Predestined.....

I wanted to write about something I think is important. There has been a lot of talk about politics lately with the upcoming elections. To be honest, I know who I am voting for already. NO, it's not Romney or Huntsman, just because they are LDS. No, I am voting for the person that think is the most moral and most capable of running a great country. I refuse to vote for someone because of their faith, race, or because they are a Republican, etc. I will vote for someone who has good moral values, who upholds the Constitution, and who cares about his country and fellowmen. No person is perfect, so I do not expect our President to be flawless, but I do expect him to fear God above all else. I'm not writing this to start a political battle, I am writing this because I think we have forgotten those that established this country, fought for this country, put their very lives on the line for this country, and who were predestined to do so. I'm talking about our Founding Fathers. These men are historical GIANTS! They are what it means to be an American. A true patriot! Our Constitution was a God inspired document. It was the key to our freedom and sometimes I think we as a nation have forgotten and try to sweep it under the rug. Here are some quotes from these inspired men. I hope that we can take these to heart and remember that what they had to say will never be outdated, antiquated, or tired. The Constitution is a timeless document and it was created to make/keep men free. I know there is a lot of quotes, but these are some of my favorites. You won't be disapointed reading them. In fact you may even be inspired. "The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home." -James Madison "If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy." -James Madison "No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare. " -James Madison "It is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or pretended, from abroad." -James Madison "Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it." -Thomas Jefferson "Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto." -Thomas Jefferson "Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -Benjamin Franklin "The defense policy of the United States is based on a simple premise: The United States does not start fights. We will never be an aggressor." -Ronald Reagan "We will bankrupt ourselves in the vain search for absolute security." -Dwight D. Eisenhower "Preventive war was an invention of Hitler. Frankly, I would not even listen to anyone seriously that came and talked about such a thing." -Dwight D. Eisenhower "Whoever wants peace among nations must seek to limit the state and its influence most strictly." -Ludwig von Mises "He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of this country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man....The sum of all is, if we would most truly enjoy this gift of Heaven, let us become a virtuous people." Samuel Adams "If ever time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." Samuel Adams "Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature.... If the next centennial does not find us a great nation ... it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces." James Garfield, the twentieth president of the United States, 1877 "The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government -- lest it come to dominate our lives and interests." Patrick Henry "The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers." Thomas Jefferson "I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves, (A)nd if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power." Thomas Jefferson "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Abraham Lincoln "We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us." Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation "To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men." Abraham Lincoln "We the People are the rightful masters of both Congress and the Courts--not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution." Abraham Lincoln "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." Abraham Lincoln "The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home." James Madison "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." Thomas Paine "It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government." Thomas Paine "Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does NOT mean to stand by the President or any other public official save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him insofar as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country." Theodore Roosevelt "Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and to the Republic for which it stands. Miracles do not cluster, and what has happened once in 6000 years, may not happen again. Hold on to the Constitution, for if the American Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy throughout the world." Daniel Webster I love these quotes. These men had the right idea. I love America. I love our Founding Fathers. They are a great example to me. We should not forget that they are the ones who helped found this country (with the Lord's help of course). We need to show gratitude and the only way we can do this is by being a TRUE patriot and standing up for our freedom, no matter who the tyrant may be. Foreign or domestic. Don't forget them, because I am sure they were thinking of you when they were signing the our precious documents. Don't disappoint them. Make them proud, like they've done us. Teach your children about them. They are some of the most important people in history. I'm so thankful for these men. I hope someday they will be proud of me.

