Back to Life, Back to Reality.

(I don't know Why that song popped into my head) Christmas vacation in OVER. We drove down to Texas to see all sorts of extended Family. Woo Hoo was it fun! We had a lot going against us this trip. Out of nowhere a pipe had burst in our basement, which pushed us back about three hours from leaving (not a happy Brandon, at least it happened before we left town, and not after. This way we could stop the water from ruining Everything in the basement.). We were experiencing freezing rain that evening we were supposed to leave Missouri, we were advised by many to stay here til morning. Luckily Danielle went into labor that night and I was here to witness the birth of my newest niece Kinzley Evelyn Gorham. What a cutie. On the way down to Texas there was alot of construction, no wrecks though (thank goodness). We made it with a few minutes to spare so I could get Ryann dressed up for a Christmas Service that her dad picked her up for (whew). Then the Brandon, Seiler, and I took showers and got ready to do some last minute shopping. This was fun. Brandon and I forgot it was Christmas Eve, and Every store would close early. We couldn't get in ANYWHERE. Freaking out always helps in situations like these. Thankfully Tom Thumb was open and we picked up a few GC's. Crisis averted. Spending lots and lots and lots and lots of time with family, we saw Four Christmases (hilarious), attended the Temple, ate at all the awesome restaurants in site,crocheted a whole baby blanket, and spent more time with family. We went to pick up Ryann, that was fun. She had some interesting news to share- Nothing I want to discuss. Some how we came home with more stuff than we took down, that never happens. Brandon and his mother cleverly loaded the car to its maximum capacity, we all hopped into the car, and someone said "Oh no, everyone out. . . . " Not what I wanted to hear. The rims on Brandon's left rear tire were showing through the tire. Two hours later, we were on our way Home. Hallelujah! 7 Hours, one food stop and 4 bathroom emergencies later, we made it to our house that the smell of moldy garbage knocked you over as you walked in. . . . . . . . . . . No Place Like Home. So we went over to my mom's house to play with the baby. Good times. Good Times.

Merry Christmas

Hope you all have a Fun, Safe and Happy Holiday!

OKay. . . . .So I watched "The Biggest Loser"

Finaly last night and I want to look like Heba! Anyone want to help me get there? in exchange for cookies? or a homemade purse? crocheted baby blanket? my bedroom furniture? my second born? we'll talk. . . . let me know.

What have YOU Done?

This is very easy to do and pretty fun. I hope everyone who finds it interesting copies and pastes it, then highlights what they have done :)
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain ( climbed up to the B in bountiful)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (do herbs count?)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. HAD enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant4
4. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
4. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

This was too much fun, I guess I need to travel more, to accomplish all these things.

I feel Like a Cry Baby. . . . . . .

Or a retard, what is the difference?

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

Ok. . . so I am not complaining, let me explain. Everybody has little quirks, and I have lots(depending on what mood I am in.), my husband is OCD Major(not as crazy as monk). And in the begining of our marriage I bought four different color bath towels, and as we moved and decoarted new bathrooms, new colors were added. Now in the begining, I have thought it to be fun to color organize everything from the coat closet, hall closet, to the kids closets and drawers(so I knew where everything was, and if they grew out of something in one color, I could replace it in a bigger size!). As the years have gone by, and the millionth load of laundry folded and put away. I am OVER the whole color organizing thing! Anyway, back to the towels. It is well passed time to renew them. All of them. As I got more efficient in my folding and putting the towels away, I STOPPED putting each towel in its same color pile(much to Brandon's dismay). I will spare you all the details for my husbands sake, NOW I want forty new towels ALL the SAME color!!!! He can't handle them not being in color order, even when the door is shut & he can't see them. I can't endure this situation any longer.

The WHY question IS Why don't people just want to get me what I ask for? Not to be selfish- Just to save my Sanity. I just might be a better mom. (Icouldn't think of anything I wanted or needed for Christmas this year, and for what ever reason, people refuse to buy "couple", or "family" gifts, and have to buy everybody something) SO I Want a Walmart GC, so I can buy a bunch of the same towels. Not everybody buy different towels but in the same color, Because then, we JUST MIGHT have the same problem!!!

