The first week of August is history...

WOW! I can't believe how many things happened this week! Monday, I took Izak, Micah, Zane and Gwen to see the final Shrek movie at the dollar movies--it was actually 75 cents. My mom heard and decided she'd like to join us as well. So we got her a ticket. It was entertaining and had a good message. Taran went to Salt Lake with friends from EFY. They spent the day seeing the sight watching the Joseph Smith movie, etc. One girl's grandpa is Bishop Edgley so they got to go to his office and one girl's uncle works at Temple Square and gave them a tour as well, they got to see some of the tunnels. We played a game for Family Night and everyone seem to enjoy it.

Tuesday morning Taran met Teresa at her school with his resume and to meet her head custodian. He hired Taran after a short introduction and interview. It was free day at Teresa's pool so we spent the day there. Taran and Timo joined for a bit too. My cousins Hiedi, Gwen and Jennifer came with their kids and my aunt Leslie, their mom. Katie and kids showed up after naps, Charl also came just before I left. It wasn't a very hot day so it quite pleasant to sit on the side while the kids played, Emily showed Zane how to swim so he is quite the little fish now that he isn't so nervous. I realized Monday that time was running out before school starts. I told Zane, Micah, Izak and Emily they could have late nights before we leave on our trip. So Zane had his Tuesday night. They had a lot of fun playing capture the flag, watching Sinbad and eating popcorn and treats.

Wednesday I went with my visiting teaching partner to help a lady I visit teach who had a mastectomy. She was having a rough morning, she found out that the cancer they took out was very serious so even though they think it's contained they feel she needs chemo to clean up any remaining cells. That was super disappointing. She has some family issues as well that make this news even more stressful. We were able to help her out and I think give her some peace of mind. It's amazing how good it feels to help others! That afternoon the other lady we visit teach needed some help since she is moving this week so after giving my kids lunch I helped her while my partner took her kids for the afternoon. I had scouts later that night and we got done rather early, that was nice!

Thursday I took Taran to the bank to get his own checking account. He needs it for direct deposit of his monthly pay. It took longer than I thought to get that set up and I went to Old Navy to return a t-shirt. I found they had a ton of good deals for back to school and decided to bring the kids back Friday. I also waited since I had a coupon that didn't start until Friday anyway. That afternoon Izak had his first fall soccer practice--here we go! This year only Izak, Micah and Zane are playing soccer. Micah just got recruited for a competition soccer team. Originally he was not going to play any soccer, just flag football, Jr Jazz basketball and lacrosse. Now he may not get to do lacrosse. His choice. Micah had his late night that night. It was huge, he had fun but next time won't have so many kids. They watched Down and Derby--movie about dad and pinewood derby cars, it's actually quite funny.


Friday morning I took the kids to Old Navy, Target and Walmart. I also spent time Saturday with Timo as well. I am almost done getting everyone what they need to start school. I also bought some school supplies this week as well. 6 kids in school all day! We also paid Emily's fees for Junior High. Not looking forward to paying the high school fees. Friday night Tim and I went out to his parents and got stuff they were donating to Taran's choir yard sale. We borrowed our neighbor's trailer to get the items. They gave 2 full things of sheet rock. I remembered Charl was working on some projects at his house so we took it out to his house since he lives close by. What a relief since we are storing everything in our garage. Taran and his fellow scouts went hiking to Timp at 1 AM. So we got him ready for it. We got a phone call at 6:30 AM from them--yep we were thrilled! They got home around 10 AM. About the time I left with Emily for Anna's (my niece) bridal shower. Anna's sister Erin, cousin Allyse and mission friend Kenzie were putting it on at Tim's parents'. I had offered to help so I showed up early to finish my stuff and do whatever I could. It was really fun and Erin and the girls did a great job on this Victorian Tea Party Shower! The food was great and the company fun. We learned a little more about her and Buck (her fiancee). After cleaning up we headed home and finished sabbath day preparations. Izak and Micah got to go see Despicable Me for a friend's birthday. They enjoyed it. Meanwhile Tim took all the other kids--Taran finally woke up--to our new McDonald's for dinner. I ate at home since I am not a huge fan. I also made zucchini bread after grinding some wheat in my electric wheat grinder--I keep what I don't use in a container in my freezer. Timo and I did a little school clothes shopping-less than successful in some ways after they got back. I watched the Slipper and the Rose while I exercised and folded laundry. Tim and Emily watched too. I remember watching it at BYU. It was fun, although I admit somewhat corny. Taran worked on his lesson for Sunday he had been asked to do on the hike! Timo hung out with some friends.

