Smiles...

The last day of January...one month closer to spring! Happy Monday!

Klondike Campout...

Caleb went on his first {maybe last} Klondike campout with his boy scout troop last night. They went up in the La Plata Mpountains which is about an hour away from Farmington. They pitched their tents and made chili for dinner and messed around in the snow caves. They had an interesting and very long night with the bitter cold getting the best of them. Mitch went along for all the fun {insert sarcasm} too. Let's just say they are happy to home, clean and warm:)

Hungry?

On Friday's Brynley goes to school all day. So on these days she gets to take her lunch to school. She loves this! Its her favorite part of going all day. Just ask.
Me:"Whats your favorite part of going to school all day?"
Bryn: " I get to eat lunch there with my friends and teachers."
Me: " Is that all? Dont you like to see what they do all day?"
Bryn: "I like lunch Mom." (An in irritated voice)

So this morning when I asked her what she wanted in her lunch this was her reply...
"I want milk, no wait juice. In a box. And I want celery with butter (peanut) and carrots with ranch. And a sandwich, with butter. No wait cheese and turkey with white stuff (mayo). And a go-gurt. Wait, I want noodles. Do we have noodles mom? And a cookie. No two cookies. And I want syrup." { Dont ask me why she wants syrup. I swear I do not feed my kids pure syrup. And when I showed her the two cookies, she said she didnt want them anymore.
She keeps life interesting!

27 on the 27th...

Happy Birthday to my sista! Heather is celebrating her "golden" birthday today. I cant believe she is 27. Crazy. That makes me older. That I dont like. But I sure hope her day is fabulous. I am so happy she was born!

Surprise!!

This past week I decided to take a little trip to surprise my Dad. He has seemed down and stressed and I thought a visit from me and the kids would be the perfect remedy to make him perk up and feel happy. I got Mary to pick us up from the airport on friday and we waited for my dad to come home from work to surprise him. The kids were so excited to "scare" him! We all hid in the office behind the door, since the first thing he does when he comes home is go in there and put his mail away. All the kids were quiet and waiting for him to come in. As he came in, Caleb sneeked up behind him and we all started to giggle. You should have seen the look on his face Pure surprise! It was great. We had such a nice weekend together. The kids thought it was so cool to be swimming outside in the middle of winter! We went to Chuck E. Cheese and to Disneyland. Fun times!

Kisses..

I know I have been posting alot of Carly and not much of the other kiddos but she does alot each day and let's face it she is just too darn cute.
Happy Friday Everyone!

Reinventing my own wheel...

I have been thinking alot lately. ALOT. I have been praying more than I do. Alot more. I have had feelings inside that have resurfaced and again caused me the pain and depression I once felt. Its so hard to move past our trials and our offenses that we felt someone "caused". I went visiting teaching yesterday and I have the privilege of having a sister who I think sits on her own pedestal. She is probably the most faithful, loving, gospel living person I know. Her testimony and charity shines through her each day. I want to be just like her when I grow up. But we were talking about how people treat eachother. And she said some things that have stuck to me like glue. Her compassion on tis subject really got my wheels turning. I shared with her that I have been having some problems with another sister in the ward and that I am taking offense to her actions it seems like every time she opens her mouth. Becky said to me "Holly, you must find it in yourself to have charity with her." As she said this I realized that I often think of charity as helping those in need or bringing a meal to someone, not accepting someone else for who they are. This got me wondering more about charity.
I found this quote by President Monson about Relief Society and Charity. “I have always loved your Relief Society motto: 'Charity never faileth' (1 Corinthians 13:8). What is charity? The prophet Mormon teaches us that 'charity is the pure love of Christ' (”Moroni 7:47). In his farewell message to the Lamanites, Moroni declared, 'Except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God' (Moroni 10:21). I consider charity-or 'the pure love of Christ'-to be the opposite of criticism and judging. In speaking of charity, I do not at this moment have in mind the relief of the suffering through the giving of our substance. That, of course, is necessary and proper. Tonight, however, I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient“ (”Charity Never Faileth,“ general Relief Society meeting, Sept. 25, 2010).This and another topic has been healing the wound I have been digging in my heart for some time now. My sweet friend Katie sent this to me. I love it. It has helped me realize where I am in my life. It isn't where I want to be. Much to work on, Much to do. I need to reinvent my wheel.

