Our Christmas Tree

      This year we met the Habel's out at Landren Tree Farm in search of the perfect Christmas Tree.  The tree farm was really nice.  Beautiful trees, free hot chocolate and cookies, it was very picturesque!  The only problem for me, which was a big one, were the prices.  $40 a tree!  I am a cheapskate, so I kindly told the lady we would not be buying one at her farm.  She was so kind and offered us hot chocolate and goodies anyway.  After taking a few family photos, the same lady came back and said she had a tree that she would sell to us for $15.  SOLD!  The tree wasn't the most ideal, it could have been a little taller, and every time I saw it the song Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen would pop into my mind, but it was worth the $15!



Christmas Ships

      One of the perks of having parents who live near the Columbia River is that we get a great view of the Christmas Ships when they float by each December.  They are fun to watch.  The Christmas Ship Parade is a volunteer organization that has been going on for 58 years.  As much fun as it is for us to watch them, I can only imagine how much fun it would be for those owners to be in the parade. 

Finding Peace Among Tragedy

      Even though I firmly believe that Satan exists, I still have a hard time understanding how he can be so evil; and today the world saw his evil!!!  20 children shot to death in their very own elementary school in Connecticut!  20 CHILDREN!!  I am always deeply saddened when I hear of tragic events that involve victims of any age, but especially children.  The school housed about 600 kids between the ages of 5-10 who will forever be traumatized by this evil act.  My heart goes out to them!  As soon as my boys walked through the door after school today, I hugged them both tightly while tears flowed down my cheeks.  I love their innocence.  I will do anything in my power to protect it, and I'm sure that's how the parents of those Victims felt too, but sometimes we are just so powerless.  No matter how much we desire to, we CAN NOT stop others' agency, unless we take their life like this 20 year old boy did today.  The ability to choose for ourselves (Agency) is powerful, and yet in this case, horrific!  I find the timing of it ironic too ... just 11 days before Christmas, how sad!  And yet, it's timing can bring comfort because the whole purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and if anyone knows pain & suffering it's Him!  It is my hope and prayer that those who need comfort at this time can find it in our Savior.  That they can put their trust in Him and let Him take their pain away.  Because He can & He will!!   

Meet Mack

 This is Mack, our Christmas Elf.         

      Isn't he cute sitting there with those big blue eyes, and warm smile?  Okay, okay, I'll admit it, it's a tad bit creepy, I know!  But the kids really like him.  You see they believe that Mack is the eyes and ears of Santa Claus, because how else would Santa know who's Naughty or Nice?  Each night, while the kids are sleeping, our elf journeys back to the North Pole to share his observations with the big guy.  Before morning he's back and ready to take notes for that day.  Which means his location for the day has changed and it's up to the kids to find him, and I guarantee inquiring minds want to know.  The kids' reactions to our Christmas Elf have been priceless.  Andrew talks to him and can't get enough; Cameron thinks he's super cool, and asks me with awe if he's a real elf; while Austin is torn between wanting to believe, but also thinking he's just plain creepy!  I finally let Austin in on the secret of it just so he could enjoy the situation a little more.  I think it'll be fun to have Mack around.  It's nice to add a little anticipation and make believe to each day, makes it more fun that way.               

Time With Friends

Friendships: 

It's not in the quantity of communications,

it's about the quality of the connection.

 

      I really don't know how I ended up so lucky, but I have amazing friends!!!  This includes my friends who are not shown in this picture, because I truly cherish each and every one of them too.  But in reference to this entry I'd like to talk about the connection I have with these four women.  I don't know how common it is to find 5 women who come from such different backgrounds, share different interests, and yet compliment each other so well.  I wonder if it's more common than I think?  Regardless, it works for us, and I am a better person because of their influence in my life.  One of the best parts of having long-standing friendships are the little traditions that just become the norm.  We have several, but most specifically our Christmas Dinner/Gift Exchange and Twilight Movie excursions have been among my favorites.  When Shannon moved away, I wasn't sure if that meant our traditions moved with her, but I am happy to say ... not this year!!