Royal Icing

I simply made some Royal Frosting.
Whip three Egg Whites until it starts to get frothy. Add in 1 Tablespoon of Cream Of Tarter, and continue whipping. Add one 2lb. Bag of Powder Sugar. Keep this way if you are making ginger bread houses. Use this for your "Glue". Also for making Flowers for cakes and cupcakes, this will dry Rock Hard.
For smoother frosting Pour in two Tablespoons of milk, and mix until all the lumps are gone! I added Maple flavoring, this makes the frosting taste better and adds a tea stained color.
I put this into a pastry bag, and piped an outline around the cookies to make a barrier. Let stand to harden 10 minutes. Then I added more milk to the frosting one Tblsp. at a time until thinner than spreading consistancy. I used a butter knife to spread the thinned frosting on to the cookies, making sure there wasn't too much to overflow (because I couldn't find any of my decorating supplies). I put in chocolate chips for eyes and buttons( I guess Iforgot I was making gingerbread men & thought I was making Snowmen?) This frosting levels itself out, Awesome.I let dry for 10-20 mins. and added food coloring to the frosting and with a wider tip and a pastry bag, I made a line around the neck and two off to the side. Whala. . . . .

Christmas Cookies

I just love to make Christmas Cookies! I just ador how cute and yummy they look, more so than just eating them. Often times I leave them out on plates for decor, and they go bad before I have a chance to nibble on them. However they do get taken by little hungry hands.



I made this batch for my acheivement day girls. This week for an activity I made little gingerbread houses out of grahm crakers and royal frosting. I gave each girl one to decorate with more royal frosting and tons of little colorful candies. I made these cookies for them, so they wouldn't too tempted to eat all the other candies, until everyone's houses were done....... too much fun. (messy, but fun).

Kids Say the Darndest Things

A few weeks ago, Ryann and I were watching a Taylor Swift Special on T.V. and a Macy's Commercial came on. The new one with the "Beleive" Campaign with a mailbox. Ryann asked, with a little attitude, "Mom, Can we write letters to Santa- so we don't have to go sit on his lap this year?" Of coarse I said yes. She never has liked that big red guy.

A few days ago it snowed about 1 1/2 inches. And has been could enough to keep it here. Until this morning, Seiler was SO sure it is melting, "Because the teachers at my school are so mean they would'nt let us go out side to play in it. So It is mad and going away! I just want to make a snowball!" I haven't heard brandon laugh that loud in a while.

Trip to Nauvoo

Ryann went to Nauvoo with Mimi, G-ma Rose, Danielle, Josh, Corrine, and Kristofer.

Ginger Bread Houses

Last week for Family Home Evening Uncle Josh taught the kids about making good choices vs. bad choices. He went all out, he built a mini house on a clay rock and one on a pile of sand. I wished I had a video camera with me when the kids were answering questions, they are smarter than we realize, they do listen when we teach them! Then, as the kids sang the song about the wise man and the foolish man Josh poured water upon each house. As you can imagine we watched the house on the sand wash away, and the other didn't move! After the lesson, we let the kids build their own houses! They spent hours perfecting their projects! They did such a great job! It was so much fun for them and fun for me to watch! click on the pics to view larger!

Bunkbed Wars

I could survive for 54 seconds chained to a bunk bed with a velociraptor

Created by Bunk Beds.net

My Favorite Fall Potpourri

I love this time of year when the air gets crisp, and you can smell someone far off burning a fire to keep warm. I love the bright colors of all the trees and how naked they become. I love all thee wild life we get to see (because they can't hid so easily anymore). I love to see pumpkins everywhere. I love dressing my kids in the layerd look. I love the christmas music, and decorations in all the shops. I love the Ronald Mc Donald Cup o'Tea Homes Tour (going with my family makes it fun). And I love to simmer potpourri on my stove. Drives my OCD Husband crazy (because it stays on the stoves for weeks at a time), but it makes my house smell heavenly.

Okay, so in my smallest sauce pan, I add:
1 or 2 cut up apples with peel
1 sliced orange with rines
Add enough water to cover fruit
1 tablespoon each Cinnamon, pumkin pie spice, and cloves.

