A little perspective

A distraught Aislinn today, "Mom, Gavin and Gabe told me today that I do NOT have an "S" in my name! I told them that I do. They are being mean to me. MOM, DON'T I HAVE AN "S" IN MY NAME? I write it A I S L I N N. See, there is an "S"." As she cries to me...

I respond, "Aislinn, yes you have an "S" in your name. Those boys are just not being nice. Don't you worry about it. You know how to spell your name, "S" and all."

To which she replies as she sniffles, "I knew it!"

Man, if all I had to worry about was the spelling of my name!

I love being a mom. (most of the time) ;)

Ward Conference

The choir sang the prelude music. We warmed up by singing Come Follow Me then stood and sang For All The Saints followed by Lord, I Would Follow Thee.

Bishop Saunders spoke on the blessings of the atonement followed by President Carter speaking. President Carter spoke about 7 sources of learning that we need to do to be better prepared.

I am going to list below so I can look back at this to remember his talk years from now.

1. Daily prayer - family and individual

2. Daily scripture study

3. Attend all church meetings

4. Magnify your calling.

5. Follow the prophets and your priesthood leaders.

6. Attend the temple

7. Family Home Evening

I feel blessed to have been able to attend and be spiritually fed. Now, if I could just hit more right notes on the piano, that would be nice. Is that too much to ask? ;)

Magic Kingdom

Apparently everyone and their brother was at the Magic Kingdom today. However, we still managed to eat about every hour and use practically every bathroom in the park! I call that accomplishment!

I took some cute pictures and so did Grandma, that I will put on later.

We had a great day.

Hope, Day 6

Today I have hope in:

1. The ability that I have to be blessed with great friends that I KNOW are there for me, no matter what.

2. That one day, I will look back on all this 'craziness' that I'm in the middle of right now and actually MISS it.

3. It will stop raining in time for all of us to celebrate my birthday tomorrow at the Magic Kingdom.

Hope, please!

I hope that we get our issues fixed with the septic and drain field so that I can actually use my house as designed.

That's not too much to ask, is it?

Not fun

Can I just say that it is not fun to have to stagger your showers and anything and everything that deals with water in your home!

Our drain field is apparetnly not sufficient to support our family size so we have been having issues since the fall.

Well, I've hit my limit!

We can't flush the toilets.

I can't just run the washer or dishwasher when I need to.

I have to instruct the children on where they can use the toilet in the house.

Not fun.

Not fun at all.

Hoping some more

I have hope that I can be the person that my Heavenly Father knows I can be.

I have hope that I can be kinder and more patient.

I have hope in the fact that I can be carried by my Savior when I can't carry myself.

Day 3 of hope focus

Today I have hope in:

1. The possiblities of eternal families.

2. That I can continue to try to raise my voice less.

3. That my children will not 'really' drive me crazy!

Hope, Day 2

Today, I have hope in:

prettier weather to come,

attempting to not raise my voice tonight with the kids,

staying positive when I try to discourage myself.

Good start, right?

Hope, Day 1

Today was fast and testimony meeting. I really enjoyed listening to the testimonies and I procrastinated so long that I missed my opportunity. Maybe next time...

Since Time Out For Women's theme was Infinite Hope and all the messages were centered around that, I have been pondering many things in my life and things that I have hope in.

Today, I have hope in my ability to be a good primary pianist and choir director. I went home and practiced piano tonight and this afternoon, we had our last choir practice before singing prelude next week for ward conference. The choir is really progressing and I was really encouraged. My piano skills, well, I have hope that they will improve and carry me as needed. I am practicing though and I am thankful for Debbie and her ability to have patience in me.

I felt prompted this evening to have Chris call his mom. I was just sitting there reading something and the thought came, we need to call. So, I told Chris. He said, "Okay". I then replied, "We need to call now". He picked up the phone and called. I am thankful for the blessing of the holy ghost in my life.

Time Out For Women, Day 2

Kenney got up this morning at 6:30 and I woke up then too but stayed in the bed until 7 when I started to get ready. We were supposed to get to the convention center early, since we stayed down there, and save seats. However, Danette and Debbie got there before us and they drove down from here. What great friends they are! I couldn't even seem to get my tired self out of bed across the street and they came from an hour away. Go girls!

We had a wonderful spirit filled day and here are some pictures to prove it!

