3 Birthdays and a Baptism

The last 10 days of November were quite eventful for us. In addition to Thanksgiving, 3 of our children had birthdays, and Bogue got baptized. It's amazing how fast your children grow up and reach milestones in their lives. Each of the children had a birthday party at the church. It was nice to have a big open space that the children could run and yell in, as well as play basketball and dodge ball. We have a birthday tradition in our family where you get to pick your own pint sized ice cream that you don't have to share. The kids love it, and look forward to it each year.

Bogue turned 8 this year. He likes basketball, and is on a Jr. Jazz team this year. He is excited to be in cub scouts now. Bogue has some great friends and they have a lot of fun together. Bogue is so helpful at home, and watches out for his little sisters. He also a good student and a great reader. He picked Cookies and Cream ice cream this year.

Rachel turned 5 this year. I can't believe she will be starting kindergarten next fall. She is our sunshine and is almost always smiling, unless she's "crying about nothing." She loves to color and draws the cutest people with a lot of detail. I am impressed by how well she writes, since she has pretty much taught herself by copying what Sophie does. You'll also notice Rachel is sporting the new haircut she gave herself. This is the fourth or fifth time she has cut either her own, or Serena's hair. She says that she wants to do hair when she grows up. Hopefully she will wait to practice again until she gets some training. Mint Moose Tracks was her ice cream choice this year.

Camille entered double digits by turning 10. Michael made the comment that she will be an "adult" in 8 years, which is less time than we have had her and it doesn't seem like we've had her very long. I know it's cliched, but they grow up much too fast. Camille loves anything LPS (Littlest Pet Shop) and football. She is very creative and enjoys drawing and writing stories. Camille didn't want a birthday cake, and opted for brownie sundaes instead. Her ice cream choice was Chocolate Moose Tracks.

Bogue's baptism was the highlight of the week. There is such a wonderful feeling at baptisms. There was a small problem with filling the font, but once that was resolved we had a great service. I am so proud of the decision Bogue made to be baptized. He is such a good boy, and wants to do what is right. I'm grateful for Michael, that he honors the Priesthood and is able and willing to bless our family with it. Thank you to friends and family who came and supported Bogue on his special day.

Husband Tag

1. Where did you meet your husband? Church (Singles Ward)

2.How long did you date before you got married? 7 months

3. How long have you been married? 10 years, 9 months

4. What does he do that surprises you? It always surprises me when he gets me flowers, because he thinks they are a waste of money because they just die.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? I love his eyes, and his thick hair

6. What is his best quality? He is always finding ways to help others, whether it is me and the children or our neighbors or his extended family or even strangers - if he sees a need, he's there to help.

7. Does he have a nickname for you? No

8. What is his favortie food? I'd have to say Elk - because he goes to so much work to get it.

9. What is his favorite sport? do fishing and hunting count?

10. When and where did you first kiss? St. George

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Some of our best conversations are when we are working on a project together. We also like to watch movies together after the kids go to bed.

12. Do you have any children? Five

13. Does he have any hidden talents? many - Michael's a great problem solver; He writes poems; He's great at visualizing things, and making them a reality; He makes great sound effects; He's a great cook, He's a great shot

14. How old is he? 47

15. Who said I love you first? Can't remember - we both fell in love pretty quickly.

16. What is his favorite music? He's more of a talk radio guy, but when he does listen to music it's usually classic country, oldies, jazz, or classical

17. What do you admire most about him? He recoginizes and follows the Spirit always. He had a difficult childhood, but has become a great man, husband and father.

18. What is his favorite color? earthtones

19. Will he read this? Probably not.

20. Who will I tag next? Laura, Shelby, Gaby, Hillary

Thoughts about America

I love the United States of America. I feel blessed to live in this country and to have the freedoms that we enjoy. I am humbled and grateful when I think of the many great men and women who have fought and continue to fight so that we can have freedom. The price of freedom is not free. It is bought with the blood and tears of many. We must not take it for granted, but do all that we can to protect and preserve the liberties we have so that we can pass them to future generations.

With Election Day less than a week away, I feel like I should make my voice heard. Okay, it may only be heard by a handful of people and it probably won't change any ones mind if they feel differently, but hopefully it will inspire you to think about how you feel about America and what is really important to you.

At BYU Education Week I attended a class by Richard Robbins where we discussed the story of Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty from the Book of Mormon. The main thing that I got out of the discussion was that there are 3 things that are important enough to fight to the death for. They are Faith, Family and Freedom. It rang true to me, and reinforced the positions I already believed.

