The Budge Family

Riley's 5!!!

2009-12-28T15:59:00.001-08:00

Riley wanted a fairy princess part this year. So last minute I decided to throw her a party before the holidays were upon us. I think the girls had a ton of fun. They got their nails painted and got fairy dust so they could get their fairy princess crowns. =)

Snow Day

2009-12-28T15:56:00.000-08:00

purr...it is cold outside today. Here are some pictures from the girls playing in the snow a couple weeks ago as I tried to attempt to shovel my drive way. Not sure I will do that again! Good luck David!

Kiwi Lane

2009-12-28T10:13:00.001-08:00

Ya...it is finally done! We got our website up and going. It has a forum and gallery and of course the shop. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Kiwilane.com

FAMILY PICTURES

2009-10-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again. Big huge thanks to Rachel for taking them. The girls did not want to take pictures at all but she still worked her magic.

New Blog

2009-08-04T22:56:00.001-07:00

I just started a new scrapbook blog. If you are interested check it out. susanbudge.blogspot.com. I am going to post scrap booking pages and pictures here and there of me and my family. Plus what ever else comes to mind. =)

GRAND OPENING....AUGUST 1ST!!!!!!!!

2009-07-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

I have been busy this summer trying to get all this done, but check it out. Let me know what you think and spread the word please!!!!...Thanks. =)

GRAND OPENING....AUGUST 1ST !!!!!!!!
We finally have our designer templates up for sale. Get yours August 1st so you can start designing your own beautiful scrapbook layouts. It is really fun and easy. Check out our blogs for more page samples and for more information.

http://kiwilanedesigns.blogspot.com

http://kiwilanegallery.blogspot.com

GRAND OPENING SALE: Buy any 3 designer template sets and receive FREE SHIPPING....(Sale: August 1st-8th) You can purchase all designer templates at
www.kiwilanedesigns.etsy.com

PLUS: Spread the word. If you tell your friends and have them leave a comment on our blog with your name then you both will be entered into a contest to receive a free designer template set of your choice!!!! The more friends you tell the more chances you have to win. So start spreading the word. The drawing will be on Thursday August 6th!!!! Good Luck!
Come visit Kiwi Lane Designs on facebook! We would love to hear from you!

Please feel free to forward this on to all your friends, post it on your facebook, or blog.

I scream...you scream we all scream for Ice Cream

2009-07-13T22:10:00.001-07:00

Shiloh and her kids came and visit for a week, and we promised the kids we would take them to Bullet Drugs for some ice cream, and that is all we heard all week...Literally screaming it...BULLET DRUGS! BULLET DRUGS! BULLET DRUGS! So Saturday came along and we finally went...They loved every bite as you can see. It was a nice hot summer day and the streets were packed with people and old cars because of the Renaissance fair...which was the right extra touch to the day.

Lemonade for SALE

2009-06-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Madison's famous lemonade stand that Grandpa James made for her. She loves it, but she is so annoyed that the weather will not work with her schedule. I keep trying to tell her that we have all summer, but she feels like summer is all ready over since it has been so cold.

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY

Sunday Morning.....

2009-05-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't help myself. She just looked so adorable. Here are a couple of the pictures I just randomly snapped of her, but I think I might have gotten a little carried away...but she is just to dang cute....=)

A whale of a Good time.

2009-05-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

We had a special delivery in the mail and it was addressed to Lacey. Since we are finally having good weather we went outside to take pictures of her in this adorable sun dress and hat my mom made for her just for fun. Isn't it cute? My mom wasn't sure about the whales, but I love it, and Lacey LOVES IT!!!!

THANKS MOM!!!!!! LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

Well since we don't have any family around to have an Easter egg hunt with we just went to the city egg hunt this year. We got the girls ready and then headed outside and it was snowing...the snow turned into a light rain, but it was cold outside. Much different than last Eater when we were in Arizona. (Man I can not believe it has already been a year) Needless to say..the girls still had fun and got more candy...great! =) You notice none of my kids are looking at me...that seems to be a habit in most of the pictures we take latley....

Also you can notice how hard it is to take pictures of kids when they are on the go...picking up easter egss...filled with candy...

A day at the Beach!!!

2009-04-09T17:05:00.001-07:00

We also went to the Beach when we were in California. It was the girls first time seeing the ocean. It was still a little cold but the girls had fun running around in the sand. And as you can Lacey loved it!!! She got mad when ever someone tried to pick her up. It was pretty cute...

Disneyland Trip

2009-04-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

We went to Disneyland this past week for Davids birthday...It was a blast. The girls were just at the right age, and the weather was perfect. The girls had to get pictures with all the Disney Princesses they saw...and I swear those lines took longer than the lines for the rides. Next time we go...we are defiantly going for two days. And yes we are already trying to plan the next time we will be able to go.

David's brother Aaron and his wife Jen went with us...It was even more fun to have them with us. The girls loved hanging out with them. Thanks again you guys for coming!

Hit the Snooze

2009-03-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

I have an issue with staying up way to late lately...My own fault, but I pay for it in the morning when I have to get up and get the girls ready for school. This morning..Lacey woke up at 6:00am I ended up bringing her into bed with me because I was not ready to get up yet. Then the alarm went off at 7:30... when I should be getting up to get the girls hair done and make them breakfast, but I have been hitting the snooze the last couple days once or twice.

So I must be doing this more than I think I am, because this morning...The alarm went off and Lacey raised her head up and hit the snooze button for me. It was funny and cute all at the same time. She just laied back down afterwards and went back to sleep. I don't know if this is a good thing that I am teaching her at such a young age, but lately she hasn't been doing anything that goes along with her age...she is growing up way to fast!

Bad Hair day

2009-03-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Lacey's hair is long enough to pull up, but she is such a stinker about getting her hair done. As you can tell by the pictures she just doesn't like it. I try really hard to distract her from her hair so she will leave it in, but most of the time it ends up back in her face covering her eyes. Instantly her hands go for her hair to destroy it so that there is no other option but to just take it out. Here are some pictures to show the sweet and sour parts of my little Lacey.

The Rules.....

2009-03-19T00:45:00.000-07:00

Today the girls built a club house out of blankets....and wrote down some rules for their club house....

Madison's rules consisted of these
Say thank you and please
Share your toys
Be nice
Be an good example

Abgail's said this...
Must keep club house pretty
Be pretty
Eat and act like a lady...

Just thought it was very interesting.... Those two can be so different...Abigail is really into the pretty word latley. If you cant tell. =)

LUCKY WINNER....For free page layout

2009-03-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Blogger friends...I put numbers in a hat and had Abigail pick one out and the lucky winner is......Wendy!!!!!!! So Wendy I will try to contact you or you can feel free to let me know if you would like a page already in my etsy shop, and if it is a kit I would be more than happy to put it together for you or you can enjoy doing it yourself......or if you have a title, theme and maybe colors or just one of those then I would be more than happy to design a page just for you. Just let me know. All the shipping and everything is on me!!!!!!! So all you have to decide is what you would like.

I think I will do this again coming up....I just like using the word LUCKY in the month of March it is really fun. So check back and make sure to just leave a comment with your name on the future post.

The Thinking Table

2009-03-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

Ok....So I try not to brag to much on my blog, but use it more as another way to keep record of pictures and stories that I know we will cherish as a family. But I just have to brag this time. The girls were so cute the other day. I try to keep an organized and clean house. My kids have been really interested in doing chores lately even though they are not that old, but they learn so much at a young age. That has been proven. We talk about how everyone has to do their share, why dad goes to work, and how we can serve each other.

The girls were on the biggest high ever. They have always been willing to do things here and there around the house, but they just went overboard yesterday. They folded the clothes that were on my bed, put them away, organized my shoes in my closet and their's, organized all of their toys, cleaned up their room, cleaned the bathroom, and kept going back to their "thinking table" to "think of other things they could do"

The thinking table....the thinking table is their toy table that they decided they would all sit around and decide what they would do next. They would organize their shoes and then run back to their "thinking table" and then come up with the next thing. They set the table for dinner, colored David and me a picture, put Lacey's pajamas on her....

Then this morning it continued with the thinking table. They picked up the living room, folded more laundry (since there is never a day without laundry). David and I just looked at each other and wondered how long this would last, but for now it is awesome. This is the bonus of having all GIRLS! If we had boys they would have been using the thinking table as a diving board. I JUST LOVE IT!!!! I also love that they are picky when it comes to making sure that things are in the right place...like when they organize their toys..."everything has a label." So yes I guess it is paying off.

Seeing in the Dark

2009-02-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

Although this story has a lot behind it, it was still worth recording. So we have been trying really hard lately to talk to the girls and make sure they understand some of the stories in the scriptures. We talked about Lehi and his family and their story in the wilderness, and they watched a movie about the Death of Jesus, and tons of questions like why did they kill him? Why do those men want to be bad? We talked about there is always choices and everyday we have to choose, and just like there is good there is bad and both are either followed by blessings and growth or consequences. Anyhow they then understood that after the death of Christ that it was dark for three days and how hard that could be.

OK even though we talked about much more I am sure you are aware of the story and all the things we can learn from it but the point I am trying to get to is later...when we were eating dinner. David was telling the girls they need to eat their carrots, and then Abigail said so we can be strong right and see in the dark...that is what Grandma says...anyhow then they continued to eat and then Madison says...Do you think that they would have been able to see in the dark after Christ died if THEY ATE MORE CARROTS?

After pondering on what she said we later talked to them about how if we keep doing the things that help the spirit be with us...like being nice to each other and "eating" (reading) the scriptures more often and praying that we will be able to see in the dark times in our life. The love of the Savior for us, and have comfort and peace. That those things help us keep us safe from the dark and even our self.

So bottom line...EATTING MORE CARROTS! (Trusting in the lord, and reading your scriptures) HELP YOU BECOME STRONG AND SEE IN THE DARK!

Poor Girl

2009-02-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

So this week has been really tough on Lacey so far. She is getting about 8 teeth at once. I am not even kidding. I kept telling David that it was weird that Lacey didn't have more teeth then she has so far. My other girls already were done by this age, but I figure they would come when they were ready and they all decided to come at once. We have had sleepless nights, fevers, and a lot of OUCH words coming out of Lacey's mouth. I must say it is cute when she says it, but you feel so bad for her. I guess it is just part of being alive and living on this earth. We all have to deal with pain, but so badly do I wish I could take it away from her. I hope she is done soon and they stop taking their precious time to come in.

Valentines Day

2009-02-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

This Valentines day was really nice. We went to Vegas and spent the day there seeing those we love, although there are many more people there we love but cant fit them all in a day. David gave all of us roses, the girls got a pink rose each and I got some red roses. They still smell great. Plus we all got our own choclates to make us fat. I made sure to share mine with David since he didnt get any, but the girls were really excited when he gave them to us. He was thanked with tons of hugs and kisses. See this is what having all girls is about. Tons of love and they tell you often.

