Locks of Love

Our sweet little M decided she wanted to give her long gorgeous blonde hair to Locks of Love. I couldn't be happier with her decision to give to others. I just wish it wasn't her hair. I am way to attached to it and I know there are many moms out there that feel the same way. I had to make her appointment a month and a half early because I needed time to adjust to the idea. Now that it's here...I am left with no choice.

Mrs. Rachel was too cute. Thanks, Paula. She was so sweet with M. When she was all finished Mrs. Rachel said, 'She looks so grown up, Mom'. That's when the tears welled up in my eyes and I had to look strong. So, no, I didn't cry. I just got teary eyed thinking about my little girl growing up. It goes by so fast and I can't keep up. M is so excited about her new haircut. We all love it.
M, you are going to make some little person very happy.

Wild Wednesdays

F and I started our morning off at the school for K's Math Olympics. K did really well. Infact, she finished in 3rd place! Way to go, K!

Then F and I went to the Post Office and Smith's for some over priced groceries. I am so used to Wal-mart and Costco. I just hate to shop at Smith's. Then it was home to water my plants and take a power nap. F wasn't interested and I didn't force it because if he did fall asleep...he wouldn't have waken in time and would have been grouchy. So he played the Wii and I took the nap. It was short cause we had to be back at the school for K's play...13 Colonies.

So cute. All the kids in her class were dressed up. K was Martha Washington and wore a shawl and a white curly haired wig. Oh she made me laugh. She is quite the drama queen. F and I really enjoyed ourselves.

Then it was back home to get ready for K's piano practice, A's baseball game, Super Student Awards, and Cub Scouts. We didn't go to soccer practice cause it would have been a waste of our time...15 min. is enough time to run around the field 5 times. Anyway...I fed the kids dinner, packed them all up, and off we went.

A had a good game...3 hits. Then we had to get him in the car to change.

Super Student Awards were so cute. To earn Super Student...the kids have to get 6 out of 8 Student of the Months, no trips to the Principles office, practice good citizenship, and a couple of other things I don't remember. When M's name was called she got to the ramp and she held her dress on each side and walked just like a princess up to the principle. The audience 'Awwwd' and because I was back so far and couldn't see what was actually doing...I thought they 'awwd' because she was so little. What actually happened was much cuter.

We are so proud of our kids. Each one received this recognition. They work really hard to get good grades and practice good citizenship, courtesy, and respect towards others. We love you all and are so glad that you are good kids.

Then it was off to Cub Scouts. Oh my. This took FOREVER. A earned 2 red beads and his Conservation Belt Loop. He gave a report on the Red Wolf. He also drew a picture of the food chain of the wolf. Great job, A. We are so pleased with your progress.

It was after 8pm by the time we got home. So we got the kids in their jammies, had prayer, and went to bed. We are all exhausted. But what a fun day celebrating my kids!

Math Olympics

A was in the Math Olympics today, Tuesday. Before he left for school he was no to excited about it but once I got to the school he was better. I guess he didn't want to tell his teacher that he didn't want to do it.

A did so well. And what I was most proud of was that he did his best. He didn't get eliminated for a long time. Way to A!

Teacher Appreciation

Our Primary is fabulous! They put together a 'Teacher Appreciation Night' for all those teachers that have influenced the lives of each primary child in our ward. We had school teachers, coaches, dance teachers, primary teachers, piano teachers, home teachers, and gymnastic teachers.

Our Primary President, Anna Fraiser, gave some short opening remarks that were 'prefect' in my mind. She spoke of how important education is to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She read from The Family: A Proclamation to the World which states:

Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

She also said that as parents, we work hand in hand with our teachers who touch the lives of our children. We appreciate all that they do. What a wonderful night.

Our children have been so blessed with wonderful teachers throughout their years on this earth. I consider any person that has helped touch the lives of my children a blessing. There is not a single teacher that will fully understand what they have given to my children and there are not words that can express my gratitude for all that they do. They are helping my children to become GREAT leaders in this world. They are teaching them to stand tall, as President Hinckley has counseled, and to stand up for what you know is right. I am so grateful to good teachers who care about our youth.

Last Day of Preschool

F had so much fun in preschool this year...and thinks he's going to Kindergarten next year. This is always tricky since little kids have no concept of time...days, weeks, months, years.

For their last day of preschool I made them these cute little t-shirts. I just love them. I think the moms were more excited than the kids but oh well.