Dannette and Debbie

Kenney and me
Ashlea and me. I was really glad to get to see her. She and her family used to be in our ward for several years and we served together for most of that time. She is an amazing woman!

Stephanie and me. All I want to say about us is that I LOVE her! She is a blessing.

Following the meeting, Kenney headed back to Tallahassee and Danette, Debbie and I headed to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. I believe that it was the FUNNIEST dinner I have ever had. I'll leave it at that.

I can't wait for next year...

Time Out For Women, Day 1

Danette and Debbie picked me up at 11 and we headed to Orlando to do some shopping before needing to arrive at Time Out For Women at 5 something.

We went to eat at Zaxby's and then to Nordstrom Rack where I found a pair of jeans, a shirt and a sweater that I just couldn't live without!

Following my little shopping spree, we headed to the mall where we walked around and looked for Crocs, but were unsuccessful and then we ate some very tasty ice cream while we people watched. I must say that we had fun doing that. I wonder if people work?

We headed to the convention center where we waited for a few minutes for the door to open. Wendy Watson Nelson and Sherri Dew spoke to us. Kenney arrived late, due to traffic, so she missed Sister Nelson, but she at least got to hear Sister Dew.

When the meeting was over, around 9:30, Danette and Debbie headed home while Kenney and I headed across the street to the Westin. I was exhausted!

I have learned from past experiences that Time Out For Women weekend is wonderful, but NOT restful! Tomorrow morning is going to come fast!

Wow! 36 today!

I can't believe it, but it is in fact true. I am 36 today! Here's the picture to prove it!

I feel truly blessed today with birthday cards from Chris and the kids, phone calls and Facebook messages. It certainly makes the day seem happy instead of sad that I'm getting older. Guess it doesn't really matter that I'm getting older because we all are and there is nothing we can do to change it.

Happy Birthday to me! Aislinn is very glad that it is my birthday today because now she knows that she is next! That is what she's been worried about for months. ;)

Relief Society Meeting

I love that the Relief Society meeting in March is always right around my birthday and that we celebrate Relief Society's birthday then. Why? Because I get to eat cake and visit with my friends and have my own little birthday party while at the meeting. See, it's good for everyone!

Last night, about 4 or 5 of us were asked to share about service and how it affected our lives. I was asked to share and I of course, told about all the service provided to our family while Aislinn was sick in the fall of 2008. It changed my life. To have people love and care for you and your family without any expectation of anything in return is truly amazing.

I am richly blessed and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to share that with my sisters and to remind myself of what a miracle it was.

Filling my bucket

I am very thankful for Sunday's. I love that I can have that day to go to church and spend time with my friends and family.

Here are some things that I enjoyed today:

1. Making breakfast for the kids plus Taylor. I made bacon, had doughnuts for them, which is a treat and whatever else they wanted. I think the kids really enjoyed that.

2. We all arrived at church on time, not crying, and minus Chris with plus one kids. If my arm was long enough, I would pat myself on my back... ;)

3. The messages were great during sacrament meeting. I needed to hear what they had to say.

4. Debbie Carter and I were in sync, as always, but today, it was great! I even didn't TOTALLY embarrass myself on the piano, which is an added bonus.

5. I survived choir practice and when choir finished, we sounded better than when we started. So, that was progress.

Pinewood Derby and meetinghouse cleaning

We were assigned as a family to clean the meetinghouse this morning. We got a late start, but got there and I really enjoyed the opportunity to serve in that way. The kids even had fun too.

After cleaning the building, we went home and Chris and Lauklan made the final adjustments to Lauklan's Pinewood Derby car.

We loaded up and arrived at the church for the Derby at 3. Lauklan raced and won second place. I think he was okay with that but I had to talk to him on the way there and the days prior about how it was just for fun and it didn't matter if he won or lost. I can say that we did leave without any tears, so I was glad.

Chris wen to see a movie with some of his friends tonight and I took the kids home, fed them dinner and got them into bed. It was a busy, but nice family day. It was also good that we had the cleaning and derby to do because it rained all day and didn't get out of the mid 40's so it would not have been a good Disney day.

Date night with the Shaw's

We left with Carl and Stephanie and headed to The Cheesecake Factory for date night.

The food was delicious, as always, but the company was divine!

Neck

I tend to take my health for advantage until I start to feel bad in one way or another.

Well, my neck is killing me! I think that I am sleeping on it funny and I am very thankful right now for Motrin.

