A few weeks ago in Sunday School our teacher was presenting a lesson on Abraham. Abraham was promised great blessings, but didn't see the fruits of his obedience right away. Our instructor asked the class to reflect on times when they were directed but didn't see the results of their obedience to that prompting until much later on.
An experience immediately came to mind, but I try not to share in class very often because I always end up crying every time I open my mouth!! I reflected on the experience and felt prompted to write it down. It was not a huge experience, but it has always been evidence to me that the Lord is aware of me and will bless us with that which we need.
Ryan and I had been living back East and I only had a few more months until I graduated. We had always planned to return to Utah ASAP, but we grew to love the people and the area in NJ. I was offered a great job at a renowned hospital in Pennsylvania and was very excited about the possibilities of starting my career there temporarily. We thought about it a great deal, we realized that it really made sense to stay where we were for at least another year or two before moving home. We felt really good about our decision and then we prayed about it! We both received the impression that we needed to move home. It was confusing to us because financially and professionally it seemed like the best thing to do.
We did end up moving home and moved in temporarily with my parents. Prior to graduation we learned that we were expecting. I graduated, passed my boards, and began looking for work. I kept looking and looking and nothing was working out. I was finally offered a job 5 months later 1 week before Parker was born, but it was a very part time schedule. When Parker was born he had a cleft lip and palate and required literally around the clock attention. I pumped for 30 -45 minutes every 3 hours and he had to be fed every 2 hours. A feeding lasted anywhere from 45min - 1 hour because of the time required to pump the milk into him with the special feeding system. My parents and brother were absolutely angels during this time. Parker received all the attention that he needed including several surgeries and biweekly doctor appts in the first 6+ months.
I remember reflecting on our situation when this was all occurring and being overwhelmed with God's mercy in providing us with all that we needed during this time. Had we stayed back East we would have been better off financially, but I would not have had the support I needed to take care of Parker. I would have had to return to work and juggle doctor appts and caring for him during and after surgeries. I also would not have been able to stop working because our medical insurance would have been through my work. We recognize that even in the small and seemingly unimportant circumstances of our lives the Lord desires to bless us and blesses us with what we need to be sustained during our difficulties. For that, I am so very grateful!
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, January 6, 2008
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10!
One thing I appreciated yesterday:
1 - My parents and Ryan's parents both drove across the valley to watch Parker's basketball game! We are blessed to have such supportive family, it really does mean the world to the kids that they support them all so much!
Two things that made me smile yesterday:
1 - Ryan - that's one reason I married him, he makes me laugh and smile
2 - Watching Parker play ball, he didn't have his best game , but he really went after the ball and has the knee wounds to prove it!
Three things I cooked today:
1 - Chicken Delight from a Pinch of Salt Lake
2 - Rice Pilaf
3 - Brownies
Four things that came in the mail yesterday:
1 - No Christmas Cards!!! I LOVE getting cards, I think people should keep sending them even through February!!
2 - 2 medical bills
3 - insurance statement
4 - a thank you note
Five places I went this week:
1 - On Parker's self proclaimed "Birthday Eve" we drove out to Thanksgiving
Point ans saw the light show, it was great and we decided to make it a new Christmas tradition! After, we drove out to Murray to the Christmas Utah house - it was AWESOME! The lights all danced to music that you tuned your radio to, it was so fun! Ryan's mom went with us and we had a wonderful time despite all of the SCREAMING on the way home courtesy of Addi!!
2 - On Parker's birthday we went over to Ryan's parents' for a family party. All of the nieces and nephews from out of state were in so we got together and had a little b-day celebration for Parker complete with a Dallas Cowboy Birthday Cake!
3- On New Years we celebrated the New Year and Parker's b-day with a sledding party up at my mom & dad's place! We had so much fun sledding down the hill and pulling the kids (and me) behind 4 wheelers in the arena! We planned to have a Family Snowman Building Contest, but the snow wouldn't roll so Brooke (my brother's girlfriend) and I did our best to create this beautiful snow face! We grazed on doughnuts, hot chocolate, yummy soup, rolls, pumpkin pie cake and birthday cake!I promised to post the potato cheese soup recipe so here it is:
Potato Cheese Soup
potatoes (1 potato per person)
3/4 of large Velveeta block
small onion, diced
1 cube butter
1-1 ½ c. milk
3/4 c. flour
peas, optional
Dice up cheese. Boil potatoes and onion 15-20 minutes. Stir butter, flour, and milk together to from paste. Add diced cheese. Combine with potatoes and onions, add peas if desired.
