Boxing day thoughts

Well my Computer isn't fixed, but I am determined to blog through it. Today Christmas is officially over and while I don't want to be negative there are a few things that I feel need to be said regarding yesterday. I woke up at about 6:15-6:30 am. Kent was still asleep as was Braxton and I wasn't ready to wake up. I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep with no success. I remembered that there were clothes on the couch that we had been too tired to fold the night before so I decided to get up and fold them. As most of you know I have been clinging with all my might to keep the spirit of Christmas this year and somewhere I dropped it and wasn't truly able to get it back.

We spent Christmas eve carolling with our friends Carrie and Taylor, and that brought me quite a bit of Christmas spirit, but come Christmas morn it was gone. After about an hour of folding clothes I was putting them away and it woke up Braxton so we went in and got Kent up. We came out and had Braxton open up presents which was funny considering he was happy to play with his old toys and not unwrap any new. Finally we got him to open some up and then Kent and I unwrapped each others presents. Kent got me this painting for my wall. I got Kent a golf package/certificate and some golf balls. We both enjoyed the gifts, but it just seemed so minimal compared to what we would have liked to have given each other.

I know that Christmas isn't about the presents, but I suppose that in growing up I have learned that it's the little presents and all the other little things that make Christmas seem so special and truly this year it just seemed like a dull and boring day. We weren't surrounded by friends and family. We didn't have fun new things to entertain us and we hadn't really shared with anyone our true gifts of giving. So all of these things combined and the discouragement (mostly the discouragement) of not being surrounded by friends and family left me in tears most of the day.

As I have had a little more sleep which allows for a little more perspective I have made a decision. When I go to my midwife this next month I am going to discuss with her some natural options to treat mild depression because I really believe that is where most of the problem lies. As I said earlier it runs in my family and my patriarchal blessing warns me against that. We live in a day and an age where we have knowledge about these things and ways to treat depression so I feel that I need to take care of the problem and get back to functioning normally again.

In retrospective Kent and I have learned a few lessons. We have learned that Christmas is a time of giving for us and it is difficult for us to not be able to give freely. We hope to manage our money better this year so that when Christmas does come we will either be able to travel and spend it with family or share some gifts with others and each other that help us to feel the Christmas spirit. Also I have learned that I need to be 100% on top of paying tithing at ALL times. That is actually where we got into trouble this year and I know that I needed to sacrifice to give the Lord what I owe him, but I would rather give it to him in faith at the time and not be scrambling to pay at the end of the year.

Another lesson I learned is from my sister-in-law. Her family took the money they would have spent on each other this year and gave it to a family in need and the story of their charity has inspired me. I think part of my problem is that I have made sure to get gifts for the other members of the family first and then for my family last and I honestly think I would have felt much better about the sacrifice if I knew that it was going to people who had nothing instead of people who had plenty and didn't need my meager offering. I love my family, but I think we are all doing well enough that none of us needed that little bit we gave each other. In fact in the last few minutes I have just learned of a family who will need much more than my family does.

My good friend and visiting teacher has been on bed rest off and on for a few months now. I just learned that in the last few days she has delivered a one-pound baby at 24 weeks gestation. My prayers and concerns are with her and her family. I understand there is a 50% chance this child will live and being in that situation must be the scariest thing in the world. Those of you reading this please keep the Davis family in your prayers!!!

Overall my holiday was fine, but like I said I feel that the most important thing I would change is meaningful time spent with family and friends. Something of which is difficult when you are working opposite your husband in hopes to be able to pay the bills and still have a good Christmas. It makes me wonder if that little bit of income is really worth the time away from my family, but on the other hand I know that it gives Kent peace of mind knowing that there is just a little more coming in each month. I hope that as you read this you don't think I am seeking pity because I am not. I know that there are those who have less than I do, but I don't want to forget the important lessons that this particular Christmas has taught me. I hope that you all are well and blessed with all kinds of good fortune in this year to come!

More glitches, yuck!

I don't really have much time right now, but I wanted to update you according to my life. I have attempted at two or three postings and haven't been able to complete any because I have computer problems again. Kent thinks he knows how to fix it, but in order to do that I need to get all my pictures and files from the last few months saved somewhere else so I don't loose them. This would not be a problem, but I can only get about 16 pictures saved at a time before the computer freezes up again. It is very frusterating, but what can you do? Hopefully I can get back to good writing again before Christmas so I can share with you what has been going wonderfully in my life. I am missing being able to write and check up on you all this time of year. Wish me luck in getting our computer back to normal. Thanks!

Roller coaster mind

There have been two times in my life that I have surely suffered through depression. The first time was when I had my heart broken and the second was after Braxton was born and I suffered from postpartum depression. There are other times in my life when I question if I should have been on a medication. Depression actually does run on both sides of my family so I am very aware now of my moods and whether or not they are healthy or out of control. In my patriarchal blessing it warns me of allowing myself to get depressed or discouraged. All this talk leads me to my thoughts about the roller coaster of emotions that seem to be going on the last little bit.

Today I woke up with a happy boy and we played and I thought of all the things I was going to get accomplished today and I was feeling really good. Then the plans had to change and it sent me into a very sad and irritable state. I started to get lonely and texted Kent and told him that I missed him a lot! He sent back a text saying "I love you" and I teared up. It was exactly what I needed.

I have noticed a tendency as an adult for me to get a little down when the days get shorter and the sun isn't out as much. One of my doctors actually suggested to me the possibly of doing some sort of light therapy. I don't know what this entails or how it works, but I may ask my current health care provider about it if this roller coaster of emotions continues too much longer. Right now I actually think that most of this can just be chalked up to holiday stress. I need to get my butt in gear and start exercising so I can deal better with it. I also need to eat right and get good sleep. I can't believe the difference this can make as I have experimented with it in the last few years. That and I need to work on being postitive and be sure to have positive self thinking!

Got my Christmas spirit back!

Wow, what a couple of days. Yesterday I wanted to blog, but I got caught working my one Sunday a month. I feel like I've been going and going since Thanksgiving, but I think it is going to slow down a little now. I feel inclined to start off with telling about today and going through the rest of my weekend in reverse. Today I was feeling really down. We forgot to turn the heat down last night and Braxton and I didn't sleep very well. I woke up with a horrible lack of ambition and started to think about Christmas and felt weighed down. I still had to come up with a present for Kent's dad (the hardest one to shop for) and his mom's present that I ordered the Monday before Thanksgiving still hadn't come in the mail. I had ordered it off ebay and heard after that you are always supposed to go through pay pal and I hadn't so I was getting nervous that I had been cheated out of some money at Christmas time. As I was getting more and more down I realized that I was starting to crave junk food and I was getting ornery and impatient with Braxton. I knew I had to change some things around and be more positive so I ate some carrots, read some scriptures, and took a nap.

Braxton all cuddled up with a little morning bed head

When I woke up to the doorbell I was not too happy. I decided I would see who it was through the peep hole and if I wanted to talk to them I would answer otherwise I was going back to sleep. When I looked out I saw the postman put a package on my doorstep. I knew immediately it was my present for Kent's mom. I called Kent and made him hurry and make a decision on his dad's present. I knew if I got them wrapped and to his brother before he left work in Midvale he would be able to send it down with his mom as she went home after watching his kids. I succeeded and was able to get it done and to him. Now every one's presents are bought except my little family and we can wait for a payday. Besides Braxton doesn't know the difference and Kent and I don't need anything that couldn't be bought later. Now my next tackle will be neighbor presents and I bought part of that a few months ago. So yea for all the fun presents I get to give this year. I am actually very excited about the presents I am giving. I feel that they are fun, nice presents and I haven't really spent a whole lot which helps us out this year. That makes a merry Christmas to me!

