Trek Family Time

Last night we had our first Trek Family get-together. We were going to go hiking up a mountain, but the weather was not very nice -- so we went with "Plan B". I think it was all inspired because "Plan B" worked out even better! We met at the church and walked to our home where we had food, games and singing . . . it was really fun! Sammi, Daniel and William were a part of it, too. They loved being around all their new brothers and sisters!

All of the kids are SO GREAT! How did we get so lucky??

Last night I also got to meet our missing daughter . . .

(Pictured: 7 of the 8 children on sorting night)

Number 8 child is Alyssa.

She is the answer to my "Women's Pull" prayer! ;-)

I squealed when I saw her!!!

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*For family members . . . a good description of her is: Mindy ;-)

Hooray!

We ladies are going to glide gracefully up that mountain!

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FUN FAMILY TIMES

We chatted for a bit, ate some treats and then we went on to games. We played the kind of games that hurt your brain and make you feel silly . . .

Forks

Gets em every time!

It took me FOREVER to figure it out the first time!

Bounce the Broom

Charles' game specialty

It is SO funny when people finally catch on to the game!

Arm Wrestling

This was not part of the plan, but just sort of happened naturally.

It worked out good though, because we could determine everyone's strength!

(We could see who will be pushing/pulling the cart the most!)

*My 8 year old, Daniel, beat our 14 year old, Asher. ;-)

Thumb Wrestling

This was Asher's idea. (The boy on the right.)

Apparently this is Asher's strength -- good thumbs. ;-)

They are such good kids!

They all got along so well -- which is SO NICE for us!

It was really fun to get to know them all better.

Now I am excited and less nervous.

This is going to be FUN!!!

Singing

We are working on a song so we can sing for one of our service projects. Also, we want to learn a bunch of songs that we can sing while we are on the trail, to keep us from thinking about passing-out.

The video is not the best, it was our very first run-through. I just wanted to capture it. I was way too close to the camera and we had not worked on rhythm!

We will get better video in the future!

Fun times!

I love my Family!

Trek

I was told by some friends that going on Trek is kind of like "giving birth". There is the pregnancy part (months of preparing, meetings, planning, wishing it was over, etc.) and then the actual Trek part (labor/delivery). It is hard, painful, and terrifying sometimes . . . but so worth it in the end. And when you are done you think you can never do this again . . . and a few months/years later you want another one! ;-)

As the event gets closer, I am growing more excited and nervous -- at the same time. It is becoming forefront in my mind. I am starting to dream about it, I wake-up thinking about it, and I plan for it during the day. It occupies an entire section of my brain -- always.

Trek, trek, trek, trek, TREK!!!

Yesterday, during my morning run, I went up the foothills (pushing my double-stroller). I decided to put the stroller behind my back on the way down the steep hill -- to feel what it is like having something to pull/support/pushing on you, downhill. It was "fun". Actually hills are my favorite. I love hills. They make me work harder and something inside me rises to the challenge. Good thing Trek is uphill both ways, this year. ;-)

Women's Pull

One thing I want to be ready for is the "Women's pull". All the men will be called away to war, and only the women (and girls) will be left to push/pull the handcarts -- uphill. It will be me and 4 other girls. And though they look like they are in good shape, most of my girls are pretty small! So I think this "Ma" had better be ready to PULL!! I am starting to train for it -- so glad I have my double stroller. Maybe I should load it up with rocks??? ;-) wink!

I love in the videos below how the boys want so badly to help them . . . You can see what an effort it is for those ladies! Oh boy! (I don't know if we will have any boys around us at all. I have heard they will be watching us from on top of a hillside.)

Therefore, this Mama better be able to haul the load! (Excited and nervous!) Gives me the shivers just thinking about it! I think that will be about the time I will be asking for my Scottish-strength to begin flowing through my veins, and for my ancestors to pull with me. They will. I know it.

The woman I am representing, Elizabeth Steele (my great, great, great, great Aunt) watched her husband die of weather/starvation -- because he gave all of his food/clothes to his wife and children. She carried on by herself, carrying her baby the whole way.

