3 Months...and ticking!

Our little man is 3 months old today! What!? How the time flies. Each month I am taking a photo with this clock to watch his growth. The hands of the clock will show what month he's in. It's so crazy how when you add another little person to your family it's like they've always been there. I feel like we've always had William and yet when I see the clock ticking and showing we've had him 3 months I feel like it went by so fast! We love this happy and wild little guy. He sure loves smiling, had rolled over once, is extremely strong, loves to be close to his mommy and hold his daddy's finger, loves his Sissie, enjoys looking at light reflections, can be super loud and talkative, has a toot factory and likes to hold in his poops, loves watching fingers and sucking on his hands, he seems to really enjoy being outside, lets us know when he's upset, has kicking frog legs, and is just a joy. We love him very much and can't wait to continue to watch him grow and develop.

Boooooooo!

Pumpkins are carved and costumes were set. And Grammy even sent us some special Halloween books to read! Our theme this year for our family was "Little Red Riding Hood!" James was the woodcutter, I was the old granny, Jane was Red and William the wolf. I'll post better costume shots tomorrow. We filled our day today wearing them at two events.

Halloween at the library was cra-cra-crazy! There were so many people there. It was fun for Jane to be out and about with so many kids. She loves the library, even if it's just for the fish pond and pillow snake to sit on :). I love seeing her curiosity and imagination blossom with book reading. She loves stories and always, without fail, will ask for one more every night. It was amazing how packed the library could be. We even got to see our favorite librarian! She was dressed as a flapper and looked adorable!

We went to our ward trunk or treat this evening. It was absolutely freezing!! A true Idaho Halloween. We decorated our trunk like the old Grandmothers house from the Little Red Riding Hood story and had the classic "Little Red Riding Hood you sure are Looking good" playing to. James and I hand bagged 40 chocolate covered pretzels and sticks to give out in a basket. I was shocked after no more than 15 minutes they were all gone!! Now I know why a parent stays at the car to hand them out. I wish parents taught their children to take one, not 5+! How silly to not be able to trust little kids to be honest and just take one. I guess that's what we get for not staying by our car. It was a fun time watching sweet Jane be fascinated by all the people and costumes. She is quite the social and happy gal. And makes a pretty dang cute  Little Red! James and I won the best dressed couple costume! It was pretty funny, the cute young woman who gave us he prize couldn't find me cause she couldn't recognize me. Guess I made a pretty convincing Granny! What a fun filled day, wheew. Maybe real Halloween day we'll just take it easy.

Back to the Future

At church this last week we had a wonderful lesson by my favorite teacher. She always invites the spirit to her lessons and asks great questions that inspire thoughts. Our topic this last lesson was on the importance of marriage and family. The part of the lesson I loved most was when she had each of us close our eyes and think back on 3 things;

1. Your earliest memory.

2. The first time you were comforted.

And 

3. Something your mom/dad taught you.

It was really neat to think about what memories came to my mind of my early years of life. It's wild how much we forget as humans. I can barely remember a thing from my childhood in Utah. We moved when I was so young and my life in Washington is so much more clear. But I thought back and tried to really recollect my earliest memories of my life.

1. Finding a praying mantis with my brother, Spencer, on our swing set is the earliest memory I can recollect.

As I think about this very early memory it's really special to me. Spencer is one of my dearest friends and favorite people on this earth. He is the one who went on adventures with me, included me, pretended with me, grew up with me and was friends with James and now thanks to him he's now my husband. Spencer is an amazing person and I am so grateful he's my brother! How ironic that one of my earliest memories I can really recollect is with him. Yep, he's pretty special!

A few other hazy early memories are:

The huge sprinklers turned on at our school in Utah.

Playing with a childhood friend in a fort built with blankets and chairs.

2. The first time I can really remember being comforted was when I wanted my parents to get home and I was at a friends/neighbors home. I remember, hazily, praying in their backyard by a gate that they would come home soon. And I felt the comforting feeling of the Holy Ghost assure me they would be soon. And then they arrived minutes later.

This is also a special thing for me to remember and recollect because the Holy Ghost truly is a powerful comforter. There have been many instances in my life that I have needed his care. How grateful I am that I can have someone with me at all times, as long as I am worthy, to give me strength when I am feeling small or comfort me when I am lonely. That is a great blessing!

