Our Precious Baby
Harry Stewart Randall
Precious son, we were so full of hopes and dreams.
Your birth was our miracle from the beginning.
Grateful for merciful moments you were in our arms here,
Please know our angel, in our hearts you are always near.
We hold in our hearts your tiny fingers and chubby feet,
Your cute little nose, just like Gracie’s, so sweet.
So many love you and your big sister’s love is very strong.
You know Gracie has loved you for Oh so long.
Harry, We Love You and wish you could stay.
Living worthy to be with you again is what we pray.
Ours here for such a short time, Our Precious Boy.
We know someday this deep pain will be replaced with joy.
So give us some time to work through the ache,
Our life was planned with you-without you now is so difficult to take.
Someday ours will be the privilege to see you grow.
Why it couldn’t be now we just do not know.
We don’t understand why you were here for such a short time.
Somehow it is the will of the Divine.
Harry, We know you are safe with Father above.
We just need time to cry, Because you are so loved.
We know angels encircle, lift and bless,
Each day without you is somehow part of our test.
Eternal our family is and Eternal we’ll be.
Ours is now the charge to return to live with thee.
Written with Love by Nicole Gardner
April 26, 2009
Gardner's Garden
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Ben was kicked out!
Just a note to myself to journal in the adventures with my kids. Last week Brennen and Dallin both had pneumonia. Brennen was up and around with walking pneumonia and would have gone back to school Friday if Grammy and Grampy hadn't been here for Spencer's wedding. Dallin was flat all week and by Friday could barely sit up. He couldn't even text the first few days so you know it was bad! They are swamped with homework and hope to catch up this week. We sent them both back to school yesterday, Monday.
Sunday Ben woke up as usual (every day) asking if he got to go to Nursery today. He was so excited. During Sacrament Bishop announced that a dear friend had an emergency c-section and the baby was air evaced to Phoenix Children's Hospital. Since we were in shock, several of the girls left Sacrament and went to the hospital to check on her. What a hard trial and they are in our prayers as they struggle to get through this. So grateful Shannan was released last night and got to go be with her baby, Harry. So... Ben was sent to Nursery by Wes. After the hospital visit I barely made it back to teach Sunday School. As I finished, the Nuresry leader brought Ben to me and said he was having a hard day. HE GOT KICKED OUT OF NURSERY FOR HITTING! OK, not that his hitting is any surprise unfortunately, and screaming to be heard here at home isn't that uncommon for him either. :) Still, he was very upset and ran away from me back to Nursery. I decided to just go in with him and the leader said that would be fine. Now, just to be fair, many of the kids were unruly and running around not listening but I did have to hold Ben on my lap most of the rest of the hour. I tried to figure out what was wrong and realized he was rubbing his eyes (up late with Grammy and Grampy here and crazy weekend schedule), and he hadn't gotten to eat breakfast. Now, that sounds horrible I know but don't jump to conclusions too soon. Wes was too tired the night before to do his lesson as he usually does so Sun. morning he didn't bathe Ben. Dallin wasn't going because he was in bed with pneumonia and he usually pushes Josh out the door early for preparing Sacrament. So after I did Brookly's hair, my hair and makeup, and checked all kids teeth, hair, ears, nails, shoes... (those are the things I require clean for Sunday, even if no other day) :) I just forgot that he'd been saying "milk" for a while and hadn't been at the table when the others ate. I had just grabbed a hard boiled egg from Easter and didn't sit with them. I felt so bad but he was eating snack in Nursery after all. So we get home and I feed him and put him down for a nap and he wakes up .... With a FEVER! He was wired because he wasn't feeling good. So, Sunday and Monday were basically spent holding Ben! Love that precious boy and it sure is hard to see him not feeling well! I cancelled piano. We did venture out Monday morning whether or not we should have because Jarom was finally Student of the Month and it meant the world to him to have us there. I held Ben in the back of the auditorium. We got a picture with Jarom and then we left. Today Ben is pretty fussy and very tired and has a little fever. I think we're over the worst of it and I don't know what he had. Joni saved me by taking the bear to the school to Jarom that he forgot today. Jarom's Student of the Month certificate got scribbled on by Ben last night and it was a rough day anyway for him so I panicked when I saw he left his bear and I'd already drug Ben everywhere and he was asleep. Thanks girl!
