{ Thankful Thursday and a........}

I love Thankful Thursdays because they make me think all week long about what I'm most thankful for. Some days its hard to think of things but most days its overflowing. Because we have so much, so much to be thankful for. For our parent preschool class this week {with just the moms} we had a class on gratitude and how it helps us mentally to feel more optimistic, feel more happiness in life, gives us more energy, makes us feel healthier etc. We went around and said in detail what we were most grateful for as it went around there were tears flowing and gratitude for life and others was definitely felt.

I really enjoyed the class cause I really really feel that no matter how hard we have it there is someone who is battling a far worse battle then we are. It made me really think hard about my my life and what I am so grateful for.

I am so grateful for the very hard working husband I have and who loves me unconditally, who provides for us, is a great dad to our children, who would help anyone who needed it or who doesn't and who is my best friend. We laugh, we talk a lot, work together and enjoy life everyday.

I am so thankful for our three children and for ADOPTION because if we didn't have that I wouldn't have any children I wouldn't have the associations I do, the duties and roles I do and the blessings I do. its all because of them. Everyday I thank my Heavenly Father for sending these beautiful blessings to our family and life, through miracles we don't even know about. They make me laugh, sometimes they make me mad or make me cry.

But for the most part of everyday I love to hear them laugh, talk and play. I'm loving to watch them grow up and take responsibility, to watch them notice the world around them and to see them enjoy what life has to offer. What greater blessings are there then to have family whether its the families we grew up with, or our husbands, or our kids or whatever.

I'm also so thankful they are all HEALTHY. That is a blessing I think we all take for granted until it is threatened.

-----------------------

I'm also thankful for good music I love Music.

SO Are you ready to rock out for a minute -- Okay ready here is a shocker to a few I'm sure but my new favorite song is {they are kind of hard I know} but its }.. the new song from

Nickelback!!

Gotta be somebody! click and have a listen

sorry about the one swear!

I love this song though! it's the kind of song that makes you feel so happy like your driving

WITH

the windows rolled down, singing at the top of your lungs kind of feeling and makes you feel so lucky to have what you have and to have found what they are singing about in the song.

"Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares....!!!"

So I'm thankful for a husband who cares

children who care

parents who care

family that cares

sisters/brothers that care

grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends

"Nobody whats to do it all on there own"...

SO I am so thankful for my family. friends. music. life. and everything in between.

-----------------------------------------

And since tomorrow is Halloween here is a Halloween questionnaire for fun give it a try if you want:

1. What is your favorite thing about Halloween? Watching my kids get so excited to get dressed up. definitely not the candy ha ha

2. What is your favorite Halloween tradition? That would have to be the Monday night before Halloween when we carve pumpkins together, and then go Boo- ing a few families the kids love it and have so much fun picking who we should do!

3. What was your favorite all-time costume from childhood or adulthood? Well actually I've never been trick or treating myself as a child my dad thought it was the devil's holiday so yeah never got to do that. He slacked off as the little kids got older but I never went. So its kind of fun to go with the my kids.

4. Scary Halloween decorations or cutesy? Cute - don't want to scare my kids. Most of my decorations are just fall decorations anyway not a big halloween fan really!!

5. What is your favorite Halloween memory? That would have to be this year Kolten dressed up as spider man {my kids are obsessed with it right now} anyway he dressed up and Masen really thought it was spider man his face was priceless it was awesome !! Kolten jumped around didn't say a word he was pretending so well then ran up stairs quickly changed and masen came running up telling kolten "spideman here kolt" so excited it was awesome {D and I were laughing so hard loved it}

6. What is your favorite scary movie? None. I hate absolutely HATE scary movies like the ring as my little sister can tell you she scared the life out of me after I watched and I bawled forever after she scared me so bad!!!

I HATE THEM!!!

7. Candy Corn...Love it or Hate it? Love it

8. What was your favorite Halloween party activity? Besides the family stuff I love ray 2nd ward chili/pie Halloween party every year I will really miss it! we did go last night and it was a lot of fun!

9. What is your least favorite Halloween party activity? can't think of one right now.

10. Painted pumpkins or carved? carved for sure {actually I never carve them I watch D and the kids do it, help a bit with the guts and then take all the pictures!} Smart eh!

So Have a great safe and a Happy -too much candy -- hyper bouncing of the walls Halloween !!!

Make it a great one!!

