Choose the Right

Prayers are answered. I have always known that. It is so great to see examples of that everyday! There is something really sweet about seeing your children's prayers answered! Sammi had lost her CTR ring on the playground at school. She said a whole bunch of kids helped her look for it but no one could find it in the wood-chips. Sammi told me she went out into the field and said a prayer to find her ring (we had done that before with a lost car of Daniel's, and immediately found it.) She did not find it. She told me about it after school and we went to try and find it again -- no luck. Well, I decided to go to the office and ask about it, no one had seen it. They wrote her name down and Sammi explained to them what she lost. So, a week passed by and Sammi was sad she had not found it. She really loves her ring. Then yesterday, after school, Sammi came running out of her classroom, "I found it! I found it!" she screamed. Someone had found it and turned it into the office. She was SO excited, so happy. Her prayer that she said in the field, was answered. Sometimes, though we would like an immediate answer, the answers to our prayers take time, but are answered! What a tremendous experience for her faith. I am always so grateful for these kind of experiences!

Sammi had another interesting experience. A group of kids were sitting together at school, and a whole bunch of them were talking about how God is a "Spirit". Sammi said she did not say anything to them -- because she did not want to hurt their feelings. She knows that God is a man. She knows that other people believe, and are taught different things. As she says, "They have some of the truth, like the Bible, but not the whole truth like we do." I always ask her after a statement like that, "Does that makes us better than others?" Her answer is always, "No." That is something I want to make very clear. I think some may feel a sense of superiority in their knowledge of the truth, when in reality we are just that much more responsible for sharing it with others! Do I worry about the future generation? No. They are sent here at a time when their courage, faith and testimonies will guide them through turbulent, uncertain times. We must prepare them for these times, and they will stand tall and immovable.

By talking about Sammi so much, I am not trying to leave out the other two lovelies. It is simply that Sammi is out in the world at school, and she experiences these kinds of things. I am grateful for that. I am very grateful. Though it terrifies me to send them out into the "world" they can handle it, and find courage and strength to "deal" with the world and it's ways. Next year I am sure I will have many Daniel stories to tell. Right now he is just a happy clam -- comfy within the walls of home. :-) I have loved having him (and William) with me.

Charles won his trial yesterday. :-) So far, only wins, and a hung jury. For this case he had another attorney from his office working with him. She is experienced in domestic violence, which the case was about. A strange coincidence was that she was also from Alaska. Not only was she from Alaska, but they went to the same high school. He has a picture of her in his year book. At the time they were on opposite sides of the fence (he from a trailer, and her from wealth). At the time she would probably not have given him the time of day -- now they are "equals". It is strange how time can change everything. I am so grateful for the gospel, and how embracing it fully, can truly change lives! I am so grateful that God saw fit to snatch Charles from the "depths of hell" and thrust him into the light! I am astonished everyday!

I have been running like crazy and I am starting to feel really good. It is amazing how it can "mellow you out". I always run in the morning and I find I can maintain my cool so much better after I expend all my energy in a long run. I am all for a "natural high" and the calm that follows. :-) There are times when I am not feeling as strong on a run and I will have a choice to go the "long way" or choose the shorter path. I then have to tell myself that a winner would not pick the easy road, but would endure the longer path. So, off I go on the short path. Just kidding. I choose the road less traveled by, the long road, of course. :-) Why? Because I am a winner! (or so I tell myself while dragging my feet along!) It is always harder, but it is always that much more rewarding when finished!

Lots of love,
Mari

Dan's b-day Pics

You will notice that on the table are lots of stuffed animals. It has been tradition that Sammi will pick out some of his favorite toys and "display" them on the table with cards for Dan's birthday. She insited upon doing it this year, and she spent all week working on cards for him. :-) I am so glad they love each other!



Daddy trying to take a Sunday nap! :-)

I was lame at picture taking for birthdays this year -- I was too involved in catching vomit! Ick! William spent the whole week throwing up, and other such lovely things. We did it up for Daniel's B-day with decorations, a new CARS bedspread, and a badminton set for the backyard --WAY FUN! We tried to make his birthday a big deal this year since last year it was done quickly, right before preparing to give birth the next day! For William's birthday we ate the rest of Daniel's cake, while he watched. :-) I know I will not get away with that in the future! William was so sick that there was no cake party for him. We will have to do that another day! Poor thing. He is MUCH better now. I was worried my chipper-chicken was turning into a tainted-turkey! He was so different when he was sick, he would not smile -- at all! He is smiling again now, and cheesing it up as normal -- thank goodness! Happy Birthday Boys! Next year will be better!

