My Current Favorite Sciptures:


Current Favorite Scriptures:
Ps. 31:24
24 Be of a good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Aaron

I asked Aaron to write about himself, and to my delight, he agreed!
About Me
LIKES/LOVES
  • Woodworking, although I need some more tools to make something great!
  • Programming
  • Electronics
  • Camping with my family (only in near-perfect circumstances - sorry, honey!)
  • American food and completely American versions of Mexican food
  • My worn-out LaZboy recliner
  • Music. I’m still a sucker for 80’s and 90’s alternative, but I try to branch out.
  • Pop-Tarts
DISLIKES
  • Reality TV
  • Teletubbies
  • Humid heat
  • ’80 Oldsmobile Cutlass with 26” chrome wheels and a lift kit…
MISCELLANEOUS
  • I am an identical mirror twin.
  • When I am not programming (usually Java), I get bored easily.
  • I don’t follow sports, but my son does. How’d that happen? The other day I asked him where my screwdriver was. He said “Dad, if it doesn’t play the Vikings, I don’t follow it.”
  • I am appreciating routines more and more every day, to my wife's horror.  She thinks I may have OCD.
  • I would like to pursue a Master’s degree, but the thought of prerequisites has stopped me from seriously considering it so far.
  • I have never really felt homesick – I attribute it to my military upbringing and my amazing adaptability. :)
  • I do, however, love my parents and siblings, and the family experiences we share!
  • I love my wife. I have never known anyone more caring, more sincere, more eager to please. She has put up with all of my shenanigans, but she doesn’t let me get away with them. And she still loves me. She still sees the person I can become, and encourages me to get there.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Me

  • I'm afraid of heights.
  • I love the outdoors.
  • I love to quilt and sew.
  • I sing.
  • I'm learning to play the piano.
  • I love animals.
  • I like to play basketball, but now it's hard on my body-- bummer.
  • I like to run.
  • I have many siblings.
  • I love chocolate.
  • I am petrified of snakes and spiders.
  • I have vivid dreams.
  • I love to serve people.
  • I enjoy reading, researching, and writing.
  • I want to serve on a mission with my husband someday.
  • I really want to be a seminary teacher.
  • I cherish family.
  • I want what's best for my family, and worry about them.
  • I love hot chocolate.
  • I love hiking and canoing.
  • I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
  • I've always only wanted to be a mom.
  • I enjoy keeping up with current events and politics.
  • I hope my children will always be faithful and stand for truth and righteousness.
  • I want to know the scriptures better.
  • I love eating out.
  • I love sleep.
  • I really love swimming.
  • I crave seafood.
  • I think my family is spread too far apart.
  • I find a campfire romantic and relaxing.
  • I want to go skiing someday.
  • I never want to go parachuting.
  • I hope I give my children what they need.
  • I love my parents with all my heart.
  • I love my siblings with all my heart.
  • I love my children with all my heart.
  • I love my husband with all my heart, he's my best friend!
  • I love my in-laws, they're wonderful.
  • I'm grateful I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • I'm grateful for our prophet, he was my favorite speaker when I was a child.
  • I'm so glad my dad will be visiting our family soon.
  • I had five years of Spanish in high school and college, and have forgotten almost all of it except for a few key phrases.
  • I have anxiety attacks.
  • I hope to adopt a child or two someday.
  • I have severe varicose veins, and will be going to a specialist soon.
  • My husband has crohn's and my daughter asthma.
  • I don't like hospitals, but know they have helped my loved ones.
  • I fear losing a love one.
  • I don't like change, but at the same time, find it exciting.
  • I am spontaneous, but at the same time, like to know how things will play out.
  • I believe in prayer.
  • I love my Heavenly Father with all my heart.
  • I have a deep gratitude for my Savior, and know that he is there for me in my times of need.
  • I love flowers, sunshine, trees, fireflies, fresh air, mountains, green grass, rain, thunderstorms, waves, and gardening.
  • I love Chinese food, especially Lo Mein.
  • I go to Panda Express every chance I get.
  • I don't like to fly.
  • I worry about crashing in the car.
  • I love my kids and their individual personalities.
  • I'm grateful for friends, and love to chat.
  • I hope I'll live a long life.
  • I'm striving to be a good example, but I know I make mistakes.
  • I'm trying to not let myself get offended.
  • I'm trying to not be prideful.
  • I sometimes stress out too much.
  • I love Tucson.
  • I want a horse.
  • I love to listen to country, christian, and classical music.
  • I miss my Great Aunt Ruth (really my grandma)
  • I am discovering that I have more talents.
  • I love to snuggle with my husband.
  • I love it when my kids give me hugs and kisses.
  • I love it when my kids pick me flowers.
  • Rainbows make my day.
  • Whenever I get really stressed, I like to envision my husband and I alone in a hut on some island, with the waves crashing on the shore.
  • I love virgin pina coladas.
  • Pizza is yummy!
  • Salsa and tortilla chips are the bomb.
  • I like HOT and SPICY foods.
  • I had one year of German in college.
  • I wouldn't mind singing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
  • Lion House Rolls are the best with honey butter.
  • I hope my husband goes back to school for his master's.
  • I had two of my children at home.
  • I want to decorate my home in primitive decor and maybe fix up an old house with wide wood planked floors.
  • I'm a carrier of cystic fibrosis.
  • I love yard sales.
  • I love Costco.
  • I am basically cheep, but have expensive taste.
  • I want to buy some redware someday.
  • and..., I was raised in VA.

