New Friends

This weekend was quite eventful for me. I attended Time Out For Women, a religious event held annually. I've never gone before, but my new friends in my church encouraged me to go, so I did. I had NO idea how wonderfully I would be spiritually fed. It was absolutely wonderful.

Friday night 3 speakers participated: John Bytheway, Virginia Pierce, and Macy Robison. John Bytheway is ALWAYS fun to hear. He makes me laugh so much. That night's topic was marinating yourself in the good. (You might have needed to hear the talk to get the topics...) Virginia Pierce is the daughter of President and Sister Hinckley, she SO looks like both of them. Her topic hit me RIGHT between the eyes: forgiveness. It was absolutely wonderful. Then Macy interspersed the evening with song and her story. It was wonderful as well. I left feeling VERY uplifted and thrilled for the next day.

A little aside, I was a carpool driver for ladies in my ward. I'm VERY new, and don't know where people live....yet. I was left alone with my last person, who happens to be blind. SWEET, sweet woman. Anyway, I had picked her up earlier in the day, so I had a general idea of where she lived. Anyway, I took her to the house and told her that I was dropping her off in the driveway. She was fine with that, and I waited as she walked to the house, felt around a bit, then turned and walked back. I asked her if something was wrong and she said, "That screen didn't feel like mine, I think we're at the wrong house." Oh, my GOSH!! I was so thoroughly embarrassed. I quickly found out that I had dropped her off one house too early. (If there was a forehead slapping emoticon, I'd use it here....) She was very sweet about it, and I literally laughed the way home. It was QUITE funny, and I can now say that I will NEVER forget where she lives....EVER!

The next day I had breakfast with my ward ladies and then we went to the event. The whole day was just wonderful. I thought for SURE that it would drag on, but it went by super quick. The rest of the speakers were: Jericho Road, Emily Watts (substituting for Kris Belcher, who I HOPE to hear someday....), Mary Ellen Edmunds, Kelly Ogden, Merrilee Boyack (who I was SO excited to hear from, she wrote a book that literally changed my marriage....and made me laugh at the same time) and finally Emily Freeman. All the talks were inspiring and wonderful. The theme for the whole weekend was "Seek the Good." And truly, I found good and want to keep it always.

I will touch a bit on Merrilee's talk. I have wanted to hear from her since I saw her name on the line-up. She is one of my favorite authors. I actually REALLY want to read my book by her again, just so I can laugh and learn at the same time. Anyway, her topic was wonderful. She talked about giving out the good and spreading it around. I can't remember her exact phrase-ology, but it was something like, "Give out just 5 nanoseconds." It doesn't take much to make someone else's day. Saying a simple, "I love you and appreciate what you do." Or "You're so pretty/handsome/beautiful/funny...." Or "I'm so glad you're my friend (or in my family)." Those things don't take much time, but a purposeful count of 5 is what she made us raise our right hands and promise to do. I will say, that my morning was FABULOUS, because I'm using my 5 nano-seconds on my boys and husband. Cameron just about beamed out of his clothes with the simple praise I was giving him. I truly appreciated her message, and was lucky enough to go squeeze her and tell her that I appreciate her. She again encouraged me to do my 5 nano-seconds, and I said that I was most eager to do it on my boys and she said I reminded her that we could get our children doing it as well....she then thanked me. I have to say, I was a bit star-struck, and honestly, no one really truly would know her if they didn't go to TOFW or know her from her books.

I bonded quite well with ladies from my ward and have made some absolute GEM friends. I'm so blessed.

What a great weekend. I can't wait to get my DVD copy of it so I can relive all the wonderful words/feelings and thoughts of this weekend.

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Today we had some friends from church invite us over tonight to play games. I'm SO grateful they did. We had a blast. The boys had fun as well (Jake's decided that their daughter is his girlfriend.....SO cute!) Anyway, I think we're settling into this ward VERY well, and I'm so grateful.

Being Led By the Spirit

I've had a few experiences in the last week that have shown me that I can truly help others when I follow the Spirit. It's been quite humbling and exhilarating at the same time to realize that I've been the way Heavenly Father has been able to answer others' prayers.