      Last Friday Shannon flew out from Vegas to spend the weekend with us.  It almost seems like WE should be the ones flying out to Vegas for a girls weekend, but doing it this way felt right, almost like no time had passed at all since she's been gone.  She also booked us adjoining rooms in the Aloft Hotel by the airport so we could truly have uninterrupted girl time :)  This is how we spent our day:

• Lunch at Red Robin
• Shopping at Cascade Station
• Happy Hour at Portland City Grill
• Dessert at Papa Haydn's
• Window shopping on NW 23rd
• Gift Exchange in hotel room
• And long chat in hotel lobby in pj's & bathrobes                

      Saturday was equally as much fun!  

• Sleeping in till 8:00 a.m.
• Cinnamon rolls & hot chocolate in bed
• Back to NW 23rd for more shopping & lunch
• 2:00 p.m. showing of Twilight in Scappoose
• And traditional fried ice cream following the movie at Ixtapa

      Our time together this weekend was definitely fun-filled, but it was so much more!  I was also uplifted, inspired, listened to, and reminded how special our connection truly is.  I do cherish each one of these women.  Thank you ladies for your unconditional love!

A Preschool Lesson On Honesty

      A couple of months ago I accidently double booked myself to teach a Sunday School lesson in Primary, so I recruited Spencer's help to bail me out.  I chose to teach Austin's class and Spencer chose to teach Andrew's.  After class I happend to glance over and look at a chalk board and noticed this drawing.  I started to laugh because I recognized it as Spencer's.  Below is his interpretation of the boy who cried wolf.  The lesson was on honesty and this is how he taught it to a bunch of pre-schoolers.  Kind of adorable if you ask me.  

Award Assembly

      Cameron received an award from his teacher at the last assembly for having a "Great Attitude".   Now don't get me wrong, I think it's great when kids are awarded and recognized in front of their peers, it makes them feel special, and as a parent you couldn't be more proud of them, but what about those kids (like Austin) who try so hard and rarely receive recognition?  My heart just aches for them.  I try really hard to instill in each of my boys good sportsmanship and being happy when others do well, but part of the time I find myself down playing to Austin the recognition that Cameron recieves because Austin just doesn't.  I worry so much about my kids' self-esteem.  I want each one of them to feel special and great because they are!  I guess sometimes I lean more towards secret recognition, where only those being awarded attend.  But most likely, I am just way over-thinking this whole thing, like I do with most things.         

Technology Is Awesome!

      For several years now its been a tradition for my friends and I to get together, usually for lunch, to celebrate one another's birthday.  Luckily when Sheila moved away she was still close enough to carry on the tradition.  When Shannon moved away, I thought our tradition would be forever changed, but it didn't.  Thanks to technology, and Paige's iPad, Shannon has been able to celebrate with us and it seriously feels like she is really in the room.  Technology is awesome! 

Raingutter Regatta 2012

      When you're a Cub Scout there are a few events a year that you really look forward to, one of them being the Raingutter Regatta.  I feel bad sometimes because I am just not as enthusiastic about these activities like Austin probably wishes I was.  But I do encourage him to do his best and have fun and I think he does have fun.  The Raingutter Regatta is a racing event that is the sailboat equivalent of the pinewood derby.  Scouts are free to paint and decorate their sailboats as they choose.  The boats are raced in a standard rain gutter that is ten feet long, placed on a table or saw horse, and filled to the top with water. The boats are propelled by blowing on the sail and cannot be touched with hands. The first boat to reach the end of the gutter is the winner; and the overall winner is determined by an elimination system. 

      Austin had a fantastic run with his boat.  He ended up un-defeated and winning first place, and his Cub Scout leaders made some pretty neat trophies for the top three participants.  I guess this goes to show that Austin is full of hot air, and in this case, that's a good thing!

Our Thanksgiving Break

       Back in September I told Spencer I would like to spend Thanksgiving in Utah this year with my Dad & Step-Mom.  Sadly, I can only remember one time *ever* in which I have spent the Thanksgiving holiday with them.  Spencer was very supportive of my wishes to go, so I made plans immediately.  Due to budget cuts in our school district the kids had the entire week off.  Spencer, unfortunately, wasn't able to take that much time off during the store's busy season, so I booked him a one-way flight to Salt Lake.  The boys and I didn't have the luxury of flying like Spencer did so we made the 12 hour trek by road, and I'm so glad we did!  We left Saturday morning and drove to Meridian, ID where we planned to stay the first two nights at my brother's house.  The timing of our trip was perfect!  I found out that after a 15 month renovation project on the Boise, ID Temple, it was finally being re-dedicated the Sunday I was there, and I was able to attend one of the dedication sessions at the Stake Center.  In addition, the youth of the church in that region were asked to take part in a Youth Cultural Celebration program the previous night for President Monson at Boise State.  My niece, Alexis, was performing in the program and so we all went to the Stake Center for the broadcast.  While in Idaho, the boys and I were able to visit with my friends, The Cluff's.  It's nice after so many years apart to be able to pick right back up as if no time has gone by at all.

