Changes, Challenges, and California!

Happy Holidays to my sweet Family and Friends!

I have quite the updating to do today, It has been a year since my last post! WOW

Last November we were living at my moms, desperately searching for jobs. Praying and trying to understand the right path for our family. So where did this lead us? Yes its true, our path has taken us to Sunny California!
I considered moving out of state several times but never did I think it would actually happen. And the entire move was grueling and I felt as Enos, Wrestling before the Lord. In the sense that I felt this was the right path but I did not want to do it. I found myself fighting myself on this decision and struggling with every action lead up to the move.  Sometimes when we feel something is right we will have opposition to try and stop us from following what we know to be true. This was a very real experience for us. A week before we moved our Durangos transmission gave out. My husband was already living in california and I was pretty depressed. Some people would take that as a "Sign" not to move. Around that sametime I had the oppertunity to possibly have  my job back and help to support my family in utah, (again some might take this as a sign).
But what did we do? after much personal fighting ... we PUSHED FORWARD!
I cannot begin to tell you how important it is to just keep pushing forward. Always work to improve your life and situation.

We moved on time despite having one car that only half of us could fit in(we did a lot of walking). A few of us flew some of us drove and a couple of my kids came out with grandma and grandpa.  A bit crazy and seemed at time ridiculous, but it was what we needed to do to make it happen.  We have now lived in California for going on 6 months. I love it here. It is beautiful and I feel at home. It took awhile to get to that point though. The first few trips back to Utah were difficult. Now I can go and enjoy my stay and at the end be excited to come home to our home in California.

Brians Job is going well. It is a decent job. Difficult at times (full commission situation)  but a blessing in so many other ways. I think about going back to work often. I am not sure when that will happen, could be a year from now or could be 5 years from now when im done with school. For now we are enjoying the experience.
I started going to school through the BYU Idaho Pathways program. I LOVE this program. What an inspired institute this is. I have already learned quite a bit from my classes and am excited to venture down this path of education and preparation for my life and my family.

Since living in California, NO we have not been to Disneyland (its a 6 hr drive but is on our to do soon list) , YES we have been to a Giants game (WOOHOO best date so far) , YES we have enjoyed San Fransisco. YES we have been to the mountains, Beaches, and seen a few redwood trees.  We have enjoyed family trips to Santa Cruz, Jelly Belly Factory, Pumpkin Patches and many other places. For living here only 6 months we have explored a lot. We have strived to help the kids to feel at home.
Schools are a lot different here. The policys are different and I had never before heard of "Independent study" until we moved here. The Program for our oldest son who is hearing impaired is a bit different out here, only time will tell if its a right fit for us, but I have to say I know there is a program for him or we would not have been prompted to move, The Lord does look out for every aspect of your family and your familys needs.
I know that over time each of our kids will find their place here and adjust as they did before.

The HOlidays are now upon us and I am thrilled to get to my Holiday baking! I have failed epically at being Vegan, although I plan and try daily to incorporate more vegan eating in my daily habits. I do however SUCK at baking when I am not eating what Im making. This has been my biggest drawback to that life style.

Be sure to check my recipes portion of my blog for the latest Holiday treats!
 I hope you all have a Wonderful Holiday Season!
~ Sherrie 
  

Family, School and a Broken nose

Life sometimes throws you some real curve balls.  I have to say though that I am grateful for these experiences. I truly do believe that this is what makes you who you are.  Not the challenges themselves but the caricature that these challenges shapes you into.

I have been a stay at home mom for 2 years now. I love being home with my children and could not imagine it any other way.  Over the past 3 months as we have lived with my parents, I have however had a hard time transitioning and finding joy in being home. I am happy to report that after many prayers, different trials and experiences. I feel I have now found that joy again. Just look at my posts and you will see I am cooking/baking again so i MUST be happy. After all that is my joying passion.