In december I exchange apple pie spice for the pumpkin pie spice.

Simmer on your stove on low heat. Add water as needed (so it doesnt burn)
I just put a lid on it at night and add more water the next day and simmer away.

Lasts about a week, then do it all over again. Smells so good.

To Decorate or to NOT to Decorate!?!

Christmas is coming. . . . . but we will not be here for it.

All of God's Creations

I totally saw a Dow ( a deer a female deer, Ray a drop of golden sun)about to cross the street this morning on my way to work. It watched me, and as my car was creaping closer, it frantically hopped back into the woods. As I watched it disappear, It noticed it stop and look back at me. And as it made eye contact. . .it was gone. I couldn't see it any longer. Mostly because my car was still moving forward. Luckily ther were no cars moving toward my direction.


Monday Morning, as I was driving to work, I saw the most beautiful wild Turkeys crossing the road. They waddled more like a Duck, than ran like a chicken. They moved fast across the road, but took their time once they made it to the grassy shoulder. Cool to see.



I love all of God's wonderous Creations. . . . .Except spiders and snakes, which keep getting into my HOUSE somehow. It is really unnerving when you are picking up toys off the floor and them one of them crawlers away from, or tries to snap at you. I am getting the heebeejeebees just remembering it.

"Mommy, I don't remember when I did that!"

Last night I stumbled upon some pics of Seiler sitting in the Fridge. When he was stronger enough to open the fridge, about 18 Mos. old. til two and a half, he would ALWAYS sit in the fridge. Of course the door was open. I'm not sure if he needed to cool down his bum or if he just found His seat in the Kitchen. I showed it to Seiler last night, he said "How big was I, Mommy, I don't remember when I did that!" Ryann did though. She wanted to sit there too, but only if Seiler did it First. I will try to post the picture tonight. It's too cute.

Just One More Thing!

Sorry guys, I was looking up Hilary Weeks website, because I saw hwe at Time Out For Women a few months ago and LOVE her new CD. Anyway I was looking at some of her messages and this one totally stood out to me. Here come the tears again:

Lane Ends, Merge Left
I have a somewhat strange little tradition. I have absolutely no recollection of when or why this “ritual” started…but, every time I see a Frito-Lay truck, I think to myself, “Everything is going to be okay.” Surely there is some logical and intelligent explanation of its origin. I have some faint memory of it being a funny experience. Nevertheless, a Frito-Lay truck brings a smile to my face and a simple, reassuring thought to my mind.

Funny how something common, transposed by creativity becomes meaningful. It is still the same thing, you just choose to see it differently.

Before you read any further, I need to tell you that this devotional requires a few minutes of your time and a little participation. If now is not a good time, come back when the kitchen is tidy, the kids are settled and you have a few minutes of uninterrupted time. No, wait, who knows when that will be. Maybe now is as good of time as any!

This won’t be hard – I think it will actually be fun. First, look over the common roadside signs listed below. Then, pick one or two that jump out to you.

Stop Wrong Way
Yield Keep Right
One Way No U Turn
Speed Limit Do Not Pass
Slow, Children at play Service Vehicles Only
Detour Do not Enter
No Pedestrian Traffic Construction Ahead
Work Area Ahead Surface may be icy
Slow, proceed with caution Road closed
Stop, do not enter No Outlet
Dead End

Now, turn those signs into an object lesson. Create an object lesson or phrase that means something to you personally. Let it relate to your current circumstances. Perhaps it could remind you of something important. Maybe it could be something that makes you giggle or brings a smile to your face.

For example: STOP. “Stop worrying about the things you can’t control.” Or, “Stop after one helping of apple pie.” Or, “Stop all self-defeating thoughts.”


Give it a try…


I wish I could read some of the ideas you came up with!

We see road signs every day. Why not turn them into quick, positive reminders! The negative things of the world are already plentiful. This could be our way of adding more positives!

Just in case you’d like a few more ideas, here are some additional “object phrases.”