It is because of her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, that I live and love the very same gospel today! (She converted her husband James Steele and he converted my great, great, g, g, grandpa, John Murray Murdoch -- the gospel has been passed down by every descendant since! Thousands of people!)

Thank you Elizabeth! I adore you! I will forever be grateful! Please, dear Elizabeth, take some time to come and help me during the Women's pull!

I will need you!

Don't forget to bring my Wee Granny with you. :-) Thanks!

I have 3 months to get my bootie in trek-shape. I am not completely out of shape, but I have not been as diligent in my running/exercise as I normally am. It has been a challenging winter. (And I feel it!) But I want to be really ready. I NEED to be ready. I know I have it in me . . . now to let it out! Time to start lifting heavy objects and walking/running miles and miles! I can do it! I have to do it! Time to start climbing those hills!! And re-discovering my strength. I am going to NEED it!!!

Onward!

Still Believe

Happy Easter!

I created a slideshow to go with the song my friend, Rachelle, and I sang in church for Easter. The song is called Still Believe, by Hilary Weeks. What is super-neat is that my mother --using Garagband -- recorded the piano and e-mailed it to me, from Canada! (They are serving their mission in New Brunswick.) I put the piano recording on my Garageband and . . . like magic, we recorded music together! Amazing!

*We had a live pianist for church, and no video. ;-) The recording/video was made for the blog.

I hope you can feel the spirit of the song . . . I know He lives and He loves me.

Laundry

Hate is a very strong word.

I do not like to use the word hate often, or at all.

So, let me just say . . . I strongly dislike doing the laundry!

Most household chores do not bother me. But when it comes to the laundry . . . it can seem overwhelming! Piles and piles. Dirty piles, clean piles, and in-between piles. I think it seems extreme to me because there is no where to hide from it -- in our 2 bedroom home. There is no door to shut and pretend that it is not there, lurking. It is constant, always in motion, never-ending . . . and it will never end. Laundry is a part of my life. Forever.

I just cannot figure out a good system? Once I throw the last sock in the wash . . . the laundry bin fills right back up again? I used to have a day devoted to laundry, but with 5 people in the family -- that is impossible! I have tried picking certain days to devote to laundry. I try doing a little everyday. There is just SO MUCH of it! There has to be a way. A good way . . . to keep it under control.

So, all you smart-cookies out there . . . any successful laundry solutions/ideas??

I have one . . .

Too bad I don't have a fireplace!!!! ;-) wink!

Celtic Thunder, Yummy!

For facts about Christmas 1915, do a google search. This song is about a true war story.

Celtic Thunder - Christmas 1915

I LOVE this group and I ADORE this song. Their voices are like magic for my ears. Especially the first guy who sings . . . he has such a pure voice. Love it! I am a huge fan of beautiful harmony, and the harmony is extraordinary!

On Sunday night we gathered together as a family for music time -- learning this song: Christmas 1915. (Yeah, we know Christmas is a little far off, but this song is so FUN to sing! It will get stuck in your head big-time!) We also explained what the song was about, we had a little discussion about war and soldiers, and how we should all just get along.

Charles was on his guitar, Sammi on the recorder, Daniel was learning his guitar, and William was on drums. ;-) We all sang, except Sammi. (If she could learn to play the recorder and sing at the same time . . . that would be pretty impressive!) We are going to try and do a little recording of it . . . sometime.

While having our music time Sammi said, "We should do this every night!" she also said, "I love being together as a family." You could almost reach out and feel the love in the room -- it was almost a tangible thing. There was a warm, soft, comforting glow. It is amazing what power music has on the soul and also on drawing a family close together! It is a beautiful way to invite the spirit into your home.

We are working on this song as a family and hope to make it decent. Charles sounds so amazing when he sings . . . maybe we will perform it at next year's Christmas brunch! ;-)

Oh and by the way . . .

CELTIC THUNDER IS COMING TO BOISE IN NOVEMBER!!

