Huh?

Today, as we were leaving Walmart, Scotty ran to get a drink out of the drinking fountain. He returned all smiles and said,"Mommy, that was yummy water - it wasn't hairy."

Crazy.

For Journal's Sake

At first I was bummed...then pacified...then excited...now eternally grateful. Quite honestly, the idea of having to spend Valentine's evening at the adult session of Stake Conference was not my idea of a romantic evening. Then it was announced that Elder M. Russell Ballard was to be there and to speak to us. WOWSERS!!!

Zack and I carpooled with my mom (my dad had to chaperone a BYU singles dance) and we sat on those lovely and super soft metal chairs. Funny how looking back, I can't remember being uncomfortable at all. The speakers were wonderful. I remember them so clearly. President Meek was great - so happy to have him as our new Stake President. We also were blessed to listen to Elder Richard W. Wheeler (our Area Seventy) - he was funny and his talk really opened my eyes to certain realities. We even based our F.H.E. on his talk. So wonderful!!


Anyway, Elder Ballard was also so fun to listen to. When he entered the room, everyone stood and was absolutely silent. The Spirit touched us as we watched him come in. We are so blessed to live in a time when the Restored Gospel is on the Earth. The Spirit bore witness to us that an Apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ was in our midst and was about to speak to us. He taught us the importance of learning to listen to the promptings of The Lord through the Holy Ghost. That Zion is really within our hearts. After the closing song and prayer, Zack and I were able to shake his hand. It was so soft - probably the softest one I've ever felt. He smiled at us and continued on... This event will go down in my personal history as one of the choicest experiences of my life.

The next morning, Sunday, we were able to squeeze in to hear him and others again for the main part of the Stake Conference. We arrived about 40 minutes early and were about 3 rows to the last in the gym. (We have a large stake. Not all of the wards were able to fit at the stake center, so the other wards had satellite coverage at the other buildings.) So crowded, but well worth it. The kids were all so reverent and well behaved. Even Emily was great until the last 15 minutes. Not bad for being in one spot for three hours.

Now, I can't imagine a better way to spend Valentine's Day.

Tommy's Big Day!

Today was Tommy's baptism day!! He has been waiting so long and he has been so excited for this special day. We were very fortunate to have so much of our family close enough to be able to attend. His dad was able to baptize and confirm him and Zack loved every second of it.


After the baptism we all headed over to my parents' home as it is the only place really big enough for us all to gather, and had a super yummy luncheon. For dessert, we had a big birthday cake from Costco that said, "Happy Birthday, Tammy!" Again, it would seem that I never have any luck when it comes to store bought cakes.

Anyway, we had a wonderful day and I know that he is so happy...you can see it all over his beautiful face. He has such a sweet and simple testimony, and it is so strong......He Knows!

I'd like to give a quick shout out to everyone who pitched in to help us with our big day - Thank you so much - I couldn't have done it without you (at least without being committed to the looney bin).

Here is a picture from his birthday party on Friday night (another reason I now need to be committed). Too bad I can't add volume to this picture to give you the full effect. Eight year old boys are so loud!!!

Heartstrings

Last night our poor little Emily started up with the super fun RSV. She never screamed for us to come get her, but she just moaned and coughed throughout the night. At 2:40am I went in and got her out of bed. For some reason, everything seemed to move in slow motion. I don't really know why it seemed like that. Maybe it was because I was trying to keep everything quiet and low key for her.


Her wheezing was loud and pained but she was happy to see me. I took her into my bathroom and began to wash her snotty and drooly face. As I did this, she looked up at me sleepily, smiled and said something unclear. I remember thinking, at that very moment, that even with the grimy face and hair stuck to her cheeks and nose, that she was still the most beautiful person in the world to me.

We went back into her room, changed her diaper, smeared Vicks Vaporub on her feet (don't ask, it didn't work anyway), fixed up the humidifier, and then I rocked and sang to her. She snuggled in tight and let me.
As un-fun as it probably was for her, last night was magical for me.

Diggin'

There can be no way that my daughter thinks that this is a good thing. I told her one time that it was "yucky blah" and now she thinks it's a hilarious thing to do for everyone.



My boys never did this....what on earth should I expect next? Peeing in the backyard?


Also, do her eyes look so green or what? Thanks, grandma!

Happy New Year!!

I love coming to a new year. It is a bitter-sweet moment for me. I miss the times we had and don't really favor how time flies, but I love the amazing hope that it can also bring. No matter what kind of knucklehead choices I made in 2008, I get a fresh start to become a more wise and thoughtful person. Most of that is due to the Savior's atonement, which fortunately can be used at any time throughout the year. I also love to be able to take the chance to better myself. I have no idea why it's an exciting thing at New Year's but a pain in the neck the rest of the year.

Zack and I have really enjoyed this song by our friend Josh Groban. It says it all.
One of my resolutions for 2009 and beyond is to be more thankful. I need to whine less and open my eyes to all of the tens of thousands of great things in my life and those lives around me.

I need to stop calling the young 20 somethings jerks just because they bought the house that I have admired from afar, or because they have 4 wheelers and snowmobiles to play with. I need to be "happy" for those jerks and realize that I am so blessed already.

I have been blessed with so many things that it is nearly impossible to even find a starting place to list it all. I am going to try my best this year to be better at so many things, but it is sweet to know that it's OK when I don't become 'perfect'.

Here's to wishing everyone a beautiful and very hopeful Happy New Year!

Like nails on a chalkboard

I LOVE Christmas music. I even listen in July when I can. However, I think that I will try to get a new law passed. From now on, both Rod Stewart and Michael Bolton will be banned from singing Christmas songs. Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! I can't stand it any longer! Oh, and Neil Diamond - you're next on the list so don't get too comfortable.

Every night our sweet babies, Scotty and Emily, wait excitedly for their daddy to come home. This is one of my favorite things to see.


Of course, what you don't see is me with my nose smooshed up against the other front window anxiously waiting for him while I make dinner. The best time of my day is when he gets home.

Circus Freak

Mikey discovered a new talent the other night during his shower. I hope he's using soap at some point.

Had my name on it alright....

It gets pretty windy here, especially when a front rolls in. The strong wood post is completely shattered. It has been basically sitting in wet dirt for about 2 years now thanks to our lovely neighbors up behind us. Yep - they still have a leak somewhere and we get to reap the benefits of it. I felt the busted wood this morning and the wood fibers feel just like crepe paper.


Oh, and apparently, the grass is indeed greener on the other side.