Homemaking

I ordered a case of apples from Bountiful Baskets and then I got an additional 10 lbs of apples in my baskets.  I needed to do something with them.

Well, this is what I did- apple butter (turned into more work than I anticipated) and pie filling. 

 Gratefully, they all sealed. I think the best part was that Joey helped me do most of it and he was a great helper.  I wish I had a picture of him helping.  He is always ready to help. 

 I had a sister at church today ask me for some parenting advice.  I wish I could have given her the perfect answer but I did tell her a few things that I have tired.  Most importantly, I tried to encourage her and let her know that she is not the only mom that has faced that challenge with her son.

 But, this interaction caused me to think about my stage of life.  I just turned 33.  I have been married for 11 and a half years.  I have 4 kids- boys and girls.  I am the Relief Society President.  This caused me to think about how other people see me.  I was flattered that she felt I might possess the wisdom she needed.  It  also caused me to question if I am living up to all I should and need to be? I do know that I have a great desire to be that person and I know that my Heavenly Father knows my heart and knows better than I, what I am capable of becoming.  I will trust in Him and pray.

I do know one thing- this girl is adorable! And, my kids are not clean eaters! Really, is there anything cuter than green beans in the hair and ear?!

"One year older and wiser too..."

Yes you have seen this cake before -  well actually, same recipe different cake.

Peter made my Homemade (labor intensive) German Chocolate cake a day early.  I am working on my birthday so we had cake on Sunday night. 

 Coconut, chocolate, pecans....a piece of heaven!

 As you can kind of see from this picture, I cut my hear about 2 weeks ago- I am really liking it.

Check out that blaze! 33! Jon counted the candles. 

In honor of this double three birthday, I am going to record 3 good and 3 bad things about me. 

Since this is from my point of view, it really may be skewed.

First, the bad or not so good.

1. I am not the most patient or rational person when I am sleep deprived. 

Unfortunately this is once a week after I work.  I try really hard to remember that it is not anyone's fault that I am so tired and they should not be punished for my sleepiness.  Or, sometimes I am really easy going when I am tired and that is not always so good. I really am trying to work on this: patience and love even when I am tired.

2. My tongue gets me in trouble.

For the few of you who read this blog, you probably already know this and sadly have probably suffered from my harsh words.  I do try to hold my tongue and I believe I am better than I used to be.  But, there are still times or situations that something is said or done (or I try to fill in for awkward silence) and I just have to open my mouth.  Some things I  have said to people they have likely forgotten but I remember how awkward they were and regret them.  And, I know that too often in my life I have hurt people's feelings.  To those of you reading this and that has been the case, I am sorry.  I am trying to remember that words can leave a deeper impact than action.

3. The ones I love the most are not always the ones I treat the best.

I am too hard on my kids.  I expect a great deal from them and I find myself reminding myself that they are kids and so they will act like kids and that is okay.  Peter is amazing and does so very much for our family.  I need to be better about loving, thanking, encouraging, and respecting him.  As for my extended family, I am trying to be better about keeping in touch with them and letting them know how much they mean to me. 

Now for the good or getting better.

1. I am better than I think I am.  (I agree. Pete)

I recently had an empowering experience.  I learned that I was better at something than I thought I was simply because I tried doing it a different way than usual.  I did not realize just how insecure I had been until I did this.  This has made me feel so much better about myself.  I suggest you try this!

2. I have a strong desire and commitment to grow in the gospel.

I love the gospel.  It is my source of peace and strength.  I love to talk about what I believe and to fill my time with living the gospel and fulfilling assignments.  I know I can be better about many aspects of the gospel but there is no doubt that I know the church is true.  And, I would say that pretty much anyone who knows me and knows that I am LDS has no doubt that I love and live the gospel.

3. I want to be a better person.

I recognize that I have many areas that I can be better and I am trying to work on them.  I want to be a person that can go to bed each night without regrets for things I have said, done or felt.  I am thankful for the atonement that allows me to work on being a better person.  I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who knows what I can become and believes that I can become that person. 

It really is hard to believe that another year has passed but it has.  I am looking forward to this coming year and the endless possibilities that it holds. 

St. Patrick's Day

We started our day with a ward pancake breakfast.  Yes, there were green pancakes and I took some green sprinkles for the kiddos.  It was really yummy.

Joey on Friday night went on and on about how at 12:01 am, we all needed to have green on so we would not get pinched.  He and Jon wore green pajamas to bed to be safe- silly kids!

 We spent the rest of the day doing things around the house.  It was a really nice day. 

Here we are at the end of the day enjoying some green food!

 Even Lily ate some broccoli/apple combo food.  She had as much fun trying to eat the pouch.

 Thank you Costco for the Shamrock shaped ravioli.  I made the alfredo sauce green but it ended up a bit lumpy but it was oh so good!

 Wearing green!

Jon fell asleep about 10 minutes after I took the picture of all of the kids so that might be why he looks so grouchy! He had been sick all week and Saturday was the first day he felt somewhat normal.

I hope everyone ate and wore something green on the great green day!

