SNOW

I got my wish. It has been snowing like mad, now if I could get feeling better we can enjoy sledding on the hill. My kids put on their snow clothes today after I am pretty sure I said no but they did it anyway, and after I said no I thought oh never mind if they go outside I can have some peace and quiet for a minute. This no TV until Christmas thing is more a punishment for me, but I think its working. They seem to be getting along better. I have caught them several times sitting on the couch reading to each other under a blanket, no kidding. I don't think I have done anything right there, but someone is doing a great job. They are still fighting though the evidence is in the gash on Braden's back courtesy of an upset Kaylee with a pen, just pointing out the little ray of sunshine. Didn't I say I wanted the school break? I am still looking for fun though. I got cord charts last night and my guitar tuned so I played a cord and realized I need to cut my fingernails to play.

My tree. I can't figure out how to change the direction and I should have used flash but anyway, I've just learned to put pictures on here

I am so excited

I am on the once a month posting plan.
I am really excited for Christmas. We just gave Breton's mom her birthday/Christmas present. I was so excited for it to come. I wish I could post it here but I think I'd be in trouble with copyright so I won't but we had these pictures taken of the kids in nativity costumes. They turned out so great and she loved it.
My Christmas presents will be somewhat of a let down because I already know what I am getting and I have already played with it. I am fulfilling a later in life goal of learning to play the guitar. But it's not the gifts for me that make me excited its the gifts I have made for others. I can't wait to give my sister in law her present I worked hard on it and I love what I made her. I don't think she reads this but she might so I will try to post later. I'll have to have Kami help me learn to put pictures on this thing. I am excited for the break from school. I know this one sounds so weird but last year we had so much fun sledding and playing in the snow. I am hoping that we get more snow to make it fun this year. I enjoy not having to do homework and getting to sleep in (hahaha) ok so maybe just a more relaxed pace than usual.
I am just grateful for this time of year and all that it means. I am grateful for second chances and for the Savior in my life.

Wow

The last post was before the election so it's been awhile. Tonight I just wanted to be sappy, but I gotta hurry because he really wants me to get off the computer and spend time with him. When I wrote about being grateful for things when my husband read it he said I didn't include him. It's not because I am not grateful for him it's because I don't like to put certain things out there. I don't know if that makes sense or not, but here goes a little bit of that. I do appreciate him so much, he is wonderful. Thursday, I went to the midnight movie of Twilight, shout out to my cute friends who made me laugh my butt off the entire time, the verdict on the movie is still out for me but the night was so much fun and I am glad I got to go with such fun girls. Anyway, back to the husband. Not only did he offer to take me when it was coming out on our anniversary but he was all about watching the kids, he always is great about this, which I love. The next morning I was so tired, he got up with my kids, got them ready and off to school and took my three year old with him so that I could sleep. He is so wonderful and thoughtful. Even though he didn't get all that he wanted out of the deal, he still is amazing. I don't do what I feel about him justice with my words so I think I am stopping there, but I just wanted to make it public that I do love him and am very grateful to him.

ONE

I was just reading an e-mail sent to me to encourage voting. I wanted to continue the thought here.
I hear so many times people are unwilling to get involved because they don't think they can make a difference or get anything accomplished. As I think about all of the times I have been told "it doesn't matter YOU are not going to change it". I often felt discouraged and gave up. But, now think for a minute about history. Rosa Parks was one woman, she refused to sit at the back of the bus. Martin Luther King was one man, he influenced many and still inspires to this day with the example he set. Susan B. Anthony was one woman, she fought for women's rights. Throughout history change was brought about by one person. Supported by another, by another, by another. Thinking that one person cannot make a difference is a thought fostered by those who seek to oppress. If we all think we can't make a difference, we won't. If we think our vote doesn't count, it won't because we didn't cast it. If we decide we can't fight against evil, it will be allowed to prevail. Never believe that one cannot make a difference. It wasn't an easy task for anybody who has stood up against anything wrong. Many have given their lives and all they had, to bring about change and freedom. Sadly, too often we don't appreciate the sacrifices of those who have fought for us to have rights later. Sometimes we don't see the results of the fight right off. Many times we are unpopular or ridiculed. Many die without realizing their difference. Never stop standing up for right because it's hard. Never stop believing YOU can make a difference. Sometimes it just takes one to voice and opinion and others will gain courage to follow. An Islamic woman who fights against radical Islam Irshad Mangi said "Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is recognizing there are more important things than fear."

You make a difference, your vote matters, your voice counts, don't ever think otherwise. And "may God grant me the power to change the things I can, recognize what I cannot and the wisdom to know the difference." So go vote. And keep making a difference. Maybe that just means you help a neighbor in a small way this week.

I love fall because it means winter. I know it is so weird to say it but I love winter. I love snowstorms and sitting inside watching them. I like to drive in snow. I think winter is peaceful, for the most part. The only thing is I am feeling so busy this fall. I don't really know why but it seems that the prelude to the holidays is just as busy. Maybe it's all of the family birthdays and this year blessings and baptisms put into the mix. With all of the craziness I am feeling the need to simplify everything. I am not sure why. The news of the world coming apart I think fuels this need (although I think most of it is just hype because of the election) I don't take enough time to focus on what is really important. I get too wrapped up in the tasks of the day and forget to enjoy it and the things the kids do. Life is meant to be a journey and I find I don't take enough time to enjoy my blessings. So, to help me with this I am challenging myself to count my blessings.
1. children, this one is hard to enjoy sometimes
2. A home to live in.
3. A family
4. Friends
5. Means to provide the nessesities
6. I live in a country where I enjoy freedoms
7. I can pray to my God whenever I want
8. I can teach my children the gospel
9. I can stay home with my kids
10. I can choose what I would like to do with my life.

Ok, so now you post yours.

It has been a fantastic weekend. My daughter was baptized and I was able to spend some time with my family.

I am so proud of my daughter. Her baptism was something special and I am so proud of her choices, she told me she felt clean. It was a wonderful day and experience. I hope she will always remember the day and how she felt and reflect on it often.

My sister and her boyfriend came for the occasion. I can't say how grateful I am to her for making the trip it really meant a lot to me and to my daughter. She braved the snow storm. It was so fun hanging out with them and meeting her boyfriend. We laughed pretty hard and had a good time. I only wish she lived closer and I could spend more time with her more often. I have missed her as we haven't seen each other in awhile. Hopefully we'll get together again soon.