Dear Santa, Exactly how do you define "nice"?

Christmas Magic!

What a wonderful holiday season! We have had the opportunity to do some fun things as a family and have once again been blessed by the love and generosity of our sweet extended families!

I wanted to share one experience that happened right after Thanksgiving. Ryan's sweet sister-in-law called to check in and see how Ryan was doing and if there was anything they could do to help. At the time, he was not doing well at all. I replied that there wasn't anything they could do, to which she quickly asked how we were for Christmas. I replied that my kids were really easy and didn't ever ask for much. This year Addi asked Santa for a blue tootsie roll and Gracie asked Santa for a "toothpick" (She meant a guitar pick, but still???)! I then mentioned how I had found a note in Parker's room that had 2 columns for birthday and Christmas (his b-day is 5 days after Christmas). He had listed Madden 09 OR NBA 09 and then at the bottom of the page he had written"Early Christmas Present - My Dad to Feel Better". I get choked up even writing about it, it has been hard for the kids to not be able to play with Ryan like they use to. I mentioned that I had bought a lot of stuff earlier in the year (before Ry was laid off) for the girls and just needed to get some things for Parker. She quickly said consider it done. I tried to protest and then gratefully accepted, realizing what a blessing this would be right now. The VERY next day she called me and she and Ryan's brother had already bought presents (way more than necessary - they are ALWAYS so generous to everyone). They also had a special surprise! They found an electric blanket for Ryan and wrapped it up in beautiful paper with the following tag attached:

"Santa has heard of your wish for your Dad

So I'm stopping by early to make him feel glad

This blanket will help him feel better, I pray

And I'll be back with more presents on Christmas Day -

Love, Santa"

They rang the doorbell and left the gift for the kids to find. They wanted to help Parker believe in the magic of Santa a little longer. At first the kids were confused, they weren't sure why Santa would be bringing Dad something so early. Several minutes later, Parker exclaimed, "Hey, wait, I mad a wish for an early present for Dad to feel better, but I didn't mail it to Santa!" It was so fun to see their excitement! We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. Our friends and families have all helped us out so much this past year, we are truly so grateful to them for their generosity, time, love, and support! It has truly made this season magical!

{the electric blanket has been helping him sleep better too - thanks for the tip Kaylee}!

Addi's Hit the Big Time!

One of my favorite sites to visit is http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/! The other day I checked it out and one of their new sponsors is Rabecca's Art Studio! She is the one who painted this picture of Addison to put in her gallery!! It was fun to read a few comments of people who liked the painting of the little baby with the big blue eyes!!

{Tip Junkie's currently hosting a mom-prenuer shop, stop in and check it and Addi out!!}

HAppy Birthday Gracie Raye of Sunshine!!

Today is my little sunshine's 7th birthday! What a joy it has been to be this sweet little girls mommy for the past 7 years! She is so sweet and tender, curious (once she stuck her finger in an exposed outlet just to see if it really would electrucute her - yikes)!, she loves to have fun and takes care of everyone! Happy Birthday Sweetie!

{taking a little break}

just taking a little me time, but I'm anxious to post some fun halloween things we did last month and a few fun projects I'm working on/just finished when I get back!!

I AM: tagged!

Tagged by my darling niece Angie

I am: a daughter of God.

I want: a new camera.

I have: many wonderful friends.

I dislike: picking up after everyone over and over and over and over......

I miss: fitting in my clothes

I fear: ants, the economy, ants, big ants, lots of ants....

I feel: happy when my house is in order and frazzled when it isn't

I hear: quiet (and I LOVE it - no crying Hallee Babe tonight :)! (oops spoke to soon :(

I smell: laundry soap

I crave: sweet and salty yummies

I cry: when I am tired, happy, overwhelmed, grateful - (frequently)

I usually: hit my snooze button in the morning

I search: for good deals and don't buy anything unless it is a steal

I wonder: what challenges and joys these next few years will be bring

I regret: it when I eat at night because I always get a tummy ache :(

I love: my kids "all the much"!

I care: too much about stuff that isn't so important

I always: say my prayers

I worry: about Ryan alot, but less about other stuff lately

I am not: 35 yet!

I remember: how different life was before we had a house full of kiddos

I believe: that Heavenly Father can ease our burdens and strengthen us so that we are able to bear them well

I dance: all over the house (and our neighbor kids always giggle their heads off)

I sing: off tune

I don't always: eat breakfast or lunch (and then I'm ravenous by 400 - eek!)

I argue: with Parker when I shouldn't and always feel horrible after

I write: to witness God's hand in my life and the tender mercies we receive

I win: many fun things on blog contests - hehe!

I lose: my keys all the time and my mind daily!

I wish: Ryan would feel better.

