New Year's Resolutions!

So the time is upon us to begin a New Year! 2009! And again I set some New Year's Resolutions. I can't remember what I have done before, maybe if I looked back at journals from years ago I would find them, so this year I will write them down and you will see them and we'll see if I can get through them. Accountability right?

1. Fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans! I don't like having to put losing weight down as a resolution, we try not to use the "F" word in our house. But I really need to! I have 2 pairs that fit me, and one is getting a hole in the inseam from wearing them so much. Its time to take action!
2. To Eat Healthier for weight loss AND ENERGY! I know half of my problem with getting off my tush is that I need to eat better! And I want to set a good example for my kids! Its funny, alot of the time if I have fruit and junk food in the house, the kids go for the fruit, and I go for the Junk food! Maybe I need to follow their example!
3. Family Home Evenings. I need to be more regular, even just something simple, every week. My kids really like it, even if we just read a story out of the friend together, so I need to start doing it EVERY WEEK!
4. Personal Scripture Study. We read the picture scripture book with the kids, almost every night. But I am terrible with it myself. I want to read the Book of Mormon straight through!
5. Get my life ORGANIZED! My house and life have fallen apart in the craziness of the new baby, summer in Canada, and starting school. I just haven't been able to keep up. I feel like I'm just getting things done, and I hate that! I like having things done, but I am a wonderful procrastinator. I need to just DO IT, and anyways stress doesn't agree with my body well!

Well I think these are a good start. I AM GOING TO DO THEM! I know it is just a matter of doing a little every day, and they will get done. And I know in the long run, even a little bit in the short run, they will help me feel better and be a better mommy and wife!

Its Boxing Day!

Its Boxing Day for the Canadians, and many other nations like the UK and Australia, and its still a holiday to me. How else can you recover from Christmas?

Boxing Day actually received its origins from long ago

 when the wealthy gave gifts to the poor and unfortunate. They would pack up the "leftovers" and extras from Christmas and distribute to the needy in "Boxes" hence Boxing Day. Now its a BIG shopping Day in Canada. Like Black Friday here in the states. For the Henry Family, its our big Christmas get together.

It started, I think, when I was about 15. We finally realized that 

Gramma's House was just too small for the whole family, even though our family isn't that big, or at least it wasn't then. 

So they decided to better accommodate everyone, we moved the party to Boxing Day so everyone could come and over to the Community Hall in Del Bonita so we would fit. It is perfect for such a party. When we first had it there was probably only abut 22 of us. Now if we all get together there's about 43. 

There's a great big dance floor that's perfect for kids to run or, as in years past, rollerblading, scooter racing, remote control cars and wagons! There's a pool table for the teenagers and shuffle board and of course, what would a good Henry party be without cards! We always play Scrooge's Christmas and I will never forget the year someone brought the girly calender and the men fought over it. I think Gramps finally won that one! It is a really nice time to see everyone, because with everyone having there own families now and liv

ing farth

er apart, you don't see each other much

 at all.Even if you are in the same vicinity! This way we all get together and visit at Christmas time, and most can appease the other half of 

the family on Christmas and have fun with us on Boxing Day! It works out great!

 I really miss it at times like this, when I'm home alone with the kids knowing that miles away my whole family is getting together, eating good food, playing games and having a really good time. Its hard knowing how hard you laugh at each other and the memories that you only recall at Christmas, and you don't have 

anyone to share it with at 

the time. Sometimes these days are harder than the actual holidays are when you are alone. 

The Holidays, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, are full of excitement and expectations. You can't wait till they come and they are filled with fun even if it is just with your own tiny family. But the days following, the ones you remember spending with the larger family, doing things you've done your whole life, and not being able to share except over the phone. Listening to them play games and having fun. Its makes me sad and lonely.

But it also made me happy, as I recalled some of the memories of Boxing Days past. And I realized that not all families are like ours. 

Some families don't get together with Aunts, Uncles and cousins. I love and think about my Cousins kids like nephews and nieces. I think we are really blessed to be as close as we are. Granted there are still squabbles and bickering and I'm sure there are a few that bug everyone and are bugged back, but all in all we have a really good time together. So good that we had to start the tradition of having a Henry reunion in Gramma's backyard every summer! That is so much fun spending the whole weekend with family that I love and look forward to seeing every year. 

So even though I was a little sad today, I was also happy, because I realized how blessed I am. 

Not only do I have an immediate family that is close (on both mine and Dustin's side, we are very close to our brothers and sisters), but I have an extended family as well that I am so grateful to have. What a wonderful blessing to be thankful for at this time of year!

So its Christmas...

It was a wonderful Christmas wasn't it? we had a wonderful time at our house, everyone got spoiled a little more than we expected, but we had fun!We did Christmas Eve on the 23 and Christmas Day on the 24 because Dustin had to work on Christmas Day. So The night of the 23, when he got home, the kids put on  puppet show for him. We got some nativity puppets from my friend Kim last year for Christmas and while I read a simplified version of the Nativity Story, the kids acted out the puppet show. It was great, especially when the "Shepard"(Brody) went to Bethlehem ("do de do de do") and when the three Wisemen brought the gifts (Gracie:"gold, frankincense....say myrrh Brody" Brody:"MYRRH!" It was pretty good! Its so hard not to laugh at kids when they are doing something they are so proud of, yet it comes out so funny!Then Daddy read the "Night before Christmas" and we left cookies and eggnog out for Santa, and lo and behold! we must have been good, because he came! Brody got his train he was asking for, and he was pretty excited because he's been talking about this train for like a month! Gracie got a Cabbage Patch named Lois Fonda! She wasn't so thrilled ("I said I wanted a baby boy AND a baby girl!" ) But she's warmed up to her quite n

icely! Of course, the grandparents spoiled them and so did the rest of the family! They loved their new pjs and Gramma and Grampa Godlonton got them Leapsters which were a huge hit! 

