Black Friday Fun!!!!!

Our day started at 3 am this morning! Emily and I got up, picked up Grandma and Gramps and headed to our first stop....WalMart! Okay...how do I describe that experience....chaotic??? I wanted one certain thing and stood in line for 45 minutes to get it, then was told that it was at the other end of the store...so I ran to the other end, not there, and was told that it was where I had originally been....AAAAAHHHHH! Anyway, long story short, I got it...I can push and shove with the best of them...hahaha! Our next stop was in Knightdale where everyone went in different directions...I went to Best Buy (the best store I went to yesterday...great employees) and everyone else scattered to all the different stores. We had cell phones handy and coordinated our efforts to make sure we got what we needed! We even braved going into Raleigh and went to Penneys..what a madhouse but what GREAT deals! We had breakfast at IHOP and had a great time the whole day! We finally made it back home around 1:30 in the afternoon exhausted and glad we were able to get the great door buster deals! My shopping is now OVER! I have gotten all my major gift buying done, except for some little things here and there that aren't that big of a deal! Between Black Friday deals and the internet, I can say that I am truly done! It feels great and now I can sit back and enjoy the holidays! Now it is just time for baking and having fun with my family and focusing on what really matters...the real reason, our Savior Jesus Christ! Let the holidays begin......

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

We had a very good Thanksgiving Day! It was relaxing and peaceful! We slept in, had a big breakfast, watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, skimmed all the sales papers, planned for tomorrow, watched a movie and had a big Thanksgiving Feast! We are now all getting ready to get some sleep so that we can hit the stores bright and early tomorrow! We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are grateful for the blessings that this year has brought to them (and for some, try to find the silver linings in the challenges)! It has been a year of surprises in our family (some good and some not so good) but in all things we are thankful for the richest blessings in our life...our family! We still have each other and in the end, that is all that really matters! We hope everyone feels full and happy and blessed! Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Thanksgiving Feast!

Everyone around the table!

Momma waiting for one of the desserts!

Jeff's famous Sugar Free Apple Pie (looks to pretty to eat) but it is super yummy!

Poor Jeff spent the day resting...he has a really bad cold!!!

A fun Survey !

I got this from Libbi's blog so I thought I would do it as well!

1. Do you like blue cheese? Nope!
2. Have you ever drank? No!
3. Do you own a gun? No, but Daddy is going to give me one of his!
4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? I don't really like Kool-Aid but if I had to choose it would be Black Cherry!
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? Not usually!
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I love them..esp. Nathans Hotdogs!
7. Favorite Christmas movie? It's a Wonderful Life...hands down!
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Milk
9. Can you do push ups? hahahahahahahahaha..NO!---same as Libbi!
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My Gold Locket with Noah's picture in it!
11. Favorite hobby? Reading!
12 . Do you have A.D.D.? I don't think so!
13. What's your weight and height ? 5'7" and my weight is going down!
14. Middle name? Carolyn
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? What I need to study for seminary tomorrow, what I need to buy for Thanksgiving, what I want to shop for on the day after Thanksgiving!
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Milk, and Water!
17. Current worry? Making more money and make sure the kids are getting all they need in homeschool!
18. Current hate right now? I don't know that I hate anything right now...maybe the situation the country finds itself in but it is what it is...so, I don't think there is really anything that I HATE!
19. Favorite place to be? Myrtle Beach
20. How did you bring in the New Year? At home with Lauren and Michael (Jeff was at the church New Year's Eve Dance with Emily)
21. Where would you like to go? for New Year's eve? Actually, no where! I like staying home...am I getting old or what????
22. Name three people who will complete this? I don't know but I hope everyone!
23. Do you own slippers? Yes...I get some every year at Christmas and I love them!
24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? Fuschia
25. Do you like sleeping on Satin sheets? I don't know...I never have!
26. Can you whistle? No...and I have tried a lot...I just can't!
27. favorite color? RED
28. Would you be a pirate? No...they are nasty and smelly!
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't usually sing in the shower...sometimes I hum if I am in a good mood!
30. Favorite girls name: Olivia...I know....I didn't name a girl that but if Noah had been a girl that would have been her name! I change all the time...I loved Emily, then I loved Lauren..you know how it goes...whatever was my favorite at the time, that is what my kids were named!
31. Favorite boy's name: I always loved Jonathan David growing up because I loved their friendship in the Old Testament but I never did name my boys that because Michael and Noah were the names that came to me and they were certainly right!
32.What's in your pocket right now? I don't have any pockets!
33.Last thing that made you laugh? Something Jeff said!
34. Best bed sheets as a child? NO CONTEST HERE...Ninna's hand starched, 1000 count linen sheets and they always felt and smelled soooooooo goooooood!!! AMEN, LIBBI, AMEN!!!!!
35. Worst injury you've ever had as a child? Ummmmm...I have no idea!!!
36. Do you love where you live? Yes, yes, and yes!!!! I love my house, I love my town, and I love my neighborhood!
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 5...we love TV!
38. Who is your loudest friend? I am my loudest friend....hahaha...me too!
39. How many dogs do you have? One very spoiled puggle!
40. Does someone have a crush on you? Yes...and he has had a crush on me for the last 17 years...my sweetheart....ahh..just thinking of him makes me smile...still in love!
41. What is your favorite book? after the scriptures...I Believe in Santa Claus!
42. What is your favorite candy? Chocolate, Chocolate, and oh yeah, Chocolate!
43. Favorite Sports Team? Clemson because I grew up with them, my kids and my sweetheart all LOVE NC STATE WOLFPACK!!!!!
44. What song do you want played at your funeral? I Know that My Redeemer Lives.

