I love to see the temple...

What a beautiful morning at the temple! I went with Kathy and we did a session and then we attended Alyssa's wedding. I love going to temple weddings/sealings. I always learn something. Also, I was trying hard to really pay attention while I went to learn more so I think that helped me to hear what I needed today. One phrase that keeps running through my head that the temple sealer said, "We are watching the organization of an eternal family." I don't think I have heard it put that way before. I thought back to when David and I took Ashleigh to the temple when she was 1 month old to be sealed as a family. Did I really know that I was at the beginning of organizing an eternal family? No, I don't think so, but as I grew in understanding and have come to the place I am at now I really do understand how important it is to be organized in this way. I sat by Sis. Quinn for a few minutes in the chapel before we went into the sealing room and we were studying the scriptures for a few minutes. Actually she was and I was just looking on and then made a comment on one of the scriptures and that led to a quiet discussion. I love her insight and hope that she shared with me. I really can think of no other place I want to be more when learning more about eternal families. The scriptures are so plain when teaching principles of obedience. I thought back on all the changes David and I have made over the years as we have become more obedient while on this journey of organizing our eternal family. It has been hard and we have made lots of mistakes along the way, but with those mistakes came repentance and forgiveness and a love found that could be found no other way. We have a family goal of meeting at the temple in 2015 when Autumn is old enough to do baptisms. Right now not all of us are going to make that goal. But I pray that most of us are there at that time and that they see and feel how that special place is where eternal things are learned and felt. Nothing is more special than seeing your son or daughter making covenants in the house of the Lord. I am so grateful for the temple and that we have a place to begin our "organizing" of families. I want to work harder at having my children know and feel that the temple is where they need to go. I know I have had many many prayers answered through the power that is in the temple. What a happy Tuesday to feel that peace and love once again!

Old fashion work out

Today David and I shoveled tons and tons of snow! The city finally plowed our street and so we had to make a place for Chloe's car and for us to get out the driveway. This is the third time this week I have put some serious time behind the shovel. The first two times I worked on the sidewalks and driveway.What a great workout! This morning I ran for two miles and walked for one and did a little circuit training at the gym so coming home and shoveling snow really made for a well-rounded workout. Having only gone to the gym twice this week I needed the extra workout:).

I also am feeling a little out of sorts. I have no project to work on. Oh, I could clean the house and take down decorations - that kind of stuff - but I don't have any craft thing that needs to get done. After months of working on bazaar things, super Saturday and then Christmas stuff it feels kind of funny to not have anything going on right at the moment. I think I am going to curl up with a good book or finally get to watch a whole movie from start to finish and not feel guilty because there are other things that need to get done. I just finished a delicious salad for dinner so a steaming cup of hot cocoa and a warm blanket and movie time sound really good right now;)

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008 was a very good year. (I have to say I don't recall a bad year:)) Anyway, we had a great time with our sweet family. Ashleigh and Paul and Seth and Paige came late Christmas eve and spent the night. David and I did not get to bed until around 12:30 I think, so when we woke up and it was 7:30 in the morning and the little ones were still sleeping I could not believe it! We actually for the first time ever had to wake people up and try to get them going. Toshia and her family and Chelsea and Dan were supposed to be coming around 8:30 and the plan was to have most of the opening done by then. But I am glad things were slow and easy. It was so relaxing. We opened all the gifts and around 9:45 Toshia and I started breakfast. Blueberry french toast, eggs and sausage and rolls. It was delicious! Then kids played and David took some of them out and built another snowman and played in the snow. Chelsea and Dan had to leave and then Chloe left to go to Brennen's for the afternoon. Paige left also. Soon after I started on dinner for whoever was staying. Part of Seth's Christmas present was the ham we had for dinner. He usually doesn't not ask for much and so when he requested a good ham for Christmas dinner I was all over it. I do have to say dinner was so good - ham, potatoes, beans, salad, fruit and of course, pies, cookies, Aunt Barb's famous pumpkin bars, and brownies. (Do you think we had enough goodies?) By the time Toshia left with her little family I was tired. I went upstairs and watched an old movie while the rest of the kids watched "Iron Man". (Not one I would care to see;)) I was so happy to have this time with the kids. All seemed happy and at least for one day we had no outside cares but what was going on in our little house.

I know this picture is hard to see but my two little sisters and I had our picture taken when we were little and we made the front page of the local newspaper. We had matching nightgowns and our stockings my mom had made. This year I made matching nightgowns for my three littlest angels and Toshia made us all new stockings (it really has bugged her for many years that our stockings did not match and I always said I was going to make new ones and never had - so she made us new ones and a cute board to hang them on- thank you Toshia)


So anyways, here are my littlest angels wearing one of their Christmas presents. I also made them each aprons (each different) and I had made the big girls aprons and bracelets and PJ's for Chloe. I thought it was funny because during breakfast Dano told me how much he would love an apron - I never thought to do for the big boys - I will add that to my list next year.

What I love the most though about the time of year is the spirit of Christ that giving and sharing brings to each of us. We read the "Christmas Jar" this year for a family home evening (thanks Jen for lending me the book) and we have a plan and our own "Christmas jar" has started filling up with our change. We are looking forward to serving even more next year with this jar filled with love and I plan on making it a monthly topic during FHE this year. I also have some ideas for more making and loving for next year. I will blog more on that later but for now let's just say that putting Christ in the center of our activities has brought the true meaning of the holiday home for us. Now on to bringing in the new year and setting new and lofty goals!