"I once knew a man who had to decide whether to pay his tithing every time his check came, whether to go to his meetings every time they were held, whether to take an alcoholic drink every time he was offered one. Finally a friend asked him: “Why can’t you just decide once and for all which side you’re on? Why do you have to re-examine your loyalty every time a decision is called for? You are spiritually reinventing the wheel over and over again, and you will never make any progress until you can build on what you already know.
A few weeks later he called his friend and asked for a ride to some stake meetings. The friend was pleased he was going, and when he told him so, the man responded: “You know, I wouldn’t like it if my wife told me she had to decide every morning whether she still loved me or not, or if she told me she only stayed with me because she hadn’t found a reason to leave—yet. I guess the Lord is entitled to more of a commitment than that from me. I’m ready to stop reinventing the wheel and move on.”

Some people are basically saying, “well, today I think the Church is true, but ask me again tomorrow.” There must come some point at which our commitment to the gospel and our conviction of its truth settles questions of faith in advance and predetermines our response to whatever challenges that commitment.
A testimony isn’t like a hypothesis in science, which may be supported by evidence one day and destroyed by it the next. It is a conviction based on the evidence of things not seen that some things are eternally true. The provisionally converted are those who just haven’t found a reason to leave—yet. Just as such a relationship would be unsatisfactory in a marriage, so it is unsatisfactory in the spiritual marriage of the gospel. Such individuals need to become converted, to receive the witness of the Spirit and the conviction that accompanies faith. Just as partners in a truly celestial marriage say, “we are sealed, no matter what,” so a truly converted member says: “I am a member of this church. My lot is cast with the Apostles and prophets—no matter what. Above all other issues, loyalties, agendas, and commitments, this is where I stand.”
Without such a prior commitment, some new policy or required sacrifice, some imagined (or real) offense on the part of Church leaders, might challenge our endurance. Of those who fluctuate in their commitment, the Lord said that they have no “depth of earth” in which to sow the word of the gospel, and when trials come, by and by they are offended. We must not fear to send the roots of the gospel deep into our hearts.Besides keeping the commandments, other component parts of remaining faithful to our covenants include:
• Looking unto Christ
• Taking upon us the name of Christ
• Feasting upon the words of Christ and pressing forward in steadfastness, hope, and love
• Offering our whole souls to Christ and continuing in fasting and prayer
• Following the example of Christ
• Worshipping the Father in the name of Christ
• Seeking to bring forth Zion
• Being patient in afflictions and humble in repentance

Notice that the common focus of all of these exhortations is loyalty to Christ. Consequently, enduring to the end is more than just “being active” in the Church. Enduring to the end requires a personal awareness of obligations made to the Savior and a personal determination to keep those covenants faithfully. While the term “being active” describes visible behavior, “enduring faithful to the end” describes an inner commitment to the gospel and to the church of Jesus Christ. It’s possible to appear to be an active member of the Church without such a conviction.
Occasionally, those who cannot keep their commitments seek to justify themselves by separating loyalty to Christ from loyalty to his church, but this is impossible. Our covenants in the restored gospel of Christ are covenants which specifically include our relationship with his church and which are administered through his church—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We cannot endure to the end in those covenants without enduring to the end in that church. This is made clear by the Savior himself: “And now, behold, whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.” There are no private arrangements. Enduring in one’s covenants means enduring in the Church. God will not excuse those who leave the Church, thinking that they have good reasons or that they can keep covenants made in and through the Church while rejecting the Church. No matter what their intentions, they are deceived. By definition, if they have not lasted, they have failed to endure to the end." This talk was by Stephen E. Robinson ENDURING TO THE END

Having the "pure love of Christ" means leaving all judgements and indiscretions at the door. Do not allow them to enter your heart and mind. Having the faith and love of others is more charitable than any meal brought to someone. I haven't been having charity in my heart for some in my life. It is going to be my own personal challenge to find out how to do this when overcoming this trial I have been faced with. I hope that this inpsires those who read my blog to be more giving of yourself and your charity of heart. I need to quit reinventing the wheel that is bringing me back to this same place in my life.

