I'm still trying to look for the positive in every situation this year. So far I've been pretty successful except for the dogs. What in the world were we thinking? All of the reasons that we gave for not having animals in the first place are still valid except for the fact that I forgot one...THEY SMELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT loving the dogs at the moment. We are in the process of cage training them and that's not going so well either. I think I just don't have the time and patience for animals any more.
In other things, life goes on as usual. I've had two more friends that have lost husbands or wives and it makes me appreciate my little family even more than usual. I've been so blessed. For someone who for many years didn't think that they would have a family the promises that the Lord gives us are absolutely true. When he closes a door he does open a window. He hears the desires of our hearts and answers them in His time. That's always been the hard part for me; recognizing His time frame.
I haven't made a committed effort over the last couple of years to really study my scriptures either. Something I hope to change over the next few weeks. I've finished all of my YW Personal Progress except for Virtue because I haven't finished the Book of Mormon. That's my goal for the next few weeks. Seems like I always have something that gets in the way of my study time. I'm so proud of Kaleaha. She and Ron have started reading the BOM at night and she's doing such a great job. I hope that it's a real testimony builder for her.
She lost her first tooth this week after waiting for the last year to catch up with some of her friends. She was SO excited! I was all ready to let the Tooth Fairy know about her tooth when she went to bed that night and she burst into tears and begged me to please keep her tooth and not give it to the Tooth Fairy!!????!!! I was surprised to say the least! She has decided that she will keep them all until she's 13 and then hand them over.
Funny girl!
My sweet little Krennan turned 2 on Saturday. LOVE that kid. He just cracks me up. I kept trying to teach him to say I'm 2. He was having no part of it... Matt and Mandy and the boys got him an inflatable race car ball pit. He loves it! He "picks up" Kaleaha and they go for a ride. Then they go to the "drive in" and watch Dragon Tales. She plays along for a little while until it's her turn to drive and then he wants her out!
We are taking a break from bowling for the summer and it's probably a good thing! I'm not sure when we would have time to fit it in. This week is super crazy and then next week things should be back to normal crazy!
I've been pretty busy with work and Rotary for the last few weeks and I thought it was going to start slowing down by this time, but I guess not. I'm grateful for everything that I've learned from the different things I've gotten to experience. I've got a great group of girls who can run my branch while I'm gone which cuts down significantly on my stress level.
My Dad hasn't gotten very good test results the last couple of times that he's been at the doctor, so I'm worried about him. He's such a good man and we've been blessed that he has been able to go through so much and still be himself. He's an inspiration!
So much to be grateful for. I have a wonderful family and I try to appreciate the little things every day and work on the big things later.
June 15, 2011
May 17, 2011
May gratitude
So many things to be grateful for this month. I'm not even sure where to start. I think in my last post I talked about my friends husband who had passed away. In the last month I've had two more friends (slightly older) who unexpectedly lost their husbands and another set of friends that lost a child. How do people cope without the Gospel? I wonder if I was in the same situation would my testimony remain strong? I would like to say that I'm absolutely sure I wouldn't falter, but for now, I just have to express gratitude for the absolute knowledge that my Father In Heaven loves me and that there is a purpose for these trials and that if I remain faithful and endure to the end that I will be able to keep my family eternally. Much to be grateful for even if I didn't have any other blessings that could be counted.
Life continues to go on like normal at our house. The kids are crazy and fun and busy and complete chaos all the time. Gymnastics, School, Church, Work, and try to keep sane...I don't know if we're there yet, but we'll keep trying.
Mid-April I took the kids to Princess Day at Chick-Fil-A. That's the highlight of Kaleaha's year. Kaleaha and Krennan and I went and got to do face-painting and then we all rode in a limo. Krennan was VERY impressed with the limo. We tried to take pictures with Prince Charming's horse, but she was taking a break! Fun day with the kiddos. So glad that CFA does things like that!
