Santa Cruz

Again - I have some catching up to do, so please forgive me for going back to last week!

We went to Santa Cruz for the mass exodus of LDS families who camp at New Brighton Beach for Memorial Day Weekend. Robin (my mother-in-law) really wanted us to all go down there and camp together. I loved the idea.

You see, I grew up camping. We very rarely had money to do anything but camp, but I loved our trips. I have fond memories of gathering berries from the wild vines, fishing and catching trout, playing games, and singing by the camp fire at night. Now that I have 2 little ones, I'm amazed that my mom would take myself and my 2 sisters on week long camping trips!!! We camped at many different locations in Northern CA and I truly enjoyed it.

So back to Santa Cruz..... we left on Thursday morning (May 22) and enjoyed 2 nights along the coast. I was physically so exhausted from our hectic schedule over the last week that I mostly hung out at our campsite. I did enjoy a 6:30am walk with Little C on Friday morning, and really enjoyed the time with those who we shared a campsite with (our little family, Ryan's dad and step-mom, Ryan's brother Loren, and the Woodland's). Big D enjoyed riding his scooter, playing baseball, and just sitting by the fire!




Ryan took the boys down to the beach on Friday where they flew a kite.


Some highlights of the trip were:

Little C brushing his grandma's teeth,


Uncle Loren sleeping in this little tent with his 2 air mattresses, foam padding and his sleeping bag,

and of course being with my family to play and roast marshmallows in the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains!

FHE - Family time together

So we decided to spend our Memorial Day FHE going to see a movie. We went and saw Horton Hears a Who! I know that there wasn't a spiritual element or gospel learning aspect to our FHE, but we enjoyed our time together.

American Idol

Wednesday night found me parked on my couch watching the finale of American Idol. I thought it was a pretty good night, but sometimes, well most of the time, I just wish they would save us the time by just announcing the winner!

When Ryan Seacrest announced the winner, I was thrilled!!!!



COOK WINS!!! COOK WINS!!!

David Archuletta is a great singer, but I have to admit I would never go see him in concert. I would probably by his future CD's because I am sure they will have a soothing sound like Michael Bubble. Cook on the other hand, would be very entertaining! I love his voice and enjoy him!

I am content that Cook won and can't wait to hear the music that he produces!

FHE - The Holy Ghost

Wow, FHE last night was difficult! Carson is just at that, errr, fun age when sitting to sing a hymn say a prayer and have a 2 minute lesson with a game is challenging, to say the least!

So we sang "Love at Home" then Dallin gave a nice opening prayer.

Lesson:

Heavenly Father knows each of us. He loves us and wants us to be happy. He has given us someone who helps us choose what is right and helps us when we have a problem. He is the Holy Ghost. We do not see him or hear his voice, but he can quietly put ideas into our minds and feelings in our hearts. The Holy Ghost is a loving, friendly helper who helps us to choose the right. He can help us in many different ways.

Then I read this story while Dallin found the pictures that went along with it and put them on our flannel board:

"Jaime is Lost"

Jaimee was lost. He and his family had gone on a hike.

He saw a squirrel and started to chase it.

When he couldn't catch it, he tried to find his family, but they were gone.

Jamie was afraid. He remembered that his Primary teacher had told his class to pray if they were ever in trouble or afraid. So Jamie said a prayer and asked Heavenly Father to help him find his family.

Jamie didn't feel so afraid anymore. He felt as though someone was helping him, so he started walking down the hill.

Soon he hear his father calling his name.

He called back and his father came running. Jamie was glad that he had prayer, and he knew Heavenly Father had helped him.

How did Jamie get help? (He prayed)

Who helped him? (Heavenly Father sent the Holy Ghost to help him)

How did the Holy Ghost help? (He put thoughts into Jamie's mind, made him feel better, or helped him no be afraid. He also prompted other people to help).

We then talked about times when we felt the Holy Ghost.

I then bore my testimony about the Holy Ghost and we closed with "I hope they call me on a mission" and then Ryan offered our closing prayer. Our game was nixed once it became clear that the boys were done, even for the fun part. We also had to forgo our refreshments due to behavior issues during our FHE!

