For God Did Send Me

This Morning before church I was able to listen to a BYU Idaho Devotional given by Casey Hurley. For God Did Send Me. In a way it was an answer to my prayers as to why I am going through some of the things I am going through.

In Isaiah 55: 8-9. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

It is so easy to wallow in what we think are trials and tribulations, rather than look at is something we need to go through to become who we need to be. I want to be a stay at home mom, for some reason that is not possible at this time. Growing up all I ever wanted to do is be a mom. A good mom. When the girls were younger, I stayed at home. I also watched other peoples children. We would craft, I did a pre school co-op. We would go to play group. I started a family home evening co-op. I was busy but, doing all the things I wanted to do.

Then our lives begin to change Brayden went off to kindergarten, then Ashlynn and I needed to go back to work. Kaylor was only 18 months. It was so hard, not only to leave my children in the care of someone else, but to enter back into the work world...I have not quite recovered from that. I have murmured and internally suffered ever since. I am still trying to look at the big picture. Heavenly Father has provided me a job, where I can have peace of mind. That I am able to provide for my children, and not have to worry that we will not have food on the table. He has provided me a job, where I am off when the kids are out of school. He has opened the doors, and blessed me with friends who have helped me out in child care needs. What a blessing. There are times when I feel I am in despair and he provides a way. My life is not how I pictured it, but needless to say it is working out.

The Lord has placed currents of divine influence in your life that will lead you along the individual plan He would have you fulfill here on earth. Seek through the Spirit to identify it and carefully follow that direction that the Lord has put in your life…. Oh, how I would encourage you to weave deeply into the fabric of your soul the recognition that your life now is a part of a much bigger plan the Lord has for you. You lived part of it in the premortal existence. You were valiant there and came here because you wanted to grow and enjoy greater happiness. What you decide to do now will affect how well you fulfill that divine, personal plan He has for you. By Elder Richard G. Scott.

Please bare with my as I struggle to figure out what I am supposed to being doing. This is my first time being a mother. I have my good days and my bad. I want to be better. Thank you to all who have been good examples , who have been there when I needed you. Who have helped me along. Please know that I am here for you. We are all trying to achieve that same goal. Let us help each other. If I do not reach out to you, know that it is not intentional. That if I have offended you, or not said hello, it is not because I did not want to. I to want to be there when you need me too.

May we all make the choices now that will allow us to grow and enjoy greater happiness as we apply the four principles: Principle #1: Draw upon all of your spiritual resources, #2 Endure faithfully knowing that God will deliver you, #3 Seek to find God’s will by understanding the pattern for personal revelation, and #4: Trust in the Lord and in all thy ways acknowledge him.

Let the Games Begin

If you have been wondering were we have been...The following should answer your questions... Super Soccer Fan. Cooper has endured many practices, the heat and even the cold with a smile...
Ashlynn's team is the Geckos---They are little but pretty dang tough to beat...
Kaylor's Team is the Purple Hippos----They are so cute they run and run and run....
Brayden's team is the Blue Panthers..... They have fun and Brayden made her first Goal this week....

Cooper's Blessing

Your family and friends came to participate in your special day. I feel so lucky to be your mommy. You make me so proud. Your little smile lights up our lives and you bring so much joy into our family. Your family loves you so much, and even though you are tiny and small your personality is grand and those around you take notice. You are growing so fast, I try to absorb everything you do. I do not want to miss anything. I have learned from experience that in a blink of an eye you to will be doing all the milestones that are so important. I do not want to rush time. In your blessing your were promised many great and wonderful things. Please always remember that when you stay true and strong to the principles of the gospel you will achieve all that your Heavenly Father has planned for you. This is the only way for true happiness.

This blanket you were blessed with is very special. Your great Grandma Glad made this for us. All of your sisters were blessed with this blanket also. Your little outfit was made especially for you by your wonderful Grandma Kerry. You looked like a little angel.

Many Faces of Cooper 6 Weeks

Pioneer Day

This year for Pioneer Day we went to Rancho San Rafael Park. The girls were in Utah having the time of their life. We missed them...They were able to spend a week with their Auntie Jill , Uncle Sheldon and Cousins Cody and Derek. They swam, went shopping, visited the Copper Mine, and were able to go to a Salt Lake Bees game. While at the game, they saw the Prophet President Thomas S. Monson. How cool is that. He even waved to them.