3. My parents taught me a lot. But the thing I feel that stands out the most is my dads respect and care for money. It has been ingrained in me to not spend money unless I have to. To not be frivolous with my earnings. And to be responsible with my $'s. Sometimes this learning was annoying and sometimes I still feel it's ok to splurge sometimes, but it really has been an important one in my life. I was able to go to college and pay for 1/2 my mission without debt. I have been able to help my husband earn extra money with little things I do. We have strived to be wise as a couple to not buy everything we want and to sacrifice things we desire to make sure we are being wise.

When my dad danced with me at my wedding that was his topic of conversation to. He advised me to be wise with money and to be smart with talking about it with James. At the time I thought, "oh boy, here goes dad on his money rant." But it truly is something he holds in great importance and I have a great respect for that. We as a family learned the importance of being thrifty, doing without and working hard for things that matter because of him.

I am grateful that our sweet teacher made us think about our pasts. Because looking back makes us realize our future. Each one of these specific memories has shaped me and has carried into the things I care about and do in my adult years. You learn good and bad from your past and both have a big impact on your futures. I am thankful for the times of the past that influence us for good in the future!

 

Choice.

I have been pondering a lot lately on the subject of personal choice. We are all blessed with agency. Each day we make thousands of choices. Good and bad. But they are our choice! Many times in life people will try and pass the responsibility or blame of their choices upon others. This is wrong. Choice is upon each of us and we have the great privilege of that freedom.

I have noticed a great deal of this passing judgment and blame upon others when a wrong choice is made and it makes me sad. When you are given a gift as beautiful as agency and choice you must strive to realize its boundaries and joys. There is no reason in heaven if you decide to be lazy or spend your time doing an activity of your choice to then blame someone else you didn't get a project done. One should not pass guilt onto someone else if they are ill prepared for something. They had the choice to prepare for it. Parents should never guilt their children into an endless cycle of "you're wrong, I'm right" or you should always be pleased with me even when I'm being rude because I'm your parent. Employees should not complain constantly and make work a prison for themselves, it's your choice to be angry, no one else's. Youth cannot blame bad grades on their parents....this list could go on and on for the blame and guilt people seem to think is appropriate to pass onto someone else for their personal bad choice.

The parable that comes to mind is that of the 10 Virgins and their oil lamps. It all came down to choice as to whose lamps were filled and prepared to meet the bride groom. Choice ultimately allows us the joy and honor of being prepared. It is up to us, no one else, to fill our lamps. You can't go around in life blaming everyone else why you aren't prepared and then when the true moment comes beg for help or blame it on someone else. But people do. Choice must be yours to own! And yours alone.

My mind also turns to the great book, "Mans search for meaning." Victor Frankle lived through the horrors of a concentration camp and described the choice of how to act after such a horrific event. As he and other prisoners were freed from their camp they passed fields of crops growing along the side of their path. A fellow prisoner openly started to stomp through the field killing the growing plants. Mr. Frankle was asked to join and he refused, his friend basically angrily responded, "We've been so wronged, we have the right to do this." But he was wrong in that choice. I'm sure none of us would blame this man for all the pain and sorrow he went through to react this way. But there is a higher road. A higher choice. And Mr. Frankle lived that! No matter what wrongs you have lived through you should never let that govern your choice to hurt others. Why pass the hurt? Why not choose joy and spread love. The world already has so much hate.

I used the word "boundaries" earlier because that is something that Mister James and I have had to work on tirelessly in our marriage. You do not have to be battered and guilted by others poor choices. Set up boundaries to protect you and those you love. It is not right for you to carry the weight of others rude choices. We have had to make tough choices in our life to keep important boundaries to make sure our little family is safe and feels the joy of this life. Our choice is to interact with positive people that help us draw closer to Christ. There is nothing more important than focusing on the positive and if others choices are detracting from that goal and desire it brings you down. There is great importance in loving others and choosing to be kind always but there is a difference between being battered and being a good listener. When you are being put down or bullied because of the poor choices of others it is not right. Make the hard choice to break away, to stand for the right and to bring positivity back into your life.

I felt a strong desire to write about this because of how important I feel it is. We live in a generation of choice! Oftentimes we are called the "choice generation." And I do not believe that is saying we are the best, the cream of the crop or the most righteous of people to be saved for this time. It is because we have so many choices!! Endlessly we are given so much to choose from. We choose who we serve, we choose what we will focus on in life, we choose how we will act, how we will spend our time and how we will treat others. In an era where we are given so much choice, how will we choose? Choose well, for your choices may be brief but they will ripple into eternity!