4 - On Wednesday I went to work, over to Mitchell's, and then over to a primary planning meeting. I love being able to spend time at the Mitchell's, we love them dearly. When I arrived at the church for the planning meeting, the presidency was all busy crazy trying to get everything ready for the next year. They had been there for hours and stayed until 10:45 pm, I was reminded how much so many people do as they serve in the church. I reminded myself to be more aware and appreciative of others as they try to magnify their callings.
5 - On Thursday we went swimming over at Ryan's parent's clubhouse with my niece and her family. They are up visiting from Texas and we were grateful for the chance to spend some time with them. Her children are all the same ages as mine just a few months older, they however are expecting their 5th child, and we will not be following suit
Six things I'll do today:
1 - Collapse..... (20 + new Sunbeams - need I say more)!!!!
2 - Schedule VT appointments - I missed last month and I have felt really bad about it, so here's to a new year!
3 - Finish this blog post - i hope!
4 - Call my grandparents
5 - Take a birthday present over to Kami (Hallee's friend; Rob & MaryAnn's daughter)
6 - Take a Nap - one can always dream!
Seven things I did this weekend:
1 - Put away Christmas decorations (it took four hours and I'm still not done - aghh)! Ry even put away the outdoor nativity. This is our second year with the nativity and last year we overheard Gracie explaining to Hallee who all the figures were, when she got to the wisemen she exclaimed "These are the ones who built their house on a rock"!! LOL!!
2 - Took Ryan's parents out to eat at Texas Roadhouse for their Christmas present - we had a great time, always do with them!! Their was an hour wait so Raye and I ran over to Macey's and......
3 - Redeemed a gift card I received for Christmas for 2 cute shirts!!
4 - Worked (i have great patients right now, but did have a scare Friday when one patient appeared to have a stroke while I was working with her, i haven't heard what ended up happening and so I am still a little worried).
5 - Went to the Mall - not a typo!! I went with my mom and Gracie after Parker's game. Gracie about hyperventilated when she looked down the aisle at Maceys and saw all the stores, she gasped, "Are we at the mall?", when I responded yes, she threw her arms around me and started jumping up and down. Apparently we don't get out much!!
6 - Went to Nartjie - now I started hyperventilating!! This is my store, i love everything in it and I found a killer clearance sale...I won't make you guess, but I got 12 items (for the girls) for 30.00!!!! Did I mention I love this store!!!??!!!
7 - Took pictures as Gracie got her EARS PIERCED!!! Gracie has wanted to get her ears pierced for over a year, we told her that she could do so as soon as she stopped sucking her thumb! The dentist told us to do whatever it took to get her to stop, so we blame him for the use of bribery!! Anyway, she decided about 10 months ago that she would try to stop, (we told her she had to stop for 21 days though)! When we were at the mall I casually mentioned to her that Dad and I had noticed how she had stopped sucking her thumb this past month and that she could get her ears pierced today! She was sooo excited, a little apprehensive (she was worried she might start sucking her thumb again and quickly decided that if that happened she would just take the earrings out and not wear them until she stopped again)!! She said it did hurt, but she was glad she did it!! I reassured her that just like she overcame her thumb sucking habit, she could overcome anything she needed or wanted to later on in life, she quickly lit and up and responded "yeah, my earrings will remind me that I can do it"! She is too cute - we are proud of you Gracie Raye!!!
Eight people I spoke with yesterday:
1 - Olya - my beautiful girlfriend from Russia (we always say that because it sounds so exotic), she called to check in on me! I miss talking to and seeing her regularly even though we live in the same neighborhood, she used to watch my kids before Addi was born and so I got to see her a lot more!!
2 - Steph - oh I love this girl! We talked about music time stuff and committed as we usually do to dejunk 50 items this week!! We do this like every month, you would think we would run out of stuff to dejunk, but not yet!!
3 - Scott & Kristy - they shared with us what a nice time they had at ward temple night and that there was a good turnout - too bad we weren't there (Ryan's Steelers were playing (& losing) their first playoff game tonight)!!
4 - Teresa R. - I ran into an old friend that Ryan and I grew up with at Parker's b-ball game, it was fun because since both our folks were there they all got to see her too!
5 - Lizzy - we talked ever so briefly at the b-ball game, our boys aren't playing on the same team this year so we just get to see each other in passing
6 - Jeff and Jennifer - Ry coaches with Jeff, they are such Awesome neighbors!!
7 - John L. (aka Red) - I grew up with John, he took the missionary discussions at our home, he is like family to me! He and his family moved to Colorado several years ago, but moved back to Utah about 2 years ago! Ryan now works at the same company and so he gets to see John everyday! Yesterday, he brought his daughter McKenna over earlier in the day, the girls hit it off so well that they came back later that night and watched the Steelers game and the girls got to play again.