I didnt get any pictures of the roses, but here are some pictures we took of Madison early that morning. Still juts playing around with my camera and since it was snowing outside we had to take them inside. Another reason we were happy to go to Vegas so we can have some blue skies.

Budge Baby boy...

2009-02-17T16:29:00.001-08:00

We have been wanting to go down and see Rachel's and Adam's new baby so we made a fast trip down to Vegas to get a quick baby kick. Here is some pictures of Rachel's new Budge baby boy. He was really fond of David holding him, but when ever I held him he would start to cry. Even though David looks silly in the picture I took of him he was not like that when he was holding him. In no way are we baby hungry and everyone keeps asking us if we are going to try for that boy, but to tell you the truth to many thoughts come with that question. There is more behind that then just wanting a boy. And in a way I am not even sure we care to much about having a boy, although Tegan was really cute!!!!!!!!

And we just found out today that Aaron David's other brothers wife Jen is expecting a boy too. So I think we will leave it up to them to raise the Budge boys. It seems to be the year of baby boys! I guess we just picked the wrong year. We also had time to go over and see Travis and Elisa's baby boy as well. She just had the day before. (2 hour labor) CRAZY! JEALOUS I guess would be a better word. Even though they were only a couple weeks apart he seems so much smaller. Just shows you how fast they grow up. (Sorry no pictures) So that was are baby trip and back home we went.

Little Monkey

2009-02-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

Lacey was given the nickname monkey from her cousin Brittany. And everyone caught on and started to call her that as well. She can defiantly eat bananas like no other, and her talking right now sounds like a monkey...whoo whoo haaa haaa...as she points her finger looking at you like why don't you understand?

Brittany got her this adorable monkey for Christmas and she loves it. She has to have it at nap time and gives it tons of kisses. Thanks Brittany.

MONKEY SEE MONKEY DOO!!!

The dresses

2009-02-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

Well here they are....The dresses I made for the girls. They loved them. I finished adding the ruffle and another button last night because I thought they would be so cute on there, and they were ready for them to wear to church today. I love the pattern and I think I am going to have to use this one again. You see what I do is when I buy a new pattern I go to my moms house she helps me make the pattern usually dresses for the girls and then I use that pattern about 5 more times until I get tired of that one and then I go and get another one....go to my moms...you get the idea. Thanks mom for you help. The girls loved them. Oh and isn't my mom the best. She made them matching doll dresses to go with their dresses. They thought that was the best part. Thanks mom!

If you haven't already checked out her store check it out. She just started it. thedollscloset.etsy.com

Also Riley with her new boots. She thinks they are the best think in the world. So much that she wears them all around the house too. I told her she couldn't wear them to church, but as you can tell I lost that one. No really.. if you know my little girl Riley you learn you have to choose your battles. Plus in a way I thought they were cute with the dress so I just let it go...

Oh and we can't leave out little Lacey. She didnt get a new dress, but she still is adorable. Even with the hair in her face.

Playing in the snow

2009-02-01T16:16:00.000-08:00

The girls have been dieing to play in the snow again, So David and the girls got all bundled up and went and had a snow fight outside. There is a hill across the street that they tried going sledding down, but the girls didn't want to keep climbing the hill just so they could go down it...so they ended up just playing in the snow. Which is fine with me because I kid you not when ever you hear stories about sledding it always includes someone getting hurt.

Talented!

2009-01-29T15:32:00.000-08:00

I just had to post this picture of David. He has no clue that I took this picture, but I walked into the bedroom and was totally confused if he was awake or asleep. Since the book still was in perfect position. Anyhow it turned out he was asleep. I went in again about an hour later and he was in the same position. He likes to have his books close by him. So much that he doesn't want to put them down. =) Anyhow I got a kick out of it. He is sooooo cute!

Beautiful

2009-01-26T11:56:00.000-08:00

So yesterday the girls were drawing and coloring since there was nothing else to do. If you have girls then you can relate to how much drawing the do. Lets just say we go through a lot of printing paper in our home, and running out of wall and fridge space to put them. Madison was too cute. She said that she had a picture for mom and dad. This is what she gave us. You cant really see the words, but Davids, the prince. Says...That girl is so beautiful. Then mine says, I am so beautiful! Thats right. I am the most gorgeous thing out there LOL. Thanks Maddie. I think you are beautiful too.

New Haircut and Book shopping.

2009-01-23T17:53:00.000-08:00

It seems like my hair is growing faster and faster these days. So I decide to go a little shorter in hopes that I don't have to cut it so often. By the time it gets pass my shoulders it is really hard to style. Part of me thinks I should grow it out again, but I never let it get to the point of getting long before I am ready to cut it again. Well this is a picture from the other day when I was being a couch potato, but I just thought I would share my new look.

The girls also brought home their book fund raiser and David was totally stoked about it. So the girls said I needed to post a picture of them. So here they are. They are still trying to figure out what book to get, but David loves any chance to buy a book, even if it is for the girls. He loves to buy books and I love to buy scrapbooking things. I think I might spend more money though with my past time then he does. But both would take about the same amount of space in the house. One day he will have his dream library and I will have my dream scrapbooking room.

Weekend Getaway

2009-01-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

The girls had Monday off of school so we headed down to my mom and dad's for a weekend getaway. It was very relaxing like always tons of yummy food that I don't have to cook. Grandpa got silly and started to show the girls the old.... how to place a spoon on your nose. David of course has a big nose so he had no problem. =) Lacey thought it was very interesting and just kept laughing, and trying to do it herself. I could never get the picture fast enough with her though. Maddie and Abbie well as you can tell tried really hard, and who knows maybe they will have "Daddy's nose."

While I was down there I was able to get my mom's Etsy store up and also sew the girls some dresses. (picture of the dresses coming soon) It is always fun and relaxing when we go to Grandma's house. When we got back into town we had to pack up so we could move. We are still in Cedar just living some where new. And most likely will be moving again in 6 months, but then hopefully that home will do us good until David can finish school. So yes we are becoming pros at moving. We literally packed and moved and mostly unpacked all with in 24 hours. No joke. We still have a hang over though from it, and desperately could use a massage

.

Hey there moms!

2009-01-18T18:29:00.000-08:00

I got the twins some 18 inch dolls for Christmas and told my mom about them, so she made them some clothes to go with their dolls for Christmas. The girls love them! My mom had tons of fun making them so she decided to try out an etsy store. If you know of anyone or maybe even the "doll in your life" loves to play dolls check out her store. They are one of a kind and would be a great addition to your little girls dolls wardrobe. Pass the word on. Great for American dolls and My generation dolls that seem to be very popular lately. Thanks!

thedollscloset.etsy.com (dont forget the "s" on dolls.)

David's color.

2009-01-12T21:07:00.000-08:00

So I asked David if I could ask him a couple questions. You know for the crayon test. So we went through them and he was unsure about some of them but we still pushed submit. He ended up being a purple crayon...which supposedly is not good with a yellow crayon. I was laughing because I guess I new a part of him would be a purple, but he still said it didn't explain him. So we went back and took the test again...2nd time around he was a blue.

So no worries. We are still compatible. =) It did sound a little more like him. And it is his favorite color too.

David) You Are a Blue Crayon

Your world is colored in calm, understated, deep colors.
You are a loyal person, and the truest friend anyone could hope to find.
On the inside, you tend to be emotional and even a bit moody.
However, you know that people depend on you. So you put on a strong front.

Your color wheel opposite is orange. Orange people may be opinionated, but you feel they lack the depth to truly understand what they're saying.

What color are you?

2009-01-12T20:33:00.000-08:00

Click on the title to go to the website.

You Are a Yellow Crayon

Your world is colored with happy, warm, fun colors.
You have a thoughtful and wise way about you. Some people might even consider you a genius.
Charming and eloquent, you are able to get people to do things your way.
While you seem spontaneous and free wheeling, you are calculating to the extreme.

Your color wheel opposite is purple. You both are charismatic leaders, but purple people act like you have no depth.

Know I have to see what Color David is....watch him be a Purple. =)That is kinda silly anyhow. I hope those that are purple don't really dislike me. Have fun taking the test.

Take out the trash!

2009-01-11T18:27:00.000-08:00

Another funny story.

Me: It stinks in here. (there was a bobby diaper in the trash)

Riley: Kinda talking to herself as she was busy coloring not really looking up. "It is Lacey she is booby. "

Me: I need to take out the trash.

Riley: Stops what she is doing runs over to Lacey and says..."No I don't want you to throw Lacey away. That is bad mom!"

Run Lacey =) No more diaper changing for me!!! =)

Mommy's have to KNOW!

2009-01-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

So today Riley wanted to do a puzzle. So she asked me where it was.

Riley: Where is my puzzle mom?
Me: Is it in the closet?
Riley: No
Me: I don't know then.
Riley: You have to know. You are the mom. Mommies always know.
Me: I am not sure, why don't you go look?
Riley: I am not the mom...your the mom...you have to know.

Then she of course got sassy, but still cute!

Riley:Where is it mom? You are going to get in trouble. You are the mom! Not me! You should know! You are the mom! (over and over again)

Finally we found her princess puzzle. (Thanks Aunt Rachel by the way. It is the one you gave her for Christmas. She spends hours doing it over and over again. She loves it.=)

Riley: Mom look at my princesses dress. Isn't it pretty? I wish I was a princess.
Me:Oh Riley you are....YOU ARE MY PRINCESS.

This all happened while Lacey was asleep. Riley cant get her puzzle out until then because Lacey will be a pain and keep taking it apart. So I have one Sassy, One pain, and somehow they are still both cute...How does that work?

Love is in the Air

2009-01-08T21:59:00.001-08:00

I am always amazed at how fast the stores get Christmas down and Valentines out. I guess it is that way all the holidays. Anyhow just thought I would share with you one of the things I love and that is scrap booking. Here are some pages that I managed to get done the last two days. I already sold some on them on my Etsy store so that is a bonus. Mypagedesigns.etys.com. What do you love to do? Really I am curious every ones else passions. I know we would all do more if we had more time, but when you do get free time or when you make it I should say what do you prefer to do?

Christmas Day

2008-12-27T22:17:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was quiet, but nice. No big family parties to go to which we are use to considering I have nine kids in my family and David has eight in his so it was always big no matter what if we got together with family. We just hang out by ourselves and enjoyed the day. The girls loved their dolls they got from Santa and their dolls clothes they got from Grandma. Other than that here are some pictures from that anticipated day. The girls were counting down. I just love the picture of Lacey with her mouth open. She was so cute to watch open her gifts. And as you can tell everyone wanted to go play with thier new toys and not take pictures. I had to have pictures though. How else would I be able to do a scrapbooking page? o-well

White Christmas

2008-12-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

Well there is no doubt about it. We are going to have a white Christmas. I just had to take some pictures of how the snow was laying on the trees. It was a winter of wonderland. By noon it disappears, but it so pretty in the morning when you are driving down the country roads with the trees all white.