*I have to thank the ladies from the FHE swap group. This story came from one of those FHE packet's. I wish we had written our names on the lessons, but many thanks to whoever it was!

Scattergories

On Friday night we went out to dinner with our good friends, Scott and Laura. We enjoyed dinner and then we went over to their house and played Scattergories. We always laugh so hard when we play games together and Friday was another stomache aching good time!

I highly recommend having a game night! We need to do them more often!

Goofy Boys

Do you remember Urkle from the TV show Family Matters? He was known for his annoying voice, huge eye glasses, pants pulled up way high with suspenders, and who could forget him saying "Laura" as he tried to woo the girl of his dreams.

Well my boys ran into the kitchen and showed me that they were ready for bed! This is what I saw...







They crack me up! I couldn't help but think of Urkle as they danced around the kitchen! Peanut #1 was laughing so hard I thought he would pee his pants and Peanut #2 kept saying "one more" because he wanted his daddy to keep taking pictures!

Hair Cuts

Friday night was haircutting night! Mama's Barber Shop was open for business. There are 2 rules in Mama's shop: 1. no whining and 2. payment will be given in the form of a kiss and hug! It started with Ryan asking for me to trim his neckline and then Peanut #1 agreed to let me trim his hair around the ears and neck. Finally, Peanut #2 couldn't be left out. He was so thrilled to sit up on the stool and get his haircut.

Here's Little C's before shot:



He had some big hair!



He was such a good boy when I was cutting his hair! When I was finished and it was time to sweep it all up I couldn't believe how much hair was on the ground!!! Some grown men would pay a pretty penny to have that hair put on their heads!



Here's the cutest boy ever with his darling haircut! I wish I had a picture of Big D and Daddy too!

I'm just now seeing the humor of it!

This morning I watched my friend's son, who is the same age as Peanut #2! This isn't a new thing, we have been rotating watching each other's little ones while we take turns working in our older children's classrooms (although she has spent more time watching mine than I have watched hers).

While we were outside, the boys were helping me water the plants and the dirt and themselves a little bit. I needed to get a shovel from the shed so that I could tackle some weeds. So I got the shovel, closed the shed and went to the little weed patch. The boys were happily taking turns drinking water from the hose.

Next thing I hear is my little one saying "Mama, hep me. Mama." There was no panic in his voice so I walked around the corner and to my surprise I found he and his playmate, inside the shed with ....

...a can of white paint, upside down in their hands with the paint being all over the ground, the tools, the lawnmower, their shoes, their legs and hands! Are you kidding me! I was so irritated, and I have to admit I am just now calming down about it some 6 hours later.

So I quickly moved the boys to the lawn and handed them the hose and tried to get the paint off of their hands and legs (in the process getting myself covered in paint). So after they were reasonablly clean I then grabbed the tools, that were covered in paint, and brought those over to the lawn and asked them to clean them (no I didn't give them any tools that were sharp :-) .

While muttering under my breath and a few times rather loudly "Are you kidding me?" I got to work sopping up the paint on the ground. So a few towels later I decided to use the hose and a broom to brush the paint out of the shed.

An hour later, I had gotten most of the paint out of the shed, off the tools, etc... I found the boys happily playing in a puddle of mud. After I was able to get them cleaned off we made our way inside, where I had to change the boys clothes so that I could wash the ones they were wearing. Then I had to get to their paint covered shoes.

Once I had things cleaned and clothes in the washer, I called my husband to tell him what happened. After I finished venting to him, he kindly asked "Did you take a picture?" So that helped to lighten my mood! I wish I would have done that, to document the excitment.

So I have to admit, in hindsight, I'll admit that it was a little funny - just a little.

Well thanks for letting me vent, and the moral of the story is that little kids learn quickly how to do things, so don't let them out of your sight!!!!!!

FHE - Receiving the Gold Plates

Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah! So taking our family home evening lesson from the May 2008 Friend magazine, we had a lovely lesson on...