On Sunday we mixed things up with our church schedule. Usually we go to Sacrament meeting, Sunday School and then Relief Society/Priesthood. This week we switched the last two hours. In Relief Society we watched a beautiful video about working on our own family history....finding those of our family who belong to us. I "leaked" through the story about a couple with four teens. They were struggling and the husband admitted that they might get divorced. The video was following actual people, so it wasn't a story that someone had written. Anyway, the couple worked on doing their family history together and began to get closer. Then at the end of the video the couple ended up getting sealed in the temple. It was absolutely a beautiful story.

Then we went to Sunday School. I hate to admit, but all through church, I was feeling sleepy and thought I might fall asleep if I had to sit still through one more class. We started out with a very good discussion talking about whining vs. murmuring vs. speaking up. One brother talked about how his young son had whined that he didn't want to go to his Primary class, then at that moment we heard loud whining in the hallway. His wife was out trying to wrangle that little boy and keep him happy and calm. We all kind of giggled at that, and went on. As we were going on a thought came to me, "You need to go out there and help." It was VERY strong and VERY persistent. I calmly put my scriptures away, gathered up my big bag and went into the hallway. I saw the look of frustration on the mom's face and asked, "Can I help you? I feel like I need to." She laughed and said that another sister said the same thing. We went to a table and pulled things out of my giant church bag. The things I had in there weren't necessarily things I would usually have, because I don't like taking treats to church, but I took them because we were supposed to have choir practice and my boys get a little whiny and rambunctious during that time. I gave this little boy some animal crackers and he instantly stopped crying. The other woman and I shooed the mom off to Sunday School and we proceeded to play with this little guy. We played cars, raced them, laughed when they drove off the table and then talked a lot. He didn't scream again for the rest of the class.

I honestly don't know why I needed to help him, other than I THINK that he would have kept screaming if I hadn't gone out with my cookies. But his mom got to enjoy Sunday School with her husband and not worry about her little boy.

Last night I had a voice mail from the lady that helped us do our lending. She sounded quite frantic and frustrated. She said she was trying to track down a check that our insurance company had sent for $412. She wondered if we had it.

I called her back, leaving her a message, that yes, we had gotten a check for $412, and that it was sitting quietly in our escrow account.

Here's the whole story.

A few weeks after we'd moved into our home, our homeowners insurance company sent us this large check. Steve had checked the mail, and was pleased that we were blessed with this extra money. He hid it from me, planning on surprising me with a Kindle Fire or an iPad for Christmas. Well, he couldn't hide it for long, and after 3 days showed it to me. I was INSTANTLY worried. I knew that we shouldn't be getting an extra check, and that we had JUST bought the home. I worried that we might lose our insurance or something else would happen.

I called the insurance agent and he suggested that we call our mortgage company and have them put it into our escrow account. I called the mortgage company and sent them the check. This was well over a month ago, and I haven't thought a thing of it since.

At the same time another couple, who'd just bought their home, got a cancellation notice on their homeowners insurance. Their premium wasn't paid at all. This was a more than a little frustrating to them, I'm sure, and they called our friend Julz.

Apparently, the title company accidentally paid OUR insurance (which is the same company) with THEIR money.

At the time I was putting the money back into escrow, I never felt good about *just* spending it. I only felt peace once it was safely tucked away, where we couldn't spend it.

Again, the Spirit works in mysterious ways.

My friend told me that I was one in a million, because anyone else would have spent that money. I explained the situation to her and how I knew it wasn't right to spend it. She said that it was a miracle, because they never hear about those kinds of things happening.

I don't know why I was so blessed to be the one to help others, but I'm grateful and happy that I listened.

Big Weekend

Usually we let the 4th of July weekend go by without much fanfare, but this year, we've decided on an impromptu camping trip. Unfortunately, since it's impromptu, that means Steve can't come, because he has to work, but the boys are REALLY excited about going.

The ONLY hesitation the boys had was missing our town's parade. I'm all for it, because I've been IN this parade for many MANY years, and then watched it for many MANY years, and it's not that impressive...in fact, it really sucks. We won't miss MUCH, but the boys are devastated. I told Cameron that I'd ride around in a car and throw candy at him (Jake piped in and said, "Mom, you'd HURT him!") I have even offered to buy the boys their own flags.....this has calmed them a bit, but they're still disappointed. They WILL survive, I'm sure.

Because I'm tired of putting up my tent all alone, we're doing a car camping trip this time. We'll sleep in our suburban. Since all we really ever did in our tent was sleep and dress, I figured it wasn't that big of a deal....we'll see once the weekend's over if this is a good plan or not.

