Mission Call!

Two Sundays ago, we were skyping with Bryon just before his final interview with his Stake President for his mission. That afternoon in church, he sent Steve a quick text saying that his papers were submitted and he would be getting his call in 10 days which would fall on Wednesday the 6th. Wednesday came and as we had prepared to Skype again for his call, he called early that day after the mail arrived to let us know that his call had not come. We were disappointed for him, but knew it would come by Friday. The following afternoon he called to tell us that his call had arrived and that having to work that evening, he would Skype us while he opened it when he got off. We expected him around 10:15-10:30 (Utah time), but being so excited, he asked to leave early. His boss let him and he called us almost exactly at 9:00 (Oregon time-10 Utah time). Immediately I asked him to hold up his envelope.  

We were all on the edge of our seats with anticipation! He was beaming as he sat in front of his laptop ready for the big reveal! We could hardly stand the suspense! His father being out of town was on the phone and all the noises you hear in the background come from both our family and around 20 or more of his dormitory friends. The one regret I have, is not catching the reaction of our family as he read the letter. 

Though it would have been logical for Bryon to go spanish speaking, it being so much a part of his life, having learned the language at 4 years of age and taking courses all through middle and High school, we are tickled with how fitting this call is for him! We know that the Lord knows him best. He knows his people best. He knows who can be touched by Bryon's testimony the most. This call is so fitting for Bryon and who he is. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity Bryon has to serve the Lord in teaching others about the blessings the gospel of Jesus Christ has to offer all of his children! We are so grateful for his desire and enthusiasm to serve. Before he got his call, he said he was willing to go anywhere the Lord would send him. We knew he was sincere. Before he got his call, we prayed that we would all be prepared for where he would serve. We know that the Lord was preparing us. The day he opened that call, 3 of us had an impression that he would serve in Japan, even though we had previously discussed the probability of his going to Brazil or Europe. I don't know how ready I am to send my boy of for two years without seeing him. But I know I am willing to let him go for the benefit of sharing the Gospel (good news of Christ) with others!
We are truly blessed to venture into this new segment of our lives!

My Sisters, My Friends

46 years ago today, a beautiful girl was born into the world. She was born to a couple that was excited for her birth, desired her happiness and joyed in her learning, growing and existence. 2 years later a miracle was performed. Another little girl was born to the same couple on the same day that the other was born. Not a common occurance, but enriching and fulfilling. Not by accident. These two girls grew and blossomed and tread the way for 4 younger siblings along the way of life's journey.

They've taught, through their examples, how to love fiercly, bear trials faithfully, conquer the seemingly unconquerable, laugh heartily, bear with longsuffering and diligence many of life's greatest challenges, and by so doing enriched many lives along the way. That journey is not complete, and still has many of life's everydays to experience, no matter how mundain or joyful. Some day, when their work on this earth is through, and the Lord looks into their faces and smiles, He will proclaim, "you've fought a good fight, you've lived faithfully and taught loveingly. Your work is done, thou good and faithful servant." I have no doubt that this will be. I know them better than most. I am blessed to call them my sisters.

What They Say Wednesday

Mom: *Kisses Justin's cheek*

Justin: *Wipes at kiss spot*

Mom: "You wiped my kiss off?"

Justin: "No, just the slobber."

Christmas Break

Although we had a wonderful Christmas break, I find myself very glad that things are getting back into the school routine. Am I bad? No. I just realize that the children are beginning to feel rest-less. In consequence I'm finding myself ready for them to be busy with a purpose other than raking leaves to get them to the curb before the leaf truck comes for pick up or earning an extra few bucks for toys they are sorry they didn't get for Christmas. It has been a wonderful and eventful season and as I was putting the decorations away, I found myself wondering how it all went by so quickly. I'm constantly reminded as our children are growing, that each moment is precious. Each moment, although difficult at times,  needs to be relished and cherished and that those teaching moments may only come once and how we need to grasp them when we are given the (sometimes once) opportunity. I'm grateful we had that opportunity with our children this wonderful season and that the promises of a New Year are ours in changing what needs changing, continuing what needs continuing and forgetting what needs forgetting.  Perhaps the purpose for my feeling this way this year, is attributed to the fact that our oldest came home for Christmas after our missing him the 4 months prior, and knowing that when he comes home in the Spring, he will be off to serve a mission. We realize he won't be home for Christmas for the next two years. This made our family time that much more precious. How grateful we are. Here are a few pictures of the Christmas season in our home:

Looking forward to Christmas

Alyssa in "Santa's Hat". It was her turn to put the star on top this year.

Twelve Days of Christmas. We read the meaning of each day and read a Christmas story each night while the children each enjoyed a treat from the designated treat bag for that assigned day. It was SO fun! We'll probably continue this tradition each year.

    Our sweet, traditional, Nativity on Christmas Eve and Mom and Dad's first year watching instead of acting out any parts.

(woo! hoo!)

Our beautiful Mary.

Our shepherds lacked enthusiasm this year...

 

The cutest Joseph, Mary, and Angel I think I've ever seen!  

Mary took a sugar cookie break. She must have been hungry after all that work in having a baby, after all. 

Bad, I know. Heh, heh...

The Narrator had some help. Sure is a cutie, huh?

Both, in case you're wondering.

The traditional Pajama parent gift on Christmas Eve....

You guessed it! P.J.s and a book. 

                                  They look forward to them... 

