L.D.S.

I recently went to a Stake Primary training. At this training we were challened to set a goal. It could be anything we wanted. And then we have to L.D.S. (Learn It, Do It, Share It). The goal that I've set is to read from the current Ensign or the Confrence Ensign everyday. I have really enjoyed doing this. It suprises me how much more my thoughts are turned to the Savior or the teachings of the prophet during the day. I really like having my thoughts on those things rather than the daily rigours of life. I feel happy and content.

A Great Weekend

Last weekend was alot of fun. We spent quite a bit of time together as a family. It was so wonderful. We took the kids to see Tangled. Which is an adorable movie by the way. But we had some time before our movie started so we decided to grab some lunch in the food court. On our way over there we of course saw Santa! Our girls were so excited. There was no line to see him (which I thought was strange for 12:00 noon on Saturday) so we walked right up. Hannah, with huge eyes, and a very serious face, walked right up to him and said, "I want a unicorn pillow pet!" It was hilarious. They got to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted. Brooklyn, oddly enough wants a box of cereal!! That's right, as if the 50 boxes I have in my basement aren't enough, she would like cereal! And she asked for some helium balloons. WIERD? But Santa is a pleaser and said he would see what he could do.
After Santa and lunch we took the girls to buy Christmas presents for each other. It was fun and challenging. We each had one kid and were trying to avoid each other, while shopping on basiclly the same isles.
I loved that day. It was so nice to just spend the whole day as a family having fun. It seems like forever since we have been able to do something like that.

My tender little girl

Last Sunday we watched, "Where the Wild Things Are" as a family. It was an enjoyable movie. Near the very end where Max is leaving the island, one of the "wild things", Carol, is so sad that Max is leaving. As I am watching the movie, and getting a little chocked up, I hear some little noises. I look over to see my sweet little Brooklyn has HUGE tears streaming down her face. She was trying so hard to not be heard. But when her dad asked if she was ok she let loose and burried her face into his shoulder and sobbed.
I love that she is so tender. When she was 4 years old she cried while watching Wall-E. And when she was almost 2 we were trying to have a little family home evening with her on baptism. For our opening song we played the song "I Like to Look for Rainbows". During the song she started to cry. It wasn't the typical two years old cry either. I really believe she felt the spirit.
She has always been this way. She is so sensitive to other children and their feelings. And she often can feel the spirit.
I love her so much and am grateful for the sweet spirit she brings to our family.

A neat experience.

Last Sunday was a good day and strengthened my testimony of prayer. An inactive friend of mine and three of her four kids came to church for the first time. Here's the story:

A few months ago I was given an updated visiting teaching list. On this list was a girl that is about my age and has four kids. She is completely inactive and leads a much different lifestyle from me. I felt very nervous and quite frankly scared to be her visiting teacher. Even though our daughters play together from time to time, I had never really talked to her. I wasn't sure how to go about be her visiting teacher. I knew I needed to become friends with her and it needed to be genuine, and yet I was still scared. So from time to time I would invite her to go the park with us or come over and just hang out while the kids played. Every time I was rejected.
Then, one day she accepted an invite to go over to my awesome visiting teaching companions (love ya girl!) house and have lunch. We were so excited and felt that this was a huge break through.
Then just this past fast sunday my, again awesome visiting teaching companion, called and suggested we fast for the girls we visit teach. I loved that idea and of course joined her in that fast. However, I had this one girl on my mind heavily during my fast. I was praying hard to know how to "reach" her.
Then this last weekend Brooklyn was scheduled to give a talk in primary and I was doing sharing time. The theme for October was, "The Mission of the Church is to invite all to come unto Christ" I contemplated that topic for a couple of days. I finally realized that I would not be the one to reach her, Brooklyn would. When I sat down with Brooklyn to write her talk I was discussing what that topic meant and challenged her to go invite the daughters of the girl I visit teach to come to church. She said she would but didn't want to do it alone.
So we walk over there and caught her just as she was loading her kids in the car to go some where. Brooklyn asked and the two little girls cheered and said, "yeah!! and mommy will come too! Right mommy?" She was caught off gaurd and taken by suprise and gave an excuse of why she couldn't.
Well, on Sunday morning Brooklyn and Hannah went over and woke them up to come to church. They didn't answer the door right away. It took much persistance from my kids. :)
We took only one of the girls to church with us and she did great. But then something awesome happened. During the second hour BJ motions me to come into the hall (I am in the primary presidency) and there is my friend standing there with two more of her kids. They were dressed and at church. I went back into primary and showed the other kids where to go and off went my friend to sunday school and relief society.
I come to find out that she had been fighting with her husband and decided that she didn't want to fight anymore so she was going to go to church. It was such an awesome feeling to see her there and realize that the Lord does hear and answer our prayers.

