Random Thoughts

What would I do, without this man? I am almost confident that NOBODY else could put up with me. He even loves me on top of it, quite amazing!

This is the boss. Thank goodness... :)

It doesn't look like he wanted this taken, does it? I'm guessing the photographer was Lauklan or Aislinn.

Seriously, this boy is going to be an entertainer!

We're working on our relationship and I have to say, I'm really enjoying it. She is SO MUCH like me, it's hard some times.

Well, if Kerstyn is like me, Brennan seems to be like Chris. What a neat young man.

I had a rough day yesterday. I just didn't feel like myself. Today was going that way again. So, I was going to just put some random thoughts about the kids and stuff on today's blog. Now that I am done, I am in a better mood. Just writing these things has allowed me to realize how wonderful each of these people are that are in my family. I am so thankful for all of my many blessings and especially thankful that my family can be together forever!

Deaf ears

My children seem to have deaf ears when it comes to my voice.

Interesting!

Some of my favorites

President Monson - You're going to miss this! He focused on living in the now and finding joy. I loved how he put so many wonderful aspects of this mortal life in perspective. Every time I Windex the fingerprints, I'm going to think of his talk. I'm serious, every time!

Elder Bednar - Prayer. I just loved how he challenged us to say a prayer of only thanksgiving. I'm sure that will have a profound effect on me.

Elder Nelson - Marriage is between one man and woman. I loved how he compared marriage to shopping. You can go for the okay, but not the best option which would be marriage, but not temple marriage, however, I loved how he said that you could upgrade and get the celestial marriage if you are faithful. You can go for the best, temple marriage or you can "shoplift" marriage. I enjoyed hearing again how important family is, and how we CAN be together forever, for I want nothing more than that!

I have other points that stuck out to me, but I'm in a blur as to who exactly said what.

I enjoyed the talk where we were told how our dress is important because it affects our demeanor. How important sacrament meeting is and how vital our dress and attitude are in our ability to worship.

I enjoyed the many testimonies of the leaders. Each one of them touched my life.

I truly enjoyed the music, however, I have to admit that the Primary Children's Choir was absolutely amazing! Did you hear them? I loved each of their songs but, the closing song, We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet was just beautiful. How He does guide us in these latter days! What a blessing!

Are you watching?

General Conference is on this weekend. Are you tuned in? (pun intended!) :)

Greyson's Birthday Party!

Chris and Greyson

Kiddie Pool fun

The spread

Greyson with his pirate gear

The birthday boy with his cake

Happy Birthday Greyson, again.

After the party, we turned on conference and I loved every minute of it.

This evening, Melissa came to watch the kids so I could go on a girls night while Chris was at the Priesthood session. Debbie Clayton, Debbie Carter and I went to Olive Garden for dinner, Target for some power shopping and then to the Birdhouse for some fun conversation.

It sure was a fun day. (While Chris was at conference and I was off with the girls, Ryck and Kenney went on a much needed date.)

We all came home exhausted!

To be a kid again

Wouldn't it be nice to be a kid again? Especially in these economic times? To not have to worry about big things would be such a blessing.

Aislinn, the star student!

Aislinn has been aiming to get the Star Student award at school since she found out about it on the first week. She has updated me almost daily on who had Star Student that week and she would tell me that she was going to get it the next time. I tried to tell her that she might not get it when she planned, but she did! I couldn't believe it. I am so proud of her. They say that she is a great helper and very caring.

Her Star Student Chart. It says that she is star student for always being a good friend. When she grows up she wants to be Dora. Her favorite TV show is Dora. Her favorite color is green. Her favorite foods are pizza, hot dogs and cupcakes

Way to go Aislinn Grace!

Happy Birthday Greyson!

Greyson's school pull-apart cupcake cake. If you can't see it too well, it was Batman returns.

Greyson trying to show five fingers for the five years he is old.

Sitting at school.

Greyson with Grandma. She came over to visit with the birthday boy.

Greyson and me. My big boy is growing up.

His birthday cake for the house. He is having a party Saturday and will have a cupcake pull-apart cake.

Greyson had a great day! I don't think it can be topped, at least until Saturday when the big Pirate Birthday Bash begins.

