How we send Missionaries to new Areas

Our Labors:

The fruits thereof...right there. A soaking wet Nana. We had a water balloon fight. We filled up a bazillion water balloons. Again. It's a Genetic mutation. Otherwise, why would I continue to participate in such silliness?

Oh yeah...because these awesome young men serve serve serve

And when transfers come around, you never know which ones are leaving...

So this is a good way to say Ciao! C-Ya! Love Ya!

That's Nana hosing down E. Nevels, with E. Macy and E. Torres' help.

This looks suspicious...two missionaries, one large bucket and a water hose. Hmmm.

Oh I see. E. Okerlund is on the sidewalk...and it looks like he's still got a dry spot.

Not anymore.

E. Nevels and E. Okerlund. Both were transferred last week. E. Nevels went to Goodland, KS. and E. Okerlund went to Parker, CO. SO if you see these guys, know that we give them an astounding "THUMBS UP!" and feed 'em right!

Yeah, Nana got paid back.

From L TO R: E. Torres, (MN.), E. Okerlund (CA.), E. Weber (AZ?/UT?),E. Leavitt (NV.), E. Macy (OH.), and front and center, E. Nevels (MO.) as always hammin' it up!

The Candy Game:

Buy a bunch of different kinds of candy. Go to the Dollar Store for a nice variety.
Put it all in the middle of everyone.

Give players a small handtowel or a brown paper bag to hide their winnings.

Each player takes a turn rolling Dice...every time they get doubles, they get to pick a peice of candy from the center and go again. Roll doubles a second time, take another pc of candy. Roll Double a THIRD time--OOPS!--player has to put all of their candy back in the middle pile.

Play continues until all of the candy in the middle is gone. NOW, set a timer for like 10 minutes,

and play a speed round, where each player who rolls Doubles can now "steal" candy from another player by asking for the SPECIFIC candy under the towel/in the bag without looking!

If another player hints or gives away what another player has stashed, the tattle-taler has to dump their candy in the middle! Now, if a Player guesses wrong, they have to dump their candy too--so be SURE you know what the other players have stashed!

Once the dinger goes off/time is up--you get one more turn each and that's it!

Players can exchange their loot with other players, etc.

We'll miss you Guys....Missionaries rock! I love that my kids love our missionaries.

Yesterday the Elders were in Primary, fielding questions from the kids about missionary life and work...one of the kids raises his hand, and E. Macy picks him.

Cole: "Uh. Missionaries are always at the Andersons."

Yes, yes they are. Always have been always hope they will be.

This Isn't Burger King

After a long day at the clinic, I made a Royal Decision to have Papa Murphy's Pizza for dinner.

Dara arrives at the table--late--

you know how I feel about that.

Chicken Little would've tossed Dara

right out the door, unfed, un-lov-ed

but no, I am slightly more civil

than Chicken Little

so I let Dara sit down for dinner.

You know what this non-helper said??

"Aww, you didn't get Pepperoni and Cheese?"

To which I responded,

"Yes, I did, but the Cheese pizza is already in the oven."

TO which Miss Non-Helper whined,

"Awww...Mommmmmm...(high-pitch whining) why didn't you put the Pepperoni in first?

That's my favorite-- and I might die right now in a puddle of self-centered-pittiness--I told you

to put in the Pepperoni first!"


Okay, nix the 'self-centered-pittiness'--I added that for dramatic effect.


To which I responded,

"When I start working for you, you'll get better service."

Score one for Momza. Boo-yeah!

It's 47 degrees....

I am a Sucker for Fall...

Cooler mornings,

my fleece coat,

my bedding-- the one

with chenille woven in it,

burning my cinnamon

and clove and berry candles~

crock-pot chili,

and stews,

brocolli and cheese soups~

ready to warm up my home

with decorations ...

golds and reds

oranges and browns

Ready for the leaves on

the Aspens to turn

Golden yellow

oh they speak to me

One last trip to the Mountains

to see the elk bugle

and see the colors on

the mountainside

It's time for football

which means

football food

tailgate parties

and team-colored

cupcakes!

~I'm ready for my favorite season~

Are you?

My First Award...

First, I'd like to thank Bill Gates for ya know, the Internet.
Second, My Family, without whom I would have nothing to write about. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada.
And Last But certainly not least, Roxanne from Happiness Is A Choice for this award.http://rbseely.blogspot.com/

Now onto business...
10 Honest Things:

1- I've travelled a little, like to UK a few times, but I'd love to go to Italy someday.
2- I would even go alone.
3- Hawaii is also on my list of places to go.
4- All I really wanna do in Hawaii is sleep on the beach.
5- I don't like contention
6- But I'll mow you down for my kids.
7- Our TV is rarely on cuz my dad used to tell us to "Shut Up!" when we walked into the house, so he could hear whatever he was watching, and my Ex used to hog the remote. I don't like the TV for those and 2,000 other reasons.
8- But I do watch BYU-TV occassionally.
9- I love pedicures.
10- I say alot less than what's in my head.

Okay there it is.

Now, I amsupposed to Award this Honest Scrap to 7 others whom I find honest.

So here goes, in no particular order:

1-To Lori, who always shares her journey to joy with us.
http://joy4yourjrney.blogspot.com/

2-To Sara, who cared for a pregnant Mama in ways I could not and I will never be so happy to see someone as I was, the day she walked into the ICU.
http://eskimo458.blogspot.com/

3-To Marilyn, who shows by example how to live with class and humility and fun.
http://marilynmomof7.blogspot.com/

4-To Amy, who is so fun I wish I lived next door to her just to have a chairside veiw of the fun.
http://4thfrog.blogspot.com/

5-To Rachel, a young mom who surprises me with her sincere candor and appreciation of little things, namely children.
http://screamandhug.blogspot.com/

6-To Sue, whose poetry about the beautiful things in Life reminds me to slow down and be still.
http://grannysuesnews.blogspot.com/2009/08/hope-floats-time-flies-and-mammography.html

7- To Dena, who literally shares her soul with anyone interested and I'm one of those who benefits from her generosity.
http://thoughtsbydena.blogspot.com/
ToYou Seven..Go and Do Likewise....
And if your name isn't on here...it's because I could only list 7 dang it. But know this, if I didn't think much of you, I wouldn't follow you on your journey...so to all those who follow me and let me follow too, I extend my gratitude and nominate you all for your Honest Scrap!

Doula Moments

mommy graphics

Yesterday was Prenatals Day at the clinic.
Every hour a beautiful belly with bright eyes
and arms and legs
and warm smiles
walked into the office.

I love those bellies.
Not in a creepy, fetish-y way
but in a happy, sisterly way.
I love em.

Many of our Moms are ready
to
pop.

And they all consistently said the same thing:
"It's gone by so fast."

As we listen to heart tones
for the
th-thump thump thump
rapid-firing
thru the dopler
what is it about that sound
that makes us so dang happy?

Knowing a little baby is
living
thriving
inside the round belly
is just the best peek into
Godly things
Creation
Life's eternal nature
that we have.
And I love being a part of it.

As we watch the Ultrasound
screen
eyes peeled
alert and wide
for a hand
a leg
and OH! there's his/her face!
We delight in the sights!

