OOOoooh That's how you use those....

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What I REALLY want for Christmas

This isn't going to be some heartfelt sentimental blog. If that's what you're looking for, try another blog (might I suggest Emily R-K's?)

What I would really like for Christmas is a new wardrobe. One that has nothing I look at and think "uggh..." One in which every item fits me properly, doesn't have mysterious bleach marks, and nasty underarms are forbidden. I'd like to be stylish, yet comfey. I don't want to look like a "mom" but I don't want to look like a fashionista. My friend April is very good at dressing herself. She's got a job as my personal wardrober/house decorator when I'm good and rich. But what to do until then?

Heck, I don't even know WHERE to get good, quality clothes. I'm pretty sure Wal-Mart is out of the picture, and probably Target too. JCPenney has old lady clothes (I tried some velour lounge pants on there and I had hip wings!! My hips do not need to fly.) The GAP used to be appealing but all that flannel scares me.

Then there is the budget issue. And the ever changing body issue. I need 4 sets of clothes: "fit-runner size", maternity, post-baby "I'm sick of my maternity" clothes, and "I can't quite fit into my fit-runner size" clothes. Oh, and the seasons have to co-ordinate. You can't wear skinny capris in the winter. No, not even in Arkansas.

Do you think I'd get away with it if I told Carl a tornado came and blew all my clothes away and I had to go out and buy new ones? Does insurance cover that? Anyone have suggestions? Anyone?

Moving to the Big House

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Carl has accepted a new accounts position at the main branch of Regions. It's a move 1/4 mile to the Southeast of his current branch. We are greatful to hear this news. This means we don't have to worry about Carl finding a new job at a new place.
Also, we'll have insurance coverage. I have learned that even if you don't think you'll be with a company in the new year, you STILL need to enroll for the insurance plan. Can you imagine if we figured we were outta luck and didn't care to do that? EEEK!! Can you say up a creek with out a paddle? When we were prepping to leave Utah we thought it silly to choose an insurance plan. We did chose one anyway. It's a good thing too! Even though the COBRA payments were an arm and a leg we had pretty much seemless coverage during the last part of my pregnancy. So always, ALWAYS enroll for insurance even if you don't plan on sticking around. You never know what might happen.
Oh, my point to this blog....ah yes, Carl maintains his employed status. As Martha says, "It's a good thing."

To the #1 man in my life

I want to say "thank you" to my hubby, Carl. He's been so good to me. He picks up my slack after a long day at work with no complaining. He's been very understanding of my tiredness, even more than I have been. He's a very good guy. I'm glad to have him. Thanks dear, for all your service to me.

To get ya'll in the holiday spirit...

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A Little BBQ fun!

I found that I never published this...better late than never!!

And I mean BBQ in the Utahn sense. Grilling burgers and dogs outside! Carl's buddy from high school days rents out bounce houses. He brought one for the kiddos (and Mark and Carl who spent quite sometime in it.....hmmm).

It was lots of fun to watch the kids playing.

Brady liked the Wii Mario Kart remote. We just may have to buy him one, without the Wii.

Brady has mastered the climbing-up and going-down of the standard swingset slide. Go buddy!!

p.s. Only one more vacation post to go! Wooo hooo!!!

I hate to complain but....

This pregnancy thing is worse than I remember. I don't have morning sickness. I have all-freakin'-day-with-an-emphasis-at-night sickness. I haven't gotten "sick" yet. It seems to be mostly air bubbles. My list of appealing foods is quickly shrinking. So far I've enjoyed black bean soup and buffalo wings from Chili's, cranberry sauce, stuffing, the soup and salad from a japanese hibachi place and the salad I got at Chili's. A household staple, creamy chicken, has been put on the "bad" list. So sad!! Oh, and crock-pot lasagna...I'll miss you!

So what do you do when you KNOW your body is hungry, but NOTHING looks/sounds appetizing? Well, at least nothing that you have in your house...

Halloween Fun

Pumpkin Carving

A Double Feature!!

Fresh From the Garden!

We finally picked our carrots from the garden. We got some good ones. No cheeto carrots this year!Carrots are yummy!!

Ground Control to Major Tom

Yep, we're still here. Just nothing fun and fancy to report. No fun pictures to post. Oh, I guess we DID do our jack-o-lanterns last night. Maybe I'll get those up later. Oh, and we did get family pictures taken. You can see them here. Click on "Galleries" then our name. The password is friends. I do not exactly love the angle some of the shots were taken at. Most of them are pretty cute though. Especially the ones of Brady. You can even order your own prints if you want. The prices are very good.

So that's all for now. Halloween posts are just around the corner!!

Yep, it's true.

God STILL answers prayers. I'd like to share two recent ones for me. Nothing HUGE and SUPER SPECTACULAR, but AWESOME none the less.

