Getting Financially Free

The start of our journey to become financially free: Well, we have always tried to live on a budget and stay out of debt. When Dave went through school we didn't do loans we just did our best to save for it and pay it off each semester. We tried to have a budget but it seemed like our money always went every which way. Well, before Gordon was born we felt like we needed a bigger car to fit three kids in then our lumina. So we upgraded to a mini van, maybe a too big up an upgrade cause we went into debt. I just HATE debt.

Well, we paid the payments and wasn't working after Gordon was born. So Dave worked an extra job to pay for things. Then I was blessed with an AWESOME job! Which has been such a blessing! Well, I was stressing at the end of the summer about being in debt, what we should do with the van. Maybe we should sell it, but we decided to stay with our choose of buying it and paying it off.

Well, in September Mark and Mary came into town. Kristi and I started to talk to Mary about finances and She started to talk about Dave Ramsey and his 7 step program, and how much they believe in it and how they soon will be paying off there house. Well, we talked about ways to start getting out of debt and the different steps. And she gave us some advice, which for me it was an answer to a prayer. Mark came in to see what all the talk was about, and they said that they believed in his principles so much that would send us his book. We said yes, and in October we started our Money Makeover.

It has become such a blessing in our marriage to be on the same page financially and to be so intense or Gazelle as Dave Ramsey puts it, to not spend money when we really don't have it!

Well, we really put our budget into a working one. So that we will actually have a nice Christmas cause we have saved all year for it, saving for clothes so when the need comes then we can use the money that is set aside. It is a no brainier for some, but for us those little things have really helped us! We had step one, our 1000 dollar emergency fund, already. So onto step two onto chipping away at the debt (and saving for a new roof). We worked really hard to buy things that was only on our budget. I started to pick up lots of on call shifts, we made signs to remind us our goal, and when we wanted to something we shouldn't we would remind ourselves that we were GAZELLE! Well, we had our goal set of September that we would be out of debt. That is what we looked for. Well, we found out that we were expecting and things in my mind started to stress about how we would work on our 3rd step making our 3-6 month of expenses in savings. Well, at the same time We started going to some finances classes in the stake. I felt that we were doing what we were suppose to be doing with have our family when the Lord wanted us to, that it would work out. Well, I believed that but it didn't really help. I knew taxes were coming and last year we had to pay. I just worried and stressed. Well, about a month ago I was cleaning (the kids were at preschool, and Gordon was sleeping), and had this impress come out of nowhere "It will be alright, I will take care of it". It was so reassuring, and I started thinking about ways that we were blessed with Jonathan when we couldn't really afford it and how we had AFLAC and he was in the NICU and it paid for the entire delivery of his and mine. I KNEW that the Lord would take care of us as we continued our plan of staying financially free. Well, two weeks later my brother, who was doing our taxes, texted me the amount of return that we were going to get back. I couldn't believe it, it was almost to the dollar of how much to owed on our van. I KNEW that Heavenly Father was indeed taking care of us as he told me he would! It feels so good to start on step 3, so that we will have a little savings before the baby comes! I feel so blessed in so many ways! I had lots of ideas of what I wanted with our finances, like trying to pay off our house, but Dave Ramsey helps you make that reality when you have all your ducks in a row! Thank you Mark and Mary for being an answer to my prayers!

Activity Days!

This past Friday night, the Activity Days Leaders put on a Daddy Daughter Dance for the 8-11 year old girls in our ward! it was so much fun black and white theme with even a red carpet! It was so fun to see the girls having fun! One of the best part of the night was when Emma pulled her Dad onto the dance floor (no else was dancing yet) and started dancing with her Dad standing on his feet! They talked and dance and enjoyed each, I almost was in tears as I watched- as I thought about my little Sarah and her Dad get to come and enjoy each others companion! What a fun night for everyone involved!

Forget Not!

I loved this talk it was wonderful and what I needed to hear!

His Hand

I want to write down my feels of things that have been happening in our life! After having Gordon and before that I have been wanting to be home, I have wanted to be able to have more time with my children- for they will only be little for such a short time. I thought that when I went on Maternity leave that I would go back to the hospital on PRN (or as needed). When the time came to start getting my schedule together, it just didn't feel right to go back to the hospital. The 12 hour shift just wasn't going to work with Dave and I. I wanted to be home!! I felt strongly that I wasn't supposed to go back, and I was at peace with it. I was enjoying being at home, and so was Dave.

