A friend of mine is not of my faith, but she wanted to start a bible study. I decided it would be a good idea to take it with her and feel her love. I am so glad I did. We are learning "Psalms of Ascent" and really you can't go wrong with the psalms! We are both Christan's, so it is more of a woman's get together to learn how much God Loves us and has mercy for us. It has been fun and interesting to learn things I have never really sat to ponder about before. We are learning some of the Hebrew and Jewish History and it is pretty much right on with what our bibles say. (You know how much I love learning history!) I use the King James Version and I am enjoying my Friday mornings getting together and feeling a knit friendship with her. I enjoy the lady named Beth Moore who is the author of this study. She symbolically states that coming closer by reading and pondering the scriptures is like taking a step higher to Christ(As you see in the picture)As the picture, the girl is taking steps on the ancient temple. Some things I have enjoyed learning is that God is there for us even in our little trials that may seem so small to others and ourselves, but God loves us and is with us if we allow it. He will not forsake us. Just as in Mose's time when people had to put the blood of a lamb on their doors and stay within, they were kept safe, Christ is the door and those within we are safe. I truly feel safe within the walls of the scriptures. In such an evil world we can see that God does love his children and hurts when others hurt them. We need to be careful not to hurt others because when we do through gossip, judgments (no matter how small) we are hurting his child, and he too hurts with them as he does with us when we are down. "They way up to God is down" So get on your knees and ask for his help. Those are some of the things I have enjoyed out of this lesson. We may believe different things, but the point of the lesson is to love all as God loves us all is something we can all be unified in.

Families a Journey to Forever

This year for our family Home Evening, we decided we want to take the kids to all the temples in Utah and get their pictures by it. I made a poster so that when we do visit the temple we can put a star sticker by it. The kids are really excited and this will get us out to visit different towns in Utah.

Rambling

Trent and I were released from Nursery. I really will miss those kids, I love them. When I first got into nursery the kids would scream or were really shy to come in, but one by one I got them coming to me and even trent. They were a great class and they ended up coming right into class, without a fit! I always would play a cd of primary songs and always wanted them to know how much Jesus loves them. While I will miss it, I am ready for the break. We have been in nursery/sunbeams for our whole marriage (8) years! I know go to class, and can't believe how fast Church is going by! I enjoy going and have gotten Austin to be quite during sacrament by rubbing his head. Now We just need to get Faith to sit still.. yeah right.

Friendship is the cooperative and supportive relationship between people, or animals. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, affection, and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. Their tastes will usually be similar and may converge, and they will share enjoyable activities. They will also engage in mutually helping behavior, such as the exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflective behaviors. Yet for some, the practical execution of friendship is little more than the trust that someone will not harm them


I am so lucky to live in such a great neighborhood. I have some of the best friends out here that really care and accept me for me. They have understanding and caring hearts. I'm not sure if they know how much I appreciate them and I want them to know that I do so much, I just want them to know what a great example they are to me. For examples,I remember being really sick one day, and my mom lived too far away and I wasn't sure how I was going to be a mom that day. I had one of my friends take my baby and bring me soup. It was heaven. Both the soup, and taking the baby! I will always remember that because it is normally something a mother would do, and this friend mothered me when I needed it most. There has been many friends who have helped me physically, emotionally, or have made me feel important. Another one of my friends is having a baby soon and I can't wait to see that little angel. It's my turn to hog the baby! jk I loved that she loved mine as much as I did. That made me feel special. I have had other friends call and knock on the door for a visit when little did they know, I needed it. I think I live in the best neighborhood here. I have a sister in law who lives out of state, and I know that if she can surround themselves in good friends they do become your family away from family.