It is a glorious day here. It is going to be 78 degrees - PERFECT! I went for a run this morning and it was SO lovely! I took the pedometer with me to measure my run, though I think it acts a little differently when you run and not walk. It logged my steps as 11,314. I think that is over 5 miles, give or take. Since it is Spring/Summer I up my mileage -- Winter is really just maintenance! Summer is for progress! Here's to progress!

Charles has been riding his bike now that his hand is all healed and it is warm. He rides to Gold's Gym and lifts weight (he wants to be buff -- I am ALL for that!) Then he rides to work. He has been very consistent and he is looking great! I am so well-pleased with him! (Wink to Dad) ;-)

That is all for now. It is too pretty to have my bootie sitting in this chair. I am outta here!!

Happy Birthday Daniel!

Daniel is the big 5 today! Hooray for Dan! He is SO excited about being 5. It means he is a real "big boy" now! :-) I sure love my Danny. I will put up more pictures after his party . . .

Danny's first birthday

Daniel at five years old (almost) :-)

Sick Willy

Sorry I have been slacking on my posting. William has been a poor sick baby the last few days. He has been erupting from every opening -- totally nasty! We even decided to take him to the doctor the other day. He was so weak, and could not keep anything down. He seems to be on the mend, I sure hope so!

Tomorrow is Daniel's 5th birthday, and Saturday is William's number 1! My big boys! I will take more pictures tomorrow. :-) Poor Willy will NOT be trying his first piece of cake. We will have to reschedule that for another day!

A funny thing. . . Sammi got a special pedometer from her teacher, because she is the only one who walks to school everyday. Anyhow, I had Sammi wear it starting right after school (about 3:15 until 8:00) and she had almost 7000 steps! That did not include recess, gym, or our walks to and from school! That explains how little children stay in shape! They are always on the move! Even when they watch TV, they are dancing! They love to see how many steps they are taking. I will have to try it for a day . . .

Well, that is all for now. I am off to change a toxic diaper. Where is the gas mask when you need it?! Stink!

Lots of love,
Me

Just a little Nan clip

My camera was running low on batteries, but I thought I would get a bit of Nan. Here she is playing a game with Dan. :-)

Nan's House

On the way back from Colorado, we were able to stay at Nan's house for a night. It was a fun time -- though we got lost on our way there in the dark. Nan is always so fun, she is always ready to play games, have fun, and feed you til you burst. :-) She is a spectacular woman. She always remembers birthdays/holidays and sends homemade cards. Even though her hands are often in great pain, she says, "You have to keep em movin, or else they will stop!" One thing she does to "keep em movin" is crocheting bandages that she sends to people living in leprosy colonies. They hardly look like bandages, they are so beautiful. She makes so many beautiful things and she is such a talented women. Nan is the mother of eight -- each one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren adore her. She is always happy, even though she is often feeling pain. She has the ability to display happiness that radiates from her very being. I LOVE to be around her and be the recipient of her sunshine. I was explaining to my children that if it was not for Nan -- none of us would be here. I told them (in front of Nan) how great she was for being the mother of my mother. I am so grateful for an example of strength, kindness, happiness, and most of all love. She is the most loving person I have ever met. I just LOVE my Nan! A view from her home in Midway
There was so much snow this year, that caused so much damage! Roofs collapsed and water flooded. She had quite the mess in her home.

My mother's hand was missing in this picture - we will have to get that picture next time. ;-)

I woke up in the morning at Nan's house to a small piercing chirping sound. I look around for a moment to find a mouse slowly walking around the floor. It was not moving very quickly, so Charles was happy to catch it.
By the end of the day we found four mice, and the nest they came from, which was under a cabinet. Nan was so grateful to have us there at the time to catch the mice. It was so icky to see them on the floor, slowly moving about. They were just babies, their eyes were not even open. Nan said she thinks she caught the mom the other day. We think the babies came out in search of food. Apparently, the area is infested with mice that have been burrowing underneath the deep snow and ruining the lawns. It was really too bad how much damage was done this winter! We were all pretty icked-out by the mice! Poor Nan!



The kids had so much fun playing games with Nan. She always made sure they were well praised for their efforts.

