Scary how accurate this is of what I think and how I feel every single day. Respect the rules. :)
Friday, November 30, 2012
FIRE!
Wednesday, November 7th, 2012 @ 4:45 pm.
'Mom! There's a fire on the haystack!' (Danielle had told Lucas as she was facing the window as they played in the living room and Lucas relayed the message)
What!? (leaving the stove to see what they were talking about - sure enough this is what they saw)
Dial 911, then take pictures. :) Oh and turn the stove off.
Talked to the dispatcher and she transferred me to the Fire Station - they asked where we were located and said they already had trucks in route. Great.....now we wait and hope it doesn't catch the rest of those dry weeds on fire and spread towards our home. Hoping the wind keeps the smoke from us.
do you hear what I hear?? firetrucks - they're coming!
best seat around.
another pile just fell over into the fire - the black smoke
Firefighters trying to figure a way to the nearest water source........it was not close - over the canal, through the yard and across the street.
News helicopters!
it's quite a jump and the kids were totally impressed every time.
the view from the front of the house
Abbey was getting nervous and opted for the trio blocks. Mo was asleep and I eventually woke him up to see the trucks.
Lea came home from Activity Days to quite the scene. :) Crystal's kids had quite a story to tell.
Jeff loves a good show. Rain, snow, hail, fire.
It burned all through the night and this was the mid-day the next day - Thursday.
Monday, November 26, 2012
moving on
One Sunday without a calling was plenty. :) I get it why it's so important for members of the Church to have a calling - to be involved, feel wanted, and most of all be part of something bigger than our own little bubble. I volunteered for Nursery - 18months to 3 year olds - who doesn't love this group!? I even tried to be in there this past week, but ended up in Valiant 10 (10 years old turning 11) because Jeff was teaching and needed another adult in the class. Church Handbook says there must be two teachers should one of them be male. Although his door was open, I stepped in to be that 2nd person since he was teaching. I enjoyed being able to sit back and relax at church. We went to church as a family - in one car!! There were no Sunday morning meetings for Jeff and although we picked up Kadyn to bring her, we were able to go to church together - so bizarre. :) We sat with 3 of the Ellison kids as Darrien is now in the Bishopric and Jennie was home with sick little ones.
So with those 3 and our 4 - 7 kids under the age or 11!! It was a perfect fit and I probably got more out of church than I have in years. :) Also a sad realization my kids are getting bigger. I can move on from the drool, puke and diaper blowout stages and move on to the 'yes I will wear that even though it says dry-clean-only'. :) Maybe I'll even wear more jewelry than my wedding ring and one of 3 pairs of earrings I own - maybe, let's not get carried away.
After church, we each received a calling from the Lord through our Bishopric. Although I volunteered for Nursery, apparently I'm needed elsewhere. Secretary in the Relief Society Presidency. Okay - Heidi was just released and took my place as 1st counselor in Primary and I am taking her place as Secretary. It will be great to work with another Presidency and be a part of the 'behind-the-scenes' of the Relief Society Presidency.
Jeff was called to be a Sunday School teacher for the youth - he's very happy about it for a couple reasons. 1- it's a Sunday calling with no 'extra' meetings to attend on a regular basis, 2 - it's with the youth. He relates to them very well. 3 - it gives him the chance to study the scriptures more than we currently do, especially with the new curriculum of 'here's the theme for the month - you figure out a lesson'. Wow! We're not sure what age group he'll be teaching but somewhere between 12-18 and it will be for the 1 hour of Sunday school, then he'll be able to attend Elder's Quorum regularly and not feel so much like a visitor. haha!
So here we go - on to the next stage of service and the blessings that come from service in the Lord's Church.
So with those 3 and our 4 - 7 kids under the age or 11!! It was a perfect fit and I probably got more out of church than I have in years. :) Also a sad realization my kids are getting bigger. I can move on from the drool, puke and diaper blowout stages and move on to the 'yes I will wear that even though it says dry-clean-only'. :) Maybe I'll even wear more jewelry than my wedding ring and one of 3 pairs of earrings I own - maybe, let's not get carried away.
After church, we each received a calling from the Lord through our Bishopric. Although I volunteered for Nursery, apparently I'm needed elsewhere. Secretary in the Relief Society Presidency. Okay - Heidi was just released and took my place as 1st counselor in Primary and I am taking her place as Secretary. It will be great to work with another Presidency and be a part of the 'behind-the-scenes' of the Relief Society Presidency.