Guess where I am going??!!!!

Yippee! Ear-candy!

Food Storage

You know you're a Mormon when . . .

You have food storage underneath your dining-room table!

We are running out of space!

Soon I will be decorating my living room with food storage! ;-)

We have been trying to build-up our food storage supply and soon we will have to be more creative with storage space. I already use my linen-closet for food storage . . . I just don't trust putting food out in the garage. (Too many mice!) We are starting to stock-up on more bulk items like: wheat, rice, beans, etc. We are also working on our water supply.

It is amazing how good it feels to have a food supply -- especially in the strange economic times we are living in! Not to mention the calamities of nature -- which seem to be increasing in intensity, lately. But we have been told:

“If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30).

Truly, I do not live in daily fear. I love and enjoy my life. The times that we live in can be hard, but they are also full of goodness and HOPE. I am not stock-piling in some sort of weird frenzy. I am just doing my best to increase our supply little by little, as much as we can -- with the resources we have to work with.

For example, just buy an extra flat of water when you do weekly shopping, it adds up!

It is good to BE PREPARED!

----I came across this talk by President Gordon B. Hinckley----

(He passed away in 2008. Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet today)

During the October General Conference 2005 he stated: (This is not the full talk -- just some excerpts.)

How portentous are the words of revelation found in the 88th section of the Doctrine and Covenants concerning the calamities that should befall after the testimonies of the elders. The Lord says:

“For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.

“And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings,

and the voice of tempests

and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.

“And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people” (D&C 88:89–91).

How interesting are descriptions of the tsunami and the recent hurricanes in terms of the language of this revelation, which says, “The voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.”

Someone has said it was not raining when Noah built the ark. But he built it, and the rains came . . .

We have built grain storage and storehouses and stocked them with the necessities of life in the event of a disaster. But the best storehouse is the family storeroom. In words of revelation the Lord has said, “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing” (D&C 109:8).

(This is not my food storage . . . one day!!!)

Our people for three-quarters of a century have been counseled and encouraged to make such preparation as will assure survival should a calamity come.

We can set aside some water, basic food, medicine, and clothing to keep us warm. We ought to have a little money laid aside in case of a rainy day.

Now what I have said should not occasion a run on the grocery store or anything of that kind. I am saying nothing that has not been said for a very long time.

Let us never lose sight of the dream of Pharaoh concerning the fat cattle and the lean, the full ears of corn, and the blasted ears; the meaning of which was interpreted by Joseph to indicate years of plenty and years of scarcity (see Gen. 41:1–36).

I have faith, that the Lord will bless us, and watch over us, and assist us if we walk in obedience to His light, His gospel, and His commandments. He is our Father and our God, and we are His children, and we must be in every way deserving of His love and concern. That we may do so is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. - Gordon B. Hinckley

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So back to me . . . I am trying to be more diligent in gathering for things that may come. I am not fanatic about it, but rather -- I feel a sense of urgent diligence, regarding preparation. We have all felt the sting of the current economic situation, and there is no telling how long it might last. Though I am very hopeful things will improve!

I believe you will come to know the blessings that come from being obedient to any principle of the gospel. If you want to know the blessings from attending the temple . . . attend the temple. If you want to know the blessings of paying tithing . . . pay tithing. If you want to know the blessings of food storage . . . start gathering food! ;-)

There is no need to have fear about the future . . . if you are prepared for it.

Food storage is obviously not a guaranteed safety-net if some calamity happens -- but I believe if you are doing your best to be obedient, Heavenly Father will look after you. And if you are prepared, you can help others who are in need.

Hooray for Food Storage! ;-)

*I DO need HELP! I have a bunch of wheat and no idea what to do with it . . . any recipes/ideas?? I know I can find it on the internet, but recipes from people I know would be preferred!

THANKS!

Profound Daniel

"It was not the best day of my life. But it was still a day of my life!"

-Daniel, my almost 8 year old.

(He made his point after having an allergic reaction.)

I love the thoughts of children . . . how much we have to learn from them!

