missions they were to accomplish during the time we were not together. Service missions for mom, dad, siblings, grandparents, friends and Christ.

2nd- "Mission Possible"- This was the final mission of the service agents, we serviced our community by picking up trash at a local park which usually needed it. Ended with making our own ice-cream cookie bars for fun. We had fun being Secret Service Agents.

July
1st- "A Hiking We Will Go" - Chose to do a simple trail in Centerville where it led to a waterfall. They were to bring a backpack with hiking essentials. Talked about being prepared. We had a scavenger hunt for certain items already found on a trip earlier. Things to look for. Ended up having snow cones to cool us off at the end. The girls love to hike.

2nd- "Camp Bare Necessities" 1.) learn to build a safe fire 2.) set up a simple pup tent 3.) cook dinner over fire Luckily, we have a neighbor who had a fire pit and allowed us to use it. The girls are always jealous of the boys and their camping trips and so this activity gave them the short version and they were thrilled. We had relays setting up the tents, see who could get theirs up the fastest. We enjoyed cooking hotdogs and smores over the fire. Lots of summer fun.

We took the month of August off.

September
1st- "Babies" - Make no sew fleece blankets for new moms in our ward, we learned a new sewing technique for the bows on the blankets. Made our own homemade ice-cream. The girls had lots of fun doing each.

Recipe for ice-cream: 1/2 c. milk, 1 T. sugar, 1/2 t. vanilla extract (seal real tight and mix in small zip lock bag and set aside) in large zip-lock bag add: 2 quarts or 8 cups of ice and 6 T. rock salt. Put small bag into large bag and shake for about 5 minutes.

2nd - "Back to School the 1,2 3's" D&C 88:118- learned good study habits, about procrastinating, etc. Planned a fitness program to stay fit during the new school year. Taught and made healthy after school snacks the highlight of the activity. The girls actually had fun.

October
1st- "Be Prepared" learned some basic first aid- gave scenario's for each to act out and respond the correct way, when to call 911. We then made first-aid kits. The girls are so good, they have so much fun.

2nd- Make Strawberry freezer jam. Had tons of fun playing in the kitchen. The girls played basketball games while we had to wait. Lots of fun.

November
1st- "Grateful for Traditions" - Make gratitude letters for our leaders, make gingerbread houses (well graham cracker houses) Had too much fun putting those together.

2nd- "O Holy Night" - watch Luke II movie 5 minutes. Made Nativity ornament with round clothes pins and popcycle sticks.

December
1st- "Tis the Season" - We made a trip to Temple Square to see the lights and take in the atmosphere. For some girls it was their first trip ever to Temple Square and especially to see all the beautiful lights. They were so excited and had a desire to invite their own families to come and visit there again. We had hot chocolate and doughnuts in the beginning. It was the perfect temperature, the perfect time, no large crowds. We got to speak with some missionaries and visit the Christ statue there in the visiting center. The girls loved the road trip.

January 2011
1st - "Bring in the New" -Explained some of the things we had in store for the new year. They helped us plan upcoming activities-this passes off a goal in the Faith in God booklet. We ended up having fun playing broom hockey in the cultural hall at the church. Lots of fun. They couldn't get enough.

2nd- "Picture This" We are doing an ongoing activity for each girl to create their own personal history scrapbook. We are starting with the cover page and their baby picture. I've asked each of the moms or dads to write their feelings and memories of their daughters as they were a baby.We will learn different techniques of scrapbooking using the computer. It will be fun to see how each girl creates. This project will not only benefit them but for generations to come. It will be a special project to complete.

February 2011
1st- "Souper Bowl" Daddy/Daughter night. We will start off having soup in bread bowls and then end up playing a SEEK football game. I have created a football field, we will use the SEEK game (scripture questions game) to play and make moves. I created slips of papers if they answer correctly which everyone will (we will supply scriptures to make sure) the slips of paper will tell them how many downs they get or maybe they will choose one that says touchdown on it. It will be tons of fun.

