Family Picutures

Those of you who are my friends on Facebook know we recently took some family pictures. Yes, I will keep being a nagging wife and telling my dear husband that we need to take more as the babies grow up! I wanted to include a few that are my favorites!

 

What a week!!!

I've been really thinking if I would include a horrible experience I had last Saturday. I still really haven't made a decision if I will include what started my brainstorming.

Wednesday, my visiting teachers came and shared an important message given to the whole of the LDS church by President Uchtdorf. "Of Things That Matter Most."Who knew while trying to have my two active toddlers sit down and try to introduce Modern Day Prophets to them, I would be following his counsel about spending quality time with our family. He touched about some great relationships that are amazing to a well balanced gospel person. While listening to my visiting teacher they mentioned the relationship with our "Fellow Man". This past week has been so trying in that department and I am very willing to admit my weakness in this.

Last Saturday, I invited a high school acquaintance over, because she wanted to show me a sale presentation for a company she just started with. I was still sick(day #4 with a season cold) and didn't really want to be bothered with company. But after a week of being bombarded with text messages from this person, I thought Saturday would be great and this would be off of my shoulders. I welcomed her, and her "trainer" into my home. I expected to hear her voice explain the company and so forth. With my all too trusting heart, I got told how my family is poor and will expect to be poor because I've made the decision to be a stay at home mother. I was also told in short that I am a 'home body' who rarely goes out and needs to find friends who are "willing" to make money. I was very upset. Why would I want to share the information I just heard with my family and friends by sending these rude people to them. Since this young lady hasn't almost seen me in 10 years, she also doesn't know that I was ready to go back to work after having my son but was fired from that job due to what they called a "conflict of interest."

But to put negative vibes behind all of us, I in short told them my decision to help my children by staying home is a richly blessing decision. If I did have a job, we could have more money, or we could not...it would depend on the job I had. It would always mean I would miss out on milestones and quality time being my children's first teacher, maid, doctor, referee, chauffeur, chef, and so on. I don't take motherhood lightly and women who take care of more than 2 children I kiss the ground they walk on. Hearing President Uchtdorf remind us of how important our family is, made me feel a little taller for stay home. I may not have a fancy car, fancy clothes or eat out every Friday night with friends but every time I go to pick up my son from Pre School he comes running to see me and I would give me life over and over again just to have that happen. To Single Mothers every where who work hard to come home and have to be mother and father I salute you. To working husbands who work long hours just to have your children "dog pile" on you once you set foot in the door, I love you.

My wish this holiday season is that we are nicer to one another. I may not work outside of the home for a business but I am in the business of building my family. It may not be perfect but I am lucky to have a perfect family plan to follow. I am glad I don't have to search for it and that I have wonderful examples and help along the way. Thank you to family and thanks be to our God!

April

"No" November!

Happy start to our November month! The past week has been filled with awesome challenges. "No Shave November"(my husband's favorite), "Give Thanks November" and so on. Last Sunday, Halloween, this awesome sister in our ward taught based on the talked given by President Monson "Charity Never Faileth" Her focus was on how important it is as women to not judge one another. She also gave us a challenge. "No nagging, no judging November." AWESOME! It's a great reminder and since I'm my children's first teacher it gives me a great opportunity to become better. I heard once heard someone say we can grow closer to Heavenly Father by becoming parents. I couldn't agree more.

On a personal note(not like my whole blog isn't) I went to Mormon.org last night and filled out the "Refer a friend section". I filled it out for my father. I was able to fill out most of the information, which made me happy. At the bottom of the page you're able to say a few words of information for Missionaries who will be contacting your "friend". Simply put, I was really scared but I prayed over this, and I know if it's the correct time for my father he will be ready for those precious Missionaries.

I have been super mindful of missionary work, family and church for a few weeks. Mid-October my Mom invited me to a great fireside held in the Seattle Stake. The guest speaker was a brother who lives in Salt Lake City. Like my parents he had join the church before the Priesthood was allowed to all worthy members of the church. This brother was amazing in explain that didn't hinder his decision to be baptized into the LDS church. That's the feeling I've known and heard from most African American or African members of the church. I had a wonderful time listening to him talk about his mission in California and his struggles trying to explain to investigators that the church is true despite rumors or misconceptions.