 The list goes on, I guess you'll have to continue reading my blog if you want to learn more about me...

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Blessings of the Day

  • Sleeping in
  • Kids helping me clean
  • enjoying a cleaner house
  • my husband has a job
  • my husband felt good enough to go to work after a Crohn's flare-up last night
  • I lost a pound
  •  healthy food- currently really enjoying the blueberries on sale for $.99/pint., did you know they are an anti-inflammatory?  Aaron had some tonight hoping to help with his Crohn's
  • free piano lessons from Emily (well I'm babysitting for her to receive these lessons, so awesome) for Katie and I
  •  learning how to play the hymns "There is a Green Hill Far Away" and "How Firm a Foundation," even if they're in the simpler version
  • great girl chat over lunch with my friend Charlotte
  • our kids had fun together
  • teaching my children
  • giggling  with Anderson while we roughhoused on the floor
  • visiting the sister I teach with my companion-- so much fun chatting
  • talking with my husband about life
  • sunshine and rain
  • flowers
  • a working vehicle
  • relaxing
  • the scriptures
  • prayer
  • the Holy Ghost
I have so many blessings, what are some of yours?

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

One Cool Idea


My friend, Aimee, told me about an idea that I think is truly a lifesaver! She makes packing lists up for each of her kids way before they even know they're going on a trip! She prints the lists out for her older children, and makes a picture list for her younger ones, like this:




How cool is that? She has one for long trips, and one for short trips, for summer trips and winter trips-- and I suppose you could even have one for camping trips as well.

As some of you know, we just took a trip up to WA, and I felt like I was going crazy trying to remember everything! I was stressed and trying to make lists, while running errands before we left. I packed everything for everyone. I really need to learn how to simplify, and delegate!

She says if she's in a hurry, all she does is print the lists off for her kids, and makes them take care of everything themselves, I like that! Love this idea!!!
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Fun to Not so Fun

For all of you that live in Tucson, Peter Piper Pizza has a family night on Mondays from 5-7 PM.  Up to four, 7 inch, one-topping pizzas, FREE with each paying adult.
Aaron and I decided to take the fam there tonight for some fun.  The kids were so excited, we don't do this sort of thing very often.



{Right now I'm wishing I would've brought my "good" camera along, because I'm cringing as I look at these photos.  The cell phone just isn't cutting it.}

We ended up having a ton of fun, and the kids were all so happy.  We should have ended the night there, but no, we had to slip in some more fun!



So we went to game stop.  Morgan spent some of his hard-earned babysitting money, and then we went to Target to buy the girls new earings.  Aaron dropped the kids and I off, while he ran to Ross to buy some new, and much needed shoes. 

I was ok with that, and wasn't thinking about how difficult things might turn out. 

I was in the jewelry section, trying to help the girls pick out their earings with all SEVEN kids, and things started getting out of control.
I'm guessing the combination of sugar from the soda, and the fact that it was the kids bedtime, factored into their behavor.

At some point, this large bouncy ball appeared out of nowhere (I guess some other kid had left it there), and before I knew it, the boys were bouncing it down the isle and running/fighting for it.
Then Anderson started to cry/scream, while I was trying to calm him down without us becoming the center of attention.  Well, that of course is impossible when you have a family the size of mine.

I tried to get a hold of Aaron, but he wasn't answering his phone.  It wasn't until later that I realized that I had been calling his work number!  I guess during my haste to call him, I dialed the wrong number.  As if that wasn't bad enough, Abigail started crying, and my whole family started spreading out in all directions.  I finally broke down and bought some pacifiers and popped one in her mouth.

Anderson hasn't had a pacifier for months now, but when he saw her new "binkies" he started screaming for one.
"BINKY, BINKY, MOMMA BINKY!!!"

I reluctantly popped one in his mouth as well.  I was desperate.  I took the kids through the line, and we sat in the cafe waiting for Aaron to pick us up.

Anderson still continued to cry, and started to chew on Abigail's new binky, which was really bothering me.  I was starting to worry where Aaron was, but he showed up not long after we sat down.

THANK GOODNESS!

Anderson then started to cry even louder when we left the cafe.  He wanted food!
Didn't we just feed this kid?

"FOOD, FOOD, MOMMA FOOD!!!"

 and cried THOSE words all the way through the parking lot.  He refused to get in his carseat, and screamed even more once we got him in.

WHEW!!!

Sometimes, I find it funny how the mood of our family can go from good to bad in a matter of minutes. 

I should have planned better.  Life is better when we stick to a schedule.  Better keep it short next time.



Sunday, January 24, 2010

My Thoughts on the Change

This morning, I woke up around 5:00 AM to get our family ready for church. I have to admit it has been a challenge to get our whole family ready and in our seats by 8:30 AM, but we've been pretty good at it. I do have the help of my husband and older children, which makes a difference.