On to my own nightmare of health issues. Called a Dermatologist yesterday and they have 2 hour lunch and close early. If I can't ever get a hold of them, how am I supposed to see them? Our insurance won't cover the weight loss clinic for my thyroid problem, received a $200.00 bill for more tests we have to fight that insurance didn't pay and we were overcharged for our copay for my chiropractor for my back problems. Oh I love this Dr mess!
Thank you to my sweet Dallin boy! He made dinner last night while I had to attend to some things and he made sure I ate his delicious biscuits and gravy as I ran out the door. MMM!
Sunday Ben woke up as usual (every day) asking if he got to go to Nursery today. He was so excited. During Sacrament Bishop announced that a dear friend had an emergency c-section and the baby was air evaced to Phoenix Children's Hospital. Since we were in shock, several of the girls left Sacrament and went to the hospital to check on her. What a hard trial and they are in our prayers as they struggle to get through this. So grateful Shannan was released last night and got to go be with her baby, Harry. So... Ben was sent to Nursery by Wes. After the hospital visit I barely made it back to teach Sunday School. As I finished, the Nuresry leader brought Ben to me and said he was having a hard day. HE GOT KICKED OUT OF NURSERY FOR HITTING! OK, not that his hitting is any surprise unfortunately, and screaming to be heard here at home isn't that uncommon for him either. :) Still, he was very upset and ran away from me back to Nursery. I decided to just go in with him and the leader said that would be fine. Now, just to be fair, many of the kids were unruly and running around not listening but I did have to hold Ben on my lap most of the rest of the hour. I tried to figure out what was wrong and realized he was rubbing his eyes (up late with Grammy and Grampy here and crazy weekend schedule), and he hadn't gotten to eat breakfast. Now, that sounds horrible I know but don't jump to conclusions too soon. Wes was too tired the night before to do his lesson as he usually does so Sun. morning he didn't bathe Ben. Dallin wasn't going because he was in bed with pneumonia and he usually pushes Josh out the door early for preparing Sacrament. So after I did Brookly's hair, my hair and makeup, and checked all kids teeth, hair, ears, nails, shoes... (those are the things I require clean for Sunday, even if no other day) :) I just forgot that he'd been saying "milk" for a while and hadn't been at the table when the others ate. I had just grabbed a hard boiled egg from Easter and didn't sit with them. I felt so bad but he was eating snack in Nursery after all. So we get home and I feed him and put him down for a nap and he wakes up .... With a FEVER! He was wired because he wasn't feeling good. So, Sunday and Monday were basically spent holding Ben! Love that precious boy and it sure is hard to see him not feeling well! I cancelled piano. We did venture out Monday morning whether or not we should have because Jarom was finally Student of the Month and it meant the world to him to have us there. I held Ben in the back of the auditorium. We got a picture with Jarom and then we left. Today Ben is pretty fussy and very tired and has a little fever. I think we're over the worst of it and I don't know what he had. Joni saved me by taking the bear to the school to Jarom that he forgot today. Jarom's Student of the Month certificate got scribbled on by Ben last night and it was a rough day anyway for him so I panicked when I saw he left his bear and I'd already drug Ben everywhere and he was asleep. Thanks girl!
On to my own nightmare of health issues. Called a Dermatologist yesterday and they have 2 hour lunch and close early. If I can't ever get a hold of them, how am I supposed to see them? Our insurance won't cover the weight loss clinic for my thyroid problem, received a $200.00 bill for more tests we have to fight that insurance didn't pay and we were overcharged for our copay for my chiropractor for my back problems. Oh I love this Dr mess!
