Congratulations Nick!

I received a call a couple days ago from Nick's teacher. Letting me know that Nick would be getting an award this morning at the school assembly and inviting me to attend! I am so happy and proud of him! The little boys and I went and Nick received Student of the Month for his class and as a super surprise, he was also chosen as the Lower Grades Student of the Month ... each Month out of the pool of Students of the Month are chosen the "School Students of the Month - one for the k-2 and one for 3-5. I am so proud of him! He was beaming and really trying not to seem too proud of himself!

A friend of mine from Little League was there with her Father. He kindly offered to let me run up and take a picture while he watched the boys (who were sitting nicely in the stroller due to the chocolate milk and doughnuts I had bribed them with) ... he only asked me to "hurry back"! It was very sweet. He mentioned that due to his job we missed all of these types of things for his kids, but he won't miss them the second time around for his grandkids now that he is retired. I immediately felt so lucky that I could attend these functions. As the kids grow, I am sure they won't care if they were student of the month or won some elementary school award ... but I am SURE they will remember that I was there. I am so blessed.

(here is a picture of the prized trophy for the lower grades student of the month! YAHOO!)




(I tried to take a one-handed picture of the both of us ... didn't work - but he is so cute, had to post it!)

Start with the end in mind ...

Most projects you really have to "start" way before you actually "start". There has to be some type of plan to put into action to accomplish whatever goal you have in mind.

Well, what happens when you want to accomplish long term change, not just a short term project. What about changing habits or solidifying character changes? How do you plan for living, fluctuating, long term personal change?

Starting with the end in mind is the key ... I realize this, but what are your practical tips and applications for affecting these types of change? Would love your input!?!?!

how it is ...

So a couple days ago, while the big boys were in school and Joshy was napping. I was holding Evan, giving him kisses, and talking to him. I told him he was MY baby (I tell him this all the time, like I did when Tyson and Nick were younger ... something about this age, they love to hear it, maybe instilling a sense of security and love ... not sure ... anyway, he loves to hear it. He always smiles and it melts my heart.)

So, after I said this to him, I asked him "who loves you?" hoping for a response like "Mama" or "Daddy" or "Jesus" or "Heavenly Father" ... what does he respond with ...

"Not Nick" ... and there you have it ... true brotherly love.

I needed a Time Out

It seems I have been struggling for sometime now ... we all do at different times during our lives, and this just seems to be my "off" time. One of the hardest things for me has been my perceived distance from the spirit and the Savior. I have prayed and prayed, seen small miracles and still felt so far away from Christ. Looking back at my life, I can see the times when I have been close and I could never seem to find the reason for the great chasm between my spirit and the Savior ... well, I have finally been enlightened.

My Step-Mom, Sister Lisa and I all went to "Time Out for Women" this past weekend, presented by Deseret Book. Never having gone before, I wasn't really sure what to expect. Friday night, seemed like a bust as it was mostly music and I think we were all yearning for something a little meatier! We ended up leaving early and goofing off with treats (LOVE OLIVE TAPENADE, by the way ... seriously, my favorite!!!). We watched The Proposal, which fit the chick-flick requirement in the girls club bylaws and just relaxed.

What I was hoping to accomplish was just to take a step back, re-evaluate and take stock of my life. This is essential for me every once in a while, just to keep myself in check. After the bummer of Friday night, we went to Saturday's conference with the agreement that if it turned out to be more of the previous night, we would leave early and go sit by the pool.

Saturday turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. I heard some of the most amazing presentations and had an epiphany! Yep, a true epiphany!!! I realized that (due to a very spiritual and enlightening talk by Brad Wilcox) part of my chasm ... part of the spiritual sickness in my life was because my own view of my Savior was limited and incomplete ... let me rephrase ... I realized I was LIMITING his access and influence in my life.

I have always taken the scripture to heart ... for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2N 25:23) ... but rather than revelling in the grace, I have always felt strongly, that it was "AFTER all we can do" that the Savior comes in ... I realize that I was viewing the Savior as an "in case of emergencies" rather than a companion and friend. I realized that I was severely limiting my relationship ... I started imagining what it would feel like to only call my Family members when I needed something from them ... what kind of relationship would that be?

When baptised I took upon me the name of Jesus Christ. I made the decision to be his. I became his partner in my own salvation. He did all of the work, all that is still left for me is to walk hand in hand with him through the rest of my life.

After so long ... I feel renewed. I feel hope. I feel peace. I feel blessed.

Future Missions ...

During Sunday dinner last night, John asked the boys where they wanted to go on their missions ... here are the responses:

Tyson - Japan or Kentucky (KY because of Kentucky Fried Chicken ... we don't eat a lot of fried chicken, so he must think he'll get more if he goes to Kentucky!)

Nicholas - England, like Dad

Evan - CostCo ... must be the "try-outs" calling his name

Joshua - John suggested Iraq and this doesn't really seem like a far off possibility ... if the 2nd coming comes before then ... which I am really hoping for ... it will be nice to see the Savior again, this time with Mortal eyes ... get prepared everyone!

So, not really sure why 2 of my sons mission desires revolve around food, but so be it!! :)