There you have it....my survey...I hope everyone else does it so I can learn more stuff about everyone!

EMILY'S SWEET 16 PARTY!!!!!!!!

Emily is 16!

WOW!!! What a great party! At first we weren't sure it was going to be so wonderful...we planned a cookout and we woke up this morning to RAIN!!! We thought that it might let up but it kept coming down! Jeff, as always, came to the rescue...he got two canopies and put them right by the garage. Under one, he put the grills and under the other he put the fire pit that we were going to use to make smores! We cleaned out the garage, the rain let up and we thought all was well...until we came back inside and looked at the birthday cake...uh oh...Nero (our big fat black cat) decided to "taste" a corner of the cake! GREAT....again, Jeff came to the rescue...he cut off the corner of the cake and fixed it the best he could...we were so glad that Emily laughed about it! It could have proved disastrous! We just explained to everyone that we had a "little accident" with the cake...oh well! HOWEVER, the evening turned out to be a huge success! We put around 60 guests in the house...they were everywhere and Emily had a ball! She loved every minute of it from beginning to end. Jeff and I enjoyed visiting with everyone and all the kids loved the balloons and ran around and played and played! There was great food, music, tons of laughter and lots of love! It was the "perfect 16th birthday party" according to Emily. We could not have been happier that everything went smoothly and we were able to give Emily a birthday party she will never forget! She loved her book the most and all the comments brought several tears to her eyes! Thank you all for helping to make her birthday wonderful! We are so thankful for this bright, wonderful, and beautiful young woman whom we are so proud to have as our daughter! HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY...and we hope you will enjoy many, many more!!!!! Below are some pictures of the evening...

The Cake after Jeff fixed it!!

Some of the kids milling around!

Lauren and Hudson

Emily and Michelle playing "Dance, Dance Revolution"

Emily and her friends outside around the fire!

Emily and her friends around the fire!

Lauren is now 14!!!!

My how the time has flown....from a cute, chubby little baby to a beautiful young woman! I am so blessed to have this wonderful little girl who has brought so much joy to my life! We celebrated Lauren's 14th birthday on Friday! We went out to her favorite restaurant which is Texas Steakhouse and instead of a cake she wanted Mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies so that is what she got! I am so grateful for the strong, independent minded, creative, wonderful, spiritual, and loving young woman she has become! She makes us all laugh, think, scream (well just Mom sometimes), and count our blessings everyday! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!