Two weeks ago I was able to attend the Chick-Fil-A Leadercast. A variety of speakers from all different walks of life. Amazing insights, inspirational stories. Awesome day, then followed up by a relaxing Saturday spent at home.
This last weekend Mom and I went to Time Out for Women in Oklahoma City. I can't really explain how AMAZING it was!! I had, of course, heard of Hilary Weeks as an LDS recording artist but had never had the opportunity to actually hear anything she had performed. She was unbelieveable.
We had a great group of women that went with us and had a great time with them as well. A variety of speakers and musical talent. So uplifting and I was grateful to have the opportunity to go and be a part of that.
Grateful for my husband and mother-in-law who took over the kids so that we could go and enjoy ourselves. They were treated to fever and vomit for their generosity.
Also got a chance to go back to the OKC Memorial. About half of our group had never been. A very impressive reminder of how blessed we are.
It's been an busy but amazing few weeks!
Life continues to go on like normal at our house. The kids are crazy and fun and busy and complete chaos all the time. Gymnastics, School, Church, Work, and try to keep sane...I don't know if we're there yet, but we'll keep trying.
Mid-April I took the kids to Princess Day at Chick-Fil-A. That's the highlight of Kaleaha's year. Kaleaha and Krennan and I went and got to do face-painting and then we all rode in a limo. Krennan was VERY impressed with the limo. We tried to take pictures with Prince Charming's horse, but she was taking a break! Fun day with the kiddos. So glad that CFA does things like that!
Two weeks ago I was able to attend the Chick-Fil-A Leadercast. A variety of speakers from all different walks of life. Amazing insights, inspirational stories. Awesome day, then followed up by a relaxing Saturday spent at home.
This last weekend Mom and I went to Time Out for Women in Oklahoma City. I can't really explain how AMAZING it was!! I had, of course, heard of Hilary Weeks as an LDS recording artist but had never had the opportunity to actually hear anything she had performed. She was unbelieveable.
We had a great group of women that went with us and had a great time with them as well. A variety of speakers and musical talent. So uplifting and I was grateful to have the opportunity to go and be a part of that.
Grateful for my husband and mother-in-law who took over the kids so that we could go and enjoy ourselves. They were treated to fever and vomit for their generosity.
Also got a chance to go back to the OKC Memorial. About half of our group had never been. A very impressive reminder of how blessed we are.
It's been an busy but amazing few weeks!
April 22, 2011
What were we thinking??
We've gone years without having pets then not only do we finally cave in, but we double the trouble!
Welcome Mollie & Maggie. Both miniature schnauzers about 3 & 5 months old! They've turned out to be really sweet pups and they are well on their way to being spoiled rotten!
Oh well! What's a couple more to mix in with the madness?
February 27, 2011
Sunday thoughts
OK...I know I'm going with a gratitude theme this year, but what I'm grateful for the most at this moment is that both of my children are in their rooms ASLEEP! It seems like Sunday night is the time to get grumpy and start fussing which makes for one cranky mom right at bedtime. They think they're being cute and funny and sometimes they are, but c'mon...WORK WITH ME! Grrr!
So, thankful for my husband who works hard, my parents who lead by example, my fabulous MIL for all of the support that she gives us and last but not least, my crazy kiddos who make me laugh even when I don't want to!
So, thankful for my husband who works hard, my parents who lead by example, my fabulous MIL for all of the support that she gives us and last but not least, my crazy kiddos who make me laugh even when I don't want to!
February 18, 2011
Random Thoughts
Today I'm thankful for a variety of things, but mostly for the opportunity to spend quality time with my family. We get so little down time together to just play and relax, so I'm really looking forward to a weekend full of fun!
It's been a busy week as usual but so much fun. We're so proud of Kaleaha's gymnastics performance. She scored her personal best AND 2nd All Around. She's worked hard and it's amazing to watch her concentrate and perform her best in front of a crowd. She doesn't really get nervous like some of the kids, but she takes it seriously while they are competing, then it's over. Hope she keeps that attitude forever! Do your best then LET IT GO!
