An Ordinary Miracle

A Glimpse at Fort Knox

2009-08-14T17:21:00.003-06:00

I found this on Youtube and thought you all might enjoy seeing a bit of what Justin might be going through. This all looks like things he would love. We got about a 20 second call from him yesterday morning at about 7:00 a.m. He only had time to say that he was there and safe and all of his clothes and supplies had been issued. We tried to ask a few questions but he said "gotta go I'm getting yelled at". What an experience!

Justin is Off

2009-08-11T12:32:00.003-06:00

It's official. Justin is now a soldier in the United States Army Reserves. The recruiter picked him up a little after 11:00 this morning with nothing but the pack on his back. We hugged, we cried and then he was off.

We let him choose his favorite meal last night. Burgers! I kinda thought he might pick something a little fancier. Nope not my Justin. We doctored them up with bacon, sauted mushrooms, roasted jalapenos and tomatoes from the garden. Delicious! Then we had a special Family Night. Dathan gave Justin a beautiful blessing. How grateful I am to have the priesthood in our home.

We had a family get together on Sunday. Cousins, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents all came to say goodbye. I didn't get very many pictures. Erin will you e-mail me the ones with you, Patrick and Cal?

Well my little boy is all grown up. Keep him in your prayers. I know these next few weeks will be rough.

Erin helped him set up a blog. We don't know when he will have access to a computer but if you will jump over and leave him a comment I know he would love it.

G.I. Justin

Family 5K/1Mile Run

2009-06-15T10:00:00.005-06:00

So many fun and exciting things have been going on in our lives I thought I better hurry and document them before I start forgetting the details.The first week of June our family decided to run in our first ever 5k. Actually Lonica and I did the 1 mile and Dathan and the boys ran the 5k. It was so much fun. We all had a great time and did surprisingly well considering that none of us are really runners.The boys were amazing. Out of a couple hundred runners, Justin and Jalen came in together taking 4th and 5th place. Johnny was right behind them and came in 8th overall and taking 1st place in his age group. Dathan amazed me as well. He hurried home from a long day at work to join us. It was awesome watching him cross the finish line.Lonica was awsome and ran the mile like it was nothing. She came in first in in her age group as well. I finished the mile without having to call an ambulance and actually finished 2nd in the women over 40 group. Yay me!

The only disappointing thing was that Jordan was not able to get off work. We had been planning this for a while and he really wanted to come. Infact, he almost lost his job over the whole incident. But hey, now that we know we can do it. There will be plenty more opportunities. It was a fun event for all of us.

It's the Little Things

2009-03-05T17:59:00.003-07:00

Yesterday started out rough. Jordan could not find his wallet. I had spent the ENTIRE night before puking my guts up (not fun) and was in no condition to help him look. I could tell he was worried sick. In it, was a couple hundred dollars in cash that he had just been paid. He rushed around in a panic. He called friends and the stores that he had been to the night before. His forehead was beaded with sweat when he finally had to leave the house. I was so sad.....

That afternoon he came home dragging his feet and hanging his head. Money has been tight around here and this was a huge blow. I told him not to give up, to keep looking. And so he did. About an hour later he ran into my room. The wallet had been found. With a big smile he looked up and said "Thank you Heavenly Father".

It might seem like a little thing. But to hear those words from my 20 year old son who is "not real big on religion", was a gift.

And with a humble heart I repeat. "Thank you Heavenly Father".

Come What May

2009-02-25T13:49:00.003-07:00

It's been a while and so much has happened in the past couple of months. Life has a way of testing you and I am learning to expect the unexpected. Thank Heaven for the blessing of family. Faith and Hope aren't always as easy as they sound. Why do I doubt? I know that I am a daughter of God. AND I KNOW THAT HE LOVES ME. Miracles happen! And thanks to the support of a loving family one seems to have come our way.

You better watch out!

2008-12-15T08:55:00.003-07:00

December is always such a fun and busy month. We have enjoyed a school choir concert, our ward party, dance parties, and work parties. Dathan's company always has a nice sit down dinner for the adults and then the next week a family party with what has to be the "real" Santa. Not just one of those helpers like at the mall.

Johnny wasn't sure what he wanted and told Santa to surprize him.

Loni told Santa she wanted a Nintendo DS. When he asked what color she said blue. Blue???? Santa just assumed she would want pink. I hope the elves are able make an exchange.Jalen decided not to sit on Santa's lap. So Santa got off of his chair and came and sat on Jalen's lap.