Being a mom is so very rewarding and challenging. We moved all of our kids to a new school this year which has been harder on them then I had expected. They still struggle to make good friends and find their place here. I am sure that part of this is due to the fact that we wont be staying. They all know we plan to move next year and I fear this has caused them to try to not get attached to anything. Including new friends and a new school. Their first report cards came out and I was saddened to see that each of them are struggling overall. For the first term ever my oldest did not hit a straight A report card. This being Very difficult on her we are now looking at a little more structure to our daily routines to help her get back in her groove as well.   While this has all been very difficult for us I feel that this is one of those experiences I was referring to above. You know the ones that shape you into who you are. Make up your caricature, your person.  Although it is hard I know that this will be a good thing for my entire family and especially the kids.

Another example of challenges that shape us into who we are would be my own personal example of this past weekend.  Have you ever had something you knew you wanted to change, or replace? Put it off because of money or time? I have a long list of these type things and a lesson I hope you learn from instead of having to learn on your own.  We have those safety baby gates that are great in keeping the kids from falling down the stairs or going into rooms that are not ok for them to be in.  I always place one of theses at the top of the stairs and try to keep it up all of the time so we don't accidentally forget to put it up and have the baby fall down the stairs (yes this did happen once already ugh)  But climbing over the stupid gate at the top of the stairs can be very challenging. a couple of people here have tripped or fallen as they have tried to climb over it. (All without hurting themselves thankfully)  This is the reason I have always wanted to buy a swinging gate. They look nicer, they are easier to get around. No climbing over just open and close like a mini door,  LOVE IT. But they are kinda pricey so I have put this off, well forever really. Until this last Saturday that is.  Only for me I had to take a total face dive into the hardwood floor for me to make this choice. Ha! what fun that was. I had just taken the baby downstairs to change him and get him ready to go for the day. I am coming up the stairs and at the top of the stairs in the gate. I swing one leg over and then the other and before I know it I have tripped, my leg dragging the gate down, I have no balance and the gate is tripping me. Unable to catch myself. Holding my little 11 month old in my arms and trying desperately to just get one leg under myself and save the baby from hitting the ground I took what seemed like 10 steps before I hit the ground NOSE first.  Still holding the baby and turning as much as I could to the side in that 3 seconds where this all took place. I hit hard. My baby Conner did hit is head as it swung just a little but I did succeed in holding him and off the ground so he didn't get hurt.  Not so much luck on my end. I couldn't see for sure if he was ok, I had hit my nose to the ground followed by my right side, and immediately my eyes were filled with blood. Unable to see and check on my baby I FREAKEDOUT! Totally. No calmness to my manner of person and I scram for help. My sister was quickly there to take the baby and check him all the while I couldn't see and had no idea what had happened to my face. Shortly after my husband was right there to help me and clean me up.  LUCKY for me all I did was break my nose. In the process it cut open somehow and that's the cause of the bloody eyes and face.   
Great way to start a weekend?  Yes It was!  =) 
The emergency room was our first stop that day followed by Babies R Us to purchase a "Swinging" Babygate. (oh and costco in-between to get some lunch)

Adventures and caricature shaping indeed.  These moments are the ones that teach us what is important and SAFETY is certainly one of those. While all that happened this time was some PANIC and a broken nose, it could have been much worse. and I am grateful everyday that it wasn't.  I have not stopped thinking about this since it happened.  Granted the throbbing nose doesn't really let me forget. haha

After this past weekend I feel I was given a new perspective. One that helped me to find the JOY in my life and my children. 
I am so grateful for my life experiences and for those around me that love and support me and my family. Its so grate to have family who comes when I call and say I need them with no questions asked, who help me with the kids and even laundry when I am sick,  and friends who will just listen and understand no matter how dramatic I can be.
Thanks Guys

6 Months

6 months!

Yeah I cant believe it, It has been 6 months since I have posted.  Wow my little guy is 6 months old today. Its Crazy how fast this time goes by. There is a lot of updating to do here for my friends and family who read my blog.

First and the heaviest on my mind is Brians job.
        
