Sunday, November 29, 2009

Sunday Scripture! "Shall thy Confidence Wax Strong"


D&C 121:45

"Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of

faith, and let
virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence

wax strong in the
presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil

upon thy soul as the dews from
heaven."

In a talk given by Bishop Richard C. Edgley in the Nov. 1994 Ensign he speaks on this very verse and the importance of it.

Today in church this verse was mentioned 3 times and it made me really think about my own life and how the choices I am making will either allow me to have confidence before the Lord or they will leave me ashamed in His presence. I do not want to be ashamed when I stand before my Father in Heaven and so I must make the correct choices in my life.

I think that as human beings we all have a desire to have our parents be proud of us, that we will not be ashamed in their presence, that we will only see approval and love in their eyes. Now while we aren't able to see our Lord and Saviors face just yet, He is aware of us none the less, He knows of our doings in our lives, so we must be cognoscente of this detail, that He knows us and loves us and only wants good for us. We must strive everyday to serve Him and to work towards seeing Him again and all those that wait on the other side of the vale.

I pray to continue on the straight and narrow path, that I might stand before Him one day and have only my confidence with me.

Happy Sunday

All my love,

A Tiny Bit



I haven't had nearly the time I would like to blog lately! Every time I have been at the computer I have had other responsibilities calling me and then the desire to sit and look at the screen for even a moment longer seems too long!! So while I still intend to write lengthy posts about the very important events as of late, today there will just be some pictures that represent some of the pure joy my life truly has been!








Sunday, November 22, 2009

So Much to be Thankful For

This past week has gone by much too fast and here it is Sunday evening and I have yet to blog about all the AMAZING things that have happened! While I still intend on doing so I will keep tonights' post to the things of which I am thankful for! (they are not in any particular order)


My Husband
My Children
My Parents
My Siblings
My Friends
My Home
My Ward
My Husbands Job
Food in our home
My Testimony
The Savior
The Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life
The Prophet
My Car
A Fire Place
A Computer to help keep in contact with those I love
Clothing
The Earth
My Mind
My Health
The Health of my family

I know that the list could go on and on but I must say that I am so very Thankful for the ability to be a mother and a wife! For the blessings and trials that the Lord has seen fit to give me.



Love to you,

Monday, November 16, 2009

Date Night!!


I was reading a friends' blog recently about her husband taking their daughter on a date night and it made me think back to when I was about 4 or 5 and my Dad took me on a date. I usually save these kind of things for Fridays but this one can't wait.

We were living in Steamboat Springs, CO at the time, and we didn't have very much money but my parents tried to do things here and there that were special, so they came up with "Date Nights" where my two older sisters and I would each get a turn having a night with my Dad or Mom. They would take us into town to the general store (yes, it was small enough to have a general store) and they would let us choose our very own "Grab Bags", they were big brown paper bags put together by the store, and filled with fun surprises in them. Both of my sisters had returned from there nights with amazing things, candy,jump ropes, slinkies, gum, all kinds of things, so when it was FINALLY my turn I was beyond excited! I remember the drive in my Dad's big orange, (he says it was red) GMC truck, listening to Christopher Cross and then pulling up along side the store. I walked inside and headed straight to the isle where the "Grab Bags" were kept, I closely inspected several before choosing one that had a very large item in it. We paid for it and then I waited the entire drive home to open it so I could "show my sisters all the COOL stuff I was gonna get in MY GRAB BAG", and boy did I show them! I tore into that brown bag like it was Christmas morning and what did I behold.............A HUGE BLACK PLUNGER!!!! Are you freakin kiddin me, I waited for three weeks, two long drives and had the pure torture of opening it in front of my ENTIRE family!!! Seriously, I am still dealing. Alyssa, Janna, Mom, Dad, all of you stop laughing right now!!! :)


Thursday, November 12, 2009

Graces' Story



My Grace, that's what I call her, cause she and I have this bond that goes straight from her heart to mine! Through the years of blogging I have shared many of her antics, silly quotes and some of her struggles. Recently though I was thinking about how I have never really told "her story", so today is the day.