And I watched a couple
hold hands
and beam as the ultrasound
searches for their child's gender...
Momma says she's felt it's a
Boy
since the beginning.
Daddy smiles and says he hopes she right,
they both agree it really doesn't matter
"just as long as it's healthy."
Momma was right from the beginning.
It's a Boy!
Little tears surface as they smile
knowing he's been there all along.
Elijah.

All day long
Bellies walk thru the door.
Some bellies have not seen labor yet
Some have seen labor many times.
One belly is ready ready ready
to see labor for the first time
and is wondering when it will happen?
We all smile and say,
"It'll go by so fast. Enjoy your last quiet moments together!"

And isn't that a happy thought?!




mommy graphics



What about you? Did you want to know the sex of your child right away or did you want the surprise at the end?
Did you use a Doula?

Happy Birthday Dean

Celestial Child of Mine.
I'm so glad you came to me.
I want to keep you forever.

How to Get Your Husband to the Dr.'s Office 101

The Man in my life is, as nearly as I can tell, better built than the Six Million Dollar Man.
Stronger than The Terminator.
Built Ford Tough. Like a Rock. and all that boy stuff.

If perchance he gets sick or wounded you won't hear him utter a moan or groan. To do so would bring dishonor to his Montana Rancher/Norwegian Viking roots. He calls it "suffering in silence" and he lives the code well. He could live it perfectly if it weren't for his nag-of-a-wife, Me.

Ten days ago, he got a wood sliver in his leg, from the bed rail on his side. The side that the kids use to climb up on our bed. His side, because he's a pushover and the yahoos go to his side to climb in. My side is fine. But his side is sorta splintery I found out after he let out a small, almost silent, yelp.
Initially he asked me to use a needle and tweezers to pull out the sliver. But it was too deep under the skin. I suggested a trip to the Dr. My sanity was in question--
"Are you crazy? This isn't a reason to go to the Doctors..it'll work itself out." Hmmm. I doubted that. If it had been me, I'd have gone in. But not Mr. Viking.
So we doctored it up and off he went, never mentioning it again.
Until Saturday. He took the Boofus for a ride on the Santa Fe trail for a few miles and just as he rounded the corner of our street, his toe grip on his pedal, stuck, and he landed on his leg and knee, scuffing it up pretty good. As I was taking a look at it, I noticed the sliver site...now all red, swollen and ew--pus-filled.
I looked at him. Gave him the look. You know the one--"So, you're just gonna let this go, hunh? Like it's nothing, hunh? It's tender, swollen, pus-filled, and gross, and it's nothing, hunh?"
Yeah, that look. Look whose the idiot now.
We doctored it up again.

He wasn't feeling well Sunday, at all. So I hit him with, "You know, maybe you oughta see a doctor for that knee...it's pretty swollen." I couldn't tell him I was also anxious to get him in for the sliver too or the other myriad of things I want a Doctor to look at--nope, I had to start out small.
"I'll think about it."
Monday morning he was still in bed when I woke up at 5AM for the Seminary carpool. I knew then that his bionics must be giving him trouble.
I called the office to make an appointment. You should know that after last winter with my sick kids, I know all the office workers there...we're thisclose now.
"Blah-Blah Medical, may I help you?"
"Hi Stacy, this is Dawn__. Hey, my husband needs to come in today."
"What will we be seeing him for?"
"Well, I have a LIST of things, but the only thing he has is a sore swollen knee, overall fatigue, and a huge sliver that's been festering for a week."
"A sliver?"
"Yeah, it's way under the skin and I can't get it and if he can't get in today, he's gonna die of that flesh-eating disease or have to have his leg amputated." Yes, I know that's dramatic. I'm okay with dramatic.


I wasn't sure until the last moment that I would be invited to the Doctor's office. Hey! as long as he was willing to go, I didn't wanna push it!
While we're in the exam room, I ask if it's okay if I mention the other things that I've been worried about.
Mr Wonderful's eyebrows raise...he lets out a sigh..."Sure, why not. Knock yourself out."
YES!

The sliver comes out after the doc numbs the area and slices it open...and pulls out a TWO INCH sliver! It was huge, no kidding. As Mr W is laying there on the table, I use my doula technique, "Now, just breathe thru any pain...like this..." "Here, let's take you somewhere else...let's go to the cabin in Montana..."
Mr. W is not amused. "You can shut up now."
Is it wrong to say I was so dang happy to be there? To have my concerns validated?
By the time we left, the sliver was removed, a tetanus shot was given, an antibiotic prescribe, an xray of his knee, and a follow-up for some other things.

On the way home he reaches over for my hand and says, "Thank you for taking care of me."
I just smile...my sweetest smile and say, "Hey, you're not leaving me alone with all these kids!"

We got alot out of our $20 co-pay! Better deal than a trip to Walmart!

Ugly Stuff

My children
Baby cheeks and toes
Red ripe strawberries
Sweet juicy peaches
Mountain Peaks
River Streams
Friends
Missionaries
Temples
Good health
Saturday morning breakfasts.

I love talking about the good things in my life.
I've been taught that noone wants to hear the
Ugly Stuff.
We all have enough of our own
that we don't need to
"air our dirty laundry"
for all the world to see.

And yet, the Ugly Stuff
is still useful
if I can learn from it
and grow from it
and move forward.
Right?

My Ugly Stuff:
I've been divorced
for 11 years.
It was an Ugly divorce.
And while time has made it
less painful
and wounds are not as raw
because of the good soil
I've cultivated for my self and my children
and Mr. Wonderful;
I still have to deal with the after-affects
of D-i-v-o-r-c-e.

Right now, I am dealing with a
lawsuit.
The Ex stopped paying child support.
And there's so much more ugliness around it
that I hate regurgitating it all.
Last Friday, I was part of a
telephonic hearing that was being held
in Phoenix...where the "D" took place.
I had to hire an attorney down there.
Whom I haven't ever met.
And it cost alot of money we could've used
in the home.
But it's a necessary evil.
And I've been okay handling this
because the EX was/is in CONTEMPT.
But during the hearing Friday
I could hear his voice.
And it rattled me.
We don't speak
ever.
He's seen his kids six times in eleven years.
The Judge called him out on that right there.
But then EX lied and said it was my fault.
Then the Judge set a date where the youngest two girls
have to testify via phone
next month.
And while that's gonna be bad news for the EX
it's gonna stink for my daughters.
That's a crummy position to be put in.
But darn it, the EX doesn't think about them.
And it's going to affect them. It's affecting them now.
They feel equally sad and upset
that their birth father lied to a Judge
about why he hasn't seen them.
He doesn't see them because
he doesn't want to see them.
period.

I held one in my arms
wiped tears and try to reassure her
it is not her.
She is lovable
smart
worth loving.
That EX is missing out
because he's selfish
and ignorant.
I hug her and hold her
and that's all I can do.

The other is angry.
"How dare he blame you for not seeing us!"
"He's such a jerk!"
More negative feelings that she doesn't need.
Doesn't deserve.
No tears on the outside.
But I know
on the inside.'

