Atlanta LDS Temple Open House

We went to the Atlanta Temple open house on April 22, 2011. Its a special place to us since we were married there. We have certainly missed being able to attend while it underwent lots of changes. The woodwork inside was gorgeous! It was a lovely experience to share with our little ones.

Happy Birthday Mom!

I don't have my Mother's gift with words so I had to have some help. I love you Mom!

Each year I’m extra happy on your birthday;
Your day reminds me of God’s gift to me--
A mom who gave her all to raise me right,
A mother like the one I want to be.
-Joanna Fuchs

Mother, I wish you the best on your birthday;
No one has earned it like you.
You provide the love that makes our dream
Of a happy home come true.Your family loves and reveres its Mom;
You enrich everything you come near;
You’re our rock, our beacon and our pleasure,
And everything we all hold so dear.-Karl Fuchs

"Being a mother has never been an easy role. Some of the oldest writings in the world admonish us not to forsake the law of our mother, instruct us that a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother, and warn us not to ignore our mother when she is old (see Proverbs 1:8; 10:1; 23:22). "The scriptures also remind us that what we learn from our mothers comprises our very core values."

-Thomas S. Monson, "If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 116

Thanksgiving

This has been a rough week for us. And it has made us even more grateful for our blessings. We are thankful for our eternal family, Ben's job, our good health, and never ending entertainment & joy in the form of our 3 toddlers. Of course there's lots more, but come on it's 2 am. =]

only twice a year

This only happens twice a year for us, so it's a different sort of Sunday.

We're watching church at home today over the internet. Are you?

You can watch it here www.lds.org or over at BYU tv (and if you have satellite, you are super lucky)

What Matters Most

Lost a Job... but not really!!!

Miracles truly do happen everyday. July 23rd, 2009 I received word from the management at the company that I work for that as of October 23rd, 2009 my position would be eliminated. Anyone that has been faced with this type of trial knows the weight that was immediately placed on my shoulders to find replacement employment to provide for my family. I started to beat the streets attempting to find suitable work. I sent resumes to probably 25 different businesses and organizations. After a month I started to get calls back and started negotiations. Two job offers then came before me. The first job offer was with a company that is very stable and the work was in the engineering field, which is what I want to eventually wind up doing. The second was with a much smaller home-grown company and was very similar to the job that I have now. I went back and forth between the two comparing salary and benefits. After praying about both jobs together a definite answer could not be found concerning which job was best for our family. As we were about to accept a job without really KNOWING if it was right, we had visitors at my office. The area sales manager who is my boss' boss and the southern division HR rep came to lay-off my current manager. In the meetings and conversations that were held concerning my manager, the topic of my employment came up. I was asked, "Have you made a decision yet about your future employment?" I replied "No why?" Well, there may be an opportunity to keep your position here and not go thru the layoff. Well to make this long story short, today I accepted to stay with my current employer. And in answer to our prayers, the answer was pretty much "DUH!", all the logic is telling you to stay where you are. We took it as a miracle and blessing that we were once again being looked after and blessed by the our loving Heavenly Father. I have been down and depressed for the past two months facing this trial, trying to make the best of it. Now a huge sigh of relief is being felt in our home. Tonight we celebrated with our favorite Subway sandwiches and spent time with our little munchkins. The Lord works in mysterious ways!

Snack-rament

Mommy: Carlise, can you say "sacrament"?

Carlise: Yeah! "snack-rament"

Mommy: try again, "sac-rament"

Carlise: *sigh* (& an eye roll) "snack-ra-ment"!

-Ok, so maybe we should stop taking the snacks to "snack-rament"?




Mommy: Wesley, are you my baby?

Wesley: No, I a big boy!

Mommy: Do big boys have pacis?

Wesley: Nope

Mommy: So will my big boy give me his paci?

Wesley: Nope

-sigh



Josie started walking yesterday, while the babysitter was here. why? - it's a lot easier (& safer) to try walking when the floor isn't covered in toys. Yeah, I'm one of those moms.

Home Improvements

Papa Joe (Ben's grandpa) came over today to help us install a new stove & rangehood. It took all morning because we had to cut some wood and such, but It's beautiful. I also included pictures of lights we've updated.