Jeff was called to be a Sunday School teacher for the youth - he's very happy about it for a couple reasons. 1- it's a Sunday calling with no 'extra' meetings to attend on a regular basis, 2 - it's with the youth. He relates to them very well. 3 - it gives him the chance to study the scriptures more than we currently do, especially with the new curriculum of 'here's the theme for the month - you figure out a lesson'. Wow! We're not sure what age group he'll be teaching but somewhere between 12-18 and it will be for the 1 hour of Sunday school, then he'll be able to attend Elder's Quorum regularly and not feel so much like a visitor. haha!
So here we go - on to the next stage of service and the blessings that come from service in the Lord's Church.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Mixed feelings
I've had mixed feelings all this past week. I knew the Primary President was being released and her husband was being called as a counselor in the Bishopric. The other counselor wanted to meet with me, but I hadn't been able to schedule anything until 15 minutes before church. I thought I was being re-called to be in the Presidency until I called Saturday night to talk to Justine (the 2nd counselor in the Primary with myself and Jennie). She told me she had been released and then all my previous thoughts were now ones of 'oh, probably means I'm done too' and 'now what am I going to do', etc. I walked into Frys because I was going to buy flowers for Jennie. I saw the Stake Executive Secretary and he asked if Jeff was home - yes he came home yesterday morning (it was Saturday, Nov 17th). We drove home the weekend before on Sunday leaving Vegas at 5 am (missed Stake Conference for the 2nd time this year) and he got on a plane and left for Florida in the same day - 1 o'clock flight.
As I was sitting at Justine's house, Jeff called and said we had an meeting with President Porter - Stake President.....'I think I'm done' Jeff told me. He had the same thoughts I did about my own calling. 'Now what I am going to do?' 6 1/2 years he's had this same calling - I planned on him being there a very long time and so did President Porter.
Sunday morning he went to meetings at 7 am, came home at 9 and I was surprised to see him. He was asked to give his testimony and knew then he was being released. I don't normally see him until he shows up somewhere around 2 or 3 pm at the Church. I get asked all the time where he is - no idea is the answer I give. He's busy running from one building to the next, helping the clerks, talking with everyone he sees, and trying to keep up with the demands he places on himself and the things he's been asked to get done. All the while stressing about his actual job that he's behind on work with and trying to stay organized and have a 'normal' family life. Which for us means he sees the kids before they are in bed and maybe a few minutes in the morning when they first wake-up.
I know you can't see me, but it gets me a little teary knowing he's done with that calling. Well not until January 1st so he can train the clerk, but it's been such a huge blessing for our family. I can't give you details and specifics because they're aren't really any physical blessings to show you. I have been blessed to manage our home and every Sunday for the past 6 1/2 years except for Easter, Christmas, Mother's Day and Father's day when they don't have meetings. We've had 3 kids join our family, been through 3 jobs, 4 wards, 1 Stake re-alignment, 3 different church buildings, 2 Bishops, 2 Stake Presidencies, 1 calling for Jeff and a cycle of the same callings for me: Enrichment, Activity Days, Enrichment, Primary teacher, and this last year it was 1st counselor in the Primary. We've learned to make-do with the little time we spend together and make the most of it. We've learned to 'come what may and love it!'. Jeff has said many times - 'I wish they'd release me - I just can't do everything' Work consumes his life, but I've seen him make changes to his priorities over the years, feel 'okay' with the things he can do and then ask for help where he feels he's failing. He's been blessed with amazing assistants who pick up the slack for him when he can't be at meetings, do paper work, etc. He's served with men who inspire him, help him to be a better husband and father, and still let him be him - sarcastic and a little goofy. :) He now says he'd take all those comments back if he could just stay in the calling. He was able to be apart of the administrative portion of the Church, but still be able to see the Gospel part of the church in action as he sat in on many a high-council meeting, trained Bishops, clerks and saw the blessings of Disciplinary Councils for those members either leaving the church or coming back to the Gospel. I never asked who they were or what happened, but we did talk about the joy that comes from living the Gospel, it's the little things that matter and make all the difference in the big things of life.
Our kids were able to help clean up as we waited for Jeff to finish after Stake meetings, they got to see their dad and their friends' dads on the stand and know they were part of something pretty great. We got to meet Elder Anderson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles and Elder Pickard of the 70 and chat with him for a minute.
We met a couple other Area Authorities when they came to call a new Stake Presidency - truly amazing that they can be inspired to call men to the Stake Presidency having never talked with them or even met them. It's only through the power of the Holy Ghost that this happens and it's all part of the Lord's plan.
