New Family Pics

It had been two years since we had a family photo taken, so I knew I had to get it done this year. I finally found something to wear and got us organized with an appointment with OneHM. Considering the material she had to work with (some family members are less cooperative than others), these pics turned out great :-). Above is my favorite family shot, although I may even like it better in black and white. You may also notice I have a new profile picture (finally).

Here are a few other good pics of the kids, as well.

And I love this one of me and the girls.

Scripture of the Day: Ephesians 1:15-16

Cultivating Gratitude #1

Kitty claimed a drumstick right away!

Well, my year of Saturday morning cartoons finally ended last week -- #52 marked that anniversary. So now it is time to start a new series, which I have decided will be Cultivating Gratitude. As Thanksgiving was this past week it is an easy (or rather appropro) week to begin it.

Sweetie Peach showing me her hand at Cad. She came in 2nd place!

Of course, what I am most thankful for in this world is my family, especially my three sweet kiddos. I was happy to see them playing so much with their cousins (a very rare treat for them as they only have a few). We spent two and a half solid days in activities with cousins, and they were in heaven. Especially, because Mimi (grandma) rented this fun thing all day on Thanksgiving:

But back to my kids--they are good students, responsible, respectful, and very loving. I have been tremendously blessed with such great kids. Sometimes I run out of patience with them (which is why I need to cultivate gratitude), but they are so willing to forgive. I love them for that quality. Someday I hope to be as good as my children.

Patch getting a head start on dinner with a roll.

Scripture of the Day: Jacob 4:3

Our Primary Program

Well, it finally happened! Of course it went well (although not without a hitch) and the spirit was in abundance. The children did a super job saying their parts and the music was uplifting. At one point we had the senior Primary boys sing Master, the Tempest is Raging, which was a highlight of the program. I also loved a solo performed by one of our sweet 9 year old girls.

Best laugh: one Sunbeam was supposed to say "I know Heavenly Father and Jesus love me." Unfortunatly, it came out sounding like, "I know Harry Potter and Jesus love me." Talk about a shock!

Minor hitch: Another Sunbeam got to crying during the program and had to go down to sit with her mom. She came back up later in the program.

Worst hitch: The CTR 7 class was supposed to say the 4th Article of Faith together, followed by two of them saying their individual parts. I rushed things accidentally and had one of the individual parts go first. My counselor had to walk over to remind me to have them say the 4th article of faith. I was embarrassed for the flub, but don't think anyone will remember it for too long.


Scripture of the Day: Psalms 140: 13

Thanksgiving Daily

Just a thankful message for this Thanksgiving week!

Scripture of the Day: D&C 136:28

Saturday Morning Cartoons #52

This one was too funny not to post. 

Have a great weekend!

I am stressing over our Primary program tomorrow. Hopefully the kids remember their cues.

Scripture of the Day: Colossians 3:15

My New Toy

For my birthday I was given a few gift cards to Barnes & Noble, so I used them (and a bit of my own stash) to buy myself a Nook (not the new color kind). I had been wanting to get one for several months, but held off. I even refrained from buying books for a few months with the intention I would be buying a Nook to put them on--you see, I am way short on bookshelf space.

Since my purchase I have been playing around, trying to figure out the ins and outs of the Nook. I am still going through the learning curve, but I did manage to read a free Nookbook offered on the Barnes & Noble website. I have looked to buy a few others, but have not been able to locate them (I don't see download-able books on the Cedar Fort website. Why is that?).

The other success I have had with the Nook is getting a free version of the Book of Mormon downloaded. Yay! I see also there are other files of the standard works on the same website, so I will be getting those as well.

Does anyone else out there have an e-reader? Any tips for finding content? Other suggestions?

Scripture of the Day: 1 Nephi 5:9-10

Taking it Easy

Today my house smelled wonderful! My DH is out of town and I am trying to go the easy route on things so I don't get burned out and impatient with the kids. So a slow cooker meal of beef stew was put together this morning while I still had energy. And I loved the smell of it as I was in and out of the house all day. Even the kids commented on how good the vegetable beef stew in the slow cooker smelled. Of course, when it came to dinner time, the wouldn't hardly eat it.

