I'm a survivor!

I got back from Girls Camp this past Saturday with these amazing young ladies!

I had such a remarkable week.

I could go on and on about all the fun ~

there was plenty of it!

I need to record a testimony strengthening experience for me. If you have followed my blog for awhile, you may remember this post from when Shannon and I went up to Camp Lo Mia to find a place for our ward hike. I knew that that occasion had been special and an answer to prayer but I didn't realize the impact of that blessing until our hike experience took place last week. We have a Mia Maid in our program who has some severe health problems. Hayden was born with these serious health issues. Mostly lung related, she deals with this as part of her everyday life. Because of Priesthood miralces in her life, she is able to be a part of our YW's ~ and she is a gem!! Always a smile on her sweet face and a shining example of faith, courage and hope. Before camp she became quite sick and was advised by her doctor not to attend camp. Never one to miss the annual event, Hayden asked for a priesthood blessing that she would be able to make it to camp with our ward. Hayden's blessing was granted. Although she was not feeling 100%, she was well enough to attend - with certain restrictions. Hayden's physical exertion really had to be monitored. Our girls always made sure she had a piggy back ride up and down the trail from the lodge to our campsite. They really take such good care of her. When the morning dawned of our hike we realized that this might cause a huge problem for Hayden. More than likely she would have to be excluded from this part of our activities. As part of the hike, we had planned an experience where the girls would search the area for some objects and we would come together to discuss them. Unbeknownst to the girls, these would be the FOUR CORNERSTONES of the gospel. Before camp I had asked Hayden to participate during this hike and bear her testimony about the cornerstone of the Priesthood and the impact it had in her life. She was prepared and now she might not be able to go on the hike. While the girls ate breakfast, Shannon and I broke away to post signs and set up our hike experience items. We realized that the place we had found three months earlier was the perfect spot for Hayden. There was road access the entire way. Hayden could be driven to the "doorstep" of where we were going to be. Hayden was able to bear a powerful and heartfelt testimony of the power of the priesthood to our Young Women. As Hayden was driven back to the main camp the rest of the girls hiked back, I was overcome with emotion. The Lord knew that this was the experience our girls were to have. Had Shannon and I picked ANY other spot, Hayden would not have been able to be there with us. Heavenly Father was watching over Hayden three months earlier when Shannon and I decided to try the path less trodden. Truly, oh how lovely was the morning!

They call him what??

We were watching the MLB All-Star game last night. Derek Jeter was a fan favorite and the crowd would chant his name over and over - Jeter! Jeter! Finally Cooper asked, "Why do they call him that? Is he a big ol' cheater or something?" After a family laugh, Brent explained that his name was JETER not CHEATER.

4th of July moments

I just posted a slide show of our family vacation to Utah over the 4th of July holiday. I had so many fun pictures that I couldn't decide which to post. The slide show made it easier!! Here's a little commentary to accompany the pictures:

On our way to Utah we stopped at Bryce Canyon. It was THE most perfect day to do so. I don't consider myself much of a picture taker but I really liked the shots I got. The sky was such a gorgeous blue and the fluffy clouds made for fail-proof pictures. And yes, we did feed the animals. Why is it that kids cannot resist the cute little trail creatures that beg for a cracker??

Once we were at my Dad's, one of the first things I did was visit my Mom. I got a sweet smile from her that absolutely made my day! Oh how I pray she knew I was there and that my arms were wrapped around her. I took her to the commons area and played some Hymns for her. I love to do that for her. Mom, I love you. Your mansions await.

