Hopper, from this day forth known as PaPa is 6 years old today!!!!!

6 years ago today a bright eyed wonder entered my life. He was (and still is for that matter) full of spunk and drive for life. When he would wake me so early in the morning I would think "can I really do this" , " he is so small how am I going to protect him from the world." As it turns out I don't have protect him from the world. He knows more about God and his plan than I ever could have hoped for. He is an awesome missionary, and friend to others. He doesn't judge by the worlds standards. He brings a little bit of heaven into my life every day. I am so thankful that I could have him with me. That I am able to learn from him and all that he does. I have been so blessed to have his souring spirit in my life. I have learned many things by trial and by faith. I have leaned about Gods love for all his children and the plan that he has for them. I love Him with more of my heart than I could have imagined. He brings out the best inn everyone, including me.

I am going to have a Dragon birthday with a dragon birthday cake and homemade pizza my by my uncles. -PaPa

Christmas is upon us

I LOVE christmas! When I was little I remember Christmas being a magical time of year where angels would leave presents and goodies on the doorstep. Making grandma's amazing sugar cookies. Reading and watching christmas stories with family. Reenacting the Christmas story. Making gifts for loved ones and trying to see what they got me. It was such a magical time. I want the same ting for my children. I have learned, as I think that every parent must, that even if all you have for your child to open is some thing small that you made it means more that all the things that they say they want. They DON'T need it all. Christmas isn't about getting things, it is more about remembering those you love and showing it in any way you can. As the savior would. In the Scriptures I don't remember Christ ever giving his disciples great worldly gifts. As I remember it he gave the love and knowledge of the gospel. If we focus on the same things then we will not only be showing the love that we have for each other, but the love that our father has for us. 

Back for a Day

My youngest brother just got back from his mission in Paraguay.  He wasn't even home for 12 hours before he had a date for the next say. I think that is funny. I love him so much and my testimony has grown so much because of his faith to do as the Lord commands. My Hansom has finished his schooling and is hopefully going to be getting a job hear next year. We love it hear. It is amazing how you learn to love those around you no matter where you are. I have learned so much, with out friends and family from afar. I want to thank you all for your love and support and prayers. It has made all the difference in my life. I am going in for sines surgery on the 4th of Dec. so more prayers would be greatly appreciated. I hope to be able to write again soon. 

Sorry....

Hansom isn't working for the next few months, soooo not internet for us. I will cheach in from time to time, but it wont be that often.

Hoppers First Day Of School

Hopper slept in, funny since I was up around 7. He eat his food got dress did his hair and brushed his teeth. Then we waited. 8:30 finally got here and we walked to school. I took him to his new class. I have to admit, I was impressed with what I saw. Hopper went around the room looking for his name in all the places around the room then I said it was time for me to go...that is when I realized that for 3 hours he wasn't mine I slowly walked down the sidewalk saying over and over in a whisper"he is going to be alright." And of course he was. I walked back to the school and was 10 min. early... I was the first mom there. I waited for the doors to open. It was funny, it reminded me of an airport. All the moms waiting for their kids. And the kids streaming out looking for mom. Hopper finally came out and told me of all his grand adventures on the way home. Shelter did very well at home We found a sit called http://www.starfall.com .It helps with early reading skills. He loved it. Moddle slept and didn't even know he was gone.

It could happen to you

We always hear this phrase but seldom do we really think that it will be us. Today, for example, I went to an appointment leaving one kid at one house and the other teo at another. After said appointment went and got the two kids and drove to get the other one. I decided that I would leave the two in the car, I would only be a moment right? Well...One moment turned into a few, as the one that had to leave didn't want to, I know leave you friends what was I thinking. So we got out to the car to find Hopper laughing for he decided to lock Shelter and I out, effectively locking Moddle ALONE in the car. We were lucky enough to get a hold of dispatch and Moddle was fine, the keys were also in the car and it was running, luckily. Needless to say, I will take the time to take them with me. Even if only for a moment.

Hopper Can Swim

Hopper and Hansom have been going to the pool almost everyday this last summer. He used floties all last year, but decided it he had a kick board then he would be alright. So yesterday our pool was closed and a friend, who's kid is 4 and can swim without any help from floties(he got diving rings and a bunch of toys for doing it, motivation for Hopper) asked Hansom if he would like to go to the pool at the school with him. Hansom and Hopper went, the pool is 5 ft. the whole way. I was a bit nerveise for Hopper. He swam from one end of the pool to the other with no help. Hansom told him he could get a good pair of goggles for it. He is so happy to have done it.

Nutmeg Fairy

Moodle LOVES to dress up. Her wings and toto are her favorite thing to were. I got this picture this afternoon. I loved it.

