Random Thoughts

It's been quite a while since I've blogged. I really haven't been feeling all that well since the accident. We've started our treatment and I think it's going to be a long haul for us. I sustained the worst injuries because of the way I was sitting when we were hit. Two of my vertebrae were fractured, I might have a dislocated disc, and the natural curve in my neck is opposite of what it should be. I've started therapy and am already starting to feel better. I am coming down with a cold again, which the doctor says is because my immune system is low and because of stress. Just another fun thing to deal with.

DH is doing much better since going to the doctor. Unlike my months of therapy I get to look forward to, he should be doing pretty good, pretty quickly.

Yesterday I took M, S, and J to the doctor. M had been complaining about her back, so I thought it would be better off just to have them checked out. All three of them have a mild case of whiplash. S and J only need to be seen about 3 or 4 times each, and M a little bit more. He thinks they might also be suffering a little bit from post traumatic stress. Hopefully we will all be able to overcome everything in a timely manner, and get back to "normal", if there really is a normal.

After about 10 hours of car shopping, we finally bought a new van last Friday. It's a Chrysler Towne & Country, and I think we are going to be very happy with it. It's white, which was not my first color choice, but it was by far the best deal. So, that's what we have. It drives well and has low miles.

We got a call from the insurance company and we are actually getting back more than we owe on our old van. We are very excited about that, and so glad that we didn't have to roll anything over into the new van.

I can't believe that tomorrow is November. What happened to October? It went by so fast. The kids are excited to go trick-or-treating. I'm not so excited about all the candy that will be lingering around for the next month or so. Usually by the end of November, I start throwing away candy because I'm so sick of it.

This time last year I was already done with all my Christmas shopping. I haven't even started for this year. Luckily for us, we get to use our left over money from the van, to buy Christmas. I was really wondering what we were going to do because we have had so many financial upsets recently.

My neice D's wedding plans are moving along quite well. Everything she has picked out is so beautiful, and I'm sure her wedding is going to turn out very lovely. It's fun to be here and to be a little bit involved with all the plans. I know her mom is sad not to be here, but at least she'll be able to spend a little time before the wedding. Her shower is going to be at my house next weekend, and we are very excited for that!

And once again, I'm so grateful for the safety that we had during the accident. I've seen and heard of too many stories, where the outcome is much much worse than ours. I thank the Lord daily for watching over us and protecting us through this horrible time.

Our Poor Van

I never got to see the damage from our car accident because I got taken away in the ambulance so quickly. But, yesterday we had to go and get all of our stuff out of it so that it could be taken away. It was much worse than I thought. I was surprised at how much damage there actually was.

I was also totally surprised that S walked away without any scratches. The back window and the side window were both shattered and the glass was all over the seat where he was sitting. So, we said good-bye to our van and headed out to shop for a new one.

Gratitude Day ~ Take 10

This week I am so so so grateful for seatbelts. On Tuesday we were in a horrible car accident. I was the only one hurt and I know we were protected by seat belts. It was such a scary thing for all of us, especially the kids. I know things could've been much worse had we not been buckled up.

S spilled some ice water all over himself in the back of our van. So, he got out of his seat belt crying that it was too cold to sit down. I told him over and over again to buckle up. He didn't want to. Finally I told him to put M's jacket down and sit on it. Luckily he obeyed. Not even 2 minutes later we were rear-ended. He would've been badly hurt had he not been buckled in. I know Heavenly Father was watching over us.

I had to go to the ER in an ambulance because I had an injured neck and back. The kids were pretty freaked out, but luckily none of them were hurt. We had no cuts or scratches. DH has a sore neck and back today, but our injuries are very minor considering what they could've been.

So, this week I am especially grateful for seat belts!!

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way.But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

written by Mary Stevenson

I know that the Lord carried us through this horrible accident and that without him in our lives we would be worse off than we are right now.