Houston

We left Friday right after school and headed to Houston to attend Henry Larsen's baptism.  He and his family our old friends from Las Vegas and we love that we live close enough to attend such great events like baptisms. The kids were thrilled when we got to the hotel early enough to swim for a bit.

Our camera takes pictures really slowly but I somehow managed to capture this great action shot of Jon's CANNON BALL!!!

Arabella strikes a pose.

Peter is making that odd face because Jon had just splashed Lily again after being asked not to multiple times.  Lily enjoyed the water but was not so sure of the splashing- it was her first swimming trip.

 This good looking boy is getting so big.  He has decided he wants to have a part in his hair and so he is growing it out so he can "comb it over".  

 After the baptism we had some time before a luncheon and so we took the kids to the temple.  I love how this building looks like an old courthouse- at least to me.  It has these beautiful stained glass windows.

 Oh the flowers- loved them!

 This picture will shortly be featured as the header for our blog!

 Her smile and eyelashes just melt my heart!

 Arabella took this picture of the windows inside the distributions center.  They were just lovely!

The weather was great and we had the chance to catch up with some old friends.  It was a very well spent weekend! (Other than Sasha barking all night long causing the neighbor to call the police who sent animal control- oh joy!)

Lily will just kick and kick her feet! I love it and I tried to capture it while we were at the pool.  She was a bit tired so she was not going crazy like she always does but I still love it! Enjoy!

His Daughter, Memories, and Thirst Quenching

Today, was our Stake RS Conference and it was fabulous!  It always is and is one of the spiritual highlights of my year.  LDS Women are Incredible! The theme of this conference was "Daughters in My Kingdom" and all of the classes were based on different chapters in from that inspired book.
Our stake RS President and the Stake President spoke in a general opening meeting and truthfully their talks somewhat meshed together.  Sister Merrill told of 2 people who turned out to be her parents and talked of their journey to membership in the church and raising their family according to the principles of the gospel and what their lives would mean to generations to come.  Then Pres. Riding spoke about "Whose daughter art thou?" which is a reference to the story of Abraham's servant being sent to find a wife for Isaac- he asks this question of Rebekah.  Pres. Riding shared with us a conversation he had with  Elder Nelson when he was here for our Stake Conference.  Elder Nelson told President Riding to teach the youth of their ancestry.  We are all descendants of the House of Israel or we will be adopted into it.  The blessings that come with that heritage are beautiful and eternal.  There is work on our part but all of those given to Abraham can be ours too if we live up to our covenants.
The first class I attended was "A Wide and Extensive Sphere of Action" (chapter 4).  We were given these questions:
1. What are the foundational responsibilities in my life?
+Search your patriarchal blessing (this will help with 1 and 2).
2. What are my unique gifts and talents or special purpose that I can use to help others?
+With this she pointed out that much of what we do does not need to be large and overwhelming but daily and consistent; ie focus on having a positive attitude with our children each day (okay so this can be overwhelming at times).
3. What can I eliminate in my life to broaden my sphere?
The teacher all shared these ABC from President Monson: Attitude,  Believe, Courage.
My favorite quote: "Let your first business be to perform your duties at home.  But, inasmuch as you are wise stewards, you will find time for social duties, because these are incumbent upon us as daughters and mothers in Zion.  By seeking to perform every duty you will find that your capacity will increase, and you will be astonished at what you can accomplish." - Eliza R. Snow
I have felt this to be true in my life.  When we put our lives in the Lords hands, with a sincere desire to do those things that he would have us do, He will make us capable of that work.  "I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say..."  and "For with God nothing shall be impossible."

The second class I attended really blended well with what I felt and heard in the first class.  I went to "Charity Never Faileth" (chapter 5).  I went to this one because I have felt so often in my life that my charity is failing.  I may be there doing the service but my heart is not always filled with the Christ-like love or attitude that maybe it should be.  As one person pointed out, that maybe if we do it long enough that will grow in our hearts.  The teacher gave a great lesson and asked these two great questions:
1. What is the difference between charity and love?
2. Why/how does charity never fail?
I think what really hit me the most was when a sister shared a portion of this quote with me.  It meant so much to me that I looked up the rest of it and am adding it here:

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all. …

“Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever.” (Moro. 7:46–47.)

Charity is, perhaps, in many ways a misunderstood word. We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more.

Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. It makes the thought of being a basher repulsive.

Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.

None of us need one more person bashing or pointing out where we have failed or fallen short. Most of us are already well aware of the areas in which we are weak. What each of us does need is family, friends, employers, and brothers and sisters who support us, who have the patience to teach us, who believe in us, and who believe we’re trying to do the best we can, in spite of our weaknesses. What ever happened to giving each other the benefit of the doubt? What ever happened to hoping that another person would succeed or achieve? What ever happened to rooting for each other?

My heart was softened today and I pray that today marks the day of a better more concerted effort on my part to live up to the covenants I have made with my Heavenly Father.  I do not want to let him down.  I know he has a work for me if I will give my life over to him.  I am grateful that he does not expect perfection because there will be days when I will need to courage and do as Pres. Monson said: "Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.”