Those little systems are amazing! Fun little educational games and I couldn't believe how fast they caught on 

to playing them! They also got this funny game from Uncle Tanner and Aunty Lindsey which they really liked. Its "Horton Hears a Who" and they have to hide Clovers around the House and throughout the game they have to go and find them with this Horton hat on their head. It has velcro on the nose and the clovers have velcro as well. Then they also have to crawl, run, flap, hop etc to find them! Its so funny to watch them try and beat the timer!

It was alot of fun! Nice and quiet and relaxing! My kind of day! Its sad to think of the family miles away and what they might be doing, but its hard to be too sad when the kids are so excited about showing you the games they are learning or their new book or trying on their new pjs. You miss everyone,but life has to go on and its only as good as you make it! I can't be sad and depressed for my kids sake. I make it fun and exciting for them and that in turn helps make it fun and exciting for us!

Today being the true Christmas Day was a little harder, its a good thing I was so tired! The kids and I just hung out and watched movies most of the day. And a great friend that lives right next door invited us for Christmas Dinner so that was really nice to have a little "family"time even if it wasn't with our own family! Again, Christmas is a time for family AND Friends, and when you can't have your family around, great friends are wonderful!

I had a wonderful Christmas with my little family and I hope all of you did to! Now it is time to get ready for the new year!

My littlest man...

I have yet to write about our littlest man...Cooper. He doesn't say much, but boy is he getting places! He is getting so big, I can't believe he's almost 8 months old! Oh that makes me sad, but at the same time it is so wonderful to watch him grow!

He found his hands in August, that's always funny watching them twist their hand back and forth in front of themselves. I love it! Then, right after, he learned to roll! He could only roll to the right for the longest time, so he often got himself caught up in the crib! Then he started his He Man. This is where he would do a push up right up on his hands and toes. It was so funny to watch and sometimes he'd put his little bum right up in the air! Aah my little man knows yoga!

Then after that he figured out if he was on his toes and he lunged he would move forward a little. This was OK for awhile though very frustrating to him because he couldn't move very far. Then he learned to tuck his knees under and he would rock on his knees. Then the lunging got better and stronger, then he figured out how to get his hands more involved! Now he looks a bit like a walrus moving across the floor! Up on his hands and knees(or feet!) and then lunging forward, back up, then forward! He's getting really fast and Gracie and Brody have learned that nothing is safe on the floor!

Oh my little man...my baby! Don't grow up too fast, I want to keep you little forever!

Ooh Gracie...

Just a little story I heard last night at our Primary meeting...
Gracie's teacher said that this last Sunday they were talking about being kind to animals and how people have pets. A little boy said he had a kitten named mittens and they talked quite a bit about this cat. I guess Gracie felt left out because she said "I have three cats!" When they asked her what their names were she said "Mittens..."she glanced around the room, saw the teachers shoes "Red..." and she looks some more "and Table!" Yes, those are all very good names for cats!

Wordful Wednesday...Favorite Christmas song...

How do you just pick one! I love Christmas music, it is probably my favorite thing about Christmas, listening to the songs and carols of the season. I always have a cd in the car, in the house, in the computer...I love Christmas songs. Some of my favorite Christmas songs are by the country group Alabama, I think because that particular group always reminds me of my Dad, and we always listened to it when I was a kid. One song that they have done is "Happy Birthday, Jesus", here are the lyrics...

Happy birthday, Jesus, it's that time of year
All the lights on the trees
say Christmas time is near
Another year's behind us,
you helped us make it through
So, happy birthday, Jesus,
this song is just for you
We all get so hung up
on material things
at times it seems like we forget
What Christmas really means
It should be thanks we're givin',
that's why I wrote this tune
Happy birthday, Jesus,
this song is just for you
There's a gift for everyone but you
underneath the tree
No, it's not much, but I hope you like
this song to you from me
Happy birthday Jesus, that's why I wrote this tune
So, happy birthday, Jesus, my song is just for you

It is a very simple song and I like it for the fact that my children are young and birthdays are something they understand. Telling them that this is Jesus' birthday makes it real for them and easier for their young minds to comprehend. And it is just pretty.

I love Christmas!

So I am getting all ready for Christmas this year, and unfortunately we have to spend it without our extended family, but our little family is going to have so much fun together! Gracie and Brody are so excited, Gracie keeps asking if tomorrow is going to be Christmas Eve. "I just wish it would be Christmas today!" she says. Too Cute!
I love this season, but I do dislike the hassel of the crowds at the stores. Every year I tell myself I will get ready before December so i don't have to fight the crowd, but it never happens! I try, but ya...I at least know what I have to go get, so that's half the battle right there!
I try and instill in my kids that this is a special an magical time of year. Not only is it when Santa comes and spreads Christmas cheer, but we also remind them that it is Jesus' Birthday and its very important to remember this and give unto others. The best way I could think of, which we have done every year since we moved down here, is Toys for Tots. Every year, instead of presents for each other, the kids pick out a present that they would like, and they donate it to charity. We talk about it beforehand, about how some kids don't get many presents for Christmas and how this is a way for them to give unto those who don't have as much as we do. They never miss these presents because they always get spoiled by all the family...probably too much sometimes! We go to the store and only buy those toys at that time so that the kids can really realize that they are helping out someone. I hope we can always keep this tradition. We always gave to the food bank and Toys for Tots when I was younger, but I wanted my kids to feel that they were really "Giving" the present because they picked it out, just like you would for a friend!
We also have a "Little People" Nativity set that the kids can play with. We do the Nativity with it at Family Home Evening and then I get to see them recreate it themselves. Its kind of fun to watch their own little renditions sometimes!
I'm trying to keep the Christmas Cheer in my heart as I go out and fight the traffic of the Holidays...wish me luck! As a wise Young Women's Leader once told me..."It's only as fun as you make it. If you want to enjoy it, you will." And I plan on having a blast with my kids this year!