Hip Hip Hooray

I am so excited!! I got on the scale to weigh in this morning, and I lost 5 pounds!! I could hardly believe it. I wasn't even that diligent in keeping track of my points, so I thought for sure it would only be a pound or two. Boy was I wrong. That totally gave me motivation to keep going and to believe in myself. I know I can do this if I keep the right mind set. Only 13 more to go by December 9!!

Gratitude Day ~ Take 9

I'm grateful for:

~hugs
~kisses
~smiles
~a friendly handshake
~date night
~good companionship
~a warm bed
~a hand to hold

Begin and end each day with an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving. Every morning when you awake you have been given the gift of a sunrise and twenty-four hours to live. This is a precious gift. You have the wonderful opportunity to take this day and live joyously, with appreciation for everything that you encounter. Take a deep breath and be grateful for this exhilarating experience of breathing in life and love. Similarly, end your day with an _expression of love, and a repetition of the word for peace, “Shalom.” Wayne Dyer

My 3 Boys

OH, HOW I LOVE THESE GUYS!! THEY BRING SO MUCH HAPPINESS AND LAUGHTER INTO MY LIFE!!

Date Night

Last night we had our date night with some of our friends. Each month we take turns hosting. Ours was last night. There are 2 other couples who come. One of us cooks dinner, one brings dessert, and one brings games. Then, we rotate every month. We had sweet gravy roast with mashed potatoes, pretzel salad, tomato & cucumber salad, and rolls. Then for dessert we had a fruit pastry with lemon cream sauce. So yummy, we always eat so good. We've been doing it for about a year and a half. It is so much fun. We always have a blast! We feel so blessed to have such great friends.

Lunch Bunch

As one of our monthly enrichment activities we started a lunch bunch. Yesterday we went over to my friends house and had a potluck. There were only about 7 people who showed up, but we all had a fun time. Hopefully on Sunday when I thank those who came and tell everyone what a great time we had, we'll have a better turn out next month.

We are also going to be starting a:
book club
recipe swap
scrapbooking class
sewing/quilting class
play group

Any other ideas? What do your wards do?

First Weigh In

Well, today was my first official weigh in. I didn't do great, but I lost 2 pounds. I guess that's better than nothing at all. I've got 18 to go by December 9. Hopefully I can do it. If I make it, then I think my overall goal will seem much more realistic. For now, I'll focus on the next 18. I guess 2 lost is better than 2 gained!!

Harvest Moon Hurrah

On Saturday, our city put on it's second annual Harvest Moon Hurrah. DH had to work, but the kids and I went and it was so much fun. We got there early so that the kids could ride the ponies without having to stand in a line that was an hour and a half, like last year (which we didn't stand in last year, we skipped this event and the kids were so sad). They all thought the pony rides were so much fun, I'm glad we made it this year.

After that we walked around doing other various activities. They had a straw maze, which was one of the favorites. S of course was jumping on top of the bales. They had face painting and coloring. There was one station where there was pumpkins and apples floating in a wheelbarrell. You then had to put on a blindfold and try to scoop out the pumpkin. They played musical numbers. They also had ongoing entertainment; choirs, melodramas, orchestras etc. It was a very nice evening.

They served chili and scones for dinner. It was a perfect meal because it was kind of cold outside. The scones were so delicious!! After we ate, the kids played on the playground for a little bit. Then, we had to rush home and get ready for T's last football game. We really had a nice evening, and I think all the kids really enjoyed themselves.

Gratitude Day ~ Take 8

Today I'm grateful for good clean entertainment.

Tonight we went to the birthday party for one of our really good friends. We had a potluck dinner and then entertainment. Sam Payne came to sing to us. He is an LDS performer who has done many things. He does Sounds of Sunday in St. George, has performed with Peter Brienholt, performs at Education Week, and travels around doing shows and performances. He is AMAZING. It was such a casual setting. We were in the Relief Society room, there was about 30 of us. He just sat in front of us and played. He's kind of a folk singer. I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed the evening.

It's so nice that there are still people who truly enjoy the art of music. Entertainment has become so vulgar and unclean, and people accept it in all forms. It was a nice change. You could tell he enjoyed what he did and really had a love for music. I will definitely invest in his CD's.

