peaches

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.

today

.....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.

The Power of Moms Retreat

I just wanted to spread the word about an awesome Mom's Retreat coming up in May.  I am so excited to be able to go!  I have the BEST husband ever!!  Click below for all the details!  Two of my most Favorite authors are hosting it at their home!  So excited!!

Learning Circle

About two months ago I decided to start a Learning Circle and invited some local ladies.  It has been such a wonderful experience!  The articles are wonderful and really motivate you to become the mother and women you want to be without the guilt.  We currently have 5 in our group and would love more if anyone is interested.  It only cost $20.00 a year and is so worth it!  If you are not in my area and would like to start your own group click the button below.  As a mother we need a support group where you can honestly talk about all the mothering challenges we face.  I love the ladies in my group & always leave feeling encouraged!  Just to know that other moms are facing the same things is a comfort.

What is a Power of Moms Learning Circle?

• part girls’ night out (with a meaningful purpose – in addition to having a great time)
• part book group (with a lot less pages to read…yep, you can complete the reading for each month in about 30 minutes)
• part support group (we all need more opportunities to learn from, encourage, and even sometimes commiserate with other moms)
• part motherhood course (because you deserve a monthly class to help you grow yourself, build your fellow mothers, and shape the future that starts right in your own home)

A Learning Circle involves 5-12 mothers who gather each month for great conversation centered on an excellent in-depth article.  

The Power of Moms provides our Learning Circle Leaders with the following:

• step-by-step instructions to start up a very fun and effective group
• thought-provoking, fun-to-read articles, great discussion questions and simple assignments to go with each month’s topic

Surviving

{Being A Single Mother} this week anyway.  Jeremy went to a training in Tucson from Monday-Thursday night.  I am tired I will admit, but it was a great week.  I got a lot done.  I did lots of stuff with the kids.  We play a lot outside due to fabulous weather.  I got my  Mind Organization for MOMS all finished.  Love the system!  You can get the E-book free.  Click the link to find out how!  Read from lots of good books.  And Hunter and I played lots of baseball.  He is such a good little athlete.  He has loved sports since he could kick a ball.  I had lots of fun girl time after the kids went to bed with Carlee & Loralie.  They are becoming such sweet young ladies and really fun to spend time with.  We watched Flywheel we got from Netflicks.  Good movie.  Same people as Fireproof.  But most of all, by mind really got a detox.  I really tried to relax and clear my mind.  I stress a lot when it is time for Jeremy to come in the evening.  I was thing perfect for him, and with 6 kids, perfect is near impossible.  I am so happy he is coming home tonight!  Maybe we will even have time to plan some of our upcoming Utah trip!

p.s. This little guy has been the sweetest, most fun child this week.  I bought him Toy Story 1 & 3 and he is in heaven (notice his undies).  Now I justified it cause we will need more movies for our 14 hour drive to Utah next month!

letting the light shine on my feet

I bought a rug.

A bright Green HAPPY outdoor rug.

Jeremy and I cleaned up the back porch and we made some sitting areas.  My favorite is the bright green rug with our two black outdoor rocking chairs.  This is where we sit together in the afternoons and relax.  He tells me about his long very task filled day.  It is where I take a deep relaxing breath and take in all my day was.  This is one of my favorite times of the year.  We sit outside a lot together in the rockers or our front porch double rocker.  We calls this time our "Date Time"  The moments are only small moments before one of the kids need something.  But they are wonderful.

For the past month I have really been struggling with happiness.  I have been overwhelmed, stressed, tired, sick and everything else.  I knew it was time to SLOW DOWN and regroup again.  Why is it I have to do this every so often??  I guess I let myself get off balance.  Well, it came to a breaking point.  One Saturday I told Loralie to put on her shoes we were going out alone together.  Jeremy was sweet to keep all the kids for me.  We went and had a late lunch and then went browsing at the LDS bookstore.  One of my favorite places.  I love books!  Well, I came across a book that was an answer to my prayers.

"Enjoying the Journey" Steps to Finding Joy Now.  It was the reminder I needed.  Enjoy each day!  I was letting all the small moments pass me by focusing on all the tomorrows.  It is a must read.

I spent some of yesterday planning out a daily schedule.  This way I could get all the important things done daily and not forget anything.  But also I scheduled time to spend doing NOTHING.  Just relaxing and enjoying my day. 

Today I went out to the porch with all three of the younger kids.  I sat Graham on the rug beside me.  The rug was half in the bright sunlight and half off.  So I lay on the rug with my feet in the sunlight.  Oh how I enjoyed the warmth of the sun.  It felt good.  It felt peaceful.  I even heard the birds singing outside.  I am sure they sing everyday, but I wouldn't have known it!  I was more relaxed then I have been in months!  I watched my children play, read a book, and watched Graham explore the outdoors.

I have realized we need to step out of our lives each day and enjoy moments in our lives.  If not we will have collected a whole lot of empty yesterdays.

