Busy

I have been so busy this past week. I started working last Wednesday and I worked both Wednesday and Thursday. Then I spent Friday getting the house ready and cooking up a storm for Saturday. We also had a great time at our Christmas Eve party with my in-laws. Saturday was a whirl of gifts and wrapping paper. I wonder how many batteries get purchased in December. We were too spoiled. Then my Sunday is always a busy day with church and family gatherings. Then on Monday my mother had an extensive surgery on her neck and back that lasted most of the day. I was at the hospital from 11 until 8 that evening. I worked Tuesday and Wednesday which brings us to this fine wintry morning. I am grateful for the brake I have the next few days. I am grateful that my husband has been helping out so much with the kids and with the house. We both agreed that it is good for us to trade places once in awhile so as to appreciate one another. It is also nice to appreciate the tranquility of being home. I am listening to my angles play with their make believe food basket and tea party set. I am basking in the warmth of our fire and the joy of the day. Life is precious and great!

Christmas 2010

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Holiday Fun

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Sleep Deprivation and Faith

Have you ever had one of those night you couldn't sleep? Chad said it was because I was excited for my job interview. I said it was because I was excited, scared, worried, nervous, and happy about the job interview. As I lay there thoughts started racing. I'm talking race car track racing. Going as fast as they could around my head in a circle for large amounts of time using lots of energy and time, yet not really going anywhere. I thought about the interview itself. What if I do bad or if I don't know the answers? What if they look at me and figure the little marshmallow puff can't help with behavior modification? What if they offered me the job, what would the hours be? Will it interfere with play group or scrap booking or my church calling? How many hours will I work? What if I let my job consume me and my family gets neglected? What if I wake up one day and I have helped all of these other children yet mine are gone and didn't teach them? How can I teach other people's children when mine are such cute little stinkers? What if I can't find some one to entrust my sweet girls to? I have already made some bad daycare mistakes with them before, what if it happens again? See what I mean? These are just a few of the major ones. I did have the typical what do I wear fear too! Then I prayed and calmed myself down. What will be will be. Staying up until 3 am will not help me. I need to allow myself to let go and remain objective. I need to rely on my family and my faith to help me make the best decision for us. I need to be still!

Making Cookies Together

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Hair

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Christmas Wreath

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All about me

So I often talk about my two wonderful kids, but today I'm going to talk about me. If you get bored you know how to exit out. First of all, after Chad lost his job in May, I gained about 15 pounds. I was already over weight, so this was really bad. I have lost 10 of those pounds and I am feeling really great about that. I received a hair cut. Yep, I haven't posted it yet because I keep forgetting to have Chad take a picture but I cut it all off. I don't think I have ever had this short of hair. Last, i received a call from my old boss. She now works in Idaho Falls and wondered if I wanted to work again. The hours should only be 10-15 hours a week which is perfect. I have had work hard on getting my training up to date. I have been a stay at home mom for 3 years so I need to have 36 hours in training. Thankfully I can do most of this at home. I am about half way there. My official interview will be on Wednesday. hopefully I will be able to know what my hours are so that I can start looking around for someone to watch my kids. It is only for 2-3 hours a day, so I hope someone will be willing to do it. Of course I will pay them but, I won't stress about that until after I know more. I feel blessed. I feel like it has been a tough 6 months and I am seeing the blessing of faith pouring in. With the little bit of extra income we can get health insurance, pay the daycare, and hopefully put the rest into savings. Go team Porter!

Funny Things

Do you ever have things that happen at your house that you find funny, but wonder about sharing with others for fear they will think you are crazy. Well, I am sharing. Yep, I believe that my kids are wonderful, crazy, wild, and all mine! So, story number one. McKayla asked me who our prophet was. (Our prophet is kind of like the Pope. Only different.) I told her President Monsen. She then looked sad and said "I thought it was the guy with the baby." As I pondered in my head what could this mean I realized that she was talking about our Bishop (kind of like a minister over our ward.) I had to chuckle and tell her that he was our Bishop. I thought it was cute. I may have to mention it to him on Sunday. The second story is about Ariana. She is so stubborn. Sometime she would use the potty and other times she wouldn't. I noticed a smell in her room and I tried to locate the source. Yesterday I discovered that she has been taking off her wet diapers, storing them in a basket, and then putting on a new diaper. Yep, that's right. The kid won't use the potty but she can put a diaper on herself!!! Really? So, I hid all of the diapers and told they were all gone. So far we are doing pretty good today. I hope that some of you can relate or at least have a chuckle.

Christamas Program

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Tooth fairy

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Mckayla has lost her first tooth. She noticed it was loose on November 22. She has been pretty good about it, but yesterday it was driving her crazy. Last night it was so loose we were afraid she would swallow it in her sleep. We asked her to wiggle it one more time and it came right out with no blood. We can see her adult tooth coming in. Good job miss McKayla!

Potty Training Part 2

So, I have had it with diapers. No more push over mother for me. I stripped her down and made her sit on the potty every hour until something happens. She did a good job. I still let her run around in pull ups, but hey it's a work in progress. I think she is stubborn and often her behaviors are to see if she will get away with it. i started thinking about my education and work experience. I have dealt with way worse children and I have never lost a battle of wills, why should my own child be any different. Of course she is not abused. She has her potty chair in front of the TV with pop and chips a plenty. Also she gets chocolate once she uses the potty. She also has my undivided attention while she is on the potty telling her how special she is. I may be a tyrant, but I'm a nice tyrant.

