Charades

Jeremy and I came up with the idea that each evening we would spend a few minutes doing something with the kids.  Something fun we all did together.  Last night it was CHARADES.  We had so much fun watching the kids act things out.  Jeremy would give them what they were to act out.  The kids were really good about playing together and taking turns.  We have had a lot of stress lately with the kid fighting. I am hoping spending more time playing together with mom and dad we can all learn to get along better.  I do realize it is a life-long learning period.  But every little thing counts, right??  I am working on a day to day basis these days with 6 kids.

Our Primary this year has challenged all the children to read the Book of Mormon for themselves and gain a testimony.  They are doing it in the form of treasure maps and challenges.  When they are finished they will find out what TREASURE we receive from reading and living the teachings in the Book of Mormon.  I was a little overwhelmed at first having 4 kids in Primary, but as the weeks are going by it has proven to be such a blessing to our family.  They are excited to read and the spirit is invited into our home on a regular basis.  We have a wonderful Primary Presidency that truly love and care about all the children.  They put a lot of work into what they do.

I was totally tricked!

So yesterday, in the middle of many toddler meltdown, make-up dumped out, chocolate chips spilt and eaten, counters climbed, vitamin C eaten like candy, the highchair being pushed to whatever he wanted 50 times, it was then I realized that I was totally tricked!  Fisher was the sweetest, most quiet, happy, get into nothing little boy.  And in a matter of ONE DAY, he is a MONSTER!  That is the only word to accurately describe the little guy!  He has octopus arms I swear! 

He was my quiet never say a word child, and now he screams all the time out of no where!  How is it that we forget from one child to the next?? I am really afraid because Graham is the same as Fisher was as a baby.  Can I survive another one???  Thank goodness he is sweet and loving too! 

I just remind myself that the Lord will never give me more then I can handle!

Magical Childhoods

I found these miniature doll house pieces on ebay about 3 years ago.  I decided during winter break to finally get them out.  The girls were in love.  They couldn't believe how tiny everything was.  There were dressers, cribs, rocking chairs, tables, a clock, books, dishes, a vacuum, diapers, bunk beds, and tons more things.  Everything was so tiny and cute.  They played for days and days with them.  Why is it that anything tiny is so cute!  I finally felt like all the girls were big enough to take care of the pieces.  I love when my children play & use their imaginations!  It is so fun to watch.

My Deer

I got this deer on the last day of the hunt.  It was the day after a beautiful snowstorm.  The day was cold, but once you were hiking you really got warm.  We hiked up the mountain side where you could see all the way around you.  It was just beautiful.  Fresh snow that had never been touch.  It was fun to see the animal tracks and where they had gone.  It was fun to be with Jeremy out there enjoying the beauty.  He has a love for deer hunting, and I have a love for him.  So we make a perfect match when hunting!  If it wasn't for Jeremy I know that I wouldn't get out and enjoy nature as much as I should.  When you are out there you really appreciate all that God has given us.

my little bee

Could I Have a More Handsome Hubcap??

I realized the other day that I very seldom blog about my dear husband.  He is so much a part of my life, but I tend to blog about myself or my sweet children.  Well, today is all about my hubcap!  He is what makes me tick and keeps me centered.  There is no way I could do all I do without his love and support.  He makes me laugh when I am too serious, and reminds me what is really important when I get too stressed out.  Our personalities compliment each other.  Where I am weak, he is strong.  I love how he plans weekend activities that would otherwise overwhelm and stress me out.  He makes things fun, and keeps our family in safe paths. He is a great example of our Saviors love.  He is compassionate and kind and I love that he honors his Priesthood. What a blessing he has been in my life.  I love him dearly and am so lucky he took a chance and knocked on my door 11 years ago! 

I love you Jeremy.

to be 2

What more can I say then, I LOVE this boy!

His smile warms my heart.

I am finally moving in

We've been in our home for 3 years and I have yet to decorate many of the rooms.  I am just now feeling really settled.  So I started with the boys room.  I think it turned out so happy!  I just love their room.  I decided ALL toys were going back to the basement except for a few for Graham in the living room.  Life has been so clean and wonderful!  Graham is in the crib now and Fisher is loving the bottom bunk.  I love that all three of my boys share a room.

My Mantra

I read a favorite blog of mine where she chose a Mantra instead of just a bunch of resolutions.  This seemed fitting for me this year.  I spent the two weeks the kids were home de-cluttering and organizing my house.  Still have more to do, but what is done is sooo nice.  Last year I posted about the people of Denmark and their philosophy,

"Less Stuff Equals More Life"

Well, that is going to be me this year.  I am working on focusing on improving myself, my family, and service to others.  I don't know about anyone else, but by the time I would get done cleaning my house, doing laundry, etc. I was so tired and didn't give as much time and energy as I should to those things.  So this year I have set some goals and hopefully with less stuff, I can live life more the way I want to and should.  I am a huge stress er about my house being clean, so less stuff has made such a difference for me. 

My other big thing this years is Family Dinner Time.  My goal is to have 6 planned meals, leaving Saturday for leftovers or eating out, that are yummy and well thought out.  I just love the show "The Food Nanny" on BYU and I finally broke down and bought her BOOK and it is amazing! One of the best recipe books ever.  Everything I have tried is delicious.  She really helps you plan out your meals and organize yourself.  I am a firm believer that families that eat together have fewer problems and are a closer family.  I am amazed when we sit down and discuss our day what our kid will tell us.  Since I can't be with them all day at school I love to hear about what is going on in their lives and then we are able to discuss other important issues from those conversations.

On Tuesday we had a RS Workshop "Come Unto Christ Through Prioritizing Our Lives". We showed a video clip from Sister Julie B. Beck about "How to Prioritize".  One of the speakers that night was our Bishop.  He said something  that sunk in deep.  Something I needed to hear.  He said that we can be reading our scriptures, saying our prayers, going to the temple, going to sacrament meeting, but never coming unto Christ.  How often do we go through all the motions because we know we are suppose too, but don't feel with our hearts what we are doing?  Well, at the moment I realized that had been me.  So for the next year I am putting my time and effort into changing my heart.  I love the gospel so much.  I love that we can walk away not feeling guilty, but motivated to change, and that we can change using the atonement.  What a blessing!  What a blessing to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost to guide us in our efforts.

I love the beginning of a New Year!  It is such a wonderful time to re-prioritize and begin fresh.

Happy New Year!

We're Buying a NEW House!

Isn't it adorable!

Well, NEW to us!

We came up with a crazy idea to buy something and rent it out! It looks like we already have some fantastic renters.  It does need some considerable work, but will be a cozy little place when finished!  Hopefully all the paperwork will go through soon and we'll be the proud owners!

It is 812 Square Feet
2 bedroom/ 1 bath