Making History! Super Tuesday March 6 2012

What an experience! Alicia and I decided last minute to go to the Republican Caucus that was being held here in Boise to determine the Republican Presidential Candidate. There were over 9000 people there. It was the largest caucus ever recorded in American history.  Ohio was only 4000. It was a neat experience to be there and see how everything worked. They gave us wrist bands and divided us into sections and then each section had a booth were we voted. The booth had four buckets in it and as we entered they gave us a special token that we dropped into the bucket for our candidate. Then they count the votes, if one candidate got more than 50% then we went home, but if not, the lowest candidate drops off and we vote again until someone has more than 50%.  I was voting for Mitt Romney.  It was fun while we waited we snacked on popcorn and big pretzels and yummy roasted almonds. By the end of the night (it took a REALLY long time to count 9000 votes) Alicia and I were getting a little tired, and everything seemed funny.  People were pretty bored waiting, they even go the wave to go around 6 times! Only in Idaho!!! But after 5 hours and 9000 votes later....Romney won!!!  with a 52%! All he needed- the Taco Bell Arena cleaned out pretty quickly- i think there were a lot of tired folks. But what a fun experience! I felt very impressed that I needed to go.  I sat praying that Romney would win and then realized that was ridiculous. I wanted the outcome with out doing my part! Life lesson there! I shared that with Brynn in the car as I picked the kids up from school and she caught on fast.  She told me that she had read a "friend" article where a little boy didn't do his homework and then was asked to do a problem on the board, as he walked forward he prayed he would get it right, but then didn't. when he got home he was frustrated and wondered why when he prayed he had still missed it.  His dad asked if he had studied and the boy told him no.  The Lord expects us to do our part.  Alicia said it well "God isn't magic!" We have to help. Anyway, it was a great experience and something I will remember my whole life!

Crafts...Crafts...Sick Kids and Pottly Training!

Yesterday was a full day, but a true testimony to me of putting first things first.  I woke up with a list a mile long and no idea how I was going to do everything I had hoped to.  But I decided to stick with my plan of  getting me ready, scriptures read, and basic cleaning/chores done.  And I was so impressed at how much I did get done yesterday. I felt prompted that morning after reading my scriptures that I needed to finish my crafts and get out my email and if I did that first, and waited to go shopping, I would get more done.  So I spent the day yesterday getting my crafts finished up and that email sent.  It took me ALL day, well from 11-6 but Yeah! it is done and I was so glad i listened, because once that was sent, i was able to think a lot clearer about the other things on my plate. I know that the still small voice, if listened to, can guide me daily to help me know what and where I should focus my limited time as a mother, friend, wife, sister, daughter of God. 
Nathan and Emma were sick yesterday as well. It was fun to hang out with Nathan in the afternoon while I did my vinyl, and watch an old episode of MacGuyver. Emma also had more than her share of Go Diego Go yesterday, as she watched while she sat on her potty chair....but SUCCESS!!! Last night during FHE she jumped up, pulled down her pants and pull up herself, sat on her chair and went! Then promptly announced that she needed her treat! LOVE IT!!!! But it is obvious we may have overdone it on the Diego shows, she ran around playing last night yelling "Arriba Te" alas, a small price to pay for potty training! 
Brynn taught the FHE lesson on Preparedness and shared the Aeosops Fable of the Ant and the Grasshopper.  We were suppose to reorganize our 72 hour kits, but ran out of time...story of my life! A fun project for Saturday maybe....
Josh was bored after school (and hungry for something other than veggies) so I told him to make some cookies...He made some yummy oatmeal cookies! Which we made into ice cream sandwiches with the vanilla ice cream that John brought home. ( That was why we ran out of time...my sweet hubby had to stop by Costco for me on his way home.  He is always so willing to help!)  I think I stumbled upon something...Josh has so much energy that he often gets bored... and when he gets board he starts to pester people and tease them....well he loves food, so I think I am going to make him my baker....he enjoys cooking breakfast, maybe that is something he can get into that he can do when he gets bored...hmmm I will just have to make sure he doesn't just cook treats!
We also found out that Ben doesn't like olives, with a passion! He would rather not have ice cream than eat olives...go figure! Someday I will make a meal other than pizza and chicken nuggets that he likes! =)