2nd- "We Love our Missionaries" - This is one of the activities the girls helped us with. I was so excited and impressed with our girls for wanting to be more serviceable this year. We plan on writing letters and Valentines to our missionaries and creating small care packages to send them. Can't wait!

Other activities the girls thought would be cool: adopting a grandma at the local Apple Tree (care facility for the elderly), they wanted to pair up and visit with as many as they can. They also wanted us to sing to them and make them happy. Visit homeless shelter, make more blankets and give them to orphans. Make more sugar cookies and give them away. We are planning an activity on budget and shopping. We plan on making a dinner for the Bishopric and their wives. Again another way to serve in our ward. I love our girls. Hope these activities will help others. We love our job and would love to hear of your ideas you might have.

Another Week Gone

2011-01-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I decided to keep track of what I do during the day. I write my doings on a small notebook.I only write what I do, not what time and how long it takes to do whatever I'm doing. It helps not only me to know how I'm spending my time, but my family can also know what I do while they are at school or at work. I feel pretty balanced, trying to exercise, keep the house clean, dinners, church callings,volunteer in the kids classes, being taxi mom-driving to this or that, staying spiritually minded and even fun things like reading a book. We will see how long this will last. This past week I've noticed how much more diligent in reading my scriptures I am now that the kids are back in school. I'm a little behind on my scripture tracker but as long as I'm reading that's all that counts. I've enjoyed reading when its quiet and I can think and ponder a little about it. I love Nephi and I love Jacob his brother who are great teachers especially when it comes to Isaiah. I found it so much easier this time around to understand what was being said. I love their testimonies and their faithful desire to teach truth about Christ to their people. It was very important to them because they had seen what was going to happen to their people, they tried so hard to turn it around and they probably think they failed, but, I've learned so much from them and there are still many others who have learned from their teachings by reading the Book of Mormon. It's pretty awesome to think about it, that they are still teaching, many are still hearing their teachings and learning about the truths.

This week I'm reading The Maze Runner, its a book my sons got as a Christmas gift from Grandma and Grandpa Shapiro. It's pretty good, wish I could keep reading it non-stop. Looking forward to the 2nd book of it. I hear the 3rd book is still not out yet. I got a pretty lengthy book list of recommendations from family and friends of books I would like to read. I can't wait.

Saturday, we got to go to our first Cheer competition of the year. It was held at Timpview in Provo. It was lots of fun. We followed the coach down to Provo, I think next time we should decorate our cars or something. I'm going to suggest it. I was very impressed with the venue of Timpview High School. As you walk in the door into this huge opening, kind of a mall feel to it, was the banner that read In God We Trust. I was happily surprised because I thought it was a bold statement being it was in a school. But, it was an awesome sight. It brought a smile and a warm feeling of pride to be in such a place.

Luckily, the time went by fast, it was fun to see the different routines, you could tell all the girls worked hard and their hard work paid off. For our teams, Danielle and Samantha performed together with the Varsity team which came in 3rd place but then there were only 3 teams in that category so...yeah. Danielle performed a second time with the JV team. They came in first place because they were the only team in that category to perform. I'm hoping to have a link up soon for you to see the performances. I think they did a great job. We were going to go to the BYU basketball game but they were sold out, so we went out to Cafe Zupa's for lunch. I can't get enough of this place, they have the best soups and salads. Headed home listening to the game on the radio, watched the rest when we got home. It was a sweet victory.

Waited for Jonathon to get back from his outing with the Scouts, had dinner and headed to Cyrstal Cave Springs. I had never been there but it's a man made hot springs. It was pretty neat. The one pool we were mostly in, was at 98 degrees, it had three water falls. One was freezing water, the other two were warm and hot. Everyone was congregating around the warm ones. Also there were three other smaller hot tubs in the hundred to hundred and three degrees and one lap pool which was at 73 degrees. They also had a water slide if you like cold water. I'm guessing that gets nicely used in warmer weather. As it was, it snowed while we were there making the experience even more wonderful.