                                              EVERY 

                                                                        SINGLE

                                                                        YEAR!

    CUTE BUNCH EH?!

                                                               After Santa came....

  would be pretty if it were focused. Sorry, it's all ya get. 

Christmas day, sibling gift exchange. 

          Terrible, I know, but this is all I could get with so much excitement over Santa's big surprise gift.

A new Wii!

                     Enjoying their new gifts. Alyssa paints Amy's nails (thanks Grandma and Grandpa!)

 Bonding time playing the Wii

*snicker*

                   Jeremy and Justin building Justin's new lego sets

            Happy Kids= Happy Parents

        It was a great Christmas!

Mommy Tip Tuesday-YOU TIME

I've generally found being a Mother delight some and truly joyful. But there are times, however, when I find myself feeling worn out and just wanting time away from everything. I've often heard other mothers voice their desire to "have a break". Although I've heard the insensitive response, "You don't get a break from being a Mom!", it doesn't change the fact that it is necessary. That poor mother is expressing her need for some down time. Regular down time is possible, if truly desired. Different people find this in different ways, whether it be grocery shopping (me when my oldest ones were little), a warm bubble bath (My Mother when we were little), a night out with the gals (some of my close friends), working un-interrupted on a hobby, or what have you, the fact of the matter is, we all need that time to think for ourselves without the physical and emotional demands a family regularly requires. Through my 18 years of being a mother, I have found many ways to enjoy some regular, consistent down time.  I have found it crucial to the emotional well being of everyone around me. Because this is so important, I'm going to share my regular 3 with you today.

1) Routine Exercise- When I take the time to exercise each day, I find a great deal of fulfillment that not only benefits me and my health, but is an invaluable example to my children. This regular time designated from 6-7 a.m., not only gives me and my family the benefits of the consistency, but it also gives me an hour to think through my day, work out solutions to problems that are causing turmoil in my life, and allows me to run off stress. I feel more focused, organized, and motivated to accomplish much more throughout the day. Not to mention the already well known medical advantages to regular physical activity.

2) Quiet Time- I remember when I was a child, my own mother would have a nap time in the summer. Even though we would protest that we weren't tired, she would tell us that she was, so we were required to take an hour to rest. After I had my first child, I realized how invaluable a regular daily "nap time" was for the child. They may not always recognize that they need to rest, but I found that having that hour each day decreased fits or tantrums and increased rational.

 This hour (1-2 p.m.-after being well fed for lunch) becomes precious to not only the mother, but child as well. I call it "quiet time" because the idea is that they just take an hour to be by themselves, enjoying a peaceful activity of their choice, in a place of rest. I allow them to watch a quiet video, read a book, listen to soothing music, or work a puzzle in their room. Even though they will often fall asleep for a nap in the process, this isn't truly the goal. I often enjoy this time to read, while sucking on my one Dove chocolate for the day, and take a snooze myself. Thus, Down Time.
3) Date Night- When my husband and I were first married, we talked about how we didn't want to be like those old people walking down the street without holding hands. We decided it was important to us to always be, not only friends, but truly continue to grow in our love for one another. I'll never forget what room we were in, where we were sitting, and which way we were each facing when we decided that we were designating Friday as our regular date night, and that if we needed it to change due to circumstance and/or schedule, we would take Saturday night as a time to be alone.

Through the years, we have been instructed by leaders of the church, as well as studies showing how important it is, to take that time to continue to court. Here we are 21 years later and still taking that time every week to enjoy a night together. Especially through the challenging years of Steve's regular travel, and times of financial difficulty, this date night has kept our relationship steady and strong. Not much money, if any, is required to experience a fun filled date.We are able to enjoy conversation that is un-disturbed, really talk about our concerns without eaves droppers ;), play activities we enjoy, and go out to eat where we desire...just for fun. By fulfilling a promise we made each other all those many years ago, I have realized the example we are showing our children. I attribute this regular time together to our happy marriage and the reason I continue to think he is the most amazing man in the whole world, more so than I did before. I find myself looking forward to this time together each and every week!

So that's my tip for today. A happy mother designates time that not only benefits her, but by so doing, benefits her family as well!

Merry Christmas from our Family to Yours!

Happy 21st!

After a busy day at home I was on the computer while dinner was in the works on the stove, and my wonderful husband walked in the door with a beautiful bouquet of red roses. He was immediately surrounded by our little ones and I was surprised by what he was carrying in his hands, thinking he was bringing me flowers "just because". How silly I felt when I realized suddenly, that it was our anniversary!! 

How could I have forgotten that on this special day we were to celebrate 21 wonderful years of marriage? I have been reflecting on the past several years with all their ups and downs, twists and turns, bumps and curves and realized that no one could have ever began to explain the joy and love that would come through the course of time with this wonderful man I am blessed to call my husband.

Not all the years we've been together have been easy. There have been many challenges along the way. But the joy that has come along with them have been indescribable and I find myself unable to express in words the appreciation I have gained for a merciful God that lovingly led me to the one companion that could refine me during my trials, cry with me during turmoil, love me no matter how difficult I could be. He is perfect for me. I know that many women think they have the best husband in the world. And for them that may be true, I feel that way too. I have since realized that I have the perfect husband for me. I'm thankful that with him, we have a wonderful family with many children that are the product of the love we share and that the joy we have through raising them together, is an eternal blessing. 

                                                  He is my sweetheart and my best friend.
                                                                      Happy 21st!