The shirt says it all...

Foodie...

Carly just loves food! She hasn't met a food she doesn't like. But her love for food as gone too far. Yesterday she rubbed her head over and over again with her pasta. It was so gross. Her head and hair was stuck with food in it! Crazy girl. I think we wont be having this dish again anytime soon.

For Grandma Jo...

My mom bought Bryn and Carly some matching dresses for christmas and they wore them last week to church. Two peas in a pod.

Miss Tornado...

Carly is EVERYWHERE! She loves drawers. Bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, plastic drawers. She pulls out everything she can get her hands on. I find it cute but today since I am trying to get the house cleaned for the baby shower I am throwing tomorrow, not so cute. She on the other hand is ALWAYS CUTE!


This is what I came upon this morning in her bedroom. She had pulled all of the diaper wipes out of the container!

Just a Thought...

Last night before bed, I looked at my sweet husband and told him "I couldn't imagine my life without you." And as I said these words the realization of death came into my heart and mind. That is the one thing we all have in common, we all will die. But when- No one knows. Death can seem like such a deep, scary thing. I guess because it is an unknown to us. I dont know anyone who has died and came back to tell us all about it. Sure, there have been people that claim this but did it really happen? I guess it made me think about what my life would be like without those that I love so much. I haven't lost someone close to me suddenly. My great grandmother was too young to have passed away 20 years ago, but I was very young when she did and so I cannot relate that with this. I am very blessed to have all of my grandparents alive and no one in our family has even passed away recently that I have been devastated by. To which I am very glad for!
I have to be the first to admit that I am scared of death. Not really me dying per say, but of losing those closest to me. I have been so touched to hear the story from Australia, about the 13 year old boy who gave his life so his brother could be saved out of the floods instead of him and his mother. They were swept away before they could be rescued. What a brave soul he was. He gave his life for his little brother. I can help but think of the little brother- ia his life going to be better that he was saved? He lost two people closest to him. He lost his mother. How could be saved have been a better option for him? What I think we need to look at isnt these numbing questions but the fact that his sweet brother gave his life, so his brother could have one. I hope that this little boy knows what a sacrifice his brother gave him. Because we only get ONE life and we must choose to make the most of it. No matter what our life circumstances may be and whatever life may throw our way.
I think what makes it all too surreal, is that we all know we can pass from this life and our life be over in the blink of an eye. I know that there is a God and a heaven. I believe in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, so should I still be afraid? I think being afraid, allows us to live our lives more fuller, more aware of the fact that I am grateful to be alive. To live and to be able to experience all that life has to offer.

Sore...

