The Saline Family

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

This has been such a fun Valentine's Week. The kids made their own Valentines, I made some yummy sugar cookies with Loralie, plus we had a fun breakfast together this morning. This kids had a great time designing their own cards this year. When we went to bed last night my table and floor was covered with cuttings from red construction paper, scissors and tape. You could tell they had some serious fun!

These kiddos will sure teach you what LOVE is!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

New Beginnings

2012-02-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe I will have a 12 year old this year! Our ward Young Women's had their New Beginnings Program this month. It was such a sweet experience. Carlee is so excited to be entering YW soon and I am excited for her. I am so grateful for the church and all the wonderful programs they have to help us return to our Father in Heaven.

I love this sweet Carlee of mine!

{this moment}

2012-01-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

{Gratitude~Cookies~Fake Haircuts}

2012-01-25T16:08:00.000-08:00

So I have had a lot of time to myself lately. Jeremy has been gone to Congo for work. I have been enjoying lots of reading and relaxing in the evenings. But I have also been a single parent, which is NOT easy. We have done so well this time. This is his 4th trip. I am counting down the days, but trying to be positive and look to what I can gain from this time apart.

I went shopping yesterday and found this journal. How is it that things are put before you just when you need it most? My goal is to fill one page a day with all I am grateful for in my life at that moment.

We have been making way too many cookies since Jeremy has been gone. But we have so enjoyed them! I think the kids have the recipe memorized.

I had to tease Jeremy while he was gone. I told him I cut my hair. He loves my hair long. So I had to ruffle some feathers and told him I cut it. So of course he wanted a picture. So I sent him this.....

He believed it. Then he asked for another one and wanted to see a better view. Well that is when my cover was blown. So I sent him this so he could dry his tears.

He did say he loved me no matter who long my hair was.

I miss him. Home is not the same without him. There is something wonderful about a husband and having the priesthood in your home. You can feel the difference when they are gone. I am just grateful for such a hard worker and provider. I can't imagine leaving my family and comforts of home like he does. We sure do love him and miss him!

{Arizona Indians}

2012-01-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

My dad has always loved Indians. He has studies a lot about them over his life. He took a day with us and taught us some pretty neat things. The kids learned how to grind corn to made flour; they learn about how they got their meat and dried it; the learned a game they would play; and they made a pot on their own. The kids favorite part was grinding the corn. They spent the most time doing that.

For lunch we cooked some deer meat and corn on the cob.

Carlee, Loralie, and Savanna made bowls, Fisher made a turtle and Hunter made a bracelet out of clay.

Later for art they painted them.

I love when we get to get out of the house and do some hands on activities.

They learn so much and it is so fun!

{this moment}

2012-01-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

soaking up some sun

2012-01-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

Saturday found our family out to our favorite place. We cooked lunch over an open fire, we built things, we ate popcorn, we had races, we drew pictures, we all learned how to properly build a fire, we shot the gun and soaked up the sun.

It was a gorgeous day. Graham played with his cars in the warm sand making the cutest car sounds with his little mouth. I love that boy! Hunter found some old rusted metal pipes and was building things with them. He is so creative and can entertain himself with whatever is around him. The girls drew pictures and had races up the steep hill. Fisher tried to eat all the popcorn he could and insisted on walking around with no shoes. He has the toughest feet.

Later that afternoon we took them down to the water. I don't know how they could stand it, but they all put there feet in and said it wasn't cold. That is how bad they wanted to play in it. After a while they all got out and decided to build sand castles with the one cup we brought. It was a perfectly peaceful day. Every time we go out there it is like the time stops. You are surrounded by beautiful rocky mountains with no view out. It is lovely there. A place to stop and really be at peace with yourself and family.

Jeremy and I talked and laughed, played and teased. I have always felt like when you get away from all the cares of the world and get out into nature you are closer to your Heavenly Father and you can let down your guard and be who you really are inside. This little bit of Heaven of earth for me is freeing to my soul on days when everything else seems to be caving in.

I don't know if it is me getting older or what but in the past few months I have had my eyes opened to many things in my life. The biggest is with my children. I can't get enough of them. I feel like they are growing faster then I can blink. I am savoring each day with them and each little moment we have together. Our ages span from 11 years-20 months. All six of them is so unique in their personality and they each bring something special to our family. Things that used to stress me no longer do. My heart is open to them in a way never before. How I wish I could have understood what I do now 11 years ago. I am go grateful for the new view.

happenings

2012-01-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

{lots of basketball}

{ YUMMY pumpkin waffles with whipped cream}

{driving cars}

{ a BAD case of pink eye}

{Field Trip} Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

2012-01-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

This was an amazing day. My sweet father took this trip on with me. We have been studying the state of Arizona and Arizona Indians. The kids had the best time. This museum is well worth the money and time to get there. So many hands on activities. I was very impressed. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. We stayed 3 1/2 hours! There was so much to do and see that my kids cried when they closed.

The kids loved the turtles. This was the cutest place!

We even got to try on BAT ears!

It was hilarious!

The ice cream was yummy and it was just hot enough for it.

Loralie has been asking for a turtle lately for her upcoming birthday. So she was the one that loved this exhibit. I think she might just be getting her little wish.

This was the neatest area. You put on goggles and had a little sweeper

and you sweep for dinosaur

bones. They thought this was awesome.

