Sweet Sister

I knew today was going to be a good day when I woke up on time, got totally ready for my day and went to go wake the girlies up and found them reading books in bed with their lamp on. They are so sweet and such a blessing. I hope they stay this sweet forever.

Lamanites and Nephites

I have the sweetest, funniest girls. I am blessed in this alone, but even more so when their imaginitive playfulness just makes me so happy. This morning as I was cleaning up our breakfast dishes and tidying the kitchen the girls were playing their version of Ammon and the sheep in the living room. In our family scriptures study we are currently reading about the great missionary Ammon (you can check out the reference here to know more of the context). The girls love to act out everything they read or watch or hear, so this was no exception. I was cracking up as I saw them set up one of their dolls and name him King Lamoni, get their stuffed animal sheep to go by their waters of "sea-bus" and then take turns being Ammon and a bad Lamanite. Abbie would wrap her arms around Lauren and carry her to the doll, then Lauren would go tend the sheep and Abbie would grab it and run all over with it. Of course, Lauren would chase her and try to chop her arms off with her hand and take the sheep back to where it started. And on and on they played. And on and on I just smiled and laughed. I am so blessed that they are really applying the scriptures to their lives.

Dad to the Rescue

Today I did some bad planning; well, actually yesterday I did and I felt the consequences of it today. I didn't realize our car was low on gas until we were almost home last night, but our car's computer gives us a mileage countdown until empty and so we thought we'd have enough to make it through Sunday and be able to get more gas on Monday so we just finished coming home. Well, today the numbers jumped way down and on my way to choir in the evening I realized I probably wouldn't have enough to even get home again and definitely not enough to get home and then back into town to get gas on Monday. It was a pretty embarrassing situation to find myself in, but I knew I didn't want to break the Sabbath and go buy gas on Sunday. It's kind of a personal Sabbath day observance standard for me, and I know it's not for everyone, but for me it was important and I realized I really should have planned ahead more and be prepared for Sunday. Anyway, I am blessed that I was able to talk to my Dad at choir and ask if he had a gas can at home that he could let me put in the car so I wouldn't have to go buy any. He said yes, and was my hero for getting me out of a circumstance I should have never gotten myself into.

A Lazy Morning

Today I was so blessed to have a relaxing morning and to sleep in. This week was so busy and it was nice to not have any scheduled plans for today and to take it easy and enjoy our family time together at home. Plus, catching up on sleep is always a blessing : ).

Stand Up Comedy

This is not a joke. Tonight I did a ten minute stand up comedy bit at our ward's talent show. I didn't decide until yesterday that I was going to do it and I didn't write most of my material until today. Despite this last minute preparation it went so well. Better than I was even hoping for. Comedy is so tricky because you're either going to be a huge success or you're going to train wreck, and I really did not want to train wreck. I feel blessed today for many things: for the idea to try this, for the love of the people in my ward who I felt I could reveal this part of me to, for the ideas for material that would relate to the audience, for a great sister who came over and let me practice and gave me suggestions so I would be confident, and just for the guts that it took for me to do this. It really made me feel good to try something new and be successful at it.

Everything Working Out

Today was a really fun day where I just feel blessed for everything working out. I had an appointment in Lacey that I was able to go to. My Mom went to preschool with Abbie. Lauren and I ran a couple errands. We had a great lunch together. The girls took good naps. We had a fun idea to celebrate the Sesame Street birthday and we went for it. The girls had fun making the cupcakes and cleaning up for their friends to come over. We called our friends and auntie and they could make it at the last minute. And we had a wonderful time. I love days when everything just seems to fall into place- even if it's at the spur of the moment.

Last Minute Appointment

I feel very blessed today that I was able to secure a doctor's appointment for tomorrow at the last minute. My Mom is going to fill in for me and volunteer at Abbie's preschool so I can go, and I'm just so thankful that I don't have to wait until Christmas Eve (the next available appointment) to go.

Surprise Package

Today we were blessed with a surprise package from some relatives in Arizona. It was so fun and totally unexpected and Lauren was thrilled with the contents- clothes for her! The clothes are beautiful and in such great condition; I truly feel a little spoiled at this unexpected blessing.

Let There Be Paint

I have been painting! It has been so wonderful and with each wall I do I am more excited to see the final vision I have for each space be realized. I am blessed to live in a nice house and to have the opportunity to truly make it into a home.

Help in the Classroom

I absolutely love helping in Abigail's preschool classroom. It is so fun to be with the kids and to see Abbie in that environment. Every time I just feel so blessed for the great preschool that we found for her and for all the research and visits I did last year to choose a preschool. Kids are all so fun, but the preschool age is really terrific because they're all so excited about learning new things and it's fun to see them socialize and interact with each other because they're still all so new at it. I am blessed for the opportunity I have to volunteer in the classroom and for Grandma to have a fun morning with Lauren whenever I do. It just works out so nicely and is a great blessing.

Abbie's FHE Lesson

Tonight was Abigail's first time to give a lesson at family night. It was so fun and a great blessing to help her prepare throughout the day and especially nice to enjoy her sweet little spirit and testimony when she gave her little lesson. The girls really get excited about family night on Mondays and it's fun to have them start helping teach the lessons now too.

Extra Sleep!

Today we set the clocks back an hour and got an extra hour of sleep! I'm not too crazy about it getting darker earlier at night or adjusting the girls' schedules, but I do like that extra sleep. And as a busy Mommio, sleep is a blessing : ).

A Star Wars Halloween

Our Halloween was great this year! I think the biggest blessing was my super sweet husband who is such a good sport and made the day so fun. He not only dressed up in his full-blown (and very handsome) Luke Skywalker costume, but he also was so helpful in getting my C3PO costume assembled and put on me (all the individual pieces take a while to get tied or taped on). He's my hero day in and day out and today was no exception- we had a very happy Halloween together.

Pre Halloween Playdate Party

Every Friday we have a playdate with our friends the Haskells and their sweet twin daughters and today we decided to have a little Halloween celebration with all the girls. We didn't do too much planning for it, but it turned out so great and fun. They brought treats and balloons and we all dressed up, had a costume parade and just had fun together. These visits are really such a blessing and today was just extra special and fun.

"Mama Mamows" is Home

My Mom is back from her trip and the girls were so excited to get over to her house and have fun with her. We are so blessed to live so close to my parents and to have them be such an integral part of the girls' lives. They love their Mama Mamows (Grandma Marshmallows) and were so happy to play with her and make cookies with her today.

Four and a Half

Today is Abigail's half birthday! I can hardly believe that she is 4.5- only six more months until 5 (aaah!). It was extra special today, though because she took the picture of her in the hospital with Drew and I that she has by her bed to preschool for show and tell and got to share with her friends about when she was a baby and how she's so big now. She really is so big and has been such a wonderful four and a half years. We are so blessed for her.

Pumpkin Carving

Pumpkin carving has always been a little wild at our house- one year Drew and Abbie wrestled in the guts, last year the girls climbed in the empty pumpkins and this was the year for laughter. The girls had a ball cleaning out their pumpkins and were so giggly! I caught some on video and they even laugh when they watch it : ). It is always just such a blessing to see the girls so happy and tonight it was just so contagious- I loved it!

Primary Program

Today was Abigail's first time in a primary program! She had a simple part: "Pray always," but the hard part was sitting still with all her friends for the remainder of the meeting- especially when she never got to practice sitting up in front. It was a very entertaining meeting, but full of the spirit too. Children have such sweet (and energetic) spirits and it is truly a blessing to partake of their sweet testimonies through song and word.

Girl Day and Daddy Day

Today was a fun day! The girls and I were busy with gymnastics and shopping and seeing a movie together and Drew had a morning to himself to go hike Mt. Ellinor and just get some of his needed relaxation time. It really was a blessing to be with my girlies and have a fun mommy-daughter day and it also is a blessing to let Drew get the time he needs to unwind and be up in the mountains where he loves to be.

Perm Time

Today I was blessed to follow through with my idea and get a perm! I've been wanting to go curly for quite a while now, but keep getting talked out of it or being unsure, but I feel blessed that I was able to make an appointment and go for it. My stylist was really fun and I'm so excited to have fun (and easy to maintain!) curls for a while. Plus, the several hours at the salon are always a blessing of relaxation : ).