      We left Meridian on Monday morning and made the final leg of our trip to Salt Lake.  My brother and his family planned to stay the week with his in-laws so we were able to travel together.  I pulled into West Jordan at 3:00 p.m. on Monday. 



      On Tuesday, the boys and I drove down to Provo so I could visit with my Step-Sister, Brittany.  She and Que recently moved to Utah County and so I wanted to check out her new house.  Afterwards we headed to the Mall and did some shopping before we had lunch at Red Robin.  After lunch she introduced me to Spoon It Up, a frozen yogurt place, for dessert. 

      Wednesday was a day of shopping and just hanging out around the house.  Spencer flew in that evening around 5:30 p.m. and after picking him up we all went out for ice cream.  Next to seeing family, one of our favorite things about coming to Utah is the food, especially the ice cream!  I have never found a place in Oregon that even comes close to the amazing shakes that you can get in Utah!  It's like heaven in a cup :)  By the way, none of us can truly eat all of this ice cream, but it sure is fun to try!     

      Thanksgiving Day was great.  We had 14 people at the dinner table (My Dad & Dianne; Uncle Lane & Aunt Kathy; my cousin Priya & her boyfriend Dusty; my sister Brittany, her husband Que & son Liam; and then my family).  My brother, Thayne & his family came for dessert around 4:00 p.m., and we also had a nice visit with Ryan & Ashlynn that evening as well.

Nanette, Thayne, Uncle Lane, Aunt Kathy, Dad, Dianne, Spencer & I, Brittany & Que



      Friday was our busiest day of the trip.  It seemed like we packed everything we wanted to do into that particular day.  We started our Black Friday shopping around 7:30 a.m. and didn't return until a little before 2:00 p.m.  That included a must have lunch at Cafe Rio.  At 2:00 p.m. we met up with several of my family members in Sandy and took the Trax into downtown Salt Lake to see the Christmas lights at Temple Square. 

      Everyone, all week long kept telling me that I was crazy for wanting to go to Temple Square on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, but we really didn't have another day if we wanted to see the lights so we decided to go anyway and take the train in.  I'm glad we did because when we arrived at 3:00 p.m. the place was deserted.  We had the entire grounds to ourselves.  After taking several pictures by the reflection pond we went to the North Visitors Center, and again, had the place practically to ourselves.  We then went to the 4:30 p.m. showing of the Joseph Smith movie.  When we got out of the movie the lights had been turned on and the boys got to see what we came for; Thousands of tiny lights strung all over the grounds.  It was beautiful!  After walking the temple grounds for a while we headed over to the Conference Center and were given a tour by my Uncle Lane.

      When Saturday came around we were all pretty exhausted from the fun-filled week we'd had so far.  Spencer had plans in the afternoon to watch the Civil War game, but we couldn't find anyone who aired the Pac-12 Network.  So we settled on Applebees with Ryan & Ashlynn and again hit up Iceberg that night for some delicious shakes and onion rings.  I definitely ate way too much on this trip, but I LOVED every minute of it!

      We left for home early Sunday morning and I am so surprised with how well the boys traveled.  Not just during the long car ride, but the week as a whole.  They didn't fight or argue, they didn't complain about anything, they were just awesome.  The whole trip was awesome!  This Thanksgiving I have so much to be grateful for.  Life isn't always easy sailing, but when you focus on the good things you have going on, the bitter parts don't taste so bitter.  I am very grateful for a loving Heavenly Father whose love can always be felt no matter where you are & no matter how much you're struggling.  I can't express my thanks to Him enough!

Overjoyed With Gratitude!!!

      I have a lot to be grateful for!  Not because life is perfect, because we all know it never is, but right now I am choosing to recognize all the blessings in my life, and how can you not feel gratitude when you focus on those things?  I am overjoyed today and filled with gratitude for a major blessing that has come our way.  I would even go as far as saying a miracle has taken place.  About two weeks ago my car, a 2008 Buick Enclave, started having transmission trouble.  As we all know transmissions are not cheap to repair, and do we NOT have an extended warranty to help lower costs.  The good news is my transmission gave us plenty of warning so I was never left stranded, blessing #1.   