     The Problem: Brian works for Western concession which is a sub company of Westates Theaters. They currently own all the theaters in st george most in logan and a few others through out Utah Idaho and Nevada. Next week this all changes. Larry miller Group Has purchased 11 of the 16 Theaters. This cutting their buesiness down a BUNCH they no longer need a concession warehouse. Bottom Line is next week My husband will be out of work.
     Now I know that each one of us has either been in this spot before or known a friend or family member who has. It is never easy. But sometimes Great blessings do come. So here I am struggling to put my good faith hat on but indeed preparing for the worst.
    The Solution:  Summer is about to start and all the kids will be out of school. So I plan to enjoy this summer at home with the kids and then search for a job when school is picking back up. I have loved being a stay at home mom and would love to continue to. However I do need to be sure that we have a home to be a mom in. haha!  So thats the plan as it stands now. Brian is currently searching for job opportunitys and has been offered 1 or 2 however the highest offer is a 5-6 dollar an hour pay cut from our current finances. (OUCH) This landing me at work this fall.  Here is to enjoying this summer with all the energy I have. I want to be sure that I take advantage of this time with my children and dont miss out on a thing!
     The outlook:  Put on a smile, Work hard and enjoy every moment with my family.
     The Lesson: Having an attitude of Gratitude goes a long way. Sometimes we get stuck in how hard it is now and dont realize what we really do have and how lucky we really are.


Second update of the past 6 months "Pushing to far" 


     I think everyone who knows me knows that when I want to do something I push hard. Sometimes beyond what I physically or emotionally can. But I find a way to do it. I have been presented with a very real lesson on this latley and thought maybe If I share this with you, you can learn from my mistakes.
It is important to know your strengths, but it is also important to understand your weaknesses. Sometimes a Strength if used incorrectly can become a weakness.  Im not sure how it happened I can only assume that it was from me pushing myself to hard and for to long. I now get the privilege and experience of having issues with a disk in my spine. This disk pressing down on nerves, I then get to experience the wonderful feeling of pins and needles in my legs and feet when this occurs. haha! If you have ever experienced this you will know how much pain this puts on your lower back and how hard it can be to twist and turn doing the simplest of tasks. If you have not experienced this then I encourage you to STRETCH everyday no matter what you have planned take time to stretch your body. and LISTEN to the signals your body is sending you, Its amazing how much your body will communicate to you and help you prevent if you are willing to listen to your body. There was an new report here a couple months back that linked to a ladys blog from Alpine UT. She talked about the queues your body sends you and how to recognize and listen to them. I find it very interesting. I am determined that if I use my strength of pushing forward and being determined at what I want, that I can overcome this and strengthen my body so I can turn this experience into a healthy life changing advantage. 

Third and most important UPDATE of all! Weddings and our trip to ST GEORGE UTAH! 

    I am thrilled and excited to share this news with you that not 1 but 2 of my sisters are getting married.  Crystal Actually already did this past weekend and then Pam will be marrying in June. What an exciting time. I am so Happy for each of them. They are amazing sisters.
  Last weekend we had the opportunity to enjoy the heat and fun in St. George Utah as we attended Crystals wedding. I had only been to st george once before on our trip last year to Disneyland. So for me this was a new and exciting experience. We spent some great time with Friends and Family while down in st george and what an awesome time that was.  While we were down there it happened to be my little Ry Guys Birthday! so We played and enjoyed a fun birthday party with him. Playing in the water, enjoying the carnival on main and topping it off with  Avengers!  What a Great time it was.

   The Wedding was quite the opposite of the birthday party as expected. It was beautiful and the bride GORGEOUS! The ceremony was truly out of this world. The feeling and presence there was almost overwhelming as we were able to attend this magical time for Crystal and Brandon.

   At the lunch following, Brandon spoke to his family about how happy he is that they are close now as siblings. It made me think about how much we all change as we get older. I also feel like I am closer with my siblings now as an adult more then I was as a child. Maybe this is due to the different perspectives we have as adults. But I am so very grateful for the bonds that have developed.
  