Last Week- from Mickey Rays to Settlers

What a fun week it has been. John took a break from the studying this week and we got to really enjoy having him around! Loved it, and it made me realize how much I miss him.  We spent Wednesday celebrating the leap year with a fun mixed up dinner.  The boys had mutual, but we ate spaghetti with crazy utensils.  Then Brynn earned (by reading the series) the right to watch the Harry Potter Movies, so we started with #4, since she had seen the first three. We only got through half of it, but it was fun to watch them together while the boys were gone.  That will be our new Weds. night ritual I guess for the next few weeks while the boys are gone. 
Then on Thursday, I made Pizza for the boys and then John and I joined Pres. and Becky Frogley, the Buhlers, Capells, Halls, and Hilbigs for dinner at Mickey Rays....YUM! that was dang good BBQ! We had the "Possum Pie" way good! We definitely need to go back there sometime....It was fun to visit with John's old bishopric.  We sure love and appreciate all those people.  I spend Thursday morning at the school helping in Ben's class, and then I finished early and was running to the store- There was a man walking through the snow with a little boy on his shoulders carrying a gas can...I drove past, but then felt very strongly that I had the time, I needed to go pick him up and give him and his boy a ride to the gas station.  I did, and it didn't take very long, but that 10 minutes helped me actually think about all the service that I have received and how the Lord has come to my aid so many times.  I enjoyed having the opportunity to "pay it forward."  Then that afternoon we (Emma and I) got to hang out with some wonderful women. Alison Patterson invited us over for a belated Birthday luncheon.  It was so fun- I love those women.  I love that group of friends! Patty, Alison, Lori, Alicia, and Jami....super fun planning a group date later this month or next! Way fun!
Then Friday, since John and I went out on Thursday, we spent the evening making fish tacos (not the best- we will have to try again) and watching Superman with the kids.
Saturday, we had a big install to do downtown Boise. I loved going with John to do that.  We had two hours (three with the drive) of uninterrupted time to just talk.  We decided we HAVE to find a way to get to Hawaii sometime in the next year...Definitely a need! =) wink wink!
When we got home, I was so impressed with our kids.  The had spent most of the time outside playing together...basketball, jumping on the trampoline, throwing around a ball..., I had limited TV time and they found ways to enjoy the day together without us there having to encourage or initiate it.  What amazing kids we have! WE all loaded up and headed to the park to enjoy the time together and the nice weather.  I can't remember the last time John had time to just take a walk to the park and enjoy a Saturday afternoon!  How nice was that, then we headed out on our big adventure for the day.....Getting the car washed!!!! Wahoo, followed by a quick (not) trip to Albertsons! Then "home again home again"  to a dinner of BBQ (yummy) chicken and a McGuyver Episode! Gotta love the duct tape!
Saturday morning, I also had a chance to meet with Bishop Peterson and I was released from my calling as ward RS Weekly Meeting coordinator.  I am really sad about that...but do definately feel like I need to be in this calling with John helping with the Family Support Group. I know the Lord has a plan and a purpose for putting us here.  He knows our hearts and our desire to serve and build up the kingdom.  I am sure we will learn much here!
Sunday found us with a sick little girl! Emma sounded like a barking seal all night on Saturday so we didn't dare take here to church Sunday.  John and I split it up- He went for Sacrament, I went for classes, then he drove for fast offerings.  it seemed to work well. We found out that a number of people in the ward had lost a loved one, so we made up some yummy cinnamon rolls and took them around. While John and I had our sweetheart meeting it was so fun to hear the kids playing in the back yard, again laughing together and enjoying the nice weather.  When we got home from running goodies around, Kristine Anderton (neighbor) stopped by to bring back a bowl. She seemed lonely, so we invited her to join us for a game of Settlers of Catain.  Lots of fun! She of course won, her and Brynn were a team, then we played Bannanagrams for a few rounds.  I look forward to more games/family fun/ on Sunday nights or rather afternoons.  In two weeks John and I will be starting our PSAG group/FS group that night. but we will just have to make sure they happen earlier in the day!
It was hard this morning to say good bye to John.  I know that he has to start back into his Intensive Studying habits. He has another test looming in a short six weeks....and he has got to pass it! The repreive was nice while it lasted!
This week is full- Craft night sign ups, my last RS meeting, and feeding all the judges for State Debate! Wow! Full plate- but it will be fun, I keep telling myself that!!!! =)

