Savior of the World

Many of you have probably seen the flyers for this program in your ward buildings. I would like to strongly promote this program and encourage each of you to go. I am not in the program this year but it was a wonderful production to be a part of last year. I really felt the spirit strongly and know that many missionary experiences came from it. This year they are charging $5 per ticket but there are 2-3 nights that are actually free if you check out the website.
Please consider going so that you can support keeping the message of our faith in the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ going forth to our community. If you are a youth leader encourage and activity of it. Invite your presidencies. I would really like to see this production continue in our Valley but there has to be enough support from the members here.
Go to Savioroftheworld.info for more information. I hope to see you there...

A Quick Getaway

One of my faviorite childhood memories is taking trips. We were constantly traveling. We went to Magic Mountain, Disney Land, Knottsberry, Oregon, the cabin, Lake powel occasionally, Lake Mead all of the time and frequently went camping.
We also did the church sites in St. George a couple of times. Because we visited them at a young age, I believe that I developed a curiosity and respect for the herritage of our church history and pioneers. I also love and desire to creat the same special memories with my children.
This weekend we met my Mom and her husband, along with his 6 kids, in St. George for a quick getaway. I love the St, George area. It has sooo much to offer. It has Tuachan, Snow Canyon, the dinosaur tracks, Zion near by, great weather, the Pizza Factory and some fun little shopping spots too. Oh, and there is even Golf for Travis. Among my favorite places though would be the Temple, the Brigham Young home and the Jacob Hamblin home. Occasionally when I drive through St. George with the girls we stop at the Temple for a break but this time we got to take them to the Jacob Hamblin home. I love visiting there because I hear a new story or learn a new fact each time I am there.

Creations

The Pictures don't do these justice. Obviously, photography is not my forte.

Little Girl's Dress


Matching mom skirt


Reversible Headbands



Coordinating Onsie and Binki Clip


Modern Day Little Bo Peep with Ruffles Down the side

Reversible Girls Pinafore



Dress Top


The Set
Purse, Little Girls Dress Top, Baby Boy Onesie with Matching Binki Clip and Burp Cloth

Blog Worthy

So I have been really lousy at blogging as of late. This little story will tell why.

The other day I asked Travis to move Avery's heavy, queen bed so that I could clean under it. It wasn't budging so he put his back up against it and used his feet to push off of the wall. of coarse he pushed a hole into the wall. Avery was pretty upset and asked why Daddy was doing that and I explained to her that I wanted to move her bed so I could clean the mess under it. Then she said to me, "well, is it even as messy as your sewing room?"

Yes, my sewing has consumed my time lately. I hope to post pictures soon but I am considering starting a children's boutique clothing store. I'd like to create some coordinating outfits for families; particularly siblings. I am not sure yet but it is an idea and I am having fun with it for now.

Diamonds or Pearls

When I was young I remember a story that was shared with me one summer while attending girls camp. I do not remember it exactly but it went something like this:

A young girl once noticed a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box while standing in the checkout line at the super mart. After a little pleading with her mother she was able to convince her mom to buy her the two dollar pearls.

She cherished the pearls and wore them everywhere. She was careful with them too.
This girl had a loving Father who would join her in her room every night for a story. One night when their story time was through the father asked his daughter, "Do you love me?"

" Oh yes, daddy. You know I love you." she replied.

"Then give me your pearls" said her father.

"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my Princess. She is my favorite."

" That's okay honey. Daddy loves you. Good night."

A week or so later the father concluded their storytime with the same question to which he received the same answer but the little girl would offer something else in its place.

Then one night the father came to his daughters room and found that she was for him on her bed. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. And he tenderly asked what the matter was?

She didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver,she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, her daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.

Now because I couldn't remember this story I had to look it up on the internet. In my mind I thought I remembered that he gave the daughter a diamond but I guess it was real pearls. Either way it still fits the point I am about to make.