My last political thought!

Okay...this is my last political thought for this election year! While I am disappointed that almost EVERYONE I voted for lost, I am grateful for the opportunity I had to vote. Although I disagree with the policies of Obama and will watch closely these next 4 years to see how they unfold, I do believe in our 12th Article of Faith which states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, ruler, magistrates and in honoring, obeying and sustaining the law" so I feel at this time that I must abide by that and try to unite as an American and give President-Elect Obama a fair chance. It has always made me sad and incredibly disappointed at the way people have talked about President Bush (because I do still love him as a person, even though there have been things that I have disagreed with) so I will not do the same thing to Obama. I think that Heavenly Father expects me as a follower of Christ to show Christlike love and be respectful of the next President of the United States. I love being an American and having the freedom to vote. I am grateful for the scriptures which help to remind me that I should love everyone and treat everyone with kindness. I have not always followed that counsel but I am striving to do it better. As passionate as I am about my opinions, I am more passionate about my faith. I know that it is far more important for to me to be kinder than it is for me to be right. I hope over these next four years, come what may, that I can be respectful and in everything show by my actions that I am a disciple of Christ. I know the promises of the Lord are sure and I am grateful for the gospel. It gives me the courage to go forward with faith!

Michael's New Improved Room!

Jeff and I decided along with Michael that it was time to give his room a facelift of sorts so his dad got to work today and his room got all fixed up to represent him! He is so pleased with it and loves it. We are happy that Michael feels comfortable with his surroundings. Emily said she would like to have Mikey's room but...he gets that honor to himself. Below I have posted some pictures of his new room the way his dad did it. I am so glad that Jeff is handy because I do not know how to do anything when it comes to home improvements! Anyway...here are the pictures!

Tagged!!

Here is the survey that LaNelle tagged me for:

i am: lazy!
i know: a lot!
i want: to live in a better world!
i have: a very sore foot!
i hate: being fat!
i miss: my baby!
i feel: blessed!
i hear: complete silence (the girls are with Jeff at a youth activity, Mikey is playing a game and there is no TV on...it is so nice)
i smell: what I cooked for dinner (sauteed shrimp, chicken, and veggies...yumm!)
i crave: a big piece of Momma's peanutbutter fudge
i search: ponder and pray!
i love: Jeff
i care: about doing the right thing and setting a good example!
i always: tell my kids I love them
i believe: that we should always have dreams
i sing: to the radio and my cd's
i write: when I need to express my feelings and can't get them to come out!
i lose: everything I put down and these days my mind
i win: at losing...I hardly ever win anything!
i never: will get a puppy again...they are too much work!
i listen: to my kids all day long and am the only one that listens to me
i am scared: that I won't be worthy enough to have Noah back again
i need: a maid!
i am happy about: Chrismas coming...I love that time of year!
i tag: Emily, Lauren, Michael, and Jewel!

Pain in the Foot!

Okay...now I know that I am somewhat of a wimp when it comes to pain but lately I have had such severe pain in my left foot than I can hardly put any weight on it at all.  It hurts when I get out of bed first thing in the morning then it seems okay.  Then after Emily and I go to the gym and workout I have to come home and put my foot up because I can barely walk...what the heck????  It bothers me a little when I am walking on the treadmill or the eliptical machine (which by the way I can only do for 12 minutes at the lowest level otherwise I am dying!) but when we are done exercising the pain is horrible.  I can barely walk....it is so frustrating!   I know I sound like a wimp because I am one.  Jackie (the kid's nurse) told me that she think I have something called Planter Fasciitious!  I looked it up and it does sound like the kind of pain I have.  So now, I have to rest my feet, put ice on the foot that hurts for 15 minutes after exercise (I know I am not supposed to work thru the pain but I do think that if I can get some of this weight down that will help) and when the pain and swelling go down, do some exercises.  I may have to end up going to the doctor to see if I need a brace for my foot at night and I am going to get some special heel inserts in my shoes to see if that helps!  So much for my love of cheap shoes to go with every outfit....I hate getting old.  Everything starts breaking down...oh well!   I just don't like to have pain and no one likes to be around me when I do because I am such a WHINER!!!  I would say pray for me but I think everyone should pray for those that have to live with me...hahahaha!  One more thing I am learning to not like about aging!  I wouldn't mind it at all if I didn't have to have any aches and pains that come along with it because I would love to have the knowledge I have now when I was younger...I would have been so much better!  I guess we can't have it all!  So now I can tell everyone I have a royal pain in the foot!