I believe that this country is blessed by God and that the constitution was inspired by God. While there is separation of Church and State, meaning that there is no Government sanctioned religion, I believe that citizens have the right to freely worship how ever they see fit. It bothers me that so many people are trying successfully to take God out of our country.

I believe that the family should be upheld and preserved according the "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe that marriage is between a man and woman. I believe that families are essential to society. I believe in the sanctity of life, including the lives of unborn children.

There are so many of our freedoms that are under attack. There are many who wish to take away our freedom of speech (the fairness doctrine). There are many who wish to take away our right to keep and bear arms. There are many that wish for the government to be in control of our economy, health care, housing, banking etc (Socialist). There is an enemy that would like to destroy our entire way of life and have our country governed by Islamic law. If we are not vigilant we may loose the country we know and love.

Today I started reading "Clear As The Moon" by Chris Stewart. I came across a passage that reminded me of the up coming election and how critical it is that we elect honorable men and women that uphold our values, and that love our country. This is a fictional story, but the message is good. The background is that there was an attack on America, the President and most government officials are dead. There is a group that is trying to take over the country and dissolve the constitution. The man who should rightfully be the president is in hiding, because the others want to kill him He is talking to his friend and says that "we made a mistake" and "we should have known" because (see page 10): "The president we elected. He was good and smooth and said all the right things. But he didn't love his country, at least not like you and I do. Not like our fathers. Not like our grandfathers. He saw our country as not that much different from all the others, not much better, in some ways maybe worse. He saw our sins and determined they precluded us from any further greatness. It wasn't that he had an evil heart, he just couldn't see or didn't choose to see the good that was our country."

I don't think that John McCain is the perfect candidate, but I believe he loves the country the way that I do. I believe that Sarah Palin loves the country the way that I do. I am absolutely positive that Barack Obama does not love the country the way that I do. And for those of you in my district, I personally know LaVar Christensen and know that he loves the country the way that I do.

This is a critical election. America is great because the people have the freedom to do great things. The American dream is that you can have and be whatever you want if you work for it. Government is not for "redistribution of wealth," and we don't want to "break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the founding fathers in the Constitution" like Barack Obama has said. The Constitution is what protects our freedoms, and we need to vote to protect the Constitution.

Double Tag

I was really hoping to avoid playing tag, but 2 of my sisters got me.

First, Melanie tagged me for Six Random Facts about me.

1. I love to read and probably spend too much time doing it.
2. I enjoy cooking and baking, and I love to share with my family, neighbors and friends.
3. I usually stay up too late; I like the quiet house when everyone's asleep.
4. I love hugs. Especially from Michael and our sweet children.
5. I am almost always late. I hate to admit it, but Janet Standard Time is usually 10-30 mins late.
6. I enjoy quilting. I haven't had time or space lately to do it, but I really do like to quilt.

Second, Michele tagged me . . .
10 years ago I...

1. Got married
2. Had our first child (honeymoon baby)
3. Was working at and attending the University of Phoenix
4. Had a fishing license
5. Visited Grandma Pierdolla in Texas for the last time before she passed away

5 things on today's "to do" list...

1. Laundry
2. Dishes
3. Mop the Floor
4. Family Home Evening
5. Change Sheets

5 snacks I enjoy...

1. Fresh Fruit (we have been spoiled with peaches this year, thanks Debbie. I also love grapes, strawberries, and pineapple)
2. Ice Cream
3. Chocolate
4. Mango Salsa
5. Cheesecake

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire...

1. Pay tithing
2. Upgrade to a bigger house (we are growing out of this one)
3. Buy a family boat
4. Family vacations
5. Save

5 places I have lived...

1. Sandy, UT
2. Lehi, UT
3. Canada
4. St. George, UT
5. Provo, UT

5 jobs that I have had...

1. Mom; Camille, Bogue, Sophia, Rachel, Serena
2. Office Manager; Timberline Equipment and Alignment Specialist
3. Accounting Assistant; University of Phoenix
4. Customer Support Tech; WordPerfect Corp and Novell
5. Receptionist; Re/Max First Realty and Sales Consultants

5 people I tag...

I'm not going to tag anyone, because I think everyone who reads my blog has already been tagged with this . . . but If you haven't been tagged and you want to do it then go ahead.

Education Week

One of the things I look forward to each year is BYU Education Week. With my young family I am only able to attend one day, and I make the most of it. I really had a great day, and loved each of my classes. I thought I would share some of my insights from the classes I attended this year. Hopefully something will inspire you. This will be very condensed as I took many pages of notes. I will just pick out some of what impressed me.