I want to also share 2 more things: I need to record them for me.

Today there was a musical number and it was the song "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go".  This song makes me cry. During the early part of Peter's unemployment we sang this song in Sacrament meeting.  I remember I did not sing much because I was too overcome with emotion.  As the words were sung, I felt the Spirit reminding me of the many times in my life where the Lord had led me to and through situations and times where I could grow, learn, teach, serve, and love.  I knew that this was again one of those times.  I had not really wanted to move away to Las Vegas but I had gained so much from the experiences and the people the Lord had placed in my life while we were there.  I knew that if he needed us to move again that He would lovingly lead and direct my life into more than I could ever make of it on my own.  I was blessed to have a strong, smart, and spiritual husband by my side helping me to raise our family and we knew that with the Lord's help it would be what it needed to be.  I will always love that song and pray that I never forget those wonderful feelings I felt that day.

Second, I have observed recently that as my children drink of the sacrament water they make that "ahh" sound after they swallow- like it is the best drink they have ever had.  Sometimes, I think they are being to noisy/silly but then I was thinking the other day about what the sacrament water represents.  It is the blood of Christ.  He freely spilled his blood for each one of us so that we could have the gift of repentance and forgiveness.  Truthfully, the sacrament water is best drink in the world.  It made me think of drink deep of the living waters and get your fill. John 7:37 "...If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." And in John4: 14 we read: "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." And so if your kids like to gulp or "ahhh" with their sacrament water, go ahead and let them quench that thirst- when they are older they can come to appreciate the rest of the living waters our Savior has to offer.

Black Belt (loads of pictures)

Saturday was Joey's big day! He has spent the last 3 years practicing and sweating and learning many new moves.  He has done a whole lot of push ups, kicks, punches, and countless other moves.  He has had some discouraging times and he has had some very exciting times.  Overall, Joey being in Teakwondo has been a great blessing.  He has grown stronger both physically and mentally and he has found something he can succeed at on a personal level.  

We are so proud of Joey! 

The first pictures are of his form.  We had a few hiccups with the cameras and so there was not any video but he did a great job!

 Next we had sparring: he is the one doing the jump kick. Nice!

 Now for the board break.  Joey practiced a great deal but was still unable to break the board with an elbow strike.  He had done it once in class which allowed him to test and once at home but had not done it for over a week before testing.  We were a bit anxious to say the least.  His kick was great! Just before leaving for testing I asked him to try the hammer fist move from last testing cycle and he did it without any trouble- broke right through the board on his first try!

 We arrived at testing and I asked his teacher if he could do a the hammer fist instead of the elbow and was told no, that Master Pechacek (the school owner) would not allow it. I felt defeated and heart broken for Joey.  I know I should have had more faith but it was not looking promising.  

Peter decided that he needed to be his child's champion and went to Master Pechacek with our question.  He told Peter to be prepared to fail.  Peter asked what it meant for Joey to be in the special abilities category if it would not allow for some compromise in the testing.  He said it needed to be prearranged which we did not know.  When Joey had all of his testing done a year ago, it was found that he has diminished upper body strength and coordination.  (Taekwondo has helped immensely but he still struggles.)  

We just decided to cheer Joey on and hope for the best.  Well, after the forms and sparring the judges deliberated for a time and then they went to speak to a few parents and students.  Mr. Coleman Joey's teacher came to speak to us and told us that they wanted Joey to try the elbow first.  But, the visiting judge Chief Master Westbrook (8th degree black belt, the 2nd highest rank in Taekwondo) said he would consider letting Joey do the hammer fist. Check out the pictures and the videos below to see what happened.

This is the link to other video that I could not get loaded through blogger, here.

Oh, I am not sure how this cutie snuck in but she sure is fun to look at!

These final pictures are of him getting his actual belt.  It is really neat.  It has his name embroidered on it as well as his degree (1st) and American Taekwondo Association in Korean. 

Proud and grateful for parents.  Joey is a wonderful son.  I am thankful for the blessing Peter gave Joey the night before that I am confident calmed him and gave him the courage he needed.  I know there will be times that Joey will not always succeed but I am thankful that we, his parents could be his champions and help him with this amazing achievement!
Oh and we celebrated with lunch at Fuddruckers! Delicious! Joey polished off a half pound buffalo burger all by himself! 

Art Work and Broken Boards

Arabella has learned to write her name.  

 She has been creating a lot of artwork lately and signing it.

 This is a family picture.

 She hangs it up all over.  It is all very securely attached with a minimum of 8 pieces of tape per paper.

 This one she made while Jon and I were working on his "If I were to be president..." poster.

The brown square with a sun like looking object is her scriptures.

 And Joey has been busy making firewood.  Actually, in practicing for his black belt testing he has been breaking boards with a round kick and an elbow strike.  He can do it, his consistency is a bit off though.  

I will be praying for him, you can too.

We have a few more boards for him to practice with tonight.

Maybe we will roast marshmallows tomorrow night after testing to celebrate so we can put these broken boards to use.

Have a great weekend!