Thank you to my sweet Dallin boy! He made dinner last night while I had to attend to some things and he made sure I ate his delicious biscuits and gravy as I ran out the door. MMM!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Easter Dinner at Sheppard's
The whole precious crew!
Brookly is such a girly girl! She loved the dress, hat and gloves!
My sweetie and I!
Adorable Jarom!
Look at that sweet Brennen!
My handsome Josh!
Ben is just plain cute as a button!
Brookly is such a girly girl! She loved the dress, hat and gloves!
My sweetie and I!
Adorable Jarom!
Look at that sweet Brennen!
My handsome Josh!
Ben is just plain cute as a button!
Dallin had a good time after he found his eggs!
Search high and low for those eggs!
What's in there Ben?
My precious children! It was almost impossible to get them together for a picture but I managed to get them all at once! Ben is just so precious with his little bucket! We spent Easter with the Bill and Myrna Sheppard family this year because that's where we were invited:) With trying to cut down on stress I hadn't planned the big dinner and it worked out great for us! We enjoyed seeing my cousins!
What's in there Ben?
My precious children! It was almost impossible to get them together for a picture but I managed to get them all at once! Ben is just so precious with his little bucket! We spent Easter with the Bill and Myrna Sheppard family this year because that's where we were invited:) With trying to cut down on stress I hadn't planned the big dinner and it worked out great for us! We enjoyed seeing my cousins!Easter Sunday
Ben is excited to go to Nursery every week!
Posing like Brookly!
My sweet girl in her new dress!
Best buddies! 
Brennen was so handsome in his suit!
What a blessing! We were all well and Wes's schedule for travel was postponed so he was here with us! Here's the few kids I could catch before church! So we didn't quite get everyone together. That's OK. They are darling anyway!
Posing like Brookly!
My sweet girl in her new dress! Best buddies! Ben and Jar
Brennen was so handsome in his suit!
What a blessing! We were all well and Wes's schedule for travel was postponed so he was here with us! Here's the few kids I could catch before church! So we didn't quite get everyone together. That's OK. They are darling anyway!CoLoRiNg EgGs
Brookly's egg was of course pink and purple!
We had a great time!
Ben's egg!
Which color is it? Not always the color of the cup!
Very carefully put them in Jarom!
We had a great time!
Ben's egg!
Which color is it? Not always the color of the cup!
Very carefully put them in Jarom!
We decided to go ahead and color eggs Saturday night. We even let Ben do a few before bath!
Neighborhood Egg Hunt
Brennen found lots of eggs!
Jarom found his 6 eggs!
Dallin's NOT too old yet for candy!
Brookly found lots of fun!
More candy?
What's under there Josh? He overflowed his basket!
Ben just ate his treats and was happy!
Saturday afternoon we had the annual egg hunt with our neighbors. The kids searched for eggs at Pena's and then everyone came back to our house for the potluck dinner. Traditional neighborhood events are so much fun and keep us close as friends and neighbors.
Dallin's NOT too old yet for candy!
Brookly found lots of fun!
More candy?
What's under there Josh? He overflowed his basket!
Ben just ate his treats and was happy!
Saturday afternoon we had the annual egg hunt with our neighbors. The kids searched for eggs at Pena's and then everyone came back to our house for the potluck dinner. Traditional neighborhood events are so much fun and keep us close as friends and neighbors.Thursday, April 16, 2009
Easter Bunny- Saturday April 11, 2009
Josh is examining what is in those eggs!
Brennen found one - where's the other 2?
Ben loved the egg hype.
Jarom found his!
Brennen found one - where's the other 2?
Ben loved the egg hype.
Jarom found his!