I listen: to Addi sing her lungs out from sun up till sun down.

I don't understand: how to live in our home and still keep it clean and orderly

I can usually be found: in front of the computer after the kids are in bed.

(maybe that's my problem to the question above - oops!)

I need: a new muffin pan, griddle, cooling rack, and rice cooker

I forget: to use my Love and Logic principles with the kids too often

I am happy: I really am!

I tag Abby, Denni, Heather D., My mom, Vicki, Kristy, and Sheri and anyone else that might happen across this post :)

Random Funny Courtesy of Hallee Babe

(Hallee went with her preschool class to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point last Friday).

Mom: Hallee, how was your fieldtrip today?

Hallee Babe: Oh, I loved it! I wish I lived there!

Mom: Lived there?

Hallee Babe: Yep, I wish I was a dinosaur bone!

Whatchya Been Up To?

So you may have noticed that I kind of dropped off the map for a while, I have had very little contact with a lot of my friends recently because there are only so many hours, and I tend to spend as many as I can with the kids, now that I am not able to be home with them as much! So inevitably I will run into someone or finally catch up with some dear friend and they'll ask so "Whatchya been up to?" So here's a little summary of the past month(ish)!
1. We painted the girls' room, which led to the girls' beds getting painted, which led to new base mouldings being installed, which led to a new "holeless" door being installed and painted, the lovely large shelf being painted, AND a new curtain being made. I still need to make pillows and hang some stuff, but it is on it's way!
2. Painted the shed - woohoo! This was definitely a family affair, the kids were so proud of themselves and I was proud of how patient Ryan was with them, it was a great family project!
3. Had a Yard Sale with Heather & got rid of all my baby items (yep, it's time)!
4. Stained the playset (Thank you Katena!!!)
5. Canned some peaches - mmmmmmm!
6. Working 9-5! Well really it is more like 830-??? It is such a blessing that I have been able to pick up so many extra hours! Ryan is adjusting temporarily to the Mr. Mom routine and I am adjusting to my new role! Though not ideal, I think we make a pretty good team, and the kids are happy (perhaps not as well groomed, but happy)!
7. Stretching!!! Not so much the physical kind, although I always do a little of that too (I am in the business and all)! But a lot of the spiritual, emotional stretching that we all get to experience at different times in our lives. I seem to be a lot more reflective this time through and definitely feel that I am getting better at remaining calm/peaceful in the midst of the storms. Currently, I have been trying to figure out how we demonstrate faith in a way that allows us to lay claim on the blessings and power the Lord can provide us with. Conference was awesome for me, I am anxious to study several talks and see specific things that I need to do to so that I may receive the answers and blessings our family needs. I recently read one of the most empowering books, Left to Tell. It is the account of a Rwanda holocaust survivor who demonstrates such amazing faith in God through horrific events. As I read, I couldn't help but compare some of her actions to the scriptural account of the Brother of Jared who went to the Lord with a very specific plan and then had the faith necessary to allow God to help in carrying out the plan. I so want to be like that someday, I am sure that will require a whole lot more stretching, but for now I am learning and trying to demonstrate trust in "the trainer".

You Like???

So here are just a few of the many pics I took of Lizzy's little one Ella.... You like???

The End!

Blog Catch - Up!!

Life has been too busy lately and consequently I have had very little time to document it. I did journal some events that have happened and never actually posted them, so I am posting them now, so that I won't forget all the crazy, blessed moments that make up our daily lives!

"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

(7/27/08)

I had the most amazing opportunity this past week to be present at the birth of Lizzy's 5th child! She called and asked me to come several weeks ago and I just started bawling(I know, surprise, surprise)! Lizzy is amazing and delivers her babies at home with the assistance of a midwife. I expected to be a very quiet fly on the wall, but instead I got to take video, pictures, and help out Lizzy and the midwife as necessary! It was the most amazing experience not only to witness the birth of a new life, but to witness the control that Lizzy has. She never moaned, cried, or grimaced even during hard labor. She somehow gets herself into a quiet zone and is able to let her body do what it was designed to do! She is beyond amazing!! And the little bonus of the night was.....it's a girl!!! Lizzy has 4 darling boys, but that house was so needing some little girl lovin'!! We are all already in love with baby Ella!!

I'm Going There Someday.....

(7/28/08)
Today I got to teach a lesson to the young women on the importance of deciding today to be married in the temple. It reminded me that I had not posted about the wonderful opportunity we had recently to watch the spire and statue of Moroni go up on our new Oquirrh Mountain Temple! I pulled the kids out of bed (we all looked oh so lovely) and drove up by the temple. Their were tons of other people watching too including many people from our own neighborhood! The kids loved it and I hope it is a memory that they will treasure. It provided me a wonderful spontaneous teaching moment to share why I go to the temple and why I feel it is so important for each of them to go there someday too!