We let the kids play for a while and then Mrs. Jenni handed out certificates and evaluations. Wow! An official evaluation. I thought that was cool. Now I know where F is with everything. I hope Jenni teaches next year. F had so much fun with his friends, even though they were all girls.

An Apostle of the Lord

Today our stake was priviledge to have Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visit. From 10-12 we would sit in the presents of an apostle of God and feel of his spirit. Brandon, K, and A left the house at 7am to save us seats. I wanted the kids to sit up close so they could see for themselves, Elder Bednar. I got there at about 9 with M and F. As we sat there was much anticipation.

As Elder Bednar entered the room, everyone stood. There was a reverence that quickly came over the congregation. It was amazing. The same kind of reverence you experience in the conference center when the Prophet enters the room.

Elder Gibson spoke first. He is our area seventy. He was wonderful. He said, 'Your stake presidency has served dilligently for 8 years. (PAUSE) There are only 2 reasons that an area seventy would come and visit a stake. 1. To release and call a new stake president. This will not happen today. And 2. a visiting Apostle has come. This is why I am here. Because Elder Bednar has come to visit us."

Our wonderful stake president spoke next. President Brewer is a giant of a man and all heart. He is what I call a 'Big softy'. He spoke and bore testimony of our divine heritage. He bore witness that we need to be prepared spiritually as well as temporally. And that through small and simple things...great things shall come to pass. He talked about building our foundations through these small and simple things...prayer, fhe, family scripture reading, service, teaching and preparing lessons, going to the temple, etc. What a wonderful message.

Then we were able to hear from randomly chosen members of our stake. They bore testimony of Christ and their love for this gospel. What a wonderful spirit they brought.

The choir sang and right before a rest hymn and Elder Bednar's remark...the fire alarm was pulled! Can you believe it? We all had to evacuate the building. I told Brandon, 'I hope this doesn't cut Elder Bednar's talk short.'

Finally we made our way back into the building. We sang 'How Firm a Foundation'. Again...the spirit was present.

Elder Bednar resumed the podium and spoke, 'No unhallowed hand or fire alarm can stop the work from progressing.' Elder Bednar addressed those visiting this conference who were of another faith. He explained the name of our church and that Jesus Christ sits at the head. That this church is the same that was established while He was on the earth but because it was rejected...it was taken from the earth. Then in these latter days...was restored again. Prophets receive revelation now just as they had in the Old and New Testiment times.

Then he spoke to the members. He talked about the great Plan of Happiness, specifically about Agency. He talked about how our agency is the power to act independently. To act and not to be acted upon. He said, 'We have agency to choose the right'. He said that many of us don't fully understand the definition of agency. And as I sat there I was taught.

As members of the church, we make covenants with our Heavenly Father. The terms and conditions are set by Him. When we agree to the terms and conditions, we surrender our agency to do His will. We have signed the dotted line and our contract is binding. We cannot decide later that we don't want to read our scriptures or not go to church because we have already agreed to these conditions. We can not go back and change our minds. That would be a violation of our covenant.

He gave a good example of a man and his son. The man's son didn't want to go to church on Sunday. 'I have free agency. I can make my own choices.' To which the father replied, 'You do have choices. You can either walk to church or ride in the car.' When we are baptized we make 3 covenants with our Father in Heaven. 1. To take upon us his name, 2. To always remember Him, and 3. To keep his commandments.

He said, 'What could we possible give to the Savior to repay him for what he has given us? Nothing...except OUR WILL.' Obedience to the covenants we have made.

He then share some of the small and simple things he did with his family. Scripture reading in particular. He said we probably thought the children of an apostle were perfect for scripture study. He assured us they were not. They would come in funky t-shirts, hair messy, sitting upside down on the couch, saying things like 'make her stop touching me' and 'she's breathing my air'. To which we all laughed. He said that if he were to ask his kids what they remember about scripture reading or fhe...they would probably say...'Consistancy'. They won't remember the lessons or the songs...but they will remember that they had it consistantly. And that's what they can take with them to their own families. Building a strong foundation.

Sometimes I think, 'Is this getting through to them? Are they learning anything?' But they are and I am building our foundtion.

There is something so powerful about being six rows from an apostle of the Lord. Elder Bednar was funny. He gave counsel. And he was filled with the spirit of God. I can't explain my emotions during this meeting. It was unreal to sit in the same room as him and have him look straight at you. I felt so blessed. That is the best way to explain my emotions...blessed.