Thank goodness I have a massage scheduled for tomorrow and maybe I can find some relief there.

Do you have a gift?

The answer, is of course, yes! I know that we are all given 'gifts' or 'blessings' or whatever word you use to call some type of talent that you have.

I have been thinking lately about my 'gifts' and I thought that I might like to focus on them today since I am VERY good at beating myself up and focusing on the negative. So, here I go.

2 of my 'gifts':

1. Health - I have always been blessed to be healthy. I am not sick very often, which I am always thankful for. Now that I am getting 'older' I can see more clearly that being blessed with good health is truly an amazing thing.

2. Music - I think that I took this for granted for many years. I guess that I thought everyone was like me in the fact that they took lessons on multiple instruments, etc. However, in the last several years, I have come to realize that my love and aptitude for music has truly blessed my life. It continues to bless my life and I am so glad that I again, have the opportunity to use it and share it with others.

Swim Team

Kerstyn started with the Mount Dora Swim Team this week. She basically has practice every day during the week except Wednesday from 4:30 - 6. It is quite hard to get her there and pick her up with my gym schedule, but so far, I think we can work it out.

I always enjoyed swimming when I was her age and I am very glad that she has found something that she enjoys. However, given how much time it takes for practice, I reminded her that it will only happen if all of her grades stay up. We'll have to see how it goes.

Come Follow Me

The choir sang it today.

It was beautiful, powerful and perfect!

I was also blessed to be able to do sharing time today in Primary. I was asked to do a music one and I couldn't have been happier. Melody, music, primary... you get the idea, it is my 'happy' place.

It was a great Sabbath day!

Disney, here we come!

Our annual passes expired the end of January and I splurged, yes, really splurged, and bought them again.

I kind of tried to justify the expense saying that we were getting 15 months instead of 12 and saving $35.00 a ticket. You know, stuff like that.

Bottom line is they are very expensive. But we LOVE going there as a family. So, here we go...

You're going to see many more posts of Disney day trips and I am glad. (So are the kids.)

Temple date

Chris and I went to the temple tonight on our date. We hadn't been planning on going there, but I got the feeling that we needed to at lunch time. So, off we went around 5:15.

We were in the 6:30 session and we both had a wonderful, peaceful experience.

I'm so glad that we went.

We ate at Carrabba's after that and of course, it was quite tasty!

I think that I must really enjoy eating because I sure mention it a lot...

Busy week

We had the dog spayed while we were on the cruise. Well, ever since, it has been trouble!

She broke her collar which kept her from licking the incision and I had to take her back becuase when I came home from work one day last week, she was open and bleeding. GROSS!

It has been WAY more expensive than it was supposed to be. Of course! I had to have her stiched back up and put on antibiotics, not to mention all of the extra trips to the vet's office.

Over it!

On top of that, the office is crazy, the kids are busy, and I am stressed.

Grace

Grace and I attended Hudson Elementary, Hudson Middle and Hudson High school together. We were in band and classes together every year from middle school on. We even rode the bus together in middle and high school until I started driving.

To say she is a dear friend would be a very accurate statement.

Above is Grace, Lillian (her 10 month old daughter), and me.

Grace and I.

Grace now lives in Seattle, Washington so for me to be able to see her was quite a treat. She and her family was in Treasure Island, which is near St. Petersburg for the week so I took advantage of her being close and went over for a visit.

To sum up our visit, it was just like old times. That makes me happy.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Chris stayed with me today to help me at church with the kids instead of going to Belleview. I really appreciated that. He helped get the kids to primary on time and to get them fed after church.

We were visited around 3 p.m. today by two youth and a leader that were acting as home teachers during youth conference that was held this weekend. Home teaching is kind of like Family Home Evening as far as kid behavior if you get my drift. However, we all survived.

After the visit, I got in the car and headed to Mom and Dad's to spend the night.

Tomorrow, I go to Treasure Island to visit with Grace. A friend of mine since 3rd grade.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Date

Chris and I went out tonight after a full morning.

Chris headed to an East Lake County Chamber of Commerce meeting while I went to cycle class.

After my cycle class, I took Kerstyn, Lauklan, Greyson and Aislinn to Noelle's birthday party. Aislinn was the only one invited, however, I paid to get the other kids in and they played while Aislinn did her thing.

After the party, we went back home. Chris was already out to his second meeting of the day.