I'm excited to spend this holiday out in the woods. I absolutely LOVE Independence Day and all it stands for. I get weepy when I hear those special patriotic songs and my heart stirs when I see flags flying around town.

We are truly blessed to be living in this country with the few freedoms we enjoy. God must have helped out those Founding Fathers for them to have created such a special Constitution for our lives.

God Bless America!

5 Reasons I Love Being a Mommy

(I stole this idea from my friend, Deanna. Thanks for the idea!)

Random Loves

My boys will randomly come up to me, give me a nice hug and say, "Mom, I love you!" It's especially humbling when I'm in the midst of one of my many mommy-rants and they stop me in my tracks with their love. And I absolutely know they love me when they sweetly squeeze me in their little bear-hugs. So sweet.

Singing Primary Songs at the Top of Our Lungs

We're still pretty old-school when it comes to music. In the suburban I will play CDs that the boys love. I have to love them too, but that's besides the point. One of our favorites is Voice Male. They have a funny little version of "Popcorn Popping" that just makes my boys burst into laughter. When I begin the CD, Jake KNOWS it's his favorite and he instantly BEGS to hear "Cah-corn! Mama, Cah-corn!!" Once he says it correctly he's rewarded with the song. Then we'll all sing the song....yes, all of us.

Dinnertime

My boys are pretty picky. Dinner can be a huge success or a HUGE bust. Tonight I made a giant chef salad. (Lettuce, cucumbers, green peppers, celery, carrots, tomatoes, ham, turkey....) Both boys gobbled up their salads and BOTH complimented me on my choice of meals. (Cameron said, "Mmmm...Mom, this is SO good!" Jake said, "Why'd you chose this?" *giggle*) Seeing them eat up healthy food and LOVE it, nothing better....

Quiet Times

Those are few, and far between, but when I can sit down with Jake on my lap, Cameron cuddled on "his" chair watching random cartoons (today it was Rocky and Bullwinkle.....) the quietness surrounds us and I feel peace and unending love. I know that my boys are busy, but they can also appreciate the quiet times.

Helpers

Both of my boys LOVE to help me. They will almost fight over who gets to clean the kitchen table, fortunately there are enough washcloths and water to go around for everyone. It makes my heart swell to hear a little voice say, "Mama, can I help?"

Please don't take this list to say that my boys are perfect little angels, believe me, they're not. BUT there are those choice moments that make me stop and appreciate being a mom...the hardest, best job I've ever had.

Gratitude

I've had a rough last few weeks. First off, Cam was sick, then I got the crud. (I've still got some stuff, but it's manageable now.) Then I found out one of my hang nails turned to infection. SO not cool. I also found out that despite a lovely chart, I am not pregnant (yes, we're trying for another, although some days I wonder why....) Anyway, it was a rough little patch.

BUT I have to say, I am truly grateful for my life, and I wouldn't change a thing.

I have a fantastic relationship with my hubby. He and I have grown SO much. We love to support one another in our various out-of-the-home activities. Steve plays basketball with the guys at church weekly (and he loves it!) and I get to play with my friends once in a while. It's wonderful. I don't know of many SUPER supportive husbands like mine. I'm grateful for him.

I'm grateful for the two children I do have. I know that most days they can be stressful and will fight me or each other, but there are many times when we all just laugh and enjoy each other's company. My boys are such joys. I'm grateful for their fun personalities.

I'm grateful to have a warm home. It's been pretty cold here lately, and I'm so glad that my house is warm and comfortable. It may not always be clean, but it's where we can be ourselves. I'm grateful for my home.

I'm grateful for fun mail. My Uncle Scott and Aunt Jana send out THE funniest Christmas/New Year's letter EVER. I was laughing SO hard over this year's installment. My cousins are hilarious, and my aunt and uncle are great. I'm SO grateful for happy mail.

Tonight, I'm glad I have fingernails. I was at a friend's baby shower and I was helping cut fruit for a chocolate fountain. My fingers accidentally slipped and I cut my fingernail. Yes, JUST the fingernail. I know that if my nail hadn't been there, I wouldn't have a tip to my finger right now. SO grateful for painful, ouchie finger nails.

I need to look on the bright side a little more often, thanks for letting me share just a little bit of my gratitude right now.

