Thursday, September 27, 2007

27 Sept 2007

done, done, Done, dONE, DONE! The pictures are done! What a relief to have it done! I'm trying out another scrapbook program - fotofusion. It looks really neat and has a great auto collage feature. How lucky are we to live in this day of computers, cars and modern plumbing! No king in history had it as well as we do!

Today I hope to take it easier - got to crash sometime soon. Maybe I'll have to do 2 or 3 mini crashes.....we'll see.

Thoght for today: Moroni's promise (Moroni 10:4-5) And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

26 Sept 2007

Well, DJ got the old dryer working again - so I'm saved from buying a new one. I still am a bit leery about it - so I'll only run it when I'm home. We are just glad to have something working!

I am so close to finishing those pictures - I did a ton of work yesterday. Today I have more to do yet - but I can see the end of the tunnel! I feel like celebrating! My little girls are having table time this morning - coloring Halloween coloring pages.

Today's thought: Doctrine and Covenants 50:17-18 Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of turth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? And if it be by some other way it is not of God.

Our most powerful (for good) words are given to us by the spirit - really heartfelt. We are truly an instrument in the Lord's hands as we allow him to guide us in action and word.

Have a nice day!

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

25 Sept 2007

Tuesday! Well, I prevailed in the wrestle with the dryer - unfortunately it still doesn't work! My backyard is beginning to look like "where the dryers go to die" - DJ assures me that all 3 non functioning dryers will be removed shortly! I'm about ready to just go out and buy my new stack - but lacking $$ - so I guess we'll do something else. Sometimes I really hate doing the right thing.

I'm working on some new projects today - just little things. I had to go to the craft store for some adhesive and found several other fun things. Let me show you a picture:

The top picture is a recipie card holder. I still have to decorate it to match the kitchen. I got the miniature kitchen items and put magnets on the back. So cute! On the bottom is a calendar of sorts. I've got an idea about putting scrapbook paper on the wood to make something really decorative. I'll work on it more later......

So - we're busy finishing the pictures today. I want to be done today!!!! This has been a crazy enough project to make me tell DJ that if I get any more crazy ideas - he's to remind me that I don't need any more crazy - we're all full up on crazy!

Thought for today: Doctrine and Covenants 109:7 - Yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith.

I love to read! I got a few new books from the library that I haven't begun yet - but I'm already looking forward to them. I read The story of Doctor Dolittle last week and finished the Arabian Nights as well as a tale of a Bad Boy. I enjoyed Robert Lewis Stevenson so well I picked up a couple more books of his from the library. Nothing like a good book. But don't forget the best books - the scriptures!

Have a nice day!

Monday, September 24, 2007

24 Sept 2007

I'm wrestling with a dryer today. Got it mostly back together - now we'll see if it works! My hands and everything else is tired - so this will be short.

Thought: Luke 10:33 - But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.

I went out home teaching with DJ - and at one of the visits a man expressed feeling isolated and uncared for. He has active neighbors all around - who have never visited him. He is really struggling. I felt bad no one else had been to see him - and I was glad we had gone. I think he had a good point - the church is more than the auxillaries and the callings we have. It's about people. If we forget that - we've really missed the mark. I hope that each of us can seek those around us suffering and show compassion. It needent be anything big - just caring enough to take some time. I'm so excited for the upcomming conference. I look forward to the messages we will hear. I hope to be prepared to hear them


Have a great day!

Friday, September 21, 2007

21 Sept 2007

Not much to say today. DJ's been busy taking a tree out for someone. The girls have been playing all day and I've been taking it easy.

Thought: Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Like I've said before - we're all in this together. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 20, 2007

20 Sept 2007

Feels like Friday - we are all off tomorrow (DJ and girls) - so today is the last "real" day this week. I have to get on the pictures today - just can't put it off any longer! There are too many projects ahead waiting on that one. So I'll be on the computer all day today. Hopefully progress will be made!

We're singing for the senior singles tonight. Some primary songs and Kimball is playing a piano piece - "We thank the O God for a prophet". It's a fun evening ahead - just a short busy. They have a meal then we perform. It's nice that I'm off the hook for dinner tonight! We've done this once before - so we have somewhat of an idea what we're in for.

Activity days was fun last night - we did the paper dolls and the girls loved them! We had a mother who brings her daughter and a couple of friends not of our denomination who asked about our program. Apparently the friends church does something at the same time - but it isn't as much fun or as age appropriate. So - the other mother wanted to know about our curriculum. We passed along a faith in God booklet and I'm going to get them the address of the yahoo group. Interesting! I think they attend the Nazerene church. We're always glad to have visitors to our group - or share what we're doing. It's all spreading the good word!