SO, now that I don't have facebook, and if you didn't know I don't have it anymore.. where have you been? I have got to say, I actually have gotten a lot done. I moved Austin downstairs to a new room, which required me to clean out junk that has been here since we moved in. I have gone through Austin and FAith's baby blessings and put all the sheets together to make one sheet. ( I had everyone write down what they heard at the blessing, and sadly I hadn't put them all together till now 5 years later) I have caught up on my laundry~ That is a BIG one. I do miss out on somethings. First thing, I feel like I don't know what is going on with everyone anymore. I don't miss being on the computer too long however. That was addicting and my kids didn't get any mom time because of it. So, I check my email everyday for about ten minutes. Wow talk about going from hours to minutes on the computer. I am actually reading four books at the moment, only when the kids are asleep, playing, or I am bored. One of which is the book of mormon. I really can't put it down lately. It has become a story and I just want to know MORE. Going to Nauvoo has helped me realize some background of Joseph Smith and his family in his last days. I am also reading the NEw Testament so it's kinda nice to read what is happening while Christ is on the earth and the same time what another group of people are doing at that same time. (Nephites) Don't take me for being someone who reads this often, because it is truly a once in a blue moon thing that I need to work on. However, when you really dive into it it does become a story. Anyways now I am getting off track, my point is even though I check my email, I don't get any news. So come on people, send me an email once in a blue moon~ dizzyvertigo@hotmail.com

I have gone private... again I know. But I need your emails, because a couple people have asked to view it and I have forgotten the emails already. So leave your email here or email me at dizzyvertigo@hotmail.com and I will add you on.

I took my kids into the dentist this last week, and ended up going back four different times~ Agh. I was really proud of both of Hannah and Austin, when they got their cavities filled. They both hated the shot in the mouth, but they were really actually good while getting it. I was surprised. They both looked sick so I was glad I didn't end up giving them laughing gas because they probably would've puked on the dentist. DO you ever have those crazy moments when you start thinking of crazy stuff while watching your kids do something? While watching them get the shot, and me rubbing their hand for comfort, I thought of Dr.Mengle. If you don't know who he is google him. He is the #$%!!~$ doctor who did experiments on the jewish children in concentration camps. He treated the kids very nice so that they trusted him. THey had done many experiments without anesthesia and some died from it. It made me think, here I am as a person watching my children squirm getting ashot, how can anyone harm a child, person, by taking the gold out of their teeth, listening to them scream, and not care? There really is a lot of evil in this world. I tried not to think about it anymore, because by then my eyes were all watery and I felt sick to my stomach~! It got me thinking about why we are here. The whole plan. I read this book I got my brother " I am not perfect can I still go to heaven" And I tell you what, I get it. I finally get it. I have always known the answers and what is said, but I never fully understood until the lightbulb went off in my head. I don't have to be perfect. I just have to do my best. How many women out there (or men) have felt like you have to be perfect, people expect it of you, or you feel like you just aren't good enough so you fall? this book helped me more than it probably will my teenage brother. I could go on and on about it, but I think I will leave this post simple as that. Go get the book, read it for yourself and it will get you thinking.

I have been pretty busy with my life, I haven't had too much time to write it out. Needless to say, today is a good day. Today, five years ago my son was born. I was 36 weeks and it was Trent's last day of work. We stopped by the pet store to let Hannah look at the animals. I kept getting contractions and went home to take a bath. The contractions didn't stop, so we dropped Hannah off at my moms and went in. Austin's delivery was the best. Three pushes and he was here. The dr. didn't believe me when I said I would have him in three. I remember I had him around 8 at night, so the dim lights from the room reminded me of a little angel coming to me. :) Austin was 6'5. His sister loved him and to this day they are great friends. Austin was such a mama's boy until I had Faith. We are still working on that one! :) I can't believe he is already five years old. Life goes too fast. I love you Austin

For Austin's birthday this year he is going to have a pirate party. I need to find the song Yo Ho to be playing, but here were the ideas that I got for some of the invites. I got the map off of Chica & Jo's blog.

Don't just sit there, DO Something!

