Well we were ready to sign our lives away on Monday, and still haven't. It was suggested to us that we check out the National Guard. So we did--no advantages at all! So, we're back with the army.
We've spent a few hours the last few days trying to go in and get things finalized but due to the big ice storm on the east coast, everything keeps getting shut down. UGH! So, after spending time there today, Clay's going back tomorrow morning to get more info. Now we're trying to get him a job in the medical field to start, like an operation specialist, and then he'll go into the PA program in about 2 years hopefully. So we're still trying to get dates and details but the good news is that hopefully he won't have to go to boot camp in Fort Benning, GA (the toughest one--that's where they train the rangers, infantry, & special ops) and hopefully to Fort Jackson, SC (known as Relaxing Jackson). It's not that I don't think Clay could handle it, I just would feel better about it. I know that he's already going to be teased about his age, education, & family size.
He's been working at the PT part and is doing really well. He's already at 50% of where he could be--one Sargent told him that's where he should be at the end of boot camp. I know he'll do well.
More details to come....
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Clay's sacrament talk
Here's a copy of Clay's talk, again for our kids later.--
Abraham was taught by the Lord that he was a choice spirit and chosen before the world was formed. The Lord gave him a vision of the intelligences in the pre-mortal realm and during this vision he was taught the purpose of his and our existences on this earth. First he was taught that those who succeeded in their first estate or pre-existence were added to or given bodies upon coming to the second estate, or Earth. The Doctrine & Covenants teach that only when the spirit and the elements are inseparable connect can we achieve a fullness of joy.
It is prerequisite then that we have immortal bodies to return permanently to our Father. Satan and his followers are barred from this blessing and therefore work hard to guide us to abuse or surrender control of these bodies to them on a temporary basis.
During the vision to Abraham a second reason for our existence was stated. Abraham 3:24-25:
“And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;
And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; “
This Earth is a proving ground. Alma described it as a probationary state. Ammulek described it as a time for men to prepare to meet God. All of thee descriptions are examples of the use of agency. Agency is our right to choose our path. In present times some people define it as their right to choose their path and the consequences of their actions. The Savior repeatedly has cautioned us to beware of these types of false doctrines. I find it interesting how many people on TV claim their right to act as they want and not be held responsible for the delinquent behavior they inspire. The Lord has demonstrated how important agency is to Him. He lost 1/3 of His children due to agency. It was by agency that the Savior accepted immeasurable pain and agony to make his infinite and eternal atonement. The Savior while on the cross cried out--“Eli, Eli, Lama Sabacthani?” Which translates to: “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” The one person who always was worthy of His Father’s presence was willing to give it up to be forsaken and alone just as we feel at times during our life.
Because of Adam and Eve’s agency, we are under a spiritual and temporal death or separation from God. Even though we are separated due to the transgression of Adam, the atonement of Christ overcomes these obstacles and allows us to account only for our choices. Lehi taught his son Jacob that without opposition, agency would not be possible. To make a good choice, we have to be given a bad choice simultaneously. The enemy of all righteousness is allowed to remain on this Earth to test us on our use of agency. I remember before my mission I was presented with a difficult choice. I could either fulfill my mission or remain at home and marry a young lady that I cared for. I chose to go on my mission. I’ve been grateful beyond words for that decision. My mission helped me to understand, believe, and love the Savior more than anyone else in my life. My wife and children also are gifts that I’m grateful for.
Every day we use our agency and ultimately our choices demonstrate who we believe in more: ourselves or God. As we believe more in God, we understand Him more and want to follow Him. To follow Him we must adopt His ways and goals.
His goals are not egocentric therefore our eyes should not be focused on ourselves, but be focused on our spouses, children and neighbors. The Savior defined our neighbor as those around us who stand in need. How do we know if they stand in need? We can ask. How will we know how to help them? We can follow the spirit as well as follow the Lord’s goals for man that he explained to Moses when Moses questioned why the Lord had created the earth for man. In response, the Lord told Moses His entire work was to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
Do are actions help or encourage others to progress towards God? If not, we should reconsider our actions. What if we feel our circumstances are not fair or too hard? We can learn the wisdom that a young hobbit named Frodo was taught by Gandolf. Frodo was discouraged by the arduous journey that lay ahead and whishes his circumstances could be taken from him. Gandolf counseled him that our circumstances are not ours to pick, ours is only to do what is best with our circumstances.
