We're Glad! Are You?

I Hope they Call Me on a Mission!!!

2011-07-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

I just love this picture of my Todd and Angela. They are so cute and have grown up so fast. Todd is showing me in this picture that he has pretzels in his mouth. He has always been my pretzel boy. There has to be pretzels in my house always.

In May, Todd received his mission call. I have never seen a missionary as excited as he is and was on that day. He is going to be serving in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. I still can't believe that he will be leaving. He reports to the Missionary Training Center the first part of October. I hope we can keep him excited that long, but so far he has been keeping busy.

This has always been a big part of Todd's life to prepare for a mission and serve. I think it has become an even bigger part after seeing his older brother, as he has been serving and is serving in Ohio. It will be hard for these two brothers to not see each for four years. They just love each other and are very close. What a great blessing to have two boys that have wanted to give two years of their lives up to the Lord to serve and help others to come unto him. Todd will be a great missionary. He loves people, and truly cares about them. He also loves his Heavenly Father and family and that helps him to realize what is of most importance.

It will be hard to send Todd but it will be great two months later to get one of my missionaries home. What a crazy but wonderful time!!!!

LOVE LIFE!!!

2011-06-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

I know I have promised to get better at this, but I just want you to know that I LOVE my life and it has been crazy, with new mission calls, baptisms from the other missionary and also going to Hawaii with my family and my mom, one of my deepest dreams. It has all been so rewarding. I want to share some of my soul with you and those things that I have felt lately. I hope to share SOON. (Maybe after cleaning up our flooded basement)

Is It REALLY ME???

2011-04-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

I know that I need to do so much to my blog, like add pictures, add background etc. I know that I have definitely neglected this part of my life. I can't believe that life has been that crazy for me. The last year has definitely been full of a lot of craziness.
I have been subbing a lot in schools, I just finished a long term sub in fourth grade and just loved it. My family and I am getting ready to go to Hawaii for ten days. I am so excited. I have been made the Primary President in my ward in my church( The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints) My son, Todd is turning in his missionary papers in this week and is so excited. AJ has been out on his mission for almost 16 months. He is doing great. Mike has retired and is working as human resources for the same place he was working. My kids are so awesome and I just love to spend time with them. The are getting so big that you wouldn't recognize them. I hope to update and put pictures on soon, but for now thanks to all who truly care and are my friends and my support.

LIFE

2010-11-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

I have been so bad this year about blogging. It has been an extremely hard year for me. I have had some hard trials, but I am finally to the point where I can say things are good. I am so glad to be alive. I have the greatest family a girl could have. My kids are extremely great!!! AJ( Elder Glad) has almost been gone a full year, but it has seemed longer than that. Todd is doing great. He is going to college and working at Pizza factory. Karrilyn is also going to college and helping out every chance she can. Angela is actually going on her first date this weekend. My kids teach me something each and every day. We have so much fun together.

Even though this year has been real tough for me, I have learned so much from it all and I am a better person. Todd just received his Eagle Award and I need to blog about it. I know. We have some great pictures about it. I also got a new kitchen and just love it. I have my braces still and can't wait until they come off, if that will ever happen. This year we went to Disney World again and it was so fun, just like a fairy tale. Mike is in the middle of many transitions in his life and we don't know what will happen at this time, but we are along for some bumpy roads.

I was just released from my two callings and called to be the Primary President of our ward. I was thrilled. I love Primary and especially the kids. I hope I can make a difference in their lives. I have the best counselors and secretary and I already just love them to pieces. This calling came at a time when I really needed it. I am so thankful. I have been subbing in many schools and I still just really enjoy it. The kids are SO fun and I just love it when they run up to me in the hall and give me a big hug. Yes it is worth it. More than anything I have learned to live each day to the fullest. I have tried to do this. I love my kids and wonderful husband so much. It is so nice to know that I can be with my family for eternity. We are a team and together we can make it back to heaven.

We all have missed our Elder Glad but he is doing SO good that I just want to scream from the housetops. Thank you thank you, for watching over my Elder. I love him so much and long for the day to get my BEAR hug from my AJ Bear. I sure love being a mom, I can't imagine my life without my kids and my hubby that is my biggest chearleader. He has been beside me this whole year as I have dealt with LIFE.

I am so thankful for who I am and how I have come to be ME.

My TODDEROO, it is your day!

2010-08-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am so excited, my family gave me a copier/scanner/printer for my birthday and it is great because I can actually post pictures of my older kids. Yeah!!!

Today is my son, Todd's 18th birthday. I can't believe it. Todd is so awesome. This picture is one of my favorite pictures of him. Isn't he adorable???

This is one of his baby pictures. He was such a delight as a baby and still is.

Here is a picture of Todd last year. He has grown up so much. Todd can do anything. I remember when he was in sixth grade and they presented him with the Hope of America award, I was so proud I could just burst. Todd, is great because he treats everyone the same. He believes in being nice to everyone.

I would never believe it now but when Todd was in first grade, he would cry because he didn't want to go to school. Now he has just graduated from high school and he already has his Associates at the college and is going on as a Junior. He just got his first job and is working at Pizza factory. Todd is one of my best friends. I remember when he was a baby thinking he was so beautiful that he must be a girl, because he was such a beautiful baby.

I am SO thankful that I am lucky to be his mom. As Todd always says," Mom, I know I made a good choice in my best friend." I love you Todd, I just wish you weren't so grown up so fast. Have a super day, you deserve it.

I Wish

2010-08-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

This year has been quite the adventure. SO many things going on and I am not being very good to write or update any of it. I must say part of that is because it has been a year of hard trials for me, but I won't go into that because it really doesn't matter.

I finally graduated, Todd graduated from high school, my baby got her driver's license. My husband just bought his first real fun toy for him since we have been married, a Spyder motorcycle. I had braces put on my teeth. We just got a new kitchen a couple of months ago and we got to go on one of the funnest vacations of all. We went to Disney World for ten days. It was so fun.

Among all of the main events that have happened in our lives, it has been a hard year. I have struggled with so many things. Some of them very personal and other ones just stupid. It has been hard on me to see all of my kids grow up. I will be sad when they all move away. They are my life, what I have worked for my entire life and my love. Along with this trial, there have been many others along the way but I won't even start into them. I have learned a lot from all of these. I have learned to trust in my Heavenly Father and that things aren't going to be easy at all but that he is there to help me along the way. I have learned how important real friends and close family is and that we are here for a reason. I have learned how hard it is to see your kids struggle with life and their many trials that they have to be put through.

I love my life, but I have learned that this year has been a testing time for me and I am sure it is not over. Can I meet up or do I give in? I know my answer. I hope you have gained new ambition in your life and in your trials, because I have also learned that everyone have trials and they may look harder or easier than our own but they are just as hard to that person.

I have also learned how much I cherish the perfect day!!! and how in a small way the imperfect day are important too but just not cherished as nearly as much.

I also feel like I am in this body that doesn't feel this old but is starting to look this old and how did I get to this point, because I still feel like I should be 25 or 28. I am so excited for all I have learned and for each new day and for the time I have to spend with those I love.

I know this has been a big blog of rambling, but this blog is for me to be as a journal and sometimes you have to figure no one really cares but these are things that I need to write. Thanks to all of you who do REALLY care, it means a lot.

I bet you can't top that ONE!!!

2010-08-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

In May, my Todd graduated from Cedar High School. I just can't believe it. If you don't know Todd, you should because he is amazing!!! Todd has worked so hard in school. He graduated with an Associates at Southern Utah University before he graduated from high school. He graduated with a 3.9 GPA. He was also the computer Sterling Scholar for Cedar High. Todd was in the Honors Society for all years and also went to Success Academy every day for four years. Todd was also on the Cross Country Team and he was involved in seminary. Yes, and he is a great son and friend. We were so proud of him. His graduation was another special day for us this year.

Can you see all of the stuff he has hanging on him. I know that is because of his hard work.

Todd with his two sisters. They just adore him.

THis is a picture of Todd with his Grandma and Grandpa Covington who were able to come down for his graduation. We felt so happy they were able to make it and help us celebrate Todd.

Have you ever given a gift and hoped that the person would love it. Well, we gave Todd Leatherby's ice cream with Leatherby's carmel for his birthday and you can't get it here in Cedar city so we had to have it delivered by my parents. Todd has been saying all I want is Leatherby's ice cream but all the time just kidding.

Well you can tell how thrilled he was to get ice cream. I think it was worth the effort.

Here is another reaction to Leatherby's ice cream and carmel. Todd we love you and you made it all worth it. You are so awesome and will really make a big difference in this world.

Better Late than Never

2010-08-12T08:31:00.001-07:00

This year has been filled with many many eventful days. I would have to say one of the highlights of our year is back the end of April when I graduated with my bachelors in Elementary Education and was able to graduate with two of my children. Todd and Karrilyn both received their Associates degree the same day. We were able to walk together when we graduated. It was awesome. Todd graduated from college before he even graduated from high school, which is another great even for this year.

I have been so much of a slacker, this year has been hard and I felt like I needed to try to get at least some of the most important things blogged about.

This day was so exciting for me. I never thought I would actually go back to school and graduate with my bachelors and I DID IT. I have always had the dream to be a teacher. I hope that now I can find a job as a teacher.

This picture is of Karrilyn(my oldest daughter), Todd( my 17 old son), and I am in the middle. It was such a beautiful day. I couldn't have asked for more.

Karrilyn on graduation day. She is so happy, which you can tell by this picture.

This is of Todd on graduation day. He is such a cutie. I am so proud of both of them. They have worked SO hard.

Here is a picture of me with my two sisters, Kami and Kristi and my two kids that graduated with me. This day was very special. My mom and dad came down for the graduation and Mike's parents did also. We also had my two sisters come down and Kami actually brought her two kids too and then Mike's sister and brother in law( Anna and Fuzzy) came down too. It was a day I will never forget.

The Pickle Jar

2010-08-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

I know this post is a little long but it impressed me and I wanted to share. This reminded me of the impact that my parents have made on me by their many ways of teaching me through the years. This story totally sounds like something my own dad would do. He was all about teaching us about life and helping us along the way. I love you mom and dad.

The Pickle Jar

The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom.
When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar.
As a small boy, I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar.
They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled.
I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar to admire the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window.
When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank.
Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production.
Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck.
Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me hopefully.
'Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son.
You're going to do better than me.
This old mill town's not going to hold you back.'
Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly. These are for my son's college fund.
He'll never work at the mill all his life like me.'
We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream cone.
I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla.
When the clerk at the ice cream parlour handed Dad his change, he would show me the few coins nestled in his palm.
'When we get home, we'll start filling the jar again.' He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar.
As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other.
'You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters,' he said. But you'll get there; I'll see to that.'
No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off from the mill,and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a single dime was taken from the jar.
To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined than ever to make a way out for me 'When you finish college, Son,' he told me, his eyes glistening, 'You'll never have to eat beans again - unless you want to.'
The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another town.
Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and had been removed.
A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser where the jar had always stood.
My dad was a man of few words: he never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and faith.
The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done.
When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy.
In my mind, it defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me.
The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild.
Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms.
'She probably needs to be changed,' she said, carrying the baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in her eyes.
She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into the room.
'Look,' she said softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser.
To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins.
I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins.
With a gamut of emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar.
I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped quietly into the room.
Our eyes locked, and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt.
Neither one of us could speak. This truly touched my heart.
Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings.
Never underestimate the power of your actions.

Some days I wonder, why can't life be a little easier!!!

2010-07-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

I wonder why...

Why do mother's hearts ache for their children when they know they are doing what is right?

Why do children grow up so fast and not want to snuggle like they once used to?

Why can't a parent when they have given everything to show their love for their children still feel like the child doesn't see it?

Why do boys have to leave for a wonderful mission to still have their mother long each and every day to hold her son again?

Why can't we see the whole picture and know how it will all play out?

Why do we have to have our closest friends move away or us move away when they have so deeply touched our soul and we miss them always?

Why can't we understand that we each are trying to help each other and never would on purpose hurt others?

Why when we pray does it seem like that usually we don't get the answer to prayers that we want?

Why can't we express our deepest love in a way that is best understandable?

I sometimes wonder, why can't life just be easier, even though I know the reasons.

WHY?????

Just Get Back Up

2010-07-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

This is the story of MY life.

I had an experience last week that I just need to write about because some day it might just help my kids to hear this story.

It was fast and testimony meeting at church and the spirit just kept telling me to get up and bear my testimony, but I kept avoiding it. It is hard for me to get up but I finally gave in. I started to walk up the aisle as my heart was pounding and all of a sudden I realized that my whole leg was asleep and I figured just keep walking it will shake out. Well, needless to say it didn't.

All of a sudden I went flying through the air. I have always imagined if I fell that I would not remember anything but that wasn't the case. I remember seeing everything going flying as I flew through the air. It was scary. Before I knew it I realized that I was on the floor and that I hadn't broken anything that I could tell.

I remember thinking to myself what do I do now. I just have made a fool of myself and the whole bishopric looked like they were going to have a heart attack. Well, I put on a fake smile and walked the rest of the way up to the pulpit and bore my testimony. The first thing I said was "if you were asleep you aren't now". I can't believe after all of that I was able to get up and bear my testimony. How humiliating, how humbling!!!!

When I sat down, my husband asked me if I broke anything. I replied, " just my pride." It was a very hard day for me. I just kept thinking about what I fool I had made of myself. I know that I am a little crazy but to have everyone know it now, was not what I had in mind.

I hope that I can always remember and teach my children that when you fall and you will so many times, you need to get up and do your best and make the best of the situation. As a little girl, this is one of the things I remember most about what my dad taught me was that you can't just stay down. You HAVE TO GET BACK UP!!! This summer has been a very, very hard one on me and maybe it is for me that I had this happen, so I can remember I just need to not give up but get back UP!!!!

My Happiness, My Joy

2010-04-20T14:00:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of my family. We had pictures taken just before AJ left in December and I am so GLAD that we did. This picture says it all.
My family is my happiness, and my joy. Without them I wouldn't be anything. They have been my life, my job, my ambition for over 24 years. Each day brings new challenges and also many great rejoices. This last year has been so hard to have AJ gone but it has made us grow stronger and closer together, it has strengthened us. I can't say it has been great but I wouldn't want it any other way. Many times I find myself looking around and wondering why and I know it is because there is someone missing. AJ is with us wherever we go.
I truly am blessed to have the greatest kids. I must say they are not perfect but pretty close. There are days that I say is it all worth it but they keep reminding me constantly in so many ways that it has all been worth it.

Many years ago, I decided to stay home and not work and be with our kids as they grew up. At that time it was very hard for me because I am quite social, but I do not regret any day spending with them. They are my everything. Our family has been blessed so much by this great opportunity that I had to stay home. We haven't been the richest but we have always had what we needed and my kids know that mom is there for them. I hope and pray that I have done and taught them everything that they need to know for this life. I greatly miss my kids being small and easy to snuggle with and hold but I am so glad for the great adults they are becoming and the love that they share to those around them. I hope somewhere they have learned a little from me being there for them. I am very GLAD to be a Glad.

