30 is good to me...

Yes, it is true... I just declared my age. I turned 30 this summer. I was actually kind of dreading it, but as the months have gone by I have discovered that I love everything about being 30.

It is this time in my life that I can truly say, with my whole heart, that I know who I am. I have shared this in a previous post, I know; however, it is such a blessing to me and it has changed my life. Recently, I specifically prayed to my Heavenly Father that I may know that he knows who I am. I wanted to know for sure that he knew me individually. The next day, I had the most amazing answer to my prayer. It was an instant answer, which to be honest, was my answer all on it's own. I am not really all that patient.

With this knowledge, it has given me a completely different outlook on life. I am sure you are all thinking, it took you until 30 to figure this out? I think I knew in the back of my mind that Our amazing Father knew me, but I never really put my faith in to action. Since that monumental day in my life, I have been reassured all most every day that he is proud of me and he is blessing me for me efforts. Oh... the peace and happiness that I feel.

As I have gone through this journey of change and growing up, I am recognizing my blessings each and every day. A fellow blogger, Nie Nie, has also inspired me in so many ways. I am thankful for her gift of reaching so many people. She has also changed my outlook. We are all given gifts, she has an amazing gift. I will forever be changed by her uplifting words. I too feel like I have been given the gift to recognize good, and let others examples influence me for the better. It is like the parable of the talents. If we don't share them they will never do us any good. I am thankful that Nie Nie did not bury her talents. She is inspiring, and so is her amazing sister C Jane. I am thankful for the inspiring ideas, the examples, the testimonies of others, and what they have taught me. I am also thankful for Heavenly Father who has been extremly patient these last 30 years. I can just hear him saying, "Yes!, she is finally getting it." I must say "I do, I get it." I am certain this is a phrase that I will be uttering to our Father many more times, for I know this life is a continous learning process. I am just thankful for the learning curve, because I think it takes me a while.

Just recently, a post of Nie Nie's was re-posted. It was titled... Monday's Review. It inspired me to share the highlights of my days. I have been thinking about all of the things I am thankful for; kind of like keeping a gratitude journal in my head. Well... it is time I wrote them down. Thank you Nie for inspiring me to do so... Mine shall be titled...

Tuesday and Wednesday Revisited.

- Taking Jex to school and celebrating Drug Free week. Grateful that my family is Drug free.

- Baking with Stella; delicious treats for my Enrichment Activity.

- Stella whispering to me, "Mom you are my best friend, and then later saying, "Mom, I am glad Jesus sent me to you."

- Isaac watching his dad mow the lawn, and then seeding it.



- He stood at the window for 3 hours.

- He loves his daddy.

- Saying "Aloha", at my Enrichment Luau, and having everyone say it back.

- My husband having the day off.

- Looking at these trees everyday and recognizing God's Beauty all around us.

- Didn't clean up the kitchen for at least an hour after dinner was through. Danced around in the living room with my kids. While listening to my new favorite tune... Feather in the Wind by Mindy Gledhill. (listen to the words, totally amazing)

- Snuggling with Isaac in the morning while I fed him his bottle.

- Finally sleeping next to my husband who had been on call and at the hospital for 36 hours.

- My baby FINALLY walking, and watching his face. He was so proud, and so am I.



Life is Wonderful... Thirty is marvelous... Time is a gift...
Oh we are blessed.

What a night...

Do you remember when?

You used to get all dolled up for your man?
You used to go on dates every weekend?
You thought about your date all day, and just couldn't wait for 5:00 to come so you could get ready?
You used to spend two hours getting ready, and you had your outfit picked out for days?
You would hold hands, and stare at each other with googly eyes over dinner?

The other night, I got to go out with this handsome hunk of a man, and remember when.

It was so fun to get dressed up, and leave my kid goobered clothes behind. Hold hands with my husband on the way to the restaurant, and then think about how utterly amazing he is over dinner.

If you haven't gone on a date in a while; make time for one.

The best part about the whole night, is I got to be with this handsome hunk all evening, without an interuptions.
Love you babe.

Just because I Love FALL!

I am having a hard time making my pictures bigger. I am so bugged. I think something is going on with blogger right now. I just love all the colors, the smells, and the feeling this time of year. I just wanted to look at these pictures and think about it. I hope they bring the same nostalgic feeling to you.

Halloween Cookies

Every Halloween, the kids and I make sugar cookies. I have been told that my recipe is one of the best. I stumbled upon it right after Jonathan and I were married and I must say they are delicious; but I am a COOKIE LOVER!!