This is about Pooping!

So yesterday, I was in Provo having lunch with BJ, and Hannah was with us. As always she needed to use the restroom. So I take her to the bathroom and she needs to go #2. We were in there for a while (and she was going the whole time) when I said, "are you almost done?" She said, "No, this one is a big one!" And then, through grunting, watery eyes and a red face she says, "buuuuut it won't come out!" I just busted up laughing. Oh, to feel so comfortable in a public restroom.

Family Pics are kinda stressful...

We recently had our family pictures taken. And let me just say that it is quite a stressful event. Well, not getting them taken, but all the prep work. Finding the right outfits, right day/time, right lighting, getting myself and kids picture perfect ready and then trying to keep them that way. And then, just hoping that they will cooperate and smile. Phew, I'm exhausted. But I am pleased with the outcome.

Hannah will you protect me?

So most of you know that I play on a soccer team. It's a women's league team in Spanish Fork. Anyways, the last few weeks there is one girl in particular that has been quite rude to me. I have no idea why! She yells at me alot and tells me that I am "useless" and such. Anyway, this post is not about me. Its about Hannah. Last night BJ told the girls that someone was mean to me and had them tell me that they love me when I got home from my game. It was sweet.
Well, this morning I was helping Hannah with some homework (name the days of the week, name the seasons, what are the magic words? - please and thank you). After we were done with homework I was talking to her and this was our conversation:

MOM: "Hannah, do you remember when mommy was sad yesterday because someone was mean to me?"

Hannah: "Yes."

Mom: "Well, lets try really hard to be nice today so we don't make someone sad like that."

Hannah: "Mom, was it a mommy that was mean to you?"

Mom: "Yes."

Hannah: "Do you want me to talk to her?"

Mom: "Sure."

Hannah: "OK mom, you stay with daddy and Brooklyn and I will talk to her."

Mom: "OK. But what are you going to say to her?"

Hannah: "Please and Thank you!"

I laughed (it still makes me laugh just typing it) and gave her a big hug. I thought to myself, wow, those words are alot nicer then the ones I was thinking of saying!

I LOVE YOU HANNAH!

Primary Program Done!!! Phew

I am so relieved that our Primary Program is done. I love the programs, but they are a lot of work. I was so proud of the kids in our ward and how well they did today. They new all the words to the songs and many of the children had their parts memorized. I was very impressed. Only a couple of unexpected things during it, but thats to be expected with 50+ children for 45 minutes...

CrockPot Dinners!

I have recently been experimenting with different crockpot dinners. And, I'm in love! Lately, between BJ's calling, my calling, school, and extra-curricular activities it seems like my life is going at a rather fast pace. I really don't mind cooking, but the planning is what is hard for me. And if I haven't planned anything and 4:00 rolls around then I feel doomed and we either eat out or eat junk. I am desperately trying to improve this, and have fallen in love with crockpot meals.
Tonight, I am trying stuffed pork chops. It was super easy to prepare and smells really good! (I haven't eaten it yet.) If it tastes good, then I will post the recipe for anyone interested in trying it.