This afternoon, around 4:15, Melissa arrived to babysit and Chris and I left on our date.

We ate at Chili's.

We stopped at Wal-Mart.

We watched a movie.

Then home.

What a nice date in my mind. However, a nice date to me is just having time for Chris and I, and that, we did have.

Girl's Night Out

I went over to Stephanie Shaw's tonight for some girl fun.

We ate, smelled candels, ate, and played one round of Catch Phrase. Then, I think we ate some more! ;)

It was nice to visit with her, her mom and her sister and also with some of her other friends from the Apopka Ward.

Carl, Stephanie's husband, went to our house to hang out with Chris and the kids while the girls did our thing.

I had a good time and was appreciative of the invitation.

Activity Day's for Girls' Recognition Night

Kerstyn sang Did Jesus Really Come Again? tonight to show one of her talents. She is a really good singer. Each of the girls were to prepare something to share that they did the past year as they worked on their Faith In God program.

I played the piano while Kerstyn sang just beautifully. I am so proud of her!

Flattery

I was loading my purchases from Target in my trunk this morning when a man stopped right behind me in his car and rolled down his window.

I turned to look at him to see what he wanted and he said, "You go home and tell your husband that some man was checking you out today and that you are hot!"

Wow, I feel good!

We don't need to mention that he was probably in his 50's now do we?

I'll take what I can get. :)

Happy 43rd Chris!

Today is Chris's birthday!

It was kind of a stressful morning since we were not wanting to get up after our super relaxing cruise vacation.

However, we got the kids off and headed to work.

The office took Chris our for lunch and then Chris and I went out for dinner.

Happy Birthday Chris! I love you!

Choir

Today, I was told that I was 'butchering' someone's favorite hymn.

I just can't seem to win!

Oh well, I pray about what I do then go forward. That is the best I can do.

Day at sea

We couldn't dock at Castaway Cay today because the winds were too high, so we ended up spending the day at sea. That was super relaxing too.

Thursday night, Chris and I had a couples massage at 7.

Friday, Chris, Mom (Nancy), and I got off the ship just for a few hours to walk around Nassau. The kids stayed on the ship at their activities. We got back in time for Chris and Mom to hang around the pool and the kids to play while I went for a facial and had my hair washed and blown dry. I forgot my flat iron at home, so I was in need of some 'sprucing' up. Dinner was for Chris and I tonight at Palo which is for 18 and up and was just delicious! We had an amazing time. Apparently Grandma and the kids were having fun too because we couldn't find them for hours afterward.

Chris even commented that he underestimated how relaxing it would be. We are having the time of our lives!

Disney Cruise

The BEST vacation ever!

Not kidding!

Relaxing is an understatement.

We are already planning our next trip.

Cruise, here we come!

We get on the ship, The Disney Wonder today at 1 p.m.

The kids are beyond excited and I am too. I know Chris will be as soon as we get on.

We leave Port Canaveral today at 4 and arrive at Nassau tomorrow morning.

We leave Nassau Friday afternoon and go to Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay is Disney's island.

Sadly, we get home Sunday morning and will have to get off the ship.

Groundhog Day

I thought it was really cute today how Aislinn told me all about Groundhog Day. She was wanting to not have 6 extra weeks of winter. However, she said, "The groundhog was scared and ran back in".

Six more weeks of winter, here we come.

Music and the Spoken Word followed by family

Chris and I headed up to Salt Lake this morning to attend Music and the Spoken Word. I had seen it 2 times before and Chris once, but I loved it even more today.

It really started snowing on us as we arrived and the flakes were so big and beautiful.

Following Music and the Spoken Word, we had lunch and then headed back up to Bountiful to visit with David Wade, Heather and their two boys.

Chris and I had a wonderful time visiting with them.

We had so much fun, that we barely got to the airport in time. We dropped off the car, checked in, stood in a super long security line, went to our gate, and walked on the plane. We never even sat down.

However, we got back into Orlando around 11:15 and headed home.

The trip was wonderful and we had such a great time celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary.

Now, back to reality for a few days before we cruise on Thursday!

Do what you want day

Chris and I slept as late as we wanted to this morning and then headed upstairs to have a wonderful breakfast made by Gail. I saw yesterday where she lived literally not even 5 minutes from a Nordstrom, so I asked if she would go there with me this morning. I was on a mission for some jeans, and I accomplished my mission. I was a happy girl.

