Yesterday was a special day for our family. Why?? Lucas was baptized. He being my oldest child this was a bit of an emotional day for me. Shocker right. But the baptism was beautiful. In our stake we have baptisms set up like this. First we meet together and one ward is in charge of the baptism. They provide the talks and music. Well as it so happens our ward was in charge. So my Mother gave the talk on baptism my sister gave the talk on the holy Ghost. DJ said the prayer and I led the music. The wonderful Joan Brenton was the pianist.
Many of our family attended. My parents, David and Tammy along with all of their children. Jon, Georgina and Sammy. Sara, Corey and Sue with Jason and Travis. Aaron and Shawna with their four. Vanessa came with Kaylee and Christopher. Katie Richens surprised me by showing up yay! The Bishop Anderson came with Michelle and their four kids. Who are also very good friends of mine. Devere and Michelle Doucet where there for a nieces baptism so they stayed in for Lucas' baptism. As well as Devere's Mother, who is in our ward.
After the baptism we went to my parents for lot's and lot's of eating. Mom was amazing and made awesome Mexican food. I made a dessert with cookie dough, double stuff oreos and brownies. It was good! My nephew Jordan, Emily ans their girls Lily and Tomi joined us there.
All in all it was a beautiful day.
When I asked Lucas how he felt he gave me a sideways thumb. I ask what was the up part. He said "I'm excited to get baptized."
"So what's the down part?"
"My stomach feels bad."
After he was baptized he said he felt good. He said during the confirmation it felt heavy but warm.
It was a beautiful day and I am so grateful for the blessings our family have received and for the choice Lucas has made. he is also a very good example for his sisters.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
four children
We are pleased to announce we are having a baby girl come March.
This pregnancy has been an interesting one. I have lost two babies in the past three years. I guess I am always nervous. Every time I went in to an appointment and heard the heartbeat I am relieved. We finally had the ultrasound and I waited anxiously not to know what it was but how it was. I just hope for a healthy baby. She is healthy and active. So here we go. I can officially call myself a mother of daughters.
I am grateful for my one little boy. He is wonderful, even if he is disappointed not to have a brother. But we tell him that he is special because it's just him and his Dad. I think he'll be just fine. He is excellent with his sisters.
So that is it. DJ and I are planning to be done. He is getting older as am I. With his work and school schedule I am already out numbered and out witted. We have had healthy children but my body just doesn't work like it used to. lol! I also am so sick during pregnancy it is not fair to the rest of my family to have to go through this. I need my energy for baseball, dance, swimming and school.
I have been blessed with healthy children I love them and am grateful for each one. I am excited that I know what we have and get ready for stage two.
Besides I'm going to have three girls!! Good thing DJ decided to be a pharmacist!
This pregnancy has been an interesting one. I have lost two babies in the past three years. I guess I am always nervous. Every time I went in to an appointment and heard the heartbeat I am relieved. We finally had the ultrasound and I waited anxiously not to know what it was but how it was. I just hope for a healthy baby. She is healthy and active. So here we go. I can officially call myself a mother of daughters.
I am grateful for my one little boy. He is wonderful, even if he is disappointed not to have a brother. But we tell him that he is special because it's just him and his Dad. I think he'll be just fine. He is excellent with his sisters.
So that is it. DJ and I are planning to be done. He is getting older as am I. With his work and school schedule I am already out numbered and out witted. We have had healthy children but my body just doesn't work like it used to. lol! I also am so sick during pregnancy it is not fair to the rest of my family to have to go through this. I need my energy for baseball, dance, swimming and school.
I have been blessed with healthy children I love them and am grateful for each one. I am excited that I know what we have and get ready for stage two.
Besides I'm going to have three girls!! Good thing DJ decided to be a pharmacist!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Home School, my journey
I have finished the first quarter of AZVA with having both Lucas and Eden at home. To my relief Lucas was a straight A student. That is a straight E student= exceeds expectations. We have worked very hard to do well.