She Fell

I put Moodle in her crib and closed the door. No sound, not a peep...then AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I ran in to find her sprawled on the floor with a mouth full of blood. I was lucky this time she only bit her tung. I won't be closing the door, putting the side of the bed up, or stop praying that she doesn't fall again for a while.

Fun at Grandma's

I remember looking out at the hot sun thinking " Is it 90 I can play in the sprinkler if it is". Now everything is different. There are droughts and auto sprinklers, and apartments that don't allow "water Fun". So what do you do..... GO to grandma's. My mom just got a new back yard, witch means they can play outside, do to no fence it couldn't happen before. Now everything is different. I LOVE it. I can let my kids outside without worrying about them escaping. Hear is a movie of them playing in the water, Moodle doesn't know quite what to think.

Home

It doesn't matter how long I have been away, when I go to MOM's house I turn back into the kid I was when I lived here. I forget that I have kids screaming at me, they must be someone elses. I forgot to clean up and do the things I would at home, that is all changing. I have taken more responsibility this trip than most. My kids are having a good time and I am helping to spring clean, better late than never. The funny thing is that a lot of the mess here, is mine. I know it shocked me. My room is still full of my stuff, yea cool I know were to find things, but now I can get rid of things that I have had for so many years because they are so used or worn out that they don't even resemble what they used to be. I have had a good time getting to know my Brother also. I got married and didn't stay as close with him. He is one of the most amazing poeple I know. He would do almost anything I asked him to. I love him so much. I have had a hard time seeing him grown up. My other brother has worked so much that I haven't got to see more than a few min. of him. I miss him. He is so streesed that when I do see him he is asleep, or close to it. My last brother willl be home in a few months he is on his mission and an inspiration to me. I wish I had got to know him better. My kids ask about him and what he is like, and I don't remember. He was just there. It is amazing how much I wish I had done differently when I was younger. I am learning now and I guess that is what matters.

To School are not to School...

Three months ago I decided, with the help of Hansom and a bit of prayer, that I was going to start going back to school.. I was going to go to an online school and have more time with my family. Then it was time to register get scholarships and grants and it got harder and harder. So, naturally I thought, it is one of two things I Heavenly father really wants me to go and Satan is trying everything to get me not to go, or I am not suppose to go.
Hansom and I have prayed for a week and I decided not to go. At church to day the talks were on feathering you education, witch is usually Heavenly fathers way of telling me that I am suppose to go to school. I have to admit I was a little let down, then the second speaker spook. Now this is the part That Heavenly Father meant for me to hear. He talked about two kinds of schooling. Going to university or such to learn about earthly things and then to study and search for Heavenly knowledge. I am to study for Heavenly knowledge. I told Hansom after the man was finished what I had decided... you would not believe the look of relive he gave me. He is student teaching and will not have a lot of time to help me out so I could study. Heavenly Fathers plan is so unique to all of us. I don't think that I would have lesioned to the talk the way I did If I hadn't already been thinking about school. He prepares us even if we can't see it at the time and I am so grateful for that.

It starts

My Moddle is 15 months old, and climbing!! She made it on to our counter and safely got back down. None of my kids "Climb" so I was surprised that she wants to. It STARTS.

Horse shoes

My sweet Hopper was playing horse shoes outside, with real horse shoes. He threw it and of course and another's head is what he hit. I looked at the cut and it was about 1in. long and from what I could tell fairly deep. I was heart broken for Hopper. He came inside after it happend and said he was going to stay in his room forever. I know that wasn't normal so he told Hansom and I what had happened. Luckily the mom was there and saw the whole thing and to;d Hopper that I was an accident and that the girl would be ok. I haven't heard if she got stitches or not, but I am certain that she had to have a tetanus shot. I am sad for Hopper, he blames himself and is still wigging out.

Teeth!!!!!

Moddle has cut her molers. I would be happier, but I got a few hours less sleep that I would have liked. One thing I love about Moddle is that she is such an awesome sleeper. Give her a binky a blanket and some music and she is out, unless she happens to have a fever and crys ALL night. I am so grateful that my children know how to sleep through the night. I like sleep.

Rain, rain go away take my shoes another day!

It rained today, when I say rained, I mean POURED The rain came in sheets for almost an hour. The gutter turned into the road and you couldn't tell there was a sidewalk. Shelter and Hopper went outside with Hansom and played in the rain. Hansom held Shelters feet over the water and the current stole his shoes off his feet. He cried and cried until we told him that we could get him new ones tomorrow. Hopper, Hansom, and Jack are in the pic.

