Summer Adventures Begin

Our summer is off to a busy start! We were fortunate enough to get into the first session of swim lessons. Even though we've only had a couple cold windy mornings, we're grateful to have an indoor swimming pool. The kids have done great! My only expectation was for them to build up some confidence and overcome a fear of the water. They are both swimming! They're not quite ready for the swim team but they are moving forward in the water, with purpose. Success!

(That's Zane, swimming with his face in the water, next to the swim coach.)

Last weekend Scott and I celebrated our 15th anniversary. It's hard to believe it's been that long! Scott was actually able to get the weekend off so we left the little ones with Brit and headed to Utah. (Morgan's first sleepover without me! She only got two canker sores and she slept good.)  

Scott was anxious to visit Smith and Edwards and then we made a stop at the Logan temple. The temple was busy with weddings and it was exciting to see families gathered, waiting for their brides and grooms to appear. We each ate our weight in Mexican food and managed to eat some Cold Stone Creamery ice cream as well. Then we went into food comas. Luckily we had a super comfy bed to sleep in. The next day we drove to Bear Lake and took the scenic route back to Idaho. Who knew there was a Paris, Idaho?

(Paris Tabernacle- www.visitidaho.org)

When we returned home Sunday evening, it seemed that our old dog, Tucker, was having a great deal of difficulty walking. Monday morning he appeared to be doing better and was on the porch as we left for swim lessons. He even joined us for a pizza picnic in the yard that afternoon. He's had a hard time getting around since he retired a few years ago, but on good days he loves to explore the yard and pasture or just follow the kids on their bikes.

Tuesday, Tucker was on the porch when we left for swimming, sprawled out in a patch of sunshine. He wasn't on the porch when we came home. Not too unusual. We weren't home long and then left again and we were gone most of the afternoon. When we returned for dinner, I saw Tucker in the yard and thought he must be feeling pretty good. Then I noticed he seemed to be struggling to walk again. 

We hurried and ate dinner and then took Morgan to the church for her activity. Tucker was still in the yard when Zane and I returned home and I wondered if he had been on the porch since morning. I walked up to him and he collapsed at my feet. Zane hurried and got his water bowl and I helped Tucker drink. He guzzled three bowls of water which confirmed my suspicion that he hadn't been able to get up on the porch.

Tucker was finally able to stand up and I guided/drug him to the trailer where he sleeps at night. He again collapsed in his bed, on his head. He weighs more than my children but I managed to get him straightened out and tried to make him comfortable. What to do?

We picked up Morgan and I was getting the kids ready for bed when Scott called. (He was moving cows in Montana and still on the road, four hours away.) I told him what was going on and he didn't know what to do either. Once everyone was tucked in, I crawled into bed, exhausted, to wait for Scott. I fell asleep around midnight and barely remember him coming in about 2:30. (22 hour work days really stink!)

After breakfast I made Scott come to the trailer with me. Tucker was barely able to lift his head and having difficulty breathing. Scott called the vet that comes to the ranch but he wouldn't be out for a few days. Too long to wait. I found another vet nearby and helped Scott wrap and load Tucker into the back of the truck.

And then I got the kids and we were off for swim lessons and scout activities and speech therapy and all the adventures of the day. But when we returned home, our fluffy door mat wasn't there to great us and wag his tail.

Excuses

I can't seem to keep up on my blogging. 

But I have some good excuses!

In high school, I had a boss who would always say, "Excuses are like noses, everyone has them." He was right. So here are mine:

1. I feel like I can't keep up with technology. Things change and by the time I figure them out they are changing again. 

No! I am NOT old!

2. Time moves faster every day and so there just isn't time to do everything I want to. This includes blogging, reading, and washing dishes. 

I want to, but there just isn't time.

3. You will notice a direct correlation to the decrease in posts with the time we started trying to identify Morgan's learning challenges. I continue to spend A LOT of time researching her conditions and things I can do to help her understand this big, scary world.