Sunday, got to sleep in, it was awesome. Made cinnamon cake and the kids loved me. Got a call from church members saying that the pipes had burst in the scout room and had flooded the room. They had to turn off the power and the water. So, we had Sacrament only in another building, so we wouldn't freeze. It was a good turn out but then again, it was a smaller room and we were having a missionary farewell and they had lots of family and friends show up for it. This sister, Sister Sara King, leaving for her mission to Arizona, is very well prepared and I loved her message of the three P's of missionary work. Purpose, prepare yourself and promises. She gave a quick summary of this story of a boy and his sacrifice to go on a mission. click here to read it. It is an awesome true story. I can see her doing great things. The most awesome and sad thing about her story is that her mother passed away some time back and she has been raised by her father. It says a lot about her upbringing. The whole family, there are seven children and they are all great people. People to look up to.

We came home, played a new game-Speed Solitaire, had dinner, did Family Home Evening and went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Shapiro along with a few others who had the same thought. It was a nice visit but school was the next day. Went home and Danielle remembered she needed to watch a movie in Spanish, so we watched Fiddler on the Roof. I love it, it's a cute show. Now, I'm ready for a new week.

Today, I started my day as usual prepare breakfast (waffles always on Monday), family scripture/prayer, eat breakfast, dishes, waited for kids to leave for school so I could do my exercise workout. I'm enjoying my peace until the kids come home from school. I get to volunteer on Mondays in Dallon's class. I do multiplication facts with each of the kids for 30 minutes. That is a great reward, the kids are fun. Tonight, more cheer practice, football bowl game and more reading of my book. Life is great! Cross my fingers and knock on wood. :)

Come, Gone and Anew

2011-01-03T14:44:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe it but another year has come and gone. We rang in the new year at my brothers girlfriends cabin in Liberty. We ate somewhat healthy foods, no sugar foods anyway, no soda and we played some fun games. When the clock reached midnight all of the kids took a turn jumping off the back porch which happens to be on the second level of the house into the deep snow. All was fun until Dallon jumped into not so fresh snow and twisted or sprained his ankle. Happy New Years! It wasn't that bad luckily, then again it wasn't my foot. If you ask Dallon he would tell you differently. Poor guy. Next day, tried to sleep in but only made it to 8:30am, not too bad but, I could have done better being we didn't make it home and into bed until 2:00am. Got up and was ready to get going. I got a lot of things done including taking down all of Christmas and ready to watch the Alabama vs Michigan football game and TCU vs Wisconsin and Florida vs Penn State. Okay a lot of football, but all my favorites won. Went to get pizza for the game for those who came over to watch them with us and got to have one for free. Don't know why, I guess they were feeling generous for the first customer of the New Year. Sweet deal!

Sunday at church was awesome, I bore my testimony, I wasn't planning on it but it happened. I saw our Stake President and every time I see him, there is something about him that reminds me of my dad. I started thinking of him, many of you know he passed away last year. I was grateful to the Great Plan and for Jesus for making it possible for me to see him again. We had great and awesome teachers yesterday. I love Sis. Gardner and how she teaches. She really gets you to think about it. All of our gospel teachers are awesome, we are so blessed to have so many great people in our ward to learn from.

Sunday, I was also able to start one of my New Year's goals to have family dinners every month on Fast Sunday. I am looking forward to doing this. This month yesterday, we had a roast dinner and a game. Lots of fun. Next month, I'm planning a early Valentine's Dinner/Family Home Evening. I'm hoping more family will come next time. Even more fun.

The new year is looking promising so forth. So, Happy New Year's to all of you, hope this year will be one of spiritual growth and eternal wealth.