We did pretty well today, and we were sitting in our seats by 8:20 AM. All the kids were being reverent, and I felt happy inside because we weren't rushed.

Even though we were there early, we found ourselves sitting on the folding metal chairs in the back, rather than the soft cushioned pews. Our ward is huge, and if you want a pew seat, you've got to be there early!

It's been this way, ever since we moved here, back in July of 2008. I thought it was going to be split way back then, but it hasn't.

Today it was announced that our ward and several surrounding ward's boundaries are going to change.

As the announcement was made, I found myself with mixed emotions. We've made some great friends in this ward, and have felt so at home! I knew this day would come, and that it is needed, but I will miss the friends I have come to love so much!

With this change, of course comes questions and speculation. I don't know how this will affect me. I currently serve as the compassionate service leader in our ward, and through my service I have come to cherish so many of the sisters in the ward! I've loved being there for them, and I've really grown in this calling.

My eyes swelled with tears as I realized just what this change might mean.

I guess life is about change, and I know things can't stay the same, however, I will always hold the memories we made in Rita Ranch Ward dear to my heart. We've learned so much from the amazing examples which have been set for us, and I'm so glad we moved here to Tucson. It's been just the right place for us!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Abigail's 1st Date

Yes it's true, we gave in, and didn't make her wait until she's 16!  She was whinning uncontrollably to spend more time with Riley, and we just like him so much, we said, "yes."  Unfortunately their parents came along for a ride, and then they fell asleep...end of story!


We went out to Applebees tonight with our good friends, The Hardy's!  We had so much fun, lot's of laughter and reminiscing!  Good times!

Our Date

Well some of you may not consider bringing the little ones with you on a date, but somehow when you have seven children, a date is good even if you have your two youngest tagging along.  It's still a night out with the hubby, and that's all that matters!  I've even found that when we've brought our kids along, it actually enhances our date.  They're just so funny!

When it was time to pick Aaron up from work yesterday, I went to load up Anderson and Abigail in the car, and then I realized what Anderson was wearing (hmmm, and I thought that only girls liked to rummage through their dresser drawers). This kid's into, and I mean really into clothes! Check my little guy out:


Tacky, I know!  We've got plaid shorts on, and a camouflage fleece hat! 

Well I didn't have time to change him, so we proceeded to get into the van, and pick Aaron up from work.

Our agenda for the night was Costco, Dinner, and Target.

I was driving, and since Aaron and I still don't know where everything is, I pulled out my cellphone and turned on the navigator app.  I love this feature, very handy at times.

It was so funny, because when we arrived at Costco I could not find a parking spot.  Finally I found a few, but they were way out there! 

Aaron:  "Why are we parking so far out?"

Me: Well, I'm thinking in my head, "What's so wrong with that, it's not like we both could use a little more exercise!"

GPS:  Right then, the GPS lady said, "Make a legal u-turn when possible."

Aaron and I started busting out in laughfter, it was hilarious!

So anyways, we went into Costco, and after shopping for a while, Anderson said he was hot! He then proceeded to undress.  Here's what he had on under his coat:

                                                                             This


THIS


AND THIS!


Did I mention that his pants were backwards?


And THEN he started to unbutton his shirt!


 Right when I stopped looking, he pulled it off and was completely bare chested, at the cash register!  I was way too to embarassed to take a shot.

He seriously spent the rest of the evening playing with those buttons!


Dinner at Costco is yummy, but best of all cheap!



Abigail and me

When we walked out the doors of Costco to leave, it was pouring!  We had another good laugh when Aaron said, "Great, now I'm really glad we parked way out in Timbuktu!"
Like the gentleman that he is, he ran and got the car so we could load up the kids and groceries.

We ended the night with a trip to Target, and I just have to share this picture of Anderson.  Doesn't he resemble the small people found in the North Pole?


Thursday, January 21, 2010

The Land of Oz

Many of us have wondered if Vail/Rita Ranch (where I live) was going to blow away today!  It's been so windy, and they're calling for it to get worse!  We've had 38 mile/hr sustained winds, with gusts up to 60 -80 miles/hr!  There's more rain to come, which should cause some flooding. 

I been told that you should never cross a stream flowing over the road, because it can wash you and your car away in an instant!

We've even had a tornado watch in effect the last couple of hours!

The kids have been really scared (WHY do I tell them these things).  I have to admit, I get scared myself!  We're not supposed to have to worry about things like *tornados* in AZ!

I actually saw a stop sign spinning around in the ground, it was crazy.  It was still in it's hole in the ground, but spinning around, FAST!

I saw on the news, that a semi-truck was actually blown over, and several people's roofs have blown away.

Flagstaff supposedly got between 40-60 inches of snow! 

I took this picture of the dust storm the winds produced:



The sky was beautiful with all the clouds and mountains:


Anyways, it's been a pretty exciting day.  We don't get this kind of weather very often.  I'm hoping we don't loose power, the lights are flickering even as I write this blog entry. 

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

I Had a Good Day!