Befuddled

So I was late for church today and so we are waiting in the lobby (my 3 children and I, Quinn is working) waiting for the sacrament to get done, so we can go into the chapel. I am wearing high heels, trying to keep my skirt on while Bridge incessantly pulls on it. I'm holding him in my arms, my feet begin to ache, I am holding my bag full of stuff that I need to occupy my child, and trying to keep my children from running down the halls. I'm a single mom at church today. I look around the lobby for somewhere to sit. Somewhere I can contain my child and read him a book to keep him occupied and get off my blasted feet. A place where my children can sit down on the floor next to me while we wait for the sacrament to be over. I look around the lobby. Every seat is taken, not a single one remains. There are 2 women with children, the rest are men, lounging in their chairs, most with their eyes shut. WHAT HAPPEN TO COMMON COURTESY? Where is the gentleman that says, "excuse me would you like to take my seat, I can stand." or "you look like you have your hands full, would you like my seat?" I mean come on. Men- I know that it takes a little more effort sometimes to notice when a mom is in need of help. But come on! If it were my husband, I would be telling him to get up, so that the mother could sit down. I made it through the 20 min. of sacrament, but it would have been nice to see a gentleman. Especially in church, where we learn to serve. I really would like to know where chivalry has gone. Quinn opens my door sometimes, which is nice. But my grandmother, never opened her own door, or rarely any door for that matter. There was always a gentleman to open the store door, or my grandfather to open her door. Men would stand up on the bus to let a woman sit down. It seems that women were valued more back in the day. Sure things weren't perfect, but we weren't looked down on when we claimed we stayed home with our children. We were more widely respected. What happen to the tipping of a hat with the respectful, "maim." What happen to the sentiment, "after you!" MEN............STEP UP AND BE MEN!" We don't expect to be swept up onto a black stallion and whisked away into the night, but a little common courtesy wouldn't kill ya. Offer your spot in line to the mom with kids screaming. Give your seat to the woman who has others to take care of other than just herself. Open a door for a woman coming in, as you are going out. Offer to carry groceries or push the cart when she's fighting to keep a hold of her children. Where have all the gentlemen gone? I know my husband would be greatly appreciative to know that a man stepped up to help his wife when he couldn't be there to do it. This isn't just about helping the women. It's about helping your fellow men and brothers out too. When they can't be there, shovel their walks when it snows, make sure that they are getting the things they need while their husbands are gone. Offer blessings if you hear someone in their family is sick and may be in need of one. Don't leave a woman to look around and wonder about the character of her fellow men. And who knows, it might just make you feel better about yourself too. How would you want your wife to be treated if you weren't around? Let that sink in!

R.I.P Adolencence! =)

You know, there are a lot of things I DON'T miss about high school and being a teenager. I didn't like the petty attitudes of other teenagers, I hated the drama that always seemed to be at your heels, I hated zits =) lol, I hated feeling like I was wasting my time dating a bunch of silly boys looking for the right one. In a lot of ways being a teenager is a lot rougher than being an adult. Being unsure of who you are and where you will end up, fighting with yourself to abstain from things you know that will not make you happy, no matter how fun it sounds. =) But despite the hard things we had to go through, those are the things that made us into the people we are today. Now as an adult, you do sometimes have trouble with petty adults and the drama, so that never truly goes away, but it lessens. =) The zits aren't as fierce, I no longer have to worry about dating the wrong guy, since I found the right one. I still don't know completely who I am, but everyday it gets a little clearer and I look forward to finding out who I am capable of being. I know where I am and have a gist of how things will end up. I no longer have to abstain from those things that weren't right when I was in high school, and the temptations you had in high school, aren't really temptations anymore. I now have a family who means the world to me, and they bring me so much joy, but it is a different joy than I had as a teenager. My life is so much better in so many ways now. But I do miss some things about being a teenager that I wouldn't mind getting back. I miss NOT KNOWING what was going to happen, I miss loving so passionately that you couldn't sleep at night, I miss wanting nothing more than to be able to talk to my boyfriend on the phone all night long. I miss being able to make spur of the moment decisions to go somewhere, not having to pack a diaper bag, and just having to get MYSELF ready. I miss being able to spend 2 hours in the bathroom primping because I had the time. I do miss not having to be responsible. lol I know that sounds selfish, but we all think it, I am just the only one who will admit it. lol I miss driving around town HOPING you will run into that special guy. I miss the anticipation and butterflies in your stomach when the guy you like leans in for a kiss. I miss being able to get with my girlfriends and painting our toes gushing about the cute guys in our history class. I miss road trips and the laughter that seemed to come so easily. I miss having a reason to dress up and going out. I miss my size and lack of stretch marks. =) I miss laying in my car with my legs hanging out the window, trying to get a little Vitamin D, while listening and singing along to the radio. I miss being silly and being expected to be that way. I miss the way I felt when that special guy looked at you like you were the coolest and prettiest thing he'd ever seen. I miss being proud of my figure. =) I miss not having to worry about whether I had snot or food stuck to my shirt before I headed out the door. I miss going to the grocery store myself. lol I miss thinking that holding a special guys hand was heaven and not wanting to move the tiniest amount afraid I would disrupt my wonderful moment, no matter how sweaty the guys hand got. I miss the love notes and sentiments that seemed more frequent. I miss my husband not knowing my flaws and thinking I was perfect. lol =D I miss not already knowing what my days would consist of. =) These things are the things I wish I could relive again. =) I love my life now, but I do miss those desires and intensity that my life once had. =) The great thing about having kids, is that you get to watch them experience all those things you loved. That is the blessing of children, getting to watch them enjoy their lives while trying to keep them from making the same mistakes you made, to intensify that joy even more. But one of these days I am going to convince Quinn to rent a convertible, lay on his lap with my legs hanging out the window while we listen and sing to the radio, on a road trip to see the ocean. Now that is bliss! Then I will take the kids to Disneyland and experience a different sort of bliss. =)