"Artic Blast" and Noah's birthday

Can you believe all this snow! Not since David was in college can I remember this much snow. The kids have had a blast playing in it - but I think the novelty of it all is wearing off. Now that we have to shovel sidewalks and try and get around in it.

These pictures are on our deck. There was at least two feet of snow pile on the deck. I did shovel most it off after I took the pictures of course!

And then there is Noah. Today he turns 13 years old. Officially a teenager. We are not doing any big thing this year to celebrate although turning 13 is a big thing. He has done so well this last couple of years in school. He loves Science and Math. But he also like Social Studies because of all the facts. He does like to keep busy which sometimes gets him trouble. Look at that cute face - He really has blessed our family and taught me patience in a way no one ever could. I love you Noah - Happy, Happy Birthday.

Meet Walter

Meet Walter. A couple of nights ago when David got home from work he took the kids outside to build a snowman. Hayden had made a couple of small ones, but they wanted to build one that was really big. So they took her two little ones and added more snow and made Walter. Why is he named Walter you might ask. Well, Autumn said that because he was wearing a tie he was a business man. And of course, all business men are named Walter. He works in "You Nork" (that is how she says New York). The girls had such a great time building Walter but I think the biggest kid out there was David. He had been waiting all day to come home and play in the snow.

I just thought I'd throw this picture in because I don't think I have ever taken one when the lights are on. It is a little orange but David did a great job with the lights this year!

Back to the late night play in the snow. David also wanted to go sledding and so when Walter was done he took the girls out front. (Sorry for the blurry picture it is hard to get them while they were sledding) Up and down our hill they went. Autumn finally wanted to come home because her fingers were so cold. She told me as we were walking back down the street to the house that "Dad was taking to much turns anyway and she just wanted to go inside." The other girls piled on and had a blast sledding with their dad. After a while I went and asked if he was ever going to come in and when he found out it was 10:30 he said "What am I doing out here - I need to get to bed". He has worked until after eight every night this week. Tonight he got home after 9:30. When you are one of Santa's elves you work late hours this time of year:)

FHE moment

Yesterday was so beautiful! I could not believe that it could be so cold yet so sunny! The kids played out in the snow and ice all day. Today I was glad for the late opening as the children were tired from such a hard play day yesterday. Last night I tried to do some of the Christmas story for FHE. Autumn just amazed me with her knowledge of the story. She could almost tell it perfectly. But she did have a different ending - Joseph had to go to Bethlehem to get more pepper. This had everyone giggling a bit. So out of the blue. Later I asked her why he had to get pepper and she said, "That's what he needed for his eggs. That is what dad puts on his eggs - duh!" Her imagination never ceases to amaze me. She has watched the movie the Nativity more that a few times. It is one of her favorite Sunday movies. I had a felt nativity to use for telling the story last night. Autumn supplied all the sound affects for when Jesus was born. We were just rolling by then and she did not like that we were laughing. She just said, "What, all ladies make that noise when they have a baby." I am just sorry David missed this FHE. I tried to tell him about it but it just was not the same without Autumn doing the sound affects and story telling. I love these moments in time - everyone getting along and love on everyone's face. Note I said moments - not all FHE's are like this:)

A few December moments

Last Saturday while I was at the coast David took the kids to get our Christmas tree. We have gone to the same place for the last few years and it is now a tradition to go there and get hot cider or hot cocoa after finding the perfect tree. He did a fabulous job! I think it is the nicest tree we have had in a while. Although all the trees from here have been beautiful, this one just fits the space perfectly. I am glad it was a nice warm day for them. I remember last year we got snowed on.

This year I did four trees. Noah's tree of course, but I decorated it this year. He usually has this one in his room because it technically is his "birthday" tree. But I had found quite a few ornaments to add to his tree last year and wanted all of us to enjoy it. (He was born on the 23rd of December so from his first Christmas on he has had his own "Noah" tree). Next is my Santa tree. This tree came about a couple of years ago when I noticed that I had quite a few Santas in my collection. I decorate this with more detail to the accessories added not just the ornaments and lights. It is in my living room which I try to keep a little more formal than the rest of the house. (Really most of the time it is filled with kids and toys:)). Next is our family tree which I do not decorate but the rest of the kids do. This has not always been the case but a few years ago I decided that it did not matter that the ornaments were on the tree perfectly but that they had good memories of decorating the tree. This I am sorry to say probably is not true for my older children. I usually was kind of "grouchy" about having the "perfect" tree. I must say with age definitely comes wisdom and so with that the last half of our crew gets a "nice mom" when decorating the tree instead of the "Grinch". I think this letting go came when I decided to do more than one tree. My last little tree is my doll tree. I have always collected dolls and three years ago my mom gave me a box of porcelain doll ornaments. They are beautiful and so this year I put them on a small tree all by themselves.