So here is the run down. Because Eden and I started last year, she is having a much easier time doing her work in a timely manner. Not every day or every time. She is after all my kid. She enjoys doing her work in what ever she has decided to dress herself in that day. Be it a school uniform from last year to her Rapunzel dress, cowboy boots, bonnet and apron. I figure she is 6 and what ever makes her happy let it be. Nobody is going to see her anyway. Of course I do have to take pictures. But she works hard. her reading is continuing to improve. She in fact loves to read. This is nice because she and Leila will cuddle up together and E will read to her sister. It's rather sweet. She is a hard working student.And I love watching her grow.
Lucas is another story. he is very enthusiastic about his school until we get to math (not that I blame him). He knows how to do the work, he seems to understand the concepts. He just not like to slow down and do the work. It has been a struggle to me. But I think I am starting to figure it out. He needs more time. He needs more patience from me. He also needs something to look forward to.
I think that is why I enjoy this challenge. I am learning so much about my children. I know their strengths and weaknesses. As well and becoming very familiar with my own. I am watching up be a little team. I am seeings days that have more positive interactions then negative. I see us working out our differences and working as a unit.
My ultimate goal is to know my children are becoming independent learners. To enjoy school and to figure out where their learning strengths are. To know what works for them. I want them to learn to be self disciplined and to understand at the end of the day they are in charge of themselves. I want them to love and trust each other. This is an experience that is both extremely rewarding as well as challenging. I have cried more then once this quarter and figure I do some more. My dishes are not done. My house is not clean. But, we are learning and growing together.
Did I mentions I like the whole "It's a nice day! Lets go to the Zoo or play with your cousins?" and the whole sleep and wake up when I want to and get started. We are way relaxed over here when it comes to our schedule. I kinda like that.
So here is the run down. Because Eden and I started last year, she is having a much easier time doing her work in a timely manner. Not every day or every time. She is after all my kid. She enjoys doing her work in what ever she has decided to dress herself in that day. Be it a school uniform from last year to her Rapunzel dress, cowboy boots, bonnet and apron. I figure she is 6 and what ever makes her happy let it be. Nobody is going to see her anyway. Of course I do have to take pictures. But she works hard. her reading is continuing to improve. She in fact loves to read. This is nice because she and Leila will cuddle up together and E will read to her sister. It's rather sweet. She is a hard working student.And I love watching her grow.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The value of a classic.
Today has been a weird day. I have noticed in my life when life is hard I think about books I have read. There are reasons some are classics. It's because of the long lasting lessons you learn. For example, Little house on the Prairie. Not only educational about the life of early American pioneers. But watching how people can live so happily with just their family. NO phones, facebook, tvs or even people. They work together as a family. Their are only kind words spoken and love and respect. I perfect example of how we should be living our lives and how little we need for true happiness.
A couple years ago I had my first miscarriage. It was a very emotional experience for me. However, I read most of the Anne of Green Gables series during this time. She taught me to cling on to hope. That happiness is possible even in the hardest of times. A good imagination can go a long way.
Today I was dealing with people who are unhappy with our ward. Sad they have no friends. Blaming and being offended my people who are just doing what they have always done. I am reminded that bosom friends are hard to find but you have to work for it sometimes. There are people who have prickles but time, kindness and hard work and a little honesty can sometimes wipe those prickles away to reveal a person in need of a friend.
I know also reflect on advice I heard from my Mother when I was a little girl sad I had "no friends" She told me to be my own best friend. I always made a joke out of it. Now that I am grown I understand the wisdom. It is the same wisdom as you are only in charge of your own happiness. I have learned no matter what you do at the end of the day you can not change other people to be what you want them to be. Because that is not who they are! You can not depend on your children, husband, Friends, or neighbors to make you happy. They can't. If you aren't happy in the first place nothing they do will be good enough.