Although, it was very much of a burden on Dave's shoulders to provide financially for our family. He worked hard and worked an evening job, for awhile. He also started his own little business on the side to do deliveries. But, everything just didn't cut it. I felt the burden myself and felt that I could help out. One of the reasons that I into nursing was to be able to be home and help out financially as needed. Well, i started looking into home health and hospice. I called around everywhere- but no one was really hiring. So I stopped and then I felt the need again. So I called the same places and was going to send my resume in if needed. But, one of the companies was hiring, which last week they weren't. So the manager said she wouldn't talk to me even though I didn't have home health experience. The position she needed was a on call/PRN position. It felt right , and it felt good. I thought that I had the job! But with people in the small company they did some moving around and they ended up not needing me. I was bummed, but moved and enjoyed being home. So the next week, I emailed and faxed companies my resume and left as that.

A few weeks past, and on Monday another company wanted to interview me and needed a part time person/PRN. I set up an interview with them on Thursday. Well, I talked with the manager and at first I didn't know how it would work with my family? But was we talked I thought I could do one-two pts at a time. She pretty much offered the job to me, but I needed to think about it and talk to Dave about it. My Dad was watching Gordon (Jonathan and Sarah were at a friends house), so called to tell him I was on my way home. He asked how it went and I told him and I said that the previous job was better but I thought this would work. I felt that by saying that, I let the Lord know what I wanted and was thinking and he blessed me- IMMEDIATELY. About 2:30 Dave was home for lunch and we were talking about the pros and cons of the job. I got a random phone call, we were out of minutes, but I felt like I should answer it. It was the Manager from the first company I interviewed with and she said they did actually did need me. I just started to laugh, and she was really nice and told me they really wanted me and to choose them. I told her I would get back to her about my decision by Today. Well, when I got off the phone. I KNEW that the Lord was blessing me, and it was no coincidence that she called me today. I know that as I try to be faithful in the little things in my life such as prayer and husband/wife scripture study he blesses me. But, he continues to bless me and I am able to see it more easily how he is blessing our life's and directing our paths!

Thoughts

I just had a few thoughts as I feed Gordon and read my two friends blogs. As life continues to move on day by day and we all have our different trials. I think about my two friends from nursing school that each have lost a child in the last week. How HARD that would be, but as my one friend blogs about her experience it makes me stronger- also to know that she will see this sweet baby once again in her perfect form. I hold Gordon close and look at how precious and sweet he is and how precious life is. I feel that with each child I have I cherish this time more and more. Although it is so HARD to wake up in the middle of the night and not just sleep. I hold Gordon close and stroke him and feel his spirit as I feed him. I know that I will get my sleep back soon enough, this will pass to soon and I will want it back. As my mother likes to say is we do Hard things and its true- but as we rely on the Lord he strengthens us!

I also read a dear friends blog about her trails of being a mother and conquering them! I admire her and take this quote from her that I desperately needed! "Welcome the task that makes you go beyond yourself, and you will grow"! Julie B Beck

I feel that a tender mercies at this time is to be able to be at home 24 hours a day and not have to worry about work and to enjoy my children, as I learn to function as a mother of three! I feel so blessed to have these three children in my care!

Being Healthier

What is this a picture of? Homemade Yogurt. Well, I made my first batch of homemade yogurt last night and when I woke up this morning it was ready! We had it tonight as a snack before the kids went to bed and it was good. I added some honey for the kids. Jonathan said it was GOOD! We have been going through lots of yogurt, I decided that this past month I spent around 25 dollars in yogurt (give or take) and the yogurt maker is only 30 dollars! So I would have it payed off in a month! I was very impressed with the yogurt maker, I tried to make it in the crock pot and it was way to milky and thin for me. But with the maker I just used whole mil, powder milk and a yogurt starter and there you go!

We, as a family are trying to eat healthier and so we are trying to eliminate MSG and high fructose corn syrup in our diet. And the high fructose corn syrup seems to be in everything!! So we are trying to make things from starch more and be more observant with the things we buy. We have been buying bountiful baskets (food co op) once a week, which has been forcing me to cook with more vegetables and eat more fruit. It also pushes us outside our comfort zone with the things we usually eat! To better living!!

How it all began...with the delivery of Baby Gordon

Dave gave me these less then a week before Gordon was due! I was having a hard time and just ready to be done! I thought it was very sweet of him!