Family Time at the Pumpkin Patch

Today we were so blessed to get to keep our tradition of going to the pumpkin patch as a family. Abbie's preschool had it as a field trip, but Drew was able to get a couple hours away from work to meet us there and have fun with us. Daddy was truly the highlight of the trip for the girls. What a blessing that he could come with us.

Swim as a Fam

Tonight we went to the pool again as a family and it was such a blessing to have fun together and get some time to swim laps and teach the girls some more swimming skills. These girls are so fun in the water! Lauren is a little diving board dare devil and Abbie has been getting so good at swimming on her own and it is so fun to see their progression.

Green Tomatoes

Recently I read a little tip to bring all your green tomatoes in before a heavy frost and keep them in a shoebox to turn red and it has totally worked for us! It has been such a blessing to have plenty of tomatoes that are ripening gradually and I'm so glad that we didn't have to have all our green tomatoes go to waste. I'm looking forward to a few more weeks of home grown tomatoes- yum!

Boots for Lauren

Today we got Lauren some rain boots! She's been wanting to hop in puddles like her big sis and while we were at Goodwill today we found some just her size. She was so excited and grateful for her new boots and we were so blessed to find them and so blessed that she doesn't mind that they were used : ).

Pumpkins with Melissa

Tonight we were so blessed to have a surprise visit and activity with Aunt Melissa! She is so fun and such a blessing to be near us for a few more months. She brought the girls each a pumpkin and had a set of animal decorations to stick into the pumpkins and make cute little faces and it was the perfect activity for them and the perfect break for me!

VT with Lauren

This morning I did my visiting teaching with my little helper, Lauren. It's nice to spend more one on one time with her now that Abbie has preschool some morning and it was fun to have her tag along with me as we visited a dear friend. She also loved being the big girl and holding my companion's new little baby. Lauren was so excited that she got to ride in our car and kept saying, "Baby, baby." Lauren is a little rascally sometimes when it comes to visiting teaching and sitting still, but it is such a blessing for her sweet spirit to come along and for her to experience the blessing of visiting teaching with me.

Temple Day for Grandpa

Today was a miraculous and wonderful day that I don't think I will ever in this life or the eternities forget. I am so blessed. Today my parents, Melissa and I went to the temple to do vicarious work for my Grandpa Linn. We did lots of other family names as well, but the whole day was mostly dedicated to getting his ordinance work done. I've had a picture of my grandpa holding me when I was a little girl on my desk for the last year (exactly, he passed away one year ago today) and today I felt impressed to take the little frame and photo with me to the temple. I kept it in my locker and looked at it often and felt such peace and joy and love for him and for the work we were doing. The most memorable impression I had, though, today was when we sealed my Mom to her parents. I was overflowing with happiness and could feel my grandparent's happiness as well as there is now a chain connecting them to my Mom and my Mom to me and me to my girls. Grandpa loved his little girlies while he was alive and I know that he and grandma and the girls are now sealed together and that they can now be together forever. Beautiful blessing.

Last Minute Inspiration

Today I feel so blessed that I was able to come up with a project idea and execute it (with Drew's help- thanks, Babe!) and have it turn out so well. I know procrastination isn't the best mindset, but sometimes it is such a blessing to have something turn out so well- even at the last minute. Tomorrow is Melissa's birthday and I've just been debating what to make for her and today I finally solidified my idea and went for it and I think she'll really like it.

Great Nursery

Today was a fabulous Super Saturday activity that I thoroughly enjoyed- and the best part? The nursery! What a blessing it is to socialize, craft some projects, and enjoy a tasty lunch while knowing that my kiddos are safe and having a ton of fun - and being fed! I was just so impressed and thankful for the nursery that was provided during today's activity so that I could really enjoy myself and get my projects done. Every time I went to check on the girls they were just having more and more fun- what a great, great blessing for me today.

First Halloween Party

Tonight was a little crazy- we went to a Halloween Carnival at Veronica's new ward in Silverdale and had a lot of fun. The crazy part was that Drew and I were in full costume, but hardly anyone else was (including kids). We just decided to roll with the punches and have a good time nonetheless (good call) and I'm so happy that we did. Because of my bright and shiny costume we were able to meet several people in the ward- so Veronica will know some people better- plus there is something just so funny about a gawking child who can't take their eyes off you : )!! It was especially fun and a great blessing to see Abigail and Lauren just having a wonderful time. I've been working hard on finishing their costumes and they just were so cute and comfortable, and were having a fun time running about.

New Mutual Night

Tonight is our new mutual night for the indefinite future. The switch has been fun and it was such a blessing tonight to see so many youth- from both wards- gathered together and feel the spirit that these future leaders have. I am so blessed to be involved with these great young people and am happy to know and love them.

Last Harvest

Autumn is upon us and it is time to reap what we've sown in our garden. What a blessing it is to have a garden! I am honestly just as fascinated as my kids when it comes to the miracle of how plants grow- it's just amazing to me that we can grow and eat our own food from just a tiny little seed. Our pumpkins are still on the vine, but other than that the girls and I harvested all our other veggies and fruits today. We've had some successes and some failures with our gardening attempts, but I am so blessed that we just tried and are able to experience growing our own food- what a blessing.

GC and Family Time

Today was more General Conference! I've learned so much and want to do so much better at being a disciple of Christ. Another little thing I love about conference is watching all of the church commercials between sessions. There is such real application in our life and I like the quote to, "Give your family everything. Give them your time." Time with family is truly so important- our little family and our extended family. It was fun after conference today to talk to our family and friends on skype and be connected with them even though we're so far apart and then to got to a family dinner at my parent's house. I am so blessed for a wonderful family and for wonderful technology that lets us stay connected with them and watch a worldwide broadcast from our home.

Mommy Daguhter Date

Today was the first day of General Conference and it was so wonderful. I love conference! I love that we can watch it from home- the girls can do quiet activities and watch during the fist session and then be in the next room napping during the next session. I am also blessed for the priesthood session and for the opportunity it gives us girls to go have some fun together while Daddy is fulfilling his priesthood duties. Tonight the girls and I went to a gymnastics open gym at the gymnastics center where Abigail starts classes next week. It was so fun to see the girls so excited to have free reign on the equipment and for me to to what little I could to help them.

Court

This afternoon was looong. Much longer than I anticipated, but I still feel quite blessed for the opportunity and the ability that I had to go to court to support my friends.

Swimming With Daddy

Tonight we took the girls swimming and Drew was Super Dad to get in with the girls while I felt sickish, but warm on the sidelines. These girls love to swim and it was fun to watch how much they've progressed by swimming in the lake this summer. I'm so blessed for Drew being so fun and willing to take the girls in the pool by himself, and it was such a blessing to witness how much Abigail and Lauren really love the water and spending time with their Daddy.

Missed Church

I am still feeling quite sick, especially this morning and so I missed church while Drew and the girls went. And I am blessed to realized something: I really did miss church. I missed going and hearing testimonies, I missed all the young women, I missed learning more about the history of the restoration, I missed sending the girls off to primary, I missed being able to take the sacrament, I missed hearing Lauren 'sing' during the meeting, I missed sitting by Drew all dressed up, I missed visiting with friends. I guess I feel blessed to realize that even though I was too sick to go today, that when you miss church you really do miss out and I'm excited to not miss any more (and to be healthy).

Fun Visit with Friends

Today I woke up not feeling the greatest, I think I've been tiring myself out a lot more than I realized for last night's event, but I am blessed that I still was able to supervise the visit with our friends and their sweet girls. Every time I pick up these sweet girls my spirits are raised- they have so much love and innocence- and enthusiasm. I was also blessed today that Melissa spent the night last night and was able to have a little extra time with my girls this morning while I went to pick up the twins. It's always easier when there are less carseat buckles to strap : ). Today was just a great visit and I feel blessed that I felt well enough.

OSCARS Night

Tonight was a success. I am so blessed. Blessed for great ideas from these wonderful young women; blessed for the ability to delegate and the wonderful follow through of those I asked to help; blessed for the inspiration to make this night a reality; blessed for a portion of Heavenly Father's love for his sweet daughters; blessed for these great young women. Throughout the entire experience of planning and preparing this night I have felt closer to my Father in Heaven and have felt that I am truly consecrating my talents to help build up His kingdom. I have been overwhelmed with love for the young women in our ward and am so glad that they were able to have this wonderful night where they could be the stars that I know they are. Tonight was the first time, in a long time, that I truly felt the words "well done, my good and faithful servant" from my Heavenly Father. I want to do more, to give more, to love more, and to be more like my Savior so that I can keep this feeling.