Sunday started out really rough too because Saturday we were up late. The alarm didn't go off, but luckily Braxton woke a little before 8 o'clock. We have church at nine and so needless to say we were a few minutes late. Actually I've done really very well lately we have been early or on time most of the time and it feels a lot better. Being tired I was ornery and had a hard time getting the spirit for Relief Society. During Sunday School I took Braxton to play in the nursery. I think I might leave him next week. He does really well and most of the time he doesn't even look to see if I am there or even notice me at all. He's so cute and little next to all the other kids, but seeing him follow the kids down the hall and sit at snack makes him seem SO big too. My baby is growing up. *tear*

Sacrament meeting was excellent! A woman in the ward who is my mom's age and also the mother of the woman I visit teach spoke with her husband and she made me think. I'm hoping to get some of the quotes she used in her talk because they inspired me. She quoted President Hinckley from his book Stand a Little Taller and spoke of how he loves this time of year because of the good nature of people who are trying to be more Christlike. Then she went on to point out that we don't have to complain about the commercialism or the ornery and selfish people or any other negative thing about Christmas. I realized that Christmas hasn't changed as much as people's attitudes have changed. Christmas is as negative or positive as we think it to be. Even Christmas has it's negatives, but we don't have to choose to focus on those this time of year. It's about having more charity and this sister gave a definition of charity that was different than normal. It was about how you think of others and how you react to them. I realized that I too can be more charitable. It really was just a great talk for me to hear.

The funny part about Sunday came after church when I looked for our cookies left over from the ward activity. I looked and looked for them and decided that Kent must have taken them to church and gave them to the scouts. When I asked Kent he told me they were on the fridge. When I looked they were not there. I finally found the box in Braxton's room on the floor. He had found them on the coffee table that morning and had taken them in there while I was in the shower. So now Kent and I know that my son is a little cookie thief.

Finally I will touch on Saturday. The morning was spent cleaning the house while Kent cleared snow at work and then helped the youth collect food donations. Once Kent got home I sent him outside with Braxton while I finished up the bathroom. When I finished I went out for family fun in the snow and found Kent with a giant snowball to start a snowman. The interesting thing is that the path where Kent had rolled the snowball was a narrow oval only about ten to fifteen feet long and the ball was huge! There had been a great snowstorm all night and half the morning so we had to enjoy it. Braxton just walked around in the snow laughing and falling and getting up again. He had great fun.

Saturday evening I had to work until 8:00 pm. At 8:30 we had a couple of friends we were setting up on blind date. I lost track of time and ended up being late to our date that was at our house. It was pretty fun, but hanging out with single people forces you to realize just how much your life has changed from those days. I felt like we were the most boring home bodies that ever there were. That's OK though because I love being home with my family. I love doing anything with my family. Kent and Braxton are great. It's been a great weekend and I am so glad that today has turned out to be better and my attitude has changed. I hate being down, and I am glad to have the knowledge to help me fight it. I am very excited for Christmas and I am looking forward to it once again.

This is for you Holly!

Braxton and Kent were getting cold and went inside without finishing so our snowman is the headless snowman... just so you know you can't come back and add a head a few days later. I tried!

The wards Christmas trip around the world.

Tonight was the ward Christmas party and we did a Christmas around the world. It was a good activity. I was a little worried at first. One of the things I have got to work on is knowing who I have to set up and planning my time accordingly. I always think it will only take so long and I am always doing my last minute things up to and past that last minute. I can only imagine how unorganized it must have looked as people walk in. That is the first thing I need to work on, organization of time and resources. The second thing is I need to communicate until I am blue in the face with those that are helping me from the ward. There were a couple of people who helped with telling about a country that I miscommunicated with and I know that they were upset because they were ill prepared. That makes me feel bad because I put undue stress in their life. The last thing actually ties into the first thing and that is that someone has to have command of the activity when people walk in the door. People need to be greeted, guided and directed as to what is going on at the door.

All the kinks aside it went really well. We were finally able to find someone who knew how to work the sound system and located a microphone. We were able to get all the loose ends tied up and the person who I miscommunicated with was able to make it work anyway. I truly know that this calling is inspired of the Lord and that he will fill in where I lack. We had nine different countries represented. We had Nicaragua (Kent did that country and even though his gallo pinto didn't turn out it was ok because he he had a lot to display), Peru, Brazil, Scandinavia (Sweden and Norway), Italy, Germany, Japan, and South Africa. I got quite a few compliments on the night and the idea. We were going to have each person present for five minutes but as we got going I noticed after five minutes all the presenters still seemed very intent on sharing information. It ended up being eight to ten minutes of information and the activity lasted about two hours. Interestingly enough very few people left early because they wanted to hear about all the countries.

I had also intended to finish off the night with the story fo the nativity done by the primary children. Due to the extra time with the presentations we cut that and singing carols and finished up with cookies and visiting. I felt like it came together extremely well.

Some dark tunnels have to be travelled.

I have had a desire to keep my written life's memories positive, but as I was talking to my sister-in-law yesterday I realized that it is also important to keep it real. If you take it too far on the side of upbeat you may be missing what was really happening, and how can you see the light at the end of the tunnel when you refuse to acknowledge that the tunnel is dark. I write this blog not because Kent and I are in a dark tunnel, but I feel members of Kent's family are headed into a dark tunnel that has to be gone through.

Kent comes from a family of hard work, little emotion, and if you can ignore it and pretend it isn't there it will go away. I have really struggled with this last part. When Kent and I were first married I was complaining about his family and Kent retaliated accusing me of not trying to be a part of them. I told Kent that it was not that I didn't want to be a part, but I didn't know how. I longed to be close to my mother-in-law and be friends, but despite all that I had tried there was a wall that I could not penetrate. In the end Kent and I concluded that we both wanted to be close to his family the way that my family was close but since that wouldn't happen we had to just do our best to accept them the way they were.

As time has gone by I have challenged myself to see the good qualities and I have. I have grown to love some of my mother-in-laws really wonderful qualities. I have heard things that she has done and done my best to dismiss them. This weekend, my mother-in-law hurt one of her children more than was tolerable a I cannot dismiss it. A child was baptised this weekend and cried on her baptism day because her grandmother who lives only three hours away was not there. The reason you ask? A little snow (snow that wouldn't stop her from going to any other grandchild's event) and her favorite grandchildren were at her house. They had come down for the baptism and felt nervous about the snow (understandable with small children who are horrible travellers). Did grandma and grandpa leave them and say they needed to be there for their sweet little grandchild? No! Instead they copped out and stayed when a week earlier grandma had complained to the mother of the baptised child that the time (6:30 pm) was inconvenient for all.

What of the dark tunnel? This family has been the second rate citizens too long. Too often they have forgiven and trusted only to be hurt again and again. When your children LOVE their grandparents and grandma plays favorites but the favorites are not yours the children end up being hurt. This family has had enough and are going to take a long break from grandma and grandpa, but before that a letter will be send to let the communication be clear as to why the long break. The sad thing is that I have tried to rationalize my mother-in-laws actions and make up excuses for my her, but the reality is that my child is already becoming a second rate citizen. He doesn't know any different, and I want so bad to pretend that it is just Kent exagerating and being overly sensitive, but I think he is right.

In the end I am still an opitmist and I believe that in the end things will work out for everyone's good. I believe that my mother-in-law will really hurt and ache for her child's family and there may be some who don't understand and do not agree with the way they handled it. I for one think that they are doing their best to protect their family from many hurts and I hope that in the end it will break down that wall that cannot be penetrated. Until then I will miss that family. My heart will ache for them everytime the family gets together. We will have to drive much farther as will they to see each other. Ultimately it will take a lot of time and much of the Lord's healing power to fix this family. I pray for the Lord to soften the hearts that need to soften so that this family can be a healthy, feeling family as he would have it be. I pray that the Lord will guide and direct this family down this long and dark tunnel so that we can all make it to the light at the end.