Finally, we could ask if our plans seem to rarely come to fruition why try or even make plans? A story was told of a man who saw God in a dream and was instructed to push a large boulder. Initially the man pushes all day with his might, but by and by Satan began whispering to him about his foolishness in trying to move the boulder. The man began to push with less strength and for only part of the day. Eventually he stopped all together. When God visited him again, the man complained that his task was too great. He could never move the stone. God calmly replied that the man was not to move the stone, just push on it. God pointed out the now chiseled physique and tanned skin of the man to demonstrate the received blessings. God said he would remove the stone, not the man. As we exercise our agency, we should not be discouraged but thankful we are able to use it. Blessings rarely come in the form we anticipate because God’s ways are higher than man’s ways.
Abraham was taught by the Lord that he was a choice spirit and chosen before the world was formed. The Lord gave him a vision of the intelligences in the pre-mortal realm and during this vision he was taught the purpose of his and our existences on this earth. First he was taught that those who succeeded in their first estate or pre-existence were added to or given bodies upon coming to the second estate, or Earth. The Doctrine & Covenants teach that only when the spirit and the elements are inseparable connect can we achieve a fullness of joy.
It is prerequisite then that we have immortal bodies to return permanently to our Father. Satan and his followers are barred from this blessing and therefore work hard to guide us to abuse or surrender control of these bodies to them on a temporary basis.
During the vision to Abraham a second reason for our existence was stated. Abraham 3:24-25:
“And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;
And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; “
This Earth is a proving ground. Alma described it as a probationary state. Ammulek described it as a time for men to prepare to meet God. All of thee descriptions are examples of the use of agency. Agency is our right to choose our path. In present times some people define it as their right to choose their path and the consequences of their actions. The Savior repeatedly has cautioned us to beware of these types of false doctrines. I find it interesting how many people on TV claim their right to act as they want and not be held responsible for the delinquent behavior they inspire. The Lord has demonstrated how important agency is to Him. He lost 1/3 of His children due to agency. It was by agency that the Savior accepted immeasurable pain and agony to make his infinite and eternal atonement. The Savior while on the cross cried out--“Eli, Eli, Lama Sabacthani?” Which translates to: “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” The one person who always was worthy of His Father’s presence was willing to give it up to be forsaken and alone just as we feel at times during our life.
Because of Adam and Eve’s agency, we are under a spiritual and temporal death or separation from God. Even though we are separated due to the transgression of Adam, the atonement of Christ overcomes these obstacles and allows us to account only for our choices. Lehi taught his son Jacob that without opposition, agency would not be possible. To make a good choice, we have to be given a bad choice simultaneously. The enemy of all righteousness is allowed to remain on this Earth to test us on our use of agency. I remember before my mission I was presented with a difficult choice. I could either fulfill my mission or remain at home and marry a young lady that I cared for. I chose to go on my mission. I’ve been grateful beyond words for that decision. My mission helped me to understand, believe, and love the Savior more than anyone else in my life. My wife and children also are gifts that I’m grateful for.
Every day we use our agency and ultimately our choices demonstrate who we believe in more: ourselves or God. As we believe more in God, we understand Him more and want to follow Him. To follow Him we must adopt His ways and goals.
His goals are not egocentric therefore our eyes should not be focused on ourselves, but be focused on our spouses, children and neighbors. The Savior defined our neighbor as those around us who stand in need. How do we know if they stand in need? We can ask. How will we know how to help them? We can follow the spirit as well as follow the Lord’s goals for man that he explained to Moses when Moses questioned why the Lord had created the earth for man. In response, the Lord told Moses His entire work was to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
Do are actions help or encourage others to progress towards God? If not, we should reconsider our actions. What if we feel our circumstances are not fair or too hard? We can learn the wisdom that a young hobbit named Frodo was taught by Gandolf. Frodo was discouraged by the arduous journey that lay ahead and whishes his circumstances could be taken from him. Gandolf counseled him that our circumstances are not ours to pick, ours is only to do what is best with our circumstances.