8 - Krista B. - coordinating music and sharing time. I love working with this woman, she is organized, efficient, and really gets it!! I hope to be more like her someday when I grow a foot or two!!
Nine totally random thoughts on my mind today:
1 - Pinewood derby - Ry's the Pack master and we need to make a car
2 - Ikea, I just want to go there, LOOOOOOVE that store!!!
3 - Valentine gifts - I'm ancy for some new, fun ideas..anyone???
4 - Parker's room - we are trying to finish a room for him in the basement, hopefully he will be moving in by next weekend!!
5 - Swimming - trying to figure out when I'm, going to take the kids swimming this week and where in the world my swimsuit is (i couldn't find it this week and had to wear my suit from many, many years ago - let's just say not a pretty sight)!!!!
6 - Food - not so random for me, but I'm anxious to try some new recipes
7 - New Year's Resolutions - too many things to improve/work on, I have to shrink the very large list
8 - Budget - I need to do ours for this month, I don't like thinking about this so I'm going to start thinking about
9 - Food - Again!!! Specifically Jen's sugar cookie pan bars, mmmmm!
10 - Julie K. - I need to call her and schedule a get together, i miss her!!
Ten emotions I felt today:
1 - Curiosity - i have an appointment with the Bishop Tuesday night - yikes!
2 - Relief- sharing/singing time wasn't as hard as I expected!! The sunbeams all 20 + of them were darling and sang out at the top of their lungs!
3 - Saddness- I spoke to a friend today who just went through a really hard time, I wasn't aware of this until recently, but I feel bad that I wasn't there for her. I also feel bad because I think she was hurt that I wasn't there for her.
4 - Proud - I am proud of Parker for choosing to fast today, it is so hard for him, still hard for me at times, but I have a very strong testimony of the blessings that fasting provides us and our families.
5 - Overwhelmed - I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't feel overwhelmed, I probably need to work on this!! There is a lot of house to pick up, a lot of things I would like and need to do today, this week, this month, this year - and too little time!! I guess it is always a matter of priorities and hopefully I'm setting those right!
6 - Regretful - should have had my paperwork done before tonight now I'll be up late doing it ...again, I tend to procrastinate my paperwork - uggghhh!
7- Excited - excited for a new year, fresh start, I am trying to decide how to make this year a wonderful one for our family and am excited about the possibilities
8- Anxious - what's new
9 - Peaceful - I always feel peaceful during singing time when we are underway and singing, the children always invite the Spirit - it is awesome!
10- Grateful - grateful for the chance to be a mom and to be surrounded with these sweet kids (who didn't seem quite so sweet a few hours ago in Sacrament Meeting)! The kids and I have been really consistent with our family prayers each morning and evening and I love hearing them talk to their Heavenly Father. I love hearing them express their love and concern for each other (it is not always so evident at other times), and I love hearing them ask their Heavenly Father for help with the things that are important to them. Today Parker was saying a prayer to end his fast and he was telling Heavenly Father how he would try a little harder to fast a little longer and that he would try and keep a calendar to help him remember when it was Fast Sunday! Gracie recently prayed that if she got to play with a friend after school that they would be able to walk over safely without someone getting them and if they had to drive she asked that their car would not break down! Sometimes they make me giggle, but usually I am just humbled to hear them talking to their Father in Heaven with such faith and gratitude.
1 - My parents and Ryan's parents both drove across the valley to watch Parker's basketball game! We are blessed to have such supportive family, it really does mean the world to the kids that they support them all so much!
Two things that made me smile yesterday:
1 - Ryan - that's one reason I married him, he makes me laugh and smile
2 - Watching Parker play ball, he didn't have his best game , but he really went after the ball and has the knee wounds to prove it!
Three things I cooked today:
1 - Chicken Delight from a Pinch of Salt Lake
2 - Rice Pilaf
3 - Brownies
Four things that came in the mail yesterday:
1 - No Christmas Cards!!! I LOVE getting cards, I think people should keep sending them even through February!!
2 - 2 medical bills
3 - insurance statement
4 - a thank you note
Five places I went this week:
1 - On Parker's self proclaimed "Birthday Eve" we drove out to Thanksgiving
Point ans saw the light show, it was great and we decided to make it a new Christmas tradition! After, we drove out to Murray to the Christmas Utah house - it was AWESOME! The lights all danced to music that you tuned your radio to, it was so fun! Ryan's mom went with us and we had a wonderful time despite all of the SCREAMING on the way home courtesy of Addi!!