Personal History Sunday

Have you ever had a favorite pair of shoes? Describe them.

I can think of three pairs that I have loved. Two are sandals. One is a black pair of platform sandals with straps that wrap around the foot above the toes and a strap around the ankle. The other sandals are also platform and look like they are made of rope material. The straps wrap in the same places that the black sandals do. The second pair are Steve Maden have lasted a very long time and I have loved them. My other favorites are a pair of fashion cowboy boots that are a light tan color. I only got those a few years ago, but I have really enjoyed those as well!

Do you have a favorite painting or artist?

My favorite painting is by Simon Dewey. He's an LDS artist. It is called "Consider the Lilies," It has the Savior and two little children among some calla lilies. I love the look on the faces of the children and the savior. This painting just seems to convey love. The painting is below. Another painting that I have always loved since the first time I saw it is "The Gentle Healer," by Greg Olsen. I think the thing I like most about this painting is the gentle but very strong look of the Savior. I feel like this painting captures best the way I view the Lord my Savior. I also think the title of the picture is perfect as well.

Counting my blessings

For those of you who haven't paid attention this whole month I have been posting a blessing a day. Since today is the last day of the month I am putting all of these blessings in a post so that I have them on record. I may do something similar for December because it really has given me a positive perspective during a very trying time in my life. I don't want to say much, but Kent and I are struggling through the refiners fire right now and it feels very hot. I know that the Lord will help us through this and as we are faithful and follow the promptings of the spirit we will be blessed. I love the Lord with all my heart and I can feel his hand in my life right now. Like the story says there is one set of footprints in the sand and that is only because I am being carried right now. I also have to thank Jason and Becca for all they did for Kent and I while they were here. I didn't realize at the time how much, but they helped us out immensely and I am so grateful for their love and service! Thank you from the bottom of Kent and my hearts! You truly have been an instrument in the Lord's hands. Thank you!

I am thankful for~

30~My faith in my savior Jesus Christ and the love that I can feel from him daily.
29~The peace of the temple to calm my troubled mind.
28~Food: Especially my favorite chicken broccoli casserole
27~Our little miracle Christmas tree
26~The good time we were able to have with Jason, Becca, Jocelyn, and Meili while they were here
25~Temple Square and the beautiful lights and music this time of year
24~Kent's family
23~4 pairs of pj's, 5 onsies, 3 pairs of pants, 4 long sleved shirts, a hat and gloves for Braxton all for $65 and I didn't have to wake up too early
22~All the help with making Thanksgiving dinner and mostly the help cleaning up
21~A clean house and the knowledge to make it that way (that would be thanks to my mom)
20~Friends who are there for the long haul
19~Good friends to spend time with and share your lives with
18~The opportunities for education we have here in this country
17~My mental health
16~time spent with my husband and son
15~my brothers and sisters and their families (as well as my parents obviously)
14~People who are willing to reach out to others
13~The Andy Griffith show and other clean oldies on TV.
12~all my freedoms
11~freedom of religion
10~Good friends
9~the blessings of paying tithing
8~financial challenges instead of challenges in my marriage or with my child.
7~Sleeping ALL night long. YEA!
6~My family's health: especially when my son wakes up sick. :(
5~Chocolate Milk. Because it tastes good of course and this doesn't have to always be such heavy gratitude!
4~Being sealed in the temple of God so I be with my family forever
3~My adorable fun-loving Braxton
2~A wonderful, loving husband who works hard
1~My testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ

Our Little Miracle Christmas Tree

~Last night was a wonderful night. Kent came home from work and we all played and laughed and just enjoyed each other. It was actually quite a romantic and magical feeling. We were all able to just enjoy being together. It must have been the Christmas music setting the mood. I asked Kent if we could go get a Christmas tree. I just wanted it to feel like Christmas wherever I looked. Plus I needed a Christmas tree this year when I didn't get one last year since we thought we would be moving into a twin home that fell through.

~We went to a little Christmas tree lot called Rick's Tree's. We walked in and a guy who worked there asked if we had any questions. We asked prices and were told the trees were sold by the foot. Eight dollars a foot for a Noble fir, ten for a grand noble, and six for a douglas fir. I asked where the douglas fir's were and the man told me that they only had a few and I really wouldn't want them because they do VERY poorly in the house and loose many needles. Kent and I thanked him and went looking at trees. As we walked we decided that we couldn't really afford these trees even if we bought a 4' tree. It was just too much for a couple who is used to buying a tag in Meadow and cutting down a forest tree for five dollars a tag.

~We walked around a minute and then walked out the entrance. As we were leaving the man caught up to us and asked if we had found one we liked. We hesitated a little and he said, "I'll tell you what. I'm Rick. How much did you want to spend on a tree?" I told him $15 to $20 and he asked what size. When we told him 4 to 5 feet he said, "You guys find a tree about that size you like and I will give it to you for twenty dollars." Considering we are tighter this time of year than we have been in the past this tree is priceless. Last night at family prayer Kent surprised me and thanked our Heavenly Father for the Christmas tree. I hope that this Christmas spirit will carry through to Christmas. Hopefully as I continue being grateful for what I do have it will.

My priceless Christmas tree!

The Joy of Sharing the Holidays with Friends

This week I have taken time off my blog because I have been spending time with Jason, Becca, Jocelyn, and Meili who were visiting from Arizona. It was such a great visit. They got here on Tuesday at 2:00 pm and my house wasn't quite finished with the good cleaning I was trying to give it. It was so nice to have friends who understood and didn't care if I wasn't the perfect house keeper. Becca jumped in and helped me fold laundry so the house could be finished up. That night Kent made delicious Navajo tacos for dinner after Becca and I returned from shopping for Thanksgiving dinner supplies. Becca and Jason were far more generous with helping out with the groceries than I had planned and while I wanted to pay for more myself I was very grateful for their generosity.

Wednesday morning we went to Ikea to eat breakfast and it was fun (and fairly good breakfast at a good price). I hadn't taken the time to go before so Jason and Becca felt I needed to experience Ikea. It was all right. I have to say I am not as in love as Becca is, but they did have some great deals there. After Ikea we all came home and had naps as Becca and I stayed up way too late talking the night before. That evening we went out to dinner at Johnny Carino's. It was good food and our service was really good. I really enjoyed the evening out. After dinner we went and got some movies. At home we got kids to bed as best we could. We tried putting Braxton and Meili in the same room to sleep and Tuesday night Braxton went down first and Meili woke him up when she went down and cried. Wednesday night we thought we had wised up by putting Meili down first but then Braxton went in and turned the lights on and woke her up because apparently he wasn't tired. Anyway the rest of that night was spent with Jason and Kent enjoying the movie, Ocean's Thirteen while Becca and I got things ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Our pies had all kinds of issues and weren't going to win any beauty contests, but they sure did taste good.



Thursday morning after breakfast we cooked up a storm in the kitchen. That afternoon our good high school friend Josh came over to see Becca and we all visited while we cooked. The dinner was very nice and simple compared to previous Thanksgivings. Turkey, stuffing, yams, potatoes, gravy, vegetables, rolls, and cranberry sauce was about it for us. Of course there were the pies at dessert, but it was nice to have a simple dinner and not stuff ourselves as much as previous years with all the good additional salads everyone brings. I was grateful that everyone helped do something so that I wasn't left to do it all. After dinner Becca and I took the kids on a walk in the cold while Kent and Jason cleaned up. I really appreciated that. That evening we sat down and enjoyed watching the movie Shrek the Third. It was cute, but typical of a Shrek movie.


