Going without...

Cable.

In an effort to save some money Brent and I decided that we should get rid of cable and just go to the basic channels. I was thrilled with this idea. At the first of December I warned the kids that we would be getting rid of cable. They no longer would be able to watch all their favorite channels, not even the discovery channel. After hearing that, Jaren just about flipped out. The kids wanted to know what it was that they were going to be able to watch. I listed the channels, 2,4,5,7,11 and sometimes 13. Isabel, being a very literal person immediately changed the channel to 11 to see what was on. Little House on the prairie happily greeted her. She exclaimed, "I Love this show." Quietly off to the side Annika remarked, " Great, now we have to watch 80's shows!!!" FUNNY!!!!

Just recently Brent was lamenting the fact that we no longer have a DVR. Hence, we couldn't head to the basement after the kids were in bed to watch our favorite recorded shows. Brent is very busy with Basketball and Boy Scouts and thus misses a lot of T.V. I understand his concern, and I too miss our nightly traditions. But more important then this, I do not miss my children vegging in front of the tele. I don't miss the Disney Channel, or Nickelodeon, or Cartoon Network. I've noticed that my children are more engaging and play more with each other. They are reading more, more creative, and playing more outside. I do not want that to change.

Since our switch to basic cable I have to be more of a peacemaker and referee. I also have a lot more messes to clean up. But in the scheme of things, I would rather clean up the small visible messes, then the large unseen ones.

The Gift of Angels

Yesterday was my second attempt at teaching Relief Society. The conference talk was by Elder Holland titled, The Ministry of Angels. I had a difficult time pulling this lesson together. I felt strongly about the subject, since it is close to my heart, and was frustrating to me that I couldn't put my feelings into words.

It is a beautiful talk about angels seen and unseen. How those angels are sent to us by the Lord to help us when we find ourselves in "dark and dreary" places. The one thing that I took away from this lesson is that the Lord will NEVER leave us alone. He is always very near and is waiting to send his help.

On many occassions the Lord has sent his servants when I have been in my own "dark and dreary" times. Sometimes that angel was my own Mother. Other times, my sister. And more then once it's been a sister in my ward. I know the Lord was mindful of me and sent these "angels" to help me get through those difficult times.

I hope that I one day can be an angel to someone else. Helping them through a rough patch, a listening ear, an encouraging word.

Understanding of Limitation

During Relief Society this past Sunday comments were made about distractions and what is truly important. Then and there I decided that I needed to filter my life. Filter out the activities that were taking me away from what is most important in my life. That is my family, being a mother and a wife. As difficult as it was to make certain phone calls, it was a huge relief. And a greater relief was the understanding and compassion for my decision.

I have felt this past year that I have been one or two steps behind. I'm sure that has a lot to do the the addition of Grace. But I need to get one or two stes ahead. And then maybe I can slowly start adding things back into my life. But now is not the time.

There is a time and season for everything. I just pray that I will recognize when my seasons are changing.

Chubs vs. Chubs

While I was playing with my adorable chubby baby today I had kind of a funny thought. Why can't my 30 something chub be as cute as my 12 month old baby's chub? Why doesn't someone say to me, "awww, look at that cute chubby 30 year old?" Really, why is baby chub so much more cuter and loveable then my chub?

Don't answer that.

I already know.

Sweet Scissor Skills

NOT!!!!!!!

oh geez, did I have my eyes shut?

Yesterday Hannah asked me all morning long if I would please cut her some bangs. I thought, why not. It would be easy and wouldn't hurt anything. So the time came for me to cut her some bangs. Really, how hard could it be. Make a small part in the front of her head, pull the hair down, cut a little longer then desired and then finish them off. Well, something really wrong happened. I think that Hannah must have been looking down while I made those first cuts without me realizing it. So when I finished, she looked up and the result is displayed in the photos. I couldnt' believe it. Bless her little heart. I mentioned to Brent how bad I felt. Brent comforted me by telling me that she loved them and thought she looks cute. Which is the truth. I just hope they grow out quickly. Gosh dang it!!!

This reminded of a several Christmas' ago. I think it must have been close to 6 or 7 years ago. The girls' were down for a nap, Jaren and Hannah were playing quietly in the living room and I was finishing up a last minute gift for my mom and mom-in-law. Hannah came into the kitchen and I noticed something very different about her. It finally dawned on me that she no longer had bangs. Jaren had cut then clean off at the scalp. I couldn't believe it. When I confronted Jaren about it he confessed and pulled the evidence out from underneath the couch. Sheesh. I remember my friend Annette Shiess commenting to me as her bangs grew out and were in several aweful stages, she is still adorable no matter the length of her bangs.

I said a little prayer this morning that her friends wouldn't be too hard on her. Kids can be so mean and my guilt would double if she were to have a horrible day due to my mistake.

I'm so glad that bangs grow quickly.