Joseph Smith Jr. receiving the Golden Plates

We started with the hymn "Praise to the Man" and after our prayer we colored pictures of Joseph Smith to tell the story of him receiving the Gold Plates from the Angel Moroni under the direction of our Heavenly Father. (click here to get the coloring page). While they were coloring, Ryan and I sang a few hymns to keep the spirit with us.

Here are the figures that Dallin colored.

Carson colored some too!

After the figures were colored and cut out (thanks Daddy), I read "From the Life of the Prophet Joseph Smith: Receiving the Gold Plates" from the Friend magazine (you can click here to see the story).

So simple and even though it took a while to get the pictures colored and cut out, it all worked out well.

May you find joy in gathering your families together, once a week, to learn more about the gospel of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Refreshments: No Bake Cheesecake (from Martha Stewart)

Note: You can use graham crackers, butter cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, or gingersnaps for the crust. Or you can buy a premade crust and skip step one with the ingredients that includes).

1 1/2 cups finely ground cookies (8 oz)
4 tbls unsalted butter, melted
1 cup plus 3 tbls sugar
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, room temperature
3 tbls fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled (you can use whipping cream)

1. Stir together cookies crumbs, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl. Press crumb mizture firmly onto bottom of a 9-inch pie dish.

2. Put cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. With mixer on low speed, add remaining cup sugar in a slow, steady stream. Add lemon juice; mix until combined.

3. Beat cream in a clean mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream with a rubber spatula in to cream cheese filling. Pour over crust. Freeze 1 hour. Refrigerate until ready to serve, at least 30 minutes.

Serves 10-12

Happy Mother's Day

"My dear sisters, you marvelous women who have chosen the better part, I stand in great admiration for all that you do. I see your hands in everything...

Well, you dear women, I say thanks to you. Thank you for being the kind of people you are and doing the things you do. May the blessings of heaven rest upon you. May your prayers be answered and your hopes and dreams become realities".

- President Gordon B. Hinckley

I have been spoiled today! At around 9am, Dallin came into my room, with a hand towel drapped over his arm and a breakfast menu in hand. I was then presented with a scrumptous breakfast in bed (which consisted of Swedish Pancakes, hashbrowns, bacon, and juice). After my yummy breakfast I was presented with 3 giftboxes that were filled with 3 beautiful dresses. We then went to church where I was presented with a lovely bookmark with the quote listed above, some nice paintings from my boys, and a rose from Dallin's Primary teacher! At home, Ryan treated me to a yummy dinner (baked brie with blueberry chutney, steak, artichokes, and watermelon) with my favorite cheesecake recipe for dessert!

I am truly grateful for my family! My wonderful husband who supports me in everthing I do! He is a helpmeet for sure! I am so lucky to be a mother! I love my boys so very much! Even on those days where the joyful moments are but a fleeting thing, I would not trade the slobbery kisses, the silly laughs, and humbling experiences for anything. I have never grown or learn so much! Life is good for sure!

A newborn's conversation with God

A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?' God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.'

The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'

Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'

'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'

'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.'

'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'

God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'

The welcome mat is out!

I have recently put one of those live traffic feeds on my blog and have really enjoyed seeing familiar cities, where my friends and family live. I have also noticed some not so familiar names and cities. So I just wanted you to know that you are welcome to stop by any time! Don't be shy, please leave a comment or two. I love to know what you all think!

FHE - The Prophet and The Apostles (Priesthood)

So here we are back to Monday - FHE! Tonight was a rather difficult attempt at FHE. The boys were content running in circles around our kitchen, dinning room and family room - they didn't want to be bothered!

Finally we got them to sit down (well at least be near us) and then Peanut #1 was being disrespectful so he was excused to sit in his room while we sang the opening song ("Love is Spoken Here"). What better song to sing while one child is pouting in his room and the youngest is screaming at the top of his lungs for his "DaDil" (Big D according to Little C). So after that lovely song, we invited Big D to join us again and we had an opening prayer. Following that I asked Peanut #1 if he knew what the priesthood was - nada! He was being stubborn and choose to not give an answer. I told him it was the power of God here on the earth!