Finally, we could ask if our plans seem to rarely come to fruition why try or even make plans? A story was told of a man who saw God in a dream and was instructed to push a large boulder. Initially the man pushes all day with his might, but by and by Satan began whispering to him about his foolishness in trying to move the boulder. The man began to push with less strength and for only part of the day. Eventually he stopped all together. When God visited him again, the man complained that his task was too great. He could never move the stone. God calmly replied that the man was not to move the stone, just push on it. God pointed out the now chiseled physique and tanned skin of the man to demonstrate the received blessings. God said he would remove the stone, not the man. As we exercise our agency, we should not be discouraged but thankful we are able to use it. Blessings rarely come in the form we anticipate because God’s ways are higher than man’s ways.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sacrament Talks
I don't usually type my talks but felt prompted to do so. So here is my talk I gave in Sacrament meeting today if anyone is interested. (Mostly for our kids later)--
I have been assigned President Monson’s talk from April 2005 General Conference, entitled “Constant Truths for Changing Times.” I have to admit I almost started laughing when Brother Schneider gave me the assignment in light of the changing times our family is going through right now. I have been spending a lot of time thinking about the “constant truths” in our changing lives right now. This year is going to be one of many changes for our family. Christina will be turning 12 and going into the Young Women’s Program; Daniel will be turning 8 and baptized this year. This biggest change for our family will be that after a very long and hard process, Clay will be leaving us in about a month to go to basic training for the army and will be gone for about 6 months. So although our family may be separated for a while, we will still have the constant light of the gospel in our lives to help keep our family life as constant as possible.
President Monson said, “Someone has said that our complacency tree has many branches, and each spring more buds come into bloom.
We cannot afford to be complacent. We live in perilous times; the signs are all around us. We are acutely aware of the negative influences in our society that stalk traditional families. At times television and movies portray worldly and immoral heroes and heroines and attempt to hold up as role models some actors and actresses whose lives are anything but exemplary. Why should we follow as a blind guide? Radios blare forth much denigrating music with blatant lyrics, dangerous invitations, and descriptions of almost every type of evil imaginable.
We, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, must stand up to the dangers which surround us and our families.”
In this the January 2009 Ensign, there is a story of a family who had planted peach trees in their yard. They had waited a couple of years for the trees to mature enough to produce. The father had wanted to prune the tree, but the mother had refused, wanting to have as much fruit as possible. As the tree grew, they propped boards under the heavily weighed down branches trying to help the tree until harvest. Before harvest came, a storm came. The winds blew the boards, branches and fruit over the yard.
The next year, the trees were pruned. The mother was worried there was not much left of the tree to produce fruit. However, that year the fruit was much bigger and sweeter. I know our family is going through a pruning process right now but I also know that because of our Savior, our family will become stronger than we are now as we continue to turn our lives over to the Lord. As we prune away some of the branches of our complacency tree, we will strengthen those branches that will help us get through these changing and challenging times.
Shortly after I received this assignment, we were reading about King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon. King Benjamin taught some constant truths which were important for his time as well as for ours. King Benjamin was a righteous king who about to die and wanted to tell his people that he had chosen his son, Mosiah, to be the next king and to teach his people some eternal truths for them to remember during their remaining time here on this earth. We are blessed to have living prophets here on earth today who teach us twice a year at general conference just like King Benjamin did to help us remember these constant truths.
First, King Benjamin called his people to gather around the temple. The people came and pitched their tents with the door facing the temple. Every general conference we too are reminded to face our lives toward the temple. This past Thursday, we were blessed to be able to take our children to the Draper Temple open house. What a blessing to be able to take our children inside and teach them about the temple. If you haven’t had the opportunity to go to the open house, I would challenge you to the time to take your family to the temple.