Our schedule was packed from then on:
- drive in with the cousins and swimming in their new pool
- working on Scout projects with Grandpa in his shop
- Cherry Hill water slide
- family BBQ at my brother's home. Jim is always so great about opening his home and inviting us all in. Being with my brothers and their families was the highlight for me.
- my kids playing Wii to their hearts content. Cooper took Jamie down in a boxing match!!
- fourwheelin' is always a must
- my Dad's delicious dutch oven ribs and chocolate cherry cake
- picking yummy fresh berries from my dad's garden
- Davis threw a baseball through one of Grandpa's windows. This is a first for us. I consider that pretty incredible given the amount of time we spend playing ball. That turned out to be an extra $100 we didn't have planned for the trip.
- celebrating the 4th!! My little hometown parade made me so happy!
- the patriotic flyover gives me such amazing chills!! My heart is full of gratitude.
- a fun evening of street fireworks and sparklers in Provo with the Penningtons
-watching the Stadium of Fire fireworks from the comfort of their lawn and again feeling the power of another flyover!! In the words of our little three year old friend Bennett, "it shook the whole earth!"
- we were close enough that we could hear Miley Cyrus and the Blue Man Group perform
- enjoyed the incredible french toast at Kneaders in Provo for breakfast. It should be a must on anyone's list
-took a little detour up the canyon and stopped at Bridal Veil Falls to cool us off
-the sound of the Provo river rolling by made me very emotional. It was a comforting and beautiful sound.
-hung out on BYU's campus and spent an undisclosed amount of money at the bookstore
-Brent was able to further his brainwashing of our children
-lunch at the Brick Oven topped off an wonderful trip!!

And that about sums it up!
For me the 4th of July holiday is best in Utah surrounded by cool evening temps and my family!!

Gooey goodness

A friend asked for this simple recipe just the other day so I thought I'd post it here. So yummy and so easy!!

2 bags of popped microwave popcorn - sift out the unpopped kernels
2 sticks butter
1 cup brown sugar
36 big marshmallows

Melt the butter and brown sugar at a medium heat. As soon as it is melted, add the marshmallows and stir. For the best and most gooey results, don't melt your butter and sugar too fast or too hot. As you stir in the marshmallows, take the pan off the heat everyone once in awhile. Pour this mixture over your popped corn and mix completely. I add peanuts to this recipe every once in a while. YUM-O!

Recipe Review

I tried two brand new recipes this week. As much as I love watching Food Network and have a secret desire to be The Next Food Network Star, I really don't cook anything other than the same rotation of recipes that I know my family likes. It does get rather boring - especially in the summer. So I found a couple of new food blogs with some great ideas. I decided that my children are old enough to try something new without having a meltdown and that Brent and I deserve some variety in between the tried and true standbys.


Recipe #1: Pineapple Meatballs served over rice
The review:

Myself - Not being a real meatball fan, I surprised myself by choosing this one, but the pineapple sauce had me interested. It was yummy and I would make this again.

Brent - He really enjoyed it. Thought the flavor of the sauce was yummy, especially over the rice and liked the seasoning in the meatballs. He asked that this be put into the rotation.

Davis - He liked this a lot. Although he picked the pineapple pieces out, he liked the flavor as well. He ate this heated up the next day for lunch and said it was best the first time around. Good to know. He said to please make it again.

Maddison - She cried. And claims she gagged. She cried again.

Cooper - He started out claiming he loved it. He was even cheering. After one bite, he smothered it in ketchup. But he finished it.

Recipe #2: Honey Lime Enchiladas
The review:

Myself - Soooo good! Definitely a keeper for me. I'm not a huge red sauce enchilada person so this one is my new go to enchilada recipe!

Brent - Loved it. Would definitely like to eat this again.

Davis - He gobbled it up as well. Although he said it was a bit spicy but not too bad.

Maddison - She enjoyed it. Said "wow! it's got a kick to it." Said she was happy to not be gagging this time and would definitely eat it again.

Cooper - it took us 20 minutes to convince him to try a bite. He finally did. He wouldn't swallow and refused to eat the 4 bites that were on his plate. Ketchup wouldn't work this time. After two nights of exploring his palate, he got a PB&Honey for his efforts. I know - I'm such a sucker.

So overall I have two new recipes that will appear again on the Brown family menu lineup. Most will be happy and well fed. I do understand that my daughter might refuse to come to the table on meatball night and that Cooper might live on PB&H for the rest of his life.
I'm actually fine with that.