Last but not least today we had our first snow fall. It had been predicted by the weatherman but many times when they say it is going to snow it does not. There is not much now but this week is not supposed to get above freezing so I think there will be more and definitely it will be icy.I love the photo of the budding rose. I did not even realize I still had any flowers still out there. We have had an unusual warm fall so maybe that is why. But it just touched me to see that little bud with snow falling all around. Kind of the merging of winter and spring but at such an unexpected time of year. Snow always makes me want to curl up in front of a fire with a good book. But today I will be sewing a little more and nursing sick children back to health. I know it seems like we have been sick a lot but it just has gone through everyone including me and with 8 people left in the house it takes a while for everyone to have their turn. At least it is the older kids now and they do not require so much from me. I love this holiday season and am very grateful to all that I have been blessed with and also grateful that I recognize who has blessed us! Merry Christmas!

Crazy week going to be OK

What a crazy week so far. I have been hustling around here trying get everything done before the Relief Society dinner tonight, part of which takes place here at my home. I have had sick children all week. I have lots to do to finish my holiday presents. So even though I had a great weekend of relaxation I have really been feeling out of sorts trying to get everything done on my list. (All will be well after tonight - I can just work on my gifts and I have no more calendar events that I am in charge of.) But still, I am sort of feeling the stress of things this week. This morning as I was studying my mind wandered back to Sunday. I had a great Sabbath. I had been studying last week about the sacrament. So when I went to Sacrament meeting at the coast I was really able to feel and participate in a way you can do when you don't have little ones crawling all over you and older ones being silly. I have to say I felt the spirit in a way I had not in a very long time. I was thinking this morning how grateful I was to have that time to ponder and feel things of a spiritual nature. My heart aches so much now for Paige as she has chosen once again a path that is not going to be good for her. I have been studying a lot so that when I need to use the spirit to help her I can. The meeting I attended was not any more special than my own ward - it was that I was prepared. Prepared to feel the things Heavenly Father wanted me to know right now. That is what I am trying to do so that when I need to deal with things Paige throws at me I am prepared. Not just physically but spiritually. Even though I have tons to do and feel like my plate is full right now I am grateful that I take the few minutes to study, ponder and pray early each morning. When I provide opportunities for Him to teach me then I can handle all the craziness of my life. It helps me to LOVE all the craziness of my life. When my heart begins to ache and I feel bad I can pull out that part which comforts me and I can get back to what I need to be doing and not stay in that sad place. What a blessing this gospel of peace is! To think a small babe came to this earth so long ago so that I can feel the peace and love I need when I need it is sometimes overwhelming to me. I really feel that this holiday season is going to be one of the best ever - mostly because of my attitude and the sweet people I get to share it with!

Retreat with friends

This last weekend I spent at the coast with my wonderful friends of about 20 years. Some I've known longer - some shorter but for the most part 20 years of friendship. love and I must say service to one another. We usually do a cookie exchange every year and this year thought it would be fun to spend a few days making the cookies together. It was a great idea but with only one kitchen and 8 cooks (Tracie could not make it she had a sick child) it was a little tricky. We spend a lot of our retreats at the coast. It really is a great place to renew and get the much needed girl time that we need. We all have very busy lives - with 45 children between us and now grandchildren entering the picture you can imagine that when we are together it is full of lots and lots of entertaining fun! It is a time to just "hang out" and not be on any ones schedule but ours. If we want to eat, we eat. If we want to go play, we go play. If we just want to sit and do nothing, we do nothing. But usually there is not time to just do nothing. I was thinking on the way home how wonderful these ladies are and they are my sisters more than friends. We have gone through a lot of ups and downs together and I can not imagine my life without them. It was just a wonderful way to start my holiday season.

Now that I am home decorating needs to get done, cards finished and mailed, gifts to finish making, gifts to mail and lots of loving and laughter to be had with my family. I am rejuvenated and up for all that this month holds. I just love all the hustle and bustle, especially when the hustle and bustle bring joy and love!

Making my "story"

I have been thinking lately about how our memories become our "stories". I have been thinking about this more because of an on-line writing class that I recently participated in. I have not done all of the writing assignments as of yet, but putting the book together and working on a few of the assignments I realized my story is full of memories and thoughts not thought of in a very long time. As I try to look back and remember moments in time and memories of days gone by some of what was reality has disappeared. Mostly because time has gone on and I now live in this moment. What I did do was go back and look at journals I had kept off and on over the last 30 years. I am not as good at recording my thoughts as David is but there were times that what I needed to put down on paper I found the time to sit down and write those thoughts and events down. As I read back through them I was amazed at how much I had forgotten. Not because what had happened was not important but more because after they were written down I went on living my life. So, more events and memories were created. So over time my memories have become marked by an event or picture I have. But the feelings that moved me somehow are lost a little with time. I think I really finally understand why we're commanded to record our lives and keep our journals. Somehow, the stories that we create of our lives become lost to not only our children and families but lost to us as well. Don't get me wrong there are many things that are around me that spark the feelings and emotion that I felt at the time the event happened - but the day to day things get lost in back of my mind. As I have been reading and typing up David's journals I see how some of those day to day things are the foundations for the stories he tells. I have always wanted to be this great writer. I have worked on two different "books" over the last five years. They are far from finished and as I look back I think - wow, I really had something good to say. But being a writer is more than just putting words to a page. Being able to draw the reader into what you are feeling as you write is just as important to the story as the story itself. The books I love reading the most are the ones I get emotionally involved in. They stay with me and make me think. Recording "my story" is important to me but living my story is just as important. I think about this as my children have gone through different stages in their lives. What they loved and thought was the best at one point is soon forgotten and replaced with a new "toy" or item and becomes their favorite thing. When you remind them sometimes they can't even remember that they loved this or that. I think that is what I do. I move on and what was is no longer and replaced by the new. I have a renewed desire to hold on to those memories and be a better recorder of my life. I have a passage from a journal I kept when Ashleigh was a baby and it really helps to bring this point home. "Today while you were playing with me - you realized if you crawled away I would chase you. It was so cute. We went all around the apartment lots of times. You give me kisses now just out of the blue. You just crawl over and kiss me. It s so special...Tonight I looked in on you while you were sleeping. You looked like a beautiful angel!" I just love that I have that recorded to spark my memory on that night when I peeked in her and the feelings that swelled in my heart. So many moments have passed since then and this would have been long forgotten and probably never remembered if not for the journal I kept at that time. Ashleigh is now 27 and a beautiful young lady. I am glad that I wrote down those feelings about her. It is important for her to see that she is part of my "story". I am making it a personal goal to write more and as I do so my story will be written and I won't lose those feelings and thoughts.