Snow Day

2008-12-18T18:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Riley playing in the snow. The girls had to go to school, but Riley was dying to go out and play in the snow. I think it is kinda funny that in Vegas they get a snow day, and we have like 3 feet here and no snow day. That is OK with me though because the girls are going to have two weeks off for winter brake and we are trying to figure out what we are going to do during that time. I think we might head down to Vegas to help my sister Emily...Well I hope everyone has a great Christmas..Dress warm! It might just be a white Christmas for most of us. Well unless you are in Arizona. That would be the day=)

Budge Christmas Goodies

2008-12-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

Well David wanted to cook some goodies this weekend so we made the traditional Treats. I thought I would share them all with you..

Rocky Road Brownies (everyone loves these)
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
1 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup chopped nuts. (optional)

Melt Butter and chocolate carefully. Add remaining ingredients. Spread in greased Floured 13x9 inch pan

8 oz. cream cheese softened (save 2 ox for frosting)
2 tbsp flour
1 egg
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup soft butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 chopped nuts
Combine filling ingredients except chocolate chips in bowl. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Stir in nuts(optional). Spread over chocolate mixture. Sprinkle chocolate ships over cream cheese mixture.
Bake at 350 for 25 to 35 minutes until done.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with the chocolate chips and 2 cups mini marshmallows. You don't want the chocolate chips to melt.
Return to oven for ONLY another 2 minutes

While the brownies are cooking, prepare the frosting:
Carefully melt together:
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1 oz unsweetened chocolate
2 oz saved cream cheese.
Heat until blended. Remove from heat. add 3 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla and mix. Pour over marshmallows layer and lightly swirl to marble with knife. Refrigerate until firm.

Crunchy Fudge Sandwiches
1 pkg. (12 0z) chocolate chips
1 pkg. )12 oz) butterscotch chips
1 cup peanut butter
8 cups rice krispies (one box will make double the recipe)
2 tbsp. water
1 cup powdered sugar
4 tbsp. butter

Melt butterscotch chips with peanut butter over low heat stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add rice krispies and stir until well coated. Press 1/2 of mixture into bottom of 9x13 pan (unless you doubled it use a cookies sheet). Chill in refrigerator while preparing fudge mixture; set remainder aside.

Combine chocolate ships, sugar, butter and water in saucepan, over low heat (or double boiler). Melt, stirring until well blended. spread over 1/2 chilled cereal in pan. Press remaining cereal on top of chocolate gently. Chill for 10 minutes before cutting. Keep chilled. Kids love these.

Ritz Crackers
Not really a recipe just very simple:
Take some Ritz crackers put some peanut butter in the middle of two making a sandwich with the Ritz crackers. Melt some Vanilla Chocolate in a pan on the stove. (from the baking isle) Take the crackers with two forks dump them one my one in the chocolate flipping them to give them an even coat. Take them out and place on wax paper.. So yummy and you can decorate them if you would like.

Now we have all this temptation to munch all day long and honestly if it was up to me, I would do like Amber said and just pass out fruit baskets to my family and friends. David would kill me though. =)

Creamy Noodle Soup

2008-12-14T16:24:00.000-08:00

Well this is what I made for dinner tonight. Along with some rolls, but I forgot how much I loved this recipe. I do love the winter for the fact that you get to make so many soups and all of them seem to be sooo yummy. I am always looking for new recipes though so please share a soup recipe you might have on your blog as well if you read this....

Creamy Noodle Soup-

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
2-3 boxes of Chicken Broth
1 onion –chopped
1 pound carrots –chopped
1 medium chicken (2-3 breasts)
3 cups of egg noodles (see picture) country noodles
1 cup butter
1 cup flour
1 can evaporated milk

Boil Chicken with vegetables adding salt and garlic salt to water. Bring to boil and cook until chicken is done. Shred Chicken or Cut up depending on how you like it.

Sauce: Melt 1-cup butter and 1 cup flour mixture until smooth. Add 1 can evaporated milk slowly into mixture. Remove chicken, and bring broth to a boil. Add noodles to the broth and cook until they are about done. Add sauce to the broth and noodles. Remove chicken meat from bones, or just shred and add veggies and chicken to soup. Add addition 2-3 cups of milk. Depending on how thick you would like it. Continue Cooking until noodles are soft. Add salt and pepper.

Sometimes I add 2 bullion cubes at the end for flavor with more salt and some pepper. Onion salt too, but I didn't add onions so I added some onion salt instead.

Note: Serves about 8-10 or more. You can Freeze leftovers and makes a easy meal later. You can alter it any way you would like, but it is so YUMMY, filling and warm. I would half the recipe if you have a smaller family, but I really enjoy having the left overs for lunch the next day.

2008-12-14T16:14:00.000-08:00

Last night was supposed to be our ward Christmas Party and the girls were looking forward to it all evening, but it was just snowing like crazy so we debated on even going. We decided to go ahead and try. So we loaded everyone up, and the whole time Janie kept saying, "I don't think this is a good idea." "I don't want to die tonight." =) We drove a little down the street and decided it would take forever to get there and it really was slippery on the roads. Even in our van. So we turned around. Got stuck a little when we tried to turn around but made it home safe.

Then We had to make it up to the girls so we told them we would get dressed in our snow clothes and play in the snow and have hot coco. They were fine with that. The only down side was now I had to make dinner. =( As you can tell by the pictures it was late and Lacey and I just watched by the door...I'm not going out in the cold. =)

NEW BLOG

2008-12-12T23:42:00.001-08:00

I started a new blog....If you are interested you can check it out...Take Care, and I hope you have your Christmas shopping done =)

http://anchorstothesoul.blogspot.com/

Also those that don't know about reader.google.com you need to check that out as well. You can add all your blog subscriptions and it saves you so much time. I already mentioned it before, but I figured I better say it again considering my own sisters didnt read that one. =)Love ya

Tis the Season....

2008-12-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here are some pages that I seemed to get done last night...I have been meaning to scrapbook for awhile. I made dinner, cleaned up and then sat down to scrapbook. I made the girls do their homework by me while I continued to plow away and this is the outcome. I was up until 12:00. You can see more on my etsy shop at mypagedesigns.etsy.com. I posted them on my scrapbooking blog as well. http://susanscrapbook.blogspot.com/

40 years

2008-12-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

December 5 2008

So one day late but I wonted to post about my parents 40Th anniversary. Mom and Dad I love you both very much. I think Sarah said it best when she said...we have it all together because of parents like you. No we are not perfect, but you have taught us how to love others anyhow by how you guys love each other and us. Love you both very much!!!!

40 years, 9 kids 33 (34 on the way) grand kids and 2 great granddaughters.

Seven Wonderful Years

2008-12-01T09:21:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it? Seven years and four kids later, and we are still going strong. Really seven years isn't that long, but I am so glad to have had every single one of those years. I just can't wait to look back on 25 years or 50 years together. I am sure we will have plenty of stories to tell then. Here are some fun pictures that we took. It was really bright, but I just loved this score board so we made it work.

Things I love about David...

He reads books and tells the girls stories at night
He loves to learn
He is always willing to help me around the house
He changes diapers =)
Very creative
Down to earth
Sensitive to others feelings
Hard worker, great provider
Dreams, and holds on to his inner child
Nice to everyone
Romantic
Fun personality
Loud unique laugh

I love everything about you babe!!! Thanks for being so wonderful to me!! Happy Anniversary.

David and I meet at the great old pioneer days in North Las Vegas. I was due to leave for college in a week and planned on not meeting any one to date for awhile. It was love at first sight. Really! I was totally confused by how I felt so connected with him. No joke "Like I knew him before." The only problem was he was with my friend on a date. Luckily she was in tuned to the spirit too because she totally gave me the go ahead without me saying anything to her. I actually had weird feelings two weeks before then. My friend Brittany was just asking me if she should invite him to the pioneer celebration. I asked her what his name was, and once I heard his name I felt my spirit with in me change. It was the same with him. He didn't hear my name until they were driving up to the park and I honked at them. She said, "that is my good friend Susan." He said that something in him jumped. We never even saw what each other looked like. We just knew. So it was all history from there. I can't explain how weird it was. That is only things you hear about in movies, right? I can't deny it either. So yes it can happen.

Life is a big playing field, and a score board just seemed perfect. But who is keeping points?

Riley Turns 4

2008-11-30T20:06:00.001-08:00

What a blessing!! To be done with 2 and 3 year olds that is. I know I only have a year until Lacey is two but I am going to enjoy this year. Riley's 4th birthday just happen to fall on Thanksgiving day this year. So she really got a big birthday party turn out. I think in a way she really thought everyone was there for her birthday. She is true BLESSING to our little family. Oh and what do you think about the birthday cake? Pumpkin Pie anyone?

It seems like she had food all over her face all day.

Gary and Marci

2008-11-30T20:05:00.000-08:00

SITTING IN A TREE K I SS I N G...OK sorry I couldn't help myself. This is my brother Gary and his fiance Marci. I am really happy for you guys. Let me know when the for sure date is so we can plan on coming. Even if you elope! I would love to be there. Marci I hope I spelled your name right.

Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-11-30T19:48:00.001-08:00

YUMMY! I pretty much made the whole dinner this year. Since no one else got there until right before, and my mom had a headache so I took over. I didn't mind though.

This is before....

After...This is only half of the Family. You should have seen the Sunday family dinners we use to have when we were all in Vegas. David wasn't around for most of those, but I am sure he would have done fine.

After dinner we all cleaned up, played some games, and then all the girls planned our trip for shopping. We drove into Vegas at 2:00 in the morning and got home about 1:00. It was a long day, but I pretty much have all my shopping done. Bonus! I did run into Jackie and Mandy at Jcpenny. I was so tired by then though, I am not sure what I said. I looked pretty bad too. I would have loved to talk to you guys more, but maybe when I am a little more coherent. Over all it was a fun weekend.

2008-11-30T19:36:00.000-08:00

Here are the girls on Thanksgiving day. I am so grateful for all of them in my life. They teach me so many things and brings so much joy and purpose to my life. I love you girls!!! Never forget!

Madison and Abigail were being better about taking pictures, but the other two wanted to just play.

Lacey 14 months

2008-11-26T09:31:00.000-08:00

Some more pictures of Lacey. We were just chillin looking out the window, and I just couldn't help myself. I was trying really hard to get the funny smile she is doing lately. She is always shrugging her shoulders and doing this smile at everyone. I know it is probably a phase so I wanted to catch it, but no luck this photo session. Maybe next time. I just can't believe that she is getting so big. The words she says lately are...ouch, Jake (that's the dog), mom, Dada, Riee, I am sure there are more I just can't think of them right now. I can't wait until she can really start talking because we are in the phase were she knows what she wants but can't say it so she gets mad at me for not knowing what she wants. It really is hard on both of us. =)

YOU DONT SEE THIS EVERYDAY

2008-11-26T09:02:00.000-08:00

The other day we looked out our front door and there was a heard of sheep. Oh and don't forget the lama at the end rounding them all up. Anyhow it was a sight. I am sure you can imagine all the sheep in the road, the cars waiting to get by, and don't forget about the boob trail they were leaving behind. I just thought I would share. Riley thought it was pretty cool. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.