We stayed here for a long time.

This was a giant Dinosaur leg. It was pretty neat.

The kids learned a lot and asked when we could go back. My poor little feet were killing me but it was well worth it. Next time I will be wearing good walking shoes. All the animals were so fun and the bird area was so quiet and peaceful. My kids loved that part. We sat on a concrete bench and relaxed and found all kind of beautiful birds. Not all of our outing turn out this wonderful, but this one was fabulous!

an adventure to snow

2012-01-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

We went on a little road trip to Silver City to find some snow.

The kids thought that was the greatest thing ever.

Plus I had never been there.

The ride was gorgeous.

They have the cutest little town.

Main street is adorable!

celebrating a new year

2012-01-08T03:30:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve at our house was amazing this year!

The kids had so much fun making decorations for our party.

We prepared food together, laughed, and played.

Jeremy and Hunter were gone for the day.

The party started when they arrived home.

We celebrated with New York at 10:00 our time. Only two

out of 6 feel asleep. I was impressed.

Each child set a goal for the year and then received a yummy chocolate bar.

They loved this idea!

Carlee's Goal- Finish her Faith in God (Can you believe she will be 12 this year??!!)

Loralie's Goal- To be Happy, Obedient, and Peaceful

Hunter's Goal- No fighting

Savanna's Goal- Be nice to everyone

Fisher's Goal- Learn how to play baseball

{this moment}

2012-01-06T07:36:00.001-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

{family work}

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

We packed up the kids and headed over to Jeremy's dad house to pick pecans.

This is a favorite place for our little family.

This is where Jeremy grew up.

This was the original Saline homestead. The barn is my favorite.

It is peaceful there.

I love to see all the children's imagination go wild while we visit.

There is something special about a place you grew up.

I love to hear Jeremy's stories of his childhood.

Pecans are a treat in our family. We keep a bucket on the back porch with a hand nut cracker. My children all the way to Fisher will sit outside on the porch rocker and crack pecans.

There is something special about working side by side with your family using your hands to comb the ground and search for pecans. I love each season. Winter brings crunchy leaves and bare trees. Jackets, boots, and gloves. Warm fires and blankets.

What are you enjoying this Winter?

cousin fun

2012-01-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

We had the greatest time with my sister Emily and her family! We took all the kids to the Phoenix Children's Museum. It is a child's and parent's dream. So much to do and nothing a child can mess up! We all played hard. They ran, jumped, moved things, rode bikes, went shopping, made and sold ice cream cones, went through tunnels and went down slides. And that isn't even half of it. I highly recommend the museum! I love the giant art room. Everything is amazing there! Afterwards we went and saw the gorgeous Mesa Temple lights.

I sure love these kids!

{my mantra} 2012

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

I love a new year with new desires and goals. We have set them as a Family and Individually.

The beginning of a New Year has a special feeling about it.

I am excited for what this year has to offer.

WELCOME 2012!

{simply childhood}

2011-12-30T16:29:00.000-08:00

Daddy took us for a ride on the four-wheeler.

It was a gorgeous day.

I love Arizona winters just for this reason.

There is something so relaxing about being out in the hills.

As a child that is what we did almost every weekend.

We always called it "going to the hills".

I think that is why when we take our own children out in the "hills" it

always brings such happy feelings back. I love to watch them explore every rock, hole, or plant.

Isn't he cute? I sure love this man and the life he has provided for me!

{this moment}

2011-12-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Happy New Year, friends!!

around our house

2011-12-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day

2011-12-26T10:30:00.001-08:00

This Christmas was a simple Christmas. The focus was on our Savior Jesus Christ. We are blessed with so much. The season has been wonderful. Sweet treats, family, friends, magical lights and gifts. We are focusing on the simple things in our lives that bring joy. Especially our family relationships. Those are eternal and deserve our precious time & energy. I love this time of year when a chapter of our lives come to an end and there is the excitement of a new beginning. New goals, traditions, events, vacations, projects, gardens, all the things that make life sweet.

{this moment}

2011-12-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

decorating

2011-12-22T05:57:00.001-08:00

We all went over to grandpa's house and helped him decorate his house.

I love his decorations.

I have such warm memories of Linda as I see each one.

She has been missed this Christmas by each of our hearts greatly.

As we were making our Christmas treats each child expressed what they used to love that she cooked and baked each year. She passed on her Christmas sugar cookie recipe. It is one I hold dear to my heart. She would always make them into the shape of small Christmas and we would help her put green frosting on each one. Her caramel popcorn was divine. But what I miss the most is each time we would walk in the door she would great us by saying, "There's those kids!" with a warm smile. She always made you feel special and loved. I could not have been blessed with a sweeter mother in law. She was a second mother to me. I love her and am so grateful for the knowledge that we will be with her again.

Lynn is a real trooper! He is always putting up with our craziness. He has done such a wonderful job of acting as Grandpa & Grandma. He gets the kids little things and always makes them feel special. They go on four-wheeler rides and walks. We are so grateful to live so close and for our kids to spend so much time with him. We are looking forward to our family Christmas party at his house. We love you Grandpa!