The Glad Life

2010-04-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

Life around here has been crazy. We keep waiting for Spring and it doesn't seem to be coming any time soon, but we decided to take an afternoon and go up to Kolob Canyon. It was beautiful even though it is still really cold. What a beautiful drive.

Easter has come and gone and we did enjoy. My kids even though they are big still enjoy getting candy and having a Easter hunt. It was a great day to remember the resurrection of our Savior one of the greatest gifts we are given. This year Easter was also on General Conference weekend. What an extra treat. I can't remember a year when I felt we were taught better than this year. It was so great. I am always reminded of how much more I need to do as a mother and how much I haven't done but at least it gives me something to work towards. We all were thinking about AJ and hoping his Easter was great. He told us that he actually received an Easter basket from one of the families in Ohio. We also sent him an Easter basket. We sure miss our missionary, our AJ BEAR.

At our house it is always a tradition to have yummy treats for General Conference and it is also for Easter so this year we had an extra amounts of treats. What can we say. We all need to diet now.

Todd has been real busy with Sterling Scholar preparations for months now and it finally all came to an end last week. He has been having mock interviews, putting together his portfolio and many other things to get ready for it. We even bought him a suit. He looks so handsome. One of the last things we had to do to prepare him was to get his hair cut. He wasn't real excited about this but he knew it needed to be done.
Here are some before and after shots of his hair cut.

Before

After ( does he look happy about it???)

What a handsome looking guy. Todd is such an exceptional kid, young man. We went to Dixie State College last week and had a dinner and then program where they presented the Sterling Scholars that won for regional competition. Todd didn't win the regional competition but we sure thought he should have. You can tell he is a little stressed. He looks so awesome. Times like this is payment for moms. I can't believe that I have such an awesome young man. What would we do without him and his great desire to excel and give the best in every thing that he does. Todd you are a winner!!!

This last Saturday we also had the chance to go out and show how slow we really can run, just kidding. We had to do our annual 5K ROTC run. I actually felt like I had trained for it this year and it has been a while since I have felt prepared for it. It was a great run to do with my kids. We ran up Canyon Park trail. The bad part about that is it is almost all uphill and I am an old lady and those hills are really hard to run up. This is a tradition that we have been doing for about six years now.

I actually placed third place. That was kind of nice. This made me think twice about possibly doing the Cedar City half marathon in a couple of months but not sure I am up for it.

OTHER: A little more about life here in the Glad home. AJ is doing good on his mission. Our highlight is hearing from him on his email every week.

I have been trying to substitute and not getting as many calls as I used to. I really need something to do. I have been feeling quite lonely during the day and just not feeling needed. I hope to find a job for this next year, I hope you are all praying for me. I need something to keep me busy and I don't think getting pregnat is an option.

I am getting used to my braces, and I can actually eat. I do get tired of carrying around my food when I eat, always very self conscious of if there is food in them after eating out. I actually lost weight too. That is an added bonus.

We are starting to plan our graduation that is coming up in three weeks. Todd, Karrilyn and I will all be walking at SUU. I am getting my bachelors degree and Todd and Karrilyn are getting their Associates degree. This is such a big accomplishment for all of us. It will be quite an experience to have my kids get to graduate with me. I sure love them and I am so proud of them. Now for arrangements for graduation. I need to decide what to feed my family that is coming in for the graduation. ANY IDEAS???

In COLOR

2010-04-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Our family had family pictures taken and Mike and I also decided to have our picture taken together. I know that I have posted one of us but it was without color. I really love this picture of us.
I can't believe how much I TOTALLY love this man, even after all of these years!!!!

He is the Man

2010-03-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, my son Todd was made Sterling Scholar at Cedar High School. Last week they had a special banquet for him and all of the other sterling scholars. This is him with his new suit on. He wasn't excited to have a suit but he sure looks handsome. Sterling Scholar was sure a lot more work than we all figured it would be. They each have to come up with a portfolio and then they also had to take part in the banquet that they had. Todd being over Computer Technology was in charge of the video for the Sterling Scholars. He did a great job. We are so proud of you Todd and all of your many hours of work. You are truly amazing. You will go far with this kind of ambition. Good luck at region.

So Here You Have It

2010-03-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

So here you have it, I have been TAGGED. I really don't know why because my life isn't that interesting but Sherrie that she can tell that I am needing ideas to blog about. I haven't been tagged for a while and many times I am not too good at actually doing it , but how can I say no to Sherrie.

Here is how this meme goes. It is called Picture This.
Here are the instructions:
1. Go to my Pictures.
2. Open the first folder.
3. Post the tenth picture and tell the picture about it.
4. Tag 4 people.

So here goes:

This picture was on AJ's 13 birthday. He looks so young and of course I love writing about my AJ.( as well as all of my kids) He is so cute.

Here are the pictures that go with the day. He had a swimming birthday party with some friends and of course our swimming parties were always out at Camp Williams because Mike worked there for years and it was so nice and so cheap. You can see that it looks like we have the entire pool to ourselves.

This picture is of Angela and AJ at the party. Don't they look so young. Where did my babies go?

In this picture is one of AJ's best friends and he is coming home from his mission next month. His mom is still one of my very best friends. Man this brings back so many memories of my kids when they were young and my close friends that I miss.

Thanks Sherrie for making me do this and think about my kids.

And now I am tagging four friends of mine so go and check their blogs out:

Finally the Pictures...

2010-03-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, I actually have posted my braces/new hair picture all in one. This was at the end of last week. You can tell that I definitely have braces and that my hair is a little darker.
What do you think???

Braces for me

2010-03-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, well I did take pictures of me and my braces but I look awful so I guess I will just tell you about them.
I finally did it. I had braces put on this week on my teeth. I was very nervous but I have always wanted straight teeth. Two of my kids have had braces and Angela still has hers on. I went in on Wednesday morning and they put them on. It took about an hour. It wasn't too bad until I decided to try to eat something. I was a little nauseated when I got home so I just had chicken noodle soup for lunch.
It is now Friday and it hasn't been too bad but they are definitely pretty sore and I keep taking the Tylenol to help it out but I really miss food that isn't pudding or mashed potatoes. Everyone keeps saying it will be worth it and that I will never regret it. I hope so. Fourteen to Sixteen months sounds like a very long time. I just hope I can actually bite down on something yummy in the next four weeks. This will get real old real fast. I think if I have too much ice cream I could put on more weight than I really want to. The only good thing right now is that people say it makes me look like a teenager. Is that good?
What yummy food can I eat today??? I will probably just starve.

Skiing at Brianhead

2010-03-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen one of those photos of people when they are out in the snow or go skiing and it just makes you cold? Well here is one of those.
Mike took Todd skiing to Brian Head a couple of weeks ago and of course it was a day that the rest of us had to work and go to school. It was a stormy day and they were getting snowed on as they were skiing. Mike definitely took a hold of some of it on his face. Brrrr.

They had so much powder that it was harder than normal for them to ski. They had a great time, even though the weather was not the greatest. I am so glad that they were able to go skiing together especially when they are so busy with everything else going on in Mike's and Todd's life right now.

My Valentine Baby

2010-03-15T17:11:00.001-07:00

Sixteen years ago, my Valentine Baby was born. Angela Nicole Glad. She was born the day after Valentine's day. I was so thrilled to get her here and have loved every minute of her being with our family. She adds so much excitement, happiness, and drama to our family. Angela cares about everyone and will always stick up for the underdog. She doesn't want anyone to feel unloved or left out. She is very talented but works hard at everything. She still plays the flute and the piano. She is in Success Academy for part of the day an if she keeps it up she will graduate with her associates at the college when she graduates from high school. She just finished Driver's Ed and is so excited to get her license if we ever get enough hours for her to get it.
On her birthday, some of her friends decided to surprise her and meet us at Brad's Food Hut for lunch. We never go there so we had to find a way to make it sound like it was just a fun place to try. She went for it and when we walked in her friends were there waiting for her. They paid for her lunch and they chatted for quite a while, then we drove them to see Percy Jackson's the Lightning Thief. It was great. After the movie we came home and she played games with her friends like Rock Band, board games, Guitar Hero and others. We actually had a big cake, and it was bought. That was a first.

Here is a picture of all of her friends that came to help celebrate the big sweet 16 day.

Here is Angela's cake with balloons. She can be happy with anything, especially if it involves cake.

To top it all off, Angela got her big sweet 16 present. When our kids turn 16, they get one nice big present. This year Angela chose a nice dresser for her bedroom. It is beautiful. She was I think even more thrilled when she opened up her own cell phone. She has so many extra curriculuar activities and we can never know where she is or when she needs to get picked up. She just kept saying how great her day was and it was.

Angela you are the greatest. I love you tons. You have such a special way of showing those around you that they matter. Thanks for being our Ang.

Still Loving Me

2010-03-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

Just a picture of me and my honey. YES, he has definitely changed since last year.

No one can take your place

2010-03-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why some people come into your life and make such a difference in your life to have them move away or you to move away??? Do any of you have those friends that have made you a better person by knowing them?

Lately, I have been missing certain friends and many family members. There are special friends and family that mean so much to me that it is hard to not be with them. I have been so blessed with wonderful friends but they are the kind of friends that you just don't want to be away from. There just are people in this lifetime that have treated me like family and have made me feel so loved and needed. I miss them. Yes, sure I have made a few friends here where I live but I have such a hard time even after all this time letting go to people that have touched my life so deeply.
I also have always lived close to my family, my parents and brothers and sisters and now I live quite a ways from most of them. It is hard to not be a part of their lives. I miss that. I miss seeing my parents and my brothers and sisters. I miss my nieces and nephews knowing who I am. Yes it is hard to love and be so far away from those that mean so much. There must be a reason that our paths have parted for a while. I have wondered this for quite some time and I think it is because we become so comfortable with certain loved ones and friends that it is just easy to always be just a part of their lives and not be willing to make a difference in other people's lives. If we don't have those friends or fewer of them we are encouraged to make other friendships and strengthen friendships that we live close to. I guess I just need to continue to push myself and that is why for a time those people that have made remarkable difference in my life don't live in closeness to me. Hopefully someday in the future if not in heaven we can all sit down together and reminisce and enjoy being together again. I hope.

What a great day!!!

2010-03-07T15:47:00.000-08:00

I know that I have been awful getting on and keeping my blog up to date. It has been hard because I like to use it as a journal but I know there are many of you that might not like what I write, I apologize for this.
This last week has been crazy at my house. Todd has finished his portfolio for Sterling Scholar with his banquet rapidly approaching.

I changed the color of my hair because of the many grays that keep appearing.

I enjoyed a great evening with my husband at the temple. I am always amazed in the spirit that is felt there.

Angela had me take her to the beauty salon and had her hair chopped off. Well, it is not all the way chopped off but it is so different for her. It is very cute though. I will try to post a picture.

Mike and I took Angela for a long road trip to help get some of her hours for driver's ed. She is so anxious to get her license but I am such a basket case when it comes to driving with my kids when they are learning.

Mike and I went to the adult session of Stake Conference and were again spiritually uplifted. We also went today with the kids and it was wonderful.

Today has been such a wonderful day. I just can't explain in words. Todd had his patriarchal blessing given to him this afternoon. The spirit was SO STRONG. I have never had or seen a patriarch with all of my kids and myself that has become emotional and he was. Todd is such a giant when it comes to being spiritual and I know the patriarch felt that. It was a beautiful experience. Todd was given such a wonderful blessing. There are so many blessings that he has been given if he lives worthily in his life. WOW and he is my son. I feel so humbled by the great spirits that I have been given responsibility over here in this life. They are so wonderful.

I really enjoy my Sunday afternoons, snuggling with my husband and taking a nap and just being together as a family. It is so hard to want to do anything else. I have felt so much peace in my home in the last few months it is wonderful.

I am Jealous

2010-02-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

I just can't believe it. My youngest brother just bought this cute, cute baby goat and is getting into having goats as pack goats so they can hike more. All I can think about is cute and it reminds me of when I was a little girl. Oh how does it remind me of being a little girl. I remember how much fun it was to feed the baby goats by the bottle. They truly thought we were their mommas. Baby goats are just so much fun. This is a big part of my life and wow this has just taken me back there so quick. SO many memories of growing up on a goat farm. I wouldn't change it for anything.
I think my husband wouldn't agree with me if I said we needed to get a baby goat but it would be fun. The only problem is that they grow up just like baby kittens and baby puppies, but they sure are fun while they are little. Maybe in the next life I can have baby goats to hold and love.

Much Needed

2010-02-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

It is amazing to me how sometimes we have one experience right after another that we really need and then there just don't seem like there are any for a while.

One of the great experiences I have had lately is that I have just finished reading the book "The Undaunted". It is very good. I encourage all of you to read it. It is a long book but I learned so much and really enjoyed it too. I know one thing, I am glad that I was not a pioneer woman. I really enjoyed the history that was in this book about the " Hole in the Rock", and there was also history about Cedar City, Parowan, and Panguitch. It was great.
I also had the great experience to go to EFY with our stake in my church, which is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. EFY is for the youth of our church. Two of my own kids were able to attend. It was last Saturday and it was early. I was not looking forward to getting up early on a Saturday, but it was well worth it. There were about 700 or so youth there with their leaders to hear these three speakers. I knew it would be good but we were really in for a treat. The speakers were saying things that I felt pierced my heart and that they were just for me. Todd and Angela also were touched. They really felt uplifted. There are sometimes things that are said that you will never never forget. One thing I learned is that we need to be better than good. This really made me think. I know I have a lot of room to grow and I need to not be complacent but always looking for ways to strengthen my testimony and to improve who I am and the things that I should be doing.
My son, AJ, that is on his mission also has challenged us to read the Book of Mormon in 50 days and to also underline any place where it talks about the Savior in any way. I have been doing that now for 3 weeks and it is hard to read eight pages a night but my testimony of my Savior and the scriptures has so been strengthened. I love it.
I also had a great experience yesterday. I have been needing to go to the temple as we all do and finally found some time to make the drive. When I arrived in St. George and went into the temple there was an hour and a half wait for initiatories. I knew that wasn't going to work because Karrilyn was waiting in the car. They asked if I would like to do sealings. Sure, I said. What a great experience. What a great valentine experience for me, to be reminded of the promises that I have by being sealed to my spouse for time and all eternity. This is a gift that I am ever ever so thankful for. I wish I could express the happiness and peace this gives me. The spirit was so strong in those beautiful sealing rooms as we did sealings for people that have passed onto the other side. I really enjoyed every minute of it and I am so thankful for this blessing in my life.
I guess I should also that I am teaching primary in my ward and I just LOVE it. There is nothing better than being in there with those cute kids. I have the 5-6 yr olds. They are so cute and want nothing more than to do what is right, and they teach me so much about life, our Savior and how we should be.