I knew about Miss Grace before she was born, I knew she would be spicy, full of energy and strong willed, was I totally prepared, no!! Grace began her journey in only the way that Grace could and that was on her terms, I was three weeks overdue with her and they still had to induce me!! I think she wanted it that way, you know, "go a head and make me!", I can just hear her now! As an infant she was full of smiles and even very young she would stick her tongue out at us, not just normal baby figuring out how it works, but intentionally sticking it out as if she was saying "Suckas!, you have no idea what you are in for!".




She was a great sleeper from the first night home from the hospital and continued in that vain until about 18 months and then things changed, but we are getting ahead of ourselves. When Grace began getting her teeth I noticed that her two front teeth came in with weak spots, well as she got more and more teeth she would chew on the railing of her crib and one day the two front teeth chipped. She eventually had to have surgery to place porcelain crowns on them to make them stronger, this was at 20 months old, two years later Grace bumped one of these teeth and had to have it removed, thus the toothless smile.



When Grace was about 8 months old we started teaching her sign language and she did really well with that but as the months went on and other children her age were saying lots of words, Grace seemed to prefer signing and not speaking. As she turned two I wasn't extremely worried but I noticed that her fits were becoming worse because she wasn't able to say the things she wanted to say and it was hard to guess. By the time she was 3 I really noticed that her speech was behind other kids and she was struggling with the whole potty training thing as well. Another difficulty was her sleep "issues", that was, that she didn't. She would stay up nearly all night playing, making HUGE messes and then be irritable the next day, this went on for a couple years. As the Mom, I just tried to encourage her the best I could and prayed that I would be guided in how to help her. I also began noticing more and more that she was VERY sensitive to certain things like, Hot and Cold, certain fabrics and noises. She spent most of her life with only diapers/underwear on because clothing only made her more irritated and uncomfortable. Some of her favorite things to do would be to stand against a cold glass window or stand in the fridge when the door was opened just to cool off. Grace was also EXTREMELY mischievous, getting into EVERYTHING and making huge messes where ever she went. Weather it was catchup or ranch dumped under the table, flour all over the house, eggs cracked on the coffee table, cutting her sister's hair, eaten crayons, erasers and paper strewn about, life has never been boring. And yet she is probably the funniest child I have known and for sure the funniest in the house, so she has managed to stay alive!



When the age of pre-school approached I began talking with several friends and family to see what the best option might be for her. I knew she would need someone patient and kind, to love her unconditionally and that is EXACTLY what we found with Mrs. Brough! It was months and months of work to get her into the pre-school program with the Clark County School District, and when her testing didn't go so well because she butted heads with the women giving it, I figured she was a shoe-in!! We actually began the process in April of 2008 but she wasn't able to start school (due to their slow paper work processing) until December of 2008! This would become a HUGE turning point for Grace in many ways!



For the first time there was a teacher that was almost as in Love with Grace as I am, she made her teacher laugh and I would get regular emails and updates of the latest "Grace-isms"! Grace LOVED school, riding the bus, and all the friends she was making. With the help of her teacher and through the process of getting her into the program we determined that Grace has something referred to as Sensory Processing Disorder or Sensory Integration Disorder. Children with SPD are often sensitive to sound, touch, sight, smell and taste, it can be all or just some of these things, but when I heard about this first from another family member I could see so much of this in Grace. I knew this is what we were dealing with and once I began doing some research on how it effects these children and the things to help them cope, it seemed like everything became much easier to handle.



As a family we work to be attentive to Grace's needs, while still expecting her to be responsible for her actions. She has really good days and not so good days, but she and I have made up songs to help sooth her and she is learning to remove her self from situations that are too intense. It is a work in progress and we are learning new and improved tactics all the time as well as adjusting old ones to meet her needs now.


As a Mom I cry lots and worry about the other kids accepting her. It's hard to hear the comments and notice the stares when we are out in public when she has a break down. She still prefers to not have clothes on and the constant comments about that can get old, I just feel like saying "You have no idea what you are talking about, if you only knew that Grace wearing clothes is the least of my worries today!" It's tough because I can't wear a sign that says "Please be patient with my child." so I just try to inform those that are working with her on a regular basis on how best to deal.

Grace is leaps and bounds better than she was even a year ago, her speech delay is almost unnoticeable and her "break downs" are getting less frequent. I don't know if she will ever out grow or be completely rid of all these things but I do know that I work hard as her Mom to love her and teach her the best I know how. She has a wonderful teacher this year who emails me, sometimes daily to let me know of Grace's progress and set backs. Moving was especially tough for her but she seems to be doing much better, when we first got to Colorado she would tell me how much she hated it here and how she wanted to go back to "our little house" in Vegas. Now, she tells me she loves that it's cold outside and can't wait for the snow to come!