We had a great night. And now we are just waiting for the special day to arrive.

This week I decided not to post any jobs. I just figure we all need to spend our time getting EVERYTHING ready by this Friday. I want to have it ALL done before the kids are out of school. Then maybe next week we can spend out time looking for opportunities to serve and help others.

After all....isn't that what Christmas is all about?

Monday Madness

2008-12-08T08:36:00.003-07:00

Okay, I am back and ready to start organizing my house again. Thanks for all the great feedback. I love knowing that we are doing this together. Remember only spend 10-15 minutes doing one task each day. Easy huh?

#1 the top of the refridgerator ( I had a request for that one)
#2 the silverware drawer
#3 one shelf in the pantry
#4 your make-up bag/drawer
#5 the junk drawer-you know pencils, scissors, tape, etc.

Empty, wipe, sanitize, and only put back what you need.
Have fun. I know I will.

Already December?

2008-12-04T09:01:00.004-07:00

Well it's true, Thanksgiving has come and gone. I am so grateful however for such a wonderful holiday. I have so many blessings in my life. Don't we all?

Our Thanksgiving day was just wonderful. A day filled with family, fun and food. For a complete run down I am going to send you over to my moms blog. She was able to document the events of the day perfectly.

Okay I know I have been slacking on my Monday Madness lists. So today I am giving you one assignment for this week and then Monday I will be back at it.

Are you ready??

It has been one week since Thanksgiving. Today you need to get rid of the rest of the leftovers. It's time to either finish them off for dinner OR feed them to the dog. While you are at it clean out the fridge. Wipe down the shelves then spray and wipe the outside. Don't forget the door handles. Ours are always sticky and grimy.

Okay you got it. Good luck I will be back on Monday.

Monday Madness

2008-11-17T07:21:00.007-07:00

The mind that has put its house in order is silent. That silence has no cause and, therefore, has no end. Only that which has a cause can end. That silence - which has no ending - is absolutely necessary, because it is only in that silence that there is no movement of thought. It is only in that silence that that which is sacred, that which is nameless, and that which is not measurable by thought, is. And that which is, is the most sacred.
~ J. Krishnamurti

A house of order! That is the ideal right? I know it is something I have to work at constantly. It hasn't come easy. I would much rather play than clean, dance than organize, sing, read, walk, blog..... well, you get the idea! But, thanks to parents who gave me chores, a husband who wants things clean and Flylady.net, I am head'n in the right direction.

So, I am inviting you to join me on my journey. Working together is much more fun. Each Monday I will post 5 areas to tackle. One for each day of the week. Each one should only take 10-15 minutes. I know you can find that much time.

So here it is:

#1 The shelves in the door of the refridgerator.
#2 The toothbrush/paste drawers.
#3 Under the sink in the master bathroom.
#4 The top of the dryer.
#5 the floor of the coat closet.

Just empty, wipe down, sanitize, and then only put back what you need and use. A few minutes a day and Wow, what a difference.

This is going to be fun!

My Airhead

2008-11-14T20:38:00.004-07:00

I wish you could see my smile!

Today was one of those "maybe it is all worth it kind of days"!

Today I came home from 5 hours of teaching dance to PRE-SCHOOLERS and found this:

Loni made me a candy gram! She got the idea while we were in Kentucky. My sis (in-law) had made a fabulous one for her daughter's 8th birthday.

But it wasn't any better than mine.

Here is what this one said:

Dear Mom,
You are my sweetart!
Thank you for not being a nerd like Jordan, Justin, Jalen, and Johnny.
You are the best in all of the milkyway.
Even if your name was peanut butter or chedar cheese,
You'd still by my airhead!

Okay, I know that you are smiling now too.

And look how she made it, 4 pieces of paper covered with blue masking tape. And the lace.....Wow! She definately get's her love of lace from her Grammy!

Thanks Loni, you made my day!

Family Pictures

2008-11-11T17:04:00.003-07:00

Well we did it. We survived another family photo shoot. And I couldn't be happier!

Yes I stressed over what to wear. I worried about where to go.

I should know by now that all that matters is that we are all together and happy.
And I am not even going to post my favorite. You will have to wait for our family Christmas card for that one.

Change

2008-11-05T10:02:00.002-07:00

Today we are not happy. Can you tell who we voted for? I thought this picture of Johnny is his Halloween costume might give it away.