Micah woke up in the night with a tummy ache so he stayed home. Tim stayed with him. They came for Gwen's first talk today. I got to see her. I was proud of her even though I couldn't hear what she was saying she stood and said it--with Tim helping her. I taught and came home to be with Micah. Emily was here too because of allergies and I had to put drops in her eyes when I got home. I guess I could have stayed at church. Today we are going to visit Tim's parents. His Uncle Fred died and they are leaving for his funeral tomorrow.

One comment about the weather, we have had crazy thunder and lightning storms all week. It's been nice to not have to water the garden! And it has kept it cool. I am posting a photo of Taran and Timo and their friends after they ran around in the rain!

One more week to get ready for school and our trip! Have a great week!

Freedom Friday Late

I have been pondering many things and just would like to post something short of my own this time--STOP THE MADNESS.

What do I mean? Stop spending money that isn't there. Stop treating the American people like they don't have an opinion or don't know what is best for themselves--granted some don't but they should have the freedom to do it within the law! Stop portraying anyone with an opposing view as racists, dangerous or crazy. Stop making deals with criminals and give true citizens their rights. Stop bailing out companies, and people period! Stop putting money into the non-productive part of our economy. Stop raising taxes by going through the back door. Stop lying about what the REAL issue is at hand, and talk about facts instead of distracting with other comments. Stop taking God out of our culture. I am soooooo tired of it all. And I don't think I am the only one.

July is over...

I feel like this summer is over since we have 2 weeks until we go on a trip and then the next week the kids start school! I am feeling pressure to get ready for school now! Sometimes I enjoy that feeling of anticipation, this year not so much. It's possibly because it is Taran's senior year and Zane's in first grade yet Gwen will be home alone with me all week except for Wednesdays when she has preschool. I am not sure.

This week Taran and Timo had EFY all week. We signed them up for one that is not overnight--they stay at home at night. There were 17 other kids from our neighborhood who did it from various ages so we all carpooled. They had a good experience and met kids from Florida, New Jersey, Indiana, California and Utah.

Monday Tim dropped Emily and younger at mom's to work in her yard. Izak mowed while the rest picked apricots. Even Gwen! Taran and Timo usually help her but they were gone this week to EFY. They went in the hot tub after lunch. I met up with them after taking a van load of kids to EFY. For Family Night we had an Emergency Preparedness dinner--we all had to cook food from an alternative source--no stoves or ovens. We did a dutch oven cobbler but it took and 1 hour and a half instead of 45 minutes. We learned a lot and the food was actually really good. We had rainstorm come through so it got postponed a bit which worked to our favor with the cobbler.




I had a cold from Sunday so I was laying low most days. Thursday I felt best and took the kids to the Thanksgiving Point Animal Farm. It was fun and not too long. That night they spent the night at their Crane cousins. Emily made snitch cupcakes and they made butterbeer and treacle fudge at the Crane's in honor of Harry Potter's upcoming birthday Saturday. I spent that evening after dropping them off finishing a poster for a friend that had breast cancer surgery on Monday. She was coming home the next day. Tim and I decorated her house with pink crepe paper and balloons and a poster that neighbors signed. She called very grateful and emotional the next day--not sure who told her I did it! I guess I did something right this week!











Friday I picked up the kids from their cousins and the cousins came over here. Amy picked up her kids in the afternoon. By Friday my cold had settled into a cough. I was worried because I had a hike Saturday with my scouts. So Emily and Maddie took care of the kids except Gwen who played at Max's while I rested. I decided to go to Urgent Care and found out I had a sinus infection. I got the z-pack and started feeling better a couple of hours later.