Belated Post

Someone sent me this post in April (and as you will learn in question #15 ) I am just getting around to answering and posting it!! Oh well, better late than never might be my new mantra!

1. Where is your cell phone?
in my purse

2. Your significant other?
at the movies

3. Your hair?
Needs a new cut and style soooon!

4. Your mother?
wonderful, generous, creative, inspiring

5. Your father?
brilliant, fun, kind, respected

6. Your favorite thing?
cute things, pretty things, yummy things

7. Your dream last night?
can't retrieve, too many other things have occured since then!

8. Your favorite drink?

orange juice or water

9. Your dream/goal?

current goal is Disneyland

my dream is to travel

10. The room you're in?
my bedroom/laundry room/computer room - eek!

11. Your ex?
Not sure? But you could ask my brothers who apparantley go out to lunch with him regularly (and don't mention it to their beloved sis:))!

12. Your fear?
losing loved ones

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years?

I want to be with my kids and Ryan on a fabulous vacation (okay realistically a vacation sprinkled with fabulous moments)!

14. Where were you last night?
Back to School Night, home with the family (hooray)!

15. What you're not?
On top of things! I am not unhappy with things in my life, life is good!

16. Muffins?

muffin tops, please!

17. One of your wish list items?

oh to narrow it down is sooo hard,

little item - a new pancake griddle

big item - a new Entertainment Center

18. Where you grew up?

Sandy, Utah - back in the day

21. Your TV?
apparantely only plays the NFL network

22. Your pets?
Ryan, Parker, Gracie, Hallee, Addi - they should count shouldn't they I feed them, walk them, clean up after them, and still love them!

23. Your computer?
is driving me crazy, I'm afraid we might have another virus

24. Your life?
busy, uncertain, blessed, exhausting

25. Your mood?
suprisingly relaxed and mellow tonight

26. Missing someone?
my girlfriends - life has been too busy and I haven't had enough girl time!

27. Your car?
running!!!! YEAH!!!!

28. Something you're not wearing?
jewlery, shoes

29. Favorite Store?
whimsy, hobby lobby, I pretty much like ANY store!

30. Your summer?
too short, kids started back to school last week! We did have a very relaxing and enjoyable summer break, the best sign was I was not ready to have them go back to school!!

31. Like someone?
I like lots of people! Lots and Lots!

32. Your favorite color?
Red!!! I love orange lately too!

33. When is the last time you laughed?
I laughed several time today, but had a stomach wrenching laugh late, late Monday night with Karen,Katena, and Dennilynne at Chilis! Truly we can't get together and not cry and laugh and laugh and laugh!!!

34. Last time you cried?
Monday night at MaryAnn's grave & when I had to send my little Gracie off to full day first grade, I couldn't help it, I just love that girl!

You've had a birthday shout HOORAY!!!

Happy b-day Jane!!! Hope you have a wonderful day! We have been through so much together, both good and not so good, I hope this next year brings many, many good things for you and your sweet family!! Love you!!

Scofield

Somewhere, over the rainbow, way down south, there is a place Ryan dreams of every night!

This past weekend we FINALLY made it down to Scofield to celebrate the 4th!! We had a wonderful time, we were able to stay in Ryan's brother's cabin (which had a bathroom - hooray! comfy bed - hooray! a kitchen - hooray!)!! We got a late start BUT we got to see and visit with some very dear friends from our first married apartment - we loved catching up, but so need to live closer!!!

We pulled into Scofield around midnight, but because it was so late and dark, Ryan was having a hard time finding the right turn off. Ryan finally got out to go look around on foot and sweet Parker offered a prayer. A simple beautiful prayer that was followed by us finding our camp. Parker immediately said, "Oh I am going to have to thank Heavenly Father for answering that prayer in my prayers tonight"!

Later the next morning Hallee asked me how we got here (the cabin) since she had fallen asleep and missed out on all the excitement. I asked Parker if he could tell Hallee how we got here, here's a recap of their little dialogue:

Parker: Hallee, do you go to church? (pretty sure he knew the answer to this one, but we will indulge him)

Hallee: (perplexed face and voice) yes?

Parker: Hallee, who do you learn about when you go to church?

Hallee: Heavenly Father and Jesus

Parker: Good, Hallee. Now do you believe in Heavenly Father?

Hallee:(perplexed voice and face) yes?

Parker: Good, Hallee. Now do you believe Heavenly Father answers your prayers?

Hallee: (still perplexed, losing interest in the conversation) no response

Parker: (undaunted) Well, Hallee, Heavenly Father does answer prayers and that is how we got here last night. We were lost and I said a prayer and Heavenly Father helped us find our way before 1:00 am. So Hallee this means there is a lot of power when you pray.