My son is speaking in tongues...

So we were watching "Spirit" the other day. For those who don't know, it is a movie about a wild horse. In the movie, the horse is captured by white men, and so is a Native. The Native sees the horse and makes a sound...hard to describe...like a raspberry. You know, when the horse exhales, it makes that funny sound. Well, the kids thought that was neat because the horse answered him. So then they proceeded to copy him. Then Brody says "Mom, I can speak horse!" So all over the house they were speaking horse.
Then a few days later, we were driving in the car somewhere, I don't remember where, and Cooper starts squawking like only babies do. He's carrying on and Brody, who is sitting next to him, starts to copy him. Cooper thinks this is great! They are "talking" back and forth and Cooper is just giggling away. Then Brody says "Hey Mom! I speak baby!"
So there you go...my son is now speaking in tongues!

Wordful Wednesday...I am Grateful...

I am so falling down on my posts...I had sick kids and a day trip to fulfill and so last week was a bust. But here we start again on Wordful Wednesday. Wonderful topic that I think we all kind of take for granted, except this time of year. I guess that's why we have this holiday. Even though I am Canadian and we celebrated Thanksgiving in October, I think its good to think every month what we have all been blessed with. Thirty days till Christmas...Here's Thirty things I am grateful for...

1. My children...as much as they drive me crazy, they still make me laugh and smile.
2. My husband...I am so grateful that he likes to come home to me and our crazy house.
3. The ability of being a mother...we were blessed and never had any problems getting pregnant. I am so grateful for that fact.
4. My eyes...I can see and take in the beauty around me. I am especially loving the late fall this year. I love the reds, oranges, golds and yellows.
5. My ears...I can hear my kids fighting, not great, but at least I can hear them!
6. My tongue...I can taste, great Christmas baking right around the corner! I love chocolates and Monster cookies!
7. I can feel...my new bed. It is 6 months old now, but everytime I lay down I say "I love my giant, soft bed!"
8. I can feel...love it when my children tell me they love me. So sweet and innocent. They have totally forgotten the night before when I have gotten mad at them for something. I love feeling their unconditional love.
9. My home...we own a house and I am so grateful. Even if the price has dropped dramatically, its mine and its warm and dry.
10. My clothes...and the abundance thereof. I have many outfits to choose from for all different occasions.
11. My pantry...it is stocked. We have food, all different kinds and we don't have to go without.
12. Treats...both the food and the extra treats we buy our selves, not because we need it, but because we want it. I don't do this much, but it is still nice to be ABLE to treat yourself once in a while.
13. My legs...I have fully functional legs. Sometimes I wish I could make them function more...but I can get out of bed and walk.
14. My hands...I can make things like dinner and tooth pillows for my kids. They don't hurt and always do as I ask them.
15. My heart...it pumps properly, but it also lets me care. Sometimes too much about things, but I can care and I know how to share that caring.
16. The church...the gospel is always the same no matter where you go.
17. The church...and friends you meet there, both for myself and my children.
18. The church leaders both at home and our leaders in Salt Lake.
19. The fact I can spoil my kids a little at Christmas.
20. The fact I can give a little to others at Christmas.
21. Long distance calls...I don't know if I could function without this life line to my friends and family.
22. Lazy days...like today. Its cold, nothing to do but stay inside and play with my kids and husband.
23. My kids are healthy. They are strong and healthy and growing.
24. Chocolate. I love chocolate. And as much as it is emotional eating...it can fix just about anything!
25. Music...I love music all kinds. I love primary songs, country, pop, dance, classical. I love the way it makes me feel and I love hearing my kids make music! I love hearing Gracie try to sing along with anything!
26. Christmas Carols...I love the way they set the mood for the holidays.
27. My parents...they have always supported me and my little family. And they are always there to love us.
28. Dustin's parents...they are like my own and have always taken me in.
29. Friends...both old and new. Old friends know and remember who you were and new friends find out who you are now.
30. I am a Child of God...knowing that my Heavenly Father is there for me is sometimes the only thing that gets me through some days, and I am so grateful for that.

There is my list. There are many things that I am grateful for that aren't on there, but I think making a list once in a while is a great way to help us remember that we have been blessed and are continually being blessed. we just have to take the time to remember it.

Wordful Wednesday...Giving

Following another bog that really inspires me every time I read it...she has Wordful Wednesdays and herself and followers post on a certain topic. I think it is a really neat idea, and here is my first attempt...