My Favorite Holiday is Here, Yet Again

The older I get, the faster time flies, and the sooner it seems that I celebrate Independence Day.

The other day, we were driving around town, looking at the fireworks stands and the many reminders of the celebrations to come. Cameron asked me, "Mom, why is the 4th of July your favorite holiday?"

I took that precious teaching moment to let him know what it's really about. I simplified the history QUITE a bit, but I shared with him the story of our country's humble beginning as a colony of England and the need for freedom, the ensuing war and touching on the lives that have been given so that we can enjoy our freedoms.

Tears began running down my cheek...we owe SO much to those men who gave their lives so that we can enjoy ours. I am truly grateful, and will ALWAYS love this holiday and the things that it brings to my mind.

Happy Independence Day, one and all!

Happy Things

I finally watched that show that I mentioned about NF and I couldn't help but feel SO blessed. Those kids have the disease pretty severely, and Cameron, when compared to them, is SO mild. He does have visible cafe au lait spots and a FEW (literally 4 or 5) neurofibromas that you can see from the outside. Our only concern with him is the 3 plexiform neurofibromas (multiple neurofibromas that grow in a cluster) that are on his spine. But in all honesty, he is doing FABULOUS! We only have to see the specialized doctors once a year and his tumors are NOT growing. I felt like I could be glimpsing something that *could* happen to us, but I felt SO blessed to know that we haven't had to take it that far.

I've had several happy things happen in my life lately, I think it's time for a gratitude post...I need the reminder.

Jake is talking more and more and can even say his name correctly now. He's been trying to say it for a few weeks, starting out as "Day-dub," then "Ja-dub," and now it's "Jacob."

He's also super cute and sweet. He's just learned to make obnoxious noises when he kisses, and thinks it's great fun to make those same noises when he blows kisses. The other night he was blowing kisses while we were eating dinner. He was laughing so hard that he could barely breathe.

The warm weather has been so wonderful. I let the boys play outside yesterday for the first time in I don't KNOW how long without their jackets or coats. It felt so freeing.

I got to have a very fun GNO (Girls' Night Out) last week with my computer and real life friends. I love it when I can just get together with a bunch of ladies, who I know and love, and just giggle until my face hurts.

We had our annual IEP meeting for Cameron this week. Normally I go to the meeting and end up bawling when they talk about Cameron. This week, NOTHING! I was able to stay calm and make my needs known, but I think the thing that made me SO happy was the fact that they were all willing to add the ONE goal I've been advocating for him for YEARS! He now has the goal to read a small book written INTO his plan! On top of that happy news, the district occupational therapist said that Cameron is about ready to graduate from occupational therapy. This kind of threw me for a loop, I was NOT expecting this. His handwriting is getting SO much better, and they're finding it hard to make more age-appropriate goals for the boy. She mentioned a new therapy using a metronome that should help his fine-motor skills, and I am VERY excited.

Life truly is great and I don't have much to complain about! What have you been blessed with lately?

When the Mind Wanders....

....it's just too hard for my body to settle down to sleep. Right now, it's 2:00 in the morning and I just cannot sleep. My mind feels like it's on over-drive and I feel wide awake and not even sleepy, at all.

I've been thinking about how truly grateful I am for my little family. I am so glad that I was blessed to be the mother of these two energetic little boys and that I was given the opportunity to not only teach them, but to learn from them.

With Cameron, I've had to learn patience and accepting things that are hard. For a while now, I've wondered how far Cam will advance in his learning and growth. For many years now he's been stuck around the same mental age. It's very disheartening. Instead of being the typical 9 year old boy, he's on the same level as a 5 year old. It's frustrating to me and I'm sure to him.

I'm frustrated that he still hasn't grasped the concept of reading. This is terribly frustrating because I SO love to read. I read a lot, and I know he and Jake have seen me read for fun. But when I sit down with Cameron to help him sound out words, he just doesn't get it. He can make the sounds that all of the letters make, but he can't figure out how to put them together to form a word.

I've been wondering if my life will be spent trying to take care of Cameron's many needs and that I will forever have a 5 year old in my life. I love him SO much and wish SO badly for him to have an independent life, but right now, I just don't know if that will ever be possible.