This has been, by far, one of the best days I've had in recent weeks!  What qualifies as a good day for me?  A good day, is a day in which I/our family accomplish a lot! 

I have not been very successful lately when it comes to conquering my daily agenda.  I still find myself "trying" to do everything!  I have a to-do-list a mile long, and between teaching the kids school and holding Abigail, it seems like I can't get the housework caught up.

 I have realized that I can no longer do it all! 

I've known this for a while, but there are times when my family listens, and times when they don't, and there are times when I forget that I can  have them do more than they are doing.

This has been good for me to realize this, and it's forced me to work smarter, not harder.  I told my family this and they listened. I love them even more for making the changes we need to make, so our family can be happy and thriving.

This was a splendid day because both the kids and Aaron heard me out. 

Aaron and I both realized, that if we want to have quality "couple time" in the evening, that is productive and actually brings us closer together-- there are a few things that have to happen before I can relax enough to have a good time.  He helped me with the kids and chores last night, which set me up to have a head start on my day.  It also gave me more time to spend with him and the kids in the evening.  I love him so much.  I love that he listens to me, hears my needs, and then finds ways to help me. We are working together, to make life more enjoyable for the whole family.

So anyways, I'm going to share with you my new routine, that's working!  Yay.


The Barry Family Routine

1.Wake up- 6:00 a.m. check email and calendar

2.Wake up kids -6:30 a.m. have them get dressed, as well as, tidy up their room

3.While they're getting dressed and cleaning their room, I make breakfast.

4. When we finish breakfast, the kids clean off the table, wash dishes and load dishwasher, shine sink, wash table + counters, and sweep. While they're cleaning up from breakfast, I'm getting the laundry started, and dressing the 3 little guys.

5.Morgan starts school, Madison teaches Sarah history, and Kaitlyn watches the baby while I exercise.

6.When I'm done exercising, I feed and change Abigail, put her down for a nap, and then shower.  Kaitlyn and Madison start school.

7.After my shower, I finish school with Sarah.

8.Then we have lunch, and again the kids clean the kitchen.  I fold laundry, clean bathrooms, and prepare for dinner, while they finish.

9.The kids who haven't finished school, continue with their school work.  Our goal is to finish by 2:00 p.m.

10.We go outside for fresh fresh air, relax, afternoon chores (basically straighten bedrooms, and rest of the house), and have some personal time until dinner.

11.We have dinner when Aaron gets home around 6:30.

12.The kids clean up kitchen.

13.We take baths, finish laundry, hang out as a family, read the scriptures, continue to work on memorizing scripture mastery verses, and pull out the testimony jar.

14.The kids go to bed by 9:00, and then Aaron and I have time to unwind, and have couple time.  We need to be in  bed no later than 10:00 p.m. if we want to have energy for the next day.

That's the schedule that made my day, a good day.  Aaron and all the kids are helping, and I feel that our family is succeeding because were working as a team-- no more mommy running solo.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

All I Want Are My Two Front Teeth

Well he survived, and I did as well.  I don't know why I worry so much.  Aaron did a wonderful job, and brought our son home, alive and well!  Aaron said Christian didn't feel anything, and was relaxed through the whole experience. 

Christian with his two front teeth.



Kaitlyn drew this picture for the dentist before they left.  I thought I'd sqeeze in a picture of Christian and I (no make up and all, scary, I know).


Christain after the appointment, still a little dazed.


 Here are his teeth.  I love the treaure box they sent them home in.


Christian without his two front teeth.


Anderson wanted me to take a picture of his teeth as well.


So there ya go, the dentist isn't all bad.


Sunday, January 17, 2010

Anxiety

I am full of  anxiety!  Tomorrow bright and early, Aaron's taking Kaitlyn and Christian in to the dentist.  I feel pretty confident that Kaitlyn will be fine, because all she needs is a filling or two.

Christian, however, is a different story.  They will be removing his two front teeth.  When he's teeth came in, they were missing some of the enamel.  This concerned me, so I brought him in right away and showed the dentist. 

Christian was too little at that point for him to want to operate, and so the dentist thought it would be better to wait 6 months, and then re-evaluate. 

Well, we did that for several years.  Each time, I thought for sure the dentist would advise us to go ahead with the surgery.

Then we moved.

It seemed to take forever for us to re-establish our children's health insurance, pediatrician, and dentist.  So now it's too late to save his teeth.

I'm so bummed, because I really hope this won't be a hardship for him.  Sarah just lost her top teeth and she's six, so does this mean that Christian's top teeth are going to be missing for two years? 

  • I'm worried about the medicine that they're going to give him.
  • I'm scared he's going to be scared.
  • I hope he won't be in too much pain, or even worse, tramatized!
  • If he does have a horrible experience, will this cause him to come down with a case of post tramatice stress disorder whenever he goes to the dentist in the future?
Aaron will bring them tomorrow since I have another responsibilty to take care of.  I'm feeling terrible because I feel like my kids should be my first priority, and I should be there with them as well.  Aaron insists that he will nurture them just as much as I would if I were there.  I told him he better hold Christian, kiss him, and reassure him like crazy tomorrow, because that's what I want to do, but can't. 