From heartbreak to BLISS................

You know, I think I forget sometimes how blessed I truly am. I feel sorry for myself when something goes wrong, or things don't go my way, but I am so very grateful for the things I have in my life. I got to thinking today...............I have an AMAZING husband. He is flawed like anyone else, but he truly is God's gift to me. He is so helpful, caring, and a spectacular father and husband. He is asleep on the couch with my son and I don't think that there is another picture in this world that I love to see. He's so fun to look at too. lol He gets better looking with age. I wish I had that gift. lol He helps me cook, clean, take care of the kids, he's considerate and understands when I need ME time. I don't know what I would do without him. So here is what I was thinking earlier. We all have the guy that broke our heart. The one that was our first love and we never forget. If you are lucky, this man is your husband, but lots of us dated other guys before our husbands, so it's only natural to have this "first love" in our lives. Although I can hardly call it that anymore, because I can honestly say I didn't know what love was until marrying Quinn. But you know what I mean. =) So I was thinking about it the other day..........."my first love" was totally opposite of what Quinn is. He was outgoing, not shy, outwardly funny, sports watcher, etc. I usually dated guys like him. So I got to wondering what it was that drew me to Quinn. But first I have to give you a brief glance into my heart break. I WAS MADLY IN LOVE WITH THIS GUY...........at the time. =) But my family moved and we were like 3 hours away. So I guess he decided it was too hard and decided to break my heart in the worst way imaginable. He had his friend, whom I HATED and never got along with, break up over the phone for him. And it was hurtful too, his friend was not kind. He told me that he didn't care about me, didn't want to talk to me, etc. It was harsh. Then he wouldn't answer my phone calls........blah blah blah! =) And we were friends WAY before we dated, so it was doubly hurtful. It was awful. I think that was the first time I felt truly pummeled by someone I cared about. So I honestly thought that this guy was EVERYTHING I wanted in a future spouse. Not that I planned on marrying him, but he had the qualities I wanted. Well..........a lot of them. lol So I got to thinking about the type of guys I dated and what qualities I liked in those guys. As I said earlier, I went for guys that were outgoing, outspoken, etc. So when I thought about my future spouse, I pictured a guy with these qualities minus the cruelty in breaking my heart. lol But I am soooooooo thankful for that heartbreak at the same time. It made me really think. My life would not be as sweet without that heartbreak. I also realized that I thought I knew myself, but God knew me better. Those characteristics that I was looking for in a husband, DIDN'T MEAN A THING!!!! In fact, I think about the guy that broke my heart, and I am happy for him in his new life, because I realize that he WOULDN'T have made me happy in the long run, despite what I thought. Quinn is; quiet, shy, not outspoken, not openly funny but quietly witty, he doesn't make me laugh with jokes but makes me laugh by being funny when he's not trying to be, he is a hunter not a sportster, he's a little OCD and a bit of a clean freak lol, he's loyal, gentle and kind, he would die before he purposely hurt someone, and you know what is the best thing of all? He's PERFECT for me. All those things I thought I needed in a spouse and I realize that there is NO ONE that could handle me and my diabetes and health issues like Quinn. In fact, I think of that "first love" and I am pretty sure it would have been an issue were we to have stayed together. So I think it is amazing that God took the time to say, "Maleri, I know these are the qualities you think you need to be happy, but I KNOW what you will need to be happy and it's the complete opposite of what you are dating." lol We think sometimes that God doesn't care about the small details in our lives and yet He cares enough to get involved in my dramatic love life. lol I will tell you a secret! Quinn and I fought like cats and dogs when we were first married. In fact, I thought I made a HUGE mistake in getting married. WE WERE SO DIFFERENT! But now I could not imagine my life without him. I thought at one point, I would end up divorced, but Quinn fought to keep me, which meant the world to me. He was willing to do whatever to keep me, like I was willing to