RECENT DISASTERS

Haiti - Earthquake

Albania - Floods
Colombia - Forest Fires
Tanzania - Floods
Solomon Islands - Tsunami
Philippines - Volcano
Tonga - Tsunami
Samoa - Tsunami
Vietnam - Typhoon
Laos - Floods
Ghana - Floods
Indonesia - Earthquake
Vietnam - Floods


I am sure people have heard about Haiti, look around, there are so many ways we can help, and you don't have to be rich to do it. CLick on the tab on the right for more info.

It's been a while since I have posted. I have been busy and enjoying life. A lot has happened in the last month. We had a New years eve get together and enjoyed tons of fun games that we haven't played in a long time. Seems like everyone enjoyed it. Then my brother and his family came in from Indiana and we played some of the same games then too. It was good to see him and his family, I miss them. My little sister got engaged on New Years Eve and is getting married this May. My little brother got asked to go help in Haiti because he speaks Creole', I think that is an awesome opportunity. I enjoy seeing friends, family, and just enjoying the little things in life.

Today a wonderful woman was taken to be with her Father in heaven. I met this wonderful girl when I was 16 and messing around on the computer chat rooms. Lame you may say, and many times it was. However I still keep in contact with a few people all these years. When I went to college, I was able to talk to this woman who struggled her whole life, and finally was able to meet a guy to take her to the temple. He was her whole life. She had a hard childhood and many times she would call my apartment and we would talk about life. Life went on and during then we would keep in contact through email and now facebook. this girl couldn't have children and about two weeks ago she found out she had cancer. It really shows me life can be taken SO Fast so PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE enjoy it. Any regrets you have - change it. Any offenses you have taken- Get over it ( Look at the bigger picture, was it really offensive and is it going to matter when you or that person is gone? If not Get over it.) Live Life simple and you will find happiness. We still have time.

http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/2010FHELessons.pdf

go here for awesome ideas for family home evenings that correspond with the teachings in primary for the year 2010!! Thank you sugar doodle!!

This year my resolutions are trying to be realistic so that I can achomplish them. Oh trust me I have many unrealistic resolutions - Loose ______ (put number in) pounds, be a better cook, keep my house clean.... and so on. However If I do that I loose sight of the real reason I am here and I miss being happy. Instead my resolution is to not freak out with having a messy house, I have kids and to do my first goal would require me to have a somewhat messy house. One day I will be old and gray and I will have a spotless house and I probably won't even care that it's so clean because I will be sad all my kids are gone. I would however like to slowly be a little more organized so when the kids do get to do their chores they know better where things go. I have a sister in law who I look up to in her organization skills. She has a clear bin for certain sizes of clothes, she has different colored bins for holidays and she is ORGANIZED! I am not sure how she does it but she's good at it. Today I decided to start with the computer/playroom. If the kids haven't played with it in the last six months- trash it~ It's been hard to throw some of the toys away because I think they have more meaning to me than my kids, how pathetic is that! I have however, trashed it and the room is starting to look normal agian! Another goal of organization could be my money. However you probably need to start making some before you can even start saving some LOL jk. Once the economy starts getting better I want to start saving money for my kids weddings. A little each year still won't be enough by the time they are ready to get married, but at least I will be that much closer to it. For my kids birthdays my brother and his wife have made college savings accounts for the kids and instead of buying toys they put in the money for the toy into that. I think it's a great idea, even if the total is a thousand dollars by the time they are ready for school! It would be like having a scholarship. Agian, I would love to do a lot of things and save for a lot of things like retirment, but in this day and age my goal needs to be NOT to freak out about "not having enough... not clean enough...." so my goal is to STOP SAYING NOT ENOUGH... and Sit down and enjoy and realize that life is too short to waste and to enjoy the moments as they pass me by, and not let them pass my by . Even being on here writing this I am missing the moments and I need to go play... thanks for listening to me ramble~