Friday we had talked about braving the early crowds for black Friday, but again Braxton and Meili had gotten to sleep late Thursday night and we didn't want to wake them. We ended up going to Shopko about 9:30-10:00 am and I got some great deals on clothes for Braxton. I got 3 pairs of pants, 4 pajamas, 3 long sleeved shirts, a light jacket, a pair of socks, 5 onsies, a winter hat and gloves and I spent $65. I felt really good about that. After that Becca got some cute clothes for Jocelyn at Old Navy. Once we were finished with shopping it was time for me to go to work. I worked six hours and had a difficult day at work because I really wanted to be at home spending time with my friends. Nothing too eventful happened after work since Jocelyn ended up sick that day.



Saturday was good. Becca and Jason had some family to visit and really enjoyed doing that. Kent and I went down to Leamington for his nephews baptism. It was nice to see his family, but I was sad that I felt less unity since Grandpa Kesler's death. We had a good dinner and enjoyed the surprise on every one's faces when we told them that Gordon and Holly would be able to make it. Even Kent's dad tried to correct us and tell us they weren't coming, but we knew different. HA! That night on the way home we stopped off at Cheryl's and Erik's and picked up some of our Christmas decorations from their basement. That evening culminated in a rousing game of Ticket to Ride. Jason and Becca have the American version and loved playing our German version. Even though the boys whopped on us. Sunday we had to play again with the group and then just Becca and I so we could play a little better.


Sunday was great. We had a wonderful lesson on service in Relief Society. Even the lesson in Sunday School on "pure religion" was done well. I was thankful for the scriptural reminder to be slow to anger. Sacrament meeting was great for me. I felt bad that Meili was crabby and Becca had to take her out because she would have loved the talks. The first talk was a brother in the stake who shared his testimony of the temple basically. He reminded me that I need to make it a higher priority in my life to make it to the temple weekly. The next speaker was a high counselor from our ward who spoke of an ancestor of his who traveled with the Willie and Martin handcart company to Utah. The high counselor went on trek with Kent and I and his story brought me to tears as I remembered the feelings I had there at trek. The meeting ended with the hymn, We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet. I could barely sing the words. Even they touched me. (The bold words below are the ones that really touched me.)


We thank thee, O God, for a prophet
To guide us in these latter days.
We thank thee for sending the gospel
To lighten our minds with its rays.
We thank thee for every blessing
Bestowed by thy bounteous hand.
We feel it a pleasure to serve thee
And love to obey they command.


When dark clouds of trouble hang o'er us
And threaten out peace to destroy,
There is hope smiling brightly before us,
And we know that deliv'rance is nigh.
We doubt not the Lord or his goodness.
We've proved him in days that are past.
The wicked who fight against zion
Will surely be smitten at last.


We'll sing of his goodness and mercy.
We'll praise him by day and by night,
Rejoice in his glorious gospel,
And bask in its lifegiving light.

Thus on to eternal perfection
The honest and faithful will go,
While they who reject this glad message
Shall never such happiness know.

I have always sung that song and thought about how thankful I am for a prophet. This time I recognized that the song is not only saying we are thankful for a prophet, but also for the gospel to help us find peace amidst turmoil and so forth. I also recognized that it says we are thankful for every blessing and that hit me as I thought about my gratitude for Braxton. I was especially thankful because as the song began he hopped up on my lap, placed the hymn book in his lap and started singing with the congregation. I am so thankful that my son loves music. That is one talent I strongly desire to share with my children. I am thankful for the spirits of these children that surround us. They come with so much light from their Heavenly Father. I am thankful for this whole entire month of gratitude. Heavenly Father knew that I needed to focus on that and it has made me so happy amidst my trials. I know that being grateful in conjunction with upping my temple attendance will protect me from the dangers Satan has in mind for me. I am grateful to the Lord for my knowledge.



The trip was rounded off with a trip down to temple square last night. We were so excited to see all the beautiful lights and Becca and I enjoyed the many concerts that were going on there. We wished our husbands would have been more interested in staying and listening. It was good that they weren't since we rode trax and we only had two hours to travel down and back and also enjoy temple square. I really enjoyed this last week and hope that our Christmas season is as good and pray that yours is as well.

Poor Braxton looks stiff as a board with all the gear we gave him to keep him warm. He may look asleep, but he wasn't.

Personal History Sunday (late due to visitors)

What is your favorite time of day?

When I was younger my favorite time of day was evening to night time. All the time before I had to go to sleep, but as an adult I can't really say that fully anymore. I really enjoy the evenings because that is when Kent, Braxton, and I are all together. However, I really enjoy the entire day that I get to spend with Braxton. I enjoy the mornings because Braxton is usually so happy then. I enjoy the time around noon because that is Braxton's nap and either my quiet time to do what I want or else it's the time I take to put my house in order. After nap would probably be my least favorite because there's so little time between the end of nap and dinner needing to be started so I don't get much done (plus I don't love cooking dinner I'll be honest).

Are you a “night owl” or an “early bird”? Describe some of these habits and routines.

I am a "night owl" who would love to be an "early bird." I love those days that I wake up early feeling refreshed and get a lot accomplished, but most often even when I go to sleep at 10:00 or 10:30 (which is a little early for me) I still don't wake up on my own an earlier than 7:30 am. In fact there are nights when Kent is dead tired at 9:00 pm and wants to go to bed, but I just can't bring my body to lay in bed that early with him. Kent is actually very much an "early bird." He wakes up at about 5 generally every morning. I would love to get up early and start my day off right with exercise, but again I really struggle with that. Who knows maybe I will try an make it a habit as the holidays start approaching. Then I won't have to worry as much about the weight I might gain. I'll let you know how that idea goes.

Education and Blessings

Today in Relief Society my good friend Lynlee (from the previous Stake Young Women's Presidency) talked about our brothers and sisters in Ghana, Africa. After listening to her today I know that at some point in my life I want to go to Africa. I have always had a desire to see Africa and Russia, but after today I feel a strong desire to feel of the spirit of the people of Africa. I may have mentioned before that a teacher I worked with previously is serving a mission in the Nigerian temple and the stories she has relayed to me just in the few months since she's been there have brought me to tears.

Today Lynlee told us about these people and how faithful they are. All over the place she said that these beautiful people show signs of their gratitude and their faith in God. I saw that in a book I read called, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza. Lynlee told of how people had come across literature about the church in the 1960's and begged for more literature from the first presidency, but they were told that the time was not right. They waited for years to join the church whose doctrines they were living. These people had faith that one day they would join. I can't even imagine how difficult I would be to want something so wonderful as the gospel of Jesus Christ and have to wait years to attain it.

These people in Ghana and Nigeria are so so poor. Val (in Nigeria) told of a woman named "Lydia who came to the temple with her son who had served a mission in Ghana. She wanted him to be sealed to her and her late husband. She and her husband live in a village 2 days away from the here [the temple]. They joined the church in 2000. Her husband was murdered by the Islamic uprising for being a Christian in the year 2004. She has to save money and it takes her 2 or 3 years to save enough to bring one of her children with her to have them sealed in the temple as a family. She said with tears streaming down her face that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is so wonderful that it is worth dying for. Her husband was literally a martyr. She went to every session in the temple for the two days she was here."

Val also told of a woman named Katherine "who has not been able to have children. Her husband is angry with her because she cannot give him children. He is inactive because he is angry with God. She traveled two days on a crowded, dirty van to receive her endowments. I went through the session with her and then did sealings with her. This evening, I was worried about her and went downstairs to where the patrons stay and knocked on her door. I asked her what she had eaten since she left home and she said just rice, but I am so full spiritually. I took her some food to travel home with."