4. Related to number three, I also spend a great deal of time taking sweet Morgan to therapies and helping her complete homework assignments. 

(I may or may not have typed her entire DARE essay. I'll never tell.)

5. I also try to make sure I am giving Zane his fair share of time and attention. I have to get him to football practice and scout activities. He is VERY patient and kind and often offers to help complete Morgan's homework as well. (He may or may not have helped her write sentences for her spelling words, on more than one occasion. Again, we're not telling.)

6. I also have to give Brittany and her family their fair share of my time and attention. This requires sending multiple text messages, face timing, and getting together with them as much as possible. 

It's a lot of work but our grandson is getting more ADORABLE everyday and we don't want to miss any of it!

7. My husband works crazy hours and so I must be ready to haul bulls, check fence, or purchase horse shoes with him at the drop of a hat. When he calls, I drop everything and put on my boots. I may not see him again until bed time!

8. Trying to help those living with an anxiety disorder can be a bit exhausting. It takes effort to always be the calm one. It also requires a lot of spiritual guidance. I find myself on my knees now more than I ever have before. 

And that's okay.

9. Teaching the Gospel Doctrine class in my ward also requires a lot of spiritual guidance. Although I don't teach every week, I find myself preparing and pondering and planning every day.

10. And just to make it an even number, I have dishes to wash. 

Always. Every day. The dishes are never done!

So, there you have it. My excuses. And now it's summer so I have a lawn to mow, swimming lessons, picnics at the park, and bike rides to attend to. I make no promises, but I will try to share.

Where did you come from? Where did you go?

When I sprained my ankle last summer, I thought I would have all this time to post all of these wonderful things on my blog. But I found other things to do instead. When I was sitting inside, I would work on family history. When I hobbled outside, I would sit and play catch and help design relay races for my kids. When I felt real adventurous, I took them to the lake where I could sit and watch them play in the water. There was no way I was going to let an injury stop all the summer fun!

In addition to gymnastics, Morgan participated in the Summer Exploration event at the middle school and Zane played baseball. Morgan had a little whiplash from a fall when we were in Oregon so we also had regular visits to the chiropractor to treat her injury. (We all need bubble wrap!)

 The kids wanted to celebrate their birthdays at the Oregon Coast so we made another trip to Oregon. We had a great time at the ocean and Morgan decided she would like to live there and eat shrimp kabobs every day. We visited the aquarium, the science center, and an old light house. The kids loved exploring the beach and walking in the historic downtown of Newport the best. We also stopped at the Tillamook Cheese Factory to see how cheese was made. Yummy!

We went to a little family reunion and got to see relatives on my mom's side that we haven't seen in a long time. We also got to see my grandma one last time. We were even able to make a third trip to Oregon to attend grandma's funeral and see even more relatives. Summer was full of activities!

Zane had his eighth birthday which means we also had a baptism in September. It was great to have family travel to be with us, especially my parents who came all the way from Oregon. 

We had a wonderful weekend celebrating!

Summer ended and the kids went back to school, Zane started 2nd grade and Morgan started 6th grade at the middle school. Scott had a couple job interviews and I began packing boxes. In October, Scott accepted a new job and we moved to Idaho Falls. Fortunately, it was not too far away and it was still in Idaho and still close to Brittany and Levi.

Morgan is able to continue her therapies with the therapists that she knows and loves. She is also able to continue gymnastics at the same gym and with her favorite coach. However, the kids did have to change schools and Morgan went back to elementary school for 6th grade. She was bummed but it has been the best for her.

In November, Brit and Levi blessed us with our first grandson. He was born a few weeks early and had to spend a week in NICU but he is a trooper. He is the sweetest little thing you ever did see! 

Isn't it amazing that our hearts never run out of love?!

And before I knew it, Christmas had come and the year was over. 

Just like that!

With IEP meetings, and therapies, and sports, and activities, and my husband traveling for work, and a new grandson to snuggle it seems we are always running and I never take the time to sit and write. 

I will try to do better. 

Are you broken?