Dec 2009!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

This year for Christmas I decided to make everything pretty much handmade. For my parents I made them a scrapbook full of Christmas stories for each day of dec. I also made them a handstichted towel with their pictures of the grand kids on it. Hope they don't look too close since I don't sew at all. For my girls I made them tutu's. My neighbor made my son a cape ( I was going to do it, but time ran out and she could do it much better than I ever could!) For all my kids and husband I made them "25 Reasons I love" DVD with music to it. I made a Martin's Cove DVD for my in laws from our trip. I then recorded me reading stories on a cd for my kids to hear. I also made some things for my brother and sister in law whose name we were given, they will be opening it tomorrow so hopefully they don't look on here until then! It was a great Christmas and we have had many blessings and am thankful for those that gave their love to our family.

For New years we had a small get together (We wanted to invite the whole neighborhood but our house isn't that big ) and we played games we used to in high school (Mafia, the sign game, Do you love your neighbor) and then Rockband.


My little sister called to tell me that she got engaged Last night on New Years Eve. I am excited for her!

I can't believe how fast 2009 came and went, Here is to a "hope" that 2010 will bring everyone cheer, comfort, and love EVEN when the hard times hit.

2010

Resolutions for the new year :

First: From my previous post: BE a better Mother, enjoy playing with my kids.

Second:From this post below: Don't take life too seriously, we never know how much time we have. ENJOY THE TIME, hours, minutes of each day.



"This is a very touching photo essay that reminded me to keep things in perspective and be grateful for all of my blessings

The wedding.



Her name is Katie Kirkpatrick, 21 yrs old. Next to her is her fiancé, Nick, 23.
This picture was taken prior to their wedding January 11th, 2005.
Katie has terminal cancer and spends hours in chemotherapy.
Here Nick awaits while she finishes one of the sessions...


Even in pain and dealing with her organs shutting down, with the help of morphine,
Katie took care of every single part of the wedding planning.
Her dress had to be adjusted several times due to Katie's constant weight loss.

An expected guest was her oxygen tank. Katie had to use it during the ceremony and reception.
The other couple in this picture is Nick's parents, very emotional with the wedding and to see their son marrying the girl he fell in love when he was an adolescent


Katie, in a wheel chair listening to her husband and friends singing to her.

In the middle of the party, Katie had to rest for a bit and catch her breath.
The pain does not allow her to stand for long period of time.

Katie died 5 days after her wedding. To see a fragile woman dress as bride with a beautiful smile makes you think... Happiness is always there within reach, no matter how long it lasts.....
Lets enjoy life and don't live a complicated life. Life is too short.


Work as if it was your first day.
Forgive as soon as possible.
Love without boundaries..
Laugh without control
And never stop smiling."

Thank you Alisa for the email. Time is precious, I will remember and cling to it 2010.

Couldn't have said it better myself

She took the words right out of my mouth!!! Read this from Mommy Mormon Blog:



"When I was 14 years old, I had my whole life planned out.
I knew where I was going to go for college, what my major would be, and when I would graduate.
I planned to have a large family with my kids close together because I knew pregnancy would be so easy for me. I loved growing up in my big family where we were all so close in age so it only made sense. I even had a guy in mind.
I would be the best mom ever because I would have boundless energy and would play with them all the time. We would cook, and clean, and make crafts together too. I would always be patient and never get mad.
I knew I would be the perfect wife. The kind of wife that would "wow" her husband everyday for the rest of eternity. I would maintain my clean house and cook yummy meals for my family every day, all with my hair and make-up perfectly done.
But a lot can happen in 12 years.
I did indeed go the college I wanted but did not major in my originally planned occupation, nor did I finish anywhere near when I had planned.
I met my husband after I had sworn off men for all eternity.
After nine solid months of pure torture, misery, and nausea, I couldn't understand why girls talked about pregnancy like it was a good thing. I was pretty sure I would never have another one. I have since forgotten what having boundless energy means. Cook, clean, and make crafts together? Hahahaha... ha... ha. Too often I opt for the easy road and do it all myself instead of taking the time to let my kids join in, because it's easier.
I'm lucky my husband hasn't left me by now, as my mood tends to change depending on the weather and/or how long I got to stay in my hot shower. (Of course, I blame all of that on the pregnancies.)
Cleaning gets so very, very old and I can't keep up with it all anyway. I do try to cook but sometimes pancakes for all three meals of the day are in order. I confess I do do my hair and make-up most days but that is simply done for my own sanity's sake and not with the intention of impressing anyone because half the time I don't even leave the house.
I still plan. I plan how my life will be tomorrow, and the next month, and the next year. But my plans never, ever seem to work out the way I planned them too. I can't even seem to make it through the first hour of my planned morning because someone will have decided to wake up earlier than usual, cranky of course, and mess it all up.
Everyday I plan to be better with my kids, with my house, with my art, with my husband. But I still have to lock myself in my bedroom once in a while to get a grip on myself before braving the four screaming voices that come seeping through the door.
The Cheerios still crunch under my feet as I walk through the kitchen, and sometimes the clean laundry sits in a pile on the floor. I still have half-done drawings and half completed books. And I still struggle to understand how my husband managed to get here from Mars or why I get all miffed if he looks at me the wrong way after I've had a bad day.
Everyone knows life never goes according to plan. Yet, I tend to think that I will be the exception. It hasn't proven true yet but I'll keep planning. It gives me focus, goals and direction.
Even if the cracker crumbs on the floor are relentless.
Even if my bed only gets made three times a week.
Even if I read a book instead of clean my house.
Because my family still says "I love you" every night before we go to bed. So the laundry can wait... till tomorrow."

Isn't that true??? " Life happens when you make other plans" The only difference here is I don't do my hair and makeup. I have a lot of inner demons of not finishing school, not making ENOUGH money, staying home, and so on that I am facing. STAYING HOME? Am I crazy? Why would I feel bad about that? Because we live in a society where people think you're stupid if you do it. People don't realize it but it also hurts when they reprimands or make you feel "STUPID" for not finishing school. I listen sometimes to Dr.Laura, sometimes she is off her rocker, but other times she hits the nail right on the head. I read her book " In praise of stay at home moms" It mostly talked about career women giving it up so they can stay home, but the last couple of chapters spoke clear to me. I am one of the lucky girls who has a "hero" for a husband, who knows that he wants his wife to stay home with his children and PLAY With them. HE wants to be the hero and let him bring in the money. (IF you don't know what I Am talking about go read the book) In her book she talks about how we live in a unisex society where men want their wives to work so they can have more toys and so on.... You have 18 years to raise your kids. After that you can do whatever you want. It is a sacrifice and I am going through my own battles, but I no longer am going to feel "Sorry,weak, or stupid " for staying home. My time is more important than to worry. They grow up so fast. I am not sure how long my Heavenly Father will keep me on this earth and I want to be remembered as my kids mom. I loved this book, and if you have a husband who wants you to "Help bring in the income because I can't do it all myself" then read the book and LEARN how to stand up. Regardless, this isn't a post about disin' "Working moms" this post is about me. So don't try it, I am not even going to argue I am just happy. . This was an eye opener to me because my "Work" was a full time student. I realize that the hugs, the kisses, the "" Mommy" you're pretty, you're smart, I love you" is more worth it to me than a clean house, an extra income, and life itself. I remember dating Trent and making sure that we were on the same page that I Was going to be a stay at home mom. Some people say I am lucky. I'm not. It's a choice I made a long time ago and I stuck to my guns. I don't know what I would have done if my mom had worked, I was a kid that needed tender, loving, care but than again isn't every child? Trent said "I don't mind if you do work" And I took that as " I want you to work" It made me think twice about marrying him... harsh? No I don't think so.To each their own. Later I realized he was saying he wanted me to stay home but he also didn't have a problem if I chose to work, he wasn't going to tell me what to do and be a dictator. NOW that we are married and have children I try to think of ways I can bring money in,thankfully he tells me to leave it up to him. It's hard to have so much faith in one person and feel like your not contributing. After reading this book, I have cleared my plate of worry, guilt, and instead I am doing what I love- "Being my kid's Mommy"

n

This may sound cheesy, but it's what's going on. You see the card above? Yeah that one. That is my Christmas card this year. If you want one feel free to print it off. Due to the economy this year we will not be sending any out. However I am so happy that everyone has sent me one, and has done the same on their blog so I could print out theirs! My door is almost full!!! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year