Christmas Surprise

2011-12-20T10:47:00.001-08:00

We have some pretty neat kids around our house. One night they all slipped down to the basement for a while together. Carlee came up with a huge smile on her face and said she had a surprise for us. I knew I needed my camera. We were delighted to see all the kids working together in a reenactment of the Christmas Story. They did a fantastic job! I love the imaginations of kids. They did not need fancy costumes or props. They were quoting from the scriptures which made my day. I love these sweet children that have blessed my life.

alphabet fun

2011-12-19T09:21:00.000-08:00

We have been having fun with our large wooden letters.

Savanna is becoming quiet the speller.

With the cold outside days we have been discovering new things to play.

Our days have been sweet and wonderful together.

I am learning to stop and see the world through the eyes of a child again.

What a wonderful world it is.

I am enjoying this season in my life.

Is it hard? YES! Is it worth it? Absolutely!!

{this moment}

2011-12-16T06:03:00.001-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

holiday happenings

2011-12-15T15:43:00.001-08:00

{gingerbread houses}

We had a fun Family Home Evening with friends last Monday night. The lesson was fantastic and the kids had a blast making the houses. We figured out what we will do differently next time!

{snow globes}

We made some really fun snow globes at school this week. The kids just love them. Again I know what I will do again next time.

{Christmas village}

Carlee, Loralie, Sara, and Allison went to my parents house and helped my mom decorate for Christmas. From the looks of their faces they had a great time over there. These are the sweetest girls!

a new favorite

2011-12-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

I've decided this is may favorite time of the day.

We all go downstairs to the basement.

We have family prayer and tuck all the kids in bed snug and warm.

Jeremy will read a chapter to us each night.

It is so relaxing to me to listen to him read.

We are all loving the book too.

What I love most is that it was Jeremy's idea.

A new family tradition that I am in love with!

enjoying a cozy winter day

2011-12-12T09:25:00.001-08:00

Today is cold. We decided it was the perfect day for some hot chocolate.

We have been enjoying the cold rainy days inside.

Winter is the perfect time to cuddle up with a book and soft blanket.

The kids filled up the bathtub and took the boat for a ride too.

I love these kids.

{weekend adventure}

2011-12-10T18:06:00.001-08:00

We decided since the weather was so lovely Saturday we would take a drive out to Cluff Ponds and let the kids play around. They had many "adventure" as they call them. We took tin foil dinners and enjoyed the afternoon. Fisher caught 2 fish and Savanna caught 1. Graham enjoyed eating everything he could find. I think that is why I love Arizona so much. We have many wonderful winter days where you can be outside and play. The kids collects bottle caps and played hide & seek. It was a little cold so the warm fire was nice.

Hunter and my dad built a boat together. Hunter has been dying to try it out in the water. So for Hunter, Saturday was a great day!

After we got home Jeremy, Loralie, and Hunter cleaned the fished and we had a fish fry.

{this moment}

2011-12-09T14:40:00.001-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Family Pictures!

2011-12-06T08:44:00.001-08:00

My cousin Dusty Draper took our photos this time and I just love them! The day was perfect weather and we decided to take some at the temple. That was a wonderful experience. My sweetheart has lost 45 pounds over the last 6 months, so we decided it was time to get pictures done again. I am so proud of him and his dedication to get and stay healthy! I love you Jeremy! We have more pictures coming and I can't wait to see them!

Jeremy's Coues Deer 2011

2011-10-27T12:47:00.001-07:00

Smile

2011-09-29T09:13:00.001-07:00

Fisher comes home from walking with me today and say, "mom, I was good with Birdie today and came home with a smile on my face, can I have a treat?It was so cute. I am always telling the big kids when they get out of the car to put a smile on their face. He is a quick learner!

My Birthday

2011-09-28T14:52:00.001-07:00

For my birthday this year I was able to spend a few hours alone and have my nails done, a pedicure, and my hair cut. I feel like a new mama! Jeremy was in Africa for work. The kids and I still had a good time. I baked yummy fudge brownies. Still can't believe I am 31!

The Holy Ghost

2011-09-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

Carlee was helping me bath the kids the other night which she does a lot for me. She had gotten them undressed and was starting the water. She was going to plug the tub and let it feel up with water when she felt a really warm feeling in her body and the thought came that she shouldn't feel up the tub, so she didn't. Then during the bath Graham got mad and throw himself back all the way. Had the tub been full of water he would have went under all the way. She knew it was the Holy Ghost who warned her. She was so happy to followed the prompting.

As a mother it was so special to see her face light up and feel the love of our Heavenly Father in her life. Carlee is such a sweet and special young lady. I know that she will live her life in a way that she will be worthy of the Spirit in her life. She has a love for people like her Heavenly Father does. I love you Carlee and am so proud of the good person you choose to be!

{this moment}

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

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

{dandelions}

2011-09-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

While at the lake this weekend the kids went on many "adventures" together. This time the girls came back with the most gorgeous {dandelions} I have ever seen. They were huge! The girls were so excited to show me and equally excited to make a {wish} and blow them! Before they were ready to blow they all thought of a wish. Afterward Savanna told me her wish. She wished she could be a mom someday. I thought that was so sweet! She will be a wonderful mother I just know it!

This day at the lake was my favorite. It was our last day there. We got there about 10:00 and left at 3:30. It didn't rain a drop on us which was rare cause it had been raining everyday.

