New year...new goals

I like to call them goals and not resolutions. For some reason it makes me feel better if/when I don't achieve them. 2008 has been a pretty good year. I didn't necessarily reach all the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year but I've made progress and that counts. Our family was free of major health problems. My mother-in-law got a new kidney and it is doing well. We really have been blessed.

This year I am going to continue to work on my food storage and emergency preparedness. I'm also going to work on organizing my cupboards and closets. It's time to clean out some of the old and welcome in the new. I have started already in the kitchen. With my Christmas money I bought my very first full set of matching dishes. I have been married 15 years and I've always had bits of pieces of different sets. I went to Bed Bath and beyond but I just couldn't see spending that much money. So, I found these at Fred Meyer.


I really like them the prices were great. I bought 8 big plates, 8 small plates and 8 bowls. I also got a nice set of glasses. Goodbye ugly plastic stuff that I've had forever. I feel like such a grown up.

Sit on a piece of pie...check

No, that is not a typo in the subject line. Christmas Eve I sat on a piece of pie. How did this happen you ask? Well, I'd like to blame myself but I won't. I'll blame Tim. Yes, that sounds better. After dinner I went and got a piece of pumpkin pie with lots of cool whip. I proceed to take my pie to the living room where Tim gives me the "excuse me, where is my pie" look. How dare I forget to get my man some pie. So, I sat the piece of pie in my chair because the side table was full. Do you see where this is going? I proceeded to fetch my honey up a piece of pie and I made sure to tell my father-in-law to be careful not to sit in my chair because of the pie. I know, I'm thoughtful like that. After I gave Tim his pie, I sat down in my chair. As I sat there I thought "now what was I doing before I got my honey his pie" and then it dawned on me. I sat on my pie. The whole family was in the living room so there was no hiding it. I took the teasing and excused myself to clean up my pie. Luckily we had opened gifts already and my sweet mother-in-law bought me new jammies so I was able to change into the cozy fleece bottoms. So, you see how this was all Tim's fault right? LOL :o)

No, I did not take a picture, I wouldn't subject you all to a scene like that. This is a family friendly blog after all.

Missing you mom

I can't believe it's been 3 years ago today that I lost my mom. I really do miss her. She taught me so much about being a mom and that it's much more than just giving birth to a child. She taught me to laugh when things were hard. She taught me that I could be whatever I wanted. She taught me not to live in the past and that the past did not have to define me.

I'm only sad because I can't talk to her today or open her annual musical Christmas card. I know she is in a better place and I know her heart and I'm sure that she has accepted the gospel. She is no longer in pain. She is watching over me. It seems I can feel her near at times. Today is one of those times.

I love you mom. I know I will see you again. I look forward to that sweet reunion. Thank you for all you taught me and for loving that little 5 year old messed up girl when you didn't have to. Thank you for being my mom.

Winter Blast continues

Okay, so you might be tired of hearing about our weather but I'm not and it's my blog so there..LOL

I can't believe how much snow has fallen today. Yesterday a good deal of it melted so all the pics today are what has fallen overnight and today. It's fluffy and beautiful. Not good for snowmen but great for snow angels.

Blake and I went to his school and played on the slides and had a blast today. I even made a snow angel. I didn't take the camera because I didn't want to ruin it so you'll have to trust me that it was awesome.

Here is another pic from our bedroom window, the snow was coming down like mad so it's kind of hard to see.

Here's Lexie playing out in it and having a ball.

I measured what has fallen on one of our chairs today. It's not scientific but you get the idea.

There is more to come and maybe even some freezing rain for good measure. No ward party tonight and no church tomorrow. The forecast for Christmas....40 and raining. Oh well, we can just pretend we had a white Christmas. It's close enough to count in my book.

Date with my son

So, I figured that since I was home again today because of the weather, I would take my son to see "The Tale of Despereaux". The theatre is probably less than half a mile from my house. I could skid that far. We had a wonderful time. The movie was delightful, the popcorn nice and fresh and I couldn't have asked for better company. This movie is a sweet story of courage, honor and chivalry. I didn't know anything about this story. I just heard the other day that there is a book. I'm so glad they made it into a movie. It made for a wonderful date with my son and hopefully a sweet memory for him.

Back to work

It's a good thing I was able to go back to work today or I might have had to start cleaning the closet. Whew, dodged a bullet on that one. There are only so many presents to wrap, treats to make and decorations to put up.