Speed Limit
– Someone give me a ticket, because I am speeding through life!
– There is a limit to how fast I can go each day. It’s okay to slow down.
Detour
–What am I allowing to detour me from doing the important things?
Slow, Children at play
– Slow down and play with the children!
Yield
– Yield to the promptings of the Spirit
One Way
– One way I can teach my children is by example.
No Pedestrian Traffic
– I need a little time to myself, so no disturbances for the next couple of minutes!
No Outlet
– Oh yes there is! Repentance!
Surface may be icy
– On the outside one may seem cold or aloof, but on the inside they want to be warmed by love.
Construction ahead
–…And it’s going to make me better and stronger than I was before.

“How true it is that what we really see day by day depends less on the objects and scenes before our eyes than on the eye themselves and the minds and heart that use them.” — F.D. Huntington.

Go Hillary for finding the words to encourage ourselves to think possitivly. I am going to try to use this example to remind me to find the simple Joys in Life! "If I only had today" is an amazing song. I sing it to my husband all day long. He is annoyed, but I love it.

Oh what a Beautiful Morning, Oh what a Beautiful Day. . .

I don't even know where to begin. . . .for at least a month we have been sleeping in EVERYDAY! Late for everything. Even School. Surprised that Ryann's School hasn't called, to complain. I would tell Brandon everynight to set the alarm earlier, so that if he felt the need to push snooze, we would still be able to get up on time. I'm not sure if he did or not, because I am a deep sleeper, and never heard the alarm at all. And then rushing around every morning to get everyone up and ready and out the door. Sometimes without breakfast. This routine has been driving me crazy, and I was blaming it on Brandon for not waking us up on time. Oops, Sorry Babe. It was so stressful, I asked my mom if she would call our house every morning at 6 o'clock, just until we were in the habit of getting up early. She declined. So, I offered her a small fee. She declined stating, I was old enough to get up on time by myself! This is True, but it wasn't working. Much to my dismay, My children both slept in my bed last night. Ryann said can't we all just sleep in here tonight. and of Course Seiler agreed that would be a great idea. I can't recall why Brandon and I went along with it. . . . but we did. I said a prayer for a bunch of things, but focused on the earge to wake up and be alert when the alarm went of this morning, so that we could read scriptures as a family and have breakfast together and get to school and work on time. As everyone fell asleep last night, I couldn't. I kept thinking of what I would do If I acctually woke up on time the next day. As the snoring in my bedroom began, I got out of bed and went in to the kitchen, suddenly wide awake. And unloaded and reloaded the dish washer (a new one by the way) moved the laundry around started a new load, folded some. Made the kids beds and carried them to them. Tucked them in and kissed them goodnight. I did all of these things, so that Brandon wouldn't be burdened by them in the morning.Of Course I can beleive it, but I am still in shock. Brandon and I both woke up, didn't even push snooze, I don't think. I woke the kids up and carried them to the table wrapped up in a blanket, fixed them a bowl of cereal, blessed it, and read them a story from the book of mormon. Together we got the kids dressed, hair and teeth brushed and out the door. Ryann was early to school today. Lunch packed and all. I am completly happy about not being stressed out at all this morning. . . .I am so greatful that I can rely on my Heavenly Father for the kind of help that I really need. To keep myself and my family sane, I mean happy.
"When life gets too hard to Stand, Kneel"

I am NOT in the mood. . .

for Halloween this year and I don't know why. I just decorated my porch this year, and that's it. Ryann was mad, because she said mom decorate our porch More. I said it was enough, because I just filled up huge wagon on my porch with fall leaves and pumpkins and twigs. She said, you don't have to make it look pretty mom, make it scary like the one across the street. ( they have green and purple lights and spiders every where.) I told her, Next Year, I promise. What is the deal? I don't even want to take them to the Trunk-or-Treat this year. Help somebody wake up the Holiday Spirit with in me. . . . . . . . . . .I'm waiting.

This is What I Got:

You are thoughtful and care very deeply for your family. A loving home is of great
importance to you and you always try to make people feel welcome. Although you have a great capacity to love, you also have a great capacity to hurt, so at times you can be
sensitive. You're firm when you need to be, but people trust your judgment and
appreciate the kind way you always handle things.