THE Test

Today was the day! John took the first of his four big tests that he has to take to pass his CPA exam.  He has been studying like  a crazy man for the last four weeks since he was released as bishop for this.  He took it last november and got a 74, but you have to have a 75 to pass....that bites! So he retook it today.  He felt like he did a lot better this time, so hopefully he did this time.  Alot don't pass it their first time we  have found out.  One of the perks of him taking these tests is he gets to come home around noon.  We had a fun afternoon together.  Lunch, naptime and getting his car fixed, but it was fun to just be together.
Emma and I went for a fun walk with Patty and Lilly this morning while John was gone.  It was so cute to watch Emma and Lilly carry on a conversation between their strollers just like Patty and I were. For fhe tonight we invited the capells over for dinner because it was matt's birthday. We always love hanging out with them.  Last week we ended up going bowling and to pizza with them.  This sounds like it might become a habit...=)
I also was to take a dinner to the Petersons today. and i attempted to make a bread sticks.  I had to have the boys help me roll them out, and they didn't rise at all......but eventually I cooked them anyway,, and they were YUMMY!goes to show you..... don't judge a breadstick by how much it rises.

Singing Time

I got to help out in Emma's nursery today while the primary leaders attended an in service training. So much fun to be in there with Emma.  She loves her leaders and Nursery, and she especially loves snack and singing time.  After we got home, all afternoon she was singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star- the same line over and over.  A little while later as I mentioned it was naptime and I finished up what I was doing before I put her to bed, I heard her start a new song.  She started singing  "Jesus helps me find my binky, Jesus helps me find my blanky, Jesus helps me find my bunkbed." I had to stiffel a laugh as I asked her, Does Jesus help you because he loves you?.  Yes she said, he loves my dinosaur and helps him too.  I am not sure what those Nursery leaders are teaching her, but she knew that Jesus can help us when ever we need him, even in the little details of our day.  So True!

Starting Fresh

I am embarrassed at how long it has been since I blogged last.  Over a year...I am going to try to start fresh this year, and start by just journaling for a few minutes a day some of the fun things that have happened.  My kids are so grown up now! I look at the pics from just last year and it is crazy to see how they have changed! So starting today I am going to try to do a new entry each day, short and sweet with at least one thing that happened! Enjoy!

Declutter!

It started as a request for my Birthday...I asked if finally after five years in this house we could paint the kids rooms. But that meant we had to deep clean the kids rooms first...and an added motivation was my in-laws were coming that weekend....so on Saturday we started (after the kids got back from shopping) and we dug in- John in the boys room and me in Brynns.  As always, a decluttering project always means you have to make more of a mess first, and it ALWAYS takes longer than you thought, so by the Tuesday after my birthday our house was a mess! Closets torn apart in every room it seemed, I had even pulled out all the outgrown kids clothes from the top shelves and was sorting them into size piles all over our upstairs family room!  My de-cluttering, had me up to my eyeballs in clutter!  I could only laugh when John's Mom called that afternoon and said "Guess what we are here.... we are early." It was a good thing they were going to Tony and Emily's first! The guest bed was completely covered in family pictures and school memorabilia!
 Luckily, I did actually  manage to get everything put back in order before they came on Saturday.  We took a full van load practically to DI and filled both the Garbage can and Recycling can. But SUCCESS! You can actually hang up clothes in our Guest room closet now, and the boys closet doesn't look like there is something growing in it!! WAHOO! But I did learn a lesson, from now on, only one closet at a time, none of this divide and conquer.....and I doubt my in laws even noticed!