The weather is still a little iffy and we're supposed to get more snow this weekend. I've lived here for 14 years and I can't remember a winter where the white stuff has stuck around for so long. I do realize that it's only a little compared to so many others but for us it's exciting stuff. Our news is having fun covering "Artic Blast 2008" . I'm thinking those from Canada, Minnesota etc would be laughing now.

In other weather related news, my van does not drive well in the snow/ice. I went to work yesterday for a few hours and the weather was getting pretty bad so I proceeded to drive/slide home, praying/pleading for every light to stay green so I didn't have to stop/skid and restart/fishtail. It took me nearly two hours to get home when it normally takes me 35.

Maybe we'll get a white Christmas out of it. But only the kind where you can still drive around and do what you want to.

Winter wonderland and a childs faith

Yesterday it snowed the majority of the day. I love snow!!! Usually when they predict snow it doesn't happen but they got this one right. Today it is sunny and a balmy 28. We aren't supposed to get over 30 until Wednesday when we might get some more snow. Usually in Oregon it snows and it's gone the next day so this is a treat. I scheduled a vacation day today well before I had a clue it was going to snow so that worked out well. I didn't have to worry about trying to get to the office.

Blake and I went to the park down the street and played with his little sled. I decided we should walk over to the school and left the sled at the park. We were gone about 10 minutes and when we got back the sled was gone. It was just a little cheap thing but it really upset Blake. As we were walking back he said that he thought Jesus would know who took it. I told him that he did for sure. He asked that we stop right there and pray about it. So we bowed we our heads and he asked Heavenly Father to help him find the sled or have the person who took it bring it back to us. I am truly touched by his faith and I wish there were something that I could do to bring that sled back to him. I don't know how it will turn out but if ever a little child needs his prayer answered it is now.

Blake in the backyard yesterday.

Lexie when the snow had just started to stick. She thought it was fun to push the snow with her nose and eat it. Not so fun later with a few inches and she got a cold hiney.

The view from my bedroom window. Isn't is beautiful.

Better late than never

Finally.....the tree.

Some of my Favorite Ornaments The first year Tim and I were together. The date is 1991.

Looks kinda of like Lexie.

Announcing the arrival of the our Lord.

Our 9/11 ornament.

Each year we buy one or two ornaments that will represent things that from that year. This year it was the doggie ornament and Blake's transformer ornament which I didn't take a picture of. Then each year as we are decorating it brings to mind so many memories. It's my favorite part of decorating.

Random Happenings

I'm determined not to let the volume of things that I need to get done in the next 16 days stress me out. I refuse to be stressed this season . Does it really matter that I don't have the tree up yet? Not in the big scheme of things. Right? That's what I thought too.

Tonight I am attempting to make fudge for the first time. So far, it's coming out a bit too gritty from the sugar. I'm sure there is some trick or maybe it's just my recipe. The kind I'm making is called Dreamy fudge and it has marshmallows, evaporated milk, butter and sugar and then you add either peanut butter or chocolate chips after you take it off the stove. I tried the chocolate kind first and after hubby gets done making dinner and cookies I'm going to try the peanut butter. Hubby is going to make cookies and then tomorrow we're going to make up goodie bags and deliver them to our home teachers etc. That's the plan anyway. Wish us luck and that the fudge is edible.

The tree, decorations, present wrapping and the rest will get done eventually. I will be over here not stressing about it and enjoying the season. Even if I have to talk myself into every day.

Christmas Tag

I saw this over at Mindys and thought it would be fun and maybe get me in the mood to get some decorating going over here.

1. Wrapping Paper or Gift Bags...Mostly wrapping paper but a few bags here and there.
2. Real Tree or artificial...even though I threaten each year to get a fake one I don't think I could really ever do it. I love the smell and look of a real one.
3. When do you put up the tree?..A couple of weeks before Christmas.
4. When do you take the tree down?... Usually after the New Year.
5. Do you like egg nog?... Yucko
6. Favorite gift received as a child?... Barbies and my first boom box
7. Hardest person to buy for...Tim's parents
8. Easiest person to buy for...Blake and his cousins
9. Do you have a nativity scene...Yes
10. Mail or email Christmas cards...Mail--It's a dying art and I'm trying to revive it.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?... That would be mean ;o)
12. Favorite Christmas movie?... White Christmas
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?... The day after Thanksgiving.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? ...Yes, our family has a set of "I'm with Stupid" shirts that go to a different family each year.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? ... Chocolate covered cherries
16. Lights on the tree? ... YES--the blinkier (I just made that word up) the better
17. Favorite Christmas Song?...Mary did you know and O holy night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? ... Home, all of the family is around here
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? ...Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet, Cupid and Donner and Blitzen and of Course Rudolph. Yes, I had to sing the song.
20. Angel on top of the tree or star? ...Angel
21. Open the presents on Christmas Eve or Morning?... Both because we celebrate with each side of the families on different days.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? ... Trying to get it all done and still not forget what it's really all about.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? ... We always call our tree the "Charlie Brown tree" because it has a little of everything and they all mean something. I love all the memories when we hang the ornaments.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?... Ham
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? ... To not get stressed about all there is to do and focus on the giving.