keep him. So we worked it out, and have been ever since. Yes, we still argue. Frequently actually, but they are just disagreements and we have gotten very good at agreeing to disagree. =) Besides that, makeup sex is AWESOME! =D lol I can hear the gasps. lol After almost ten years of marriage we still have a great sex life. Which, lets face it, it's important. I won't get into details, don't worry. =) lol We've been through the rough, tough, and the ugly. But we've also experienced bliss, contentment, and happiness. He is my best friend in the world and I know I can trust him with anything. He still does little things that bug me, like not washing his shavings down the sink. Hell, he still does BIG things that bug me, like often seeing the glass as half empty quite often. =) Which I know I have things that bug the crap out of him. =) lol But I wouldn't be willing to give up all the good things about him to get rid of the bad. We work well together and are still working well together. Ten years is like 50 in the worlds view now. lol He is the only man I know, that wouldn't push my ICE COLD feet off his warm legs in the middle of the night. lol In fact, he always just says, "Burrrr, your feet are ice sickles." lol He always just lets me keep them on him. lol I once peed on the man and he still loves me. lol Funny story, but another time. =) Now that is love. =) So when I wonder why Quinn is so different from all the other guys I dated, I now count my blessings. I now thank God that He knew better than I of what I needed, rather than what I thought I needed. I hope everyone finds that love. First loves hurt usually, but they make true love sooooo much more sweet. I hope everyone finds their true love. And for all the girls still dating, trying to find their true loves.........keep your eyes open. God might have something else in mind for you. =) And accept it, you won't regret it. But be sure to pray! =) He can't tell you what to look for if you don't ask. =) Now if you will excuse me, I am going to go warm my ice sickle feet on my husband's legs. =D lol "Burrrrr, your feet are ice sickles." lol "Sorry honey!" =) I love you Quinn...........................God gave me you!!!!

Sunday Morning Mayhem =D

So I am going to be honest.........I don't like 9 o'clock church. lol I really struggle with that time. Getting two little girls and myself ready is just a little overwhelming at 7 in the morning on a Sunday. Yes, we have to get up that early to get there, and most of the time we are still late. I try to be prepared. Honest. I try to set out the kids clothes on Saturday, put curlers in Jolie's hair the night before, etc. But something always happens. Kids are dressed, eat breakfast, and then we have to change again, because Bridger has spilled all over himself. Or one of the kids has lost one of their shoes or they have misplaced mine. =) But like last week, everyone was ready except ME!!!! I thought my white shirt was clean, but to my dismay it was not. So of course I have to find something else to wear........which is not an easy task, especially when you have made up your mind the night before of what you are going to wear. So.....tonight I tried again. Kids are cleaned, Jo's hair is in curlers, kids clothes are set out.........including my own =), toes are painted, all shoes have been found, so I hope we will be set. =) The Saturday song really frustrates me.......=( ''Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday.......yeah but it doesn't say anything about Sunday morning's; spill on the floor, shoe that vanished in the night, breakfast disaster, explosions of diapers 5 minutes before church, heel that breaks when walking out the door, car won't start, forget tithing, scriptures, snacks for baby, or diaper bag, or baby wipes nose on daddy's tie or mommy's shirt, slammed finger in the car door, fall down the stairs, or SOMEHOW the alarm clock gets turned off (nobody knows how.......Quinn) lol. *sigh* These are all scenarios that have happen to me. lol But we try again. Nothing like walking a family of 5 through the middle of sacrament meeting because you are late.........EVERY SUNDAY!!!! =D So we try try try again. lol If it wasn't against my religion, I think a cup of joe would help, but since that's not an option I try a little water on the face. It's not very effective though. lol So...tomorrow we will once again, start again. lol Bring it on Satan! Give me all you got. There is nothing I am not expecting at this point. So goodnight all, I must get up at 7 o'clock in order to make to church.........PRAY FOR ME!!!! =/