   Moving forward with May and June is exciting, I think that preparing for Weddings, Showers, Open houses, etc... is what presents us with more time to bond with one another and become a closer family. Learning how to help each other and read and listen to each others verbal and non verbal feelings. Its an amazing time that we are blessed with.
Thats it for now on the weddings I will be sure to post more after Pams and Put pics up of both when I get them downloaded. 

But for now I conciser you UPDATED!  hahahahaha
***I dont know if its the sarcasm in my writing or the style that makes my blogs so unique but Its definitely Sherrie style!  Enjoy the pics!

Baby Conner is here!

12 days later and im finally getting online to write and update all my friends and family.
It has been quite the adventure. I delievered our son on November 16th 2011. 3 weeks before his estimated due date. We origionally went in to have the baby turned as he had gone breech. After prayer and blessings we knew that we were going in for much more, however when we arrived the baby had already turned so my husband and I started looking up where the closest 5 guys restaurant was so we could break outta there and go get some greesy food. But just then the Dr came in and explained what they were seeing on the non Stress test they were performing at the time. And it wasnt good.

There were indications that the placenta might be failing and he suggested we induce now. The Dr called my Dr and they talked then my Dr came to the hospital and came and talked to me. Long story short (already too late haha) we went right over to labor and delievery and started the induction. 4 hours after the medication was started to try to induce, we broke my water to try to help it along. 4 hours later from there (total 8 long hours of contractions) I finally gave in to an epidural. (glad I did) almost 7 hours later from the epidural and our little boy Joined our family. Healthy and doing great. Conner Isaac Neil weighing 7lbs 2oz and lighting up that morning for our entire family.

There were some other complications I wont go into on here but we had to monitor baby for a full 48 hrs in the hospital to be sure he was still healthy. Every thing looked good so we came home Friday morning. Happy to be home but missing the peice and quiet of the hospital. =)  Our other 5 children were over excited to see baby and have mom home. It was so wonderful to feel of all the love for our little baby boy..

As the past 2 weeks have gone on I am so very greatful for the power of the Preisthood and the Blessings our Heavenly Father has given us. The healing power and comfort felt through the lord is just amazing. Our son continues to grow stronger and healthier everyday. We are so thankful to have him as a part of our family.

A big thanks to all of our family and friends and all the support that has been shown. We really do have some amazing people in our lives.  Thank you!

~Sherrie

The count down

That last month before baby arrives always seems to be the longest.Weather its tired of being pregnant, hormones, the heat/cold., or just anxiety that wears you down, there is one thing that is gaurenteed for me. It feels like forever and I get so big I worry about how big my baby really will be. =)   but in the end a sweet precious little one is born and brought into my family and in my care. Is there really a greater gift?! A more rewarding experience?! I think not.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I find myself half way energized to work on projects for the kids and things and half way going "time to sleep for the next 4 weeks"  haha! I guess its a good thing I couldn't actually physically sleep that long, there are things to get done and exciting projects to finish for my other amazing 5 children.

So here I am on the computer updating blogs and searching for some fun holiday recipes to try along with some cheap crafts and gift ideas.  I dont know how your finances work but with 5 almost 6 kids I can tell you Im being creative this year =)    Feel free to send me links, ideas, suggestions for the holidays. It is truley going to be one to remember for all of us.

~sherrie

We are having a BOY!

Yes another Boy!  Im so very excited!  I personally have 2 Daughters and 1 son. I also am a mother to my 2 handsom step sons. This will be my second Boy but we will have 4 in the house.. haha LOTS OF BOYS!!!
They really are an adventure I will tell ya. Recently My 1 year old has shown me just how fun they can be. He has been pushing the nipple of his bottle through the bottle and then shaking the milk all over.  Doesnt seem to matter if I tell him NO or take it away so now its time to finish the bottle era for him and graduate to only Sippy cups! yay!