Home at last

She's finally home. We brought her home last night and she spent the day with our vet getting more IV fluids. Her labs are still a little high so she goes back tomorrow to check them again. Hopefully we'll be in follow up mode now until we get her off the meds. Thank you all for the sweet thoughts for Lexie.

I'm thinking pet insurance is in order for this little undiscerning eater or ours. I mean she eats kitty roca" (if you don't know, don't ask) so there is not telling what's next.

Poor little puppy

Our little 6 month old puppy Lexie is in the animal hospital in Portland. Saturday night I found her with a tube of my husbands Psoriasis medicine that she had been chewing on. She was being way to quiet so I went to find out what she was doing. Dogs are like children in that way. We're not sure how much she had but we called the Pet Poison Control and they said we should take her in immediately to the vet. It was 9 pm and the only place open is a 24 hour pet ER, ICU, hospital in Portland so we took her there. It turns out that the medicine can be deadly when ingested. It raises the blood calcium which then can damage various soft tissue such as the liver, kidney's etc. We were there until around midnight and we were told they would need to keep her for four days. They gave her activated charcoal and started her on IV fluids. They will do blood work every 12 hours to check the levels on her kidneys and liver.

Thankfully my friend Holly came over and stayed with Blake so both Tim and I could go. It was very traumatic. It turns out that I'm very attached to this little creature. I know that some would say "hey it's just a dog" but she really has become a member of our family. We went to see her tonight and so far she's had a little bit of the runs and her blood levels are just slightly elevated. If she stays the same we may be able to transfer her to our vet sometime tomorrow. We'll just have to see how the blood work turns out the next couple of times.

I really hope she is okay. I just can't imagine loosing her so early in her sweet little life. She has brought a great deal of joy, love and laughter to our home even if she is "just a dog". It will be good if we can get her closer to home. The hospital is about 45 minutes from here. I'm just glad that such a thing exists and is close enough to help. I'm up now because I'm worried about her being lonely and thinking we have abandoned her. I know it's not rational but it just is.

I love Black Friday!!

Some would say that I'm crazy but to those people I would just say "Crazy is as crazy does" because I was able to get all but 4 of my Christmas gifts purchased in one day" Woo-hoo!!

I really do enjoy shopping the day after Thanksgiving. It's become a tradition for me and several of my friends. We start at Fred Meyer at 5:00 a.m. for the sock sales etc. Then we go have breakfast at Elmers, head over to Tannasborne for Target and Michaels and then go to Streets of Tannasborne for random stores. The best part is that I'm usually home by 11:00 ish.

Yes, the crowds can be crazy and some people can be cranky (those are my favorites because I love to wish them a Merry Christmas in my sweetest voice and watch them process it) but it really starts off the Christmas season for me. Hearing the music in the stores and having fun with my friends.

What say you? Fun or never gonna happen?

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day. I have been given so much. I have a wonderful family, a home that truly feels like a refuge from the world outside, great friends, plenty to eat (more than I should most of the time) and last but not least, the gospel. The Lord has truly blessed me with more than I deserve and I am truly thankful.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

8 x 8 Meme

A loooonnnggg time ago Kate tagged me to do this MeMe. Better late than never right?

8 things about 8 things

1. 8 TV Shows I Watch:

a. Survivor

b. The Amazing Race

c. Reba

d. Grey's Anatomy

e. So you think you dance


f. House

g. The Dog Whisperer

h. Lost


2. 8 Favourite Restaurants: (in no particular order)

a. McGraths

b. Red Robin

c. Elmer's (love their breakfast food)

d. Mazatlan

e. Olive Garden

f. Hunan Pearl

g. Red Lobster

h. Sweet Tomatoes

3. 8 Things That Happened Yesterday:

a. took the dog for a walk

b. helped a little neighbor boy that was locked out of his house and his mom and grandma were at work

c. downloaded more pictures to my digital frame

d. did a couple of loads of laundry

e. worked

f. played with my son

g. ate some yummy snickerdoodles that my hubby made

h. made a Christmas list to get ready for shopping

4. 8 Things I’m Looking Forward To:

a. Thanksgiving

b. Christmas

c. hopefully going to SLC for conference in April

d. 4 day weekend

e. shopping the day after Thanksgiving with my friends (it's a yearly tradition)

f. spring

g. being with my family for eternity

h. going to the beach

5. 8 Things On My Wishlist:

a. Diamond Earrings

b. A TV with HD

c. a closet organizer and someone to put it in

d. red fuzzy crocs (hey, I love em no matter how ugly they are, what can I say?)