Tagged

I have been tagged by my friend, Jo-Anne, so here it goes:


1.I was asked to name 5 things that I do for myself:
a. pray
b. read
c. indulge in Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk once in awhile
d. took my daily (sometimes more than that) Cherry Coke Zero out of my routine.
e. put myself in "time out" on occasion

2.Name 5 kind things I do for friends, my children or partner:
a. put myself in "time out" on occasion
b. pray
c. snuggle time for children and partner
d. offer hugs, a listening ear, a smile
e. make school lunches for my children and include a happy note on a napkin

3.Name 5 kind things I've done for a strangers:
a. held open a door
b. let a car merge in, even when I was in a hurry
c. helped with service projects
d. gave a compliment to a young mother
e. let people cut in line

4.Name 5 hobbies I enjoy:
I don't think I have hobbies, just interests.
a. book club
b. collecting new recipes - notice I didn't say trying new recipes.
c. writing
d. an enjoyable project - I have many unfinished projects
e. collecting scrapbook paper - not that I make use of any of it but I can't resist a cute piece of paper.

So there you have it!
Now hold your breath while I tag 5 others. . .
1. Kami
2. Jodie
3. Marla
4. Rhonda

A Celebration

This week marks our 8th year anniversary of our move to the land of the blazing sun and unforgiving heat. Davis was only18 months old when we pulled into the driveway on Cullumber Street. Is is possible that I have come to love this cactus filled place? I never thought my heart would let a piece of this desert find a cozy corner within its walls. In fact, I'll never forget the fit I pitched the evening Brent got the phone call that this was our choice. I was standing in the kitchen, listening in on Brent's conversation. Could this really be happening? Are they really asking us to move with the company or he'd have to find another job? I heard Phoenix, Arizona. Where?? The stinkin' desert?? Isn't that a bazillion miles from here?? No way! I'm NOT going! I was pounding my fist on the counter and stomping my feet for emphasis. Really I was - Brent will verify the horrific scene. He then said to his boss, "Before I give you my decision, can my wife and I take a trip out there and at least see what it's like. She is having a serious meltdown right now and I can't ask her to do this without checking things out."
We were heading to Phoenix that weekend.
Things I learned in that 48 hours:
a. to avoid scalding the bottoms of your feet, leave your shoes on when jumping from the car to grab a "house for sale" flyer.
b. I would be the only woman with children. After all, there were NO kids outside playing.
c. nobody owns a lawnmower because ROCKS take the place of GRASS.
d. cactus are prickly and depressing
e. Arizona would never make me happy

After lots of prayer, fasting and a trip to the temple that held our answer, we were back in Arizona searching for a house. Another 48 hours to make a decision. A college friend of Brent's insisted we take a look out in the East Valley. We did. We were lined up to look at twenty homes. The second one we looked at we knew would be ours. Five offers were put on the house. Ours was the accepted offer.
What I learned in this 48 hours:
a. our Heavenly Father is acutely aware of each of us
b. answers to prayers are sometimes scary
and most comforting of all was that Heavenly Father helped me to see something I didn't notice before. . .


c. the desert
blooms!!







My testimony is that whatever

desert you may be walking

through. . .

and no matter now prickly

the cactus seem to be,

you will find peace

and beauty. . .

where you least

expect it.

Your desert will bloom ~

it's God's plan.

I'm so grateful to celebrate 8 years in Gilbert. I'm grateful my heart yielded to this ridiculous scene. I'm grateful for every hand of service, every hug of tenderness, every breath of kindness. You are the blossoms Heavenly Father has placed on my path. I've gathered each and every one of you up and placed you in a gorgeous crystal vase and you sit right in the middle of my heart.

Maddison Joy

**for background music click on "She's a Butterfly" on my playlist. It is my song for Maddison. If you have daughter, I hope you love it as much as I do!!

The baby's due date was
the 4th of July!!
I was so excited to think that
my baby would have fireworks
to celebrate a birthday every year.
Instead, almost three weeks early,
she made her appearance.
A little girl!!
I secretly had hoped we would
have a girl first.