{ Some of this and some of that...}

Oops I spaced "me thinks" yesterday so today is a little of everything!

First we sold our old house -- YEAH! So that is exciting cause nothing is really moving selling wise! So it really is a blessing to have sold it !

Lots of halloween stuff going on preschool parties, costumes, treats for school,

so much to do this week.

Room mom duties and PTA duties nothing hard just organizing helpers for the school book fair. But it all adds up!

Its also so so warm almost hot today crazy weather! We've had hurricane like winds most of last week and colder and now this week warm temps.

------------------------------
So here are some FHE pumpkin carving pics from last night, Kolten wanted to do one for a school contest so here is his puking pumpkin! I told him its his entry not mine so it had to be his hard work {I outlined it for him and he pretty much did the rest}

I think he did a pretty good job!

And whats a little pumpkin carving without dad teasing the kids!!

{for some reason these look fuzzy today when downloaded :( }
Also got my vinyl done on my walls -- so excited! Only one problem the living room live laugh love is too big and D says it screams at him, so we are redoing it but for now it looks like this. I love it. Can't wait to get our new family pictures up someday soon hopefully! IF you can't read the top one it says {be grateful be smart be clean be true be humble be prayerful.} Also got some Christmas presents and projects for the house almost done but I'll share those when I'm totally done!

-------------------------------
We are always busy cooking and baking too and thought I'd share a couple of our favorite recipes.

We all love blueberry muffins

So here are Christal's Triple Berry Buttermilk Muffins:

2 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp. Baking powder

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup milk with 2 tsp lemon juice {or 1 cup of buttermilk}

2 egg whites

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup applesauce

1 1/2 cups of frozen blueberries {or mixed berries}

wet /dry mixture put in muffin tins for 20 minutes at 400 degrees

---------------------------
Here is a new enchilada recipe from Kraft that we tried out the other night that is so so good!

1 each: onion and red or green pepper, chopped
1 lb. (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked, shredded
1 cup salsa, divided
125 g (1/2 of 250-g pkg.) Light brick Cream Cheese Spread, cubed
1 can green chilies
1/2 cup Cheese, divided
8 flour tortillas (6 inch)
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Heat large skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat. Add onions, peppers and garlic; cook and stir 2 min. Add chicken, 1/4 cup of the salsa, cream cheese spread, {a little cilantro and cumin if you have it opt}, green chilies; mix well. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese; mix well.
SPOON about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla; roll up. Place, seam-side down, in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining 3/4 cup salsa and remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheese.
BAKE 15 to 20 min. or until heated through.
-------------------
and a tag I haven't done yet but am now getting too
Fourth picture in the fourth picture file well here is mine nice eh!! 2006 my Mother in law and sis in laws {some of them} and little Lauren wow eh! its a beauty lol and I tag whoever wants to give it a try.

----------------------

And finally

Me thinks

“The challenges you face, the growth experiences you encounter, are intended to be temporary scenes played out on the stage of a life of continuing peace and happiness. Sadness, heartache, and disappointment are events in life. It is not intended that they be the substance of life. I do not minimize how hard some of these events can be. When the lesson you are to learn is very important, trials can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the confining focus of everything you do. Your life can and should be wondrously rewarding. It is your understanding and application of the laws of God that will give your life glorious purpose as you ascend and conquer the difficulties of life. That perspective keeps challenges confined to their proper place–stepping-stones to further growth and attainment.”

—by Richard G. Scott

Have a great week MAKE IT A GREAT ONE!!

{{Can't wait to see everyone's Halloween costumes my kids cannot wait!!}}

{ Thankful Thursday...}

I’m so thankful for YOU

{except there's probably a few you's who read that I don't know about now is a good time to LMK ha ha}

this week, because from YOU

I’ve gotten great ideas, new recipes, new friends, mentors, answers to questions, craft ideas, feedback I needed, gifts that made my day, thoughtful notes from friends, found out more about my own family through blogs then in real life.

Blogging has allowed me to meet some wonderful people that I never would have met if I didn't have this blog. I feel like it has not only blessed me but my family too.

I've found people going through the same struggles as me. Helped people with their problems or questions because of the things I have gone through.

I grown more appreciative of my blessings, of my children and of my husband.

I've tried new things, looked forward to reading and learning and seeing things in new ways. I really think its helped make me a better person, I feel more connections with people, I enjoy helping others and learning from them.