I was helping my daughter with her primary talk a couple of weeks ago. It was on service. I asked her if she new what service was, and she said no (she's 5). I told her service was helping other people. "What can you do to help others?" I asked her. She listed a few chores she does at home, playing with her brothers, then she said "I can help my friend if they get hurt. I can give them a hug and make them feel better." Sometimes we think of giving of ourselves as doing an actual duty or chore for someone...making a meal, raking leaves, babysitting... but sometimes its that simple little thing of making a person feel better that is so important.

When we moved to California, we had no body and I wasn't sure if I could do it. Many days were hard and lonely. One Sunday, I was having a really bad day...I was at church by myself with the kids. Gracie was in nursery and Brody was wandering the halls with me. I was sitting in the foyer and just feeling really sad. My Relief Society President came and sat with me and asked how I was doing. Of course, I pretended like all was well and just shrugged it off as if it didn't matter. We continued talking a bit, then she told me to call her if I ever needed anything. I'm sure she never knew how much that little conversation meant to me.

Giving of oneself comes very naturally for some, and some of us (guilty) have to let go of the notion that we aren't good enough or needed enough. We are all here on this earth for a purpose. Maybe that purpose on that day is just to say Hi to a neighbor. Maybe its just to play a game with your kids. Maybe its to write a letter to a friend you haven't seen in a long time. We don't know exactly what we are capable of doing until we let ourselves do it. And we don't know how we will affect someone or their lives unless we put ourselves out there. Our Savior reached out to all around Him, friends and strangers alike. He touched lives in large and in small ways. Many miracles are recorded in the scriptures, but how many people did he acknowledge with a small smile, and brightened their lives for that moment, and we do not have on written record. We can all give of ourselves in that small way, everyday, and brighten some ones life.

This is one of my favorite quotes. I don't know where it came from, but it helps me remember that I do make a difference, even if it is just to one person at the time:

To the World you may be one person, but to one person you may be the World.

I hope I can remember what my daughter believes sevice is "I can make my friend feel better."I hope I can remember that people all around me can become my friends and maybe just that smile at the cashier or small conversation with a stranger in the aisle at the store who asks my opinion about something she's buying, maybe these small things, are making their lives better that day. I want my children to know how important it is to be kind and giving, so I will try and make myself get out there and be more giving on a personal level. This holiday season these are things I hope I can do:

• Wish people Happy Holidays, or Merry Christmas...before they do it to me.
• Go caroling to families who are new to the ward...making new friends
• Playing more with my children...what fun are the holidays if we don't play.
• Show my children kindness through my example to others
• Send a thankyou card to my parents and inlaws because they are our parents

I'm sure I will think of some more, but I believe I have rambled on long enough. This was a great topic...and tough. Sometimes the simple things are the toughest.

My Gracie...

It is late and I really should be going to bed, but today is Gracie and I just checked on her in bed and I couldn't go to sleep without talking about my little girl...
Because that's what she is now, she is a little girl, no longer my baby! I am so sad yet so happy. A little girl who loves kindergarten, friends and playing. She loves learning and trying new things. She is scared one second and jumping in the next. I love how she is so carefree, nothing bothers Gracie. Yet she is so dramatic the next minute about something that seems so trivial to me, but is so important to her. I love how she is so excited about everything! Primary, school, skating, getting the mail, having a "sleepover" in the living room. Everything is exciting and wonderful for Gracie. I hope she never loses that. I hope she always sees everything as a new adventure, even if its the same as last week. I am saddened that I have lost that excitement about most things. I could care less about getting the mail, but the walk is so exciting for the kids, what will we get, what will we find. So what if we sleep on the living room floor, again and again? We do it every Friday, and every Friday Mommy makes popcorn and we watch a movie. But every Friday it is a great treat that the kids love and look forward to. Little things in life that to myself seem so trivial, but to my kids, especially Gracie, are wonderful adventures. I wish I was more like that.
I love how when she has had a good day at school she is so excited to tell me "I clipped up!" even if it is just one level. Or "I finished all my work" (she has trouble with that sometimes)! It may seem like a little thing, but to her it is a BIG thing and very important. I wish I could feel that sense of accomplishment when I finish those little jobs around the house and don't get to the rest. So I didn't get the house cleaned...I finished the laundry though. I didn't finish mopping all the floors, but I did get the kitchen done. Maybe I need to focus on what I have done, instead of what I haven't like my daughter.
She has one annoying, but funny quality that I think she has always had, even when she was really little. She has selective hearing, which I am sure that all parents say their kids have. But she really does. If she doesn't like what she is hearing, or if there is something more interesting going on, she can totally act like she is hearing you, somewhat participate in the conversation, and have no recollection of what you have just talked about. Or completely ignore you. Which is probably a good thing sometimes and so frustrating to me all the time. It'll be great if she ever goes on a date with a really boring guy! For instance, she had skating lessons today and was not participating well or listening to her teacher. After lessons I was telling her that her teacher said she needed to practise bending her knees more etc. etc. and she was watching the kids play hockey and I said
"Gracie, did you hear me?"
"Ya." She replied still watching the kids.
"You need to listen to your teacher, Grace, if you want to learn how to skate, OK?"
"OK."
"So, what can you do then."
"What?"
"What can you do in class next time."
"Listen."
" Yes, listen. But what do you need to practise."
"Listening."
"Yes, but what did your teacher say to practise."
"What?"
"You need to practise bending your knees. When Daddy brings you on Thursday you can practise that."
"Where is Daddy bringing me?"
"To practise skating. You guys can come on Thursday and practise with Daddy."
We are walking out at this point, we have a dramatic event over stepping on a rock, get our shoes on, and as we are leaving, I ask "So what are going to practise for next time?"
"What practise?"
"For skating. What did I say you need to practise?"
"What did you say?"
She says this all the time and I have to repeat myself alot. I would worry about her hearing except when I am talking across the room and let something little slip, or she hears certain cartoon music on the TV from across the house and she'll come running. So it is usually only when we say something she doesn't really want to hear that this phrase comes out. Sometimes several times in a row like we are going to change our answer if she keeps on repeating herself.If I tell her something, I often ask her to repeat what I have just said so that I know that she has heard and internalized the information. If she can't repeat it, I know it went in one ear and out the other. But, like I said, it'll come in handy when she has to agonize through a really bad date with a really boring guy. I just hope she comes up with a phrase that is not so obvious than "What did you say?"

