Mom's Visit

Sat.: Mom and Dad arrived in the evening. We hung out for a while before putting the kids to bed.

Sun.: Easter! We went to Church and had a feast of ham, sweet potatoes, asparagus, and banana pudding (100% from scratch) for dessert. Oh, and deviled eggs. We did our Easter FHE so Dad could be involved too.

Mon.: We went to D.I. and said goodbye to Dad. Mom and I took the kids to the rec center while James did his homework for his online class. We then watched When Calls the Heart while I worked on my rug and cutting up things I got from Melodie for future rugs.

Tue.: Normal morning, rec center in the evening. Same afternoon as Mon.

Wed.: Ran a few errands in the morning to the bank, library, bookstore, and recycling. Afternoon was the same as Mon. and Tue. Evening, Mom and I went to the rec center while James stayed with the kids. We picked up some ice cream afterward.

Thu.: Normal morning. I taught Mom how to make liquid soap from bar soap. This is especially handy when you have lots of little hotel soaps.  Since we finished WCTH, we will watch something else this afternoon while I work on my rug and cutting up the last of the stuff I got from Melodie. Tonight, it's the rec center again.

Having Mom visit is so much fun! She loves reading to her grandbabies and spending time with us. Going to the rec center a lot has been great too. Mom loves to swim for exercise, and my kids all love going. It wears them out before they go to bed.

Katie has been a challenge this week, though. I've decided to kick her out of the boys' room and put her in my closet. She is a terrible roommate to her brothers in every way. I don't know why she keeps waking up crying, but it's getting a little old.

Articles of Faith #6

"We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth."

I am grateful that I can look in the scriptures and see so many similarities between the Church during the time of Jesus and now. It makes so much sense to have the same organization. God is at the head, and He speaks through His prophets and apostles. I have been to meetings in many states, and they all preach the same Gospel. I love that about the Church. No matter where I go in the world, I know I can find friends in the Gospel.

Spring Break

I had a great week with my inlaws in Rexburg.

Fri.: We left after school and got there late. The kids were pretty good thanks to movies on the iPad. I'm so glad the school gives one to James to use.

Sat.: We went to see Grandma and Grandpa Head after lunch. We had Papa Murphy's for dinner and lots of goodies. I even remembered to take Grandpa some cookies.

Sun.: We had church and dinner afterward. Christian and Rachel came over too.

Mon.: I went to the gym with Melodie (also Tue. and Wed.) and then cleaned the fridge and made chicken pot pie for dinner. I went somewhere, but I can't remember where.

Tue.: I spent the day with Tanisha! We went to the Thai restaurant, Florence's, on campus, and to Artco and the new Walmart. It was really great to catch up with her. I miss her a lot and wish I were better at keeping in touch. Our lives are in different stages, but we still have a lot in common. We ate a quick dinner and then helped Melodie with pack meeting.

Wed.: James went to Preston to work with his dad. The Lees came over and we dyed eggs.

Thurs.: I went birthday shopping with Melodie and got new shoes and a couple shirts. We had lunch at a really good Indian place. We went to the Lees' for dinner and an Easter egg hunt and then a Relief Society birthday. It was all delicious, but I ate WAY too much all week. :)

Fri.: We headed out early to get James to his appointment at the U of U. Then we dropped the kids off at Anna's while we went to lunch. James researched a found a hole in the wall place called House of Tibet. It was delicious! It tasted like a cross between Chinese and Indian - something I've never had before. We picked up the kids, got ice cream with Anna, and saw the trolls outside ComicCon. Then, we finally headed home, went grocery shopping, and unloaded and unpacked. I opened my presents and blew out the candles James put on the box. He got me a nice knife, a video game, and season 3 of When Calls the Heart. I love that show! I went to bed very wiped out. I did enjoy my egg rolls and sorbet dinner at 9:30.

Sat.: (Today) I'm catching up on the rest of my to-do list: laundry, getting the room ready for my parents, cleaning, paperwork, etc. There's a lot to do after doing nothing for a week. I'm getting there, though. I can't wait for Easter tomorrow.