I had a friend recently post this and I thought it had great advice:

http://www.goforhealth.co/2015/10/14/8-things-to-remember-when-everything-is-going-wrong-stopping-3-changed-my-life/

This Little Piggy

"This Little Piggy...." is pooped. Have you ever wondered how on earth you're still awake sometimes? Or how on earth you're getting things done functioning on that lack of sleep? That was me tonight on 3 days of sleeping for only 2 hour slots each night and a sick kid and new newborn. Definitely need more naps and crossing my fingers for better nights the next while, cause man I am exhausted. Tonight was a tough night to get together but it pulled through! And was such a beautiful evening! 

I have been in charge of our church women's group (Relief Society) activities for a while and this was the hardest one yet. Having a new born and little gal made it really challenging when things got tough with this event. I can not thank my husband enough for being my angel tonight. I gave him a card recently that said "Without you I'd be toast!" And tonight that couldn't have been more true! He was a saint. He has so much to do with work and school and took so much time today to help me because I ended up doing a lot. Love you Mister James!!!!! To the moon and back and then to eternity!

The evening speakers did perfect! They spoke from their hearts and gave such good advice and knowledge. Our topics went as follows;

- "This little piggy went to market to save a few dollars." (Homemade cleaners, gardens and how to store away your foods)

- "This little piggy stayed home for Family Home Evening!" (I got to talk a little on this one, I love FHE, and our RS president shared thoughts as well)

-"This little piggy had roast beef." We served a breakfast dinner, and watched a funny clip of a piggy trying to get cookies.

-"This little piggy had none, but realized the blessings of missionary work." (A missionary mom and returned missionary spoke beautifully about the joy of sacrifice and the beauty of missionary work).

-"This little piggy went wee wee wee all the way home, and learned to worry about the essentials and not run faster then you have strength!" (My dear friend spoke perfectly on this one)

I bought pink candy for all the women to enjoy and made up a little handout about the importance of our homes for each lady to take home. Over all it was really successful I think and the women had an enjoyable time. There is great importance in meeting together and that is why I take my church callings very seriously. Tonight was a great reminder for me that it's ok to put my family first though and take care of them first and not "run faster than I have strength." I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and I love my little home that's filled with my favorite people in the world!!

Sickies Sleepies & Soup

We've been a little sleep deprived round here with Jane being so sick. It's made life a little bit of a challenge trying to still do all our to-dos and me having my big Relief Society Activity I'm in charge of this week! We have been surviving but it's been a little bit of a drowning swim. Parents know this state. I've been told it's "passage" to join the club ;). Poor little Jane has had a whallop and we're all crossing our fingers no one else gets it. 

The amazing thing about this girl (and probably many toddlers) is that she still has full steam energy. I think she's had cabin fever for sure! She yearns to go to the park, asks to put her shoes on all the time (which translates as go outside), misses our walks and stares out our front window with longing in her eyes. I love this little gal and am grateful for the extra book time, quick snuggles, coloring and play dough time we've had while stuck indoors. But the whole waking up every hour at night....yeah, done with that! That makes for a tired grumpy group of folks!

I have a dear sweet friend who took notice of the stressful situation at our home and she did something that made my day!!! Soup and cornbread were delivered without even being asked. A warm meal made with love melted my heart. I sent her a thanks text, her reply melted my heart again, "You're welcome. I know you've been stressed & I wasn't sure what to do. But food is always good right?! 😊 you're always giving to people so I thought it was your turn to get some love."

She acted instead of observing and waiting to be asked. I am definitely one who doesn't ask for help a lot. And many offer to watch kiddos but when they're sick and newborn that can make it tough. It meant so much to me that she just brought over a meal because she knew I needed a little help in the sleeplessness and stress of my life right now. That is true charity and a deep friendship. I'm so thankful for good people in this world! And feel blessed to have them as my children, husband and fortunate to have some as friends!

The love boat.

Dates are needed even after the rings on the finger. This can be a great challenge for parents of very very young kids. With a newborn they are almost obsolete. But they don't have to be! There are hundreds of cheap, quick and easy dates for couples to enjoy being together. Even if it's hiding in your kids play TP for a quick game of scrabble and a mini make out. Couples really need time together to stay connected, be excited about each other, share some kisses and talk about big kid stuff ("talking" with a toddler all day is fun don't get me wrong ;), but there comes a time when you want a big girl conversation). Even as kids grow and busy schedules take you to and fro...Or when the nest is empty and you're left alone again...Have you found that you aren't making time for that person you gave yourself to and chose to be one with? Are you growing apart as you spend little time together? Do you feel like you don't know each other anymore? Time to reconnect and let the love boat sail again!

