We Believe...

"We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth."

Many fundamentalist churches believe in speaking in tongues. I don't believe this is the kind of tongues referred to in the seventh article of faith, as I have never heard anyone speak in tongues at an LDS church. But when you think about 19 year old young men and 21 year old young women going into the Missionary Training center for really just a few short weeks, then you will believe in the gift of tongues. After just a short amount of time, these young men and women emerge from the training centers fluent enough in a foreign language to live and teach the gospel in a foreign country. Amazing!

I personally believe in visions, as I have had some myself of a personal nature which I will not share, but know that it had to do with my children.

I also believe very strongly in healings. I have seen my dad walk away from a near death bed with a pulmonary embolism, I have seen my daughter healed. I know with faith all things are possible.

Memorial Day - This is a last! :(

We spent Memorial Day at my parents house having a little BBQ and swimming. This will be the last one as they just bought a new house...And assuming it doesn't take them a year to sell the current house, I'm fairly certain this is the last Memorial Day BBQ. To say that I am upset with my parents would be an understatement, but I won't go there...

Why anyone would want to leave this gorgeous pool and yard is beyond me...

Here is my new camera in action. I really wanted one that could capture motion. With three kids, things are always in motion.

My dad and brother cooking things up and one impatient Miguel waiting for some meat.

My sis-in-law and my niece, Zoe relaxing poolside. She is on "modified bedrest". She keeps trying to have the baby early. She has seven more weeks!

Sorry no swimsuit pics of me! Swimsuit, cowboy hat and camera....

An odd combination!

Hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day, too...

Eight is great!

Eight is great! But I'm not going to tag eight friends. You can do this if you would like. Some were actually kind of hard...Have fun!

8 THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO:

Summer Break

My trip with KT

Weekends

an immaculate house

finishing my redecorating project

cleaning out the garage because then it will be done!

my daily workouts

climbing into bed each night. Ahhh!

8 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY:

Went to work

Cub scout den meeting

took Ladybug to softball practice

ran the dishwasher

played bejeweled

went to the library

ate McDonalds (kind of contrary to my health kick)

8 THINGS I WISH I COULD DO:

Run a marathon

Become a published writer

win the lottery

finish my education

Lose 15 pounds

enjoy sports as much as KT

not get so stressed out (relax more)

turn back time

8 SHOWS I WATCH:

24

Heroes

Lost

Biggest Loser

The Office

Design on a Dime

Fox News American Idol (sometimes)

Woww

"Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing."

~Franklin~

Playing Hookie

A few weeks ago we decided to play hookie from church and go on a day trip. It is hard for us to get away any other time with a working teenager who is obligated every Saturday. We didn't want to leave him behind. So please don't judge...

This is Shoshone Falls is in Twin Falls, ID. It's really important to try to see it in the spring as the water flow is so much higher. They say that more water passes over this waterfall than Niagra Falls. It was a rainy day, but when we got there the clouds opened up for a bit of sunshine.

I attended the church of nature that day.

We believe...

"We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitve Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

The sixth Article of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is all about the organization of the Church. The LDS Church is patterned after the church in Christ's time. Jesus Christ is the head of our church, and we have twelve apostles along with our modern day prophet. The church is very organized with leadership and supporting leadership all the way down to the ward levels. There are no paid clergy in the LDS church. Everything is done through volunteering of our time, and no one calling is above importance than another. A ward bishop is held as an equal with perhaps the person who teaches the three year olds. Everyone is of utmost importance to the organization and workings of the LDS church.

Mother of the Year Award

Yesterday this mom SNAPPED. I had been dealing with the upsetting news that my parents were moving and my sister-in-law was in pre-term labor. I broke the news to my boys when they got home from school. They must have fed on my tension because they started fighting. I'm not talking about arguing, but drop down, throwing punches angry fighting. All I could do was stare in disbelief. I mean really what could I do, they are both physically bigger than my mere 5'3".