It is All true, unless you know me well. It is Mostly True!!!!!

There is Beauty All Around

I love this part of the Fall Season. These trees are popping up all around us.It is beautiful here in the Ozarks!!!!

Where are all these TEARS coming from?

I cannot believe it. During Sacrament meeting a young man who recently came home from his mission was talking, since me children were talking(not whispering) I could not here much of what he was saying, but then he broke out into a beautiful song, my eyes teared up, while hushing my kids. Sunday After our Home Teachers left, Brandon took Seiler to go Home teaching with him. So, Ryann and I got into our p.j.'s and decided to turn on the t.v. before bed. Luckily it was on the BYU channel. We crawled up in my bed and watched the end of The Other Side Of Heaven. And as the Elder was leaving the Island to go home, the song God Be With You Til We Meet Again was sung. The TEARS came rolling down. As we said family prayer that night, the Tears came rolling. The next morning as I watched Ryann run into the School Building, I started to tear up. I don't know what hit me, how ever I am very grateful that it did. Minus the Crying Part. I thank my heavenly Father everyday for all the beautiful things in this world he created for me.....I love the word to the Primary song My Heavenly Father Loves Me.

The Things Uncle Josh Can Talk Seiler Into.......

It is crazy how much Seiler loves his Uncle Josh. As of Last week. I was looking @ Seiler's hair and playing with it Thinking that he needs to get it cut. Whenn I see a tiny black dot on his head. So I investigate it further and notice there is a black hair growing out of it. As chills go down my spin @ how gross itwas, I told my mother (who was sitting right beside me). Seiler quickly said "Don't pull it I want to be just like Josh!!!!" (only opposite of course.) Seiler often asks me why he doesn't have black hair like Josh, why he has to have white hair like me......I simply state, because your my child. Not Josh's. And I love you just as much if not more, blah-blah-blah, etc.
Some days he seems to be okay with that answer, other days not so much.
Anyway, moving on.....Last night we ate dinner @ my mother' house. She made Chicken Breasts stuffed with Apple and Sage dressing, sourcream whipped potatoes, and a carrot & pea mix. All of it was so delicious. Except the peas part. (my least favorite veggie. the only one I will not make my children eat. toooooooo gross.) So uncle Josh talked Seiler into eating his peas, and he did. Impressive, but still gross. Then he noticed that I left mine on my plate, and Josh told him to feed me one. I was not a happy camper, and I did NOT open my mouth for it. The pea fell on the floor, so he went back to his plate to get another one. Brandon made me feel bad, but I could not make myself even pretend to eat it. Seiler thought it was all fun and games. Glad someone was entertained......it sends shivers down my spine just wrighting about it.

It's Raining, It's Pooring . . . .

It is such a gloomy day here in Springfield, MO. When it Rains here, it rains and rains and rains.
But. . . . . I am in such a good mood! Don't you just love the feeling you get when you have your Visiting teaching done for the month? Well I got mine done for October, and let me tell you, even with the grey skies, IT IS SUNNY IN MY OFFICE TODAY.
Sounds so dumb, but I can't stop smiling. The message this month struck a weird/shocked/confused look on my face as I was reading the importance of Gender. I had a quick thought of: Is this really a concern women of our Faith are struggling with? But as I read it again the next day, I realized, it's not about wanting to be a man, but being proud to be a woman; and finding joy in the work you do. . . . Each of us are created in the likeness of God. We are born in the female gender for a reason. It defines who we are, why we are, and who we are to become" I especially enjoyed what Sis Beck stated on this topic, "A woman who treasures motherhood on earth will treasure motherhood in the world to come". Being a mother is DEFINITELY the hardest job I have ever had. You can't clock in and out. It's a job you don't get paid by the hour for, you don't get extra for putting in over-time, but reap rewards year after year for it. I am so grateful for my friends and family who love and inspire me to be better. I am grateful for all the examples I have to be a great mother. I know that Our Heavenly Father loves each and everyone of us, that we came to this earth women for a reason, to teach and love and lead and shine the light of Christ on those around us. I am grateful for the Blessings we will receive if we but Endure to the End. Hold Fast to the Rod Sisters. Be Happy to be you. Love ya Lots.

