Some good Reads!

I must say that I haven't been reading like I enjoy. I really do love a good book. Well last week with Megan being sick I read 2, and am starting another. Only because all she wanted me to do was sit and hold her. One was our book club read 'The five Love Languages of Children" by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, I really liked this book even though I didn't get it in time for book club it's one I would recommend to anyone that didn't get a chance or would like a great insight on how to learn to love your children in their own love language. They point out how by doing this one can really have a deeper understanding about ones kids and I will admit it really has helped me understand my son so much more. I have been applying all 5 that he recommends trying to really determine his main one. They say one can't determine your child's love language under 5 so I have just been applying all of them to my girls for now as well. They list the love languages as "Physical Touch, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gifts, and Acts of Service" When you read the book you will gain a greater understanding on how to use each of these and how they apply. Anyway if anyone is looking for a great read this is a good one I am interested in several other books in the series and can't wait to get them from the library.

The other book I read was called "Counting Blessings" by Kerry Blair this was recommended to me by a couple people and I must say it was really great also. It is written for women and it is a lot of short essays that she has written. She is fun, witty and her writing keeps you interested. I couldn't help but find myself chuckling out loud over and over again. I loved her thoughts on the Wizard of Oz and it's metaphor on life. She points out that "we all need strength & character to make it back to our Heavenly home. The scarecrow needed a brain-Don't we all, then she points out the importance of staying on the Yellow brick road otherwise we take the risk of being pelted with apples and staying on the straight & narrow. The tin man needed a heart, the very essence of life and the Lion-courage, the scriptures say if we are prepared we shall not fear (are we)? Then she points out the witches and how easy they are to avoid in life but it's the flying monkeys that are hard. They get us, they are the t.v., sports, work, Internet, $, games, power, fame, whatever in the world that distracts us to take our eyes off the savior, even if only briefly. The Emerald City is like the spacious bldg. in Lehi's dream, bright, sparkling, and beautiful on the outside and a lot of fun. But inside nothing but sham. No power, no promises, few laughs maybe but no lasting joy. Maybe this is why Dorothy still wanted to go home after touring it. The funny part was going home was the easy part. Like us no power on OZ or earth is stronger than our power to pray, repent, preserve, and progress. If we have faith in the plan, stick together, and stay on straight and narrow (yellow brick road) there's nowhere to go but home. The slippers were just a fashion statement." Anyway she goes into more detail and it was really interesting as I thought about it and put it into perspective. She just has a way with words and I really enjoyed it.

Another part that I really liked was this, she says "glancing at the hymnal last Sunday, I noted that as sisters in Zion, we who are called to serve are all enlisted to go marching, marching forward because the world has need of willing men to all press on scattering sunshine. We wonder if we have done any good in the world today, because we have been given much and want to do what is rights, keep the commandments, press forward with the Saints, and put our shoulders to the wheel going where He wants us to go. However, as the morning breaks high on the mountain top, truth reflects upon our senses, and while we still believe that sweet is the work, we also realize that we have work enough to do ere the sun goes down. And thus we ask ere we part, where can we turn for peace?" I loved this I reread this 4 times and it just inspired me how creative she is as a writer. It helped me think about our hymns in such a different light. Anyway it's a great read if anyone is looking for a good one. Maybe even a good book club read who knows.

I am now starting Fablehaven, first day and I am more than half done, I have a feeling I'll be finishing it by tomorrow. Good read so far.

Reading!!!

I love to watch my kids succeed at something that they work so hard for. It has been so much fun watching Justin learn to read. Tonight he read me 5 books by himself and then when I left he reread them again. Then he came out of his room and asked if he could call his grandma and read her a book, which he did, then his dad. He is really enjoying it which is the fun part. I love to see his little eyes light up when he says "the end" to another book he has mastered. Anyway it has been such a fun time watching him do this this year. Being a parent has so many great opportunities I wouldn't change it for anything. Keep up the good work Justin!

Our economy???

Our economy isn't the greatest right now obviously and it is something we have really been thinking a lot about recently. I have really been trying to get our food storage, trauma kits, water, saving and cutting back on unnecessary things. I will admit it has been a struggle at times but overall I think our family has really been more blessed. I have really been talking to the kids about keeping lights off, eating all their meals, not wasting, etc. And fixing things that have broken rather than throwing them away and buying a new one. And FYI watch the rates because now is a great time to refinance your mortgage loan, it has dropped in the 4% range several times in the last few months. I guess for me consciously thinking about all of this has helped me have a better understanding for what the savior talks about in the scriptures. About preparing every needful thing and our current leaders telling us to prepare for a rainy day and get our food storage and get out of debt. Currently we are so blessed Rob has a great job and things have been going so well for him but we never know when something may change. I guess I have had that on my mind a lot lately and how I just want to be prepared and pray that I would be in case something did ever happen. I still have a long way to go I realized but a little each day, week, or month really can make a big difference. I watched Oprah last week (which I never do because I never have time too but I saw a special on her show while at the Gym) and her entire show was on what we can do to cut costs and save money etc. I recorded it if anyone wants to see it it was really helpful to me and I really liked a lot of the things that were said. Anyway I share this only to remind myself and maybe anyone else that times are hard but they will get better. Help one another and prepare ourselves now because no ones futures are secure and for sure. Anything could happen. I am so happy I have a family and no matter what we will be together! I only hope I can continue to be better prepared! I need just remember "if ye are prepared ye shall not fear" I guess I'm not ready then because I am a little afraid. Apparently I have more work to do.

Sleepovers!

February 2009

I don't know what it is but my kids love sleepovers with each other. I only allow them on Friday nights since Justin has school but they ask me all week long when is Friday mom. They look forward to it. I love how they set up their little beds and put their stuffed animals in their own little houses and blankets too. It is really fun for them and a fun way for there relationship to grow. Occasionally we give it a try with Megan too but she seems to have a harder time still. Maybe when she's a little older I guess. They don't always go to sleep right at 8 o clock bedtime but usually within a few hours this is how they look. Ah peace and quiet.

silly kids

February 2009

Katie, Jade, and brooklynn at preschool on day. They created the shape picture behind them! Good job I think.
Katie and Brooklynn being silly one day when they were playing.

At the Fire Station!

February 2009

Today we took a field trip to the fire station with the Joy School kids. And any other siblings or kids that wanted to come. They had a lot of fun looking at the trucks and listening to the firemen.

The kids with the trucks and firemen.
My family

They are all plugging their ears because the siren is on. They had to decide if the ambulance or the Firetruck was louder. I think they said the Firetruck won. I thought it was a close tie personally.

Me and Megan in her fire hat.

The fireman all dressed and ready for the fire. The kids had such a fun time telling him to put on all his clothes. Stepping on his feet (since nothing could hurt his feet in those boots), hitting his head (since nothing could hurt him with his helmet on). etc. It was really fun.

Here the kids are telling the fireman what to wear and why each piece of clothing and uniform is important. They loved this part and would just laugh and laugh.

Listening to the fireman talk to the kids about the firehouse.