Oh What Fun....Traditions

2010-12-27T18:41:00.000-08:00

Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh... well we didn't have a horse or a sleigh but we had snowboards and sleds. Christmas Eve day we went to my brothers apartment up at Wolf Mountains in Eden. We had lunch and half of the kids went out to snowboard or sled down the hills. The heard the snow was more like ice not real ideal for sledding, but they still had fun. My brother, his girlfriend Colleen and I played Skip-bo and California Speed. We later opened gifts and finally said our good-byes. The kids were anxious to start our Christmas traditions.

We got home, heated up the white bean chili I had made earlier and had dinner. After the kitchen was cleaned up for the night. We allow them to open their Christmas PJ's in order of age, youngest to oldest, but in order to open them, they have to choose a Christmas song or Christmas hymn for all of us to sing. When the song finishes they open up their gift and run to put it on as we are all singing the next child's song. I like it because the kids usually keep to the hymns. When we were all done getting dressed and the mess is cleaned up, I read the The Living Christ, it's our newest tradition. I have Ron read Luke II in the scriptures and we even ventured to 3rd Nephi to hear what Samuel the Lamanite had to say about the birth of Christ, very nice. We all reverently go downstairs to our movie room and watch Mr. Krueger's Christmas and then Luke II -the Nativity on the same DVD. Then we say our family prayers with each of us taking our turn to pray. I allowed the kids to watch one final movie before we go to bed because it was still early. We watched our new movie that my brother got us The Sorcerer's Apprentice. They went to bed, but we didn't, Ron drove to his parents house to pick up our large gift items and I was preparing the stockings in my room. My son Brandon chose to be an elf this year and so he helped me and then helped set up when the time was right. It was a lot of fun, we finally went to bed around 1:30am. It was a very Merry Christmas. We loved our day. My other tradition is to serve Rhodes cinnamon and orange rolls for breakfast. I make my kids wait until 9:00am to open our other gift of clothes. We each picked out an outfit we wanted, even I and Ron got something new. Ron wasn't expecting it but thanks to Cameron who also earns money in our house, we were able to surprise him. I make the kids wait until 10:00am to open all of the other gifts around the tree. The last tradition I do is make a big Christmas dinner where I can use my Wal-Mart china dishes. We actually set the table and sit around our long table. My kids look forward to the dinner, they like it big and I don't mind cooking it. We had turkey, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, mashed sweet potatoes, corn, snap pea salad, cranberry sauce, red jello, and rolls. We all got to celebrate with Sparkling Grape Cider and a few other flavors in our nice glasses. For dessert, my girls begged me to make peanut butter pie, Cameron loves pumpkin pie and I love Banana Cream pie and I made a sugar-free apple crisp for Ron. It was a great day with all our traditions. Everyone was happy with what they got for Christmas. Happy Birthday Jesus, we love you.

Christmas Break Continued

2010-12-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

On my fourth day of Christmas break, my mom made me do: morning kitchen jobs and Saturday jobs too.....Children-what?!!!? Why? Mom- "What is on Saturday this week?", children-"Christmas?", mom- "yes...the reason we are doing Saturday jobs today, tomorrow will be spent up at Chris' place." I'm a mean mom for making them do jobs today, so they won't have to on Christmas. So mean. Also, she made us: make 5 pies....more moaning and groaning. More surprise Christmas shopping with Cameron and rent 7 movies for the long weekend. The movies aren't due back until Monday of next week, so why not? We are celebrating Joseph Smith's birthday tonight by eating a pioneer type meal. Will spend the night watching a movie no doubt. Maybe check up on how San Diego State does in their bowl game. Oh what fun it is to be on Christmas break.

More Christmas Break Fun

2010-12-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

On my third day of Christmas break, my mom made me do: morning kitchen chores, early 3 hour cheer practice and everyone's bedrooms to perfection. My perfection not theirs :) Lots of moaning and groaning, lots of why why whys, but I will have my way yet. I was doing lots of the work anyway, I don't know why they were complaining. Now instead of my feet, my back and knees are killing me.