Sugar Cookie Recipe
1 t. soda, and 1 C. Sour cream mixed together and set aside

Combine:
1 1/2 C. sugar
1/2 C. shortening
1/2 C. butter
2 eggs
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 t. vanilla

Once the sour cream has become fluffy, add that to the mix. Then add 3 to 4 C. of flour.
Chill dough for atleast one hour. The roll it out and cut into desired shapes.

Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350.

Frosting:
1/4 cup of softened butter
a dab of milk
1 t. vanilla
powdered sugar to desired consistency
Secret ingredient: 1 t. almond extract

YUM!! DELICIOUS!!

I Love You...

LOVE: 1 a (1): strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties love for a child>(definition from the websters dictionary)

The other night at 1:30 am Stella got up because the bug bites on her legs were bothering her. I patiently helped her put some medicine on them. I hugged her tight, and then said, "Goodnight, I love you." She quickly responded, "I love you too." As I walked back to my bedroom half asleep I thought to myself, "how do they learn to say those words back?"

Our oldest two have been saying it as long as I can remember. The simplest way to express how much we care, and they learn it at such a young age. It is always wonderful to hear your children say that they love you. It is even better when you realize that those words are not something you forced them to say.
I hope the phrase "I love you" never tires in our home.

Yes, it is true... I am fickle

I have decided to go back public with our blog. I know... you are all thinking that I am a little crazy. Can this girl just make up her mind? I am doing this for two reasons:

1. You can only invite 100 people to read your blog. I have maxed that amount.
2. I love reading everyone's inspiring stories. I believe that we have so much good to share with one another. I still want to be a part of that. I am now just sticking my fingers in my ears and humming along; and just pretending that the world is good. I hope and pray that our blog will only be used for good, and a way to strengthen others.

One more thought...

I found this thought and quote when I was blog stalking. I found it on a blog from a girl named Whitney King who lives in Logan, UT. I thought it went well with some of my previous thoughts.

"Too frequently, women underestimate their influence for good. Well could you follow the formula given by the Lord: 'Establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God' (D&C 88:119)."In such a house will be found happy, smiling children who have been taught, by precept and example, the truth. In a Latter-day Saint home, children are not simply tolerated, but welcomed; not commanded, but encouraged; not driven, but guided; not neglected, but loved."Thomas S. Monson,, "The Spirit of Relief Society, Ensign," May 1992, 101-102

Inspiring...

Click on the image

If you have not had the chance to read the Nie Nie Dialogs, you must. I have been reading back through some of her posts that have been re-posted. They are amazing, and she is so inspiring. She has inspired me to share more about my every day thoughts. I am going to make an attempt to share more of what is going on in this unusual brain of mine. I hope you enjoy listening in on my thoughts.

Random thoughts...

Photo taken by: Jill Burton

I had this really funny thought the other day. Jonathan and I were driving around. He had the day off, and we were just enjoying being with each other. As we drove by some of the shops that were out there, I realized that I live in a completely different world then most. There were coffee shops of all shapes and sizes, fun boutiques, cafes with interesting cuisine. It was then and there that I realized that I forgot places like that even exist. I am living in a world so far removed from the life that is out there.

My world consists of home, the grocery store, Target(on a rare occasion), school, and church. We spend the majority of our time in the comfort of our own home. Some of you may think what a boring life I lead... I however have recently discovered that I am quite proud of this life.

I am proud to be... a mother of three. I am pleased when I get a load of laundry done, and get it put away. I enjoy reading to my children, and the sound of their laugh when I chase them around the house is so pleasing to my ears.

I must say that I don't even long to know what is inside all those fancy stores. I have discovered that my life here at home being a wife and a mother fulfills all my needs(and it saves us money, I am not spending it in those shops full of things we don't really need, but make us feel like we do.)

I find myself enjoying Motherhood more and more, as the days go by. It is such a tremendous blessing, but a huge responsibility. Sometimes, I feel like I am the CEO of a major corporation.

It has been on my mind these days. I have listened as many of the mothers here in the state we call home think one or two children are plenty. My ears are plenty sick of hearing, "wow, you have your hands full." No, Actually I don't, I want to say; my heart is full, and the only thing my hands are full of are these tiny precious fingers. These tiny fingers require my help in most things, and every time I teach them something I gain a better understanding for how our Heavenly Father must feel when we have one of those AH HA moments. When we finally understand what he has been trying to teach us all along.

I realize that Heavenly Father is anxiously waiting to send his children to good homes. What a blessing it is to discover that I am furthering his work. I am trying as hard as I can to treasure this, and learn all I can. Are we not supposed to be anxiously engaged in a good cause? This is my good cause at this time. I can appreciate that, even when sometimes I just want to throw in the towel or take a really long nap.