I really have to give my parents credit. I can't even begin to think how hard church must of been, or how it was difficult getting questioned from your own family about this decision to join a 'white church". My parents were one of the first African American couples sealed in the Seattle Temple. Please re-read that sentence. I don't even have words to explain how amazing that is. Maybe it's because now that I'm getting older I can really appreciate the hard work and commitment my parents made and I really want to invite my father back to church with us. And of course in the temple everything is clear and life has so much purpose. I've wanted to introduce my children to my father, for him to know I don't hold him in a bad light, I try telling my kiddies everything I know about him. He took piano lessons and played organ. If I hated him and didn't want to be like him I would be denying a talent I somehow was born to have. It's amazing how the Lord works in our lives and I hope one day I can really see my father. To date, I'm thankful for family! :)

Talk to everyone soon!

Where does the time go?

I was so proud of my self for writing an update and then I looked at the date and it's almost Halloween. Let's see what I can tell you. To date my digital camera, which was a great anniversary gift is in the shop. Something happened to the screen and it was a total lost. I cried. But my hubby was a great man and bought insurance so it will be will us again. It's been very interesting learning just how much I carry and take photos of the babies. But I do have a camera on my cell phone. It's not the greatest but I do still capture things I find important to me.

The big brother amazed me once again. Not only is he having a blast in pre school, I took him to Super Cuts and he got a haircut! I was like turning away trying not to cry and he just took it like a pro. Yes, I saved some of the hair, but it's the first hair cut. Wow, I tear up thinking about it. He's just grown by leaps and bounds in the last few months and I just can't keep up it seems. And on top of that, next year for the Primary Program he'll be in front. OMG!  What will I do then. Good thing I'm not playing piano in primary right now. Whew, I don't even want to think what that might be like. He's doing amazing in nursery, I just can't brag enough about him.

The princess is doing well, and around March will be going to pre-school a few days a week too. I know that it will be fun for them I just don't know what I will do with myself for those few hours. She loves getting ready to get big brother when he's at school. Tomorrow is the Halloween party and they have costumes.I had one in mind but going as a Mom actually suits me just fine. It's their party. Awww. Just a quick note before I head to bed. Can't wait to write again!

They say it's your birthday

This is one of my favorite John Lennon Songs. John would have been 70 tomorrow. Wow. Please enjoy!

Uh oh

I need to send everyone an update and haven't done so. Wow huh? Our little household has been a buzz with a Family Reunion, a new truck, Pre-school starting, and finding things to make the Princess feel like she's learning something as well. I've been so proud of big brother and all he has taken on at the age of three. I can't believe how well he's adjusted to waking up, having some assistance getting ready and being excited to walk out the door for school. I have him go to bed before everyone else so he can be well rested for the next day and he's not afraid of sleeping in his room by himself. He has started helping me with family prayers and even adds some awesome things he is thankful for. His favorite is being thankful for cars, Sponge Bob, Dora and Diego, cars, keys to the cars and the chance to be able to say Jesus Christ. He sometimes says amen before Jesus Christ comes out but at least he can say it.

Our trip was scary, awesome, tiring and great all at the same time. I wish I had taken more pictures but I was chasing two kids around a National Forrest.I was a bit nervous for how Jordan's family might react to...someone with a built in tan. Although people see your announcement photo, you never know until you actually met the family and this really was my official introduction. I am a very mellow person and enjoy learning about people through stories pictures and how ever they feel comfortable allowing me into their lives for a brief moment. The first few days we were in Idaho I met most of the extended family who lived around Grandpa and Grandma, which was a lot. And everyone looks alike. Blonde Hair blue eyes...everybody. And then there's my son who could blend in with any Hispanic, Native American or Pacific Islander family. But there's is such a blessing in the foundation of a man and woman being married starting a family and watching their family bloom and grow.

I had a blast spending time with cousins aunts and uncles and who knows how many kids under 10. Our drive home was blessed by the angels since we never had car or truck troubles. And within days we were back at home, starting pre-school and getting the big man up each day at 7:30. I am so thankful for the prayers sent up in our behalf. Thank you. Well it's late and I should sleep...I will be better about another update soon. :)

What am I doing?

WE have been home since Tuesday and yet I'm just updating this. I won't bore you with too many details but I will post this picture. IT was the sentiment of the whole trip. Goofy pictures. We had a great time meeting lots of family and driving home was quiet easy. Thank you for the prayers. :) The big Man starts school Monday. Pray for Momma then. I ran out of pocket tissue from my purse(which broke Tuesday). Talk to you soon.....