We have tried to make the temple a focus in our family by hanging pictures of temples in our home, taking our children to the temple open houses, going to the temple grounds with our children, and attending the temple ourselves as frequently as possible. When we were dating and first married, we were able to go every week. Although that is not possible now, we try to attend the temple as often as we can for I know that we receive power in the temple that can help us in our everyday lives. When we lived in Iowa we would try to make the trip to Nauvoo, a little over 2 hours each way, about once a month. While my husband and I would usually take turns going inside the temple, our children were able to spend time in the shadows of the temple. They know that the temple is important for us individually and as a family. How grateful I am to know that whatever may happen in this life, our family has been sealed together so that we can live together again some day. I made covenants in the temple before I was married that have helped strengthen me and guided choices in this life.
King Benjamin told his people in Mosiah, Chapter 4, verse 9 “Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.” Our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, is the perfect example in all things for us. We need to have the faith necessary and help our children develop that faith to endure whatever may be before us. I know in my life that when I have faith and follow what the Lord has asked me to do, he has always provided a way. Through our married life, we have learned and still are learning, that we need to hearken unto the Lord’s will and not ours. Our Lord will give us the wisdom that we need to do what is right. President Monson said “Remember that ofttimes the wisdom of God appears as foolishness to men, but the greatest single lesson we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and a man obeys, that man will always be right.”
President Monson in his talk begins talking about Family Home Evening. Family home evening is a time, usually Monday night, when we get together as a family. We typically have a lesson, pray, sing songs, read scriptures, and play together. Because of our young children, family home evening usually doesn’t take too long and we occasionally we keep our older two up so we can have a more in depth conversation with them after the little ones are in bed. We have not always been very good about this, especially when we were newlyweds, but over the years FHE has become very important to our family. We still struggle at times and may not always have a powerful lesson, but I know that it strengthens our family when we make FHE a priority.
Family Home Evening is a wonderful time to teach our children as King Benjamin taught us. King Benjamin taught us that we as parents need to teach our children of the laws of God. We cannot “suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil” Weekly family home evening is a great way to remind our children of this principle. I know we have needed this lesson more than once. We also need to “teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.”
I also know that family scripture study has become a constant truth in our family over the past few years. Although we had tried over the years to make scripture study work for our family, we still struggled with keeping our younger children interested. When we lived in Iowa, I had a wonderful friend share we me how they read scriptures as a family. The church has produced wonderful scripture stories for younger children. We read from the scripture stories first and then read the same story from the regular scriptures so our children will become accustomed to the language of the scriptures. After this, I enjoy it when we have the time to counsel with our children and find ways to apply what we have read into our own lives. I know that when we regularly read our scriptures, our family is able to enjoy each other more.
Family prayer has also strengthened our family as we have prayed for one another. This last week, in a morning prayer, Daniel offered a very sweet little prayer for his father which was answered that very day. Our children have taught me to keep my prayers simple, pray frequently, and not be afraid to ask our Heavenly Father, who knows all, for any righteous desire of the heart.
I know that as our family goes through this life changing experience, we will receive the strength we need and our faith will grow. I know there are many things we still need to work on but I know that through the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ we can strengthen our family tree and endure these changing times in all of our lives.
I have been assigned President Monson’s talk from April 2005 General Conference, entitled “Constant Truths for Changing Times.” I have to admit I almost started laughing when Brother Schneider gave me the assignment in light of the changing times our family is going through right now. I have been spending a lot of time thinking about the “constant truths” in our changing lives right now. This year is going to be one of many changes for our family. Christina will be turning 12 and going into the Young Women’s Program; Daniel will be turning 8 and baptized this year. This biggest change for our family will be that after a very long and hard process, Clay will be leaving us in about a month to go to basic training for the army and will be gone for about 6 months. So although our family may be separated for a while, we will still have the constant light of the gospel in our lives to help keep our family life as constant as possible.
President Monson said, “Someone has said that our complacency tree has many branches, and each spring more buds come into bloom.