Water Baby

Cooper loves the water.
Check out his cute swimwear. I did not know it came in such a small size.
On July 4, my Grandma Emi thought Cooper was cold, so she kept bundling him. the next day he broke out in the worst heat rash. It took about 3 weeks for it to go away. Poor guy....

The girls wanted him to go in the pool so badly. This is as close to the pool that I let him go. I was afraid all the chemicals in the pool would be not safe for him, so for now the bath is his swimming pool....

Day at the Lake

We all went up to Boca with the Carpenter Family. We all were able to fit on the boat.
Here is Brayden and Ashlynn behind the boat before we picked up speed. They loved it. My camera battery died so I did not get pictures of them trying to water ski or wake board. The both did pretty good for their time.
Kaylor loved it too....
Cousin Kate having a ball on the boat...Abram and Cooper were able to go boating too. Cooper took a nice nap...

We had such a fun day spending it with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Kevin Auntie Austin and the Cousins...Cannot wait till we can do it again....

Season And Order Of Birth Can Affect Your Current Adult Health - AOL Health

Season And Order Of Birth Can Affect Your Current Adult Health - AOL Health


I ran across this on AOL. If you do not have enough to worry about, here are some for you to add to you list.........ughhh....LOL

Berries and Cream

I found this recipe on http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/confessions_of_a_pioneer_/ After you get to her blog, click on the cooking section and then go to Dairy. You will find the recipe for this delectable delight there. I love her cooking blog, it makes it so easy for my daughter Ashlynn who loves to bake and cook to follow her recipes. Every recipe that we have tried are a definite keepers. We made this about a week ago, and I am dying to have it again. It is that good. I really like her way of cooking. The ingredients are basic and simple. One her blog she shows you step by step with pictures, so there is really no way, even for the beginning chef to mess them up. Her recipes are not low fat, by any means. Let me know what you think. I would love to hear what your favorite recipe is.

Free Slurpee Day!!

Hands

Who takes the child by the hand, takes the mother by the heart. Danish Proverb Such tiny hands to hold our hearts forever.
When a women puts her finger for the first time into the tiny hand of her baby and feels that helpless clutch which tightens her very heartstrings, she is born again with the newborn child. Kate Douglas Wiggin

Cooper's Tiny Hands 7/11/2008

One Month Already!!

My precious baby boy your first month has flown by.....You have been such a fun new addition to our family. You are so loved by your daddy, momma and three older sisters who fight over--- who is going to take care of you first. During the day I am lucky if I can steal a few moments alone with you. It seems you and I only meet up when you are hungry... Your other mother's called your sisters love to hold you , change you and dress you...You seem to love all the attention. Today the girls went to the marina to enjoy the day in the sun, and I could tell you missed all the doting that they give to you, because I could not get anything done....You have such a sweet personality, and are laid back just like your daddy, but you definitely let us know when you want something....You kick and cry, I have to sometimes laugh at your little temper, because I see you peek open you eyes, just to see who is watching you....Once you see we are all watching you you throw in a little kick for the finale and then you are done.... You are so different then your sister's where, as far as eating goes. You are always hungry and have grown almost two inches and gained three pounds in this last month. As soon as you wake up you are hungry. I had a very difficult time nursing you in the beginning, and almost gave up completely after the first challenging week. I was so sad when I thought that I couldn't nurse you. We have both compromised and I nurse you in the morning and at night. We give you a bottle during the day, which you seem to like and it also gives everybody a chance to feed you. At church a nice lady takes you into Relief Society so that I can teach my class. You came home stuffed. She thought you were starving so she fed you two bottles. You looked like a stuffed sausage and were miserable the rest of the day.. I thought babies only ate when they were hungry...lol...Not you, if I could- you would eat all day long.....
You have boy hands and the most adorable kissable toes ever....I just love to hold and touch them. You are growing so fast. I want to cherish every moment.
I look at you when you sleep and wonder what you will be like when you grow up. I know I need learn so much about little boys, so that I can teach my little boy the right way to be. I hope I can be a good mommy for you. You have the best dad. He adores you. He calls you his little buddy. It is funny when you are both sitting together. You look just alike, with your little bellies. It cracks us up. You sometimes even sleep with your mouth wide open, just like your dad. Even though you are only one month old, I cannot imagine our life without you. We are so lucky, to have you. You are loved. I knew your little spirit was out there waiting to come to earth. Waiting to come to our family. There were days that I yearned for you so badly, and I thought you wouldn't come, and when I was settled in the fact that you were not to come to us, Heavenly Father blessed us with the most wonderful surprise...YOU.