It's hard to send your child out into the world/school/church, knowing that they will be made fun of or left out because of something like SPD, but Grace keeps smiling that toothless smile, singing her song and being her funny self! Me, well I just pray that each day will be a success!




Sunday, November 8, 2009

Sunday Scripture ; Needed a Boost, and a Boost I Got!!


Yesterday was a very roller coaster day of emotions! It started off with a fun family photo shoot and then, I came home to an empty house because my sweet husband had taken the kids with him to get the oil changed in my car and a trip to the park. It was wonderful because I was able to get my house all clean, well then they arrived home sooner than I had thought and Jimmy says "Can you come clean up the throw-up in the car?" Turns out that Grace had gone on the tire swing (that she has already had "issues" with) and then got in the car and well you know what happened then. So needless to say I spent a little time cleaning that up and then a trip to Costco and Wal-Mart to get things for my "Girls Night".

I returned home and cleaned some more, prepared food and changed out of my nasty clothes. As I was getting ready, I received a phone call from a very good friend, but she had some slightly depressing/discouraging information and once we got of the phone I had a slight meltdown. Jimmy was kind and tried to encourage me to finish getting ready for the night. I did, and man, by 6:05 I was feeling no pain, my friends were arriving and suddenly laughter was abundant, we talked about EVERYTHING under the moon and then some!

The night had really given me a boost when I was in need, and I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father that knows what to do and when to do it. Today I received another boost when I was officially called as the 2nd Counselor in the Young Women's Presidency! I have served in this calling once before and had been sooo sad when I was released, so it is just very EXCITING to be working with the youth again!

Then tonight I was reading on LDS.org and I replayed a video on the home page entitled "Create", it hit me like a boulder this time and once again I was reminded of how close an eye the Lord has on me. I am grateful for the blessings which I have received, for the strength that is added in my life and the ability to ask for guidance and encouragement on a daily basis. This video is such a great reminder of why we must remember who we are and who loves us.


Friday, November 6, 2009

The Clark Family

Tonight I had the pleasure of shooting some family pictures for our friends the Clarks' , it was so fun! Thanks guys! Oh and the pizza and ice cream after wasn't so bad either :) more here

Flashback Friday! It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want to!

This picture is from my 15th Birthday can you see how thrilled I was!! Yay Birthdays :)


November is my birthday month and recently I was thinking about previous birthdays. For years I had this crazy superstition that my birthday brought about people dying. It started in High School when a good friend died near my birthday and her funeral was on my birthday. It actually continued for about 7 or 8 years where EVERY year there would be a funeral ON or VERY near my birthday for someone I knew. I guess I started to not really want my birthday to come, and it kind of became a thing for me to tell my friends not to go anywhere on my birthday so they would be safe at home. As I have gotten older my birthdays have become less and less of a big deal, I am usually happy with a cake, candles and a few presents. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE parties, but the people close to me are not party people and so if I want a party, I have to plan it myself, which has always seemed a little weird to me. Anyway, this year I am just hoping for no funerals and a little cake, although my husband does have some gift he has been working on for quite sometime and I am excited to find out what that is!



Some pictures from past years. The one with the messy chocolate cake was Jimmy's first attempt at making one. The one that says 21 on it, was actually a joke from my sister Emily, I was actually turning 29. I have also had two baby showers on my birthday, one while I was pregnant with Alexis and the other while I was pregnant with James. For my 16th Birthday I went on my first date to Sadie Hawkins, I didn't meet the kid I went with until that day (he was the younger brother of my sisters boyfriend at the time). Good Times!

Love to you,

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Be Who You Are

When responding to the question "How would you like your hair today?"

"I just want to be who I am."

-Grace



Me too Grace, me too!


Monday, November 2, 2009

Halloween '09



This year was a really fun Halloween! Jimmy had taken the girls several weeks ago to pick their costumes out, and I had let James sort of choose his, last year I made the costumes but I wasn't really in the mood this time around so they were all store bought.

Grace was a "Poison Fairy", it was a little big on her but since she had to wear clothes underneath anyway to keep her warm it worked out well! She loved her wand and wings.