You just can't make people
care
when they don't.
No amount of pleading
bribing
or reaching out
touches them.
Like Teflon
they deflect your
heart.

I hear his voice on the other end
and listen to his words
and think:
"Oh yeah. There he is. That guy. I know that guy.
The one I left. Still the same old guy. Eleven years later
and he still lies. He hasn't changed a bit. Not. one. single. bit."

Because I don't speak to or see the EX
I have often wondered if he
changed.
Grew up.
You'd think after two divorces
he may have learned
a few things.
Nope.
And then I feel validated.
AGAIN.
I made the right choice
in an Ugly Situation.
And I came out okay.

I still have
My children.
Baby cheeks and toes.
Red ripe strawberries
Sweet juicy peaches
Mountain Peaks
River Streams
Friends
Missionaries
Temples
Good health
Saturday morning breakfasts.
And a Man who wants to share it all with me.

The Beautiful Stuff more than makes up for the Ugly Stuff, right?

What's it like at a HomeBirth?

I get "the call" at 12:10pm...do I wanna attend a birth today?
Heck yes, I do!
Phone calls are made for kids
a quick shower (like 5 minutes!)
I grab my doula bag, the birth ball
a pack of crackers
one of Mr. W's ice-cold Cola-products
and I am out the door
by 12:30.

I arrive just at 1pm.

The house is busy but relaxed.
Mama-to-Be (A.) is hanging out in the kitchen
smiling, chatting with a friend.
I get briefed by the Midwife
Contractions are 10 minutes apart
A. is 4 cm dilated.

Birth Assistant, Emily motions to me
We have work to do
we get the bedroom ready for
Birth.

We cover the sheets with a plastic liner
in this case it's a new shower curtain liner.
Light purple and shiny.
Then we place another sheet set over that.
And lay a couple of Chux pads down.
We want to keep everything as clean as possible.
Then we fluff the pillows
and fold over the bedcover at the end of the bed.
That's done.

Next, we get the birth kit ready.
We place infant receiving blankets
infant caps
and
the "I was born at home"
tshirt in the infant tub
and cover it with a heating pad.
We want it all to be warm for baby.

We prepare all the instruments
by putting them in a large pot on the stove
and boil them for 20 minutes.

We fill a bowl with ice
and water
and a washcloth
for Mama A.
It'll feel good to her
while she's working so hard in labor
to have a cool cloth on her forehead and neck and shoulders.

We fill a crockpot
with water
and fresh ginger slices
and a washcloth.
Warm compresses
for Mama A. to help
with perineum care after birth.
The ginger helps with swelling.

We get out the O2 tanks
check the regulator and the settings.
We check the Midwife's bag
to make sure she has everything plus some.
Gloves, gauze pads, herbs and tinctures,
it's all in there. Whatever she needs.

We set up the bathroom for Mama A.
We pour witch-hazel on sanitary pads
and put them in a ziplock bag
and tuck them in the freezer.
TO be used by Mama A. after birth
again for swelling and comfort.

We pre-make the Gele' bottle
make sure there are fresh towels
all for Mama A.

We check the Labor tub
the air pressure is low
so we add more air
the water temp is 104o
so we add cool water.
We want it to feel just right
for Mama A.
We check the temp again
Perfect.

Family and Friends
arrive and fill the house with
chatter and excitement
"How's it going?"
"how far along?"
"Is she really in labor?"

Once the set-up is complete
we decide to give the family some time
to just be.
So we leave to go grab a bite to eat
nearby.
Contractions are steady but easy for Mama A.
there's no sense in us just being there.
This is their day.

We climb in the car together
and collectively get on the
same page as we head to
Olive Garden.
We get seated
get our glasses of water with lemon
Place our orders
laugh that we all ordered
the same. exact. thing.
Then the Midwife's cell phone rings!
We hold our breath while reaching for our purses.
We hear her say,
"Yes? How long ago? Was it clear?"
Her water broke.
We won't be staying for lunch afterall.
We cancel the order and head back
to the Mama.
It's 2:20pm.

The mood has changed in the house
when we return.
Mama is now subdued
and her family & friends' moods follow her.

She is focused and breathing
but still smiling.
Her many coaches
encourage
praise
love her.

We give her
many
many
many
drinks.

After a few contractions
she goes to the bathroom
We want her to keep her bladder empty
to give the baby room to move down.

A few more contractions
and verbal cues from Mama
we know she is in transition...
she gets in the warm comforting waters
of the Labor pool...
and her face relaxes
her shoulders drop
as she melts into the water.

Because she is so relaxed
the contractions come quicker
as she breathes thru each one
she decides that leaning on the side of the pool
with her arms
and knees under her
is a great position
so she continues to
breathe with each wave of her uterus.

I am charting each contraction
every two minutes...
while the Midwife listens to fetal heart tones
and Emily checks Mama A.'s vitals.
It's all good.

Mama is leading us all...
she is the center of our world right now
She and her Baby...
Papa M. has come more into action--
it is his voice she wants to hear
his hands she wants to feel
his eyes she looks to for truth
and encouragement.
Her friends rub her shoulders
and arms with aromatherapy lotion
that fills her head with relaxing scents
of lavendar and eucalyptus.

At 3:10 Mama A. lets out a grunt...
and we all smile...
spontaneous pushing!
Yea! She needs no counting or coaching to push
as she listens and obeys her body.
Each wave brings her baby closer to her arms
Mama A. is working hard
those cool compresses are welcomed.

Family and friends are One with the rest of us.
I sit on the only available edge of the bed
and chart chart chart
each heart tone
each grimace
each word Mama says.

Mama decides to use the
Birthing Stool.
Standing in the pool
she says
"It feels so good to stand up!"
Papa covers her with a big warm towel
and she sits on the stool
with her dear friend behind her for support
and the Midwife and Papa at her knees.
Papa is going to catch the baby
with the Midwife's guidance.

Two contractions and
we see the head clearly!
"You're doing great, Mama!"
"Push past the Pain, Push past it!"
She listens and give one huge push--
our own faces are twisted
and teeth are gritted
with hers...
And there's a baby face!
One more push
and there's the rest!
3:41pm.

Mama's face says it all:
Lit up like the 4th of July!
Pure relief rushes over her body.
The Midwife is taking care of Mama A.
Emily is checking out the baby while
kneeling next to Mama A. & Baby.
The cord is still attached and will be for awhile.

The placenta delivers within 10 minutes
then we place the placenta in a bag
and Papa gets to hold his
Son.

We help Mama to the bed.
More drinks.
I am still charting
every single thing.
Baby is getting his first meal.

After Baby has nursed
and Mama has rested for an hour
she gets to the bathroom with help.
Papa is singing "Elmo's Song" to his son.

We quickly start to transform
the bedroom~
let the air out of the labor tub
put away all the "Stuff"
change the bedsheets back to normal.
Since the baby wasn't delivered on the bed
the sheets are not even messed.
But we put them in the washer anyway.

We move
move
move
quickly
to get it all put away--with the mantra
"leave no trace that a baby was born here"
we want it spotless.