On to the thought: Alma 37:35 - Learn wisdom in thy youth

Wisdom being more than just knowledge - the application of knowledge. That really is the goal of youth - to try to make sense of all their learning. In the above incident about Activity days - the other group's most recent topic was Nehemiah. It is great to study the scriptures - but we must apply them to ourselves. My understanding of activity days is that it is to show the children how to live the gospel in our daily lives - not just in our Sunday best. What an inspired program! Anyway - all you college kids keep at it! And those of us not in college - keep at it too!

Have a nice day!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Questionaire Examples







19 Sept 2007

I guess Tuesday will be a day off from blogs - just didn't get to it....Did see S - she's doing great - and the babies are comming along too. So glad to hear that things are going well for them. I so enjoyed everyone's comments on the thought Monday. It really adds to the feeling that we're all in this together - dealing with similar stresses and trial - even though our time of life may differ. So good to hear everyone's take on things!

I woke up today just sure that it was Thursday. Not sure what that means - I do have a lot going tomorrow...? Anway - school is going well for McKay. She really likes her new teacher. I look forward to going into the school to help out and get a feel for the new class. Maybe next week?

We're so enjoying cooler weather. I've had a fire going in the stove for a couple of days now - it's so nice and toasty! Picked up some orange and black jelly beans at the store to set out for seasonal color - and have discovered that no one in my family likes black licorice! I knew I didn't like it but I figured one of my girls would. Oh, well. We're picking out the black ones and will find someone to give them to.

I decided I wanted to read something - so I'm reading some "classic" stories that we got from the DI a while ago. Just finished THE BLACK ARROW by Robert Louis Stevenson. The old style language was cumbersome - but the story was entertaining and I really enjoyed the twists and turns. I also read Pinocchio earlier this week - the original was very different from the movie ;) - but many elements were the same. Looks like Stories from the Arabian Nights is next (just next on the bookshelf). I am surprised that I never read this books before. They are pretty good - and will keep me busy for a bit. I still have projects in process - but one does have to take breaks :)

Kimball is supposed to read books from several genres: realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and biography (2 books per month eventually covering all the genres over the school year). I'm excited for her to branch out a bit - but disappointed in the selection her school library offers. She read 2 books yesterday from her school - they just aren't long enough to really challenge her. We're somewhat limited to the school library because she needs to take tests on the books she reads and the school only has tests for books they have. I suppose it helps some kids read more and be motivated - but it seems like it's holding her back. I'd love to have her read a Louis Lamour or maybe even a James Michner. They don't have anything like that at the school. Also - I think she ought to read the biography of Spencer W. Kimball! Anyway - it's a bit of a challenge jumping through hoops that are too low in some ways. I don't know yet how many points her goal is for the year (they earn points based on the tests they take). When the books you're reading are only worth a few points - it takes a lot of books to reach that. And I just don't feel that it's quality reading. Sure babysitter club books are fun - but does it really broaden your world experience or is it just recreational reading?

Sorry for going on about that - it's really on my mind.

I made a rain shield for my jogger stroller - but it's a bit short. I need to get some more plastic vinyl and I'll be set! Yesterday it rained (not while we were out) - and reminded me that I needed to make this cover. The old velcro on the stroller needs replaced as it's not sticky anymore.

That's about it for my world - so on to the thought. Ether 12:6 - And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that fiath is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

So much has been written on faith - and yet I wonder if we really understand it. As the first principle of the gospel - we should continually be trying to understand and use it in our lives. It reminds me of a parenting incident a few days ago. A girl was raging against her designated chores. She had a bit of a cry - and then I had the thought to go talk to her. I asked if she was feeling the Holy Ghost. She said she wasn't - so we each took a turn and prayed. The crying was stopped, the spirit came in and peace desended. She finished her chores and life continued. I'm so glad I had that prompting - and that I chose to follow it. I'm sure we each have experiences like this that are ways we exercise our faith without thinking about it. I'm trying to recognize these for what they are - growing and learning moments. Doesn't mean that we have everything figured out (or anything really) - but that he does and we want to hear what he has to say.

Have a great day - and look for moments of faith in your life!

Monday, September 17, 2007

17 Sept 2007

Good Monday Morning! We got McKay off on the bus - she even got to sit with Kimball! She's really excited about her new class - we're anxious to hear the report when she gets home. I've got mountains of laundry to do today - followed by a bit more paper dolls. I learned how to colorize outline clothes with scrapbook papers in PSE. Not that I can explain how I did it.... The patterns for the dolls I got from a great site: http://lds.about.com/cs/ldsclipart/a/paperdolls.htm The clothes are modest. There are many paper doll patterns out there - but I needed to find something about the right age and modesty level.

This week is a busy evening week - something almost every evening. I feel tired already! The crock pot dinners are going well - the girls are even enjoying them!

Thought for today: Matthew 7:12 - All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.