Amazing Blog

2008-11-20T08:59:00.001-08:00

I came across this blog a couple weeks ago. Now every morning I read to see what is going on in their lifes. I do not know them personally, but thier strength and story inspires me every day. With the Thanksgiving holiday around the corner I just can't help but be reminded of the things that I am gratefull for. And one of them is people like this in the world. They wake up every morning to start another day, looking forward, and trying to make a difference. And when they do have a bad day the next day they start all over again realizing again what they are fighting for, and choose to not hold on to the bad ones. Really touching. Check them out!

http://lesliekamm.blogspot.com/

David..David...David!!!!!

2008-11-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

David and David. I can't get enough Davids!!! =)

Hey I am sure most of you already know this but the new David's CD's came out. David picked them up today and they seem pretty good. I am a fan already and I am kinda glad to have something new to listen to...well if I can get them from David that is.

Another Opinion

2008-11-18T21:55:00.000-08:00

If you are just starting. Read older post from Sunday november 16th and on.

I have been receiving and reading the e-mails that were a part of this e-mail chain and can no longer in good conscience remain silent. Confusion often enters the fray when we fail to boil “complicated issues” down to basic principles.

God’s wisdom vs. Man’s reason:
Let’s start with one of the most basic of principles. Should you rather rely on God’s wisdom (and counsel) or your own reason (and the reason and counsel of your family and friends—or even society’s at-large)? The next question is, would you?

Prayer is a wonderful thing, but is ultimately meaningless if you believe you either should or would rather rely on your own reason, rather than on God’s wisdom. This tenet is a basic, not only of Christian doctrine, but almost universal in all organized religion. From the “enlightenment” of Buddhism to the myriad of exhortations to “ask, seek, knock” of the Savior, there is a recognition that there is a Supreme Intelligence worthy of our efforts to seek and understand.

God gives us commandments that are calculated to bring happiness to our lives both here and hereafter.

The Cosmic Battle:
The battle between good and evil has been raging since the beginning of time and will continue to do so until the end of the world. The world is a very black and white place, even though many people will want you to see it in shades of gray. He who defines the terms, wins the debate. If you allow people to determine that shades of gray exist, then you will never be able to draw a firm line.

There once was a time when homosexuality itself was considered an evil by society. Now it is a movement complete with political clout and resources. And the advocates of the movement desire “normalcy”.

Marriage is NOT a Civil Right:
The battle goes much deeper, however, and much further back in time. You see, marriage was and is ordained of God. Only the Church had power to unite two people—one man and one woman—in holy matrimony—not the state (and, therefore, not a civil authority). The state came along and said, “Let us issue licenses so that there will be a legal record of what the Church has done.” And, then, once the state usurped the power to issue licenses (both for the people getting married and for the person performing the marriage), it also had the power to license justices of the peace as well as priests. In other instances, the state usurped the entire church (King Henry VIII and the beginning of the Church of England). Thus Satan unrightfully took the power to perform marriages. But, alas, the marriages performed by those who are authorized only by the government, and not by God, are without effect.

Calling Black White and White Black:
Homosexuality is an abomination of the procreative powers, pure and simple. For the Lord declares such—and this doctrine is not unique to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or even to Christianity in general, but to the vast majority of organized religion. I can appreciate that there are those who struggle with same-sex attraction. Indeed, I can even appreciate that there are those who have decided not to struggle with it, but rather revel in living out their lives as slaves to the desires and whims of their bodies.

We are here to accomplish two things: 1) to be tried and tested, and 2) to learn how to subject our bodies (including emotions) to our spirits and the will of God.

Homosexuality is an abomination and making it legal does not make it less abominable, for it is not God that is making it legal, but rather misguided men and women who happen to hold, momentarily, positions of power.

Homosexuality is not the only sin that society has glorified. The act of love-making serves two purposes. The first is to perpetuate the species (clearly something gay or lesbian “couples” cannot accomplish). The second is to aid the bonding process of husband and wife, not man and woman (and certainly not man and man or woman and woman). Fornication and other sexual sin (adultery, pornography, etc.) is also an abomination in the sight of the Lord. I expect not only the person struggling with same-sex attraction, but also the heterosexual person who chooses to not marry, or simply has the misfortune of never meeting the right person, of abstaining from sexual relations of any kind. The procreative power is reserved for those who are united in matrimony as husband and wife. Do not confuse possessing the ability with the lawful use of that ability. I could drive since the time I was 13. But I could not drive legally until I had obtained a license.

You have allowed yourselves to be deceived into thinking that homosexuality is okay. You hear arguments like “they love each other” and “they were born that way” and “it’s unfair or discriminatory to treat them differently” and other such nonsense, and you bought the arguments. After all, the arguments sound so reasonable. Yet that is why God gives us prophets, scripture, and the Spirit.

We would not be talking about gay marriage, if you and others of similar minds had not already called white what God has called black. No doubt, some of you will say, “Well, then that’s a God I want nothing to do with!” That would be very sad indeed, but you would not be the first of His children to fall away from Him. Nor, unfortunately, would you be the last. I hope that this doesn’t happen. I rather hope that this e-mail serves as a clarion call, a reminder of the basic principles by which all of us should be living.

Very quickly, let’s treat some of the arguments.

My favorite uncle is gay as are two of my best friend’s brothers. As much as I love both of these men (I only know one of my friend’s brothers), and have compassion for their dispositions, I cannot “make an exception” and say homosexuality is okay because I love my uncle and my friend. My uncle has had a long-term relationship with a man named Steve—over a decade. They love each other. That doesn’t make it right. Love does not conquer all.

I am not aware of any scientific basis which supports the supposition that certain people are predisposed from birth toward a homosexual orientation. But even if this were the case, this does not excuse the sin. Let me be clear. Having a disposition toward same-sex attraction is NOT the same as acting upon that disposition. Dispositions, with time and work, can be changed. This is the promise of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as a basic tenet of other world religions. We are all subject to the Fall. When Adam fell, all of creation fell with him. We are all born with a disposition to sin. That is the natural man within each of us. The great work of this life is to put away the natural man and to turn our disposition toward sin into a disposition toward the things of God.

Most people don’t understand discrimination. We are allowed, as Christians, as Americans, as parents, as employers, even as friends, to discriminate against behaviors. We should not be allowed to discriminate against an attribute that can’t be helped. (Don’t tell me sexual orientation can’t be helped. This was already covered in the preceding paragraph.) If I took 100 people, lined them up and asked you to tell me which ones were men and which ones were women, I suspect you would easily be able to complete that task. With the same 100 people, I suspect you would be able to tell me, with a relatively high degree of accuracy (especially if the 100 people did not have mixed blood lines), which ones were black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Indian, etc. But if I asked you to tell me which ones were actively gay or lesbian based solely on their appearance, you could not. That is because it is a behavior, not an attribute.

Some babies are born addicted to drugs or alcohol because their mothers were users of those substances during pregnancy. By the same logic that the gay and lesbian group would have us use, rather than weaning the baby off alcohol, we should continue to nurture the baby’s dependency because he or she was born with a predisposition toward alcohol use. (And don’t give me the legality argument of not being of age. These babies had no choice in the matter. They are dependent upon the alcohol through no fault of their own. And there are plenty of areas in the world where there is not an age limit. Sound familiar?)

The Slippery Slope:
It becomes an extremely slippery slope when we begin to compromise on God’s commandments. For starters, when we seek to modify, side-step, or overturn a commandment or doctrine, we seek to rob God of His parental rights to teach us and to keep us safe. I testify that we are His children. That He loves us and cares for us. I testify that He desires nothing more than for us to return to Him and to be able to at that time clothe us with righteousness and crown us with glory.

If someone else chooses to disregard the commandments, woe be unto that person. If I enable that person to disregard the commandments, woe be unto me also. It matters not if that person is my child, my parent, my friend, or a stranger. It matters not whether that person is gay or straight. You and I are not to enable someone else to feel comfortable or confident in their sin. That does not mean that we knock on our neighbor’s door and tell them that they’re sinning (although it may sometimes), but we certainly don’t give them a wink and a nod, or worse, offer them our house or our ordinances that are had from God with which to commit those sins.

What Does Membership Mean?
For those of you who are not LDS, consider this question in light of whatever church you belong to or in whatever group (e.g. Christian, Deists) you claim for your own. For those of you who are LDS, consider this question specific to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Many of you grew up in the Church. I am a convert. The Lord Jesus Christ stands at the head of this Church. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are His special witnesses to all the world. The idea of membership in full fellowship means that I should be able to go anywhere in the world and know exactly what the members in that part of the world believe when it comes to the doctrine, policies, and positions of the Church. Not for the most part, but exactly. Membership (in full fellowship) requires adherence and obedience to the espoused doctrine and positions of the Church. I understand that on occasion the Church may take a position on a policy that might surprise you. It is our duty and responsibility as members to reconcile ourselves to the Church’s position as quickly as possible.

We are asked in our temple recommend interviews if we sustain the Brethren. If you answer yes to that question, then you sustain the Brethren as the mouthpiece of the Lord in their position on proposition 8. And not just on gay marriage, but on homosexuality period. Do you honestly believe that you can differ with the leadership, who speak on behalf of the Lord, and feel worthy to enter into the Lord’s house?

You may argue that these men are not perfect. That they are just men. Yes, they are men. But they are holy men. Righteous men. Good men who walk with God. They are men who carry His Spirit with them and who witness of Him to all the world. When we stand in opposition to them, we stand in opposition to God and His Son.

Believe and advocate as you wish. Remember that when you partake of the Lord’s supper, you demonstrate a willingness to take upon yourself His name. How can you take upon you His name and then advocate the exact opposite of what He would do?

The Church, in any age of the world, has never suffered from without, only from within. Christ was not captured until He was betrayed by Judas. The Prophet Joseph Smith was constantly in turmoil, but was finally done in by the Law brothers (one of whom had been a counselor in the First Presidency with him). Those of you who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ, take heed of your station.

As an American I would give my life for you to be able to advocate at the top of your lungs and at the ballot box what I would spend a lifetime advocating against. As a Christian, I feel it my duty to point out when a fellow professed Christian (or other Deist) is out of step with God.

I do not desire to offend anyone, but rather to be a clarion call, a reminder of true principles. I pray that this is received in the same spirit in which it is offered. May God bless you.