Hallee: Oh! :)

Sweet Parker, he really does have a strong testimony of the power of prayer. One thing I love about the prayers he offers is that they are very specific and he always expresses gratitude for things in his life!!

We had a wonderful trip, sprinkled with some not-so-wonderful moments, but I think that is to be expected (tired kids, tired parents)! We took up our motorcycle and 4 wheeler and the kids little jeep, all of which provided hours of entertainment! Ryan and the kids enjoyed target shooting (Ryan enjoyed the moving target variety until he found out they were on the protected species list now AND that his son thought it was so cool that Diego rescues them- oops)! Friday, our friends, Mike and Heather's family, joined us and then later that night Ryan's folks came up!! We had a very relaxing weekend and are anxious to go back!!

Look What I Found!!!!

de·light·ful : very pleasing: giving great enjoyment and pleasure


The past 2 days have been just that, delightful! I only had a handful of things on my calendar, no patients to see (due to unfortunate circumstances) and here is what the days yielded:

1- my little 4 year old can ride a "Two - Wheeler", she was SOOO proud, she kept saying what a great job she was doing..... and she was!!

2 - 3 haircuts (my not so little 6 year old opted for a much shorter hairdo then her mother liked, but she LOVES it and she still is as beautiful as ever)!

3 - a new little "fishy" joins the "school" - Addi who professes daily to want to go swimming at Grandma's house (yet who is deathly afraid of the pool and or sprinklers) finally "jumped" in and LOVED swimming - she kept saying all night "That sooo fun, sooo fun!"

4 -Parker and Dad had a date night (Cap'n Crunch Shakes at Carl's Jr.)

5 - Late Night with the girls: 4 girls all cuddled up on a loveseat watching HSM (again:)! Near the end of the show, Gracie looked over at me and gushed, "Mom, I just love you so much"!! My heart swelled!!!

6 - A lovely visit with great gma williams - she is so wonderful and the kids just adore her! Hallee said today while we were grocery shopping, remember how great grandpa use to pull my toes, I loved that!! We sure miss Grandpa and love that Grandma loves to talk about him too!

7 - Some "yummy fun"! I found this recipe for oatmeal creme pies on a blog and made them for some friends - they are delish!! I think I will make them again Sunday for my dad's birthday dinner - yummy!!

8 - a campout in the backyard (really it is just Ry and the 3 older kids, which is why it made it on to me "delightful" post)!

Passions

Ugghh!! Challenge 3 is to share 5 passions EXCLUDING your family and the Gospel!! I'll admit I don't have time to have passions outside of these!! I'll dig deep:

1. my work - as much as I enjoy not going to work, I truly love the feeling of helping someone regain their independence. I love the challenge of trying to figure all the little details and problems out, it is good for my otherwise sluggish brain, and it is immensely rewarding!!
2. people - can this be a passion, I truly love people. I love getting to know them, learning about them, observing them, and most of all trying to make them happy!
3. photography - you wouldn't guess it from the lack of pictures posted lately (I lost my camera - :(), but I love to take pictures, I love to look at photography sites and analyze their background choices, ect. I appreciate great photos of any subjects!!
4. details - (I warned you, I'm digging deep) I love all the details that make something come together whether it be a party, an outfit, a room, or an event!! I love and appreciate attention to detail - it makes my heart smile!!!
5. wearing a helmet - 10 years as a physical therapist, need I say more!!!!

The Extra Mile

Challenge 2 is to describe a time when you have been the recipient of someone going the extra mile. Now I am not just sucking up to the contest host I promise, but when I think about going the extra mile I always think of my mother and specifically one example that has impacted me very strongly. I remember when my mom visit taught a lady whose husband had recently had a stroke. My mother took in meals to this family every Monday for over a year! She was not asked or assigned to do this, I'm not sure if anyone else even knew that she did it, but I did and I am still trying to emulate her example!

I truly am so lucky - I am surrounded by the most amazing women in my life and I receive more than my share of above and beyond service. Just this past month we have received many delicious meals, help with the kids, our home was "twinkled" by some little cleaning fairies and notes of encouragement and prayers were offered. We are so very blessed!

I wanted to share a journal entry from 12/05 just after Ryan had been diagnosed with and had the brain tumor removed, he was out of work, and we were expecting our 4th child in January that explains again how truly blessed we are.