And every year since,
we celebrate her again.

age 2

age 3 1/2

age 8

age 10 1/2

Officially a teenager! Happy 13th Maddison Joy!

I come to better understand my purpose and my season

as a mother of a young family as each of

my children reach milestones in their lives.

I must pray continually, love unconditionally,

serve them faithfully, ask for forgiveness daily,

forgive readily, rebuke softly, offer praise immediately,

seek inspiration regularly, hug and kiss repeatedly,

teach patiently, and savor each moment gratefully.

Maddison is a JOY!

Her love, kindness, and obedience - mixed with

the very energetic drama of a female teenager -

are part of what makes our house a home

and our lives totally complete.

My first teenager. What a wonderful milestone!

But with all the happiness it brings, I must admit

with a deep sigh of motherly sadness,

I am aware that every milestone is a stepping stone.

Each taking her another step farther away from me.

Don't go too far too fast Sis. I love you "17"!!

The time has come

Just when I was going to post about a special occasion in our home, I was chatting with some friends about a strange thing and then that very same night I watched the news and a specific story came on. I didn't have to think about it any longer.

My "treasure" chest is going private. If you would still like to take a peek inside, please send your email address to andiedandie@cox.net. I'll be sending out invites soon. : )

Snips and snails, and puppy dog tails

Collette and I made this quilt months ago.

I just found it on my computer and wanted

to post it. It was so fun to make!

Collette is the brains to a project like this,
I just cut and iron.

We made it for our friend who had a

little boy after three beautiful girls.

We wanted to pick out fabric that was ALL BOY!!

To save a life

Cooper came running in the house,

"Mom, Mom! There is a bird in the pool!"

Oh great. I instantly remembered the last

time we had a dead bird in the pool - I ended

up with a skimmer basket's metal rod through

my shin. Cooper would not let up,

"Come see! Come see!"

Sure enough. A little bird sat our our sweeper hose

and was submerged up to its shoulders. Wait - do birds

have shoulders?? Anyway, I could tell this little thing

was in distress. It was shivering and even with

all of Cooper's commotion, it wouldn't budge.

How long had it been there??

Its feathers were soaked and so flying away

was not an option for the little fellow.

I'm not a fan of bird germs for sure but I'm certainly not

going to watch this little creature suffer on my watch.

I carry too much guilt as it is.

I sent in a life line. Just climb on little bird.

Nothing doing.

After I kept nudging it to climb aboard, it fell back

into the water and starting flapping around

the pool but getting no where.

His feathers were too wet to save him.

I finally got the net out and scooped him out of the

water. I thought of doing that in the beginning but

I was afraid I might hurt him or his feet would get

stuck in the net. Anyway - finally he is rescued from

what could of been his graveyard.

We tried to get him to climb into the tree but he was

too tired and still too wet to move. We set the net on

the ground and finally, after a few hours, he flew away.

I feel like I did a good deed today.

Photo credit goes to Maddison, who feels she deserves acknowledgement for the awesome job she did of capturing the event.

The Hymns of our lives

A friend sent this to me. I thought it rang true.

"As Latter-day Saint women, we are practically obsessed with anxiously engaging ourselves in good causes. Maybe it's subliminal. . .
Glancing through the hymnal last Sunday I noted that as sisters in Zion, we who are called to serve are all enlisted to go marching, marching forward because the world has need of willing men to all press on scattering sunshine. We wonder if we have done any good in the world today because we have been given much and want to do what is right, keep the commandments, press forward with the Saints, choose the right, and put our shoulders to the wheel going where He wants us to go. However, as the morning breaks high on the mountain top, truth reflects upon our senses, and while we still believe that sweet is the work, we also realize that we have work enough to do ere the sun goes down. And thus we ask Thee ere we part, where can we turn for peace?"

Be still my heart

My three boys
who totally have
my whole heart. . .
















Even at the
most absurd
moments.