Unfortunately the antibiotic loosened up the stuff and I coughed for an hour and a half until Nyquil kicked in. So I did not make it to the hike, fortunately we had extra parents going with my scout partner. I was bummed, I hope that they had fun. I am also glad that no one got hurt. I slept, as much as a mom can, until 1 PM. Tim took Emily to get her reading glasses ordered from Costco. Timo needed to get new church pants, church shoes, belt and shirt. Tim refused to take him so I got dressed and went with him. Timo practiced driving, he's having an easier time of it than Taran. I only had stamina for 2 stores so he had to borrow a shirt and belt from Tim for today. Taran went on a double date with his friend they took 2 girls from EFY. Then they went over to a friend's and played games later. Timo went to a girl's house for a party. Tim and I went out to eat for a quick date and the other kids watched the Lord of the Rings on Clearplay. They have been watching them all week and almost finished. I actually went to bed early--for me. But I coughed most of the night and Gwen and Zane came in and woke us up about being uncomfortable.

Poor Tim was suppose to teach today. I was so wiped out this morning I stayed home. Micah had a cough too so he stayed home with me--his is nice and juicy so productive where mine is a dry, nagging cough. Taran got up early this morning and went to the Tabernacle Choir broadcast with some friends from EFY. Tim ended up NOT teaching, to his relief, since they decided to combine with the Young Men and hear the amazing story of the only known person to survive Lou Gherig's disease. Tim told me the story, it is very amazing and inspirational. Tonight we are going to my mom's for dinner and plan our family reunion at Yellowstone. That is why I decided to write now. I will probably be too tired later. Happy August, stay cool!

Freedom Friday

"Throughout history America has seen many great leaders and noteworthy citizens change her course. It is through their personal virtues and by their example that we are able to live as a free people. On August 28, come celebrate America by honoring our heroes, our heritage and our future.

Join the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin and many more for this non-political event that pays tribute to America’s service personnel and other upstanding citizens who embody our nation’s founding principles of integrity, truth and honor.

Our freedom is possible only if we remain virtuous. Help us restore the values that founded this great nation. On August, 28th, come join us in our pledge to restore honor at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC." The 8/28 website

***A little background on what and why they are doing this:

"In 1780 George Washington developed a badge of merit. It is what our Purple Heart is modeled after. He only awarded, for the records that we have found, he only awarded three of these badges of merit. At the time the world only gave medals and badges and everything else to officers, but he was looking to create in his words an honorable and Christian army. He was looking to build people of integrity, people who understood merit and honor. He said the road to glory in a free country is open to all. It was the first time that anybody had ever done that, looking at the farmer and saying you don't have to be an officer and do something honorable. It was not about the Purple Heart, surprisingly. The Purple Heart was modeled after the badge of merit after they were found in 1933. And that's when we started awarding purple hearts. But it was not for honor. It was just for being wounded. That's not what the badge of merit was under George Washington. He used to keep the names in a book called the book of merit. He talked about it in his writings in 1782. The book has never been found. But the badges have been. We're going to restore honor by restoring the road to glory that in a free country is open to all. We are going to begin awarding badges of merit. We're designing them now and they are — I haven't decided if we're going to make them into actual medals that you would pin on a chest or wear like the medal of honor or if it's just a badge, exactly the way George Washington intended. That's how I'm leaning at this point. But we are collecting some people that you will, you will not believe and I want to introduce them to you and I want to I want you to see the people that are living life today that deserve a badge of merit that are living their life in accordance with just universal principles. Principles and values. So that is going to be the overview of what we're doing there and it will be a chance for your children, if we want to restore the country, if we want to restore honor, then we have to restore faith and principles and find a new George Washington." This was Glenn Beck speaking.

I agree with him we need to restore honor to America. TOO many of our politicians have lost their honor and given in to become a part of the 'ruling class'. This is on both sides of the parties. We need to stop this and demand responsibility and honor. But it starts with us. Are we living with integrity? Are living up to our privileges? You may not agree with Beck or Palin but you must see that our leaders are out of touch with their constituents and they are not serving but grabbing more power and control through unconstitutional means. Please take a stand. Go to DC if you can with your children and show that you support a restoration of honor.

for more info

a short video a friend & are in to promote the 8/28 Restore Honor

Just some thoughts on God...