And Krennan...what can I say? He just makes me laugh. His facial expressions, his smile, his funny personality! And now...his dancing, I've been calling it the Frankenstein, but I'm open to other suggestions!
On a sadder note, a couple of months ago, a friend's husband that I graduated with had a heart attack and some complications. A very scary situation for them. Glad to report he's doing much better. One of my customers at work whose husband is younger than me had a 100% blockage in his heart and they almost lost him. Then this week on Valentines Day my friend's husband (my age) suddenly passed away. She is, of course, shattered and the kids are pre-teens. I feel so bad for her and her family. It's scary how suddenly your life can change.
I've been keeping all these families in my prayers as well as my parents. It makes me sad to be thinking about my dad's health. He appears to be going downhill very quickly and I know I'm not prepared for him to be gone. I've been trying to spend all the extra minutes that I can with him either in person or by phone so that he knows how much I love him and that I won't have regrets once he's gone, but I wonder if he really knows...
Moral of my story today...be grateful for all the precious time that we have with our loved ones and make sure they know how special they are.
It's been a busy week as usual but so much fun. We're so proud of Kaleaha's gymnastics performance. She scored her personal best AND 2nd All Around. She's worked hard and it's amazing to watch her concentrate and perform her best in front of a crowd. She doesn't really get nervous like some of the kids, but she takes it seriously while they are competing, then it's over. Hope she keeps that attitude forever! Do your best then LET IT GO!
And Krennan...what can I say? He just makes me laugh. His facial expressions, his smile, his funny personality! And now...his dancing, I've been calling it the Frankenstein, but I'm open to other suggestions!
On a sadder note, a couple of months ago, a friend's husband that I graduated with had a heart attack and some complications. A very scary situation for them. Glad to report he's doing much better. One of my customers at work whose husband is younger than me had a 100% blockage in his heart and they almost lost him. Then this week on Valentines Day my friend's husband (my age) suddenly passed away. She is, of course, shattered and the kids are pre-teens. I feel so bad for her and her family. It's scary how suddenly your life can change.
I've been keeping all these families in my prayers as well as my parents. It makes me sad to be thinking about my dad's health. He appears to be going downhill very quickly and I know I'm not prepared for him to be gone. I've been trying to spend all the extra minutes that I can with him either in person or by phone so that he knows how much I love him and that I won't have regrets once he's gone, but I wonder if he really knows...
Moral of my story today...be grateful for all the precious time that we have with our loved ones and make sure they know how special they are.
February 14, 2011
February 10, 2011
Grateful For Snow days
I said I was going to be better this year and I'm starting out fairly well (so far)! I'm really grateful for the snow. I seriously can't believe all the snow that we've had already this year. I'm LOVING it! For me, it can't ever snow too much. I know lots of people complain about the snow but honestly, you can't look outside your window at a snow covered yard with snow covered driveway and street and not think that it's gorgeous! Now, once everybody starts getting out and it gets all messed up and slushy it kind of loses it's beauty, but the first look when everything is covered and CLEAN is priceless. It covers all the trash on the side of the road and the junk people leave in their yards and even the cars look nice. We've had more family time these last two weeks than we've had in the last two years. Anyway, I love the snow and for everyone that doesn't stay home and keep your complaints to yourself!! I've been at work despite the weather everyday this week, I've passed crazy drivers, grandma drivers and teenage drivers and I have to say that I really believe that everything should close down if the school does. I mean, if the roads are bad enough to keep all the kids home for their safety then let the rest of us stay home too!
It would be especially convenient if all of the weather pansies would stay home this weekend. Kaleaha has her first home meet at Flame and it wouldn't hurt my feelings any if half of the competition couldn't make it. Not that I think she won't do well, but it never hurts to have a few less people.