Celebrity Swine Flu Fatality

And we all know who gave it to him...

My Everything

Lucky 13? No...unlucky is more like it. I won't tell a long story or even excuse myself...I forgot. I simply was too busy with everything else and forgot our anniversary.

I got home that evening from M's tball game and there on the kitchen counter were flowers and presents. M immediately said, 'It's Mother's Day!' A little confused, I told her that Mother's Day wasn't until May and we were still in the last week of April. Then I read the card. It said, 'Happy Anniversary, Love Brandon.' I was flabbergasted. I went to the calendar, frantic. I didn't even put it on the calendar! And I always put everything on the calendar! I was in tears.

Brandon arrived home shortly after and I was doing the dishes. He peeked around my shoulder to see my face and all I could say was, 'You are suppose to remind me when I forget things like this.' Then I broke down again and he laughed. Holding me in his arms he said, 'This is the best gift you could have given me. You forgot and I remembered. I only remembered at 3pm but I remembered.' He hugged me for a long time...until I calmed down...all the while chuckling to himself...proud, no doubt of the fact that he caught me off guard. He loves seeing my surprized expressions.

So...I decided then that I would just pick a separate day to let him know how much I love him. And maybe that would be a good surprize for him.

Brandon...why do I love you?
1. I love that together we are a team. When I feel like I am losing control of the kids or the house or my calling you take over and literally pick up where I fall short.

2. I love that you are so helpful. You are always helping me with dinner, folding clothes, bathing kids, doing the dishes, taking out the trash, and watering plants.

3. I love that you are patient when all my patience is worn out.

4. I love that you don't get angry over stupid things like I tend to do.

5. I love that your soft words melt my hard heart.

6. I love that you take a sincere interest in our children's lives. In their sports, school, and church activities.

7. I love that you TRY to not watch TV on Sunday.

8. I love that you are so much taller than me which allows me to wear high heels.

9. I love that when I am stressed out about money...you can go buy a pizza for dinner.

10. I love that you are so relaxed and not easily frazzeled.

11. I love the fact that you love to teach. And when you do so, you are so aware of the spirit guiding you to say what needs to be said.

12. I love that you honor your priesthood.

13. I love when you take charge. When you take that leadership role. It makes me feel safe.

14. I love watching you play sports. I love how intense you can be...your competitiveness is like none other.

15. I love watching movies with you. Usually when we're folding clothes...but together.

16. I love that you play and rough house with the kids. They love you so much and it's nice to see that when they want to be with you.

17. I love seeing you all dressed up. In your church clothes or when you dress a little nicer for work.

18. I love that you came to the tennis courts one morning just to kiss me goodbye. That was such a wonderful surprise. And really made my day.

19. I love when you eat my food. There are some things I don't do well and cooking is one of them. But every once in a while things actually turn out pretty good.

20. I love that you overlook my short comings and love me for what I can be. You keep me striving to be a better wife, mother, and all around daughter of God.

You are my everything. And there isn't a day that goes by that I am not thankful for you. I am sorry I forgot our anniversary. I do love you more today than I ever thought possible the day we got married.

Love, Me

Mother's Day

There are so many women that have influenced me during my life but none like my very own mom. Actually we are a lot alike. She probably has more patience than I do but other than that...

Mom loves to create things. I remember whenever my mom was preparing a Sunday lesson there was some creative handout (BofM made out of the small raisin boxes) or object lesson (real chicks for the gathering of Israel...'as a hen gather her chickens...').

Mom enjoys sewing. Basic is my thing but I remember my mom sewing Easter dresses every year. Or new curtains. I remember one year she reupolstered some furniture we had. Specifically an orange fabric on a chair. I can still remember the texture of that chair. I remember she taught us how to make aprons, shorts, and shirts. I remember learning to sew on buttons. I also remember learning to cross-stitch, crochet, and knit. She had more patience than I did at these things.

Mom enjoys music. I love listening to church music. It calms me and fills my home with a sweet tender spirit. I enjoy playing the piano while F and M sing primary songs. I'm not that good at those songs but we have fun singing together.

Mom enjoys cooking. I remember my mom would make different meals from different countries. I don't think I will ever venture this far but she would check out cookbooks from the library and try different recipes. I remember most of them tasting really good. When I was in high school I burned canned soup once and my sister never let me forget it. Again the patience thing. I just don't have a lot of it.