It was a cold, rainy day and the kids had been inside all morning. I needed to move a table at the church so I told them to grab a ball and they could play in the gym before we had to go to Morgan's speech therapy. They were thrilled to have space to run.

I put my stuff away and then joined them in the gym. Open space. Ball. Hoop. 

Suddenly, my brain forgot how old my body really is. I picked up the ball and shot a free throw. I used to be really good at this so I decided to shoot another. I jumped a little higher and was really working on my form. (I had to look good for my kids.) As soon as my left foot came back to the ground, my ankle rolled over. I felt the burning of tearing tissue and I sat in the middle of the floor trying to catch my breath. 

The kids were instantly by my side. The pain was so severe I was about to pass out. Morgan was starting to panic. I firmly called her name and said, "get me a chair and some ice. Go!" There was a chair right there so she slid it over to me and hurried to the kitchen.

She saw a large bag of ice in the freezer and knew that wouldn't work. Then she looked above it and there was a small bag of ice. Perfect. (One of those little miracles.)

I lay there, in the middle of the gym, with my feet on the chair and the ice on my ankle for about 10 minutes. I told the kids to play and assured them I would be fine. They sang and danced for me and tried to make me comfortable. Then, it was time to go.

I only have one key for our church and it goes to a door on the opposite side of the building. AND our church is made up of multiple levels. I not only had to walk from one end of the building to the other, I also had to go down stairs and up stairs and then down stairs again. By the time I reached my car I really thought I'd pass out. I found some Ibuprofen and took two.

After another hour of my foot elevated and the ice still on it, I was in complete pain. We stopped at the doctor's office before heading home. The x-rays showed where it had been broken before (10 years ago) but no new break. However, the doctor explained, torn ligaments hurt worse than a broken bone.

He gave me a beautiful air cast and told me to stay off of it as much as possible for TWO weeks. Then he added that it could take 4 - 6 weeks for it to heal. UGH! I took two more Ibuprofen.

After a sleepless night, I was afraid to look at it. When I broke my ankle my entire foot turned black. It doesn't look so bad. Does it?

Our summer school lesson this week has been real life problem solving skills along with a little first-aid.

Not the best start to our summer vacation. We all need bubble wrap.

Forever Family

For the first time ever I took my kids out of school early. They were disappointed to miss all the fun of the last day, but we had a good reason. My older brother and his wife just had baby number six and my other brother and his family flew to Oregon from Georgia. The last time we were all together was when Brit graduated, four years ago. Scott couldn't get time off so I loaded up the kids and made the drive to Oregon without him. 

We had a few things to finish up first. We couldn't miss the Indian Races. (How do they ride so fast without a saddle?) And there was a graduation card to make for Scott's niece and of course a baby gift to take to the new baby.

Nothing says family love quite like a paintball war.

Sweet little Hunter absolutely LOVED Levi. He kept calling him "police" even when he was reminded that Levi did have a name. Levi pinned his badge on him and let him wear it for a minute. Hunter beamed with pride. He is an amazing kid who melts everyone's hearts.

The kids helped sand and paint the front fence at my parents home. They worked hard and earned the paintball reward. There were a few minor injuries, some paint was eaten, and a few tears were shed. And that was just the fence painting! (Hahaha) 

For the most part, we had a great time!

Yes, even I got in on the action. (The mask really brings out my eyes. I may wear one more often.) Morgan and Levi worked on some strategy and Morgan captured the flag. Way to go!

The kids and I camped out at the Grange Hall while we were there. They loved sleeping in the camper and learning how to play the "real" UNO game. And there were more trees to climb. Heaven!

We had a few cold days but we found enough sunshine to go swimming a couple times. We also managed a rowdy soccer game between cloud bursts. My parents and I hung out with Hunter while the rest of them played. It was funny to watch the older "kids" start out dominating the game. They were all over the field and the younger kids hardly got to play. But, magically, about half way through the game the older guys were hanging back and letting the little guys go after the ball more. (wink-wink)

There was lots of yummy food to eat. Always. 