After our quick trip to Nordstrom, we picked up the boys and stopped at In N Out Burger so Chris could experience something that I had been talking about for a few years. I think he enjoyed the burger and then we were off to Salt Lake City for a tour of the Conference Center and some gazing at the Salt Lake Temple.

Isn't it beautiful?

After our time there, we headed north to Bountiful where we drove around David Wade's neighborhood. David Wade is Gail's son that is only 3 months younger than me. We were going to visit him and his family, but he wasn't feeling well, so we had to wait until dinner time, when he was luckily feeling well enough to come to Salt Lake to eat with us.

Anyway, while driving around David Wade's neighborhood, we saw President Uchtdorf and his wife walking on the sidewalk. Chris and I felt like we were seeing a celebrity of sorts, but we just looked as we could, but it was really neat to see him.

We saw some serious crazy fancy houses and enjoyed the view too.

Dinner was at a TexMex restaurant in downtown Salt Lake with David Wade, Heather, David, Gail, Chris and I. The food was good, but the company was outstanding!

We hurried home to try to miss some serious snow and we managed to only have to drive in some light snow, which to Chris and I, was really neat to see.

A Salt Lake City Anniversary!

Chris and I arrived in Salt Lake City airport around 10:15 this morning. We rented our car and headed down to Orem, where Gail and David, my cousins live. Gail had to teach school today, but David was anxiously awaiting our arrival.

I was quite hungry when we got there, since I hadn't eaten and it was around 1 before we got to their house and unpacked, so we headed to Chef's Table to eat lunch. The view was wonderful, from our table, we could see the Provo temple, which is neat to us since seeing a temple isn't quite the 'everyday' thing for us.

After lunch, I asked David to take some pictures of Chris and I but, the only one I got was the one that I took below of the ice in the fountain because, of course, my battery died...

It's cold there.

I put in a new battery and snapped some pictures outside David and Gail's house. As you can see, there was quite a bit of that 'white stuff' around.

The picture above was taken outside their home also. I think that the view is just beautiful. It is so different for us to look around and see mountains. I also like this picture because it is taken on our 16th wedding anniversary. Wow, we've changed! But, we're still taking this life on together, so that is good.

Below, of course, is the Provo temple which Chris was glad to see since he fondly remembers his trips there while in the M.T.C.

After driving around the Provo and Orem area, Gail arrived home and we headed up to Sundance for dinner. It was really cold up there, about 23 degrees and I was glad to get inside as quickly as possible.

To me, all these pictures say is COLD!

I took a picture of the icicles for the kids because they really think they are cool.

Dinner at Sundance was really nice. It was great to celebrate our anniversary dinner there and to be able to be together and have David and Gail along too.

Happy 16 years to us, Utah style!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Chris and I get on an airplane leaving the airport at 7 a.m.

Tomorrow, The high at our destination is 35.

Tomorrow, We'll be in "The Happy Valley".

Tomorrow, We celebrate 16 years as a married couple.

Tomorrow, we spend the day together. Celebrating where we've been and where we're going.

Tomorrow, we remember why we started this 16 years ago.

I look forward to 'tomorrow'.

Serious Stuff!

This is what working hard looks like.

Just wanted you to know...

:)

Suckers!

Yoo-Ma and Papa are suckers when it comes to the kids! They baby and love on them until no end! I love it! That is what grandparents are supposed to do, isn't it?

Mom and I headed off this morning to her nail appointment. I begged and pleaded with Wendy, her nail person and got my nails filed and painted. I know you're thinking that I could do that easily myself, and you're probably right, but the fact is, I don't! So, it was nice to have it done.

Daddy took the kids to wash the truck and eat ice cream while Mom and I were off playing. I'm not really sure if his truck will ever be the same, but he did survive the trip!

The rest of the day we spent at the house helping distract Mom from the work being done in the formal dining room. They were having the wallpaper removed and they are going to paint where the wallpaper was. The room is going to be trimmed in cedar and all spiffied up! I think it will look great. The kids even helped remove the wallpaper and but things in the trash.

They ordered Pizza Hut for dinner and around 7:30, I headed home with 5 tired, but happy children.

Church then Yoo-Ma and Papa's

Chris woke up early this morning and left for the Belleview Ward.

The kids and I got up, did our normal Sunday morning routine, then headed to church. Believe it or not, they were pretty good for me. I sure hope that they continue to improve each week.