There's NOTHING

I can't find anything to say about anything today!

Ryann's Baptism pictures

So exciting to watch her grow into such a beautiful girl. Fun to watch her make all the right choices. Love to see he smile!

Aunt Corrine took all these pics.

I'M SORRY!!!!!!

Some how Brandon got on to my blog, and was confused ( upset) that I was talking bad about him. So, here I am apologising.... I still love you, and promise not to complain about you again. Unless, I forget about THIS post. Lots of Love to you Babe.

Is Brown Hair SO Wrong?

I decided a few months back to get them bottom layers of my hair dyed dark brown. I know it's not original, but it looks too cute not to be apart of the fad. For some reason, I never made the appointment to get it done..... I just couldn't wait any longer to be in the "In crowd" (he he he)
so I hitched a ride to the grocery stroe with my husband! I mystriously wanderd over to the hair care products isle, and lucky for me the color I wanted was ON SALE!!!! So, I made dinner and did homework, and bathed the kids and put them to bed, With A Smile on My Face........ and then locked myself in the bath room for 45min. Walla! I'm gorgeous!

Yah, Yah, so I did it myself. He should be happy. I saved him like a Hundred Dollars.

He called me a Dirty Girl. I laughed, but should I be offended?
No need to respond. It's just a thought that I am still thinking about it..........

WHY are men SO determined to be against anything that would require their help and TOTALLY make us happy? It's not like they really care whether there is a shelf on the wall, or the living room needs to reorganized and moved around, or the dressers that are in the basement guest room would serve a better purpose upstairs in your daughters room, etc. Most of these things I can and will do by myself, but every now and then I need and extra pair of hands, or maybe extra muscles. So WHY are they so loud about not wanting to help? Why can't men just grin and bear it? It's not like we don't; when we are making and cleaning up dinner EVERY NIGHT, changing diapers when it makes us gag, taking a shower just so they can get you stinky again, or repeatedly putting the same child in bed for an hour!!!!!

Why? I just want to know Why?

I need some Marital Advice. . . .

Green or Blue?

Ideas Anyone?

so just as a P.S. if anyone has some cheap, quick, spiritual ideas for FHE to get me started on the right track I would LOVE It!! thanks guys........

Bug Bites

Ok so last night, I was on my own in the parental aspect.... Brandon was working late and for some reason I caught this bug. The kind that gives you all the energy that you need to get everything done....no more to do list kind of energy. I made the mistake of asking my kids what they wanted for dinner, because like in any situation they WANT something different. So,with a smile on my face, I made Ryann what she wanted (Italian style hamburger helper), and Seiler what he wanted (hot dog and mac n' cheese). Easy enough, but the look and smell of all of it together was not satisfying. I took care of all the groceries, vaccumed the whole upstairs, fed the dog, got school clothes picked out for the next day, made my bed, and stripped and made the kids beds, went through ryann's back pack for first day of school HomeWork, helped her accomplish it, ate dinner(the chitlens acctually ate EEVERYTHING on their plates), ate dessert. Thiss is ussually pretty big for me. Seeing how lazyness has just about taken over my life. What do you expect doing the same thing everyday for SEVEN years...... Anyway, I decided recently, that we would start having FHE. I know, I know, we should have been doing this all along, and we have sort of. We just never labled it FHE, and didn't ever have a spiritual thought. In my husbands defense, we did always spend the evening together as a family, whether it was going the a theme park, the movies, the neighborhood pool, or just out to dinner. But after an exciting summer, and a few smart mouths and stubborn butts thrown my way, I decided we should do it the way it was intended. So, I picked a Living Scriptures movie(Lehi's Dream), sat in between my kids on my bed & watched the movie. Seiler heard the word NEPHI and said it a few times quietly, then said "Ryann this is a church movie, this is a church movie Ryann!", with excitment in his voice. This totally brought a smile to my face. Ryann's bored reaction was"I KNOW, what else can we watch?" After the movie was over I found the scripture that tells of Lehi's dream in 1st Nephi, and read it to my kids, and asked them to listen to the words, and try to remember if they saw that in the movie, we had a prayer and put on pajamas. Off to bed they went and right at 8:00 0'clock. I was totally in shock......and still proud of myself......Hope this bug comes back to bite me, instead of the cold bug that I woke up with this morning!!!