Potential

I've been thinking about potential lately. What is the definition of the word 'potential'? The dictionary definition is, ''latent but unrealized ability or capacity.'' So in other words we have something more inside us than we are even aware of. It's kind of a deep thought. We are capable of extraordinary things, so why aren't we doing extraordinary things? Our biggest road block keeping us from achieving the greatness that we have inside us, is..........us! We get in our own way. I look at it kind of as a track meet. Lets say we have hurdles to jump and our "coach" (aka Heavenly Father) says, "You can do this. In fact I will help you and show you how. All you have to do is jump and I promise you will make it over." So you start to run and your first hurdle is coming up fast. You watch it approach and right as you get to that hurdle, you stop. You stare at that hurdle, shake your head, and say "I can't do it! It's too high, it's too hard, or I'm gonna biff it and fall." So the Lord says, "Ok, here is a little help. So he puts a trampoline next to the hurdle. (aka your scriptures) and says, "Alright, all you have to do is jump." You look at the trampoline and say, "I can't! I still may fall and that just looks too simple to work." So the Lord says, "Ok, let's talk about this." (aka prayer) But we reply with, "I'm sorry, but I don't have time, I'm too busy trying to come up with a way to get over this hurdle." So the Lord shakes His head sadly and says, "Well ok, here is a step ladder. Take it one step at a time and you won't fall, and you will get over this hurdle." (aka keeping the commandments, temple covenants, steps of progression) So you start up the ladder. You take the first one, then the second, and you get to the very top. Some will climb back down, too afraid of what is on the other side of that hurdle. Some will just never climb the ladder, not having enough faith in order to try. And others will make it to the other side and find another hurdle a little ways up the path and decide to quit because there are just too many hurdles to climb. Others will continue to listen to the "coach's" advice and jump every hurdle that is presented. Others may trip and fall and decide to give up over a scraped knee. And then there are others that just keep going, hoping to just finish the race. Some hurdles take longer to get over, some are quick. But mostly it depends on how much effort we are going to put into overcoming that obstacle and how well we listen. At the end of the race, you will not only be rewarded by the knowledge that you endured and made it to the finish line, but you will also receive riches beyond your comprehension. YOU JUST HAVE TO FINISH!!!! No one will make it to the finish line without a few scrapes, bruises, and scars, but only the ''coach'' has the first aid kit, so you have to make it back to Him. No one will cheer you on more than the "coach". No one will help you or keep you hydrated more than Him. But you have to jump. You have to trust your "coach". You have to have faith that he knows what you are capable of and of what training you've had. He's a breath away, and He has a solution if you trip or fall. He has sent His "assistant coach" (aka Christ) down to help wipe the dirt from your wounds and get you back on your feet. You just have to ask. I can finish this race! I know I can! And...........I can become the incredible athlete that my "coach" knows I'm capable of being. The gift I look forward to the most at the end of this race is the approval of my "coach" and for Him to stand proud of me. I may not come in first, but I will finish. I have to, I have kids that are following me. I hope they come out with less scars, by learning from my mistakes. =) But I will do whatever I can to see them finish. Finish the race! Don't quit! Don't think you can't do it, because you can! Rely on Him to help and support you. And encourage your teammates to keep going. If it ever feels like the "coach" has given up on you, look around at all the tools He has given you in order to succeed. Use the trampoline, step ladder, or just ask for his advice. It's not about how fast you get there, it's just about getting there. It's pass or fail, and you can pass! You just have to keep going! I see too many people giving up and I will admit it is disheartening seeing so many sit down and give up. It's discouraging! But don't let other squatters keep you from finishing. Don't let them slow you down. Just keep running. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm thirsty. I'm ready to finish. So excuse me, would ya? I've got a race to finish. =) See you at the finish line!