Preparing for a Baby is always fun. No matter if its your 1st 3rd or 6th. This new little life that you are about to bring into this world is an amazing Joy! We are all so very excited to have little Conner Join our Family this winter. Baby should be here anywhere between Nov 30th and Dec 5th.   The only thing that worry's me about Winter babies is the RSV season. My first to children Amber and Talia were born in January and Talia the second child at 2 weeks of age got RSV. Her Father and I practically lived at Primary Children's for 2 weeks while we did our best to pray that she would pull through. It was a very scary time one that yes will help me to be much more cautious of where I take and when I take my little baby out in public. But with 5 other kids at home 4 of them all in school I fear this is going to be harder then it was even then.  So lets all pray we can keep baby Healthy and the Other kids healthy too this winter season. 

I decided that I really need to branch out and be more creative. Learn more things to do and more craft ideas especially for my boys.  So any suggestions and or thoughts be sure to let me know, and for now I will just start watching the CREATE channel again as it has already been too long.

Take care! Happy End of summer to you all!

Life, Choices, and 2 more days of anxiety!

Our Independence day was amazing! The entire weekend was filled with events of love and joy. First my step son was baptized, and what a great experience this was as we were all filled with the spirit and joy of our heavenly father,  Second we enjoyed some paintball fun and atv riding along with fireworks at a friends house later that night. It was amazing to watch the kids and how excited they were to be involved. Next we enjoyed the 4th of July, Parades, BBQs, Family, Friends and of course FIREWORKS! What a blast this was. However I was deeply saddened by how the kids and even adults were more excited to see the kids floats then the troops and groups of service (military, police, firemen etc) at the parade. I believe this generation is loosing is sense of pride for our country and this saddens me and yet gives me inspiration to teach my kids and be more involved in supporting our great country! How lucky we really are to live here and be given all that we have. I love Independence day!

Life is always interesting and often throws curve balls our way. Brian has been struggling to find what he wants to do for the rest of his life and what career is going to make him happy. We THINK he has found that joy. But I will fill you  in on that a little later when things are in motion. In making these choices and discovering how our lives could/will change has brought us out of our thinking boxes! Exciting yet unknown which is always a little scary. But as I once told my sister, if it isn't a little scary it wouldn't be as exciting! I am anxious and happy to take on the changes and challenges that our future brings.

Now on to more current and anxious news. WE find out on WEDNESDAY if we are having a boy or a girl! And I cant WAIT! The ability to know that my baby is healthy is one of the most reassuring and exciting things out there. The bonus is that we will find out the sex of the baby as well which will allow me to plan and prepare. So excited!  Our family is growing and we are all so happy to have each one of our children. I am still amazed at the support we receive from Family and Friends. We are so lucky to have these people in our lives and so truly blessed with their sincere support.  Thank you!  I'm sure in the months to come I may need to lean on my friends and family a little more and I'm so glad to know I will be able to do that because of the great people you each are.   THANK YOU

Sending my Luv
Sherrie

Hollandaise Sauce on the Food Network

Hollandaise Sauce on the Food Network

Heartbeat

I think that one of the most amazing sounds in this world is the sound of a heartbeat. Especially when its the first time you get to hear it!  A few days ago we were at the Dr.s and had the joy of listening to our babys heartbeat. What an amazing and joyful experience that you never get tired of hearing.
We are very excited for this little one to join our family. (and cant wait to find out if this one will be a little boy or a little girl) Its always great to be able to prepare for any change.

Now as a tradition that Brian and I started with our baby Dillan, after our dr apts we go to Jasons Deli. I have to say this is a GREAT tradition that I dont think I want to break. hehe.   Their food is delicious and the atmosphere is great. Last time I had the Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich. I do highly recommend this on your next trip. It was a very tasty lunch.  Next to Zupas Id have to say this is my favorite sandwich shop.

This is short but I hope you enjoyed the quick update.