Our tradition each year is to have the Easter bunny and baskets on Saturday morning to have a more Christ centered Easter Sunday. We learned this a few years back and have held on to this tradition. This year Dallin was at a Varsity Triathalon (little did we know he was sick) and Brookly was at her first Brownie Campout. She's only in Brownies a few more weeks so we let her go. So... not as many here to find eggs. Brennen had a tough time finding where that bunny hid them. It was cute to see Ben with his stash of candy. The boys got a hot wheels car and Brookly got bracelets. Otherwise they got some candy and our family got the movie Bolt and Narnia: Prince Caspian. They had fun!
Brennen is Student of the Month for March!
Brennen is such a great kid! He is always happy and helpful! We love him and are so proud of him! It was fun to have Wes able to come see him as well."Brennen is a great student who is a positive influence in the classroom. He has a great personality and is a great friend to many of his friends in room 29. He puts a smile on everyone's face and is a class act. Way to go Brennen!" That is what his teacher Mr. Ortiz wrote for his nomination of Brennen for Student of the Month!
We also say Way to go Brennen!
Less Stress?
This is my journal after all and I need to write!
Dr orders should be followed right?!? My Dr ordered less stress and I just have to write down what's happened since then...
Wes's travel has been postponed and changed 6 times. It may change again since he's supposed to leave Mon or Tues and rumors again are it's not ready until sometime next week. We feel so blessed he has a job with the new Presidency of our country constantly chinking away at our defense and therefore Wes's job. Travel is the way he feels more secure instead of asking for special circumstances for my health. He is scheduled to go for 33 days sometime now this summer. How am I going to handle so many Sundays alone? Let alone Friday, Saturday leading into Sunday.
Wes started his Master's Degree in Business at Ottowa University last week. Many hours and late nights have already been put in. This is a long time coming since last time he started he was called as Bishop, working night shift, and losing his job in 5 months. He had to quit then. Let's hope he can finish this time. He amazes me! I am so blessed!
I saw a Dr who I thought could help me because I called ahead and asked about my disease specifically. I got there and he couldn't do a thing! He referred me to 4 different Drs. Can I tell you I don't enjoy Drs in the first place and the stress level for getting a babysitter every time is NOT fun! I was referred to a psychiatrist (I've always been a little crazy:), a weight loss clinic for my thyroid, a Dermatologist for the actual disorder, and back to my PCP for cholesterol issues. Fun, Fun! I haven't had time to follow up on any of these as of yet!
Brennen made Student of the Month! YEA! He's the third of our 4 kids at Brinton to get this honor this year. Great for him and sad day for Jarom who has not had this chance yet!
3 weeks later Jarom made Student of the Month! YEA! Only Wes most likely (do we ever know) won't be here to go to the assembly since he'll start travel to CA for this crazy launch next week.
Drum Lesson for Josh after 2 months of trying to get there. TODAY!
Chiropractor 8 times over 4 weeks for my back pain that worsens with stress and lifting my sweet, big Ben into his carseat as I have to hold him down to buckle him. He doesn't enjoy getting in his seat.
Art Masterpiece- Deep paintings I'm not sure how to present to 1st graders. How do you explain Lenin? Also stress to find babysitters but this is something I enjoy so this is for me, right?
Dallin giving me a guilt trip for being the only boy who had to sit out of the PG-13 movie they showed in school and having to sit out of Saving Private Ryan, edited on the same day others were testing. 2 1/2 hours of sitting in the library wasn't fun I hear. Why he didn't ask the librarian for a book is beyond me. She was pretty strict with him but he wasn't there for punishment!
Easter- keeping it Christ centered and having neighborhood dinner at our house was not too bad for stress but even good stress affects me. Also, I was carrying Ben in to his and Dallin's room to change a diaper when I hit Dallin's Biology book with my 4th left toe. It didn't hurt too bad at first but eventually I couldn't walk on it and had to limp to the neighborhood egg hunt. It turned black, blue and purple and was huge! Sunday it was much better but it still looks bad!
