It's been forever since I've posted here. The other day I came back to this blog, because I was trying to find dates for when we did some updates on our old Orem house for tax reasons, and as I was reading some of my old posts I realized what a good practice it was and what great memories it brought back. I've thought about finding a new format for recording things, but I've had a lot to be thankful for recently and so thought I'd write a few things down.

1. Renewed strength of the Spirit. A few months back I felt inspired that I needed to wake up earlier to spend a few minutes with, and say a prayer with, Josh before he leaves for school each morning. I decided to use that extra time before the other kids get up to also read and study my scriptures and the "Preach My Gospel" manual. I also went to Women's Conference with Becca, and have felt inspired by the other women on the Stake Girls' Camp Committee I've been serving on. It's really renewed my faith and testimony.

2. Naomi as a friend, and missionary. Naomi has become really good friends with the Stoll twin girls that are just a couple houses down from us. Back in November she invited them to her baptism, which they didn't come to. She also invited them to our ward Christmas Breakfast, and their whole family came to that and seemed to really enjoy it. I've also gone walking with Heather (their mom) and have enjoyed getting to know her. Then they invited her to their First Communion and celebration party. It was a good opportunity to talk to Naomi about respecting other's beliefs, recognizing the good in other churches, while also learning how to respond to their questions about our faith, recognizing where/how our faith is different than their or others, and what that can do for our own testimony. It's been a real growing experience.

3. Busy schedules with cute kids. I'll be honest; sometimes I go crazy trying to keep everyone's schedules straight and getting kids from here to there and back again. It's nuts. But we enjoy being active and busy. I love seeing my kids try and improve in different things. And I'm learning to find and enjoy small moments here and there with my kids. We talk in the car, stop at the library or park and watch and cheer each other on. The other day TJ was complaining about not wanting to go and watch Dekker, then Josh. I said, How about if I let you pick what we get and take for a picnic dinner during Josh's game. At first he still said no, then said:
"Wait, like could I pick Dairy Keen?!"
"Sure" I said.
"And can we get some ice cream?!"
"Well, we could get a couple milkshakes to share- those are easier to carry to a game."
"Okay!" he was finally smiling.
A few minutes later he started asking, "Is it time to go yet?!"
"Oh, NOW you're excited, huh?" I replied.
Then, giving me a hug, he said, "Mom, you know just how to make me happy!"

4. Eliminating the clutter. I've never been a big fan of "Stuffies" and dolls, yet Naomi especially had accumulated quite a few. Then a while back she decided they were creepy. I guess there's a couple books/shows that she's HEARD about (hasn't even read or seen herself) where the toys come to life and are possessed or evil. So, she decided to pack away her stuffies and dolls. I was reminded about how happy I was to be rid of them yesterday when I was asking her about playing with her friends.
"Did you have fun playing with Alyssa and Bryn?"
"Yes."
"What did you play?" I asked
"We played this weird game with all their baby dolls. I played and tried to have fun... even though baby dolls really kinda creep me out!!"

5. Jake and his commitment to the gospel. Jake was ordained a high priest and asked to serve on the stake high council. He was sad to leave the young men, but has really enjoyed and grown while serving with the stake presidency. I've loved seeing this growth in him. He has to attend a lot of meetings, but he really doesn't complain. And while a lot of the men he associates with through work and social functions are going through these faith crises, Jake is able to share his faith and testimony with them. He loves the gospel and the Lord. I'm so thankful for that.