Enough about all of that, I hope it isn't boring you to tears but this is my way to keep a journal of things that are important to me. Thanks to all of you who care. You are appreciated.

Valentine Soft Sugar Cookies

2010-02-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

It is that time again, Valentine's. I just made some of these yummy cookies and sent them off to my missionary and thought I would share them with you. If you make them and just love them comment and let me know. They are definitely a favorite in our house.

Sugar Cookies
6 1/2 cups of flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup butter( or margarine)
1 cup sour cream(I usually use 16 oz of sour cream)

Sift flour, baking soda, salt. Cream the rest of the ingredients. Add flour and mix. Chill. Bake 8 min at 400 degrees. Do not brown. ( ROll 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick)Frost. YUMMY

Frosting
2 cups of powder sugar
3 Tablespoons of butter or margarine
warm milk
food coloring
Mix powder sugar, margarine together and then add warm milk and mix in. Add until the consistency that is desired, also add a couple of drops of food coloring as desired.

Happy Valentine's

Sterling Scholar for Cedar

2010-02-02T17:44:00.000-08:00

Last month I received a crazy call, one of those calls that you really love to have as a mom. One of the teachers at Cedar High School called and said that my son Todd was going to be made Sterling Scholar for Computer Technology for Cedar High. We were both so excited. Mike and I was invited to the assembly when they announced the Sterling Scholars. It will be a lot of work for Todd but he can handle anything. He is such an awesome kid and a great student. I am so proud of all that he has done with his schooling and for going the extra step. There are so many awesome things about Todd, I guess you just have to know him. One of my neighbors saw me at the gym and said "your son Todd, he is so funny and so smart, he really has a lot going for him" This is true. Todd you are awesome and you will do great many wonderful things in this life.

A little different Christmas last year

2010-01-28T09:10:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas was a little crazy this year and real different. For the weeks before Christmas we were trying to get AJ ready for his mission to Columbus. We spent a lot of time shopping, playing, preparing etc. Here is one of AJ's pictures in the MTC with his great friend Craig that just happened to be in the MTC when he was.

Yes, AJ was in the MTC during Christmas so we had to celebrate his Christmas before he left. His report date was Dec 16.

This is a picture of AJ helping to decorate the tree. For some reason there is always the tongue.

During that month, Mike and I took AJ to Salt Lake to shop for missionary clothes and to also take him to a couple of temples. We went to the new Draper Temple and the Salt Lake Temple. It was great. This picture is of Mike and AJ at Leatherbys. You just have to go to Leatherbys if you have the chance.

My kids, ever since they were little, usually get a Christmas outfit during the first part of December. This is a picture of them all with their new Christmas outfits. They know that time is running short and they are all going to miss their brother.

We had many friends and family come down for the missionary farewell. We were so overwhelmed with the love and support that we felt. AJ did a great job. SO many people commented that he spoke like a return missionary instead of one just going out. Of course we had to have great food to celebrate. We had a brunch with muffins, fruit, breakfast casserole and other great yummy food.

We did have a special day for AJ's Christmas. He is such a cutie. His Christmas wasn't that exciting, because how exciting can ties and shirts be but we still had fun.

We have the greatest bishop in the world. Anyway, this is a picture of AJ on the night he was set apart as a missionary. We invited our bishop to come too. AJ and Bishop Wilson have a great relationship.

The day that AJ went to the MTC we woke everyone up early and headed to Dennys for breakfast. It was early but well worth it. We had a great time but it was real hard when the kids had to say good bye.

This is a picture of AJ and I at the MTC when we dropped him off. I am trying to look happy but this is definitely a bitter sweet moment.

A picture of Mike and AJ the day that we took him to the MTC. As you can tell it was a hard day. AJ will be a fabulous missionary.

Christmas morning, Angela doesn't look too awake.

Todd is so excited about his external drive and really knows how to show it. He must be from my side of the family.

Christmas morning with Karrilyn is always a blast. She is always so happy about what she gets even though she is my oldest. My kids definitely love Christmas. Wonder who they got that from.

Christmas Eve checking out where Santa has been on the computer. We have to make sure we are to bed on time. Haha.

Christmas morning, my kids are so cute. It was definitely different without AJ for Christmas but we tried to make the most of it. This picture is of Angela, Todd, and Karrilyn. Merry Christmas.

Christmas tree, you always have to have a picture of the Christmas tree. New Year here we come.

It takes me too long

2010-01-26T16:06:00.000-08:00

While I am in the process of trying to get caught up with my blog, life continues to go on and on. I substitued in fourth grade at Enoch Elementary today. I think this will be my life for quite a while, not knowing when I will be working and when I will be home. The kids are great and yes I still want to teach.
I don 't know how many of you even care but if you ask how are you doing???? The last six weeks has been very hard for me. The last three weeks while AJ has actually been in Ohio has been a little easier but still hard.
Here is a picture of my boy right before he left.

I just get thinking that I am doing good and then I have a day when I REALLY miss him. I just can't describe how hard it is to have your son leave and not know every day how he is doing. AJ is one of my best friends and that makes it even harder. When he was home he always wanted to know how I was doing and always tried to cheer me up or make me laugh if I had a bummer of a day. That is just my AJ. I miss him SO much and I have so long to go. Having a missionary leave is such a sacrifice. It is so good for them but it is really hard. I just can't imagine life without him for two years. That is a long time. I hope I can hang in there, because today I wonder.

Student Teaching 09

2010-01-25T09:17:00.001-08:00

I finally finished my student teaching in November of 2009. My first placement was in first grade at Enoch Elementary. I was really worried about first grade at first but I ended up really loving it and I really enjoyed the teacher that I worked with. She was a great mentor to me. The kids are so cute and so loving. I wish I could post some of their pictures but I haven't received permission from them. I learned a lot in first grade. First grade would be very hard to teach. There is so much to teach the first graders and you are so busy because you have so much that they need to learn.

My second placement was in the same school but in fourth grade. I really enjoyed it also. Fourth grade is definitely different, but they kids are great. This class had 31 students in it. There is so much that is expected of the teachers these days I don't know how they can keep up and do all that is expected. I was required to teach four lessons in each grade that were evaluated but I was mostly teaching all of the time. It is crazy how each teacher is so different on how they discipline, how they interact with the kids and just how they run their classroom. I learned many things that I won't do and many things I will love to try when I get my own classroom. I can't believe how fast the twelve weeks went by, at the time I kept thinking will this ever get over with and now I miss it. I miss the kids, I miss teaching, I miss making a difference. I just hope that I can find a job soon so that I can actually teach.

Thanksgiving 2009

2010-01-23T08:48:00.001-08:00

This is the first Thanksgiving that we have had at our house for many years. We usually travel to Salt Lake from Cedar every year and spend the weekend. This year, Mike asked his family if they would be willing to come down to Cedar for Thanksgiving if we paid for everything for Thanksgiving, and they actually said YES.

It just isn't Thanksgiving weekend without Mike playing football. This is AJ and Mike playing with a the Elder's in our ward.

Thanksgiving was wonderful. The food was great and so was the company. We really enjoyed ourselves. We all played Rock Band together and everyone got involved. I think everyone had a great time.

Angela is singing in this picture, but almost everyone took their turn either singing or playing guitar or drums. It was lots of fun. This is a picture of Angela, Anna, Joy, Fuzzy and Liz

Our drum player, AJ, enjoying himself on Thanksgiving. We have to take as many pictures of him as possible because before we know it he will be gone. We are so thankful for so many things and especially thankful for family.

AJ's endowments

2010-01-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

It is finally time I get busy and try to catch up for so many great events in our lives that I haven't written about. AJ received his mission call to Columbus, Ohio in October and then in November he went through the St. George temple to get his endowments. That same weekend on Sunday, Mike was made a high priest in our church, the church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. It was a great weekend.

This is a picture of Mike and his dad and my dad the day that he was made a high priest.

The same weekend on Saturday, AJ went through the temple. It was a wonderful experience and we really felt blessed. In this picture is some of our greatest friends that made the trip down for the day. We also had Mike's sister, Anna and her family, my parents, Mike's parents and our friends the Plunketts. It was a great and memorable day and weekend.

This picture is of AJ and his great friend Craig that made it down for his endowments. They are like cousins because they have known each other since babies. They are both serving on their mission at the same time and before they left their friendship became stronger and stronger.

This is a picture of my great family on the day of AJ's endowments. We took so many great pictures of family and friends but I have so many pictures to upload and so much I need to catch up on that I didn't add all of them to this post. We are so blessed to have so much support during this great time in our lives. We are so excited for AJ and his decision to serve.

This Year at Christmas Time

2009-12-22T12:39:00.000-08:00

This Year for Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.

Thrill just wasn't there.

No pictures taken with Santa Clause,

my decorating has no flair.

His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties,

two suits and socks...no fun.

I've bought him all white clothes because...

This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple,

Felt strength come from His words.

I've reread November's Ensign,

and my testimony stirred.

Our family prays more frequently

My tears are quick to run.

Abraham seems closer because

This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,

gave their sons to war?

Or how the pioneers chose Zion ,

their sacrifice was so much more.

My loss will be his presence,

I'll miss his smile a ton

For two years we will pray for him,

I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking.

I memorize his eyes, their shine.

He's always hungered for the part of him,

that makes his soul divine.

The stories and lessons he always heard,

His choice and mine are one.

I'll put my faith in God's hand,

This year, I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter,

I think I finally understand

Christ's birth should be celebrated

by giving Him a hand.

It's because I know Christ lives and reigns

that all his packing's done.

My gift has taken years to make,

This year... I'm giving Christ my son

This is just a little of how I am feeling this year and I know many of you don't understand this but maybe when you send out your first missionary you will. Merry Christmas!!!

How could I really say NO?

2009-12-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

As this year gets closer and closer to Christmas, it is hard for me to focus on what I need to get for Christmas gifts etc. I have all of my attention focused on my wonderful son, AJ. He leaves on his mission for the LDS church on Wednesday for two years.

I keep asking myself this question, How can I let him go?? Can I really do this??? As I look around my heart is so fun because of all of my blessings that I have been blessed with. I have great kids, a wonderful husband, good health, enough money to live on, wonderful friends and family and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have been blessed with AJ for 19 1/2 years and I think I would be so ungrateful if I wasn't willing to let him go out and serve the Lord for two years. This is going to be a very hard thing for me, but as I have said "How can I not?" AJ is such a blessing in my life and always has been. He always cares about me and making me happy. I will really miss his hugs, smile, laugh and humor. I am also so excited for AJ, because he will be a great missionary. He loves people and he has a great way of showing people. I know he will make many great friends and touch many people's lives.

Good luck AJ!!! You will do awesome.

SO Thankful

2009-12-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

I know I have been much of a slacker as far as blogging, but my life is so busy with so many things right now. I do miss my wonderful blogging friends that always make my day and have great things to encourage me.

I would feel so ungrateful if I didn't post something about the many things in my life that warm my heart and that I am so thankful for.

We had a great Thanksgiving. It was at our house, which is a first in a long time. It turned out great. Wonderful food, great family and fun.

I am so blessed with so many things. Especially this year, I am focusing so much on the things that mean the most, which aren't things.

I am grateful for

great kids that are always trying to be great examples in their every day lives

great husband that has put up with a wife gone every day all day long for 12 wks

Warm and comfortable home

Great friends that have helped to make me who I am

Great family that are so loving and caring

Health and strength to continue on

An end to my dream of wanting to be a teacher, I can't believe it.

A testimony of the gospel and all the joy it brings to me.

A son with a desire to serve the Lord in a full time mission in a couple of weeks.

I am so thankful for all I have and just hope that I can continue to be strong in all that I do.

I AM SO THANKFUL

A dream come true

2009-11-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

I have not been sleeping lately at all. I have so many things on my mind and I just can't clear them at all. It is so scary to think that my life is at another turning point.

My whole life I have dreamt of becoming a teacher and when I started having kids of my own, I just figured I would never get my degree or become a teacher. This Friday is my last day of student teaching and I can't believe it. I can't believe that I will have a batchelors degree and that I can actually be a teacher. I guess dreams do come true, now the hardest part will be to find a job. I am so excited to be finally done with school, but I am also sad because I just love these kids and know that this chapter in my life will be over with soon.

Along with many other chapters in my life, it is changing. AJ will be leaving on his mission on Dec 16, I will be graduating, and Mike has retired from his job in the military. We have so many questions about our future. We have always dreamt of when our boys would serve a mission and now that AJ is ready, it is so scary for me. Will he be ok?? We won't be there if he has problems and will I be ok??? I have a very closeness to AJ and it is going to be quite emotional for me. This teaches me a lot about sacrifice. I hope that I can be strengthened through this hard time, because it will be tough.

During times like this, when I feel so excited but scared, is when I miss my very close friends, especially those that live miles away. They have always been such a strength to me and I miss their love. What an exciting time in life!!!!

Do you have a green spoon??

2009-10-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

I know it has been forever since I have posted and I really don't have any excuse except that I am in the middle of student teaching and my son is getting ready to go on an LDS mission among Thanksgiving going to be here, graduating from school and many other things. I am truly sorry and I have missed all of my blogging friends and family.

How many of you have a green spoon??? This story will be a story that is handed down in our family from generation to generation I am sure of it. Ever since I can remember, my husband and I have had a green tablespoon to measure ingredients with. Through the years when he was baking or helping me make something I would just tell him I need one of the green spoon because it was just easier that way. We didn't ever call it a tablespoon, or at least he didn't.

Well, something awful happened about a month ago. Our green spoon was eaten up in the garbage disposal. I thought my husband was going to want a funeral for it. He actually has put it in a drawer in my curio cabinet for safe keeping even though it can not be used any more because it is so beat up. Now when we are making something and I have to tell him a tablespoon he says " Is that the green spoon?" " I guess we can't make it because we don't have a green spoon. This is still continuing to go on, it has been quite a joke in our family.

So, if you see a green tablespoon any where, let me know I would love to get another one just for him. Do you have any stories that have become legends in your family??? I would love to hear.

Already October

2009-10-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it is already October and I can't believe it. That means I am almost half way through with student teaching. Halloween is around the corner, with the holidays right after that. It is also General Conference weekend, which I can't believe but has been such a blessing to me in my life this year, already and it is just the first day.

I felt like General Conference was incredibly great, which I always say it is but there was so much that I needed to hear and my family also. I felt like there was a lot of focus on love and don't we all need to be a little more loving and tolerable to everyone that we are around in our every day. I can't wait for tomorrow.