Summer plans! No swim lessons because of money as much as for where will we be. If Wes is gone the 33 days for travel during summer, I'm following him to CA and bringing the kids, or going to Pinetop or Utah early, etc. I'm not staying here alone the whole time!
Loads and loads and loads of endless laundry! If I don't do 4 loads every other day I end up with over 10 and no time to do them. Why do I see those same clothes every week when half of them were never worn? HMMM? Dishes are also never ending!
Girls Night. Love getting out but worry about everything else.
Visiting Teaching. Will I ever be early and prepared at the same time that Ben is well? My sisters are both very sick and have heartwrenching issues. I do love them dearly.
Scouts. Advancement keeps me hopping. I do enjoy making sure the boys progress though.
Sunday School. Teaching 14-18 yr olds every Sunday and trying to be engaging and have them feel the spirit can be a great challenge. I know the Lord makes up the difference in time I don't have since I do love these kids!
How about 2 kids now with pneumonia? Dallin has been flat in bed since Monday. He went on a Varsity Scout triathalon last Friday with a fever but on ibuprofen. Did I know? NO! He came home with a cough and it worsened until the pnuemonia set in. It was touch and go Tuesday night after 2 days of nothing staying down and he couldn't keep the medicine in. Urgent care gave him 2 big shots in the rear to help him with nausea and start the antibiotic. Our love and thanks to Brother Pitney for coming to help give him a blessing. He hasn't moved all week out of the family room pull out couch since his bed was too uncomfortable. Tons of homework he can't even look at! This is the second time he's had it. He had it in 7th grade as well. Dallin will have to miss being the Bugler for the District Scout Camporee this weekend. They asked him months ago and this is quite an honor. It was to be televised and everything.
Brennen also has walking pneumonia for the third time in 2 yrs. He has asthma and when the cough hits his chest and hurts we know it's usually pneumonia as well. He's up and actually a big help around here:) He can go back to school tomorrow!
Mom and Dad Gardner were here for her next Dr appointment early this week although they stayed with Vicki. For the best with all the sickness here.
Mom and Dad Sheppard flew in yesterday for my cousin's wedding today. They are here tonight through Sat. Hope they don't get sick.
All sorts of painful situations for family and friends that I worry about and pray for. Worrying is why the psychiatrist was recommended.
Did I mention the ups and down of 6 kids daily schedules and emotions!? Let alone Ben wanting constant attention lately and being extra fussy.
Ok, I'd list more but it's time to run get homework for these boys, go pay lunch money, and clean up a bit for Mom and Dad!
Less stress right?! Start Yoga and exercies, eat better, go on dates with my sweetheart, and take care of myself right? I just ask when?
Dr orders should be followed right?!? My Dr ordered less stress and I just have to write down what's happened since then...
Wes's travel has been postponed and changed 6 times. It may change again since he's supposed to leave Mon or Tues and rumors again are it's not ready until sometime next week. We feel so blessed he has a job with the new Presidency of our country constantly chinking away at our defense and therefore Wes's job. Travel is the way he feels more secure instead of asking for special circumstances for my health. He is scheduled to go for 33 days sometime now this summer. How am I going to handle so many Sundays alone? Let alone Friday, Saturday leading into Sunday.
Wes started his Master's Degree in Business at Ottowa University last week. Many hours and late nights have already been put in. This is a long time coming since last time he started he was called as Bishop, working night shift, and losing his job in 5 months. He had to quit then. Let's hope he can finish this time. He amazes me! I am so blessed!
I saw a Dr who I thought could help me because I called ahead and asked about my disease specifically. I got there and he couldn't do a thing! He referred me to 4 different Drs. Can I tell you I don't enjoy Drs in the first place and the stress level for getting a babysitter every time is NOT fun! I was referred to a psychiatrist (I've always been a little crazy:), a weight loss clinic for my thyroid, a Dermatologist for the actual disorder, and back to my PCP for cholesterol issues. Fun, Fun! I haven't had time to follow up on any of these as of yet!