The Perfect Awards

I have been busy getting ready for tomorrow's big OSCARS night for Young Womens and something that I've been procrastinating to make sure I found something just right were the awards for the girls to win and today I am so blessed to have them all ready to go and to have them turn out so perfect! I am so happy with them and feel so blessed that Drew scouted them out for me and that he even painted them to have them turn out just how I wanted. They are just right and I am so thankful.

In Abbie's Classroom

Today was a very eventful day, but the biggest blessing to me was to be able to volunteer in Abigail's preschool class. My sweet Mom watched Laurie Lou so I could go and it was so wonderful to help all the kids and get to know them better, and to see firsthand how Abigail interacts with others and behaves in her classroom. The best part was their outdoor play, when she really wanted me to come and see the playground and all her favorite play equipment. I love this girl and I'm so glad that I found such a wonderful preschool that had everything I was looking for for her, and that, even though we're working on transitioning into us both getting used to not being together 100% of the time, that we both still love every minute that we can be.

Girl Time

Today was a hard day for me. Things didn't go quite the way I had hoped and I was feeling pretty down and sad about it, but Drew was able to help me brighten my perspective and bless my day by telling me to go have some fun with my girlfriends. Have I mentioned how wonderful my husband is? I could basically just post about him and how he blesses my life and makes me happy every day- he is so wonderful. Today he really knew what I needed even if I didn't and watched the kiddos so I could clear my head and have some fun with friends. I am so blessed.

Ward Activity

Tonight was our ward's Fall Food Fest activity and it was lots of fun. The food was great- Lauren ate three corn on the cobs- three!- there was yummy salmon, warm chili, corn, and even ice-cream for dessert. Drew and I were asked to plan activities for the kids after the meal and it was nice to see Drew step up to the task (even though he didn't want to at first) and to see the kids have so much fun. It was a little stressful to me at times with the logistics of watching our kids and so many others, but I think it went well and that everyone had fun. I feel blessed especially I guessed that Drew as so much fun and that we were able to host the games together.

Sisters at the Field Trip

Today was a fun morning, because us three girls got to be together and Lauren got to share in Abigail's preschool experience. Today was Abbie's first class field trip to a farm and it was so great to watch how protective and proud Abbie is of her little sister, Lauren. She wanted to make sure that Lauren was safe and that she got to do everything that she did. At snack time it was extra sweet to see them sitting side by side with another one of Abbie's friends and just be so loving and such good friends. I really hope that their relationship will stay like this- that they'll be best friends and love that they get to be with each other.

Show and Tell

Today was Abigail's first Show and Tell in preschool and it was so fun for Lauren and I to peak in from the hall and watch her. The purpose of Show and Tell is to let the kids practice speaking in front of groups and listen to others speak as well, and it was nice to see Abigail expanding her comfort zone and not be too shy with her new friends. I think it will be fun to look back at this day over the years as her public speaking skills expand and her opportunities increase. I'm blessed to have witnessed this today.

Regional Conference

This morning we were blessed to attend our Stake Conference for church, which was actually a broadcasted regional conference for all of Washington and Alaska. We were blessed to get an extra hour to sleep and get ready this morning, to attend in our home building, to sit in our usual spot, and to even watch and listen to the prophet, which was such a great surprise. The girls didn't behave their best, but probably better than they would have done at a traditional stake conference, and I think every opportunity for them to hear and see President Monson is a great blessing.

Camping for a Day

Today we decided to spend the day at our favorite camp spot, Zion's Camp. Instead of doing our traditional camp routine and going last night, we just went for the day and it was so great to still have so much fun with our friends and little family, without all of the added packing and planning. It's such a blessing spending quality time together as a family, and it was so great today to all go canoeing together for the first time and to have lots of fun at the beach and around the park. Because we just went for the majority of the afternoon and morning, we were also able to let the girls take their naps, stay on a good schedule, and Drew and I were able to go to the adult session of stake conference as a date night. What a fun and blessed day!

Check List

All week I have been working hard to coordinate and accomplish the many things I am juggling right now- a lot of it is Quadrant 2 stuff that is important but not urgent (although some of them were starting to get urgent by the end of the week). Today I feel very blessed to have finished my checklist for the week and to have managed my time better than I sometimes do. I know that is one of Satan's sneakiest tools- to keep us busy doing unimportant things, or even less important things, and I am blessed for staying focused and accomplishing my checklist of important things. I hope to continue this.

Surprise Visit With Friends

Today was a very very busy day, but I feel so blessed that we had some free time so that when our friends from out of town called and said they were coming for the afternoon we were able to make it work to visit with them. Last minute things can sometimes be the best blessings- especially for detail-oriented planners, like me- it's nice to just have something come up and then work out. And today I feel so blessed that we were available and that we could spend some quality time with our friends, even with little notice.

Appointment

I am so blessed this day. I have been dreading this day for quite some time now because of an appointment I had and a procedure I imagined going terribly awry. I am blessed that everything went smoothly. I am blessed that I remembered to ask my Father in Heaven for help, that He heard and answered my prayer, that my heart was set at ease, and that everything went well.

A Preschooler

Today I am blessed for a sweet, confident, and lovable four year old. She is getting so big! Today was Abigail's first day of preschool and I am blessed for her. I am blessed for a sweet little two year old sister who loves and misses her big sister badly, but had lots of fun and helped me be a little bit stronger because she was so strong. I am blessed for a great preschool. I love Abbie's preschool, and I know that after all my research and visits and charts of available preschools that she is in the one that's right for her. I am blessed for this new little season in life; it's a bit of adjusting to not have Abigail around for a couple hours, but I know that it will help both her and I transition into her school years. I am blessed for my preschooler.

Father's Blessing

Tonight Drew gave Abigail a father's blessing before she begins preschool tomorrow. My heart was so touched and I feel so blessed to have witnessed this beautiful moment. I am blessed to have the priesthood in our home, and for a man who is so worthy and ready to use it. I am blessed for a sweet daughter, who doesn't understand everything, but understands enough to know how special a blessing is. I am blessed for a Heavenly Father who I know wants to bless us.

Temple Day

Today was a wonderful, joyous day filled with blessings. Melissa received her endowment in the temple today and it was so wonderful to be with her and share in her beautiful blessing. The whole day was dedicated to being in the house of the Lord. We arrived early and stayed late and it was truly a spiritually enriching Saturday. I am blessed for a family that really supports each other: for a sister who watched our girls literally all day long so we could be with Melissa, for a Mom and Dad who do such great family history work so that we can do sacred ordinance work for those we love- and who also buy us tasty dinner, for a sweet husband who cleared his schedule for the day and drove both ways, and for a wonderful sister who is so good and worthy and wanted to share her day with us.

Sister Talk

Today I feel blessed for the opportunity I had to have some great one on one time with my little sis, Melissa. It wasn't really planned, but it definitely seemed meant to be- we both were thinking of each other and hanging out with one another when we called, and I think it was a blessing that we had that special time to be together, eat yummy food, and just talk.

SuperHero Sister

What would my superhero do? They would let me sleep in, play with my kids, bring me breakfast in bed, let me take a hot shower, help me get excited for the day, and not make me feel guilty for any of it. Today my sister was my superhero. Seriously she is such a blessing to me- so much so that I do feel so spoiled when she comes over, spends the night, and asks if she can take over in the morning. To a mom like me this is one of the best blessings I could ever think of.

Game Plan

Today I feel so blessed to have a tentative game plan in life. I know you can't really plan your life- or at least that things don't always go according to any plan in life, but I feel so blessed today that Drew and I could talk and talk and get our priorities and plans figured out. I, of course, love plans, and am so grateful to be guided by an eternal plan of happiness- I just needed a five year Stephens Family plan of happiness. And I feel so blessed that we were able to take the time to talk to each other and to the Lord and make our plan.

Painting with Grandma

This morning the girls were very eager to do some painting, something that ends up being neglected a lot during our warm summer months. It was so fun to watch the girls interact with their grandma and let her teach them some of her great skills at painting. It was fun for me to sit back, observe, and take pictures of them painting together, and it made our painting time today an extra blessing.