I often find myself overwhelmed, and sometimes incapable. I know that with faith, and the Lords help; I can be a good mother to these beautiful children that he has given to me.

As for the life out there that I am not a part of... it can wait. It will still be there years down the road. This time, right now, the every days with my children will pass before I know it.

This is my season. I have found my purpose in life... and I will give my whole heart to it.

I love Weekends...

I absolutely love the weekends. I look forward to waking up with my kids, and not having to be in a hurry to get to school. Breakfast together is so fun, and it doesn't have to be a quick bowl of cereal.

Today, it was Chocolate Chip Streusel Muffins, and Blueberry Smoothies. YUM!! We always use the leftover Smoothie to make homemade popsicles. The kids will enjoy these later today.My kids play so well together, especially on Saturday because they have missed each other so much during the week. There is not much time for play when 8 hours of school are involved. It is such a beautiful sight.

I am enjoying these lazy days of motherhood. There is nothing better then making delicious food for your family, and then hearing them suck the "yumminess" through a straw with pure delight.

The sound of children's conversations when playing pretend warms my heart.

There is only one thing that could make today better. If my darling JB was not working hard at the hospital this morning. My day will be even better when he walks through the door. I can't wait to give him a big hug and smooch!!

Spook it up...

Our house needed some spooking up. So... with $10.00, rummaging through what we had, and a trip to the $store here is what we came up with:
We made the pumpkins and cats from scrapbook paper, and hung them from our spider-wed covered chandelier. Then we covered some Styrofoam balls in black feathers, and added them to our spooky bowl for a great centerpiece. The windows are adorned with window clings, and spiderwebs. Oh, and you can't forget our place mats($ store)
I already had all this stuff. I just arranged it to bring some life to the bar. I love how colorful it is!Jonathan was on-call last night, and worked a 30 hour shift. I am always looking for a quiet project to do with the kids on that day. They loved this. I got the idea from Krysta to make pumpkins from paper bags. We made a garland out of them, and now they adorn our fireplace mantel.I am not really one to have lots of kid-like craft decorations hanging out too long in the house, but the kids love it. They really love the spiderwebs, and the window clings. They played with these all day. Pretending that they were the pumpkins and bats. It was really funny. I need to do this stuff more, this is what they will remember.

The Middle Child...

Do you ever find yourself cruising along in life, and then you have an Epiphany? Moments when you finally realize why life is the way it is, or reasons why your children are the way they are?

Well I must be honest here... sometimes I find myself going crazy during the day. My little companion who happens to be four just can't ask enough questions, she can't spend enough time with me, and she certainly can't soak up enough of my knowledge. At times, I find that it is so draining. I have been praying for her and I have to have a better relationship over the last few weeks... and I just haven't been able to put my finger on what makes her more demanding then the others. Then... it came to me.I was able to go with her on her class field trip. We went to a pumpkin patch. It was a nice day, but when we got home I realized something. Had I really enjoyed the day with her, or was I so wrapped up in making sure that Isaac was okay? It dawned on me, she is starving for attention. Ever since Isaac was born, she has been lost in the mix. I am always dealing with his needs, and then focusing on Jex when he gets home. Oh, poor Stella.

I must give myself some sort of credit. I do make an effort to spend quality time with her during the day. However, I don't think that is enough. I should have left Isaac with a babysitter, and just went with her on HER field trip. I need to take the time to recognize Stella for what she truly is. What she is, and what she wants to be is the spitting image of me. My daughter who wants nothing more in this life then to be a Mother. She asks me on a regular basis, "Mom will you teach me that so I can do that when I am a mother?" Could you ask for anything more?

After Monday, I have made an effort to truly understand her, and work on our mommy skills together. I hope to recognize her for who she is, not just the child who happens to fall in the middle, and quite often gets overlooked. On Monday, we made Granola, she really was a big helper. On Tuesday, we made these butterflies together, and then she wanted to hang them from her bed, so we did. We also made her Halloween Costume together(this is a beautiful TuTu), wait until you see it on. She has picked to be Fancy Nancy, for Halloween.It is taking effort, but I am trying to remind myself that she does need more nurturing, she is four(a demanding age), and she wants nothing more then to be my best friend; there is nothing wrong with that.

So.. my ears may get tired, and my brain may pop from all the questions, but I am going to soak up this time with my beautiful daughter and teach her everything I know. In a few years... she will want nothing to do with me.

Homemade Granola

The summer that we moved home from Saba, we stayed with Jonathan's parents for about a month. Jonathan's mom had made homemade granola, and I couldn't wait to get up in the morning and eat it. Since that time, she taught me how, and I make my own.