Everybody's love boat journey is different but I do believe there are a few principles that help the boat stay afloat and moving happily along. Mind you I'm no expert, but here are a few I think are key.

1. Set a Date. If the cruise ship never has a departure date what's the use of boarding the boat and planning your trip? We are definitely not the best at this one and I often find myself having to make all the arrangements to finally get us out the door, but we try to get out. I think setting a date is so important. It's a way to look forward eagerly to that date on the calendar when you get to be our together. Like counting down to the day of Christmas, you'll be counting to that marked date with great anticipation. Another great reason to mark that calendar is that the chances are much higher it will actually happen!!! If you don't put it on the calendar life happens and you won't make time for it.

2. Consistency is key. Don't go months without spending an evening out together! This is death to the happy love boat. Cause sitting still in stagnant water brings mosquitoes and all sorts of nasty things. Keep moving! If you like Friday nights go with those. If once a month is what your schedule permits go for it. Just make sure you are consistent, don't forget to row.

3. Kiss. My dad has a famous tune he likes to sing where a little date happens in a canoe. The gentleman rowing the canoe says "you can kiss me, or get out and swim.." and that is actually a key component to a good date with your spouse. Make sure you don't end your date night without a kiss. Just like Ariel and Eric in the Little Mermaid, a kiss goes a long way!

4. Others shoes. Don't always pick what you want to do, put yourself in your spouses shoes and think what they'd especially like. Not only is this a kind gesture but it will help make sure you know your spouse. Do you know what your hubby enjoys doing? Do you know what your wife would melt for? Get to know one another better by going out and doing dates that each other would like!

5. Along with that...Make the trade! Don't allow one spouse to always plan the dates. Trade off and allow each other to help make the dating happen. When you aren't rowing together you'll get no where. So share the oars and trade off planning, scheduling and making arrangements.

6. Have fun. Duh, right? But really, put your phone away, talk to each other, laugh, just be carefree together. Don't let work or troubles be the topic of conversation. No one wants to go out and then have a bad time. Make it a party love boat and have fun no matter what troubles life might hold at the time. Date night should not include those. Make sure again to think about your spouse and make it a goal to make them happy while you're out.

There are probably TONS more key components to a good and happy dating life but those are a few for thought. I strongly believe that marriage is supposed to succeed and be the happiest relationship in your life. And dating is a key important ingredient to making the ride succeed. So get your paddle and start rowing, make the journey lovely!!

Fun date ideas:

Go out for frozen yogurt (this was our last date!)

Go out for ANY dessert, cause hey that's what we all enjoy, right ladies!

Go to a movie (James' favorite date)

Go to the library and read kids books

Have dinner together

Plan a candle lit dinner

Play a board game

Go to a dollar store together

Walk around Cabellas together

Star gaze on a blanket

Go paint pottery at a shop

Go to a grocery store and buy something you've never eaten before.

Make pizza

Go to a park

Have a picnic, indoor or outdoor

Truth or Dare

Look through photos together

Pinterest hunt

Go shooting at a gun range

Go on a walk

Visit a museum

Learn a new recipe

***be creative or find a great list online, there are truly SO many date ideas out there to make it fun and exciting!!

Little Man; Sir William

This sweet little man is growing so quickly. The first few months of a little ones life go very fast and especially for the mom. It's a whirlwind of recovery, getting to know each other, sleepless nights, deep love, and so many tender memories. As I sit and feed William I think about what a strong and funny boy he is. 

His first few months were wild and he was a trooper through the thick and thin of craziness. He has a few newer habits that just make him so much fun. He LOVES to smile. Oftentimes we'll just look over and he's grinning away, other times it's when we tickle his cheek, he loves when I tickle him with my hair and he already enjoys peek-a-boo. It is so fun to see his big gummy happy grins! They truly are what make a mothers heart melt. He's also laughed a few times :), which is amazing for a two month old I feel. They were short little sniggers but sniggers none the less. He loves to hold hands and often has his wrapped around daddy's finger. His legs are like a little frogs, kicking all the time. He just has so many little habits already that I love and adore.