Happy, Happy Birthday Greyson dear. We love you!

Trying

I am going to try to not focus on the negative, but remember the positive more often. It is easier said than done for me, as I am sure that it is for many of you.

Elder Uchtdorf had a great talk Saturday night referencing these aspects of life. He had such sweet humor, but also had a powerful message.

This work is great. Our opportunities to serve are endless. Our Heavenly Father does not expect us to be perfect, just try our hardest.

I shall try...

I look forward to hearing MANY uplifting messages this weekend during General Conference.

Clarification

The kids allowed me to stay in bed until 9 a.m. yesterday, but they had me awake by 7:30. I just refused to get out of the bed until 9. That's because I was hungry. :)

A nice day

Chris and Brennan are gone camping until late tonight.

The kids allowed me to stay in bed until 9 a.m. AMAZING!

We went to Cracker Barrel for brunch and then returned home. Kerstyn had her friend Lauren come over for a little while and then she went to Lauren's. Lauklan had Trevor over for most of the day. They have played Lego's and gone swimming.

It's been a really nice day. I am now getting ready to be fed spiritually. Can't wait.

Less serious

I'm going to try to be less "deep".

I think that I have just had several things happen around me lately that have caused me to stop and ponder many things.

Like the couple that was burned in the plane crash in Arizona. They are fighting so valiantly, but they life that they knew will be no more. I pray for them and their family daily.

The economy is cause for great concern. I never knew that there would be a time in my life that I would be thankful for just having a job. Not a job that I liked or a job that paid well, but just a job in general. Now, I know that I don't really have a typical job, I work for Chris, but I am so thankful that Chris has a job, so that we have food to eat, a place to live, etc. These times are scary. Anyone remembering about 12 - 14 years ago when President Hinckley told us to get our houses in order in General Conference? Hum...

Even Debbie Clayton's surprise surgery has caused me to ponder. I know that it wasn't anything majorly wrong, but you just can't take life for granted.

I thought I was going to be less "deep". What happened?

Brennan and Chris are off to camp tonight through late tomorrow night. I hope that the weather stays pretty so that they can have a good time.

The other kids and I plan on just having fun. I hope to be able to find some way to go to the General Relief Society Broadcast tomorrow night. I guess I need to hunt for a babysitter since Chris and Brennan won't be getting home until around 11.

Touching lives

Each of us interact with so many different people each and every day.

I wonder, what do I do to serve, help, enlighten and lift them up?

Do I set a good example?

Do they know what I stand for?

I sure hope so.

Times are changing

Today is the first day that I noticed cooler air. It was quite windy too, which I am sure helped it seem even cooler than it actually was. It was really nice to feel a breeze that wasn't hot. However, I found myself kind of sad at the passing of summer temperatures. It was a nice summer here, swimming, friends, etc. All to come again, I know, but it was fun for sure.

Debbie Carter and I visited a dear friend last night in the hospital. Debbie Clayton had her appendix taken out on Monday and is now home, I hear. I was glad that Debbie Carter and I got to go visit her. Sure hope you're feeling much better real soon.

Here are a few pictures of our favorite things:

Aislinn LOVES to ride her Dora scooter all around the pool.

Lauklan, the champion swimmer. I'll tell you what, that boy has quite a personality!

Kerstyn flashing a toothy grin.

I love...

(a partial list)

1. My Father in Heaven
2. His Son Jesus Christ
3. My AMAZING loving, caring, and VERY patient husband
4. My 5 happy, healthy, crazy children
5. My parents and friends

All of these people listed above love me no matter what. They love me despite my MANY quirks, O.C.D., etc.

I am just feeling thankful right now for the many blessings in my life and I thought I would write some of it down. :)

Ooh-Rah!

Cute, right?

Is there ANYTHING that he doesn't try to eat?

Really. Now, he's not so cute.

Rambunctious!

I don't know what they ate, but OH MY! Primary was quite the interesting place to be today.

Karen and Krystal and a great discussion

I was visited last night and today by Karen and Krystal. They came over to visit while Chris, Lauklan and Greyson went camping. Karen and I stayed up until after midnight laughing and giggling. Needless to say, we had fun.