After church, we headed home to change and load up the car to head to Mom and Dad's.

Chris called as he was leaving Belleview and said that he thought he'd go over too and just head back late tonight. I thought that was great and told him to turn around and get on the interstate because he was closer than I was to them. So he did and he got to Mom and Dad's about 45 minutes before the kids and I did. Logan, one of my nephews, was already there too which was an added bonus!

Daddy arrived about 30 minutes later and it was a party from there!

Here and there

Kerstyn had 2 birthday parties to attend today. Chris took her to the first, while I cycled and then I picked her up.

During the afternoon, we played, cleaned and organized.

Chris and I ran over to Sanford with the three youngest kids and ate at Cracker Barrell. I LOVE that place!

Following our late lunch with only 3 kids, I dropped him and the kids at Books-A-Million and I ran over to Seminole Town Center in pursuit of some 7 jeans.

I didn't find them. Apparently, the Macy's and Dillard's there don't carry them. I can order them online but I wanted to try them on before I purchased them. Maybe I should go to Millennia?

Anyway, after we got back, I went over to pick up Kerstyn and Kirstie from the second birthday party of the day. Kerstyn proceeds to tell me that her throat is hurting and she has a headace that she has had all day. Great, that is all I need!

Carrabba's

Chris and I went out tonight and ate at Carrabba's. We, of course had a wonderful time together and the food was tasty, as usual.

I love date night!

Change

Having our own business means that things can get quite stressful.

We have to worry about staffing and payroll. Taxes, benefits, turn-over and that is just the beginning of the list.

I don't want to come across as that is a complaining however, because I know that we are greatly blessed to be able to have our own firm. For Chris to be able to support our family during these hard economic times is amazing. Sometimes though, I like to escape. I like to think that I don't have all those worries. Maybe that is part of the reason I escape to the gym.?

So, Chris and I are going to 'escape'. Our 16th wedding anniversary is January 29 and we fly out that morning to Salt Lake City. We are both very excited. We will be staying with Gail, visiting family, going to the temple, touring BYU, temple square and the conference center to name a few things that we have on our itinerary.

We need to get away. I'm glad that it is soon. Even if it is just for 3 days, it is a great little break for us. Thank goodness for Grandma, who is coming to take care of the kids. We of course, couldn't do it without someone there to take care of the kids.

On top of that, we leave on our Disney Cruise, the whole family, even Grandma, on February 4. Exciting things are about to happen!

Did I mention?

Did I mention how much I like to cycle and exercise?

I missed any exercise yesterday, because of my visit with Michelle, which I was glad to do.

But, I like my exercise.

I like that I have some 'me' time.

I like that I feel like I did something for myself.

I like that I've lost weight and feel better about myself physically.

I like that I come out of the cycle room looking like I took a shower in my clothes, because I've worked really hard.

I like that when I work with my trainer that he always pushes me farther than I think I can go.

I like when I have my legs or arms shaking because I know that I am making progress.

I just like it.

BFF

I finally made it over to visit with Michelle. She is one of a kind and her friendship is one that I always treasure. Friends like her are few and FAR between!

I took Greyson with me and left Chris here with everyone else. Greyson and CJ are only 3 1/2 months apart, so they were glad to have each other to play with.

Upon arriving, we started visiting, which entails MUCH laughter!

Following a quick lunch, we took the boys to the park in her neighborhood where they played for quite a while and Michelle and I continued to visit. However, we determined while we were there that we could hear the outlet mall calling our names.

So, we took the boys back to the house. Left them in Will's care and headed to shop.

Success is all I can say about our shopping experience. However, I think we might get in to a little trouble for it with the money that we spent... Just kidding.

We had dinner at a neat little restaurant in St. Augustine and I didn't get home until about 10:15 tonight. However, it was wonderful and I can't wait to see her again.

While I was gone, Chris too the other kids to EPCOT and they had their own wonderful time which I will blog about later.

Choir

I love choir director today! I have such a roller coaster relationship with that calling! But today, I LOVE it!

The choir sang the intermediate number today. I chose, and we prepared, Did You Think To Pray? and then right into Joseph Smith's First Prayer.

I felt the spirit, I sure hope others did too.