A couple reasons to smile

Reason #1:
Cooper came to me begging for something to eat not long after eating lunch.
I said, "Cooper, you don't need anything right now. You just had something and you can wait until dinner."
He said, "No mom. I'm hungry for a certain something. You see, I'm hungry for something circle-ish".
I knew exactly what he wanted. There was a box of Krispy Kremes sitting on counter.
CIRCLE-ISH. . . now that is smile worthy!

Reason #2:
Brent was telling me that Davis has 43 arrow points.
Maddison said, "Why does he have so many?"
Davis said without missing a beat, "Because I'm a ROCKIN' scout!"
I totally agree.

If all else fails

Wednesday night:
9:45 p.m. - go to bed with a pounding headache
11:17 p.m. - wake up, head still hurting, can't fall back to sleep
11:18 p.m. to 4:48 a.m. this morning - lay in bed and think about my YW's activity. Start creating trivia questions for my version of CASH CAB and dividing my questions into dollar values. Make a mental note to ask Marshall to help me come up with the double or nothing video bonus question.
- ask myself how much longer I'm going to put off getting new carpet in my home. Ask myself why there is no such thing as a money tree. Without it, I talk myself out of doing the high end carpet throughout the house. Try to come up with other alternatives. Make a mental note to call the carpet guy and ask him for some other ideas.
- think about getting started on redoing the backyard. Huge job. Fix the stucco, paint, take down the pool fence, put in pavers, put in a fireplace, find a way to bring the pool and new patio together as one new cohesive area. Make a mental note to go to the HGTV website and find a design show that could do it for me - on a budget of course.
- get out of bed and watch HGTV from 12:30 to 2:00
- back in bed and think of ways to rearrange the pictures on my wall leading to the kitchen. Oh yeah, I could use the long, skinny shelves that I took down in my bedroom. Make a mental note to check on my supply of black paint and start keeping Michael's ads for a 40% discount on three new frames. I'm actually giddy about this one.
- check the clock to see if six hours have past so I can take more drugs. Not yet.
- think about driving to Utah for the 4th of July. Begin dreading the drive already. Start planning what we will do on each day. First will be a visit to my mom.
- Oh yeah, Girls Camp. Start planning how I am going to loose 10 pounds in a month. Make a mental note to pull out that Turbo Jam and Pilate's DVD. Maybe my kids will do it with me. Kick myself repeatedly for ordering a size "L" camp shirt - why didn't I get an XL??? Large - my eye! Remember to check Craig's List for a screaming deal on a treadmill.
- listen to my sweetheart's soft snoring
- look at the clock, it's 4:48 a.m.
- I command myself to turn off my brain and I begin my "if all else fails" routine of relaxing my body starting at my toes and working my way up. If I do it correctly, I never get past my kneecaps.

It worked. But you probably don't want to talk to me today.

Reflection

This is so L-O- N -G!! It's for the sake of record keeping. You can skip it or go grab yourself a snack and settle in.

Our stake youth went and returned from a Pioneer Trek this past weekend. Having had this experience for myself twice already, I was so excited as the youth prepared to go. I was really looking forward to hearing their testimonies upon their return. But what all this did for me was give me a gift. This was the gift of reflection and a renewing of my testimony. I am recording my gift here because it has been powerful for me and my feelings have been so tender. I've been brought to tears many times over the course of the week ~ even sitting with a couple of dear friends at a little restaurant in Chandler.