So the morning of January 26 around 3 am Jonathan came into our room saying that his legs hurt and that he needed a blessing. He had his blanket and pillow. I situated him and then after I did that I felt a little water on my legs, and then I went to the bathroom and lost my plug and then my pressure waves started!! I couldn't believe it, I was a little surprised that it was happening even before my due date cause I was planning on going a week over as I did with Sarah! Well, Dave gave me a blessing and told me that it was on the Lord's time table and not mine! I kept thinking that I had scheduled for that day a cut and color for my hair! So I tried to relax and listen to my hypnobabies cause I was determined to go natural with this little girl that was coming. But, I just couldn't relax so at 5 am I got into the bath and that finally relaxed me. The pressure waves were about 10 minutes apart and I could just breath through them. So around 7:30 Dave and the kids gathered around me and we discussed the day. Dave was going to go to work and I would still get my hair done, but if I progressed fast he would come home. So I got ready for the day and called my Mom and Kristi to tell them what was going on. The consensus was to wait to go in until I couldn't handle it anymore! Well, I was getting ready this is what the kids were doing!
Jonathan was super excited to go to Papa's and sleep the night. So he took out ALL his clothes in his dresser and put them on the floor! He was so proud of himself, I had to laugh cause I know he was trying to help.
Meanwhile, I went to find Sarah and this is what she was doing! Drawing with a Dry erase marker!! I couldn't believe it, I didn't have the energy to clean it up during my pressure waves. So I called Kristi to see if she could come pick up the kids! It was a life saver, thanks Kristi! So I got my bags in the car and my Dad drove me to my hair appointment and waited for me just in case I needed to go the hospital! Thanks so much Dad!

Ready to have the baby! So by this time it was about 1pm and I was having pressure waves about every 7-10 minutes. My Dad and I walked the mall, and the pressure waves started to come more frequent and strong. (About every 4 minutes while walking) I decided to go home and eat something and sit on the birthing ball and listen to my hypnobabies. Dave soon came home and he ate lunch. I wanted to walk over to my parents house (a block and a half a way) and to see the kids and try to help me along. The pressure waves started to come more frequent and more intense, it was nice to have Dave their to help remind me to breath! So when we got back to the house we headed to the hospital!

Oh and we are now a Minivan Family! It was about 4 pm, hypnobabies and Dave drove, I got a text from my Sister to be strong and telling me that I could do it!! Well, we walked in and I asked for a nurse that enjoyed natural child birth, they gave me Denise. She was AMAZING! So they checked me, and just had me put a gown on over my clothes. From how the staff were acting they didn't think that I was very far along at all. Well, she checked me and I was a 6! Yes, a 6. I was so excited that I was that far. Cause with Sarah I went from 6 to complete in no time! Well, they called the midwife and Jen hurried over cause they were thinking that I was going to be having this baby SOON! So I walked over to my room to be admitted and another nurse commented that I was at a 6 and walking and looking so good. That made me feel good! I had a few pressure waves and Denise with Dave's help, helped me to relax and breath through the waves. So my Midwife checked me about 5:00 and I was a 7! So I had Dave call my mom and tell her to come cause they talked liket it is going to be soon! Well, the baby started to have some decelerations in her heart rate down to the 50's and it worried the Midwife and it took the baby about an hour to recover completely. So they gave me some medication to stop my uterus from contracting. The MD got there and they talked to me about possibly needing a c-section and if that be the case and I have no epidural then they would have to sedate me completely. Dave and I talked about what we should do, I was not liking the idea of an epidural cause I wanted to go natural all the way. I wanted the pride of saying that "I did it"! But Dave and I decided that it would be best for the baby if I got an epidural. So we decided that I get an epidural. Once it became clear that I was going to get an epidural I lost my concentration and the next three pressure waves I was NOT relaxed! I finally got the epidural around 8ish. Which I could then relax!

So then we all just waited, my parents were there is Dave and I. They continued to check me but I was staying at a 7, so the MD decided that to help me start contracting again that I should use pitocin. They started at half the rate, with my previous history. I SLOWLY started to contract with a dosing of 12 of pit. I finally got to a 10, fully effaced a station of 1+. The midwife thought that I should just start to push. She had a lot of great techniques with pushing. During the pushing I had my Mom read the Esther story out of the bible because about a month ago Dave had a feeling that she wasn't Grace but thought maybe Esther. Well, I never got that feeling, I just had this feeling well where is Grace. About 2 years ago I had a feeling that we would be having a little girl named Grace Dolly. And a little bit before we found out that we were expecting I had a feeling about two little girls coming. So I just wonder if Grace wasn't coming then how come I had all these feelings? So Mom continued to read between the pushes, but I continued to have no feelings. I was kind of waiting for baby girls delivery because during Sarah's birth I knew Sarah was going to be Sarah. So I pushed for about an hour and 15 minutes and there she came. Oh wait SURPRISE it was a little boy! I couldn't believe it and just had to laugh! But it felt right and I just had to laugh because that was the reason why I just couldn't have a good feeling about her name- CAUSE there was never a HER at ALL!