Travis and I have been searching for a new home. We were offered a pretty good opportunity and have found some great homes in todays market. About 6 months ago we went into contract with one and backed out of it at the last minute. It ended up being a wise move as the market value of homes has continued to decline. Alas after putting bids on 13 homes in the past 9 months, our 12th offer was finally accepted. It was a great home and a great deal. Of course, as I pray I ask Heavenly Father to not let it happen if it is not the right place for us. I say this because I know that I do not have the will power to recognize a "no" answer or that it might not be the right thing because I want it so badly. I have begged with him to help us make the decision by blatantly denying us the opportunity if it is not supposed to be. Well, after waiting 3 months for the bank to get the paperwork moving on the deal we found out last week that we can no longer use the route of financing that we were going to. After a week of fretting about it and trying every creative solution I could come up with we were at the temple and the thought came clearly, "This isn't the place for you."
Of coarse I am a stubborn person and keep thinking to myself, "WHAT!" How can this not be the place? It has this and that and this....I want this to be the place!"
That is why this story came to my mind. I want this so bad that it is hard for me to let go of what I want and what I think is best and trust Him to prepare the right place. I know he can and will. Yet still, why do I insist on hanging on to the dime store stuff?

Day Trip

Today Travis was golfing in a tournament so the girls and I spent the morning at the Bellagio. We love to visit the gardens and fountains. I can tell though that the economy has hit even the casinos because the gardens have been as elaborate the last few times. Don't get me wrong though, they are still spectacular to view. Even so, mans creations cannot compete with Gods. The whole time the fountains were going the girls found it more exciting to watch the ducks swimming just beneath us in the water.

Grandma's House

Poor Avery cried her heart out when we had to leave Grandma's house to come home. I do admit that I thik my kids have the best Grandma in the world. Here are some of the fun things we did at Grandma's house this time.

Make Sugar Cookies for Valentines!


Visit the Kangaroo Zoo!





Eat Snow.



Play in Snow.



Build a Snowman!
This one was particularly fun because Madelyn kept eating our snowman. She ate the first carrot nose so we got another. The eyes and buttons were made out of chocolate candies and she would take them off and take a bite then stick them back on. Silly girl. Notice all the eaten candy pieces on our snowman?



Snow Fight!




Making Snowflakes and eating snow again!


And create many more memories with family and friends!

Snow Much Fun

My mom flew down from Salt Lake to help with Madelyn's surgery and so we drove her home last week. On the way we stopped at my sister's house in Cedar and stayed a couple of nights. The girls love their Uncle David and Aunt Shelley. Madelyn especially created a bond with my sister and calls her, "Lelly" it is so cute. I love that my sister loves my kids so much. She is so much fun for them to be around.

"Birday, me?!?!?"

We finally celebrated Madelyn's birthday. It was really exciting. The night before the party I told her she need her rest because we were going to have a birthday party for her the next day. When I told her, her face lit up and she said. "birday, me?" over and over again. Then it was "birday me daddy!" She had a blast! You could tell she felt special. I don't know that she would have got it a month ago and this was perfect timing. I think she is finally figuring out she also has a special place our family.

Madelyn's Surgery

Well, the surgery is over. Everyone told me it was going to be a breeze and that little kids recover so much more quickly than adults but it was a nightmare. Yes she has rebounded quickly but the hospital stay and for two days after were miserable. Anytime you have to stay with your baby in the hospital all hooked up to monitors and an IV translates to misery! I tried to check us out of the hospital early but of coarse for liability reasons they wouldn't do it. But they were just as ready to throw me out the next day and I was the first one that they checked out as a result. Orneriness can pay off in the right situation.

Now Madelyn is talking up a storm. Prior to her surgery she had quite a bit of hearing loss and developmentally she has been behind. Now that she can hear it is so exciting to see her confidence this week. Everyday she is saying new words and responding so much better. That isn't to say she still has selective hearing figured out quite well but overall we are loving our new Madelyn!