So now that Jeff had been released and accepted a call to be on the Stake Audit committee, it was my turn. I met with Brother Durda and thought I'd be fine until he told me I was being released - I got a little emotional and more teary. I had never been a part of a Presidency before and had only been a part of this one for 11 months. I love these sisters, we had fun Presidency meetings, but accomplished a lot of things. I was worried that Jeff's busy schedule would keep me from magnifying my calling - it didn't. They were so understanding and willing to accommodate my schedule and I am truly grateful for that feeling of acceptance of my chaotic, unscheduled life. Saturday night we went to Jennie's and then scooptacular - it was the highlight of my night even if was only about 30 minutes. :) We were a great team - along with the pianist and chorister - we worked well together and even Brother Durda was sad to let us go. My testimony of the Gospel has grown tremendously. I still struggle to read my scriptures consistently, but I know they are true. I know they are a life-line to our Heavenly Father. I have become better (not great by any means) but better, at public speaking. Instead of being sick for an entire week before and after speaking it only lasts a few minutes before. :) I managed with the help and guidance of the Holy Ghost to put together a beautiful program for the children - the beautiful part came during the actual program - it's my favorite Sunday of the year.
Sunday felt every strange - that 'burden', okay not burden - responsibility was no longer on my shoulders. I stood a little taller, felt a little lighter and easy going. I still had mixed emotions at being let go, but I did volunteer for Nursery. :) I love the children and have learned so much from them. They want the same things we want as grown-ups: respect, love, guidance, joy, peace and to know they have a place they belong. I hope I was able to share that with them because Primary should be a place where they belong and feel loved. I love the teachers - so many them I've known for several years and they've served in RS Presidencies, Bishoprics and other leadership positions. I was nervous to be in front of them thinking to myself they had more gospel knowledge than I did - how could I teach them too? I'm grateful for my children's primary teachers - Bakers, Foulks, Christiansen/Clark/Boblett - my children know they are loved and missed when are gone from church. They feel special and respected - I couldn't have asked for better teachers for my kids this year.
If you've made this far in the reading, know I'm still crying. :) I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I belong to His Church - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know President Monson is our prophet today and leads us as a spokesman for the Lord. I know that by Choosing the Right and following the promptings of the Spirit we can, not only, receive answers to our own prayers, but be the answer to someone else's prayer. I love my family and the joy we find being together - grandparents, uncles, aunts, everyone together.
We're looking forward to the callings the Lord has in store for us and the blessings that come from faithfully serving the Lord.
As I was sitting at Justine's house, Jeff called and said we had an meeting with President Porter - Stake President.....'I think I'm done' Jeff told me. He had the same thoughts I did about my own calling. 'Now what I am going to do?' 6 1/2 years he's had this same calling - I planned on him being there a very long time and so did President Porter.
Sunday morning he went to meetings at 7 am, came home at 9 and I was surprised to see him. He was asked to give his testimony and knew then he was being released. I don't normally see him until he shows up somewhere around 2 or 3 pm at the Church. I get asked all the time where he is - no idea is the answer I give. He's busy running from one building to the next, helping the clerks, talking with everyone he sees, and trying to keep up with the demands he places on himself and the things he's been asked to get done. All the while stressing about his actual job that he's behind on work with and trying to stay organized and have a 'normal' family life. Which for us means he sees the kids before they are in bed and maybe a few minutes in the morning when they first wake-up.
I know you can't see me, but it gets me a little teary knowing he's done with that calling. Well not until January 1st so he can train the clerk, but it's been such a huge blessing for our family. I can't give you details and specifics because they're aren't really any physical blessings to show you. I have been blessed to manage our home and every Sunday for the past 6 1/2 years except for Easter, Christmas, Mother's Day and Father's day when they don't have meetings. We've had 3 kids join our family, been through 3 jobs, 4 wards, 1 Stake re-alignment, 3 different church buildings, 2 Bishops, 2 Stake Presidencies, 1 calling for Jeff and a cycle of the same callings for me: Enrichment, Activity Days, Enrichment, Primary teacher, and this last year it was 1st counselor in the Primary. We've learned to make-do with the little time we spend together and make the most of it. We've learned to 'come what may and love it!'. Jeff has said many times - 'I wish they'd release me - I just can't do everything' Work consumes his life, but I've seen him make changes to his priorities over the years, feel 'okay' with the things he can do and then ask for help where he feels he's failing. He's been blessed with amazing assistants who pick up the slack for him when he can't be at meetings, do paper work, etc. He's served with men who inspire him, help him to be a better husband and father, and still let him be him - sarcastic and a little goofy. :) He now says he'd take all those comments back if he could just stay in the calling. He was able to be apart of the administrative portion of the Church, but still be able to see the Gospel part of the church in action as he sat in on many a high-council meeting, trained Bishops, clerks and saw the blessings of Disciplinary Councils for those members either leaving the church or coming back to the Gospel. I never asked who they were or what happened, but we did talk about the joy that comes from living the Gospel, it's the little things that matter and make all the difference in the big things of life.