Thanksgiving week

So my mom and John went home yesterday afternoon. They spent the last week celebrating the holiday with us. It was so much fun and we really enjoyed their company. My mom is wonderful to have around when there is cooking to do because she knows all the things to do. I am a "modern" cook. I don't do much totally from scratch. She on the other hand, loves to cook (or at least I think she does because she does it so well) so we did a lot of cooking Wednesday and Thursday. We had done all the shopping for food on Tuesday. What was really fun is she doesn't mind all the little helpers we have around here. They each were given a task and worked hard together to do what needed to be done. We had enough food to feed an army - oh wait we are an army - and everyone enjoyed the food as well as the company of each other. We did miss Ashleigh and Paul as they were Arizona for a wedding with Paul's family. On Friday mom, John and I ventured out to do some shopping. We did not get up early - but Toshia and I did a little shopping on line at midnight if that counts. Saturday David took the kids and went to his brother's house to watch the civil war game. While he was gone I cut out some of the presents I am going to be sewing this week. Sunday was a beautiful day. We were lucky to have little Jonathan blessed at our home and family and friends came to watch the event. Papa John wanted to participate and with Andrew's and our families let alone their friends there was a houseful! It was so neat. Of course, we had lots and lots of brownies and ice cream and pumpkin pie and some left over cheesecake. I think everyone enjoyed themselves. I sure was happy to see everyone. Monday night we had FHE at Toshia's house and she did a great job with the lesson. Afterwards everyone got a turn on the WII (I think that is how you spell it - ). Tuesday we just cleaned and got ready to go to the airport. This morning was really quite as everyone got up and ready to go to school. Autumn and I were quite lazy and took a while to get up and get going. (I had been up of course, but it was fun to lay back down with her after everyone left and have our girl talk). I have a meeting this morning and this evening. I miss my mom around. The sweetest thing Chloe told me yesterday was,"I am really going to miss grandma, last night we were talking and I realized how much I miss having grandma talks. You know things that you can only tell your grandma." I am glad that the kids get to spend as much time with her as they do with her living so far away. It is wonderful to have phones and computers to stay in close contact. We talk at least three or four times a week. We love you mom and John. Thank you for coming to our part of the world to share you Thanksgiving holiday with us.

Autumn turns five

So I can not get my dumb computer to work the way I want it to this morning and I am giving up on trying to get the scanned picture to work for this post.( I will edit later on with her baby picture) Autumn turned five years old last Friday. We went to the coast to celebrate her birthday. She is such a character. She could not get to sleep the night before she kept saying she was "so ecited" (that is how she says excited). Finally at 12:30 I told her if she did not go to sleep she was not going to five and the birthday monster was going to come and take away her birthday. (was that mean or what, but I was exhausted). She soon was sleeping and woke up at around 6:00 . When she came downstairs to let us all know she was five now she said "I don't really feel 5, I feel more like 10. I have been feeling like five for so long now that I just feel at least 8!" What a funny, funny girl. We did not have cake for her birthday she only wanted sloppy joes, barbque chips and orange soda and lots and lots of ice cream! So of course, I honored her request. The weather at the coast was beautiful and we had a great time down on the beach. Then because she thinks she is so special and that my mom coming on Monday was just for her we went to the airport to pick up my mom and papa John. She hasn't really connected that Thanksgiving and her birthday will always be celebrated around the same time. Needless to say on Monday night we had her "birthday" party with everyone coming out to celebrate with pizza and of course more ice cream! We just love this little girl and we are so glad she has come to be with our family. She adds the extra little something to all of our lives and forever keeps us laughing with her sweet little stories and thoughts. Happy Birthday autumn - we love you!