To add to the fun, we spent time building Imaginext sets, reading Christmas books, deliver Christmas treats to our neighbors and friends. I was able to spend a little time reading Because He Loved Us. Made breakfast for dinner, my kids favorite dinner and watching the Bowl game Utah vs. Boise State (who should I go for?....hmmm, this is a hard one) and maybe a glimpse of the Jazz game I hope. Looking forward to bed. Happy Holidays.

The 12 days of my Christmas Break

2010-12-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

My first day of Christmas break, my mom made me do: morning kitchen chores, girls went to a cheer Christmas ice-skating party in Bountiful and then for a mother/daughter shopping spree at the Deseret Industries for new church clothes. It took us three and a half hours to do it. My feet hurt for standing at the fitting room waiting for the girls to try on potential clothing. I couldn't tell if I was having fun or not, through all the complaining What happen to girls being excited about shopping and getting new clothes, even if it is church clothes. I wanted my girls to look like they were going to church on Sunday's not school. I don't think it's too much to ask my girls to dress classy and modest. We managed to find something that made everyone happy. Yeah! We finished the night split, Ron and the boys watching Monday night football, the younger kids playing Wii games and me, watching Sense and Sensibility with Brandon spending more than half of it watching too. I think I had the better fun. Our Family Home Evenings are on Sunday for now and we had a great story lesson from Samantha and Brandon and then we watched The Sound of Music.

My second day of Christmas break, my mom made me do: blow and tie birthday balloons for my 16 year old brother, morning kitchen chores, trip to the Orthodontist with Cameron, Christmas shopping with Cameron, he wanted to buy our family a gift and then took Jonathon Christmas shopping for his friend and to get a hair cut. Then spent the rest of the day making treats for neighbors and friends. My feet hurt again :) This was suppose to be a family activity but turned out Danielle was my only helper :( Dallon did find some time to help me crush oreos for Brandon's birthday mud pie. :) Have a party, sing Happy Birthday and then watch the BYU basketball game/Inception on Blu- Ray. Yeah!

Believe

2010-12-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

Believe.... December is the time you might see this word pop out all over the place, usually by itself. In fact, I have. When you see the words in a magazine, store or on TV advertisements what do you think they want us to believe? They leave it blank, like you can believe what you want. What does it mean to you? Someone suggested that they, the world... really is trying to get us to believe in the special feeling that comes at this time of year. Everyone knows this feeling comes because of the goodness of heart from giving or in other words the Spirit of God, because everything good comes from God. Because we live in a politically correct world and in a world where it appears to be unacceptable to say the word God or speak of Jesus Christ as if it's a bad name even though it's the whole reason we are having this celebration, they can't really say it, because of offending somebody. So, to say it correctly according to how I feel.

I BELIEVE in Christ. He is the Son of God, the baby that was born in manger a couple of thousand years ago. He was born in humble circumstances. What makes this baby special? He came to show us the way, to teach us the way, to SAVE us, through the ultimate gift of sacrifice of the Atonement. He did it for each of us ever born and that will be born on this earth and many earths like this one. He is the reason for this Christmas season, there is no other reason. Everything else is superficial. "He is my King! With all my heart to him I'll sing; I'll raise my voice in praise and joy. He healed the sick the dead he raised. Good works were his. He ransoms me, from Satan's grasp, he sets me free. And I shall live with joy and love. I'll gain my fondest dream; He is the source of truth and light. And while I strive through grief and pain, His voice is heard: Cheering me on "Ye shall obtain." Jesus is my Savior, Lord, Brother and Truest Friend. I do believe in Him with all my heart and might. I BELIEVE in CHRIST

I would like you to listen to this song of what Christmas is about or not about. Click on the link below.

Christmas Must Be Something More I think you will hear someone familiar singing this song.