That feels good

Most of you know that my husband is very talented. Especially when it comes to sports. He doesn't have to try very hard to be good at most anything. During our journey together, there are a few things that I've found that I can do better then him. The first one I noticed when we were still dating (all of 3 weeks). We had gone on a group date, ice skating. Poor fellow. He tried his best. And I'll give it to him, not once did he fall. But man, have you ever seen those cartoons where their feet go back forth into a blur? Ya, that was Brent on ice skates. I'm laughing right now as I conjure up those memories. Another thing that I am much better at then he, is swimming. I LOVE swimming. Brent, not so much. More recently, just last week as a matter of fact I discovered that I am a much better singer then he is. Which isn't saying much. We have had a great time battling each other on our American Idol Wii game. I am so thrilled to say that I kicked his trash every time we play. And just to make him feel better I let him win the last time we played. Ha, no I didn't. It feels good to kick trash.

Walk This Way

When Grace first started walking she looked Frankenstien. She looked like her feet were made of lead and she walked hands down with the right arm swining with the right leg. Hilarious. She's followed in the footsteps of all her other syblyings. They all walked at 11 months, with the exception of Annika, she walked at a year.

PennyRoyal Cafe

My Mom called Friday and we decided to go to lunch. There was this new cafe that had been reviewed in the paper and is sounded like fun. So off we went. As you first walk in you are welcomed with a long and velvet red carpet. Ooo, I feel pretty already. As you walk along the red carpet the journey begins to feel long and arduous. But kind of fun. I notice a few things as I walk up to the counter. First, there is a random table with a laptop and someone's lunch waiting for them to eat. Not a customer's lunch either. On the other side is a t.v. equipped with an x-box and a very old, very comfortable coach. But it is a MESS. The first sign that this place is run by DUDES!!! We finally get to the counter. There is ONE dude behind the counter who looks up, but says NOTHING. He just keeps on keeping on making is sandwich. Second sign we maybe should have turned around and left. He didn't even say, " Be with you in just a minute." As we were standing there I grabbed what looked like a menu. As I was glancing at the menu noticed that the "kitchen" was a mess. Collapsed boxes waiting to be taken to the garbage, and in general, a mess. We debate leaving and decide to stay. The menu at least looked promising. I decide to go with the Gwenth's Girl salad. It consists of grilled chicken, apples, feta cheese, and grilled pita bread with some yummy souding dressing. My Mom ordered the flower power salad with an eatable flower, pecans, apples, feta cheese and a honey poppyseed dressing. As we walked to our table I noticed that they had a "bar" . But it looked like they had had a late night and nobody stayed beind to clean it up. There was a tipped over grenadine bottle and a mixing spoon that was screaming to be put back into place. Another clue that this joint was run by DUDES. My mom's salad was pretty good. After about three bites I realized that mine, ya, it was missing something. Oh, like the chicken and pita bread!!!!! I take the long walk back up the red carpet and complain that there was no chicken on my salad. Now it's a different Dude and he tells me that he put 2 good scoops of chicken on my salad, and oh yeah, we're out of pita bread but he'll grill up some sourdough. Well, you could of told me that when I ordered. I didn't argue, I just figured that if you are starting a cafe that you stick strongly to customer satisfaction. I took the long walk back to our table and my Mom asked me what he said. Being the non-confrontational person that I am I took as his work against mine. Well, my Mom was having none of that. She took the long walk up. The second Dude came, picked up my plate and gave a half hearted apology. When he brought back my plate it looked like he had sprinkled on some tuna from a can. I take a bite, it's not chicken, it leftover, dried up turkey from Thanksgiving dinner. It would have been better without that repulsive protein!!! I finished my salad, which I could have made at home, and we left.

If you want to run a successful Cafe, don't let it be run by DUDES!!!! There is a difference between Gentlemen, Men and Dudes. And you could totally tell this place was run by the later.

Good luck Penny Royal Cafe. I will not be recommending you to anyone that I like and who is looking to have a good experience.

Chasing Sunets

Sunset, just outside my garage.

Blocked by other homes.

Sunset from behind the empty field.
Nothing to block it's beauty.


One more attempt to capture this fleeting moment.

And just like that, it's over.

Last night as I went outside to pick up I&A I was struck by the beauty of the Sunset. I ran back inside to grab my camera. I wanted so badly to capture that sunset. Unfortunately there were houses in the way. I thought, "Oooo, I'll just drive up the road a bit and take the picture in front of that empty field. I wont be too late getting the girls'." I found myself chasing that sunset, trying to get the "perfect" picture.

In so doing I remembered a class that I took at Education week several years ago. The teacher was a Sis. VanDyke and she emphasised motherhood. During one of her classes she compared the time with our children to a sunset. Don't wait to do something with now, because our time with them is fleeting and short. Right before our eyes, they change and grow and just like that, they are gone.

Such at my experience with that Sunset. After picking up the girls' I noticed the brilliance again and drove as fast I dare to that same empty field. Much to my dismay, the sunset was done showing her glory and sharing her beauty.

I'm glad that Sunset reminded me how precious my time is with my children. How important it is that I teach them proper principles of the gospel, and to simply love them.