I have been pondering the fact that many don't believe in God. And why I do. I can see where the opinion if there was a God why does he let all this suffering and ugliness happen. But I understand God to be my Heavenly Father who loves each of us and because he loves us he lets us learn and make mistakes. He blesses us even when we don't deserve it. Because he allows us to make mistakes we sometimes hurt others besides ourselves. I find comfort knowing that every loss will be made up for in the next life. Those who seemed to suffer more than others will be duly compensated then. As a parent myself I see the wisdom in letting children learn from their mistakes, instead of trying to shield them from every harm. Of course we guide and warn against things that are harmful but God our Heavenly Father equally does so through his commandments. They are for our protection and they will bring us greater happiness and peace if we keep them. Just like the rules I set for my children they will bring them greater freedom if they keep them. The other side is there is a consequence for every action. If we choose not to keep God's laws or commandments there are consequences which may not manifest themselves right away but eventually if we do not change/repent we will suffer as His son has for our sins. When my children make poor choices they seem to cry foul when they get a negative consequence but if I do not follow through on the consequence set up I am a liar. I lose credibility and they will not listen in the future because my word means nothing. God is similar in He has integrity and can not and will not let consequences change except in the event we repent because his son paid that price for those who accept his atonement. It's sort of like when my little neighbor boy dropped his Popsicle all over my floor and I told him he could have another one if he cleaned that one up. I got him all the stuff to clean it and then my son and his sister saw that he was overwhelmed and they stepped in and cleaned it up for him. It was so touched as I watched these young children help him do what he felt he could not on his own. I am ever grateful to God for loving us enough to send his son to sacrifice for us. For loving each of us to be who we are and make our mistakes and loving us back to Him. He is ever ready to help us and love us all we must do is pray and ask. He does not make us be good or coerce us into submission. It is our choice to live as we wish but if we want greater peace and happiness it can only found in following his commandments. Yes bad things happen to good people but I know that good people find strength in God when times are tough and he helps them arise to their challenges. He has blessed my life abundantly and I know whenever I am down he comforts me and strengthens me, even at times when I feel I am undeserving. He loves me, and he loves you. I see it in the beauty of the world around me and in the newest born baby. He is magnificent in every way and if we let ourselves come to know Him in a very personal way we can feel his power and love in our own lives. It is real. If you don't believe me, pray, ask Him to let you know he loves you and you will feel it. I know you will even if you just ask to have the faith to believe. It will come. You are his child and he loves you and will answer you. I know it.

Another week of summer gone...

Time is flying by...it makes me a bit sad! This week we went to my sister's free guest day at the pool in her HOA. Taran and Timo opted out. We were there 5 hours. It was fun but I forgot water! I brought lunch and drinks. Katie brought her three little guys and Teresa helped out with them. Unfortunately I sprayed my own sunscreen on my back and I missed parts and got quite burnt, now I am super itchy and peeling. I am glad I can sleep on my back again!

We had a short family night that night since the kids were dead from swimming all day. Taran and Timo had a street ball game going when we got back and music rocking the neighborhood--we are the rowdies in our neck of the woods!

Tuesday after going to the library, it was put the house back together since last week I madeover Emily's room and didn't get much more than survival things done. Emily went to the zoo for a friend's birthday. The kids had fun playing all over the neighborhood so I was able to get quite a bit done and some fun reading. I was suppose to get my hair done by my niece but she had gotten in a car accident and her arm was still pretty stiff. She was very lucky!

Wednesday I rented a couple of Redbox movies for the kids: Ponyo and Soccer Dog: European Cup. They watched Ponyo in the afternoon when it was hot. They watched the other movie Thursday afternoon when I was at the temple. Izak's last lacrosse game was that night so we all went but Taran and Timo who had scouts. It was fun but sad that the season was over. We tried to schedule a scrimmage with another team but it did not pan out. We only got to play 6 games over 2 months so it was dragged out with all the holidays. The team was really sweet and got Timo and Tim a gift card to Cold Stone for coaching them!


Thursday not sure what happened that day. Other than I went to the temple. That afternoon Timo and Taran had a dodgeball game and they had a blast. Taran had a Calculus Party after. His teacher is so awesome, 79% of the kids that took the AP Calculus test passed! The party was for all the students not just those who passed. Taran said that it was a lot of fun. He actually stayed to help clean up. Tim and I were a bit spontaneous and decided to go to the 'Sticky Shoe' Movie theater and see the A Team for cheap ($1.50)! It was a fun movie to watch. Some swear words and a couple of quick suggestive scenes so our kids will be watching it on ClearPlay.

Friday Tim had off in honor of the Pioneer Day on the 24th. He took Taran and Timo to Teresa's tennis courts--she met them there. They played for an hour--I guess they need some practice! I went and got my haircut and I got a facial and my eyebrows waxed at the Paul Mitchell Hair School. My niece is working on her license there. I loved the facial!!! I will do that again! That night Tim, Emily and I watched National Treasure, we love watching it in July!