Ok, so I made the dinner and it was pretty good. I think I will have to make it again though, because A, I didn't have one of the ingredients and I think it would give it good flavor it I had it. and B, it cooked a little too long in my opinon. BJ said it was fine, but the outside of the pork was a bit tough. But here's the recipe to anyone interested.

STUFFING
Fine dry bread crumbs 7/8 cup
Finely chopped celery 1 tbsp
Finely chopped onion 1/4 cup
Poultry seasoning 1/4 tsp
Parsley flakes 1/4 tsp
Salt 1/4 tsp
Pepper 1/16 tsp

Hot water 2/3 cup
Chicken bouillon powder 1/2 tsp

Thick lean pork chops, slit horizontally to make pockets (you or the butcher can do this)

Mix the first 7 ingredients in bowl.

Stir hot water and bouillon powder together in small cup. Pour over stuffing mixture. Toss, adding more water if needed to moisten.

Stuff pockets in pork chops. Arrange in slow cooker. Cover. Cook on Low 8-10 hours or on High 4-5 hours. Serves 6.

Let me know what you think?

A lesson my daughter taught me...

Yesterday evening I was feeling rather frustrated about how quickly my house has been messy. I determined that this is happening because we are running out of room in this house. I was venting these frustrations to BJ. I was telling him that I hate not having room to put things, I hate how inconvenient it is to have to go into the attic to get stuff or put things away, I hate that our bedroom is so small that I can't fit any of my things in there and have to use another room.... and so on. We were talking and brainstorming and both feeling rather frustrated. I was frustrated about not having things the way I want or not having things convenient. And I'm pretty sure what BJ was hearing was, "I don't like this house! I want to move! I want a bigger house! I want nicer things..." Well, we decided to continue our conversation later as we were just sitting down to dinner. BJ asked Brooklyn to say the prayer on our food. And this is what she said:
"Dear Heavenly Father,
We are grateful for our home. We are grateful that we have a house and that it keeps us warm. We are grateful that we have beds and that they keep us warm. We are grateful that we have nice clothes and nice toys and lots of friends around us. We are grateful that we are a family and that we have each other. We are grateful that we have food and that we aren't hungry. In the name ..... "
Well, she sure taught me an important lesson! And helped me regain a proper perspective on what is truely important and what really matters. Thank you Brooklyn for the pureness of your heart and for being a good example to me. I love you so much and will try to be a good example to you!

First Day of School!

Hannah, on her first day of preschool. She is so excited that she is big like her big sister. She takes her backpack (or what she says, packpack) with her everyday. Even though there is never anything in it.

Brooklyn on her first day of school. First grade!!. Yes, I cried. :) I just love her to pieces and can't believe she is getting this old.

Happy Birthday Brooklyn!!....(two months ago - yikes)

Ok, so this blog post is quite past due. I've decided that I am not a reader nor a writer. It is just so hard for me to get myself to sit down and do either of those things. I will however, make myself do it today. I just can't let more time go by without a little tribute to my sweet girl who turned 6 yrs old over the summer.

Brooklyn has brought so much joy into our lives, as well as left me puzzled from time to time. But, I suppose most children are that way. She is very unique from other normal children. I don't say that to be insulting, it's actually something I love about her. I guess I should correct myself and say that she is normal in everyway, except one! Her cleanliness. Most of our close friends and neighbors are probably aware of her compulsive need to have things clean and in order.

If I were to ask Brooklyn to make her bed I have to make sure that it is followed by "just do the best that YOU can!". And I usually have to repeat that about a thousand times. If not she would want to make her bed to such perfection that the stripped pattern on her bed spread would have to be perfectly straight with her bed. Each layer of bedding could not have any wrinkles on it. Her pillows would be set up just right (facing a certain direction, certain ones go on the right and other pillows on the left, each animal in a specific spot). So much so, that if I were to move anything out of its spot she would notice immediately as she came into her room. (I know this, because I've tested it. I switched only two pillows once on her bed and as soon as she came home from school the very first thing she said when she came into her room was "MOM!, who came in my room and moved my pillows!"