Stress Talk

Today I was blessed to have a wonderful talk with Drew's mom, Jean that really helped destress me. I've had quite a few different things on my mind that have seemed to be unneedingly stressing me out, and it was so great to talk through it with her and to ultimately realize that I don't need to be stressed and how to have a better outlook. I don't know if she even realized how much I needed that conversation, but it truly was a blessing to me today.

Butterfly Timing

Today we had such a fun day up in Seattle with Drew's parents. We planned the day kind of at the last minute, but were so blessed with the way everything worked out! We had a safe drive, Drew found some affordable parking, we had yummy food, beautiful weather, and a great time at the Seattle Pacific Science Center. The biggest highlight and blessing of the day for me, though, was while we were in the Tropical Butterfly House. The girls LOVED seeing all of the butterflies- it was truly amazing- and we were so blessed to have great timing while we were in their and looking at the chrysalis display to actually see a butterfly emerge from it's chrysalis. It's an event that we've explained to the girls, but it was truly so wonderful to watch it first hand and for them to see the process of a beautiful butterfly emerging.

Grandma and Grandpa to Visit!

We are so blessed this weekend to have Drew's parents here to visit. The girls love grandma and grandpa and it is so gracious of them to travel all the way here just to see us, even without any big event or holiday. We are so blessed with such wonderful family, and our girls are so blessed to be so loved by so many people.

Big Girls Lunch

Today I feel extra blessed for such a sweet sister and future brother in law. Veronica and John have been wanting to take Abigail and Lauren out to lunch, which I think is so sweet, and it was such a blessing to drop the girls off at the restaurant with them, know their having a wonderful time, and get a lot of errands done around town that I've been wanting to do for a long time. Abigail now has her bank account reopened after a bank error closed it down over a year ago- it was kind of embarrassing explaining to the teller the problem that was so old and that I just haven't had an opportunity to take care of it since then (waiting in long lines at the bank with two rascally girls is just something I don't want to do), but it was such a blessing to have the chance to get that done! All the while the girls had a wonderful lunch at Happy Teriyaki, which is their favorite.

Family Dinner

Today I feel very blessed for the opportunity we had to attend a big family dinner in honor of Tabitha leaving for college this week. We are so blessed to live so close to my family- and it's even more apparent now as Tabby's getting ready to go to college, Melissa's getting ready to go on her mission, and Veronica's getting ready to get married. It was so fun tonight to be all together (except we missed you, Josh!) and enjoy a wonderful meal as a family.

FHE Lesson Application

Tonight we had a quick family night and I am amazed at the blessings we receive by following this simple commandment. I wasn't prepared to give a big lesson so I was thinking to wait until tomorrow night, but Drew stepped up and did the lesson on a whim and we were blessed because of it! He read an article in The Friend to us and the girls were really into it- I was so surprised that Abbie really comprehended the story and even applied it to her life. Part of the story, "Tangerines," was about asking before we take something and Abigail quickly pointed out how that was like us and our neighbor, Tony, with his blueberries. She explained how even though he said we could pick his blueberries whenever we want, we should always ask first and then say thank you. !! This was a great parenting moment of joy- she is really learning and picking up on things and to finish the evening off she drew a picture of her and Tony, our neighbor, and his blueberry bush. What a big blessing for me as the mom : ).

6 Year Anniversary

Today is Drew and my six year anniversary! Six years seems like so long, but looking back it has gone by so fast. Even though we didn't really celebrate our anniversary officially today it was still such a wonderful day. We were blessed to attend the wedding reception for my good friend, Jessica, and it was so beautiful. It is really is such a blessing to share in the joy of others and I am just especially happy for her. It was so sweet to hear her, her new husband, and her two kids singing "Families Can Be Together Forever" at the reception and it was a perfect reminder of the blessings our sweet little family receives, on this our anniversary.

Shopping

Today my Mom and I took the girls 'back to school' shopping together and it was a fun afternoon letting the girls try on and pick out some clothes, spoiling them with Icees and eating dinner together. Abbie is only getting ready for preschool, but they both seem so big already and it was a blessing to go have some 'big girl' fun together.

Melissa's Mission Call

Today my sister received her mission call to the Lisbon Portugal mission. Our family is so blessed already by Melissa choosing to serve a mission and it was so wonderful to gather together as a family and feel the Spirit as she opened her letter from the First Presidency. What a blessing.

Sick Day

Today I was sick. Sick, sick, sick! I feel so blessed, though that I was given the opportunity to really get myself healthy again. Sometimes the best remedy is just rest and sleep, but as a mom that is usually hard to get. I was so blessed today! Drew took the girls to my Mom's house on his way to work and she watched them for most of the day, and then when Drew got home he watched them all evening so I could keep resting. It is sometimes hard for me to just lay down and rest, even when I'm sick- I just think I should be doing something, but I know it was a blessing today and I'm ready to be healthy tomorrow!

Sweet Twins

Today I was blessed by performing an act of service. I know that as we serve others we are blessed, but today the blessing seemed so immediate that it was extra special. I am helping supervise some playdates with our friends and their twin daughters and today was the first one. I was very disappointed at first that everything didn't go quite as smoothly as I was hoping- car seats weren't ready so I had to drive all the way back, have some brought and then go get the girls again. But it was such a blessing to finally bring the girls to our home and see them so excited to visit with their parents. These girls just always put a smile on my face. They are so excited to see me and my girls and their sweet personalities just really brightened my day and I feel very blessed to be a part of their day every week.

Family Photo Shoot

Tonight we were blessed to spend our FHE getting our family pictures taken. It wasn't the idyllic setting you might think of- it was drizzly and raining most of the time, Lauren kept falling in the mud and got really dirty, we had to threaten milkshakes multiple times, and Drew and I both did get frustrated and times with the girls not listening. But, despite all that I am grateful for the opportunity to be together and get some pictures taken together. I'm grateful for a good friend who is a talented photographer, and I'm confident that we will still end up with some great pics despite all of our craziness.

Girl Day

Today I was literally spoiled! I had almost the entire day to myself to be with friends and enjoy a little break from the daily routine. Drew is my super hero- he took the girls to go have some fun in the morning so I could get everything ready for the baby shower I was hosting; he watched and played with all the kids who came to the baby shower; he watched our girls while I went to another baby shower; and he volunteered to watch a friend's kids with ours so she and I could both go out on a girls night with more friends! I hope he is blessed for spending his entire Saturday with kids and I know I was blessed to have a girl day- so much so that by the end of it I just wanted to get back to Drew and my girls. What a blessing.

Duddles

Little Lauren is a cuddle bug! She loves cuddling, and when it sometimes gets a little old I just keep reminding myself that these are precious moments and she won't want to cuddle me forever. This perspective makes me so grateful for her loving cuddles and I want to enjoy them for as long as I can. I am so blessed for her and for her sweet "Duddle me, Mommy. Duddle me" requests.

Finger Painting

Tonight I was in charge of our Young Womens activity and I feel very blessed that it went so smoothly. At first I was worried that no one was going to show up, but we ended up with quite a few girls and we all had lots of fun doing some old school finger painting and decorating for our value posters.

Aunt Melissa

How can I not feel so blessed for such a wonderful sister and such a great aunt for my girlies? I think Melissa is so awesome and exemplifies Christ pure love of service. She watched the girls for us when we were gone these last few days and it is such a big blessing to know that they are having fun while we are away. I was also very happy to find out that she was exhausted when we got back and hadn't showered in two days- that made me feel pretty good : ).

Prayers Answered

Today was a hard day. It was a tough decision day and it seems like Drew and I keep putting ourselves in positions to make tough choices and it really is hard work that drains me. I don't want to write too many details right now, but I do want to acknowledge the major blessings that we have been receiving from the Lord. I know that my prayers are answered. I know that I have a Father in Heaven who knows me and loves me and listens to my pleadings. I am grateful that His love is unconditional and that no matter what He puts up with all of my follies and selfishness and mistakes.

Drew and I have been fasting and praying for a couple things and those prayers have been answered. Line upon line each petition has been granted, and even today, our final one was answered, just not in the way we were expecting. I am grateful for this opportunity to put our faith in the Lord and to grow closer together to Drew in this process.

Food at Last

Today was a looong day of driving. We drove nine hours to our destination and then kept driving and driving to discover more about the area. And at the end of the day it was such a blessing to meet our friend, Di, go get some yummy food together and just feel like we could kick our feet up and relax. We did drive more after dinner, but getting to that break and eating some great food was a blessing for me.