Pregnancy Blues

  Over the past 3 months I have not written much, despite my said commitment to get this blog going. Ha nice I know.   I find myself today however with a better attitude and ready to post an update. 
In the past 2 months I had found myself with the "Pregnancy Blues" Moody, hormonal, and at times just down right depressed.
  I remember feeling this way about 5 years ago when I was pregnant with Talia. However that time it didnt hit until the last 3 months. The days felt long, The nights never long enough and I found myself becoming a hermit. This past week I have attempted to make changes, small changes but significant in the way I have felt. From just being in the sun for an hour a day, to allowing myself that craving that I had. Its amazing how the small things make such a big difference. I spoke with my mother and sister in regards to the blues id been experiencing and the support I received from my family and friends was AMAZING! that alone helped me to pull out of it and enjoy life a little more.  so THANK YOU!
  Now im going forward, ready to enjoy the rest of this pregnancy and determined to develop a bond with this child as I did with Dillan and my girls.  I am so blessed to have the family I do. To have the beautiful and wonderful children I do. And so very blessed to have such a supportive husband. 

  As many of you know I love to COOK! I have not been cooking since I got pregnant., just simply making mac and cheese, cereal and sandwhiches. But Im ready to get back in the kitchen and enjoy what I like to do. Make new things, CREATE!   starting with a new creation not sure how it will turn out as I just kind of made it up. Creamy Swiss chard and potato soup!   IF it ends up ediable then I will be sure to share the recipe with each of you on my recipies blog. If not well then it just simply wont be there. lol

Thanks for reading my lil update and have a GREAT memorial weeked!

My loving Family, My big Family!

This week I have been reflecting much on my wonderful family.

   Life can be very interesting and sometimes we take turns on our life road that while they are very difficult, you wouldn't change a thing.  I am so blessed to have 2 Beautiful girls and 2 wonderful Step sons.

   When Brian and I got married it was a difficult challange where we were combining our two little familys into one. The kids at first clung right on and got along really well. After awhile however They Definitly became "Brother and sisters" Fighting just like a regular family. (hehe)  This was frusterating but I was quickly reminded that its a wonderful blessing. This meaning they have learned to be a family. Each of the children watch out for each other and protect each other just as much as they tease each other and taunt one another. I remember when I was a child and was always concerned for my siblings (heck I still am always concerned) The bond of a family is an amazing thing, that when done with love is very very powerful. What a miricle it is that Brian and I found eachother.

Brian and I each went from a 3 person Family to a 6 Person family over night. What a change. We were married for a year and then we hit our hardest part of our marriage. Luckily the lord guided us both through this and we made it through. After that we grew stronger together and were truly united in one purpose. We learned to support each other and love each other as husband and wife. Soon we were blessed with an even stronger bond, A child. 
  Our pregnancy was different. I dont know if it was because it had been almost 5 years for both of us or if it was just due to our life changes. This pregnancy was amazing however, I felt like I had such a strong bond with my son. (this being something I needed, I wasnt sure how I would feel because up until now it was always my girls first, the bond with my girls is and always will be so strong.) Dillan was born in May of 2010 and when he was born I was overjoyed with how my heart could grow so much more. Dillan gave me a connection to him but also to his brothers and another to his sisters. Brayden and Riley my step sons are "my boys" but I never had the maternal bond with them. Through Dillan however I do feel that I did get a stronger bond with both my step sons. They are his brothers, The love they both show for him amazes me. So simple and so pure. 

Our baby is now 10 months old, a wonderful Healthy growing boy. Our other children are now 8, 7, 5 and 5 (until summer)  and we wondered how this would be for Dillan with all of the kids being so much older then he is.  That was until just a couple days ago. We found out that we are going to be blessed to have another little Neil Baby. (super excited)  My first thought was shock, then excitement, than overfilled JOY!   In all of this news I have reflected much on my childhood and how I am from a large family. I LOVE having a big family. Each of my siblings are so different but yet we are all still bonded as family, We can lean on each other for support and we always had love in our home.  I recognize that my mom was and is an amazing women to have had each of us, and to have taken the time and all the effort it does take to teach us to Love one another.  I pray and Hope that I can be as good of a mother to all of my children.