Scripture Tracker

2010-12-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

I made up a scripture tracker yesterday. I included all scriptures, including The Family Proclamation, The Living Christ, For the Strength of Youth pamplet, Articles of Faith and two conference talks.. I am starting with the Book of Mormon. Yesterday, I read the beginning pages of the Book of Mormon. Today, I will read 1st Nephi chapter 1-4. At the beginning of my tracker, I put the date I started. I also plan on putting dates completed next to the scriptures to be read. I want to see if I do get off track, how long it happens for. Follow along to keep yourself on track to read from the scriptures everyday. I will include the first three weeks worth of sets. The complete project should take just over a year to complete unless you do more of the sets in one day, which I plan on doing at times. It will be fun to have a group doing this together. The important thing is to read every day. Some of the sets seem long but most are short chapters, the sets I put together are reachable. If you get so far ahead let me know and I will post more of the sets.

My Scripture Tracker

Title of Book of Mormon

Introduction, Witnesses, Testimony of Joseph Smith & Explanation

1^st Nephi 1-4

1^st Nephi 5-8

1^st Nephi 9-12

1^st Nephi 13-14

1^st Nephi 15-17

1^st Nephi 18-20

1^st Nephi 21-22

2^nd Nephi 1-2

2^nd Nephi 3-5

2 Nephi 6-10

2^nd Nephi 11-20

2^nd Nephi 21-25

2^nd Nephi 26-29

2^nd Nephi 30-33

Jacob 1-4

Jacob 5-6

Jacob 7-Words of Mormon

Mosiah 1-3

Mosiah 4-7

Mosiah 8-11

Faith Hill Where Are You Christmas Music Video

2010-11-30T13:10:00.000-08:00

I love this song.

Jim Brickman - Sending You A Little Christmas Music Video

2010-11-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

To all you servicemen/women and missionaries out away from your families during the Christmas season. I love this song. It's a great song.

Sunday Quote

2010-11-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

Indeed, not having the Holy Ghost is somewhat like having a body without an immune system.

President James E. Faust

Weekend Activities

2010-11-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

Friday- volunteered in Kaydon's class, went visit teaching, went grocery shopping, took the family out for Nielsen's Frozen Custard before taking them to the play Savior of the World. Our brother Jack was Joseph and he was outstanding. Loved it!

Saturday- woke up early to take the honor roll students out to breakfast at Sill's Cafe'. They have great food. We then went home to rake up a million leaves, literally. We bagged 43 bags of leaves. Who needs a gym membership when you have a yard full of leaves to rake and pick up. Not to mention trim trees and prune the grapes and raspberries. So much to do in the middle of a wind storm. It's blowing so bad I'm sick of wind right now. It almost seemed pointless to rake except I can actually tell a difference now. Grateful for my children and Ron for helping. We even had extra help with Andy and Emma. Waiting for the BYU game. Ron and a few of our boys are going to it. As for me I'm going to get Lost on my couch and veg because I'm going to be to sore to move. Away from the sound and feel of wind. Go COUGS!

"Christmastime" by Hilary Weeks

2010-11-17T18:36:00.000-08:00

Obedience Protects Our Freedom to Choose

2010-11-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

We understand how obedience to the commandments ultimately protects our agency (our right to choose).

For example, when we hearken to the Word of Wisdom, we escape the captivity of poor health and addiction to substances that literally rob us of our ability to act for ourselves. When we follow the prophets' counsel to hold family home evening, family prayer, and family scripture study, our homes become and incubator for our children's spiritual growth. There we teach them the gospel, bear our testimonies, express our love, and experiences. By our righteous choices and actions, we liberate them from darkness by increasing their ability to walk in the light. Read the entire article by Robert D. Hales

By being obedient we not only help ourselves but our children as well. In a world that is drowning in darkness, we need added protection for our families. Obedience protects our freedom to choose. It is a gift from our Heavenly Father. Let us use the gift for good. We each can make this world better by doing our part. We need to trust that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind (including you and me) may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. We must show our courage and stand as a light to the world. This is the way to everlasting happiness, this is the only way.