Just another Day...

Nothing special to write...I've been having a bit of a block, but I haven't written in like a week and thought I'd better post something, maybe my block would be undone.
I am going to try something though...From now on, every Tuesday will be Gracie Day, Wednesday Brody Day, and Thursday Cooper Day. And on those days I will try and write a little something about that particular child. I figure that way, I will get down some of the funny stories and things that they do and try not to forget all of them, since I am slowly losing my mind you know! And on Friday, I will try and write something about the deep thoughts that I try to have, though rarely happen as many of my days are filled with trying to figure out the deep thoughts of a 5 and 3 year old! They do make you think sometimes.

Ant Farm Day

So, I was working on my sharing time for Sunday and the topic was Being Thankful for being a Child of God and the Talents he had Given us. When you work on these sharing times (or I guess any lesson or talk for church) you don't realize what you yourself learn as you prepare it. Being a stay at home mom, I sometimes forget that my talents extend beyond changing diapers and getting food in my kids' bellies. I'm sure there are many of you out there that have the same issue with remembering your self worth while swimming in toys, errands, groceries, schoolwork and kids! Today was one of those days...
We have been having a bit of a problem with ants in the house. First, they were just in my bedroom, just a couple here and there. I did a thorough vacuuming of the whole house. I didn't see many until a couple of days ago, and when I went to the bathroom to do Gracie's hair, they were all over the sink and vanity! Where the heck did they come from! I sucked them up again, followed by baby powder (the talc is supposed to be bad for them) to keep them from crawling back out. I noticed they were coming from under the rug. I pulled it up and underneath they were crawling! I sucked up what I could see and left it and no more came back. I poured baby powder there and replaced the rug. I then again, thoroughly vacuumed the entire house and sprinkled baking soda with cinnamon and peppermint around. ( Again, the ants are not supposed to like the scent) I really don't like using poison in the house with the kids, who knows what it might do, right? Well, that seemed to work. I was quite pleased with myself. Then this morning, I went into my closet to get the dirty clothes and there, along the wall, was some more! I was so mad! I grabbed the vacuum and sucked the little suckers up AGAIN! This time I pulled up the side of the carpet in the closet revealing a huge crack in the floor, dirt and hundreds of ants! GROSS! I took everything out of the closet, pulled up the entire carpet and padding (Ya, lots of fun right?) and vacuumed them up. Then I took the big can of bug spray and soaked the crack with it. Who cares about health at this point. Well, I think I got 'em! I've left the rug up all afternoon and the few that I have seen have crawled up and died. (Take that!) Needless to say, between that, my poor baby who was tired and screamed the entire time, the kids demolishing the living room, and trying to get my sharing time done and keep my sanity, it wasn't turning out to be a great day...
So, after reading over the points and notes that I made, I realized that there is a reason for all of our talents. We do have many talents and they may be hard to see all the time, but we have them and use them everyday. I know that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with many things, including many that help me be a mother everyday. Things like patience (I do laugh at this one, because some days this one is hard to find, but I am "developing" it more and more!) or a sense of humour (it is a little funny that I had to rage war on the little critters), knowledge of many things to teach my children (like how to get rid of things you don't like while controlling the rest of your life at the same time!) and persistence (some may call it stubbornness, but this sounds nicer doesn't it) and many more which I will get into another time. I am so thankful for being a mom, even on these days. Thankful that I get the opportunity to be with my kids and share with them my knowledge however little it might feel like. One day I hope I can impress upon them that they are Special too, with many talents and gifts from their Father in Heaven, even if they are having an Ant Farm Day and its hard to see it!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our Trick or Treat Weekend...

So another Mickey's Halloween Treat has come and gone. So much fun...it was busy, but I don't think it was as busy as last year. We went as Austin Powers and it was Groovy! Everyone loved our costumes, especially Dustin and Cooper! There were so many that wanted to take their picture. It was funny. We'd get the look, like "What are they supposed to be?" Then they would laugh and smile when they figured it out. It was awesome! The kids like it, though, going to Disney earlier in the day was probably not a good idea. It made for a very long day and some very tired kids. They were exhausted, but everytime we asked if they wanted to go to the hotel..."No! Lets stay!" I like it because safe treats right and its such fun with the dancing and characters. Though this year I was little ticked at some "big" trick or treaters (aka young adults) jumping right in the middle of a dance group of kids and characters. I was kind of like "Hey, those kids are trying to have fun and here you go jumping right in the middle and bunching them out of the way!" Go on the edge and let the kids have fun! I wish they had one for just younger kids. And, I'm sorry, I know its every one's right to do what they want, but please this is Disneyland and there's something wrong with people dressing up in the "sexy" costumes. I mean do we need to see sexy witches, pirates and Alice in Wonderlands all night? Especially when they are on 13 and 14 year old girls? A little weird I think.

