Random

• I have been hearing birds chirping lately.
• I've had the girls home from school this week, and loved every minute of it.
• BR and I had then best Valentines day we can remember. It was probably also one of the simplest Valentines days we've had. A date at home, simple presents and cards.
• Liv put on my makeup this morning and I actually wore it all day. I don't know what got into me. I must have been in a really good mood =0).
• I can't remember the last day it was gray and cloudy.
• I have the sweetest, chubby little angel man. He makes me laugh and smile all of the time.
• I have to cook a really intimidating meal this weekend, and I am well. . . intimidated and I can't think of anything to make.
• I was calling my sister-in-law and accidentally dialed the number of an old friend and was able to talk to her and catch up for a bit. We laughed about it. It was a happy accident.
• I was reminded how lucky I am to have my mom. She always leads me to believe that she thinks I am perfect. To the point that we laugh about it. She's the best cheer leader! Love her.
• I have decided that I want to be a better visiting teacher. That is a desire I haven't had for a long time. Here goes.
• I've decided that I want to start reading. I don't have high expectations. I don't plan on reading a ton, but I'd like to find a good book. Where to start?? Any ideas??
• I am grateful for little things, and a good mood.

Entry |February 20, 2011|

Today is Sunday. We have church at 9:00 now a days. Which means that we spend the morning at church and then enjoy what seems like an endless afternoon at home. Right now, as I type this, Beckham is strapped up to the counter eating a chopped apple and raisins, while the girls play barbies in the family room. Brad is home teaching. He should be home any minute.

Today was a fabulous Sunday. Having young children that sit with us during church makes it hard sometimes to hear what is being said over the pulpit. Let alone to process it. Some days it is easier than others. Today was one of those days when I was able to focus right in on the speakers, feel the spirit, and understand specific ways I could apply it to better my life. Wonderful. Then it was off to Sunday School. Only the second week Beckham has been in nursery. Which means I was able to listen, unabated. It was a great lesson. The topic was Matthew chapter 5. The sermon on the mount. Again, I felt the spirit, was drawn right into the teacher, and learned specific things I want to try to do in my life. One was this. Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." One of my friends commented- "When someone is pure in heart, they seem to see God in everyone and everything around them." This spoke to me. It made me think, "I want that! That is the definition of joy to me! How could you not be happy if that were you!" Something I will work on this week: Seeing God in everyone and everything around me. It feels good, just saying it. Thank you Kristi. Then off to Young Women's, where in the lesson we talked about Women's roles as teachers. I was taught ways that I can teach my children more like Christ taught. Three that stood out to me. Teach with LOVE (not frustration!). Teach whenever it is requested/needed, not when it is convenient. My example is the most effective method! I feel renewed and motivated and excited for a new week.

Home is Anywhere You Are

Happy Anniversary! 9 years is a long time, I can't wait for lots more!

Lost in the woods in Maine

This winter, I have become a true winter gal. Part of a true winter family. We have definitely made the most of the snowy weather, and I have had a lot of new adventures. Snowmobiling has become our new family sport, and all members seem to love it. Beckham gets excited every time he sees his snowmobile snowsuit. His little motor starts going, "vrrrmmmmm, vrrrmmmm." BR and I came up with a new idea, which is to get a babysitter in the morning so that we can have time for a winter activity then, and spend time with the kiddos in the afternoon and evening when we would usually have our date. We have been enjoying it! Some of my winter excitement:

• Snowmobiling with the kids through the Hampden woods.
• Sledding with friends.
• A weekend away, snowmobiling. One day just me and BR, and one day with friends.
• Snow shoeing with BR. Being gone for 4 hours, and reallizing we didn't know where we were about 3 hours into it, and then LUCK got us back to our car! When you get lost 3 hours into an exhausting snow shoeing hike, you reallize that you may have to turn around and follow your tracks. AND that means you may not be back until after dark. That becomes more exciting when you know you have no water or food, and you left your jacket along the side of the trail right next to your car =0). We weren't scared =0)... well maybe just a bit. I did find myself craving the snow. It was the best snow I've ever eaten =0). Luckily it was almost 40 degrees outside!
• Earlier in the week, I went to Brad's parent's house, a.k.a. "Camp", to learn how to make beef stew. It happened to be the same day as a predicted blizzard. I naively decided to go. On the way home, I was driving through 2 feet of snow trying to get up a big hill. I was following in someone else's tracks, which happened to be on the other side of the road. A plow came from behind me and passed me on the right. I slowed down a bit out of surprise, and it was just enough to stop my momentum and leave me unable to move ahead. I tried to back up to get going again, and slid into the snow bank on the side of the road, completely stuck. All the while, the plow just kept on going, not at all concerned about the fact that it ran me off of the road. Brad's dad was SO kind to come and pull me out, and up the hill, and lead me to the safety of the main road, which was plowed. I was pretty scared about what was going to happen to us while we were stuck there. It was all so unknown to me, but it turned out fine. . .Thanks to my father-in-law. And now, I chalk it up to a new adventure. Not so bad.
• We've been learning about India. Liv has a student in her class from India, and we've had a fun time studying the country. We are going to Boston this weekend to go to the temple, and we plan to eat LOTS of Indian food while we are there in order to finish out our study =0).
• Liv went out on the lake Ice fishing with Brad and some of his friends. She caught an 18 inch trout her first time out!