I’m thankful for blogs, facebook , and email because with it I have been in contact with people old friends and new friends that I never would have been otherwise.

I’m Thankful for the journey of faith, of suffering, and of trials that blogs bring to each of our lives. That allow us an inside and personal account of day to day life and overcoming obstacles put in our way. One’s that bring me a greater sense of what is important and ones that make me want to be a better person are ones I enjoy the very most.

I’m thankful for the opportunities I have to share my testimony and love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

My love of Adoption,

and my Love of Family and family Values

and Traditions.

Sometimes you wonder if some things out there are as they seem - some places -

BUT THIS is me this is how I feel, think and AM.

I think that’s how most of us are. Gives us an outlet and a few precious moments in the day to get out what we need to and most of all a journal if nothing else a place to record daily happenings, activities feelings and thoughts.

I’ve learned and am so thankful that through reading what we all think and feel, and our opinions, questions and thoughts bring us closer together no matter who we are. I think it makes us realize our differences and similarities more yet I think it gives us all a common bond and helps us realize that no matter who we are we all have some of the same feelings, thoughts and we are normal because what happens to us most likely is happening to somebody else out there too.

SO

Today I'm thankful for all I am learning, all I've learned and all I hope to learn.

From You.

{ Me Thinks Monday...}

I have a lot of thinking going on this week.

First of all I have to say that my heart is breaking for this family so sad to lose your best friend in the world, to loss the companionship, the life you had together and makes you appreciate everyday more deeper. But it makes me so happy to have the Gospel and a plan that we WILL see our loved ones again after this life.
We have known them for a very long time and we were both friends in high school. Their journey and struggles through Leukemia and trials associated with it have been shared by all through their blog. A community of love and support was definitely shown last night and I'm sure before the funeral today

It took us an hour to get to the line for the viewing last night. There are really no words to describe the pain and hurt she is going through at this time and our hearts and prayers are with their whole family and those precious little kids. Sometimes the words don't come and there is nothing really to say then to be there. The tears and the hugs and the I love you's mean more sometimes then trying to find the right words.

Having three kids ourselves it drives it closer to home too, and thinking of putting ourselves in their situation, painful to say the least.

I love this song and the words by Micheal McLean I wish I could whip up a plaque to give to her today because these words are so comforting:

We love you Cor. And our prayers are with all the Williams and Johnson families.

---------------------------------------------------
FOR ME THINKS

I found this paragraph in

Sheri Dew's book:: If life were Easy, it Wouldn't be Hard.

It says:

Why do we compete with each other? If we all had the capacity to work at our peak everyday to build the kingdom, which none of us have, there would still be more to do , more to accomplish, more to get done, more people to influence. Why do we not therefore cheer for each other's gifts, contributions, and sincere efforts to make a difference in the world? Why do we make comparisons that are never fair? Why do we have an insatiable urge to label and categorize everyone when no one can be defined by one dimensional category?

We are not supposed to be alike. We weren't given the same gifts. None of us were given all the gifts of God, we were each given at least one spiritual gift. And the reason seems obvious: The Lord needs a full spectrum of talent consecrated to His work. He also wants us to work together, rejoice in each other's strengths and together compensating for each other's weaknesses. That is why comparing, competing, and categorizing - traps we seem to fall into naturally and repeatedly- are deadly.

-----------------------------

Thought provoking eh! Something to think about!

Hope everybody has a great week!!

{ Look what we did ...}

For quite awhile I have been contemplating getting Laurens hair cut {she always says she wants it like her cute cousin Kaisleys hair} so its a constant fight every time we do her hair in the mornings and taking out elastics and doing it, and she has had the same hair since she was a baby we needed a more big girl grown up look!

So we went to a cute kids hair cut place called beaners {thanks for the recommendation Laura} cute kid friendly place, the kids had fun and lauren got to sit on a pink quad and watched Charlotte's web! Not to pricey either I thought.

So fun for her. It was spur of the moment so I didn't have my camera!

BUT LOOK WHAT WE DID TODAY!!!

{and I love it! and best of all so does she!!!}

So the evaluation of Laurens hair over the years!!

BEFORE'S

1 years old2 years old {little water fountains as we called them great pic to eh!!}

2 1/2 first glasses and pigtails

3 years old - the little pony on top

4 years old taken a couple of weeks ago with her side pony!

AND the AFTER

HOW CUTE IS SHE!!!