Big Familys are amazing and I am so blessed to have an amazing husband and my (now) 6 Children!

More Bread Please!

Today I was reminded of the days back when I was 16 (some hundered years ago) when I was working at Rogers Bakery in Reams in magna. I LOVED their bread! ITs the Chewy Gooey White bread that kids love.

There were days when I would just buy a loaf and as a kid dig out the entire center and eat it. Oh the metabolism of a teenager. ( I do miss that, hehe) Working in a bakery I thought was hard and difficult. I would call in sick here and there and when I wasn't sick my boss knew, and he would call me on it and make me come in to work. I have to say thank you Rodger for teaching me that work ethic. I worked hard cleaning cases, frosting donuts, Organizing etc. But the most important thing that I learned there was how to do a good job and what I was asked to do. "Find a way to get it done"  and always go to work when you are scheduled.  This work ethic definitely paid off as I landed a couple of great jobs in which I worked at for some time and thoroughly enjoyed. 

While at walmart today some Bread caught my eye. I bought it. Ate it. and Loved every slice of it. =) This of course being the cause of the memories flooding back to me of my teenage life. Its wonderful how little things can remind you of other times in your life and just make you smile.



 

Ice Cream! Ice Cream! Ice Cream!

We gave our baby Ice Cream!   I know what were we thinking huh?  Nah he did great and downed that little curtiousy cone super fast.

     I dont know what it is about going to get Ice Cream as a family that is so great. But it is GREAT! Always seems to bring smiles to my kids faces.  We have always been avid ice cream eaters, but the time that sticks out most to me is back when I worked right before I had quit my job last summer, Brian would pick up the kids from my moms after work and stop for ice cream. EVERYDAY! That seemed ridiculous to me at the time, but I later realized that this was his way of bonding with the children.  Brian is an amazing father who cares deeply for each of our children. He takes time to learn what they are interested in and what motivates each child.
     I never realized that he knew what they liked and what made them happy. This because I thought he was always disciplining and never enjoying. Later I realized he was teaching each of them a lesson on hard work and reward. (this instead of just giving the kids what they want when they want) He also does something I'm not too good at and that's just saying no to say no and exercise the right of being a parent. (this I have found to be something you do have to do as a parent)  Somehow Each of the kids respect him and although they don't always get along, they do know that they can go to him whenever they are in need or even just to talk at times.

This bonding and parenting, all starting with ICE CREAM!  Gotta Love it!

Birthdays and Making Family Memories

Birthdays are always so much fun. No matter how young or how old you may be its a time to celebrate who you are.

Today we were privileged to celebrate my fathers birthday with the family. What a great time to enjoy my siblings and share in some good food.
We started today by doing one of the most amazing things we can in this world, Attend the LDS temple. Being able to do baptisims was such a wonderful and rewarding experience. One of the workers there asked what brought us there today and shared with us how he felt that being at the temple with your family for your birthday is a wonderful gift.  I had never really thought about that until he had said it. I am so greatful for his outlook as that is a true blessing to be able to be there with your children. I hope and pray that I will be so blessed to be able to be in the temple with my children someday.
After the temple we all went home and did our own things until dinner. My dad and the kids living at home went bowling. (one of his favorite activities) While my husband and the 3 kids that were home out of the 5 went with us to get his gift. My father likes to garden and is an excellent gardener. He has been working on "Grow boxes" That he can grow cold crops in all year long. So far so good it seems and I am thoroughly impressed with the work and knowledge he has been learned and put into it. So My husband and I came up with the idea for a gift of buying a Garden Nome and giving him a Lowes Gift card. What a fun and useful gift. While shopping for the Nome the Boys were so amazed by some of them. They had Mushrooms (which Riley automatically assumed were MARIO Mushrooms, hehe) and Birds, Nome Caricatures all to a BYU statue that you can put in your yard. What fun ideas and how neat it was to see how these all seemed so interesting to our boys. We picked out a Nome type man and it was a very fitting and suitable for my dad. I think the gift turned out great.
 