2 - On Parker's birthday we went over to Ryan's parents' for a family party. All of the nieces and nephews from out of state were in so we got together and had a little b-day celebration for Parker complete with a Dallas Cowboy Birthday Cake!
3- On New Years we celebrated the New Year and Parker's b-day with a sledding party up at my mom & dad's place! We had so much fun sledding down the hill and pulling the kids (and me) behind 4 wheelers in the arena! We planned to have a Family Snowman Building Contest, but the snow wouldn't roll so Brooke (my brother's girlfriend) and I did our best to create this beautiful snow face! We grazed on doughnuts, hot chocolate, yummy soup, rolls, pumpkin pie cake and birthday cake!I promised to post the potato cheese soup recipe so here it is:
Potato Cheese Soup
potatoes (1 potato per person)
3/4 of large Velveeta block
small onion, diced
1 cube butter
1-1 ½ c. milk
3/4 c. flour
peas, optional
Dice up cheese. Boil potatoes and onion 15-20 minutes. Stir butter, flour, and milk together to from paste. Add diced cheese. Combine with potatoes and onions, add peas if desired.
4 - On Wednesday I went to work, over to Mitchell's, and then over to a primary planning meeting. I love being able to spend time at the Mitchell's, we love them dearly. When I arrived at the church for the planning meeting, the presidency was all busy crazy trying to get everything ready for the next year. They had been there for hours and stayed until 10:45 pm, I was reminded how much so many people do as they serve in the church. I reminded myself to be more aware and appreciative of others as they try to magnify their callings.
5 - On Thursday we went swimming over at Ryan's parent's clubhouse with my niece and her family. They are up visiting from Texas and we were grateful for the chance to spend some time with them. Her children are all the same ages as mine just a few months older, they however are expecting their 5th child, and we will not be following suit
Six things I'll do today:
1 - Collapse..... (20 + new Sunbeams - need I say more)!!!!
2 - Schedule VT appointments - I missed last month and I have felt really bad about it, so here's to a new year!
3 - Finish this blog post - i hope!
4 - Call my grandparents
5 - Take a birthday present over to Kami (Hallee's friend; Rob & MaryAnn's daughter)
6 - Take a Nap - one can always dream!
Seven things I did this weekend:
1 - Put away Christmas decorations (it took four hours and I'm still not done - aghh)! Ry even put away the outdoor nativity. This is our second year with the nativity and last year we overheard Gracie explaining to Hallee who all the figures were, when she got to the wisemen she exclaimed "These are the ones who built their house on a rock"!! LOL!!
2 - Took Ryan's parents out to eat at Texas Roadhouse for their Christmas present - we had a great time, always do with them!! Their was an hour wait so Raye and I ran over to Macey's and......
3 - Redeemed a gift card I received for Christmas for 2 cute shirts!!
4 - Worked (i have great patients right now, but did have a scare Friday when one patient appeared to have a stroke while I was working with her, i haven't heard what ended up happening and so I am still a little worried).
5 - Went to the Mall - not a typo!! I went with my mom and Gracie after Parker's game. Gracie about hyperventilated when she looked down the aisle at Maceys and saw all the stores, she gasped, "Are we at the mall?", when I responded yes, she threw her arms around me and started jumping up and down. Apparently we don't get out much!!
6 - Went to Nartjie - now I started hyperventilating!! This is my store, i love everything in it and I found a killer clearance sale...I won't make you guess, but I got 12 items (for the girls) for 30.00!!!! Did I mention I love this store!!!??!!!
7 - Took pictures as Gracie got her EARS PIERCED!!! Gracie has wanted to get her ears pierced for over a year, we told her that she could do so as soon as she stopped sucking her thumb! The dentist told us to do whatever it took to get her to stop, so we blame him for the use of bribery!! Anyway, she decided about 10 months ago that she would try to stop, (we told her she had to stop for 21 days though)! When we were at the mall I casually mentioned to her that Dad and I had noticed how she had stopped sucking her thumb this past month and that she could get her ears pierced today! She was sooo excited, a little apprehensive (she was worried she might start sucking her thumb again and quickly decided that if that happened she would just take the earrings out and not wear them until she stopped again)!! She said it did hurt, but she was glad she did it!! I reassured her that just like she overcame her thumb sucking habit, she could overcome anything she needed or wanted to later on in life, she quickly lit and up and responded "yeah, my earrings will remind me that I can do it"! She is too cute - we are proud of you Gracie Raye!!!