We laid down our blanket and made our little home under a tree for those hours. The grass was lush and green in there. Just the perfect softness. It was calm and peaceful. The cool breeze was perfect. This is why I love the mountains and the lake. I always take my books and notebook and lots of pens. I read, ponder, relax, breath deep, and prioritize my life there. We are happy and free for those short moments. Free to play, think, talk, sleep, relax, pick flowers, catch fish, and have fun together without the stress of daily living. It is amazing how with so little stuff that you can feel so free. I am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who created this beautiful earth. He knew just what we would need to find peace in this busy world of ours.

Happy 5th Birthday Savanna!!

2011-09-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

our family library and learning studio

2011-09-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

{family library}

This is becoming one of our most loved rooms in our home. The kids do school work here, read, play games, puzzles, or anything else they need a quiet room for. With 6 little ones running around a quiet room is hard to come by. There is peace and serenity there. I tried to make it beautiful and comfortable for the whole family.

{writing area}

In this area there is pencils, notebooks, envelopes, erasers, and other writing supples. This is a favorite school work spot.

I found these wooden letters to help the little ones learn each letter and their shape.

I found this deep wooden dish and put beach sand in it with some shells. It is a great way to help little fingers learn their letters and numbers by drawing them in the sand. This is a family favorite for sure. The sand to me is calming.

This is our alphabet and numbers wall. I found on old stick down at the barn and glued the clothes pins. I cut our the paper and drew the numbers and letter and then laminated them. There are so many fun things you can do with this. I got this idea from the book Growing Up Sew Liberated. I am loving all my new books!

{the nature basket}

This was a hit this weekend. We went camping to one of our {MOST} favorite places on earth! We spend many hours at the lake and this was the kids top entertainment! They went on adventures, found bugs and looked at them under the jeweler's loupe, they drew in the Nature Notebooks and filled up the pages, we found beautiful flowers and of all different shapes, colors, and sizes and put them to dry in our flower press. All the kids enjoyed the binoculars. The perfect size for little hands. It made my heart happy to see them using thier imaginations so freely. So much happiness contained in this little wooden picnic basket!

{learning studio}

This is where we get use our {hands} to create! Everyone {well, those who will not eat everything} love to come in here and freely paint, bead, sew, draw, craft, cut, glue, or anything else they want till there heart is content. We work on science, history, and art projects here. It makes me so happy to have a space that does not have to be cleaned up. We can leave an undone project and come back! I dearly love this room. I love that we have 2 new spaces that anyone in the family can go and use their creativity.

{cooling off}

2011-09-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

We sure love Mt. Graham. So much we names our last little guy after it. We drove up Saturday to take a break from the heat and go on a little hike. We gathered some great sticks for a project I am working on. I will be posting about it soon.

As we open our door up each morning at 5:00 a.m. it is evidence to us that summer is fading and fall is on its way. I will miss summer. The warm sun, the smell of sunscreen, my cutie pies in their swimming, kid sneaking into the hose and splashing in puddles. This summer went by too fast. And by next summer everyone will be a year older. I am trying to savor each child and the stage they are in right now. Each so unique. My baby is almost 16 months old! One of my favorite things to do right now is watch them sleep. I can't believe how blessed I am!

I am looking so forward to this weekend and getting up where is is cooler. We are going to one of my MOST favorite places in the world! I love the Lake and the peace it offers. We go each year and it is my time to relax and prioritize. I come home rejuvenated and ready to keep going with all that life is putting before me. It is such a treat!

Hope you enjoy your weekend!!

Snip Snip........

2011-08-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday night I was giving the boys a trim on the front porch when Savanna arrived with intentions on her mind. Savanna has been asking for months for me to cut her hair. I was so afraid it would be a huge puff ball if I did. She came out and asked if I would cut her hair too. Something came over me and I did it. She or I either one could be more happy with it. It is just beautiful. It looks so much thicker and just gorgeous! All she can talk about is her hair. She is always in the bathroom combing it and flipping it around. She cracks me up!

Well, Loralie saw what was going on and begged me for an hour to cut hers too. She wanted an align cut. After much debate I took a stab at it. I couldn't believe how well it turned out! I have seen mine cut so many times that I went with what I've seen. She LOVES her cut too. They both looks so cute with short hair! I didn't do a before, but her hair was almost to her waist! Plus last week she earned her money and got her beloved feather she has been saving for. It is really cute too!

Carlee just wanted layers and bangs. Her bangs are so cute! I love how my girls already know what they want and like and are becoming such sweet beautiful young ladies!

peaches

2011-08-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

One of our peach trees was very fruitful this year. We had so many yummy beautiful peaches. After we ate till we had our fill we froze the rest so they may be enjoyed this winter.

Hunter and I picked all the peaches this year together. We had such a delightful time. It is amazing when you are doing some kind of work with your children how they will open up and tell you all about their lives. I learned many things about school, friends, and things we wants to do. Hunter is our BUSY son. He loves to play and work outside. He is always moving and asking questions. Hunter is quick to love and forgive. I love these special one on one moments with each of my children. I am learning to live in those moments more and forget about all that is going on around me at the time.

I am {cherishing the simple special moments}

of picking peaches with an incredible little spirit we've been bless with.

{Fisher is 3}

2011-08-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

To start the {celebration}this year my sweet sister Em and her family send Fisher this in the mail. He thought it was pretty cool to get a letter at the post office!

Thanks Em, we love you. Can you tell by the look on his face??