My favorite of all, especially cause he's a boy, is his ability to really burst a burp and his many popcorn toots. When this little guy finally decides to let a burp out it can be quite the blow. They sometimes surprise Mister James and I and we'll all have a good chuckle. And then his tooty toot toots! He is like his sister, and daddy; gassy!! It's hilarious to be feeding him and feeling and hearing his little firework factory going. Or changing him and seeing his whole body scrunch up to let one blow. He's quite the boy already.

We love our sweet boy so much. He has been strong from day one and a joy to watch grow. I'm pretty sure boys and girls are already born with those pretty innate and specific qualities that each sex have. They are divinely inherited and I'm so thankful to see them so early in both my children. Jane already has such motherly traits of tender care. As she rocks, swaddles and diapers play babies, gives lots of hugs and kisses, enjoys helping William and making sure he's ok. And William already has a strong will, an incredibly strong body and a hunger that beats all. Many traits are shared between men and women but I truly believe that some are inherent to a man and some to a woman! That is what makes us unique and important.

I love my little man Sir William and my miss Jane.

Story Time

Story Times!! I have finally gotten Jane to a few story times this week and she loved them. She had so much fun (and sat still for a little bit). One was at a bookstore and the other the library. Jane really liked the fun songs sung at the library and adores the Thomas Train table at the store. This little gal has loved books I feel like from day one! We read on her little book couch in her bedroom every day and she has a blast picking them off her shelf. We love books here at our house!! They teach so much and truly can take you away from the world. I remember a few books when I was younger capturing my imagination and attention like nothing else. 

My favorite children's book illustrator/author is a couple. Husband and wife they do the most amazing stories and their pictures are out of this world!!! They are Audrey and Don Wood. To list a few of their classics I love; King Bidgoods in the Bathtub, The Napping House, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear, Heckady Peg, Quick as a Cricket, Piggies and more. They are my favorite!

Then when I was older, Harry Potter, yes along with millions of others, really captured my imagination. I remember just waiting and anticipating when the next book would come out, like it was a holiday. Another series was by a church author called The Work & the Glory. I still need to read the last one, book #4 was the first book I ever cried in. And a few more....Mandy by Julie Andrews, and The Silver Crown which was the coveted book of Mrs. Stutzmans 5th grade classroom. The book one can read Over and over and over is the Book of Mormon!

Check out our side bar for a free copy if you'd like. The Book of Mormon truly teaches the lessons, values and principles one needs to live a life full of happiness. And it gives answers to life's hardest questions. There is power in the written word, especially the word of God. I am so grateful for good books and pray all of my children will have a love of reading instilled in them.

Home Plate

We have had this old decrepit address plate attached to our home and I've dreamed of fixing it up since our first day of living here. But the best laid plans sometimes take years to get done. But this summer I started this great DIY project and today it was finally hung. From leftover wood from the chicken coop, paint from our door, new fresh numbers and some plants from the $1 Store I know have an address plate that proudly displays our home. My mister man helped get it up and I'm so pleased with it. I love striving to have a welcoming entrance to a home. My mom used to have a little lantern in our front porch that often had a welcoming light shining in it to greet you at night. I love candles in windows to. In a quaint town in Pennsylvania named Lititz many of the homes had candles in all their windows at night. A tradition of being a welcoming home. I love that symbol. I hope that my porch and home always feel like a welcome spot. Now with this fun new address plate I hope it will be more so. I still have a lot of work to do on our home but this was a wonderfulIy awaited DIY project to get done.

Play Time

My two little adventurers have been sick and a tad grumpy the past few days which has in turn made some parents tired grumps as well. So today I really wanted to do something that would be special and fun for Miss Jane. She is blessed with an immeasurable amount of energy and curiosity and sometimes it's hard to keep up with her need for activity. We try and do good still time reading books, lots of dancing and running around the house, walks, coloring and so on. When this little gal is sick she seems to have more energy, weird huh. So trying to make sure she gets rest but also fills her need to be active is quite the balance. Today we made play dough together for the first time. It was so much fun!!!

Jane helped me measure out the ingredients and mix up the colors she picked out. It was really funny watching her lick the spatula and seeing her "ew that wasn't what I thought it would taste like" face. She got to use her mini rolling pin my sweet Aunt Marion gave her and some fun cookie cutters in her new doughs. It was so fun to watch her roll and cut and poke and smoosh her dough. She is a very creative, smart and fun little gal.

