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Sentimental Sunday – My Sister in Law

This week I’ve been thinking about my sister in law, Marie. She is Mark’s only sister, and one of my best friends! Despite her being ~~many,~~ eh hem, just a few years older than, we hit it off right from the start. She is so friendly and outgoing, and will be anyones friend. This year has brought many changes for her life, that I’ve been so excited to be a part of. After a hard divorce, she met a man who really treats her right, and they’ve decided to marry. I can’t describe in words the changed happiness I see in my sister since she has met such a wonderful guy. I mean come on, he went to the midnight showing of Twilight Breaking Dawn with us! What a cool guy!

Ok he’s not in this picture, but he really was there with us! See how much fun we have?

When we found out we were having a baby boy, after calling our parents, Marie was my very next call. I wanted to share the excitement with her, and I knew out of anyone she’d show the most outward excitement. It was one of those times you just need someone to jump up and down with you, and start making huge future plans (like a baby shower…eeeee!).

Last night when someone came banging on our door, I was shocked to see Marie on the other side of it! She decided to spur of the moment drive up to see us! It helps her fiance lives on the same street as us (total coincidence!), but still she came to see us!! We got to talk to and be excited together about the changes coming in both our lives. A new marriage for her, and a boy for us. When her fiance stopped by a little later, he and Mark got to talking about home repairs and upgrades (fiance is an architect, oh yeah!!!). And guess what? They’re going to start on my floor to almost ceiling pantry over Christmas break. Besides getting an awesome pantry out of it, I get to spend more wonderful days with Marie! I can’t wait.

I hope everyone has at least one person that truly feels what they feel, and can offer both joy and excitement, as well as a shoulder to cry on when it is needed. I know I am very grateful for Marie. I couldn’t have asked for a better sister in law. And for that matter, any better in laws than the ones I got. Too bad most of them live so far away (hey family…move back would you?)

December 11, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving

Now that I’m home, I can share some pictures from our Thanksgiving! Sadly my parents computer felt the need to crash anytime I tried to upload a photo, so I gave up and enjoyed the many days with family and friends this week.

I hope you all had a wonderful week.

I am so thankful for my beautiful and fun children! We spent Wednesday at Gardener Village looking for elves.

I am thankful for a wonderful husband, who is a great dad! He held Princess R for quite some time to help her get a nap in Thanksgiving. Aww!

I am thankful for my parents. Without them and the example they set, I wouldn’t know what I was doing.

I am thankful for my extended family, and that many of us were able to get together during this holiday season. Again, for my mom, as she helped the Princesses make these fun turkey table settings.

I am thankful for good food, and great cousins. Yes my cousins aren’t much older than my girls, about twice the age of Princess C. Princess V and Princess C felt so special getting to sit at an all girls table with these fabulous girls.

Most importantly though, as we go into this Holiday Season, I am thankful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For the restored gospel that has taught my family, and continues to teach me about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him I am thankful for everything in my life, for I know without Him, none of it would matter.

November 27, 2011
Sentimental Sunday – Naps

Naps have never meant much to me. I don’t remember taking them as a child. I do remember having sick days, where my mom would have us lay down, and try to nap, but I never could. Something about knowing the sun was up, my body would not let me take naps. Now that I’ve become a mom, I love naps! Although my kids all gave up naps at a young age, Princess R is still taking them, but they are getting shorter.
On Friday this week, during Princess R’s nap, I cuddled with the other two on the couch and read stories. After 3 short picture books I could not keep my eyes open much longer. See I’ve been trying to follow the advice in Proverbs 31, that a woman arise while it is still night to make meat for her household. I have been getting up at 4:30 all week. Sadly, I’m not as good at going to bed early, and by friday it was catching up. So I asked the Princesses if it was ok if I took a nap. They happily obliged, and colored while still cuddling with me, while I dozed in and out.
Today, Princess R woke from her nap much earlier than normal, and quite unhappy. I asked Mark if he’d like to get her, because I know sometimes just seeing him Princess R will get very happy. 30 minutes later, I had not heard anything from her room, nor seen the pair. So I went to check on them. I found this

ok not a great picture. I was trying not to use a flash so they would not wake up. But what you might make out in the above picture, is Princess R wrapped in her favorite blanket, sound asleep on Mark who was also sound asleep in the recliner. Awe, my heart melted!

I love the memories made when we take time to slow down and spend time, even if it’s napping, with our loved ones. These are memories to cherish.

November 14, 2011
Sentimental Sunday – Breakfast Nook

Growing up my aunt and uncle had a breakfast nook in their kitchen. It was a small kitchen, and the table fit perfectly in the corner. I have so many fond memories of sitting at the table, eating saturday morning pancakes, making caramel apples, helping make Sunday dinner, and filling our school books out with my other aunt. With all the memories I knew one day I wanted a breakfast nook of my own. When we moved into this home, I could picture the nook, and all the memories we would make. Since we didn’t actually own a table, we started looking for a breakfast nook, and found one (that was an interesting story you can read about here).