e. a cherry red convertible mustang with leather seats

f. a bigger house with a family room upstairs

g. a very well trained dog

h. being a size 8

6. 8 Things I Love:

a. My husband

b. my son

c. the gospel

d. Heavenly father and Jesus Christ

e. my friends

f. the temple

g. my in-laws

h. my dog and cats

7. 8 Things I Can’t Stand:

a. intolerance

b. bigotry

c. two faced people

d. insincerity

e. people who drive like they have some kind of special license that allows them to speed and cut you off and otherwise endanger your life

f. bad customer service, I want people to be nice when they take my money

g. Parents that teach their children to hate

h. disrespect

8. 8 People I Am Tagging:

This might be hard because I'm not sure that I even have 8 people that read my blog these days. Those that do can do this if you like but no pressure. Tags should be fun and not something to feel guilty about not doing.

a. Carrie

b. Nancy

c. Yvonne

d. Amber

e. Beth

f. Mindy

g. Gabe

h. Melissa

When getting a yurt is like winning the lottery

Several years ago, my family discovered camping in a Yurt. They are convenient and warm and a wonderful way to camp. Each year we would book a few weekends to camp in the summer and had a great time. Well, the last few years it has been nearly impossible to get a yurt in the summer on a weekend. It seems that everyone has discovered out little secret about how yurt camping is so great. Now it's like winning the lottery apparently because I just can't get a reservation. I've been trying now since early July to book for next year. The rules are that the earliest you can reserve is 9 months from the date you want. I have tried calling and the computer at the same time each Friday at 8am when they open and by 8:01 a.m. every yurt is booked in Oregon State Parks. I guess it's back to tent camping for us because I never have been lucky at the lottery. Oy!!

**Update** I should have complained sooner because minutes after writing this I was able to make a reservation for a beach down South on the coast for 3 nights**

Party time

Blake had such a fun time Saturday at his party. Lots of good friends, family, food and fun. The pinata was a blast and the time just flew by.

Blake's 6th Birthday

6 years...when did that happen?

How on earth can 6 years go by and it feel like only a minute? Blake is 6 years old today. He's very excited to need 2 hands to show his age on now. He has a party scheduled tomorrow with 10 of his friends and cousins and is very excited. Tonight we will take him to dinner wherever he wants to go and then we might go see Madagascar 2.

I can't believe that it's been six years ago today when they placed this sweet child in my arms and I became not just Tonya but a mother. I had yearned for it for so many years that the moment was the sweetest of my life. I knew the moment I saw him that he was mine. I couldn't physically carry him for some reason (I'll be asking about that when I see Heavenly Father) but the Lord made sure he got to me. These last six years have been the most joyful of my life. Yes, they have been the hardest but the rewards far outweigh the grief. I never knew the capacity that my heart had to love until I met this little child. The amazing thing is that the love just continues to grow. Just when I think that I can't possibly love him more, my heart seems to expand and make room. Yes, he is a challenge and is always testing me to make sure that I'm still the boss. But wow this kid is amazing. He's smart, funny, inquisitive, compassionate and has a zest for life that is rarely matched. He makes me laugh on a daily basis with his view of the world and often frustrates me in the next breath. He's into everything superhero or Star Wars and so wants to be older than he is. He loves his mommy and daddy and likes us all to be together. If Tim and I are gone he always asks the other one when we will be home because things just aren't right unless we are all under one roof. He loves his grandma and grandpa it seems sometimes more than his mom and dad. They are very close and have him over all the time. He loves almost every child he meets and instantly wants to have a play date. I feel bad sometimes that he's an only child be he has lots of sudo brothers and sisters.

I'm so thankful that I was chosen to be this little mans mom. What a amazing and overwhelming experience it has been. I look forward to doing my best to raise him right and watch him become the amazing man that I know he will be. Heaven help me. Literally.

Dog Whisperer Wanna-be

Lexie and I started doggie training class a couple of weeks ago. It's been well worth the money. Our walks around the neighborhood have been much better and she's learning some basic commands. Hopefully she'll come out with a few manners as well. I really think these classes are to train me more than anything.