The fruits of my labor

So I figured out this computer thingie and uploading my pictures. Here is the photo of my trip to Albertson's Wednesday morning.

Practicing Obedience

Yesterday while I was doing some chores around my quiet house, I passed my children's rooms. Once again, some were a mess, others chose to listen to me and make their beds and pick up their clothes. The first thought that entered my mind was, what does it matter if they clean their rooms in the morning like I ask? It doesn't hurt anything by not getting it done. Besides, they HAVE to get them cleaned on Saturdays. Immediately following these justification thoughts, a more grounded and spiritual one entered into my mind, and it surprised me. It was strong and powerful. My children are just practicing being obedient to their Earthly parents so when the time comes, they can be obedient to their Heavenly Father. No, cleaning their rooms isn't that important, but being obedient IS. How can my children expect to be obedient when they get older if they can't obey simple request now? I know what our next FHE is going to be on.





Obedience is Happiness.

The Good, The Bad, and The UGLY!!!

Couponing is GOOD. In fact it has been GREAT for me and my family. I've been able to purchase more food for less and have some left over. Which I've never been able to accomplish before. The bad thing is there are so MANY ding dang coupners in this area that, I guess, get up before the butt-crack of dawn to get to the sales. Then I get ugly and angry when I get there at just 9:15am and most of the time I'm left with stinking SCRAPS. This time there were some awesome coupons on the actual add. I had forgotten to grap ONE on my way in. Well, stupid me, as I went to the front of the store to grab that ONE some lady snatched up the WHOLE pile of adds. What the HECK!!!! As I went to the register I mentioned this to the cashier and she had one saved up. They decided to not up out all the adds and keep them hidden under the registers so those who want ONE, could get one.

I was proud of my purchase today. I bought 13 boxes of bisquick, 13 boxes of instant potatoes, 6 boxes of muffin mix, 6 cherrio snacks, 6 toaster strudels and got 2 2lb blocks of cheese for free. I spent a total of $50 and saved over $115. I took a picture of my great buying but since I am computer illiterate I couldn't figure out how to upload just the one picture. So it's left up to your imagination. I'm sure there are those of you out there that could have done far better than I. But still being a newbie at this, I think I did pretty good. I need to be more patient and study the adds. But I'm so afraid of missing the "good stuff" that I rush it. Patience is a virtue which I'm still learning how to perfect. Okay, maybe not perfect, but at least practice more often.

New Year, New Tricks

Notice the huge t-shirt a top her pajamas.

Thanks Hannah for the "improvement".

Hannah, always trying to find ways to be helpful.



Clever girls.

I know, this face looks similar to her others.

But it is slightly different.

Still stinking cute.

Look at that dirty rag-a-muffin face.

Does your Mom ever clean you up?

I love this photo.

It shows Grace's recent introduction to bed hair.

I love the profile of her button nose and pursed lips.

This is about as chubby as my babies get.

So thrilled to be somewhere naughty.

I am amazed at how different it is to have a baby with older children. I walked down the stairs Monday morning and there was Grace sitting between Annika and Hannah up to the table. They were feeding her their ceral and she was enjoying every minute of it. Probably due to the freedom that her little body found between her two older sisters. Grace hates being confined. In the pictures you can also see some of the torture that a 6th child must endure. Hannah placed on Grace one of her own t-shirts, of course is drowned her and limited her crawling abilities. Which are quickly turning into walking skills.

Grace is ever moving from place to place, thing to thing, basket to basket. A few weeks ago to crawled into the laundry basket in my room and got a huge kick out of it. By the time I got to my camera the kids had bugged her out of the basket. Fortunately, she found the same interest in the toy basket, really the catch all basket in the living room. She thinks she's pretty cool beans. I love watching Grace's reaction to herself. She is thrilled when she gets into trouble and squeals with delight. She is constantly keeping me on my toes.

More Chirstmas

Here's more photos for you Jessica. Hope you enjoy.

I loved this photo. I am so sad that is turned out so blurry.

Brent helping Grace.

Why do they have to make these things Adult proof too!!??

Grace opening one of her gifts.

Grace again.

Grace climbing ontop of Beckham's pile

to get to his pack of candy.

Grace lying on Beckham's gifts.

Hannah and Jaren jumping for excitement.

Beckham spying his gift.

Jaren running to his gift from "Santa"

The kids always have to wait at the top of the stairs.

Brent and I take our time to plug in the lights and make sure everything is satisfactory.

Hannah, she is such a goof.

This year the kids decided to ceranade us with

"We Wish you a Merry Christmas."

One more photo of the kid waiting.

Hannah, Annika, and Isabel

Modeling the make-up that Aunt Brooke gave them.

Annika, you can see the excitement in her eyes.

Isabel, so proud.

Jaren, could he be any more thrilled?

Hannah, she's a poser.

This post it for you Jessica. I know you wanted to see more pictures of the kids. So here you go. I did my best trying to capture them. I still need to work on my photography skills.