Mom enjoys decorating. I don't know a single mom who doesn't like to do this. My mom had doiles and crocheted wall hangings. She has very sophisticated taste. She likes to decorate in elegance but also kid friendly. Her home now is probably more kid friendly than it has ever been.

My Mom enjoys being resourceful. She is the queen at this. She can look at a photo in a magazine and create it with what she has or within a budget. She has always done this. What I love is using what I have and transforming it to be something that I want. I always get a kick out of this process.

Mom enjoys fashion. Growing up my mom always had fashionable shoes, dresses, and accessories. I remember walking around in her high heeled shoes and even when I was in high school...trying on her dresses. I always thought she was so stylish. She knew all about colors and make-up and which skin tones looked best in which colors. I remember one time she told us to get all dressed up because we were going to the Oscars (we were going to watch them on tv but pretend that we were really there). I don't remember exactly what we wore but I remember silver shiney material, hot pink something, and leggins. I am sure we looked ridiculous.

Mom enjoy pretty things. My mom likes plants...flowers. She once lived in Switzerland and would tell us of the mountains and flowers. She enjoys camping and finds joy in nature.

Mom has a strong testimony. I remember her teaching us about how important Joseph Smith was to the restoration of the gospel. I remember lessons on tithing and being sealed in the temple. I remember baptism lessons about the importance of obeying Heavenly Father's commandments. I remember feeling loved in my home and having a desire to be married in the temple. Even now when I call her she finds some way to find a correlation to gospel principles.

Mom loves her family most of all. I didn't learn about this fully until I had my family. I always felt safe and protected at home. And now I try hard to help my kids find those same feelings.

Mom always tried hard to give us what we wanted. She made sure we always had what we needed and what we wanted was extra. She did her best and I love her for that. I remember one time hearing her say...'When you're a mom you'll understand'. I forget exactly what it was in reference to but there are so many things that I didn't understand when I was younger that I do now that I have my own kids. And Mom, thanks. For all you have taught me. For all you have sacrificed for me. And for all the love you have given to me.

Happy Mother's Day. I love you.

Really Dead

Okay so I looked at my tomato plants again today...and the one that I thought I killed a few days ago...is really dead now. So sad. I told Jenni and she said I could have another one. Hopefully I won't kill that one.

Tomato Plants

A couple of days ago I potted my last tomato plant. Thanks Jenni and Wayne. It was the tallest. I placed it in the pot and watered it with Miracle Grow. Then set it out in the sun. The wind has been pretty fierce this week so I have tried to keep them inside mostly. When I went to bring it inside this it what I found. So sad. I killed it!

So I took it back outside in the late afternoon yesterday. Hoping that it would come back. And this morning...this is what I found.

It totally came back. It's standing straight and tall! Oh, I love green plants. Especially ones that don't die.

Soccer, Baseball, then Tball

To be honest...I look forward to Saturdays. I love to see my kids playing in their games.

I started off this Saturday bright and early with Basketball at 6am. A few ladies get together to exercise. I so enjoy playing this game...even if I'm not as good as I use to be. I love the exercise. I'd rather play a sport than workout at the gym.

Then it was home, shower, and out the door to K's soccer pictures and game. Her team really did an awesome job this weekend. They played one of their higher competitors. The first face off with this team was bad. 8-2. But today the score was much closer. 5-3. I was very impressed.

After K's game, we headed over to the baseball fields where A's game was an hour and a half under way. Brandon was operating the machine and A was hitting great. He made an awesome play to first as well. The ball was hit straight and fast to him. He scooped it up and threw it to first base. OUT! He is doing so well at playing short stop! And he LOVES being on the same team with his best friend, Kobey.

Last but not least was M's tball game. This little girl is super! She started out as Catcher. So cute. And when the other team was coming home...

Okay in tball they just learn to throw the ball to first no matter what, right? Well this little superstar was playing second base. The ball was hit to her, she scooped it up, stepped on her base, and then threw it to first base. A DOUBLE PLAY! Everyone in the stands was cheering and her coach was so excited. Her motions were second nature. She just KNEW what to do. I was so excited for her. Way to go, M! You rock!

Weekly Update

This is what my blog has come to. Weekly updates. So sad. But I find myself too busy to blog at times and it makes me very sad. Oh well.