He Will Not Leave Us Comfortless
Brother Keith Brown was traveling on a huge boat out in the Pacific Ocean. He was leaning over the side, enjoying the beauty of the waves, the radiance of the sun shining down upon the water, and the wonderful feeling of calmness and peace. When all of a sudden, he heard a loud screeching sound. He said it was unlike any sound that he had ever heard before, but if you were to liken the sound to something, it would be when you hold a balloon and pull out the end so that a high-pitched, screeching sound is heard. At the same time, there was a definite slowing of the ship's engine and there was a sudden appearance of red that came out in the water. Brother brown went up to the captain to ask him what had happened. Just as he arrived, the captain was on the intercom system. He said, that it appears that the boat had possibly hit a whale and with the passengers permission, he would like to turn the ship around and go back to the area where it happened. It took almost 25 minutes to turn the boat around and return to that area.

When they arrived they saw about 8 whales, all swimming together side by side, with the injured whale being carried in the middle. When a whale is injured, the other whales come together on each side and lift the injured whale so that it can breathe and get enough air. They continue to do this until either the whale is strong enough to swim again by himself or until the whale dies. This process can go on for a number of weeks.

I love this story and feel that it sums up my feelings this past few months. I and my family have been lifted up by the strength and power of our Father in Heaven through the love and service of our friends and family. We have been blessed in every imaginable way and cannot deny God's blessings in our life. A FEW of the specific acts of kindness and service that we received during this time were numerous letters and calls of encouragement, prayer, and fasting, fasting and prayers of loved ones including Ryan's high school fantasy football team and out of town relatives and friends, our cupboards, basement, garage, and freezer where stocked with food, meals and more yummy meals, family and friends helping with the kids, Corby (Ryan's brother) slept overnight on various occasions so that I could get some much needed sleep and he attended to Ryan and the kids throughout the night, his wife came and cleaned our bathrooms 1/week until the baby arrived, numerous anonymous monetary gifts left at our home or given to Ryan's parents, free haircuts for months from Ryan's sister, friends cleaned the house, did our shopping and helped shuttle kids back and forth. The list could go on and on and continues particularly throughout the Holiday season. We are truly blessed and feel that the "heavens have been opened up and there is not room enough to receive the blessings that are being poured upon us". Brandi 12/05

Fear Factor

Okay so challenge one is to share a time when you have conquered a fear or stepped outside your comfort zone! I really had a hard time with this one, either I am not afraid of much or I really don't do much (oh dear scary thought)! I have gone para sailing (Ethel's got nothing on me) , bungee jumping, cliff diving and bullet bike racing (don't ask mom), and none of these activities produced fear (maybe a little adrenaline), but not fear. However, when I was called to be the primary chorister I literally shook for weeks (really probably months, but that sounds so pathetic). I threw up for several weeks before and after church!! I was terrified initially and then ended up LOVING the whole experience - go figure!

This Weeks Challenge

So my whole big family (except my little family) is off basking in the sun in my favorite little paradise (aka Lake Powell). We were unable to join them this year due to Parker's surgery (he can't get his "War Wounds" wet for a few more weeks)! However, while they are away those left behind shall play, play for free stuff that is! My mom is hosting a little challenge on her blog and to enter you have to comment and respond to her daily challenge, check it out http://constantgrowingamazement.blogpspot.com and enter if you would like!!!!

peace.

it does not mean to be in a place

where there is no noise, trouble

or hard work. it means to be in

the midst of those things and still

be calm in your heart.

(unknown)

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

So I was in charge of the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon last month for all of the teachers and staff at my kiddos' school! We served 50 the first time and 20 the next time. The teachers were so gracious and seemed to really enjoy the food. I have had many requests for the recipes so here they are!

Mexican Pasta Salad
1 box penne pasta, cooked according to directions on box (6 cups cooked)
1 can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 small cans sliced olives
2 c. corn
1 jicama, chopped or julienned
1 white onion, chopped
1 red and yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 T. minced garlic
Cilantro, finely chopped
4 diced tomatoes (I used cherry tomatoes)
Greens of choice (6 cups; I use romaine and spring mix)
3 avocados, chopped
Grated Parmesan
Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing (I used approx. 3/4 of a bottle for this recipe, but use to taste)
Combine pasta with first set of ingredients. Add greens, avocado, tomatoes, Parmesan, and dressing prior to serving. Serves ~ 25.

(My BFF Jenny and I concocted the above recipe by combining and altering a few other recipes we loved, it is also great with cafe rio dressing, and Bernstein's Chipolte dressing, but I love that with the Balsamic dressing you can still taste the yummy flavor combinations in the salad)!


Denni's Pina Colada Fruit Dip
1 jar marshmallow creme (regular size)
1 block cream cheese, softened
1-2 tsp. coconut extract (I always use 2 tsp, who doesn’t love flavor?)
1-2 drops red food coloring, optional (I think everything tastes better when it looks pretty :))

Serve with fruit such as pineapple, strawberries, bananas, and grapes.