Pondering a thought

So I have been thinking a lot lately about a talk that I heard two weeks ago. I don't know who gave it or what the forum was but there has been a phrase that has stuck in my head and I keep thinking about it when I have my quiet moments. I don't know why it has resonated with me this last couple of weeks. I have a feeling it is something that I needed to hear for what I had been praying about for quite a while. Because I have children who don't accept and act on the teachings they have been brought up with I think that this had a special meaning to me. The thought went something like this. "We need to use our agency to turn ourselves over to the Lord." As I have thought of this other thoughts have come to me. Mostly that the world around us makes it hard for us to commit our agency to God. We can become so distracted with other things, even good things, that we can get out of the spiritual habits that we have committed to. I sometimes think we fill our lives with our own treats and and then we put ourselves in a position so that we cannot or won't accept the "bread of life". It takes a lot of faith to choose the good. As we delay our commitment to the Lord it makes us vulnerable to those things in the world that can distract us. I need to develop the skill to give up some experiences to choose the ones that will lead me to God. That does not mean to give up my hobbies or activities but maybe knowing that even though those experiences bring me joy and happiness there is another kind of joy that can bring me even greater happiness. What I have been trying to be better at is putting the things the Lord wants me to do first. As I have done this I have thought "What is God trying to make of me?"I think He could make much more of me if I let Him. As I have looked back on the last couple of years and all the things that I have laid at His feet - what have I let Him lay at my feet? How have I made choices that show I am committed to developing the spiritual habits I need to? I really think that when we use our agency to turn ourselves over to the Lord we become free and whole! So in pondering these thoughts about myself I have come to realize how it all works for my children. I don't make excuses for what their choices have been but I can see how they could make them. I needed that understanding because I then realize that they are just as apt to come back to the teachings they have been taught when they come to the place in their lives where they want to turn their agency to the Lord. This has brought a lot of peace as I wander through my days being a wife, mother, sister, aunt, daughter, friend, and now a grandmother! I am so thankful I was listening that one Sunday afternoon - that the Lord knew that first, I needed to hear these things and second, that I needed to ponder it for a while to let it sink deep into my heart so that the spirit could teach me!

Scripture surprise!

So I missed gym classes last week due to different appointments that I had. I have been trying really hard to work out consistantly and have stepped it up. So today got up as usual (very early) and walked my two miles with Paulette. Came home did dishes (sometimes Monday morning has Sunday dishes left to do because we have so many with all the kids I have to do two loads in the dishwasher and don't always get the second one done). Got everyone up for family scripture study (let Autumn sleep as she had a very late night last night) - had a great study time - had prayers and we were just ready to get on with the other morning rituals when Autumn runs downstairs goes to the cupboard and grabs a bowl and throws up in it! As I run her to the bathroom I ask her why she did that and she said "I always throw up in that bowl!" Needless to say my visit to the gym had to be put on hold. I tried to bribe someone to stay home and watch her - how bad is that? But I had no takers. I thought it was because they all love school so much but no they just did not want to get sick. So instead of the gym I got to some much needed chores I have been putting off for some time. I now have a clean floor, all the little girls clothes have been cleaned out and summer stuff put away and winter stuff brought out. I only have 1 load of laundry left to do (I have done 3 loads already this morning!) The dishes are done, my room picked up and vaccummed and several phones calls made for my calling. It is now 9:30 in the morning and I am ready for a nap! That is why I have decided to sit down for a few minutes and get caught up on emails and blogging. I also need to get caught up on my online writing class I have been taking. I am three assignments behind. Good thing there is no grading or time limit. I wonder if I have burned very many calories with my busy morning? - I definately need come what may, to get to class on Wednesday! Oh well, when you are living life you can't always get everything done you want!

Super Saturday Success

Yeah! Another wonderful Super Saturday activity that went very well. I am so happy with all the wonderful creating and sharing of friendship that I saw going on today. It started off with a nice visiting teaching conference. I came away more motivated to be a better visiting teacher. Breakfast and then off to create. I think as I watched everyone it was amazing how it all came together. Everyone buzzing around the gym painting, beading, paper creating, and quilt tying! We were just a busy little beehive today. What warmed my soul the most though really was the quilt that everyone had a hand in making. It was a big request on my part a few months ago to ask everyone to complete a 9 block square. I was not sure how it would turn out. But I was impressed with how many blocks we got back and then when I asked Marion to put it together for us I was hoping it would turn out. I have to tell you it was impressive. We were able to put together a king size and a twin quilt from all the squares that came back! I was moved to tears at how neat it was to know that these quilts really were coming from every sister in the ward. It was neat to see everyone tying and working around the quilt. I had the tables set up around the outside of the gym and the quilt in the center. It was a long productive day and I am so glad that I got to be a part of the beautiful sisterhood in our ward. Now you know me...my mind is on to great ideas for next year....