#1- I have been wanting to get a white button-up collared shirt for Brady. I hadn't seen them in stores before. Even if I did, I didn't want to pay that much to have him outgrow it so quickly. We have had 3 children's clothes consignment sales in the past month or so. I was hoping to find one there. I did. It was $5. I didn't want to pay that much. I'm a tight-wad on somethings, I know. I saw the same shirt at the 2nd sale. Nope, still not going to get it. The 3rd sale was a bust. I figured I'd have to hunt one down and pay retail for it. Enter blessing. A friend from MOMS Club had some clothes her son has grown out of. She piled me up with the items. One of them was a WHITE BUTTON-UP COLLARD SHIRT!! A woo-hoo!! I know that was definately an answer to my silent prayer. BTW, I did see some at Target for $8. I paid $0 for mine.

#2- Getting up to run has been a struggle lately. It's not all warm and shiny outside at o'dark-hundred anymore. It's dark and cold and sometimes foggy. My Bro-In-Law has been a good encouragement. Keeping tabs on me. He asks if I've been running and praises me for my efforts. He tells me sometimes I'm looking good. He's a nice guy, but is he saying it JUST to be nice? That guy could come up with a compliment for a bag of rocks. Today as I was running I thought, "Man, I really want someone to tell me I'm getting skinny." It's hard working hard when no one acknowledges it. I had put it out of my mind after getting dressed. Telling myself I don't need outside approval to feel good about what I am doing. Enter blessing. As my visiting teaching companion and I were getting into our cars she said, "You look smaller. Are you still working out?" HOLY MOLY!!! That was EXACTLY what I prayed for in my heart.

Thanks to Heavenly Father for sending me those Angels who, possibly without realizing it, listened to a prompting. Thank you to the Angels who listened.

Yes, folks, God still does answer prayers. He may not always answer the big ones that you find most urgent and important when you want it. He does answer those you need, when you need them.

Hello? Are you in there?

I picked up an orange caterpillar a few weeks ago. It had made a chrysalis. And it is still in there. I'm planning on doing a neat little blog on it when it emerges. Q, one of the boys I tend after school informed me yesterday and caterpillars take two weeks to turn into butterflies. I asked him what kind of caterpillar I have since it is still in its chrysalis. He said, "That's called a Dud caterpillar."

A Favorite Quote

I shared this on Facebook, but I also want to share it here, where it it less easily forgotten.

I think Elder D. Todd Christofferson said it very very well when he said, "Lack of internal control by individuals breeds external control by government...Which leads to diminished freedom for everyone."

This is absolutly true!! Think about it. If people would have a good amount of integrity in their actions we would need less law enforcement. If people would feel more compelled to earn their own living, no matter how meager and hard it may be, those that REALLY need government assistance would recieve it. I believe the number of those that recieve it would go down, and thereby decrease our taxes allowing us to have more freedom over how to use our money. That's just one way to look at it. I'm sure there are hundreds of other examples.

So let us all have a little more integrity and control over ourselves and our desires and actions.

Conference

LOOOOOOOOVE IT!! Just two weeks ago I was wallowing in my own self pity. The world was falling down around me. And now I've figured out why. That sneaky little devil, Satan, was trying to bring me down. He was hoping I'd break this time and fall off the deep end. Then I wouldn't be around (or paying attention) to hear all the wonderful truths General Conference has for us. Well TAKE THAT Satan! HA! I watched the morning session (yes, in the comfort of my own home here in Arkansas. Thanks Dish Network) while Brady told me time and time again that he wanted to color even though I had TWO coloring books, a notebook of lined paper, crayons and a pen to use. Even a tantrum throwing child couldn't stop the Spirit from testifying to me. Brady did eventually give up the fight and played with his toys elsewhere in the house. So here are a few of the notes I jotted down from this morning:

• Even after receiving inspiration we should ask if that is all God has for us to know. That's His way of making sure we're listening. If we ask if there is more, and there is, He will show it unto us, until there is no more at that time.
• We should take time everyday to be still and know. Be quiet and free from distraction so that we can hear and feel the promptings the Lord has for us.
• When we receive truth we will be saved by it BECAUSE we ACT upon it. Faith without works is dead.
• In regards to a testimony of the Gospel and its principles: Bear it, mean it, live it.
• God desires that we draw near to Him so that HE can draw near to US. With God, that which is difficult becomes possible. That which is possible becomes habit.

Wow, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. And that was only ONE of the Five sessions!

Carl and I organized our food storage during the first part of the afternoon session. I wasn't able to take notes at that time. Thank goodness for DVR! I haven't finished it yet, but I've already been spiritually fed by the messages I've heard. People, I'm telling you, I want to stand on a mountain top (if there were any out here) to let the world know and feel what I know and feel. It truly, truly is amazing. I could not argue with a single thing I heard today. Not because I'm brainwashed or know no different. I'm a smart girl and can think for myself. No, I had a witness in my heart, in my soul of the truth. Now I pray that others may listen and desire to know. I pray that I can share and not be afraid to offend as I share in the spirit of love.