Anyway I'm glad we did it Have to admit I was nervous at first seeing them cut all her long curly hair off but it was worth it right!! Her brothers gave their approval and she can't wait to show Dad.. to cute!

ANyway have a great day and weekend -- MAKE it a great one!!!

{ Thankful Thursday }

I am so very thankful for all that I have. The reminders of all that is important in life continues to have a big impact on me.

I want to share a few links of people I know and one I don't. The struggles and trials these people are going through will remind you, like me, that we need to have more gratitude for all we are given and have. Even our worst days don't compare to what some go through everyday, and are going through right now, things no person ever thinks they will have to go through but are.

Reading these will make you fully aware of all that we are individually blessed with and all that we take for granted on a daily bases. Some will make you cry and others will remind you of what we need to be doing with today so we don't have a bunch of empty yesterdays. Some today's are all we have.

I hope they don't mind me sharing their stories and links

Our prayers and thoughts are with them all.

Cor

CJanerun

Lauren

Casey

"Count your many blessings name them one by one"

Reading these posts makes me do just that.

{So if you know of someone going through a tough time and want to share a link to there blog post a comment and add onto the list. Maybe in a small way we can all learn to be more aware of others and have more gratitude in our lives and somehow help others or know better how to help others. We never know what kind of battle everyone is facing. We all know someone in pain and there are so many suffering. }

{ Catch-Up }

Another fun filled weekend we got a lot accomplished, had a great thanksgiving day, spent time with family and as a family, played games, just enjoyed each others company. It snowed on saturday and the kids wanted to put the christmas tree up ha ha!

WE did tell them they'd have to wait awhile. Sad I know.

We also bought this beautiful painting by simon dewey {which isn't crooked on my wall but this picture makes it look like it is} anyway we love it and put it in our dining room.

Becky my vinyl decorating miracle worker came last week too and I can't wait to get my lettering up when it comes - so excited!

D and Kolt also organized the garage and cleaned it up and we ACTUALLY parked in the garage last night for the first time. Nice feeling. Also spent time with my sisters Saturday we got some wedding stuff planned out, did lunch and some shopping and had fun. Then Sunday was our last Sunday in our ward so sad, but its not like we moved out of town we WILL still see everybody! And of course Monday was Thanksgiving so it was a fun weekend.

So a few pics!

Masen is loving all the "twactors" and spends a lot of time in front of the window watching the new house construction he loves it!!
Love the drive to grandma and grandpa {both} houses - mountains, prairie, windmills, bales, rivers, endless fields

Made some buns {I am not a bun maker they never turn out like my mother in laws who's are the very best } for thanksgiving dinner and some jello salad
Ate to much food {and cranberry/sprite grape juice } Just can't eat anymore for a week ha ha!

Spent time with my sisters {and sis in law in red} we missed you Holli! It's kind of blurry cause D took a rapid amount of pics!

And on the way home last night the kids wanted to drive by the temple they love the temple and were listing all the things they were thankful for and the temple was on the top of there list they just love looking for it and seeing it!! So it was a great weekend! Hope everybody has a great week!

-------------------------------------

Also since I didn't do ME THINKS I just wanted to leave some links of things to think about::

1. PROTECT THE FAMILY The R house has a great post on it please read it esp. cali peeps, {scroll down about two posts} till you see this picture::}
And then this blog has an awesome post on MOTHERS. Its worth the read!

Enjoy!

{ Flashback Friday kind of..}

To all you Canadians On MONDAY!!!

Hope its a great weekend one full of thankfullness, food, family, fun!

Anyway, my sister did this on her blog so thought I’d give it a try for fun I’m on a roll this week eh! Guess I really missed blogging or something!

1. I've come to realize that my last kiss: Was a few minutes ago from Masen a big snotty one at that took me by disgusting surprise {but aren't those the best minus the snot lol}

2. Last night: was fun played some games with my kids, read to the kids, had prayer tucked them in - D had a meeting out of town so I relaxed and took a bath and read cleaned up and went to bed!