My testimony TAG

2008-11-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

This was a letter to my sister-in-law through e-mails, but I wanted to post it.

It defiantly has become more than I thought it would be. But really has opened my eyes. I am grateful for it and now see just where some of those I care about stand, where they are in their life right now, and what life experiences do too us all. So different..us all, but I think in the end we all do want to do what is right. In today's world what is right and wrong as been torn. Even in myself at the beginning of this. I was having some issues with determining that. That is why when I came across that quote I thought nothing else that is what I am going to stand by. Now because of this all though.. I have more to stand by to help me be strong. With the articles Amber sent and ones that I have looked up myself. No more do I waiver inside of myself and feel unsurety. And because of that quote..It is more than just the issue of gay marriages, but life in general with issues presented that I know this knowledge will help. The economy is not good right now and things are hard for many. But because of all this I have had my testimony restored in the gospel principals...I hold more dear to the song..Follow The Prophet..HE WONT lead you astray. I realized that for myself I need to get back on track with my daily duties as praying and reading the scriptures. It is too easy now a days to fall into the trap of sin, and to have a "I don't care attitude". And lets not forget those I am responsible to teach; my children. By doing family nights, and setting an example I will be judged. Some are diligent in these things and I respect that. I see the difference in their life that do these things. I won't to be more obedient. faithful, and loving towards others. And yes this effort will help me with my weaknesses, bring happiness, peace, love for others, patients, and in the end eternal life. Just Endure. That's easy? Right? =) Well not impossible with the atonement and God that is...

Well I guess I just shared my testimony with you. I hope you don't mind.

Truthfully I would encourage many to share their testimony. Go for it. Who cares. What better thing to put on record then that? It is easier then the pulpit! We could start a Testimony "Tag" if you would like. What are your "TESTS"imony's you have gone through and gained today? We can all strengthen each other by SHARING our testimony's.

Movie Night

2008-11-17T23:13:00.000-08:00

The PTA at the girls school put a movie night together were we watched Kung Fu Panda. I forgot how funny this movie was. The girls loved going to the school. Laying out their blankets, and hanging out with friends from school. It was fun to see them interact with their friends. The twins usually have the same friends and they still do, but tonight I got to see that one girl was more interested in hanging out with Madison, and Abigail had a group that she was busy talking too. I try really hard to talk to my girls about being nice to everyone, and not a snob. You have to be careful with girls. They can fall into that trap really easy. I think they are doing a great job about trying to involve everyone when they are doing something as a group.

How can it be that they are still little girls but all grown up at the same time?

"His enemies would go blind from over exposure from pure awesomeness. How much do we owe you? There is no charge for AWESOMENESS or attractiveness!" Kung Fu Panda Movie. =) LOL

"We should hang out! AGREED!"

More Information

2008-11-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

I do not think that I was understanding things clearly on this topic. Here are some articles that I wish to share. One thing I do love about blogs is that sometimes the things I don't have time to look into myself have already been researched and explained by someone else. This might be a little bit forward and I am sorry. I know that this is kind of a controversial topic and not one that someone would usually blog about. Sexuality of all kinds surrounds us today. It is probably one that most natural men and women fight against within themselves. We probably have all seen how addicted people become to porn and even adultery once they are in the middle of it. And it usually ends the same; the person is either so addicted that they almost can't give it up, or at it would be extremely difficult to do, so it becomes a poisonous part of their lives, of themselves really. And even if they come to realize that this is ruining things, it is probably too late to save the things that matter most in life. I mean in my mom's day they hardly used the word "SEX". That is not the case anymore and we should not hide behind the akwardness of the topic. It really does destroy souls and families and who knows what else when sexuality is not kept within the bounds that the lord has set. Not before marriage, not between more than you and your spouse, literally or by including porn within your marriage. It is wrong! It will eventually cause problems within your marriage, self doubt of your spouse, your love for one another will diminish, and soon your heart will even harden against those that love you the most. And don't wait with your children. I dont think this is personally a topic that should be ignored until your kids are teenagers.

This is something my sister in law wrote. She said it pretty well and since she doesn't have a blog I thought I would share it.

First of all the "Church" isn't against being homosexual, your Heavenly Father is. Since the foundation of this world, the Lord has laid out the laws we are to live by. He has said that sexual sin is next to murder. Why do you think that is? Why would the Lord make it that bad to commit sexual sin? The Lord has said, "My house is an house of order" and since the beginning he has set the order. That is, that man and woman were created for each other. To come together and have and raise the next generation unto the Lord. The children we have are not ours, they are GODS. He has also gone so far as to list several sexual deviations that are not acceptable to him. For example, Adultery, Fornication, Homosexuality, Pornography, Masturbation and Sexual attraction to children etc. One is not more "okay" than the other.

Have you ever taken the time to understand why the Lord would say these are SOOO wrong? Think about it. Everybody has weaknesses and Satan knows what they are. He uses them against us, to pull us out of harmony with the Lord.

Pornography is wrong, I assume you think it is. People who have problems with pornography, generally don't understand why it is wrong. They truly believe that they are not hurting anyone. "Who cares if they are looking. They aren't asking someone to put pictures or video on the net. If someone wants to post it, who cares if I look at it?" they say. Those who deal with the person who is involved with this, understand and can see the affect it has. The man involved many times cannot. The justification becomes, "I am not hurting anyone, I still love you", etc. Pornography has an unbelievable hold on a man who is trapped in it. Many men believe that it is a normal and natural part of being a man. Outside of LDS circles it is very much a part of everyday life. Men are accepted as having a roaming eye and it is considered natural and normal.

It is not natural or normal. Why? Because God said we are to control the "NATURAL MAN" not give into him. Pornography is as much a sexual deviation as any of the others.

How about men who are attracted to children? They also think this is natural. They feel they can't help it either. They didn't ask to have the attraction, right? It is just part of their make up. Yet we as a society find this abhorrent. What is the difference between this and any other sexual deviation?

How about fornication? Sexual relations before marriage. This is a perfectly accepted part or society. Some people think that you should live with someone for a while to make sure you are compatible. The "urge" to be with someone is a completely normal and natural part of life. We are not hurting anyone, by having a sexual relationship, right? We are acting on normal urges that are considered a healthy part of life. This is also the exact same argument used in regards to Masturbation. Doctors, Psychologists, mothers, fathers, friends, all give the same arguments for doing this as well. Yet the Lord says that they are not to be done. Once again we are asked to control the "Natural Man".

What about the homosexual? He thinks he can't help it either. What harm is he doing? he thinks. They aren't hurting anyone, right? It is normal and natural. Does any of this sound familiar?

The fallacy with Homosexuality or anyone else caught in a sexual deviation, is that they think that they cannot help it. The Lord has stated that we are never tempted beyond that which we can bear. There is always a way out. That goes for the above listed deviations. Some sin is harder to overcome than others, but it can be done.

By the way, I have had a number of Gay friends and met in passing many other gay and lesbian people. I have like many of them as people, very much. In fact Damians uncle is gay and I like him a lot.

Secondly: We are under obligation to raise our children to the Lords standards. Once again, they are not ours, they are on loan to us from the Lord. He expects certain things. The problem with having a mandatory teaching of homosexuality, is that it takes away the right of the parent to raise the child with the Lords morality.

Massachusetts is one of a couple of states that made it legal to marry homosexuals. Once it was legal, the school curriculum had to change. It began in Kindergarten with special books to read that portray the same sex marriage as natural. In one particular family, the parents had a problem with this being taught to their 5 year old. They went to the school asking to opt him out of the teaching. They asked that notification be sent to parents when they would be teaching this topic to their children. They were told that they had no rights to any of these things. That the school was specifically being told not to let the families know. The families had no say in it. When the man demanded to talk to higher authorities, he was ares ted. He didn't do anything wrong! He just wanted to be able to not have the school teaching his child something that he didn't believe in. This is an example of the government interfering in the sacred rights of parents.

3rd. There is a difference between teaching about an action being wrong and teaching that the person is bad. My children have no problem understanding the difference. Not condoning the action does not mean that I hate the person. I disagree with your assessment that we are showing our children that it is wrong to be different. I think there are many ways to teach and reinforce that it is okay to be different. This isn't an issue about being different. It is an issue about actions and certain actions are wrong, that is why we have a prison filled with people who think it is okay to steal and murder.

As for the racial card, that is another story. Racial differences have come about because of initial judgments of the Lord. The black race were under the Lords judgment. When that Judgment was lifted, they were accepted into the priesthood and were given equal status in the church. They were not receiving their rights because initially they had been taken away by GOD and then, because we had perpetuated certain thinking and behavior patterns to our children. This all takes generations to change. You may not realize it, but YOUR grandmother used the word nigger for black people. It was the word everyone used when she was growing up. 2 generations later, we have lost that word from a large percentage of the white community.

The Native Americans: I look at the way they have been driven out of the Lands and I have such compassion for them. Yet, when you look for the root of it, we see that their fathers brought it upon their children's heads. They were warned that they would be scattered and hunted. The Lord calls them to repentance over and over again. By the end of the BOM, we see that there are no people living the Lords laws.

The Lord has cursed different peoples with a different color skin, partly for protection and partly to stop them from mingling with the believers.

( the reason for non mingling- When ever you marry someone there is a certain amount of compromise that happens. In households where there is a difference in religious belief, compromises in religion are also made and passed down to the next generation. The true gospel of the Lord is eventually lost unless at some point one of these children finds the church. )

The judgments of the Lord have been fulfilled with these peoples. The rights of these people were being denied not because they were committing sin, but because the generations had not caught up in thinking and acting, with the Lord. This goes back to the fact that it takes generations, to change actions and thought which have been perpetuated for generations.

The Lord shows us throughout history, that we must look to the future. The actions we commit have huge ramifications for many future generations. We are told many times that the sins of the fathers are visited on the heads of their children unto the 3rd and 4th generation. Is that because the following generations are being punished for the sins of their fathers? NO! It is because the consequence of sin changes the lifestyle, the things that are taught, what is passed to future generations. These things all affect the next generations. We teach what we know. We are all creatures of habit. So although we may have compassion and understanding for the homosexual couples, we MUST look to the future and stand for what the Lord wants.

Homosexuals are committing sin in the eyes of GOD and asking us to support them in their sin by making it legal. We cannot do that.

Giving a black man the right to vote, or hold property had nothing to do with sin. The homosexual can still vote and own property as well.

We are not trying to deny them rights. We are standing up for what is morally right in the eyes of the Lord. We are saying we do not condone the ACTION of homosexuality. Not that we hate the people that live it. We do live in a Democratic society where the majority voice of the people rules. There may come a time when the majority rules in favor of what is wrong, thinking that it is right. In fact we have been told time when the majority rules in favor of what is wrong, thinking that it is right. In fact we have been told that that will be the case. When that days comes, wo unto the people of the world, for they will be ripe for the Lords judgment. The Book of mormon shows us what happens when the majority of the people stop following his law. They are destroyed, or allowed to live in ignorance until they can be redeemed. The more light the initially had, the more severe the judgment will be. We live in the last days....