If you walk through the world being offended by everyone. Well the first thing you are doing is hurting those around you. I think be offended is being selfish. You are not taking responsibility for your own actions. You are thinking of yourself. As I observed today. The person was offended and in doing so hurt many other people. Also when you are hurt by those who are offended you build a wall from them. I know I see that behavior and I know that person is not one to be close to. It will only lead to hurt feelings one way or another.
However when you have a friend like Anne or Diana. Or a family like the Wilders. You learn love sacrifice and trust. But to get that you have to make it for yourself. You can not wait for it to come to you. Anyway. That's what is on my mind tonight. I am grateful that I have a good husband and we have a good honest working relationship. I am grateful for my bosom friends. Yes Katie I'm talking to you. I love knowing I have someone I trust and who loves me as much as I love them. Even though we don't see each other but once a year, If we are so lucky or friendship is solid like a rock. I love my parents and the sacrifices and service they have done for me. They are so supportive and kind. I love my ward family. It is such a interesting ward I'm in. But in serving in this ward I have gotten to know different people. I have learned about strengths and talents people had I would have never known had I not served in my callings. easy or hard I have learned to love these people.
Anyway I love the classics, I think I'll go read North and South now.
ok that's in
The End
A couple years ago I had my first miscarriage. It was a very emotional experience for me. However, I read most of the Anne of Green Gables series during this time. She taught me to cling on to hope. That happiness is possible even in the hardest of times. A good imagination can go a long way.
Today I was dealing with people who are unhappy with our ward. Sad they have no friends. Blaming and being offended my people who are just doing what they have always done. I am reminded that bosom friends are hard to find but you have to work for it sometimes. There are people who have prickles but time, kindness and hard work and a little honesty can sometimes wipe those prickles away to reveal a person in need of a friend.
I know also reflect on advice I heard from my Mother when I was a little girl sad I had "no friends" She told me to be my own best friend. I always made a joke out of it. Now that I am grown I understand the wisdom. It is the same wisdom as you are only in charge of your own happiness. I have learned no matter what you do at the end of the day you can not change other people to be what you want them to be. Because that is not who they are! You can not depend on your children, husband, Friends, or neighbors to make you happy. They can't. If you aren't happy in the first place nothing they do will be good enough.
If you walk through the world being offended by everyone. Well the first thing you are doing is hurting those around you. I think be offended is being selfish. You are not taking responsibility for your own actions. You are thinking of yourself. As I observed today. The person was offended and in doing so hurt many other people. Also when you are hurt by those who are offended you build a wall from them. I know I see that behavior and I know that person is not one to be close to. It will only lead to hurt feelings one way or another.
However when you have a friend like Anne or Diana. Or a family like the Wilders. You learn love sacrifice and trust. But to get that you have to make it for yourself. You can not wait for it to come to you. Anyway. That's what is on my mind tonight. I am grateful that I have a good husband and we have a good honest working relationship. I am grateful for my bosom friends. Yes Katie I'm talking to you. I love knowing I have someone I trust and who loves me as much as I love them. Even though we don't see each other but once a year, If we are so lucky or friendship is solid like a rock. I love my parents and the sacrifices and service they have done for me. They are so supportive and kind. I love my ward family. It is such a interesting ward I'm in. But in serving in this ward I have gotten to know different people. I have learned about strengths and talents people had I would have never known had I not served in my callings. easy or hard I have learned to love these people.
Anyway I love the classics, I think I'll go read North and South now.
ok that's in
The End
Thursday, August 25, 2011
So I find checking my facebook and writing a line here and there an easy thing to do. I often post my pictures in albums there. So I wonder, if I post it here and there is it repetitive? I would love to become a better blogger. I would love for this to be a journal of our family. I want to better at taking more photos of the fun and good things we do. I guess I just need to organize myself and figure this out. Or my dear friend Katie and just come and document and blog for me and then I will be happy. SO I would have an updated blog and my KT!! great idea
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sunday
So we are in our house and this is what our Sunday's are like. Yep folks it is a no TV day. Not that it is hard since we don't really have tv. So we don't have sports blaring, cooking shows, nature shows, nothing. We did cheat last week and let the kids watch a book movie. But that is because they got ready for church early and we wanted them to stay clean while we got ready.