A few thoughts on creating

I have had a few of emails about making things for gift giving. I have thought a lot about this for the last couple of days. What is so wonderful about making gifts for me is that I can really think about that person and try to make or create something for them. It is not always easy, men and older boys are harder for me to come up with things. So most of the time they get thoughtful "purchased" gifts;) Some people have not had such a fun holiday experience when it comes to making things as opposed to buying. Again, for me planning is important. I do sometimes put off the project but I have thought about it and gathered the materials needed. So if I do have to put it off (or just do put it off because I am living life) when I want to pick it up I can. I am constantly looking for and thinking of things to make. So when I get the ideas and write them down it helps me to know when I have enough for that season or what I want to gather over the next several months. It helps to have crafty friends who like to get together at least monthly to create and share ideas. One question that I was asked a couple of times had to do with cost. Creating and making gifts is not necessarily a cost saver. Many times it is and that is why when you keep a list of projects and see things on sale you can really save. But sometimes it really would be cheaper and easier to just buy it. I have done that and please note not everything is entirely homemade. I might make an apron, but along with that gift I give kitchen utensils or baking items. For me I enjoy making things, so it is not that stressful for me. Also, I personally treasure a gift that was made with me in mind and the thought and time put into it. I look forward every year to see what my sister Melissa makes for our family. Each gift is very tailored for our family and much time and effort has gone into it. I know she thinks all during the year what she is going to do for us. Knowing that for me makes her gifts some of my most treasured. Toshia has made cute things for us ever since she was a little girl. Chad helped Autumn last year make the cutest coupon book for me. It was adorable! Ashleigh takes awesome photos and usually makes a gift that uses her photography. Believe me, I love any and all gifts - I was always the one who would sneak and try to find out what everyone was getting- (sorry, mom) I appreciate that someone thought of me enough to get me something. Last year a friend gave me some "bee's" lip balm. I loved it. That little jester lifted me all day long! Every time I use it I think of her sweet smile and it makes me happy! So it is not necessarily that it is homemade but that thought and love go into whatever you give! If you don't enjoy crafting - don't craft. Make your holiday as stressless as you can and don't add unnecessary stress to yourself by thinking you have to make something. But if you do love to craft like me - think, search for, plan, and gather! If you don't have time this year do it for next year. Make it a process that helps to lifts you. I loved the talk this last General Women's Conference where we were encouraged to create! I truly believe that everyone of us has the ability to create. I have seen many of my friends who say "I don't know how" but then try and it is amazing what they come up with. I just love it! I may not get done all I have planned for this year - but that is OK I have a lot of months ahead to create and make :D

Super Saturday is this Saturday! I can hardly wait. I have been working on this for a few weeks now. I am glad to be done with all the collecting and creating for this. I am so grateful for my sister who created this wonderful Christmas Planner for me and I have adapted it for our Super Saturday.

We borrowed this idea for the next couple of projects from the other ward. But we did make them our own. And I am so glad Toshia has the machine so we can do the vinyl letters. She is helping to teach that class and I am so thankful to David for cutting all the wood - it was a project for him and while we were having fun at Jonathan's baby shower in town he was here working hard for the ladies.

The candy jar is the class I will be teaching. It turned out so cute. But the glass bowl part was only to be found at Walmart. I searched several other places and could only find it at Walmart. Thank you to Denise for going to several stores out of our area to find the quantity that I needed.

Denise will be teaching our jewelry class and I am so excited to have her as our teacher. She is a very talented crafter and such a great friend!

With just a few small things to finish up I can now move on to my holiday crafting. I have been collecting so many ideas and hope I get it all finished. This little elf has a lot of work to do in the next few weeks. It is going to be a wonderful simple Christmas. I love the idea of the simple part. We did this as a family several years ago (a totally homemade Christmas) and my older kids say it is one of their favorite Christmas memories. Hopefully this one will be listed as a favorite as well. I am also anticipating the arrival of my parents in two weeks. They will be staying with us over the Thanksgiving holiday. I am so excited! My mom is the ultimate crafter and she always can come up with the cleverest ideas. I turn to her for a lot help. It will be fun to have her here in person. This is turning into a very Happy Monday despite the rain falling outside. Lots to do, places to go, and people to see:)

A beautiful fall day!

I just have to share that I am experiencing a wonderful beautiful fall day. There are so many things that I am thankful for and want to do a sort of thankful countdown to Thanksgiving. I have been creating an advent type of blessing calendar but wanted to do the same sort of thing on my blog. I am so not talented to create wonderful side elements on my own so will just make a list that will be added to daily. My goal for the next year is to learn how to create page elements and buttons and so forth on my own. A lofty goal for me but maybe with a little help from my friends:) I can do it. When I first woke up this morning and was walking in the rain - I know it was very early and I did get wet this morning - I was just overwhelmed with thinking about how this voting day is going to end. Then as we did scriptures, prayers, breakfast, getting everyone out the door, violin lessons, homeschool with miss Autumn and I went to answer the door (another check for Super Saturday (Yeah!)) I saw how beautiful it was outside as the sun was shining and fall was everywhere. Then just a few minutes later rain and dark skies. Isn't that how it is - the wonderful mixed with the gloomy rain! I know the sun will come out again, it is not gone forever and the rain is so necessary for the earth to be beautiful. I also know that however today's election turns out that Heavenly Father is watching over us. We will be alright! My thoughts and heart and prayers are with my family in California as they fight a worthy fight to keep families as we know they were intended. But again I know that Heavenly Father is watching over and He will win in the end. Happy Tuesday to everyone and remember fall and winter have to come so we can appreciate and hope for the life to come in the spring and summer!