Well, please keep my little guy in your prayers tonight, and I'm sure Kaitlyn's a little anxious as well, so if you want to pray for her too, that'd be great.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

What Goes BUMP in the Night

Just so ya know, I DID get sleep last night.  It was great, a little interrupted, but I'll take what I can get.

Sometime after Morgan came home and Abigail fell back asleep, I was awakened  by Morgan SCREAMING, "MOM, DAD, SOMEONE'S TRYING TO BREAK INTO OUR HOUSE!"

I sat straight up in bed, totally disoriented, SCREAMING, "AARON, SOMEONE'S TRYING TO BREAK INTO OUR HOUSE!"

Then Aaron woke up SCREAMING, "EVERYONE CALM DOWN!"

Morgan: "They're banging on our garage, and I hear a zipping sound."  By the way, his room is at the front of the house by the garage, and ours is at the back of the house.

Aaron:  "Let me check it out."

Me: well, I'm already falling back to ZZZZZ.

Aaron and Morgan: "Wow, that's so cool- Javelinas!"

Me:  "what?"

Aaron and Morgan: "There are two javelinas walking around in our front yard."

Me: too tired to check them out, already ZZZZZing again.



These guys are pretty fun creatures,
they basically look like a wild pig,
but they're not in the pig family-- well,
at least that's what I've heard.

Here's what they look like:




One time we were picking up Morgan from a youth activity,
 and there were approx. 2 dozen of these guys
grazing on the lawn of the Stake center!

It was really dark, and we didn't see them at first,
pretty scary, because the people coming
out of  the church building didn't see them either.

I've learned that they can be quite aggressive,
especially when it comes to protecting their young!

There was a man on the news just the other day
 that was attacked by a javelina while hiking.
He was bit three times,
the javelina tested positive for rabies,
and
now he's undergoing rabies treatment.

I have to admit,
I'm a little worried
to walk out my front door!

If you happen to see a picture of me on this blog,
frothing at the mouth,
PLEASE call Animal Control ASAP!

Hmmm... What to Blog About?

Should I blog about the lack of sleep I've been getting lately?  Last night was a doosy!

Should I blog about how hard it was to motivate myself to do ANYTHING this morning after being so sleep deprived?

Should I blog about how forgetful I've been lately, and even when I've tried to make a considerable effort to enter all of my appointments into my phone calendar, I'm still overbooking myself! 

Should I blog about the luncheon I really wanted to go to, but missed it, due to what I have just aforementioned?

Should I blog about Morgan's mandatory conference session I had to attend today with K12?

Should I blog about my how I didn't have to watch a friend's kid today because he was sick, and how great it is that I'm babysitting for her from time to time, in exchange for piano lessons which she's giving to Kaitlyn and I-- how cool is that!?!  Bartering rocks!

Should I blog about the punky state I found myself in, and still couldn't shake, due to the lack of sleep?

Should I blog about the laundry I was supposed to get done today, which is still dirty?

Should I blog about how hard it is to keep your kids focused on their school work, when I can't even focus myself?

Should I blog about how my dog tries to get into the house by jumping on the sliding glass door? Suicide mission, I tell you!

Should I blog about the fact that he's panting at me right now, wanting me to let him out-- but I'm so lame, I just keep writing.

Should I blog about how I went for a ride today, with just the baby, hoping to get her to sleep?  Mission accomplished.  After mission accomplished, somehow I ended up at McD's, ordered some milk and three chocolate chip cookies-- not a part of my NYR.

Should I blog about how guilty this made me feel?

Should I blog about how I called my sister Tara, since we haven't talked for a while, and found out she and her husband are going to Puerto Rico TONIGHT? Lucky girl!

Should I blog about how, while I was on the phone with her, my friend called, but I didn't swap over because I really needed to talk to my sister.

Should I blog about the reason why my friend was calling?  She was calling to tell me that one of our dear friends, lost her mother today.

Should I blog about how incredibly sad this made me feel, and how I wished I could do something more to help?

Should I blog about how sweet Aaron was to make dinner for me tonight, while I was on the phone, working on my calling?

Should I blog about my short call to mom, that ended when I had to get my son ready for babysitting?

Should I blog about how I realized I sent him out the door, without feeding him dinner, and how this made me feel like a terrible mom?

Should I blog about how Aaron and I then brought him dinner, and dropped off our overdue Blockbuster DVD.

Should I blog about how Aaron was so tired from his lack of sleep, that he fell asleep during our scripture reading-- all we read was 3 verses?

Should I blog about the sweet testimony that Kaitlyn gave after we read in Moroni?

Should I blog about the fact that Anderson actually opened his mouth wide enough for me to brush his teeth? Seriously, this has been a real struggle.

Should I blog about how much I loved that Christian snuggled up to me today, and said, "Mom, I love you?"

Should I blog about the fact that my oldest son, Morgan, sent me a waving hand message from his phone while babysitting that said, "big hug"?

Should I blog about how he's still not home, and I miss him.  How will I survive his mission?

Should I blog about how helpful Madison was today?  That girl NEVER complains and I really don't know how I'd make it without her.