We cannot afford to be complacent. We live in perilous times; the signs are all around us. We are acutely aware of the negative influences in our society that stalk traditional families. At times television and movies portray worldly and immoral heroes and heroines and attempt to hold up as role models some actors and actresses whose lives are anything but exemplary. Why should we follow as a blind guide? Radios blare forth much denigrating music with blatant lyrics, dangerous invitations, and descriptions of almost every type of evil imaginable.
We, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, must stand up to the dangers which surround us and our families.”
In this the January 2009 Ensign, there is a story of a family who had planted peach trees in their yard. They had waited a couple of years for the trees to mature enough to produce. The father had wanted to prune the tree, but the mother had refused, wanting to have as much fruit as possible. As the tree grew, they propped boards under the heavily weighed down branches trying to help the tree until harvest. Before harvest came, a storm came. The winds blew the boards, branches and fruit over the yard.
The next year, the trees were pruned. The mother was worried there was not much left of the tree to produce fruit. However, that year the fruit was much bigger and sweeter. I know our family is going through a pruning process right now but I also know that because of our Savior, our family will become stronger than we are now as we continue to turn our lives over to the Lord. As we prune away some of the branches of our complacency tree, we will strengthen those branches that will help us get through these changing and challenging times.
Shortly after I received this assignment, we were reading about King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon. King Benjamin taught some constant truths which were important for his time as well as for ours. King Benjamin was a righteous king who about to die and wanted to tell his people that he had chosen his son, Mosiah, to be the next king and to teach his people some eternal truths for them to remember during their remaining time here on this earth. We are blessed to have living prophets here on earth today who teach us twice a year at general conference just like King Benjamin did to help us remember these constant truths.
First, King Benjamin called his people to gather around the temple. The people came and pitched their tents with the door facing the temple. Every general conference we too are reminded to face our lives toward the temple. This past Thursday, we were blessed to be able to take our children to the Draper Temple open house. What a blessing to be able to take our children inside and teach them about the temple. If you haven’t had the opportunity to go to the open house, I would challenge you to the time to take your family to the temple.
We have tried to make the temple a focus in our family by hanging pictures of temples in our home, taking our children to the temple open houses, going to the temple grounds with our children, and attending the temple ourselves as frequently as possible. When we were dating and first married, we were able to go every week. Although that is not possible now, we try to attend the temple as often as we can for I know that we receive power in the temple that can help us in our everyday lives. When we lived in Iowa we would try to make the trip to Nauvoo, a little over 2 hours each way, about once a month. While my husband and I would usually take turns going inside the temple, our children were able to spend time in the shadows of the temple. They know that the temple is important for us individually and as a family. How grateful I am to know that whatever may happen in this life, our family has been sealed together so that we can live together again some day. I made covenants in the temple before I was married that have helped strengthen me and guided choices in this life.
King Benjamin told his people in Mosiah, Chapter 4, verse 9 “Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.” Our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, is the perfect example in all things for us. We need to have the faith necessary and help our children develop that faith to endure whatever may be before us. I know in my life that when I have faith and follow what the Lord has asked me to do, he has always provided a way. Through our married life, we have learned and still are learning, that we need to hearken unto the Lord’s will and not ours. Our Lord will give us the wisdom that we need to do what is right. President Monson said “Remember that ofttimes the wisdom of God appears as foolishness to men, but the greatest single lesson we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and a man obeys, that man will always be right.”
President Monson in his talk begins talking about Family Home Evening. Family home evening is a time, usually Monday night, when we get together as a family. We typically have a lesson, pray, sing songs, read scriptures, and play together. Because of our young children, family home evening usually doesn’t take too long and we occasionally we keep our older two up so we can have a more in depth conversation with them after the little ones are in bed. We have not always been very good about this, especially when we were newlyweds, but over the years FHE has become very important to our family. We still struggle at times and may not always have a powerful lesson, but I know that it strengthens our family when we make FHE a priority.