Flavored Water
3 C. Sugar
5 quarts water
1 Tbsp. Citric acid
1 Tbsp. Lemon, orange, or strawberry extract
Lemons, oranges or strawberries for garnish

Mix 1 quart water with sugar and dissolve. Add citric acid (can be ordered by pharmacies) and extract of choice and the rest of the water. Fill punch bowl with ice and whole/slices of fruit and pour flavored water over ice and fruit. (If I use a lot of ice, I cut back on the water I add - just do it to your taste).

One year older and Wiser too.....

Happy Birthday Heather!! I LOVE this girl! I am not sure when our friendship evolved, but somehow over the past few years it did! She's my late night Target companion, my drop in child care (sorry), my quick phone call for anything and everything! We have served together on the Activities Committee and in Primary! Our kids are joint at the hip (or wish they could be)! She is absolutely beautiful inside and out, generous, talented, creative, spontaneous, and a WONDERFUL friend! I am so blessed by her friendship!!! Happy B-Day Heather (and Happy IKEA Shopping)!!

Day of Rest

This weekend my body gave in and I ended up sleeping until 12:30 Sunday afternoon, up for a quick 1/2 hour to sip a bowl of tomato soup (thanks honey), and then back to bed until 4:30 pm! (I am almost embarrassed to mention that I was back in bed for the night by 9:30)!!! I figure that equals at least 3 average days of sleep for me and so I should be supercharged!!

The past few weeks have been kinda rough, I have been trying to discover different ways of coping. I have been walking a lot, I have been gardening (ripping out weeds is rather refreshing), and I have been pondering. Recently, I have been exploring the virtual sharing stations online from the Women's Conference at BYU. I have found some wonderful insights (that are probably better than sleeping, weeding, or walking)!!

My FAVORITE talk so far is by , entitled Steadfast and Immovable in Faith: Solid as a Rock. The handout shares 20 specific ways we can remain steadfast and immovable (all are wonderful), but here are 3 of my favorites:

Let not your mind turn back (D&C 67:14)
Sometimes unsteadiness occurs as we allow our minds to turn back and reflect on hard times, trials, unfairness, hurt, betrayal, frustration or just better days. The scriptures are filled with verses about the mind. There is power in controlling our thoughts and having a firmness of mind, looking forward with an eye of faith.
Jacob 3:1-2
Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction. O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.
Do not take counsel from your fears
There is a great deal in life to weary our souls and create fear within us. Satan would have us take counsel from our fears. This is a sure way to create unsteadiness. Because faith and fear cannot exist together we must dispel fear by exercising our faith in Jesus Christ.
"That is the second lesson of the spirit of revelation. After you have gotten the message, after you have paid the price to feel His love and hear the word of the Lord, go forward. Don’t fear, don’t vacillate, don’t quibble, don’t whine….. With the spirit of revelation, dismiss your fears and wade in with both feet. In the words of Joseph Smith, "Brethren [and sisters], shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!" (Holland March 2000 Ensign)
Submit to god’s will in all things
Why do we submit to God? Is it because we have to if we want to be considered obedient and righteous? No, we do it because we trust Him. We submit to God in all things because we believe that what He wants for us is the best thing. We even submit to God’s timing because we trust that what we cannot see ahead in the path is something that will absolutely be in our best interest. Submission is about trust.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell rightly said: "The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we ‘give’ … are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us." (Ensign, Nov. 95 24)

WOW!

Wow! Ryan has never even read my blog, let alone posted! I had a delightful Mother's Day, the kids were sooooo excited and my fridge is soooo full of treasures!! Props to Gracie for being such a good shopper, she talked Ryan out of a flower arrangement, insisting that I didn't want "dead" flowers, but flowers for the yard! (She may have had a little prompting from mommy dearest:) I didn't get my flowers, but I did get some earrings I desperately needed (yes, earrings are a need especially if you have over 20 mateless varieties) AND the Enchanted CD!!! I still LOVE the show, I think what I love more though is listening to the girls sing out at the tops of their lungs, "How Will She Know"!!! We spent the day with both my mom and Ryan's mom! We are SO blessed to have been raised and taught by such wonderful women! We will never be able to express our love and appreciation for all they have done and do for us!
We gave my mom a bundt cake from http://nothingbundtcakes.com - my latest obsession and may I recommend the pineapple-upside down cake (delish)! We gave Ryan's mom one of my cookbooks my girlfriends and I compiled and I helped his dad put together a little keepsake album for his mom of notes of thanks and love saved over the years.
It was a wonderful day!!!

Priceless Mom

Princess dress and accessories just $12.99

Basketball and jersey only $36.45

keep reading.