Something snapped. I abhor violence, and the man testosterone that flows through their young bodies was just too much for me to handle. I don't condone violence, but instead of breaking up the fight, I grabbed my purse and keys and left. In that moment, I had no idea where I was going. All I knew is that I never wanted to go home again. I didn't want to be a mom anymore. I had failed, I wanted to quit. It was almost an out of body experience, as I drove aimlessly through the valley. I thought about child abandonment something I have always thought was horrible and selfish, but in my stress induced haze, I found I totally empathized. In that instance, with my warped mind I understood how a mother could leave and never come back.

After a couple of hours reality seemed to kick in when I realized my gas tank was low, my cell phone battery was dying and I only had three dollars in my wallet. Then I started thinking it wasn't Ladybugs fault that her brothers were jerks, it wasn't KT's fault that he had to go golfing instead of handling the chaos. Slowly I made my way back home. I mean really deep down in my heart in some dark recess, I did want to go home.

When I returned home, the boys were friendly and nice to each other like nothing had ever happened. I do not understand men. They can leave lumps and bruises on each other and be friends ten minutes later. It must be the mars and venus thing because women will hold grudges.

I am hereby nominating myself for Mother of the Year Award with all the sarcasm in my shriveled and poisoned heart.

Prom - Only a month late!

TJ decided to go to Prom even though he was against the idea for the past few months. He says it would cost too much. I have raised a frugal child. SHOCKER! But, at the last minute he asked his best friend JT. I was so glad he took her, because as a mom I didn't have to worry about any funny business. His grandparents were generous enough to loan him the Corvette. Had I been his age and they had a Corvette, I'm fairly certain they wouldn't have loaned it to me. They must have a special affinity for their oldest grandson. (This very special boy borrowed his mother's flat iron. What the crap? He looks much better when it curls up around his ears. Just like Jim from the office.) TJ + JT = a fun prom date. I secretly hope that when he comes home from his mission, he will rediscover her with different eyes. That is if someone else hasn't snatched her up first. I love that girl!

And if you are wondering...that is a real bear rear end there in the first picture.

This is Idaho!

The Coolest Website

I have found the COOLEST website ever. If you know of a better one, let me know. It is www.ldsjournal.com. You can do free online journaling and, kind of like blogging, you can add pictures. You can print out your entries on a daily basis for free. But, the awesome thing is you can get your journal printed into a hardbound book. I love this idea, I get writer's cramp so easy these days, and less face it, my handwriting SUCKS! Their hardbound journals really aren't very expensive. I have been transferring various blog posts to my online journal and plan to get it printed out in a book for my posterity in the near future. Maybe no one will really care...Who knows...I can hear them now, "That great great grandma of ours was sure a nut!" They are targeting the LDS population because we are big journalers, but really, anyone can use it. Check it out! I have no invested interest in it other than I thought it was cool. Just thought I would share.

Woww

"Happiness is like a butterfly.

The more you chase it,

The more it eludes you.

But if you turn your attention

To other things, it comes and

Sits softly on your shoulder."

~Nathaniel Hawthorne~

Vacation without a Destination

HELP WANTED!!!

KT and I have a week for a vacation in June. We are dropping son #2 off at BYU in Provo for EFY. With our twenty year anniversary this summer, we thought this was a perfect time to take a trip just the two of us. Since we will have already driven to Provo anywhere is our destination. I would love to go East and enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountains. That's where I grew up, and I'd love to revisit my old stomping grounds. KT has more grandiose ideas. He'd like to do Vegas or go even further to California. He didn't marry a Vegas girl, so that idea doesn't even appeal to me, and California seems a bit far. We only have a week, and I don't want to spend it all in the car. Another thought had would be to go South to Lake Powell. Never done that.... Really, the possibilities are endless. I would like to keep it as inexpensive as possible without having to camp. I'm just getting too old for that!

Considering the fact that we are supposed to leave on Vacay less than one month from now, I am desperately in need of help from my blogging friends. Please give me some direction.

A Girl's Best Friend

I love my husband to bits, but he is a SNORER. Gradually over the years, his zzz's have gotten worse. It isn't so bad if I can fall asleep first, but in the common event that I don't....Well, I can be tortured for hours. I have been known to throw elbows and then fake sleep when he wakes up in the hopes that I'll fall asleep before he slips back into his ZZZZ's. I have slept on the couch for more nights than I can count. Come on, a girl needs her beauty rest, and if I don't get 7-8 hours I AM A BIATCH! And, let's face it the snoring strips and sleep apnea machines just are NOT sexy.