Shopping with Kerstyn and storming

Kerstyn and I headed to the Nordstrom Rack this afternoon and after not finding anything that I couldn't live without, we entered the Mall at Millennia. We walked all around and finally found me a warm coat at Abercrombie and Fitch. I hope that it will keep me warm on our anniversary trip to Salt Lake City. Remember, I'm a Florida girl, so I'm certainly not used to this cold weather.

Kerstyn picked The Cheesecake Factory for dinner and it was, of course, delicious!

After dinner, we stopped at The Men's Warehouse to pick up Chris' suits and then headed home. Kerstyn and I had a lot of fun together, just the two of us.

However, like I feared, it started storming late tonight. My son, remember is in a tent. In a field. I'm not going to sleep very well tonight.

Date night and Shakedown

Chris and I finally left for our date around 7 tonight. I had to take Brennan out to Camp La No Che around 6 to drop him off for his first Shakedown Campout. I don't pick him up until Sunday after church. It is really exciting for Chris and I that Brennan has the opportunity to participate in the National Jamboree this summer. It is the hundredth anniversary of Scouting on top of all the other great stuff that will happen this summer! We keep telling Brennan how it will be an experience of a lifetime. I hope that he really takes advantage of all it has to offer.

I am kind of scared though because it is supposed to rain and/or storm on Saturday night. That puts me into 'mom mode' and I find myself worried about my son being out in a tent in the middle of a field while it is raining sideways with high winds, lightning and thunder. Hmmm, not good.

So, after I dropped Brennan off, I headed to the office to get Chris. It was too late to get to a seven o'clock movie, so we decided just to do dinner. When we got to Chili's, apparently everyone in Mount Dora was there, so after visiting with Linda and Cindy, that I used to teach with at Round Lake, Chris and I headed to Outback in Leesburg.

We waited about 30 minutes at Outack, but had a lovely dinner with good food and great company.

Happy Golden Birthday Brennan!

Brennan is 13 today! It is hard for me to believe that I have a teenager. It is hard for me to believe that 13 years ago today I became a mother. Brennan came to this Earth 6 weeks early. He weighed in at 4 pounds 15 ounces and was really healthy despite weighing such a small amount. He didn't want to eat at first, I guess he's making up for that now... Anyway, he is truly a blessing to our family. I know that it is hard for him being the oldest child of 5. He has a lot of responsiblity, but he does well with it. He has an amazing testimony of the gospel and he sets a great example to all of us. Most of the time, he even enjoys being around us. ;)

Happy Birthday Brennan!

Oldest and youngest...

He didn't want his picture taken at all, so I'm just glad to see him smiling.

Kerstyn took this shot today. I have on 2 inch heels, so you can see that Brennan is as tall or taller than me already! Posing...Brennan with the traditional showing of the age with the fingers.

Who rules this roost?

Yes, that is MY bed with a dog on it!

I don't even know what to think about that!

Better

I must have an up and down relationship with my calling as choir director. This week was much better than last!

1. We had much better attendance this week.

2. I am pleased with how we sounded as a choir.

3. The hymns we are singing next week are going to be powerful in spirit.

I feel better.

Much better.

Whew, I was worried...

Ice and sleet

We have been experiencing very cold weather lately. It is winter, I am aware, but I do live in Florida and that usually means that we have a few days of freezing weather and then we are done. At least for a few weeks. We do that typically a few times a year. But, not right now! We have had temperatures in the 20's at night and only in the low 40's during the day. It has been this way for over a week. Cold, cold, cold! I took this picture this afternoon and it can certainly speak for itself.

Chris spoke at a baptism this morning while I went to cycle class in the sleet. It was really neat for the kids to experience the weather.

This afternoon, we decided that we would try and stay warm so we went to the movie theater to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. The heat was broken in the theater and we practically froze in there. I think I would have, but I kept my body heat up by shoving popcorn into my mouth as quickly as possible!

The kids really enjoyed the movie so that was fun to see.

I had to take Aislinn to After Hour Pediatrics tonight because she started complaining of her ear hurting and it hurting to swallow. Since Aislinn has quite a pain tolerance, I figured I needed to be concerned. The doctor diagnosed her with strep throat. Poor thing! She is on amoxicllin and I hope she improves quickly.

Busy Saturday, as you can see.

Date night

We went out tonight with the Shaw's. On the agenda was laughing and dinner at Outback Steakhouse.

We all had a great time.

I believe it was exactly what was needed, for me at least.

Get me back!