He was 8 lbs 12 oz, 21 inches long, born at 10:43 pm!

OUR CUTE LITTLE BOY!

Many have asked if I found out and how this happened. Well, to start off- Dave and I always thought that we were having a baby girl with all my previous feelings. So when the date of our ultrasound came the tech said that she was 95% sure it was a little girl (while watching the ultrasound we had no idea what she was looking at- at previous ultrasounds with Jonathan and Sarah we could kind of tell what everything was), but we could come back and check for sure later if we wanted. We thought that we were good! So while picking out fabric to make for our "little girl" I kept picking out little boy fabric. The fast forward to about 2 week before the delivery, something just wasn't right. I had this unsettled feeling that something wasn't right. I wasn't sure if our baby would have special needs or a cleft plate problem (during the ultrasound they could see the plate), something wasn't right. Well, now looking back it was because it was a little BOY all along!

After the birth the nurses checked him out, he had some meconium when they broke my water- so they did this intrauterine wash and an antibiotic. And he was completely fine and his apgar score was a 8 and 9. With this birth I had a few ideas of how I wanted things to be and the Midwife did her best to do as I wanted. Well, after they checked him over they gave him back to me for some bonding! I LOVED IT!!

Previous deliveries I was in the OR so that never happened. This time I held him and talked with him and just enjoyed holding my LITTLE BOY! Then I nursed him and he did great at latching on! It was so refreshing to hold this little spirit in my arms. I had forgotten how previous it is to be a mother and hold a little one from Heaven!

Then Daddy, Grammy and Papa got there time to met our new little guy!

Look at that little smile from our little boy!

What can I say proud parents!!

After we had our time, then the nurse put ointment in his eyes, and then they took him to get bathed! Dave went to help!

Look at that face!

Content after getting his first bath! Doesn't he look so sweet? Well, he is and we just adore him!

Dave stayed with him tell he was ready to sleep, and then he made sure I was ready for bed.

Well, our little boy continued to be called "Little Boy" since we had no idea of little boy names. We decided to sleep on it! I was exhausted and so happy to bring a new little one into our family!

My thoughts

Well, I thought that I would write down some of my thoughts. The big thing that that is going on is that Jonathan is not sleeping or having a hard time. We started this back when we came home from California. It has been very hard two weeks. We cut out naps, which is so hard for me cause this is my quiet time, although I knew it was coming to an end. But, even cutting out naps didn't help. It would be one thing if he just wasn't sleeping, but there is outrageous crying and wanting the other parent, wanting to sleep in our bed. So for the first few days after Dave was done with patience, it was my turn (being around 1 am). I was so tried and having to work the next day. I would either put him into bed with me or lay him on the ground. Well, after doing my four days of work close together, and having over a week off. I decided that we needed to figure something out. He was saying he was scared of monsters, so I had this thought that I should read a book series to him. We have started reading the Magic Tree House Series. He really enjoys it, I will read to him tell he is either alseep or almost there. But, he will wake up and after 1 or 2 hours. Then the shift work begins with Dave and I. We have rearranged his bedroom at Jonathan's request, given him little treats in the morning if he stays in his bed. We have had to shut his door, which doesn't seem that bad. But, Jonathan is VERY scared of the dark and this freaks him out. He screams and kicks- he did this for about 45 minutes, but he was so worked up that he was about to throw up. He finally calmed down and Dave opened the door. We have only had to do that once. The last two nights have been the most successful, so we are hoping that he is getting out of this phase. So we are doing 21 days in his room and when he has done this he gets big reward either Chucky Cheeses or making his own build a bear. He hasn't choose yet! However, the one thing that has come from this is more one on one time with me, which is nice. He usually wants me to read to him at night and we read a little during quiet time. I have enjoyed this part of it.
Another subject that has been on my mind recently is Motherhood. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with Jonathan and Sarah, and another one on the way. I am thankful at this time in my life that Heavenly Father blessed me with Jonathan and Sarah so close together. I remember when I found out that I was pregnant with Sarah. I didn't know how I would do it. But, Heavenly Father has given me little blessings and tender mercies to help me when they both were so small, and now they are so close and love to play with each other (most of the time), and Sarah just loves Jonathan she will come up to him randomly and just put her head on his lap and he will just stroke her hair. It is so precious! With that said I do believe that each one of us has a plan of our own of rearing children and when to have them. I do feel that this is a scared responsibility between my husband, me and Heavenly Father. I know that this little one is supposed to come to our home at this time. I do feel that there is another one to come after her. I might surprise or shock people about the timing of my children, but that is between Dave, me and Heavenly Father. You might ask me how many I am going to have or when the next one will come. I do not know, but I do know that we will have as many as the Lord wants us to have!