I didn't get a picture, but we were able to visit Great Grandma Hug. Her cat even let us pet her this time. And I managed to run up to the cemetery with my kids to bring a flower to their Grandma Mary.

My parent's cat had kittens a few weeks before we came. While we were there they all became very ill. They went from wild, feisty, playful babies to sleeping all the time and refusing to eat. I remembered the vet told us to give our dog Gatorade once when he wasn't feeling well. My mom happened to have some so they started feeding them with an eye dropper. I talked to Scott and he told me to get an electrolyte solution for animals. After a few days of the solution, all the kitties were starting to feel better. So glad we figured out how to save them!

We had to make a stop at Riverside Park. My kids call it the Castle Park because of the awesome play thing that looks like a giant castle. It amazes me how different the river looks now. They now have a walking bridge that goes over the river. One of our swimming holes isn't even there any more. Sometimes, it's hard to grow up and see everything change.

We had a wonderful week! It was hardly enough time to do all that we wanted to do and see all the people we wanted to see. Morgan says we have to go back soon.

Spring Fever

We've had a few days of sunshine which makes us anxious for SUMMER!

Scott and the kids bought me some pansies for Mother's Day. I planted them in my yellow stacking pots that I moved to the back yard. Now I can enjoy them from the patio.

Last summer my mom gave me some hens to transplant. They survived the long drive from Oregon and some of them are loving their new home. Check out all those chicks!

I'm also trying to get a jump start on the garden. Last year I waited so long and it was hot just as our peas were trying to ripen. Maybe we'll get a few more peas this year. And maybe our pumpkins will turn orange before Halloween.

Mountain Air

Scott has been anxious to go on an adventure in the mountains. Amazingly, I think we were the only ones up there. It was a bit windy and there was still snow on the ground and we couldn't go very far but we managed to find a spot to build a fire and roast hot dogs for dinner.

 We found some monkeys in the trees.

And we found a stream to throw rocks in.

But most importantly, we found signs of spring.

Birthday Time

For Scott's birthday, the kids and I put together a candygram card. We had so much fun picking out some of his favorite treats and then writing a birthday wish. He's hard to surprise but we got him this time.

It was great to have Brit and Levi here to celebrate with us too.

Brit and Levi came back for my birthday as well. We braved the rain and went to Olive Garden for lunch. Best birthday present ever!

Craft Break

Scott and I have been the Webelos leaders in our ward since last fall. I have to admit I was pretty nervous to be involved in scouting when we first started. But as we learned the program and planned fun activities for the boys we started to love it. We had a handful of somewhat challenging but pretty amazing boys. They never ceased to surprise us and we all had fun each week. (Scott was just one of the boys.)

Last month I received a new calling and I'm now serving in the Relief Society Presidency. However, Scott and I have not yet been released from scouts. It's been a challenge trying to keep up with everything but I refuse to just give up on the boys. This week we had our Blue and Gold Banquet for the boys. Our Cubscout Masters did a great job! I helped by making a campfire cake.

We're also planning a spring activity for our ladies so I've been looking for simple crafts we could do. I love the subway art prints. I created one using the words from my favorite hymn. So simple and so cute!

I have to take a break from the business of life and just create, occasionally.

Kitchen Makeover

Our 2nd home in Nebraska was in need of some repairs and updates when we moved in. Some things, like the carpet, were beyond our control. The dark green kitchen though, could be fixed.

I picked a nice, neutral, sand color in a high gloss finish. I thought I could simply remove the cupboard doors, hit them with the belt sander, and then slap on the new color. The hinges were silver so I decided to keep them and just replace the knobs with a simple, round, black one. So easy. So simple. So I thought.

The first two sets went fairly quick. I had to force myself not to get too picky. These were old doors and there really was no way to get them perfectly smooth without completely replacing them. They were very grimy and greasy but came clean pretty easy. 