Today Lynlee was telling us of how it only costs a child the fee of a uniform $12 to go to school. Many families can only afford to scrape together enough money for one uniform so the children in those families take turns going to school each day and when they outgrow that uniform their education is finished. They don't have books, pencils, paper, or any of that so they go to school and sit all day listening in order to learn. Yet they are grateful for the opportunities to learn.

When I hear of our brothers and sisters in Africa and many other countries how can I not be grateful for the wonderful opportunities I have been given because I live in this country. I wish that every American could live at least 6 months in a third world country. If we did maybe we would stop being entitled. Maybe we wouldn't buy into this consumerism idea that having more will make us happy. Perhaps Thanksgiving would take on a whole new meaning. We might truly be grateful and happy with the many wonderful things that we have been blessed with. I am so grateful for all that I have been blessed with and more than anything I am grateful for my change in perspective. Through writing what I am grateful for everyday for the last 18 days I realize I have so much that I really don't have anything to complain about. I may not be able to keep my cable, or my high speed internet, but I can afford to buy food. I can afford to buy soap and shampoo and clothing, and I was able to get an education. I am a smart woman and I can provide for my family if ever I need to. I am so blessed that it is worth staying up late to get my feelings out while they are fresh on my mind. More than anything I have been blessed with the love of a good family, a great husband, and a son who I couldn't love more. My life has been so blessed. My cup runneth over! I hope that this week you will realize your blessings and have the blessings that come from having gratitude, because it truly is a blessing to be grateful!

Personal History Sunday

What is your favorite restaurant? Why do you like to go there?


The answers to this question are very very sad to me. My favorite restaurant to this point in my life was called LaTerazza (I am not sure of the spelling). The sad part is that this restaurant no longer exists. The location is still there and today it is called The Epic dining (I haven't tried it out yet). The reason I liked LaTerazza is it was a VERY yummy Italian restaurant with great atmosphere and it wasn't always super busy (probably why it no longer exists). My favorite thing that I had there was a salmon salad with pine nuts and fine baby greens. It was topped with a wonderful rasberry vinagerette. I still long to go back and have that again.



Where is your favorite place to shop?

I can't really think of just one place to shop. For groceries I really like shopping at Macey's. For clothes I obviously enjoy Eddie Bauer, but if I didn't work there I would probably shop at Kohl's, JCpenny's, Sears or Mervyn's. If I had more money I would love to shop at Bath and Body Works. For bra's I LOVE Nordstrom's lingerie department, but I have to have money when I shop there. For Braxton's clothes I often shop at Babies R Us, Target, Walmart, or Shopko (for anyone who doesn't know if your kids wear out their clothes from Shopko before they outgrow them Shopko will allow you to return them. That's a good deal). That's about I can think about when it comes to shopping. I'm not really much of a shopper. I don't know if that is due to a lack of many funds or if I just am not much of a shopper. Hopefully some day I will have enough money to answer that question.

Misconceptions

Tonight Kent, Braxton and I went down to the gateway mall to shop for a Christmas present. We decided to make it a family outing and it was very nice. We rode trax down and enjoyed each others company. When we got off trax there was a large van with a bunch of kids pulled off to the side of the rode. Kent and I both noted that the kids looked like they were up to no good. No sooner had we said those words and I was corrected. A girl jumped out the side door and walked over to a man sitting on the ground with a homeless sign. The girl had what looked like leftovers from eating out and handed them to the man. He accepted the food and the girl walked back to the van. I realized how quickly we can jump to misconceptions.

I remember once hearing a teenager say how unfair it is that adults think just because they are a teenager they have nothing good to contribute to the world. Tonight, I myself, was corrected when a van full of teenagers who I thought were up to no good were up to more good than I was. Does that person I was shopping for need that gift? Not really. Does that man need food to eat? I don't know. It looked like it. I do know those kids will be blessed for their generosity.

Also along the lines of misconceptions why is it that I feel guilty when I don't give to those who do seem in need? On the way back from the gateway there was another man who seemed to hurry to sit on the grass and put up his sign for Kent and I. I had a lemonade that Kent had bought for Braxton and I and as I glanced at this man I chose to smile at him instead of ignore him. As I walked away he said something ornery sounding that I didn't catch. But it made me feel like he was making a judgement of me and my lack of giving. This time a misconception on this man's part.

I am a giving person. Just the other day a man asked me for some change because he said he had run out of gas. Considering he was carrying a gas can I felt safe giving him a little. While I am willing to give that doesn't mean that I have to give to each and every person that sits in my way. I will give to charities and I will give to the food bank very generously when I have a lot to give, but I usually don't give handouts to someone who may or may not be sleeping on the street. There are places for him to get help and if he really needs help he can go to those places.

The best part of the evening was the trax ride home. Kent and I were totally entertained by a couple of girls riding trax home from a state football game for Alta high. They were listening to an ipod and lip syncing as they danced in their seats. Kent laughed and noted that they must have seen the music video because they were doing the same little movements as they lip synced the songs. This was a time yet again to show that not all teenagers are up to no good. I know that there are a lot of horrible things going on in some of these kids lives, but not all of them are involved in these horrible things.

There was one last misconception on the way home. There was a man sitting across from Braxton who looked like a really nice guy. Braxton kept looking at him which sparked conversation. When conversation started we got an earful about how corrupt the government is and the conspiracy to rob us through high taxes and prescription drugs that make you sicker than you already are. While he did say some things I agreed with I didn't agree with his idea to stop paying taxes to the government. I was just really surprised that such a nice looking man was neglecting his civic duty to help our government run important things. Maybe I don't agree with all the government does, but I do agree with helping to pay for our schools, roads, public buildings, police protection, and so forth. It's interesting to look around at the world and take note of how often we all have misconceptions.

Veterans Day

In honor of Utah celebrating veterans day today I wanted to share this video off of You tube by a fifteen-year-old girl. I also want to share my thoughts. I have overwhelming gratitude for these men and women who are sacrificing so much for my freedom. There are really not words adequate enough for my thoughts on the service rendered by these men and women. I just want to say thank you to any of you who are, and have, and will serve this country so that I can choose the way that I will live each day. You are my heroes and I hope that I will never contribute to the group of people who seem to belittle you because of your selfless service. Thank you!

Braxton Update

I just thought I would give you an update on Braxton's words. Tonight Braxton brought over a book about dump trucks for me to read. I started reading the first page and read the words "the mighty dump truck," and almost as soon as I read it Braxton blurted out dum tuk. Kent and I made such a big deal out of it that he would repeat it every time we said dump truck. We had to call grandma and grandpa Kunz and let them hear. It was so fun. Now the trick is getting it on video. It's such a fitting phrase for a little boy who LOVES trucks and has a daddy that operates heavy construction equipment all day long.

Personal History Sunday

Today I am going to answer two questions from my personal history jar...

*What things do you enjoy doing?

I would have to say that I enjoy doing all kinds of things.
~One of my favorite dates since I have been married is to go down to the gateway mall in downtown Salt Lake City and just walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.
~I enjoy hiking, but it has been a very long time since I have done it.
~I love camping and miss it since I haven't seen in two summers!
~I enjoy many things creative. That includes: Sewing, scrap booking, painting, and decorating.
~I like to bake cookies, bread, and many other goodies.
~I enjoy reading when it is a good book.
~I love to enjoy the beauty of nature all around me.
~I like to visit with people and get to know about others and their life stories.
~I love to dance.
~I like to go to movies as well as rent them and cuddle up and watch them.
~I have only been a few times, but I do enjoy water skiing.
~I love to play the piano and sing along. I especially enjoy and miss singing Christmas carols with my mom's family. My mom's brothers have the most beautiful voices.
~The things I enjoy the most involve being surrounded by friends and family.