Family Home Evening is a wonderful time to teach our children as King Benjamin taught us. King Benjamin taught us that we as parents need to teach our children of the laws of God. We cannot “suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil” Weekly family home evening is a great way to remind our children of this principle. I know we have needed this lesson more than once. We also need to “teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.”
I also know that family scripture study has become a constant truth in our family over the past few years. Although we had tried over the years to make scripture study work for our family, we still struggled with keeping our younger children interested. When we lived in Iowa, I had a wonderful friend share we me how they read scriptures as a family. The church has produced wonderful scripture stories for younger children. We read from the scripture stories first and then read the same story from the regular scriptures so our children will become accustomed to the language of the scriptures. After this, I enjoy it when we have the time to counsel with our children and find ways to apply what we have read into our own lives. I know that when we regularly read our scriptures, our family is able to enjoy each other more.
Family prayer has also strengthened our family as we have prayed for one another. This last week, in a morning prayer, Daniel offered a very sweet little prayer for his father which was answered that very day. Our children have taught me to keep my prayers simple, pray frequently, and not be afraid to ask our Heavenly Father, who knows all, for any righteous desire of the heart.
I know that as our family goes through this life changing experience, we will receive the strength we need and our faith will grow. I know there are many things we still need to work on but I know that through the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ we can strengthen our family tree and endure these changing times in all of our lives.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Our Hero
Clay, Christina, Daniel--March 2002Well, this is to see who is really reading our blog. We've been going through a lot of decisions lately and we have decided that Clay is going to be enlisting in the army. He was only 1 point away from maxing out the test (I wasn't surprised) and so they said he could pick any job he wanted.
He'll be leaving around February 20th (we're not sure of exact dates yet) to go to Fort Benning, Georgia for Basic Training (9-10 weeks). After that he'll be at Fort Gordan, near Augusta, Georgia for Advanced Training (15-16 weeks). The kids and I will stay in our home here at least until he gets his first assignment. His plan is to go to the Army PA school but he needs to serve some time first. We'll probably be in San Antonio, TX for that.
I am so proud of him and for everything he does and will do to provide for our family. I know this decision has not been an easy one for either one of us, but we know the Lord will provide and protect our family while we are separated. Thank you for all of your prayers.
We've started talking to the kids about the changes that are coming. When we told them that Dad was going to Fort Benning, where my mother was born, Christina said, "We're going to live in a Fort?" We had to explain what a Fort was. :)
And on top of it all, we get to speak in Sacrament meeting tomorrow. My topic--"Constant Truths for Changing Times". Appropriate, huh? Clay gets to talk about our purpose here on earth. Hopefully it will go well. I hope I'll feel less anxious after.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Birthday and Aquarium
Last Saturday was my birthday. I know another year older. For some reason it's hitting me harder this year, maybe because I'm in the next age bracket. Maybe because I know our lives are about to take a major change. I don't know. Anyway, we had a great day. Christina's luckily old enough now that we left her home to babysit while Clay & I went out to lunch. We went to Archibald's at Gardner Village (I got a free entree since it was my birthday--got to save $$ :) ). It was wonderful. I've heard about it but you never know but it really is good. If you're in the area, you should check it out.
Clay & I then went to the mall to walk around a bit and exchange some clothes my mom got for me. (I was a little excited because I was able to get into a size that I haven't been since before kids! Still have a ways to go to be where I want but it's a start). The kids did great and we were actually gone for about 4 hours. I can't believe it! We haven't done that with no kids in tow for a long time. Thank you Clay! I love you and am so proud of you! I feel like we need to spend as much time as we can together right now since we'll have to be separated
unfortunately for a while.
Monday, the kids didn't have school and I didn't have work so we headed to the aquarium--we had friends give us free tickets.
The kids had a ball and keep asking when we are going back.
Samantha really liked the frogs.
Amanda really wanted to touch the sting rays
until I lifted her up to do it.
Jonathan & Amanda got to touch a snake.