As I started sanding the next set of doors I ran into a problem. Instead of gently buffing the surface, giant slabs of paint started pealing off. There was no way to sand the edge to make it blend with the now bare wood. My only option was to completely strip the old layers of paint. Funny how it came off so easy in spots but then was stuck so firm in others. 

We went without cupboard doors for more than a year until I worked up the desire to get it finished. I setup a painting station in my living room in November and finally got the rest of the doors finished. If you look close you can see the difference in color between those that were painted over the green and those that were stripped completely. I would recommend stripping the paint.

It's amazing how bright my kitchen was once it was all put back together. Why didn't I get this done sooner so I could enjoy it more?! I had a friend who wanted to get rid of a small kitchen island. It fit perfectly in the wasted space between the refrigerator and the stove.

Hooray for a new-old kitchen!

Is this a dream or is it real?

Several months ago, before we even knew about moving to Idaho, I had a dream that we had gone to a new church building. There were lots of stairs and we didn't really know where to go. We followed some people up a set of stairs and found the chapel. Sitting way in the back, we listened to the choir sing a familiar hymn and Morgan pointed out that she knew the song.

Then it was time to take the kids to Primary. We started walking and again there were stairs and hallways that twisted around. I thought for sure we would never find our way out. I finally found classrooms for the kids but wanted to stay with them because I didn't know if I could find them again.

I woke up thinking that was a weird thing to dream about. And then I assured myself that churches are not built like that so I didn't ever have to worry about that dream coming true. And then we moved to a little pioneer town in Idaho...

When we went to church our first Sunday, we went inside and had to walk up stairs to get to the chapel. Hummm... Then it was time for Primary. The little neighbor girl was kind enough to show us where to go. We went down some stairs, around a corner, down more stairs and wound around some narrow halls. I dropped the kids off and the Primary President was kind enough to show me how to get back to where I needed to go. 

As I sat in Sunday School class, the images of my dream suddenly filled my mind. I turned to Scott and told him we were in the church building I had dreamed about a few months ago. He looked at me like I was crazy. Maybe I am. I have never been in a church like this one.

And now, the rest of the story...

After several emails with Morgan's teacher, I was more frustrated. Her teacher assured me that Morgan was doing great at school. She always seemed happy and ALWAYS stayed on task. She was doing good work and seldom asked questions. (Her fear of being in trouble or doing something wrong was in full force.) The teacher didn't understand why homework was taking so long.

At parent teacher conferences I broke down in tears. I tried not to. The frustration just overwhelmed me. Then the teacher took me seriously. She submitted my request for a formal evaluation.

The initial questionnaire showed autistic tendencies and the school psychologist wanted to continue with a full evaluation. We spent a month answering questions, filling out forms, and having Morgan's abilities tested. We looked forward with great anticipation to our team meeting day.

The results were tallied and the decision made. Her social skills put her in the autism spectrum. Her cognitive and language was borderline autism. But her behavior and coordination gave little indication of autism. (She is one of the strongest and fastest 4th graders even though she is the smallest.)

The experts all agreed that Morgan's spelling and writing are below level. They all agreed that she needed extra help with reading, which she is currently getting. The speech therapist agreed to work with her on a few lingering issues. But, because she is on the bottom line of the average range she is still considered average. She doesn't qualify for any additional help until she falls below that line.

I strongly feel it is because of my interventions at home that she is able to stay on the line. The experts all praised me as I shared what I had been doing to teach Morgan about emotions and how to deal with anxiety. They told me to keep up the good work.

The principal said she noticed that Morgan is the first one out the door at the end of the day. She agreed that Morgan is probably so overwhelmed from holding it together at school and that's why she falls apart when she gets home. She also felt Morgan was just a little immature and things would get better when her maturity level catches up with her peers. That's what the teachers have been saying all along, she'll catch on eventually.

The experts agreed with all of my concerns, showed me test results that confirmed my frustrations, and then patted me on the back and sent me on my way. I shed a few more tears and then continued my research online. Autism is getting a lot of attention right now and there is TONS of information. Even without an official label, there are things I have found that help her.