      Upon inspection the Mechanics determined that my transmission was beyond repair and that a new one needed to be ordered.  That makes a huge difference in expense.  If they can piece a transmission back into shape it's a lot cheaper than buying a new one, makes sense.  But of course, we needed a new one.  So the final estimate for the cost of repairs ... $3,400!!!!   I was numb and emotionless when I heard that number, but what do you do?  I need my car.  So blessing #2 came when the dealership was kind enough to give me a rental car, free of charge, while they work on mine.  Thank you! 

      So then the real clincher, the miracle, came yesterday in the form of a telephone call from Buick headquarters.  A few days prior Spencer had given them a call explaining our situation and telling them what a fan he normally is of GM products.  That apparently was the ticket because they called Spencer and gave him incredible news; They will be covering the cost of repairs by running it through their insurance.  All we need to pay for is a $250 deductible.  For real!???  How often does that happen?  To me that is a miracle and I am so, so grateful!     

A Text From My Husband

Today I received the sweetest text from my husband, it said;

 

"I thought about what you said last night and how we need to

remember our blessings.  I wanted you to know that you and

the boys are my whole world and what a blessing it is to have

you."

 

What a sweetheart.  He just made my whole day!

Soccer Season 2012

      Saturday was the official last day of Cameron's soccer season, and I am sad to see it end!  With the extended summer we had throughout the majority of the season it made for quite an enjoyable outdoor activity.  He was on the U9 team this year and his team's name was the 'Sonic Sharks'. Doesn't that just ooze threat!?   Cameron has really shown some real talent this year.  He really has the right combination to be a great athlete; he's got the ability, the drive, the competitive edge, the mental toughness to stay focused, and when he plays he truly gives 100%.  During the season Cameron had a few incredible plays but these two were awesome to witness:

1. The opposing team had the ball and accidentally kicked it high into the air.  Cameron who was between the kicker and the goal jumped up in the air hitting the ball with his head stopping it's forward motion.  As the ball fell down he jumped up and kicked it right into the goal hitting the net high.  It was awesome!      
2. This one happened right in front of us.  The ball was thrown on the field by an opposing player.  Cameron anxiously awaited the throw in.  The player threw the ball just to the right of Cameron trying to get it to his teammate, but just in that instant when he released the ball, Cam jumped right in front of the kid yelling, "Thank You!".  He stopped the ball with his chest and then dribbled it all the way down the field.  It was hilarious!

      While Cameron was great individually he was still a great teammate, which is equally important in my eyes!  He passed the ball to others; he encouraged and celebrated others' success; and he treated everyone on his team fairly.  He was fortunate to be on a great team this year with other talented kids like Roberto & Mackenzia, and I know he thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. 

Football Season 2012

      Last Spring when Austin came home with a football sign-up flyer, you would have thought he'd found the Willy Wonka Golden Ticket, he was so excited!  I couldn't deny him the opportunity to give it a try, so we signed him up.  The season began in early August with a very demanding schedule.  Practices were held Monday through Friday from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  This schedule remained in effect practically the whole season.  Austin's team was comprised of 5th & 6th graders and surprisingly he wasn't the only one on the team new to the sport.  Overall the season was good.  Austin has decided, however, that football is not his favorite and next year he wants to go back to soccer.  Here is a breakdown of the Pros & Cons I felt about the season:

 

Pros:  

1. Football is awesome as far as daily exercise goes. 
2. The weather throughout the season was incredible.  I think it rained only 2 games the entire season.
3. The games are definitely fun to watch. 
4. Spencer volunteered his time to be an Assistant Coach, which I think helped keep Austin accountable.  
5. Football introduced Austin into a whole new group of kids.  

Cons: 

1. I felt like it was way too demanding on time for kids his age.
2. Our team plays in a League that is WAY too advanced for us, therefore, our players were getting injured left and right.   
3. I felt that the Coach played "favorites" instead of giving all kids a fair shake.  He played the kids who were his best.  The problem I have with that is the fact that if you don't play all of the kids you leave them with little to no incentive to return next season.  Besides that, we lost every game, except 1, so why not give everyone play time?  We're bound to lose anyway!
4. Although I had a good time this season, I feel like football is an exclusive club.  Some parents came across as snobby, and it felt like some of the players have an 'I am better than you attitude'.  That alone doesn't leave a bad taste in my mouth, but, I don't know if I like my kids growing up surrounded by that kind of attitude.   