Being prepared

http://www.ldsmag.com/churchupdate/100303chile.html

This was on one of my friends facebook page, I was interested in it so I decided to read it. It was very awesome to read and feel the spirit how the Lord has directed this mission president and wife (in Chile Santiago East mission)to be prepared for the earthquake and how this earthquake is a humbling experience and bringing people unto Christ! It is long, but worth your time!

Happy Birthday!

This past Monday was my Birthday, the day after getting home! I was glad that I was home for my Birthday! It was a relaxing home around the house. I just did laundry, unpacked, went to the bank, blogged. It was a nice Birthday!The kids got me some lotion/body spray (with the help of Grandma and Grandpa). When I got Jonathan up that morning he knew it was my birthday! It was really cute! He let me that I had a present!
Grandma and Grandpa got me this great cookbook!

That afternoon after Sarah woke up from her nap, she wanted Daddy to read to her! They enjoy having Mommy and Daddy home!

Dave had school in the morning, when he came home from class he surprised me with these beautiful roses!

That night my Mom had us over for dinner! It was so nice to spend time with my family!
Jodie made this awesome cake! I loved it!

I liked this picture, kind of cool!

After dinner the kids wanted to play on the piano, and they wanted me to be with them!

Well, I felt like this week was a marathon of posts. But, now I am updated and I feel a lot better! Now to get my house put back together!

I have to tell this funny story of Jonathan that happen last night. So while I was gone, their was an awesome sale at Dillard's and my Mom got a few things for Sarah. So i was talking to Dave about keeping these PJ's for Sarah for her Birthday and I spelt out Birthday. Well, Sarah was in the other room and Jonathan was listening to us. Then he said "Momma is that for Sarah's Birthday?" I just looked and him in amazement and shock and started to laugh. Now that is a smart boy!!!

Tonight I was getting the kids ready for bed and Sarah was extra tried cause she didn't sleep for her nap. So I was telling her that she was ready for Bed and I spelled out Bed and Jonathan tried to spell it. He is learning so much. Since I have been home I have felt like Jonathan's speech is a lot clearer, which is great. I think over all Jonathan did pretty good with us gone. But now he just wants to make sure that Dave or I is going with him. So he is having a hard time going to preschool, but after 5 minutes he is okay!

Sarah had the hardest time, the first day or so their was a lot of tantrums and whining. But with giving her love and attention, and going to time out they have dwindled. I have sensed that Sarah doesn't want to be a baby anymore she wants to be independent and big girl. Yes, she will be two in 3 weeks- crazy! Sarah has always hated the car seat. But I have found that if I let her get in the car by herself and choose if she wants to sit in hers or Jonathan's (since they are about the same weight- they are interchangeable) she doesn't fight as much. And then if I get her out first and have her walk over to Jonathan's door by HERSELF, and she stands their waiting for Jonathan and then they hold hands when we walk into a store, Sarah is happy as can be! As I was thinking back i think around this time with Jonathan I started training him to get out of the car and wait as I got Sarah out. Well, we will see how this independence thing goes with Sarah. It think it is time ti read love and logic again, but thinking about Sarah and hoe to help her. I decided that is what I am going to buy with my birthday money- I am excited about that!

Going on!

I don't know why, but September just seems like such a busy time for our family! It might be that I have been trying to pick up another shift each week trying to get some more money while Dave isn't working. But with just trying to work, keep my house clean, go to spin class in the morning, working my piano song I am learning, being a mother, working on Jonathan's costume, and putting the schedule together for the holidays- man I am exhausting. BUT I think too shall pass!