Should I blog about how Sarah just came in and gave me a heart that she made, kissed me, and said,"I love you!"

Should I blog about how quiet it is in my house right now?  I think everyone's asleep.

Should I blog about how comfortable I am as I climb into my soft, cozy bed, with the hope of getting a better night's sleep?

Wait-- Morgan's not home yet, I guess I'll wait up just a little bit longer, so he'll know just how much I love him!

Should I blog about how Abigail just woke up? I think this is going to be a long night afterall-- no sleep for me.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Let Me Introduce You to Large Family Logistics

Some of you already know this, but on the day Aaron and I were engaged, Aaron casually mentioned that he wanted NINE children, just like this really cool family on his mission.  Now he has conveniently forgotten that he had ever said those words - hmmm.

On the same note, a dear friend told me that she believes she received a revelation for me that I will have more kids. (Is that how it's supposed to work?)  She said she was sitting behind our family at church and she felt someone was missing.  She counted all seven kiddos and thought "Seven really isn't that big."  From that experience, she deduced that we were missing some. So there you have it, I guess we'll be having more.  Well, we'll have to see about that.  I know we have this trend going on, but I wouldn't read too far into it.

Anyways, one day I was at my wit's end, trying to figure out how to run our household better. I believe Sarah was a baby and I thought my family of six was huge.

That's when I found Kim Brenneman. I don't know her personally. What I do know is that I really admire her and I love her blog. She had six children then and now she has nine.  "Large Family Logistics: The Art and Science of Managing the Large Family," has great concepts for the large family! I love her ideas on home management and I have tried to master them for years now. They're easy for me to understand and follow, especially if I'm consistent:

  • Children's Bedroom Management
  • Kitchen Management
  • Bathroom Management
  • Building Your Home Management Book
  • Afternoon Chore Time
  • The Lunch Menu Plan
  • Gardening Day
  • Cleaning Day
  • Town Day
  • Office Day
  • Floor Mopping
  • Deep Cleaning
  • Kitchen Day
  • Laundry Day
  • Organizing Your Work Day
  • Teaching Your Children to Self-Teach
Here's the link: http://largefamilylogistics.lifewithchrist.org/index.html where you can check out all of her great ideas that I listed above.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

This is What I Know

Reasons Why I Choose Cloth

  • I don't like blowouts, never have
  • I don't like throwing money away, yup, too poor for that
  • I don't like the idea of disposable diapers ruining our beautiful earth
  • I think they're cute on our baby's bum

Reasons Why I Might Choose Disposable

  • I don't like to do laundry
  • I don't like to rinse the diaper in the toilet
  • I don't like it if they're bulky

Well, it looks like cloth won, if only for 1 reason, and that would most definately be-- blowouts.

Abigail seriously has had WAY too many them! Now that I've put her little tushie back in my most favorite brand of cloth diapers, Bum Genius, I've had ZERO BLOWOUT'S! YAY, this makes for a happier me!

I'll take a soiled diaper, over a soiled baby (clothes, back, carseat and all) anytime!

Doesn't she look dang cute in her cloth diaper:



Even our two year old can wear the same diaper, because they're one-size-fits-all!


See- check out them snaps and boy, they're trim! Just the way I like them.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Testimony Jar



During our last General Conference, one of the talks that stood out most to me was More Diligent and Concerned at Home by Elder David A. Bednar.

In his talk, Elder Bednar suggests "three ways in which each of us can become more diligent and concerned in our homes."

  • Express Love- and Show It
  • Bear Testimony- and Live It
  • Be Consistent

While listening to his talk during conference, I felt like we were doing pretty well with expressing love and showing it, but when he spoke to us about sharing our testimonies at home, I knew we could improve.

My initial thought to this admonition was that some of the members in our family might feel awkward.

This was really bothering me, because I knew that this is what we needed to do. I started thinking about ways we could roll out this concept. I wanted our family to really make this a priority and remain consistent.

The thought came to me to make a testimony jar. I decorated it and put all of our family member's names in it (well at least the ones that were old enough).

Every evening after scriptures, we pull out the testimony jar and draw a name. The person who's name is drawn bears their testimony. This has really worked for us! If we forget to use it, the kids will remind us!

Bearing our testimonies to one another has:

  • brought the spirit in our home
  • strengthened our testimonies
  • drawn us closer

I'm so grateful for the blessings we've experienced, as we've tried to apply this principle to our lives.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Yummy Cinnamon Rolls


I tried these the other day, and boy do they taste good, so I thought I'd share the recipe. They were a hit at our house, and let me tell you, everyone loved them! They are called 45 Minute Cinnamon Rolls, but I think it took me more like an hour. Enjoy.