**Sidenote** Apparently the red vest is the official "dog training" uniform. The other gal in the picture is Blake's sitter Paula and her sweet puppy Murphy.

Veterans Day

I grew up in a military family. My dad was in the air force for 21 years and even though he got out only a few years after I was born, he ran his home like the military. We got up early (WE didn't dare to burn daylight) and we worked hard. We respected authority and didn't talk back to our superiors. To say that I didn't appreciate it at the time would be an understatement. Looking back on it though (ah, that hindsight) I realize how this shaped me as a person. I am never late. In fact, I would say that 99% of the time I am early. This annoys me but it's a good thing as well. I have a good work ethic. My dad always taught me that anything worth doing was worth doing right. Last but not least my dad instilled in me a great love for my country and for those that serve or have served it.

If you know me, you know that my father was far from perfect. However, he did love me and he loved his country. Today is the 6th anniversary of my fathers death. I always thought it was appropriate that he died on Veterans Day. He was a true American. He served his country with all his might and he loved it. I'm thankful that he helped me to truly appreciate the freedoms that we have and to appreciate those who fought/fight to keep them.

Thank you Dad. Thank you to all those who selflessly give everything, including their lives, to keep this great country free. I appreciate and love all of you. God Bless America!!

Proud to be an American

Regardless of how this day turns out, I am so thankful to be an American. I'm so grateful to know that I have the right to vote for the leader of my country. I have a voice. It may be a small voice but I do have one. I want to thank all of those that have fought, and continue to fight and die, for me to have this right. I am free to do this without fear of harm. I am free to worship as I see fit. What a blessing to live in this great land.

Happy Halloween

Luckily the rain held off last night for trick or treating. We had a great time going to the truck or treat at the church and then going to a neighborhood where we know several people. Blake got lots of candy and even a few tricks. The neighborhood we went to pulled out all the stops. Many of the houses were really decked out. I can't believe how much work they put into it. Very cool.

Dark Vader (you thought it was Darth Vader right? Not according to Blake)

Blake and his buddy Rayden.

K-9 cop (this picture could be in one of those "why animals attack" emails..lol)

Insomnia

How can I be so tired and not be able to fall asleep? Because I can't shut my mind up for anything tonight. It wants to solve all my problems and some of the worlds problems as well. It's now 10:43pm and I have to get up at 4:15am, 430am if I pull my hair back. No matter how you slice it, that is not going to be much sleep. Hopefully I can get some of my thoughts out here so I can get to sleep soon.

I have a friend that has been telling me that I'm burning the candle at both ends. The trouble is that I know that and most days it feels like the candle is going to burn me but I don't know how to fix it. You see, the things that are keeping me busy are good things by most standards. Church, PTO, family, friends, work etc. I'm probably no busier than most moms I know. I just need to find some kind of balance. I want so much to be everything to everyone but sometimes it feels that I'm loosing myself in the process. I keep thinking that next month will get better and things will slow down but it doesn't happen. Now the holidays are creeping up and instead of looking forward to them, I'm dreading the extra things they will put on my plate. That is just sad. I also don't like sounding like a whiner. Oh poor me, I have such a busy life..blah blah. Why does it seem that some people have it so together? What do they know that I don't? How do they the energy to get it all done and still make breakfast from scratch?

Work has also been hard. I am truly thankful that I have job when so many don't. I know this and yet I dread going in so much that I get cranky on Sunday afternoon at the thought of it. The work itself is okay but the people are a real challenge. I'm hoping to just bide my time until I can find somewhere else within the company. What I really need to do is go back to school and learn how to do something that I really want to do. But if you refer to paragraph #2, just where exactly am I going to fit that in? I want to be doing something that makes a difference in the lives of others. I want to work with people, not computers. I want to be a nurse or work in the medical field again in some capacity. I was truly the happiest when I was working in a hospital waking people up at all unearthly hours to draw their blood. It was not much but it made me feel like I was helping someone.

There are many more thoughts rolling around in my head but I've babbled and whined enough. Hopefully just offloading this much will help. I know it will all work out. I know that I am truly blessed in so many ways. This is what I need, no will, focus on.

Another year older and wiser too???