Well not to rip off all the commercial totally, but this mom does make these kids feel like real princesses and a all star. She has always wanted them to feel and know they are loved and has worked very hard in letting them know. She is truly a "priceless Mother".

A Sweet"heart"...

Whoosh, I am exhausted, in fact it is likely that I won't finish this post tonight, but I will try.

Here's a little recap of Ry's news. He had his appointment with the neurologist Monday. His MRI was abnormal and their are 2 new lesions from last year, the doc. said that one/decade is okay, so apparently Ryan is an overachiever! She started him on several meds for his headaches and even gave him a little shot in the hiney while we were there (unfortunately it didn't seem to do anything)! Today Ry was sedated again for an echo bubble procedure which detects if their is a hole in the heart, the results are in and Ry's heart is sweet (no hole)! So, we will not have to follow up with the Stroke team, but now we are left wondering what is responsible for the new (and several old) lesions. The Doc. said she is keeping him on a short leash, so we go back to see her on the 12th of May. In the meantime, he just needs to follow up with an ENT to figure out some other symptoms/issues and then hopefully we will have more news in a few weeks. His headaches have been pretty rough the past 2 days, so hopefully the meds will start helping soon!

A big thank you to everyone for all your help with the kids, yummy meals, and constant support this past week - we are spoiled rotten!!

Hide and Seek!

Addi loves to visit B-ball Grandma's and Grandpa's. One of her favorite activities is finding the rubber duckys that Grandma or Hallee hide. Lately, however she is just as content to hide all the little duckies herself and then, you guessed it find them herself! She gets so proud of herself when she finds them all tucked just where she left them! As you can see in the picture, she hid one little duckie really well a few weeks ago and nobody can find it!! This little one is pure joy!

Our Medical Deductable is Met!

Ry's surgery went very well this morning (we had to be at ST. Mark's by 6 AM )! My cute brother TJ came and got the older 2 kids off to school, my wonderful mother and sister-in-law "Suzy" took the babes! Ry came home and was out walking around the neighborhood, well around our yard chatting with people from the neighborhood and then.... it hit! Not feeling so well tonight! Addi is VERY interested in daddy's big owies and keeps saying, " I wanna see!" We are grateful for everyone's prayers and support, we are so blessed!

The Moments

I loved listening to conference this past month, my favorite talk was Elder Ballard's (Are you surprised??? What young mother didn't love this talk)!

Some of the highlights:

"Brothers and sisters, recently my wife, Barbara, had back surgery and could not lift, twist, or bend. Consequently, I have done more lifting, twisting, and bending than ever before—and it has made me more appreciative of what women, and especially you mothers, do every day in our homes.

There are moments of great joy and incredible fulfillment, but there are also moments of a sense of inadequacy, monotony, and frustration.

What can you do, as a young mother, to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?
First, recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction."

So, I am trying to focus more on the "moments" instead of the long exhausting days! A few "moments" recently:

1. During conference as the kids skipped around the felt colored squares on the floor during the musical numbers (thank you Enrichment Committee) Hallee (4) shouts, "I love Conference"!

2. As the Sunday afternoon session was ending, Parker (9) asked if we could share our testimonies in FHE the next day. He reported, "I'm sure mine will be a lot longer now, because I have figured out a lot more things that I believe!"

3. Addi's belly laugh and sweet little smile

4. The toothless smile on Gracie's face when they won their first soccer game in well, let's just say a very long time! Priceless!

"Good News Minute"

Since tomorrow is Sunday, I decided to post our "Good News Minutes" (and not so good news minutes) that I wrote down earlier this week - what a month!

Addi's Good News Minute:
She got to see and love "gma and pappa Aguilar" (her nuresry teachers) this past week (she has been missing them since we have been gone the past 3 weeks) and got to see and Love her real life Great Grandma Williams at Mountain Grandmas. She can recognize 3/4 of her ABC's (which is 3/4 more than big sister H. can do)!

Addi's not so Good News: "Big Owies and Pink Medicine" aka: strep throat and an ear infection


Hallee's Good News Minute: She finally gets to go on a date with Mt. Grandma! It has taken her 5 months to get 30 days with no crying when going to bed, but she MADE it!! She also got to go on a fieldtrip to the candy factory and can't stop talking about our trip to St. George and Idaho!

Hallee's Not So Good News: "BIG Owies" aka: dislocated elbow that wouldn't reduce despite 3 attempts! Shared spit with sister Addi prior to strep diagnosis, but fingers crossed no sxs yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Gracie's Good News Minute: Started back to school, she is growing to love school and her teacher! Play time with her friends is always the highlight of her day! Got to ride in a limo from the funeral home to the graveside service for Grandpa Williams and got to stay overnight in a hotel with Mt. Grandma and Grandpa (with a hot-tub and pool)!!