45 Minute Cinnamon Rolls

1 1/8 cups warm water
1/3 cup oil
2 T yeast
1/4 cup sugar or honey
½ tsp. Salt
1 eggs
3 ½ cups flour

Filling:
1/4 cup butter, softened
cinnamon
sugar

Icing:
2 1/4 C powdered sugar
3 T butter, melted
1 1/2 t vanilla extract
milk ( probably a couple tablespoons or so for desired consistency)

Mix 1st 4 ingredients and let rest for 15 minutes. Add salt and eggs - gradually add flour.Roll out into a 9 x 13 rectangle on a well floured surface. Spread butter on dough. Sprinkle dough generously with cinnamon. Follow with sprinkling sugar over the cinnamon. This is also a generous amount. Enough to completely cover the cinnamon so you can't see it. Roll up from the long side to make a log. Then cut into 12 slices and place on a greased cookie sheet. After shaped, let rest for 10 minutes. Bake 10 - 15 minutes @400 degrees ‘till golden brown. Remove from oven and mix up icing. Let the rolls cool a little before you put the icing on. I like to make mine on the thicker side. I like to have it thick enough you have to spoon it on and use the back side of the spoon to help it spread on the roll.

The Second, More Accurate Take

Ok, I made the changes. Hopefully mom will approve of them when I read it to her. I promise I won't be posting each page everyday, but I thought it would be a fun way to announce the fact, that I'm writing a book. I'm hoping to share with you my challenges and findings along the way.

Please keep in mind that this is a rough draft, and I am very tired- basically feel free to overlook any errors. I think I've fallen asleep writing this at least three times, and the words are starting to get fuzzy as I drift in and out of dreamland.

Here goes #2:



There I was standing on the side of the road at the young age of five. I wasn’t alone. My neighbor was holding the hand of my little brother Stu who was three, while cradling my baby sister Suzie in her arms.

Our lives had forever changed. We would never be the same. All of the innocent childhood pleasures I had previously experienced would not be found again. Yes, I would again experience moments of joy and laughter, but those feelings never lasted. Eventually loneliness and a longing for my parents love would seep into my bosom. This was my burden to carry for the remainder of my days.

No child should have to suffer the loss of their parents. The pain of that, does something to you. It creates an emptiness inside you, that can never be filled. The thing that tormented me the most, and continues to do so, is one single word-- “why.” Just a simple word, and yet for me, this became an all consuming, bitter question. Sadly, too familiar. This word would haunt me for the rest of my life, and would invariably stir up a wave of immense emotions within myself.

I could feel the tears swelling in my eyes, but I would not let them see me cry. I didn’t want anyone to see the pain I was feeling inside, and I definitely didn‘t want anyone feeling sorry for me.

“WHY?”

This question was searing my heart at that very moment. I was so scared, so lost. My whole world had shattered into a million little pieces.

I remember that day as clearly as if it were yesterday, the sun was shinning in a sky so blue. There were a few clouds here and there, and the gentle breeze made my baby sister’s dress flutter against her tiny body. She was crying while the neighbor lady was trying to sooth her with a bottle.

I didn’t realize it then, but what she was craving was my mother’s breast. Now when I look back on it, I think she was suffering just as much as I.

My brother Stu eventually let go of the lady’s hand and had sat down in the dirt to play with rocks. Every so often he would try to throw one across the street. He didn’t say much, but he seemed confuse, and would sputter the words “momma, dada” in the tone of a question.

I wish I could say that I had wanted to be strong for my siblings, the way Mommy and Daddy had been there for me, but I wasn’t thinking about them at that time. I was only thinking about me, and the pain I was going through.

It felt like we were standing there for hours, time went by so slow. The sun had started to beat down on us, and the breeze no longer kept us cool. Just when I thought I could no longer take the sun’s beating rays, a long brown station wagon turned the corner.

I could see a woman in the drivers seat, and the car was filled with children. Their faces were familiar. I remembered that they had come to visit our home one year earlier. She was my Aunt and the children were my cousins, and although I didn’t remember their names, I did remember that I did not enjoy them visiting our home. I guess I was shy, and not accustomed to being around such a large crowd.

One memory of their visit, that stood out in my mind was how I sat on a stool in the kitchen, trying to find a safe place where I could keep to myself. I enjoyed being alone. I remember my cousin Nancy approached me. Something about her helped me come out of my shell. It might have been her smile, or maybe her kind disposition that made me feel comfortable. I’m not exactly sure what it was about her, but I felt I could trust her. Little did I know that she would again reach out to me, and help me not feel so alone.

It was nice to see family members, but I was apprehensive about living with them. I wanted to be alone. I wanted to find a place to cry where no one would see me. What I really wanted, I couldn’t have.

We would now be a part of their family. This transition would be a difficult one for me. I would be going from the oldest of three to a middle child of eight.

There’s a certain pride that comes with belonging to your family and I wasn’t ready to say good-bye to mine. My name was Deborah Lamar Harper, the Hancock name should have never become a part of me.

The car stopped just in front of us. The sound of the car doors closing, penetrated my being. As they walked up to greet us, I felt overwhelmed. The mother had tears in her eyes, and reached down to give me a hug. It felt awkward and uncomfortable and I felt fear pulse through me.

She didn’t say much, maybe just a hello. She thought it would be best if I was given one last chance to say good-bye to my friends. I’m glad that my soon-to-be mother thought to do so, for this gave me a chance to have some closure.

I played with them for a while, and when it came time to leave, I couldn’t help but wonder, “why did I have to loose my family, while my friends were aloud to keep theirs?”