Eight people I spoke with yesterday:
1 - Olya - my beautiful girlfriend from Russia (we always say that because it sounds so exotic), she called to check in on me! I miss talking to and seeing her regularly even though we live in the same neighborhood, she used to watch my kids before Addi was born and so I got to see her a lot more!!
2 - Steph - oh I love this girl! We talked about music time stuff and committed as we usually do to dejunk 50 items this week!! We do this like every month, you would think we would run out of stuff to dejunk, but not yet!!
3 - Scott & Kristy - they shared with us what a nice time they had at ward temple night and that there was a good turnout - too bad we weren't there (Ryan's Steelers were playing (& losing) their first playoff game tonight)!!
4 - Teresa R. - I ran into an old friend that Ryan and I grew up with at Parker's b-ball game, it was fun because since both our folks were there they all got to see her too!
5 - Lizzy - we talked ever so briefly at the b-ball game, our boys aren't playing on the same team this year so we just get to see each other in passing
6 - Jeff and Jennifer - Ry coaches with Jeff, they are such Awesome neighbors!!
7 - John L. (aka Red) - I grew up with John, he took the missionary discussions at our home, he is like family to me! He and his family moved to Colorado several years ago, but moved back to Utah about 2 years ago! Ryan now works at the same company and so he gets to see John everyday! Yesterday, he brought his daughter McKenna over earlier in the day, the girls hit it off so well that they came back later that night and watched the Steelers game and the girls got to play again.
8 - Krista B. - coordinating music and sharing time. I love working with this woman, she is organized, efficient, and really gets it!! I hope to be more like her someday when I grow a foot or two!!
Nine totally random thoughts on my mind today:
1 - Pinewood derby - Ry's the Pack master and we need to make a car
2 - Ikea, I just want to go there, LOOOOOOVE that store!!!
3 - Valentine gifts - I'm ancy for some new, fun ideas..anyone???
4 - Parker's room - we are trying to finish a room for him in the basement, hopefully he will be moving in by next weekend!!
5 - Swimming - trying to figure out when I'm, going to take the kids swimming this week and where in the world my swimsuit is (i couldn't find it this week and had to wear my suit from many, many years ago - let's just say not a pretty sight)!!!!
6 - Food - not so random for me, but I'm anxious to try some new recipes
7 - New Year's Resolutions - too many things to improve/work on, I have to shrink the very large list
8 - Budget - I need to do ours for this month, I don't like thinking about this so I'm going to start thinking about
9 - Food - Again!!! Specifically Jen's sugar cookie pan bars, mmmmm!
10 - Julie K. - I need to call her and schedule a get together, i miss her!!
Ten emotions I felt today:
1 - Curiosity - i have an appointment with the Bishop Tuesday night - yikes!
2 - Relief- sharing/singing time wasn't as hard as I expected!! The sunbeams all 20 + of them were darling and sang out at the top of their lungs!
3 - Saddness- I spoke to a friend today who just went through a really hard time, I wasn't aware of this until recently, but I feel bad that I wasn't there for her. I also feel bad because I think she was hurt that I wasn't there for her.
4 - Proud - I am proud of Parker for choosing to fast today, it is so hard for him, still hard for me at times, but I have a very strong testimony of the blessings that fasting provides us and our families.
5 - Overwhelmed - I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't feel overwhelmed, I probably need to work on this!! There is a lot of house to pick up, a lot of things I would like and need to do today, this week, this month, this year - and too little time!! I guess it is always a matter of priorities and hopefully I'm setting those right!
6 - Regretful - should have had my paperwork done before tonight now I'll be up late doing it ...again, I tend to procrastinate my paperwork - uggghhh!
7- Excited - excited for a new year, fresh start, I am trying to decide how to make this year a wonderful one for our family and am excited about the possibilities
8- Anxious - what's new
9 - Peaceful - I always feel peaceful during singing time when we are underway and singing, the children always invite the Spirit - it is awesome!
10- Grateful - grateful for the chance to be a mom and to be surrounded with these sweet kids (who didn't seem quite so sweet a few hours ago in Sacrament Meeting)! The kids and I have been really consistent with our family prayers each morning and evening and I love hearing them talk to their Heavenly Father. I love hearing them express their love and concern for each other (it is not always so evident at other times), and I love hearing them ask their Heavenly Father for help with the things that are important to them. Today Parker was saying a prayer to end his fast and he was telling Heavenly Father how he would try a little harder to fast a little longer and that he would try and keep a calendar to help him remember when it was Fast Sunday! Gracie recently prayed that if she got to play with a friend after school that they would be able to walk over safely without someone getting them and if they had to drive she asked that their car would not break down! Sometimes they make me giggle, but usually I am just humbled to hear them talking to their Father in Heaven with such faith and gratitude.