I am committed to helping my daughter be a successful learner. If she wants to be a veterinarian then I will support her every step of the way.
I am her biggest fan!

A Glimpse of our Journey

How do you know if it's simply the child's personality or an actual disorder? Is it just "the way she is" or is there more to her behavior? Is it autism that is causing all the anxiety issues? Or is it anxiety that looks like autism? Does a label really matter?

Morgan started out as a normal, healthy baby. Except that she wasn't snugly like I remembered her sister being. If I rubbed her back she would sit perfectly still and quiet. She always felt somewhat stiff when I tried to cuddle her.

At 3 months she started getting ear infections and at 11 months had to have tubes in her ears. She was very quiet but started "talking" more after the tubes. That made sense to me.

I worked full time but would visit Morgan at daycare on my lunch break to feed her. She was about 7 months old when I noticed she would only let certain people know when she was hungry. Sometimes, I would pick her up at 5:30pm and she hadn't eaten anything since I nursed her at noon because her regular caregiver had left early. She would be starving but would only cry when she saw me. They didn't even notice she hadn't eaten.

We talked to a speech therapist when Morgan was almost 2 years old because she was not talking. I decided to quit my job to stay home with her. It seemed that she needed more one on one attention than she was getting at daycare. (She was happy to play quietly by herself.) After a few weeks at home her language did improve.

At age 3, however, I decided to do a formal speech evaluation which showed her language skills were typical of an 18 month old. Hummm... We started speech therapy and even felt she was ready for kindergarten at age 5. Our insurance decided she was done with speech but she had made so much progress I thought we could handle it.

She did well in kindergarten with her standardized test scores in the above average and average range. She made some friends and loved to play with the neighbor kids. She did not like to be separated from me at church, however. Primary was always a struggle. She would only go to her class if her teacher was there. (Her teacher was gone a lot.) I got tired of the screaming fits and just started taking her to class with me.

First grade was hard. She cried every day, except for maybe 2. She required some extra help but her scores were still in the average range. She made a new friend but would play alone if her friend wasn't at school. She had a more regular Primary teacher which made church more enjoyable for us all.

We moved before 2nd grade which meant leaving her friends and a having VERY short summer break. The change was challenging but she did better than I expected. Her teacher was sweet, soft spoken, and very positive. Morgan did well but required lots of extra help. Her tests scores were low in the average range. It could be related to changing school districts so we didn't think too much about it.

In 3rd grade she continued to require extra help. We talked to her teacher about repeating 3rd grade and were advised not to. We worked all summer to keep up on some of the things that she continued to struggle with like telling time, reading a calendar, writing and spelling. Her scores were on the bottom line of what is average but she was hanging in there.

It was this summer that I began to realize how much her anxiety was consuming her. We made a list together of the things that scared her and I was amazed by the length and the things on that list. I understand being afraid of bad guys and even bees. Some items though, were a little strange. Like moths.

Everything related to school causes her anxiety. She has a huge fear of failing or doing something wrong. She is extremely afraid of being in trouble. She is also afraid of being made fun of.

She cried for a full week before school started because she was so scared of 4th grade. We worked through some issues and talked about things she can do when she is scared. We even went and visited the school a 2nd time. I thought she was doing better.

Two weeks into the school year, we were spending hours doing homework every night and she was begging me every morning to stay home. As we worked through her homework together she would cry and say, "I just don't get it!" Something had to change. What could I do to help her? How could I speak up and be her advocate? Her teachers keep assuring me that she'll get it and eventually catch up. Why does it seem the opposite is happening?

... to be continued...

Let There be {Peace} on Earth

"Let there be peace on earth. And let it begin with me!" This is one of my favorite Christmas songs and it seemed to be stuck in my mind this past month. I would wake up singing it. I would go to bed singing it. I would blurt it out while folding laundry. It has just been constantly on my mind.

Then, I went to church today. It seemed the hymns were about peace. The lessons were about peace. Everything is about peace! So, that is my focus this year. What is true peace and how do we find it? 