Then on Saturday we went to the LA Zoo. And it was Boo at the Zoo! They had a little pumpkin patch set up for pictures and little trick or treating areas. It was fun. The kids loved seeing the animals, but Brody was very disappointed that there were no Penguins. we'll probably go again, who doesn't love the zoo?

So such a fun weekend, though very tiring. Come Sunday, we were exhausted. Good thing it was Stake conference. We skipped and had the laziest day ever just trying to catch up on sleep! Sinners, I know! But we needed it. Those kids wore us out!

Getting Ready for Trick or Treating...

So we're heading off again this weekend to Disneyland! We are going trick or Treating at California adventure Park! If anyone gets a chance to go to Disneyland I recommend going at Halloween and going to Mickeys Halloween treat. Its a separate event and you have to get a special ticket, but its so fun! They have teat stations set up through the park and other places where they play music and you can dance with the characters and cast members. The kids think its great! They also have areas to do little crafts and projects for the kids. So much fun and you know the candy is safe, right?! They also hand out healthier snacks like carrot sticks, apple slices and raisins. We've gone the last 2 years and I love it. Last year was really busy, so I'm hoping this time won't be quite that bad.
We have great costumes this year too! Two years ago we went as pirates, and last year we went as Peter Pan, Tink, Wendi and Captain Hook. This year is Groovy baby! Brody will be Austin Powers, Dustin - Dr. Evil, Cooper - Mini Me, And me and Gracie are going as 60's girls! Its so cute. Gracie wanted to go as Vanessa Kensington, but I wasn't up to making a silver dress or a black jumpsuit, so she had to settle being a 60's girl with me. And yes, i let them watch the movie...not all of it, just the fun parts like the end, so they could see what it was about. And the fun thing was they played Austin Powers later on. Gracie was in trouble and "Austin Powers" (aka Brody) had to save her! It was hilarious listening to "Help me Austin Powers!" "I'm coming! I'll save you!" My kids have great imaginations! I love it!
So wish me luck. I'll try not to have too much fun without you all!

12 Years Ago...

So today is October the 18. And 12 years ago today, Dustin and I hooked up! What a nice romantic way to put it, right? We started dating and I still haven't been able to shake him! LOL! I can't believe its been that long, it really has gone by so fast. Now we have 3 kids, a house and a fish! Well, and a dog, but she lives at Gramma Margie's ;) I always used to be amazed at how long my parents were together, or even my grandparents. How do you live that long with one person and not get tired of them, at least so tired that you want to trade them in? I guess the majority of people do, which is so sad. It used to be that I couldn't imagine being with someone for that long, and now I can't imagine what I would do without the guy. I don't think I would know how to act around anyone else. They would probably think I was a total nerd, because I am, but Dustin is just used to me being a nerd. He doesn't care, because he's a bit of a goof himself. I like that. I like the fact that I can totally be myself around him and not worry that he will trade me in, though he does make fun of me! I always return the favor, with all my love of course!
So how do you stay happily together for years and years? I know that 12 years is just a drop in the bucket, but compared to some its a big drop. Here are some things I've learned being with my guy for this long...some I learned fast and some I learned the long slow way and some I'm still trying to learn. And if anyone has any advice feel free to post it, I mean we could all use a little help now and then, right? Here it goes...

• remember he is your best friend. I tell him everything, even though I know he doesn't actually listen to all of it. I dump on him my problems, my happiness, and my thoughts. Sometimes it is for his help, sometimes it is for only my benefit of getting it off of my chest.
• remember he doesn't always listen. Some things are important to me and he could give no thought to. But as he is a guy, he pretends to hear and I patiently repeat things again.
• remember that I don't always listen. Refer to the last one and reverse the rolls. Hey I know I'm not perfect!
• remember the good times. Because we made those good times ourselves. We have had a lot of fun memories and learned alot from each other. We've learned how we can make each other laugh and what we both enjoy doing together and separately.
• remember the bad times. Because those are our bad times and we made it through. We learned to work together, maybe not always smoothly, but we did it. We learned to fight, not always fairly, and we learned to say we were sorry. (That's always the best part!)
• remember that some things don't matter. It doesn't matter that he can't find the laundry hamper everyday and it doesn't matter that I don't put things in the same place every time. these habits drive the other one nuts, but it really doesn't matter, because I will always pick up the laundry and he will probably always be looking for my keys.
• remember that people change, but not always in the way you want them to. No one will change for you, they have to want to change for themselves. We can push as much as we want, it won't do any good. All we can do is watch and see and make up for the difference ourselves. (refer to the last note.)
• remember to love one another. No matter what, I always tell Dustin I love him, even when I'm ticked. I do it to my kids to. I say "I love you alot, but you really make me angry when..." Look at me grow and express myself in such a grown up matter! It sounds corny but it does help me diffuse a bit!
• remember that its ok to not say anything. Sometimes we go for along time without talking, not out of anger, but because its ok that we are just together. Like when we are driving somewhere, or sitting watching tv, sometimes its really long stretches of no conversation, but its ok, becuase we are together and thats what matters.

So these are things I think I have learned and am currently learning. I love my husband and I am so thankful he decided to come cruising with us that October night! LOL! I have a wonderful time with him no matter what. Whether its just sitting on the couch or playing with our kids or going somewhere new. I love the fact that we are together and that we are working at making this a wonderful life for ourselves and our children. Thanks babe, its been great! Love you always and forever!