I think this takes us back to my first post about the quote...I think if we are members and think that we can sit on the fence and just wait and see, then won't we be judged for that? I feel like the Lord expects more and deserves more from us then that.

Here are some church articles that you can read that are more doctorine than opinion. Read it a little at a time if needed. Just like always we still should love those that commit sin. If it is close to you, a child or a spouse, This may be hard. It can be a painful experience. I am sure the Lord hurts too, but his love for all is endless. He also realizes that the way we grow is through the consequences of our actions. So we can't take those away.

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction

2008-11-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

Talk from Elder Neil A. Maxwell (1978):

2008-11-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

So my sister sent me an e-mail about all the gay issues on marriage that are going around right now. (See pointed me to this blog...http://notsofarfetched.blogspot.com/) We had a lesson on it in sunday school and I am sure that most of you have already heard things from the news. I think that it really tests us as memeber not even just the LDS church put Christians in all. I thought I would share it. Below is what I wrote to my family and the talk by Elder Neil Maxwell says it best.

Hey there. I think I have been thinking about this a lot because part, well, you can't help but wonder if you are denying them their rights and a slim of doubt, probably Satan's tool creeps in. But over all I think that we are projecting the family and in my mind the family is worth protecting. Our society would fall if we didn't have a foundation of good family's here. And just with single parents today we are seeing some effect already. How children are raised with an insecurity to marry. Or their confidence is thrown away and diminishing. There are many thoughts that cross my mind but when I crossed by this quote I think it explains best what faces us today. And in the end it is always our choose to do as we would like. But just like everything else if you don't decide NOW then you will probably give in. SO DECIDE TODAY WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO DO AND WERE YOU STAND!

A timely quote for a past talk from Elder Neil A. Maxwell (1978):
'Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions. President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.'

'This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being
ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. . . . Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions.

'Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened....
Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was, till then, unconscious of itself. Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, 'summer is nigh.' Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat.'
--- Elder Neal A. Maxwell

About Me Tag.

2008-11-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

 I AM: a mom, a wife, scrapbooker, sister, friend, daughter, silly
 I WANT: I want to go to Disney land with my girls.
 I HAVE: four beautiful girls that keep me busy, and I have a hard time explaining myself.
 I MISS: having my sisters around and having girl’s nights.
 I FEAR: I might not learn the lessons in life when they are presented.
 I HEAR: Madison playing with a balloon and Lacey loves it.
 I SEARCH: the Internet for quotes that I love.
 I WONDER: What the future has in store for all of us.
 I REGRET: some things I have said.
 I LOVE: My husband with all my heart.
 I FORGIVE: those that seek it.
 I ACHE: for those that are lost. Soul and children missing.
 I ALWAYS: want to try to do what is right.
 I TRY: to see others point of views.
 I AM NOT: perfect,
 I SEEM: to be having difficulties answering these questions.
 I KNOW: I am not perfect.
 I FEEL: tired and wish I could have slept in today.
 I DANCE: with my husband and my girls. It is a great exercise. That gives you an idea how we dance.
 I DREAM: Of the day David will become a writer.
 I GIVE: my time to my kids.
 I LISTEN: to my girls mostly all day.
 I SING: when I am in the mood, and wish that I sang more often.
 I LAUGH: at my brothers jokes the most, but enjoy laughing in general.
 I CAN'T: wait until David’s dreams and mine become reality.
 I WRITE: on my blog more than I should. but it is a great journal.
 I CRY: when others seem to be unhappy.
 I SLEEP: until the girls wake me up, which lately is really early. What happened to the good old sleep in days?
 I AM NOT ALWAYS: a great listener, or a good mom, Mrs. grumpy some days.
 I SEE: my scrapbooking stuff and wish I had time today to sit down and scrapbook. But I have no ideas.
 I NEED: to go make breakfast for the girls now that they are all up.
 I SHOULD: Get off the computer!!! I am always telling myself that.

OK I am going to tag ALL my sisters. You know who you are. That means sister in laws too. I consider them my sisters but I know if I didn't clarify that they would use it for a reason to not do it. And heck I guess we are all sisters so if you are in the mood go for it. Great journal for remembrance and something to blog about.

More Cookies!?

2008-11-07T12:50:00.001-08:00

I am sure I have already expressed how much I love to make cookies, but just in case I haven't I LOVE TO BAKE COOKIES. Since the time I was a little girl and had bake offs with my brother Gary. I have defiantly improved since then. We use to cover the kitchen counter with all kinds of goodies just for fun. Now I love baking them with my girls. I love how cookies warm up your house and makes it smell so good. I have a collection of cookie recipes that I rotate and make, but it is absolutely a must to make pumpkin cookies in the fall. Really! The smell alone will have you relaxing and kicking your feet up with a plate of cookies and a warm blanket. So here is my recipe that I have settled on that I like the most. Pretty basic, but I am OK with basics!

My Grandmas Allreds favorite cookie.

Pumpkin Cookies Grandma Allred

½ c butter
1 cup pumpkin (If you like it extra pumpkiny then add a little more.)
2 ½ cup flour
½ tsp. salt
1 ½ c sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 egg
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup raisins/chocolate chips
½ cups nuts (optional) not a fan personally

Mix the dry ingredients together and add them to the wet ingredients. Add your chocolate chips, raisins or nuts. What ever you prefer. Drop by the spoonful onto baking sheet.
Bake 375 10-12 minutes. I always double this recipe so I can use the whole can of pumpkin. I really enjoy making these in the fall and they make your house smell so good!

Icing: If you are not doubling the recipe then just half the icing recipe.
2 cups powdered sugar
1tbsp butter melted
1 tsp. vanilla
3 tbsp. milk
Wait until cookies cool down if you want it thinner just a little more milk.

Day after Election

2008-11-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Yes I have been watching the news today. I am sure many of you are as well. I can't help but be touched by this historical moment even though he was not my elected candidate choice. I know that last night was a big moment for African Americans and like many have said they think of the people that went before them that would have loved to see this day. I know this is going to sound forward but I am glad that he got elected because I am really tired of the racism CARD being played. That is over and in the pass. I know there is a sense of pride within African Americans and me. To be living to see this day is something. And their should be. This is a big moment. But no longer should they think they don't have the same rights as every other American!!! Have your moment, tear that racism card up and lets move forward together. No more excuses. (Sorry this comes from going to school in Vegas. You should have heard some of the discussions in our H.S. history class)

My concern today is how much he promised, and a lot of people like the idea of free B's. I don't think that is personally good for Americans though. America was built on work, values and dreams, and you have to work for those dreams. Everyone needs to learn to pull their own weight. When you get knocked down pick yourself back up. We are fighters, like McCain said, and we should continue to fight. We will see if he will come through with what he said and even more if the change he said is really going to be good for us as Americans. I am not sure if we are ready for those changes, as much as we were OK with having an African American President.

This is my last post on politics. I just find myself having thoughts and concerns about this election. It will be an interesting two years, that is what I keep saying to myself. Two years!!! Then we will see what happens and the changes.

Its OVER

2008-11-04T21:04:00.000-08:00

Well this years election was very interesting, but it is all over now. Obama Won. Even though that is not who I cast my vote on, I do hope that he can make things a little better in this nation. (I almost used the word Change =) It was a fun evening even though McCain didn't win.

I made Cinnamon rolls and that took awhile and we sat and laughed about moments in this years campaigning together. Probably too much loud laughter, but I am sure I will remember this evening for years to come. Yes it was a historic moment. The first Aferican American President elected, but I wont only remember this evening for that but for many other reasons. It is late and I have a sugar rush, but I am very glad the campaigning is all done. Now we can move forward.

If you haven't watched the video yet below. You should... really funny!

No pictures. I am having camera problems again. Can you believe that. I don't know what my luck is with cameras. Frustrating. Good night!

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

2008-11-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

JUST WANTED TO REMIND EVERYONE TO MAKE SURE TO GET OUT AND VOTE TOMORROW!!!!
AND EVEN BETTER CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO. IT IS REALLY FUNNY AND IT WILL MAKE YOUR DAY! JUST CUT AND PASTE OR JUST CLICK ON THE TITLE TO TAKE YOU TO THE WEBSITE.

http://www.peteyandpetunia.com/VoteHere/VoteHere.htm

Halloween Day

2008-11-03T14:27:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures from the girls Halloween party at their school. I helped plan it along with another mom Jessie. You should see Jessie's house. Now she is crafty!!! Well the girls had fun and I ended up taking Riley and Lacey with me too and they just thought it was the best thing ever. It was the perfect beginning to our Halloween evening.

After that we had some really yummy food for dinner.
-7 layer dip with chips
-meatballs and rice
-yummy Shiloh's drink. (recipe bellow)
-candy, candy, and more candy

We went Trick or treating around the neighborhood. The way you should go trick or treating. Not that big of a fan of trunk or treats. We were only out for about an hour, but they got way more candy then they needed. After we got home we continued to pass out candy and watch Halloween movies.

So yes I think I have gained five pounds this past weekend. I only got a picture of Madison in her costume for some reason my camera just stopped working. I am having the worst luck with cameras this year. It makes me want to scream!!!!!!!!!! I will post some more pictures when I get them off of my friends camera.

I hope everyone had a safe Halloween as well.

YUMMY DRINK
Blend these ingrediants in a blender
2 ripe bananas
One bag of frozen strawberries
1 cup water

Stir these together in a large bowl
One can of concentrated OJ
3/4 can of Concentrated lemonade
1 can of pinapple juice

Combine the two. When you are ready to serve had a 2 liter of Gingeral soda. So yummy and a perfect drink for a party or holiday dinner. This makes tons so if you are just making it for yourself you might want to half the reciepe.

Say NO to drugs!

2008-11-03T14:22:00.000-08:00

This week was Red and Purple ribbon week for violence and substance abuse prevention. The girls had fun dressing up for every day, and they are still wearing their wrist band even though I told them they could take it off now that the week is over, but they insist.

MONDAY - "Turn your back on drugs and violence" Wear your clothes backwards

TUESDAY - "Living drug free is NO sweat!" Wear seats

WEDNESDAY - "SHADE our drugs and Violence" Wear sunglasses

THURSDAY - "Give drugs and violence the SLIP" Wear slippers

FRIDAY - "Use your HEAD, don't do drugs" Wear hats and red and purple

Movie Night

2008-11-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

Last week the girls had some Friends over to watch the new Tinker Bell movie. They insisted in popcorn and cookies, so I gave in and made some. It was a school night so they didn't have much time after the movie to play but they thought it was a blast to have Sarah and Ryan over for the evening.

Lacey just crashed on the couch during the whole thing. It just seemed like to much fun for her.