Can there really be peace on earth? And does it really begin with me?

I've thought about how peace can begin with me... If I, one little ol mother, can encourage and teach peace in my home, maybe it can make a difference. Hopefully my home can be a place of peace and that's a start. Hopefully we can carry that peace with us when we go out and bring peace to someone else as well. Maybe there can be peace on earth!

"I come to you tonight with a plea that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we try to "accentuate the positive." I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort."  

~ Gordon B. Hinckley ~

Finding JOY in the Journey

This year my focus has been on finding JOY in the journey of life. This roller coaster ride has been full of ups and downs, joy and sadness, hope and fear... As I reflected on all that I've learned about finding JOY, I re-read an article in the April 2012 Ensign by Elder David A. Bednar. I realized that the most important thing I've learned this year is that the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is what makes it possible to find JOY in life even through the difficult times. It is the Atonement that brings peace and gives us the hope to hang on. It's that hope that helps us to faithfully, and cheerfully, endure to the end, even on those days when we feel like we just can't do it any more.

Elder Bednar reminds us: "The Savior has suffered not just for our iniquities but also for the inequality, the unfairness, the pain, the anguish, and the emotional distresses that so frequently beset us. There is no physical pain, no anguish of soul, no suffering of spirit, no infirmity or weakness that you or I ever experience during our mortal journey that the Savior did not experience first. You and I in a moment of weakness may cry out, 'No one understands. No one knows.' No human being, perhaps, knows. But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He felt and bore our burdens before we ever did. And because He paid the ultimate price and bore that burden, He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy in so many phases of our life. He can reach out, touch, succor—literally run to us—and strengthen us to be more than we could ever be and help us to do that which we could never do through relying upon only our own power."

The Savior has promised us peace as we "come unto him." He literally gives us the strength to bear more than we think possible. And when we are about to give into darkness and despair,  if we will turn towards His light, we will find that peace and yes, even JOY in this journey of life.

The JOY of an Ugly Sweater

Scott sent me a text Monday afternoon stating he needed an "ugly Christmas sweater" by Wednesday morning. I added "Salvation Army" to my list of errands for Tuesday morning and hoped I could find something there that would work.

The men's sweaters were either brown or Huskers red. Too plain. Then I turned to the women's rack and found a soft sweater in shades of burgundy, green, and gold stripes. I wasn't sure if it would be big enough to fit Scott but decided we would make it fit. There weren't any other options.

As I drove home I tried to think of what I could do to make it a little more festive. We had a $50 Cabelas gift card at stake here. A Christmas tree applique might work... Or maybe a reindeer with a big red nose and a string of jingle bells stuck in his antlers... humm... Or a cat. A Christmas cat... One thing was for sure, it had to have bright, gold jingle bells!

Scott came home for lunch to take a look at the sweater. He suggested a horse with a Santa hat. Then one thing led to another (the jingle bells were a must) and when Scott came home from work I was putting the finishing touches on our creation.

Yes. That is a horse pooping jingle bells. What else would a cowboy wear?

So perfectly perfect! In fact, we won first place at the annual Dinklage Feedlot ugly Christmas sweater contest! Woot! I have finally found what I am good at.

Zane was intrigued as he watched me stitch on the horse. When I added the jingle bells he was thrilled and begged me to make him one just like it. Maybe next year my boys will all have matching sweaters.

God Bless America!

The TV channels have been full of political ads and the kids have been learning about politics in school. That's just the way it is when it's an election year. I was amazed that even my children could tell the difference between the two main candidates. When certain ads would be on, Zane would turn to me and say, "He's really a bad guy." 

Zane's class got to "vote" yesterday and he said he voted for Romney. I asked him why and he said it was because Romney likes cold cereal and riding horses just like he does. Sweet innocence! Then I asked Morgan who she would vote for and she said Romney as well. I asked her why and she announced, without hesitation, "because he knows how to pray to God for help and he knows how to go to the temple too." So wise!