Articles of Faith #5

"We believe that a man must be called of God by profecy, and by the laying on of hands, by those who are in authority to preach the Gospel and administer on the ordinances thereof."

 I believe that leadership in the Church is called of God, especially our Prophet, who speaks the will of God to the people. Priesthood authority and power come from God, and when used righteously, can accomplish many great things. We can receive personal revelation by praying and reading the scriptures. The Holy Ghost can then reveal to use what we need to know. Only the prophet can receive revelation for the Church. My testimony is strengthened when I follow the prophet because it brings me closer to God.

Happy

There are so many things I'm loving right now. The weather is nice, my kids are well, and I even get to go on a date to The Little Mermaid with my husband tonight. My birthday is soon, spring break starts tomorrow, I got to go to the temple yesterday, and I have finished adjusting to the time change. We're going to Rexburg for spring break, my parents are visiting afterward, and it will be Easter soon too. Life is good!

Articles of Faith #4

4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second,Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for theremission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Knowing these basics helps me return to my Heavenly Father. Joseph Smith helped clarify the finer points when he restored the Gospel. We know that faith, shown by our works, saves us because of God's grace. Nothing we do on our own could ever be enough. Repentance is possible because of the Atonement. Baptism is by immersion at age 8. We receive the gift of the Holy Ghost through proper priesthood authority, which was also restored to Joseph Smith.

I am thankful to know the way back to God. I know He is with me always as I walk this path.

My Girl

For my divine nature project, I decided to learn how to do Katie's hair. I used to do the same ponytail every single day, and there were days I left it in for 2, resulting in somewhat unkempt hair. I have never been very good at coming up with hairstyles on my own, so I used Pinterest to find some easy ideas.

I was surprised at how everything has turned out. Katie used to hate having her hair done, but now she loves it. She is always excited to show her brothers what her hairdo of the day is. And, she puts in specific requests on what hairstyle she'd like. She chooses pigtails more than anything else.

I feel that my relationship with her has improved. Between doing her hair and having to put lotion on her, she gets a good amount of one-on-one time. That can be hard to find, but she demands it anyway. In some ways, I feel that we don't always get along because of how alike we are. I'm grateful to be her mom and teacher. I always want her to know that no matter what her hair looks like, she is a beautiful daughter of God.

Another plus: I have gotten a lot better at French braiding. :)

1st French braid - not so good

flipped ponytail

sock bun

pigtails!

side twist with curls - Sunday favorite

Articles of Faith #3

 3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

The Atonement is one of the most important parts of the Gospel. I have faith in Jesus Christ because I know He is the perfect example to follow. As I make my life like His, I find true happiness. I am trying to change my heart (repent) every day to be closer to God. Since what I do is never enough, His grace makes up the difference. Forgiveness is also important for my happiness. When I do not forgive, I endure unnecessary pain. I know that I will live again one day because Jesus Christ conquered death. His Atonement is also infinite. It covers every trial, pain, and sorrow that I will ever expereince, whether by my own sin, someone else's, or the fact that we are living mortal lives. I am most grateful that the Atonement makes right everything about life that is unfair.

I Love March

1. We barely have to use the heat anymore.

2. No more snowsuits or boots! That means it takes a lot less time to get ready to go somewhere.

3. The kids can play outside without complaining about the cold.

4. It's been sunny so far.

5. I can see the grass!

6. The snow is almost gone (except on the shady side of the house.)

7. Spring break, my birthday, and Easter are all in a few weeks.

8. My Amazon order is starting to show up at my house.

I have been pretty happy but also anxious about the upcoming months. A few questions remain to be answered.

1. Where will James work?

2. Will he be able to get a summer job at all in this terrible economy (in Vernal)?

3. How will we be able to go all the trips without going broke?

4. If James is working, will he be able to get time off, or will we have to sacrifice some things?

Hopefully we will get some answers soon.