And I've added a poll to the side to see what you think about the hallway doors. If it's "other" then please comment & explain. =]

Oh yeah, and the reason for the home improvements? we're selling our home and moving just a few miles away. We'll still be in the same ward at church and near everything, but our budget won't be stretched so tight.

Vent

Last Saturday we went to our Christmas party at church. We had a really nice time. We had a full dinner and then the Primary children acted out the Nativity scene. Well, they were in costume and moved, while a brother did brief narration and the rest of sang Christmas hymns. It was very well organized and brought a very sweet spirit.

On another note of Christmas festivities-(My vent)
Tomorrow the Primary from church is having a "Cookies with Santa" party for all the kids. They're going to make cookies and visit with Santa. Which sounds like a great idea and will sure to be loads of fun. However we will not be attendance for a number of reasons. #1 being my children's unexplainable fear of the man in red & white. In fact, last year at the Christmas party when Santa made his grand appearance, heard over all the cheers was my screaming daughter running in the opposite direction. We even saw a Santa this year at Wal-Mart and when he tried to talk to her (from a distance even) she hid her face and started whimpering. Despite what others may feel that "there are scarier things in life than Santa Claus". We (the parents) do not feel the need to subject our 3 year old toddler to "get over it".

Thanksgiving 2008

We took advantage of the long weekend and went on vacation to Augusta, GA. We finally got to see Anna & Toby's beautiful new home (that they've been in over a year now). Our kids did pretty good on the 6 hour drive up and had tons of fun playing with their cousins.Wesley loved being around so many other boys. He experienced football and legos. Carlise got to play princesses with Talia and have a playmate her exact size. Josie & Kaiya played really well and were very curious about each other.

I finally met the infamous Tina to put a face with the name (and fun). We got to meet Tina's great husband, Alan, as well as all of their cute kids. Among other things, Tina brought this awesome squash casserole that I have to get the recipe for (hint, hint). The Thanksgiving spread was absolutely wonderful! So much food and pies and I don't even think I got to try everything.

Anna & I even went shopping on friday. We took the nursing babies with us and we did really well, got some great stuff, and had fun. Now if only the lines hadn't been so long. yeah, right.

We attended church with them and they have a cute little branch. Carlise & Wesley loved being in nursery with Sister Timmons. She is an awesome nursery leader! And the people were very nice and could tell at a glance that Anna & I were sisters. Well, all except that one woman that thought Anna was my mother! I know I don't look that young and Anna doesn't look old enough, there's only an 8 year age difference between us. LOL

We packed up and left after church. Why does it always take longer to get home then it does to get there? It seemed like there was road construction everywhere and our 4 lane was reduced to 2. And there were 2 accidents on 2 different highways that caused stop and go, sometimes a standstill traffic. We enjoyed our vacation, but we are very glad to be back in our home especially after the 8 hour return trip. But we could do it again, after a few months break.

Halloween

yeah, so we had a "fun" week. I realized that I rely very heavily on Ben in our parenting, especially for a break at the end of the day. But I think the most difficult part was Ben not being able to pick-up the kids and play with them. They all reacted negatively towards him because the lack of attention, which made him feel even worse. Poor guy.Our church did "trunk or treat" on Wednesday and my mom came up and helped me with the kids so we could go, while Ben stayed home & healed. Carlise was a cowgirl, Wesley a cowboy, & Josie was a cow. All of this started from a paci clip & bandana bib we got from Charisma's shop. Anna sent me costumes (she had made years ago), boots & a sheriff diaper (i drooled over) for Wesley, and Ian sent me a cow costume for Josie. Then Mom flew in & saved my budget with cowboy hats she had in her stash. All I had to purchase was a shirt for $1.87 from a thrift store for Wesley to wear. We didn't go out for Halloween trick or treating because Carlise is easily scared. But our neighborhood gets swamped so we're either hostages in our house until it's done or we can go to the empty stores. It was great shopping because not only was it Halloween, but it was also opening night for the National Peanut Festival and the grand opening of the new 12 screen Carmike Theatre. Halloween was still a great day because Carrie's box got here that day. She sent me like 40 cloth diapers. I think my stash is complete. =]

Mission

It's too soon for us to know if we're done having kids or not so we're just going to continue what we've been doing. Everything feels comfortable the way it is and we're just enjoying that.