Clay & I then went to the mall to walk around a bit and exchange some clothes my mom got for me. (I was a little excited because I was able to get into a size that I haven't been since before kids! Still have a ways to go to be where I want but it's a start). The kids did great and we were actually gone for about 4 hours. I can't believe it! We haven't done that with no kids in tow for a long time. Thank you Clay! I love you and am so proud of you! I feel like we need to spend as much time as we can together right now since we'll have to be separated
unfortunately for a while.Monday, the kids didn't have school and I didn't have work so we headed to the aquarium--we had friends give us free tickets.
The kids had a ball and keep asking when we are going back.
Samantha really liked the frogs.
Amanda really wanted to touch the sting rays
until I lifted her up to do it.Jonathan & Amanda got to touch a snake.
I'm still here!
I have so much catching up to do on here. On January 1st we went sledding with my brother Jake & his wife Jill, & Kimberly & her kids. 
Not the traditional sledding though. We went to my Grandma's church parking lot where Jake & Jill took turns pulling us around on sleds behind a 4 wheeler.
Yes, even I got in on the action. 
They had fun going up and over the hills and trying (most 
of the time succeeding) to get us to fall off. I'm sure you'll enjoy the pictures. Jake took some video too that I may add later. I need to see how embarrassing it is first. :)
Not the traditional sledding though. We went to my Grandma's church parking lot where Jake & Jill took turns pulling us around on sleds behind a 4 wheeler.
Yes, even I got in on the action. 
They had fun going up and over the hills and trying (most 
of the time succeeding) to get us to fall off. I'm sure you'll enjoy the pictures. Jake took some video too that I may add later. I need to see how embarrassing it is first. :)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Christmas
Here's some pictures of Christmas. This is what happens when you have 7 children to open gifts for Christmas-- 
(my sister Kimberly was with us with her 2 
children).
(my sister Kimberly was with us with her 2 
children).
Family Pictures from the luncheon
Here's some pictures of some of the family after the luncheon. Most of my family, we tried to take a few, this was the best one + someone else's head--a bonus. :) 
And of course, Jonathan was trying to eat his tie, oh well. Jake & Jill are the only ones missing--
Denmark's family--
Grandma Jensen & all of her children & spouses.
Grandma and her children--
The entire family that was there (I'm not sure how many were missing, maybe another 20-30?)--
Grandma, my mom & Rex--
Terry & Melanie's kids--
And of course, Jonathan was trying to eat his tie, oh well. Jake & Jill are the only ones missing--Denmark's family--
Grandma Jensen & all of her children & spouses.
Grandma and her children--
The entire family that was there (I'm not sure how many were missing, maybe another 20-30?)--
Grandma, my mom & Rex--
Terry & Melanie's kids--
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Grandpa's funeral
I have a bunch a pictures I need to update and put on. We've had a bit of a flu bug in our house for about a week and it's finally caught up to me today. I went to work for just over an hour and came home. Luckily Clay was home and been helping with the kids but he had to go to work so I'm winging 
it.
Grandpa Jensen passed away on December 23rd. I'm so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him the weekend before he passed. The funeral was such a great opportunity to reflect on such a wonderful life and example. I took some pictures of the graveside service and some of the family after the luncheon. It was great to catch up on some of the family we don't get to see very often.
All of the children are dealing with Grandpa's death in such different ways. Amanda still will go around and tell people that "Grandpa died." She had a hard time at the viewings too. They had a nursery for the little kids during the funeral where she and Jonathan went. Christina, Daniel, and Samantha went with us.
The funeral was held on M0nday, December 29th, with
viewings on Sunday ni
ght and Monday morning.
it.Grandpa Jensen passed away on December 23rd. I'm so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him the weekend before he passed. The funeral was such a great opportunity to reflect on such a wonderful life and example. I took some pictures of the graveside service and some of the family after the luncheon. It was great to catch up on some of the family we don't get to see very often.
All of the children are dealing with Grandpa's death in such different ways. Amanda still will go around and tell people that "Grandpa died." She had a hard time at the viewings too. They had a nursery for the little kids during the funeral where she and Jonathan went. Christina, Daniel, and Samantha went with us.
The funeral was held on M0nday, December 29th, with
viewings on Sunday ni
ght and Monday morning.
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