OH my Gosh, I am SOOOO Glad hair styles change with the Times!!

...............and so Glad that the face of a Child matures.........

Retro Family Pics

These are actually yearbook picture styles through the decades. You can make your own HERE.

Brandon in the '70's.

Brittany in the '60's.

Ryann's '60's style.

Seiler in the '50's.

Ryann's Baptism

Seiler's Party

This weekend Seiler if having a POLICE MAN PARTY! For the invitations Jennifer and I made little manilla folders and stamped "confidential" on the front. Then we made little papers and postit notes for the inside with all the party info on it. (too bad you wo'nt be able to see those either). We have invited 12 guests to go with us on a tour of the Republic Police Dept. The children are going to be put in jail, and sit in the front and BACK of a police car. Too Cute. then we will be headed over to Krispy Kreme to eat DONUTS! (because that's what cops do) and open presents. I think I'm as excited as he is!!

Brandon's 27th Birthday

We celebrated as a family. The kids help me set the table with our fancy dishes and wine glasses and candles and halloween napkins. I forgot to go the store for napkins - be quiet. We had grilled chicken, cheesy rice, and roasted green beans. (its all i had). He'd rather watch the game on t.v. but he came to the table and ate with us. We had oreos for dessert. We put the kids to bed early and... The next week we had Pork Chops and all the fixins @ my moms house and opened presents there. He FELT special.

Josh's 28th and Seiler's 4th Birthday

WE WENT BOWLING!!! I can't remember who won, but we had alot of fun. (josh picked what we did, and Seiler picked where we ate) Then we went to Cici's and ate more VEGGIES. Life is great.
P.S. I took alot of pictures, but you'll never see them!!

Josh's 28th and Seiler's 4th Birthday

WE WENT BOWLING!! I can't remember who won, but we had alot of fun. (Josh picked the activity, and Seiler picked where we ate) Then we went to Cici's Pizza and ate more veggies. Life is Great.
P.S. I took alot of pictures, but you'll never see them.

New Year's 2007

We went to Jennifer's house. My mom, Danielle, and I just started a new diet, so we didn't have to wait till the new year. ( we needed a head start!) We filled up on all sorts of veggies. It's sad, but that's all I remember- the veggies!

Christmas 2007

It was just the way I wanted, minus missing family members. I told Brandon that this year we are ONLY getting our kids three presents to represent the three that were given to Christ at his birth. That we would explain this to the kids. So we thought long and hard. Seiler knew exactly what he wanted this year(anything Trans Formers). Ryann had no idea until the day before(because Brandon talked her into wanting what we got her, without TELLING her what we got for her). Brandon took Ryann and Seiler to see Santa, 3o mins. before he was leaving to pass out gifts to the children of the world. Because we for got to do it earlier in the month!! Chirstmas Morning I made a big breakfast, and we all took turns opening presents. Brandon surprised me with new Diamond Earrings (since he lost my others ones last year during the ice storm). I was happy!! The kids were happy with everything they got tooooooooo!! Except we forgot to explain to them why they only got three presents. There's always next year!!!

Thanksgiving

I can't remember. It was yummy?

My POOR NEON

It just so happens that we sprung a leak, and we were leaking tons of oil on our way down there. Brandon & Lee put a quart in my car EVERYTIME we stopped for gas. The stress begins!! We took the car into get looked @. The Oil Pan in my car was cracked as well as some other part. Unfortunatly we diid not have $1200.00 with us to fix the car then and there. So we prayed that we would make it home safely, and the car only leaked 1 quart the whole way home!!! we were so blessed, Especially going through Arkansas(those small towns just aren't open all night).

Oh and the Birthday party was fun too, we totally surprised Nana Dixie. I could have sworn her heart was going to stop. (Luckily it didn't)

P.S. my car was fixed, but not to perfection, it still leaks oil, but we only have to refill it once a week now. Ghetto or what?