Anyway, back to the gratitude. I'm grateful for the family that I have. We took the opportunity to just get outside and play. We had a blast! Got Krennan's 4-wheeler out and tried to ride it. The kids made snow angels (I didn't think I could get up or I would have too). We had a snowball fight, played on the swing set, played tether ball, etc. Then came inside to warm up in front of the fire. So, I'm grateful for snow days and the chance to relax at home together! Hope everyone else got to do the same thing...
It would be especially convenient if all of the weather pansies would stay home this weekend. Kaleaha has her first home meet at Flame and it wouldn't hurt my feelings any if half of the competition couldn't make it. Not that I think she won't do well, but it never hurts to have a few less people.
Anyway, back to the gratitude. I'm grateful for the family that I have. We took the opportunity to just get outside and play. We had a blast! Got Krennan's 4-wheeler out and tried to ride it. The kids made snow angels (I didn't think I could get up or I would have too). We had a snowball fight, played on the swing set, played tether ball, etc. Then came inside to warm up in front of the fire. So, I'm grateful for snow days and the chance to relax at home together! Hope everyone else got to do the same thing...
February 1, 2011
2011 Attitude
I know I've said this before, but I really am determined to update my blog more often. I was frustrated for a while that it seemed like it was a lot of work for no reason and FaceBook is SO much easier, but I had a friend that inspired me to use my blog as a journal/self-discovery adventure. So I finally decided that I would take advantage of my free time today and bring my blog up to date. I love the snow and I'm grateful that we got off work early today.
First, I've gotta brag on my sweet children. I'm so blessed and I really do appreciate my little family. My husband is awesome and my children are very sweet, most of the time. It's so fun to watch each of their personalities develop and for them to test themselves and figure out exactly what they can do on their own.
For example, we put Kaleaha in Gymnastics 2 years ago this month. For the first few months she did very well and was keeping up with the other girls in her class, then she just started to excel. It was like she had really found her niche. She's so fun to watch.
Last summer she was invited to be on a beginning competition team. They started training in June and didn't have their first meet until December. She was starting to get frustrated with the team and expressed several times that she wanted to quit. I didn't want her to start out her very first team sport with a negative experience. I was talking with one of the other gym mom's during one of the girls exhibitions and she brought up a couple of points that made me see the experience from Kaleaha's eyes. So Ron and I talked with Kaleaha and decided to re-evaluate Gymnastics after the first meet.
When we went to the Santa Invitational in Barnhill Arena in Fayetteville, she was in awe. It was exciting to watch her light up when she walked in and saw the equipment set up and suddenly you could see that it was all "for real". She wasn't nervous and performed really well.
We were so proud of her and she ended up scoring first place on the beam and 2nd place All Around. Needless to say, she's all about Gymnastics these days with no thought of quitting. I hope it's something that she stays with for a long time, she's really fun to watch.
Krennan is such a sweet, cuddly little monster! He is always into something and thinks that he's as big as everybody else. He's crazy about Kaleaha (calls her e-uh) and follows her around anytime that she'll let him. He's super cuddly and we laughingly call him Grinnin' Krennan! He's also headstrong, stubborn and always insists on getting his own way. He's a total mess! He's mostly a Momma's boy, but loves his Daddy too.
He doesn't say tons of words, but has no problem getting his point across. If for some reason you don't understand what he's saying, he'll eventually come and get your hand and lead you over to it. I can't wait until he decides what he's interested in and watch him grow and learn.
Lastly for today, I'm grateful for so many things.
I try every day to express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father. I know that He knows the feelings in my heart, but I've decided to take this year and more openly express gratitude to the people in my life. I have so many that I've been blessed with.
My husband is wonderful, he's a wonderful father and supports me in everything that I do. I know I don't tell him as often as I should how much I appreciate him. My children know that I love them, but I hope they always know how grateful I am that they are mine for eternity. I hope that I can show them by example how to treat others and be a servant for the Lord.