Well, my Sarah bear has been watching Jonathan go potty. So she has wanted to sit on it too, so I have let her. Then on Wednesday before naps Jonathan went and then Sarah wanted to sit so I finally took her diaper off and she actually went poppy! I was shocked, I can't saw she is ready, but she did!

Sarah is 19 months now and she went to the Drs office and she weights 22 pounds which means she is in the 19 percentile. But while we were there my Dr said that he wanted Sarah to be seeing the speech therapist more then once a week. He wanted her to be seen 2xs a month to once a week; he believes in early intervention! So today we saw our speech therapist and she did another short eval and said that she was about 4 months behind. But she felt that by 3 yrs old she will caught up, but she agreed that she should come and see her more. So she is coming every other week starting in October. I think it will be a good thing for us (meaning Mommy and Sarah- so i can know the ways too help her)!

This past week we has Pap over for dinner while Grammy was out of town. And these are my little helpers waiting for Papa and Daddy to get home! Well I was fixing dinner Sarah wanted to help me, which meant that Jonathan wanted to help too. I was wearing an apron and Sarah wanted one on, which meant Jonathan wanted one on too. (I think I know what I will be making for Christmas presents) Sarah and Jonathan did great at trying to set the table! They are great little helpers, it was so nice to have them help!

This past week it has being rainy, Jonathan thinks that if it is raining then he needs to wear a beany. It is rather cute to watch him play out side with it. This week he also discovered rainbows. He said colors Mama. I said oh that's a rainbow, and he repeated it. I explained what a rain is and what it means. Jonathan loved, and let me know when it was gone! Jonathan discovers new things all the time!
Sarah found these glasses this week, I think this is a funny picture!
We got our carpets cleaned tonight, they look amazing! Thanks Brian!
As I said before life is crazy, but I wanted to write down a few thoughts that I have! It has been one year this month since I have been making homemade bread! We love it! At first Dave had a hard time with wheat cause he grew up on white. So at first I would use half white and half wheat and then I gradually went to just wheat! That is the way we like it now!
I have been working on "April Child" for piano lessons and it the simplified version from Rigoletto. I have been wanting to learn these song forever. Well, I have been working on this song for MONTHS now! I decided that I would make a goal to memorize it for my December recital! This of course terrifies me. It is 3 1/2 pages long and has 3 key changes and then last key change is E major, and if I can recall I think there is 4 sharps and man is it throwing me for a loop. I am tying to learn this song and spend quality time with the piano when I practice. I feel that my skills our coming SLOWLY. I just passed off I am like a star from the children songbook. I have been deciding that my long term goal besides learning Jon Schmidt is to be able to play for the primary as the pianist. Yes, I understand that will be probably another 10 years but that is something that I will work for. So with that said, I am terrified playing in front of people especially after memorizing it. About two years ago I memorize a piece for my rectal and when I was waiting to play it, my mind blanked and I forgot it (yes it some how came back to my memory). But I think this is a good step some how!

My thoughts

Today I went for a run (rather a jog, I was just enjoying thinking and listening). I am thinking bout doing one last tri before the season is done. Well, Dave downloaded the Henry B Erying book on his Zune for me. It has been really nice think about what he is saying and have time to ponder. As I was pondering I came upon thinking about my calling. I am in the nursery, which is good and bad at the same time. It is very nice because Sarah is not 18 months yet and we would be just out in the halls cause she wouldn't be able to sit the entire time. But, it is hard cause I feel that at church I want to enjoy and be filled with the spirit. But I am lucky to be able to really listen in sacrament and then we go straight into nursery. It makes it hard to get my spiritual fill. I am been struggling with it, but as I have pondered about this I have felt that I should sign up for an institute class in the fall to help me get spiritually filled. In lessons in nursery I try to bear my testimony so if I m the only that feels the spirit of my testimony then that is okay. Well, listening to Pres Erying he talked about his amazing Dad that had bone cancer and how he was pulling weeds for the Lord (there is a long story a long with it that I won't repeat). But it made me think that I am in the Lords errand in the nursery, if that is where he needs me I am doing for him. Although it is hard to not get a break and be spiritually feed, I will pull the weeds for him!