Friday, November 30, 2007
So we're off like a herd of turtles too........
Okay, it's not Paris, but we are just as excited!! Ryan and I are going out tonight (just us) and then staying at the Parrish Bed and Breakfast downtown! My amazing girlfriends arranged it all, the timing couldn't have been better it has been a grueling work week (hence no posts)!! They will be partying with the kids (they can't just watch them, they have a whole evening of events planned and good food I am sure because we don't do ANYTHING wihtout good food)! So I like my mother have my parting words (although they have nothing to do with what to do with the money since we have none), instead just mommy info for my 4 little angels (ha - did I just say that)!
Okay - I realize that you are all totally competent, adept mothers, but just in case you want a little info on the kids here goes:
Typical nighttime routine: bed 8:30 (I so don’t care when they go.......)
* If Addi stays up later than this she will catch her second wind and well then you will have a long and entertaining night! She goes down with a bottle (I know she’s almost 2, but she’s my baby!!!). If she sees the bottle she will either go after it (if this occurs she will go right down for you) OR she will start to whimper and shake her little finger at you (the sista shake). If this occurs, I just reason with her by saying “we will play_____ when you wake up or I will read you a book when you wake up”! Essential bed time items include (But are not necessarily limited to: Oversized stuffed Panda Bear, pink blankie, baba (bottle)! Be warned whatever items are in the crib when she wakes up MUST accompany her out of the crib or she will not get out (including the pillow - yikes!)
* Please make sure Hallee Babe doesn’t drink too much right before bed and visits the lady’sroom prior to bed. Her essential bedtime items include 4 carrots (it used to be 3 but she turned 4 last week and she didn’t miss a beat, I have 4 carrots now”)! Oh - she is allowed to have a sippy with water (she won’t drink much because it’s water)!
* Parker and Gracie are pretty easy (fingers crossed - did I just jinx you!)
* I would prefer the kids did not play downstairs on the computer (lots of fun things I would rather them not discover until next month!)
Okay - now for the house. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Just love me in spite of my mess please. I had really good intentions at the first of the week, good intentions by midweek, and I’ll admit I have lost all hope of having the place picked up today! You are all too wonderful to do this, I have very literally been “living” for Friday - what a week!!! We appreciate each of you and your families for sacrificing their time with you too! We are so blessed - love you!
Okay - I realize that you are all totally competent, adept mothers, but just in case you want a little info on the kids here goes:
Typical nighttime routine: bed 8:30 (I so don’t care when they go.......)
* If Addi stays up later than this she will catch her second wind and well then you will have a long and entertaining night! She goes down with a bottle (I know she’s almost 2, but she’s my baby!!!). If she sees the bottle she will either go after it (if this occurs she will go right down for you) OR she will start to whimper and shake her little finger at you (the sista shake). If this occurs, I just reason with her by saying “we will play_____ when you wake up or I will read you a book when you wake up”! Essential bed time items include (But are not necessarily limited to: Oversized stuffed Panda Bear, pink blankie, baba (bottle)! Be warned whatever items are in the crib when she wakes up MUST accompany her out of the crib or she will not get out (including the pillow - yikes!)
* Please make sure Hallee Babe doesn’t drink too much right before bed and visits the lady’sroom prior to bed. Her essential bedtime items include 4 carrots (it used to be 3 but she turned 4 last week and she didn’t miss a beat, I have 4 carrots now”)! Oh - she is allowed to have a sippy with water (she won’t drink much because it’s water)!
* Parker and Gracie are pretty easy (fingers crossed - did I just jinx you!)
* I would prefer the kids did not play downstairs on the computer (lots of fun things I would rather them not discover until next month!)
Okay - now for the house. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Just love me in spite of my mess please. I had really good intentions at the first of the week, good intentions by midweek, and I’ll admit I have lost all hope of having the place picked up today! You are all too wonderful to do this, I have very literally been “living” for Friday - what a week!!! We appreciate each of you and your families for sacrificing their time with you too! We are so blessed - love you!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Shouting Thanks....It's Over, It's Over!!!
"The Lord has blessed me in many ways with a thankful heart I will sing his praise, I will raise my voice and proclaim my choice to follow him in faith." - I'll Follow Him in Faith, Janice Kapp Perry
Well we did it! Today was the long awaited primary program. I am the chorister and have only been dreading this moment since last year (I was called soon after the last program)! This calling terrified me! I have no musical ability whatsoever (okay I can "moove and groove" to music but that's not a lot of help when trying to teach children new songs)! This calling has been one of the most tender experiences of my life. As the children sang today, I truly felt they were testifying! They are an amazing group and I feel it such a pleasure to be with them each week! I have never felt the spirit so strongly and frequently as I do singing with these children!