My parents...So much to be grateful for there. Over the last few years as I've watched my Dad struggle with cancer, I've realized how blessed I am that I was born into their family. I've watched him accept and deal with this terrible disease with faith, hope and peace and most of all grace. I see some people that struggle with things and use their health as a reason to abuse others or to be negative in all aspects of their lives. He struggles daily just to do things that used to come so easily to him. I watch him do things that I know he doesn't want to do just because he has obligated himself to do them and it's not in his nature to say "I can't". I really admire him and will do anything in my power to make life easier for him.
I've watched my mom as she struggles with his health. She's bears a burden during this process as well. She keeps all of his medicine straight, makes sure that he eats well and keeps all of his many doctor's appointments and is just there to remind him (or nag him) whatever it takes to keep him healthy. I'm grateful for her willingness to always drop what she's doing and be there for him and for my family and for anyone else that needs her. She's not perfect, none of us are, but she tries to be there to show her love and support in anyway that she can. I can't think of a single thing that I've done in my life that she hasn't been there to show her support. I truly appreciate that gift of time especially as my own children grown and I know how hard it is to be everything for everyone and to do all the necessary things (like work) just to survive.
So as a challenge to myself and to you for this new year...Take every opportunity to express your gratitude to those around you and to take the time to appreciate all the blessings that you've been given.
First, I've gotta brag on my sweet children. I'm so blessed and I really do appreciate my little family. My husband is awesome and my children are very sweet, most of the time. It's so fun to watch each of their personalities develop and for them to test themselves and figure out exactly what they can do on their own.
For example, we put Kaleaha in Gymnastics 2 years ago this month. For the first few months she did very well and was keeping up with the other girls in her class, then she just started to excel. It was like she had really found her niche. She's so fun to watch.
Last summer she was invited to be on a beginning competition team. They started training in June and didn't have their first meet until December. She was starting to get frustrated with the team and expressed several times that she wanted to quit. I didn't want her to start out her very first team sport with a negative experience. I was talking with one of the other gym mom's during one of the girls exhibitions and she brought up a couple of points that made me see the experience from Kaleaha's eyes. So Ron and I talked with Kaleaha and decided to re-evaluate Gymnastics after the first meet.
When we went to the Santa Invitational in Barnhill Arena in Fayetteville, she was in awe. It was exciting to watch her light up when she walked in and saw the equipment set up and suddenly you could see that it was all "for real". She wasn't nervous and performed really well.
We were so proud of her and she ended up scoring first place on the beam and 2nd place All Around. Needless to say, she's all about Gymnastics these days with no thought of quitting. I hope it's something that she stays with for a long time, she's really fun to watch.
Krennan is such a sweet, cuddly little monster! He is always into something and thinks that he's as big as everybody else. He's crazy about Kaleaha (calls her e-uh) and follows her around anytime that she'll let him. He's super cuddly and we laughingly call him Grinnin' Krennan! He's also headstrong, stubborn and always insists on getting his own way. He's a total mess! He's mostly a Momma's boy, but loves his Daddy too.
He doesn't say tons of words, but has no problem getting his point across. If for some reason you don't understand what he's saying, he'll eventually come and get your hand and lead you over to it. I can't wait until he decides what he's interested in and watch him grow and learn.
Lastly for today, I'm grateful for so many things.
I try every day to express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father. I know that He knows the feelings in my heart, but I've decided to take this year and more openly express gratitude to the people in my life. I have so many that I've been blessed with.
My husband is wonderful, he's a wonderful father and supports me in everything that I do. I know I don't tell him as often as I should how much I appreciate him. My children know that I love them, but I hope they always know how grateful I am that they are mine for eternity. I hope that I can show them by example how to treat others and be a servant for the Lord.