Camping with Friends

Today we returned from our camp trip with our good friends and I feel very blessed to be friends with them. I guess I'm especially grateful because we are so different. Sometimes it is really easy for me to be friends with people who are just like me, but when I venture out and am friends with people who are different from me- in any number of ways- I am often surprised at how unique and wonderful our friendship is. I am blessed for good friends and I am blessed that they are so patient with my girls. It is hard watching someone else be frustrated with my kids (it's hard enough when I get frustrated myself) and it was so nice to see our friends be so patient and communicate so well with both Abigail and Lauren. It was a nice blessing in my day.

Swimming as a Family

Today we returned from a fun camping trip with friends and I feel blessed in so many ways. I think I might have had the most fun ever in my life- it was just a short time, like a burst of joy for an hour or so, but I feel so blessed for it and for that memory that I will have to share with my family.

Last night after we arrived at camp and set up we took the girls down to swim in the lake. I wasn't even feeling up to swimming at first, but after a few minutes I quickly changed and felt my spirits lift. Abigail and Lauren were in lifejackets and we were all having the most wonderful time jumping off the dock, swimming to the floating dock, coming up with new ways to jump off and having a great time all together.

Very often I'm aware of opportunities for great memories and want to document them, take pictures, or take a quick break to get it on video. The thing that was so interesting about this specific moment was that that thought never even crossed my mind. I was loving every minute and couldn't even think to pull myself away to grab a camera or do anything but have fun with my little family. It would have been great if there was some third party photographer on hand, but I think my happy memories are strong enough to endure without it.

I feel so blessed to experience this true joy- to be on earth at this time and make time to just have fun and play together, and especially to have it be together. That's when I think the joy is the greatest- when I'm watching my little Lauren cannonball of the floating dock and come up with a big smile on her face, when I watch Abigail invent new dives into the water and help Lauren up the ladder, when Drew is disappearing under water just to come up and surprise the girls, and when I'm swimming with my girls and smiling so big my cheeks hurt. It doesn't seem that life could get much better than this. I am so blessed.

The Lake

Drew and I did a little math today: we've been to the lake 3 out of the last 3 days, 5 out of the last 6 days, and 7 out of the last 10 days. That's a lot of fun at the lake, and with the record-breaking heat we've been having we feel so blessed to live so close to such a wonderful lake and to be surrounded by such natural beauty. It truly is a blessing in so many ways- because of the frequency of going, Abigail is getting much better at her swimming, Lauren is just as fearless also; we are able to cool down on these days that are ultra hot; and we have been having lots of fun as a family. What a blessing.

Brighten My Day

Today I was having a rough morning; I'm not sure what my problem was exactly, but I was just not feeling myself. I saw the hand of the Lord in my life this morning as I was blessed to raise my spirits. Several things happened that I feel were blessings: I received a phone call from a client to ask about some architecture work, I checked my sister in law's blog and saw a sweet video from my niece, I got the girls playing and having fun together, I was able to focus during their naptime and work on my chair project, I got excited about our plans for the evening, and on and on. These little things really made a big difference in my day and I know the Lord found a way to brighten my day when the adversary was trying to keep me down.

A Family Together

Today we got to spend some time with my brother and his wife who are here visiting and tonight we were able to coordinate a family picture and evening together with all of us. It really is a such a blessing to spend time all together as a family. We've been quite fortunate as to be mostly close together these last couple years, but now it seems we're at a crossroads- Melissa is going on a mission soon, Veronica and John are getting married soon, Tabitha is going off to college soon, etc etc. And so, since we're not sure when we'll all be together again in the next year and a half it was an extra special blessing to be together tonight.

A Fresh Start

I have been neglecting this blog. This is not to say that the Lord nor his blessings have been neglecting me; they have not. I have been very blessed these last few weeks, I have also been very distracted. I hope it's not a sign my life going through the infamous 'Pride Cycle." Summer is so wonderful because I am so busy and having so much fun, but at the root of all that fun are my daily blessings that I receive from the Lord- simple things like sunshine, fresh fruit, a cool breeze, family visits, safe trips, sweet prayers answered and on and on. Instead of backtracking to fill in the blanks I am going to begin anew today and move forward. I am so blessed and I feel blessed today for the power to do, to act, and to focus. Many a day I've been meaning to record my daily blessings, but time and time again I keep being distracted. I know who is at the bottom of tall these distractions and I hope to do better to refocus on my blessings and today I feel blessed that I have.

Date Night

Today we were able to call upon a dear sister of mine at the last minute so that Drew and I could go out on a date. It was wonderful to have that alone time, and although we need to do better at scheduling it ahead of time, I am very thankful to my sister for being so willing to come and put our kids to bed so we could go out. What a blessing she is.

Daddy's Girl

Today we returned from our first camping trip of the year to Zions Camp. We had a great time, except for poor Laurie Lou who started feeling sick at night and the next morning. I feel so blessed for Drew, who is such a good Daddy and who little Lauren just loves so much. That girl is a Daddy's girl through and through, and despite a few phases when she's clung to me, really always has been. She loves her Daddy! And I don't blame her, he's a wonderful guy who loves her so much. Tonight she was having trouble getting settled in the tent, and after a few turn of cuddling each of us she settled on cuddling her Daddy for the night and letting him take care of her. I guess I am just feel blessed for such a great Dad that Drew is to her and that he so willingly takes to her clingy love that demands much of his time (and sleep). He ended up being up with her for much of the night and early in the morning to be with his little Daddy's Girl. What a blessing he is to me and to her.

Youth BBQ

Today I feel blessed for the new calling that I've recently received and for the impact it has on my family. Tonight was the annual youth family barbecue at the park and it was tons of fun. Even though there wasn't a single young woman who came (which is a big bummer, but I'm trying to stay positive) it was still a wonderful time and there was a great turn out of young men and their families. It was just a wonderful evening to let the kids play, watch Drew play baseball with the youth, and socialize together. I am blessed for the opportunity to work with the youth and hope to get the girls excited about coming to these fun activities.

Run and Not Be Weary

Today I feel blessed to have a scripture come to my mind when I needed it most. I have really been struggling with my mental toughness in regards to exercise. I know from training for my marathon years ago that mental strength is just as important as physical strength, but I really seem to be having a hard time staying positive while I'm running. Today I took the girls in the jogger on a run and went farther than I have so far this year. When I was starting to really get tired and want to stop I was reminded of an Ensign article I had read yesterday about the Word of Wisdom and how if we follow that commandment we are promised that we can run and not be weary and walk and not faint. I just kept saying that over and over in my mind, and somehow between the hills and those heavy girls in the jogger I made it home without stopping. That is a blessing to me and I am grateful that I took the time to read that yesterday and that it came to my mind today.

Crash and Burn

Today was a bit of a hard day, but I'm going to share a blessing I received in the middle of a frustrating experience. I'm going to skip most of the frustrating details and just retell the basics- today I had a crash on my bike in the middle of the road a few miles from home. Amid my frustration, tears, and bruised ego I received several blessings: the first was that I wasn't hurt too bad; if the timing had been different and cars passing this could have been much much worse and I am grateful that it wasn't. I am also blessed that in the middle of a moment where I just wanted to scream and then curl up and cry I found the calm reminder to take a deep breath and say a prayer to help me. I am thirdly blessed that that prayer was answered, and almost immediately after I said it, and to know my Father in Heaven loves me and will answer my prayers, even when I am a mess and frustrated. Lastly, I am blessed for a wonderful husband who came to my rescue and only tried to help and not blame me or make me feel worse. That is a big blessing and I am grateful to have him and my Savior to pick me up when I fall.

Plan of Happiness

Today is my Grandpa Linn's birthday- he was born ninety years ago today and so Abbie, Lauren, Mom and I had a little celebration in his behalf this morning. My Mom made a blackberry pie- his favorite, and we had a nice morning remembering my dear Grandpa. I feel extra blessed today for my knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan of happiness and to know where I came from, why I'm here and where I'm going. It is still hard to miss someone I love, but it is much easier when I know we will be reunited. I also am blessed that Abigail and Lauren got to know their Great Grandpa so well and that they remember him, and especially that they are learning more about this eternal plan because of him.