What college has taught me........

So as some of you may know, I started school in August and it's my first semester. I am doing well I have to say. I am pulling an A average and I am happy about that. I use to feel kind of badly about myself because I felt I had nothing under my belt except "mommy experience". The world looks down on being just a homemaker/mom. We are thought as simple minded and unintelligent. As if we have nothing of importance to say. I will admit that I agreed with the world for some time. Because of how the world saw me, I myself saw little worth in myself. I thought starting school would make me feel good about myself and maybe make what I had to say have more worth. In some ways it did make me feel good about myself. But not much. =) I commend those that go to college. Especially a mom with kids still at home. But this is what going to school taught me......
School is important, but not important enough to neglect your children. I think I am a pretty good mom. I am not perfect by any sense of the word, but I care about my children intensely and want what is best for them. But I found that I was having to tell my son too often, "go play" or "go do something elsewhere so mommy can get her homework done." I couldn't feel good about that. I tried to tell myself, "it's ok, your homework is important. He will be fine." But It's not. My son will never be 2 again. Once that is gone, it's gone. It will not come back. I have a small window of opportunity with him, where he wants me around. Soon he won't care whether I am around or not. So......I choose him. Every time. I use to not be okay with the fact that I had no college experience, but it took me going to college to realize that being a mom IS, or SHOULD BE a full-time job. If your husband can stay with your kids while you go to school, I think that is fantastic and I understand that there are some mom's that would love nothing more than to stay home with their kids, but don't have that option. To those women, I applaud you. For you are doing what you must and lets face it, that's what mommies do.......what they must. But as for me, I am truly blessed to have this option. I can stay home with my kids. I can revel in the ages that they are and I'll never get back. I can decide to postpone my schooling for a more important subject..........my children. Nothing is more important than them. Ironically, my child development class taught me this. It showed me how fast they grow and change and that if I'm not careful, I will miss it. So instead of college making me feel important, it made me realize how important I already was. If I fail at school, well that is unfortunate, but if I fail my children and family I will never forgive myself. I know there will be people who will be disappointed by my decision to not go on next semester, but I want my kids to have my full attention and I can't do that if I'm worried about deadlines or getting assignments in. So after this semester I will be just a homemaker/Mommy! And I am completely ok with that. =) I am intelligent for what I know from my personal experiences. I don't need to master physiological theory in order to be intelligent. After all, it's just a theory. =) What I know for a fact is that children need their mothers. Their time, attention, hugs and kisses, faith, confidence...........they will get theirs from you. So I am going to finish this semester with the best of my ability and then I am going to focus on being a better mom and person for my children to look up to. Because they aren't going to care whether I am a speech pathologist. Only that I'm there. And I am going to change the world, one child at a time. =) I am more likely to change the world by raising my children strong and with a strong sense of who they are, than I could being a speech pathologist. This I know. Someday, it might be the right time for me to go to school, but as for now, it is not. God has blessed me with the responsibility of caring for my children. I will not let Him down by taking it for granted. God bless mommies! =)

The small things

So we just got done celebrating Allee's birthday. We had a party where my whole family came and we played kickball. I have to say, it was so much fun. It wasn't competitive at all. We just enjoyed playing together. Everyone participated and it was great. It is so nice that we can have a good time with each other. It was hilarious to watch all the women run the bases, trying not to pee their pants. =) One of the joys of having children. lol But I was mostly impressed with the pregnant women that could duck and weave to avoid being touched with the ball. lol They had skill. =)It was just a really good time. Then we came home and we laughed as we attempted different ways to "plank". I am so blessed to have the family I do. It was a really good day for Allee. She had fun and is already asking when we can all play kickball again. I have to count my blessings because I know that it is becoming a rare thing to have a safe and close family. There are so many dysfunctional families now and it is so sad. I really lucked out. I married a wonderful man who loves me, and blessed me with incredible, adorable kids. =) What more could I ask for? =)