Your Happily Ever After

2010-11-13T18:29:00.000-08:00

The scriptures tell us there must be opposition in all things, for without it we could not discern the sweet from the bitter. Would the marathon runner feel the triumph of finishing the race had she not felt the pain of the hours of pushing against her limits? Would the pianist feel the joy of mastering an intricate sonata without the painstaking hours of practice?

In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy.

Be strong and of good courage. You are truly royal spirit sons and daughters of Almighty God. You are prince and princesses, destined to become kings and queens. Your own wondrous story has already begun. Your “once upon a time” is now. “Happily ever after” is not something found only in fairy tales. You can have it! It is available for you! But you must follow your Heavenly Father’s map.

Brothers and Sisters, please embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ! Learn to love your Heavenly Father with all your heart, might, and mind. Fill your souls with virtue, and love goodness. Always strive to bring out the best in yourself and others. Enjoy the entire story by Pres. Uchtdorf Your Happily Ever After .

Live Virtuously

2010-11-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

There is nothing in all this world as magnificent as virtue. It glows without tarnish. It is precious and beautiful. It is above price. It cannot be bought or sold. It is the fruit of self-mastery. It comes with a promise of marvelous and wonderful blessings. he has said to those who live with virtue: "Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God....The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and the thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion" (D&C 121:45-46) (Gordon B. Hinckley)

What does it mean to live virtuously? It means someone who lives Gods standards, someone who is modest, honest, someone who keeps the commandments. Also defined as someone who has integrity and moral excellence, power and strength.Virtue “is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.” It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength.

"We need to work on living virtuous and we need to safeguard it. We must choose the right even if we have to stand alone." (Thomas S. Monson) "Now is the time to prepare by exercising more self-discipline. Now is the time to become “more fit for the kingdom.” Now is the time to set our course and focus on the finish. A return to virtue must begin individually in our hearts and in our homes." Elaine S. Dalton

Practicing Christlike Attributes

2010-11-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

"Developing Christlike attributes in our lives is not an easy task, especially when we move away from generalities and abstractions and begin to deal with real life. The test comes in practicing what we proclaim. The reality check comes when Christlike attributes need to become visible in our lives—as husband or wife, as father or mother, as son or daughter, in our friendships, in our employment, in our business, and in our recreation. We can recognize our growth, as can those around us, as we gradually increase our capacity to 'act in all holiness before [Him]' (D&C 43:9)." Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Romans 8:28

2010-11-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

"As we pass through the trials of life, let us keep an eternal perspective, let us not complain, let us become even more prayerful, let us serve others, and let us forgive one another. As we do this, all things {will} work together for good to {us} that love God."

I Love This Quote

2010-11-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

"We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another, and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together."
— Lucy Mack Smith