Just about everytime she goes to a friends house she will insist on cleaning their room. Toys need to get put away and beds made. I once overheard her say to a friend that was here playing, "I know! I have a great idea! Let's clean the playroom". The friend was not as enthused as she was to clean, but kindly watched.

It is not unusual for me to find her cleaning the bathrooms, doing the dishes or even vaccuuming out the cars (she asked to do that just yesterday).

Now most parents would think that is just "fabulous" and "amazing" and "how do I get my children to do that". But you see, I am just like Brooklyn!! I am very OCD with how things are done. Not necessarly getting them done (kids has cured that) but still how they are done. So you see this presents a little problem. I find myself having to walk away when Brooklyn is cleaning the bathroom because I know it is not getting done just the way I want it to. And no amount of training her on cleaing the bathroom will cure my OCD. If I am to feel it is clean, then I simply need to do it myself. I DO NOT do this however! I would go crazy!! I just tell myself over and over that it is ok how it is.

Anyways, I could ramble forever about these things. Brooklyn, is also super compassionate and very close to the spirit. She is a wonderful big sister and a huge help to her parents.

For her birthday this year we rented a 200 ft slip n slide a Peteetneet School in Payson. We invited all her friends and cousins (about 16 kids) and played in the sun and water for 2 hours. We loved it. It was probably one of the most fun and easy birthday parties I've ever done!

Fourth of July Fun

Fourth of July is aways fun. Fun for all ages. The grown ups enjoy lighting things on fire just as much as the kids. This year my parents were able to be here and celebrate with us.

My beautiful sister

My goofy hubby
Brooklyn

My mom was obsessed with sparklers. I had to tell her that she couldn't have any more and that she had to save them for the kids.

Hannah and Grandpa Bird and Harley (our dog....sort of)

The fire starters.

A Special Daddy Daughter date!!

A couple of weeks ago BJ took Brooklyn on a very special daddy daughter date. BJ and I are big fans of RSL (Utahs MLS team). In fact, we have season tickets and we go to every home game. We love to talk about it with the kids and teach them how to cheer, "Goooo, REAL SALT LAKE!!". So for one of the home games BJ took Brooklyn. She wore my jersey and cheered her little heart out. She even got a hotdog and cotton candy at the game.

Our first real camping trip

Over memorial day weekend we decided to go on an overnight camping trip. We went with some great friends of our. We had a blast! But in all honesty BJ and I decided we are more of the hotel camper type. The girls (me included) stole all the blankets from BJ. When we woke in the morning we found him sleeping in the truck with the truck running. Haha.. The kids loved it and ask all the time to go again.

Kids say the darndest things...

Today we decided to go on a family drive. As we were driving we past a church building. Hannah says, "look mom a wedding."
Later on in our drive Hannah notices the moon and thinks it is following us. Brooklyn replies, "it's just following us because the wind is blowing it"
We went to a park to play and Hannah got stung by a wasp. She wailed and cried the whole time saying that a bee walked on her finger.

Mom, Can I help you?

Another Hannah moment... I swear I have no idea how that brain of hers works. All I know is she can think quickly and it keeps me on my toes.
I was in the attic putting things away the other day and Hannah wanted to come up and help. She had already asked to come up the latter about a billion times and of course my reply was the same, "no sweetie it is too high and dangerous." I guess she had had enough of that answer because after telling her that for the last time she said, "ok mommy, no latter......" and proceeded to push the latter down the hallway so that couldn't get down from the attic.
I asked for it nicely back and then quickly got firmer and thankfully for my quick thinking too, I treatened no more treats and got the latter back right away.

Mom, I have to go potty....