The primary presidency is just amazing, collectively and individually! Today they passed out these darling thank yous to all the teachers that said "Anyway you "slice" it serving with you is a "treat". The funny thing is that the bags each contained a yummy pumpkin chocolate chip loaf, I know they were yummy because I ate mine before I could even take a picture and so I had to stuff it full with paper towels so I could take a picture:)! They also gave me this darling bath "sundae" with a cute little verse! I'm so lucky to associate with such wonderful women (and men because Brother Walker is our chorister and he is AWESOME)!
I thought I would end with 2 of my favorite primary program "incidents":
Last Friday we had a primary practice, Gracie's class talks about how they learned how their 5 fingers could help remind them of things the Holy Ghost testifies of. Gracie's part is to say "One, God is our Father in Heaven, she is supposed to hold up her FIRST finger as she says her part and then keep it up as the other kids say their parts. Apparently, Gracie had a little owie on her first finger and so naturally she decided to hold her middle finger up! I tried to get her attention which just made her wave her finger higher, oh well what is one to do?:)
One of my favorite primary program stories occurred when Ryan and I were first married. We were living in a student ward down in Provo. We only had 4 primary children (lots of nursery kiddos though)! Three of the children were sunbeams (3 years old)and we had one child that was 5! His speaking part was "I received my CTR ring this year, it helps remind me to choose the right." He got up to do his part and began, "I got my CTR ring this year, oh wait Sister Campbell I lost it!" I quickly told him "It's okay we'll get you a new one." To which he replied (in the microphone) "could we get a ninja turtle ring instead?" LOL! It was so funny and of course I quickly obliged!!
Well we did it! Today was the long awaited primary program. I am the chorister and have only been dreading this moment since last year (I was called soon after the last program)! This calling terrified me! I have no musical ability whatsoever (okay I can "moove and groove" to music but that's not a lot of help when trying to teach children new songs)! This calling has been one of the most tender experiences of my life. As the children sang today, I truly felt they were testifying! They are an amazing group and I feel it such a pleasure to be with them each week! I have never felt the spirit so strongly and frequently as I do singing with these children!
The primary presidency is just amazing, collectively and individually! Today they passed out these darling thank yous to all the teachers that said "Anyway you "slice" it serving with you is a "treat". The funny thing is that the bags each contained a yummy pumpkin chocolate chip loaf, I know they were yummy because I ate mine before I could even take a picture and so I had to stuff it full with paper towels so I could take a picture:)! They also gave me this darling bath "sundae" with a cute little verse! I'm so lucky to associate with such wonderful women (and men because Brother Walker is our chorister and he is AWESOME)!
I thought I would end with 2 of my favorite primary program "incidents":
Last Friday we had a primary practice, Gracie's class talks about how they learned how their 5 fingers could help remind them of things the Holy Ghost testifies of. Gracie's part is to say "One, God is our Father in Heaven, she is supposed to hold up her FIRST finger as she says her part and then keep it up as the other kids say their parts. Apparently, Gracie had a little owie on her first finger and so naturally she decided to hold her middle finger up! I tried to get her attention which just made her wave her finger higher, oh well what is one to do?:)
One of my favorite primary program stories occurred when Ryan and I were first married. We were living in a student ward down in Provo. We only had 4 primary children (lots of nursery kiddos though)! Three of the children were sunbeams (3 years old)and we had one child that was 5! His speaking part was "I received my CTR ring this year, it helps remind me to choose the right." He got up to do his part and began, "I got my CTR ring this year, oh wait Sister Campbell I lost it!" I quickly told him "It's okay we'll get you a new one." To which he replied (in the microphone) "could we get a ninja turtle ring instead?" LOL! It was so funny and of course I quickly obliged!!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Trying to give thanks....
"We hope that, when the insects take over the world, they will remember with gratitude how we took them along on all our picnics." - Bill Vaughan
7. my bissel little green throw up vacuuming machine (need I elaborate?)
8. my over sized washing machine that can wash 4 loads of post - vomit laundry
9. my mommy - she "stopped" by (she lives on the other end of the valley) with Gingerale for the girls and Febreeze for me (oh that should so be on my list)!! She also dropped off chocolate milk, paint brushes (yes, I finished painting both door trims today), and grandma juice's (cute containers with character heads you drink from). Later tonight, she "stopped" in after judging reflections at the kids school and we stole away for some fresh air and a lime ricky! So grateful for her thoughtfulness and generosity!!