SILLY FACE

2008-10-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

Here are the kids doing their silly faces. Riley thought we were kinda wierd but sooner or later we got her silly face out of her. WHAT IS YOUR SILLY FACE?

PICTURES OF LACEY

2008-10-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

JUST SOME BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF MY LITTLE LACEY. LAS VEGAS PARK OCTOBER 2008

Long Weekend

2008-10-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well the girls had some days off of school for the Harvest Holiday here in Utah. So we decided to head to Vegas so we can see everyone there. We made our rounds. We stayed with Shiloh and the girls loved playing again with Clara, Jason, and Ian. They played from sun up to sun down. Jen and Rachel stopped by and we tried to get some scrapbooking done, but we talked more than scrapbooked. It was really nice to have somewhat of a girl’s night even though we had kids running around.

Sherrelle It was really nice of you to have me over for dinner. It was really good. Pictures of Casey and Sherrelle with their new LITTLE babies. (Well maybe not Colton)I had Lacey with me, but she really is not a baby any more. =) Nope we have entered into the wonderful Toddler years. HELP!!!

After all of this we headed to my moms to spend two nights with her. The girls love going to Grandma's. Maybe because Grandpa lets them get away with things mom won’t let them.

10 Things we love about Grandma and Grandpa's House.
1. Grandpa making breakfast in the mornings. Pancakes and eggs. Madison’s favorite and no one makes them like my dad. No really I know the are just pancakes but his are always better.
2. Playing in their backyards. With a little imagination you can go on any adventure. And Hazel playing right beside them.
3. Cooking with Grandma. When ever I see my mom be so patient with them I cant help but think I should be more patient with them when they want to help cook. They love it and expect it now every time we visit. "WHAT WE COOKING GRANDMA?"
This trip it was lollipops./ See pictures. How fun is that?
4. Watching a movie and setting blankets out all over the floor. This time we watched Hocus-Pocus. Perfect for the season.
5. Driving on the four-wheelers, Grandpa's big truck. Just driving in the same car as Grandma and Grandpa is so fun to the girls. So they always ask. "Can we drive with Grandpa?"
6. Playing with Grandma's toys. I don’t know why they find ways to keep themselves occupied at Grandma's, but when they are home they are always saying the are bored. I don’t ever see them when we are visiting.
7.I get too sleep in, and take naps. Thanks mom!
8. Making crafts with Grandma.
9. Jumping in bed with Grandpa. Oh and wearing one of his big shirts for their pajamas. Even though we bring pajamas they still wear his big shirts.
10. How life just slows down when we are there. Living in the moment.

After leaving my mom's we headed to my Grandma and Grandpa's to help them with the Internet. They now are officially online. And yes when we were there I had to get a picture. My Grandma is so funny about taking pictures. I think she looks fine, but she is always hesitant. This is not quite the look she gives but she has this look and she says something like "jiminy cricket." But that didn’t stop me. =) Then we headed home.

Riley didn't want to get in the picture. Little stinker.
And the next day they were back too school.

Culumbus Day

2008-10-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Columbus Day was Monday, and at the girls school the first graders did a little program. As you can tell it was really cute. I tried to video as much as I could, but considering I didn't know what would becoming next and even cuter I wanted to make sure my battery didn't die. I was lucky to even remember my camera running out of the door so we wouldn't be late. I know for a scrapbooker that seems odd, but for a mother of little ones. Not to odd!!!!! Videos will be coming soon./ The second picture is the girls with their good friend Sarah. I think there is not a day that they don't play together.

Do you remember?

2008-10-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

Did you guys ever put curlers in your hair when you were little? I remember trying to sleep in these things and they were not that fun. The things you do to look cute. Anyhow the girls have enjoyed putting their hair in curler's. Madison loves her hair curly, but Abigail is more resistant, since she says they hurt to sleep on, but last night after their bath she asked if I would put them in her hair.

This morning I asked Abigail how she slept and she said, "I think I am getting better at sleeping with them." I wish I would have taken a picture of them this morning, I forgot. Sunday mornings are crazy enough trying to get four girls ready and myself on time. They looked way too old though. Even Jeremy made the comment that they grew up over night. Girls!!! What do you do?

Oh thanks mom again for the curlers. When ever the girls do pull them out the remembered that you gave them too them for their birthday. Love ya!

Winter be PATIENT!

2008-10-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this? We already got snow. No one thought it would stick, but it started too and then this morning we got up for church there was more snow on the ground. I guess I need to get the girls snow clothes out of storage. It was fun for a day, but I really love fall and hope winter can be patient and back OFF!!!

What about you Sarah? Did you get snow?

Oh and I did get a picture of Susie. Caught her by surprise. We were down the street making some jewelry for fun. So cute!! Anyhow then we looked out side and it was not just snowing but it looked like a snow storm.

I love you Mom

2008-10-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

My friend Becky e-mailed me this and I just thought it was pretty funny. So I am sharing it with you guys.

I am sure we all fill like this some days. LOL

Family Night

2008-09-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

The girls love going to this park. It has tons of things to do and plenty of open fields to run around on. Like I said you just cant beat this weather. David loves that the girls are getting old enough to play Frisbee with. They are doing really well, considering that Frisbee was bigger than them. The game ended up turning into keep away from dad. It was pretty funny. Oh the joy of being a parent. Honest you think we would be in better shape the way they keep us going!!

Parent/Teacher conference

2008-09-30T18:53:00.000-07:00

The girls had parent teacher conference yesterday. It was really fun to go and sit with them individually and see how they are doing in school. The two of them are very different from each other. Mrs Smith just kept commenting on how different and unique they are from each other. I think she was expecting something else considering they are twins. They really are enjoying school and doing very well. Afterwards we took them out to dinner to great old Apple bees!

Nature Walk

2008-09-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

The weather here is getting really nice. We will see how long it will last until it is too cold. Until then though we are trying to spend as much as time outside as we can. The girls love going on walks and this time I remembered to take my camera with me. Here are some updated pictures of the girls and also to let everyone know what we have been up to lately in our free time. You think we would have more free time, but I just don't know where the days are going lately. They seem to be getting shorter. Anyone else have this problem?

Yep it is still funny!!

2008-09-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

So after Jill made her comment on her blog I just had to check it out again, and yep it is still funny. If you don't know what we are talking about then you need to check it out. If you have already seen it then watch it again. I enjoyed it the secound time. Hopefully it will lighten your spirits by making you laugh a little. Click on the title to go to the website, or use the below link. Let me know what you think when you are done. Happy Laughing.

Click the link below to view.
Palin / Hillary Open

Gov. Palin and Senator Clinton address the nation

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/palin-hillary-open/656281/

School Carnival

2008-09-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the girls had a carnival at their school. So we headed over after dinner so they could not be the only ones from their class that didn’t show up. Dang PTA! =) I totally forgot my camera so there is no pictures to show. The thing that was interesting is the other kids know them as the “twins.” They know their names are Madison and Abigail, but I was just walking with Abigail alone and this boy Spencer came up and was surprised that she was not with Madison. I over heard another girl from their class talk to her dad and said come here dad! I need to show you the real live twins that are in my class. I just thought it was funny. And lately they have been wanting to match when they go to school. I told them they don’t have to wear the same thing, but they told me they were twins. Now after attending the carnival I understand their change of mind to dress alike.

Reading Time

2008-09-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

Madison and Abigail have been working really hard at their reading. Every evening we have them read us a book before bed. After Madison got done reading a book to me she asked Riley if she wanted her to read it to her. I just love that Madison can read a book to Riley. I hope they both keep an interest in reading like their father has. I wish sometimes I was more of a reader, but when I get free time the only one passion I have is scrap booking. So that is what I would rather spend my time doing.

Sisters.

2008-09-10T00:25:00.001-07:00

I guess I could title everything sister if I wanted too. Well here are some pictures I forgot to post. We were kinda bored so I took the two girls outside and took some pictures of them playing or I should say kinda fighting over who gets to sit in the rocker. Riley is a great big sister. Since the girls went to school she has been kind of bored so her and Lacey have been doing a lot of things together. She has taught Lacey how to pour water all over the place and to pull all the clothes out of the dressers. She trys really hard to teach her how to play barbies but I just don't think she is ready yet. These two are really fun to watch interact with each other.

NUMBER ONE

2008-09-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

When the girls got home from school we let them decorate the cupcakes. Then we hurried up and ate dinner so we could have some cake and ice cream. Once Lacey saw the cupcakes she was excited. I was trying to show her how to blow out the candle, but she just kept sticking her figures in her mouth and trying to touch the candle. So Susie said. "Why don't you just let her touch it to put the candle out, her fingers are wet?" So I thought sure why not. That would still technically be her putting out the candle. Well it turned out to be a bad idea. Poor thing screamed when she touched the candle. It was only for a second but the shock was enough. I hurried up and gave her a taste of what was in front of her and all was well. (as you can tell by the pictures)

I hurried up and wrapped her gifts and brought them to her. She started clapping when she saw them. She actually just wanted to crawl all over them. Even though she didn't tear them open like I thought she would, (good thing we have sisters) she still loved the presents. I told David I wanted to get her something that she could put things in (because she keeps putting things in the trash and loves to carry a cup around and just pick things up and put it in the cup) and so he was adamant when he saw the basketball hoop that we get her that. She loves it. It cheers when you make a basket so she cheers with it. She got other loud toys that I am sure will be annoying after awhile, but they are tons of fun for now.

Happy Birthday Lacey

2008-09-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Well today Lacey turns ONE. In so many ways I feel like she is older but at the same time she is still my baby and in no way can be ONE already. We are going to have a small party tonight. The girls want to make her a cake so when they get home from school we will work on that. I dont think Lacey will have any problem opening gifts and eating a cake all by herself. It should be a blast and very entertaining to watch.

Things Lacey does right now.

-Shake her head at you when you tell her NO
-Puckers her lips and blow kisses all the time.
-Acts like an Indian baby by making sounds with her mouth and hand.
-Loves to give sorbets if she sees your belly button at all.
-If you are sitting on the ground than it is mandatory she sits on your lap and no one else. (sisters)
-Loves to drink water
-loves to be outside, and go on walks in the evening
-Waves hi and goodbye to everyone.
-Loves taking a bath
-Gets mad if I give the other girls a Popsicle and not her.
-Loves to talk on the phone
-sleeps through the night and goes to bed easily by herself.
-Hates having bows or anything placed in her hair =(

She is a joy and we are very delighted to have her in our life and in our family. All I got to say is I am glad not to be back to this day a year ago.

As you can tell it already has been a big day for her.

OOps I forgot a wedding from this summer.