Letting a Little Light Shine

OK . . . so after some thought, I decided to "open" my blog, once again. I have noticed a trend . . . if someone has a private blog, I do not check it very often. I have also had a lot of people ask to be "re-invited" as they seem to be booted-off of my private list, or something? I know I have lost contact with most of my "private" friends. Sad! I don't want it to be that way.

Anyhow, after much thought/consideration, and with my parents and my hubby saying, "do it!" . . . I decided to enter the "land of the living" again! (I un-clicked my "private" button.)

What "sealed the deal" for me was an event that took place yesterday -- when I heard a quiet knock on my door. I was not expecting anyone . . . so I peeked out the window and slowly opened the door. It was my neighbor. (Pshoosh, thank goodness! You never know!) Only, this time -- she was not there as my "neighbor". She was there as a missionary for her church. She shared with me the Jehovah's Witness message and invited me to her church services. She acknowledged the fact that she knew I was LDS and she also acknowledged that she knew Jesus was special to us . . . we chatted for awhile.

I told her I was glad she knew that we believed in Jesus -- because a lot of people do not think that we do. He is our Heavenly Father's son. He is our Brother. He is our Savior. I know she believes many different things than I do, but I was still glad she came. It meant she believed in something. It meant there is still some good in this world. It meant she was willing to sacrifice her time/comfort/energy to spread the message, that she so strongly believes in. I love her all the more for it! I already adored our neighbors and their goodness . . . and now I love them more!

As I shut the door, I had my answer. If she can go around knocking on the doors of her neighbors and awkwardly share her gospel message . . . then surely I can open my blog so that those who might not know what I believe, will know! Surely, clicking a button is easier than knocking on doors! And I would hope, you, my dear neighbors -- will love me all the more for it. ;-) (Even if you do not agree with what I believe!)

So . . . here I am.

I know you are looking. (I have my ways!) I want you to know you are welcome to comment -- only if you are nice to me! No really . . . I don't hate comments. I LOVE THEM. Let's be honest bloggers/facebookers . . . we all LOVE comments! I will try and do better at my commenting, as well.

I am going to try and let my little light shine . . .

My beacon has been lit.

If it makes a difference in the life of just one person . . .

I will consider myself blessed! ;-)

Feeling Sentimental . . . Senior Year: 1997

Every now and again I reflect back on the days of my youth. They sometimes seem so close, yet so far away. (Especially far away when I look at my almost-teen daughter!) One of the things I did A LOT when I was a young woman was: SING! I pretty much sang my way through my teenage years -- and I am grateful for it. I spent most of my high school years in the choir room. Life would have been pretty boring without music to fill it full of color (and gold sequins!)

Oh, those glorious days of, "Jazz hands!"

I sang and sang . . . but acting was not my "forte". (I am, who I am -- it is hard for me to be (or act) like anyone else!) So, I decided to post my pretty-silly attempt at acting. Like I said, I sang bunches of times -- in front of bunches of people . . . but as you will see I CANNOT ACT! I am totally lame (trust me, I KNOW good acting when I see it!) But I thought I would share it anyway, because it is funny. . . ;-)

A brief explanation: This clip is from Dimond High School's "High School Musical" which was called Zitz. I played a girl named Michelle. She was known for turning-down boys. Or rather, beating-up boys who tried to get close to her/date her. (This was NOT a life-imitates-art, or art-imitates-life thing. In real life I was boy-crazy!) The boy in the clip who played the part of Ben (Brad Lowry), was a brave soul -- who was willing to take a risk and he asked Michelle to Prom . . . and she actually said, "yes". There were a few other scenes leading up to this moment, but this scene is Prom night at Michelle's front porch.

My favorite things that stand out are:

-My Swing Choir partner in the audience yells, "give her the tongue!"

-Every time Brad leaned in for the cheek-smooch he would say something silly/blow in my ear

-I have such nice bangs. Wow.

-I was the only one in the whole play wearing a modest dress! (Thanks, mom!)