The Baby Exam time arrives
and together Emily and the Midwife
do the accessment together
while I am still charting.
It's time to weigh this boy!
"What do ya think?" comes out the cue
"7.4" "7.10" I say "7.7"
Emily places the baby on the scale
6.10 !!
Wow! yea!
Who cares?--He's beautiful!!

It's Mama's turn for an exam
Uterus is firm
a small slight tear that will heal
perfectly on it's own
with rest and comfort
Mama's face is relaxed and alert.
"I'm so glad I'm home."

We make Papa some food
and a friend makes a run to
Qdoba
for Mama A. who has decided she is
ready for some good food!
Family and Friends leave.

It's time to go.
We tuck the family into bed
and close the door.

We go back to the car.
Tired.
Satisfied.
Go back to Olive Garden
and review the Birth.
Hugs.
Home.

Little tears
are caught on my cheek
as I drive home.
I just saw a miracle today.

A Parade in My Honor Would Really Mean Alot Right Now

Early Morning Seminary.

Are there awards for us?

The early-rising Mothers

who get up in the wee-morning hours

climb out of our warm beds

and warmer jammies

into

cold jeans

run a brush through our hair

squinting at the mirror

for an errant cockatoo hairdo

and brush our too-tired teeth

of morning-breath

when it's still morning

We wait

for the also-sleepy

teenager

to surface

in the kitchen

muttering about how early it is

and how late they are...

Then heading to the car

outside in the 47o

cold air

still grateful it's just

August

thinking:

"won't it be so freakin' cold in February!"

Driving before the sun rises

to another home with lights

smiling from the inside

a glimpse of the warm spirit

we are delivering

our pokey, impressionable, sleepy

Student

to

in hopes that the light

reflects into

their hearts and carries them

through the day.

I've got my

Parade-Wave

down

pretty good...

just sayin.

Where in the World is Momza?

You may have noticed I've not been commenting on your blogs
or getting around to reading them
like I so love to do most days.

Kids started school on Monday.
Helped a friend with home staging Tuesday morning
and then Nana get registered for school Tuesday afternoon
and Institute that evening.
Spent Wednesday at the Birth clinic
Wednesday night at a Ward Back-to-school Night
party in the Park.
Today I attended a home birth.
And we have another momma due any minute.
So Roxanne...this is esp for you...
I want to see you
and your smile
and all that good stuff.
Will you call again if you're still in town?

To all of my other wonderful bloggin' friends
I'll catch up
ASAP!!
Keep on writing about your awesome lives!

Smart Aleck

Being the Whimsical Momza that I am, I write messages for my family on The Plate that sits on the fridge... the messages are meant to be inspiring...
Past messages have included:

"If you must choose between being Right or being Kind, Be Kind."

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day!"

and on and on...
I change it up probably once a week...

Which leads me to this...I've been reading a book actually written by Mr. Rogers...as in "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood"...it's about showing love to your family.





And something I read was so simple I put it on The Plate:

Sweet right?

Good reminder, right?

Speaks to everyone, right?

I came home from running errands last night and found this:

Excuse me while I go smack Mr. W... the snickering culprit. Why. Why do I even try?

Ever feel like you're pushing a Buick to heaven?

We mourn with those that mourn

I was just introduced to this couple earlier this week by a very dear friend...if you too feel so inclined to help, please do.
This following was c & p from someone else's blog:

In Memory...

of a truly amazing husband, father, friend and servant of our Heavenly Father.

My dear friend's husband, Kameron Haban, passed away this morning at 10am after a long and difficult fight with Lupus. Kameron was a generous, loving and incredible person. His wife, Jami, is a strong, faithful and just plain amazing woman who has been such a rock through this whole trial. His son, Kason, is a 2 1/2 year old who is so sweet, soft-spoken and tender-hearted. Jami and Kason are now left on this earth without their sweet husband and father. While they know they WILL be reunited with him, they are need of thoughts and prayers. I would also like to make a plea to everyone to help support this family in another way. We just opened up an account in their behalf yesterday. Anybody can go to any Bank of America branch and ask to make a donation to the account under JamiLynn Haban for the benefit of Kameron Haban -OR- you could also make an online donation at paypal.com then send a donation to habanfundraiser@gmail.com. Please know that I would never ask this of you if it wasn't something that I truly believed in and something and someone that is in true need. Thank you so much to everyone for their support and love.

If you would like more information on the family, you are welcome to check out her blog where she has been documenting her experience. It is a detailed and heart-felt blog that is sure to touch your heart. The address is kamandjami.blogspot.com

Thanks again. Much love to you all

Heavenly Tropical Cake

So you're going to want to make this today. And tomorrow. And possible every day for the rest of your life. It's that good. Everyone's going to ask you for the recipe, so make copies Or just smile and say it's a family secret. I won't tell.


1 Duncan Hines Moist Supreme Lemon Cake Mix
*Make as directed using round layer pans.
Add 1 10-12oz Mandarin Oranges, DRAINED.
Mix and bake and completely COOL, then put it in the fridge.

Frosting:
1 container of Cool Whip
1 pkg. Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 Medium sized can of Crushed Pineapple, drained.

Put in Fridge to make very cool.

Then, Frost between layers
and all over the outside.
Freeze to Set.
Remove from Freezer approx. 1 hour prior to serving.

Put on your walking shoes and well, you know, WALK while it's freezing. You're going to want seconds. Hide the leftovers.

Torturing Your Kids: Tips From the Field

From Birth to about 5 years old...
Sorry, but there's not many practical torturing tips for this age bracket. The "torturing" is happening on the other end...and it's not yours. However, you can play pranks on little kids in a good spirit and teach them to have a sense of humor. This will prepare them for later years.

*"Gotcher Nose" can go either way...it can equally delight or frighten young children. And if you've more than one child, it could elicit more than one reaction.

* How to Get your Child to keep their seat belts on/stay in their carseat: True story...Boofus and Caboose kept unlocking their carseats WHILE I was driving. After pulling over more than a dozen times in a day, I'd had it...I was racking my brain for something I could say that would get their attention. Then, "Jeff" was born! This is the actual conversation (As best as I can remember it):
"Hey, if one of you unlocks your seatbelt one more time, I will do to you what I did to your brother, Jeff."
Boofus: "I don't know Jeff."
"That's right, you don't. And you know why you don't? Because he kept getting out of his careseat and I had to leave him under a bridge on the side of the road. So you better keep your seat belts on!"
Honest to goodness, I never had a problem again with seatbelts or carseats. I am not kidding.
That lie saved my kids lives. It wasn't until about two years later that "Jeff" came up again, and I confessed.

Ages 5-infinity:
More Pranks...
Some take preparation...like short-sheeting their beds. You can do that while they're at school.

Some take creativity...like replacing boys' shoe laces with pink laces.

Kid won't get off the phone after several warnings? Put the phone on SPEAKER and turn up the Volume.

Kid won't put down the cell phone? Hide it. Then let them hunt for it by calling it from another phone. Hide it really good to make it more fun. for you. places like the freezer, the sugar jar, the dogfood bin, a shoe in the shoe basket, under a mattress. you get the idea.

