Family Night Help

I am always looking for ways to make family night more interesting. While strolling up and down the isles at Seagull Book & tape, one of my favorite stores, I found this:




We haven't tried it yet, but we will. My boys love Troy Dunn, so I thought we'd give John a try. I'm sure we'll all enjoy it! It even came with a few recipes! Very nice.

Some Me Time

I have been able to do some things I have wanted to do. It has been nice, but my housework has suffered!! Now I'm playing catch up. I don't like that game.

Believe it or not, I have been looking into this "bucket list". On that list was learn how to sew. I'm no seamstress, but maybe one day I can even thread the sewing machine. Any volunteers to instruct me. Maybe you can form a sewing group for beginner sewers and teach us. I would like it! Anyway about the list...

I read somewhere recently that To Kill a Mocking Bird was on a list of books to read before you die. How fitting, I thought. I was hesitant. I do not like to read and when I choose to read, I usually go with the self help books. They most often are LDS authors. I really like Sheri Dew.

I gave in. I put a hold on it at the library. A couple weeks later I was notified to come and pick it up. It sat in my library bag for 3 weeks. I realized it was overdue and I needed to return it. I wanted to read it though. So I said, " Forget the $.15/day charge. I'm keepin' it." I did. I read it in 2 days! A record for me. I sat and read, and read, and read some more.

It felt really nice to reach a goal. It also was a pretty good book. I wasn't a fan of the language. But realize it was relevant to the time period. I felt bad for Atticus- I like his name- his daughter Scout, and son Jem. I loved Cal! I was glad to learn of Mr Ewell's fate! (See, I really read it, ALL of it!)

I would recommend it, such an easy read. Just know there is some bad language.

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I was also able to go to a movie with some friends the other night. We saw, Eat Pray Love. I enjoyed it. While I didn't agree with a lot of the character's (Julia Roberts) beliefs, I thought the main point of the movie was valid. She learned of the importance of balance in life. I took that little bit of knowledge with me and will certainly use it! It reminded me of D&C 89, "moderation in all things." The one thing you were allowed to over indulge in was love. Absolutely nothing wrong with that!!!

Yay, for me time!

Cute Skirts

My sweet sisters-in-law called me yesterday and said they had learned a pattern to make cute little girl skirts. They had material left over and wanted to make my girls a skirt. I told Taryn how I was wanting to learn to sew and my first project I wanted to tackle was making my girls a skirt. She said to come on over and they would help me! It took me about two hours to make 1 skirt. Not very fast. But I was happy to not have broken any needles. I'm happy to report that I am able to sew a straight line...sort of...pretty darn close!

They turned out really cute. Take a look!

This is Grace's. She wanted a bow, so hers is a little different.

This is Kate's. Very cute!

And this is Becca's. The knot can be worn on either the side like this, or like Kate's, in the middle.


It has been a goal of mine to learn to sew. I must say it is time consuming. I might have to wait until all my kids are back school to be able to enjoy it. I'm not the best multi-tasker. So thanks Wendy and Taryn! It was a nice visit and I accomplished something I have been wanting to do for a long time!!

If You're Bored and Need Some Entertainment...

Just go bowling!!!


























Trust me!! Tons of laughs in store for everyone!!! I love my kids!
(it was even Cosmic bowling)

A God of Miracles

For me today was a learning day. Have you ever had those? I know I could have many more, but often miss the opportunity because I'm not tuned in. As I sat on my bed folding laundry, I was watching BYU television. It is one of "my" channels. I feel blessed when I get a minute watch it. Like I said, today I was tuned in. I was ready to hear what the Lord wanted to teach me.

I learned that our Heavenly Father is a "god of miracles." No, this is not new doctrine, something I have always known, but today it resonated differently within me. I started thinking what it takes to be considered a miracle.

At first you think of things like the parting of the Red Sea, or maybe the healing of the sick, blind, or dumb. One might think of turning water into wine. While these are all miraculous, they are not prevalent today. So have God's miracles ceased? That is the question I asked myself.

No, I answered. His miracles still abound, ever much so. I thought of the amazing journey a baby travels into existence. It happens more than once a day. What about the mind of a child? Isn't it a miracle how fast it increases in knowledge. The process through which they learn is astounding! I thought of the creation of this world. The littlest detail was not forgotten. This world replenishes itself everyday. If only I had the time to watch it happen!! I'm sure I would be in awe of it all!

My mind wandered, still calculating. Realizing that even the most simplest of things are miracles, things that we take for granted everyday.

My final thoughts surrounded the Atonement. What a miracle! To know that little, insignificant me can grow to be divine! My everyday efforts can be multiplied and magnified if I use this precious gift. My weaknesses can disappear if I remember to ask for help.

I learned today that God's miracles will not end unless I allow it. When I stop relying on His power and start trusting my own, thinking I have it covered and can do it myself, then his miracles will cease in my life. I am responsible for the number of miracles that occur in my everyday life. Miracles are not dead, not yet, not ever!

Museum of Church History

During the week of Pioneer Day we took the kids tho the museum downtown. This is one of my favorites! They learn all about the history of the church and imagine what it might be like. They have the opportunity to gaze upon the Prophet Joseph's face, well sort of. At this museum they have the death masks of Joseph and Hyrum. So much better than a drawing!

There is also a section just for the kids. They have hands on activities. They can dress up like Joseph and Mary, a shepherd, or wise man. They are able to be a nurse in the nursery of a hospital. They can also grasp hold of the iron rod! There is so much more to do!!!

If you have never taken your family, you must!!!

I Wonder What it Would Be Like?

So on the news I heard of a college student who decided to abandon all luxuries and move into a van. It will be interesting to follow him.

Sometimes I think it would be an adventure to throw caution to the wind and do what ever I wanted, but this is not quite my nature. I wonder what it would be like to be that way? How would my life differ? I guess I will have to live through his experiences and only imagine.

You can go here if you want to follow along with me. Maybe we can talk and share insight.