December

The craziest, most fantastic month of the whole year is here. Now I'm now a big fan of all the gifts and hoopla that comes with this month. Instead i am a fan of the decorations, the music and when people are in good moods. It seems we are all too busy talking on sell phones or listening to music to notice that there are human beings surrounding us. With the technology to connect us we have been driven further apart. Sometimes, this time of year years people look up and notice each other. they may even smile a little or say "Happy holidays!" I must admit that I enjoy all the little acts of kindness and service that I see. Most of all I enjoy getting together with friends and celebrating the gift of our Savior. I feel so blessed and while the presents under the tree may be few in number, our blessing and love are abundant and overflowing.

Dear Santa

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What We Do

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Snow, Teeth, and Turkey

At this very second there is no visibility outside and Chad is leaving for work in a half of an hour. He is taking one person sledding and another swimming. I hope he will be safe on these roads. I worked on our driveway for 45 minutes yesterday and 30 minutes today. I am no where near having it cleaned off. I guess I don't have to feel too bad about not getting up and exercising. As I see people with there four wheelers and snow blowers clearing their driveways with a smile I try to think that I am burning more calories.
McKayla has her first loose tooth. I thought we had another year to go, but I guess not. She is doing a good job of leaving it alone for now. I hope it stays in for awhile yet. She is so excited. She has been telling everyone that she has a loose tooth.
Last, the turkey. If the roads don't clear I won't get to eat a fabulous meal cooked by my brothers. They are good cooks and I don't often get to Boise to partake of their talents. Last year we had fried turkey and it was fabulous. Of course we always have the option of crashing in on my in-laws. They live right down the street and there is always wonderful cooking there. We are blessed to have the option of spending the holidays with family. What a wonderful thing.
I have already decorated for Christmas but I won't show you the pictures until after Thanksgiving okay? Well, If you hear from me tomorrow we didn't go to Boise, if not I will chat with you all on Saturday. Happy Thanksgiving.

Winter Wonderland

As I looked out the window all I see is a world of white. I think if McKayla would have had school it would have been canceled. I love the winter snow, but at the rate the snow is coming we won't be able to drive to Boise. That makes me sad. I am excited to see my brothers. My kids are way excited to go too. So, lets hope the snow clears up long enough to clear the roads.

Life Is Messy

You know that saying "when life hands you lemons make lemonade"? Well as anyone who cooks in a kitchen knows, the putting together of two items has the insane talent to turn a perfectly clean kitchen upside down and inside out. That is more of what life really is. It is messy, complicated, and sometimes downright stinky in so many ways. For example, I decided that we are tightening our belts around here, so Ariana could start to go potty in the toilet and get out of diapers. Diapers are expensive and I had plans for those $30. We started yesterday. It didn't go well. I did buy the pull ups that are so stinking expensive, but she still only went in the potty four times. I figured it was a good baseline and each day we could hope to increase it. However, by the end of yesterday I was exhausted. Taking a two year old to the bathroom every 15 minutes and displaying extreme optimism and hope takes it out of you. However, all potty training has been put on hold due to the apple juice having a bad effect on her digestive system. Another example would be Mckayla. Looking back it all makes since, but I never noticed until today. Today she couldn't find her Strawberry Shortcake shoes. So, I told her to put on sock and go look downstairs. I went to her drawer to get her socks for her to help out and I made a startling discovery. All of her socks were unfolded and in the drawer. I asked her why and she said that when she is cleaning up her room she puts her socks back because they are not that dirty. I couldn't believe my ears. Then I remembered that I really didn't have too many pairs of socks for McKayla when I did laundry. She has been putting them away. We had a quick discussion about sock and stinky feet. Sigh. My last example is money. It is the bane of my existence. I swear there is never enough no matter how hard I try to budget everything out. I am always stressing about paying everything and how to make every penny stretch. I have heard the comment that I should get a job. I can work and I have worked. I have a bachelors degree in education and I have many certifications, however I feel like I need to be home with my kids. I feel like it is my duty to be with them and teach them. When they start school I will get my masters degree and enter the work force, but for now I am a mom. Trust me, it is a tough job. This is where my faith comes in. I stop looking at my messes and my troubles and start to count my blessings. I am so blessed and I have been given so much. It is tough but I wouldn't trade my life for anything. I am where I am suppose to be doing what I am suppose to be doing. I have faith that it will all work out. the most important thing is to keep my family intact and a smile on my lips.

Crazy Ideas Of Mine

I like to scrapbook, but I'm not creative or crafty. I'm just plain and simple me. I'm okay with that and I think my family is too. My kids aren't old enough to be embarrassed by me yet. I love creating things. thins year I decided to do 10 more cards than we normally do because as I was sitting back, I realized I have been blessed with more friends this last year. I have discovered new friends and found old friends on face book. I hope they send me their addresses so that I can mail them a card. So, here is the Porter Family 2010 Christmas card. I hope that if you want a card you will get me your address. Thanks all!

Family Tradition

We have started a new family tradition and I must say I love it! I am plagued by picky eaters. No matter what I cook I hear complaints. Sometimes it kind of gets frustrating. I certainly don't need to eat all that food but my kids won't eat it. So, after I read about a dear friend who had "make your pizza night" at her house I wondered if my kids would eat it if they made it. We started with pizza and then we did pasta. With the pasta we cooked hamburger separate so the kids could add hamburger, sauce, cheese, or olives. So, we have officially decided that every Friday night shall be make your own night. On Fridays I will try to think of something to cook that has layers to it that the kids can add. Next Friday we will be doing nachos. I really have enjoyed doing this with the kids. I haven't completely sold McKayla on the idea of eating yet. She has informed me that she loved build your own dinner night, but the best part is the making of the dinner, not eating it. What a nut. But, she is my nut.

Snow-Leaf Man

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Family Pictures

We had my sister-in-law and her family help us take family pictures. They did a great job and they were so understanding with my little kids. Thanks for all your help Price Family. We love you guys tons!