HE is the reason for the season!

Last night I had the opportunity to go to my friend's Women's Dessert Conference held by her church "Center point Church" It was beautiful! You walk in and all the women have decorated a table for Christmas. They each spent so much time on making wonderful desserts and cards for us. We chatted, and then we all sang Christmas Songs together. TO hear all the women sing so beautifully was amazing and would love to do that for our own Christmas sacrament! They had a couple ladies talk about the worth of women. I enjoyed a woman who came from the pregnancy hot line, she talked about how they always see girls who are pregnant and don't feel like they are worth anything. They enjoy telling them that God loves them, they are worth it, and you don't need to measure your worth by comparing with anyone else. She then said there was a girl she believes was in her teens, who was engaged and found herself pregnant, however the baby wasn't her fiancee's. Her fiancee decided to marry her anyways. Her name Was Mary and she brought the greatest gift of all- our savior. That really touched me when she put it like that. Then some of the highlights of the night was when they told the story of WWI when the Germans started singing "Sille Nacht" and were lighting candles outside of their frozen trenches. The British and French made truces that night and recognized the song as "Silent Night" http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/truce.asp

Then one of the speakers talked about the meaning of putting candles in the window. The British were persecuting the Irish and their religion. IF the preachers were caught preaching they would under penalty of law- put to death. SO when they came walking through the streets, many homes would put three candles in the window to show them that their home was a place of refuge that they could come in and worship and enjoy a warm meal without worrying if they were going to die.
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0055.html

We then were shown a video of "O Holy Night" and how a man was asked to write a poem that was sung for Mass.
"In 1847, Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure was the commissionaire of wines in a small French town. Known more for his poetry than his church attendance, it probably shocked Placide when his parish priest asked the commissionaire to pen a poem for Christmas mass. Nevertheless, the poet was honored to share his talents with the church.

Moved by his own work, Cappeau decided that his "Cantique de Noel" was not just a poem, but a song in need of a master musician's hand. Not musically inclined himself, the poet turned to one of his friends, Adolphe-Charles Adam, for help.

As a man of Jewish ancestry, for Adam the words of "Cantique de Noel" represented a day he didn't celebrate and a man he did not view as the son of God. Nevertheless, Adam quickly went to work, attempting to marry an original score to Cappeau's beautiful words. The finished work of Adam pleased both poet and priest. The song was performed just three weeks later at a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve" Amazing that this man even though not a believer still found it in his heart to make it work.
http://www.findthepower.com/ChristmasPagesTheStoryOfOHolyNight.htm

This song also hit America- "Nt only did this American writer--John Sullivan Dwight--feel that this wonderful Christmas song needed to be introduced to America, he saw something else in the song that moved him beyond the story of the birth of Christ. An ardent abolitionist, Dwight strongly identified with the lines of the third verse: "Truly he taught us to love one another; his law is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother; and in his name all oppression shall cease." The text supported Dwight's own view of slavery in the South. Published in his magazine, Dwight's English translation of "O Holy Night" quickly found favor in America, especially in the North during the Civil War"

That gave me chills to hear about the " Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother" And that it found favor during the Civil War! The lady giving the talk also went into it saying how many of us have had our " Chains " within broken, need breaking, or are breaking from our Savior Jesus Christ. I truly enjoyed this event it brought the Christmas spirit ALIVE!!! I am thankful for my friend Jenny for thinking of me, and I really loved how they were trying to bring "Jesus" Into the light of our Children for Christmas. I have been trying so hard to teach my kids the real reason of the season.