I hope those of you who readily have Conference available to you will partake of it. It is such a blessing. I am happy that we decided to make it a priority to listen as much as possible (see, Carl had A LOT of homework and he needed to get it done today so he could NOT do it tomorrow) in our home. How wonderful it is to have the voices of the prophets in our own homes. I don't think of it as eight hours of speakers, but an abundant opportunity to hear what God wants us to know today, now, in our very life. So, if it is ever Conference weekend and you stop by during the two hour blocks that Conference is aired, we'll be watching/listening as opportunity provides. Eight hours of my time is a small price to pay to learn the eternal truths that God wants me to know and live by. After all, He gave me life, my life is His.

I do bear my testimony that prophets are on the earth today. That God speaks to us still, and forever will. That Joseph Smith did restore the True and Living Church of Jesus Christ to the earth. I am grateful for this knowledge. In the name of my Savior, my Brother and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Return to Innocence

Or just return to adolecence. I am breaking out. I know you all wanted to know that, but I couldn't help myself. I haven't had this problem for a while now, so it's really irritating. I think I'm going to have to tie my hands behind my back so I don't do anything I'll regret later. Especially since family pictures are in a couple of weeks! Please pray that the zit gods will take their curse away by then......thank you.

Going home, my home to go.

Grandma Julie said she wasn't a true grandma if she didn't bake some cookies for her grandson. We took them with us to the airport. They were a LIFE SAVER! We were able to use them to calm Brady down in flight. They also came in handy when the pressure changed and he needed his ears to pop. Thanks Grandma Julie!

"So, Brady, what do you think about the cookies?"

Pose!
"We love eating cookies!"

"Um, yes, that is the answer."

"This cookie is definately good."

"What do YOU think Mommy?"

"I like them too, Brady!"
p.s. This is my skinny face.

Brady got to sit in the cock-pit with the pilot. Look at all the buttons to push and knobs to turn!!

We did have a good trip. Thanks to everyone for making time to see us. Thanks to those who fed us. We miss ya'll and hope to see you sometime in the next year. Oh and I forgot to thank the Quinneys in my last post for hosting a fun party.

Fun at Wheeler Farm

We went to Wheeler Farm on vacay. It was neat to see the animals. I wish there was more to actually do, but that's what you get when you just pop in with no cash on hand. On to the fun! Ashton was down for a nap (toddlers have their OWN schedual, you know) so Carl, K-Dub (that's what Brady calls Kaleb), and I went to see the animals.

I noticed this neat duck!

I like to call him Afro-Duck.

The boys saddled up for some pictures

Okay, my turn!



That's my hot cowboy!

I remember this tree house from when we visited in elementary. The hole to get into the upper room seemed A LOT smaller!!

Brady and Kaleb sitting in the wagon.

Cute Kaleb wanted a picture just by himself.

It was a fun trip to the farm. It brought back some memories for me. I hope it made some memories for our family and Kaleb.

Fun at the Valley Fair Mall Playground

We went with Grandpa Kehl to the mall. They had a pretty neat playground. It kept Brady entertained for quite a while!

I will get us there in two minutes!

The Brady's on the bus go...Peek-A-Boo!!

Let me help you out there, Daddy.

Weee! Look how fast we goin' !!

I know we've been home from vacation for a month now. We'll get caught up soon, I hope!

WARNING: Scrapbooking can be hazardous to your health

Mommy stayed up WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too late scrapbooking. This is what happened the next day.

Rub my tummy jewel for good luck!!

Carl's Assignment

Being totally honest, my work may look very ordinary. But I can tell you it's full what I feel is important to me. In the last two years, my marriage with my wife, Stephanie, my religion, which is shown behind the wedding picture, and my son, Brady, have become the center of my world. I don't get out much because I like to spend every moment I can with them. But those who know me will tell you everything I do, whether it's my work, my schooling, the grocery shopping I do, the chores I perform at home, and the service I provide to our church, is all done for my family and the betterment to my life. It brings me so much satisfaction to know that my life is completely transparent with my families. Sure I like to enjoy my personal time, but not nearly as much as I used to. If I would have done this before he was born, there was much more to show you. But understanding the importance of my family has changed my life permanently.

The Hostes with the Mostes

The advantages of going on vacation to somewhere you know people is tha you'll rarely have to pay for a hotel. I think if we ever go to Santiago, Chile, for example, we've got a place to stay.