The time has come, however to say goodbye to our breakfast nook. I learned that a breakfast nook is not for family dinners, and definitely not guest friendly! So we began our search once more for a perfect kitchen table. This time I was impulsive, and bought one without talking to Mark first. I was at Deseret Industries, when my eyes fell on the perfect (albeit slightly worn) table. It had no chairs, but it did have an extra leaf to extend it. Plus the price was more than right at $20!! Unfortunately it didn’t fit in the van with the kids, so I had to call Mark and ask him to pick it up sometime before they closed. Today we ate our first family meal on our new table. We all fit comfortably, and there was plenty of room to put hot dishes away from small hands.

**If anyone is looking for a breakfast nook, and lives in the vicinity of Utah, I have one for sale. They make some great memories!!

I’m linking up with Cha Cha at The Heartfelt Home

November 6, 2011
Sentimental Sunday – Scripture Study

This afternoon Proverbs 31 has been filling my mind. It has always been one of my favorite scriptures. I feel it tells me quite specifically what I as a woman, wife and mother should be spending my days doing. Why today it has been on my thoughts, probably mainly stems from reading it to the Princesses after church. We have this cute “Scripture Treasures” box that they can choose an item out of, and then it has a scripture attached to it. Of course every time we play this game, the “gemstone” is the first thing they pick out, and it of course references to Proverbs 31:10

10 ¶Who can find a avirtuous bwoman? for her price is far above rubies

The chapter continues to outline what makes a virtuous woman. I have always wanted to be a virtuous woman, and I enjoy this scripture. Today reading it though, I realized I haven’t truly taken these verses to heart. Sure, I try not to be idle, I feed my kids, I stand by my husband through everything, but I haven’t really, and I mean really taken all the guidance to heart and fully put it to work in my life. I need improvement in many of these areas, and I have a renewed commitment to make Proverbs 31 the forefront of all that I do.

I will hopefully continue to share what I learn on this journey with you, and I hope to hear from many of you already virtuous woman, and how it has changed and made your lives better!

October 30, 2011
Sentimental Sunday – Family Fun

This last week we had a lot of fun just finding fun things to do as a family that didn’t cost a lot of money. On Wednesday Princess V came home with a coupon for free ice cream at arctic circle. It was such an easy decision what we were going to do that night. I had a walmart gift card so we won’t and got some groceries and a new laundry basket for the master room. Mark and I grabbed a cheap candy bar and soda, then we took the girls out for ice cream. Princess V got her free cone, Princess R got a courtesy cone, and we paid $1 for Princess C’s cone. Cheap, fun and something I will always remember as a fun night out.

Thursday night Mark had a concert. He is the new community band director, and this was his first concert conducting. The princesses all did pretty well. I had to chase Princess R down the aisle a few times, but it is such a casual gathering it didn’t matter all that much (I will say this though, don’t let your kids play their gameboys at a concert with the volume all the way up. That’s just plain rude, no matter how casual the gathering is!). Princess V fell asleep during the last song, sitting up in her chair. It was so cute. They had a great selection of songs – Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and others.

Friday was UEA (Utah Educators Association). Mark took Princess C to Salt Lake and hit up the booths for some free goodies and candy. Princess C won a dollar, and “got a tummy ache eating too much candy”. Princess V, Princess R and I pulled out our halloween decorations and got them set up.

Saturday we all got up early and went to the church to clean. I like that we can give this service to keep our church buildings clean. Everyone else was a little less thrilled with getting up so early. After dance for Princess C and Mark got some school work done, we all headed outside. It has been so nice during the days here lately! We were able to get a lot of yardwork done. I’m almost ready to get the grass in our dirt spot, and I’ve been planning a better garden for next year. Mark has been getting our wood ready for the winter, and keeping up with lawn maintenance.

My man is so amazing! I sent him some plans for this really nice looking wood platform. So he took the idea, used what we already had and created our own! Love him!

Yes that’s a lot of wood! It used to be the garden border before we tore it all up.

And of course he got lots of help stacking wood from the Princesses.

This last week brought back many memories of growing up. Cheap family outings, lots of nightly games, chopping wood and stacking it, and many memories of weeding. I feel blessed to continue these good uplifting experiences with my children and a wonderful husband!

October 23, 2011
Sentimental Sunday – Personal Reflection

This past week I have been doing a lot of personal reflection.

The main thing I have begun to notice is that I am a lot like my mom, and I couldn’t be happier. There are so many times I remember getting up to find my mom had already been awake for quite some time, and she had her scriptures out; reading and pondering them.

It took me a long time, but I am now in the habit of getting up every morning (sometimes with the kids, sometimes before) and reading my scriptures. It has made an impact on my days. In my personal opinion there couldn’t be a better way to start each and every day.

I also remember walking in on my mom praying a lot. For the past few years, I have not turned to the Lord as often as I know I should, but in the last little bit, this too has become a new priority in my life. I want my children to have those same memories of me, and that example that my mom gave me. To feel close to the Spirit and know that we are never alone, is a gift I treasure.