I just love this time of the year. Fall, I don't know what it is but it is great and I just enjoy. This year, however has been quite different with me doing student teaching every day until 4 and Mike being at home. Our life has been turned upside down and we are still wondering what side is up. This Wednesday I will be shifting to fourth grade and I am excited but I will definitely miss all of my little kids in first grade. What will they do without me??? I know they will be fine but will I. It is so unbelievable to me that I really will be graduated by Thanksgiving. I haven't experienced being gone so much for years. I have been able to stay at home and take care of the kids so now I am experiencing not wanting to go anywhere on the weekend. I just want to stay home. This isn't always easy because I do have other obligations and commitments. I just need to get over it and get used to it.

Thanksgiving, I can't believe it is really in sight. We are actually going to be having Thanksgiving at our house this year. That makes for a little more preparation with family coming down to stay and having it with us.

I know this has been a lot of rambling on and on but there is so much going on in our home at this time. My kids are so busy and have so much going on in their own lives. I will definitely have to blog about them soon.

Nothing to Describe

2009-09-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

There is nothing that can quite describe the feelings of joy when your children make great choices and turn out to be good people.

Last night was one of those memorable moments for me. I guess you could call it payback. It seems like just yesterday I was brought this very darling baby boy with beautiful red hair and I immediately fell in love with him and I just can't believe that he is as old as he is. Last night he was ordained to be an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints by his father. I just can't express the great joy that was in my heart. What a night and what a great spiritual experience for all that were there. All of our kids were there, our bishop, the single's ward bishop, a member of the bishopric and Mike's parents. I have been waiting for this day for a long time and it was wonderful. AJ you are great and you will make a great missionary.

This day will always be great for me

2009-09-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

Today, to a lot of people is a reminder of the tragedy that happened eight years ago and for me it is a reminder of that too but the thing I remember the most about this day is that MANY years ago I was married to my sweetheart.

That day becomes more and more vague, but I can't help but always to remember how great I felt that morning when I was seated across the altar in the SLC temple from my soon to be husband. There is nothing to compare with that great joy and peace. Mike complains that I was a little late that morning and yes I was but nothing like throwing in a little stress on a marriage day just to make sure you can handle anything.

My wedding was a beautiful September day. I remember having all of the people that I love the most there to help me celebrate my day. Little did I know that there were four more important people in the heavens that were partying and celebrating that we were getting married.
We had an outside wedding reception and I have to say it was perfect. Mike had to wear a pink shirt with his white tux and at first I didn't like the idea but I love it now.

Our honeymoon was wonderful too. We headed to Jackson Hole, Lava Hot Springs and Yellowstone, which is one of my favorite places in the world. There is nothing quite like getting the last room in the park and then to find out it was a room with two single beds with the bathroom down the hall and all on your honeymoon. I remember going out to watch Old Faithful at midnight with Mike and thinking how romantic it was.

Oh and YES, YES, YES, I would do it again and again. We have been through so much together and things aren't always a bliss but they are DEFINITELY worth the ride. I love every minute that I spend with him and I can say that I am still in love. I came home yesterday from school and he had bought me roses for my anniversary. They are beautiful. I just wish I knew something great that I could give him.

I bet now every year when you see all of the flags out for 9-11 you will also remember the great celebration of our anniversary on that day.

No Job, What Do We Do Now

2009-09-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been real crazy around our house as I have noted in prior posts, but the craziest part is the adjustment we have all made to our new maid, stay at home dad. Mike has retired from the military and is on leave until January when he will actually be fully retired so until then we have an income coming in and we have Mike at home.
It is quite interesting for me to come home from school and the house is completely cleaned, he has fixed dinner and he also does the laundry. My kids are feeling real spoiled. He has been taking them to school and also fixing their lunches and I think their lunches are a lot better than they used to be.
I never thought that Mike would be without a job and be at home while I was gone. It is just crazy but definitely very nice to come home to a clean house and dinner fixed. One thing he doesn't do is the SHOPPING. I sure wish he would but I guess I can't ask for everything. I am so thankful for a great maid, sweetheart and he does it all for FREE.

I will have to post a picture of the new Mike. You won't recognize him.

Why do they do that???

2009-09-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Each day as I look around at my wonderful, beautiful children, they continue to keep growing up. This is hard for me, because I love my babies. I think I will be baby hungry for the rest of my life.

Don't get me wrong, I adore my kids. They truly are the best, and I just love who they have become. They are so fun and we have so much fun together. What will I ever do when they move away??? I remember the day, which was yesterday, or so it seems when I had four under the age of six. Life was so crazy and hectic and today it is not any less hectic but life is SO different. It is wonderful to be able to go places with my husband and not have a babysitter or have to take them with me everywhere that I go, but I miss it too.

Karrilyn is dating someone, ok talking to someone but long distance and it has been going on for over a month. He lives in California so it is easy to not get into too much trouble when you live away from each other. I don't think I remember ever seeing her SO HAPPY. Thanks John, you are the best. Karrilyn is so wonderful and very much deserves the very best. She is also going to college and working. Yuck.

AJ is also going to college and working at Smith's. He is very busy because he has become so social since he started college that he is always heading to some dance or game. He just loves people and especially girls, girls, girls. He knows a girl everywhere that we go. AJ is my big bear and always has been. He is SO adorable and loving.

Todd is my charming, wonderful seventeen year old. He is awesome in every way. He and I disagree about his hair, but I guess if that is my worst battle I will just need to keep my mouth shut. Todd is a senior in high school and taking mostly college classes. He is very social. He has a group of great kids that he hangs around and he is also on the Cross Country team. He also plays the piano and is very talented with it. Todd is awesome.

Angela is such a ham. She is so loving and so cheerful. She makes everyone laugh, most of the time. She is my baby and I don't want to tell you how old she is because in my book she is still my eight year old. She is also taking some intense classes and plays the flute, and piano and is on the Cross Country team. She makes us all laugh and we have so much fun together. She is pretty much a lot of fun for an eight year old.( just kidding) Ang you ROCK...

You see, in my eyes they will or should never grow up but they will and I just hope that I can handle it. I love my kids. They are my WORLD!!!

I Never Knew

2009-09-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

This week has been hard but it is definitely better than last. The hard thing about this week is that I have a funeral to go to on Thursday. You probably are wondering who is it for??? I would have to say it is for one of my favorite people in the world. My husband's Uncle Roy passed away on Saturday morning. Why should I care??? I care because from the very second that I met him he has always treated me like a queen and as if I walk on water or something. I just can't explain it.

Mike and I, when we were just starting out with Karrilyn and AJ lived in Draper in a tiny little house behind Uncle Roy's and Aunt Mary's house. They rented it to us for $105 a month. It was small but what do you need when you are such a small family. I remember we had only a shower, no tub and the kids bedroom was also the laundry room. Oh well it was great for us.

Back then, I used to get up every morning and take my little kids to another person's house and babysit to make money so I wouldn't have to work. I would have to get up early and take my little kids out into the weather. I remember every morning that the weather was bad I would go out to my car and Uncle Roy had already scraped my windows in my car for me. He was an angel. Uncle Roy and Aunt Mary also told us not to pay rent two times a year for Christmas and during the Summer so we could have money for vacations and Christmas. They spoiled us. I just adored him and his wife. I always felt like I belonged and Aunt Mary had red hair which made me feel like I was truly family. They were both there in the temple the day we were married too. Even though I haven't seen Uncle Roy much, when I do he treats me as if it was just yesterday and that I still mean the world to him. He will truly be missed but I am sure his lovely wife is so happy to finally be reunited with him.

Well, back to this week. That is the hard part, funeral... The good part about this week is that I am adjusting to student teaching. I can finally say that I am loving it. I taught almost the entire day today. I love the kids. They are so cute even though at times they are frustrating. It is amazing how much I have learned already.

I just hope that I can find a job teaching when I get finished. It would be awful if I finally had my dream come true and wasn't able to find a teaching job.

Oh yeah, I forgot. Angela finished her first Cross Country Race. I was so proud of her. Todd has been doing it now for two years and does wonderful but it has been quite a struggle for Angela. Why is it that I start crying when she came across the finish line??? I am so proud.

And it all starts...

2009-08-27T17:56:00.001-07:00

This week has been very crazy for all of us Glads. Angela and Todd started back to school last Thursday and Karrilyn, AJ and I started back this Monday. It will be a crazy year for all of us. We will be working hard in many classes. I think we will need much chocolate and cookie dough to help us get through it all.

Student Teaching
I actually started my student teaching on Monday. I was very nervous the first day but after that things have continually become better. I am in the first grade. It has been a shocking experience for me. First graders can't do a whole lot, but they sure are adorable. The days have seemed long but as the week has gone by it has seemed to get better and better. I am teaching quite a lot of each day. I think the kids are getting used to me and I think I am also adapting. There is so much that goes into teaching each day. It is quite intense. I am student teaching out at Enoch Elementary school. I will be in first grade for thirty days and then fourth grade for thirty days. I can't believe that I am finally to this point where I will actually be graduating from school. What a dream I have been waiting for. I hope you are all cheering me on, because I can use it. I just hope once I am finished that I can actually find a job and teach.

I guess the hardest thing is to be gone all day from my kids and not being there every second when they need me. Mike has been wonderful. The first day he made enchiladas for dinner and cleaned the entire house. NO!! he has never made enchiladas before but they were great. He has definitely been cheering me on. Who knows maybe I will actually be a teacher some day.

Todd also had a birthday this week. He turned 17. For his birthday we gave him a laptop. He has all college classes this year but a few high school. He will need it. We also went out to dinner to the Pizza Factory. It was very yummy. My kids totally love it and we haven't been there for quite a while. I can't believe Todd is actually 17. I sure love my TODD. He is an exceptional boy with so much desire and most of all the desire to do good. Happy Birthday to my Todd Schmodd, Todderoo, one of my best friends. He is awesome!!!!!!!!!!

Fun with family

2009-08-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, was crazy. We headed up to SLC after AJ got off work so we could be there for Sunday and spend some time with my family. My brothers that live out of state were in town and we had a party planned. It was a great day. We went to church with them, and of course I had to hold my new little niece and that was great, but she decided to leave a little mess on my white skirt. Oh well, she is well worth it. We also went to my sisters house for a barbecue, rock band party etc. It was a great time. I have the greatest siblings and of course parents.

This is a picture of AJ with his uncle Colt( my brother).

Here is the daddy of it all...

Of course you can't have a party without many pictures of family by Aunt Kristi.

This is a picture of my dad, my sister, Kami, and my two brothers playing Rock Band. We all had a chance to join in the fun. It was a hoot to watch and play in.

I have always loved teather ball and my sister happened to have on so Mike, AJ, and Todd had to try out their skills.

What a great day. My kids are the oldest grand kids of the family so they don't have cousins their ages to hang out with but they have their uncles and aunts that they have just as much fun with. This is what memories are all made of.

Birthday in Disneyland

2009-08-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

This year, I had a great birthday. I usually do, but this year was great fun because Mike and I went to Disneyland on my birthday. We had so much fun just the two of us. We took tons of pictures, ate lots of yummy food, went on many fun rides and it was great. This time that we were at Disneyland, we actually ate dinner at Pirates of the Caribbean. It was expensive but well worth it. This is one of my favorite pictures so I thought I would share.

Up to Salt Lake and back for lunch all in one day

2009-08-12T12:45:00.001-07:00

Last Wednesday, I think, Mike and I drove to Salt Lake to go to lunch with one of his favorite cousins that was in from New Jersey. Quintin was in town with his family. He brought his wife, Susie and Grace to have lunch with us at TGI Friday's. What a long ways for lunch but always worth it, with Quin around. Mike used to do everything with Quin when they were kids. Only a few things have changed, like amount of hair, a few wrinkles but mostly everything was still the same.
It was well worth the trip up and back to Cedar all in one day. Thanks Quintin and Susie for meeting us. Anytime you are in town we would love to do it again and maybe next time we can come to NY and see you.

Class Reunion Party

2009-08-08T17:10:00.001-07:00

About a week ago we had an Elder's quorum party. It was great. We all dressed up how we would have dressed in high school. It was a lot of fun. They had printed color copies of all of us from when we were in high school. I wish I had pictures. My husband wore his pink jacket and white levis and I wore one of his favorite dresses that he bought for me when we were first married even though that really wasn't high school it was a couple of years later. He only wishes that I had big hair like I did when we were dating.( 80's)

We had cafeteria food; meat loaf, potatoes and gravy, milk in cartons and brownies. After dinner we played some games. We nominated people for "most likely to". Then we played Do you Love your Neighbor/Classmate? If you have never played this game, it is a hoot but quite dangerous. You have to keep on your toes and move around a lot. It was all fun until I ended up getting dumped on the floor. I was hurting pretty bad and still after a week I am still quite tender. Oh well that is how it goes. Everyone has a good time playing until someone gets hurt.
What a great night and such a great idea!!!!!!

So much to blog (I mean brag) about

2009-08-04T12:46:00.001-07:00

These past two months have been crazy around here and I really have tons to blog about but it has been hard to take the time.

About a month ago we went to Youth Conference up in Kolob Canyon. It was gorgeous. I ended up helping with the games but my kids( which by the way are the greatest) had a great time and loved it.

Here is Ang, isn't this just the cutest picture of her.

This is of her getting ready to rappell and she really didn't want to do it but she DID it.

This picture shows her a little more happy about it. What a great experience.

This is one of the games that they were playing at Youth Conference. Todd is on the left.

This picture is of Todd rappelling. He is so much more confident about it than Angela but I think he has done it before.

I really need to update you on so much more. We have had so many great adventures that I need to share. I am so glad that my kids have opportunities like this.

Fun times for the Glads

2009-07-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

I know it has been forever since I have posted. I hope you all have missed me.

On the 24th of July we went to an early morning breakfast and then to the parade. I guess it was brighter than I thought it was as you can tell by looking at the picture of my kids. It has been a tradition since they were little to get Old Navy flag tshirts for them for the 4th and 24th of July.
After the parade we came home and started our afternoon, day of playing Rock Band. It was a lot of fun but took pretty much the whole day. We conquered the 84 song list on Rock Band. We did break for dinner and homemade ice cream with homemade carmel. Mike makes the best.

This is a picture that I had my kids take yesterday after church. My husband has a kilt from his ancestors tartan. He wears it twice a year to church and boy does he get comments like crazy. It doesn't bother him at all, he is proud of his kilt. When his parents gave him the kilt they also gave me some material that matches his kilt. My mom made me a skirt to match his and guess what???? You guessed it, I always have to wear mine the same day that he wears his.

Really, I haven't fallen off of the face of the earth. We have been enjoying our summer except for the online Chemistry class that I am taking. My daughter received her learner's permit to drive. Wow. They just keep growing and growing. I spent a couple of days in SLC and got to go to dinner with my parents for my dad's birthday. I am leaving for girl's camp this week, wish me luck!!!!!!!!!

I have to brag

2009-07-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

The past few months I guess you could say that I have a new hobby. I have been couponing and looking for great deals for grocery shopping. I never been much of a coupon person, just too much of a hastle but I started just recently. I have had such great luck and it is actually fun to shop.