Treating others as we would like to be treated is a great plan. I have found with husbands, you need to directly tell them what they can do for you, though. They won't figure out that you want a foot massage if you're massaging their feet - generally. And overall the point is being kind and caring to others - focusing on them rather than ourselves.

Have a great day!

Saturday, September 15, 2007

15 Sept 2007

After a leisurely sleep-in, we're finally up and going. I had some Egg roll wrappers that needed used up - so I found a breakfast egg roll recipie that we tried today. It was tasty! Basically, you take and make scrambled eggs, add some ham and onions and cheese - and use that for the filling for the egg rolls. Fry as usual. Different - and good. It used up all my wrappers. I had a back-up recipe for mexican egg rolls with taco fillings on the inside too but we didn't get to try that one.

DJ is out cutting down a neighbor's tree today. A nice old gal 93 years young! The neighbor - not the tree! She's still very active and lives alone. We try to keep tabs on her every now and then - and help with projects when we can. Hopefully he'll get that done and be able to get something done here too!

We have a family birthday party today for the September birthdays - Deana and me. I got a cake from Costco - one of the tall round ones - I've always wanted to get one because they look so tasty - but it's too intimidating in size for just our little family. I'll let you know how it tastes! Too bad Kari doesn't live closer to do cakes for us! I haven't got to sample one of hers yet. :)

Later today Jared has a surprise planned for me - we're going to a football game! I guessed and DJ confirmed so I guess it's not a surprise anymore. I don't think DJ and I have ever been to a football game together - so it should be quite the experience!

Well, on to the thought: 1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

That gets me thinking about living in the world but not being of the world....much could be said about that. A new habit I have finally got down is morning prayers. It has taken quite a while to add this to my routine. I've thought about it for years - and finally I'm doing it! It really does make a difference. I'm working now to add some before I get out of bed scripture reading - not a ton just a bit. Little things do add up and help us keep our perspective.

Well, I have some fun ahead on the computer this morning - I'm printing paper doll clothes patterns out - on scrapbook paper and maybe I'll do some custom clothes. Activity Days this next week is paper doll - dressing modestly!

Have a great day!

Friday, September 14, 2007

14 Sept 2007

I'm off and running this morning. Not that I'm going anywhere......But still.....I'm hoping to make some progress on something (anything) today. McKay's new class starts on Monday - just got the call from the bus company too! Sounds like exciting times. She's going to have several girls from the ward in her class - so that will add to the fun. School went great yesterday - it is always interesting to see how the children interact with each other. Also - I got a feel for where the children are reading-wise. The teacher had me read a little book the class had already read together (I read it with each child individually. The kids all did great - mostly picture reading. One little girl slipped off the monkey bars and fell on her backside. I felt so bad for her - she had to go to the office and use the ice pack for a while. Anyway - it was good.

Honestly, I probably just say the first thing that comes to mind when my girls ask how old they have to be when they get married. Sometimes it's 25, othertimes it's 35! Kimball then points out that I'm not even 35 :) Smarty pants kid! It's made me more aware that even offhand comments can be really internalized. I'm going to have to think some of these things through!

Thought for today: The power of love. 1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitation for our sins.

Love is a big thing to get our minds around! I like other languages that have more than one word for love - it seems to help describe it better somehow.

Well - I need to get going. Organizing some loose recipies today. Have a wonderful day!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

13 Sept 2007

Just got the email that S had her twins! We're excited for her and awaiting more information.

Reg - my girls balk at the regular chores as well - but when I use the excitement the school built up and tell them they can do things to earn money for the school - somehow it works. I make sure to keep track of the "school work" they do - maybe that helps as well. I realize that extra funds are needed for certain things - this way works best for me. BTW - I love the book orders as well. They also do a book fair which I love to go to. Maybe I loved the book orders too much when Kimball was little - I have a ton of books - so many that I don't know if we'll actually read them all! They are so fun, though. They do a monthly pizza night - 20 percent of the $ spent goes to the school. So if the pizza is 17.00 - the school is getting just $3.40? I guess multipied by several pizzas - that can be substantial. I just think the pizza is overpriced to begin with....but I know some families really get into that. I guess I can be grateful they have several different types of fundraisers to appeal to different interests and tastes.

So today I'm heading in to help with McKay's class (old one - hasn't switched yet). It should be interesting. They sent home a memo about a child with severe peanut allergies in her class. Seems to be something that is getting more prevalent.

Today's Thought: Prepare for a career. Proverbs 23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

What great opportunities we have today to gain an education! Even though I'm not currently in school - I enjoy watching educational programing. I've really enjoyed the series on The Universe! The States was informational as well. I think one can continue learning throughout life - through a variety of mediums. Education is something I'm really into! Kimball had an interesting conversation yesterday when she told a classmate that she wasn't allowed to get married until she graduated from College (We said that in response to a question from the girls as to how old you have to be to get married....not totally serious you know...). A boy she was talking to said that was what his mom said as well and asked if she was LDS. She said yes - and he said me too. Another girl who moved here recently said - We used to be LDS before we moved here from California. Which led to Kimball asking her if she'd like the missionaries to come by (and giving her directions to the church). We'll see where that leads.....But all from the importance of education!