7. my bissel little green throw up vacuuming machine (need I elaborate?)
8. my over sized washing machine that can wash 4 loads of post - vomit laundry
9. my mommy - she "stopped" by (she lives on the other end of the valley) with Gingerale for the girls and Febreeze for me (oh that should so be on my list)!! She also dropped off chocolate milk, paint brushes (yes, I finished painting both door trims today), and grandma juice's (cute containers with character heads you drink from). Later tonight, she "stopped" in after judging reflections at the kids school and we stole away for some fresh air and a lime ricky! So grateful for her thoughtfulness and generosity!!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Giving Thanks Still.....
Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone. ~G.B. Stern
4. light work weeks - okay this is kind of a double edged sword because I'm not grateful for the paycheck that accompanies such a week, but I have been working "my tail off" as I recently overheard Gracie remind Hallee! So I am grateful to have a light work week, to finally try and get caught up on everything that gets neglected when I'm working! This week I painted my front porch railing (it is so pretty and white now, as opposed to the ugly rust tone it had taken on of late); I cleaned out my freezer in the garage (It was a gruesome project, but it is done!!); I cleaned out my very messy closet and donated 30+ things to the DI!!!; I put away Halloween stuff and put out Thanksgiving decor (it's not even the week before Thanksgiving)!;I cleaned up my "hot spot" in the kitchen and last but not least I taped off the front door trim and hope to have it painted by tomorrow evening. So there you go the fruits of my light work week!!
5. my cell phone
6. Ann aka "My Boss" - I am grateful to work with such a wonderful individual. She is thoughtful, accommodating (we have team meetings in my van with the kids at a halfway destination) , intelligent, and sooo laid back! It makes such a difference when you love those you work with (maybe that's why motherhood is bearable even on the worst days)!
4. light work weeks - okay this is kind of a double edged sword because I'm not grateful for the paycheck that accompanies such a week, but I have been working "my tail off" as I recently overheard Gracie remind Hallee! So I am grateful to have a light work week, to finally try and get caught up on everything that gets neglected when I'm working! This week I painted my front porch railing (it is so pretty and white now, as opposed to the ugly rust tone it had taken on of late); I cleaned out my freezer in the garage (It was a gruesome project, but it is done!!); I cleaned out my very messy closet and donated 30+ things to the DI!!!; I put away Halloween stuff and put out Thanksgiving decor (it's not even the week before Thanksgiving)!;I cleaned up my "hot spot" in the kitchen and last but not least I taped off the front door trim and hope to have it painted by tomorrow evening. So there you go the fruits of my light work week!!
5. my cell phone
6. Ann aka "My Boss" - I am grateful to work with such a wonderful individual. She is thoughtful, accommodating (we have team meetings in my van with the kids at a halfway destination) , intelligent, and sooo laid back! It makes such a difference when you love those you work with (maybe that's why motherhood is bearable even on the worst days)!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Giving Thanks....
I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~G.K. Chesterton
My gratitude list:
1. my blog - I'm grateful that my husband read my blog and realized that what I wanted desperately was to park in the garage and "Ta-da" I'm parking in my garage for the first time in years - thank you sweetie!!
2. girlfriends - I am grateful for the blessing they are in my life. I was having a rough patch last week and was able to rely on my girlfriends for counsel, insights, and support! I am so blessed!
(here is a recent pic of me and jen - BFF:)taken by my cute and talented cuz Heather D. White)!
3. sore throats - I have not been feeling up to par lately and this past weekend had a very sore throat which was relieved ONLY by "several" (large) spoon fulls of B&J's Karma-Sultra ice cream. Fortunately, I had 2 pints, I love ice cream immersion with no guilt (it was for the sore throat)!!
My gratitude list:
1. my blog - I'm grateful that my husband read my blog and realized that what I wanted desperately was to park in the garage and "Ta-da" I'm parking in my garage for the first time in years - thank you sweetie!!
2. girlfriends - I am grateful for the blessing they are in my life. I was having a rough patch last week and was able to rely on my girlfriends for counsel, insights, and support! I am so blessed!
(here is a recent pic of me and jen - BFF:)taken by my cute and talented cuz Heather D. White)!
3. sore throats - I have not been feeling up to par lately and this past weekend had a very sore throat which was relieved ONLY by "several" (large) spoon fulls of B&J's Karma-Sultra ice cream. Fortunately, I had 2 pints, I love ice cream immersion with no guilt (it was for the sore throat)!!
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