Our Foundation

{Family Home Evening}



We had a fun and successful Family Home Evening using an article from the Friend about Building a Spiritual Foundation.  As we built our house from graham crackers and frosting we talked about each part of the house and what they represented.  The kids love to make things, so this was our lesson,activity,and treat in one!  I love using the Friend magazine.  There are so many fun things and ways to teach and learn the gospel with our children.  Family Home Evening has been a blessing in our home.  Not always perfect, or easy. But we have been richly blessed by consistently following the council to hold them.

"We cannot afford to neglect this heaven-inspired program. It can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family, helping him or her to withstand the temptations which are everywhere. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest.”              -President Thomas S. Monson

Sickness and Life

So all the family is still sick.  Hunter did go back to school today though.  He hasn't been all week.  Fisher and Savanna are still fighting fevers today.  It has been pretty crazy with all this sickness for the past 4 weeks.  I am ready to get out of here and go somewhere!

Last year we had some exciting things happen to our family, one of which Jeremy was promoted to a Senior Engineer.  I am so proud of him and his hard work.  He loves his job and is very good at what he does.  He has been very blessed with all the economic problems this world is facing.  But I keep telling him the Lord has things in store for us to do!

Last weekend we went to the store and stocked back up our Food Shelves.  It felt so good to know that we have a variety of things on hand.  To know that we wouldn't have to rush to the store if something happened brings me a lot of peace.  Just following the PROPHET even if nothing does happen brings me peace.  I love how we never have to fear if we follow the Prophet.  He will always guide us along the path.

The kids are so excited this week for their Valentine Parties at school.  Carlee made IPods of of a box of candy hearts, strings for the cord to the Reece's peanut butter cup ear buds.  They are so cute! Loralie and Hunter picked out Fun Dip Valentines for their friends.  I can remember how fun school parties were.   I loved school as a young child.  So many fun memories.

We have been busily working on the Book of Mormon with the kids for the Primary project.  I love the spirit we feel in the home as we are listening or reading from the Book of Mormon.  So many blessings are promised by reading from it's words daily.

I am really getting excited for the weather to warm up.  Spring is my favorite season.  We have some really fun things planned as a family this year.  We are planning a trip to Utah to see temples and friends and go to Salt Lake City and see the Church stuff their.  I have never been to my remembrance.  Jeremy also has some free fly er miles from his trip to Africa and we are planning on going to New York City.  I am super excited about that!  I think we are planning on that for our Anniversary trip. I would love to go in the fall!  I heard it is beautiful then.

Life for our family is GOOD.  The Lord is watching over us and blessing us abundantly.  I know he truly does know and love us individually.

Happenings

{Potty Training}

I am so proud of Fisher!  He has been in underwear for almost 2 weeks and he is doing fantastic.  We still have a couple accidents during the week, but mostly due to my fault if I don't pay close enough attention when he is asking to go.  He is loving his Toy Story & Diego underpants.  It seems sad to me I only have one more in diapers and then that phase in our lives is over!  But I am excited about the upcoming years!  I am loving these kids more and more each day as we continue this journey together.  Life is changing, but I am enjoying the changes we are experiencing. 

No More Yelling Mommy!!

One of my favorite blogs posted about a mother who had a struggle with yelling. I could totally relate to her. It is something I have struggled with a lot. It is either when I am upset, trying to get their attention, or just too lazy to get up and go into the room they are in. So I am trying her same tactic and hopefully will reach my goal of no yelling. If you struggle the same as I do you will appreciate her willingness to share!

www.placetobloom.blogspot.com

Grateful for the Storm

It is 7:50 and Hunter just got on the bus. As I am sitting here looking around I literally feel it is the calm after the storm.

All I see are the remains of mismatched shoes, clothes that didn't make the cut, granola bar wrappers, hair brush, and of course toys all over. My table is filled with grocery bags that I was too tired to put away last night and the box of cereal that was eaten for breakfast. Our bedrooms are so messy there is no sign of us owning carpet at this point. And I say "Our" bedrooms because mine is not any better than the kids. Mine has turned into a laundry room. If only the clothes could fold themselves!

Although I do prefer a "Thunder Storm",

I am very grateful for our "Family Morning Storms"

My children are such a blessing in my life.

Who could really ask for more!

Motherhood

With 3 of the kids in school now my house is much more quiet.

I actually get a lot of time to think now.

{These are some thoughts I have had lately}



For years I have always been so caught up in the "getting it all done", and not the "enjoying what I am doing while I am doing it." For about the last 2 months something has really changed in me. I am really enjoying my days with my children so much more. I find that I am relaxing and letting myself get in the floor and play with them or just act silly and not worry about the carpet needing vacuumed or the beds made. I have really enjoyed Fisher being a baby and how sweet and funny he is. It is almost like I am able to sit back and look at my life through new eyes. I have so much to be grateful for. I've always known that, but I never took the time to enjoy all those things. I know it is gift from my Heavenly Father. I have been praying for a long time to be able to relax and not worry so much about the messes and enjoy these mothering moments. As the messes always reappear the next day anyway. Heavenly Father has truly blessed me after many years of pleading and trying to change. I am so grateful for this change, and at a time where I can still enjoy them while they are little. I am so grateful for the knowledge of {Eternal Families}.