      Geez, after reading my thoughts above it sounds like I am against football, I am not!  It was a good learning experience for Austin and Cameron is convinced that he wants to play too.  I do think that we'll wait till Cameron is quite a bit older though before we allow him to play.  And finally, I loved how handsome my son looked all geared up on the field.  I am proud of his effort!  He didn't give up and he played his little heart out, even though it was hard work.  Good job, Austin! 

A Spiritual Thought

      Sunday afternoon we were fortunate to have both sets of Missionaries over for lunch.  Spencer plays basketball with the 4 Elders in the area and since we were signed up to feed our set, he felt the desire to extend the invitation.  It was fun having 4 fully grown young men in our home; it kind of gave me a glimpse into what our future household might feel like.  Anyway, before the Elders left they shared a spiritual thought with us and one Elder posed the question, "How does the Atonement help you in your family?"  Good question!  My mind instantly started thinking about all of the mistakes I make as a Wife and a Mother.  I am far from perfect, shocking huh ... I know! ;-)  I yell, I scream, I spend too much money sometimes, and I have been known to complain too much, but the miracle of it all is my family still loves me.  And while I know that I am not perfect, I know they aren't either, and yet I still love and forgive them.  How could I not, if I ask for the same in return?  I remember one specific morning a couple of years ago when I was very frustrated with Austin.  He wasn't motivated to get ready for school like I wanted him to be and I lost my cool.  As soon as he left the house I felt awful, and an hour later the guilt was too much!  I drove to his school, pulled him out of class, and hoped that he would forgive my bad behavior.  He did, and he never brought it up again.   

      I guess that's how the Atonement helps me and my family.  It gives me the courage to move past my pride and be able to ask them for forgiveness.  Sometimes I feel like being stubborn, but eventually I come to remember that if I want my imperfections forgiven, I too need to forgive.  What a great gift our Savior gave to us! 

Today's Horoscope

      Okay, one more random fact about me I could have mentioned in my 11 Things post but didn't, is the fact that I love reading my horoscope!  I actually have an app on my iPhone and I check it everyday to see what it says.  I really don't take them serious, it's just all in good fun.  Anyway, I thought today's horoscope was interesting.  It's the kind of parable that makes you think.  This is what it said:   

      "There was once a sailor who became lost at sea.  The sailor had no water to drink, and so he spent his days scooping seawater into a bucket, and contemplating the ways he might be able to make it drinkable.  He sat there in the cold.  He sat there as waves lapped against his boat.  He sat there as it rained.  He had no way, of course, of transforming the seawater to drinking water - but all he really had to do was empty the bucket and collect the rainwater.  Seems simple, right?  You are now trying too hard to transform something when you already have what you need right at your fingertips."

      After reading this I can't help but wonder if there truly is something in my life that I am over complicating!?  Interesting!

Hood to Coast Official Welcome

Congratulations Nicole,

A Team Captain from The Hood To Coast & Portland To Coast Relays has asked you to join their team! You will be part of a select group, participating in The Mother of All Relays!

      So as the above letter states, I am officially a member of a Hood to Coast Running Team!!  This has been a goal of mine, something I have always wanted to do.  I am very excited for the experience, but I am also scared out of my mind!!!  The race begins at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood and ends literally on the beach in Seaside.  There are 12 members on my team (half of which I know) and once a month we hold a meeting to plan & discuss what's to be expected.  In all honesty, the more we talk about the race the more scared I become.  In this relay each participant runs 3 legs of the race and each leg can be between 4-7 miles depending on the terrain.  The longest distance I have ever ran is 5 miles!  So needless to say, this event is going to take a lot of training and hard work.  Running itself isn't my favorite form of exercise, I actually find it quite challenging, but I love the feeling afterwards and the sense of accomplishment.  Luckily, I have a good chunk of time to whip myself into performance shape because there is no way I could do this tomorrow!          

Comforting Post Election Thoughts

A friend posted this on facebook this morning and I couldn't agree more ...