So Hannah has been our little firecracker lately... She is definitely her own person. I'll share some of her latest. A couple of weeks ago I was out running errands with the kids. I stopped off at Staples in Provo. Now, what I'm about to admit is not something I am proud of, and will NEVER DO AGAIN. I left the kids in the car while I ran inside..... In my defense I locked the doors, turned up the AC, and turned on a movie. And, I only had to purchase 1 thing... Ok, enough about trying to defend myself. I told the girls to not get out of the car.. So as I am coming out of Staples I notice a car parked next to mine. I immediately feel the guilt for having left my kids unattended and hope that the lady that is still in her car doesn't notice my kids. After a few more steps I notice that my car windows are down and I can see that Hannah is out of her seat. When I get to her window I ask,
"Hannah, what are you doing?"
She replies, " I had to pee!"
I say, "oh no! did you go in your pants?"
She says, "nope"
I say, "did you go in the car somewhere?"
"nope"
"well where did you go?"
"I went outside."
I look down to see a pudlle, which I am standing in...
I say, "did you open the door?"
"nope"
"well what did you do?" I am still very confused. And at this point Brooklyn breaks away from the movie and informs me that Hannah went pee out of the window!
Hannah then says, "I will show you mom." And she proceeds to pull down her pants, climb onto her seat and then onto the door and wiggle her little white bum onto the window....
I couldn't believe it. I took a step back and sure enough there was a wet streak down the side of the van. So as you can see I will never again leave my kids unattended. I never thought it would be for peeing out the window though.

Hannah and Prayers

So after almost all of the prayers we say in our family, Hannah always says,"I didn't close my eyes or fold my arms!" But after our dinner prayer tonight she proudly says, "Mom! I folded my eyes and closed my arms." She's a funny kid.

A New Calling

It's funny how the Lord works. Right when life is running smoothly like clock work He shakes things up. BJ, today was ordained a High Priest and set apart as second councilor in our Bishopric. I think both of our jaws are still on the floor. Looking back on the last two months or so we can see that the Lord has been preparing us for this calling. Although, at the time we didn't recognize it. Today has been such a wonderful day. The spirit has been so strong and I am overwhelmed by the enourmous love and support we have received from the members of this ward. It is such a humbling experience to be held in such high regard. (Mostly my husband :)) I love my husband so much and feel that he will do an excellent job. He has a deep testimony of our Savior and His Gospel. I love you so much honey, and know that our Heavenly Father is pleased with you.
**On a humourous note, after church was over I had to go find BJ to get the car keys from Him because I knew that He would not be coming home with us. I gave him a hug and then walked away. Brooklyn asked why he was not coming with us. I told her because he is in the bishopric and gets to help the bishop... she looked at me very confused. I just said that means he won't be coming home with us for awhile.

Gymnastics

At the beginning of this year we decided to put Brooklyn and Hannah into gymnastics. And they both love it!!. Like most children, they have so much energy in there little bodies that they need to burn that we thought gymnastics would be a great fit. I've always know that they were strong and pretty coordinated, but I've been amazed at just how much they have. Both girls have been moved to higher classes.

Hannah

This has to be by far my favorite picture of Hannah. Her nursery leaders took this picture and gave it to me as a mothers day gift. I love it.

Hannah is 3!! Holy Moly

I can't believe our sweet, firey Hannah is three. She is so precious and we love her so much. Especially, those blue eyes and blonde curls.

Carribean Cruise!!!

In March BJ and I were able to go on a cruise. It was our very first one. 7 nights of heaven!! We went with some of our great friends and had a blast. We departed out of Miami and stopped in Samana (Dominican Republic), St. Thomas (B.V.I), Tortola (U.S.V.I), and we were supposed to stop at Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) but the weather didn't allow it. Anyhow, it was warm, beautiful, relaxing, and so so so so so much fun!

Aside from all the food, entertainment and relaxation we enjoyed, we purchased a spa pass that allowed us to use all of the spa facilities all week long, as many times as we wanted. Oh how we miss the spa. BJ and I are determined to someday have a "spa" in our home... somehow!