2008-09-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures that I got from Jen of Sarahs wedding. I forgot to post about it. What I love about weddings it that they are all different because you add your charcter to the wedding. Sarah and Jake definatly added thier twist to it. It was a fun evening and I am so glad that we are done with weddings for now. Well unless something happens with Julie but we are not pushing that. Like I said I really do enjoy them but just am tired of traveling all over this summer. I swear I have put so many miles on my car just from weddings and moving. Well the summer is offically over so no more worries. Now we just have to get through the winter. =)

Check out some more awesome picture taken by Rachel on her http://www.rachelreneephoto.blogspot.com/

My Brothers Wedding

2008-09-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Well my brother Nathan finally got married. His wedding was at the Red moose lodge in Ogden Utah. It was really beautiful and great to see family again. Some of them I haven't seen for a couple years. Nathan looked great and so did Calli. I would have taken more pictures but the batteries died. Emily I will have to get some from you. =) The weather was perfect for Saturday but it started to rain Sunday and Monday so we just played games in the lodge. I finally learned how to play poker, or Texas Hold em' what ever you want to call it. I must admit it was kinda fun. I am not a gambler but playing the games just with the chips was fun. I think I have played enough Siltch (dice game) to last me the year. Over all it was a nice wedding and small vacation.

FINALLY SIX

2008-09-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well the girls finally turned six. I think they have been counting down since December. They have waiting a long time. Their day started to with breakfast in bed from David. Then they had to go to school, where everyone in their class made a page for them with birthday wishes and they put it together like a book. (really cute) Then we just did a little princess theme party with family but the girls loved it. Jeremy went and got them the princess crowns along with many other gifts. Thanks Jeremy. So last moment, the morning off while the girls were at school I decided to make a castle out of cardboard. Janie did the cake, and we picked up some ice cream. Jordan ended up stopping by just in time so we had Janessa to share in the fun with. Over all it was an easy party. It is a fun age and I am sure we will have tons to look forward to the more birthdays they have. Both of the girls keep saying "I am so big now that I am six, like Clara!" Anyhow they tried to negotiate their bed time with me because they are older now. And that was only the beginning. I try really hard not to laugh at what they think they are allowed to do now that they are six years old.

Shakespearean Festival

2008-08-27T23:16:00.000-07:00

Last Night we went to the Shakespearean festival play and saw Fiddler On The Roof. I went a couple times growing up. (I am still growing) Anyhow they did a great job. Janie got some free tickets and great seats from her Chelo instructor and so David, Janie and I went out. It was a late night we didn't get home until 11:30,(school night) but I think it was better than the movies by far. David and I are addicted. I am sure we will going to many more. If you are ever in town and want to go to a show let us know. Like I said I think we will be addicted. Plus there isn't much else to do here for date nights or anytime.

Oh and I don't think I have mentioned how great the stars are here. They are beautiful. David has been a lot of places and notices things like that and says this is one of the best places he has been to look at stars. We got home so late we had a chance to take another glance at the sky.

Show and Tell

2008-08-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Well I don't know if you guys remember or not. When Madison cracked her head open because her and Abigail were jumping on the bed. Well they had showing tell at school and I asked them what they wanted to show. Madison picked her stuff animal that she got from her doctors visit when she cracked her head. She talked about how they had to put staples in it and how brave she was. "I didn't even cry, she said". I just thought I would share. I thought it was really cute and that she cared to share that with her class. Abigail picked her web kins cat and talked about Clara and how many web kins she has.

I will write you a SONG

2008-08-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Well just thought I would share. David likes this song a lot. He is learning to play it on the guitar and sings it around the house. The pictures are kind of wierd but the words are great. Hope you enjoy.

Day 2

2008-08-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Can you tell who is who from the back?

So today I wasn't feeling that good again so I had David just take them to school today. I wasn't sure if Madison was starting to get sick, but there was no way I was going to get her to stay home so she still went to school. I asked David how they did when he got home. He said that he pulled up to the school and was going to park and walk them to his class, but the girls said they know where their class is and can go by them self. I just was stunned that they said that. David said he still said he went with them and they showed him their class board they did in the hallway yesterday, and then he turned around and they left him. He walked down to their classroom and they already hung up their bags and were sitting down at the their seats. He waved goodbye and Madison said, pick us up 3:30, OK Dad!" I am just stunned. So many emotions.

First Day Of School

2008-08-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well today was the Twins first day of first grade. It was kinda boring and quiet without them here all day. Actually I was fine but poor Riley had nothing to do. At one point of the day she said, "Mom...I want to go to school." David and I just kept wondering all day what were they doing. I hope they are behaving. We couldn't wait until they got home so we could ask them all those questions. When I went to go pick them up they looked so grown up. What was I thinking? They acted so grown up and responsible too. I guess that is a good thing. I really hope it continues to be this much fun for them. I look terriable in the picture. I have been sick with a cold for about five days and have not gotten much sleep. This pictures just shows all of that and how happy and excited I was for the girls.

Busy! Busy! Busy!

2008-08-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

Well summer is almost over. This summer was filled with weddings and birthdays for us (by the way my birthday was on the 6Th of August. Plus moving.
So I have had a lot of things on my mind lately. First off I decide to put the twins in school this year. Cedar has a really nice Elementary and I was so excited because I found out that they are using the same curriculum that I was using for them for reading. So they will feel very comfortable. Abigail was a little unsure but when we took her down to the school I think she got excited. She said, "I am shy mom." Then Madison said, "I will be with you." When David and I were talking about it I felt really sick and nervous. I guess this is how mothers feel when they send their little ones to kindergarten. The girls will be in first grade this year.

I was talking to my sister in law Susie and she says she feels kind of the same way, but she is dropping her daughter off at Dixie for college next week. I guess that a little at a time you have to let go. At least I get to see them at 3:00 everyday and they are not in another town. Which brings me to the other thing that I realized lately. I know I have mentioned before about being in shock when I look at my nieces and how much they have grown. Where did the time go? Then that makes me think about my little girls and how they will grow up before I know it. I am sure many have told you the same thing. Well being around them again has made me realize that they are not much different then they were at five. They just got bigger. So that made me look at my girls different. The person they are is in them. Sure their looks might change and they will get taller, but the personality and the person you love is always there. I hope I have not lost you all in my thoughts. I found these quotes that I loved and thought I would share.

CHILDREN ARE NOT THINGS TO BE MOLDED, BUT ARE PEOPLE TO BE UNFOLDED. JESS LAIR

You can understand and relate to most people better if you look at them as if they are children. For most of us never grow up, or mature all the much- we simply grow taller. Oh, to be sure, we laugh less and play less and wear uncomfortable disguises like adults, but underneath the custom is a child, we always are, who’s needs are simple, who’s daily life is still best described by fairy tales. Leo Rosen

A PERSON IS A PERSON NO MATTHER HOW SMALL. DR. SEUSS

Each child is an adventure into a better life-an opportunity to change the old pattern and make it new

If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder. He needs the companionship of at least one adult. Who can share it and rediscover with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in. Rachel Carson

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. Stacie Tauscher

Children are the living message we send to a time we will not see. John whitehead

The childhood shows the man as the morning shows the day. John Milton

I have tons and tons more but I think you get the idea. I hope. I love these quotes so much that yes I am using them in my scrapbooking.

Pioneer Days

2008-07-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

We got out of the house for the Pioneer parade. The whole city has Pioneer Days off here. I thought that was kinda interesting. Most of the stores were closed. Since we couldn't get much of our running around done we went down to the park, watched the parade and Janie play her Chello. She practices really hard and the sound is so relaxing. Things are going good here. I think her and David are going to try to play something together. Her Chello and his guitar.

We are all settled in just waiting for David to start school again in August. He is so excited. I have never meet anyone that loved to learn and go to school as much as him.

All Settled

2008-07-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

Well we are finally here and all unpacked. There are still tons of things to get done before school starts again. We went to the new ward on Sunday. I must say there is one great thing about moving many times and that is you get a variety of people. Good thing for blogging. The weather here is really nice. It almost feels like fall some days. Still working on getting my computer set up so until then, I wont have any pictures.

UP and GOING

2008-07-14T21:08:00.001-07:00

I am a little behind on posting. Lacey is now walking mostly everywhere she goes. The funny thing is when ever I pull out the camera she automatically does the opposite of what I ask. She is too funny. Anyhow kinda long, but it took her awhile to want to show everyone. I guess. Oh and the boxes in the background. Well we are up and going again as well. We are moving to Cedar City Utah. David is going to work out there and go to SUU (English program). My bother Jeremy lives out there so we are going to be with family. I am really looking forward to getting out of this heat, but I am really getting tired of packing boxes. Unpacking not that big of a deal, but this part really does make me want to lay down on the floor and not move. Well back to work. It will be awhile until I post again, but I will update everyone soon.

Hard Workers

2008-07-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of things that I got from my parents. Hard work, and creativity. I am always getting things done. I get that from my parents. They are always working, but they now how to sTOP and relax too. I guess that might come with age for me. They are both very creative. I can see things and make my own most of the time and my parents are the same way when it comes to what they do. My dad can build things with wood, and plaster. Every time we go and visit. He is outside working on something.

My mom is brilliant when it comes to sewing, and finds ways to use all of her scraps to make something. I grew up with both of them doing these things often and I think that rubbed off on me. I have my own creativity in scrapbooking, but I love to refinish wood like my dad (I just need more tools), and every once in awhile pull out my sewing machine to make something.

My mom started an etsy store as well. It is ninecreations.etsy.com I am sure it will take them awhile to get things posted but if you are ever interested in what they are up to check it out.

Grandma's House

2008-07-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

So we are back from visiting my mom. It was nice to get a brake. Whenever we go and visit it just seems so peace full and the girls love to see their cousins and Grandma and Grandpa spoil them. The girls could not get enough water considering it is so hot in Overton. So Grandpa went and bought them a slip and slide to play on. Do you guys remember doing this as a child? I remember loving them, but would not dare do it now. I would probably hurt myself.

Riley loved having Indiana to play. Someone that is close to her age. The only thing is you forget that two at that age do seem to get into trouble together. She really misses you Ian

Going to Vegas

2008-06-27T10:23:00.001-07:00

Well we are headed to Vegas. We just decided last minute to take a trip and get away. Adam and Rachel said they were going to Vegas so I decided why not. So we are loading up and going regardless of the gas prices. The only thing is you pretty much have to pack up your whole house when you take four kids somewhere for a week.

My Etsy Store

2008-06-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

Well I opened an Etsy store. For those that don't know what an Etsy store is. It is like eBay, but everything you sell has to be handmade/Crafts. The site is actually really cool, and you can find many unique gifts there. If you would like to check out my store go to mypagedesigns.etsy.com

or click on the link. Let me know what you think.

Movie Day

2008-06-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

So we took the girls to go to that new Panda movie. And there was this great quote in it that I loved...

The past is history
The future is a mystery
Today is a gift. That is why the call it the present.

It was a really good movie and had a lot of great wisdom in it. If you want something to do with your kids. Get out of the heat and go and see this movie.