We have church at 2:30 so it is important to keep some flexibility about. After church we are staaarving! But today we managed to starve till DJ made baked penne, I had made some bruschetta and we had a salad and green beans. It is amazing how we had no complaining about dinner and how much the kids ate. I should starve them more often! Anyway we have some kinks to work out but it is sure nice to have a quite day once a week isn't it.
We have church at 2:30 so it is important to keep some flexibility about. After church we are staaarving! But today we managed to starve till DJ made baked penne, I had made some bruschetta and we had a salad and green beans. It is amazing how we had no complaining about dinner and how much the kids ate. I should starve them more often! Anyway we have some kinks to work out but it is sure nice to have a quite day once a week isn't it.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
memorial day
So on Memorial Day The kids and I met up with Corey and Sue and there kids at Empire Ranch. Southeast of Tucson. It was a lovely morning. Although my battery was dead when I got there I was able to charge it enough to get some pictures. I saw some birds from where we were. A blue grosbeak and a tanager. Plus a bunch I didn't identify. Lucas did his best to follow Corey around and he and Jason threw lots of rocks and sticks in the creek. IT was nice to get out before the heat hit. As we were leaving we saw 5 pronghorn. Fun stuff!
Birthday
Happy Birthday Eden!!
She 6 years old now and lives in a very magical world of her own. For her birthday we started out with print outs from family.go.com This was a great resource and we were able to get the girls in one place and busy. My favorite part was the they had some shrink a dink charms. DJ and my Mom worked hard on getting them ready for the party. The girls made bracelets with the charms and some pretty pastel beads. Of course I didn't get a pictures of that but they were super cute.
After the art projects we played hit Flynn Rider with the frying pan. The kids loved it! My awesome Mom made the poster and I found a blog supermommoments.com I also loved craftytexasgirls.blogspot.com There blogs and party were beautiful, Mine was crazy!! but we had a great time. After the game the kids all ran outside and ran around while we got out the lunch. We had Eden's mac and cheese I make only for her birthday once a year. Fruit, veggies, and pig in a blanket.
After Lunch we ran the kids in for some Rapunzel cake. This is the most creative cake I have ever made. I should have waited for DJ to be my structural engineer but noooo I just had to finish it! We'll we made a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. I made the cake purple instead of red though, it was purty. The tower was made with rice crispy treats and everything was covered in fondant. However due to the heat in the house we did have some...ummm, technical difficulties. But it survived barely and at the end it was yummy.
Other things we did, were these cute flags with the sun on them, like in the movie. We hung them right before the dinning room. We also made these super cute pascal blowers, the boys liked them a lot. I made some paper lanterns for decoration and we had battery operated tea lights in them. The gift bags, I noticed we didn't get pictures of either, dang! I ordered little clear paint cans. We lined them with tissue paper and filled them with candy, princess stickers,flower lollipops, a pencil and an eraser.
We ended the day with presents and we played Tangled on the tv, but the kids all went back into the yard to play. All was fine with me. Eden was happy and we all had a nice time.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Here we go!
So on Saturday DJ and I are moving into our house. After which we will finish it take pictures and have a big revel. I'll take some pics and post my before and afters. It is amazing how much a little pint can brighten things up.
I love going over there now. It feels like home. Calm and bright, beautiful and comfortable. I love it. I love that the kids are excited to live there too. Maybe not Leila but she'll get used to not having Grandpa and Grandma all the time. I think I am going to have to beg my Dad to come over at nap time however. I'm not sure she knows how to take a nap without Grandpa lol.
We have been so blessed to have my parents love and suport at this transition in our lives. They are truely kind people and I am lucky they are my parents. ANyway wish us luck and come and visit anytime!!