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Mothers

Today I am writing this post while half of my family is at church. Ariana woke up to day and decided to throw up everywhere. What I mean is that she won't stay in one place where I can put a towel and a bowl nearby. She has to be racing up and down the stairs and then pause to throw up. She has to be dancing in our bedroom and then pause to throw up. See what I mean by everywhere. So I am at home trying to convince her to sit still for awhile and not throw up. Mothers can't choose when to be a mom. They have to stay with sick kids and love them. I grateful for my husband because he did most of the cleaning...okay all of the cleaning of the throw up this morning. He offered to stay home while I went to church because he knows how much I love going, but he teaches the 6 year olds at church, so he needed to go. I get the task of convincing her to stay still for a few minutes. All mothers do this and all mothers sometimes wish it were not so, but it is a great blessing to be a mother. I am grateful for my children and the opportunities that they bring to me.

Blue Berry Pancakes and a Smile

Today i woke up and made pancakes for the kids. I love that on Saturday we normally don't have anywhere pressing to be so we can take it slow. I make 8 regular pancakes and then the last three I added blueberries to. They were yummy. It was fun to see the family listening to music and dancing. Everyone set the table while I cooked. I also loved how everyone helped clean up. It put a huge smile on my face. This morning a felt like smiling from ear to ear with graditude. I have a lovely family and home. I am so blessed and I am humbled by how wonderful my life is. I have wonderful friends and family that love me and I we are doing great.

Leaves and Insanity

I love my home. Really I do. In the fall I am a mad women trying to keep up with the leaves. We have 5 mature trees with a billion million zillion (really...it's true) leaves...EACH. Also, we lots of little bushes and smaller trees. So for this week I have spent 7 hours on the yard and raked up 17 bags of leaves. And I'm not done yet. Oh, I didn't tell you that the front leaves haven't dropped yet. Yep, it's true. So, at this point I think I will go roll in the leaves while laughing in an insane manner. That way the neighbors will be scared of the crazy lady. I will be known as the crazy leaf lady. HA HA HA

Debt

We all know debt is bad. Chad and I have more debt than we should. Some is due to life circumstances and some of it is just that we wanted something. We have our house debt and student loans which are okay, but then we have credit card debt. Yesterday we decided to close our accounts. We still have to pay the debt but we are not going to be addig anything eles to it. Our plan is to be free of all credit card debt in five years or less. It's a challenge. I admit we are scard. We have always have our credit cards to make up the difference if we were lacking, but now we really have live within our means. This takes faith. We are trusting the if we do our part and are wise with our money the Lord will provide. Not only do we need faith but graditude. We need to learn that happiness dosen't come from having things but rather from being greatful for what we have. Wish us good luck!

Fall

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Halloween Part Two

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So, we tried to do the Trunk Or Treat this year. I didn't like it at all. We bought a ton of candy and it was gone in 30 minutes. Plus We didn't get to talk to anyone. It was a rush to give out all of the candy without getting to talk to our neighbors. I think we will do it differently.

Trick or Treat

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Sleeping In

I was going to get up and go for a walk at 6:30, then it was postponed to 7:30. Finally we decided to meet to day at 4 to go walking. I don't know whay it was so hard for me to get up today. Thankfully my husband was home so he did an awesome job of taking care of teh kiddos. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful helpmeet. We have been through some rough times, but I am so greatful that we are still together. Thank you Chad for being so kind and thoughtful.

Apples

I love apples. I love apples a lot. However, I might have too many apples. I bought a whole bushel of apples and I didn't realize how many apples came in a bushel. I have made 4 apple pies and I still have apples. We snack on them a lot and I still have apples. Therefore, I thought to myself, "OK crazy lady that bought way too many apples, now what are you going to do?" The answer that came to me was to dry them. So I started asking around for ideas to preserve the apples during the drying process. I came up with three pretty tasty ideas.

1). Honey apples
4 TB of honey
2 tsp lemon juice
Sprinkle with Cinnamon

2). Candy Apples
2 C of sugar
1 C of water
1 TB fruit fresh
* Boil together until sugar is dissolved

3). Natural Apples
Sprinkle with fruit fresh

After you peel and core the apple just coat them with whatever mixture you like and then dry until they are done. About a day. Don't burn them like I did. They don't taste as great. Each recipe is great and i really made all three. The good news is I have almost used up 1/2 a bushel. The bad news is that I I still have 1/2 bushel left. Oh well, 5 apples a day keeps other food away :)

Cold

So, McKayla's school starts at 8:30 and I pick up a little girl across the street and her mother picks Mckayla up. It works out well. I have the timing down to where we can get out of the house and get to school before it gets too congested. However, a very hard frost delayed me this morning. What is up with so much frost? It is freezing! I have a ton a leaves that need cleaned up but I don't want to go outside because it's cold. I am hoping that the weather warms up a little for Halloween. I love Halloween. Last year we were characters from the Cat and the Hat. This year we are not coordinating. Chad's the dwarf from Lord of the Rings. His mom found the costume at a yard sale. McKayla is a witch. Ariana is a princess. I am dressing as...I don't know yet, but never fear there will be pictures. I hope you all have a great fall day.

"A worthy daily prayer is one asking for the power to be faithful under all circumstances" Marvin J. Ashton

Pumpkins

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Stuffed Tomatoes

While I was away this week end I ate and ate and ate. Most of it was junk food but I ate other food as well. One thing that I ate that I really liked was stuffed tomatoes. You take a tomato that is firm and cut it in half. Then put sausage that you have cooked into it. Top with provolone cheese and heat in the oven until cheese is melted. The sausage is the key here. You can make it really spicy sausage in which the tomato acts as a relief or a more mild sausage that the tomato accents. I am a picky eater but I really enjoyed this treat. It is a great way to eat tomatoes and is very quick and easy to throw together. I would have pictures but I was too busy eating to take a picture. Enjoy.

