Busy In A good Way

Things around here have been so busy. With the holidays that have passed and the ones yet to come it seems like I am just running all the time. Last week my parents were here. It was good to see them again and have them in my home. Adriana had her birthay while they were here. I can't believe she is already 7! We celebrated her birthay togeter with Roman's with a party, and then we all went roller skating. I hadn't been skating in long time, so I was pretty pleased that I didn't fall even once. Later in the week we made a trip to visit my grandma. It was a quick visit, but it was good to see her again. Wendsday before Thanksgiving there was a bapisim, and then another one on Sunday. Then we had an ordinance supper on Monday, And last Friday Dennis and Trina hosted a Christmas party for all the Broteren here. It has been great and so up lifting to be able to spend so much time together. So like the title says...Iv'e beem busy, but in a good way.

Sewing 101

This year as part of our homeschooling the girls had expressed interest in learning how to sew a dress. So the other day they had a great sale going at the fabric store on patterns and fabric. The girls enjoyed glancing at the pattern books, and learning about different types of fabric. They have each chose a different pattern and fabric and have begin to cut them out. I would like to try to work on them about once or twice a week. I hope they turn out great...but we will see. I'll try to keep you posted.

This is the pattern and fabric Alyssa chose.


And this is the pattern and fabric Shelbi chose.


The girls at work

Pictures

Well I finally talked Sean into it and we got a professional family photo taken. Sean really doesn't like to get pictures taken, but he really was a good sport about it, and I think we got some pretty good pictures.

Our family Photo. I couldn't get my computer to crop the pictures, so they really look better printed up.

Finally A New Post!

Where has the time gone? Summer just flew by and I figured once school started and we got back into a schedule things would slow down, but they really haven't. Summer was great, and looking back over my previous post "What I'm Looking Forward To" I was blessed to be be able to enjoy most everything on the list. Billy and Barbara didn't make it out to see us, but we are sill hoping they will make it out sometime. Since the camp out we have had a lot of company. I really have enjoyed having different ones in our home, and to our assembly for church. Although it makes life busy it is always so encouraging to have the brethren in our home, and I feel blessed to be able to teach my children hospitality through example.

This week we went over to the coast for a couple days with some of our company. As we traveled down the road we sang, and visited about good things. I thought about what great memories these are going to be for my children, and what a blessing it is to be able to share it with them. It seems like the older I get the more I realize how quickly time is flying by. It may be just a few short years before my girls are getting married and moving away. I really want to enjoy there teenage years and take every opportunity to instruct them to be good wives and mothers.

I am homeschooling the two older girls again this year. We are doing a different program than we did last year, and I really am enjoying it much more. We are able to set our own pace and own schedule. This has worked great with all of the company we have had, and I feel so much more relaxed and less stressed out than I have in the previous years. Once things settle down a little around here we would like to do some projects. The girls would like to learn to sew some clothing and I would like to do some cooking lessons also.

So that is the short version of what has been going on around here. Hopefully I will be able to get on more frequently. I miss reading all of your posts, and receiving all of your comments. Now it's time to get caught up on what has been happening with all of you.

Maria's 11th Birthady

Well I have to admit this is kind of old news, but I took pictures to post on my blog so I figured I might as well post about it still. A couple of weeks ago my computer had to go in for repairs, so I was with out a computer for about a week, so that is a good excuse for being behind on my posts right?
Maria turned 11 on the 15Th of this month, and to celebrate her birthday we went to the family fun center in Wilsonville They have a lot of arcade games, mini golf, race cars, bumper boats, and batting cages. The kids had fun. We played a round of mini golf. This was a bit challenging with a 2 year old. He didn't quite grasp the concept and kept picking up everyones ball and relocating it. But we soon found that as long as he had a club and ball in his had he was a happy boy.

My little golf pro

The birthday Girl

This picture turned out so cute I thought I would post it too.

So after a round of mini golf in the hot blazing Oregon sun, the girls thought they were about to die! So they all voted to ride the bumper boats. I would have loved to have gone too, but Hayden was to young to ride along, so I sat out and took pictures of all the fun. They had a blast!







Sean was working when we went to the Family Fun Center, so we also went to the Olive Garden as a family for her birthday. We had several gift cards, which covered most of the cost, so that made it even nicer. She had a nice birthday, and it was great to spend a little time together.

Here's An Update

I guess it has been a while since I posted, so I thought I would do a little update on what has been going on around here. Well school is finally over. We have been sleeping in some, but never past nine....we have to keep some kind of schedule around here. So usually we are all up by nine to get ready for the day and do some chores. We have been getting out some most everyday. Just to do a little window shopping, swimming, or to enjoy some sunshine at the park. The sunshine I was looking forward to has finally arrived....and I have been enjoying it. I got to go pick strawberries the other day. Trina came out to pick too. It was nice to spend a little time together out in the fields picking and visiting. I brought them all home and the girls helped me put them up and make freezer jam. It is nice to have kids old enough to help. It makes it go so much faster.