Gracie's Not So Good News: stepped on a nail Tuesday night (within minutes of Hallee's accident)


Parker's Good News Minute:He has been able to go to 3 Jazz games this year and mom's BF Jen just got him a signed Karalinko picture (his favorite player) that he carries with him everywhere! Oh and the Limo - apparantley a BIG deal!!

Parker's Not So Good News: the Jazz lost tonight (Parker told his dad that he went down in his room and asked Heavenly Father for a miracle for the Jazz)!

Brandi's Good News Minute: I got to go to a birthday party for my girlfriend Rian's 35th "mid-life" party last weekend! Great food, great friends, great conversation...and my girlfriends helped me finish my humanitarian packets - woo hoo!

I have amazing friends who spoil me rotten! Dinners, clean house, help with the kids, really, I am soooo blessed!

Brandi's Not So Good News: I'm the mom to all these sick/injured people!!!! Co-pays, co-pays, co-pays!!


Ryan's Good News Minute: His dad's surgery went well (despite some post surgical infections he is fighting right now)! Ryan "gets" his gallbladder out and some cysts removed in a week! This really is good news because he has been hurting for a while and is anxious to start feeling better soon. Despite all the same head/neuro sxs no TUMOR!! His neurology appointment was moved from July 29th to April 28th so hopefully we will get some answers soon!

Ryan's Not So Good News: Ry has had headaches since his brain tumor a year and a half ago, but they have been getting a lot worse lately, he has also been experiencing blurry vision and a myriad of other random and yucky sxs, so we finally got him in and hopefully he is on the road to recovery. The MRI showed no tumor - yeah! However, it did show a number of white spots (punctate lesions) on his frontal lobe. There are several possible causes for this, but our MD is wondering if he might have a hole in his heart that has been sending little clots to the brain! So we are anxious to see the neurologist and get her opinion!!

Easter

This year we had the privilege of celebrating Easter down south (St. Georgeish) with my grandparents! Each Sunday they call and Grandpa asks, "When you coming down?" Well, I could foresee my work schedule slowing down and the kids were in between sports (hurray!) so we decided to go (we being me)! Ry wasn't able to take off work, so I headed down with the 4 kiddos.

The highlight of the trip for me was our Easter devotional with Grandma and Grandpa. Saturday I took the kids to pick out some Easter bags and treats for Grandma and Grandpa. The kids stuffed and hid their eggs along with 4 other eggs that each had a piece of paper with a number written on them. The kids (and I) got a kick out of watching them hunt for their eggs.




The eggs with numbers corresponded to a picture of an event or time in the Savior's life (ei. birth, performing miracles, resurrection) and then one paper asked the person to share their testimony of the Savior.
We do this each year with the kids, but this year we decided to have Grandma and Grandpa share the stories and their testimonies with us. After each story was shared, we all sang a primary song that corresponded with the message. It was sweet, particularly sweet since 6 days later I received a call that my grandpa was in the hospital and would not make it through the night. How grateful I am that we were able to spend Easter together and particularly that my family was able to hear him bear his testimony of the Savior.

A few other highlights from our trip:
1 - Time with my darling grandparents - we had a wonderful time together relaxing, laughing at the kids, and visiting - oh and eating (grandma thinks it should occur 24/7!!!)


2 - Spending time with my cousin Kevin and his darling family
3 - The kids loved playing together and roping the steer head Grandpa had rigged to some milk crates! He also fashioned a ping-pong table out of PVC pipe and particle board that provided hours of entertainment!
4 - Sunny skies , sidewalk chalk, long walks
5 - Windy days perfect for kite flying (the girls LOVED it)!
6 - The Easter Bunny found us (the kids were worried) and left our eggs OUTSIDE!




7- Watching Addi - she entertained us all weekend with her songs and dances. She found a little stool and found 50 + ways to jump off of it!! She also managed to dump at least 6 of Grandpa's herb/vitamin bottles, color on the stool, and have a food fight with herself !?! Grandma is so patient with her and Grandpa just pops out his hearing aids, shakes his head and mutters, that girl!!:)

Who, me?

8 - I read 1 book and several magazines - ahhh!
9 - Finding a potted flower in the dishwasher - apparently Grandma doesn't use the dishwasher much,in fact I loaded it partially several times and when I wasn't around she would unload and hand wash the dishes - it was too funny! I offered several times to hand wash the dishes, but she would not have it!
10 - Ryan was able to ride the shuttle down and spend Easter Sunday with us! Parker called him Sat. to find out he was not feeling well (bad headaches) so we weren't expecting him to make it down, but I was very happy that he did!


11- The Easter Sacrament program at Grandma and Grandpa's ward - it was beautiful!