With Jacob, I've had to learn to enjoy the small things and to stick to what I say. For the most part, Jake is a VERY happy child. He loves making others laugh, and finds joy in the simplest things. You show that boy a basketball and he is giddy for a WEEK! He thinks making the adults around him laugh is a huge accomplishment. For example, this week, he was eating dinner at the table, it was just him and Steve. Suddenly, Jake farted. He looked up at Steve and said, completely serious, "I fahted!" We've been laughing since.

But that sweet side has a very stubborn side. I've known since before this child was born that he was going to do things HIS way. My NSTs were HUGE pains, mostly because Jake wouldn't cooperate by sitting still and letting the nurses get a good reading. I was in the hospital for HOURS on end just trying to get a decent reading. His stubborn streak is still strong.

His new love is going outside to play in his truck and with his basketball. Since our neighborhood is scary and the fact that we don't really have a yard to play in, we have to play at Grandma's house. I don't mind it too much, and neither does Grandma (in fact, she worries if we DON'T show up!!) When we get to Grandma's house, instead of going inside to say hi and let her know we're there, Jake insists on playing with his truck. I've had to literally drag the kid into the house for a few minutes, just so I can drop off my diaper bag before he can play. Then when it's time to leave, because he loves it so much, he will scream (high-pitched, bloody-murder type scream) and kick and flail until he can scamper away for more play time. He honestly thinks that he's boss and very much in charge.

I've had to take things away from him and force him to do what he's supposed to, and it's NOT been easy. I worry that I'll forever be in a battle of wills with this child.

These little boys are SUCH a blessing to me, and I'm so grateful for them and the lessons they teach me. I only hope that I can be a good mommy to them, and teach them what THEY need to learn.

Change in Perspective

I don't know who wrote this, but I am so glad that it was brought to my attention.

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Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes;
We have plenty of food to eat.

Thank you for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry;
We have plenty of nice clothes to wear.

And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds;
They were so warm and comfortable last night.
I know that many have no bed.

My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom,
Complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory;
They are so convenient.

Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly;
It has served us faithfully for many years.
It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers for two or three meals.

Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today.
It has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing,
The lawn that needs raking;
We all enjoy the yard.

Thank you, Lord, even for that slamming screen door.
My kids are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says
You have richly blessed my family.
I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully.

Thankful Tuesday

It has been a while since I've written things that I'm thankful for.

• I am grateful for warmer weather. It's so nice to be able to take my boys outside, let them play and have fun and not worry about piles of snow, or bright red noses and ears. It just makes me SO happy to have spring on the way.
• I'm grateful for my own personal hair dresser. This morning, after his bath and usual cuddles, Jake grabbed my hair brush and brushed my hair for a good 10 minutes. It was so sweet and unexpected.
• I'm grateful for a son who likes to help out. Cameron has been trying EXTRA hard lately to help me out, either by sharing with Jake or doing little things that he knows I like done.
• I LOVE happy music. (Even if it is considered *kids* music.)
• I love that my home is on its way to being what I want it to be. I've been slowly, but surely working on my FlyLady techniques and even though I still struggle with decluttering, I'm doing SO much better and I love how my house looks and feels. (Now, not only is my sink shiny, but my toilet is starting to sparkle too!) It's a happy place to be.

Daylight Savings Love

Although the time change really throws me and my family off for a while, I truly love daylight savings time. I love how it's brighter outside for longer and that we get to take advantage of it with the time change.

Losing that hour of sleep didn't even bother me THAT much. The thing that bothered me most was that Jake decided to wake up for an hour in the middle of the night. (Something about a nightmare and losing Cameron....I didn't quite catch it, but I understand that he was upset.)

And the fact that it happens on a Sunday helps get us ready for the rest of the week.

I know that this all sounds crazy, but I'm excited for the time change, because it lets me know that winter isn't as endless as it feels and that warmth is on it's way. :)

Thankful November

Living Prophet

I'm grateful that Heavenly Father has not closed the heavens to the world. He does speak to men through his living prophets. I am SO grateful for the knowledge I have that our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, communicates with Heavenly Father and passes His words to us.

I am also grateful for the other leaders and "prophets, seers, and revelators." How blessed we are to hear their words twice a year at General Conference. We are also blessed to have their words written down for us to read in the May and November Ensigns.

I cannot express my love for these men and the things they share with us. My heart is so full of gratitude.