Kids ignoring you? The next time they try to talk to you, act like you don't hear them. Or speak to them in another language--spanish, pig-latin, sign language...doesn't matter. Have fun with it.
This is especially effective if they're really really in a hurry!

Teens tryin' to take over your car radio? Put it on the Spanish station...then sing along. For the full embarassing effect, do it when they have friends in the car.

Can't get the kids to the dinner table? Sick of them saying, "ONE MINUTE!"?? Serve whose there and hide the rest of the food or turn on the fan over the stove to make it all cold. Now, that's just mean, isn't it? mwahaha

Also, we have a rule: Whomever doesn't come up and help make dinner, set the table, etc., gets automatic dish duty. That's right, just a little twist on the Little Red Hen. Daisie gets to do dishes almost every Saturday morning because she likes to sleep in and just surfaces when she knows we're sitting down for the meal.

Kid doesn't want to go to Church? Tell them to call the Bishop and ask if they can stay home. Tell them that if the Bishop says they don't need to come that day, they have your permission to stay home. Offer to call the Bishop for them.

Kid doesn't want to go to School? "Let's call your teacher and see if she'll come over and help you get dressed this morning for school. I just know I have her number here."

And my most-used torturing phrase when a child is being uncooperative, obstinate, rude, and otherwise rotten: "That's alllllllllright. You just do what you want. You need me more than I need you. Remember this moment the next time you need a ride or five bucks or a favor...cuz I know I will." Try it. You'll like it.

What about you? Wanna share your Torturing Momma Secrets??

Just What Does a Saturday Morning Breakfast Look Like?

7 am...the prep work begins... This morning we're having Crepes with strawberries & Bananas, Eggs, Bacon, mixed grapes

And whatever else we decide. I start by making the crepe mix from scratch. (Recipe follows) Then I start cutting up the strawberries. While Mr W makes a "mess o' bacon" and scrambled eggs.

Diana is the Crepe Master! See? Sometimes teenagers are good for something!

...the Crepe Master workin' her magic...

The island covered with the fixins'~

Five Missionaries...from L to R...E. Nevels (who was havin' fun makin' his pouty-face--he's the youngest in his family back in Missouri, so we tease him about actin'-out to get attention), E. Torres from Minnesota, then E. Macy, who has been very very sick the past week but still manages a smile, E. Okerlund from CA., and E. Leavitt from Nevada, then there's Daisie-doo.

We do this most Saturday mornings and have been for about 10 years...I never have to chase the meal calendar sign-up at Church and we get to know our missionaries and serve them once a week. What comes around goes around. This is why LDS Families can send their kids off to foreign countries or other states around the US--because we take care of one another's kids.

And we love it!

BASIC CREPE RECIPE:

4 Large Eggs
2 Cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup cold water
1 cup cold milk
1/2 teaspoon salt

Process all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smoothe, stopping to scrape down the sides. Cover and chill 1 hour ( I never do that...oops!)
Place a lightly greased 8" nonstick skillet over medium heat until skillet is hot.
Pour about 1/3 c of batter onto pan and quickly tilt pan in all directions until batter covers bottom of skillet.
Cook 1 minute or until crepe can be shaken loose from skillet. Turn crepe and cook about 30 seconds.
Repeat procedure with the rest of the batter.
Stack crepes between sheets of wax paper.
Yield: 2 dozen.

Filling:
1 Large container of cottage cheese...large or small curd
1 cup of confectioners sugar
1 tsp of vanilla
Use mixer to blend.

OR
Yogurt...vanilla or other flavor.

AND:
Fruit of your choice...strawberries, peaches, bananas all work great!

Procedure to Make:
Lay crepe open on plate
Fill it with fruit and/or filling
Roll Crepe kinda like a burrito.
Top with Whipped cream or Cool whip
and add more fruit.
Enjoy!

SCHOOL ROCKS!

First Day of School 2009
Backpacks full of school supplies: $120.00

New school clothes & shoes: $150.00




Watching the kids head off to their new classes in their new school...

PRICELESS.

P.S. For money-conscious moms: We got our backpacks from Lands End 3 years ago (2006 school season)...and they're still fantastic! Each one was around $20.00 and worth every cent.

Cactus Blooms and Trials

Did you know that cactus' bloom more prolific during droughts?

They have more blossoms on the driest years!

When we lived in Arizona,

we had a HUGE Prickly pear cactus tree in the front yard...

the white blossoms were so beautiful!

It wasn't until years later I learned why some years there were more blooms than others...the years that had the least amount of rainfall is when the cactus sends out blossoms to save itself.

I think about that sometimes and hope I am not that different under pressure.

I want to bloom under pressure.

*p.s. this was originally posted 04/09

What a Week--car accident, baptism, Elitches, Funeral and my "Dash"

I wanna write about this past week.
It's been a doozy.
I'd like to say I've put it all
into perspective.
But I'm not that smart
and it's still processing.

Last week had all the elements
of a drama/comedy
dramady.

Unexpected Joy
Near-death experience
Thrills and Spills
Food
and lastly
a funeral.

Monday will be forever forgotten.
It's just Saturday
and I can't tell you what happened
on Monday.
It was just a day.

Tuesday served my heart
to me in my hand...
the baptism
and the car accident.

Wednesday was mostly about
recovering and reflecting
on Tuesday.

Thursday was about getting
kids ready for school!!
Yea! for school!
I love teachers!!

Friday was Family Day.
We took the yahoos to
Elitch Gardens in Denver
for the day.
And it was awesome!
Boofus got to ride the water-ride
"Shipwrecked"
No fewer than 20 times.
15 of those were
in a row.
The weather was perfect
and it's the first time
I've been to an amusement park
without my Dean
or a baby-stroller.
What a different experience!!
No kidding.
I kept feeling like I was too
"carefree" or that I'd forgotten
something or someone
as I just walked around without
a diaper bag or a backpack.
The kids are finally old enough
that I could sit on a deck chair
at the waterpark
and just
BE...
I felt spoiled and I loved it.

This morning we fed five missionaries
and I took pics of them
and will post them later.
They're far from home
as they serve us here in
Colorado...
Ohio, Missouri, California,
Minnesota and Nevada
they left the comforts of home
to serve
and we love them for it.

This afternoon Mr W and I
headed up to Aurora, CO
for the funeral service of a mother
to a co-worker of his...
why is it that we go for someone else
and sit there thinking about ourselves?
What would my family have to say about me?
What songs would they sing?
Do I want to be buried in a box?
Or just cremated?
Keep the ashes in a little jar
or spread about in a special place?
Have I lived a life worth talking about
in the first place?
Will my girlfriends really serve Wendy's chili
and Pie
just like I've always said I wanted served?
Would it be appropriate for everyone to go outside
afterwards and have a huge waterballoon fight
and think of me?
Cause I don't want my family to cry
on the day I get to go home.
Cuz who would wipe their tears?

After Tuesday's near-death
fender-bender
I came home from the funeral
and asked my kids
what they'd say at my funeral.
I told them to be honest.
Kent said he'd tell everyone
how much he loved me
blah blah blah
I said...say something REAL!
Okay, then,
he says,
"how about this? you're forgetful
and I can't find anything after you've touched it."
YES! That's the real me!
Nana says, "I'd say how you hide our food when we walk away from it."
(I do! just for fun!)
Daisie says, "I'd just tell 'em how much I love you. And that you're crazy and you love missionairies."
Well, as long as you add the crazy part, then I'm okay with that.