Spurts

You know, I am finding blogging to be a lot like my scripture reading. It goes in spurts. I do really good for a while and then I stink really bad for a while. =) I need to do better in both areas. =)
Well.........welcome back. =) It's been almost a year since I last blogged and there is so much that changed. It's hard to know where to begin. lol To make a long story short, we are living in Logan now. I am going to school, it's my first semester. We've gone through bankruptcy and have seen all it's brutalities. =) But all in all, things are looking up. After all, when you are at the bottom, there is no other way to go other than up, right? lol =)
We are truly blessed and I feel my Heavenly Father's love. That seems to go in spurts also. =) I have no one but myself to blame. I humble myself and then I forget, I humble myself and then I forget. You'd think that I'd learn this by now. =) So is life though, I suppose. Or at least my life. =) I'm forever changing it seems. Which is a good thing I think, because I am always in need of changing. =) I am always in awe that my Heavenly Father still chooses to bless me even when I'm a bonehead. =) Life truly is an amazing journey.
So I am super excited. This is my favorite time of year.......Fall! Oh I can actually hear the leaves falling off the trees in the breeze and smell the crispness of the air. I love all the Fall smells; pumpkin, spice, apple cider. Oh they make my mouth water. I love Halloween! Quinn thinks I'm nuts, it his least favorite holiday, but I just love the carefree, childlike quality it has. It's the one time of year you can dress up and be something you are not or ever will be. =) At 28 years old I could still be a princess for one night. =) lol After all, isn't that a dream that we as women never truly grow out of? =) We all want the handsome prince/knight who grovels at our feet for just one precious kiss. Who would fight for us and sweep us off our feet. =) Yes, Halloween is for the children and children at heart. =) And I will admit I am still a bit of a child. =)
The other reason I love this time of year is that ALL our holidays are at this time of year. All our birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. They are all bunched together. And though this can be stressful at times because we are always broke at the end of the year because of all the holidays and birthdays, it's the most fun. It's like 4 months of celebration. =) I just turned *cough* 21 on the 19th. =D Allee will be 7 on the 25th, Bridger 2 =( on the 29th of Oct, Quinn will be "30" on the 24th of November (Thanksgiving Day), and Jolie will be 5 on Dec 19th. So yep, they are all, bam bam bam, right in a row. =) But it's fun. =)
I am super excited about all the fun stuff there will be to do this Fall and my family has made awesome plans for Christmas. We have made it a tradition to rent a cabin and spend a couple nights together with the whole family and it's a BLAST! I am so blessed to live in a family that enjoys to be around and play together. Truly, nothing makes me more giddy. =) I love families. I love that even after spending 28 years (oops it slipped =)) with my family that I am still learning new things about them and about the person they are becoming. Also, we are always adding new additions, whether it be a brother-in-law or sister-in-law, or niece or nephew. It's always changing and I love that. More people to get to know and more people to love. If I could find a job that I could just go around loving people, making them happy, and kissing babies, I'd be a rich woman. =D I would love that job. Know of any openings in that field? =D
Well this is longer than I thought it would be, but it's due to not keeping up with it so long. =) I really love comments guys, so if you have something to say, say it. I love feedback. But mostly, I just love to keep in touch with the people I love. So welcome back to my blog. I've missed you guys. Hope to keep this going, so all the encouragement is greatly appreciated. =) LOVE YOUR FACES!!!! =D