We also got to venture up to Olympia for Ashley's wedding. It was nice to see everyone. Even if it was just for the day I'm glad we got to go. As they were standing up in front of everyone the minister instructed them to enjoy each day, because time goes by so fast. And I though about how true that is, and how it seemed like just the other day it was me getting married. Weddings are always such a good reminder of the promises made between man and wife, and the love for one another. It is a beautiful thing to reflect on, and to still have after fifteen years truly is a blessing. It was great to be reminded.

The next few weeks my goal is to sort through all the rooms in our house and get rid of all excess. This weekend Sean and I built a work bench together for the garage. It really helps to get things a little more organized. I'm hoping to have a yard sale in a couple weeks, so that is what is on the agenda for the next couple weeks. I will try to keep you all updated.

Weekend Getaway

This last weekend Sean and I were able to get away for a couple of days to celebrate our anniversary. As I mentioned in my previous post we went to Hood River. We stayed at a nice little bed and breakfast in town. The room was very nice and the breakfast each morning was really good. When we arrived we found a note telling us where are room was located, so we journeyed upstairs to our suite and found the door propped open. The room was very nice with a small living area and kitchenette, but as I turned the corner and entered our bed room I found a cat laying on our bed. To tell you the truth it kind of caught me off guard. I gasped and said "There's a cat on our bed" Now I'm not a big lover of cats, and I was kind of disgusted that they would let there cat come up to our room and sleep on our bed. Sean reached out to touch it to get it to move off our bed, and it did nothing. At that point I realized it was fake. I did however remove it from the bed. In my opinion cats do not belong on the bed not even fake ones!

On Saturday we went downstairs to eat breakfast. We had fruit followed by some banana nut bread, then some sort of quiche, meatballs and toast, and coffee, tea, and juice to drink. Everything was really good, and it was interesting to listed to every ones conversation, and find out all the different places everyone had come from. After breakfast we drove out to the airport for Sean's surprise flight lesson. I really pulled it off well he was really caught off guard, and really had no idea what I had planned. As the flight instructor explained to him that he would actually be flying the plane I could tell he was really surprised, but happy too. Sean isn't the kind of guy to show a lot of emotion, but he was all smiles.


The instructor explaining to Sean how things work on the plane


In the plane getting ready for take off.


Mt. Hood our scenic destination


Mt. Hood right outside our window.


The Gorge and Hood River


Our landing strip


My Pilot safe on the ground again.

After the flight lesson we ate some lunch, browsed through some of the shops down town, and then went on the Mt. Hood train ride. It was a fun relaxing ride. Here are some more pictures.

Sean and I waiting for the train to leave the depot


Scenery on the train ride


The engine switching ends or the train

Saturday was a pretty long day, so by the end we were feeling kind of lazy so we rented a movie, and had Taco Bell for dinner in our room...I know so romantic! Sunday we got up and packed things up as we got ready for church. Then we went downstairs for breakfast, but when we got there two seats were left, but not next to each other. It was a little awkward at first, but the couple that was there the day before from Boston said we were way to quite the day before, so we needed to sit apart in hopes that we might converse more. I don't know if it really worked, but they were very nice and did try to include us in the conversation. The breakfast once again was wonderful. Stuffed french toast, ham, and fresh fruit. All very yummy. It was a great to be able to get away and spend some time together. In some ways I wish it would have lasted longer, but I was starting to miss the kids and was looking forward to getting back home.

What I'm Looking Forward To

Things here have been so busy it seems. I was going to post about our trip to the Brewster camp out, but so much time has passed it just seems like old news. I will say we did have a great time up there, and it was nice to go and see everyone again. So I thought I would write this post about things that I am looking forward to.

1. I'm looking forward to church dinner Sunday. Just being able to spend time with the brethren is a joy

2. I am looking forward to school being over. Being able to sleep in some, not having to keep such a scheduled routine and being able to go out and do some fun things with the kids this summer.

3. I am looking forward to the warm sunshine. Its June and in the 50's and 60's. Hurry up sunshine.....come out come out wherever you are. :)

4. I am looking forward to our anniversary. This year we will be married 15 years. I remember when we were newly married and I thought over 5 years seemed like a lot. This year we have a little weekend trip planned. We are going to Hood River. I have reserved a room at a bed and breakfast for two nights and we are planning on going on the Mt. Hood train. I also have set up a surprise flight lesson for Sean. He has mentioned several times how it would be fun to learn to fly. The pilot said I could go up with them. I think it is going to be fun!