I love going over there now. It feels like home. Calm and bright, beautiful and comfortable. I love it. I love that the kids are excited to live there too. Maybe not Leila but she'll get used to not having Grandpa and Grandma all the time. I think I am going to have to beg my Dad to come over at nap time however. I'm not sure she knows how to take a nap without Grandpa lol.
We have been so blessed to have my parents love and suport at this transition in our lives. They are truely kind people and I am lucky they are my parents. ANyway wish us luck and come and visit anytime!!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Rodeo-eo-eo
So here in Tucson we have this wonderful thing called Rodeo. Yep folks we have a rodeo and that also means we get 2 days off of school. 
On the Wednesday before break Lucas's school puts on a program they sing and dance and carry on. It is all very cute and fun.
Leila enjoying the show. Hi Lucas!!! They are going to do the Virginia Reel!
This little boy wants to marry Eden and I am okay with that cuz he is super cute and smart! his Dad is tall and that is a good sign.
Then we have break while the weather is fantastic and we soke it up! (Eden has worn her new boots everyday.
This year the kids went to their friend Tyler and Meagan's house. Friday we hit up the Library to see some horses and make paperbag puppets.
This year the kids went to their friend Tyler and Meagan's house. Friday we hit up the Library to see some horses and make paperbag puppets.
Saturday We celebrated my nephew Jason's 3rd birthday and Sunday we went to church and tried to recooperate. All in all it was a fantastic and relaxing time.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
You Homeschool?? You must be weird or crazy!
Alright here it goes. I have to share my feelings of my new adventure in home school. Why would a Mother do this anyway? I admit I like having that morning time to myself. Getting laundry done. Taking a shower. Running errands. Thinking. But the glitch was my children came home! That's right I hated it when my kids came home from school. I would miss them all day then BAM!! They were home. They were tired, they don't want to do homework. Who could blame them they have been in school ALL day!
So anyway I brought Eden home after Christmas to join the k12 program. She was having some other issues at school and since she is in kindergarten I figured I couldn't mess her up that much. So I removed her and enrolled her in the Arizona Virtual Academy. I have been going to the information on the school since Lucas was a baby, and I decided to just try it out!
A few weeks later boxes arrived. A computer, printer/scanner, teacher books, student books, Then just books in general! Cubes and shapes for counting and so on. Amazing beautiful, and a little overwhelming. But I was excited. Now for the fun part.
After Christmas vacation we started, slowly but surely. I had to take a full day of skipping lessons to catch her up with the rest of her class. But we got busy. Her lessons usually start on the computer. She is taught a concept and the with math practices it builds on it and it is awesome. Phonics is all done with me but it's fun. She has stories to read for language arts. We have some sort of activity or art project. Then here is the magical part. when she is done. We are done for the day!!!! That is right no homework! We are usually done by lunch time and she has the rest of the day to be a kid. So strange I know but she has freedom! She plays with bunny, has a play date with her friend Meagan, goes out on the trampoline, plays with her sister or does art.
Big reward! My girls are becoming friends. They play with each other and they are an adorable pair. I enjoy having her home. I love seeing her learn. I know exactly what she is learning, how she learns best. AND!! If we are having a "day" we can shorten it or just take it off. We have only done that twice.
So maybe I am weird or crazy but it seems to be working for us and for the needs of my children and after all isn't that what being a parent is all about. Looking at your child and figuring out what is the best thing for there needs. Also when DJ is home Friday mornings Eden and Leila get a little of much needed Daddy time. A precious commodity these days.
So that's what we are doing and that is why, we love it!
So anyway I brought Eden home after Christmas to join the k12 program. She was having some other issues at school and since she is in kindergarten I figured I couldn't mess her up that much. So I removed her and enrolled her in the Arizona Virtual Academy. I have been going to the information on the school since Lucas was a baby, and I decided to just try it out!
A few weeks later boxes arrived. A computer, printer/scanner, teacher books, student books, Then just books in general! Cubes and shapes for counting and so on. Amazing beautiful, and a little overwhelming. But I was excited. Now for the fun part.