I want to make sure and acknowledge the instructor of each class. They are amazing men and women with great insight and knowledge that they share with others. What I share with you is the notes I took on what they taught and I do not take credit for it. I will include the Instructor's name (in bold) and class title and subtitle (in italics).

S. Michael Wilcox

"Finding Insight and Truth in the Scriptures: Symbolic Language: Seeing What You Read"


The scriptures are not always meant to be taken literally, but many times figuratively. Especially in the Old and New Testament and somewhat in the Book of Mormon.

• There is Power in the figurative, it allows us to use and apply the scriptures in our lives now rather than wait for the literal event to take place.
  
• God uses physical things to teach spiritual things
  
• Never deny the literal, but ask "what can I understand from the figurative?"

Brother Wilcox shared many scriptural examples with us, and I will share one with you. In the scriptures we are told that if we have faith as a mustard seed we can move mountains. Literally there may be a specific time when a mountain will be moved by faith. Figuratively: if we have even a small amount of faith, we can overcome the trials and challenges that are mountains in our lives.

Gary B. and Joy Lundberg
"Breaking Barriers by Filling Our Homes with the Irresistible Light of Love: Creating a Lasting Marriage Full of Fun, Laughter, and Spiritual Fulfillment for All Stages of Marriage"

The Lundbergs are so fun to listen to. They teach and interact really well together. They shared many stories and even a song. Here are a few suggestions for strengthening marriage.

• Return to the beginning: Do what was successful while you were dating.
• "People don't fall out of Love, they forget to Love"
• Remember the little things
• Appreciate the differences of men and women. Understand the differences so that you can respond.
• Focus on the Positive - "What you look at grows"
• Nourish the spiritual side of your marriage (prayer, temple attendance)

S. Dee Barrett
"Differing Communication Needs—Are Others Receiving the Message You Intended to Send? -Blessings, Not Stumbling Blocks"

• Differences are gifts


• Men and Women are created as complements


• Women communicate for intimacy, Men communicate to complete tasks


• Men/boys communicate best and bond when they are doing something


• Men need to take off the tool belt (stop trying to fix things and listen so they can bond)


• Women need to get out and do (doing things together to forge bond)

This was a side note, but was actually my favorite thing that I took from this class. Rather than teaching our children self worth by their accomplishments (Athlete, musician, smart etc.), teach them: "I am a child of God with (fill in the blank) abilities" (athletic abilities, music abilities etc.) So that if/when the ability is not the focus in their life, they still feel of value/worth.

Richard K. Robins
"Raising Stripling Warriors in the Latter-Day War Years!:Alma 45–48: Principles for Peers (Selecting Friends and Role Models)"

• Those who have pride do not follow the Prophet, and trade their armor for fine apparel.
• Standard of Liberty=this is where I stand, will not surrender, I will make and keep sacred covenants.
• We keep covenants and God keeps promises
• It's always okay to fight for Family, Freedom and Faith

We need to help our children raise their "Standards of Liberty" so they will make and keep sacred covenants. Some ways we can do this:

• Be an Example
• Visual Aids in the home (Family Proclamation, Temples, Savior, Scripture Story pics etc)
• Know and use the "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet
• Young Women theme

The true Hero/Role Model test is to substitute their name for Moroni in Alma 48:17. If the name doesn't fit it's time to pick a new role model. We, as parents, should live our lives so that our children can put "My Mom & Dad" in that scripture.

In regards to our children:

• "You can love them, teach them and serve them but you can not change them or save them, only Christ can."
• Do all that you can do, then turn to the Lord

H. Wallace Goddard
"Inviting Heaven into Your Marriage:“Love One Another; As I Have Loved You” (John 13:34)"

• Unless Jesus takes up residency in us, we cannot love as He does.
• Do we show compassion and forgiveness
• Do we show love in the way our spouse feels loved

3 Love Languages:

• Show me - feel loved when you do things for them
• Tell me - feel loved when they hear or read the words
• Touch me - feel loved from affectionate touches
  

Merrilee A. Boyack
"Doing the Best You Can—a Little Bit Better : I’m So Busy I Don’t Have Time for That—Taking Control"

I just have to say that I love Merrilee Boyack. She is entertaining and funny but also very spiritual. I go to at least one of her classes every year and have read several of her books and I highly recommend them.