The Pastor at the funeral
said something I've heard only a couple of times
he said
"[Mrs. X] lived between 1928 - 2009...
the dash in the middle was her Life.
The dash is who she is...not the 1928 or the 2009.
It's all in the dash.

I better make the most of my dash, ya think?
This week had alot of dash.
How about you?
Did your week have alot of dash to it too?

How can you tell a Mormon Barbie from the rest?

"Mom, when we're done can we go get some new clothes for my Mormon Barbie?"
"Mormon Barbie? You have a Mormon Barbie? Wait. What's the difference between a Mormon Barbie and a reg-li-ar (its an inside joke/word we use) Barbie??"

Pause.
"My Mormon Barbie wears ya know, appropriate clothes." (modest is Hottest)

"Yeah? What else?"
"And appropriate shoes." (Wha??)

"And her hair is 'up'...like all up or in a little bun. Just a normal hairdo, nothing sassy." (Sassy??!!) "And not much make-up...but most of my Barbies wear too much make-up, but I can't fix that." ("sassy" hair?)

"So what do you do with your Mormon Barbie?"
"Oh, I fill up that big bowl, you know that one?-- with water, and my Mormon guy Barbie baptizes her.

And now you know.

The one in which Momza says...

"That's it. I'm ready for the kids to go back to school."

It happens every year at this. exact. time.
Just days before they return to school
I. have. had. it.

The messy countertops in the kitchen.
NO matter how many times I wipe them down.
Half-full cups lining the countertops.
Bread bags lay open in the pantry
Fruit bowl always always empty
'cept for the one lone banana that has "spots"
all over thus "too yucky" to eat.
Milk jugs without caps.
Chips with 3 chips left
in the bag
in the pantry.
Why don't they just throw it out, I wonder?
Eat the last bite,
drink the last drop?

Shoes, shoes, and more shoes by the front door.
Toys on the front porch
on the back porch
Bikes laying on the yard
on the driveway
on their sides in the garage.
Blocking everything.

The front door
open
close
open
close
open
close

The screen door
screeching
screeching
screeching

The garage door

up

down

up

down

up

down

The fridge door
providing air conditioning
to the world
While little eyes search
for something delicious
to magically appear
in the 30 seconds
since it was last
inspected.

Dirty finger prints
on the walls
on the stairwells
bannisters
pantry
fridge
bathroom light-switch plates.
Half-washed hands
dried and smeared-on-dirt
left behind on handtowels
in the guest bathroom.

Televisions left ON
in the family room
the basement
my room
without an audience.

Or worse.
Three TV's ON
CD players ON in each room
Two PC's ON
and the house is full
of "outside" voices and hungry tummies.

The dog hears the fun

and joins in

bark

bark

barking!!

Me too! she yelps

Me too!

I'm done, I say.
Summer has worn me out.
Welcome Early Bedtimes!
Welcome Early Morning Schedule!
Welcome Clean Counters
and Cleared Floors!
Welcome clean house
and quiet hours between
8:30AM - 3:30PM.

Welcome!


p.s. I wrote this on Monday...after Tuesday's events, I must admit, my emotions have somewhat changed. In fact, I'm just grateful to be here.

His Hand is on His Children

Diana's known Kate since 6th grade.
They became closer last year, as Seniors.
Kate started coming around, nearly every day this summer.
Questions came from her about our faith.
She asked, we answered.
More questions, more often.
So Nana suggested meeting with the missionaries.
Okay, says Kate.
Missionaries ask Kate what she feels
about God
and His place in her heart.
Not much. She doesn't think He's real
or that He cares if He is real.
NO, not much.

The lessons are taught.
Testimonies are shared.
Tears, little tears roll down
Kate's face.
Ah yes, there He is.

Kate doesn't read the scriptures one day.
The next day, she does.
Kate doesn't pray.
and then she does.
and often.
everday.

The missionaries challenged her to
Baptism.
Wow. That soon? I wonder.
That's alot. Is she ready?
I listen quietly.
December becomes the goal for her baptism,
okay then.
December.
I went to bed thinking
December. Won't that be nice?

God had other plans.
He comes to Kate in dream.
Shows her the baptismal font
with Her in It.
All in White.
And the missionary in the water
with her.
Shows her receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost
by the laying on of hands.
It was so real, she wakes up smiling her biggest smile.
She feels it to her bones
so much that her entire body smiles and cries
at 3:30 in the morning.
She fights the urge to run down the hall and tell her mother.
To pick up the phone and call the missionaries
and Nana.
It's 3:30AM afterall.

She falls back asleep with a smile on her face.
Then she shows up at our door at 8:30AM
Tuesday morning.
"It's today!" she beams.
"Today?" I ask. "Are you sure?"
"TODAY!"
Okay then. We have lots to do!
"Is there another word for Joy?" she asks.
"Because I'm so filled with-- with-- whatever that is!"

Missionaries show up
full of His Love
and His Spirit...
afterall they are on His errand.

Then, Kate's parents change their minds
about supporting her.
Earlier they were good with Kate's choices.
Later, after talking to co-workers,
their hearts are closed.
NO, they won't support her choice.
"Any Church but that one." they say.

Kate's mom calls me. Me.
Why do they always call me?
As if I can control teenagers
and Dreams?
I listen and say, "You need to talk to Kate-- you need to listen to her."
NO, she is adamant.
Oh, why must her ignorance scream so loudly?
Doesn't she see the light in Kate's eyes now?
Can't she feel Kate's glow?
Didn't she know her daughter was empty
and searching?
And now her girl is filled to over-flowing?

So Kate comes alone.
Standing in her white jumpsuit.
I braid her hair.
I tell her that she will hear alot about "pioneers"
in her new Church...
they gave up everything for their faith--
their land, their homes, their families left behind.
Then I square her shoulders
smile in her eyes and tell her
YOU are the Pioneer in YOUR family.
Generations will follow your footsteps
and your name will be sacred
on their lips.

The moment of dreams comes.
She is standing in the font
with the same missionary from her dream.
The water is warm
she is giggling with excitement.
Then she comes up from the water
wet head to toe...
smiling...
beaming...
clean. every whit.

Hugs all around. and around. and around.
Her Mom should've seen this.
Oh she should've been there.
This moment was a blessed one for her daughter.
The hugs keep coming.

Then the laying on of hands.
Mr Wonderful is asked last minute
because her "choice" missionary becomes
ill...too ill to stand.
Mr Wonderful is grateful
and the blessings flow easily
from God
to Kent
to Kate.

A new life.
A sweeter journey
has begun.
And I saw it all with my own eyes.
I was there to see it.
More grateful than usual.
You see, I was in a car accident
yesterday.
On the interstate.
I was driving on the far right hand side
and after the impact of another car
ended on the shoulder
of the far left hand side.
Shaken, but not injured.
Profoundly aware that both
the Caboose and I
were protected.
It could've been so much worse.
I just knew the car was going to flip
just knew it.
And it didn't.
Ari was so shaken
she asked again and again
"Are we going to die now?"
"Are we going to die now?"
No. No. We're okay.
See? We're okay.
I called the house.
The missionaries were at the scene
in less than 5 minutes.
Like angels in white shirts and ties
they came flying towards me...
to make sure we were okay.
Is it any wonder I love them so much??