BUT, I did figure it up the other night that if we don't add onto our brood- then by the time Josie is 18 (and will be a legal adult in every state but ours) I will only be 43 & Ben will be 49. We could potentially be by ourselves before the age of 50!

So, would we be old enough to serve a mission as a senior couple?

So Soon?

So, we set up the white crib for Josie in the nursery. Most people would just say crib, but you see, we own 3. We have a brown one, a white one, & a portable crib. We got the brown one from some family friends when I was preggo with Carlise. Then when I was preggo with Wesley, we realized Carlise wouldn't be ready for a toddler bed, we started hunting for a 2nd crib. I ended up trading with a friend for the portable crib. Then my sister JaNae offered me her nice white crib. Around the same time I started watching my niece Mila for Jason & Michelle. So Wesley got moved to the white crib & Mila slept in the portable crib.

But after Josie outgrew the bassinet, we moved her into the portable crib. However that barely gave me enough room to pass sideways to get into my side of the bed. So we set up the white crib for her in the nursery just for naps to begin transitioning her to the big crib & out of our room. *I'm never really ready for them to leave our room. I love the closeness (not to mention not having to fully wake-up to get them & nurse them) & being able to peek in on them without leaving my bed. The only problem was I couldn't find some necessary hardware. I thought I knew exactly where it was, & I checked a couple of my back-up hiding places. But, they were gone & to order the parts would be over $30. So, I said a prayer to help me find them but I didn't get a chance to go look for them. Two days later I said another prayer & finally went to look for them. I went to the nursery closet, opened it up, picked up a bag off the floor & they were sitting right on top in the bag. Wow! Of all the unimportant things going on in the world, he listens to a neurotic woman asking about crib hardware. I am very grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that knows exactly what my needs are and listens to me when I pray.

Ok, so now the crib is assembled. Only one more problem, we've now run out of crib mattresses. I knew we had 2 crib mattresses, but somehow it didn't register that one is in the toddler bed. Well, great. Now its $50 for a crib mattress. Ouch! Oh, but you see I was offered a position to clean a home. And I got paid $60. So we got a crib mattress & Josie loves the feel of it so much, she now refuses to sleep in the bed we have for her in our room. I can't believe in one night she's out of our room. She's only 5 months. I like to wait until they're 6 months. Oh, but she's comfortable & we are, too. But still, did she have to go so soon?

New Callings

So Ben was released from Elders Quorum President. It's such a relief, because I really need his help on Sunday morning. I was starting to feel like a single parent on Sunday. And it was crazy because the one day that should be our easiest day was my most stressful one. Which made it bad for Ben because he never knew what kind of attitude he would get from me once I made it to church.

He & I are now nursery leaders. Of course you realize that our whole family is in there now every other sunday. Are you laughing yet?

Oh, and Ben was also called as a Cubscout Den Leader. I think he'll enjoy it. 2 of our nephews are in there, it'll just be odd him having to be gone on Wednesday nights.

Perception

Ben & I were having a discussion last night about perception. I told him an experience I had last week. I was loading the kids in the van and was currently working on getting Carlise in when it hit me. "I have 3 kids? Really? 3 pregnancies? Huh, doesn't seem like I've been married that long. Hmm." I still think of Ben as when we got married, he hasn't aged at all to me even though it'll be 6 years in November. I guess because we enjoy our marriage we don't notice the time. Time flies when you're having fun, right? But there are guys at his work that sound very woeful, "I've been married 7 long years." Ben told the guy the problem probably was he wasn't putting his wife first. Said if he did that, everything would be a lot more enjoyable. The guy hadn't even thought of that and acknowledged, "you're probably right." I do know it brings a sweet spirit in our home when we're focusing on our spouses needs instead of our own. And there's something very special about hearing your spouse ask Heavenly Father to bless you for a specific need.

As great as it is focusing on your spouses need instead of your own, I still think there are those few times when you do have to focus on your own, so you don't affect the whole family in a negative way. Just my experience.

Single Adults

Some friends of ours recently became engaged and so I just have to do a quick shout-out.
Single Adults rocks!!!!
It is a program that really works and only after you stop looking for your spouse do you find them. (funny how that works) my Mom & Dad found each other there. And the year Ben & I started dating, became engaged & got married (8 months start to finish), there were 4 other couples that became engaged & married as well.