I saw this on my friend's facebook and thought I would share "He was pretty specific about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and being a friend to the friendless. Are you celebrating His birth by feeding the overfed, buying things you don't need, and thanking Him again and again for all the blessings that you keep all to yourself?"

"Because I have been given much, I too must give;
Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live,
I shall divide my gifts from thee,
with every brother that I see
who has the need of help from me."

Really there are angels among us. There are angels that don't take credit for things they do, there are angels who do things to make another look better, there are angels whose heart swells with concern and cares for others. I have looked into the faces of many of these angels. I look into these faces yearly, monthly, weekly, daily, and every minute of my life. There is the angel on the corner begging for food and money, they are angels to help me teach my children compassion. There are angels we mingle with every day that lift us up, even when they don't even realize it. There are angels who were born to our same mother, or grandmothers,those we marry into, and many who love us even when we mess up. There are angels born to us, to teach us. There are angels who move in down the streets, next doors, or even angels who teach our children at school. Don't forget that every person has the light of Christ in them, see it shine. Because I have been given so much from these angels sent here from God, I too must give.

"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs."

"Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done."

Last year I wrote "What I am thankful for" Post every day of Nov. It made me happy and excited to come up with what I am thankful for. This year my heart swells with thankfulness, but it's from my trials that brings the simple pleasures of life to the surface.

Last night we were driving home from St.George. Our car broke down and the kids and I all had fevers. We hopped in the back of the car and fell asleep in a sleeping bag. I was so grateful for the car to keep us shelter from the blizzard that was outside. AS I sat there I started to think back about a couple of dreams that I have had in the last couple weeks that really got me thinking. What if we only had a year left to live? What would we miss? What would we wish we could do different? How would we get our family prepared? What would we do now to prepare for that. Don't worry I am not going anywhere. However, I decided if I had only a year to live, I want to get my family prepared. Prepared financially out of debt, prepared with enough food and water if disaster hits they will be ok. I also decided to make homemade gifts this year out of financial obligation but then it got me thinking what a great gift it would be to have. I recorded my voice reading to my kids. I am starting to write my testimony and history, all the good AND bad. My life isn't perfect. I don't paint a perfect picture. I am blunt, I am honest, and I am human. I don't want to talk to someone who pretends everything is A ok. I want to know we are n this life together to help one another out. Who cares what others think, it's lessons like these and people who are brave enough to talk about their trials that I am thankful for. I am thankful to be alive, to have friends who are like family to me. I am so grateful for a family with a sense of humor and love that shines so deep within my soul. I am grateful for each one of my kids. WHile In St.GEorge I kept watching my husband do work outside. It brought back memories of being down there while we were dating. I am so in LOVE With that man. Watching him help his parents and just be around his parents house reminded me back in the day when I couldn't wait to be his. What he saw in me I will never completely know, but I love him with every inch of my soul.
I am grateful for the big family I Grew up in, with the big crazy get togethers. It's not a get togther unless we are cracking jokes, screaming at the top of our lungs trying to get a word in with my family,I love every moment of it!! I love getting together with my in laws and all the people in it. Some people don't like big crowds, but when it comes to family- IT has to be big!!

As I sat rubbing my kids heads to sleep in that car, It made me grateful for having even a heater so we weren't cold. I was grateful that the car broke down right at the off ramp and not stranded somewhere in the dark. I am grateful for family and friends who are willing to drop everything to come rescue us. Trent and I have had our share of trials, but with each one a jump of hope starts in my heart because for me it's God telling me, "Ok Jamie it's time for a change agian. You have done your part here, now hold on tight and enjoy the ride because you are going to learn from it and meet new people from it." Like we do everytime a trial happens. I can feel change in the air, it's there. I love this neighborhood and hope that change doesn't require us to move, But I will go where ever the Lord needs us. I could go on and on but tonight I am grateful for simple things, for life, for shelter, and for people who care.