We're okay.
Diana and Kate arrive too.
And they take the Caboose home
once the Officer arrives
and gives the Okay.
In the car, Ari says
"I know why we didn't die today.
We needed to be at Kate's baptism."

Yes we did.

McDonald's Has Nothin' On Me...

I'm making out my menu for this week.
There's 6 of us in the home.
But I have to plan for at least 8 for most meals.
Why? Because for at least two meals every day
we have another couple of tummies to feed.

I don't know why this is
other than the fact that our house
specifically my kitchen
closely resembles Micky D's.

To give you an idea:
Yesterday for lunch--
my 4 kids
PLUS
4 of Boofus' friends
1 of Ari's friends
and 1 of Nana's friends.
That's 10 for lunch.
and snacks.
Yesterday for dinner was a light one...
just one extra for dinner.
But 4 extra for dessert.

If you're in the neighborhood, drop on over.
There's room at the table for you.
Would you like peanut butter with your jelly
or
jelly with your peanut butter?

McDonald's has nothing on me
with their
OVER 42 MILLION SERVED.

A Blurry Weekend

It's Monday. I've been trying to remember what all I did over the weekend, and frankly, it's still a blur of activity...
Dani came down on Friday night b/c Mr. Idaho was busy with wrestling stuff and she didn't wanna be alone. Which is comical itself because she was the child who always wished she was an "only" child...and now she doesn't like to be alone! Go figure. Her belly is distinctly pregnant.
Five and half months along and feeling all the aches and pains of a changing body. I got to feel the baby kick which totally rocked my socks!

Boofus asked if his buddies could spend the night, and taking it even further, asked if they could all put a tent up in the backyard and sleep in it. So that the Caboose could join the fun, Mr. W said he'd sleep in it if the Caboose would be welcomed to sleep in it too. The boys agreed and come 9pm they were all out in the tent listening to Dad tell his Montana bear stories and making flashlight shadows.

Dani crawled up into my bed and we watched television until we were bleary-eyed. It was a treat to have her here without Mr. Idaho. We had her full attention and time to catch-up!
The missionaries have continued to come over and teach Nana's friend, Kate, the lessons. And they came back again for breakfast Saturday morning.

Saturday afternoon we just spent time together...the older girls and I running to Kohl's for an awesome Sale, and Mr W doing yardwork, riding bikes with the kids and taking them to Fox Run Park. So busy. When the girls and I came back from shopping, my front yard was covered in bicycles, scooters, roller blades and whatnot...I should've taken a picture, really.

We sent Dani off to Golden and thought we'd have a quiet evening but that was hardly the case. We ended up playing games and by the time I went to bed I was dead-tired.

Sunday. Just reflecting on the day makes me wanna close my eyes for a few moments. Church was Church, ya know? Nana stayed for the next ward's meetings because of a missionary homecoming she wanted to attend...Kate met her up there for that and then dropped Nana off after.
Then, we had a big goodbye dinner for Kate. Her folks plus 3 missionaries and 2 other friends from Church came over for that...making it 14 for dinner. One of the missionaries played the piano for us and was just. awesome.! We made homemade chicken fettucine alfredo florentine, a salad and french bread. Kate's mom brought over 2 delicious homemade cakes that were outta this world! I'll print the recipe tomorrow.
After dinner and visiting, the kids all played games (Curses) with the rest of the guests and we ended with a devotional and sent the missionaries out the door. Kate & Nana sat and visited with a young man who has just returned from his mission to London. He's a very nice guy. Of course, the fact that he has the brightest eyes on the planet, according to Kate, makes him easy to listen to, apparently.
And that's really it.
It's Monday...and this is the last week of Summer Break for our yahoos. I have mixed feelings about this...I'm ready for some quiet time, but oh how I dread 3-8pm everyday...homework, dinner, homework, dishes, homework. Teachers give so much more than I ever had when I was a kid, it is nauseating. Every August I contemplate going the Home School route, and then I back down. I don't know.
We went thru the kids' closets and drawers today...thinning out and sizing up. Figuring out if we need to buy more clothes for school. Honestly, the things that are on Clearance right now are summer clothes...and summer is just about over here in the Springs. We have long winters. SO by the time it actually gets cold, the Winter stuff that's on sale now, will be on Clearance then, so I'll wait to buy long pants and long sleeved tops until September/October. But I do have to buy the Boofus some sneakers...he's been wearing his KEEN water sandals all summer long...every stinkin day and Boy! have we gotten our money outta those! They are the best shoes ever for boys! Mr W has a pair exactly like them too. And the Caboose has worn her Teva's every day too...and they're still going! That's what I love about TEVA's...kids grow outta them, not wear them out!
Daisie will be a freshmen. in high school. This is going to be hard for her. I'm gearing up for her emotionally-charged breakdowns certain to happen this year. She's just not a typical snotty teenager. She's not one of the mean girls. Ugh. Insecure hormonal girls wielding their catty ways is indeed something to beware of...it's gonna be tough.
Nana is going to the community college for a semester and will stay there "until God tells me what else to do."[quoting her] All of her friends will be gone...she'd planned on being gone too.
SO we'll see.
The good thing about School starting is that we're better at reading our scriptures. So I'm getting geared up for that...schedules do have their good points, right?
It's easy to see why I'm so tired, eh? I need...a bubble bath, some chocolate , a good movie and a nap.

Because we are Willing, We are Asked

This time last year, we were still unpacking from our move. I was re-reading my journal entries this morning, recounting my emotions a year ago. Sometimes I do that--to see how far I've come.

I was so relieved to be back home. Idaho had been a trial and a blessing for our family. All of us were so grateful to be home in Colorado. I wondered in my journal at our Idaho experiences, and even then took comfort that all things happen for a reason. A year later, as things have unfolded before us, I feel the same way.

