My Weekend Retreat..

I know what you are thinking, that I went somewhere that the sun was shining and that I got to soak up all of warmth that we have all been needing for so long, and you are right. I have soaked up so much warmth, but in the comfort of my own home. I had the opportunity, like many of you, to listen to our beloved Prophet and his counselors in General Conference.

I feel rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted.

I have been Juggling around all of the feelings and responsibilities that come with parenthood. Do I teach by example? Have I done all I can? Can I be doing more? What should I be doing better? How should I have handled that? Have I taught them enough? All of these guilty questions and feelings that come with being a parent, (and especially with being a mother) are exhausting. You know how you get manuals with everything you buy? Why did we get skipped as mothers? It's like we got handed this Heavy book of guilt, that sometimes consumes our thoughts, weighs us down, and makes us feel like we could be doing more. This Conference weekend has lifted the load, lightened the guilty feelings, and made me feel hopeful.




We have felt the Spirit in our home, and the love that our Prophet has for us. Each talk was so necessary for our return back to our eternal home, and I am so thankful for the counsel and guidance that we received.





I wanted to share a few thoughts and some of my favorite talks from this Conference. I hope that no one takes offence to my personal thoughts, and the feelings that I share.


I loved Robert D. Hales talk on Provident living. I feel like in these times of economical adversity we should be drawing closer to the lord, and follow his commandments. I think that why I loved his talk so much, was because I am guilty of so many things that he spoke about, and it gave me so much strength to do better. My main fault is, "being content with what you have". I have been guilty of this time and time again. I am so grateful for the things that we have, but I am constantly wanting more, or wasting money on unnecessary things. I always want to change something in the house, or buy something that is a want instead of a need. I need to take this lesson to heart and be content with all of the beautiful things that we have. I feel like we have been so blessed to live in such a safe community and in such a beautiful home. We have clean water, a car that runs (most of the time), a job that provides for us, our children are happy and healthy, they are getting proper education, and so many other things that are necessary for living. The things that I am most grateful for is our health, our growing testimonies of our Father in Heaven and of our Savior, Jesus Christ, being surrounded by our loving family, and being sealed to my husband and children. There is not a more comforting feeling than to know that we will be together forever. I know that there is always going to be things that I want, but do I need them? and are they important? I hope that I think to ask myself these questions the next time I complain about not having something that is so unnecessary to my salvation.



Another talk that I felt I needed improvement, and that was so wonderful, was given by Margeret S. Lifferth. It was on Reverence. The part that I felt I needed improvement, was teaching my children in reverence. There are many incidents when my children are throwing fits, screaming that they don't want me as a mommy anymore, or fighting with one another, that seem the farthest away from being reverent. I know that I am guilty of sometimes blowing off the handle, or acting too quickly. I need to practice teaching out of reverence. I know that applying this tool to my parenting will prove to be successful, and help the kids to act reverently in return. I love that she quoted part of a primary song, " Reverence is more than just quietly sitting, it's thinking of Father above", and I know that if the spirit dwells in our home, it will be easier to teach out of reverence.



Although I enjoyed each session, and all of the talks given, I felt the spirit so strong when Jeffery R. Holland spoke of the Saviors Sacrifice and Crucifixion. I'm am sure that there wasn't a dry eye when he spoke of the love that Jesus has, and the things he went through for each of us. Hearing his words were so uplifting and encouraging. I have been taught all that our Savior went through for us, but as I listened to this talk, I realized so much more. It strengthened my testimony, and my knowledge of the gospel. I know that his testimony will stay with me, and help me with the decisions I make here on earth.



I think that the Song that they sang at the end of Conference, "We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet", sums up my feelings of this Conference. I am so thankful for a prophet, that leads us, guides us, and loves us.

I hope that you all had a chance to listen to the messages that were given, and If you didn't I encourage you to do so.

Have a Beautiful Day!

SistA's Trip!!!

At the beginning of March, my sisters and I decided to surprise Bonnie with a little visit. Off to Cedar City, Utah we went. The drive up was slightly cramped, but extremely fun. Rebecca,(The ELDEST!!! hahaha..)her baby Mollie, Myself and Finley, Sharla and her baby Dylan, and Katie with Tebbin all squished together in Katie's Tahoe. The kids were surprisingly excellent the entire drive. Alison couldn't make it because it was her final days of school, but we missed her, and it wasn't the same without her.