Helping Family

Today, like many days, I am so grateful and blessed to live close to my wonderful family who always seem to be helping me. This weekend Drew has been feeling pretty sick and he stayed home from church today and has been in bed practically all weekend. My Mom and Dad and sisters always seem to really step up and today was no different- they helped with the girls during church, helped us get to the car after, invited us over for a delicious dinner tonight, and even watched the girlies so I could go to choir. What a blessing! I am so thankful for a wonderful family who makes it easier on me, especially on days that are harder.

A Sandy Beach

Today I felt like I should get up and go do something fun with my girls. It's not going to be too long before they're in school or I'm working or who knows what and we won't have the freedom of being together all day everyday to do as we please. So, we decided to get Grandma too and spend the day at the beach.

There was only one problem, though. I have never driven at the beach before, and lacking common sense and forgetting I'm not the little car in front of me I headed right for where the other cars were parked- through the deep sand. Yikes. I did, as it turns out, exactly what you're not supposed to do once in it and slowed down and then.... sank. After a few embarrassing tries of trying to get out I put the car in park and suggested that we say a prayer.

My sweet Abigail offered to say the prayer and it was so simple and so pure. She prayed in part, "Oh, dear Jesus, please, please bless us that we can get out of this sand.." Her prayers of innocent faith just melt my heart and within five minutes our prayers were answered and we were out of the sand.

What a blessing! We said a prayer of gratitude for the help that we needed and I once again explained to the girls how our Father in Heaven can answer all our prayers if we have faith in Him and how He had just answered ours. I am blessed for the prayer of a four year old, for that prayer being answered, and for not letting this could-be-frustrating experience ruin a delightful day.

As embarrassing as it might be, I hope they always remember going to the beach, and how our prayer was answered when Mommy got stuck in the sand.

Love and Logic

Yesterday the parenting book that I've had on hold and been waiting for for weeks arrived and so we went to the library and I read the entire thing last night. What a blessing the guidance in this book has brought to me already- after only one day. I feel foolish for not having read it sooner, but oh, so blessed that I took to effort to check it out and apply its principles now. The main difference for me? Changing my reaction and attitude with the girls' misbehavior from frustration to empathy. I'm only starting to apply some of the ideas, and they did have a few rough moments today, but we were all so much happier by the end of the day! I am blessed for these sweet girls and I, today, feel especially blessed to have a new parenting outlook and know that I don't have to be frustrated with them : ).

Staircase Hike

Today we were blessed to go on a great hike as a family and with my Dad too. I feel especially blessed for a little piece of inspiration that I received this morning and for actually acting on it. I had the thought to have the girls bring some notepads that they could use as nature journals and they could record a little bit of the wildlife and vegetation that they saw on the hike. I grabbed some old notebooks, scotch tape, crayons, magnifying glass and Drew's field guide book and we had a wonderful time recalling, learning, and recording what they had seen on the hike. And it was a great way for them to stay busy so Daddy could do some kayaking. I feel very blessed for this idea that came to me this morning and hope to improve on it even more in the future.

Doctor Bill Halved

I have been very stressed recently over some doctor bills that were way more than I anticipated and for a couple of appointments I thought were covered. Today I was blessed. We paid our tithing on Sunday and today my blessing came. After speaking with the office about different options the doctor charged me only 50% if I paid it in full today. I gladly did and thanked him and I thank my Heavenly Father too.

Daddy Daughter Swimming

Now that I have Young Womens at church every Thursday Drew has made this his Daddy Daughter night with the girls. Tonight he decided to take the girls swimming at the pool and when they came to pick me up I could tell that they all had a wonderful time. They are even thinking to make it a weekly outing. I am so blessed for a husband who is also such a great father and takes every opportunity to have quality time with his girls.

A Quarter

Today I witnessed Abbie being selfless and generous and it was a great moment and a blessing to watch. We were visiting teaching and just chatting with some of the girls that we visit outside and one was telling us about her financial struggles and how money that was tight was getting even tighter. I'm not sure if Abbie heard that or what inspired her exactly, but she ran to the car and came back with her quarter that she had earned pulling weeds at Grandma's. She showed the quarter to the sister and then gave it to her and told her that she could have it. And then she just ran off to play some more.

Here I was asking her what we could do to help and how their efforts were going in different areas when Abbie decided to actually take action and give the only money she had to someone she barely knows. What a sweet example and what a sweet blessing she is to me.

Onto Jacob!

Our family scripture reading has been going well. We read The Book of Mormon every night together after the girls brush their teeth and before we say our prayers and I feel so blessed that we have made it to Jacob! We seemed to be in the Isaiah quoted scriptures in Second Nephi for sooo long and I am so glad that we have endured and our coming up to some scriptures that will keep the girls attention better.

Our family scripture reading has been a blessing for us. It's great to know that the girls are listening- Abbie can recount much of what we read and we made up this clapping game to listen for mentions of Christ, but it is still hard. Hard for them to sit still, hard for us not to get frustrated, hard to feel the Spirit when girls are pulling hair and trying to wrestle. I know that we are blessed for following this commandment and I believe that one of those blessing will be (eventually) that they will learn how to listen and sit reverently while we read. But for now, we're still plugging along and have made it to Jacob.

Date Night

Tonight Drew and I were blessed to spend some quality time together without our two little rascals demanding our attention. Drew had the last minute idea to have a date night and we were blessed to have our great friend watch the girls for the evening. I guess I have two main blessings from this- the first is the time to spend alone with Drew; we really need to do better planning to make sure and get more time for just us- and the second was letting the girls go and play at a friends house. That really is a blessing, and especially when we know that they're having so much fun. It really fun to go pick them up and we were all so excited to find out what the others had done. What a blessing.

Warm Weather!

I cannot believe how excited I am for warm weather! I feel very blessed for it. It has been a long winter and the sunshine is so welcome to come and stay. Today was the first time we got the sprinklers out for the year and I look forward to a summer of warm blessings.

Make it Happen

What's the best thing I've learned from my awesome girls weekend? That it's up to you to make things happen in your life. This HI Weekend idea was just part of a casual conversation that the four of us had last summer, but we actually took it from an idea and made it happen!

I was in charge of hosting this year's weekend and despite my efforts for feedback or decisions to be passed on to others it was really my job to plan and make our activities happen. Once I finally realized this and just took the plunge to make the reservations and get our itinerary planned everything worked out so great! Each and every thing we did together I kept thinking, "Oh, I am so glad that we decided to do this and made it happen."

I think this is something that I struggle with in life sometimes. I am blessed with various ideas, inspirations or thoughts, but I never do anything with them. Heavenly Father is not going to do everything for me; He may not even let me know what is best to do, but that is what this life is all about. To take our blessed agency and actually use it to decide for ourselves and make it happen. I am very blessed to be reminded of this today and to hopefully apply it in my life and take my ideas, make my decisions, and go for it.

BFF

Today I can't help but feel blessed for great friends. This was the start of our HI (Hays Idaho) Weekend and our annual roommate reunion. I am so blessed to have great friends that want to take time away from their busy lives and families to be with me and I with them. We really are all so different, but we never let that stop us from being great friends and having fun together. I know I have drawn a lot of strength and comfort from those three and their examples to me, and I hope I can do the same for them.

Journaling

Today was my first Mutual night with the Young Women and we had a little discussion on journalling as part of our evening. I treat this blog as a journal of sorts. I am glad that I have this outlet and that I do take time to record the daily blessings that can be so fleeting as time goes on. But I can do better. Tonight I was reminded of the importance of journalling- and of recording spiritual experiences, feelings, and impressions right after they occur. Looking back isn't quite the same as when you're really in it, and so I feel blessed to be inspired to do better- to try and record daily experiences on a daily basis--here, and in other places. There really is value in these daily impressions and I look forward to look back.

Swim Night

Today the girls and I had a lazy recovery day from Abigail's birthday yesterday. We stayed inside mostly--playing with new gifts, reading books, watching home videos, etc. But, by the time Drew was home we were ready to get out and do something. And we did. We all went swimming at the local pool and had a wonderful time- the water was freezing as always, and we did have to get out because the lifeguard pointed out that Abbie's lips were blue, but I'm so glad we went and played and practiced together. Family outings, even last minute ones are such a blessing and I hope the girls will remember lots of them.