Good hair? Bad Hair?

Today, Jackie brought over her spiral style curling iron to practice on Lauren's hair. She has all boys so she wanted to fix Lauren's hair. It turned out so cute! I love Lauren's hair with curls! Emily is going to a dance Friday night and they can dress up...she went to Wal-Mart today and bought some spray that colors her hair different colors! She thinks her dad will love it..hahahaha! So we have good hair and weird colored hair (?)! Anyway...thought ya'll would like to see it. We are trying to convince Emily to spiral curl her hair too....it would be so cute! I love curls! I told Emily with her hair that color she could go as a punk rocker...gotta love the 80's...hahahahaha!

Gotta love Sundays!

Sunday's are my favorite day of the week. I especially love them on Stake Conference week-ends. There are no meetings after church! Our stake conference was so good and the talks were uplifting and made me want to be a much better person. It is always nice to receive counsel and then look at myself and find areas where I need to improve. (There are a LOT of areas!) It is always nice to have this one day to spend with my family without any outside interruptions from the world. I appreciate the beauty of this one day when we can focus on our faith and our family. It is a nice break from the world and all the cares that go with it. So I just have to say that I am grateful for Sundays. What a refreshing way to start my week....which if you read my post from last Monday you will see why I enjoy Sundays so much! Tomorrow the hectic schedule will start again but for today I stop and realize how much my family means to me and how grateful I am for the gospel in my life. I am really blessed to have a strong faith that pulls me thru difficult times and bears me up when life gets hard and a wonderful family who bring so much richness and joy to my life. They are what makes me the most happy and I love them with all my heart. I can find more things that I am grateful for than I can find things that are hard. I do love Sundays!!!

Another Rally....more fun, and more SUN!