"Everything is given by God. All talent, creativity, ability, insight, and strength comes from him. In our own strength we can do nothing." Marvin J. Ashton (Ensign, May 1990, p. 67.)

Life

Sigh. As I stepped on the scale this morning I think I heard it groan in pain. The "the voice" started in on me. I thought for sure that after I did that one workout this morning I would magically wake up slim. I did a Biggest Loser video yesterday and it almost killed me. The body and exercise plus diet is confusing. I don't really care what the number on the scale says. I realize that it needs to be far lower than what it is currently saying, but that is not really what I am basing my health on. Rather it is this depression, lack of mental clarity, and lack of energy that tells me that my body needs some work. So, I want to diet, but it's hard and I want to exercise and it is hard as well. Why does the body take up to 3 weeks to feel any better when you start to change how you eat and exercise. I rarely make it through the first week because I am so tired and hungry and I am having sugar withdrawal. So, everyday I will focus on my small victories. Maybe in the end they will add up. If not you can all have a good chuckle.
Tuesday's victories: 1)I did a workout video 2) I snuck some carrots into my unsuspecting tummy 3) I didn't take a nap 4) I felt good feeling like i really worked out hard.
Next: McKayla is doing great. She went to school yesterday and is such an awesome kid. i am so amazed at her positive outlook and cheerful outlook. She really is an example to me of "come what may and love it".
Ariana: Oh how I love this little twerp. She can drive me nuts and yet melt my heart. I worry that others only see her crazy side and don't notice how sweet and caring she can be. She still gives McKayla a hug and kiss everyday because she has an boo-boo on her eye.
Chad: Still working hard at school and work. He has to do his COMPS in February so he will not technically graduate until then. I told him that it will be okay because then he can spend more time with me. He is trying so hard yet he feels like he is getting kicked while down. i told him that his fabulous, high paying job won't start until March, so god is making him wait.
Me: I am finding more sunshine in this life. Since May I have allowed despair, frustration, and hurt cloud my days, but I am starting to notice the sunshine through the clouds. I am blessed with a great family and great fiends.
Last: Goodbye for now. I won't be back until Monday because I am going on a girls scrapbook retreat Thursday through Saturday. I hope you all have a fabulous day.

Apple Picking

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McKayla

5.4 years ago a little girl came into our lives and she was perfect. Well, a little gross looking, but all babies look gross those first couple of minutes. Still she was our to take home and care for. I must say that I am daily impressed with what a little lady blesses this home. She is so friendly and sweet. She cares for everyone and she amazes me the amount of love she can give to people and never expect any back. She is a wonderful girl. Today at 6:00 am I had to entrust my little girl over to a surgeon to remove a cyst that had grown on her eye lid. The doctors were sure that it wasn't harmful but it still needed to be removed. I started the timer on my watch the moment she left my sight. She was only away an hour, but it was a very long hour. She was grumpy when she woke up but I can't say that I blame her. She is sleeping now, after her bowl of honeycombs and a glass of strawberry milk. Yes, I tried to convince her of toast with apple juice but she said no! I told her that I would declare October 18th national Mckayla day because she was such a brave little trooper. Cheers to the doctor that helped her and the wonderful nursing staff that had the good taste to tell her what a beautiful girl she was and to ask about her pet unicorn.

Sisters

I am the youngest child in my family and the only girl. My husband is also the only child and only has 1 sister. With my super deductive reasoning I thought we would have boys. I thought that boys would be easier and so much less drama. However, Heavenly Father in his wisdom gave me not one but two precious little girls. How they love each other. They play together and are so good to one another. I am glad that I received these two gifts from heaven. While there are days I scream and yell or tell them that I'm taking a time out, I love them with all my hearts. Yesterday they were out back playing and I caught this picture. How it warms my heart to see them smile and hold hands. While I know that drama, tears, and fights may be in our future, for this moment in time they were sisters and best friends.

On Saturday and Sunday our church had what we call General Conference. We have the opportunity to hear from our leaders on various topics. One talk that caught my attention was about gratitude. It discussed that it is easy to say thank you once or even feel grateful for a moments, but that we all need to be living with a feeling of gratitude in our hearts everyday. This talk touched me because I realized how ungrateful I have been. Rather then rejoicing that we have been able to make ends meet during this financial hardship, I have been grumpy over the stress and our credit card bills. Rather then being grateful for the opportunity to watch my children grow I have been longing for the days when I felt smart and appreciated. Rather then being grateful for my Savior I have been wondering why I have to have so many trials. Today I feel grateful to be me. I am not the best at anything, but I have so many great blessings in my life. I am blessed beyond measure with a wonderful family, a lovely home, a fabulous neighborhood and a deep faith. For that I am grateful.

October

Can you believe it is the first of October? I am so shocked. It is the spring board for the holiday season. I want to have a Halloween party this year. I really do, but I stink at these things. I never know where to place the food so there is no bottlenecks, and how do you keep the kids entertained while the adults get to talk. I also wonder how to keep everyone involved. Maybe I stress too much and should just say come to our hour and bring a yummy fall treat. I think that we will decorate tomorrow. Of course first I have to mow and put down grub eliminator, fertilizer and grass seed. Then I need to water. Hopefully by putting down all of these products I don't have grubs that are bigger and have grass growing on them. Back to the party...Maybe we should all have a blog party. Someone could post pictures of the decorations, another person could post pictures of the food, someone could post pictures of the games we played and then we could all post about the awesome conversations. Am I nuts?