*What kind of games do you enjoy playing?

I enjoy all kinds of games, but just as most of you the games I like the best are the ones that I win. As I said in an earlier post I love the board game called "Ticket to Ride." I think more than anything I enjoy playing board games or social group games. Some of my other favorite games are Apples to Apples (Group Card Game), Settlers of Catan (Board Game), Uno Attack (Card Game), Skip Bo (Card Game), Phase Ten (Card Game), Personalitease (Group Game), Sequence Board Game), Family Feud (Group DVD game), Catch Phrase (electronic hot potato type group game), and The Mexican Train Domino's game.

Testimonies 1

I have some things that I need to write about for me today. First I have to acknowledge my gratitude to the Lord for the blessings he's given me for my faith to pay my tithing. A week and a half ago I made a truck payment that I neglected to write in my check registry. I wrote out my first round of bills and we were thinking that we were really doing well financially and would be able to get back on top of a few bills we were getting a little behind on.

As I tried to balance out the check book I realized that I had forgotten to write down the truck payment. That small mistake put us in the hole over three hundred dollars. I called Kent and just cried in frustration. As many of you know living on a single (well almost single, my paychecks aren't THAT large) paycheck doesn't leave you with much extra cash unless you have some in savings. We have tried to tuck some in saving, but the bills and a harder year financially have left us with little in savings.

Amazingly we were able to find money through my Mary Kay sales, Kent's extra change in a jar, Kent picking up barrels from a guy who pays him to haul them off, and our little bit in savings. We found enough money to cover ourselves by $4.33 without overdraft charges and without asking for money from family as we thought we would have to do. I don't usually like to be so open with my finances, but I wanted to remember for myself how particular the Lord is in his blessings. I know that we were blessed for paying our tithing and praying for help.

Before we started paying bills Kent was unsure if he'd feel ok about paying tithing because he was feeling so overwhelmed with bills. I knew that I could not feel good about not paying tithing and finally Kent remembered that he'd have a little extra so we'd be ok. I am so thankful that Kent was able to feel good about paying tithing. I know if we hadn't paid tithing we would have been short at least one hundred dollars. I was amazed that we had that much money in so many different places, but I am so grateful. I know that as we pay our small portion to the Lord he blesses us with so many blessings that there will not be room enough to receive it. I feel this is what he has done for my family. I am truly grateful for His help.

Testimonies 2

Today I succumbed to watching the Oprah show. I know, I know, just after I complained of how she is the devil. I only watched it for one reason. I watched it because the Osmonds were on it. Now like most of you I wouldn't have normally been swayed so easily by the Osmonds, but I did have a reason to be interested. A few years ago I actually went on a date with Alan Osmonds third son Nathan Osmond. They said that it was going to be all of the descendants of George Osmond so I had to see if he would be on with kids and a wife. He was on, but I don't know about any kids or a wife.

I do have to say for having a prior disdain towards the Osmonds and my perceptions of their arrogance and tendency to be very fake I was surprised. Maybe it was the spirit of their humble father guiding them or maybe it was the sorrow of losing someone they loved, but I saw a different side to them. I was very impressed with Marie as she boldly yet humbly bore her testimony of the truth of eternal families and then testified of the feelings of the spirit of God. At that point I no longer saw a woman of arrogance and show biz but rather a sister in the gospel using her talents to spread the gospel message.

I think back to the time when I asked Nathan to a institute dance and how I had made a big deal about dating an Osmond and all the implications that would come if a second and third date were to come. As I watched the family I realized that when you take away the show business all you have left is an eternal family. There are women (many of them) who have come into that family and these women have come to know these stars as Uncle Donny, Aunt Marie, Uncle Merrill, Uncle Jay and so on. It's very nice to see that when you strip us all down to the core we are all left as brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father.

Wouldn't it be nice if we all, from Saddam Hussein to Barbara Walters to Carrie Underwood, knew that sweet and simple truth. I am grateful to realize that when it is all said and done that we are all just human beings trying to make our way in this life's test, and our ultimate goal whether we remember it or not is to gain a physical body and make it back to live with our gentle loving Heavenly Father.

Reasons for the name change?

Well... first of all I was inspired by my sisters clever way of making she and her husbands names into a unique title. Also I was watching the news tonight and it was talking about some site that this family posted updates of their child on and then a woman started stealing the words from this families blog. While that has nothing to do with me I got thinking while watching the teasers if it was really a good idea to have my last name so visible to the public. I decided first names are the only necessities. So KaMeRa Box: K for Kent obviously; M for Marlies; R for our last name; and B on the box for Braxton. I hope that you enjoy it because knowing me I am sure I will change it in a few months. ha ha ha. I am also sorry but it won't let me make those other letters lowercase, so sorry!

Is the Devil taking the form of a black female talk show host these days?

So I wrote a blog and never posted it until I got this email today. Oprah Petition:
On September 25, 2007 Oprah aired a show entitled "237 Reasons to have Sex" which featured "experts" who advocated casual sex with friends, pornography, and having affairs as ways to improve relationships and marriage. (Click on the link to sign the petition please.) Today I posted that blog. If I could link you back to October 5, 2007 I would, but that is where that blog is located if you'd like some fired up writing by me.

I am absolutely appalled! I just can't help but answer my former question as yes Oprah is the Devil, or at least she's employed by him! Who is she to tell our children that it is OK and even better for their lives to be involved in casual sex and pornography as well as adultery. Does she know who she is working for and is she OK with that? I had about one shred of dignity I was allowing her, but now I see her as having NO dignity, and I have NO respect for her. I am completely outraged and don't know how to deal with it other than attacking her at which point I become in the wrong. I am finished!

While we are on the topic of celebrities I do want to say that there is one celebrity that I have gained more respect for in the past few days. The title I saw online was "Roberts dreams of being stay-at-home mom." A few years back I read an article in the Reader's Digest where Julia said that she likes doing housework and even does her own laundry. In this underlined article she says that ultimately she would like to be a stay-at-home mom who grows her own food and eats it. I just think that when a highly known actress is willing to live a normal life it is really amazing. How can you not admire her for her courage to be unlike the rest of Hollywood. Now I realize that doesn't make her perfect. She's got her own sorted past, but I do applaud her for making a great life for herself and centering that on family not fame and corruption!

Apparently I have been tagged!

The rules:

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.

B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.

C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

Here goes:

1. Many of you may know this, but I hate loose hair to the point that it is almost a phobia. The other day I saw a hair in the bathroom sink (my hair) and it almost made me puke. I try to not let hair bother me, but some days I seem to have no control.

2. I talk things to death according to my husband. I can go on and on for quite a while about the same topic and it drives him nuts. He sometimes makes me mad by telling me to drop it, and I hate that because I feel that I have only scratched the surface of the subject. (This is why you need girlfriends)

3. I stick to boring old plain white athletic crew socks. I only own about four pairs of colored socks and I rarely wear them. I don't know if this makes me predictable, boring, or both.

4. I drink drinks with caffeine so infrequently that when I even have a sip of a highly caffeinated drink like coke or mountain dew I get a little bit of a headache. That makes me sad because I like to enjoy an occasional Dr. Pepper and I can't drink very much without paying a price.

5. My dream is to one day live in a smaller town in a house with horse property out my window so I can watch Kent and the kids work with the horses when I do my dishes.

6. When I was a preschooler/kindergartner my dad made up a computer game for me to learn my address and phone number. When I typed it in right the box around the text would flash a couple of times. It was very simple and it helped me learn my information, but why I could be entertained for so long on that simple game I will never know.

I am tagging: Cheryl, Laura, Courtney, Stacey, Daphne, Janessa

Sick? or just playing hookie?

