Fond Memories

As a child is was a very common thing for our family to load up in one of our dad's old trucks, maybe with a camper shell, maybe not, head out into the hills {aka- desert} and spend a Saturday.  I remember how much I loved riding on the tail gate and dragging old sticks we had found out there out of dead old cactus.  He usually owned a small truck and we were able to jump off the tailgate and jump back on while he was going.  I can remember him saying "Stay on, you'll get hurt!".  We would play and explore and get dirty.  I loved it! I loved the days of riding in the back of the truck and feeling the wind take your breath away.  Sometimes my dad would put cushions down in the back of truck and then we would go up and down bumpy roads.  We thought that was just the thrill of a lifetime!  To be a kid again!

I think that is why I still love the desert and going out into the hills so much.  It is such a peaceful place to me.  The other day Jeremy wanted to go and check out his game camera he had out in the hills somewhere and we took Hunter, Fisher, and my dad.  Jeremy and Hunter went off on the 4 wheeler and my dad, Fisher and I stayed at the truck.  Those memories came flooding back into my mind.  We never had much money as I was growing up, but my mom and dad always made sure we were together doing something.  I loved my childhood and need to thank my parents more, for now I know how much work it really was!

Loralie wears YELLOW & BLUE!!!

During the month of October Loralie was choosen

{Student of the Month}

from Ms. Pacheco's class!  We are so proud of her.  She loves school and LOVES Ms. Pacheco's Class.  She was so excited to get dressed up and be on the float.  She loves to dress in the Pima Roughriders colors!  This is our first child to be a student of the month.  We are so proud of her example to others at school!  We love you Loralie!!

It happened.....and I am dealing with it

I turned 30.  It happened the end of September.  I am still coming to terms with the whole idea of no longer being the "Young" mom or one of the "Young Couples" in the ward.   This is a new season of life for me. Within the last 6 months many changes have happened for me.  We had our caboose in May.  It seems sad in a way to never have another newborn or to be pregnant again.  Even though I totally know our family is complete, it still saddens me.  We lost Jeremy's mother.  She was a mother to me and one of my best friends.  And now turning 30 is a major milestone.  All of these things are a part of life, and I know that great times are a head, but they are hard. 

Before I knew it, my children seem to be growing at a crazy fast past.  Time is speeding forward and I feel like I desperately want it to stop.  Since loosing dear Linda I have come to realize just how precious and fragile time and family are.  I feel like I can't get enough of either one.  Watching the things my children do seem so amazing as I watch it happening.  Even if it is just playing some imaginative life in the back yard or Savanna playing at her kitchen. 

I have felt such a strong impression to to make my home a place of simplicity.  A place with less belongings to get into the way of making strong family relationships that include teaching and learning the Gospel. A home where less time is spent on dealing with things.  A home of love and peace.  A home where time is made for simple pleasures.  We get too caught up in homework, housework, and other out of the home activities, that is leaves little if any time to play together and really talk.  One thing I did a while ago is shut off the TV.  There were only a few complaints the first few days.  It is amazing to see what all they make and do together now.  It has given us back so many hours in the day!

I have been given a gift, almost like being able to see life as it really is for me and my family.  I strongly believe that the more we seek to know from Heavenly Father what our purpose is, and what we can do to fulfill that purpose, he will guide us little by little each day in simple ways to accomplish those things he sent us here to do.

If it took turning 30 to see life this way, and the trials to make me appreciate it all, then I am glad for my life's trials and what they help me to become.

Dirt+Fire+Smoke+Kids=

Add caption

FUN!!
Last weekend we decided to go out where Jeremy's deer hunt area is and find a wash, build a fire, eat dinner, and let the kids play.  We were so happy when my sister Emily called and wanted to come too!  Her kids are adorable and my kids love them!  It was great to watch them all play.  Jeremy, Rex + Hunter went out on the 4 wheelers and played till dark and the rest of us set up a little place to eat and play.  I love how it doesn't take long to get out the norm and relax like that in complete silence.  Unless you count the company we had right before dinner, a large herd of  COWs!  So glad it is cooling off and more time can be spent outdoors!

It's that TIME again.....

{to get off SUGAR!}

Why is it soooo hard??  I can tell that my body is saying "STOP!!!".  And with the holidays coming, it will only get worse.  I need to commit now and get a habit going.  I am committing to a treat once a week once I can get a handle on it.  I really need to loose the rest of my baby weight and I want to have more energy!  Plus I have been feeling super stressed and I know sugar makes that worse. 

Anyone want to partner up with me in this challenge??


So my plan is changing my diet, doing some kind of exercise daily with some meditation.  It helps me to  release stress.

Can you believe the holidays are around the corner??

Goal

 I have been really bad about not taking the time to record our family happenings.  It makes me sad.  So much missed!  So I am making a goal to post each day even if it is just a picture of something sweet that day.  This blog is for my children.  I've got to be better.  I have gotten a lot of projects done, so I really have no excuse!

I will start tomorrow!

I want one of these.......

I have been asking Jeremy for one of these Madsen Bikes for a while.  But the answer is always NO.  But now they are giving away one of these sweet bikes and I am entering to win, and so can you!  Click to the right to enter to win!  Can't you see me with all my kiddos in the back??