Roof

Did I tell you all that we finally got our roof re shingled? It was a very tough decision. 1). No matter if we hired someone or we did ourselves it would cost a lot of money. 2). Money is always tight. I don't know anyone that thinks to themselves "we have money lying around. Let's spend it on something practical rather then fun." 3) my beloved husband is working 45 hours a week and is in his last semester of grad school. This means that he has 25 hours of homework on top of his jobs. Plus, I have a hard time letting him study because he is my very best friend in the whole world so I always want to talk to him when he is home. And his two daughters love to play with him and they love to have their daddy's attention. So after researching different companies and pricing it out for ourselves we finally had it done on Monday. It looks so pretty and I can stop looking at my ceiling wondering if a brown spot is going to show up. I'm glad it is done and I love it. Next year we are going to add insulation and replace the basement windows. I think in 15 years our house will be just how I want it. I love our little home and I am so blessed to have it. It's not the biggest house or the newest bit it suits out little family just perfect. Plus, I have the best neighbors and friends close by.

Marriage

So, my hubby and I have noticed that the stress we have been under is starting to affect our marriage. We have noticed that we are snapping at each other and not communicating like we ought to. We know how to communicate and we know how to show each other love, but we have been allowing contention into our marriage. We decided to start reading a book together every night. We really like the book we are reading. While it is an LDS book, I can see where anyone would find value in the teaching in it. Last night we read about having a nightly couple prayer. We have family prayer, but we don't take time to have couple prayer. The book explained about how family prayer is important but we need to approach the Lord as a couple as well. We need to kneel overnight before the Lord and report in. It noted that as a couple we may have issue that we need to discuss with the Lord that our small children don't need to hear about. Also, if we are reporting back to the Lord every evening then we can't be angry with our spouse as we go to bed. The second thing we read about was talk time. Really taking the time to talk to our spouse like we did when we were dating. It is very interesting to note that it is true that when chad and I first married we knew everything about one another, but as we have grown and changed in the last 10 years those things have changed. We as a couple really need to take the time to talk to one another and discuss our day as well as learn about one another constantly. It is important to never take for granted that we think we know what the other person will say. I think I keep blogging about out this goes for us. I know that when we knelt last night as a couple and we talked to Heavenly Father about our concerns as a couple we felt closer. I am glad that we are taking the time to talk and we discovered that both of us feel like the other is not always listening to us. I hope those reading my blog will try this with their spouse as well. If you are not the praying type then a simple assessment of your actions with each other at the end of the day will work too, I think. have a great day!

Sweet

My poor McKayla has been having a very difficult time with bees lately. Prior to last Friday she had been stung only once in her life. Then we were on a walk. Okay I was walking while pushing Ariana and McKayla was riding her bike. I received a phone call so I stopped to answer the phone. Suddenly McKayla started to scream and yell. I quickly got off the phone and she claimed that a bee stung her. She wasn't moving or trying to irritate the bee, it just came and stung her. We got home as quickly as we could with me trying to encourage her to peddle her bike while I am pushing the stroller and trying to reassure her. It was very sad. A cold compress and a Popsicle made things much better. Then the other night I was getting her out of the bathtub and she started screaming again. She claimed that a bee stung her. I thought maybe she had seen a fly or something and panicked after being stung on Friday. I asked her to calm dawn and explain. She showed me that on the bottom of her foot there was a welt. I looked at the little bath mat in front of the tub and there was a tiny little bee about half the size of a fly. I was in complete shock and disbelief. Really?!! A bee on the bath mat at 8 o'clock at night? Why? Somehow it was in the bath mat and McKayla stepped on it. She told me that she was becoming really frustrated with bees. I agreed that it was very odd and then I told her its because she is so sweet. That made her smile and feel better. What she doesn't know is that I am going to Home Defense this house on Saturday and buy a bug zapper for anything that flies. The Mom is very angry at bees and I will take them all down.

Roofs

So, we really need to re-shingle our roof. This summer we were going to re shingle it and put more insulation in the attic but after my husband lost his job we had to put things on hold. Sadly out roof can wait no longer. We have the means to pay for it but it leaves little for any other expenses that might come up. We have asked 2 contractors to come and give us bids and a third one will be coming today. We also tried to price it out to see if we could do it ourselves. We are trying to make this decision to the best of our ability. We are studying out our options and then we will take our decision to the Lord for confirmation that this is the right thing to do. I am glad that Chad is starting a new job next week. It will help us out a great deal. We still won't have a lot of family time because he is in his last semester of grad school. I am so grateful that this year for my Christmas present, I will receive the gift of being able to see my husband more. That is my hope, at least.

Gross

This may be too much information, but I have to share. I scrapbook in my laundry room. It's a large room with cupboards, a table and multiple shelves to hold all of my junk. In addition it also holds the cat box. Yep, that's right, the cat box. But it's not just any cat box. It's a high end model that scoops the litter into a little container. All I have to do once a week is snap the lid tight on the container and make sure nothing was missed. It really cuts down on the smell and dealing with grossness of the cat box. However, my cat is a jerk. I think his just an angry, grumpy old man. He seems to think that the moment I sit down to be creative a little bit of cat stink will help my creative juices flow. He doesn't do it all of the time, but it seems like at least once a week he runs me out of the laundry room. Does anyone else have this problem? No! I'm the only one with an evil cat? So now that I have taken the time to share that gross story, I hope you have a fantastic day.