He carried this around all day and showed everyone that he saw.

By the end of day it was pretty worn out and loved.

Fisher was so excited for his {Birthday} this year! All day long he had a smile on his face and milked it for all it was worth.

He brings such a big smile to my face!

He got a soft cuddly Lightening McQueen blanket this year. He loves to sleep with it.

When daddy and the kids got home we took them to the wash to play. Fisher loves to splash in the water. He was {WAY} excited about that.

It turned out to be a muddy disaster......

So we went home and sprayed them off in the hose.

Then came is excitement. Grandpa Saline pulled up and it was time for {Cake}!!

Fisher was so happy about his candles!

He said it was the {BEST BIRTHDAY EVER}!!!!

Love those words.

Love this little guy!

{Things to Remember}

* Turned 3, tells everyone he is 5
* Eats, Sleeps, and Baths with Lightening McQueen
* Crawls into bed with Daddy and Mommy {EVERY} night
* Repeats everything you say
* LOVES to play outside all day if he could
* Gives lots of kisses and hugs
* Tells me he loves me 50 times a day
* Thinks his big brother is the coolest EVER
* Loves Chocolate with his Mommy
* Seeks out water everywhere he goes to get into to
* His most favorite thing in the world to do is ride the "fillo-willo" {Four Wheeler}
* Knows all the letters in the alphabet and their sounds

{this moment}

2011-08-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

pure enjoyment

2011-08-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

{Aravaipa Canyon}

We continued to celebrate the beautiful August weather by driving to Aravaipa this weekend. One of my most {favorite} places to go. The drive is gorgeous and the views are breath taking. We rolled down our windows and enjoyed the fresh air. The grass was a luscious green and the view of the mountains were amazing. It is so peaceful out there.

We have decided to put this one at the top of our favorites list! But these days anyplace with clear cool water is a hit with the kids! Jeremy and I even put our feet in and gave our tired feet a

"mud treatment". There is such a calming affect to put your feet in creek water. I so grateful that Heavenly Father has given us the beauty of nature to go and retreat to so we can relax and find peace within. Something about being still in nature will bring you so close to heaven.

Jeremy was walking in the water and he stepped in some mud that sucked in his shoe. It took his a while to get it find it and get it out. It was the weirdest thing!

Our time there was wonderful. The way home was perfect. It is gorgeous there when the sun is lowering. The kids were worn out eating their snack, and we had the windows down with the breeze in our hair.

No better way to end a perfect day!

today

2011-08-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

.....started rough.

The kids wouldn't get up.

I decided I have to sleep till 6. These afternoon headaches are killing me.

Hunter didn't pack his lunch last night. {We figured it out at 7:45}.

Carlee has {misplaced} our home cell phone.

I am up to my eyeballs with laundry.

My floors are disgusting.

Children went to school sad. {I HATE that!!}

This weekend wiped me out! I feel like we were just moving in with all the changing and cleaning. But most of it is done, and it is starting to feel normal again. The new arrangements are wonderful and the rooms are being used with much EXCITEMENT!

I am really trying to slow down and enjoy these moments. These headaches are caused from stress I am convinced. I've realized that I go around all day trying to keep the house {PERFECT} and everything going smooth and stay on top of everything and my body is telling me to {RELAX}!! I can do everything and keep it perfect, but I miss out on all the {little moments} of living with my family. I decided I have to choose what I want and I've decided I want to

{cherish the moments}.

I still can't figure out why we put so much stress on ourselves for every aspect in our lives to be perfect! And the stress will make a person sick! So if you come to my house and my floors are dirty or there is laundry piled up needing to be folded or my kitchen is well used, it is because I am living in the moment and cherishing my child's childhood. My sister had a class in RS and a lady taught it who is a councilor. She said a lot of people's problem is they do not "live in the moments" of their lives. I am totally understanding what she means. I will be doing something only to be thinking about what I had to do next or a list I need to make, ect. She suggested only thinking about what you are doing at that time and really "live" in that moment. Then make time to make your lists and things like that.

I took the kids to school and the bell had already rung.

When I got home I found this beside my bed.

Happy returned, and I realized again what life is all about.

I read a wonderful article HERE this morning.

Heavenly Father new just what we would need.

{National Entitlement Awareness Day} Plus a Giant Giveaway!!

2011-08-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

NYTimes bestselling authors, Richard and Linda Eyre have written an exciting new book called

The Entitlement Trap: How to Rescue Your Child with a New Family System of Choosing, Earning, and Ownership and they invite you to join them in the cause to stem the tide of entitlement that is causing so many problems in today’s world.

Go HERE and be entered to win some awesome prizes!!

I am so excited for mine to arrive! Spread the word today!!!

two more

2011-08-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

I love books!

And this is the time of year I tend to "stock" my library.

I am LOVING both of these books. I have been waiting for MONTHS for

{The Rhythm Of Family}

to come out. It was just as good as I had anticipated! I am so excited. We are changing around rooms and I am going to get to have a {Learning Studio} for the kids and a {Library/Writing Room} for the whole family. Below is a room I adore that was on the {Playful Learning} website. Go there! Have FUN!!