Lexi was a witch, not really original but it's what she had wanted to be and I think she made for a really pretty one!



James was a Garden Gnome, he loved the hat, but hated the beard so I don't have any pictures of him with it but you can still tell what he was. I loved watching him figuring the whole trick or treating thing out!


Friday night we went with Janna & Dave (who are in town for a week , Yay!) to Dave's sister's ward for "Trunk or Treating" then we came back to the house and the kids had a blast playing while us adults hung out and talked for a few hours! It was so great having family for the holiday, made me feel a little less far away!





Saturday, Jimmy's brother Danny came over and ate an early dinner with us and then he and Jimmy took the kids around our neighborhood, it was actually not too cold so it made it much nicer to be out. They did drop James off after a while since he was starting to get tired, but then they headed back out for more candy! They kids got so much candy, we aren't really used to that since in Vegas we would only go down a few streets in my parents neighborhood and the houses were pretty far apart, it was always just enough to make the kids happy, but man, this year was crazy!! Lexi "estimates we have over 600 pieces of candy in the three bags", not to mention the left overs from what I didn't hand out!
Once they got back we had doughnuts and hot chocolate, then the kids were off to bed and Jimmy, Danny and myself stayed up talking and watching movies. It was a really nice way to spend our Halloween.











Sunday we enjoyed the time change that gave us a little more time to get ready for church. It was a great Sunday, have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE our ward?!?! It really makes attending church great for our entire family. Afterward we went to our friends the Clark's for lunch and hanging out. We even got out for a little snowball fight and playing at the park across from their house. The kids had a great time playing and Jimmy and I really enjoy Kari and Rob's company so it made for the perfect Sunday afternoon!!

Something about this place just fits out family so well, it feels like home! Hope all of you had a great Halloween as well!



Love to you,


Sunday, November 1, 2009

Sunday Scripture : Personal Revelation


Alma 17:3

"But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.

There have been many opportunities for me to receive personal revelation in my life, and through the Holy Ghost, have done so, through callings in which I have served, for my children, for myself, and for those whom I have served. I believe that much of the time it comes to me in thoughts or ideas that have led me to help someone who was in need, to handle a particularly difficult moment with a child, or occasions where the promptings have kept me safe. I strive to keep my direct line to the Holy Ghost open, that I might be available at a moments notice to hear and then act upon that which I have been instructed to do. At times I will have a feeling and I will not know the exact reason or purpose but I try to to rely on the knowledge that my Heavenly Father possesses, knowing that His picture is much broader and that if I will listen, He will lead me to do what is right.

When Jimmy received the job offer here in Colorado, we both prayed to know if this was where we should be, and for me the feeling was one of comfort but also the instruction to "Follow my husband" I knew that I would not be led astray if I were willing to stand beside my best friend in his decision. When Jimmy accepted the position, I knew that this was where the Lord wanted us, it was not "Our" first choice of cities we wanted to be in, but the Lord knew we needed to be in this city. Coming here with that knowledge, made it much easier and we have truly been blessed in our new surroundings, it has been such a testament to me of the power that we are able to tap into to receive answers to prayers, promptings from the Spirit, and a greater knowledge of our Heavenly Father. I know that when I allow Him to guide and direct me I am blessed and strengthened.

In the September 1999 Ensign, Elder L. Lionel Kendrick gave instructions on how to prepare ourselves for personal revalation.

Fasting

“Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me” (Alma 5:46).

The sons of Mosiah prepared themselves by the same means: “They had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the … spirit of revelation” (Alma 17:3).

Think pure thoughts. If we are to have the channels of communication open, we must clear our minds of worldly and impure thoughts. We must follow this counsel of the Savior: “Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven” (D&C 121:45).

Develop a spirit of reverence. To receive revelation, we must develop a spirit of reverence. Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles counseled, “Inspiration comes more easily in peaceful settings.” 2 He added, “Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit,” and “Reverence invites revelation.” 3

Irreverence not only shows disrespect to Deity but also makes it hard for the Spirit to teach us the things we need to know. The Savior said, “And your minds in times past have been darkened because … you have treated lightly the things you have received” (D&C 84:54). He counseled, “Trifle not with sacred things” (D&C 6:12). The process of receiving revelation is sacred. It is a divine discussion with Deity and must be reverenced if it is to work.





Happy Sunday and Love to you,