Being Present

So, I'm reading this book about people's relationship to God themselves and food. A friend gave it to me awhile ago and I am just now sitting down to read it. I must admit that it is a pretty good book. I discusses overeating as a mask for emotional problems. Anyway, there is no way to summarize the entire book, but I did want to touch on one point. Part of the book talks about being present in the now. It discusses how often our minds start to race with all of the to do of the future and the regrets of the past. When we do this we are simply not living in the now. I thought about this and realized how true it is. When I wake up I instantly think about the next five thing I need to do and while I am doing those things I am thinking of the next and so on. This book talks about taking a deep breath and coming into the now. Take time to realize that you're not simply cooking another blasted meal but taking time to enjoy preparing it. Today I have made an effort to do that. As I was hauling wood I focused on feeling outside and enjoying the warmth of the sun. I felt the strength in my body and I smelled the sweet smell of grass. While I cleaned the oven today I put on some fun music to dance to. I tried to really enjoy my life. I tried to enjoy every minute rather then simply looking forward to another time. It has been a good day. When I feel my mind start to race I take a deep breath and remind myself that I become exhausted when I do that. I really have felt great today. Come and join me in the now.

Introductions

At church they have 4 random ladies stand up and introduce themselves on Sunday. So far I had avoided being picked and I noticed that the jar with the names was getting rather low. It came as a dismal surprise when my name was picked. As I stood up I honestly didn't know what to say about myself. I rattled off the street I lived on and that I had two kids, but other than that I had no idea what to say. As I sat down I pondered that. Is it because I don't know who I am? I quickly dismissed that. I decided it was because I am simply me. People are not something you can define in quick terms. I have many different sides and hobbies. I have been many things that make me the individual that I am. Also, I so much like every other woman in the world. I am a wife and a mother. While those terms can be stated they are terms that hold so much depth and meaning. A wife shops and stressed over how to make the food budget stretch to the furthest. A wife comforts her husband and tries to keep the home running. A mother settles endless battles between children and runs all day to keep life sane. I guess that I feel that I am much like the ocean (in which I have never seen yet) I am like every other wonderful women in this world. Yet, what makes me unique lies beneath the surface. The true wonders of the soul are not on the surface but underneath. What one sees on the surface is true but the true depth and glory of a person lies in who they are everyday. To introduce myself is silly. I am me. That is all there is and who I am depends on if people take the time to know.

Oh What Do You Do

The sun is shining brightly and I can't wait to enjoy what looks to be a very nice day. Now that it looks like summer is leaving I'm in a hurry to embrace it and squeeze every ounce of warmth out of it like a great aunt with pink lipstick. Hum, how disturbing is that picture. So what shall I do today? Sigh, first I have to iron and wash the sheets. Lots of housework and then I'm free...to do yard work that is. I need to work on getting the wood situated for this winter. Man how I wish we had a log splitter. That would be sweet. I need to make sure that a tarp is over the wood so that it doesn't get wet and snowed on. (It's hard to light a fire that way). The thought did cross my mind to wash the windows but we will see what happens. But in between all of that I think I will be pinching the cheeks of summer and telling it how fast it is going because that's how odd I am.

Booms???

As I sat down to my computer I heard a loud boom. At first I wondered what Ariana had done. I think this is a natural thing to think considering her tack for getting into to things. However, I quickly realized that it was too loud for Ariana and I ran outside. The neighbors were all outside as well. We are all wondering what the noise was. Part of me is terrified at what could make such a loud noise and the other part of me is grateful that it wasn't my kids. Is that wrong?

A Dear Friend

I have a dear friend that lives just down the street from me. She is so smart and can always manage to help me laugh. I was thinking about this friend this morning and I was wondering how she was and if she needed cheering up. That's why I got some pumpkin puree out of the freezer to thaw while I run some errands. My hope is to make her a pumpkin cake just because she is an amazing lady and friend. Therefore, by the power invested in me (by me) I declare it Sarah Sharp day complete with pumpkin cake to be delivered as soon as it is cooked and cooled. I would guess more in the afternoon time. Thanks Sarah for being you!

Motto

I remember when I first started working with children with disabilities we had a saying: do what you say, say what you mean, and don't be mean. I thought it was an odd quote but I find that as adults we have a harder time adhering to this than we should. How many times have I promised McKayla that she could have a friend over and then I don't ever make the call. McKayla is a pretty good kid and I can't help but wonder if she will continue to be so good if I keep saying random things that I don't follow through on. The next part of saying what you mean is vital too. If it is said certain rules are to be abide by then they should. We can't expect our children to simply know when the rules have changed. If I tell my kids that we are saying prayers every night but then on nights where I just want them in bed decide not to do it, a conflicting message is sent. The last part is humbling. How often do I snap at my little children? How often do I wish I could be anywhere but at home? We tell our kids to share and play with others but do we do that with them? Today I am going to make it a point to invite a friend over for McKayla. I will also make sure that I say what I mean and follow through. I only have them for a short time and I feel these instructions are vital.

Boise September 2010

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Humilty Comes with Age

I want you to think back to when you were in high school or just out of high school. What type of personality did you have? What type of figure did you have? Are you a better person or worse? I've been pondering this question lately because I remember having so much energy and enthusiasm. I remember feeling like I could do anything. As for my figure, I don't even want to go there. However, I have to note some good changes that have come with maturity. I am more mellow and I feel like my terrible temper is gone. I am more comfortable with myself and less eager to defend myself against the onslaught of negativity. So, I have decided that I enjoy being more mellow. I enjoy learning how to be a better wife and mother everyday. I enjoy giving service to my little family. But I can do more. I can work on having a more positive outlook. I can work on more enthusiasm for life and shining forth my personality and talents. Lately I try to simply blend into the background and try not to get noticed, but I need to accept myself and really not care what others may say to me. I am so worried about being rejected that I close myself off to most people. As for the figure, well I have accepted that high school body is gone. Two kids later and there is no way I can reach that number again, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for a lot of improvement. So, my hope is that I can work on these outlooks and really start to enjoy my life and who I am by combining the wisdom of aging (yes I am aging) with the enthusiasm and hope of youth.