This author has a blog that is so much fun and inspiring! She has two more books two! I have them all! So our weekend project will be taking apart beds, putting them back together, organizing closets, and decorating rooms! The kids are so excited and so am I!

stitches

2011-08-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe that this is our first time with stitches. During summer break we had gone to eat pizza at the school. We were done and leaving when Hunter got up and starting walking and tripped right over Fisher who had bent down for something and he fell and hit his face on the bench. I saw the whole thing. It was horrible. Tons of blood. Which I don't deal with very well at all.

After about an hour I decided it was bad enough to have him looked at. So I took him up to Dr. Wright and he decided to put in a couple stitches in hoped it would help it heal right. Sure enough, it looks just like new! He was pretty nervous about stitches but did wonderful! So proud of him!

two of our MOST {favorite} books

2011-08-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hunter has been having so much fun with this book! The projects are perfect for his age and years to come. There are so many great things for boys to learn to do. I love to see him carrying it around with him and find joy in a book! Plus it keeps his little mind busy doing good things!

{Project List}

*Making a Buckeye Bow {Archery}
*Home-Made Fishing Tackle
*Home-Made Boat

My girls are loving their book too! Such lovely girls things to do in this book. I love how it teaches what was done years ago. My girls think the projects are so cool! Can't wait to post a finish project.

{Project list}

*Botany As Applied to Art (Painting using plant designs)

*Making Your Own Picture Frame

*Making Holiday decor

{kids swimming trip}

2011-08-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

In July while Jeremy was gone to Africa this time we went to see Emily and her family and stayed in a hotel and went swimming. The kids had so much fun! It was nice to break up some of the two weeks of Jeremy being gone. As a child my parents would take us to a hotel somewhere to swim and eat during the summer. I loved it, and it always brings me back happy memories. But I have to say that I now appreciate my parents VERY much. It was tons of work! We had a great time, but now it is me doing all the work, not just the enjoying!! I love summer. I can hardly believe it is almost over.

I love my family!

Sisters Weekend 2011

2011-08-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

school has begun once again

2011-08-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

and we are loving every minute of it! The kids enjoyed meeting their teachers Tuesday night and Wednesday was their first day back. Jeremy and I have had a lot of discussion and prayer about school this year for the kids and what was the best option for our sweet children. We both feel there are some issues with the school programs, but we feel very impressed that our children need to be there, and learn to be "in the World, but not OF the World". We are disappointed with programs that were taken away and other things going on, but then it occurred to us that it is OUR responsibility to teach our children all that we want them to learn! Instead of complaining about what the school isn't, we can provide what is important to us as a family. So we are creating a home of learning and happiness where they can feel a love of learning for life! We are having tons of fun doing it too! Right now we are working on learning all 50 states and their capitals, Jeremy is teaching them Spanish, multiplication to 12's, handwriting, history and geography, science fun, typing, music composers, and art appreciation, and LOTS of nature study. The girls each have a book they are working on and Hunter is doing great with his reading skills. Every Wednesday we work on a "Life Skill" our family wants to learn or we feel in important. I love it cause learning together in our home makes learning seem a natural way in our daily lives. It is fun and exciting! I love the{Charlotte Mason} learning methods. We believe that kids learn best from the world around them, we just have to help them see those things. I love to read how other families are learning and get fun ideas from them.

This was Wednesday morning and everyone was beaming with excitement!

Loralie has our beloved Mrs. McDougal this year. She has been excited about it since the last day of school in May. Mrs. McDougal is our neighbor and we love her so much!

4th Grade

Miss Savanna has Mrs. Peterson. Her classroom is awesome! She is such a sweet lady and I have heard such great things about her. We were so happy Savanna got her!

Kindergarten

Our Mr. Hunter has Mrs. Bryce this year for 1st grade. Loralie had her and we absolutely loved her! She is fun and enthusiastic! Learning is fun in her classroom. We are excited for another great year with her!

1st Grade

Fisher had to be included in all this craziness. He will have Mommy as his teacher for the next 3 years! And boy does she love him!

Carlee has Mrs. Williams this year. She is new to the 5th grade. We have heard really great things about her and Carlee is loving her class so far. When we met her Tuesday Jeremy and I really liked her. Carlee is super excited about the 5th grade.

5th Grade

This face makes me smile!

at the creek

2011-08-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

We were all longing for some peace and tranquility Saturday. It has been a LONG and HOT summer! We drove up the mountain to a small creek and enjoyed the quiet beauty that surrounded us. Jeremy and I both enjoyed the sand between our toes and the cool creek water. The kids enjoyed splashing and chasing tadpoles, collecting colorful rocks and building a dam with their daddy. Graham tasted all the rocks within reach and loved to immerse his hands in the warm course sand time after time. I love to watch his face as he is exploring his surroundings in each new place we visit. Children truly enjoy the world around them. I am so looking forward to the upcoming adventures we have planned with our children.

Our Very Own Rapunzel

2011-08-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

Carlee has always been very creative.

As a small child she would make doll clothes out of things all over the house to fit whatever she was playing. The other day she came out of her bedroom with this long "Rapunzel" hair and her little friend "Pascal". All the girls have wore this "Hair" everyday now. The only problem is, the boys like to step on it and tie it to things to hear the girls scream!

Gotta love brothers!

I Just HAVE to Brag

2011-08-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my SWEET Husband for doing such a wonderful job with his
"LIFESTYLE DIET CHANGE" He is doing so well and is feeling great! He just got back from 2 weeks in the Congo of Africa for work and we are sooo happy to have him home. He has some great pictures I am going to post. Seeing the people there really makes you grateful for all we have in USA.