When I found out that Sarah Palin was coming back to NC this week I called Jewel to see if she wanted to go and she did. I also asked the kids if they wanted to go and they were excited as well. We decided to do our fieldtrip for school to the Sarah Palin rally at Elon College! We went and got the tickets then left our house at 7:30 a.m. (can you believe Lauren got up that early...now that is determination..for her!) and headed out! (Even Jackie came along...she was a great sport and a great help the whole day and we really enjoyed her company...thanks, Jackie..we love you!) We picked up Jewel and off we went. We stopped at McDonalds for breakfast, ate in the car and kept going so we could get there by 10:00 a.m. We knew the crowds would be big and we wanted to get there early! We had to park in a field about 2 miles from the baseball field! It was a nice walk during the morning....it wasn't too hot and we were all excited. We got pretty far up in line so we settled down for a long wait. Jewel had brought a camp chair with her that she knew she couldn't take in but she decided she would leave it and didn't care if she got it back. We talked to others in line and ended up standing under a shaded tree so it wasn't too bad. While we were standing in line, we found out that there were NO seats except for VIP's and we would all be standing on the baseball field. Okay..that was not what I wanted to hear but anyway they let us in around 11:30. We got so close to the stage that I was excited and so were the kids. The sun was really beating down though and after about 2 hours, with little water (we had to wade thru a HUGE crowd and wait in a line to get any) the kids were beginning to fade! Jackie doesn't like crowds so she opted to stay out of the arena under a shade tree but we all wanted to be close! I went to get some water for the kids (they had taken their cornstarch but we didn't have anymore water with us) and while I was gone, Jewel got worried! She checked the kids bloodsugars and they were good but the heat was too much. I got back, saw that they weren't going to make it. Emily said she felt like she was going to throw up (that time of the month) so I told the security gaurd we had to get out of the arena (we were packed in their like sardines). Jewel took her and Lauren out and after about 15 minutes I decided to take Michael out as well. The people around us were great and they held our places. Once the kids got to a shaded area, they got better IMMEDIATELY! Jewel and I decided to go back in since we were so close, we thought we could get the kids hats signed. We made our way back thru the crowd and then everyone closed in. It was BLAZING HOT in that crowd. Hank Williams, Jr. came out and sang a couple of songs then sang a song he wrote for the campaign called "McCain/Palin Tradition"! It was great and you have to go to Youtube and watch it! We cheered but I was so hot I thought I would pass out...I sat down in the crowd for a minute to try and cool off. Jewel was grabbing on to the rail we were standing by...finally Sarah Palin came out and we were so close to her we could see the beads of sweat on her forehead. It was great but by the time she finished speaking I was too hot to care! I tried to get the kids hats signed but I couldn't push up thru the crowd as everyone moved in really fast. I gave up when I felt like I was going to faint and Jewel and I made our way out of the huge packed in crowd. By the time we got back to the kids, I sat down, drank 3 cups of water and thought I couldn't go another step. My left foot (I have some kind of pulled muscle or something in it) was hurting so bad that any weight I put on it was so painful....of course we had been standing up in the hot sun for over 5 hours at this point! We began to make our way back to the car (a 2 mile walk)! It wasn't nearly as much fun going back....Lauren asked to stop once as she was really tired and I was happy to do so. I was hot and tired and in NO MOOD for those looney Obama supporters that were protesting so I just yelled back at them that we were voting for hope that's why we were voting for McCain. When we FINALLY made it back to the car, I was so happy for a good seat and AIR CONDITIONING! I would never have made it as a pioneer! We recovered fairly quickly though as we drove out of town. We stopped to eat on the way home and by the time we got home, we were tired but everyone was in tact! It was a good day with my kids, my sister in law, and my friend. We enjoyed each others company and loved seeing Sarah Palin. Michael had a "Country First" sign that he waved and said he was a good sign waver. Lauren got a pink McCain/Palin hat and they got to have first hand knowledge of what a rally is like with tons of people (although none of us like the blazing heat)! Michael came home and went to the computer to learn even more! I'm glad we got to experience it...I came away with a greater appreciation for our country, our freedoms, my home, my car, and for air conditioning...hahahaha! All in all it was a great day! Below are some pictures from our day!

Everyone waiting in line

Holding up my "Country First" towel

I took a picture of Mikey while he was sitting down in the hot sun

Jewel sitting in the crowd having a good time!

Emily & Lauren waiting as everyone was coming in!

Eating at Cracker Barrel at the end of our long, hot, fun day!

And the days go by....

Did I mention that I love being a mother and wife but somedays when laundry is piled up, the house is a mess, the school work is behind, seminary to study for, Relief Society stuff to keep up with, food storage to work on, housework to do, a garage to clean out, a diet to work on, dinner to figure out, kids that need a listening ear, and a husband that needs love and attention can be OVERWHELMING???? I am having one of those Monday mornings..hahaha! Where do I start? I guess I will start by counting my blessings...I have kids who need a listening ear, a husband who needs love and attention, a house that needs cleaning, a body that has enough food and to spare in it, a headstart of food storage, clothes so I can have laundry...and the list goes on!

Just in case any of you were wondering this is how I start out every Monday morning...a list of things I need to get done and then I count my blessings so I won't get discouraged and quit! My days are filled with things that need to be done, children that need my attention and love, a husband that needs to find peace from the pull of the world when he comes home, church work that needs to be accomplished and by the end of the week I have sorted thru and made my list of priorities...some things get done and others get pushed back for another week so every Monday it is the same list...hahahaha! The only things I don't put on hold are the needs of my children and my husband (or at least I try very hard not to do that...some days they all think I don't do such a great job on that end either...hahaha)! This is my life...busy, sometimes wondering if I am doing any good in a world that is filled with challenges, and always praying for the ability to be a little better everyday!