Gratefully, before turning to divorce, I had discovered these little gems. They are a life saver. A girl's best friend. Now I can sleep! All I have to do is put these squishy plugs in my ears, and the only thing I hear is the rhythm of my own breathing. Much like floating on my back in the pool. It helps to imagine floating in a pool, and it doesn't take long until

We Believe...

"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a very busy church. We are a very active people. It is a "volunteer" church. No one is compensated for their time. Members hold various "callings" or jobs within the church to help it run its various programs smoothly. We believe that the leaders pray to the Lord about who would be fitting for each job. After agreeing upon the job, leaders lay their hands on our head using the Priesthood, asking for the Lord's help and guidance in fulfilling that calling. In addition to callings, the ordinances performed in the church are performed by worthy men who hold the Priesthood. This would include blessing and passing of the Sacrament, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost and eternal marriages.

Where have you lived?

The first 27 years of my life included a ton of moving around. I thought it interesting to compile a list. Let's compare...Maybe we crossed paths somewhere along the journey of life.

Pomona, California
Newbury Park, California
Denver, Colorado
Littleton, Colorado
Laie, Hawaii
Kailua Hawaii
Memphis, Tennessee
San Diego, California
Yuma, Arizona
Dallas, Texas
Great Mills, Maryland
Lexington Park, Maryland
♥♥♥Southwest Idaho♥♥♥

What about you?

WOWW

"No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks." ~St. Ambrose~

Low-fat Living 6

I love a good smoothie. When made right, they are low cal and can be quite filling. I like to buy frozen bags of fruit. I've found some good fruit blends at Sams Club and Walmart. One cup fruit 3/4 cup cold water or less protein powder Blend in blender for a healthy meal replacement. The protein will help keep you full longer. Enjoy!

We believe...

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:

First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Second, Repentance

Third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins

Fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost

The first two are pretty self explanatory. Enough said...#3. Many religions just baptize by the sprinkling of water. We pattern our ordinance after the Savior's own baptism as accounted for in the New Testament. #4. Worthy men in our church who hold the Priesthood have the authority to confer the Holy Ghost on members of the church. These men act as an instrument through which God sends this comforting and guiding Spirit.

Blogging in bed

Two things I had wanted for my birthday were either a laptop or to redo my bedroom, ie paint, bedding, etc. It was an either or type thing. I ended up redoing the bedroom (which is still in progress), but the other day I was surprised with the laptop, too.

Did I need it? NO...Could we afford it? Probably NOT. Did I want one? YES.

My home has been over run by teenage boys of late. I love having them over but with a small family room I often don't feel like I fit or belong anywhere. They hog up the TV and computer for hours! After feeding them and making sure their needs and wants are met, I often try to "disappear." But I wanted a place of my own, so instead of adding on a special room for ME, my husband liked the idea of just getting me a laptop so I have something to do when I lock myself in my room. He figured it was the cheaper alternative to adding another room or my just plum going crazy. So now you will wonder as you read my posts, "Is she laying in bed?" But please don't wonder what it is I am wearing, because that is just CREEPY.

WOWW

"Imagination is the eye of the soul." ~Joubert~

Another name for...

Some synonyms for my Random Thinking: Wishy Washy ADHD Clueless Crazy

Scatterbrained

Randomness of Posts

There are a lot of blogs with themes. Recipe blogs, coupon blogs, blogs on organization, blog dedicated to entertainment. I am not one of those. I have decided that I am a random thinker. There is no specific pattern, purpose or objective to my blog. What I am thinking today, may not even be important tomorrow, or even something I ever think about again. Yet, in that moment when I push the "Publish Post" button, it is one of the most essential things that I feel must be shared. I have blogged about: Why I am 2busy Running Being Inept What type of mother I am My Winter Solstice Celebration Even my list here is completely random and without rhyme or reason. I hope you enjoy my randomness.

Do you read blogs that have a theme? Which type of blogs do enjoy reading best?