I am glad that school has resumed because it gives me back the routine that I am comfortable with. HOWEVER, the kids are not into it yet. They are having a hard time getting up, getting dressed and eating in enough time to be out the door on time.

That really bugs me.

But, we'll get better, I'm sure.

Baby, It's cold outside!

Here's a picture of my snack, before the gym. I'm being 'good' today...

It is really chilly outside and has been for several days. Highs in the lower 50's some days, but most highs in the 40's. That is cold for us here in Florida. Anyway, the kids still want to ride their scooters and stuff, so we all just have to bundle up. Here's Aislinn...

and me, ready for the gym, of course,
(picture taken by Aislinn, she's quite the photographer)
and Greyson wanting me to repair his new Spark Scooter.

I really enjoy the cold weather, for the most part, because I know that it doesn't last for long. When the sky is blue and it is sunny, it is just beautiful and I enjoy our blast of artic air.

Book Club Breakfast

I'm not sure why these pictures are small, but oh well. Debbie invited us to her house this morning for a breakfast pot luck. We showed up ready to enjoy each other's company. Yes, this is the book club that I attend faithfully but rarely ever read the books they read. Isn't it interesting that they let me come anyway?

Mary

Gail and me

Debbie, Gail and Cathy

Debbie and Danette

Debbie

The above picture of Debbie is really cute because she was so excited to be planning for the book club. We set topics and dates for the next 6 months. Impressive, I know.

A reason to ponder

We're all getting older, and we're reminded every day. I have been pondering lately my health and what is truly important here on Earth.

This is some of the stuff I came up with, in no particular order:

1. Life is short, no matter how long I get here. I only get one chance and I need to take full advantage of it.

2. I need not sweat the small stuff. Sounds easy, but sometimes not so much for me. I'm going to work on that.

3. The gospel is true. Period. I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, no matter what. Jesus Christ atoned for my sins. The priesthood has been restored, it can and will bless lives. We have a living prophet, He receives inspiration on how to help me and anyone who will listen and apply it to their lives. We are called to positions in the church to grow and learn. We will be blessed for our faithfulness. I can make it. I can do this. It is all worth it, and I will be blessed in the eternities.

4. When push comes to shove, you really find out who cares, even if they sometimes don't act like it.

With all that in mind, it is a new year, I'm going to press on.

Why?

We went to church today, minus Chris, who attended his assigned ward in Belleview. It was fast and testimony meeting and I really enjoyed hearing the members testimonies. I have to say, that I always enjoy hearing and feeling pure testimonies, they strengthen me and for that, I am extremely grateful!

Primary was crazy, with class changes and all, but I did survive playing the piano, so that is good... I am certainly being uplifted in that area.

This afternoon was our first choir practice after the Christmas program. We had much fewer people there, which was sad. I guess many things are still going on, so I hope that we get a bunch more next Sunday. I left a little discouraged again, but I will press on.

Kerstyn requested Baked Spaghetti for dinner and I delivered, which scored me major brownie points with Kerstyn. It was tasty. But even better, is that all seven of us sat at the table and talked and laughed.

That, is what it is all about!

Busy Day

Chris went off this morning to a shooting range with Lauklan to meet a friend from law school. While he was there, I went to my cycle class. We both got done around noon and met back up at the house.

We went as a family to a birthday party for a friend's son. The kids had a really good time, as did Chris and I. Here we are before leaving with the birthday boy!

Following the party, we stopped at Blockbuster and rented G-Force, bought candy and buckets of popcorn. We came home, all the kids got showers, and it was family movie night!

The kids had a blast watching the movie and eating outside of the kitchen. Yes, eating outside of the kitchen is a big deal, it must have been a special night.

Overall, it was a great 'family' day.

Magic Kingdom on New Year's Day

We waited until it stopped raining today and then headed to the Magic Kingdom. We ate at Cracker Barrel on the way and arrived there around 4. We stayed until after the fireworks and I was really glad because they were great! We did a lot of rides, watched the parade and saw the fireworks. We were busy the whole time, but the kids were really good and we had a blast. It was getting quite cold, but we were all bundled up. We didn't get home until around midnight, but it was really worth it. Needless to say, everyone but Chris and I was asleep before we got home. We got everyone in their beds and headed there ourselves. Here are some shots from Chris' phone with us on the carousel.

Did you see all those smiles? Yippee!

Happy New Year!