Having fun with my blog!

Finding out all sorts of things on the World Wide Web! And having lots of fun with my blog as you can see. Maybe I'm not so computer illiterate. Not great at it, but I'm getting there. I mean give me a break, when I was in High School, they hardly even offered a computer class, right? I could play Oregon Trail and Lode runner that was good enough! I mean half the time if my kids get a hold of the computer they have changed something and I can't do nothing about it! LOL!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The beauty and wonder of nature...

Of all the things I have seen and done (which isn't a whole lot but...) I am always amazed by the wonder and beauty of nature. I have always loved the mountains...I'm not much of a camper, I enjoy showers too much, but I always loved hiking and driving up through the mountains. I love the ocean...its vastness makes a person feel so small yet so wonderfully peaceful. I love the Alberta prairie in the middle of winter right after it snows. Completely white and stretching on forever. To observe these things really makes a person marvel at the amazing creations of our Heavenly Father. To think of the time and thought he put into every one astounds me. We often run through our life and forget to stop and take in the wonder that is around us. Sometimes its hard when you live in the city like I do. The beauty is sometimes hard to see past the cement and pavement. But when you get the chance to leave the busy life and go on a little adventure, the wonders really open up for you...

We got the chance this last weekend to drive up to the Sequoia National Park. I had seen pictures of those huge trees and thought it would be really cool to see them. I thought they were in the redwood forest which is in Northern California and Dustin and I talked about going up there one day but we had yet to find enough time to go. Then I was watching an episode of Jon and Kate (love that show...makes my life feel normal!) and they were going to the Sequoia Park and I said to Dustin..."We really need to go there one day. Too bad its so far." And he says..."Its only like 2 hours away, its up near Fresno." I was like WHAT! We had been so close these last 3 years and had yet to see them! So when we had the chance, I said lets go for a drive up there and see. I am so glad we did! They were absolutely amazing. I've driven through the mountains numerous times, and you do marvel at how big and tall some of the trees are...but these dwarfed those huge pine trees. And to think they have been standing there for hundreds, even thousands of years! They were beautiful. Of course, as goes tradition with us seeing anything worthwhile, it was foggy! ( First Mt. Rushmore, then the beach...story later) but at least we could get close enough to see them. We had told the kids we were going to see some really big trees, and to them, who have never been to the mountains much, those pine trees were really big! So when we seen the Sequoias, they were quite excited. They kept saying..."Look at that one! Wow! Look over there!" We had gotten them the Junior Ranger books at the entrance and they had a scavenger hunt in them which they really liked doing during our hike...which was wonderful for me because I could enjoy it without hearing how tired or bored they were!

Those trees were so awe inspiring! And because it was so foggy and a little chilly, the forest was soooo SILENT! We hardly even heard any birds. It was a little creepy watching the mist float through the trees, so quiet, hearing the occasional sound distances away and not being able to see more than a hundred or so feet around you...I had to keep up the chatter because I was a little freaked we might meet a bear! But it was so unreal how huge they were! The pics look so funny because you're trying to fit the tree and see the people and the people look like little ants at the base of a humans leg. Amazing! And to think they just grow in that area of the world. No where else do you find those trees. God made that forest just for them, and here, years and years later, they stand. Absolutely one of the coolest things I have ever seen! I can't wait to go back. Hopefully when we go next time, there won't be any fog so we can really enjoy the forest!

Learning to let go...just a little...

So we have neighbors, and they have kids. They are older than mine and they like to play with mine. That should be ok, right? I'm having a problem though. I'm so not used to having somebody coming around all the time asking if my kids can come play! I feel a little violated! Maybe just annoyed that someone is coming into our world. Don't get me wrong, I want my kids to have friends, but I am used to organized play dates. I grew up in a farming community where most of my friends live a ways away. You couldn't just walk there. Every time we wanted to play, we had to beg and plead with our parents to make it so. So this whole neighborhood kids thing is so foreign to me. Dustin doesn't think its that big of a deal, though he is probably used to it growing up with friends just around the block to play with all the time. And I'm sure its good for them in some aspects, but I just can't help but want to shelter my kids from that right now. I guess its because the kids are older, I don't know the parents except by first name "We're you neighbor" kind of thing, and they pretty much run all over the neighborhood and I want the kids to stay close.(I mean they are 5 and 3, right?) They act different too when they've been around them. A little more mouthy and lippy and Gracie, especially, is alot more obnoxious than usual. So how do I balance this playing with random friends, which I know helps build friendships in the future, with wanting my kids to be at home where I can supervise them, their mouths and their attitudes? Suggestions?
I have been limiting the time they get to play with these friends. For instance, after school (we are done at 1:45p.m.) they get to play till 4 p.m. This is with friends or at home. Then they have to come inside and they work on homework, chores and generally stay inside the house and get ready for our night time schedule.(The kids are in bed between 7 and 7:30) Then on Sundays, its family day so no friends. And they have some activities and planned play dates throughout the week to break it up. It seems to work and they don't beg to go out, so hopefully this helps. I'm trying not to let it bother me but its hard. I had a tough time letting her go to Kindergarten, let alone run amok with neighborhood kids! And they are so little, I'm not ready to let them grow up and want to be with their friends all the time! I want my babies at home! I'm a little selfish and I know I'm a bit of a hermit, but I really like our little family and we usually have a pretty fun time together! The kids do get on my nerves once in a while, so this going outside to play thing does help some afternoons. But sometimes, I just wish the neighborhood kids would just go away for awhile!