A Dry Party

Today is Abigail's birthday and this afternoon we had her birthday party. Because the forecast was actually promising and there were a dozen kids with cake and juice and snacks I planned the whole party to be outside. Unfortunately, about ten minutes before the party it started raining- there was a big raincloud above us and no wind to move it. I said a fervent prayer- and I found out that Drew did too and my Mom (who had pouring rain at her house only a few miles away)- and that prayer was answered. It was dry for the party. The winds did not pick up, the cloud did not move, but it stopped raining over our house for those two hours, and that is a blessing and an answer from on high.

Sleep

What a blessing sleep is! Tonight we were blessed to have the girls spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa so we could remodel their room and clean up around the house. I think Drew and I both had big plans to work quickly, get everything done, and then have a great evening alone together. Our tired bodies and empty house got the better of us though, and before we even finished all that we'd set out to do we decided to enjoy the blessing of sleep. It may be a sign of us getting old, but it's a blessing all the same.

Weeding the Yard

The sunshine has been out and so have we! It is so nice to get the girls outside and spend our afternoons exploring the backyard together. Today I taught the girls how to weed- a character building life skill I believe- and it was great to see them so excited to be helping in the yard and to pull the weeds up so carefully, shake the dirt off, and put it in its pile. I feel blessed for this teaching moment- and to hopefully have some more weeding help : ).

A Preschool!

Today I finally found the preschool that's right for Abigail and for us! My spreadsheet of preschool philosphies, ratios, and meeting times and all the preschool visits and phonecalls have finally paid off and I feel so blessed! Abigail and I had a wonderful visit at this preschool today- so good that we ended up staying for almost the entire time (thanks Grandma for watching Lauren!). Abigail just became part of the class and it was so wonderful to see her interacting with the kids, participating in the projects, and just playing. I am so blessed. My decision about preschool prayers have been answered and I am excited for her to begin in the fall!

Peacemaker

Today was a big day. Some friends of mine have been having a hard time in their marriage and family life and they have been constantly on my mind and in my prayers and today I was so blessed to witness a big step forward for them. I found myself, as a friend to both parties, as a mediator who helped them say what's been unsaid for weeks between them. And I know it wasn't me; I truly believe that we can be instruments in the Lord's hands and today I really felt like I was one. I was His. I was doing His will and I was able to find the strength to be in a potentially confrontational situation and be a peacemaker instead. I was able to personally witness this tender moment when differences were settled, apologies were given, and renewed loved ones embraced. What a glorious blessing! I have been on a spiritual high all day. Not everything is perfect, there are still obstacles to conquer for them, but I feel the infinite power of the Lord in overcoming the cunningness of Satan's plans to tear families apart. I am hopeful. I am blessed.

A Big Decision

Recently I have felt like there was a huge burden placed on my back, and I feel very blessed today to feel that burden lifted and to feel at peace. Decisions can be tough- and sometimes the toughest ones are between two good options. I feel blessed to remember that if I can get my will into harmony with the Lord's will and figure out what that is then I can't go wrong. And today I feel blessed to have called a loved one to be a good sounding board for all the concerns I was feeling for this decision, and I am happy with the decision that I've made.

Work

Today was kind of a high-personal-stress day for me, but in the midst of the several things on my mind I was able to work. I love to work. It really is stress reducing and I love getting things done and moving on to the next thing; it helps remind me that I can do that in many aspects of life. Drew was gone for most of the day, and in the afternoon I was able to get quite a lot of work done- staining our arbor, staining the back step, mowing the lawn, weeding the garden etc., while the girls helped and played. I am blessed to have found an outlet to get things done while contemplating other issues in a productive way.

Preschool Visits

Both yesterday and today have been busy morning with several preschool visits for Abigail and Drew and I. I feel so blessed that Drew is willing and able to take a little time off from work to come and be apart of the visits and decision making process for finding a preschool for Abbie. I am glad that we work together on making the best choices for our girls, and for including them in that decision too. Several of the preschool directors were surprised to see both Drew and myself visiting with Abbie and it reminded me that it really is a blessing that he can come too.

Easter

Today we had a wonderful Easter. What a blessing the miracle of the resurrection is to each of our lives. I feel so blessed, and I think I understand more and more about this and other gospel principles as I teach it to my girls. There is something so sweet and simple about teaching these divine concepts that boil down to how much our Heavenly Father loves us, and how He wants us to return to live with Him that make the plan- and life- so simple, if only for a glimpse. I recently asked Abigail what she knew about Jesus and she said that He loves her, that He died and had "splinters" in His hands, that He lives in Heaven, that she can live with Him someday too, and that He will come again. It doesn't get much simpler than that. But, oh the truth in those few things that she knows. Our Savior does love us, He did die for us, and He does now desire for us to return and live with Him. And He will come again. What a blessing that is.

Just in Time

This morning we were blessed to make it to our Lake Limerick Easter Egg Hunt just in time. I misread the date as the time (11) and when I noticed and called to find the correct time this morning we only had 10 minutes to make it- and two girls that were in the tub. It really was such a blessing that we were able to pull ourselves together that quickly and make it to the hunt on time. Easter egg hunts last all of but 30 seconds so if you're late you're out of luck. I feel very blessed that I felt prompted to verify the time and to call in right then to get the actual time.

Eye Doctor Visit

Today I feel blessed to get the girls into an optometrist, even at the last minute, and to have made sure it was a preferred insurance provider ahead of time. Lauren's eye has been getting redder and redder and we think it is due to a little encounter with a certain sister and a certain stick. Yesterday it started looking pretty bad and we got a lot of comments at the grocery store- normally people say how big and blue her eyes are, not ask what's wrong with it. So, today we decided to try and get her a routine check-up and have it looked at then. We were so blessed to find a good doctor with two back to back appointments available and to get both the girls vision checks done at once. They did not feel so blessed about the eye drops to dilate their eyes, but overall I think they had a good time (grandma taking them out to ice-cream after helped). And we are mostly blessed that their vision is great and that Lauren's eye should be just fine.

Abbie and Friends

My Abbie Girl is growing up! She has recently been playing with a couple kids on our street and it has been so sweet (and a little sad) to watch. Today she invited her friend to come and play outside at our house with us and it was so fun to watch her go down the driveway, look both ways, cross the street, run as fast as she could down the street to her friends house, and then reappear holding her friend's hand and running back with a big smile on her face. The girls all had so much fun- and did so great at including Lauren while they were here and taking turns and sharing snacks etc. She just played and played her afternoon away and it is such a blessing for her and for us that she has nice friends that are so close and all so eager to play.

Sunshine

Today was beautiful! What a blessing! This is actually the third day of sunshine we have had and I really feel like I have needed it and that it is a big big blessing. The girls and I just played and worked outside almost all morning and then Abbie and I kept working while Lauren was napping. It is so great to be outside and to work and play together.

General Conference Sunday

I love General Conference! I love the prophetic guidance that is so applicable to my life and helps to get me back on track in different aspects of my life. The girls did pretty well during the first hour of conference- Abbie loved coloring in her Conference Bingo chart and Lauren loved dumping the crayons everywhere. And they napped wonderfully during the second session so Drew and I could really listen without being distracted. What a blessing conference is! What a blessing that we can watch from the comfort of our own home! What a blessing that we can make the day and weekend a family tradition that we all get to help to create! I am very blessed. I am very uplifted. I am motivated to do better and be better.

Seattle Trip

Today we had a wonderful day trip with our friends the Flores' and the Jensens. It's hard to pick out one specific blessing from the day, because the whole day was wonderful, but I feel impressed with the blessing that comes from gathering with friends. Yes we spent the day enjoying the city sights with our friends, but at the end of the day we went with Mike and Lauralee to their Community Center for a little dessert potluck and it really reminded me of what a blessing those casual, yet comforting get togethers are. I had a wonderful time- and I only knew them!-although the dessert was a good friend of mine too... The event just made me realize that I need to take more initiative to be social with those around me- to support them, know them, love them, and maybe even eat dessert with them. I think we sometimes need to give (or get) a little boost from those around us, and I think that that is a big blessing that I want to make happen in my life.

Planning Ahead

Tonight was Enrichment. Okay, it really wasn't, but I thought it was. I was asked to prepare a little presentation on my gardening method and for some reason I thought that tonight was the night to present it. It wasn't. But, I feel that this was a blessing for me. I spent naptime today preparing my information, printing pictures, and finalizing our garden plans for this year and now I am totally prepared for next week when the actual Enrichment will take place. Knowing how life can sometimes get crazy at the last minute I feel very blessed that I am prepared a week ahead of time.