Saturday we did the normal chores. I cut Taran's hair in between things. I think I threw away a pound of hair! Tim took Timo driving and then Zane to get a free ice cream he had earned for reading. (This was during school and I hate it when I forget so I have to pay or I feel guilty!)



That night we had my side and Tim's side of the family to our house for a BBQ and fireworks. Tim and Nate made ice cream peach and Oreo! YUMMY! The kids had fun playing too while we visited. The fireworks Tim and Nate set off were awesome. And some of our neighbors' added their own illegal ones (go into the air) we almost felt like we were in the Stadium of Fire!

After everyone left Zane started in with a runny nose. He insisted he didn't need medicine but by midnight I knew I would not be able to sleep listening to him cough and sniff! So I gave him medicine and he slept fine. he stayed home today from church. Tim and I took turns being with him since I needed to teach. I also didn't feel great like I caught the cold. We had my parents over for dinner since my dad wanted to tell us some family stories. They left for my cousin's since he got put in the bishopric and his parents were down. We watched the DVD Legacy for our devotional--it's about the pioneers.

I am so grateful for the pioneers. I can say that now but there was a time when I sick of pioneer stories. They were so depressing. Now I feel like they are inspirational. I am amazed at their faith, courage and perseverance. Especially as a parent, the challenges they had to face with children---we wouldn't have made it because we would have killed each other! Anyway, I am grateful to know that Heavenly Father knows what I can handle and it wasn't that. I am grateful they did. Even though I hate the winters of snow and freezing temperatures, Utah is an amazing place and those pioneers turned it into a bounteous place as well!

Freedom Friday

I read about this a while ago but forgot to do anything about it! Please take time to read about this today!

The Mount Vernon Statement

Constitutional Conservatism:
A Statement for the 21st Century

We recommit ourselves to the ideas of the American Founding.Through the Constitution, the Founders created an enduring framework of limited government based on the rule of law. They sought to secure national independence, provide for economic opportunity, establish true religious liberty and maintain a flourishing society of republican self-government.

These principles define us as a country and inspire us as a people. They are responsible for a prosperous, just nation unlike any other in the world. They are our highest achievements, serving not only as powerful beacons to all who strive for freedom and seek self-government, but as warnings to tyrants and despots everywhere.

Each one of these founding ideas is presently under sustained attack. In recent decades, America’s principles have been undermined and redefined in our culture, our universities and our politics. The selfevident truths of 1776 have been supplanted by the notion that no such truths exist. The federal government today ignores the limits of the Constitution, which is increasingly dismissed as obsolete and irrelevant.

Some insist that America must change, cast off the old and put on the new. But where would this lead — forward or backward, up or down? Isn’t this idea of change an empty promise or even a dangerous deception?

The change we urgently need, a change consistent with the American ideal, is not movement away from but toward our founding principles. At this important time, we need a restatement of Constitutional conservatism grounded in the priceless principle of ordered liberty articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

The conservatism of the Declaration asserts self-evident truths based on the laws of nature and nature’s God. It defends life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It traces authority to the consent of the governed. It recognizes man’s self-interest but also his capacity for virtue.

The conservatism of the Constitution limits government’s powers but ensures that government performs its proper job effectively. It refines popular will through the filter of representation. It provides checks and balances through the several branches of government and a federal republic.

A Constitutional conservatism unites all conservatives through the natural fusion provided by American principles. It reminds economic conservatives that morality is essential to limited government, social conservatives that unlimited government is a threat to moral self-government, and national security conservatives that energetic but responsible government is the key to America’s safety and leadership role in the world.

A Constitutional conservatism based on first principles provides the framework for a consistent and meaningful policy agenda.

* It applies the principle of limited government based on the rule of law to every proposal.
* It honors the central place of individual liberty in American politics and life.
* It encourages free enterprise, the individual entrepreneur, and economic reforms grounded in market solutions.
* It supports America’s national interest in advancing freedom and opposing tyranny in the world and prudently considers what we can and should do to that end.
* It informs conservatism’s firm defense of family, neighborhood, community, and faith.

If we are to succeed in the critical political and policy battles ahead, we must be certain of our purpose.

We must begin by retaking and resolutely defending the high ground of America’s founding principles.

February 17, 2010

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