Bursting

This morning the door to my room creaked open at 5:30 am. A warm little body climbed in bed with me and shook with a cough. Knowing resistance was futile I offered to put on a little "show." He picked his "Chinese" show, "NiHao Kailan." Before I turned it on I noticed this little gem on my computer screen. Apparently Eli has an essay due in school today and he left it on the screen for my viewing pleasure.

Have you ever had a treasure? I don’t mean something material, like a million dollars, but a personal treasure. Something that means a lot to you, but next to nothing to the next guy. I have one. It is my Religion. Of course, I value my family, my friends, and all the other usual things. These are all very important, some more than others, but this is tied with my family for first. There are three reasons why I love the church.

The first reason I love it is because it keeps everyone involved. Not only do I go to church every Sunday, but I do every program my church has to offer. Given the amount of activities it does offer, this may seem like a burden, but it really isn’t. In fact, it takes a lot of stress off of my life. Also, our church is set up in a way that lets everyone talk about once a year, rather than having one person talk all the time. In fact, once a month, we have a meeting where anyone who wants to can get up and talk, 5-year-olds included. In fact, once there was a meeting where about 20 kids stood up and spoke to us. That meeting was a lot more interesting than having one guy talk the whole time.

Another reason I love the church is that it pulls families tighter together. In a recent study, it was found that 50% of all marriages today end in divorce. I estimate about 5% of all the families in our stake, or the general Spokane area of our religion, are divorced. Our Church does not force us to stay married, but it encourages it. The Church also strengthens sibling relationships. Our church is HUGE on family togetherness, and as such, I don’t hate any of my siblings. We have a program called Family Home Evening, where we do something fun every Monday night. These always make my family stronger.

My Coup de’ Grace, or most important thing, is that my church helps me be a better person. For example, whenever I walk to school, I play hymns—religious music—on my iPod. When I get to school, I am less stressed and more concentrated. I am also more driven to work hard. My standards are also higher when I obey church doctrine. People who would generally annoy me are less irksome if I’m in a good mood. I am also less likely to swear at somebody than the average person. This is partially because I grew up not swearing and think it is degrading, rather than “cool”.

To wrap this enchilada up, there are three reasons why the church rocks. It builds better commitments, better bonds, and better standards. This is my treasure, and though you may have a different opinion on what you believe, you cannot deny my church is built on good principals. Though we all have different treasures, they all hold a special meaning for each of us. My treasure is my religion. What’s yours?

This boy is my treasure. I am bursting with joy at what he taught me this morning. He was born in 1995 and a few months later President Hinckley presented the Family Proclamation at the Relief Society General Broadcast. Our family has been strengthened as we've followed the principles outlined by President Hinckley. Last year Sister Beck spoke on Standing Strong and Immovable. I was sitting next to my friend Kariann and we turned to each other after her talk and exclaimed, "that was awesome." I felt like I was set free that night to be the woman I've always wanted to be. I'm looking forward to Saturday where I will be changed again as I stretch to follow.

Family Reunion

Starting Off My Monday

The kids had just left for school and I was scurrying about trying to clean the kitchen when I caught Lily trying to photocopy pages from the Friend Magazine. In an effort to distract her I pulled her on my lap and started reading the stories from this month's issue. For some reason the stories reduced me to a puddle of tears. Maybe it was the re-confirmation of the confirmation I received yesterday during our great Sacrament meeting talks on strengthening the family and becoming a disciple of Christ. Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the responsibility of it all but moments like this morning strengthen me and make me realize I can do it.

My Domestic Bliss--Part 2

Encouraged by yesterday's canning success, I decided to try my hand at breadmaking. I've wanted to try this recipe for several months now and today was the today. It was so easy that I wondered why I haven't been making bread for years. I grew up on homemade whole wheat bread so I don't know why this has been so long in coming. Lily and Jack helped with the entire process and I rewarded them by letting them make cinnamon rolls with the leftover dough.

My Domestic Bliss

Watching this.....

go to thisIs pure bliss

Inspired by my sister-in-law Staci. Notice her cute labels.

Rise & Shout

Rise and shout the Cougars are out,

Along the trail to fame and glory
Rise and shout,
Our cheers will ring outAs you unfold your victory story.
On we go to vanquish the foe

For alma mater's sons and daughters As we join in song
Our faith is strong

We'll raise our colors high in the blue

and cheer our cougars of BYU!Gooooooo Cougars!

The end.

Back to School 08

The 8th Grader--Up at the crack of dawn ready to get back in the groove. The Elementary School Kids Anna--1st grade here she comes.Jonah in his final year of elementary school.Emma--how is she already in 3rd grade?The fabulous back to school breakfast that was supposed to be a monster puff pancake with fresh peaches.
Getting off the bus Busy at her desk.Jonah getting off the bus.First Grade Rocks!

Afternoon Kindergarten Self Portrait
School starts tomorrow for him.
Afternoon date with my handsome boy.

I love the first day of school. It's a time of renewal and starting over. I love seeing my kids interact with their friends and their teachers. I love that our 5th child entered the same school all her siblings have attended. I love that my children are shining examples of goodness to their peers. I love my husband that gave them blessings last night to prepare them for the year ahead.