Memory game

My sis-in law posted this so I thought I would try it too.
Memory Game
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Shelter, Hooper, and Monster Mom

Shelter and Hopper are most often quite nice, but once a month Monster Mom appears and nothing they do can be right. I monster mom have a problem. once a month for about a week I turn in to Monster Mom. I don't like it. In fact I hate it. My body and the chemicals with in are not getting along. I have to tell the kids that Monster Mom is hear, that she isn't mad she just needs a break. I hope that soon Monster Mom will go into hiding for good but until then, I am just a MONSTER

A Day in the Life

I have often wondered were I would be without my family. I LOVE them to death, and I am so glad for them... But there are times I would like to have just me and of course Hansom. That is just what is going to happen. I am asking my mom to take the kids so Hansom and I can have a much needed break. Lucky for us, it is also our 6th anniversary. I can't believe that it has been 6 years, well not yet next week, but still. I have had more joy and more pain than I ever thought possible and I wouldn't give it up for anything.

One lost stitch

I have been knitting a sweater for Moddle and the needles that are needed are very small, size 4. The stitches are small and easy to miss. To day I found that I missed one. I had to unravel 6 rows to get back to the spot were I messed up then I lost another stitch and had to unravel another row. I found my self very frustrated that I was having so much trouble with it then I thought about habits and spirituality. I decided that missing a stitch was like not reading scriptures. You can go for a while without seeing a problem. Then you look at what you have become and find that there are peaces missing and that you have to "go back" and fix them. Some times it is hard and the way or thing we thought was wrong is only the beginning and we have to go back farther or search deeper to find out what went wrong, But... That is were the beauty lies. The savior will take us by the hand and lead us. If we let him. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of my savior and his role in my life.

Shelter's names

Shelter has a great love for calling names. Most of the time silly and crazy are the most offensive. Today Moddle was doing something Shelter didn't like and he said "Stop Hitler." he knows who Hitler is because we have been studying the holocaust. The biggest thing he knows is that he was a bad, and evil man. I wonder what she did to be called that?
The other day Moddle pulled Shelter's hair. Shelter looked and her and said " Stop you deceptecon." then went on his way doing his own thing. Hopper and Shelter play transformers and know one ever wants to be the deceptocons.
Hopefully his names will only be for Moddle. Others would be more offended than a one year old.

Family from afar

My brother and sis. in-law and there four kiddos came for the night on there way to a reunion. I love seeing family. We have lived 3 hours away for 2 years now and every time I see our family that live so " far" away I want to move back. I know that Hansom and I are suppose to live hear, Satin knows that I thrive on family so he makes me more and more home sick. Likely I have an amazing family who know when I am down and call or write and lift me up. To all you , thank you.

Happy Hopping

Hopper and Shelter won African dwarf frogs at the Renaissance fair yesterday. The frogs came with food and a new home. we got home and all the kids watched the frogs for hours, on and off.
The frogs live in water and only need to be feed one time a day. The "home" only needs to be cleaned once every one to two weeks, and they can live any were from two to 18 years. Moddle loves watching them, and Hopper goes to "check" on them every other min. I think that they will be a lot of fun, and a good leaning experience.

Honesty

I have an amazing five year old. Today we went to McDonald's and Hopper saw a $1.00 on the floor. He is very obsessed with money right now so I am sure it was hard for him to give the money to the manager. She thanked him and we went to sit down then he was asked if he would like a treat for his honesty. He picked a fruit and yogurt parfe, go figure he likes yogurt more than ice cream. I love my little and I beamed with pride.

Class Party

Hansom and I teach the 8-9 year olds in our ward and have challenged them to memorize scriptures from the BofM, and in doing so we will provided a pizza party for them. They have memorized Moroni 10:4 and Mosiah 2:17. We had our 2nd class party tonight. We made our own pizza and while it was cooking Derrick took the 6 kids from our class and our boys out to find rocks. Why rocks ou ask? Well our next scripture is alma 37:37 ( the one about prayer). When they got back they eat then painted there "Prayer " rocks. We all had a lot of fun, and amazingly enough no paint got anywhere it shouldn't.

I can't believe it!

Shelter was having a hard day yesterday so I asked him to go to his room until he could handle life. As he ran to his room crying I heard him say "I can't believe it, I just can't believe it." It made me smile.

A night out

Hansom took me to see Cyrano Debergerac last night. There is a reason that plays cost so much. The guy who played Cyrano was amazing. I didn't want him to die. I was willing him to live, like it would make a difference. I think I enjoyed being out of the house and away from my kids for the night, as much as I liked the play.

I am Simply ME

I found that I have an inner beauty that is all my own. I was looking at pictures from when I was in high school. I was surprised by what I saw. I was beautiful. I never would have thought , not ever, that I was beautiful in high school. I can understand more how others saw me. I had an almost timeless look. I have since changed and become a different me. I am simply ME.