• Satan's best tool to sap our strength is keeping us busy (Being Under Satan's Yoke)
• If your ears are filled with sound they cannot hear the "Still Small Voice"
• Busy is not a matter of time, It is a matter of choice
• When do we stop doing and start being
• You choose. You can choose not to. You can choose to change.
• If you take responsibility for your choices, your life will profoundly change. Never again will you say "I'm too busy", you will say "I choose not to" and that's O.K.
• Don't let small things crowd out the essential
• Learn new things - take risks. If we don't take risks we will not grow.

Have separate To Do lists, based on priorities

• Gotta do's - absolutely must be done that day (Do First)
• Should do's - needs to be done but not urgent (Do Next)
• Could do's - everything else (Sprinkle in)

Vickey Pahnke Taylor
"Come, Let Us Rejoice! Celebrating Goodness That Comes through Gospel Principles : Celebrating Humor: Spirit-Lifting Ways of Taking Actions That Exercise Righteousness"

• You should be kind to everyone because everyone is fighting battles.
• Be aware of ourselves and surroundings. Sometimes what we are focusing on is what we see. Check out the awareness test she showed us: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4
• Don't have hidden anger in our humor
• Give encouragement, be positive.
• Our only competition is with our former self.
• Children teach amazing things; Children are images of optimism
• We can be cheerful in our journey even if it's not easy, because we are headed in the right direction.
• The happiest people don't have the best of everything, but they make the best of everything they have.

Benjamin J. Knowlton
"General Conference: Specifically Speaking : Becoming Familiar with President Thomas S. Monson and His Messages"

Brother Knowlton gave a life sketch of President Monson including biographical information, career path and church callings and many stories. He also asked the question: "Why did the Lord prepare for President Monson to be the prophet now?" The one message that seems most apparent from President Monsons life and the many stories and examples he has shared with us is to minister and reach out to the one. The church may be global, but we should not forget our neighbors and family and reach out to individuals. We should "heed promptings to answer another person's prayer."

The many ways President Monson has inspired us:

• Hymns
• Poetry, Literature, Plays, Movies
• Short & Memorable Phrases ("Youth need fewer critics and more models"/"It is in the doing not just the thinking that we accomplish our goals.")
• Humor
• Handy Lists
• Scriptures
• Inspiring Personal Stories
  

They have already announced the dates for next year: August 17 - 21, 2009. I can't wait!! To get on the mailing list or for more info check out their website at http://ce.byu.edu/ed/edweek/.

First Day of School

I can't believe that summer is over and the kids are already back in school. I am really excited for the school year and for the teachers that the children have. I think it will be a great year. The kids walk or ride bikes and scooters to and from school each day. It's nice to be close enough that they can do that.

Camille is in 4th Grade this year. Her short hair cut makes her look so grown up. She enjoys walking several of our neighbors dogs for extra money. Camille likes football, country music (especially Rascal Flatts), littlest pet shops and playing with friends.

Bogue is in 2nd grade this year. He is excited to have a lot of friends in his class. We can always count on Bogue to do his work and help out. Bogue likes reading, playing basketball and soccer, and being with friends. He is very active and is often found outside riding his bike or skateboard.

Sophia is in 1st grade this year. She is still getting used to the early mornings and being gone all day. She loves being considered one of the big kids. Sophie is a social butterfly and is constantly making friends and giving hugs. She just learned to ride a two-wheeler and likes riding her bike. She also likes to color, play Polly Pockets and Barbies, and go to friends houses.


Rachel and Serena get to stay home with mom this year. They are best friends and play really well together. Even though they are 14 months apart, we are often asked if they are twins because they are so close in height.

Rachel is our sunshine. She almost always has a smile and can be quite witty. She likes being the oldest one at home. Rachel enjoys puzzles, playing Barbies, Polly Pockets and dress-up and playing with friends.

Serena is a delight. She is sweet and loving, but also very funny. Serena likes to be included in what ever the big kids are doing. She likes playing dress-up, Polly Pockets and Barbies, singing, and playing with friends.

2008 Family Picnic

One of our family traditions is to spend a day in the mountains hiking and having a picnic; hence the name Family Picnic. The children love to explore and look for wildlife. This year Sophia and I spotted a small buck deer coming right towards us. Sophie was so excited she started yelling for everyone to come and see the deer. I thought for sure she would spook the buck, but to our surprise he stuck around so everyone could take a look. The trail we hiked on followed a small creek and we saw several beaver dams as well as a couple beavers. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed being together as a family and enjoying the beauty of God's creations.

The Children enjoyed playing in this field of wildflowers and eating a cookie.

Another highlight of the day was shooting the BB gun. Everyone got a turn. Michael helped the little ones and made sure the children followed the rules for gun safety.

It was a great day. Can't wait until next year!