3. I drink: water because I love it


4. I eat: because if I didn’t I’d probably die


5. I love: My family


6. My bedroom is: the way I want it - almost


7. My love life: is none of your business ha ha


8. I hate it when people: are mean to others - especially children, and people who judge,


9. Love is: The essence of life


10. Marriage is: A journey through life together that makes life fuller and richer and bareable.


11. Somewhere, someone is thinking: about what choice to make.


12. I always: have a clean house


13. I have a secret crush on: as if -it ain't no secret


14. My cell phone: doesn’t exist cause I don’t have one


15. When I wake up in the morning: D’s usually already long gone at crazy early hour, I shower get ready, say my prayers read my scriptures, feed three kids breakfast ,get one in the shower, while that one pours a bath get the other two in the tub, get a lunch ready for kolty mon, make sure homework is completed and signed off, write a little note for Kolt, tell kids to hurry, hurry, get kids dressed, teeth brushed, hair gelled and done, coats on, shoes one knell done for family prayer and head out the door if its our morning to drive!


16. Before I go to bed I: tidy every room, check on my sleeping kids, lock the doors, brush my teeth, wash face, say prayers and read scriptures together and talk till we fall asleep.


17. Right now I am thinking about: how the kids finally went down for nap all of them and that I should jump on the treadmill while I can and that its FREEZING cold and that I’m excited to go on a date with D tonight,


18. Babies are: are something I pray for every night and hope to have at least one more of someday hopefully sooner then later.


19. My house: is getting to where I want it to be and can’t wait for the basement to be started and finished!


20. Today I: Woke up did all the previous I already said, then went to town and picked up dry cleaning stuff did some shopping, came home, made sure D remember to show the house at noon, went checked the mail, watched the pep/homecoming type parade through town it was kind of fun actually the kids loved it! Firetrucks and all they only thought there should be candy it was cute though, came home made lunch kolt got home feed him lunch started some laundry got all the kids down for a nap. Then sat down here to catch up on a few things for a minute and ended up doing this that’s only half my day so far!!


21. Tonight I will: Go to the temple with D and the kids get a grandma pajama party fun for all!

22. Tomorrow I will: Make a cake for a reception, hang out with my sis’ hopefully, and go to two wedding receptions

23. I really want to: To take a little vacation, sell our other house, adopt another baby, and slow down a bit. Always running!

Well have a great weekend ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS!!

{ Thankful Thursday...}

I am so so thankful for my life for the blessings of being a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a granddaughter, an aunt, and a friend. Think about all the titles you have and are. We are more important then we think we are some times.

So many people depend on us for so much besides to be example's. To teach. To learn from.

To be there. To enjoy each other. To embrace every one of our titles.

To do the best we can with them every day.

-----------------------

I'm loving the neighbours here we have a good car pooling schedule that hopefully will work good. But its just a relief not to have to go out every morning. There a lots of kids in our neighbourhood its fun the kids are loving it!

Yesterday a neighbour brought us a little housewarming gift {so so nice of her she is awesome- love her already so its fun to be neighbours now} anyway she brought us some cookies and a little craft the said Enjoy the little things. It's an awesome reminder for every day so I put it where I can see it everyday so I can remember -to enjoy the little things.

I love it and I'm so thankful for the kindness that others have shown and extended towards us as a family over the past little bit, well and always. We live in a great community. Lots of great people.

We have made so many great friends throughout our married life and we look forward to meeting new people and enjoying the friends we have now. I'm so grateful for friends.

-------------------------------

I'm so thankful for my children {I have some days I really enjoy them more like this.}

But these times I remember how much I love them and am so thankful to have them as part of our lives and family, do you ever watch your kids where they are sleeping and wonder whats in store for there lives and wonder what choices they will make or if they know how very much they are loved? So many fears, joys and thoughts.

I only hope what we teach them is instilled deep inside and will be a guide throughout their lives to live full, productive and happy lives.

I'm so thankful for the values and lessons in life I've been taught.

Masen is talking more and more and its really fun he is funny and likes to tease the other day

he says {after I got off the phone}

who dat mama: grama? dawna? livi? soren? BENIE {our friends dog} then he laughs

and of course we all had a good laugh.

I always find it amazing how much they know at such a young age and the things they pick up on! Bunch of comedian kids I have just like their dad ha ha!

What joy kids are most of the time eh!

Here's another one from little miss Lauren

L: mom can I please have a drink?

Me: Lauren I can't do three things at once just give me a minute then I will K be patient

Lauren : MARTHA CAN!!!

WHAT as in Martha Stewart??? {here Martha used to come on after cartoons and they loved to watch her cook or whatever she was doing sometimes obviously a few to many sometimes lol}

Anyway it gave me a good laugh!!! As if my four year old is comparing me to the ever- knowing amazingly- crafty- talented--- I can do three things at once MARTHA!!!!!