The events of this week have again, opened my eyes and helped me to see things as they really are.
While in Idaho, we had the opportunity to be involved in sharing the Gospel with our new friends there...a divorced young mother of 4 became our friend and was baptized, and a playmate of Arianna's who lived down the street from us also was baptized. Her parents were members, tho not active at the time, allowed her to rec'v the missionaries and be baptized. Both of those families became our friends.
Since we've been home and reunited with old friends and made new ones, we've had the opportunity to share the Gospel and our testimonies with them too. In January, you will recall, Diana's friend Taylor rec'd the missionaries, gained her own testimony, and was baptized. Then this past Spring, a friend of Dara's (T.) also rec'd the discussions in our home and was baptized.
This past Spring, one of Diana's old friends (Kate) from middle school began coming around. We welcomed her in, got reacquainted with her and came to know and love her. She began spending more and more of her time in our home...and came to know the missionaries too of course, because I love missionaries. So she's been here observing them and us and began asking questions about the Church along the way. We answered as she queried...not initiating the conversations but not shying away either. We know what we know.
Sitting around the dinner table we eat, play games, laugh till our sides ache and just have a good time. There's no agenda other than to share our time together.
Well last week Kate was asking more questions when Diana just asked, "Hey, you wanna get the missionary discussions?" Kate asked a couple more questions about what that entailed and then agreed.
Since she already knew the missionaries it wasn't hard to just go from there. Last night we had the privilege of witnessing a most powerful pouring out of the Holy Ghost in our home as the missionaries spoke of the Book of Mormon and the Plan of Salvation. Even now, I feel the residue of the evening. The elders invited Kate to read a selection of 3rd Nephi 11 and simply pray and ask Heavenly Father if what she was reading was true. And they promised her sacred blessings. So after they left, we all separated in the house and went about the evenings' duties.
Diana and Kate went to her room where Diana listened to Kate's feelings about the lesson. Kate said she's "never felt as happy or as light as when she is in our home." Diana told her it's not US--it's the Holy Ghost that is in our home because we try to do what's right. And then they read the pages of 3rd Nephi together. Diana then asked if she could say a prayer with Kate and then Kate could offer her own. Kate agreed. It was exactly what Kate needed.
When the two of them surfaced from the basment, Kate was beaming. Smiling ear-to-ear. She is going to pray about being baptized this next Monday. She heads off to college on Wednesday.
I get a lump in my throat from the gratitude I have for just being able to witness her spirit glow.
She is feeling after the Savior. She wants to feel His love for her. To know He knows her by name and knows her heart.
And He does. I know that because He knows me and the desires of my heart and the cares of my heart as well.
As I pondered these past few days, a thought came to me that I am still sorting out, really.
Our family is not one of those families that is "one of the cool kids"--we're not financially prosperous--in fact, I am sometimes intimidated by the wealth in our ward; there are no Sports stars in our family, or musical protegies, or academic geniuses...we're just a simple family really.
It seems to be that the one thing we are consistently able to do is share our testimonies with our friends and bring them to the place where they too gain faith and a testimony. It comes natural to us. It is not contrived in the least. We just go about our day, open our doors and hearts and somehow that simple behavior affects those who come in our home. I don't know how it all comes together like that, but it does.
We are the same no matter where we live...isn't that a good thing? Even when life is a challenge, we are firm in our faith. We can share our joy in the Gospel even while going thru trials that rock us to the core. I feel like we are placed where we are placed, by Divine guidance, because maybe this is our work to do...and because we are willing, we are asked. Does that make sense?
Just this morning I had the thought come to me that this will be our family's legacy...we won't have trophies covering the walls of our home for sports or music or academia (altho we certainly do have a few little ones!) but our door is open & our hearth is warm and hopefully it will be worn out from the many friends who pass our way and share a taste of heaven with us before they go...I hope they count it a blessing for coming our way in the first place.
This life comes at us pretty fast, if you have something, anything that blesses your life, don't ya wanna share it with people who come your way? That's the willing part...

New Scam in Town...beware

So here's what's going on...
We have had automatic debit on our AT&T, QWEST, and Farmer's insurance, among others for our monthly bills...and this summer it has hit a snag! A huge snag!
Instead of our monthly set payments coming out of our checking account, our bills have doubled, even tripled!--coming out of our account before we knew it and wreaking havoc with our account!
Third party companies are tagging onto our accounts without our knowledge or consent and taking as much as $224.00 (from our AT&T Wireless) from our bank account! When I call AT&T, Qwest, etc., they are absolutely no help...our complaint is filed and sent to a Review Board, then adjustments are made 10-21 Business days LATER!
You have to ask for the contact info for the 3rd Party companies and CANCEL the account yourself and set up a block on your phone account AND remove auto-debit from your Bill Pay on your bank account.
Just today, a company called "Cheap to Dial Telephone" hitched to my Qwest bill and added $16.18 cents on it--ugh! Qwest gal says there are no limits to how many 3rd party companies can tag onto your bill or how much they can bill you for! NO LIMITS!! Ridiculous!
Farmers Insurance billed us last month on an account that has been cancelled since January! They just went in and took over $200.
So I've removed all auto-debits from our banking. It's just not safe or conveniant.
I know of a few people that have had this experience...anyone else?
Oh, and one of the companies ( Cheap to Dial) is in a town that I recognize as an unusual town Washington, MO>--from my little FEEDJ-IT thingy over there. But I'm not sure how they could've tapped into my personal information. Another reason to keep personal info off the internet.

What a world.

Consider the Lilies

Kids driving you crazy? I mean, slap-bang-crazy-outta-your-mind?
Wondering if it was worth getting out of bed today?
Okay, I've got something that will calm you down. Speak to your heart. Center your soul.
Sit down, click that arrow, close your eyes and listen with both ears.





Now, take a deep breath fill those lungs to capacity and be of good cheer. Carry on. Be not weary in well-doing. Life is good.

Things Work Out

They just always do.
Somehow. Someway.
They just work out.
The youngest two are going
to a different school this year.
That was a hard choice, but necessary
so they can take a bus
so I can work.

I held my breath
until the school district agreed
to the change.
It wasn't until after I exhaled
I realized how long and hard
I'd been holding my breath.

Note to self:
Stop that.
It's not necessary.
Things work out
exactly like they're supposed to.

Diana is not going to Oregon.
The Nanny Agency OWNER Flaked out.
After phone calls, promises and agreements,
she just. flaked. out.
Not 'till October she says.
Diana passes and makes new plans.
At first she is fretful,
"Now what?"
Then she is resolved,
"Wasn't meant to be." she decides.
We agree.
Okay, one more semester at home
for my wanna-be Adventurist.
New plans.
New opportunities present themselves.
A friend of hers is taking the missionary discussions
this week.
That wouldn't have happened if she'd left Saturday.
Okay then. Staying put has eternal consequences
for her friend.
Things work out.

Dani & Brad are expecting.
Brad's still in school.
Dani's working full-time--she has to
for Insurance. And rent. And food. etc.
Big decisions to be made for them.
I watch with great interest as they make those
big decisions, knowing the angst they feel
will come into understanding
and things will work out.

Oldest son changes game plan
for his major...
from Chiropractics to Network Administration.
It fits him like a new suit.
Computer stuff comes naturally
for him and his time.
Still, it took an investment of time and money
spent in a different direction
for him to come around and realize
things work out
like they should.
And Peace follows.

Life can get confusing.
When you wanna put down roots
cement a plan
focus energy in one direction
Only to be told you have to
pick up and move your life,
pencil in your plans
and chart a different course.
Not fair, I cry, Not Fair.
Then the dust settles
and I see things clearly
oh...yeah. this is so much better.
things worked out.

And they do.
Shall I tattoo it on my palm?
"Things work out."
All fancy and permanent?
Gee, when did I become such a worry-wart?

"When these experiences humble us and refine us and teach us and bless us, they can be powerful instruments in the hands of God to make us better people, to make us more grateful, more loving, and more considerate of other people in their own times of difficulty. He will bless us as a people because he always has blessed us as a people."

An Anchor to the Souls of Men

Howard W. Hunter