Well, I'm another year older anyway. One out of two isn't too bad right? Walking home from school today with my son, we had a conversation about how old I am. I think it kind of put it in perspective today for him when I explained that while he's been in this world just shy of 6 years, his mommy has been in this world 37 years today. Maybe he'll finally get that I really do know more than him about most things. Nah, who am I kidding..lol

I had a very nice Birthday weekend. Hubby's mom made my favorite dinner for me Saturday night and we had a very nice celebration. The boys had made me my favorite cake, yellow cake with chocolate icing, the night before. Yummy!! My family is always good about making me feel very special. I had the day off today because I just couldn't see working on my birthday especially when it's a Monday. I volunteered in Blake's class which was a real treat. I'm going to have to figure out a way to do that more often.

Thank you for the birthday wishes!!

First time for the tooth fairy

Blake has had a couple of loose teeth now for a few weeks and he's been wiggling and wiggling them and then look what happened today

No fuss, no muss. He just pulled the first one out and then the second one. His first "big" tooth is already coming in as you can see in the extreme close up picture. It looks like the tooth fairy will be visiting us tonight for the very first time. Wonder what the going rate is these days?

Carving out some memories

First you have to pick the pumpkins Take the before picture

Have a little fun while you are picking out your pumpkins

Help daddy make a cake for mom's birthday

Mix the cake

Purse your lips really hard . (This is why we call him bird , look at those lips)

Concentrate on what you are doing

Push through when you're getting tired

Get a lesson from your mom

Pose for a picture with mom

Show off the finished products

Light them up and take an "after" shot

First parent/teacher conference

Last Thursday was our very first parent/teacher conference. Blake has been in school now for about 6 weeks and we were anxious to hear how it was going. We heard exactly what we expected. This has been the description of Blake since he was a baby. "Blake is very bright and very active" In other words if and when he sits still for five seconds he knows what he's doing.

This child came into our lives as if on a mission. He rolled over both ways at 3 months, crawled at 6 months and hasn't looked back since. Some say "Oh, he's just a boy and it's normal" While I would like to believe that his activity level is normal, I know that it is not. I have been around enough children his age now to see the difference.

I truly wouldn't change him for the world. He is sweet, smart, funny, inquisitive and has a zest for life that knocks my socks off. However we do think we will need to intervene soon so he can be successful. We need to find ways to direct this endless energy for good. We talked to the teacher and she is going to ask around and see what kind of help is out there. I just want him to be able to be successful. If we can get him and us the tools to get him there then I am all for it. The teacher was saying they will probably send someone in to observe him without him knowing that he's been observed. They'll find out how often, in a certain time frame, that he gets distracted and looses his focus among other things. What will happen remains to be seen and a lot can change in a short time at this age. This story is definitely to be continued.

Sweet moment in "the sweet life"

Have you ever had one of those moments in life where you find it truly hard to describe? The English language, or any other language for that matter, seems to be insufficient. I had one of those moments last Saturday. I was kneeling across the alter from my child and my husband in the temple of our God. We were sealed together as a family for all time and eternity.

The entire day was just wonderful. The weather was a perfect sunny, cool and crisp fall day. We arrived at the temple at 9:30 in the morning and from there it just got better and better. I did some initiatories while waiting on Tim. We then met up and headed for his endowment. It was so awesome to see him there with me after all these years. I couldn't help but smile from ear to ear the entire time. I kept it together pretty well until Holly hugged me. The emotion then came flooding out.

After the endowment we were lead to a sealing room where about 40 of our dear friends were there to support us. The sealer was warm and funny and after Tim and I were sealed they brought our sweet boy to us. He was embarrassed to have everyone looking at him and came running over to me. He then put his little hand on ours and we were sealed together forever. As I said already, it's to hard to put how I felt into words but that moment in time will be burned into my mind forever. It was the second (next only to having my son placed into my arms) sweetest moment of my life. I feel so blessed to have these two boys in my life and now to have them for all eternity. Wow..just wow. Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing me so richly. I am truly thankful.

Here are a few pictures from after.

Is he cute or what?

For my posterity (part 3)

So I made that decision. I was baptized March 22, 2002. What a wonderful day. Tim thought I was a bit off my rocker but was totally supportive. Mark and Gary made the trip with a few of their kids and finally I met my gospel mentors. If I hadn't known it before, I knew it then, these were my brothers. I'm convinced we were in the same family in our premortal life. They found me here and taught me and Mark baptized me. Gary spoke at the baptism. It was wonderful. I was sure that after I left the water I was glowing. I felt an overwhelming warmth and most of all. I felt love. I felt wrapped in my Savior's arms. He was pleased with my decision and I knew it.