Let's hope America is really ready for the upcoming changes.

Heeere's JOHNNY!

2008-10-01T09:29:00.008-06:00

This is a belated birthday post for my sweet Johnny. He is a big 12 years old and has been a delight from the moment he was born. He is smart, organized, dedicated, and extremely athletic. He is the kind of person that others love to be around and he sets a great example for everyone that knows him.

Johnny is working on level 8 skills in gymnastics. As soon as football season ends, he plans on increasing his gym workouts from 15 to 20 hours a week, that's 3 1/2 hours/day Mon.-Sat. Except he will leave a little early on Tuesday night so that he can go to Scouts. He does his reading in the car as we drive and his homework every morning and still manages to have a clean room and practically perfect grades in school.

Johnny's motto is:
"Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you are right" Henry Ford

This is a difficult lifestyle and I sometimes have dreams of being "normal". But Johnny has set his goals high and as long as he is willing to work this hard to accomplish those goals we are behind him 100%.

We love you son and all that you stand for. How lucky we are to have you in our lives.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2008-09-23T08:55:00.009-06:00

Cap and Hook $3.98
Bleach $1.50
Developer $3.25
An Afternoon of laughs Priceless

I just have to say how wonderful it is to have a daughter as fabulous as Loni. I really needed a pick me up and she had the great idea of giving me a make-over. Not bad for a nine year old eh?

We sure had fun taking pictures of ourselves.

before and after hee hee

"A daughter is a miracle that never ceases to be miraculous… loving and caring and truly amazing." - Deanna Beisser

come'n clean

2008-09-16T21:14:00.008-06:00

It is never too late to turn from the errors of our ways: He who repents of his sins is almost innocent. - Seneca

Well Sunday was quite a special day. Johnny was ordained a Deacon. My heart was so happy as I watched my handsome 12 year old pass the Sacrament for his first time. It actually got me thinking about the Sacrament and how privileged I am to participate in that ordinance each week. Isn't it wonderful that every Sunday we can renew our Baptismal covenants and come "clean".

Speaking of clean...Jalen had a great time playing mud volleyball a few weeks ago. In fact, it was so much fun that Loni couldn't resist jumping in.

Yes with a little work even the worst messes can come out as good as new.

Super Star

2008-09-09T10:54:00.001-06:00

I was going to add my own thoughts, but I think this says it all.

Starting up

2008-09-02T17:03:00.005-06:00

There are two fatal errors that keep great projects from coming to life:

1. Not finishing, and...
2. Not starting."
Author Unknown

Thank you all for your sweet comments. I don't really know why it has been so difficult for me to get things posted lately. I guess the "not starting" thing is my big problem. Our family has had such wonderful things going on and we have been extreemly blessed. I really need to get it all written down.

So today I have decided to set some blogging/journaling goals for myself. Infact, I am going to set some goals in a few other areas of my life as well.

President Spencer W. Kimball said concerning goals:
We do believe in setting goals. We live by goals. We must have goals to make progress. Our total existence is goal-oriented.

Wow! Just what I needed to hear.

Look out world, the new and improved me in on its way.

Smile Ü

2008-07-17T08:44:00.007-06:00

A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give. ~Author Unknown

Well it has finally happened. We have been waiting for years, almost 4 years to be exact. But let me tell you, some things sure are worth waiting for. Justin finally got his braces off. He was one good look'n kid before. But now when he smiles......Oh baby!

before

after

His braces may have cost us a pretty penny but

A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks. ~Charles Gordy

Relishing Motherhood

2008-07-14T13:25:00.005-06:00

Michal from Relishing Motherhood is having a writing contest. The topic is basically your thoughts on motherhood or as she put it an Ah Ha moment. I really haven't ever done anything like this but, I have recently put a few of my thoughts together and figured what the heck.

Being a mother has changed me. It has taught me things that I did not even know I needed to learn. It has tested me and stretched me into a person I am just getting to know.

Twenty years ago, as I was anticipating the birth of my first son, I realized that now my life was no longer about me. All of my thoughts, dreams and actions were focused around this new little spirit. I was excited and ready to take on the challenge. The minute he was placed in my arms I was changed forever.

Along this journey I have had many wonderful experiences. Looking back however, it has been the difficult experiences that have been the most rewarding. Isn’t it ironic? It is the latter that I have chosen to write about today.