5. I am looking forward to Ashley and Bodine's wedding.....In hopes we get to go.

6. I am looking forward to spending a day at the beach this summer. Going to seaside and looking in the shops, and to Cannon Beach to explore the tide pools.

7. I am also looking forward to the Oregon camp out. I'm looking forward to Billy and Barbara coming for a visit, and getting to spend some time with them and their kids.

Well there are a few things, and those are only the things I know about. Just think of all the other good things that may be coming my way that I don't know about yet.

Attitude Matters

I have been thinking a lot lately about my attitude, and the effects it has on the people I am around. My attitude quite often effects the outcome of the decisions my husband makes for our family. I'm sad to admit that some times I have not always had the right attitude about the things that I know would be good, and in turn that has caused my husband to have the same attitude.

I sometimes find it hard to always meet my husband at the door with a smile, and cheerful disposition after a bad day at home. You know one of those days where it seemed you worked all day and nothing got done and the kids wouldn't listen. Days like that often turn into an even worse day if my grouchiness continues after Sean comes home.

I thought about being the helpmate I should be to my husband. I sometimes struggle with being the spiritual strength and support he needs. I really need to make sure that just because going somewhere, or doing something isn't always convenient for me doesn't mean I shouldn't. It is much easier to stay home in the comfort of my own home than to pack an unimaginable amount of clothing and necessities for a weekend away. But I know that opting to stay home hasn't always been the best decision for our family. And the times when I have gone we have been truly blessed.

I thought abut the way I entreat my children and how my dealings with them effect there moods, and how they entreat me and others they are around. I really do need to be careful to be kind and show love even when disciplining. I need to make sure my attitude about God and living the faith is one I want them to see. I truly want them to know that putting God first is the most important thing, and I want them to be able to see that through my life.

I feel like the Lord has shown me in the last few days that my attitude is very important. It is something I need to be aware of, and take into consideration when things aren't always going the way I think they should. Quite often it was because of my attitude.

A trip to Colorado

We have been away, and just got back this last weekend. We (the kids and myself) took a trip to Colorado to visit family and friends. We all had a great time, but wished Sean could have come too, maybe next time. While we were visiting there was a brother there for Arkansas who was holding some extra meetings. It was nice to get to sit in a few extra meetings while we were there. We heard some really good things. It was nice to go back and feel so loved and cared about.

Most of the time I spent at Naomi's house, but it seemed like I didn't really spend a lot of time with her during the day because she had to work a lot. Most days were spent visiting with different ones, and chauffeuring the kids around to visit there cousins. One of the days while we were there. I took a group of the teen/pre-teen girls to the mall. We all went to lunch, and then went to try on prom dresses in the mall. They had a great time, and I took pictures of them in there dresses for a little keepsake.
Eating lunch together...Just the girls!

Walking through the mall

All dressed up!


We had quite and adventurous trip home. Within a couple hours of leaving Junction Hayden started throwing up, and didn't stop all day. I stopped and got a motel and did some laundry. Thankfully Hayden slept pretty well during the night. The next day he was still sick, but luckily was over the throwing up stage. I finally got home Saturday afternoon. It felt so good to be back home. Every time I leave for a while and come back I have such a grater appreciation for my surroundings. The air seems fresher, the bed seems softer, and I just love my surroundings. There's no place like home!

While Naomi Was Visiting

While Naomi was here we really enjoyed her, and were busy most everyday. While she was here we went to the Pitock Mansion, and we also went to the coast and to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. I took a lot of pictures, so here are a few.

A group photo on the stairs

Teenagers, just can't keep them off the phone

Alyssa being "Vanna White"

Hayden loved chasing the seagulls


Yumm...Ice Cream!

A Wonderful Weekend

This last weekend we took a little trip up to Elma/Olympia and spent some time. It was great to get to see everyone from there, and also ones from other parts I hadn't seen in a while. This weekend was the long awaited masquerade party. Alyssa has been looking forward to the party for quite some time now. She even spent some of her babysitting money on some of the accessories for the party.

We headed up to Elma on Friday night, and when we arrived we dropped the older girls off at Gale's so they could stay the night there. We visited for a while and then headed over to Sis. Linda's to spend the night. Saturday I visited with Sis. Linda some in the morning, and then spent most of the rest of the day at Gale's. At about 4:00 we loaded up all the teenagers (from her house) and drove them to Olympia for the masquerade party. We snapped a few photos, and then headed back to the guys, who were at the house with all the non-teenagers. We had a pretty good visit on the way home, and the things we talked about were good, and encouraging.