I remember precisely when I came to have my own understanding of what it meant to be a daughter of God, that He knew me, loved me and would always be beside me. I was a Beehive and at Girls Camp. The leaders prepared an experience for us where we worked as a team (no talking allowed) to get through some obstacles. We then joined hands, still no talking, and were blindfolded and led to an area where we were separated from one another and told that this was time for us to think and ponder. Our blindfolds were to remain in place. I remember being so scared. I just stood there being afraid, so I sat down right where I was. I put my hands in my lap and bowed my head. The silence seemed to suffocate me. I began to pray and ask for comfort. Soon the sounds of nature broke through and became a soothing serenade. I really began to listen and listen closely. I heard something in the distance. It was someone singing. It wasn't long and other voices were joining the song. The singing was constant but seemed to stay at a distance. The words of "I Am a Child of God" and "Teach Me to Walk in the Light" were like a breeze through the meadow. I felt peaceful. I could hear the singing getting a little louder, closer to me little by little. Then right beside me I could hear a leader singing. She sang for a moment and then slowly moved away as I could hear the footsteps retreat and the music fading. This happened a couple more times ~ the soothing voice was right beside me and then it would fade away. Suddenly I was confused and afraid again. What am I supposed to do?? Do I just sit here?? I put my head in my hands and I began to cry, uncontrollably really. I wanted help desperately! I wanted someone to save me! I began to pray and plead with my Heavenly Father ~ Help me! Help me! Soon the singing was coming nearer. This time I recognized the voice. It was one of my own leaders. I loved her so much and I knew she loved me. She stood beside me and sang. Her voice was soft and yet it was filled with power. Still crying, I reached for her. I could not touch her. I reached again. Still no touch but she was right there singing. A still small voice whispered to my heart "Stand and follow her". I stood up and reached again. Soon I was walking toward her voice, reaching for her. My steps were unsteady through the meadow but I knew she wouldn't let me fall. I followed her voice, blindfolded and crying to a place where finally she took my hands and sat me next to someone. I joined hands with young women on either side of me and all of us were singing together. The Spirit filled the meadow and I KNEW I was in the right place. I had listened and obeyed and the Spirit filled my heart to overflowing. I thought I was going to burst. As a 12 year old girl I knew I had had a personal experience with my Heavenly Father. Not knowing why or where I was going but because I KNEW my Heavenly Father loved me, I learned that sometimes you just have to trust and stand up and follow.

That event then led me to my unforgettable experience on the trek. I was a Mia Maid. That was an unbelievable 26 years ago. It was organized a bit differently then. We went for five days and it covered a weekend so we had our Sunday meetings on the trail. Hearing the sacrament prayers and partaking of the sacrament on a mountain top was truly a holy experience. I knew I was being helped by angels during the Women's Pull. I spent my Solo time (a six hour time period away from everyone with nothing but you, your journal, your scriptures and the Lord) feeling like I was having as close to an Enos experience as I ever would. There were many other moments where I felt the Lord's warm embrace. It is hard to find the words to express how personal it felt. Like it was all planned for me. It was like Heavenly Father was saying to me "Andrea, this is your time! This is your time to come unto me! It's your time to know that this is my work. That you are mine and I want you back home again. You will need an unshakable testimony of this truth throughout your life so I'm giving you these gifts now. This is your time!" My love and gratitude for the pioneers grew immensely. That was a given for anyone that participated. But for me, the firm knowledge I gained of my divine worth and His love and constant watch over me was nothing short of my own personal miracle. And yes, my Heavenly Father has been right - I have called upon these moments and memories to pull me through the journey of life.

I'm grateful beyond words for the gift of reflection. I have been blessed to once again have the burning fire of testimony fill my heart and soul.

1980 and 13 years old

My first and only trip to Disneyland in my childhood.

We even went to the beach during the same trip.

I'm sure my parents were thinking "Let's do this

California thing and get it over with!"

Now you can't keep me away from that happy place.

And a favorite of mine. My family right before my older

brother Jim, left for his mission to Paris, France.

I remember clearly when Jim got the string art kit and watched

him create that ship. It was a masterpiece in my mind!

If you enlarge this picture and look at my little brother Dave,

who does he remind you of??

Ah yes ~ The 80's were AWESOME!!

Anytime, Anywhere

Baseball. . .

We take it anyway we can get it and in the pool is a blast!

Here comes the pitch. . .











And it's a line drive right back at the pitcher!









And here is Davis' mind at work. I came home from my YW's activity the other night and found this spread across the table. Click to enlarge the picture and get the details of just how a baseball is made. I'm telling ya - look out Discovery Channel!