Brennen made Student of the Month! YEA! He's the third of our 4 kids at Brinton to get this honor this year. Great for him and sad day for Jarom who has not had this chance yet!
3 weeks later Jarom made Student of the Month! YEA! Only Wes most likely (do we ever know) won't be here to go to the assembly since he'll start travel to CA for this crazy launch next week.
Drum Lesson for Josh after 2 months of trying to get there. TODAY!
Chiropractor 8 times over 4 weeks for my back pain that worsens with stress and lifting my sweet, big Ben into his carseat as I have to hold him down to buckle him. He doesn't enjoy getting in his seat.
Art Masterpiece- Deep paintings I'm not sure how to present to 1st graders. How do you explain Lenin? Also stress to find babysitters but this is something I enjoy so this is for me, right?
Dallin giving me a guilt trip for being the only boy who had to sit out of the PG-13 movie they showed in school and having to sit out of Saving Private Ryan, edited on the same day others were testing. 2 1/2 hours of sitting in the library wasn't fun I hear. Why he didn't ask the librarian for a book is beyond me. She was pretty strict with him but he wasn't there for punishment!
Easter- keeping it Christ centered and having neighborhood dinner at our house was not too bad for stress but even good stress affects me. Also, I was carrying Ben in to his and Dallin's room to change a diaper when I hit Dallin's Biology book with my 4th left toe. It didn't hurt too bad at first but eventually I couldn't walk on it and had to limp to the neighborhood egg hunt. It turned black, blue and purple and was huge! Sunday it was much better but it still looks bad!
Summer plans! No swim lessons because of money as much as for where will we be. If Wes is gone the 33 days for travel during summer, I'm following him to CA and bringing the kids, or going to Pinetop or Utah early, etc. I'm not staying here alone the whole time!
Loads and loads and loads of endless laundry! If I don't do 4 loads every other day I end up with over 10 and no time to do them. Why do I see those same clothes every week when half of them were never worn? HMMM? Dishes are also never ending!
Girls Night. Love getting out but worry about everything else.
Visiting Teaching. Will I ever be early and prepared at the same time that Ben is well? My sisters are both very sick and have heartwrenching issues. I do love them dearly.
Scouts. Advancement keeps me hopping. I do enjoy making sure the boys progress though.
Sunday School. Teaching 14-18 yr olds every Sunday and trying to be engaging and have them feel the spirit can be a great challenge. I know the Lord makes up the difference in time I don't have since I do love these kids!
How about 2 kids now with pneumonia? Dallin has been flat in bed since Monday. He went on a Varsity Scout triathalon last Friday with a fever but on ibuprofen. Did I know? NO! He came home with a cough and it worsened until the pnuemonia set in. It was touch and go Tuesday night after 2 days of nothing staying down and he couldn't keep the medicine in. Urgent care gave him 2 big shots in the rear to help him with nausea and start the antibiotic. Our love and thanks to Brother Pitney for coming to help give him a blessing. He hasn't moved all week out of the family room pull out couch since his bed was too uncomfortable. Tons of homework he can't even look at! This is the second time he's had it. He had it in 7th grade as well. Dallin will have to miss being the Bugler for the District Scout Camporee this weekend. They asked him months ago and this is quite an honor. It was to be televised and everything.
Brennen also has walking pneumonia for the third time in 2 yrs. He has asthma and when the cough hits his chest and hurts we know it's usually pneumonia as well. He's up and actually a big help around here:) He can go back to school tomorrow!
Mom and Dad Gardner were here for her next Dr appointment early this week although they stayed with Vicki. For the best with all the sickness here.
Mom and Dad Sheppard flew in yesterday for my cousin's wedding today. They are here tonight through Sat. Hope they don't get sick.
All sorts of painful situations for family and friends that I worry about and pray for. Worrying is why the psychiatrist was recommended.
Did I mention the ups and down of 6 kids daily schedules and emotions!? Let alone Ben wanting constant attention lately and being extra fussy.