The hard life of a four year old

Autumn thinks sometimes she has it hard. She says "I have so much school, and trying to read is only fun if mom is teaching me and I can play the piano with my eyes shut. I wish I could play more." What she doesn't realize is that she is constantly playing. Her favorite thing now are the legos. She has really gotten into playing with the legos lately. She is constantly trying to create things with these crazy blocks that stick together. She really is quite clever with the creations she comes up with and there is always a function for whatever she makes.
She has said some funny things lately that I wanted to write before I forget and they become faded memories. Actually she is constantly saying things that just crack me up, so these few do not do give her credit for all the creative things she says. The other night we were having lasagna and she wanted the Parmesan cheese, but she asked for the "Papa John" cheese. (Papa John is her grandfather) We could not figure out what she was wanting until it finally hit me that Parmesan and Papa John must sound a lot alike to a 4 year old. Today she was trying to get Hayden in trouble so she was "telling" on her. Hayden was emphatically denying the accusations. But I told Autumn if she said it was so then Hayden must get in trouble. Then she looked over at Hayden and said, "OK I will tell her you did not do it, but you know you lie at least 50 times a day and I only lie 4 times a day". Hmmmmm, I will have to watch out for that. When Toshia brought baby Jonathan over tonight for all the kids to meet him she looked at him and said, "He is so big, I thought he was going to be as big as a mouse!". But for me the funniest of all this last week was when she was watching TV with her dad and a commercial came on for some kind of exercise thing that helps you get strong abs. She looked over at David and said, "You should get that, you only have two lines and you need a 52 pack like that guy on TV." David said "you mean a 6 pack" and she said "no, I mean a 52 pack look at all those lines on that guy!". We laughed so hard.
Chad has said recently that he wished life was as simple as it was when he was little. I know how he feels sometimes. That is why Autumn is such a blessing to us. She is constantly reminding us to laugh. To be happy. To create even if no one knows what the heck you are making. To say what is on her mind and not hold back. I hope to show her like I was able to for Chad that at one time life was not hard and but growing up can be just as fun as when you were four! But for now Autumn thinks she has all the hard work!

We are Grandparents!

Yesterday at 4:27 pm Toshia gave birth to a new baby boy! Our first grandson! I am just so excited. Words cannot say how I feel at this moment in time. I knew that this was the week he was going to make his entrance into the world but nothing prepared me for how I was going to feel about all of this. It is simply amazing.


When I held Jonathan for the first time I was filled with such emotion and love for this sweet boy. To think he is here because I first had Toshia. (She did amazing by the way) As you can guess I love babies, having had a eleven myself. There is nothing like the feel of a newborn in your arms. All the hope and love of the world are right there before my eyes as I held that little guy! Getting to share in the experience made everything even more special. Andrew was very patient with Ashleigh, Chelsea and I. (Toshia also had her good friend Amy there). Just before Jonathan was born Andrew looked over at me and said, "In just a few minutes I will no longer be the only boy in the room". Then it hit me all day and the evening before he had women surrounding him - the nurses, us, even her doctor! He is such a great man and good father. Jonathan will be going home to two great half brothers who will love and adore him. Andrew has shown how much he loves his other boys and I know is more than excited to have Jonathan join their amazing family. When I got home I sat down with all the kids and showed them the pictures on my camera. Adrian was so happy and said to me, "I love being the big brother - I am Luke's big brother and I have good practice". That was so sweet.

Hopefully this will be the beginning of many wonderful grand babies to come to our family!

Pumpkin patch

Two Saturdays ago we made it to the pumpkin patch. We stayed local. Usually we go to another one but I did not want to do the drive. This was pretty fun - at least the little kids had fun. They rode horses, played on the hay bails, went on a hay ride, saw some smaller farm animals, and of course picked out their pumpkins.


Not everyone went as you can see and even though Chad looks bored he really did have fun. He just did not want to have his picture taken.


I love fall. It really is my favorite time of year. I love the colors and the beautiful weather we have. I love the anticipated holidays. The fall season for us creates a lot of family time. And that is the time I love most - when we are all together.

Right Now...

Right Now, I am:

feeling...at odds at how to get my children to listen better and doing what I want them to do.

enjoying...the fall weather and watching the little girls ride their bikes.

wondering...what is in store for me this next week.

listening...to the sounds of the lawn mower and my son chopping wood.

drinking...water, but wishing I was sipping hot chocolate at the beach.

wanting...to get to my sewing and craft projects.

loving...all the fall colors I see - they warm my heart.

looking...forward to a new week with new goals and new projects completed.

Where has the time gone?

What a cute baby! Chad has always been a charmer. He was a very easy baby. When he came into our lives 15 years ago we did not realize what a blessing he was and is to our family. He did not have any special delivery story and really we were glad he was not born on Seth's birthday. He is not as laid back as Seth but is easy going and very compilable. That is nice to have in a large family. He has always been brilliant and a quick learner and loved his sisters and Seth. He is closest I think though to Ashleigh. She was his little mom and always helped with him.

Now that Chloe and him are in high school they are very close. They seem to always be there for each other and it is so special to watch. I hope for Chad that all his days are filled with love for the people around him. He is so fun to be around and constantly teaching me. Happy, happy birthday Chad and I know you are anxious to get your permit - I can not believe it where has time gone?


This is our last October birthday! Now Toshia can have her baby and he will have his own day. I vote for the 24th then the boys in my family will be born on 21, 22, 23 (Noah in December) and Jonathan on the 24th - sounds good to me - come on Toshia!

Our boy turns 21

We could not believe that we had a boy! When Seth was born we were so excited to have a son join our family. I think David's face says it all. Although really every picture of him with a new born baby he has the same sweet face. Seth Henry came into this world really fast. I only had 45 minutes of labor at the hospital with him. No one believed me when I said that it was time. The nurse said I just checked you, it will be a while. Then I had David look and he said to her then why is a head coming! Boy, she was running around and their were no doctors around and yelled to the intern in the other room to come in and he barely caught him. Well, that was the last time Seth was in a hurry to do anything. The fun thing about Seth is how easy going he is. I just love that about him. He really was such a good baby!