It is so nice to have family come over and visit. If you haven't come over in a while, here's your invitation. :)

This evening, we had the opportunity to have a discussion with the missionaries and a great family in our home. It is so nice to have a discussion here because the spirit is always so strong. I believe the Casey's had a great time and so did we.

I had to go to bed at 9:30, I guess I was really up Friday night with Karen. Too late for being such an old lady...

Longtime friends

Turin and Jenn

Ashton and Vivian

We had a cute little swim party.

I was visited for a few hours today by Turin, Jenn, Vivian and Ashton. Turin and I became friends when we were 9 years old. We grew up next door to each other. His parents moved into their house about a month or two before we moved in. Since Turin and I are only 4 months apart, age wise, we were destined to become good buddies. For many summers, we were inseparable. I invited myself over, if he didn't invite me over first (those of you that know me well probably aren't surprised with this). We went to different schools since I always went out of zone, but after school, summers and holidays, we were catching frogs, fishing, riding horses and riding motorcycles.

Well, when high school came around, we had less time for each other, but were still good friends. He was there to help my mother bury my Great Dane, Rambo, before I got home so I didn't have to see Rambo that way. He was there when I graduated, to support me as I was to him and we kept in touch when we went to separate colleges.

You get the idea, it's been a long and great road. SO, he stopped by today on his way to see his parents, grandparents, and extended family, to see me and I am so VERY glad.

Plugging along

We had scouts last night at our house since the YM and YW were meeting for Standards Night, or something like that. Anyway, I did a lesson with the boys (Brennan, Thomas and Ethan) on developing characteristics that are Christlike. We talked about people that had characteristics that we thought were admirable and good. They also wrote a letter to their parents, grandparents, or teacher to tell them what they respect and appreciate about them. All of the boys had such sweet things to say. We also discussed the 12th Article of Faith and what it means to us.

Today, was more of the usual, school, work, homework and some fun, a.k.a. swimming. The time is going by so fast.

The kids and I ate dinner at Cici's because we can eat there cheaper than anywhere else. I don't particularly care for the food, but the price is good.

Having fun

I know that we, as Latter-Day Saints, are supposed to not only endure, but "endure well to the end".

Right?

Well, what exactly is "well to the end"? I mean, I have an idea. I know that I am supposed to choose the right, try to lead a Christlike life, set a good example, be a nurturing mother and wife and other things. However, I believe that I am having a hard time staying positive here.

I'm not very good at these things. I yell on occasion, well, sometimes its more than occasional. I feel overwhelmed at times. I fuss, complain, and sometimes cry.

Not doing well here, not well at all on some of these things.

HOWEVER... I do feel His love. I know that I am loved by my father in heaven. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and that he died for me. Good thing, right? Since I am having such difficulty trying to be perfect here. :)

Anyway, all is well. Busy, but good.

The kids are doing well, I think. We're plugging through homework and teacher conferences, Boy scouts, activity days for girls and everything else we have on our plates. If all I have to fuss about this morning is having water spilled all over Lauklan's pants on the way to school, well, I KNOW that it could be MUCH worse.

Where are you?

Allyson,

I would love to catch up with you too, however, I can't because I don't have any e-mail or blog address. HELP!!!

It's gone

Greyson in 'the chair'.

Aislinn in 'the chair'.

It's gone, not the kids, but the seat.

I have had a high chair in my house since January 1997! It's been 11 years and 8 months! It's kind of sad that its gone. It seems weird even. I'm not too sure what to think about it.

I just noticed that the same type of sippy cup is in each picture. Cute.

Bye bye high chair. You served us well. All of us. Brennan, Kerstyn, Lauklan, Greyson AND Aislinn. Rest well.

Temple night

It's date night for Chris and I.

We decided, well, I decided, that we would designate the second Friday of each month "temple night".

So, we're off to the temple tonight and I am really looking forward to it.

Scouts

Lauklan is not old enough to be in cub scouts with church, but we have him, for this year only, in Tiger Cubs with his friends from school. He is so excited about it - so excited even that he went to Brennan's meeting last night in his Tiger Cub uniform just to show off. Too cute.

Ethan earned his Webelos badge last night. Good job.

Thomas, who is Brennan's friend from school is now officially a scout. We're glad to have him with us.