The one thing I have not been as diligent as my mom, is journal writing. I do consider blogging to be a bit of my personal journal, but I also have a real hard cover with blank pages journal. I should take more time to write in it.

Another item from my personal life I began pondering is my wall displays. I love having pictures on my walls. There has been one item though that since the day I got married has moved and been hung in every home we’ve lived in. It is The Family: A Proclamation To the World. It states

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

Isn’t that amazing? This was also hung in my parents house for as long as I can remember along with a picture of Christ. I too have a beautiful painting titled “Oh Jerusalem” hanging in my home. It is one of my favorite pictures of Christ as he looks out over Jerusalem longing for them, but because they refused Him, He could not do anything.

I don’t often talk about my faith here, so I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into who I am, and what I believe. If you’d like to learn more about my faith please visit lds.org or mormon.org

October 17, 2011
Sentimental Sunday – Childhood memory

Did you ever have one of these? Do you still have one?

The majority of my childhood we lived in a duplex with my Aunt and Uncle on the other side. I have so many fond memories of those times spent on the other side of the house. For example, every Saturday morning, Aunt J would cook us pancakes, in whatever shape we requested. We had tons of Mickey Mouse pancakes, but periodically tried testing her skills with dinosaurs and teddy bears.

Another fond memory is her air Popcorn maker. When we had movie nights, we would head next door to pop our own popcorn. I loved pouring the kernels in, and then watching them pop, it was just so very cool!! We could add as much butter and salt as we wanted, and no ones bowl had the same amount of flavoring.

For a long time now, I’ve been wanting an air Popcorn maker. Thanks to a gift card I got to Macy’s I was able to purchase (for free!) this Bella retro style Popcorn maker. I can’t wait to share these memories and make new ones with my own kids. These are really so much fun!

I’m linking up over at The Heartfelt Home

October 9, 2011
Sentimental Sunday – ultrasound

Last week I had my first ob visit for baby #4. Up until now we had really been guessing at a due date and didn’t know for sure. But now we do. I was surprised that we had an ultrasound on our first visit, since I’ve never done that before. It was really amazing to see the baby at such an early stage for me. It somehow made it all more real.

Our due date is officially April 4, 2012.

August 29, 2011
Downside of Being a Homeowner

I love being a homeowner! The mere fact that this house is OURS, just rocks! There are times though, that I do actually miss renting. Times like this last week particularly.
I would like to apologize to you, my wonderful readers. I have not been on here lately. Life decided it was time for our first Homeowners curve-ball. You may recall my letter to my oven. It had died on us, and I was very sad. Before leaving on our Yellowstone Vacation, we bought a new one, and had it scheduled to be delivered and installed the Monday after we got back (this last Monday). So Monday rolls around, and we start getting ready for the men to deliver our oven. First though we had to run a gas line to our kitchen. See, Mark and I, we like gas ovens. The beauty of them, is you can still cook on them if you’re power goes out. Not that I foresee that happening a lot, but I like to be prepared. So we bought a gas oven at Lowe’s. While the plumber was here running the gas line, he informed us that the insulation from our Cold Storage Room, probably had asbestos in it. He obviously didn’t test for it, but he strongly suggested getting it out sooner than later. Great, I thought! I went into research mode on the insulation, and scared myself a bit. Then the oven arrived!

Isn’t it beautiful? 5 ranges! Count them…5!!
While this beauty was being installed, we took the Princess’ outside to wash the cars and play in the wading pool. We had not used our front hose faucet until Monday. The water pressure was really weak through the hose, so we ran it longer than we normally would have. Once we had the oven installed, and the cars washed, I asked Mark if he would get started on cleaning up the vermiculite. A few minutes later he was back upstairs telling me I needed to come look. The floor was flooded. We thought it was just a backed up drain. We were wrong. The basement was flooded from the hose faucet.

It started in the master closet

and seeped into the cold storage.

We tried to save the carpet in the closet, and master room, but we couldn’t. We couldn’t get anyone from our insurance to look at it until Thursday. At that point, the smell told us it wasn’t worth saving. So for the past couple days we’ve ripped out all the carpet, and have been sleeping on our pullout couch.

We carpet pad

Turns out vinyl was laid under the carpet in the master room.

See how wet that is?!

Pulling out the carpet pads

The master closet without carpet.

Our current bed, in it’s couch form. And since we aren’t sleeping downstairs at the moment, I didn’t want Princess R down there all alone. So we put her in the pack n play in Princess C’s room, and I turned Princess R’s room into the laundry room.

Make sure to join me at Sentimental Sundays over on Sit Relax and Read.

This week I’m feeling sentimental about renting. Although owning a home is our dream come true, there were some obvious benefits to renting. I will always look back fondly on the repairmen we didn’t have to pay, or the heartache of dying appliances. Welcome to home ownership!

July 17, 2011