One of my first shopping trips I spent $50 and I saved $120. I was so excited. I think my family loves it too, because they get some things that I have never before bought because they are frivilous and not needed but what do you say when you get them for FREE.

I have had so many fun trips with this where I have ended up spending no money because everything ended up being FREE. I must admit my kids get tired of helping me out with the coupons going through lines but they sure enjoy the benefits of it.

If any of you are interested and are tired of grocery shopping and spending too much money, let me know and I will tell you my great secret. I don't know how this will work when I am back in school but we shall see.

A Memory

2009-07-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

I know it has been forever since I have blogged. You probably have wondered what is going on or maybe not.

Life continues to be crazy especially with Summer and a family of 4 teenagers. We are always going. We had a great Fourth of July. I can't think of a better way than to spend it with my kids going to parades, watching fireworks, making homemade ice cream and playing games.

This last week we had the chance to go somewhere, just Mike and I and the two younger kids. We ended up in SLC for one night, a real fast trip with no time to do much but we did take time to go to Camp Williams Swimming Pool while Mike was at his meeting at Camp Williams.

Have you ever walked in somewhere or gone somewhere and you have so many memories flood your memory that it is just crazy?? That is how it was as I entered that swimming pool. This place has SO many memories for me and all of my kids. We used to go swimming three to four times a week at this pool because it only cost us $1 a person and it is huge with grass all around it.
I remember taking my kids when they were just learning how to swim out to the pool after Mike got off of work. I remember playing and throwing kids in the pool. I remember so many birthday parties for my kids at this pool. I remember sharing this great experience with so many of my great friends. I can see me there with them and their kids playing, visiting and swimming. I remember a couple of times inviting all of my great friends in my ward to meet us out there and swim. What a party!!! There was probably about 60 people or more that traveled out to go swimming and eat and play together. I have shared this place and so many memories with so many people that I just had all of these great memories plow through my mind. Man, I wish I had more pictures of it.

I am so thankful for my memories of loved ones, great cherished friends and family. These are things that can never be taken away from me even when my kids move out and are gone I will always cherish these great memories with my husband, kids and so many others.

Have you ever???

2009-06-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

For the past month, I have had been able to go and work out with my husband every day before he leaves to go to work. It has been great. We have a membership to Snap Fitness and it is so close and you can go any time that you want to. About a month ago I started adding weights along with my regular cardio work out. It has been good even though I really don't like doing weights. I do think it helps.

Today, I had a scary, interesting experience. I had finished working out on the elliptical for 42 min and went to start doing my weights. I was feeling pretty hot and sweaty, which is normal, but I started to get hotter and started to feel sick. It was feeling like it was so hot that I wasn't getting any air. It also seemed like I was sweating even more than I already was. I was sitting down and it just didn't seem to get better. Kind of scary. One of my friends happened to be there and when I went over to the floor to sit down I guess she looked at me and noticed something. A few minutes later I tried to do weights again and she came up to me and asked if I was ok. I was wearing a green shirt and she said that I looked the color of my shirt. Not too much fun, but finally I did get feeling better and we did head home. I didn't do too many weights because I knew I just needed to not push it.

Have any of you had an experience similar to this? What were you doing?

Give me Ice Cream, Popsicles, and Pudding!!!

2009-06-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

All I can eat is popsicles, ice cream, pudding or anything soft. Poor Angela just had her braces put on yesterday. She has been in a lot of pain. It hurts to eat almost anything. I remember when Todd had his braces put on he was in pain for three weeks. I think she will shrivel away to nothing if she eats nothing for that long.

I kind of wish I was getting braces, but watching Angela it doesn't look like too much fun. She will be a little more festive for the Fourth of July and the 24th of July because she had them put on red and blue on her braces. I can't believe how much braces continue to go up in price. It is a good thing that all of my kids haven't needed them. I wish that insurance companies would pay for adults to get braces. I would love to have straight teeth and my whole life dentists have told me that I would have to have an operation and have my jaw broken to straighten my teeth but this orthodontist tells me he could do it without an operation. Maybe some day I will be rich and be able to have straight teeth.

Hang in there Angela and try to enjoy all of the ice cream and treats. I am sure that it will get old very soon. Before you know it you will have straight teeth and be glad that you do.

There are some days

2009-06-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like some days you are just inspired or lifted so much more than others? Why is that? Is it that we need it more than other days, so we are seeking it more?

Yesterday, I had the always great opportunity to go to the temple in St. George with my husband. It was such a beautiful day. It is so nice to get to the point where I don't have to stress about getting a babysitter to go to the temple. I always cherish the time I get to be with my husband and just talk and be together. I am so blessed to be able to attend the temple with him.

I don't know what it was but yesterday the spirit seemed so much stronger. Maybe I am just going crazy, but it was so awesome to just let the feelings seep into my soul. I truly felt the strength that I receive from taking that time to go there. The world is so crazy and so many problems are facing us throughout the world, but to have a place to be reminded and put on track of what it is all about is one of my greatest blessings. Thanks Mike for taking the time to go with ME. I always need it.

What a day!!

2009-06-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

Life has been crazy around here. Last Friday we went to see the movie " Up" and we all loved it. The three D is definitely interesting. If you haven't seen this movie, I think you would enjoy it. We left Saturday morning and went up to Salt Lake to see family. We visited at my brother's house and had dinner with my family that still lives here in the state. It was so awesome to see all of them. I don't get to see my parents and my sisters or brothers that often. We all really enjoyed it.
It is crazy when you get together to realize how much you are alike some of your siblings. I really miss being closer to them.
After that we went and stayed the night at my husband's parent's house. On Sunday we went to church at my husband's sister's ward. My niece was speaking so it worked out perfect. We had another party at my in-law's house with dinner and dessert. It was fun to see everyone and visit.
The only bad thing about the weekend was that we had to drive home that night, which is quite a drive especially in the pouring rainstorm.

Today is another day. It is cloudy and rainy again. I can't believe that it is the middle of June, can you? I went to the store to get some good deals and necessities and ended up getting a ticket. That is right, a ticket. What a way to ruin your day!!!

How many of you have been given a ticket lately or in the last year? Why is it that when my husband speeds 20 or 30 over he gets pulled over but no ticket but when I do a little over I of course get the ticket. It stinks.

Great Movie

2009-06-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

I just recently bought a movie for my son for his birthday and I just want to recommend it to all of you.
The name of the movie is " Forever Strong". It was so good. My entire family loved it and it had so many morals to it. It is about a rugby team here in Utah. If any of you are wondering if you should rent it or buy it, I say YES!!!! It is very upbeat and a great show, so go buy some popcorn and treats and cuddle up to this movie and let me know what you think.

Don't forget the flour

2009-06-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

There is flour in the recipe that I just posted for waffle brownies.
It is 2 cups. I noticed and called my friend, but I didn't realize that the recipe published so hopefully this isn't too late. You need 2 cups flour...

Have a great week.

Yummy treats!!

2009-06-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Waffle Brownies

8 Tablespoons margarine
7 Tablespoons cocoa
4 eggs
1 - 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
chocolate frosting

Combine sugar, flour, salt and cocoa. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Place batter in the waffle iron and cook for about one minute. Let cool; top with frosting. Repeat for remaining batter.

Helpful hints: spray the waffle iron with non stick cooking spray before cooking each brownie.

My husband and I love this recipe because it is quick, easy, and delicious! You can use all or some of the batter. Refrigerate leftover batter for later.

I really need to try this recipe. My friend gave me the recipe and she says it is very yummy. Let me know if you try this and if it is good. I thought it would be perfect for summer because you don't have to bake it.

I bet you didn't know

2009-06-07T15:12:00.001-07:00

This picture is of my hubby and his friends. He is the one on the left.

I bet you didn't know what a special day this is. Today is my hubby's birthday. There are so many reasons why he is awesome and I am so lucky to have such a great handsome goodlooking guy as mine.
He is committed, fun to be with, humorous, and he can do anything.
I am continually amazed at how great he does everything. I am so lucky to have him as my best friend and my boyfriend, husband. He is the best and most of all he puts up with me. He supports me in EVERYTHING that I do including when I went on a diet this year. He is quite a talker. If you get him going, he will definitely talk your ear off.

Thanks Mike for being you and for all you do. You are the greatest.

My Linsey Lou...

2009-06-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

About 21 years ago, I had one of the greatest experiences of my life. I just can't believe that it has really been that long. I had my first daughter, Karrilyn. I was so thrilled and she was definitely spoiled. She was the first child for us and she was also the first grandchild on both sides of the family. She had aunts and uncles that just adored her. There was never a time that there wasn't someone that wanted to babysit her for us.

I remember that special day like it was yesterday. I had waited my whole life to be a mom and I was so scared but so excited. I ended up having Karrilyn early and I also had her C section. That was very scary for me and then Karrilyn was very little. As a first time mom, I was a little too worried about doing something wrong because she was so small. She was SO beautiful and through the years my love for her has grown and grown as much as her beauty. She has grown into a beautiful young lady not only on the outside but even more so on the inside. Any one that knows Karrilyn can tell you how great she is just by being around her they know.
I feel so blessed to be her mother, even though she has been the one that has taught me so much through the years. Some day she will be a great mother to her own children.

Karrilyn has many nicknames. We call her Linsey Lou, Camel, Sissy, and many others. I feel so lucky that we still have her living at home with us. She is going to college and also working.

Any time that I ask her to do ANYTHING for me she never complains. She is always willing to give of anything asked of her. She is so generous and loving. She keeps us all smiling with her fun loving way.

She has many great talents. She loves to swim, teach children, listen, serve others, make us laugh, but most of all she treats everyone great and wonderful. Happy Birthday Karrilyn. I hope your day was as great as you have made my life.

Week full of Fun, Fun, Fun...

2009-06-02T09:45:00.001-07:00

I know it has taken me forever to update my blog. I can't believe how crazy Summer gets especially when you go on vacation and then have three birthdays in one week.

Our trip to Disneyland was great. It was quite an adventure. We had planned on going to the beach but we ended up having some car trouble so we played at the hotel one day and went to see "Night at the Museum" at Downtown Disney. What a great theater. We did get our vehicle fixed and so we were ready for Six Flags in California on Tuesday. If you don't know what Six Flags is it is pretty much a theme park with any kind of roller coaster that there is possible.

A picture of my kids in front of the old western town in Six Flags. It was a blast but quite busy. We did do a lot of walking but it was fun. I must be getting older because some of the rides were a little too much for me, but you do what you need to do.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we went to Disneyland. We were withing walking distance from Disneyland, well I guess one mile counts as walking distance. We walked to Disneyland, walked home for lunch and walked back and then back for dinner each night. We also walked all over California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park. What a lot of walking!!! I guess that helps with all of the treats that you eat on vacation, right??? Our feet were quite tired each night and ready for a rest.

It just isn't Disneyland without going and seeing some of the Disney characters and getting pictures with them even if you have to stay in line.

One of our traditions at Disneyland is to go and get ice cream for one of our meals, quite expensive but very worth it. We don't buy very much food at Disneyland but we just can't pass the ice cream and the homemade fudge down.

Standing in line to see Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse is just one of the parts about Disneyland that is necessary. My husband noticed right away that Minnie had her hand on his shoulder and was wondering if Mickey would be jealous.

One of our favorite rides was the Haunted Hotel ride. It is quite a ride. I think that we went on it about at least six times in the three days that we were there.

This is a picture of us waiting inside of the Haunted Hotel for our turn. You already knew we were a little scary but now you know that we can be even more scary.

This is us waiting for Pirates of the Caribbean. My husband is above us on a bridge taking the picture.

The flowers were just beautiful there in California, we just had to take a few pictures of them.

This is the last night. We stayed at Disneyland until about 12 am. It was fun but really started getting crowded on that night. The lines were a lot longer. Some of our most favorite rides at Disneyland would have to be the Matterhorn, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Haunted Hotel ride, Space Tours, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Screamer, Woody's Round Up and Soaring over California.

What a week of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed spending the whole week with my hubby and my wonderful kids. They are all so busy so to spend a week with not outside interruptions was great. It was truly like a fairytale and I will always cherish this great trip. We had so much fun and everyone enjoyed everyone's company without arguing or complaining. Thanks Kids, you guys are great and thanks Mike, you always make it the best and spoil all of us.

I'm Back!!!

2009-05-31T14:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am finally back from vacation to Disneyland and Six Flags in California. It was great. I will post pictures real soon and tell you all about it. We just arrived home last night. My oldest daughter turns 21 tomorrow. My husband has his birthday next Sunday, so as you can imagine it is crazy around here.

Grades are in- I don't know if any of you have been wondering but we did receive our grades. My son did real well with it being his first year in college. My daughter passed her Math class. We are all so happy. This is the second time for her to take the class and she passed with a B+. We still need to celebrate. I made the Deans List again and was very happy about that.

PLT test results- Some of you may remember me complaining about taking a test a couple of months ago that took forever, well I finally received my scores from it. It is a test that is required for me to pass to become a teacher. I PASSED!!!!! I was ecstatic to find out that I passed and did quite good on it. SO HAPPY to not have to take it again.

My Student teaching Placement- Some of you also asked me to let you know when I received my placement for student teaching in the Fall. I finally did. I will be student teaching out at the Enoch Elementary school. I will be student teaching in first grade and then in fourth grade. I was a little unhappy because I asked for Iron Springs Elementary and didn't get that school and now I am quite concerned about having enough cars for all of my kids to get to school and home again. I just hope it all works out. I am very excited to student teach and think it will be great to learn about first grade and fourth grade. More Adventure!!!

I will soon post pictures and information about our Disneyland Adventure of 2009

I can't believe he is so big!!!

2009-05-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

This week, I have been remembering when my kids were little and some of the memories that we have had through the years. This is my little AJ. Isn't he the cutest?

As I was thinking about him, I was remembering the day that he scared me to death. My husband was gone to drill and AJ was about 10-12 months old. I heard him scream and went and checked on him and decided to bring him back into my bed with me. After he had been in the bed with me for a little while, he quit breathing. I didn't know what to do or what was wrong with him. I screamed for help, but there was no one to help me. I remembered the CPR class that I had just taken a couple of weeks earlier and tried to focus on what to do. By this time he was starting to turn blue. I started to give him mouth to mouth. I was able to remember what needed to be done and he finally started to breathe again, even though it seemed like and eternity. He was so limp and lethargic and this scared me too. I called my husband and wasn't able to get a hold of him but told them to tell him to meet me at the emergency room and that it was an emergency.

At this point, my husband was very shook up and came home and picked up my oldest daughter and took her with him. He felt like he wanted to be with someone if it was very bad.
They ended up not being able to find out what the problem was and sent us home after some tests.

There is no way to tell you how hard this was on me. For a couple of months afterwards, I continued to have nightmares that he died. It was awful. When you think that you have almost lost a child, it is the hardest thing you could imagine.