Each time he brings us back little African gifts. This time he brought me this little Jewelry box. It is made out of Malachite. Last time he brought me a beautiful beaded necklace made out of Malachite. It is handmade and just beautiful. I love to see what he will suprise us with.

Utah Part 2

2011-08-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

Now the purpose of our trip was mostly so I could attend a Power of Moms Retreat in Park City at the home of Richard and Linda Eyre. These two are some of my MOST favorite authors! I love their books so very much! The retreat was wonderful and meeting them and listening to them speak was such a treat! Park City was gorgeous and the weather was wonderful! Not to mention the company was just splendid!

Loralie Turned 9!!

2011-08-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

This year Loralie had a very fun party with all her girlfriends! These girls know how to have fun. They are the cutest sweetest you ladies!

Birthdays seems so magical when you are a child! I love how creative kids are and how they can have fun doing just about anything!

Stop & Smell the Flowers

2011-07-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

So part of my prioritizing is including a lot more service into my life. I get wrapped up in my own little world and forget about everything around me. I was flipping through the April Conference issue and decided to read the talk Finding Joy through Loving Service. Jeremy has been saying for a while that we as a family need to make service a bigger part of our lives. I am really bad at listening sometimes. Well, the other day the light finally came on and I got the motivation. Sometimes I wonder why it takes me so long to listen! I start reading this talk and what do you know, it was just what I needed to hear. I couldnt believe my eyes! Read the following story and you will see what I mean.

Oftentimes we are like the young merchant from Boston, who in 1849, as the story goes, was caught up in the fervor of the California gold rush. He sold all of his possessions to seek his fortune in the California rivers, which he was told were filled with gold nuggets so big that one could hardly carry them.

Day after endless day, the young man dipped his pan into the river and came up empty. His only reward was a growing pile of rocks. Discouraged and broke, he was ready to quit until one day an old, experienced prospector said to him, “That’s quite a pile of rocks you are getting there, my boy.”

The young man replied, “There’s no gold here. I’m going back home.”

Walking over to the pile of rocks, the old prospector said, “Oh, there is gold all right. You just have to know where to find it.” He picked two rocks up in his hands and crashed them together. One of the rocks split open, revealing several flecks of gold sparkling in the sunlight.

Noticing a bulging leather pouch fastened to the prospector’s waist, the young man said, “I’m looking for nuggets like the ones in your pouch, not just tiny flecks.”

The old prospector extended his pouch toward the young man, who looked inside, expecting to see several large nuggets. He was stunned to see that the pouch was filled with thousands of flecks of gold.

The old prospector said, “Son, it seems to me you are so busy looking for large nuggets that you’re missing filling your pouch with these precious flecks of gold. The patient accumulation of these little flecks has brought me great wealth.”

This story illustrates the spiritual truth that Alma taught his son Helaman:

“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. …

“… And by very small means the Lord … bringeth about the salvation of many souls” (Alma 37:6–7).

Brothers and sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, no matter how much we try to make it complicated. We should strive to keep our lives similarly simple, unencumbered by extraneous influences, focused on those things that matter most.

What are the precious, simple things of the gospel that bring clarity and purpose to our lives? What are the flecks of gospel gold whose patient accumulation over the course of our lifetime will reward us with the ultimate treasure—the precious gift of eternal life?

I believe there is one simple but profound—even sublime—principle that encompasses the entirety of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we wholeheartedly embrace this principle and make it the focus of our lives, it will purify and sanctify us so we can live once again in the presence of God.

The Savior spoke of this principle when He answered the Pharisee who asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

“This is the first and great commandment.

“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:36–40).

It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbors through acts of kindness and service—the way that the Savior would love and serve all of us if He were among us today.

When this pure love of Christ—or charity—envelops us, we think, feel, and act more like Heavenly Father and Jesus would think, feel, and act. Our motivation and heartfelt desire are like unto that of the Savior. He shared this desire with His Apostles on the eve of His Crucifixion. He said:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you. …

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34–35).

The love the Savior described is an active love. It is not manifested through large and heroic deeds but rather through simple acts of kindness and service.

I have realize I wait a lot of time to do many things waiting for that "Large Nugget" rather then just looking for the small and simple things in life to enjoy and ways to serve.

Stop and Smell the Flowers Today!

Taking Inventory

2011-07-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

It's that time in life again! I am sitting here close to the end of summer with my children and thinking about all the things I wished I were doing with them and myself. I've decided it is time to take a break from some things and really get my life together again. I have just been "getting by" without much purpose. Jeremy is leaving early Wednesday morning for another trip to the Congo for two weeks with his job. So I decided what better time to refocus on myself and the children and get back on track. I love that life is always changing and allows us to change right along with it. Whether it is changing our hearts, changing our schedules, changing our priorities, or whatever needs changing. Staying focused on what is of most importance can be hard. That is why I "TAKE INVENTORY" every little while and see where I need to make some course changes. I don't know about anyone else, but life seems to be flying by and I feel like I am not accomplishing all I want to do cause I am waiting for the perfect moment to do it. So I've decided to make this scripture my motto:

'Wherefore, be not weary in well doing, for ye are layingthe foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that whichis great.' (D&C 64:33)"

I need to focus on the small and simple things and just DO THEM! I think that is where I get overwhelmed. Trying to get all the great and wonderful things done I never start cause I am too overwhelmed.