His sisters could not believe that we brought home a "baby boy doll" to play with. I should have known that they had big plans for this baby brother. Many times over his first few years they would dress him up and put make up on him. Seth did not like that to much but played along. He has always been a good sport about things. Seth was a my boy through and through. He did not like other people holding him and he was so fun to cuddle with.

Seth has grown into quite the young man. We are so pleased with his work ethic and his talents in sports and art and music. He does not like to work but when he needs to he really does a great job! We have been told by many people what a hard worker he is. He is our number one baseball player and the one thing I regret is not getting to see him play more. His other talents he shares only occasionally with us. Seth I love you so much and you have taught me and brought into my life sunshine and love. Happy Birthday "little man"

I can't believe it has been 27 years!

Twenty seven years ago at 2:22 am Ashleigh Elizabeth was born. I had wanted nothing more than to me a mother. All my life I had dreamed of playing with my own "real" baby doll. Finally my dream had come true. I could not have been blessed with a sweeter baby. She was so good and happy. At the time I never dreamed I would be the mother of eleven. What a beautiful way to start my journey into motherhood!

Twenty seven years later she still is my beautiful "baby doll". She does have a strong will, and sometimes she had to make adjustments - or should I say I guess we did - but that strong will and independence has been a blessing to her. Happy birthday Ashleigh dear - we love you so much!

Ten things I am loving right now

Fall Decorations!


The reminders of how I should act!


The knowledge that we have about families!


My grandmother's artwork!


The classic novel (Gone With the Wind) I am reading right now!


The signs that the season is changing!


You can't see it very well, but the signs that some little bird used to live here!


Great friends who share their knowledge and plants with me!


The gift of music and the ability to create it!


That fall brings fun family times!

What are you loving right now?

Fun creating going on here

I just finished a lot of sewing projects during the month of September. I had a bazaar that I did this year and made 15 aprons and a number of other things for. While wondering what to do with some of my scraps I came across a pattern for these adorable crayon roll ups. At least that is what I am calling them. I am going to use them for some stocking stuffers and gifts for grandchildren. I was so excited about them and how easy they were. I just love when I can figure things out and it turns out.

Also, for Chloe's birthday she wanted this bag. She had picked out the pattern (Amy Butler) but had a hard time finding just right fabric she wanted. Once she decided on the fabric then the rest was up to me to complete. I had it cut out for a while but with the other things on my plate I actually did not get it made until yesterday while she was at school. She just loves it! Thank goodness because her other present was not as exciting - snow tires! David gave her a cute card and cut out tires when she read it she thought she was getting rims and when she was thanking David he looked over at me and said "I don't think she knows the rims don't come with the snow tires". It was kind of a funny moment as he did not want to break her heart, but also could not bring himself to buy rims for her little car. When she realized it was just the tires she was like " Oh, I guess that will be OK." You could tell she was trying not to look disappointed but she was not as thrilled as she would have been if rims were involved. David was funny because he just looked at me after she left and said "I should have used a different picture, I almost cost us a lot of money". I just smiled and thought how kind hearted he is and how hard he tries to please everyone.
Well, there are lots more things I have planned to create and hope to make this a pretty much homemade Christmas this year. I have done that in the past and those are my favorite Christmas seasons. I always have a harder time making things for the boys, but never have a hard time coming up with girly girl things - I wonder why that is?

She's 17!

Little did I know 17 years ago that this baby girl would be my middle child. I did not know how many children we were to have and did not know that I would have an odd number of children thus creating an exact middle child. This sweet baby girl has blessed our lives so much. When we had Chloe our neighbor could not believe that I had named her Chloe. She thought it was awful and insisted on calling her by her middle name Melissa. I ended up just always calling her "baby girl". But no matter what we called her she was just a happy ,quiet, helpful little girl.
Now 17 years later she still is a happy, quiet, helpful, and sweet little girl. My "baby girl" is now a young lady and handling the middle child thing really well. She does have her dad wrapped around her little finger but when someone is as sweet as Chloe you don't mind at all. She has done very few questionable things thus making the parenting thing realtively easy with her. Although she is quiet she is always taking everything in. One fast and testimony Sunday a few months ago she leaned over and said "I know it's true, I just can't say it in front of people". She is a great example for all of her siblings and we love her lots! Happy Birthday baby girl and hope you had a wonderful day!

Chelsea turns 24!

On October 11, 1984 our third little girl entered our family. We were so happy to have her. We looked forward to her arrival and I personally was glad to have a third daughter so her older sisters could have a new "dolly" to play with. That I am sure was what Toshia thought as when we brought her home from the hospital. Toshia was still a baby by all rights and I am sure did not know what to make of this little one entering her world. Ashleigh was so happy and I remember she just wanted to help and hold and love her. That was 24 years ago. I cannot believe that she is so grown up and how special she still is to all of us.

Chelsea has the most amazing dimples and smile. She lights up the room when she comes bouncing in. We love her and wish her the happiest birthday ever. I know it has not always been easy being daughter number three but that has given her great strength and character.

Happy Birthday baby girl!