Little children are such a blessing from our Father in Heaven. They love you unconditionally. My life is still busy, crazy, frustrating at times, and the messes still exist, and I still deal with all the normal mothering things, but I have so much more patience and love while I am doing it. I am loving each day of it! I realized how these days are flying by and soon I will be wishing them back. Oh how grateful I am for the blessing of being a mother. I love sister Julie B. Beck's Talk "A Mother Heart". I strive each day to continually have a mother heart to bless my children with.

For Melissa......my Sister in break-downs

I thought you might enjoy these pictures Melissa after our conversation today! This is the day Jeremy made "Fish Taco" with the fish he caught. I do have to say, they were VERY good. But after a Sunday full of meetings, I was alittle stressed by the mess. But I must thank him for all the cooking he does for me during the week and on Sundays while I am gone doing "RS Stuff", as he calls it.

Fish on my tile

"Yummy"

Oh, how grateful I am for my dishwasher!

Resolutions

I have been reading everyone blogs about their New Year's Resolutions. They are very inspiring. I've decided this is my year to have more fun with my children. I will admit I am very crazy when it comes to my house. I like order, clean rooms, laundry in drawers, toys put away, and so on. But I come to realize how much I am missing out by obsessing about a clean house. I've also come to realize it will NEVER stay clean. Plus it makes me grouchy to stress over it all the time. My babies will only be young for a short while. So , my hope is to find a happy medium between the two. I've also decided to have a monthly goal instead of just one large goal. They mostly consist of things to help me be a better me and in return, help me be a better mommy. I've come to the conclusion that if I do not replenish my body and spirit daily I will not be the wife and mother I should be. To name some of the goals: exercise, daily scripture study, individual time with the kids, monthly temple attendance, and lots of other things. How will it go? I can't tell you at this point. But I do have good intentions!

Word to the WISE!

Last Sunday the RS lesson was about having a good atmosphere in our home. The lesson was wonderful. During the lesson an older lady, who is a grandma, with obvious memory loss speaks up. She thinks us "young moms" should turn off the DVD player in the car and "talk" more to our children during trips. The idea sounds just wonderful, doesn't it?? So this last Friday we are headed to Phoenix for my post op ear appt. and we don't have the dvd player. So things are going good and we're "talking" and all is well. Well, by the time we get to Globe it is totally out of control. Hunter and Loralie are in the backseat fighting, hitting, all the kids stuff they like to do when you can't reach them. The baby is crying, and Savanna is hungry. I am about ready to jump out, and then all of sudden Carlee yells "Are we there yet??" Jeremy and I just busted up laughing. It was a classic moment. Like the ones you see on the t.v.! Laughing was about all we could do. So a word to the wise. Take the DVD player and "talk" while your changing movies!! On a good note we did get to see the Temple lights this year. They were just beautiful! But to top off the whole trip, I had sitting on the dash some frys with ketchup from In and Out Burger. Hunter gets into the car first when we are leaving the temple, so I tell him to get right into his seat. What was I thinking?? He climbs into the front, gets the frys, and they dump face down into my diaper bag. Frys, ketchup, the container all into my diaper bag. You can imagine what happened next!!! Lucky for Hunter, we were still on the Temple Grounds. Now I can laugh. Not so funny Friday night when I was cleaning it up!

2 HUGE parenting moments

Ok, first off I am proud to announce Savanna is POTTY TRAINED!!!! And she did it HERSELF. I was not ready to do it right now, but I let her wear the training pants and all that. Within a week she is doing it herself without accidents! SWEET!! No more diapers! Ok, only Fisher now I should say.

Now for my next moment. Well I have to say I was not ready for this one at all. I knew this would happen someday, but not at this age! My oldest child decides she will use her free agency for the first time. So after school both girls get off the bus (or so I thought!) and come in the door. Well Loralie comes in all upset and telling me something that I can barely understand. So once I really listen I realize she is telling Carlee didn't get off the bus. So I ask her if she was on the bus, and she ways yes. So I figure she went to her friends house and got off the bus there. So I call twice with no answer. So in my HOUSE SHOES I drive over there, and sure enough, there she was. Trying to act like it was normal!!! I nicely told her to get into the suburban and she was not suppose to be here without asking. So when we arrived home she went straight to her bed to do her homework. I called her father and told him, which he said he will talk to her when he got home. I was in total shock. This wasn't like Carlee at all. So I decided I need to make her FEEL like it was wrong. Not just lecture her. So that night we sat down with her and talked about the situation. I know older kids do things like this. But at this age??? IS this normal??? For all you moms with older children I would love to hear some feedback. What works?? What doesn't??