Queen for a day! My Birthday!

I truly have to say I have the most wonderful family in the world.  I felt like a queen on my birthday.  Not only did I have numerous well wishes from friends, but my family spoiled me rotten.  On my birthday I awoke to a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, as well as sweet birthday notes from my kids and honey.  Then later that morning I received a mysterious text from a "secret admirer" asking me to meet him for lunch (never mind it came from john's cell phone). So I met this tall, dark and handsome stranger at Costa Vida for lunch.  It was fun to do something so spontaneous, I think with kids that gets harder and harder to do....Then I had a hot date that night for dinner.  John (aka my tall dark and handsome stranger) made reservations at Tucano's- a Brazilian Grille that I have been wanting to go to for a while.  It is not just a meal, it is an experience.  It is really fun, they have servers that bring the meat to your table and you can take some or not.  I liked it because you get a little taste of a lot of things.  Yummy! Then John took me shopping for some clothes.  Such a fun night with my sweetheart.  The next morning, John insisted that I take some time for myself and took the kids shopping (for cheesecake for my birthday celebration that night with the kids and other errands) and left me with 3-4 hours to kill.  Wow! I didn't know what to do with myself....I should have caught my blog up to date....=) actually, I spent the time trying to get my life a little more organized....I don't know that it worked but the time was nice.  Then that night the kids and I and John watched 16 wishes and ate Cheesecake.  Again- Yummy!   What a wonderful weekend! My family totally spoiled me.  I am so blessed to have the kids and wonderful husband that I have!

A New Year!!!!

With a New Year, I have a new motivation to start anew and keep this blog up to date.  With Church starting later, I am hoping that on Sunday mornings I can update this regularly.....This month has already been full. With New Years trips, birthdays, visits from grandma and grandpa, a funeral, painting the entryway as well as Brynn's room, then work, church, Nathan's first Ski Trip and a trip to BSU Engineering days....we have packed it full!
So where to start!!!!  How about at the beginning. 
New Years Eve found us traveling to Rigby to celebrate the New Year with all the Snowder Cousins...Everyone was there for the weekend, and we had a great time.  The day we arrived the temp was -3 but the next day things warmed up to 8 degrees so we decided to go sledding.  What a blast! No scars this year....but lots of fun! We finished off the celebrations that night with a Karaoke dance party in Grandpa's loft.  We did a pretty good rendition of Unchained Melody and Splish Spash to send to Uncle Gary and Aunt Joyce.  
We arrived home Sunday night with just enough time to get ready for bed, and school to start back up the next morning. However, John got an eye infection on the way home (we guess) and so he got to call in sick to work that next day. His eye looked like he had been in a heavyweight boxing match. I was bummed because I had a full schedule and I wasn't home all day.....Oh well! I think he enjoyed the cave time!

Inspiring!

I just watched a beautiful new video on Mormon.org, called My New Life.  It is about a young woman/mother, Stephanie Neilson, who was in a near fatal plane crash with her husband.  She was burned over 70% or more of her body, she has lots of physical scars and pain.  She has a blog, in which she has shared many of her trials and how her life has been completely changed, and how she is working to enjoy the life she has been given each day.  I am grateful for her willingness to share it with the world. It is so inspiring to me.  Stephanie says in the video "Each day is a Privilege" and at women's conference, I learned a saying, similar to that-"Wherever you are- Be there!" Enjoy the moment.  I think this is such a great reminder for me. Instead of thinking of the next twenty things I need to do today, I am going to enjoy, EACH and every moment of everyday- whether I am running someone to piano, or activity days or scouts, or just making dinner or doing laundry- I am truly going to find the joy in the moment, and remember that "each day is a privilege"