SO thankful for Martha influence in my four years old life ha ha!!

------------------------

So onto the next lesson in thankfulness I am so so sad to leave my calling {primary secretary} I love it and love the girls I work with we work so good together and they are really great friends we had a lot of good times and I know we will have more its not like we moved out of town.

D and I cleaned out our binders last night and today and got really sad to pass them on. We have been very blessed through D's service {as 2nd councillor in the bishopric} We've learned a lot and made great friends with the families he has worked with. It's different being in a position that requires a lot of time away from home its funny how I know that a lot of times I wished he didn't have to go to another meeting, or somebody else didn't need him or that the phone was always ringing for him.

But through it all we have been blessed with service and opportunities we never would have had otherwise and I'm thankful for the learning and growing we have done together as a couple, as a family and as a ward. I love this ward and the people we are all truly here to learn and grow from each other and value our differences and I have learned that a lot over the years and still continue to do so.

But like President Monson spoke about last Sunday in his message on Change that was a talk just for me. I know it will be fine and we have lots to learn and people to meet and hopefully lots of opportunity for service and growth. Life is about change and the older I get the more I'm learning from it. So I guess in return I am thankful for it too.

------------------------------------

I'm thankful that thanksgiving is coming up I love this time of the year fall crispy leaves, crisp air, turkey, potatoes, pies {actually all together to much food what spoiled people we are eh},

FAMILY, togetherness-- one of my favorite fall smells is burning leaves

I love that smell.

Thanksgiving stands for so much. GRATITUDE above all. But since HARVEST is winding down and that is a big factor in fall. Some of my favorite memories involve tractors and watching them do the rounds, round and round the field and the light shining in my bedroom window when I was younger- love it! Just seeing the fields full of round bales is one of my favorite things and I'm so thankful for our farmers and ranchers. Since that is our lively hood and D's families life. Its a good life. Hard working bunch. D and I spent a lot of dating months in the semi hauling hay or in the tractor baling. And I'm thankful for everyone of those memories and everyone of my family!!

Well have a great weekend and MAKE EVERYDAY COUNT!

{8 things Tag }

I got tagged a few days ago by Janeal so here goes my 8 Things Tag...

8 Things I am PASSIONATE About...

1. The Gospel
2. My Family
3. Adoption
4. being organized
5. helping others
6. Being a mom
7. Blogging
8. learning photography and crafty fun things


8 "words" or "phrases" I say way to often...

1. are you serious
2. j/k
3. so what else
4. don’t touch that
5. stop that
6. whatever
7. Are you Serious?!
8. That's awesome

8 Things I want to do before I die...

1. Adopt another child.
2. go on a mission with D
3. Travel the world
4. create all the wonderful memories I can for/ with my children
5. Learn all I can
6. go on a sisters trip just us girls and my mom
7. Raise happy and successful children who are respectful and make great choices
8. Be totally debt free

8 Things I have learned From my past...

1. Trials make us stronger if we let them and learn from them
2. You cannot please everyone
3. Remember what is most important -- right within our homes/ that those relationships and the way we treat others is what counts in the end!
4. Be happy. Be positive. Do the best you can with what you have.
5. Live Laugh love!
6. Don’t give or take offence
7. That everyday passes and tomorrow is a brand new day
8. Everybody is going through something and we should never judge cause we never know exactly what is going on or where they have been.

8 Places I would love to see...

1. Ireland
2. England
3. New Zealand
4. Australia
5. Italy
6. Hawaii
7. Maine and the states around there
8. Every temple there is they are all so beautiful!

8 Things I Currently Need or Want...

1. To feel fully organized again
2. To sell our other house
3. Be totally fit and toned
4. To get the basement done {I know impatient! I just moved in!}
5. To have a world free of every evil and disgusting thing there is!!
6. A vacation
7. Need to introduce myself to the neighbours and get to know them!
8. Another Baby !

8 More People I Tag!
1. Lynn
2. DJ
3. Kristyn
4. Laura
5. Jodi
6. Tiffany
7. Lyndsay
8. And whoever wants to do it!

{ ME THINKS..}

What a great conference weekend. I love conference. I love the constant messages of the Gospel the things we need to hear again and again -- to get it. I love how a talk can feel like it was written just for me at this moment in my life. Like president Monson's talk on Change the end of the first Sunday session. Loved it. So many great quotes. I loved the talks on UNITY on MARRIAGE, on HOPE loved that one we all need hope we need faith that goes along with it too and the HOPE of things to come. We all need these messages and they were so great just like every year. How exciting for Calgary, for Alberta to have three temples that is so awesome! Exciting for Kansas and Philly and ROME, ITALY too.