After Christmas vacation we started, slowly but surely. I had to take a full day of skipping lessons to catch her up with the rest of her class. But we got busy. Her lessons usually start on the computer. She is taught a concept and the with math practices it builds on it and it is awesome. Phonics is all done with me but it's fun. She has stories to read for language arts. We have some sort of activity or art project. Then here is the magical part. when she is done. We are done for the day!!!! That is right no homework! We are usually done by lunch time and she has the rest of the day to be a kid. So strange I know but she has freedom! She plays with bunny, has a play date with her friend Meagan, goes out on the trampoline, plays with her sister or does art.
Big reward! My girls are becoming friends. They play with each other and they are an adorable pair. I enjoy having her home. I love seeing her learn. I know exactly what she is learning, how she learns best. AND!! If we are having a "day" we can shorten it or just take it off. We have only done that twice.
So maybe I am weird or crazy but it seems to be working for us and for the needs of my children and after all isn't that what being a parent is all about. Looking at your child and figuring out what is the best thing for there needs. Also when DJ is home Friday mornings Eden and Leila get a little of much needed Daddy time. A precious commodity these days.
So that's what we are doing and that is why, we love it!
Monday, February 21, 2011
2011 Here we are
As a 2011 resolution I will be blogging, that's right I have finally returned. A lot has been going on in our families life. DJ is a full time student applying for Pharmacy school in the 2012 Fall school year. He also works full time. We have gotten a little old house near my parents. We are spending every Saturday on. Trying to get it so we can move in. It has a ton of work to do but it is moving along and will be a nice when we get to move in.
Lucas is a 1st grader and seems to be doing well academically. He is a little nutty but he is a tenderhearted kid with a great love of life.
Eden started kindergarten but I brought her home after the first semester to attend the Arizona Virtual Academy, though the K12 program. I am her learning coach. We have been enjoying he schooling from home so much. She is awesome and loves to learn.
Leila is crazy. She is 18 months now and is "runnin" (thanks Forrest Gump). The little thing keeps us laughing though the day. She tickles and sings constantly. She is a joy and a half. I can't imagine our family without her.
I am nuts! I am a full time single Mom Monday though Friday. I look forward to weekends because DJ is home. But like I said we spend Saturday at the house. He lays tile, I paint and bump into walls. Sundays I resume my calling as Primary president and he serves in the Elders Quorum as 1st counselor. Mean while we are trying to get Leila to go to Nursery by herself. She hasn't quite caught on to the idea. But I hope she will soon.
We are trying and succeeding and failing and doing our best and what we can do. I guess that's all we can do juts try a little harder to be a little better. Pull ourselves up from our broken boot straps and keep trudging along. At the end of the day we are happy fed and loved. Isn't that the best way to end the day after all?
Lucas is a 1st grader and seems to be doing well academically. He is a little nutty but he is a tenderhearted kid with a great love of life.
Eden started kindergarten but I brought her home after the first semester to attend the Arizona Virtual Academy, though the K12 program. I am her learning coach. We have been enjoying he schooling from home so much. She is awesome and loves to learn.
Leila is crazy. She is 18 months now and is "runnin" (thanks Forrest Gump). The little thing keeps us laughing though the day. She tickles and sings constantly. She is a joy and a half. I can't imagine our family without her.
I am nuts! I am a full time single Mom Monday though Friday. I look forward to weekends because DJ is home. But like I said we spend Saturday at the house. He lays tile, I paint and bump into walls. Sundays I resume my calling as Primary president and he serves in the Elders Quorum as 1st counselor. Mean while we are trying to get Leila to go to Nursery by herself. She hasn't quite caught on to the idea. But I hope she will soon.
We are trying and succeeding and failing and doing our best and what we can do. I guess that's all we can do juts try a little harder to be a little better. Pull ourselves up from our broken boot straps and keep trudging along. At the end of the day we are happy fed and loved. Isn't that the best way to end the day after all?
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