"Gratitude may be increased by constantly reflecting on our blessings and giving thanks for them in our daily prayers." ~Steven E. Snow

Worst Mother of the Year Award

Today I feel like I deserve this award. I feel like I'm not doing a good job at motherhood. I don't know what my problem is. I hate when I yell at the kids or lose my temper (which doesn't happen a lot), but has happened the past 2 days. S went to school so sad this morning and it broke my heart. I went in with him and stayed for about 10 minutes to try and make him feel better. If it worked or not, I'm not quite sure.

My biggest fear is that I will do something wrong in raising my children. I hope the best for them, and try as hard as I can to raise them in a happy home. They bring so much joy in my life, and I would never trade my job for the world. It's the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the most rewarding.

Hopefully they won't hold the past 2 days against me, and that they will remember a fun, happy childhood, instead of a one where their mom yelled or got upset.

I guess we all have these days. I hope we'll have better ones coming our way soon.

My Motivation

Yesterday my neice got engaged!! We are all so excited for her. She will probably be getting married in December. This is such an exciting time for her and for all of us as well. This is also a great motivation for me. For a long time now I've been saying that I'll start my diet after such and such a date, or on Monday, or blah, blah, blah. Now, I HAVE to do it. I need to lose about 50 lbs., but if I could lose 20 by her wedding I would be so so happy. So, today I've begun. I know I can do this if I really try. I don't know why I've had such a hard time starting, but now I'll do it. I'm tired of the way I look and the way I feel about myself. I know things need to change, and that I'm the only one who can make those changes. So, here goes.

Devil's Food Cake

This cake is so delicious! I made it the other night for our family dessert night. It's so moist and wonderful. It's one of my favorites!!

1 pkg. devil's food cake mix
2 smaill pkg. devil's food pudding mix (instant)
16 oz. sour cream
2 cubes butter, melted
5 eggs
1 pkg. chocolate chips

Mix together, batter will be very thick. Pour into bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until done. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Grandkids

DH's sister is moving back to Washington on Tuesday. Her husband has been in Iraq for the last year and will be coming home soon. She came to live with her mom while he was gone, and now it's time for her to go. It's a very bittersweet time for her. She misses her husband dearly and can't wait for them to be a family again, but she's going to miss everyone here. She has 3 siblings that live right here. We all got together to take one last picture of all the grandkids. We could have our own primary!! It's so much fun when we all get together. We each brought a dessert and they were all so yummy. We also gave my MIL her birthday present. Her birthday isn't until the 22nd but we all went in on a present together and Ari wanted to be there when she got it. We got her a huge picture of Christ surrounded by 5 children. She's always wanted one to hang over her fireplace, and it fit perfectly. It's a beautiful picture and looks great there. The evening turned out to be very nice, there were a few tears, but we all enjoyed ourselves very much. They will be missed dearly.

Payson Canyon

We went up Payson Canyon today to have lunch with some friends. We made foil packs, which were so so yummy. The only problem
was that we didn't come too prepared. We forgot to bring tongs to get the foil packs out of the fire with. DH played tough man and used his hands at first, then we figured out that we could probably use something out of the tool box. We found some pliers to get our dinner out of the fire, which worked great and was much easier on DH's poor little fingers. The food was delicious. We roasted marshmellows and put them between those fudge-striped cookies. The kids were so gooey and sticky, they loved it!

The colors on the trees are so beautiful right now. Everywhere you look you see bright oranges and yellows. It looks amazing there. Nature really amazes me. After we ate we went for a little walk. We found a trail and followed it down to one of the lakes there. The kids threw rocks in the water for a long time, trying to hit a big log that was a little ways out. The two dads played along as well. J got tired on the way back and wanted to be carried. Big brother T picked her right up and carried her on his back. It was so adorable. She loved it!!

We had a great afternoon and want to go back before it gets too cold. It's fun to go up there even for a couple hours, to have a picnic, go for a walk, or just to drive around. It's absolutely gorgeous!