William was an angel on my grocery errands and chicken feed pickup. He has been incredibly observant, talkative, smiley and wiggly lately. He had done really fun moments today of killing his little legs and smiling. I love watching this little man of mine grow and cherish the time I get with just him every blue moon. He is a wonderful little boy and I'm so glad he's in our family.

Being little is a special time. It is a time of endless learning, imaginative play and a loving spirit that loves life. I'm so thankful to have these sweet young people on my life!

Service Warms the Heart

This past week was a rough one with trying to feel on top of things, simple things, in life. I know I may never be on top of everything I must and should do, that is usually impossible for all of us, but this week I have had overwhelming feelings of "focus on things of most importance!" Family and God are what I strive to put first in my life always and lately I have been pulled by so many things vying for my time. One thing that I have been grateful for this busy week though is that my little family and I had opportunities to serve. Service truly is a most important aspect of life. It helps you step out of yourself and lift others. Like medicine to a wound, service allows the soul life.

"Mosiah 2:17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

There were many opportunities we either sought out or were asked to do this week that allowed a spirit of service to fill our home. We were blessed to attend a baptism for a young boy in our Ward and to help with it. His mother, a single mom of three little boys, asked if I could help and I was excited to ease her burden. We got to make brownies, play the piano and I made his program. I was so happy to help with this important and special day for their sweet family. Baptisms are so important and I want my children to know that.

Mister James and I both had painting service. He went and assited others in helping a woman paint a rental that she was moving out of. I was so proud of him for taking time out of his busy life to go and serve. And then I got to paint some signs really quickly for a young woman getting married! I also got to design a poster with her and her husbands family quote. It was so fun to help her with her special day!

Some other moments were finally getting our "Boo Ghosts" out for this season. I love fun traditions of service and door bell ditching is a pretty awesome one! Then we donated our guest bed to a mother in need. She had been mentioning often how she needed another bed so her daughter didn't have to sleep with her and so we answered the plea. We have been meaning to get rid of that mattress and change up our back room for a while so it worked out.

I am so thankful for opportunities to serve and give of yourself. I love that as we strive to be the Lords hands and help others we in turn are blessed and helped. For service truly does lift the soul and helps you gain a peace and joy like nothing else.

Rhodes Rolls

Oh you cannot go wrong with cinnamon and bread and breakfast food! Tonight I go to host my second #tryazon parties and it was a blast. The company I showcased was Rhodes. I got coupons for #rhodesbread rolls and a link to recipes galore! I had no idea there were so many things you could make them into. I was drooling over all the recipes. Something I really love about the company #tryazon is that the parties are in person. There are so many things like this nowadays that are just online parties where nobody sees each other and it's just a big huge group chatting in text through the Internet. It is a marvelous world we live in and it has provided great opportunities for companies and individuals. However, I'm a bit old fashioned I guess. I really enjoy preparing my home to gather people together face to face. It is something out society is forgetting about. Being with people, having social interaction, talking in person  with each other, and just enjoying time together. This is a great reason why I really enjoy Tryazon. It is an opportunity to gather! 

For my recipe contribution I decided to make my moms famous breakfast cinnamon ring. This gooey treat was always made each Christmas morning for our annual Christmas Day brunch. Each year my mom would invite a family or two and an older single woman to brunch and there was always a sticky ring adorning the table. She made a beautiful spread of food and it taught me so much about gathering others together for good food and company. It is an important aspect of life to gather. I am very thankful that she taught me that important social skill and that I have followed (in a small way) in her footsteps.

To thank the wonderful women/families who came and supported me and participated in the evening they each got some Rhodes coupons and a new spatula. It was a lot of fun putting these little take homes together for my awesome guests. I always think it's important to thank those who you love and those who support you. Miss Jane often accompanies me to drop off thank you's I take to others. I hope I'll be able to instill that thanking nature in each of my children. Each family brought a dish to share as well in the feast. And I got to showcase the new microwave cinnamon rolls that Rhodes just put out. They are pretty quick and fabulous. It's an easy way to enjoy one roll and not eat ten at a time :), cause let's face it we all do that!