Missionaries

Tonight we had the missionaries over to dinner again and this is always such a nice blessing for our family. Abigail absolutely loves the missionaries, and insists to sit by them and read the scriptures with them and just by their little mini-missionary. Before they arrived with Drew the house was a little chaotic with dinner prep and a whiny toddler and rascally preschooler running amok, and it just seemed that as soon as they and Drew arrived everything calmed down, and that is a blessing too.

A Special Fast

Today was Fast Sunday and I feel very blessed for the opportunity to fast and for a special purpose to fast in behalf of. My Dad has always said that "fasting without a purpose is just starving," so I always try to have a specific purpose, but today was extra special to be looking forward to the day with a purpose already in mind. What a blessing fasting is.

Hot Date at the Cannery

Tonight Drew and I were able to go to the Dry Pack Cannery for our hot date night. We are so blessed to have grandparents close by who love a chance to watch our girls (even when the bedtime routine gets a little crazy), and it was so great to go to the cannery and help increase our food storage. The evening was very informative, and I feel that I should maybe host a "Cannery for Dummies" event, because I could have sure learned it before we went! Even though I didn't really know much about how to order or prepare or package the specific foods it was such a blessing to humbly learn what to do, and I look forward to going again.

Choir

I love our ward choir. It is pretty small sometimes, but I always have an enjoyable time singing praises with friends from the ward. One of my favorite memories of growing up in this ward is the choir. I loved going to Sister Johnson's house and laughing and singing and praising the Lord through song. And so I always want to be a part of a ward choir whenever there is one.

And I really think it is a blessing. Music is really such a beautiful way to feel the spirit- the words somehow just penetrate my when put to music. We are learning a song about the miracle of the resurrection and how, because Christ lives, we can do so many things and are so blessed. I am so grateful for my Savior, for the knowledge that He does live, for beautiful music to sing, and for the opportunity to be in a ward choir.

Phone Tag

Today I won(?) a game of phone tag with a friend and was able to talk to her after months of having her on my mind. It is such a blessing, and I feel encouraged to double my efforts to make contact with other friends that I often think of, but have a hard time getting a hold of. I love her so much, and it was so good just to hear her voice and listen to her struggles and triumphs and share my own and to just be there- even if it was only on the other end of a phone.

My Dear Drew

I am so blessed for such a wonderful husband, and today, like everyday, I am so grateful for him. I wasn't feeling very well tonight and just felt that I needed to sleep; like there was a sickness of something coming, and if I could just sleep and get some rest then I could beat it before it struck. And I am so blessed to have got that wish. I went to bed tonight before 7:30. I actually even went to bed before the girls did- Drew took care of them and did their whole bedtime routine so I could rest.

In a Sunday School lesson a few weeks back that focused on Joseph and Emma's callings to support each other I was telling my class about a tag-team marriage where one person takes the slack and makes up the difference when the other is stressed or frustrated or tired or anything. This happens all the time with me and Drew and it really is a big blessing. When one of us is needing a break, the other is there to step up and be extra patient and loving with the girls until they're ready for a break and back and forth it sometimes goes. This is usually evident for us in little things, but tonight Drew just really stepped up and let me get the rest I needed while he took care of everything. I am so blessed.

Last Minute Fun (and a little stress)

Today was a wonderful, crazy, busy day that had the potential to really stress me out- but only did for a very short time. At the last minute Drew and I decided to spend the afternoon and evening in Seattle with some friends. Drew had been planning to see his best friend, Adam, during his layover, and the girls and I decided to join in so Adam could see them too.

There were a few stressful moments of Seattle driving that remind me why small cities really are such a blessing, and the whole evening really was a blessing that it was able to be put together at such short notice. We had a great time at The Museum of Flight in Seattle and I know the girls loved it. There were definitely different aspects of the museum that were more appealing to them, and when I remembered that this was their memories in the making and let them go to the exhibits that were best for them they really had a wonderful time- and I did too!

Abbie's First Talk

Today Abigail gave her first talk in Primary. She was so excited to give it, and to sit up front- when they announced the prayer and scripture I heard her say, "I just want to give my talk!" She did a great job and knew the content of her topic of family responsibilities- and especially how she and Lauren are in charge of the strawberries : ). She did cut her talk off in the middle by suddenly saying, "in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." but it was still such a blessing to be a part of this special moment. One sweet thing was that before she could even start her talk she had to open her scripture case, take out her Book Of Mormon, and open it up. It was so cute! We'd never practiced with her scriptures, and she wasn't citing any scriptures in her talk- she had just seen people do that when they give talks and decided she needed to too.

I am very blessed for her sweet spirit and for the opportunity to help and be with her during this first talk. I am blessed for a sweet husband who taught my lesson so I could be watching her and help her when I needed to. I am blessed for a sweet Sabbath morning.

Fun With Friends

Today we had some friends come over for dinner and games and it was such a blessing to have them in our home. Drew and I have been working on being more social and having people over to our home more often, but somehow life gets busy and the weeks seem to go on and on before we make it happen. So, today I am grateful and blessed that we took the initiative and had a wonderful evening together.

Gardening with Grandma

This morning it was back to yard work with us and it is such a blessing to be outside! This winter seems to be dragging on and on, and I am so looking forward to spring and summer (although today is the first official day of spring) and I'm enjoying every little bit of warmth we get along the way. Today we worked hard planting bulbs and plants, weeding, and thatching our lawn. I love working in the yard and am so blessed for the opportunity to do so. I always think of my grandma while gardening and today was extra special. Drew picked up a bulb-planter that was my grandparents and today was our first day using it. I am extra excited to see these flowers come up, and I am blessed for the memory of a wonderful grandma who I attribute to truly teaching me about the law of the harvest.

Dry and Clean

Today Lauren stayed dry and clean all day without a single accident! I don't know if I even need to write more than that- the blessing is pretty obvious : ). Lauren has been doing so well, but always seems to have at least one little accident a day- including her naptime- and today she didn't! I am hoping that it is because all she needed was to turn officially two, but we'll see how tomorrow goes : ).

The Scenic Drive

Today was a wonderful day. Drew took the day off and we all went up to Seattle- the girls and I to a friends house for a wonderful celebration and playdate and Drew to the temple. Afterwards we took an extra scenic drive home and it was so wonderful. Once we were out of the chaos and commotion of Seattle traffic it was so calming to be driving on forested windy roads and discovering new areas and views we'd never seen before. I am grateful for a wonderful day, for safe travel, and for taking the scenic drive home.

Birthday Girl

Being welcomed to the family...

One Year Old

Two Years Old!

Today Lauren is two years old. What a wild ride these last two years have been! So many of the blessings I have received from the Lord these last two years have been directly because of my sweet Lauren. She is such a sweet spirit who's personality I fall in love with more every day. I am so grateful for her and that she was chosen to bless our family. She really is the apple of our eye. We are so blessed.

Apple Party

Today my little Laurie-Lue was as happy as a hammer dog! I am so glad that I let her pick her party theme, be involved in helping with the set-up and went for what she loves because her reaction tonight was so worth it!! She was literally on cloud 9- just skipping around repeating "Me's Apple Party! Me's Apple Party!" and she was so sweet to all of her little friends- hugging and kissing them every chance she got : ). I feel so blessed for this happy little almost-two-year-old and for letting the party truly be all about her. She is such a blessing and tonight it was such a blessing to see her be so so happy.

Party Prep

Today the girls and I had a great time getting a lot of the prep done for Lauren's upcoming birthday party. It was such a blessing to do this a few days early- it makes it seem like we're celebrating all week, I'm much less stressed knowing that a lot of the work is out of the way, and it made it so much easier for the girls to be really involved and having fun working on projects without being frantic and rushing them. I often plan and plan things ahead of time, but don't always execute on schedule, so it was such a blessing today to actually do it and have it go so well.

Aunt Melissa

Today Melissa and her boyfriend, Andrew, came to visit! I was so excited and thrilled to see them and so were the girls! We sure love Aunt Melissa so much and miss her and the girls just wanted to spend every minute today with her- it was so sweet. We are blessed that they travelled safely and I feel blessed that they decided to come and spend a super-fast weekend with us in the midst of their busy schedules. We love you, Melissa!