This is Bonnie when she was only five months. I didn't get any new pictures of her, but let me assure you that she doesn't look a day bigger than this picture. I don't know anyone that is on there fourth baby, that look as freakishly good as she did.

Of coarse in true Bonnie Fashion, we each had a huge basket full of skin products waiting on our beds. I have already used mine Bon, and I LURV IT!!!! You really are " The Hostest with the Mostest!!

Sharla supplied each of us with these creepy face masks. We couldn't stop laughing at how we all looked. I didn't really get many more pictures, but the rest of our weekend was full of D.I. adventures, FOOD, laughing, a baby shower for Bon, shopping in St. George, laughing, and More Food. I feel so lucky to be so close to my family, and especially my sisters. We are all so different, but still have the best time when we are together. I love you girls and can't wait for the Recoonion, when we are all together again.

Here are some picture's that Bonnie took of the babies, that are way too cute! If you want to see more of the cutest babies ever, go to her photography site here.

Mollie Dollie, Rebecca's sweet little girl.

Huckleberry Finley in all of her cuteness!

Quite possibly the happiest baby alive, Sharla's little Dylan.

Quite possibly the chubbiest baby alive, Katie's Tub Teb's.

I love you and miss you so much Bonnie. I can't wait to see baby Lucas and welcome him into our crazy brood.

Our week with the Stibals...

Our good friends Cristy and Dustin Stibal entrusted us with 3 of their 4 kids last week while they were in Saint George. My kids could hardly wait for their kids to stay for the week, and they had so much fun while they were here. They are such good kids, and we loved having them stay!

I hope that you guys don't mind If I put this picture up of the two of you? Do you see the bird on Dustin's hand, too funny.

I had the whole week planned out with fun activities to keep them busy.

They played out in the snow for hours.

We went to "The Tale of Despereaux" one day, and had popcorn, treats, and pop, and to Blast Off another. I had as much fun as the kids at Blast Off. We played tag in the tubes, and my knees are still bruised, OUCH!!. It's not fair when they can just stand up and run through those things.




The boys and Kennedy played the TMNT Nintendo game. I can't believe I even got a picture of them. They were glued to the television. We also made the Ever so famous BOX FORT!! I think this is Tyken's favorite part of staying at our house. The last night I let Tyken and Gabe stay the night in it. Don't worry, I cut windows in the boxes for air.

Chris and the boys played WAR. I had to laugh at the boys using the boxes for shelter because Chris couldn't fit in them. It was Chris against Tyken and Gabe, and I think the little boys won. Chris was dripping sweat after two full hours of chasing them. The girls came down and wanted to join in, and Chris was a trooper and played for about a half hour more.

We all did arts and crafts. I don't have pictures of the boys crafts because they weren't finished. Tyken made a dinosaur dragon out of the egg carton and also painted a train that he found at the D.I.. Gabe made a dinosaur dragon as well. He wanted to do everything that Tyken did, and said that Tyken was his best friend and pretend brother.




I wish Chandler was as excited about getting her hair done as these two were. They let me do there hair each day, without complaining. I have the how to do's on our Piggies & Ponies hair blog.

Every night we read books and I would let them come up with a dream that we could all have. They all came up with the most imaginative things to dream about. I love hearing there ideas, and looked forward to what they came up with each night.
Do you Remember our secret club Tyken?? Gabe talks about it all the time. SSSSSHHHHHH, It's our little secret!

Kennedy, thank you for helping me with Finley and for cleaning up without me even asking . I loved all of our little chats about school & friends, and getting to know you better. You are such a sweet girl.

Tyken, thank you for always being so kind to Gabe. He loves you so much, and talks about the fun he had with you everyday. You are so polite, and always said thank you for everything we did, and you are a GREAT ARTIST!

Raigan, you are quite the little character. I love that you know exactly what you want, how you want your hair done, and what outfit you want to wear without question. You are such a little girl with a big personality and I love it! Thank you for being such a good friend to Chandler, and for putting up with us even though you were home sick.

Thank you for all of the fun memories. We loved having you stay and can't wait for the next time!