Veggie Tales

Does anyone else simply love Veggie Tales? I adore them and so do my kids. They are wholesome entertainment and teach good values. However, they have very catchy songs. In fact you will find yourself having these songs stuck in your head for a very long. I recommend that everyone should go and listen to the Rock Monster or Cheeseburger song because it make you laugh.

Leaves

For those of you who know me and where I live you will notice the trees. We have a lot of trees in our yard. They are are wonderful in the summer time and provide shade for our home and yard. However, come fall we have a lot of leaves to pick up. This year it seems the leaves are falling earlier than normal. Chad mowed up a bag last week and the back yard needs it again. I normally love fall and the changing of the seasons, but last I checked it was still supposed to be summer. However, it has been below 70 degrees this whole week. I'm cold, the leaves are falling and I think my body wants to go into hibernation. Thats not a problem is it?

Endurance

Some people have endurance muscles. They are able to go long distances and work hard for a long time. Some people have strength muscles. They are very strong for short amounts of time. I have the strength muscles in my body when it comes to exercising. In fact I would rather lift weights then do any cardio any day. I challenged my self to run a 5 K this last summer. It just about killed me, but by the end of summer I ran a 5 K in 37 minutes. Not the fastest but I did it. I still hate to run and it takes a lot to motivate me to run. however, i learned that I can teach my body to run. I have come to realize these last 3 months that my spiritual muscles are the ones for strength and not endurance. Three months ago my husband lost his job. He has been able to find part time work, but nothing compared to what we need to live. With the Lord's blessings we have been able to make it these past 3 months. Yet, I have not taken this challenge well. I find myself lacking in peace and faith because it feels like these last 3 months have lasted a short lifetime. So, much like my training to learn how to run a 5K I am focusing on how to help my spiritual muscles learn to endure. And not just endure, but to endure with joy. I must say I stink at endurance, patience and at the moment faith. Yet, i am still pushing forward so that should count for something right?

First Day of School

Bountiful Basket

I finally was able to get my first bountiful basket. Here it is! Are you jealous? I am because I have been missing this yummy food. Now that I know, I will be getting it every week. Oh yea, all this for $15. I think it's love.

Splash Park

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4th of July

Did you all wonder of I had fallen off the face of the planet? Oh wait, you didn't notice? So last year I took of 100 pictures of the 4th of July. This year I took 4. I don't know why, but I just haven't been into much lately. The worry of financial stress and such has really wiped me out. So, I decided to post the 4 pictures I did take.

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Yummy Stuff

This is a lovely picture of corn relish. Or maybe corn salsa. I'm not sure, but if you eat it with corn chips it is so yummy. I cannot be held responsible for you making this and then eating it all up in one setting, so then you have to go back to the store and buy the stuff again so that you can make it to take a picture!

It takes:
2 cans of corn
1 can of olives sliced
2 bundles of green onions
8 Roma tomatoes
1 green pepper
8 oz of Italian dressing (fat free works great)
salt and pepper to taste

Combine above ingredients and then eat until you are stuffed!

Also, happy father's day to all of those wonderful dad's out there. You guys are wonderful and we love you very much!

Swing Batter

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Bountiful Basket

So, I heard about this niffty thing that is done locally. First, I don't really like veggies. In fact, I am terrible about eating them. I want to eat more fresh produce, but I find it a challenge to be adventursome to try new things. Yesterday I heard about this thing that is done called bountiful baskets. It is a co-op type deal where every Monday you can log onto bountifulbasket.org and order your basket. You have to take something to transport your fresh prosuce home, but on Saturday you go and pick up your food. A conventional basket is $15, but you can always add to it. The produce is valued at around $50 if you went to the store to buy it so it's a great deal. Plus, you never know what you are going to get, so you have to be creative. I can't wait to try it out next week. I should amend that these are done all over. You can go to teh web site and see if it's done in your area. You can also buy an all orgainic basket for $25. Come try this with me, it could be fun!

Christmas Project

Okay, before you think I'm nuts, hear me out. One of the things I treasure about my father is his story telling ability. I remember spending long hours with him while he would tell me stories about growing up or "Lazy Grey Dog" stories. He now tells McKayla the Lazy Grey Dog stories and she loves them as much as I do. I pondered this and thought that my dad should write down some stories for posterity. He hasn't quite got around to it yet, so I decide that would be my new project. I have a little tape recorder that I used during my research paper in college. I pulled it out and so far he has told me 5 stories. i have been able to type out three, but every time I see him, I am going to try to get him to tell me a couple of stories. I also am going to print out a four generation genogram of our family. The end goal is to put all of this information in binders and present it to the family at Christmas. I hope to add to it every year and so that the stories are not forgotten. We will see how it goes, but as of right now, it seems like a good idea.

Summer

Yesterday was just about perfect in my mind. The sun was out and it was warm. I really enjoyed my day. I spent a lot of time outside and I even took the time to jump on our trampoline with my girls. I remembered how to play some games that my brother and I used to play as children on our trampoline. It was fun. Today, McKayla has t-ball this morning. More clouds are suppose to be rolling in by tonight. We even have warnings of flooding in our area. I hope that this will not be the case. I am hoping that by Saturday, the sun will shine upon us again. I like the sun and I miss it. I may have to paint my kitchen yellow just to pretend it's the sun.