We all later had dinner at my Parents. Delicious food, Great company! Riley showed everyone how strong he is and how cute he is when he does his sit ups. (super cute, he is one tough 5 year old) , Brayden had to join in and try to do his as well. (Competitive much?!) Dillan of course just got LOTS of attention and enjoyed every moment of it.  And I got to make some homemade ice cream and a German chocolate cake for my Dad. All of which were very much enjoyed by everyone there. It feels great when the food you make is enjoyed and appreciated. I feel like I was awarded the best gift and that is that my Recipes TURNED OUT GREAT!  hehe  I love to cook and bake and when I make something that everyone loves it is one of the best feelings! Brian Ended the night by Taking my Dad to a Movie. (Definitely Brians thing, I couldn't imagine him doing anything else really, he will always be a MOVIE guy no matter where he works.) 

All in all we had an amazing day, The only thing missing from today was my Girls. I miss them terribly however I am grateful that they are able to spend this weekend with their father. I am blessed to have all 5 of my children in my life. Each of them have very different but very wonderful Personalities.(Dont worry girls I signed the card for you as well *smile*)


Here's to Birthdays! Some of the most memorable days of our lives! =)

'Night all, and Happy Birthday to all you March 19th Birthdays  (Especially You Dad)

St Pattys Day

St Patrick's day. A day I don't necessarily get excited about, but life is about making new moments and new memories. Today I choose to have fun with my children and enjoy making today a little festive.
My kids all are excited about the tails of St pattys day and come home from school with interesting stories.
So in order for me to take part I made a festive Dinner with Green Pizza and all. Did a little research online to be sure I fully understood the real reason behind the holiday.  "Christianity in Ireland!" I found some pretty cool websites for kids and a few on just the reason behind the holiday. A couple are listed below for your info.  The kids loved the pizza and I am greatful to have had this day to share with them.

Looking for a good pizza dough Recipe? Check out my Recipes and look under the Pizza rolls.


Check our these links for more info:

http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick%27s_Day


'Night all and have an Happy St. Patricks Day!

Time to start Writting

As Time has gone on and I have come to realize that I will be a stay at home mom for a long time, I now understand why people blog. What a great way to share your thoughts and feelings, Usually just with yourself as we are our number 1 readers. But most importantly to feel what you are feeling.  A strange thing feelings are sometimes. Even more strange is how we tend to protect or guard ourselves from them. Sometimes completely unknowingly. So today I write just to start this process and am sharing a few unorganized thoughts with you. Enjoy!



Womens Rights

I heard somewhere that women and men are equal, we are the "same" and that I have the RIGHT to be a woMAN and have all that a man has.
I have the right to work 9-5
I have the right to tell my man to do the dishes
I have the right to have my man do the laundry
I have the right to not have to make myself or my family dinner



I have the right to play and have my husband nurture the children.




I pondered on these thoughts for awhile and reminded myself that I am a women and I do have womens rights. I am a women and I also have the right to embrase it!

I am a women and have the right to be a partner to my husband, to be loved and be held. To allow someone to take care of me and I take care of him. To truly work together as a team. Knowing my own strengths and knowing his. 
I am a mother and have the right to raise my own children, cook for my family
to feed them and nourish them, to encourage them and love them, to smile and lead them
and to say thank you when they hug me so tightly.
I am a mother who proudly wears my drool stained badges left on my shirt on the way out the door, from the baby who I gladly change his diapers and love him only the way that a MOTHER can.

I am a daughter who can see that her family is everything. Who learned from her mother,
just what it means to be a women.  I have Womens rights to be who I am. A Daughter, a Wife, a Mother, a Sister, and a Friend.

This Blog is Underconstruction

I decided to launch a blog tab here for my friends and well more as a journal for me.
I hope those of you who read enjoy the updates.

I will have this section up soon.
Feel free to comment.