This morning I woke up to Braxton coughing and then crying at 6 am. I went in gave him his pacifier and went back to sleep. Then about a half hour later I heard the same thing and decided to look and see what was going on. My discovery was a sick little boy. I washed the blankets and the bedding and threw Braxton in the bath. Then after the bath he was running around the house like he had all the energy in the world. So a few hours later I decided to feed him breakfast. We'll again he got sick and couldn't hold it down. Then again at lunch.

I feel horrible feeding him and having him throw up, but he seems so fine the rest of the day. Even his yucky diapers don't seem to bother him. So is he sick or what? I remember when I was a little girl I couldn't get myself off the couch except to expel whatever was bothering my tummy, but Braxton is all over the house as though he were just fine. So I am just wondering is that just my kid or are there other kids like that who get sick and still don't need you? I mean at least if I have to deal with a sick kid can't he need me to cuddle with him or something?

Please take note!

This is a quick note to remind you to take a look at my everyday entries of the things I am grateful for. Also if you would like to read a good talk on service read the talk by President Hinckley on my links list. One GREAT quote from that talk is,

"If you are complaining about life, it is because you are thinking only of yourself. There was for many years a sign on the wall of a shoe repair shop I patronized. It read, "I complained because I had no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet." The most effective medicine for the sickness of self-pity is to lose oneself in the service of others."

It really uplifted me to work harder to do more good. One of these days I am going to do some thing great, but I haven't figured out what that is yet (aside from being a mom which is GREAT)!

Personal History Sunday

What kind of music do you like?



I enjoy all kinds of music. I love sacred (or religious music) as well as country, rock, pop, some hip hop, a little rap (very little), some punk or grunge, techno, etc. In addition I also enjoy many classical pieces as well as new age music and almost everything there is with the exception of hard rock and explicit lyrics type music. There are many songs that have memories attached to them. One of those songs is Rachmaninoff: Concert no. 2; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The song was on a movie entitled "Somewhere in Time." My parents owned the soundtrack on vinyl record. Whenever my mom would play that record I would dance around the house singing the words "somewhere in time" over and over again as if they were the words to the song. As far as I knew, being a little girl, they were the words to the song.

Another song with some attachment to it was a song entitled, "Don't take the Girl" by Tim McGraw. I used to hate country music until my about my sophomore year when my sisters friend Sherry played this song in the car and that one song converted me over to country. I have really liked country ever since and I enjoy it even more now that I am married to a country boy. In fact Kent's and my song is "I cross my heart," by George Strait. As for other popular country music I am sure that I could tell story after story about the songs, but that should be saved for another day.

There are a few songs that really mean something to me and have for a long time. These songs are religious songs. The first song I have loved and felt the spirit of since I was a little girl. The song is, "Families Can be Together Forever." I have always felt a deep desire to be with my family forever and so that song touches me often. Another song that touches me is, "Because I have Been Given Much." I truly have been given much and so that makes me want to give to others. I love all the powerful songs that talk of Christ such as, "I believe in Christ," "I Know that my Redeemer Lives," "I Stand All Amazed," and so on.

Music has always been a part of my life and I am so grateful for that. I have a deep love for music. One of my favorite things to do is sing and play the piano. I developed a love of singing as well as developed confidence in my voice when I was in choir all through high school. My senior year of high school I was in the Chamber Choir which was an all girl's choir and it was the highest group you could be in while in choir. I was very surprised and honored when I made it into that choir. I think weekly probably of things that I learned from being in choir and I treasure those times from my high school experience.

I always desired to play the piano. At Grandma Holdaway's house I was always playing the piano. When I was in about fifth grade grandma got her new baby grand and gave my mom her upright. Once we had a piano I was dying to take piano lessons. I took for about two years from Rosalee Petersen and loved it. We decided we wanted her to teach us when we heard her play a beautiful piano piece in church one Sunday just after she had moved into the ward. When we moved to Oregon I felt that I was able to sight read well enough that we didn't need to spend money on piano lessons anymore. While I still love playing the piano I wish I took more time to do so. It's a skill I need to keep up.

Braxton Update

I just wanted to give an update of how smart Braxton is getting. Tonight I told him to get books so Kent could read to him and he got books and chose me to read. After reading we usually have prayer and Braxton has really caught on to prayer time. He crosses his arms and tries to close his eyes and mumbles while we pray. At the in the name of Jesus Christ part he realizes we are about done and he releases his hands. Kent and I are amazed at how well he's taken to it and learned quickly. He even knows that after prayer it's time to get the pacifier from it's place (no we haven't taken it away yet) and get to bed. He's just getting so smart. It's amazing to me. It makes me realize how important our routines are to children. Now we have to get in the habit of scripture reading so that will be an easy routine too.

Braxton saw the neighbor kids on their computer and decided he wanted to play too.

Finally somewhere he looks little still!

Thanksgiving and Christmas together as one

So now that Halloween is over there will be those overzealous people who start listening to Christmas music and driving us crazy, right? We'll I used think that was awful. I'd say come on lets not totally skip over Thanksgiving and head straight for Christmas. Then one day I had a co-worker that said she thought the two holidays were synonymous so what's the big deal. At first I didn't understand, but I think I finally get it and I want to explain what it is I feel.

I would never want to skip over Thanksgiving just to be clear. I think it is one of the most important holidays there is. In fact it really bothers me when we go to Kent's families for Thanksgiving because we hurry and eat (at almost exactly the time dinner was supposed to be served) as if we have a time limit and must finish dinner in that time. After it seems most are finished with dinner you hurry and get everything cleaned up (when you get up from the table to take care of a baby you WILL lose your meal) and then you sit around talking or else go out shooting with the men. No time for being grateful just hurry and eat so we can get it all over with and get to the next part.

In my family for years we would sit down just before dinner and everyone would say just one thing they were thankful for, and then we would eat and visit all through dinner. Then we would all be sitting and talking and no one would be eating. At that point someone would say let's get this cleaned up. To me thanksgiving dinner is great, but more important is the idea that we take inventory of what we are grateful for. That is why I am so excited to have Becca and Jason and their girls coming for dinner this year.

Ok now that I am done with that I would like to say that I have really been thankful lately and as I become more and more thankful I realize just how much I have. When you look at what you have and not what you don't have you find you are very rich and not poor. Here's the Christmas part. If you are very rich then you have so much to give. When you give something you have but don't need to someone who does need it you feel like the richest person on earth. Sometimes that excess is money and sometimes it is things. For example somehow my sister ended up with two of the same pictures of Christ. It was a large painting and she decided to give it to her friend. She told me that when she gave that picture she felt like she was SO rich (this was a time in her life when she was struggling financially). Interestingly enough this same recipient gave me a discount in lieu of the picture when I took her Bradley birthing class.

See how it works. As you go into this holiday season try and remember that you truly do have a lot even if it isn't money or things. Sometimes we are blessed with the love of family and friends where others have none. For some it's a blessing just to be alive and healthy. Whatever it is you do have something that someone else does not have. When you realize what it is you are thankful for celebrate it and then don't forget to freely share what it is you do have to give. So celebrate Christmas in November if you'd like, but if you do don't forget to celebrate Thanksgiving when it's over too!

Very Happy Halloween

OK Here he is! Braxton the Dwarf Dopey! We have had a good couple of days. I'll tell you all about it after you take a look at the pictures.Unfortunately his ears look like dog ears, but if they were standing right they would look like Dopey's big ears. Wow who is that woman?! Are we really seeing pictures of Marlies on here? Only because I made Kent take the picture. I am tired of always being the one behind the camera! Besides I deserve the credit for the costume that I made! You can get a little glimpse of his left ear, but funny how he hated the costume a few days ago.
Now you've got a look at the cute patches on the arms. See the picture of Dopey below and you will see I did my best to put in all the detail. Even Disney itself didn't do as well. (Please let me take pride in my work ok)
This is the picture that I used to get ideas from. This is a game I came up with for the kids to play at the ward party. It is actually quite fun because of the difficulty. Put it together yourself if you have some empty canning bottles and wiffle golf balls. You'll see it's not as easy as it looks.