This summer is going so fast I just can't believe it. I feel that I have so many things to do, with the house and plus normal life and piano. Piano continues for me during the summer, and I have made goal for the next recital to memorize my next piece which will be very challenging but I think I need to do it. In theory this last week, i finally figured out how to figure out the V7 cord, which my teacher has been trying to teach me but it just hasn't clicked. However I finally figured it out on my own and showed my teacher and I was so excited for myself (It was a little thing)

As we are almost done with school in December, and it has became very stressful for us not knowing what the next step will be in our lives! We are trying to step forward with faith but it is HARD. I just want to have a little piece of the puzzle given to me! PATIENCE, I know but once gain that it hard!

Sarah stood for the first time this past week, and that is awesome and exciting for us since tomorrow she will be 17 months! These are some of my thoughts for today being kind of like my journal

After a long day

I thought I would share two thoughts that made my long day better!

So when I got home I usually have Jonathan at the door knocking on it for me to come in and Sarah not far behind. Well, today I heard a knocking (which always brings a smile to my face), so I knocked back and then a knock again. I opened the door and it was my sweet little Sarah and she gave me a big smile and then her hands up for me to hold it! It was the best, but my little Sarah is sure getting big!

Then after we got Sarah down; Dave and I were reading the scriptures to Jonathan. Each one of us switching off each page, but then Jonathan wanted to do it. He very much into saying "Onathan do it". So I helped him to point to each word and I would say a word and then he would repeat it. I was so much fun to watch, and he was so proud of himself!

Just Sick!!

So last night I watched Jon and Kate and I was just sick about what has happened to them. I was mad, sad, and just plain disappointed!!!
So a few weeks ago there all of the sudden become tons of head lines about Jon then Kate! I just didn't want to believe them! So I decided that I would wait to hear it from them. Well, the entire episode what a disappointment. Kate never talked to Jon only to yell at him or tell him what to do. Jon is so unhappy; I feel that he really just wants to have a "normal" career but Kate doesn't get it or wants to listen. I show just wasn't the same. There was something that I really enjoyed about watching Jon and Kate; there bantering back and forth. But you could plainly see that they loved each other and in turn they looked there children. Now I just don't know?? For me I felt like there where a lot of red flags (here are a few): 1) the kids slipping and calling Kate the babysitters- so how often is Kate really there 2) Jon needed a some time off? 3) Kate having this attitude of I can do it with or without you? 4) Jon asking one of the kids if they missed him; do you think that the kids are not being effect then you are just oblivious!

After watching it just made me sick. I will be completely honest. I have feel in love with this family that is trying there best to raise a great family- husband and wife together. In society, I have seen enough one man shows. I was happy to watch this wonderful family just live life. I feel that even though, I have never met them, they are my friend or even family. This said I just can't believe what they both have become. If the shows are going to be like how they were last night, then I am not sure how much I will watch it! I really want this family to set back and look and see what really is important??? I think they have lost focus, and I also think that there needs to be a lot of forgiveness happening going on. Yes, I did pray for them cause I think they need a lot of help from above; they have these 8 great kids that need both a loving mother and father working together!
I really don't know why I love reality T.V. so much? In one sense it is so real but then its not. We really don't know what is going on off the camera's. I hope and pray that in there biggest trail of there life they can pull through it and learn and grow TOGETHER!
*They are still where there wedding rings!

***Oh and if you were wondering TLC will be getting some of my thoughts!

If anyone is interested here is where you email them your thoughts!

http://extweb.discovery.com/viewerrelations

Thougths

So these are the biking shorts that I have been wearing for the past 5 years. In my random thoughts, I have thought that I need to be more modest. So with that I have purchased these! Now with our limited budget, I try not p\to purchase clothes. But I think that this was a wise purchase!

I love them! I think that they are so comfortable. Some people my be appalled that I am wearing these. But the only two people I need approval from is my husband and me! (Side note: my husband thinks that I look sexy in anything!) So there you have it- trying to become more modest!

*This is a model (if you were confused). And I am going to be purchasing my first blog book this next week I am so excited. I am waiting for my husband to proof. But that might never happen- its just my journal right?

What we have been up to....