I love to make it in the fall. It seems like such a fall food. The smell of it baking is such a pleasure to the senses. I enjoy eating this plain, just like a bowl of cereal. It is also great on yogurt, or on your favorite cereal to give it a little crunch. I want to share this favorite with you.

Nutty Berry Granola
4 C. regular rolled oats
2 Cups puffed brown rice
3/4 C. Bran Flakes
3/4 C. wheat germ
3 Tbs. raw sunflower seeds
3 Tbs. chopped nuts
1/4 C. dry milk
Combine this together in a big bowl, and stir well.
Heat:
3/4 C. honey
1/3 C. olive oil
together and stir until well-blended. Do not boil; stir in:
1/2 tsp. Almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla

Spread onto a large non-stick baking sheet. Bake 1 hour @ 225. Stir every 20 minutes.
Add: 1/2 C. dried cranberries
1/2 C. dried blueberries the last 10 minutes, and toss gently.I double this recipe, and then store it the #10 cans that food storage comes in. It is so delicious. I hope you enjoy it too.

Lessons learned...

This morning at 5:25 am, I dragged my sleeping angels out of bed to take Jonathan to work. His truck broke down on the freeway yesterday as he was coming home from work. You are probably thinking to yourself, oh... I am so sorry that you had to do that. It sounds miserable. I however, decided to look at it differently.

This is the beginning of our fifth year of medical training. It has not always been easy. There have been lots of difficult moments in these last 4+ years. Training to be a doctor is hard work. I have often found myself having a pity party for myself. Oh poor me... my husband works long hours, he is on call, he is so tired. (I usually only think this to myself, and I put on a front that I am fine.) Among the long hours, he still has responsibilities. I try to ease that burden as much as I can. He is still so helpful with the kids when he is home. However, when things like a broken truck get thrown in to the mix it really makes it hard. How do you deal with getting it fixed, working a 30 hour shift, and find time for your wife and kids. I thought about that this morning on our drive in to work. I thought immensely about the sacrifices that my husband has had to make along the way. Normally, I would have been thinking... this is such a sacrifice for me. I have to get out bed, and drag the kids out of bed. Then I have to deal with them today when they are so exhausted. What changed my attitude?

Yesterday, during conference, President Monson talked about enjoying the journey. He reminded me that this time would be over before I know it. It got me thinking, I can either be ornery about getting out of bed, or I can "enjoy this journey." I can savor the extra 30 minutes that I got with my husband this morning, or I can be grumpy. My favorite part of the day, was when I realized that he got to say goodbye to the kids this morning. This is something that he never gets to do. He got an extra 30 minutes with them today. He got to hear, "I love you daddy", before he walked in to the chaos of the hospital. That is when I realized that I am not the one who sacrifices. I am home all day, "enjoying the journey" with our children while he works hard to provide for us. Residency is so demanding, and I know how badly he wants to be a part of what we are doing.

I will forever be grateful to my loving husband; who makes it possible for me to come home after a 1 hour drive of dropping him off, and allows me to climb back in to bed with my baby. I treasured my 15 minutes with Isaac while I fed him a bottle this morning, because I know that Jonathan would gladly trade me in a heartbeat. So... instead of finding things to complain about, or think about the sacrifices I make as a mother. I am going to focus on the sacrifice that my husband makes for me so that I can be a "stay at home mom", and enjoy the journey. We love you Jonathan. Thank You.

Traditions...

It is raining outside, and the weather seems just a little cooler. This always seems to happen on Conference Weekend. I love this weekend, and look forward to it every six months. As a my kids get older, I have tried to make it a special weekend. I have tried to make it a weekend of tradition. I want it to be full of great things for my children to remember. I wanted to share with you some of the fun things that we do:
On Saturday morning, we make "Skinny Pancakes." We always make Skinnies(crepes), but on Conference weekend in the fall they are special because we make them look like pumpkins. My kids love this for breakfast.
Here is the recipe:
1 C. flour
1/2 C. milk
1/2 C. water
1/4 C. butter
1 t. salt
1 egg
Mix all the ingredients together, and then pour 1/4 of a cup on a warm skillet. Roll the skillet around until it fills the pan, and is a skinny circle. Cook on both sides. Fill with fruit, whipped cream, and powdered sugar;or syrup and powdered sugar.( I add food coloring to make them orange.)

On Sunday morning, we make my favorite Pumpkin Pancakes with Apple Cider Syrup. I got the recipe from my sister-in-law, Lorinda. I don't think she will mind if I share it.