Thought for the day

Beauty Tips

For attractive lips,
speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes,
seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure,
share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair,
let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise,
walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

The Book Thief

I just finished! Now it's your turn to pick up The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It is an amazing story set in Germany during the heart wrenching reign of Hitler. It is a story about the Jews, certainly, but surprisingly to me it was so much more. My heart was easily bound to these unforgettable characters. I felt like I was walking the streets of Molching with them. This is when I know a book is in my heart to stay.

"A good book should leave you... slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it. " ~William Styron, interview, Writers at Work, 1958

Read this one. You'll be better for it.

Moving forward

I just wanted to say that although I did take off my soda counter (due to my Memorial Day indulgence) I am still "on the wagon" and feel I have definately made the better choice to take soda out of my daily routine. It was very motivating to see the days continue to increase on my counter but I couldn't justify keeping it on the blog. I thought about leaving it up with a disclaimer that read "with the exception of one day", but knew it would bug me.

So, I'm just recording that I am moving forward and still making the better choice.

Nobody likes a sore loser but. . .

Nobody likes a five year old talkin' smack

about being a winner either!

Cooper was killing Davis and I in game of Monopoly Junior.

Collette reminds me that is just the luck of the dice

but Cooper was convinced he was the smartest,

best and most cleaver strategist to ever play the game.

He taunted us with sing-song chants of

"I'm the richest! I'm the richest!"

"I'm the winner - You're the loser!"

And if by some crazy chance he had to pay one of us he would

do a happy dance like no other and chant

"I'll get it ba-ack! I'll get it ba-ack!"

Win he did. Davis was a great sport. Me - not so much.

Memorial Day weakness

I caved today.

Lunch with Brent and we shared a drink.

I've been really pleased with how the whole "no soda" thing has been going. I had an "a-oh" moment a couple weeks ago. We popped some popcorn and I stopped cold. An icy soda and warm popcorn are a heavenly treat for me. What was I going to drink in place of that lovely liquid?? I opted for some juice that I normally enjoy but suddenly my popcorn wasn't very good any more. I was going to have to give up popcorn too!!

I am drinking lots of water, which I really don't mind but for a feeling of indulgence, it's time I find a good popcorn beverage. Any suggestions??

Today in my Beehive class I was asked to share a little about the blessings that come from following the mission rules. In preparation I was looking through some of my mission keepsakes to find my "white bible" which is the mission rule handbook that you carry with you at all times. I also found an award. It is the Kim Ho Jik award that I received during my mission. It is given to missionaries when they set specific goals, then work like crazy to achieve them. You can enlarge the picture to get the details of those requirements. I haven't looked at this in at least fifteen years. I read it out loud to Maddison and Brent and without warning I became quite emotional. I spoke through my tears ~ it was hard to believe I had actually had this experience. Did I really live in a foreign country, speak their language, eat their food and love their people? The tender memories of my time in Korea stayed with me throughout the day. I love that after such a long time I am still blessed to remember this amazing part of my life. My experiences as a missionary definitely helped to solidify my testimony of the power of the Lord in each of our lives and especially my knowledge that I am one of His daughters and that He loves me. Twenty years ago I was a missionary, set apart to be on the Lord's errand. I'm so grateful I made that choice.

Bring it on!

What is better than the last day of school??

The last day of school with a down pour!!

These smiles make the moment even better!

Mom is cool when she says I can ride my bike but when Mom says I can ride my

bike in the rain storm, she is SUPER COOL!!

Soaked to the bone!

Muckdogs Rock

Another season of Little League is behind us.

I think we all are breathing a sigh of relief.

Opening Day Ceremony

Cooper was the team's bat boy and he did his job with great enthusiasm.

1-2-3 MUCKDOGS!!

A 3rd Grade Graduate

Davis receives a squeeze from Mrs. Isais and a note attached to a sleeve of Baby Ruth candy bars. The note reads: You receive the Baby Ruth award for being my future baseball star and expert on history! You will be in those history books one day!
Love ~ Mrs. Isais

Another year with an incredible teacher. Her constant dedication to Davis has been such a blessing. Her warmth and friendly personality captured our hearts as early as last year and we were so happy to be a part of her class this year.