Ok, I'd list more but it's time to run get homework for these boys, go pay lunch money, and clean up a bit for Mom and Dad!
Less stress right?! Start Yoga and exercies, eat better, go on dates with my sweetheart, and take care of myself right? I just ask when?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
I Love To See The Temple
Our beautiful Mesa, AZ Temple
Brookly
All of them where Wes proposed to me
Ben's reverent pose
My precious children at the most sacred place on earth
Last Sunday, March 29th, we decided to visit the temple for the evening. OK, Jarom decided months ago and kept begging until we finally decided to just go or we never would. I love going to the temple. As soon as we arrived Ben wanted to go to the temple. Not the visitors center for the little tour or scavenger hunt they gave us - the actual temple. Wes finally took him out to look at the temple from behind the visitor's center. He ran around, but stopped screaming. :) The temple is such a beautiful place and we need to go there more.
Brookly
All of them where Wes proposed to me
Ben's reverent pose
My precious children at the most sacred place on earth
Last Sunday, March 29th, we decided to visit the temple for the evening. OK, Jarom decided months ago and kept begging until we finally decided to just go or we never would. I love going to the temple. As soon as we arrived Ben wanted to go to the temple. Not the visitors center for the little tour or scavenger hunt they gave us - the actual temple. Wes finally took him out to look at the temple from behind the visitor's center. He ran around, but stopped screaming. :) The temple is such a beautiful place and we need to go there more. Peace Man!
March 27, 2009 was Hippy Day for the kids at school. 9pm Thurs. night we still didn't know what they were going to wear so I googled what hippies wear. One of the ideas was to paint shirts and so I did! With more time I would have let them make their own headbands:) We also pulled out the Hawaiian beads to finish the look later. Peace Man!March Pack Meeting
Brennen finally got his 6 activity badges that he earned 2 months ago! Now he has some pins on his colors!
Ben wouldn't hold still or be quiet for anyone but Bishop Smithson!
Always an adventure to take the whole crew but we support our boys in all we can! Brennen was so proud of his 6 Activity Badges! He's cruising right along to Webelos badge and Arrow of Light.
Ben wouldn't hold still or be quiet for anyone but Bishop Smithson!
Always an adventure to take the whole crew but we support our boys in all we can! Brennen was so proud of his 6 Activity Badges! He's cruising right along to Webelos badge and Arrow of Light.The Love of Shopping
A funny thing happened when I took my darling daughter with me shopping. I needed a baby shower gift and chose to go to one of my favorite stores, Kohls, knowing I could use a few things myself. Since the weight isn't budging, I thought it would pick me up a bit to grab something new and my piano check came that week. :)
So, we found a cute baby outfit and I found a few shirts to try on. Brookly is my shopping buddy since the boys think it is drudgery and misery. Oh, the joy of a girl! So, since she is only 8 I had her come in with me and just turn around while I tried on. Each shirt I tried had something wrong with it in the way it fit or looked, I felt. Brookly got to the root of the problem when she expressed her concern by saying, "Mom, I know what you need. I saw it on a commercial. You need the Kamara Body Shaper." Now, luckily I found this hilarious! It is too true and only a sweet daughter could have said it so tenderly. She proceeded to say, "At least you are working on it." I was laughing so hard it was hard to stop. Oh, how I love my little girl! She truly wanted to help me and had no idea what her words were meaning.
I did find a few things that were acceptable for my body the way it is and came away with a fun memory!
So, we found a cute baby outfit and I found a few shirts to try on. Brookly is my shopping buddy since the boys think it is drudgery and misery. Oh, the joy of a girl! So, since she is only 8 I had her come in with me and just turn around while I tried on. Each shirt I tried had something wrong with it in the way it fit or looked, I felt. Brookly got to the root of the problem when she expressed her concern by saying, "Mom, I know what you need. I saw it on a commercial. You need the Kamara Body Shaper." Now, luckily I found this hilarious! It is too true and only a sweet daughter could have said it so tenderly. She proceeded to say, "At least you are working on it." I was laughing so hard it was hard to stop. Oh, how I love my little girl! She truly wanted to help me and had no idea what her words were meaning.