It was a Wednesday night in early February. As we sat down to eat, my three year old son Justin pulled the cord on the electric skillet spilling boiling oil onto his head and arms. We spent many sleepless nights in the burn trauma unit. It was physically and emotionally almost more than I could bear. Nothing is as difficult as seeing your child suffer.

Once we knew that his life was no longer threatened, my list of worries began to change. I mourned the loss of my perfect, beautiful little boy. I would stare at his before pictures for hours thinking “what if” and “if only”. It didn’t take long however, to realize that he was still beautiful and perfect. HE WAS JUST THE SAME. Beauty comes from within. I had been taught an amazing lesson and I was changed forever.

Next I remember a long, terrible night. I had noticed some changes in my son Jalen’s normal routine. He was barely eating and always tired. Finally, after a week or so, I took him to the doctor. We found that his digestive system was plugged up. His intestines were compacted and had been for three or more weeks. Needless to say the doctor was concerned and he gave us a few things to try. That night we saw no results. We went back the next day and were given one last option before they would have to schedule surgery.

No one but I would know what that little boy endured that night. For hours his body trembled with pain and his pride was completely stripped away. In between his gasp he would apologize and whisper “thank you mom”. It was physically and emotionally almost more than I could bear. Nothing is as difficult as seeing your child suffer. That night I learned a very difficult lesson about true compassion and I was changed forever.

This last experience is from about six month ago. It was the darkest and most difficult time of my life. My oldest son Jordan was making choices that went against the things that we had always taught him. We were constantly arguing and our home was always a place of contention. I was so tired of it and to be honest I felt like I couldn’t stand it or him anymore.

One night things were especially awful and scary. After hours of heated arguing Jordan grabbed a handful of clothes and walked out the door. He was gone. How could this be happening? It was physically and emotionally almost more than I could bear. Nothing is as difficult as seeing your child suffer. This was not my dream when that precious infant was placed in my arms. But I learned a few important lessons that night. I learned to pray. I mean to really pray and pour my soul out to God. I learned to never say never. And I learned unconditional love. It took him walking out the door for me to fully understand how much I truly loved him. That night I was changed forever.

I am grateful for these and the many other things that I have experienced as a mother. These are lessons that I could have learned in no other way. I am humbled that my children were willing to go through these trials to help their mother change and grow. So now twenty years later I think I may have changed my mind; maybe, just maybe it is all about me after all.

Happy Birthday J-Dawg

2008-07-10T10:47:00.007-06:00

Well it's official. My precious little boy is no longer a little boy. He has overnight grown into a handsome young man. It all happened so fast and I feel so unprepared. Will somebody do something? It's gotten to where I am afraid to blink.

Monday was Jalen's 14th birthday. We have been blessed to have him in our lives for fourteen wonderful years and I am not sure how we survived life without him. Jalen is our third son. And I thought I wanted a girl. Silly me!

Jalen is amazing! He is thoughtful, quiet, kind and mellow. A good word to describe him is even tempered. With him you always know what to expect. He is a hard worker and probably put in longer hours helping us get moved than all the other kids put together.

Jalen is creative and artistic. You should see the drawings he does in his art class. They are almost as good as the ones he does in his science, english and math classes. He loves to build and put things together. For his birthday Dathan brought him a whole truck load of lumber. Since then Jalen has been busy building a fort and baracades to turn our back yard into a airsoft gun battle ground.

Happy Birthday J. You are such a blessing in all of our lives. Thank you for being our middle child. It is a difficult spot and you have handled it beautifully. I love you more than words can say. How lucky I am that you are mine.

Let Freedom Ring

2008-07-07T10:04:00.013-06:00

I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him. ~Abraham Lincoln

I am many things. I am a daughter and I am a wife. I am a mother and I am a woman.

But on Friday I was reminded that I AM AN AMERICAN.

I am so grateful to live in this country with so many opportunities and blessings. I love this nation, "one nation under God". And, if you ask me, our 4th of July was a perfect day of celebrating.

Johnny, Lonica and I headed out early to line up for the parade.

I LOVE PARADES!

It was so much fun! Here is Johnny entertaining the crowd and one of the dances that I spent last week teaching to about 80 girls (and a few boys).

After the parade we loaded into the car and headed to Uncle Kent's and Aunt Blythe's for our annual family 4th of July Party.

Where we ate and ate AND ATE!

Played in the pool.