First Day Home!

This was Cooper's First Picture at home...He is already a month old.... Updated pictures will be posted soon.......

Hunting for Pollywogs!!!

Day At Reno Rodeo and Fair

Cooper slept the through the team roping competition
He even slept through all the load noises and even the fireworks!!!
See the Fear!!! Ashlynn was so timid to go on this ride....She loved it once it was over!!
Brayden and Tori having a ball on all the rides...

Kaylor even rode the big kid rides...It is so hard for me to believe that she is big enough, and brave enough to ride the rides. We had a great time at the rodeo, and the fair....

Fingers and Toes!!

I am so lucky, I get to kiss these adorable fingers and toes everyday!!!


Good Morning my mini Cooper!!!

Kindergarten Graduation

The long awaited day arrived. My baby girl graduated from Kindergarten. She is so smart, fun and little light in our family. . She puts sunshine into our lives. I was worried that with Cooper coming I would miss her special day.
Mrs. Newlin was a terrific teacher, who Kaylor just adored.
Here is one of Kaylor's best friends in school.
The big girl graduate. Class of 2008!!!

June 5

Last portrait of our family of five. We were so excited the day had finally arrived.
We arrived at the hospital at 3:00 pm. the girls stayed with me until Auntie Kalyn came and took them to dinner. I had a wonderful labor as I had an epidural as soon as I arrived. My support group was Jarrod, Grandma Kerry, Auntie Shawna and my girlfriend Beth at around 11:40 I had the urge to push and at 11:45 our baby Cooper made his first appearance into this world. It was really a beautiful experience, in which I am so grateful. The recovery and nursing has been very difficult. With a week of trying and painful nursing he has finally learned to latch on. He is such a wonderful addition to our family. Jarrod and the girls have been such wonderful help. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful family. I really couldn't do it without all of their help.

Where has the Time Gone!!!

I cannot believe how long it has been since I last posted. We have been so busy with birthdays, graduations, baby showers, last minute things on our remodel and all of lifes little duties that when I get a second of down time, I tend to like to take naps when I can catch them. I only have 2 weeks till Cooper is due. I am trying my best to stick it out until the girls are out of school. The end of the year is so fun for them, I do not want them to miss anything. Kaylor's Kindergarten Graduation is June 4. So Cooper needs to either come today, so I can make it there or he has to wait until after June 5th.. So, I will keep you posted. I do feel like I am ready...Every time I stand up, I feel like he is just going to fall right out....Is this normal? Haha....Work is busy, as usual ---which is good considering the economy. I am going to take 6 weeks off and hopefully be able to bring the baby to work for at least 6 weeks. I hope!!!!

Last night I was asked to teach a YW class in the Reno Stake on How to Take Great Pictures! It was so much fun...Even if I was hugely pregnant. The girls had fun taking pictures and after all was said and done it was a success. I actually miss taking photographs Professionally. Back in the day when I had a nice camera, it was with the old fashioned point and shoot. It took the best pictures. The digital Era has sure brought on alot of conveniences. One day I will be able to get back into it and afford my professional digital camera I want. I feel guilty that I have not taken more actual sittings of the girls...But, darn it life just goes by to fast now....BREATH.......When I think about it I start to panic.....BREATH....I will try and post all the pictures I have delayed to catch you up......

Lauri, If you by chance read this I lost your email and cannot get on to your blog....email me.. I miss talking to you.....and reading your blog.

Sorry, this post is so random, just wanted to let you all know that I am okay, JUST trying to do it alll.....BREATH.......