Brennan earned his Second Class rank in Boy Scouts. He also earned his Railroad merit badge.

Taylor also earned a merit badge or two. Way to go!

I am proud of all of our scouts !

Do they ever listen?

I just wonder...

Does it EVER get to the point when you say, "Go take your shower, get your pajamas on and blow dry your hair." and then they ACTUALLY do it? Really, you find that they have showered, are in their pajamas and their hair is dry!

Just imagine.

I mean, REALLY take time to ponder the situation....

Or, even "Time for bed, brush your teeth and get in bed." and then you find that they are in bed.

Just wondering.

I'm not sure if I'll EVER know. :(

One way you know you have young kids...

Is when you are having Family Home Evening out by the pool and your 7 year old and 9 year old are rough-housing around. During all of this "FUN" and the 7 year old ends up slamming his head into the pool step causing a gash about 1/2 inch long!

LUCKILY, it wasn't too deep, says Chris/Mr. Army Medic, so he sent me off to CVS to buy some steri-strips, Betadine, and butterfly bandages.

He bandaged him up and we sent him to bed just a few minutes ago. Before I sent him off to his room, I reminded him to say his prayers. I asked, "What can you be thankful for?" He replied, "That Daddy fixed me up."

Sure enough! :)

Finally, Tallahassee pictures

Nana and Pa Sim, who are Chris' paternal grandparents, with Chris and the kids.

The meridian marker. In the beginning, this was the middle of the Florida population. Hence, Tallahassee became the capital.

Chris's brick (Whew, we almost had to buy 2!)

Mine was such an easier fit.

I love this place.

The kids and I standing in front of the Wescott building. Ruby Diamond Auditorium is connected to this building and is where I played countless performances throughout my undergraduate career. MANY MEMORIES!

Chris and I standing in front of our bricks and the Wescott fountain.

My first job ever.

Our very first apartment. It was the one on top because I was afraid to live on the ground floor. We were so poor, and so happy!

Chris and the boys wearing their FSU attire.

Fast and testimony meeting

We had a wonderful fast and testimony meeting today. The spirit was strong and many wonderful testimonies were bore.

I finally got up and shared my testimony.

I have been feeling like I should bear my testimony in sacrament meeting for several months, but I just didn't get myself out of the seat. Today I finally did and I am glad! I feel much better now. I just hope and pray that it helped someone and I hope that I made sense. I get so nervous and I'm not too sure if I say things the way I mean to. But, I survived to tell about it. :)

Leesburg Stake Center Groundbreaking

I was blessed to be able to conduct the music for the meeting.

Assistant Stake Clerk (he looks familiar), Stake First Counselor, Stake President, Stake Second Counselor, Stake Clerk, and Executive Secretary

The Eustis Ward Primary

Eustis Ward Council members

The Shipley Family

Hallelujah!

Bad luck

Debbie, you must have given me your bad luck streak. I'm hoping that 3 is all that I get. 1. the tooth, 2. the car, 3. the tire. ENOUGH!

I feel like a hamster in a wheel! I'm going 90mph and getting nowhere!

On a positive note, I am looking forward to the groundbreaking of the new church building on Saturday morning. I have never been to one and I know it will be something to remember. It is so exciting to have a building so much closer. A 10 minute drive as opposed to the 40 minute drive we currently have.

One of these days I will get my Tallahassee pictures up here. I have good intentions, I promise.

Tallahassee, Day 3

I just had to do it. I couldn't help myself. It was red, and bright and HOT! Yes, that's right, I did it again, I got ANOTHER dozen. They were SO good...

We headed home today from Tallahassee. We decided to head out around 1 and stopped at the mall to buy Pa Sim some Crocs. Then we took them over to him and said goodbye to both him and Nana.

Chris drove for me since I didn't feel like it. I was tired from not sleeping well all weekend and I was fighting a headache. The drive was uneventful until we exited I-75 and ran over a license plate with bolts attached that had fallen off someone's trailer. The bolt pierced my tire and had a huge noise along with putting a hole in it. Thank goodness Chris was there because I am not convinced that I could change a tire by myself. We put on the spare and continued on.

We had a nice trip and I am glad that we went but I'm also glad to be home.