We went to the stake center for Sunday morn not a good idea we ended up in the hall for most of it its hard for kids to sit through it especially when its so dark they can't do anything either. But it was great all the same and they need to be there. I just love conference.

One of my many favorite quotes from conference:

"Despite the changes which come into our lives, and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days — as much as we can — with those things which matter most," President Monson said.

So for me at this time Awesome eh!

--------------------------------------

ME THINKS

-----------------------

"Being offended is a natural consequence of leaving the house”- Fran lebowitz

What a great quote.

I've been thinking a lot about people who get offended easily or take offence, especially when none was intended. There is to little time in this life and far to much time spent worrying about what so and so did or said or thought you said or meant.
If something is so offensive when it wasn't meant to be why can't we take it and learn from it and make ourselves better because of it.

Some people get so mad they write letters to all who offended them its so sad because if we did that every time we were offended we would be writing letters everyday to people. We would be a very unhappy people if we wasted our time taking offence to everything.

Life is to short for that. It only brings a person down.

Sometimes people get huffy and upset about something said or done instead of brushing it off and moving on forget about it - its not worth it.

WE CANNOT spend life caring about the stupidity of others or the audacity of others sometimes. What matters most is that we don't do it to others, that we better ourselves, take things for what they are worth and realize that we are all different.

Sometimes people take offence to things that weren't even meant to be offensive in the first place. But if it has to do with something we are personally struggling with, then sometimes it hurts to evaluate that comment or statement and why it hurt or effected us so much.

We are all working on things, struggling with something, and are all on the same journey in life just different paths.

I love the following quotes from a talk given by Elder David A. Bednar in 2006

"Though people may not intend to injure or offend us, they nonetheless can be inconsiderate and tactless. "

"When we believe or say we have been offended, we usually mean we feel insulted, mistreated, snubbed, or disrespected. And certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean-spirited things do occur in our interactions with other people that would allow us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else.

"You and I cannot control the intentions or behavior of other people.

However, we do determine how we will act."

-------------------------------------

"I will not willingly offend, Nor be easily offended; What' s amiss I'll strive to mend, and endure what can't be mended. -isaac watts

SO that's my me thinks this week. Something to think about.

Have an awesome week! Make it count.

{ Life. As. We. Know. It.}

IS.... almost back to normal again YEAH. I have a phone now and Internet is working it feels so good to be connected again. I'm sitting here listening to Conference and catching up on blogging and the kids are taking a well needed nap. I have missed blogging!!

SO I thought I'd just update what we are up to and have been up too in the last whirlwind of a month:

got moved {{ Crazy crazy }}

school started

ballet started

basketball started

preparing to move over to a new ward

got carpool started so much nicer!

Realized that space makes a big difference with the kids and me.

hate cleaning the old house

getting the old house all ready to sell

got my haircut and highlighted again today feels so much better.

trying to get things organized in the house.

get started on a fence and get the basement done.

had a big family party here last night {a lot of fun }

lost the fridge off the side of the truck finally got another one. a learned a vital lesson.

PTA meetings and school functions

family pictures done

spent a lot of money

Koltens cast off

D's birthday

---------------------------

But above most all these "things" I'm very THANKFUL for my little family. There patience over the last month in all the changes. Nothing is more important in this life then family. The more heartbreak and sadness I see in this world makes me hold my family a little tighter and think about the things that are most important.

---------------------------

So just a few pictures of random things

We are loving having a big mst bathroom what a nice change!

I'm loving having the stools and island I love having a snack ready for after schools for kolt and he loves it too!

We love the view from the back of the house you can see the lake and I love how it rained today and everything is still so so green for OCT!! Hasn't even snowed yet wow!

And the view of one of the Ranches D manages. love it. we are that much closer to living out of town we can at least see the wheat field and hear the tractors and see the stars so much clearer! Hopefully nobody builds a house there! For now we are enjoying it!

------------------------

So check this out free handbag contest who doesn't need another bag!!

------------------------

So life goes on eh! Hope everybody has a great weekend

Make it the best it can be!!