One of the hardest thing about this experience is that it happened a couple of more times before they found out what was wrong with him. He ended up having seizures and would quite breathing. They put him on medicine and after about three years he grew out of it.

Any time a mother goes through something like this with her child, she grows so close to them. I was worried every second. AJ is such a very special young man and we are so blessed to have him and we feel so lucky. Anyone that knows him will agree with me, there is just something very special about him.

Just a pair of shoes

2009-05-20T10:58:00.001-07:00

During this school year I was in a class where we were required to write about a pair of shoes that we have had through the years. We had to let someone else read it and draw a picture of how they think the shoes actually looked. It was quite interesting. I have always enjoyed writing, but I know that I am not in any means a writer but I have had a few people say how much they enjoyed this paper.
I thought I would share it with you.

You could say that I am a pair of shoes, but not just any pair of shoes. I am a very sturdy pair of white with orange striping on them. I am the best pair of running shoes that you could want. Brand is always important especially when you are a running shoe and my brand is Asics. I am a very comfortable pair of running shoes that just never quits going. My soles are so worn that there is not much traction left. I am definitely not as nice looking as I have been in the years past, but I guess that is good because that means I have been used and loved.

In the past few years, my life has been very exciting and eventful. There are many days when I just think I can’t go on, but I am made for what I do so at least I am being used. Each morning as the sun rises, my owner gathers me out of her closet and begins to put me on her feet. She grabs her jacket, her heart monitor, and a drink of water and we are off. At first we would just walk and walk and walk, but as my life has gone on, things have drastically changed. I thought 4 miles of walking was plenty, but we were up to running nine miles before I knew it. It is not as easy as it looks to be a pair of shoes and carry around a human and try to give them the comfort and protection that they need. I am always excited when we get to the end of the nine miles, because we really start to slow down and then we walk. I am pretty tuckered out by then. We have covered a lot of territory the two of us, but I was to the point where I knew that I had been overused.

What am I supposed to do? I decided there was nothing else to do. I had to let her know that she needed a new pair of shoes, so I began to crunch up on her toes and she began to get blisters and she even lost her big toenail. Ouch!!! I know, but finally it did work and now I am left to rest in the closet and I am only used every once in a while. She finally gave in and bought a new pair. I know they probably aren’t as good as me, but they will have to work.

Where all dreams come true

2009-05-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

We are so excited for this week to come. We have had reservations for a couple of months now to take our kids and go to Disneyland. We weren't going to go this year and go somewhere else but we have received a great deal because my husband is in the military. (one we can't refuse)
We all need a break and a vacation. That song " I Need a Vacation" comes to my mind.

We are planning on going to the beach, the Newport Beach temple and Disneyland for three days. My kids are getting older and I thought that they wouldn't be as excited to go but they just love Disneyland or any theme park for that matter, so they are quite excited. We are driving which won't be as fun as flying but we can get there in about 7 hours, so that isn't too bad.

I am going to need to get some healthy snacks, because we usually have junk food on these trips and I don't want to gain back the weight that I have just lost. I usually makes cookies, buy chips and drinks, but I am not planning on doing that. It will be hard to eat like I have been doing so if any of you have ideas, let me know. It is always hard to watch what you are eating when you are on vacation, because you should be able to splurge, right???
Have you been to Disneyland or Disney World?? What is your favorite part or favorite ride?
Like my kids say" I'm going to Disneyland."

Being a Mom

2009-05-14T19:33:00.001-07:00

I guess with this week being Mother's day and everything I have thought a lot about this job that I have had for the last 21 years, the job of being a mom.

Do you ever wonder if you are doing what you should be as a mother? No stress or anything, it is just up to you if you have taught them what you need to so that they are good citizens and do something amazing with their life. On top of that, as a mother in the gospel, there seems to be more stress about it. These questions come to my mind. Will my sons go on a mission? Will my daughters be married in the temple? With the worldly temptations overcome any of my children and lead them astray? Have I taught them enough to overcome all of the problems that will face them in life? Do they feel loved and cherished and do they treat others with respect?

I can't imagine not being a mother, but it is such a load to carry. My kids are such good kids, but that doesn't mean that they won't make wrong choices in the future that might be detrimental to their lives.

I know, I know, you are saying you have to let them make their own choices and learn their own lessons, but do you know how hard it is to do that when you want them to be happy and make the important right choices. I am amazed at the great wonderful mothers out there that have many, many children and still seem to have a great grip on being a great mother.

I was telling my older kids today, that my paycheck has been my children and the lives that they lead. We all know that " there is no greater work that can be done than within the walls of our own homes."

One thing for sure is that being a mother sure makes me appreciate my mother that much more and all that we put her through while we were growing up. I guess it is a good thing that we have mothers, but it is sure hard some times to be one and be the kind that we need to be for our children.

Lilacs

2009-05-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

As a child, I remember going to my grandma's house and I just loved her yard. She always had so many pretty flowers that smelled so wonderful. I think the thing that I loved the most were here lilac bushes. There is nothing quite like the smell of lilacs. Whenever I smell the lilac smell, I think of my grandma. No wonder my mom loves flowers like she does.
I am so excited to say that this year we went and bought us some lilac bushes. I hope they grow and actually some day blossom. I would love to have lilacs for my family to enjoy and to remember.
Does anyone know if there are any tricks to getting them to grow and do well???

My Mom

2009-05-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

Everything I am, I owe to my angel mother.
By Abraham Lincoln.

All day long I have been thinking about my mom. How do you express a feeling so deep? I am very thankful for my mom. When I heard this quote, I loved it because I definitely owe everything I am to my Angel Mother.

I remember when I was a child, my mom's health wasn't the best and I remember thinking how can she be so patient. Even though she was not feeling well she never complained and always kept going and going. There are so many things that she has taught me. I think the best way is to list some of them.

1. My mom taught me patience.

2. My mom taught me to endure life.

3. My mom taught me to never complain.

4. My mom taught me to have faith in my Savior Jesus Christ and to pray to my Heavenly Father.

5. My mother taught me that I was never alone.

6. My mom taught me how to work.

7. My mom taught me how to clean and do laundry.

8. My mom taught me to love the outdoors and especially her love for Yellowstone.

9. My mom taught me the unconditional love that a person has for their child.

10. My mom taught me that I can do anything.

11. My mom taught me to love flowers, flowers, flowers.

12. My mom taught me the great joy of storytelling to children.

13. My mom instilled in me the great love for brand new babies.

14. My mom taught me how to be a mother and listen but how to be a friend and love no matter what.

15. She taught me to enjoy every minute of each day.

16. She showed me the greatest love that you can have is by serving your own family.

The list goes on and on.

My mom has helped to mold me to who I am today. I can never repay her for the many lessons she has taught me, and the greatest gift that she taught me about which is the love for my Savior. Thanks MOM!!! I love you!!!

Yummy Cookies!!!

2009-05-07T13:25:00.001-07:00

I know I have been complaining about being on a diet but that doesn't mean that the rest of you are. I have a recipe for cookies that are to die for. My friend gave me this recipe and they are wonderful. I hope you enjoy!!

Orlas Cookies

Ingredients: 3 eggs- Beat until frothy then add the following:
2 cups white sugar
2 cups brown sugar
1 lb butter or margarine
2 tsp vanilla

Measure the following dry ingredients and add to the wet batch above:
6 cups flour
1- 1/2 tsp baking soda
1- 1/2 tsp salt
1- 1/2 bags (12 oz) chocolate chips or more if desired
2 cups walnuts
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. These cookies are usually made huge, but you can make them what ever size you want to. They make quite a few cookies so you might want to freeze some of them.

Enjoy!!!

Important to teach our Kids

2009-05-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

As early as I can remember as a child, my parents especially my dad taught me to help others by his example. I remember him picking up hitchhikers when we were in the car with him. That was very scary to me. I remember him stopping to help people that their car had broke down on the freeway. I remember him stopping what he was doing to fix someone else's car so they wouldn't be stranded. I think because of this I have always loved to help others.

How important is it that we teach our children service when they are young???? I think it is very important. I remember when my kids were very little and one of them had a friend that had just received an operation and we went to the store and bought the friend something cold and sweet to eat and took it to him. I remember my child telling me, " Mom, that was fun, that felt good." I have always tried to teach my kids that service is important and that it makes us feel good.

Last night I was able to go and visit a sister in my neighborhood and help her in her yard. She is not able to walk around very much and can't do much for herself. I took my youngest daughter with me to help also. We didn't do a whole lot for this sweet lady but she sure thought that we did and it was great for my daughter to see the great blessings of serving others. When it came time to leave, she insisted in paying my daughter and we tried to talk her out of it. I think it is great for my kids to do service without rewards and without pay, but she insisted.

It is amazing when you fill your heart with love for others and are willing to help those that can't help themselves how great it makes you feel. You think that you are serving and in return you gain so much more. I hope that these experiences will help to shape my children, like those that my dad used to give me when I was young.

It is not only great to serve but we need to remind those that we serve that it is important that they let others serve them too. I think this is the hardest part is letting others serve us.

Six Weeks

2009-05-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I actually accomplished this diet that I have been on. Ok, you are probably sick of hearing about it but this is my blog so if it bores you I am sorry.

The last six weeks I have been on an intense diet as many of you know. I am finally off of stabilization, which means I can start eating a little more normal unless I want to continue to lose, which would be nice, but.... I guess I will see. In the last six weeks I have not had any treats. Any one that knows me knows that is hard for me, even when I am dieting usually I can have a diet drink or have some small kind of treat but I didn't splurge once. What an accomplishment.

Any of you that are on a diet or a new way of life change in your eating, GREAT. Good job. It is hard but I feel so much healthier. I have finally been able to exercise again, which is truly my LIFE, but because of my back it has been set back for a while. This is exciting for me. I am starting to do weights just today. I hope it makes a difference.

Do any of you add weights or strengthening to your exercise and have you seen a difference???? I guess this is one of my trials in life is to have to watch my weight my entire life, but at least it makes me be more careful than if I could eat anything that I want.

I hope you all are enjoying the great weather. I just can't stay inside. I am always outside walking, walking, walking.

Why is it so hard to say "NO"?

2009-05-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

As a parent there are times when you just have to say those words," NO". Some of those times are when they are little and they want more and more cookies, or they try to get out of their car seat or they are running around the house with a pair of scissors, or trying to cross the road without watching for cars. " NO, NO, NO".

Through the years there are so many reasons that these words have to be said. As my kids get older and older some times I can't see the reason and they can't see the reason why but I just feel like the answer is " NO". It is so hard to tell a teen that always does what they are supposed to do and never gets into trouble that the answer is " NO". This happened to me lately and many times actually but just lately, one of my teenagers wanted to do something with their friends and I just knew the answer was " NO", but more than anything I wanted to say " YES". He is such a good kid and he should have this freedom. He was very disappointed and that makes it even harder for me.

I will never know why I felt like " NO" was the right answer but maybe that is good that I never had to find out. I just hope that some day he realizes that it is just because of love for him that those words were said.

Some day maybe when he has children of his own, he will understand but for now he just has to trust that we are the parents right now, even though this job is not fun at times. I must say that I am so LUCKY to have the best kids that have grown up to be wonderful teenagers.

I'm Done !!!!

2009-04-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

I can say I am really done with school now. All I have left is student teaching and I will be doing that in the Fall. I am so excited. It was very sad to say good bye to all of my friends but I am so happy to have some time to me and my family.
They probably think that I have abandoned them for the last three years. There is so much going on in my family life that it will be nice to focus on that instead of worrying about school too.
I am hoping that I will get my placement for student teaching next week. That will be exciting.

Three of my kids also had finals this week, so I am hoping that they all passed. We will all be very thankful that we are done for school until Fall.

Three and a half hours of what????

2009-04-25T15:03:00.001-07:00

I just finished my last test that I am going to have to take to qualify for teaching other than my finals this week. This test is called the PLT. It is basically about Principles, Learning and Teaching children. There were about 15 case study questions that I had to write about each one of them according to the questions and 24 multiple choice questions. It took forever. It is so frustrating when it takes them four tries just to hand out the testing booklets.

I HATE TESTS!!!!!!!! At least I finished, some of the students didn't get finished. I hope I passed so I don't have to take it again. I hope you are all crossing your fingers that I pass. It is so nice to have one more thing behind me. Angela also had to take the ACT about four weeks ago because if she passed with a certain score she could start to take college classes and she did. She received a 23, which I think is pretty good for a Freshman in High School. Congrats Ang.

I can't believe my Summer is right around the corner.
I wish I had more Summer fun trips planned. Any ideas????

My Life is so Crazy

2009-04-22T18:53:00.001-07:00

My life has been so crazy lately that I haven't had much time to blog. There are days that I just wish that life would go away because life is so stressful, but there are days when I am loving every minute of it. I can't believe that today was my last actual day of regular class in the block(which is filled with intense classes all about teaching) I will be very excited to be done for Summer until Fall when I do student teaching, but I will really miss some of my friends that I have spent every day all day long with for all semester. Tomorrow we will be doing mock interviews so that we can find out what it is like to have an interview for a teaching job. Next week we will be doing our finals and having a party, and then it is all over.

Last weekend was very eventful for me and my family, but I have been so stressed about life that I haven't had a chance to blog about one more fun event in my weekend. I was able to go to my first meet and greet blogging lunch. Susette happened to be down this way for a vacation and blogged a couple of us and we met at Costa Vida. I have been friends with her for quite a while through blogging and was so excited to actually see her. She is just as wonderful in person as in the blogging world. Lara and Erin also came to the lunch. I have been friends with Lara in person for quite a while. She is so talented and so fun to be around. I happened to be lucky enough to already meet Erin. She came over one night and brought me some treats that I had blogged about. It was awesome. She is so fun to visit with. She has such a fun personality. We all gabbed for quite a while.
I love to blog but it is always a treat when I can meet such great people in person. I hope we can do it again soon, if not down here up north if we happen to be up that way.
Thanks to all of my blogging friends. You are awesome.

5K Fun Run with the whole family

2009-04-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

I know I can't believe it either, a blog post two days in a row. If you haven't checked out my last post make sure to scroll down and check it out!!!

Saturday was a day of many fun events. We started out the day with all of us running in the SUU ROTC 5 K fun run. It was quite cold but it was fun. I took a picture of my kids all being quite funny, you can tell they aren't very warm.

This is a picture of all of us after the run. I look a little more of a red head here than my last post. I am truly a red head but do have some blonde highlights. My kids all did great on the 5K. Todd placed first in his division, AJ and Angela placed third and Mike placed second. They all did great. I think I placed fourth but not sure.
This has become a tradition for us each year to all of us run this race.

Questions to be answered
Some of you have commented about my husband's retirement and what our life will be like after that, so I thought I would clarify a little.
1. He doesn't retire until December, he just happened to speak at the dining out and they thought it was a great time to award him with some awards.
2. He definitely needs to get a job after that. He has his masters in business so we are hoping he can find something.
Thanks for all of your COMMENTS!!!