I'm Drowning

I've been feeling like I'm drowning lately. The house wasn't in order before I had Josie and it's just gotten worse since she was born. I feel like I can't get anything accomplished with the children around. I know Elder Ballard talked about enjoying the moment instead of focusing on getting it done, but I also know we need a house of order. Having an orderly home is a blessing for many reasons. If it's organized then it only takes a little maintenance every day instead of a major overhaul on the weekend. And when our home is clean we're quite content to stay at home instead of out in stores shopping. It also makes it really easy to find something when you're looking for it!

BUT, they babies are only little for a short time. Just look at the first year! *Did you know that no other creature on the Earth develops, changes, & advances as much as a human child does in the first year of their life? And I don't know how many mothers have told me childhood goes by so quickly.

And for some reason I feel like I have to do it all by myself. Ben cooks dinner every night, takes over with the kids when he gets home from work so I can have a break, willingly sends me away when I have cabin fever and keeps the kids, helps with the laundry, splits up the duties when we have to overhaul clean, and does all the yard work. Why do I feel like I have to do it all? Because I don't ask for help when I need it, and he doesn't do things the way I would do them. So really, it's my fault.

So I've been feeling defeated before I ever attempt to accomplish something because lately I feel like I haven't been able to accomplish anything. My Mom had the same problem when we were little and her advice was simple. Make a list of things you want to get done today and cross them off as you get it done. Even if it's something as simple as getting the mail, write it down. Then at the end of the day you can see that you actually have accomplished something and your husband can see it, too!!

Just because I got this wonderful advice doesn't mean I was following it. Well, I did for 2 or 3 days, but then one hectic morning and I forgot until just now. Feeling defeated and frustrated I explained my feelings to my husband who offered to give me a blessing. (I *love* having the priesthood in my home) I was reminded that the most important thing for me is to be a Mother. And that everything else is just getting in the way of that right now. I proceeded online and found 2 poems to remind of this and thought I'd post them for the other women in my life. I'm printing these up and hanging them in frames on the wall so it's a daily visual reminder of what's really important.

Excuse This Home

Some homes try to hide the fact
that children shelter there.

Ours boasts of it quite openly,
the signs are every where.

For smears are on the windows,
little smudges on the doors;

I should apologize I guess,
for the toys strewn on the floor.

But I sat down with the children;
we played and laughed and read,

And if the doorbell doesn't shine,
their eyes will shine instead.

For when at times I'm forced to choose
The one job or the other,

I want to be a homemaker
-but first I'll be a mother.

What Did I Do Today?

Today I left some dishes dirty; The bed got made around 3:30. The diapers soaked a little longer, The odor grew a little stronger. The crumbs I spilled the day before, Are staring at me from the floor. The fingerprints there on the wall, Will likely be there still next fall. The dirty streaks on those windowpanes Will still be there next time it rains. Shame on you, you sit and say, Just what did you do today?

I held a baby till she slept, I held a toddler while he wept. I played a game of hide and seek; I squeezed a toy so it would squeak. I pulled a wagon, sang a song, Taught a child right from wrong. What did I do this whole day through? Not much that shows, I guess that' s true. Unless you think that what I've done, Might be important to someone, With bright blue eyes and soft brown hair, If that is true...I've done my share.

And this quote really hit home . . .

. . . does it do the same for you?

"Third, even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children. Avoid any kind of substance abuse, mistakenly thinking that it will help you accomplish more. And don’t allow yourself to be caught up in the time-wasting, mind-numbing things like television soap operas or surfing the Internet. Turn to the Lord in faith, and you will know what to do and how to do it."
-Elder M. Russell Ballard (emphasis added)

A Favorite Quote

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part- or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."
-Elder M. Russell Ballard

Easter

We had a very quiet Easter. For some reason it just didn't feel like the season. It was too close to St. Patrick's Day this year and it was just in the wrong month. (in my little world) No pics of the kids in their Easter outfits. Carlise was having an atomic melt-down that morning and pics were the last thing on my mind that day. At Family Home Evening Mom let the kids hunt for candy-filled easter eggs before the lesson.