A Family Affair

2010-11-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

This week has been all about family. I had my folks fly in to spend a good amount of time with us, luckily for them though, my brother Chris lives near by to have some fun. Sometimes life with 7 kids at home is a bit scheduled and not much time for anything else. They arrived on the Wed. the 27th of Oct. The moment they got off the plane we were on our way to our ward Halloween carnival which my kids were involved in. It was fun of course seeing all the costumes and hearing Cameron be the host of the best costume. Ron and I along with their grandma and grandpa Shapiro attended Jonathon's band performance, my parents rested up with the other kids at home. This concert also had my nephew Wyatt, an added bonus to see more family. The next day traveled to see my brother Chris and his family with my folks. Chris paid for our lunch at the Golden Corral. Later went to see a sister of David's whom we haven't seen forever. I've always thought Janette was cool and she still was. I remember as a youth she really inspired me as a homemaker. She has 6 kids of her own and I adopted some of the things she did into my own system once I started having kids. Her house is like a I Spy book. She is a collector of things and it was fun to see it all. Friday spent most of the day at the Desert Industries it seemed. My folks really love this place, it has the greatest bargains. Later went on a date with Chris and Colleen with my folks, we ate at Famous Daves. It was their first time seeing Colleen. It was also the night Ron spilled BBQ sauce on my mother. It was kind of funny although, I'm sure my mom wasn't thrilled. Saturday night, we watched movies "How to Train Your Dragon", When in Rome, Letters to Juliet and Karate Kid. It seemed like a marathon of sorts. Sunday, we attended Shay's priesthood ordination. He became a Deacon. Came home to attend church and then later we (the adults) visited Christina together. She is doing well, still not sure what to expect. We will have to wait until court to find out her destiny. I took my mom to experience Zumba while she was in town. She''s always hearing me mention it and now she knows what it is. We went out to Costa Vida for lunch. After a great workout, you need nourishment. Mexican food is perfect. We sped up to the weekend. Friday was my datenight and we spent it with my folks, Chris and Janette and her husband. We ate at the Golden Corral again, we spent all night there talking. It's their favorite restaurant. Saturday night we got together at my house to watch movies. It took us forever to find the right movies. We ended up watching Mission Impossible 3 and Rush Hour 3 (a mistake for sure). Sunday, while my folks spent time at Chris' watching Shay pass the sacrament for the first time, we had our own family fun. Sunday, we attended Jacob and Becky's baby blessing of Adam. We had all of us there except for Dan, Aprihl and Rebecca. Maybe we will get to see them on Thanksgiving. We missed seeing them. After, we had all of them come over our house for a luncheon. Lots of visiting. It's always great fun. When they all left, my folks showed up, just as we got the house in order. We played games Like Minds and Quiddler and then watched the video my mom made of us when we were at Chris' singing last Monday. So far it's been a lot of visiting with family, which is what I like to do best. We don't do enough of it now that we are so busy in our own family routines, but when we do, we always say we need to do it more. Family is what counts and it is important to keep close to your family. I want my family to know that I love them. I hope we can visit more, it will be lots of fun.

Raising the Bar in the Family

2010-11-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

In Relief Society two years ago I learned as did many of you about "Setting the Standard and Raising the Bar" I wanted to share it again what I learned;:

For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet reads:

Being part of a family is a great blessing. Your family can provide you with companionship and happiness, help you learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and help you prepare for eternal life. Not all families are the same, but each is important in Heavenly Father's plan.

Here are a few areas we can raise the bar in our family units:
Do your part to build a happy home by:

* Being cheerful

* Helpful

* Considerate of others

Many problems in the home are created because family members speak and act selfishly or unkindly. We need to:

* Concern ourselves with the needs of other family members.

* Seek to be a peacemaker, rather than tease,fight, and quarrel. (Read--Ephesians 4:31-32 and Mosiah 4:13-15 --I thought these scriptures went well with the what was being said here)

Remember that the family is the most sacred unit of the Church. That is why Satan tries so hard to separate and divide families. He wants to destroy our joy and our eternal goal to be together forever. But we can't allow him to do it.
To continue we can and should:

* Honor our parents by showing love and respect for them

* and by being obedient

* Be willing to help in the home with chores that need to be done.

* Participate in family activities and traditions, including family prayer,family home evenings, and family scripture reading. These traditions strengthen and unify families.

*Strengthen your relationships with your brothers and sisters. They can become your closest friends.

* Support them in their interests

* and help them with problems they may be facing.

* have wholesome recreation activities that cost no or have little cost,and do more service projects together

We need to strive to protect our families, we need to clothe them with the armor of unity and love that only can come from family members and armor of the gospel the Lord himself gave us. He was our example of how we should treat one another. Families are important. We need to raise the bar to become our fullest potential.

What kind of things have your family done to raise the bar? What do you do to strengthen and protect?

Choose the Right