Special Night

2009-04-18T16:03:00.001-07:00

This week has been a week of many special occasions for us. We have been very busy. On Thursday night , we went to the military awards formal banquet. My husband was the speaker for the evening. It is always fun to go to these because they are formal and it is fun to get all dressed up.
My husband is retiring this year and so they wanted him to speak. He did a terrific job. He is so talented. The students presented him with a flag that they all signed and one of them drew a portrait of him. I think they did a tremendous job. I was amazed how many students came up to him afterwards to tell him how great of an instructor he is and how much they will miss him. Everyone wanted a picture with him. Well, I can understand that.

I asked someone else that was there that night if they would take a picture of us together. I just love it with the big flag in the background. I am so proud of my husband, he is truly an instructor to be admired.

I know, many of you probably are saying that looks like the picture of you from last winter, but it is of this year's special night. I look a little different but not much. I just love the opportunity to dress up and spend a special night with my hubby. What a night to remember always.

My diet and other randomness

2009-04-15T17:45:00.001-07:00

This week has been very crazy. I am so sorry that I haven't posted, but school has been very busy and stressful. It is so hard to have a growing family and go to school full time too and keep my house up.

Texting- Anyway, to all of those wanting to know if we decided to get texting or not for Todd, yes we did!!! Thanks for your input. I told Todd that we were going to try it for one week and if for any time, texting begins to overcome his life then we would cancel it. We also made him and his sister help pay for it. One of the things that has a big deciding fact in this matter is that we receive texts all the time anyway even though we don't have texting, because I am going to school and friends from school text me about assignments and Karrilyn also has friends that text her, so we end up paying for those texts anyway. Wish us luck!!! I really think Todd won't abuse this, because he is such a good kid and I can't see him texting all day and night. We will see.

Diet( new way of life)Next thing on my mind, I have been on a diet(a way of life change) now for almost four weeks. It has been hard, but I have a great husband that also did it with me. I can't believe that he put up with it. Yes, we actually paid for a new diet plan that is out there and it really worked and helped quite a lot. If you are really interested, let me know and I can give you some information on it. It is definitely not for everyone.

The good news is that my husband lost 18 pounds and I lost 12 pounds. I was really thinking that I would have lost more, but I must be getting old. You are told that you do have the possibility of losing between 10-30 pounds, so of course, I am on the tail end of the weight loss. I guess I should add that I lost the weight in the first three weeks on the diet and the last week has just been a stabilization, but you are still pretty much on a diet but it is less strict. It is supposed to help you to not gain back what you have already lost. The other good news is that I feel great. We both had our blood drawn before and then again after and it lowered my cholesterol 45 points and also my blood sugar. It lowered my husband's too but not as much as we had hoped.

Would I do this again if I knew what I know now? yes, I probably would. I have learned a lot and I really think it has helped me to change how I live and how I eat. I haven't had any sugar for almost four weeks, that is just part of it but it does feel good.

School-The last thing on my mind is that I just can't believe how close I am to being finished with school. The end of this month I will be finished and then all I have is student teaching in the Fall. I am so excited but I will truly miss all of the friends that I see all day every day. It will be sad too.

I definitely need some fun ideas for this Summer down here in southern Utah. If you have any ideas let me know.

Easter Memories

2009-04-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

With Easter getting so close, I have been thinking and thinking more about past Easters. I really enjoy this time of the year. It is supposed to finally be Spring. I love to drive down the road by my house and see baby lambs. They aren't there yet but they will be soon. I love to ponder about the real meaning of Easter and the resurrection of our Savior.

As I was thinking, I remembered my husband and my first Easter together. On Easter growing up we had usually had an Easter hunt and possibly a new dress or something like it. Being the oldest, I was still used of this and wanted to start our own traditions. I decided that I would have to do something special for him. I bought plastic eggs and put candy in them and also bought him a shirt and a camera case for Easter. I decided that it would be fun to hide the eggs before he woke up and also have breakfast ready for him. I started to get everything ready for breakfast and hid the eggs. He woke up and started to look for the candy filled eggs and then we both noticed a bad smell, a burnt smell of some sort. He continued to look for the eggs and I kept trying to figure out what the smell could be and then I remembered that I had put a plastic egg in the oven for a hard place to find. I had turned on the oven to preheat it and it had melted the plastic egg and all of the candy all over the place. What an Easter to remember!!

We still laugh and tell our kids about our first Easter together. How crazy!!!

I hope you all have a great Easter and remember not to hide Easter eggs in a preheating oven.

To text or not to text, that is the question

2009-04-09T05:59:00.000-07:00

What do you think about texting?

My 16 year old son wants texting real bad. He just received a cell phone for Christmas and I guess it is not real great if he doesn't have texting. We have been trying to decide for quite some time now if we really want to cave in and just get it. I don't want it to be something that overtakes his world. I think some kids get so overcome in it that they say things on texting that they would never say to someone in person. These things concern us.

Reasons against
1. I think kids forget how to communicate with words sometimes if they are texting all the time.
2. I also have seen many kids ignore people they are around because they have received a text or are texting someone.
3. It costs every month $20 more.

Reasons for texting
1. Todd is a great kid.
2. He is willing to practice piano without arguing with me if we get it.
3. We all received texts anyway from other students because they don't know we don't have texting so we end up paying for about 6 texts a month anyway, which adds up when you don't have it on your plan.

What is your take on texting? Do you think if you had a son that wanted it, would you get it????

All Dressed Up

2009-04-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

I just have to say that I have the GREATEST KIDS.

I just can't believe that Todd is old enough to date let alone go to Prom. Last weekend he got all dressed up and went to prom with a great girl. They had a lot of fun. I am so glad that he got to go and with such a great girl.

All boys at my house LOVE sunglasses. It is COOL.

Isn't her dress beautiful??? I think they both look so great. I am having so much fun with my kids. They are the greatest. I am glad that I can share all of these great times with them.

Todd is my son that always says " Mom, I know I made a good choice in my best friend( meaning me)"( from the movie Cars).

Doesn't he look great???

I Feel Loved

2009-04-05T08:36:00.001-07:00

I Feel My Savior's Love

I feel my Savior's love in all the world around me
His spirit warms my sould through everything I see
He knows I will follow him, give all my life to him
I feel my Savior's love, the love he freely gives me.

A couple of months ago I went to a fireside and the speaker talked about the many ways that we feel our Savior's love in our own lives. Lately I have thought about this a lot. I am so thankful for my Savior's love.

I Feel My Savior's Love:

1. when my kids give me a big hug or kiss or say thanks .

2. when someone calls when I am having a bad day just to say hi.

3. when I have to sign up for a Science lab this summer and the teacher is a friend of mine.

4. when a sister or sister in law sends me an uplifting note just to tell me I am loved.

5. when a friend sends me cookies in the mail.

6. when my kids tell me that I am their best friend and that I ROCK.

7. when my husband emails me a nice love note.

8. when my kids grow up to be teenagers but they still are good kids.

9. when I am worried about something, but reassured by a friend or husband.

10. when I see a beautiful sunset.

11. when I go to church and am very spiritually uplifted.

12. when someone smiles or just makes my day.

13. when I am on a walk on a Spring morning and hear the birds chirping.

14. when I have major back problems and they continue to get better.

15. when I go on a major diet and my husband decides to do it with me and I actually lose weight.

There are so many times in my life each and every day that I feel my Savior's love for me. Even when there are trials and hard times I can still feel his love for me.

What are the many ways that you feel loved in your life???? I hope you have a great Sunday!!!!

Try these out

2009-04-03T13:02:00.001-07:00

I guess everyone has heard of the No Bake Cookies that I just posted. Sorry. One of my friends just tried my recipe and had never tried them.

So here is a yummy but lowfat recipe for Chocolate Muffins. They do have some ingredients that you might not have on hand, but I think they are worth it especially if you are looking for healthy and chocolate. They might not be a Costco muffin but they are great for lowfat and watching what you eat.

Chocolate Muffins
3 cups of Fiber One Cereal
Soak cereal in 2 1/2 cups water for 10 min, I usually put it in a bowl.
Add Krusteaz Fatfree Fudge Brownie mix, you might have to check a couple of stores.
Add 1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
Spray muffin tins with pam or grease them. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Weight Watchers: 1 point
I hope you enjoy these and that this is a recipe that is new to you.

Another note
I can't believe it is snowing... When will Spring ever come???

You should try these yummy treats

2009-04-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted a recipe for a while and with Easter and Conference weekend coming up I thought some of you might enjoy an easy yummy recipe to try.

My family loves this recipe and it is real EASY!!!! I hope you enjoy!!!

No Bake Cookies
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup margarine
1 Tablespoon cocoa
1/4 cup milk
pinch of salt

Bring margarine to a boil on medium high heat, stirring constantly.

When it reaches a good boil time for 1 minute continue to stir.

Remove pan from stove onto a hot pad. Then stir in the following ingredients:

1/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup quick oats
1/2 tsp vanilla

Continue stirring until mixture cools and holds its shape.( Stir and stir and stir)

When cool drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper

Yummy!!!! You can double this recipe if you desire but boil the mixture for 2 minutes instead of 1 minute.
Enjoy!!!! These are great for any time.

Do you need sleep???

2009-04-01T17:42:00.001-07:00

I NEED sleep. I don't know why but I can't get to sleep at night. For a long time, when we go to sleep I just lay there and just lay there. I have tried everything to get myself to fall asleep.
It is just not fair, my husband lays down to go to sleep and he is out in two seconds. I don't get it.

Last night I woke up to use the bathroom and tried to get back to sleep and I laid there for at least an hour and some times when this happens it is a couple of hours. I guess this is something I will just have to live with. I could understand it if I slept in the morning but I am up by 6:30 am. I know I am sleepy, but how do I get myself to wind down enough to actually fall asleep.

The other thing that is frustrating is that anytime that I watch a movie with my husband for date night in our bedroom, I have a hard time not dozing off but when I go to bed at night I can't sleep. It doesn't make sense to me.

If you have any ideas I would love to hear them. Do any of you have this same problem???

One of the Hardest Things

2009-03-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

I am sorry it has taken me so long to post, but life here has been real crazy.

Since I arrived home on Thursday night, we have had a party here Friday night, I went to a party in St. George for a friend's daughter, came home and went to the YW General Broadcast of the Church of Latterday Saints, went back to school, took AJ to a missionary physical, went to an all day teacher conference and many other crazy things.

As I have been reading many of my friends blogs I have noticed that many of you are on diets like I am. It is HARD. One of the hardest things I have done this week is on Saturday night I went to set up for the YW General Broadcast. I had to help cut treats, and put them out on the tables. I had to bring a relish tray which wasn't too bad, but one of the other counselors brought mint chocolate brownies. They asked me to cut them. They smelt so so GOOD!!!

I really didn't know if I could do it and not try them. They were giving everyone a sample to try and I said "No Thanks". Do you know how hard that was?? I love chocolate and I love mint and I had never tried these before. I almost couldn't do it, but I succeeded.

Why can't it just be easy??? I was thinking today, probably because I am dieting...

What would be your last dinner if you had to choose a dinner to be your very last? I am going to have to think on that one for me, what would be yours???

Are you glad I'm home??

2009-03-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

I'm home. Did you miss me??? This week I have spent in Mesquite, Nevada for school. We were assigned to a certain elementary school and a grade and we went in and spent the week with the kids in a certain class. We observed and even had some chances to teach.

Even though we were going for school, it was a great break and a lot of fun. One of my friends booked us a room at Casablanca. Our room was great. We had a kitchen, two bedrooms and three bathrooms. Here is a picture of part of our room that four of us shared. I must say I was spoiled to have my own bedroom. It was so nice to not have to share a bed. I am so used to snuggling with my husband I was glad that I didn't have to share because I might accidentally during the night start snuggling with one of them. That wouldn't be good.

The weather in Mesquite was so nice. I thought we would be roasting but it was pleasant.

We had so much fun in the evenings. We had a party at the park one night and the second night we went to Virgin River for their buffet. Here are the girls that were my roommates for the week.

We all met at the buffet and visited and visited. There is quite a group of us. A lady that was at the buffet offered to take our pictures. Her husband decided that he wasn't going to give up a chance to be in a picture with a couple of cute girls. There is quite a big group of us. You can tell we are having a great time. It has been so fun to get to know all of the other students in the block. We are almost family because we are in all of our classes together.

I really enjoyed my chance to learn at this school. The kids were awesome. I was assigned fifth grade. The teacher that I had to work with was great and gave me a lot of information and ideas for my own classroom. This is a picture of me actually teaching one of the days that we were there. The kids were so sad to see me leave. I was also sad to say good bye.

Yesterday, when I was finished with school I was so anxious to get home. I hopped in my car and off we went. I had a great time but I am SO GLAD to be home with my family.

The house is actually still standing but everyone missed me immensely. I think it gave them all a new perspective of what I do in every day life.

I really missed my blogging friends. Thanks to all of you that comment and thanks to my followers!!!

Week in Mesquite

2009-03-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

This week is Spring Break for me. It has been full of many fun things, but I sure need a day to just rest.

This week started out by Mike and I going to SLC and staying overnight and just spending time together. We also had a chance to go and see my family and his parents. It was nice to just visit and also to spend time away for a day or two.

I spent Friday all day shopping in St. George with Karrilyn. It was nice. She also really needed a break and there is no place to shop here that is for sure. In the evening we had some friends over for homemade ice cream. It was very delicious. Mike makes the best homemade ice cream and carmel.

Today we have spent the entire day going to Manti. It was a long day but well worth it. We were able to go and do a session at the Manti LDS temple. It is so gorgeous not just on the outside but inside too. I always gain so much by taking time to go to the temple. The only bad part was spending the entire day in the car.

Tomorrow, is Sunday. Yeah, I just wish that I could just take it easy all day. Tomorrow night we will be going to the Draper Temple dedication that is being put on at our stake center. I am excited because all of our kids will be going except for our youngest.

On Monday morning I will be driving to Mesquite. What is there to do there???? I will be spending four days there with everyone that is in the block at SUU with me. We have rented a condo and will be observing at some of the schools there. It is part of our curriculum.

How do you think my family will do without me?? I have never been gone this long without my husband going on a trip with me. It will be interesting.

Have any of you been to Mesquite and if so is there anything fun to do besides gambling? I hope that I will end up having an ok time. It is going to be strange being with all 20 year olds. I hope that I fit in ok and that we can find something fun to do.

I will be back Thursday night so don't panic if I don't post until then. Wish me luck.

Do you have bunnies at your house??

2009-03-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

Through the years my kids have done and said some real funny things. I am sure that you all of you have had similar experiences.