Beat 2 eggs, and stir in 3/4 C. Pumpkin
2 T. Sugar
1/2 t. each ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, soda , salt
1 1/4t. Baking powder
1/4 C. oil
1 1/2 C. Flour( I use Whole Wheat)
Stir in 1 1/2 Cups of milk
Cook on the griddle

Syrup:
Mix in a saucepan:
1 C. sugar
2 T. Corn Starch
Add:
2 C. Apple cider or juice
2 T. Lemon Juice
Boil one minute, serve over pancakes

After breakfast, we get dressed in our Comfy clothes. We spend the whole weekend wearing something that is comfortable. It helps make the weekend relaxing for all of us.

Then we prepare for conference by talking with the kids about the activities that they can do while they listen. I usually have worksheets ready. I always explain them all before hand, and then I prepare in the most valuable way; I always have M&M's on hand.

Among the activities for the kids, I usually have a little stack of projects for myself. I try to have a few things that will not distract me. I am putting pictures in albums and pictures frames this weekend. Then I take notes of important topics.

Our last tradition... is my husbands favorite by far. Tomorrow I will make Homemade cinnamon rolls. We will enjoy these after Conference. Each family member is responsible to share their favorite talk as we savor the yummy rolls.

Preparation and Tradition help our family enjoy and get the most we can out of such and important and special weekend.

I am thankful for the blessing of Conference. I know that it is a gift. I also believe that listening to our leaders and following their counsel is as valuable to us as the scriptures. They both have great purpose and meaning.

I hope you have a wonderful Conference Weekend also.

Oh Isaac....

The last few months have been very trying for me with our little Isaac. I am sure many of you have heard my complaints. Needless to say he is much different then our first two. We like to call him SPUNKY!! Spunky he is. I find myself only sharing with our family and friends how annoying it gets when he screams, and believe me he can scream. It made me reflect about all of the other things that I love about him. I don't want to remember him as a screamer at one, so I am taking the time to write down a few of my favorite Isaac Characteristics, and some of the great things I want to remember about Isaac at one. Even though he screams at me most of the day, I still love so many wonderful things about him.

Isaac at One...

I love when Isaac hugs me. When he needs a snuggle he will wrap his arms so tight around me neck. It is the sweetest thing. He also lays his head on my shoulder when some one talks to him and he wants to be bashful.

I love how he adores Jex and Stella. When he sees them he laughs, and tries to get as close to them as possible. Just the other day, he walked(with his hands along the wall) to go and hug Stella. It was a precious moment.

I love how he values his sleep. He goes to bed early, and wakes up early.(okay, so this can be annoying at times) However ,it is so nice when he is in bed at 7:00. He also takes two (2 1/2 hour) naps.

He is such a good eater. He will eat whatever it is that we are having.

I love his smile. It could light up an entire room. He loves to be friendly with people. He will smile at them and say "Hi."

He loves to tease. He will look at you with a big grin on his face when he is not supposed to do something. When I say "Isaac, NO!" He will just look at me and laugh. I know this is not a wonderful characteristic, but is shows his spunky personality. I have a hard time not laughing myself.

I love that he is so curious. He wants to figure out how things work, and how to do it. He loves buttons, and turning on and off the lights. He is always busy, and sometimes he is just to busy to do what you need him to do(like change his diaper.)

He is so full of life and personality. He is doing so much with his language. He says a lot of words, and tries to repeat things that you say.

Why play with toys?, when emptying moms cupboards, pulling toilet paper off the roll, fishing in the toilet, and banging pots and pans is so much funner. He seriously never plays with his toys.

I find him in his room reading books all the time. It is one of the only quiet activities that he does.

I love his pointer finger. He points at everything. It is part of his curiosity.

I love that when he drinks his bottle he still lets me hold him like a newborn. He is so snugly.

In the morning when he wakes up, he can hardly wait to drink his bottle. He makes the cutest little pucker face while he waits(most of the time, not patiently) for you to give it to him.

He is just starting to take a few steps, and it is so fun watching him.

He loves being outside, and has figured out how to climb the playhouse all by himself. He was out there yesterday, and I ran inside to bring in our dishes from our picnic. I was only in one minute. When I looked out there he was 3 steps up. DANGER DANGER!! I ran out there, and stood behind him. He finished the rest. Then he will slide down the slide on his tummy. WOW! He has so much more adventure then the other two. Here is a couple of videos of his new task. They are about 2 minutes a piece so watch them if you would like.

I love this little man. Even thought he is so busy, and keeps me on my toes. I enjoy watching how his little mind works. Now if we could just get rid of the screaming life would be great. (watch for the scream in the video, you may want to plug your ears.)