      For those who feel victory today be compassionate to those who feel defeated. If negativity is invading all your thoughts look towards the blessings in our life. As the country regroups to unite and move forward lift up your fellow man if he feels discouraged. We are in this together, no matter who is the Leader. Things will change again; those who feel defeat will rise, those who are celebrating will face defeat and struggles. Pull together as One, looking to our Higher Power to have His Will be done to the better of all the people. No matter who has the title in office.

11 Things

I do enjoy it when I'm challenged to think outside of my normal train of thought, so thank you Shannon for tagging me!

11 Random Things About Me:

1. I am still not convinced that canning, other than homemade jam, is worth my time or effort.
2. I don't have a very strong relationship with my Mom.  Sometimes we go months without calling each other. 
3. I love the Dark Knight Batman movies.
4. Iron Man is my favorite Marvel character. 
5. I suffer from Anxiety every now and then.  I get the full fledged symptoms and everything.  Not sure what triggers it, but it is no fun!
6. I love to make cinnamon rolls.  I used to be too intimidated to make them, but not anymore and they are delicious!
7. I feel that I have the best friends ever!
8. I love working 1 day a week.     
9. I wish I was more spiritually minded.
10. Part of me has a secret wish to move to Utah, but that idea would never fly with my husband.
11. I am a huge fan of Classic Rock music.      

Questions I was asked to answer:

1.  Do you plan, or are you flying by the seat of your pants?

Both.  Somethings I like to plan, while other things I prefer to wing.  I think there is more excitement in flying by the seat of your pants, but it's hard to do that with kids.

2.  Today was amusing because __________?

Today was amusing because I had lunch at McDonald's and while others were chatting and eating their food, I sat there with my ballot and studied my voters pamphlet book.  I might of been a little out of place.

3.  How hungry are you right now?

I shouldn't be hungry, but I can hear my kids' Halloween candy bags calling my name.  On top of that, I am dehydrating apples right now and it smells heavenly!  Those two things make me want to eat.

4.  Bad news: sugarcoated or straight-up?

Sugarcoated.  I'd rather get accustomed to the idea of bad news before I truly hear how bad it is.

5.  How do you get out of a rut?

I'm trying to figure that out!?   I find it helpful to list my priorities and focus on the things that are important to me at the time.

6.  What are you a geek about?

I guess to some people I can be classified a geek for my love of British TV and books. 

7.  What do you crave?

A vacation!  Spencer and I did not get away this year and it's killing me.  I want a week of no responsibilities, no housework and a tan!

8.  What was the last bad movie you watched?

Not Since You - on Netflix.  Dumb storyline and bad acting.  Not recommended.

9.  Do you have any new friends?

Absolutely!  I'd like to think I make new friends all the time, whether I meet them at the gym, at work or at church.

10.  You want a new _________?

Wardrobe.  I would love to spend $500 on clothes, it'd be like a dream come true!    

11.  What makes you feel wonderful?

Reading uplifting books and watching uplifting movies.  Last night for family night we watched, Legacy.  I always feel wonderful after those things.

Our Freedom to Choose

      In college my absolute favorite class was Sociology!  I loved it!!  We spent the entire time debating social issues and I had no problem vocalizing my political views in that setting.  More often than not, most people were respectful of the varying ideas we shared.  Fast forward 15 years to present day, and I wish I could say that I still enjoy debating politics, but that would be untrue.  Today is one of the biggest days in our Nations history as we choose our next President of the United States.  I don't consider myself to be the most knowledgeable political person out there, but I do try to keep myself informed on who & what we are voting for, and this year more than any other I have found myself ultra-frustrated!  Normally I can respect other people's opinions regarding moral & social issues, but I can't do that anymore.  Each time I read about legalizing marijuana, or people's views on why abortion is okay, I want to scream.  I'm finding that I can't accept people's views anymore.  I don't want to hear them because it angers me.  I don't understand why our Nation has such different views on how to be successful.  America was founded on the idea of freedom, yet each year more and more people are dependent upon the government for their basic needs.  That's not freedom!  I am only one person, who feels powerless to make any real difference in today's election,  but I did vote!  And I pray that my vote helps guide this country onto a good path.  May God bless us with a President who will continue to fight for our freedom instead of making us more dependent upon him.     