Kids are funny!

Kids are just hilarious aren't they? I love some of the things they come up with! Like the other day, we had just picked Gracie up from school (the boys and I) and we were walking toward home when an ambulance came racing down the streetwith sirens and lights just a going. We stopped to watch it go past because Brody really likes those kind of things. Well when it went past, it was really quite loud and little Cooper didn't think that was very cool! He just started screaming! Poor little man. Anyways Gracie says, "I'm going to tell Daddy to tell them to turn those things(ambulances) down because its too loud for Cooper." Yes you do that honey because I'm sure they'll do it for you!

Then a few days later as I was making dinner, I got mad at the kids. I am no saint and yes I do occasionally raise my voice to my kids. (OK sometimes I yell!) I had a nasty cold, really bad headache to go with it, trying to make dinner and had been listening to the kids bounce off the walls all afternoon! I was walking a fine line and decided to send them to their rooms before I really blew a gasket on them. They weren't listening then either so I finally told them if they didn't want to see me really mad...they had better go to their rooms! Well they started off and Brody says to Gracie "Uh-Oh, this doesn't look good Cissy." I started to giggle and it did make me feel a little better. Not enough to let them play in the kitchen anymore but a bit.

I love my kids. They do drive e crazy most days, but they always brighten my worst! One silly little grin from Gracie or Brody and I'm good. And Cooper, I'm sure will be just as crazy as the other 2! I love them so much!

Fun Times in Anaheim...

So we decided to head to Anaheim...just to get away and we had to go visit our Ontario Grandparents...Rob's mom and dad. They sort of adopted our kids as their grandkids since they don't have any of their own yet. Since they were down for a bit we went down and had dinner with them and Rob and Jess. It was fun and they always bring the kids a little surprise so the kids were pretty excited. And they get a little taste of grandkids...so hopefully they won't bug Rob and Jess for any for awhile!
The next day we had breakfast with Woody and then we went to Disneyland! I just love Disneyland....I think I could live there...ya I could..no problem! We had to check out the new Toy Story Ride...which is so much fun! I think its better than Buzz Lightyear! Its in 3-D and you get to shoot the targets and it adds up your points just like Buzz, but there are different games like ring toss, break the plates, darts...so much fun! Dustin said it was even worth the 30minute wait! We did all our favorites and Gracie finally got to do Mulholland Madness, she was finally big enough...and she liked it so much she had to do it 2 times. She didn't get to do Space Mountain though...it was down when we got there...she was a little sad.
The next day Dustin went and played golf with Woody in the morning while me and the kids lazed about the hotel. I love mornings like that, when you can sit and watch cartoons and doze all morning! That's a vacation! Then we went to the beach for a picnic and then to the Angels game. That was fun...but man sports fans are die hard! And of course if you are wearing the colors you are considered one of them! Since the Angels won, everyone is highfiving everyone and that includes my children! As you walk down the aisle to get out, the friendly intoxicated (not just beer, but could ol' fashioned competition) people, are saying "Ya lil' buddy! Good Game! High Five!" It is quite funny that everyone is such a large happy family!
All in all it was a wonderful weekend. Very laid back and quiet. Not too much hurrying, and we got Brody a bed! He doesn't have to sleep on a mattress on the floor anymore! We got a bunk bed from Ikea and stained it to match his dresser. It looks great and he thinks its wonderful. Though he does want to sleep up top, I don't know if I'm ready for that. He has too many night time trips to our room and he rolled off the mattress quite a bit. I think he had better get used to being in a bed again first. Though he looks so little in it!

I begin my blog...

So I'm blogging...I'm starting this as partly my journal entries as the pen and paper kind have really not gone so well! So I am starting a blog. As you know, we are living in Bakersfield, transplanted from Southern Alberta, Canada. we do enjoy it down here, though we miss home. Sometimes more than others! LOL! I do enjoy the winter weather here, I don't have to shovel the walks and my nose doesn't freeze before the car warms up. Though I am turning into a wuss. As soon as the thermometer hits about 15 degrees Fahrenheit, I think its pants weather! I remember back home as soon as the sun came out in the winter and the Chinook rolled in, everyone is in shorts! Ha! Good times!
We have made some really great friends down here, some from Canada that worked with Dustin and some from here in Bakersfield, mostly through church. I am so thankful for the church for that particular reason. No matter where you go, that is one constant that you will find everywhere. The church is always the same and we have always found wonderfully helpful and friendly people at both of the wards we have lived in. I remember our first Sunday here and Dustin's parents had just left the day before and we were both a little down and we went to church. And people there were so nice and friendly, I came home and phoned my mom and said its going to be ok...we always have the church! I just felt like even if we weren't super close to anyone, I always new that we could phone someone in case of an emergency or something. I just felt a little more confident that it was going to be ok! And it was. And even though we kind of live like hermits (I would rather stay at home with the kids and Dustin than try and go out all the time...) We have really become alot closer as we have had to depend on each other alot more because at first, we only had each other. Which sometimes can get very interesting!
I do enjoy it here and try to make each day as happy as I can for our family, as I'm sure all mothers out there try and do. And so this will be my little outlet and update of my family for others to view if they like. I promise to try and update with pics and fun stories of our little family for all of our loved ones that we can't be with right now and hopefully we will be able to live closer one day. So goodbye for now...have to get ready for this weekend of fun in the California Sun! Disneyland, Beach and the Angels Game! Yeah for us!