The Great Cinnamon Ring

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (1 cube)

3/4 cup brown sugar

1tsp cinnamon

Nuts/Raisins

Butterscotch Cook'n Serve Pudding (1/2 of a 3 oz. packet)

14-16 frozen Rhodes Rolls (enough to zigzag the bottom of a bundt pan)

Instructions:

1. Heat and melt first three ingredients on the stove until all incorporated into a caramely texture.

2. Spray your bundt pan and line the bottom with your rolls. Just covering the base of the pan.

3. Sprinkle with desired nuts and raisins. And then sprinkle half of your butterscotch packet over them.

4. Drizzle your warm caramel mixture evenly over the rolls and then cover with a sprayed piece of suran wrap. 

5. Let rise till rolls are risen to the top of the pan, about 4-6 hours depending on the heat of your home.

6. Cook at 350 for roughly 30 minutes. If the tops getting too brown put a piece of tin foil on it the last 10 minutes of cooking.

7. Let set for about 10 minutes in pan and then flip over onto a serving platter.

8. Enjoy snarfing this one up, it's finger lickin' good!

We ended our evening with an outdoor movie! It was a blast. My cute Mister James set up a projector and we hung a white sheet on the back of the house and  it was so much fun to all cozy together in the crisp Autumn weather. We watched a short cartoon based off of a book called "Room on the Broom" and it was really adorable. We will definitely be doing backyard shows much more next year! So there you have the sum up of a wonderfully fun Tryazon party.

Mothers, Remember

Motherhood is hard. Period. It is not for wimps. It is not a contest. It is not a simple task. It is not a thing to be judged. It is not understood. Motherhood is beautiful. It is not glamorous. It is under thanked. It is the best privilege ever given. It is the most tiring position on earth. As I have been journeying on my motherhood trip for a few short under two years I have learned so much! There truly is nothing quite like taking on the role of motherhood.

As you step into the position you've received little to no "training" on how it all works, you have just gone through one of the most trying physical experiences on this earth, and you now have a little human being who needs you constantly. There is nothing that compares. It's overwhelming, honoring, humbling and daunting. As I became a mother of two many things happened. My love for my first child grew immensely and an added deep love for my second blew me away. But I also began to have advice, judgments and comments I never thought I'd hear from other women. 

My sweet Mister told me it's the "Remember Complex." We as humans (especially in this era I think) tend to forget and forget quickly. Sometimes forgetting is good. How can a mother want to go back and do child labor again? Because she forgets, in part, the pain and the struggle it is. But there is also the forgetting that it was hard for you to when you judge another mothers parenting or coping skills. We forget so quickly and can judge so swiftly.

During my whirlwind recovery after my second natural birth I have had endless comments made to me or behind my back that have overwhelmed and frustrated me. I would have women say (some who had met me seconds before) "you need to feed your baby" or "he's hungry" when little did they know I fed him only minutes before they are telling me this! No wonder people give up on breastfeeding these days. It's hard enough being your child's constant food source but then to have women tell you, like they know, that your child is hungry when they just ate can be extremely daunting and exhausting. Don't step in and be mom! Especially if you've had a baby, shame on you, babies cry about all sorts of things, it's not always hunger. Let the mom qualm and help her child in the way she knows best don't overwhelm her with what you think her baby needs. Be supportive and helpful to a mom of a new infant they are already going through a lot, they don't need you adding to the feelings of inadequacy they probably already feel.

Another frequent thing has been the overwhelming amount of people who will sit and complain about their stressful lives as you sit there running on maybe three hours of sleep, no shower for days, needing to feed your baby again, and not having a minute to be by yourself. Yes we all need vent moments and yes we are all busy in this life. But a new mother does not want to sit and hear someone talk about that. Instead it would be great if you asked them about their life and how the new babies doing or talk about positive things that will bring some happiness to a sleep deprived new mom and yourself! Talking about stress doesn't lesson stress and talking about your busy schedule doesn't make it less busy. Be in the moment when you are with someone, care about them and don't talk about yourself constantly. Step into others shoes and be a little more selfless.

A mothers job is the most demanding and important one. The most shocking comments I've had are ones that make it sound like I am incapable or that I should be able to do more. I serve in a presidency for the women's organization of my church which requires a lot of time and I give it a lot of thought, I am head over the activities for that group as well which is something I take very seriously, there are women I strive to go and visit each month for another church calling, I support my husband, make meals, mow the lawn, care for two small infants, clean my home, write articles for a cooking company to help earn extra money in our home and more. I do not need to hear through gossip that I am not doing enough or handling things well. There was a great quote a while back from a great man who stated the importance that we don't busy our lives so much that we forget the things of most importance. And that we seem to want to wear Badges of Busyness. It's not an accomplishment to be busy. Again women forget that the first few months of having a new baby is exhausting, stressful and SO important. I need support, rest and to have time with my sweet children. It is not about being busy, it's about doing the the things that matter and need your time and attention.