The next day I was confirmed in church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. I also partook of the sacrament for the first time. At this point I had been attending church since January. I had never taken sacrament. I didn't feel worthy. I remember my first day at church. True to form, Mark and Gary called the bishop and let him know that I would coming. I sat in the parking lot of the church that first Sunday scared to death. What was I getting myself into? I called Mark and told him that I just couldn't do it. He calmly talked me into giving it a try. I mustered up the nerve and walked through the door. There was Bishop Carver with this big smile on his face. He said "You must be Tonya Kelley, we've been expecting you. Welcome" He then introduced me to a lady he called Sister Cottam. She wrapped me in her arms and ushered me over to sit by her. It was like she had known me for years. I sat down and had this odd feeling of coming home. I knew this was where I was supposed to be.

I made it back the next Sunday and was sitting in Relief Society when in walked this gal that looked as uncomfortable as I felt. She came over and sat down by me and we started talking. Her name was Holly and she and her family had just moved back to the area after being in Washington State for several years. Little did I know at the time but this person and her family would be my rock. We would grow as close as sisters and her family would become my church family. From that time on we sat together at church. They took me in as one of theirs. I can't even begin to tell you how this helped me. I am 100% positive that I would not have made it to where I am now without them. They missed me if I didn't come. They truly cared for me. They stood by me every step of the way. My baptism, my son, my son's surgery, my dad's death, my mom's death, when I went through the temple for myself and everything else to this point.

It's hard to explain how hard it was to keep going. To just get to church each week. Early on I heard a talk where a awesome lady (who knows who she is) said "You can't go inactive in 7 days". When things were hard I kept repeating this to myself. Just get to church. Do the little things and you will make it. I am living proof that having a good friend (and her family) and a calling make all the difference to a convert. Often, had it not been for one or more of these things I wouldn't have made it. I would have stopped. It would have been so easy. Just stop going. Stop tithing. Stop it all. It would have been much easier. But I was different, I had changed. A mighty miracle had occurred in my heart. I was no longer the person I was before. I know knew the pure joy that the gospel can bring. The direction it gives.

I stuck it out. Tim joined a year ago and we will be going to the temple in 9 short days. What a miracle it has all been. What a wild up and down roller coaster. Some days I was far from the path and the rod and others I was wrapped tight around it. How do I thank my Heavenly Father for this life he has given me. What words are sufficient? I don't have them but he knows how I feel. Even when I'm wandering around a little to far from the path, he knows.

By the way, Mark and Gary will be here again for our sealing. They were here for my baptism, my temple trip, Tim's baptism and now they will see it all come to fruition. Our little family will be sealed together for time and eternity.

What will we do for an encore after that? :o)

For my posterity (part 2)

I have always been someone that believed in Christ. I knew that God existed even though at times I had felt forsaken. I had been to many churches as a youth and had tried many with Tim and never found the one that seemed right so it would never last.

In the years of trying to have a baby and not being successful I had all but given up on God. I felt betrayed, hurt and downright angry so I stopped talking to him. Not until I asked that question of Mark did I start thinking about Him again.

Mark I talked a little bit about the church at that time. He explained the LDS church and what it was all about it. As our friendship grew, I gradually asked more questions. Mostly because I'm nosey like that but I also like to think that I was searching again. He would answer my questions but never pushed the issue. Eventually he introduced me to his brother-in-law Gary that happened to also be one of his missionary companions way back when. By this time we were talking on the phone and I got to know him better as well getting to know his family. Mark and Gary both were/are married and each had 4 kids at the time. (they now each have 5, they are competitive like that) As the time went by, I asked more questions and often we would all three talk about the gospel.

It's now April of 01 and get a package in the mail. In it is a whole bunch of Utah goodies and a Book of Mormon with Mark and his wife Denise's testimony written in it. It also had several scripture references highlighted for me. By this time, hubby knew of Mark and Gary and their families even though he thought it a little odd. I can see why looking back on it how one might feel that way but believe me it seemed as natural as anything ever had.


I would occasionally pick up the Book and thumb through it. I would even try to read a few verses but it always seemed like I was reading another language. A few months went by and Mark asked if I had read it yet. I told him that I was having trouble getting into it and he and Gary challenged me to read 10 pages a day. They would also read 10 pages a day and we would meet once a week on the phone to discuss what we had read and so I could ask any questions that came up. I took the challenge and we did just that. Before long, I had completed the entire Book of Mormon. Somewhere along the way, I just knew that what I was reading was another testament of Jesus Christ. I could feel it and it seemed vaguely familiar. That's kind of how hearing about the gospel seemed to me, vaguely familiar.