And lit fireworks.

These three put on the most amazing firework show. I am surprised that they didn't singe the hair off their arms. They put their lives on the line for our enjoyment. Thanks guys!

FAMILY, FOOD AND FIREWORKS. It doesn't get any better than that!

This truly is the land I love.

May I never wake up from the American dream. ~Carrie Latet

Moving Forward

2008-07-01T15:50:00.005-06:00

I make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes. ~Sara Teasdale

I'm baaaack! As of last night at 6:30 p.m. we are officially up and running. Our family went just over two weeks with no home phone, Internet or t.v. It was .....well, it was wonderful, quiet and peaceful. We played games, read, and actually talked to each other. We were able to get so much accomplished without any interruptions. Yes, I am glad to be back. I am grateful however, for the time that I had to get things in our new home a little more organized.

Yes, you read that right, I said "HOME". It truly is starting to feel that way. I still have a lot of work to do, boxes to unpack, pictures to hang. But, I am content. Content??? No, that is the wrong word. I am excited and ready to "make the most of all that comes".

Father's Day and the Big Move

2008-06-16T19:09:00.006-06:00

I must hurry. I think our computer and desk are next on the list for Dathan to pack. Yikes! The sad part is that I won't have any internet access until next week. A week without a computer. I am not sure how I am going to survive. Just the thought of it makes me feel so......so alone. Weird! I will be back just as soon as I can.

We had a very memorable Father's Day. My sweet Dathan was served an early breakfast before we headed out for 9:00 church. Then we came home and bar-b-qued a pork tenderloin for dinner. Delicious! Finally, for dessert, we made homemade ice cream in the ice cream maker that Dathan received as a Father's Day gift.

It was a great day for a great dad. Actually the only thing missing was a place to sit down. Our kitchen table has already been moved out, along with most of our other furniture. We had fun making the best of it. It will certainly be a day that we will remember forever!

Economics 101

2008-06-10T19:03:00.012-06:00

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. ~ Helen Keller

A few weeks ago was the third grade Economics Fair. This is a wonderful activity that teaches the kids about work and the value of money. For a month or so before the fair the students are able to earn "money" in all sorts of ways, turning in homework, doing well on test, listening, staying on task, etc. They also have to pay when they don't do the things on the previous list.

On the day of the fair each child is to bring 30 items to sell at their store. Loni chose to make and sell boondoggles. 30 BOONDOGGLES She also brought nail polish to paint nails.

The boondoggles were a big hit. When I arrived she had almost sold all of her goods including the one that I was hoping to get. Darn, I guess the early bird gets the worm.

Her nail painting was also a favorite. She even had a few unexpected customers. It is amazing what boys will do for a pretty face.

The day was a complete success. Not only did she sell out, she was able to purchase all sorts of treasures: beaded necklaces, playdough, painted rocks, handmade cards, erasers, bookmarks, and I could go on. This was a fun way to teach about the value of work. A big thanks to Mrs. Godfrey for such a wonderful lesson.

"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary"

When it comes to work, I am not a big fan. There are times that I would almost rather do anything else. But looking back it is the work that I have done for my family that has brought me the most joy. I love the feeling of cooking a nice meal or knowing my kids have clean, matching socks. It is so rewarding to paint a room or finish a science project. There are so many things that I dread but feel such a sense of accomplishment when completed.

"Work IS love made visible"~Kahlil Gibran (Simple Abundance)

When it comes to work these are the rooms that I think of.

Our Kitchen-where our family usually hangs out.

Our Laundry/Bathroom I love this room it totally makes doing laundry happy!

When Your Hut is on Fire!

2008-06-04T08:30:00.010-06:00

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost.. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?"

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

The Moral of This Story:
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

This morning I rolled out of bed with a little less bounce than usual. I knew this day was coming, but it has arrived much too soon. Today I officially start packing. PACKING!! I'm not ready! Can this really be happening? Why me?!?

I decided, rather than jump right in, that I would hurry and check my e-mail. Boy was I glad that I did. This story had arrived just in time and it was exactly what I needed to hear. Joanna, you were inspired!

I know that things will work out. We are only moving a few miles away. It will be fun decorating a new house. All we need to do is wait for our ship to come in. I'm sure it's on it's way!

Our Living Room

Our Eating Nook

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Golf Bathroom

I wanted to document the rooms in our house before they get too torn up. I will put up a few rooms every day or so.