Sammi loved being with Nan. She was often found cuddling next to her -- it made me so happy to see her loving her Nanny like I do.
Even William warmed up to Nan and started flirting with her.

Daniel was having fun playing in the snow
Daniel loved his Nan. She let him do things in her home like fling silly screaming monkeys, and fly little spinning wheels in the air. When I told Daniel not to do those kind of things in the house, Nan gave me a look like, "Are you kidding me?" I then said, "Nan is the boss in her home -- listen to Nan!" Only fun is allowed in her home. The word "no" is only used if there is eminent danger.
Another horrible thing that happened from the snow run-0ff was mold. Charles pulled out the air mattress from a closet, as he was pumping it up to sleep on, he discovered it was covered in green and black mold. As he went back to look in the closet he discovered it was covered in nasty mold. Charles spent Saturday morning cutting out drywall in Nan's closet. She was so grateful, and we were just worried for her health; mold can be very dangerous stuff. We got rid of some things damaged by the mold, but most things were okay (including your winter clothes in the plastic buckets Mom and Dad.) Hopefully her place can be cleaned up soon. I guess so many of the homes up there had the same thing happen, and the insurance companies are going crazy. We literally ripped apart her place and put it back together before we left. Hopefully, it helped, at least a little. We just worry for her, but we know she is well taken care of.

The whole family slept on the futon together. :-)

Sammi LOVED to see all of Nan's dolls. Nan got a little twinkle in her eye and went over to her collection. She picked out a little doll for Sammi and sweetly gave it to her. Sammi was so amazed, and happy. Of course, Nan had cars for Daniel and William too. :-)
Here is the kitchen table where Nan made sure we were not hungry. She does not want anyone half-empty -- only half-full (more like stuffed to the max!)

A few more trip pics

The day after it was 70 degrees in Colorado Springs -- it snowed all day?!
William was fascinated by the snow :-)
There was a lovely swimming pool at the hotel.

Undercover

We may look like everybody else . . .

It is all part of our Super-Hero plan! :-)
When we first pulled into the Antlers Hilton Hotel, I saw a whole bunch of people going in and out of the hotel dressed in fancy clothes -- looking ready to go out on the town, or to a dance, or something. All the ladies were in fancy dresses and all the men wore ties. I was wondering what kind of place it was that we were staying?! I didn't think it was suppose to be formal dress! Anyhow, I was saying things like, "Oh no! Look at them! They are all dressed up!" (I was dressed in my normal attire of jeans, t-shirt -- with a pony-tail as my hairstyle of choice. I did have make-up on, so that was a plus!) :-) Anyhow, Charles reassured me we would be fine. I was not so sure I believed him! I was feeling slightly (okay, REALLY) insecure about going inside the lobby with our motley crew, and then Sammi said to me, "Don't worry Mommy, you look beautiful!" Yes! I have trained her well! Then I realized that Sammi was right! I did look beautiful! Why? Because I am a Mommy! And Mommies are the most beautiful creatures in creation! That is of course, just my opinion, and the opinion of Heavenly Father. :-) So, whether I am in jeans or an evening gown (which I do not own), I will remember Sammi's sweet and wise words and hold my head high!

This also reminded me of something Charles and I joke about often. Sometimes when we are out in public, we may not be considered the best-dressed or most flashy-looking people. If we do not make a great effort to be attractive, well, we are just not! So, when we go out looking scruffy or less than snazzy, we always say to each other, "Here we go again, we are undercover attractive people!" Yup, underneath our rough exterior we are really super-stars, in disguise. Charles pretends he is Harrison Ford, and me, well, Marilyn Monroe will do. :-)

I was also reminded of another disguise of mine. I almost forgot my true Super-Hero identity! I almost let mere mortals intimidate me, and make me feel inferior! For shame! I will not forget who I really am . . . :-)

John and Mindy's

Our first stop was in Utah at John and Mindy's house. We were only there for a very short time -- but it was still great! It was so good to see them, and stay in their cute home. It was the first time I had ever been on the other side of the freeway in Utah! We stayed up talking into the wee hours of the night (as usual). It was just fun to be together. We got a few pictures, though not as many as I would have liked. The kids were way more interested in playing than posing! It was a a fun time. Thanks John and Mindy for having us in your home -- it was great! Mmmmm . . . . . yummy cookies! :-)
Cousins playing together :-)
Mindy was trying to get the boys to pose for a picture. :-)

The kids enjoyed sliding down the stairs