Little had I known the night before, just how different my life would be the following day. I would have to say good-bye to everything I had ever loved- my friends, my home, but most of all- my parents.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

A Book in the Making

I've decided to write a book! I've had the intention to do so for many years, and for some reason, I chose last night to start.

This book will be a fictional book based on a true story. It is my mother's story.

As I have mentioned before in previous blog entries, my mother's parents died when she was just five years old.

When I wrote this last night, I "thought" I knew the facts. After reading it to Mom, I'm going to be changing things up a bit.

It's funny how you think you know your parents history, but when you sit down with them, and ask them to relate the details of their life, it comes out so different.

I guess I decided to write this book now, because my Mom is getting older, and has diabetes. Her blood sugar levels are through the roof and her blood pressure is all over the place, and quite frankly, I'm scared.

My father's not doing as well either. His blood pressure is very high, and he fears he might not be around much longer.

Did I mention that his parents died when he was a kid as well? Maybe I'll write about his life, too.

I'm wanting to capture their life histories, so future generations can come to know them, and so I can get to know them better as well.

Life is so short. Just yesterday, I found out that two of my acquaintance's loved ones had massive strokes. They don't know if they will make it. I hope I still have enough time with my parents to gather and compile their memories.

I'm going to be interviewing my Mother's Aunt, who could pass away any day from old age. In fact, I think I'll call her tomorrow.

I will be interviewing my mother's siblings as well, and find out their take on things.

This is going to be a lot of work, and I'm afraid I'll drop the ball. Please don't let me, keep me motivated to push on. This is very important to me!

So I thought I'd give you a preview, the beginning of her story. I'll give you the second (more accurate) take soon.

Here it goes:



There I was standing on the side of the road at the young age of five. I wasn’t alone. My neighbor was holding the hand of my little brother Stu who was three, and had my baby sister Suzie cradled in her arms.

Our lives had forever changed. We would never be the same. All of the innocent childhood pleasures I had previously experienced would not be found again. Yes, I would again experience moments of joy and laughter, but those feelings never lasted. Eventually loneliness and a longing for my parents love would seep into my bosom. This was my burden to carry for the remainder of my days.

No child should have to suffer the loss of their parents. The pain of that, does something to you. It creates an emptiness inside you, that can never be filled. The thing that tormented me the most, and continues to do so, is one single word-- “why.” Just a simple word, and yet for me, this became an all consuming, bitter question. Sadly, too familiar. This word would haunt me for the rest of my life, and would invariably stir up a wave of immense emotions within myself.

I could feel the tears swelling in my eyes, but I would not let them see me cry. I didn’t want anyone to see the pain I was feeling inside. I was trying so hard to be big. I had to be strong for my siblings. They would need me to be there for them, just as Mommy and Daddy had been there for me.

“WHY?”

This question was searing my heart at that very moment. I was so scared, so lost. My whole world had shattered into a million little pieces.

I remember that day as clearly as if it were yesterday, the sun was shinning in a sky so blue. There were a few clouds here and there, and the gentle breeze made my baby sister’s dress flutter against her tiny body. She was crying, and the neighbor lady was trying to sooth her with a bottle.

I didn’t realize it then, but what she was craving was my mother’s breast. Now when I look back on it, I think she was suffering just as much as I.

My brother Stu eventually let go of the lady’s hand and had sat down in the dirt to play with rocks. Every so often he would try to throw one across the street. He didn’t say much, but he seemed confused, and would sputter the words “Mama, Dada” in the tone of a question.

It felt like we were standing there for hours, time went by so slow. The sun had started to beat down on us, and the breeze no longer kept us cool. Just when I thought I could no longer take the sun’s penetrating rays, a long brown station wagon rounded the corner.

I could see a man driving, and a woman in the passenger seat. Their faces were familiar. We had visited them just a year ago in Tucson. They were my Aunt and Uncle, and although I didn’t remember their names, I did remember all of their children. It was nice to see a family member, but I was apprehensive about living with them. I wanted to be alone. I wanted to find a place to cry where no one would see me. What I really wanted, I couldn’t have.

We would now be a part of their family. This transition would be a difficult one for me. I would be going from the oldest of three to a middle child of eight.

The car stopped just in front of us. The sound of the car doors closing penetrated my being. As they walked up to greet us, I could see the tears swelling in their eyes. They reached down and gave me a hug. It felt awkward and uncomfortable. I felt fear pulse through me.

They didn’t say much, maybe just a hello. They guided me around the vehicle to my seat. I remember climbing into the large car. It was hard for me to reach the seat. When I sat down, the seat was scorching hot from the heat of Yuma, a place which I would come to infinitely dislike.



So there you have it, my first page. Feel free to comment and add any suggestions you might have.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Noodle's New Do

Meet Noodle, our Shih Tzu. He just came back from the groomers. We love this dog, he's so sweet and great with kids.

I'm not sure, but I think he's rare (well that's according to the other Shih Tzu dog owner I met while dropping Noodle off this morning).

All I can say is, he's as soft and cuddly as a teddy bear.