So to everyone I say...Have a happy week and don't forget to count your blessings...they are always there!

SARAH PALIN RALLY!!!!

I cannot tell ya'll what a great time we had. Below we have posted pictures and explanations from the event but I have to tell you that we came away excited and felt great to get to be a part of this history making campaign. I loved it when we were part of the 8000 people who stood and said the pledge of allegience and sang the National Anthem. It was wonderful to hear all those people sing. Made you feel proud to be an american. We also heard from our NC Senator, Elizabeth Dole, and our Republican Governor candidate, Pat McCroy. It was a great day and night! We got home at 11:00 p.m. last night and it was worth it!

From the beginning to the end it was so much fun! We got there 4 hours early and this is PART of the line that was in FRONT of us! We didn't mind though! We had a great time talking to everyone and enjoying being part of the event!

Emily thought her pink McCain hat was the coolest and she is showing off her ticket to get into the event. Those were priceless that day as there were a lot of people that weren't able to get them and wanted to be able to get in. They had an overflow area that people could watch it on the screen but it was much more fun to be inside.

Here is a picture of all of us waiting in line. We got to know people when we were talking in line and it was fun! We loved all of it, even the waiting!
Here is a picture of Makayla and Emily with their "lipstick" on! We tried to get Terry to wear some as well but she declined. We are still waiting in line!
I took a picture of this bumper sticker this man had behind us in line because I knew that Jeff would love it. I took it for him! Isn't it great...and appropriate??? hahaha!

Here are the buttons we collected while at the rally. We all chose which one we wanted and then brought them back home to those that didn't get to attend the rally. I loved them all!
We are FINALLY made it in! We were sitting up off the floor and to the side so that we had a good view of Sarah Palin. If we wanted to be on the floor then it was standing only and we really didn't want to stand for the whole 5 hours we were in there! It was fun where we were as well! I'm showing off my Country First sign!

And finally...we got to see Sarah Palin! I have to tell everyone that she is as genuine in person as she seems to be on TV. We loved her speech and were so impressed with how she connected to all of us. She stayed at least 30 minutes after her speech just to sign autographs and talk with the people that were surrounding her. Emily really wanted to get her to sign her hat but we knew we couldn't get that close with everyone else around!

She is blowing a kiss into the crowd! It was so cute to see her do that to the little children!

General Conference!

Wow...that is about all I can say...general conference was so good and so much of it that I needed to hear. All the talks were uplifting and reminded me that in these perilous times there is only one source that we can turn to that will help us thru...our Savior. I am so grateful for our leaders who teach us, counsel us, and give us hope and perspective about this life. As I listened to President Monson this morning I was so grateful for his message and how we can change for the better. It has made me want to be better and given me the courage to be a little better everyday. How grateful I am for this week-end. It has been a week-end full of enrichment and has put life back into perspective for me! I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and I know it has the power to change lives for it is continually changing mine for the better!

Jean's Birthday Surprise!

As most everyone knows, yesterday was my birthday (44 years old...eek!) Anyway, it was rainy and chilly but everyone tried to make it the best day they could for me. I loved all my gifts but I have to show off this one from Jeff. Yesterday, as I do on most special occasions, my thoughts were on Noah and how much I missed him not being here. I am married to the most wonderful man who understands me more deeply than I even realize and he knew how down I have been for the last few weeks. Yesterday just seemed to bring all of that to the surface and last night we went in different directions with the kids...Michael and I went to pac meeting and Jeff and the girls went to the temple. I just didn't feel like it was anything more than another day. Later that night though, when Jeff and the girls came in he said he had saved the best gift for last...and I took a picture of it below. He told me when I opened it that when I look at it he wants me to know that this is Christ bringing Noah back to me one day. The tears fell and my other children all beamed because they knew I would love it and we all look forward to having our family complete again. Anyway... it is a very special gift from my sweetheart who knows just what I need all the time and goes out of his way to make sure I have my needs met. I love him with all of my heart and he really is my rock and my hero!