Love this idea:



http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2009/11/ruffly-umbrella/ She links it to the rightful owner, go check it out!

http://diaryofacraftaholic.blogspot.com/search/label/Holiday

Check out these balls she made from Tennis Balls! Shelley this would be a great Rustic looking decor for our party! We could make a mistletoe out of a tennis ball!!

My sister in law Anya, is from Russia! This year for Christmas I decided I MIGHT try some of these. (depends on how they turn out!) If she is reading this... then SURPRISE!! jk. Here are some of my favorites:


Card from www.zakkalife.blogspot.com




Ornaments from http://bananafrog.typepad.com/




http://bananafrog.typepad.com/bananafrogblog/2009/11/project-of-the-day-oh-those-russians.html


Felt from:
http://lmdandmyworld.blogspot.com/2009/03/just-little-puppy-swapping-crafty.html

Party!!

I am hosting a Lia Sophia party this Wed. Nov 18th at 6:30 at my house! Come and hang out and enjoy some snacks! Please don't feel obligated to buy anything, just come and enjoy yourself away from the kiddos!!! There will be games & Prizes so don't miss out!!! Let me know if you want to come.... anyone who reads this blog is invited, just leave me a message so I can send you the address. I know some of you that I blog stalk and you do the same, live close by me and would love to officially meet my you, my blog friends. ;)

http://loveactually-blog.blogspot.com/2009/11/lets-just-fall-in-love-again.html

Fist off I love Jason Castro. Second off I love Love,Actually blog. Together these lyrics have me and my hubby written all over them.

Mod Podge & Hawt Glue~

(this pin board isn't mine, I found it on google to give you the idea. However I am going to find that material!!!)

Man I have been having a blast!!! I love having projects that keep my mind on just that.. PROJECTS!! For Christmas I am making a fabric pin board for Hannah. She is a hoarder and loves to stuff things under her bed. This way she can pin her stuff up with ribbon or even laundry pins!! If you have old ribbon, paper scraps, or whatever you don't want, do NOT throw them away!! I have seen this before and decided to make the clothes pins to fit my style. I LOVE Sparkly things, sequences and things that catch the eye. My friend's little girl Alina and I go hand in hand. She even named her cat "Sparkles" totally a girl of my heart~! I also LOVE pink spots and brown! So I found these pink dots I was going to throw away and glued them onto brown fabric! I Love Zebra print WITH pink. Yes it has to have pink on it for me to love it. I also am a fan of girly skulls. (my husband thinks I am crazy) I love how they turned out and I am sure Hannah will too! For Christmas I am moving her bedroom downstairs. We have a closet that comes out of the wall and for the longest time I wanted to make it into a western looking INN, an Old fashioned OUT HOUSE, a House with cute little curtains, or a castle. Now that it will be her room I will try to make it girly!

For Other projects I am in the process of making some things for loved ones. Here is the first thing I am making. I saw the inspiration on TIP JUNKIE.

For preschool today we learned about Harriett Tubman! I love this courageous woman!!

My next Project for Christmas!!! Thanks http://needleinahaystackstitchery.blogspot.com/

Step 7- You have yourself a Snowman craft!

Step6- Add googly eyes, orange pom poms, and felt mouths!

Step5- cut strips of foam and glue sequences on it

Step 4- Paint the top half black and one whole craft stick black

Step3- paint the sticks white

Step 2- glue 4 of them onto card stock!

Step 1- get five craft sticks!






For thanksgiving, I am in charge of making a craft for a lot of kids. There are 13 siblings in my mother in laws family and each of them have a lot of kids. Just my mother in law has 8 children, and we all have about 3 kids each! So for 25 bucks I have to come up with a craft for a TON of kids. Here is something I have wanted to make for a long time that I once saw. I decided to try it myself.