I did find a few things that were acceptable for my body the way it is and came away with a fun memory!
Testing...Testing
Tests have been on my mind this week as I watch 5 of my 6 children go to take the state mandated standardized tests. It starts me wondering... They have prepared all year for this week. They have been taught how to test, what will be on the test and how to successfully do the work required. Yet, they still lay awake late last night, nervous for the first round of tests today. Each child was nervous over different aspects but it comes down to - will they be able to remember and perform the things they have learned at an acceptable level to pass the test? They had prepared all year and eaten a good breakfast - hey, we tried to include eggs with the cereal. Does this sound familiar?
We are here to be tested in this life right? We have been given an open book test and all the answers. Do we lay awake afraid we don't know all the answers? Do we wonder if our work is acceptable? Do we sometimes cry because we fail to do all we know we should? Do we make mistakes and wish we could erase those things we've said or done?
"I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. " I Ne 3:7
We can repent and do better. We can try harder and continue to be lifted by His grace when we fall again.
"...my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. " Ether 12:27
There are so many things I feel weak in. Maybe this is to keep me humble. I do think the Lord has a sense of humor. And I know He loves me and cares for me. I do not know why I've been so blessed and I worry and care for those in other countries of oppression and genocide that I've been learning about more recently. I can't solve those problems but I can pray for them and pray for peace in my own heart. If I start with my family and circle of influence I can do good here and now. Being the Mom of 6 of Heavenly Father's most precious spirits seems overwhelming most days with the responsibility. As they fight over dishes and whose turn it is to pray I wonder if I've taught anything at all. Then I remember the many years of learning I had being schooled in a home of love and acceptance. It took a while for me to have it sink in. Can I give my children room to grow and wait patiently while they learn?
We know the end results of this test. We do all we can to live the gospel here and we are promised eternal glory and life with our families and Father again. Pretty great reward for a job that feels so unrewarding and thankless sometimes, as I look at the mounds of laundry, bills and dishes that need attending to. I'm so grateful that we get to erase the mistakes and start again on this test every day. I pray I will give more growing room to my family and friends and anyone who comes my way as we work on this test together.
We are here to be tested in this life right? We have been given an open book test and all the answers. Do we lay awake afraid we don't know all the answers? Do we wonder if our work is acceptable? Do we sometimes cry because we fail to do all we know we should? Do we make mistakes and wish we could erase those things we've said or done?
"I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. " I Ne 3:7
We can repent and do better. We can try harder and continue to be lifted by His grace when we fall again.
"...my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. " Ether 12:27
There are so many things I feel weak in. Maybe this is to keep me humble. I do think the Lord has a sense of humor. And I know He loves me and cares for me. I do not know why I've been so blessed and I worry and care for those in other countries of oppression and genocide that I've been learning about more recently. I can't solve those problems but I can pray for them and pray for peace in my own heart. If I start with my family and circle of influence I can do good here and now. Being the Mom of 6 of Heavenly Father's most precious spirits seems overwhelming most days with the responsibility. As they fight over dishes and whose turn it is to pray I wonder if I've taught anything at all. Then I remember the many years of learning I had being schooled in a home of love and acceptance. It took a while for me to have it sink in. Can I give my children room to grow and wait patiently while they learn?
We know the end results of this test. We do all we can to live the gospel here and we are promised eternal glory and life with our families and Father again. Pretty great reward for a job that feels so unrewarding and thankless sometimes, as I look at the mounds of laundry, bills and dishes that need attending to. I'm so grateful that we get to erase the mistakes and start again on this test every day. I pray I will give more growing room to my family and friends and anyone who comes my way as we work on this test together.
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