I write this to say, remember mothers!!!! Stop judging one another and help new mothers feel confident in their new addition. Don't provide more stress to another's already stressful life. We all need to remember more how to bring joy to another's life, to focus outside of our own selfie world and to never gossip about another. Remember to love! Remember to be compassionate! Remember mothers!

Two articles that helped me smile and know I'm not alone through all this;

http://news.yahoo.com/mum-diary-stop-telling-me-the-housework-can-wait-090231496.html

http://wearethatfamily.com/2015/09/parenting-is-hard-especially-when-youre-doing-it-right/

The Red Barn Pumpkin Patch

Today for FHE we went and picked out little pumpkins for William and Jane at the pumpkin patch. It was so much fun and the most beautiful day. We heard that Mister James' grandmother passed away this afternoon and after the news we decided FHE needed to happen earlier then planned to bring some happy sunshine to the day and it was perfect. Jane loved seeing all the pumpkins, riding in a wagon, running through the hay maze, chasing and laughing hysterically with the barn dog, and seeing the chickens. It was really special going back to the same patch we took her to last year and seeing how much more she could do this year! 

This pumpkin spot truly is the best in town. It is ADORABLE!! They have a train you can ride, a corn and hay maze, tons of pumpkins, wagons to load up, a huge hay and pumpkin tower with a tree in be middle and all sorts of fun! I love the festive feel it brings to fall time to visit a pumpkin patch. 

I don't know what William thought but he sure was good the whole time. He loves being outside and in the sunshine. I think he is going to have such a blast running around with his sister some day! They are really going to be the best of buds. I love this little family of mine and treasure days like today when we can bring sunshine into each other's lives and make memories that will last a lifetime and beyond.

Conference Tent

Each Conference we have made a fort, set up our tent and now we get to enjoy it in our family TP. And we always make sure that the doors are facing a temple. This is in reference to an amazing man named King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon. He was a very righteous man and wanted all his people to hear the words he shared and so many gathered in tents to listen. And their doors were opened to the temple. I love this symbolism in our lives. Are our hearts, intentions, focus and desires facing the temple/eternal lasting goals? I want my children to understand and realize that every choice they make can bring them happiness or sorrow, and they have the power to steer they're life where hey want it to be. And by listening to prophets and apostles of God they are being blessed with the proper road map to that happiness they seek.

Growing up my faithful mother and diligent dad would take all 6 of us kids, dressed in Sunday clothing, to the church for all four sessions. That means 4 hours on a Saturday and then another 4 hours on a Sunday. Looking back I am amazed at my parents dedication and am so thankful for what I learned from that. Conference is special and important, and an opportunity to show reverence, respect and appreciation to our Heavenly Father.

Along with our tent tradition is making Mountains. This delightful breakfast truly is our house favorite and now that we have chickens we can make it lots! But it's especially wonderful for Conference. The temple is often called "the mountain of the Lord" and so it seems very fitting to eat mountains as our tent door is open  to the temple.

During these pregnant and early child bearing years it can be hard to get to the temple often. I yearn to be there more but know there is a time and season for everything in life. Our temple here in Idaho Falls is under a renovation and so we can't go in and serve there for a while. But even walking along its grounds brings strength and peace. We are so blessed to live near so many temples. 

Another favorite thing about Conference Sunday is the food. I always like to try and make sure there is a special meal on Sunday's already, but something extra special is always fun! We made the most delicious butternut squash alfredo recipe and a cinnamon chocolate cake. Oh that pasta was heavenly! Definitely a fall keeper! 

Oh how I love eating, being with and having edification with my family. It is so important to gather oft and be reminded of life's most important truths and to refocus our lives to do the things that matter! Our lives are busy and it is easy to get lost in the hustle bustle of everyday things. But we can rise above that and really live our lives with the full potential they're meant to have. As another conference has come to a close I am reminded of beautiful truths on the power and importance of motherhood, the divine worth within each human being, the crucial need to stand for truth, the blessing of repentance and forgiveness, and the joy that comes from wearing your life out for the Lord. He has very faithful servants striving to teach, lead and guide us back to Him. How thankful I am for a living prophet, apostles and the men and women of His church! Hurray for General Conference.