The kids struggled to go to bed last night because the race was so close and they desperately wanted to know the winner. Zane was up early this morning asking me who won. When I told him he growled in anger and stomped off to tell Morgan. She too was angry. And then we all cried.

The first thing I did when I woke up this morning was open my scriptures. They fell open to 3 Nephi chapter one and my heart was filled with peace as I read, "Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold the time is at hand..." 

I grabbed my scriptures and shared this with my children. We talked about how we know that God's "team" will win and we just need to make sure we are on that team. Even though our guy didn't win the election, we can know we did right because we voted for him. Even though our leaders don't always make the best decisions, we can stand up for what is right no matter what. I told them to always be willing to fight for what is right and never give in, even if it may seem like the bad guys are winning. The Lord will protect and bless those who follow Him.

We then had 15 minutes to eat, brush teeth, put shoes on, feed the cats, and get on the bus. And we made it!

I heard a reporter say that the Republican Party messed up big and picked the wrong guy to run. Really? I wanted to tell the reporter to read Mosiah 29:27.

God Bless America!

Families Can Be Together Forever!

We have been planning this day for a long time... hoping... waiting... praying for the right moment. This weekend it all came together, after some opposition and trials that made us wonder if we would make it. That just means it was the RIGHT thing to do.

Brittany was sealed to our family for time and all eternity! Our sealer told us that even though it may seem like we waited a very long time for this it was but a small moment in the grand scheme of eternity. So true! He also said Morgan and Zane probably wouldn't completely understand because they are so young. But I could see pure JOY radiating in their faces. Then when we returned to Brit's apartment, Zane gave her a huge hug and said, "I'm so glad you are part of our forever family!" They understand more than we think they do.

© 2002, Rick Satterfield

We are grateful to our friends and family who were able to come and share this special day with us!

Our drive to Utah was a little scary... and took almost 12 hours. We had a little snow and fog to deal with but it could have been so much worse. There was a major pile up on the eastbound lanes which closed the freeway from Rawlins to Laramie. So glad we weren't going that direction.

 Our living room window. It always snows sideways in Nebraska.

 This was at home a few days before we left. BRRRRR!
The drive was worth it though.

  

My ADD Life - Skirt!

My days are different now that all my kids are in school. When your day is filled with: "I'm hungry!" "He won't share!" "Mooommm, I'm doooone!" you don't always have the time to do what you NEED to do let alone what you WANT to do. Something as simple as sewing on a button gets left for another day.

My grandma makes me towels with the crochet top that buttons onto the handle of my stove. My supply is running low and my only clean one was missing a button. I went to find a button that would work. 

I found a button and I also found a chunk of fabric I had bought 2 years ago to make myself a skirt. The fabric was washed and ready to be cut out and stitched. Hummm... I don't hear any little voices calling me to do anything else.

I sewed on a button then quickly forgot that I was cleaning the kitchen. I dug out my sewing machine and went to work on my skirt. It's been a while since I made something just for me.

Now I have something special to wear for our special day in a couple weeks. (Shhhh...it's a secret.)

A Journey of Learning

I always look forward to General Conference weekend. I love to hear the inspiring messages from our Prophet and Apostles! It's hard to pick a favorite because I was inspired by every talk.

Having recently met the new General Relief Society President, Linda Burton, made her talk extra special. Her topic is also something that has been on my mind a lot lately. She pointed out how we are surrounded by people who need our help. I loved her call to action:

First observe, then serve.

I also loved her reminder to not just help someone in the way we think they need help. Instead we need to find out what help they actually need. (We wouldn't put a bandaid on a broken arm and call it a good deed.) Sometimes, it takes a little effort to find out what the real need is. Always, it takes guidance by the Spirit to know how best to help. And President Monson reminded us to act right away when a prompting comes.

I also loved President Monson's challenge. He asked us to take a step back and look for all the blessings we have had in our lives. Often we overlook the little blessings that come to us. He said, "Take an inventory of your life and record the blessings you've received over the years." What a great way to increase your gratitude!

We are so blessed!