As the guys told me about a modern day prophet and apostles it all seemed to make sense. Why would God leave us alone in these troubled times. It made sense in my head and then I started feeling the conversion in my heart.


Mark and Gary called the missionaries and in November of 2001 I started taking the discussions. Tim wanted to sit in because he wanted to know just what I was getting myself in to. I had my doubts that these 19 and 20 year old "kids" would be able to teach me anything but I soon realized that they had been given a special mantle to carry. They were on God's errand and each time they taught me, I felt more and more of that sweet warm feeling burning in my bosom. I knew it was true. But more than that, I knew that God knew that I knew that it was true. There was no way of getting out of it. I had a decision to make. To be continued...

For my posterity (part 1)

As the date of our sealing approaches I have been reflecting on my journey into the church and the years leading from there to here. It's truly been an amazing ride. Nothing short of a miracle. I want my posterity to know more about how this whole "Mormon" thing came to be.

It all started on a blustery fall day in October of 1971. Wait, that might be to far back. Let's fast forward a bit to some random night in November of 2000. Tim is working yet another swing shift and I'm home alone again. We've had our computer now for about 9 months and I'm discovering all the things the Internet has to offer. In the last little while I've found these new fangled things called chat rooms. Here you can go in and talk to people all over the world. Little did I know that doing so that night would change my life forever. In one of these random chat rooms (I honestly don't know which one or what kind), I met a guy named Mark. I know *gasp* I met a guy online. Well, it wasn't like that so stop the gasping and eyebrow raising. This guy was at that very moment "working"at a dam in Utah and was in the same chat room. We started chatting and almost instantly I felt that I had known him all my life. I decided to add him to my instant messenger and from that moment on, we were friends. We chatted for hours about his family, my family, his work, my work and everything else under the sun. Eventually over the weeks the talk turned to religion. I asked him "Do you go to church?" and he said "Yes, I'm LDS"

That little simple question that has probably been asked a million times by a million people changed my life forever. To be continued.....

Is it just me?

Or does the playlist on blogs bug anyone else. Now, I just love music. It is a part of my life in a major way. It has the power to move to the core and speak to my soul. However, I always turn off the playlists when reading a blog. It turns out that I can't listen and read at the same time. I'm sure there are some great songs on these that I turn off but I just can't take it. Am I alone out there?

Happy Baptism-versary my honey

Timmer Don,

It's unreal to me that it's been one year ago as of Sept 15th that you joined the church. I can't tell you how much it's meant to me to get to watch you grow and progress in this gospel. It has been a blessing to see you become the man you are today, a priesthood holder and the spiritual leader of our home. I thought I would burst when you gave our son his first fathers blessing. It was such a sweet moment.

Thank you for your faith, your love and your patience all these years. As the saying goes "We've come a long way baby" Our next step is less than a month away and I know it will be wonderful. It's been a long bumpy road getting there but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I know the road will still have a pothole here and there as we continue this journey but I can't think of a single person that I would rather go with. My heart is full of gratitude for you and the blessings we have received.

I look forward to spending the eternities with you.

All my love,

Me

In case you were wondering

what your hard earned tax dollars are paying for, here's an example.

My sitter picked up my son from kindergarten Tuesday and on the way back to her house she asked him how his day was and asked what he had done. The conversation went like this

Sitter: What did you do today Blake?

Blake: nothing, we didn't even go anywhere

Sitter: well what did you learn in your classroom?

Blake: nothing

Sitter: what did your teacher talk about?

Blake: I don't know, I wasn't listening

Sitter: Blake you didn't listen to anything she said?

Blake: no, but I will listen to you at your house miss Paula

Oh boy, it's a good thing that this is the first year of school and he'll get a lot more practice.

First day of School

Officially a student

The following picture pretty much sums up the day. It speaks volumes doesn't it?

The first day of school? How in the world did that happen? I'm sure that I just brought him home from the hospital. I can remember it all like it was yesterday. On one hand, I'm glad I've gotten him to the point that he is secure and feels okay about us leaving him in this scary new world and on the other, I wanted him to cling to me and say he wasn't ready to leave his mommy.
Well, that's enough of the mooshy stuff. Today went well. We got up early and he was eager to get dressed in his new clothes and shoes. His backpack was nearly as big as he is. Last night he asked me "Mom, are you and daddy going to walk me to school?" I said yes and he said "Why, I know the way." Such an independent little guy.

Here he is "working hard" with his friend Zach.

This the sign outside the school.

Ready to go.

Okay, who is this big kid and what have you done with my baby?

See, I told you the backpack was just about as big as he is