Our Pumpkin won scariest pumpkin at the ward party.

Here is the scoop. The ward party went well with a few exceptions. First we didn't get the chili on soon enough (my fault) and so we had about thirty minutes of trying to entertain people while we got the chili heated up. It worked out ok though. Second we didn't get prizes out for costumes and pumpkin carving early enough and so some of the winners had left. Other than that and Kent having to go to Layton to get our five dozen free doughnuts from Krispy Kreme (all the Salt Lake locations closed and I am really annoyed) we had the party turn out ok.

Last night was very fun too. Kent, Braxton and I went to McDonald's for dinner. Braxton had the whole play area to his self almost. After that it was off to the mall to exchange some pants at Eddie Bauer and show off Braxton's costume. Once we were there and saw the crowds Kent and I had no desire to hang out with the mall trick-or-treaters. After that we went to our friends house and Kent hung out with them (party poo per) while I taught Braxton how to trick-or-treat. Braxton wasn't so sure, but after two houses of knocking on the door and getting candy he was all about this game. He loved it. Everyone told him he was cute and gave him candy and that was great fun. We ended up trick-or-treating eight houses when I had only intended on going to three. Had we not already had too much candy at home I would have gone to more.

Today Braxton already got mad at me because after two candies and a sucker before breakfast I won't let him have more candy right away. Poor kid with a mean mom. Anyway we had a great holiday and I am really looking forward to the upcoming holidays. Maybe tomorrow I will share my new ideas about the two holidays as one great holiday.

Our Family Goals

A while back my neighbor's friend said something about my goals with my husband and if you don't write them down then they aren't goals. So back in July I made Kent decide of some family goals with me (he was stuck in the car driving to Meadow so he had no choice). I'd like to share my goals with you as I was reminded of them in responding to emails this morning.

Goals Important to the Robison Family

I. Respect, love, and enjoy one another, in and outside family
a. Serve one another
b. Everyone has their own space and respects each others space
c. Participate in activities together (camp, sports, boating, horses, skiing, snowmen building, etc.)
d. Take time individually for each person (pair’s time)
e. Look for the positives in others
II. Appreciate each others likenesses and differences
III. Enjoy Sports together
a. Play sports games together
b. Attend sporting events
c. Be involved in sporting events
d. Support each other in sporting events
IV. Enjoy Music together
a. Sing in Family Home Evening
b. Sing in church
c. Play an instrument
d. Enjoy musical events
V. Work hard together
VI. Play together
VII. Earn rank of Eagle Scout , Duty to God Award, and Young Womanhood Award
VIII. Learn to love education and reading
a. Enjoy educational activities together (zoo, museums, walks, etc.)
b. Read together and individually
IX. Build up one another and support one another’s dreams
X. Graduate from College
XI. Serve Honorable Missions
XII. Each PERSON works to gain a strong testimony
a. Pray as a family and individually
b. Read scriptures as a family and individually
c. Exercise faith in areas where you struggle (test it out)
d. Follow the spirit
XIII. Build a relationship with the Lord
a. All the above and serve your fellow man


Kent and Marlies long term goals

I. Buy a home with at least one acre of land
A. Features of this home
1. Rambler with basement
2. At least three bedrooms up and two down
3. two car garage
4. shop outback
5. laundry/mud room
6. greenhouse with faucet
7. faucet by horse trough
8. kitchenette downstairs
9. fireplace upstairs
10. wood burning stove downstairs
11. separate basement entrance
12. double shower head in master bedroom
13. ceiling fans in living rooms and master bedroom
14. office space
15. kitchen sink that faces away from wall

II. Short term goals to achieve the realization of this home
A. Make a budget
B. Save $(amount of money disclosed)
1. Save money by making house payment monthly and saving the difference
C. Keep improving credit scores by paying bills on time
D. Buy a starter home
E. Save more money after buying starter
F. Start paying new approximate payment price

Now that you have read that I want to explain. I set these goals for me as a parent and will encourage my children to make these goals a part of their lives as well. I will do my best not to make my children feel unloved or as though they were failures if they don't achieve all of this. These are just the things that are important to me and Kent. These are the things that we would like for our family. Most important to me is the first goal of respect and love for siblings. I want each child to feel valued not only by me, but by their siblings too.

Also I realize that Kent and I may not get each and every thing mentioned at to our house, but it is our dream and vision to have a home comparable to this home. I feel that if we really decide what we want now we'll be better guided in the future as we work toward our goals. I pray that one day we can have these goals realized. I hope that it inspires you to take inventory of your long term goals and desires for your family. It seems to me that these goals feel achievable when I have them on paper (computer anyhow). At sometime I want to make a nice looking paper and post these goals where I can see them often.

Lost and Found Friends

In our ward church starts at 9:00 am...ALWAYS. Even here in Utah. We share the building with only one other ward and this ward is a specialized ward, meaning not really too many like it. That ward (or branch as they are called, but no where near the size) is the 30-45 year-old singles ward, and they are massive in size. With that said, yesterday I was there after church for a bit and I saw a man from the singles ward who I knew was from one of my singles wards. An attractive man who I couldn't remember what ward I knew him from. Then after I was home it hit me...he was my good friend Chad Woods' roommate. That sparked questions about Chad. Is he still in New Mexico? Is he still in the Army? I wish I had some way to contact him. This spiraled me into my thoughts about lost friends.

Many friends come in and out of our lives at different times. Some are there for the long haul and some are just there for a short time. It's the idea that some are there for a short time that I have difficulty with. I HATE loosing track of people who mean a lot to me. You can ask my friend/former roommate Laura. I had lost her and I was so sad every time I thought about her and wondered what she was doing with her life. Then I remembered her best friends families name and called them to get her parents number (wasn't able to find it online) and then I called her parents and got her number.

Such is the life of Marlies I really do have a VERY hard time letting go of people I love and care for. So far these are the people I have lost touch with and really want to get back in touch with. Chad Woods (college friend), Jeremy Ivie (college friend), Nathan Goats (college friend) Nicole Gwinn Stone (former roommate), Kimberly Alder Bond (former roommate) Rick and Michelle Bradshaw (married friends from LDS ward), Kristina Kramer (high school friend).

Every now and again I think of these friends and wish I knew just one person who could get me in touch with them. Maybe like Laura I can find a way to be brave and try to get in touch with a family member who can direct me their way. The funny thing is I just realized as I was writing this that I must pick up this trait from my mom. She was able to get in touch with some good friends from when I was young only a few years ago, and the whole family was really excited to get back in touch. Anyway I think I will look into finding some of those friends. Wish me luck!

An apple a day!

Tuesday is our ward party, and because we are going to be bobbing for apples there is a box of apples on my table. It didn't even occur to me they weren't safe since Braxton doesn't really eat apples when I give them to him sliced. Well they weren't safe. Braxton climbed on the chair got an apple and chomped away at it half the morning yesterday.

Here's the box of apples.
He seemed to really like eating the apple this way.
Hey, mom, this is a pretty dang good apple!
This day I wanted to use the beautiful fall colors at the entrance of the apartments as a backdrop for pictures. Braxton didn't want to do that though.
It wouldn't be so bad for him to escape if there weren't a busy road so close. He's a little dumbfounded that he's back after his running away.
This is the Dopey costume basically all finished. As you can see it turned out ok, but Braxton HATES it!
Get this hat off me!