Kitty said, "Mom, there are 11 green beans in my bowl of stew!"

"How many have you eaten already?" I asked.

"Six or seven," she said as her eyes darted around the room.

"Fibber. How many?"

"Two or three?"

"Yeah, right. Go and eat a few more and then you can be done," I said granting her a reprieve.

Not a battle worth fighting when I don't have the help or the energy for parenting much more today. Still, I am glad I made the stew (it tasted fabulous). Tomorrow? Take-out.

Scripture of the Day: Mosiah 2:20-21

Saturday Morning Cartoons #51

Have a great Saturday! Even if it requires Prozac ;-).

Scripture of the Day: Luke 22:19

What I've Learned in 40 Years

Yesterday I turned 40 and started thinking about how old that makes me. Is 40 years old wise? 'Cause really, that's the only thing going for getting older -- the wisdom, I mean. So I made a list in my journal of things I have learned that work for me and my life. I am graciously sharing them with all you kids out there:-).

1. It's better to bite your toungue most of the time.
2. Be patient with people.
3. Get the important stuff done early in the day.
4. Don't bother watching soap operas.
5. Sometimes a day of laziness is required.
6. Reading is the best way to avoid reality.
7. Take time in youth to get all the education you can.
8. Take time in youth to travel as much as you can.
9. Learn to love vegetables.
10. Live within your means.
11. Avoid the mall and magazines to help you live within your means.
12. Telling people exactly what you want works well usually.
13. The reason you have to learn all that stuff in high school is so you can help your kids with their homework 20 years later.
14. Think of others rather than yourself.
15. Whistle while you work--or at least play the radio.
16. Buy wrinkle-free clothes whenever possible.
17. "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got the bling!"
18. "You need me!"
19. Exercise both makes you feel better and look better.
20. A lot can be accomplished in 10 minute snippets of time.
21. Be the first to say you're sorry.
22. Apologize even when offense wasn't intended.
23. Automatic savings plans work.
24. Follow the prophet.
25. Learn as much as you can about the lives of your ancestors.
26. Be willing to give second and third chances.
27. "Be prepared."
28. Being on time is much better than being late.
29. Do as much Christmas shopping online as you can.
30. Take lots of pictures.
31. Sometimes going to bed angry is the best thing to do.
32. Hard work solves many of life's problems.
33. Many hands do make light work.
34. Think to pray.
35. Plan fun things to do on a regular basis.
36. Take care of little annoying things before they drive you crazy.
37. "Make it work."
38. When feeling down, find something to laugh about.
39. Modern medicine is a blessing.
40. There is always more to learn.

Scripture of the Day: Luke 6:32-34

E-mail from My DH

From my DH today: Karen wants to know if we’ll snake-sit for her over thanksgiving weekend.  I told her yes.  I’ll make a ‘safe-area’ in the living room. (see above attached photo of Karen's snake.)

My response: NO WAY.

Scripture of the Day: Alma 26:37

Saturday Morning Cartoons #50

Hope your Saturday is going well!

Scripture of the Day: 1 Chron. 16: 8 and 34

Thanks Bing

...A song I would love to have memorized. You can hear the whole song here.

Scripture of the Day: Alma 26:37

Following the Prophet & Being Grateful

After reading President Monson's recent conference address I have been trying harder this week to be more grateful. But I have noticed that my kids are not always as grateful for the little things. For example, Sweetie Peach was mad this morning because Kitty did not want to do "walk to school" day with her and get the treat the school was providing for walkers. I told her she should be grateful because today she has a Lunchable for her lunch (a very rare occurrence in this part of the woods), which should be as good as the walking treat.

I don't think she believed me.

But maybe this is because I have not been verbal enough with my gratitude. Maybe it's because I have not set a good visual example for my kiddos.

I guess I should be thankful this is a month to dwell on gratitude :-).

Scripture of the Day: Psalms 100:1-5