My body. I am feeling it right now. My poor knees are killing me and my behind hurts so bad. Every time I go to sit on the toilet, it hurts. I know you were just dying to know that:) But its true. Sitting, standing, laying down, it all aches. My chest and arms hurt and I swear even after I shower I smell like sweat. But its all good because I was finally was able to go back to the gym, since Carly turned 10 months old. (I think it so weird that kids have to be 10 months to be able to go to the nursery there.) Anywhoo, So its been a week of spinning, weights, treadmills and ellipticals and so far to date...5 pounds gone. In one week. Go me. I have been on a very strict diet but I havent been very hungry. Lots of lean proteins and veggies. Yum. Let me just say that I will be so happy to get out of this phase and have my oatmeal for breakfast again. A person can only eat so much eggs each morning before they make you want to puke. I have 9 more days to go. Each phase is 17 days long and there are four phases. In each phase you get to add more food to your diet. So on the next phase I get to have my grains back. Oh happy day. I have to say I feel so GOOD right now. At this very moment, I am still sitting in my sweaty clothes and I am a complete mess on the outside but on the inside I feel happy. I feel rejuvenated. Even after a grueling hour and half at the gym, I feel so at peace. I know I will hate it come tomorrow when more of the soreness will set in. But I dont care. Its worth it to feel the way I do about myself and how much more happier and healthier I feel. Its a trade off and I am CHOOSING this kind of lifestyle. No one is making me. Its all me, well except my trainer who doesnt let me say "I can't". I tried to say it today and she told me "Oh, but you can and you will" I love her. Jackie means so much to me. When I train with her, she brings out something that is deep down inside of me, something that I never knew exsisted in me. Its crazy- I know but she inspires me more than anyone ever has. Let me tell you about this gal. She was married for 16 years,had four kids when her husband was killed in a car accident. She raised her children by herself and has never remarried. She has lost two sisters and her mother to cancer. I look at this brave woman and cant help but admire her strength. Both physically and spiritually. She has changed my life in so many ways. Over the past few years she has become more than just my trainer but a dear friend.She is who has gotten me so into nutrition and exercise. Her stories and the drive she has make me realize that a person can do anything. As long as you have the drive and will to do it. You can. And I will.

Shakin Booty...

Brynley Boo...

Oh how I love you! You have been such a special daughter in our family. I love how fun you are, your laugh, your smile with your cute front teeth showing through it, your mischievous ways keep life interesting, your blonde hair and blue eyes make me melt, you have been the best cuddler, the most clever, patience testing child we have had.But it makes you, you and I love that. I love you more than words could say and I am so HAPPY you were born not only in this world but to us. Happy 4th Birthday my Boo!





I asked her to do her favorite pose...

Papa Terry and Nana get the kids balloons every single year for every single birthday. Its their thing ans my kids LOVE it!

Bryn's Day...

With her birthday falling so close after christmas and with New Year's Day in the mix, I find it hard to focus on getting a birthday party going for Brynley. Poor Bryn. So I didnt plan far in enough advance to get a major party going for her at the skating rink like sh had wanted. Maybe next year. So we took her with each kid inviting a friend for an afternoon at the rink. It was fun for us all. Carly danced all cute to the music playing and Aunt Becky came and gave me some company while all the kids skated away.

New Year...

1-1-11. {Sorry I dont have any pictures. I just had to post on this date. How cool is that...1-1-11. So you can just listen to me blab for awhile, I have a special day to post about tomorrow, so there will be pics then.} I love the start of the New Year! There is just something awesome about being able to start fresh and have a new perspective on what the year might bring. 2010 was good to us. Much better than 2009. I am excited for what 2011 holds for our family. Brynley will turn 4. Carly will turn 1. Aubrie and Caleb will both finish off another year of school. Another season of baseball and soccer to look forward to. Dance recital in June for both Aubrie and Brynley. Bryn also said she wanted to start gymnastics. I will turn the BIG 3-0 in July. Caleb will turn 12 and receive the Aaronic priesthood and will finally be able to go to Young Men's. And a month later Aubrie will turn 8 and be baptized:) Lots to look forward to. I feel blessed. When I am able to sit down like this and write about the exciting things we have in our family, I also see what tremendous blessings we have been given. So much, not enough time or typing room to even put down all the blessings we have. Lucky. Blessed. Either way, I know who to Thank.
I am not much on making resolutions. I believe its just setting a person up for failure. Though its fun to think about...What do I want to accomplish in 2011.
First and foremost, finally losing this baby weight. I start back with my trainer on monday and I feel focused and revitalized. Exciting for me. My goal, 30 pounds for my 30th bday present. Yay for me.
Second, I need to update my blog more often. There is just so much that goes on, I find it really hard to make the time to do this. But I will try harder to post more.
Third, I want to learn to sew more. I got a sewing machine for christmas from my mom and Phil and I have my Great Grandmather's sewing table, so there is no excuse for me to not get better at this hobby.
So there are a few of mine.
What are your goals for the New Year?
Happy New Year to all of you out there! May it be a blessed one for you all.