Who I am

You know, I am a lot of things. I'm a mother to 3 adorable children, I am the wife to a wonderful husband, a daughter to goodly parents, a sister to amazingly good siblings, my grandfather's replacement =), and a friend to some of the most amazing people the Lord had to offer, a daughter of God, and a slave to my bad habits. I am a lot of things. Some of which that I am not proud to admit. =) But one thing stands..........I am all those things. The good and the bad all make up the person I am. I am working on the bad, but I'm confident that I will never be rid of the bad entirely.......at least on this earth. =) Some people find me annoying, some people find me nice, some people don't like me at all. I've come to terms with this. Not everyone is going to like me, and sometimes I am glad they don't. =) lol But........one thing remains. I am who I am. That doesn't change because of what someone thinks of me. I still think abortion is horrible and a sin. I still think that Obama is a fruit. I still love Ellen DeGeneres despite my disapproval with her life style. I still enjoy salt and vinegar chips on occasion, even though they make my breath smell bad. =) I still feel strongly about letting those people you love, know it. I believe in living my religion to the best of my ability and acting as a living witness to my Heavenly Father. I also believe that no matter how many times your child claims they will keep their gum off of your furniture, carpet, or sister's hair, it will always end up there. =) But one thing remains.............I am who I am.

I hope all who read this will take this with them. Who you are right now, no matter how flawed that may be, are a big deal. You are the most important person in the world to at least one, if not many, different people. You, the way you are, are making a difference in the world. Whether that be good or bad, is up to you. God loves you and expects a lot from you because He loves you. You are not alone when you stand for something you believe in. And the world wouldn't be the same without you. Stand up for who you are and what you believe in. Be courageous. We have a lack of courage in the world, lets bring it back. Be who you are and never back down. Don't forget who you are, you're too important.

What I've learned in the last year!

You know, I think about the year that I just had and it makes me tired even thinking about it. It was one crazy year. You know how Mark Twain wrote, "It was the best of times and the worst of times." I understand what he was saying. In the last year I've lived with a alarm clock stuck inside my chest. I feel this urgency to get myself prepared spiritually, emotionally, and physically for something. I am not sure what it is, but my internal alarm clock is going off. "It's time, it's time! Get going, get going!" it screams at me. I sometimes get discouraged because I feel I have such a long long way to go. I am far from perfect and though I know I will never reach perfection on this earth, I feel I must try my best. I watch families and marriages fall apart more often and I struggle each and every day to keep a good grasp on mine. This last year has been such a roller coaster of emotion for me. I've had more sadness and more happiness in this last year than I've ever experienced in my entire life. I've learned more, the hard way usually, but occasionally I don't have to go down the hard road to figure it out. =) Occasionally! =) I've had to practice faith in a way I've never had to. I've been humbled to my knees on several occasions. I've cried in public bathrooms, in my car, in my room, and even in the closet on one occasion. I've felt completely isolated at times followed by a strong sense of someone being with me. I've felt lost and afraid followed by calm and and a great sense of clarity. I guess what I'm getting at.....is that life has really been a serious case of the ups and downs for us this last year. But I am so eternal grateful.

I've been praying for months that the Lord would mold me into the person I need to become to please Him and myself. I've been trying harder to think of others over myself and to be a better family member, wife, mother, and friend. I still am working on it, but practice makes perfect right? =) With this request I knew that the only way to truly grow is through trials. I knew that those trials, dependent on how I dealt with them, would mold me into that person. If I had more faith, relied on the Lord more than myself, and stayed close to Him always, I would pass. So I've tried to do just that. However, I found myself, to my dismay, complaining about the trials that are given to me. =) Duh! Right? But then I have to repent for my stupidity and try again. I hope someday to get it right. One of my dad's favorite sayings is, "tough times don't last, tough people do." I'm going to be tough. I'm going to have faith because I know the Lord has a plan for me. He's been my only friend when I've felt the most lonely. He's the only one that could cheer me up, and I plan on showing Him how grateful I am by passing this series of tests that are thrown at me. I will not give up. I may miss a question on the quiz occasionally, but I will pass the test.

Something is coming! I'm not sure what or when. But something is coming. I can feel it in my heart and soul. I'm preparing the best I can. I'm preparing my family. Because when life falls around my ankles all I have is my family and my Heavenly Fathers love and guidance. And I am okay with that. I will be prepared for whatever may come at me, because I am daughter of God and I owe it to Him to show Him how grateful I am for everything He's given me.



It's funny how bright the light is in the dark. And how easy it is to find that light if you just open your eyes.