Monday was uneventful...the wind has been a very negative force in my outdoor play lately. Too windy to do anything really. In fact today, K's soccer practice was canceled because it was too windy. F had preschool, which he always looks forward to. While he was there, I went home to clean. I can see why kids put up such a stink when they are asked to do chores. I don't like them much either. But I do like a clean house.

Tuesday...another nice day until you go outside and you get blown over by the wind. F and I went into Reno...an hour away...to look for a scrapbook store I found online. I took the address and directions but couldn't find it. So I called my friend, Kendra, to look for the phone number. I call it and wouldn't you know...it's been disconnected which means that this scrapbook store no longer exists. Kind of frusterating. I've need chipboard in a bad way for a project I am working on for F's Preschool teacher. So I went to the ONLY scrapbook store I am aware of in Carson City. No chipboard. I miss Heartland Paper so bad right now! M had a Tball game and those kids were roughin the wind. Bring it on! M did so well. Another 2 hits! She is really liking this game.

Wednesday...wind again. This is really getting old! F had preschool and Paula and I were going to play tennis but it was too windy this morning. This proved to be a good thing because I forgot that Michelle was coming over to see my Silhouette. Good thing. She had a question I couldn't answer...so if any of you have the silhouette and know the answer to this question please let me know.

'Can you import a 'pdf' file?' Her husband owns a business and wants to import his store logo to print on different colors of vinyl. I tried to import a regular file but I there was some major modifications to be made. The lines weren't straight and it wasn't worth the time to fix them.

F and I went and got some dirt for our tomato plants and 2 more planters. But after planting I had to bring the plants back inside because it was too windy. My poor plants are going to have a permanent bend in their growth because of the wind. No soccer practice again due to high winds. A did have Cub Scouts and while he was there I watched Arianne's little ones while she entered VT statistics on the church's computer. What a day.

Thursday...NO WIND! Oh hurray! I played tennis early this morning and later today. It was so nice not to be blown over! I watered my tomato plants...2 of them have yellow leaves...I think I've watered them enough but they just haven't had sun time. Poor things. F and I went into Carson to find chipboard and return some Curry spice I accidently picked up at the store. I meant to grab Cumin but apparently didn't. Didn't find any chipboard but did find a store that sells cardstock pretty cheap. So that's a plus. I know where to get red cardstock now!

Friday...a noneventful day. I have come to the realization that I am not going to find any chipboard in this part of Nevada. Which is really depressing. I really don't like living here. (Don't read too much into that. I LOVE my friends and I have gotten use to my big shopping trips. It's little things that I am so use to from living in Utah.) I have searched for something comparable with no luck. So I have decided to make this little project from scratch. What's that saying about...Use it up...Wear it out...Make do...or Do without? Or am I getting two different quotes mixed up? That's possible. Anyway...I have chosen to...Make Do. I got 2 empty capri sun boxes...cut them up to the sizes I wanted and made my own chipboard. I cut and mod podged my paper, applied my embellishments, punched my holes, and tied my ribbon. Now I just have to choose my pictures and have the preschool kids add their hand prints to the back. I am loving myself right now. Here's my finished homemade mini album for F's preschool teacher. I love it. Wish I could keep it.

With that done...I can get dressed, clean my house, have lunch, and go play tennis this afternoon. Hope it's not windy by then.

99 Things...

Found this on my sister's blog. Thought I'd try it. Here are the rules:Bold the things you’ve done and post on your blog!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Redwoods
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

That was fun! Who wants to play?

Pinewood Derby

A was so excited for Pinewood Derby. He had a baseball game that overlapped but he didn't care if he missed part of his game. Pinewood Derby is HUGE to these Cubs. In the sense that they have SOOOOOO much fun together.

Before he could take and race his car...I had to make some adjustments. Additions. I pulled out ALL his legos, nightmare, trying to find parts that fit...I probably need to play with legos more because this took me a long time. Finally I came up with a driver, steering wheel, and something to put on the back.

Then I weighed it. 3 3/4! What! Okay...so I added 3 quarters. Almost but still not to 5oz. I thought hard. One more quarter would put me over. What did I have that was heavy but light? So I tried my Church key! YES! Perfect. 5oz. exactly.

A was really excited when he saw the finished product. He has so much fun racing. And we saw many lego drivers this year. Maybe lego should come out with a Lego Derby Car.