She has gone the extra mile with Davis to help him succeed in areas that were a bit challenging. And what teacher, being very pregnant and facing triple digit temperatures comes to watch one of her students in his last Little League game. She cheered for him like he was one of her own. And truthfully, she always made him feel like he was!

We love you Mrs. Isais!!

A heartfelt shout out

Preschool graduation May 2007.
This shout out goes to Miss Becky for taking my little red head and showing him patience, understanding, acceptance and above all LOVE.

Cooper really struggled with getting dropped off and would cause quite a scene. Becky was so wonderful with him.There were probably only a handful of mornings that she didn't have to completely hold him back to keep him from running out of her house. And his scene at graduation will be hard to forget. Becky never wavered with my little man and loved him unconditionally. And best of all ~ Cooper knew it!

Last day of preschool May 2008.
Miss Rhonda was given the "Cooper Challenge" and she stepped in like the pro she is. Rhonda too, had the privilege of the dreaded drop off. It was curb side at Rhonda's and there were many mornings that she physically had to take him from the van and carry him, dead weight and all, to her front porch. Rhonda loved my little Cooper completely. His curb side antics didn't slow down her devotion to my son. Again, despite his actions, Cooper could feel the love and acceptance from yet another patient teacher. And then around his 5th birthday, after a year of growth and maturity, Cooper was jumping out of the van and running to the porch with a "Bye Mom!!" thrown over his shoulder!

I can't say enough about these two amazing teachers that have given their all to Cooper. All this goes without saying anything of the incredible efforts that went into their classrooms. Truly, they are extraordinary teachers but beyond that is the love and security that they gave to a little man who needed an extra portion of it!

So here is my grateful shout out to Miss Becky and Miss Rhonda ~ from the bottom of this mom's heart.

Realization

After I took the time to put *** in my last post to hinder any google searches from hitting on my blog, I realized that posting the pictures of the TV shows would be just as bad. Image searches on google could possible hit on them. Hmmm. . . what's a blogging mom to do??

A Discovery!

I'm not a big fan of some of the Dis*ney and Ni*ck shows out there but I will only list two for now. First, The Su*ite Life of Za*ch & Co*dy. Since when does Dis*ney think that 12 or 13 year old boys should date and kiss?? Oh yeah, probably long ago when they decided that The Lit*tle Merm*aid at age 16 was "not a little girl anymore" and could run off and get married to her prince. Also, i Car*ly. That young lady and the show itself uses the Lord's name in vain to the point of being sooo uncomfortable. Even my kids took notice. Those two shows are OFF limits at our house. But thanks to Dis*covery channel and my family's obsession with the D-backs right now, those channels are not taking up much air time on our TV these days.

When the TV comes on it is likely to be tuned into a ball game or a Dis*covery show.



We love this one! If you like trivia and consider yourself genius of all things - you gotta check this one out. We are considering a family trip to New York just to take a ride in the Cash Cab!

Okay, my boys (that includes Brent) love this one. It is not for the weak stomach. I have plugged my ears and closed my eyes more than once. But the host is hilarious and I tune in for his one liners and comic relief.






Davis (our creative thinker) is a huge fan. He will likely be on this show at some point in his future. Another one that goes along this same idea is Myth*busters, which we all enjoy. Come on, who doesn't like to watch things blow up!




Although this show has been ridiculed for being staged and a fake, we find it entertaining and adventurous. And hey, who can't use the info of eating a raw snake for survival absolutely essential.







And best of all is when your nine and five year olds are so wrapped up in a ball game with their dad that dinner means nothing and the score means everything!

**I realize I am going out on limb here revealing some of the shows we tune into but if I had to choose between my kids watching young kids dating, kissing and cussing or learning how to clean up some poop and make a raft from drift wood - I'll choose the latter.