Thankful November

Disposable Diapers

SOOOOOOO glad they invented these puppies. I go through a lot in a week. (Well, not as many as I used to when Jake was smaller....) I'm glad that if we have a messy diaper I can just wrap it up on itself and just toss it in the garbage. I'm EVER so grateful for these when it comes to potty training because I have a small glimpse into life before disposables.

Swishing around a pootie diaper in the toilet is NOT something I ever want to experience. Although, I have heard that washing dirty diapers in the toilet made hands softer....(personally, I think it's something that women said to keep their sanity.)

I'm just glad that I don't have to deal with that. Yay for the disposable diaper!!

Thankful November

Technology

Our lives are SO enriched by technology. Instead of saying WHY I'm grateful, I think I'm just going to list those things I'm really grateful that we have.

Cell phones

Voicemail

Fridges/Freezers

VCR/DVD players

Computers

Printers

Digital Cameras

Game systems

Newer cars

iPods/MP3 players

Email

Blogs

Message boards

Online shopping

SO many things....aren't we just SO blessed?

Thankful November

Cars/Vehicles

I'm grateful for this day and age when we have cars to take us places. I was doing errands on Saturday (fun ones, not the boring ones) and I filled my van with gas and reset the miles. By the time I got home, after my 4 hour break, I had logged 20 miles. If we didn't have cars and I would have had to walk that, I don't know if I would have made it; not to mention dragging two little, cranky, boys around.

On days like yesterday, when it snowed several inches, I'm grateful for cars more than usual. I'm glad that I can climb into the car OUT of the cold and that I will get to my destination in relative warmth.

I'm also grateful that in my family we have two vehicles to get us places. When Steve and I were first married we didn't even HAVE a car, now we have two, and we don't have to rearrange our schedules to get the other to the places they need to go. It's SO SO SO nice to have more than one car in our house.

I'm grateful for cars because they make our lives SO much easier and more comfortable. We truly are BLESSED!

Thankful November

Food

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I'm grateful for food. I am VERY VERY thankful to live in a place where I can just make a quick run to the store if I ever run out of any food. We have SUCH an abundance of food, and I am grateful that we aren't starving and that my kids are well-fed.

On Thanksgiving, I'll be VERY thankful for a fat turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes smothered in mini-marshmallows, sweet pickles, cheese stuffed celery, rolls, jello and pies with "plop." :)

Thankful November

Heated Home

I'm very grateful, especially this time of year, for a warm home. My kids are warm, my house is warm and I am warm. I'm SO grateful for that.

I'm also grateful that I have a roof over my head and that it is a comfortable place for my family to live. We are so blessed to live in this part of the world where our homes are nice, spacious and comfortable. My little brother is on his mission right now in the Philippines, he is constantly telling me about how bad the living conditions are there. In fact, the area he's at right now, he says, smells like a dump...literally.

I'm SO glad that I live where I don't have to smell my sewage and my family is safe and sound.

Thankful November

Wax

Not a big thing, but I'm grateful for wax, and it's wonderful properties. I'm particularly fond of wax's ability to remove unwanted hair.

Normally, I feel rather sasquatch-y, and the other day a friend waxed my eyebrows (and a few other parts of my face...) and I feel like I new woman! I'm SO grateful for this little thing that can help me feel a little prettier, and a little bit better about myself.

Thankful November

Scriptures

I've got a group of friends who have encouraged me to read my scriptures daily. This is something I've struggled with for years. Usually, I get motivated, and start out gung-ho, but then lose interest half-way through. Since my friends are doing it too, I'm a little more motivated this time and I'm doing well. Thanks to this website, it's easy and SO fun.

I love the stories that they tell us, and knowing that Heavenly Father has preserved these words for our day and age is something that is humbling. It's so important, and I am grateful to have them in my life.

I learn new things everytime I read them. Someone once told me that if it was something that is IN the scriptures (particularly the Book of Mormon) then there is something there for us to learn. Ancient prophets spent lots of time, effort, and sometimes even gave their lives for those words. Shouldn't it be that important to us?

Thankful November

Washer and Dryer

I am very grateful to have a washer and dryer IN my home. For the first 4 years of my marriage we lived in apartments that did not have the hook-ups and I had to take my laundry somewhere else to be washed. It was hard and not fun.

Once we found this apartment had the hook-ups inside of them, we were SO excited. No more packing our laundry out of the home....we could do it AT home.

I am also grateful for the machines themselves. I am glad that we don't have to wash our clothes by hand.