Brady and I shacked up with my parents for the first 10 or so days. I got kicked out of the room because Brady would wake up, see me in bed, and cry "mommy, mommy." We got very little sleep that first night. Mom & Dad had a playset Brady could swing and slide on. There was a piano in the living room that got used quite often. But Brady had to be quite and not play until sleepy Aunt Tiffany woke up. They also had duh, duh, duuuuuuuuuuh STAIRS!! He mastered the art of stair climbing and decending. Mom even dug out some toys and cleaned them up for Brady to play with. And he did. We had a good time at Mom and Dads.

For the second half of our vacation we stay with our friends, the Snells. With Carl coming we needed a bit more room. Brady LOVED playing with Ashton and Kaleb. The Snells house was probably a paradise for Brady. There were cars, trucks, motorcycles, helicopters and star wars ships galore! New toys to play with, besides the afore mentioned, and a piano! Brady and Ashton did some pretty good duet performances. They even assisted April, Ashton on the low keys and Brady up high. We accompanied the Snells garage saleing on Saturday morning. One of their finds was Rummikub. That's an awesome game! April and I manned nursery in her ward the first Sunday I was with them. I am so used to just stepping up and filling in that I think I may have overstepped my bounds by taking charge. Opps. Sorry April.

Carl and I really enjoyed our time with the Snells. It was a great relief to me to have a safe and entertaining place for Brady to play. So thanks for giving up your basement for a while so we could crash there. We'll gladly return the favor anytime you're out our way.

Rub-a-dub dub, Three Boys in a Tub. And who do you think they be?

The Kaleb, The Ashton, The Brady Alma. Turn them out, squirts all three.

Brady LOVED running on the trampoline!

The boys would run around in circles. That net was awesome. The boys would run into it and bounce right off.

This Video is funny, I think. Brady would fall down and then Ashton would "fall" right beside him. There were even a couple of head on colissions. They thought it was hilarious.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

We got to go to the open house of the newest LDS Temple: Oquirrh Mountain. It is a beautiful place, as all the temples are. While we were waiting for the video to start Brady was looking at the pamphlet that was handed out. Inside it has photos of inside the temple. One of the photos was of a waiting area and had a painting of Jesus on the wall. It was pretty small and hard to see. Brady pointed to the painting and said, "Jesus." I was so overwhelmed. My son had just recognized Christ. I don't know if he's seen that particular painting before either.

The spirit of the Holy Ghost touched me. I realized what I am teaching my son is right. It was confirmed to me the sacredness and holiness of the temples. They are a place where we leave the world behind. We enter and perform sacred ordinances for ourselves, and return to perform them for those who have passed on. Those spirits are free to choose to accept the work or not.

I was happy to be there with my mother and father. I was sad that my little sister didn't join us. It's a rare opportunity for the public to see the interior of a temple, even in Utah.

Brady was on my lap as I was writing my Visiting Teaching message for the sisters I visit. We were looking at some temples on the internet. He said to me, "I need temples." I think he does know how true that is. I pray that he will be able to enter into a House of God when the time comes. I am thankful that at this young age he has a love for temples already.

The bottom-center photo is of us in front of the corner stone of the temple. Notice it has no grout around it. It will be sealed in place at the dedication. I really love to see the temple.

Cucumbers a plenty

Why did we plant cucumbers???? The only way to eat them (that I know of) is raw, in a green salad or tomato salad. I've got WAY too many to use up in green salad and no good recipie for cucumber/tomato salad. At least with zuchinni you can put it in cakes and cookies and bread and stuff. Anyone got a suggestion on what to do with them?

Visit To Utah

A Post by Brady

On our trip to Utah we got to visit a lot of people. Most of them were family. We saw:

Aunt Amy. She's helping me play with a pop-up sports toy. She has a really neat garden at her house. She also has lots of big dogs. I liked going up and down the steps out side her house. I would say, "Up step. Down step."

Grandma J and Grandpa J. Here we are at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. They were lots of fun. I really liked it when Grandpa read books to me and pushed me on the swing outside. Grandma was fun too. She'd take me on walks and got me a really neat bouncy ball.

Grandpa Kehl. I got to see him a few times. We went to the park, to lunch and a playground at the mall. I really liked his clock that played music.

Great Grandma B. We went to a park and had lunch with her. She's pretty neat because she gets to ride in a stroller, just like me! Mommy asked her who she thinks I look like. Grandma B said "He looks like himself." That's a pretty good answer.

Aunt Mina and Uncle Don. These two are kinda crazy. That makes them all the more fun! I liked it when Auntie Mina sat at my table when we had dinner.

Grandma C. She took me to the Living Aquarium to see lots of fishes and other animals in the water. I had fun playing peek-a-boo. She hosted dinner at her house so Mommy, Daddy and I could see lots of our family. It was a good dinner. Mommy is sad she didn't get a better picture of me and Grandma.

Cousins Colin and Lilly, and other cousins. They have grown a lot since I last saw them.