My parents...So much to be grateful for there. Over the last few years as I've watched my Dad struggle with cancer, I've realized how blessed I am that I was born into their family. I've watched him accept and deal with this terrible disease with faith, hope and peace and most of all grace. I see some people that struggle with things and use their health as a reason to abuse others or to be negative in all aspects of their lives. He struggles daily just to do things that used to come so easily to him. I watch him do things that I know he doesn't want to do just because he has obligated himself to do them and it's not in his nature to say "I can't". I really admire him and will do anything in my power to make life easier for him.
I've watched my mom as she struggles with his health. She's bears a burden during this process as well. She keeps all of his medicine straight, makes sure that he eats well and keeps all of his many doctor's appointments and is just there to remind him (or nag him) whatever it takes to keep him healthy. I'm grateful for her willingness to always drop what she's doing and be there for him and for my family and for anyone else that needs her. She's not perfect, none of us are, but she tries to be there to show her love and support in anyway that she can. I can't think of a single thing that I've done in my life that she hasn't been there to show her support. I truly appreciate that gift of time especially as my own children grown and I know how hard it is to be everything for everyone and to do all the necessary things (like work) just to survive.
So as a challenge to myself and to you for this new year...Take every opportunity to express your gratitude to those around you and to take the time to appreciate all the blessings that you've been given.
August 1, 2010
July 18, 2010
Exciting Week ahead!
I'm so excited about this coming up week! First, work (get that out of the way) then onto VACATION! What's exciting about that is we finally get to have Krennan sealed to us! Should be an interesting experience. He's finally walking everywhere and because he is he has no desire to be held or confined in any way, shape or form. Hope the ladies in the Temple know what they're getting into!
We did his blessing a few weeks ago, dressed him up in his little white tux and he was so SWEET!! I don't think he felt quite the same way about the tux!
April 11, 2010
I really am trying...
I know, I know I keep saying that, but I have MANY good intentions on updating my rambling. They come several times per week, but when it comes down to a choice between sleep and blogging, SORRY, but sleep wins EVERY time!
I've got a couple of things to add for today and then who knows when I'll have time to post again! If you visit, please leave a comment, I've been thinking about just deleting my blog since I don't have much free time, so if you have an opinion on that, leave it too!
I've got a couple of things to add for today and then who knows when I'll have time to post again! If you visit, please leave a comment, I've been thinking about just deleting my blog since I don't have much free time, so if you have an opinion on that, leave it too!
Church Basketball Tournament
I hadn't been to one of these in a while, but since Kadence was playing we decided to go. It was a lot of fun and Kaleaha got a few shots of him on the court.
Super Hero Day
Every year Chik-Fil-A has two days especially for kids that are AWESOME! First there is Super Hero day then Princess Day a few weeks later. We've gone to Princess day for a few years now, but this was our first year to try out Super Hero Day. Kaleaha is a big Batman fan and I was curious to see Krennan's reaction to these people who are dressed up like the characters. We got there early so that we could get a seat (if you ever go, be sure to get there early or you'll end up on your feet the whole time!).
They have part of the restaurant decorated like the Batcave or on the other side, there is the view of the city from Spidey's angle. While we were waiting we signed up for prize baskets being given away.
When the Super Hero's arrived we got pictures of them coming in and while they were talking to the kids. Kaleaha played in the bounce around for a little while and then it was time to head home. Even little Super Hero's need sleep! We were excited to get a call later that Krennan had won one of the prizes, (see the first picture) so we went back and picked it up. I think for now Kaleaha will get more use out of it, but according to Krenn, it tastes pretty yummy!
Sink bath adventure
I finally caved in and gave Krennan a sink bath. Now, I say that like he's never had one, but that's not exactly true. Mamom and Gran give them to him all the time, but for me, it's faster (and neater) if I just stick him in the shower with me or in the bathtub. Anyway, I let him play for a few minutes before getting him out and I think he definitely prefers a sink bath!
March 7, 2010
February 6, 2010
January 13, 2010
December 11, 2009
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