It seems as though I have jumped off the blog bandwagon. We had to get a new computer, so in that time I was using Dave's laptop and there is something about a desktop that I am use to! Thing have just got up and going so I thought that I would get caught up! This past week when I got home, I helped get the kids dinner and ready for bed. Jonathan just loves when I get home and loves some one on one time. So I usually will read some of the books that Sarah likes and then we will put Sarah down. Then I read longer books to Jonathan. He enjoys sitting on my lap and being read too. Jonathan is growing up so much. He is starting to say different phrases, and he will ask you them over and over again. Such as "Whatya doin'?", "Where did ___ go?". Those are the two phrases that he loves to ask ALL the time, but he does have more. A new thing that Jonathan has learned to do is climb out of his crib!!! He doesn't seem to do it that often for me, more to Dave, but we have modified his timeout from "crib time" to "bed room time". I feel that this has worked out very well because he has learned that if he clams down fast then and becomes a happy boy then he can come out, and he will open the door and come out. I am not sure if I like the idea of him being out to roam where ever he wants, this past week I came home from working out and Jonathan met me at the door (at 7 am) or last night Jonathan was down before Dave came home and he got of of his crib. He repeated over and over again "Daddy Home, Daddy Home"! Another thing that Dave and I are working with Jonathan is making good choices and choosing to be happy. We are trying to look for the good things that Jonathan is doing and reward him with a little sticker. He loves the sticker and he understand that if he obeys Mommy he gets a sticker. He now will say obey randomly knowing that he gets a sticker if he does. This also helps me to not focus on the negative behaviors but on the positive. It has really helped me a lot this past week or so.
I decided that I was going to go to my natural color (This is a little darker, but it is fading). I like the change, which is hard to believe. I have been busy with different projects and the never ending task of keeping my house clean. I also signed up for a local tri, so I am committed. Today I did my first workout with transitioning from bike to run! Man, was that hard. I have a long ways to go and just a month to do it!

Jonathan and I, these shorts I got at a garage sale this past week. I think that Jonathan is so cute; he is becoming a little boy more and more each day!

Sarah just loves to suck on a tooth brush! I figure its good for her teeth, and then it occupies her so she doesn't touch her hair!

Playing with some knew toys that I got this weekend!

Isn't this so cute!!!

Jonathan loves to go on wagon rides and this past week he has learned that he can pull Sarah all by herself!! He is so proud of himself, and doesn't want me to help. If he gets in a dip, and is kind of stuck. He repeats "Pull, Pull, Pull" So we have been going on rides very frequently! He loves to pull it to Papa's!

Going to Papa's

Mothers Day!

This is how this past week Started out! Jonathan made his foot prints for me at school!! He was so proud of himself! He showed me, but I said is that for me he said "No Jonathan's". When we got into the car Jonathan wouldn't let go of it! He just held on tight and worked his way up into the car seat!

Yesterday, Dave let me sleep in and got up with the kids and brought breakfast in bed! It was so cute, and the pancakes where very fluffy! Dave surprised me with a Spa treatment at Remedies, and I am so excited. I have been trying to decided if I want an hour massage with a pedi or 1/2 hour massage, facial, and pedi. Any thought would be great. I have gotten some already!

Anything can bet last year, working on Mothers day. I was great to be home with my family and go to church together! We went to listen to my Dad speak in his ward, which he did great (however Jonathan had a hard time by the end, so Dave missed a bit of his talk and he was sad about that).

After church we rested and then I made a fruit pizza, it was SOOO good! We went over to my parents for dinner and had kabobs! It was great food, nothing beats food from the grill! It was very enjoyable. Then we played a new game called golf. It was fun to have a change in games, and James and Martha stopped by which was even better!

Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry weather or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom

I had never been puked on.

Poop on.

Chewed on.

Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night!

Before I was a Mom

I never held down a screaming child so the Doctor could do tests.

Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin!

I never sat up late at night watching a baby sleep!

Before I was a Mom

I never held a sleeping baby cause I

Didn't want to put her down.

I never felt my heart break into a million piece

when I could stop the hurt.

I never knew something so small could

effect my life so much!

I never knew that I could love someone so much!

I never knew that I would love being a

MOM!

Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside of my body.

I didn't know how special it would feel to feed a baby!

I didn't know that bond between a mother

and her child.

I didn't know something so small could make me feel so important and happy!

Before I was a Mom

I never got up in the middle of the night to check on a child to make sure they were okay!

I had never known the warmth,

the joy,

the love,

the heartache,

the wonderment,

or the satisfaction of being a MOM.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom!

Author unknown

My friend put this on her blog, and I felt that there were so many feeling that I have felt from being a mother! I love being a mom, it is so challenging and tiring but rewarding joyful at the same time! I am so glad that I took the leap of faith to become a mother and that Heavenly Father has bestowed these little ones into my home to love and nurture! I truly feel that it is one of the biggest and best blessings to being a Mother!

* I forgot to post this on the previous post so I put it here! I think it is cute of Sarah in the grass!