Halloween 2012

      You know, one thing that our family has going for us is that we sure know how to have fun!  We might not get everything else right, but we do a pretty good job of that, and this Halloween was no exception.  About a week prior to the holiday we started our traditional 'Harry Potter Halloween Movie Marathon'.  One movie a day, or 2 if need be, but always finishing up on Halloween day.  This is something our family enjoys doing together.  Soup was on the menu for dinner and we invited The Madden's & the Lesowske's over to join us.  Then we were off to the annual Trunk-or-Treat held in the church parking lot; and if the kids didn't get enough candy there then they definitely did going around the neighborhood afterward.  Dressing up is always the fun part.  This year Austin decided on being a Phantom Slayer.  Yeah, I'm not one for dark & creepy, but I wasn't there when he picked it out.  The other boys dressed a little more light-hearted; Cameron was Batman, and Andrew was a Ninja.  I wore my Pirates costume and Spencer was an Inmate.  This was a great family day together and I'm grateful that the rain held off just when we needed it to.

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

      Today the baby of our family turned 5.  And as I sit here thinking about how fast the time has come and gone, I can't help but feel a little excitement for this next phase in my life.  While I absolutely loved being pregnant and holding my newborn babies, I have to say that this phase I am in right now is even greater!  I love being able to play as a family where everyone can participate.  I love the fact that the kids are still young enough to need me, yet old enough to have a meaningful conversation with. 

      Andrew and I get to spend a lot of time together while his brothers are away at school and I just love this time together! He is such a sweet boy.  He still loves to "snuggle snuggle" with me.  He doesn't ever hesitate to tell me that he loves me, or that I'm a cutie pie, and he's thoughtful too.  He loves to bring me a can of soda pop from the fridge just because he thinks I might like it.  Yeah, he's a keeper!!  I feel eternally grateful that I have been trusted with the care of such great boys. 

      Andrew, I love you with all of my heart.  I want you to grow up with the confidence that you can do anything.  You are a special kid who brings joy into the lives of many people.  Happy Birthday little guy!      

Mountains to Climb - President Henry B. Eyring

 

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      When building any kind of structure the most important element to making it last is to build a strong foundation. Under every foundation is a concrete slab called a footing. The footing is wider and shorter than the actual foundation wall. On top of the footing, the foundation walls are poured, and vertical steel rebars are set in place. This process ensures that the foundation is durable enough to withstand any storms. 

      Our lives need a similar foundation of faith so that we too can weather any storm. Our footing needs to be made of virtue, which by definition means honesty. Our foundation walls should be the gospel of Jesus Christ; which is then strengthened by all the covenants, ordinances, and principles of the gospel.

       Having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is precious and you should protect that faith. Building a strong foundation of faith takes time though. The following are suggestions on how to keep your foundation strong during hard times:

• Keep your communication with Heavenly Father going. Express to him when you’re struggling and pour out your heart to him.  
• Try to look for the small blessings and acknowledge the things in your life that are good.
• When you are down, distract yourself with something positive.
• Repent - “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent. But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I.” (D&C 19:16-17)

      It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of faith. There is always time. When life gives you mountains to climb, remember that you are never alone! “And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” D&C 84:88

Our Halloween Town

 

      In 1998 the Disney channel filmed a movie called Halloweentown right here in St Helens, OR.  And, for the past few years our city has been trying to bring back the Spirit of Halloween that the town was once known for.  In doing so, they have invited all the local businesses to show some Halloween pride.  Since the weather was so nice today the boys and I took a walk around town and picked out some of our favorite decorations.  I really think it's fun when the business incorporates the theme of their profession within their prop.  It's definitely a fun tradition, and I look forward to seeing what creative designs will be up year after year.    

 

                          

That The Lost May Be Found - M. Russell Ballard

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      Our spirit can either blossom or wither within the family unit. When we don't have the security and influence of strong family bonds, the ground work is laid for an emptiness, that is often sought to be filled, through destructive venues. If one isn't loved, they may seek love and acceptance in a way that brings them harm. There is a deep yearning to fill that hollowness.

       Brothers and sisters, the most important cause of our lifetime is our families and we need to devote ourselves to this cause!  It is our homes and families that need reforming in this increasingly materialistic and secular world.

      So the bad news is that family breakdown is causing a host of societal and economic ills. But the good news is that, like any cause and effect, those ills can be reversed if what is causing them is changed.  The Church is an anchor in the churning waters of change and division, and a beacon to those who value and seek righteousness. The Lord uses this Church as a tool in pulling His children throughout the world toward the protection of His gospel.