Enjoying the Summer

2011-06-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

Summer has been flying by. First we started the summer by just returning from Utah. Then I was off with Graham and my parents for a quick visit to see my sister Emily and her sweet family. I hadn't see her house since they moved so her husband could attend ASU. There home is so cute. We had fun shopping, eating, and visiting. It was MUCH needed, and we decided we will be doing it a lot more often. My kids were disappointed they didn't get to go. But having time with just the adults was wonderful.

Then right after we got home we got a call from our dear friends the McNeill's. Because of the wildfire they needed a place to come to get away from the fire and wanted to know if they could come and play for a week! We had so much fun. We went swimming, played in the sprinklers. the trampoline, we to lunch, attended the temple, watched movies, went on a date, lots of "Retail Therapy"! My kids were so sad when they left. Fisher kept asking where David was.

We are enjoying swimming lessons, baseball, movies, crafts, family work, finishing our playhouse/girls clubhouse, friends, and just being together. I love Summer!

Our Utah Trip Part One

2011-05-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the year I found out that The Power of Moms was having a retreat in Park City. And to top it off two of my favorite authors would be speaking and hosting it at thier home! I was beyond excited and asked Jeremy if he would take me. So we decided to make a family trip out of it. I have never been to Salt Lake City and wanted to see Temple Square and go to the Salt Lake Temple. Well about two weeks before it was time to go our parents talked us out of taking the kids. They insisted they would be so bored in the car for 15 hours and we would not have as much fun seeing all the sites with kids. I was very reluctant but thought it over and agreed. With hind sight now I am so glad we didn't take them. The 2 older ones would have enjoyed it, but not so much the younger ones. So we bought plane tickets and left on a Friday. We flew out Saturday morning and arrived early Saturday in Salt Lake City. We got our rental car and went straight to Temple Square. My long time really should be sister Valerie Claussen and her family met up with us and we took some tours. It was a beautiful day with some light rain.

Happy Happy Birthday Hunter Dear!

2011-05-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hunter turned 7 on the 11th of May. This is one of our months for Birthday. Hunter had his first friend party. He invited 4 of his friends and they had a great time. For some reason I can't find all the pictures from the party. When I do I will add them. He is growing up to be a sweet young man. I can't believe in one short year he will be baptized. He is our curious question asking child. He loves to do things with hands and is very creative. I love watching him blossom into the man he is becoming. He is sensitive and sweet and loves to give hugs. We love you Hunter!

Graham Turned One

2011-05-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

Graham turned one on the 5th of May. The year has flown by! He is still such a baby to me. Being our caboose he will stay the baby for a long time. He is 17 lbs, loves to play with toys, crawls everywhere, and has the biggest smile ever. He brings so much joy into our lives each day with his sweet little spirit. We love you Graham!

Easter

2011-05-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

We did so many things this year! It was so much fun and really stress free for once. We did a lot of talking about the meaning of Easter. We dyed eggs, filled up plastic eggs with goodies, did our Saturday Easter egg hunt with a family cookout. Then Saturday night we did our Easter Cookies and the story. Then Sunday morning we opened the oven and finished the beautiful story of our Savior. We gave the kids chocolate bunnies and spent the morning together before church. We don't do the whole Easter bunny at our house, but we do lots of fun things. The kids really enjoyed Easter and all that came with it. I can't believe how fast they are growing up. Holidays are becoming such a joy with this bunch! We even had the privilege of witnessing 4 baby chick hatch out. Their mother had 4 other babies and left these eggs. So my sweet husband took them under his wing and keep them warm in our dehydrator and hatched them. Watching the miracle of their entrance was so neat. The kids loved every minute of it. From the first little crack to the hole getting bigger and bigger and then the little beak poking out. It was amazing! Easter was wonderful this year. What a blessing my family is to me.

Easter Cookies

2011-04-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

I found this idea on one of my Favorite Blogs and thought I would share. We will be making These Cookies Saturday night. I just love Easter and what it means to me and my family. I can think of no greater blessing then to be able to be with my Family Forever in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Without Christ's atonement and resurrection that would not be possible. To know that there is someone else who has felt everything I am going through in this life is a blessing beyond measure. I am so grateful for my knowledge of the plan of salvation and what Christ has done for each one of us. Having children at home there are so many things you can do to teach the meaning of Easter.

What is a favorite tradition in your family??

Happy Easter to you and your family!

Spring Break Day 3-5

2011-04-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

Spring Break this year was the BEST! My friend Melissa and her kids came for a few days. Our kids had the best time ever!! The played in the water, made friendship bracelets, the boys made a wooden car, we ate lots of yummy food, we watched movies that made you almost pee your pants, we went shopping at Beals, we crochets, ate chocolate, the kids jumped on the trampoline, and whatever else you can think of! We decided this will be something we do every year!

I first met Melissa when we moved to Morenci about 8 years ago. She was the first to welcome me and we become fast friends. Since then we have both moved and now live about 3 1/2 hours apart. But you wouldn't know it! She is the kind of friend you might now talk for months, but you pick up right where you left off. We can talk about anything and everything together and she inspires me in my motherhood journey! I have truly cherish her friendship all these years! Everyone needs a friend like her!