Have a great day!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

12 Sept 2007

The vertigo comes and goes - mostly gone, though. Yesterday was so busy running around that I didn't get a chance to post. Today will be slower - and I'm glad of that! McKay will be in a new kindergarten class - they had enough students to make an additional class! So we'll be switching to mornings soon.....She's excited because she'll get to ride the bus twice (instead of once) and she'll still walk with me to get Kimball. It's going to work out for the best.

Fundraiser season at school. They had an assembly to get the kids pepped up about selling things - and the prizes they can earn. I'm really not into buying the "stuff" - so I've given my kids an alternative. I'm happy to make a straight donation to the school - in exchange for my girls doing extra chores around the house. It's working well! I figure it's more than the school would have gotten from any purchases I might have made and the girls have to make more effort if they want to support the school. There are additional fundraisers throughout the year, too. This is the only marketing by the children one.

Before I forget - DJ and I are doing a piano duet for Sacrament sometime this month. We'll have to bring the music at Thanksgiving - and maybe we can coax DJ into singing for us too. Coax reminds me of the first time Kimball tried to pronounce that word (her reading is ahead of her pronouciation) - it came out co axe. Very cute!

Today I'm organizing the basement a bit. Just trying to tidy things up - get rid of extra boxes, etc. One of these days I'll have to get back to the computer to work on those pictures. Just not today.....

Thought for today: Age is relative. Psalm 92:14 - They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.

So much I could say about that scripture....What I will say is that we all have value and can contribute something - regardless of our age or circumstance. What a blessing!

Have a great Wednesday!

Monday, September 10, 2007

10 Sept 2007

Had a great weekend - we're finishing up some grapes today. We might get more yet....have to see! I'll be so glad when my floor isn't sticky from juice! The baby shower went well on Saturday - and I mostly took it easy the rest of the day. Yesterday I woke up with some crazy vertigo. I made it to sacrament meeting - DJ was part of a musical number - then I went home. Still have the vertigo this morning. Life goes on.....

I have to get my desk in order this morning - bills to pay, things to file, etc. So it will be a busy morning. Kaye is coming for lunch - that will be fun!

My blogs seem so empty without a daily question. I found a little book that I'll use to put something on every day - Stand a Little Taller by Gordon B. Hinckley. Sept 10th scripture is Psalm 127:3 Children are an heritage of the Lord.

I am feeling more appreciation for my children lately. That's a good thing! What a blessing to really be able to savor those sweet times with your children - the snuggles, and giggles, and smiles! That's the good stuff.

Well, I need to get going. Have a great week everyone!

Thursday, September 06, 2007

6 Sept 2007

I'm pleased to report that I'm done separating the pictures! It's a real relief to have that behind me. I still have plenty to do - but it will be more fun than what I've finished.

The day is speeding by - it's almost time to go get McKay and Kimball already. It's not bad walking when it's cooler - and exercise is good for everyone.

Sorry it's so short today....I'll try to make it up with some pictures tomorrow.

Have a nice day!

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

5 Sept 2007

It's so nice that the weather is cooling - and we're heading into fall! It is one of my favorite seasons. We're busy juicing grapes here - I've been working on that all morning. Just a little bit more to go for today. It is one of the easiest canning things to do (juicing) provided you have the proper equipment. You just put in the fruit, make sure there is water in the bottom of the steam juicer - and you're set. Time it for about an hour - then drain the juice from the reservior into prepared jars, put the lids on and it seals itself! Just takes time...

Today's question is the last from my little box! I guess I'll have to find some more questions.....Have you told your partner about all of your past relationships?

Considering my past relationships were platonic - there's nothing to tell! That's more of a blessing than I realized at the time. I think the question of what to tell should also include when to tell. I have many opinions on this - and my opinion has changed over time. I'm not going to give my opinion here - because this is such a personal thing - that how you feel about it should matter more than how I feel about it. Something to think about - both from a telling and receiving perspective!

Have a good day!

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

4 Sept 2007

Good Tuesday Morning. Crash day went well - and I'm taking it easier this week. The girls are well settled into their room - and even the littlest has navigated the stairs in the night. Their room really does clean up quickly - because everything has a place close at hand. We have missed Chuck comming weekly - it was a special time we had with him. It's our turn to visit now, I suppose.

DJ is home today - and we're working on the wiring this morning. Just a couple of details to finish before we close everything off.

So - I'll just leave you with the question of the day: What is the biggest mistake you made in 2006 which you will not make again in 2007?

Good question - something maybe to be pondered individually....:) Have a great day!