I remember the year when Karrilyn was about three and we lived in a small home in Riverton. One day she was playing in the kitchen and she said, " Mom there is a cute little bunny under our stove." She insisted that there was and to come and look. I looked under the kitchen stove and there was a mouse. It ran out and we all screamed. Well, that was our cute little bunny. We all laughed and laughed. It was so funny.

Another time we were going to California to Disneyland and we also went to Universal Studios with the kids. When we finally got to Universal Studios I think everyone was tired. We found a ride that was supposed to be real fun and exciting. It was called the Jurassic Park Ride. We decided that the kids would love this ride. As we went down to get on it and stand in line, two of our kids started crying and whining. It looked to scary for them and they did not want to go on it. It was a long hour and a half wait with two girls whining and crying about how scared they were to go on it. We did however finally all go on this ride, and after we got off the ride our girls said," Can we go again, that was fun." That is just how it is. You would have thought we were abusing them or something but they were sure excited and wanted to go again afterwards.

One other time, my husband and I decided to take the kids to see Stuart Little when it came out to the movie theater. We had heard that the kids would love it. We thought it would be a great Family Home Evening activity. We pulled into the movie theater and our son Todd who was probably about 5 or 6 at the time said that he didn't want to go. He said that he heard from the other kids at school that the cat in it swears. We told him that we had heard that it was fine and that we were going to go and enjoy it. You would have thought that we were abusing him because he was whaling and crying. Mike had to forcefully pick him up and drag him into the theater.

The kids ended up thoroughly enjoying the movie and wanted to buy it for ours to keep. What our kids put us through some times. All we wanted was to have a fun activity and he had decided that it was not going to be fun. KIDS.

I am sure that all of you have experiences or things that your kids have said that you still laugh at today. I am glad for these great memories to look back on. Share some of yours.

When it rains it pours

2009-03-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

This last week, my husband has been out of town and you would think as much as he has been gone through the years that I would get used to it. I must say that I don't. Many of you know how it is when your husband leaves it is not only lonely without them but everything that could go wrong usually does. This week it hasn't been too bad but I guess it just wouldn't be right if I didn't have some trouble.

When we went outside to go to a movie while he was gone, we noticed we had a flat tire. Of course it was Saturday and the place we go to get tires fixed was closed. This wasn't too bad because we had a different car that we were able to use but it just made things kind of interesting, but this did remind me of a couple of trips when my husband did leave and the rain really did pour.

We were living in Herriman in our dream house. He was gone for a week long camp with the scouts. At the time our home was down a long dirt driveway and down a hill below some other houses. Yes, it was our dream house. We had 150 trees all around it with a huge ravine and grass every where. We also had a big wrap around porch that we were able to go out on and see deer in the fields by our home.

Back to the story, I think it was the second night after he left. It began to rain. No big deal right. Well, it began to be a big deal. It kept raining and raining and raining. I started to worry because we had a basement and I didn't know how the basement windows would do, if they would be able to hold all of the rain. (with us down below the road and other houses, we often would get all of the rain that would drain down by our home) I started to notice the window wells were filling up. I kept checking them and they were getting fuller and fuller.

I started getting buckets and bucketing out the water. All we needed was a flood while he was gone. The rain kept filling up just as fast as I was bucketing. I finally gave in and called some of my great friends and neighbors to come and help.

Before long I had a party going on in my backyard. Ok, I guess it wasn't the greatest kind of party. We had water filling up faster and faster. I even had one friend bring his kubota down to help try to trap the water away from the house. We just couldn't keep the water, it started to seep in. We were able to keep it to a minimal damage but the two bedrooms downstairs were definitely damaged somewhat. We had to pull the carpet back and put fans in our basement to try to air them out. It finally did stop raining but by then the damage had been done, but it could have been a lot worse, I guess.

I was amazed at how many great friends came to help us out. I have to say even though it was stressful, it was fun working together for a common effort. I am so thankful for those great friends that were there to help out on that day.

It soon became a joke in Herriman. Every time it started to rain, I would get all kinds of phone calls. " Are you ok down there?" " Are you flooding out down there?" I soon began to stress even when clouds started forming in the sky. We did finally fix the problem and put in pipes under the ground to help funnel rain out when it stormed, but my husband really never did experience any great storms because the storms only came when he was away.

I am glad that I have not had those kind of problems this week. I must say that even though my husband was only gone for part of the week. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. I always tell my husband it wouldn't be so bad when he was gone if I didn't like him so much.

Has it ever flooded at your house, or do things always go wrong when your hubby is away???? If not you are luckier than me. Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Most of us are

2009-03-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

I love this quote that I have because even though I am GOING to become a teacher, most of us are teachers in one way or another to someone else.

In a completely rational society, the best

of us would be teachers and the rest of us

would have to settle for something less,

because passing civilization along from one

generation to the next ought to be the

highest honor and the highest responsibility

anyone could have

Lee Iacocca

Spring Break

2009-03-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

The weeks have just flown by lately, I can't believe it is finally Spring Break. In the last two weeks I have sang songs in Language Arts, made a new invention with a 2 liter pop bottle, given a biography report on Helen Keller, played in oobleck, had Potato Day in Social Studies, and taken a states and capitals test for all of the United States, and also a midterm for Science. I also spent Tuesday studying for the PLT, which is a test that I have to pass to graduate. I also went to sixth grade and helped on Tuesday and Fridays. Time flies.

I was so thrilled I passed my states and capitals test. I only passed because I have been studying and studying.

How well would you do if you were given a test on states and capitals??? If you are interested in finding out how well you know them or brushing up on them go to here. There are many games that you can play that test your abilities.

I should do homework while on Spring Break but I hope that I have better plans than that.

This is where I wish I was spending Spring Break, but I guess I will only be spending time there in my dreams.
Enjoy Spring!!!

Service

2009-03-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

I have to keep reminding myself that I am keeping this blog as a journal and sometimes when I want to write something it is not always what you all want to read about or hear about. This is one of those topics, even though I truly hope you will enjoy it.

I have found that any time that I truly serve others and also serve in my church I am blessed immensely. I think we often serve to help others, but how is it that as we serve others we get blessed ten times.

It has been a little over a year since I have been released from my calling in my ward in my church. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. The calling that I had for three years was Relief Society President which is a calling that puts me over all of the women in our ward and anything that they might need. Those of you that are members know a little of what this entails. It was the hardest calling that I have ever had and there were so many times that I just wanted to give up or throw in the towel. It was so overwhelming to have that much responsibility and hope that you are doing your very best and helping influence lives for good.
This calling was such a great part of my life for three years that when I was released from my calling last year, it was very very hard on me. I truly loved all of the sisters and all of a sudden it was gone and I missed the relationships that I had developed.

I have had some great callings and opportunities to serve in the last year. I have an opportunity to work with the little nursery age children and I have loved every minute of it and right now I am music coordinator for our ward and also in the YW stake presidency. There is always a way to serve and grow.

As I was saying about my service as RS president, I am continually in awe in how much I have been blessed in my life because of this service. It has changed me, it has made me a stronger person. I am not afraid to talk to people. I am so thankful now for this great chance that I had. I have learned so many things about life and about who I am.

Lately it seems like at least three times a week, I run into someone that I was able to become friends with or get to know because of serving. Usually these are people that I would never have known if it wasn't for me going out of my way to get to know them and let them know they are important. Many times these are people that don't usually talk to anyone, but have just been able to feel like they can talk to me and we have become friends.

Each time I serve others and try to make a difference and do what I am asked to do, I am blessed so much in return. I am so thankful for these great opportunities in life to help others out. I just hope that I can teach my children how important it is to reach out to others and care about them.

It's about time

2009-03-10T18:09:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I received The Premios Daro Award from my great friend Carolyn.
It has taken me forever to finally finish the tagging of this award.
Here it is..
STEP 1: Respond and rework.
Answer the following questions on my blog, replacing one question that I dislike with a question of my own invention.

STEP 2: Add one more question of my own.

STEP 3: Tag eight other bloggers.

So...
1) What is your favorite day of the week? My favorite day of the week is probably Friday, because it is the end of the week for school and usually my husband gets off of work early and we go to lunch or dinner or the temple or something fun.

2) What is your biggest fear? Loosing a family member.

3) What was your worst subject in school? Probably PE.

4) Who did you hug last? My husband when I came home from VT.

5) What websites do you visit when you go online? news sites, facebook, other blogs, department stores online to shop.

6) What was the last item that you bought? milk and pretzels.

7) If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? on a cruise with my husband, it doesn't really matter where or to Hawaii with the whole family.

8) Has a celebrity's hair cut ever influenced your own hairstyle? no not really.

9) What was the longest car ride you ever took? Cross country from Salt Lake to Atlanta.( funny that was the same as Carolyn's response)

10) What was the last movie you watched? We watched Inkheart at the movie theater.

12) If you had a whole day to yourself with no work, commitments, or interruptions, what would you do? I would spend it with my family going to a movie or going with my girls shopping or out to dinner. It would also be great to just sit and watch movies with my husband.

13) If you were to win the Powerball, what would you do with the money (besides invest it)? Go on some great vacations with my family, get braces for my teeth, buy a house with some land and pay it completely off, put money away for my children's college.

14) In your opinion, who is the most significant person in history and why? Jesus Christ. Because he made it all possible.

15) If you had a choice of places to live, where would it be? Herriman.

16)What's a item on your property you can't live without? I can't live without my family but I guess that doesn't count, I guess it would have to be my wonderful comfy couches.

I am also doing another tag by Melissa.

8 Things Tag

8 Favorite TV Shows
1. food network.
2. Heroes
3. 24
4. I can't think of any more, I am usually doing homework.

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Olive Garden
2. Pizza Factory
3. Texas Roadhouse
4. Godfather's
5. Rusty's
6. Red Lobster
7. The Garden House
8. Pastry Pub

8 Books I recommend
1. The Peacegiver
2. Harry Potter books
3. The Tennis Shoes of the Nephites series
4. Twilight books
5. Book of Mormon
6. The Hiding Place
7. Christmas Jars
8. Eragon series

8 Things that happened yesterday
1. Went to school.
2. Went for a walk at the gym.
3. Made brownies from a box, I don't do that often usually they are scratch
4. Checked my blog, read blogs, checked email.
5. Had Family Home Evening with my kids.
6. Made Spaghetti, breadsticks and salad for dinner.
7. Worked on homework.
8. kissed my kids goodnight.

8 Things I look forward to
1. graduating from school in the Fall.
2. My son going on a mission.
3. Spring Break.
4. A two day mini vacation with my husband next week.
5. Going to New York this Summer.
6. Going on a vacation with my family to Disneyland.
7. Visiting with my family that I miss and friends too.
8. To some day be skinny.

I now Tag anyone that is game for either of these tags. I would love to hear more about you.

Are you ready for a laugh?

2009-03-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

The other day as I was waiting for my Physical Therapy to be finished, I was reminded of a very funny story about me. Everyone that I tell this story to usually laugh and laugh. SO here it is.

A couple of years ago, I was out working out and all of a sudden my heart rate went up over 220. I was very nervous and knew that wasn't normal. It took a while for it to come back down, and so I called the doctor's office and they said I should probably come in and have an EKG. It ended up that they didn't find any problems but what happened during the doctor visit is what I think I will never forget.

The nurse brought me into a room and told me that they had to hook me up with the EKG. She proceeded to close all of the blinds and I had to take my shirt off as she put all of the wires and hooked them up. As she was hooking me up, all of a sudden I heard a sound that sounded like a " cat call" a whistle when a guy is whistling at a girl he likes. You should have seen the look on the nurses face. She look horrified, she was looking at the blinds and the door to see if some guy had just looked in. She was so worried that someone had just looked in at me when she was supposed to be making this private.

I finally told her that it was just my cell phone and that was the ring that it rings when someone is calling. It really sounds like a whistle. She couldn't believe it. She laughed and laughed and laughed. The funny thing is that like I told her it was probably my husband because he would definitely know right when to call....... It was my hubby. ( I have since removed that ring, because I had a different experience that also happened and I just decided it was probably safer with a different ring.)

I know, Very Funny!!!!!!

What a day and what a funny story.

My version

2009-03-06T05:48:00.000-08:00

Some of you have asked how my talk was coming along. It was last night. I felt pretty good about it and I don't often say that about my own talk, it is amazing what the spirit can do if you have done your part. I just want to thank all of you that helped me with ideas for my talk. I used many of them. I had many many compliments. That always makes you feel good when you feel like you might be rambling.

For refreshments we had a sherbet, fruit slushy and then we had my recipe for Chocolate mint cookies that is here on my blog. It was a hit. I had many people say it was the best thing they have ever eaten, so you should try them.

So here it is my version of GOOD, BETTER AND BEST!!!

GOOD - You Read my Blog

BETTER- You Read my Blog Often and Enjoy

BEST- YOU COMMENT ON MY BLOG!!!!! Thanks to all who read and comment on my blog!!! It always makes my day!

The sounds I hear

2009-03-04T17:23:00.001-08:00

Today in our Language Arts we talked about listening and we wrote down the top ten of our favorite sounds. I thought it was very interesting.

Here are my TOP TEN SOUNDS

1. My children laughing.

2. The sound of the garage door opening and closing, because that means my hubby is home.

3. The chirping of birds in the early morning in the Spring.

4. The sound of my mother singing to me.

5. My children playing the piano.

6. The sound of waves rushing up on the beach.

7. The sound of a new mother talking to her brand new baby.

8. The sound of a new baby crying.

9. The sound of wood crackling in a fireplace.

10. The sound of my children saying " Mom I LOVE YOU!"

What are your favorite sounds in the world around you?

Stress!

2009-03-03T13:23:00.001-08:00

I am not sure exactly how this works, but this is amazingly accurate.

The picture below has 2 identical dolphins in it. It was used in a case study on stress levels at the Mayo Clinic and later at Fletcher Medical Center in Burlington

Look at both dolphins jumping out of the water. The dolphins are identical. A closely monitored, scientific study revealed that , in spite of the fact that the dolphins are identical, a person un der stress will find many differences between the two dolphins .

The more differences a person finds, the more stress that person is experiencing.

Look at the photograph and if you find more than one or two differences you may need to take a vacation.

No Need to Reply, I'll be on Vacation

Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out of it alive anyway!!!!

I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did. I just want you all to know that I LOVE my life. I wouldn't give it up for anything. Just remember LIFE happens and just keep smiling. It is going to be a great journey.

Do you have any ideas?

2009-03-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

This week, I am speaking at our YW Stake Leadership Meeting and I am supposed to speak about Good, Better, and Best. How do you speak about this without just wanting to use Dallin Oakes' talk on Good, Better and Best???

If any of you have any great ideas of an object lesson or a story that I could use or add to this talk, please comment and let me know. I always try to make my talks something that they can remember or that they will feel like they have been uplifted.

I could use some of your help if you have any ideas. It is always stressful to talk, especially when your week is already full with many other things, but hey we are having my Chocolate Mint Cookies that I have posted, so that will be great.