Our sweet boy, our sweet JOY!

Life is a Roller Coster

Seriously, I look back on this whole week and it has been one crazy week. Not all bog entrees can be full of fun and pleasure etc . . . We have had a lot of drama this week, well drama is a bad word – our family has had a lot of ups & downs - misunderstandings, bad family news, adjusting friendships, constant health issues, serious economy news, political world news, school functions (a ton!), church functions, misc. stupid stuff . . .  you name it! Relatively things isolated by themselves not so bad but as a collective whole it can seem large. One thing I can say that has been such a blessing so far is that I am taking the adult religion class on Thursdays (sooooo good). They talked about this very thing. When life around you is in turmoil how important it is to carry on – I really have a new understanding of :

Mosiah 5:15

Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works . . .

It seems to me that everyday I received this message all week. I would remember for the day, but forget the next, until I read my scriptures, went visiting teaching, saw the EFY theme on the fridge, the daily gem from LDS.org you name it etc. . . It was nice. 

I absolutely loved the RS Broadcast. I realized how great it is to be a woman. There are so many good women everywhere! Always serving. I have to give a shout out to Kerri Winegar – she brought me dinner this week, even though I told her I didn’t need it. I know I’m not an easy person to serve – but when someone is willing to still reach out – I appreciate it! Thanks Kerri!

We had our primary program today – it ended this week so nicely – I loved seeing the cute kids, hearing the sweet songs, and seeing my kids looking to see if I’m looking at them.  Tucker & Will right before the program today - don't you love Will's cheesy smile & Tucker too cool for a tie?

Little Stinkies & Showers - ha ha

Friday, we went on our ward camp out. As were driving, both Doug and I noticed other drivers driving by and kept laughing at us??? We kept wondering why are they laughing? We suddenly realized because we offered to take up the John-Johns for the activity . . . and we looked like this driving up.  The company that owned this was called "Little Stinkies"

We had to be authentic!  Wyndi our great organizer of the whole event!

A few of the fun boys Will's age!

You can't see this is over a 15 ft drop over a dry river bed - they all were trying to walk across this - eventually the boys of course were having jumping contests off of it.

Baylie and a few of her friends - she ended up staying the night - so great of the Dillards to keep her for us!

Tucker, Todd and Meg - the "Trio".  These kids bike ride to school together and play a lot!!  I love seeing them together - Don't be fooled by the fact that Meg is a girl - she can out-ride, out skate, and out play these boys O F T E N!!! ha ha

My cute sister-in-law had her first baby shower - it was so fun. I can't believe this is the cute little 5 yr old that always looked in the mirror at herself at DC2 all growing up is having a BABY!! (just kiddn chels) We are way excited for her! I love seeing all the girl stuff (having had boys for the 3 kids - and my girls are over a century old) They have soooo many cute and practical things now day - it's fun to see.

These were some of the cute cup cakes we had at the shower!  Kristy Lee is soooo awesome at this!

The Falling Market & 72 hour kits

Yesterday I took Carson to Cheer practice and I sat by another mom that works for Bank of America.  She had been on conference calls all day because of their buy-out of Merrill Lynch.  She was just expressing some of the depressing news concerning our economy.  It was frightening to hear.  I was also listening to a talk show that same day about how we should brace ourselves in what may be another "depression".  YIKES!  It has made me really think hard about some of the dumb things I buy!!!  . . . and about the future of our finances.  Doug and I have had a few sit-downs and are self-checking where we stand.  WE really have had to go over what's important and not.

Sooooo because of all of this we are getting ready for our annual 72 hour re-packing day.  We do this every year during conference weekend.  We repack all of our bags, make sure food is fresh, clothes fit, and this year I need to make sure I have enough stuff for Rowdy.  I was reading on a some one's blog about how they have had family that has had to evacuate in the south.  I defiantly want to be prepared for anything.  It also helps when you sit and watch a movie about some kind of natural disaster to prompt you to get the ball rolling.  (I suggest "The Day After")  When my calling was over food storage a few years back I had to create all kinds of hand-outs on misc. things etc. . .  For those of you interested and want a copy of the 72 hour kit check off list download files on the link below - I also had a FHE story that I made to go along with everything.  It's nice to make sure the whole family is involved and they understand why.  Also check out this link for a video of a car kit.   PS . . this pic is of someone else's kits, not mine.  I think mine are too big - they're rolling duffle bags/back packs.  I chose that because one year I had my boys put on their packs and they fell backwards!

Car Kit

72 hour kit files

New Member!

Yesterday Will was baptized.  It was a some-what of an emotional day.  I have made a video/DVD for each of my kids for their baptism to kinda personalize the day for them.  Will has been asking for the last two years - "when will I get a video?"  I told him for his baptism.  I had been working on it all week.  To see all of his newborn pictures and see some of his hospital pictures brings a lot of emotions back.  So yesterday I was trying hard not cry over little dumb things - because seriously a Halmark card could make me cry. 

Anyway, it was a lovely day.  Our Stake has "Stake" baptisms since there are so many kids being baptized.  We had 4 kids from our Ward alone.  When Carson was baptized is when they first started doing this - it was hard to not have a personalized baptism, but now I really appreciate that I don't have to prepare so much.  Also, the more we become better friends with those in our ward it so great to share an event like this with our Ward Family.

After the baptism we all went into the primary room and did the confirmations in there.  I think there were almost 11 - 12 men in the circle for his confirmation.  When Will stood up and went around the circle and shook every one's hand in his new suit - I was so touched witnessing priesthood power in front of me.  The final touching moment for me was to see Will hug my husband.  I am so blessed that Doug is worthy to perform these blessings for our family.  Also, Will loves his Dad soooooo much - Doug is such a hero to him - I absolutely love it!

This event is such a wonderful milestone for our family - but all said and done, I'm glad is over.  This week has also been so stressful with so many To-Do's, there were many times it has pushed me over the edge.  Sooo I am grateful for the friends and family that recognized it and helped me out - I appreciate it very much!

Can't Stop Time!

Over the last 2 weeks, we celebrated two Birthdays in our family:

First of all, our baby is now ONE!  We had Rowdy's first birthday - it was sooo fun to have this milestone in his life, but at the same time, he is growing up too fast for me.  He is full of spunk and a LOT of Independence!!!! Man o man, he does like to do everything himself, but doesn't know how??  He can get really unhappy with us if you try to help - it's kinda funny.  We love him so much - it really is the center of attention in our home - maybe that is why he can get crabby at the drop of the hat - he knows he's KING in our home!  Oh seriously . . . I love his eye-lashes!!!

Carson also had her birthday this week.  What can I say about my oldest daughter - I love her sooo much!  She is my right-hand man, side-kick and at times one of my best friends'.  Her personality is really vibrant!  Often it needs to be contained - but wow, she really knows who she is and I love and admire her for that!  Things don't always go her way, but we tell her that is the Lord leading, guiding, and molding her in the direction that she needs to be in.  She had a pretty good B-day - I wish she would stop growing up - time seems to be slipping away from me.  Not to long she will have her learner's permit! . . . at least I still have Rowdy to play kiss-a-boo with!