So we talked about what it was for a bit and then I shared with our little family some pictures and tid-bits about our prophet,


his counselors, and the apostles. You can find the cool cards here !

I learned some new things about these men who were called by God to head His church on the earth! Here are some of the neat things we learned:

- President Monson was 22 years old when he was called as a Bishop.
- President Eyring likes to cook and water coloring.
- President Uchtdorf hobby is dancing!
- Elder Packer has 10 children! Wow! He also added a fourth-year Book of Mormon course to seminary, which became a standard in the seminary curriculum!
- Elder Perry is from the Sacramento area, in fact he was in our stakes Stake Presidency years ago.
- Elder Nelson is a well known heart surgeon!
- Elder Oaks uses this as his personal motto: "Work first, play later."
- Elder Ballard (loved his talk at General Conference) served a mission in England.
- Elder Wirthlin was born on June 11, 1917 and he played football at the University of Utah.
- Elder Scott developed nuclear power plants for submarines and aircraft carriers.
- Elder Hales memorized the names of all the apostles when he was a deacon.
- Elder Holland was ordained an apostle on my birthday (June 23) in 1994 (the year I was baptized).
- Elder Bednar baptized his father in 1979 (Elder Bedbar was 27 years old).
- Elder Cook played an important role in developing the new missionary guide, Preach My Gospel.
- Elder Christofferson served his mission in Argentina.

After we learned more about the apostles we talked about the Aaronic Priesthood and what responsibilities come with it, then we talked about the Melchizedek Priesthood and the responsiblities that come with that. I ended bearing my testimony that the priesthood is so important that Heavenly Father made sure it was brought back to the earth in the latter days. That his daddy was a worthy holder of the priesthood and that it was given to him from Jesus (through his line of authority). I challenged Peanut #1 to live his life always looking for ways to help and serve others to help prepare him to receive the Aaronic Priesthood when he turns 12.

We ended with a delightful version of "popcorn popping" (Peanut #2 was so cute doing the hand motions). With our closing prayer offered by Peanut #1 we then closed the evening enjoying a treat and then off to bed they went!

Whew - it was a good lesson. A little lengthy (like this post), but Big D had fun guessing the types of things that the apostles liked to do, or how many kids they had, etc... Even though it can be challenging, at times, to even have FHE, I definitly think it is worth the effort!

Change is good right?

The last few weeks have been a rollercoaster ride in the calling department! Two weeks ago, the Stake YW Presidency was brought into a member of the stake presidencies office and we were informed that we were being released. I knew we would be released soon, since the Stake YW President was in for almost 2 years and since our mutual activities are done on a stake level, the stake presidency has made it known that the calling is about a 2 year calling. But I have only been in there for 8 months and I wasn't ready to go. Truth be told - I'm never ready to leave the YW's program! I love working with the young women and it is a sad day, or two, when I am released.

So for a week I was wondering what my next calling would be! I truly will serve where-ever the Lord need's me, but there are just certain callings that are a better fit for me! Those who know me know I try my best to give my all to whatever calling I have, so that isn't the issue. My concern was serving in a calling that wasn't in my comfort zone. Does that make sense?

Well as I was in the Stake Center parking lot on April 25th, waiting for girls to arrive so that I could drive them down to Dillon's Beach, President Moser asked if he could speak to me briefly! So we met and he informed me that the new Stake YW's President has asked for me to stay on as secretary! (Whahoooo). So of course I said yes, knowing my husband would support me in that calling! So for a week I worried, prayed, studied my scriptures more, etc... and was truly at peace with the fact that I would not be with the girls anymore! And then, BAM, I am asked to stay - okay twist my arm, I'll stay (really no twisting needed).

So it is now official, the changes were presented to the stake members and we were all sustained and set appart. I am so sad that I won't get to work with these fabulous women,

but I am excited to work with the new presidency, the ward leaders, and the young women of our stake!