-Whenever you perform with someone, people think you are an "item". I was dating someone else at the time -- not Bradley. ;-)

-Brad was a very good actor!

-I was lame, but it was not Shakespeare! Most of the people in the play were not "actors" just students willing to embarrass themselves in front of their peers.

-Even though I could not act -- It was FUN!!! So glad I did it! So glad I have the video!

Forgive the quality/fuzz of the video . . . it was lame from the moment I got it in 1997!

Sammi's Special Space

I had to move Sammi out of her special closet room. We needed to move back into the bigger room so I could have some space to put my computer and supplies -- that I use to help Charles.

Living in a two bedroom home is certainly "cozy" and getting "cozier" as the children grow bigger. Our days in this house are numbered . . . but I still want Sammi to be comfortable in the meantime. So, after talking to a friend (Rachelle) about curtain ideas, I decided to try something to make Sammi feel special -- even while crammed in the same room with her brothers.

Hooray for curtains (and closets)! I think it turned out really cute!

I also printed her off some Tangled pictures and put them in frames. I did this while she was gone at school and she was SO EXCITED when she saw it!

Mission accomplished. :-)

Here are the kids helping me with daddy's work. Sammi is alphabetizing, Daniel is opening letters, and William is shredding. ;-) It is a family business. Children need to know how to work -- might as well start them while they are young. ;-)

Church Museum

When we were in Utah a few weeks ago we made our way to the Church Museum -- a place I had never been! The Sister Missionaries kept telling us how great it is for kids and so we decided to go and give it try. It was GREAT!

I LOVED the artwork. Some of the images were just BEAUTIFUL! I took a picture of my MOST FAVORITE picture . . . I would LOVE to have this image in my home!

It is an image from when Christ came to the people living on the American continent, after his Resurrection. After massive destruction of the land (earthquakes, flood, storms, etc.), He came to teach and testify to the people of His life, His love and His commandments. At one point angels encircled the children and blessed them. The story is recorded in 3rd Nephi of the Book of Mormon. This event in the Book of Mormon had a great impact on my testimony of the gospel . . . I will share that another time.

The image looked like it was on fire . . . it was SO breathtaking.

(My picture of the picture does NOT do it justice!)

There were a bunch of pioneer/early church items . . . I was in Heaven!

It means so much more to me now.

There is an entire level devoted to KIDS! It was SO NEAT! Everything was hands-on. The kids LOVED it!

There was even a little place to learn how to dance . . . Charles gave it a go.

It was such a great place and best of all it was FREE! Next time you are visiting Utah . . . go to the Church Museum!

To be Private . . . or not to be Private?

That is the question. With my blog, that is.

I have been wrestling with this question for awhile. Sometimes I feel like having a private blog is like hiding my light under a bushel. Other times I think being private is the only way to be "safe".

During General Conference a few things stood out to me which Elder Uchtdorf said:

"Brothers and sisters, with the blessings of modern technology, we can express gratitude and joy about God’s great plan for His children in a way that can be heard not only around our workplace but around the world..."

(This next phrase has been ringing in my mind, and will not leave) . . .

"Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone’s life for eternity."

He also said:

"Even more, the Lord expects the members of His Church to “open [their mouths] at all times, declaring [His] gospel with the sound of rejoicing.”

"My dear young friends, perhaps the Lord’s encouragement to “open [your] mouths” might today include “use your hands” to blog and text message the gospel to all the world!

Hmmmmm . . . food for thought.

Do I de-privatize my blog and invite all my facebook friends/whoever . . . or do I stay "safe" in my little private-bubble full of mostly-members of the church??

If you recall a few posts ago, I mentioned a time when I was told by the Spirit to "feed my sheep" and "use your hands" . . . I thought it just meant for family history work -- but maybe it is more than that? When Elder Uchtdorf said that to "open your mouth" might include "use your hands" to blog -- it was like lightning for me.

Should I do it? Should I click the button that will allow others in? Should I let my light shine? Or should I keep it safe and hidden under a bushel?

Any thoughts/feelings/experiences?