Our kids were able to help clean up as we waited for Jeff to finish after Stake meetings, they got to see their dad and their friends' dads on the stand and know they were part of something pretty great. We got to meet Elder Anderson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles and Elder Pickard of the 70 and chat with him for a minute.
So now that Jeff had been released and accepted a call to be on the Stake Audit committee, it was my turn. I met with Brother Durda and thought I'd be fine until he told me I was being released - I got a little emotional and more teary. I had never been a part of a Presidency before and had only been a part of this one for 11 months. I love these sisters, we had fun Presidency meetings, but accomplished a lot of things. I was worried that Jeff's busy schedule would keep me from magnifying my calling - it didn't. They were so understanding and willing to accommodate my schedule and I am truly grateful for that feeling of acceptance of my chaotic, unscheduled life. Saturday night we went to Jennie's and then scooptacular - it was the highlight of my night even if was only about 30 minutes. :) We were a great team - along with the pianist and chorister - we worked well together and even Brother Durda was sad to let us go. My testimony of the Gospel has grown tremendously. I still struggle to read my scriptures consistently, but I know they are true. I know they are a life-line to our Heavenly Father. I have become better (not great by any means) but better, at public speaking. Instead of being sick for an entire week before and after speaking it only lasts a few minutes before. :) I managed with the help and guidance of the Holy Ghost to put together a beautiful program for the children - the beautiful part came during the actual program - it's my favorite Sunday of the year.
Sunday felt every strange - that 'burden', okay not burden - responsibility was no longer on my shoulders. I stood a little taller, felt a little lighter and easy going. I still had mixed emotions at being let go, but I did volunteer for Nursery. :) I love the children and have learned so much from them. They want the same things we want as grown-ups: respect, love, guidance, joy, peace and to know they have a place they belong. I hope I was able to share that with them because Primary should be a place where they belong and feel loved. I love the teachers - so many them I've known for several years and they've served in RS Presidencies, Bishoprics and other leadership positions. I was nervous to be in front of them thinking to myself they had more gospel knowledge than I did - how could I teach them too? I'm grateful for my children's primary teachers - Bakers, Foulks, Christiansen/Clark/Boblett - my children know they are loved and missed when are gone from church. They feel special and respected - I couldn't have asked for better teachers for my kids this year.
If you've made this far in the reading, know I'm still crying. :) I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I belong to His Church - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know President Monson is our prophet today and leads us as a spokesman for the Lord. I know that by Choosing the Right and following the promptings of the Spirit we can, not only, receive answers to our own prayers, but be the answer to someone else's prayer. I love my family and the joy we find being together - grandparents, uncles, aunts, everyone together.
We're looking forward to the callings the Lord has in store for us and the blessings that come from faithfully serving the Lord.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Happy Halloween!
Sometimes I dread Halloween and all the activities, but this year was fine - all the effort is worth it to see my kids happy. :)
Preschool
Ward party
Trick-or-treating in the neighborhood
And the search was on for the perfect costumes......Lea couldn't make up her mind, Abbey wanted nothing, NOTHING, girly, Ammon still fits in his costume from last year and Lucas was most certain he wanted to be a Super Hero or Star Wars....My goal was to spend as little as possible if any thing at all. :)
Pretty close I think.
One batman costume from craigslist - $10
witch hat and Monster high skirt with tights - $20
Make up from last year and colored hair spray paint - $0
2 recycled costumes - $0
The joy of getting all decked out and running around playing games and getting free candy and this year dad got to be there!? (Jeff has been out of town, working late or had to find us along the way for the past, well 7 years now - it was so nice to have him with us from the beginning to the end of crazy.)
-Priceless.
headed to the ward party - the kids loved the spider webs we hung up - I did not love the REAL bugs we caught in those webs.
Preschool with Abbey:
they made spooky! foot ghosts
cute, simple teacher gifts for Halloween
Roaming the neighborhood: ghouls, ghosts, and zombies, oh my!!
someone's front yard - now is decked out for Christmas
two houses down and this is their backyard and only a portion - there are at least 20 of these full-size characters, bones in the pool, hottub, and grill. Creepy, but fun!
We had a great time - we missed trick-or-treating with the Sorensens, next year.
and next time we'll take water - it's hard work going to all those houses!! :)
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Mouth of Luke
Conversation we had a few days ago:
Daddy will you play store with us? - Lea and Abbey were arguing over who got to be the money person.
I'm in the middle of making breakfast. You be the bank and Abbey can be the store cashier. Without a bank you wouldn't have any money for the store. - Jeff
And Lucas can be the government and buy out the banks - me
I can't, I'm being lazy. - Lucas (HAHAHAHA!)
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