Life

Sometimes life can be a challenge. My life the past month has been that. I have dealt with more spiritual, emotional, and temporal challenges in the last month than I feel like I ever have. I finally feel like I am waking up from the grief and dispair today and I can see somethings that I can learn from these challenges. First of all, I have learned that one can never become too comfortable in things. If you become comfortable, then slowly you start backtracking, and before you know it, trouble lies at your feet. Life is a chance to use every day to fight for what you believe and make yourself better. You can never just think or act like you are doing "good enough" because that is a very dangerous place to be. Adversity is no respecter of person. Trials come because of other's or your own choices. No one can escape this. it is life. Everyone has trials that are their very own trials. Another lesson is that fear and faith cannot co-exits. It is impossible. I am sorry that I have been away and not really among the living the last month. I am hoping to be more upbeat and positive. I need to meet my challenges rather than hiding from everyone. Thanks for all the love and support everyone has given me and my family. I appreciate it very much.

What we are up to!

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Gardening

I bought my garden plants and seeds yesterday. I am excited to set out and start planting. I relize that I have a lot of work to do ahead of me and I am thrilled. It should be a strong testimony as to my love to the girls at my church last night because I went and hung out with them last night after I bought the plants. I am going to try something different with teh garden area. (Don't worry Steve and Janis). I am going to divied the area up with stakes and sqaures so that I can more auratly adjust for walking areas. I am excited. I want to see how it turns out. I'll let you know.

Real Love

I remember when Chad and I were dating I had googly eye expectations. The silly romantic notion that we would be able to spend more time together and life would be perfect. Well, as you know, that's not exactly how it worked out. I have learned to appreciate the little things. One of my favorite things is called "daddy diverson". I never relized that once I became a mother I would never be able to take a bath or go to the bathroom by myself. It gets old after awhile. So once in a while I will tell my girls, "Hey your dad has a surprise for you!' And off they run to dad while I go into the bathroom and lock the door for a long buble bath without little kids. It's quite nice. Chad takes it all in stride and will put a movie on for teh girls or play a game for them. See, that's real love. It's not about spending time with one anther, it's about surviving this thing called life and helping eachother out.

Snicker, Snicker, Snort

So, my father in law has a very green thumb. He keeps his lawn in golf course green condition. I assumed it was a secret passed down from father to son for many generations. Alas, Chad did not know the secret. Then we learned the secret of fertilizer. We had always put fertilizer on our lawn but I learned that you mix it with some other stuff too and presto, we have a golf course. While I have been whining and complaining about the rain I did notice that our lawn looks pretty darn awesome. It is lush and green. In fact we might be able to play golf once the rain stops. And for some odd reason that made me laugh this morning.

TV, Weather and Depression

What on earth is my title talking about? Well really it's just the randomness of thoughts going through my head. I realized last night that I am suffering from an acute bout of depression. I realized this when I managed to watch the entire first season of "Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman". Yep, i borrowed it from the library and instead of being a productive human I stayed in bed and allowed the girls to have the run of the house. I was a bit surprised that I finally realized that I was depressed because spring is a great season for me. I love seeing the world wake from the long sleep of winter. Then, I remembered that it snowed yesterday, the garden is still not in and my grass is 6 inches high. Oh yea, my spring hasn't quite sprung yet. However, my weeds are doing nice, thank you for asking! As watched Dr. Quinn I realized that they don't make cheesy family series like they used to. Maybe that is why I am drawn to teh BBC. I have found some great shows on there. Really I love Britsh humor and they have the cutest saying. Some time in a conversation I really want to say cheer-o, chap, boy-o, or snap. They make me smile. I am opposed to having cable because i know that I would sit in front of the tv all day, so instead I have net flicks which allows me to sit in front of the computer all day, which must be better, right? I like to watch random stuff as Chad does his homework. I have discovered some important things about myself, first of all, I like tv shows that have smart people in them. I love the series Bones because the leading lady is really smart. Someday I want to sound as smart as she is. Next, I am a romantic sap. this newes distresses me because I thought I had become a logic girl, but alas, I was bugged when the series drags out the involvement of the two main characters. Honestly, if two characters like each other and are best friends for 5 years (5 seasons) then they should just get together. i think the series could be just as strong with them as a couple. Geesh, who likes someone for 5 years and never expresses it accept through puppy dog eyes. Last, I can easily get sucked into a tv show and become obsessed. Chad says I do this with most things. If I fins a book series I like i tend to read all of it within a week. Another strike against tv. I now have to wait until September to see what happens. Sigh, I don't like movies because the story line is too short and i get angry with tv series because they take too long and I'm not a patent person. Instead of tv I should go outside, oh wait, its snowing that's why I'm in front of the tv crying because Sully finally kissed Dr. Mike on her birthday. Oh spring, so come soon before I completly lose my mind. I think it's time to close the dark and odd place that is my mind and prepare for the week.

Crazy Weather

I have been a bit out of sorts lately. I am an outside type person. I adore gardening and camping. I enjoy reading a book outside and soaking up the vitamin D. I have been blessed with skin that rarely sun burns, so there is no reason to be inside. Yet, for many months that is where I have been. I normally have a garden planted by mother's day, but this year is testing my patients. I have the ground tilled, but little else in the garden spot. I need to trim back the raspberries, and plant, but alas it is not so. The weather was nice last weekend, but we were out of town, so we didn't plant. I guess in some ways we are blessed because the weather channel says it will still be freezing hard at night this weekend. I also hate when I plant a garden only to have it freeze to death (literally). So, I am waiting. I am waiting for my spring to come, to plant a garden and play in the dirt. I hike, camp, and fish while enjoying the sunshine. I need it to be sunny to lift the clouds that hang over my heart. If it is going to be gloomy and stormy then the least it could do is have an awesome thunder and lighting show to make me feel better, but again, nothing but grey drizzle.

The Zoo

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SLC May 2010

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