Family Update

Well, there really isn't that much to update about. This past week Emily has been battling a cold which I think she is finally starting to get over. School has started and is in full swing...Michael is doing great, so is Lauren but she likes to gripe about it. Emily stays busy with her online studies and is doing quite well. She is gearing up for a final exam in her history class which she will need to take next week. Jeff is very busy with his new job...he has been having to travel a lot so between that and church meetings this past couple weeks, Jeff is swamped. We are all looking forward to this week-end when it looks like there is NOTHING on our calendar so we can take a break and have some family time together! Other than that...there really is no new news from this front. We are grateful for our blessings and try everyday to see the hand of the Lord in our lives (which we do!). If something exciting happens then we will post again before long! Until then, everyone have a great day!

Fun Time

Yesterday, Jewel and I took the kids to a rally for Elizabeth Dole (our senator in NC running for re-election)! It was a rally for veterans and we went to support both! The girls really are getting involved in the politcal process this year (how could they not with me as their mom???) and Mikey came along because he had to...hahaha (we took him out to dinner afterwards...good way to get him to participate)! It was fun to see both Senator Elizabeth Dole and Senator Bob Dole together. I was able to help the kids see a little of what an election year is like! We got signs and bumper stickers and felt like we were involved! The girls are anxious to do more now so we will continue on our quest of learning about the election process and hoping to bring victory to the candidates we feel are better qualified at this time to lead! This is the best way to teach the kids about our government system and how it works plus have fun along the way. I tell everyone that I found my love for politics when I was 15 years old and campaigned for Granddaddy when he ran for sheriff! That was the most fun summer I can remember...it was also the only time I have ever campaigned for a democrat..hahahaha! Those memories were fun ones and I hope my kids will learn the importance of voting and having a voice in our democracy! We have a lot to be grateful for in this nation and I never want my children to take for granted the liberties that we have been blessed with! I think Granddaddy would be pleased at how involved we get....he's the one that started it all with me! Thanks, Grandaddy....I love and miss you!

Good Day!

I love Sundays! They are the best day of the week for me. I get to go to church, have a great family meal (we always eat the same thing every Sunday...roast, mashed potatoes, butterbeans, carrots, corn on the cob, rolls, and brownies for dessert), take a nap, and enjoy my family. What better day could you have than that???? Today was fast and testimony meeting at church and it was so uplifting. All the lessons were great and I felt the spirit all day. I am grateful to have so many blessings! I am glad that Momma is feeling better and her back is healing. I am grateful that Jeff got a good job and is finding joy and fulfillment in his new position. I am grateful that I get to homeschool my kids and teach Emily seminary. I am grateful for the blessings that flow into my life everyday. I am also grateful for the challenges that help to keep me focused on doing what is right. I taught in Relief Society today and I talked about standing as a witness...I repeated a poem that Momma used to tell us all the time so I will share it with everyone. It goes, "Oh, you're writing the gospel, a chapter each day, by the words that you say and the things that you do. Men read what you write, whether faulty or true. Say, what is the gospel according to you?" I may not have gotten the words perfectly right but that is the jist of it. I try to remember that each day and teach my children to always stand for truth and right. I just felt like expressing the blessings in my life because I have felt so good today. I love days like this...when you see the blessings despite the trials. To all my family and friends...I love you! Thanks for sharing your lives with me! I hope everyone has a good week!!!!

Tagged!

Okay, Kim...this is for you since you tagged me:

3 Joys:

Jeff
My children
The gospel

3 Fears:

Mice
Losing Jeff
Not being righteous enough to be with Noah again

3 Goals:

Organize my house so it's easy to keep clean
Be an efficient home school mom
Eventually add on to the house and have a fenced in backyard

3 Obsessions/Collections:

Politics (I can get carried away...I can hear you all laughing!)
Shoes
Anything that is Noah's (clothes, pictures, whatever)

3 Random Surprising Facts about me:

I am becoming more like Jeff everyday
I love doing family history...it intrigues me
I never end a conversation with a family member without saying I love you!

5 People who are tagged:

Emily
Lauren
Michael
Jewel
Stacey