On Sunday morning Hayden woke up not feeling to well, and I was afraid we were going to have to go home and miss church, but we waited it out, and by the time we left he seemed fine, and actually he hasn't been sick at all. Church was wonderful! We had a beautiful meeting, and we heard so many good things throughout the ministry, and in testimonies. It will be one of those meetings that will be long remembered. After church two gave there had to be baptized. We all headed down to the lake, but they postponed the baptism until later that evening when the parents arrived. So we went to the church dinner and then headed home. All in all it was an uplifting weekend with the brethren filled with great conversation and great memories.

Here are a few pictures of the masquerade party


A group girl picture

Alyssa and her friends

The Forest Fairy Princess

The In-Laws are Coming!

This last week has just flown by for me, I have been so busy every day running myself and everyone else all over town. Our van had some mechaical issues on Sunday, (just as we were leaving for church) and it has taken most of this week to get it up and running again. But it is finally going again which makes me happy. Today also looks like a pretty busy day. I have more running around to do in preparation for the weekend and I also have cleaning to do...because the In-laws are coming to spend some time with us. Sean's mom and Bro. Walt will be here soon and are planing on staying for about a month. And my Sister (In-law) will be here on th 19th for a few of days. I am excited to get to see them again. It has been almos 8 months since we have seen them,so I am looking forwad to it. Well I should probably get going with my day...the clock is ticking!

Funny Things

Maria says driving is like sewing??? I was trying to figure out what she was talking about. She explained "Well there's a peddle and you have to make sure you don't push it to hard, and go to fast. And you have to keep the car in between the lines, just like you have to guide the fabric in a straight line." I never thought of it like that, but I guess they are similar. It's funny what they think about....

I was going to go do some shopping today and I was going to be near Sonic, so I mentioned to Sean that it was "Happy Hour", and maybe I would stop and get a drink. He said "Happy Hour? I didn't know you had a "Happy Hour." And I jokingly relpied "Yeah every day between 2 and 4, you just happen to miss it."..... I guess I have been a little grouchy lately :)

The other day we were in the car driving and Alyssa was taking a mile a minute about the up comming Masqurade Party, and how excited she was bout it etc. etc. All of a sudden Hayden piped up and said "Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah" I wonder who he learned that from.

Easter Time Memories

Having lived several places, your mind goes back to special memories during holidays, and special occasions. It seem like each place we have lived holds a special place in my heart, and great memories were made at different times in each place. I was thinking about Easter this time last year. We were living in Colorado, and we had a house full of company and had a big Easter bash at my house with lots of family and friends. It is hard to believe that we were actually there, and it was for such a short time. I'm thankful for all the time that we did get to spend with our family and friends, and I am glad I was able to host things in my home. Even if at times it did seem a little overwhelming, because it really did pass quickly, and who knows when we will all be able to get together again. But I would have to say some of my favorite Easter memories are from when we lived in Brewster. It was a day I truly looked froward to. Every Easter Sunday after church they would have a pot luck dinner, and then the day would be spent visiting, and watching the kids hunt eggs. It was a fun day spent with the brethren. I have several photos to look back on and when I see them I am reminded of the love I have for the brethren in that part, and how each family is near and dear to my heart.

This year was a good Easter likewise. We went over to Bro. Rusty and Sis. Mary's for dinner, and just spent most of the day visiting, and eating :) The kids had fun playing with one another, and it was fun to sit back on the sidelines and watch them interact so well with one another. After dinner we came home, and hid Easter eggs. This year we did our egg hunt inside, because it was so wet, cold and muddy outside. But the kids had a fun day, and so did I. Spending the day with brethren, and watching the kids have fun makes for a great Easter, and more great memories.

Kayla found the prize egg!

She's 14 !!!!!

My oldest daughter Alyssa just had another birthday. I can't believe she is already 14...where did all the time go? Before long she will be driving. How sad, and scary, but happy all at the same time. This year for her birthday we kept it pretty simple. We spent a few hours at the mall, mostly browsing, and she got to try on a few fancy dresses, so that really made her day. It kind of cracks me up (her obsession with formal gowns) but I guess most every gal likes to feel like a princess from time to time, and hers just happens to be anytime we enter a store. I am thinking her wedding dress will be someting she gets a lot of use out of if she dosen't out grow this phase. Here husband will come home and she will be decked out veil and all cleaning house. LOL

I usually let the kids pick what kind of cake or desert they would like for their birthady, and this year Alyssa wanted an icecream sandwich cake. She found the recipe on the internet, and it was so simple, quick and yummy I thought I would share it all with you.

Ingridents:
12 Icecream Sandwiches
1 jar of Hot fudge topping
1 Tub of Cool Whip
1 Small Chocolate bar

Directions:
Place 6 icecream bars in the bottom of a an 11X7 pan, cover with halfof the hot fudge, and then half of the cool whip, repeat with remaining ingridents. Grate chocolate bar on top and freeze for 1 hour before serving.

Anyway like I said it was quick and easy and really good. Here are a few pictures.



He enjoyed the cake!!