Haas Shenanigans

How Faith Helps a Mother

2012-01-24T21:53:00.000-06:00

I was asked to be a guest speaker at the Mia Maids Young Women (girls ages 14-16) activity tonight at church. They wanted me to speak about how faith helps a mother. Here is what I said:

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here tonight and I’m excited to share some of my experiences with you regarding faith, and specifically, how faith helps a Mother. I hope that what I share with you tonight will help you in some way and that you may feel the spirit and feel the love that the Lord has for you.

There are going to be times in your life when you will be required to have faith. I was thinking about how a lot of big decisions in life require a certain amount of faith because you’re faced with a choice and you hope to make the right decisions & you don’t know in advance what the outcome will be. Such as whether or not to go away to college, who to marry, when to start a family, and how many kids to have, among other things. One of the biggest milestones in life is becoming a Mother because everything changes and you’re no longer just responsible for yourself. Your perspective on life changes. Faith is definitely a requirement in Motherhood.

Tyson and I were married for almost five years before we had Blakeley. We both worked for Verizon Wireless and were used to our lifestyle and our double income. We pretty much bought whatever we wanted whenever we wanted and I drove a fun two seater sports car. When I found out that I was pregnant with Blakeley, my mindset shifted and my priorities changed. No longer was I as concerned about myself and the materialistic aspects of life as I was this child that I was going to be entrusted with and the future of my family. Instead of caring about what car I drove, I cared more about nurturing my children and becoming the best mother possible. So bye bye went the sports car and the funny thing is, I didn’t even care. It was no longer important to me.

I realized that I wanted to trade in my career so that I could stay home and raise my children. I had a good career but I knew that life as a Mommy was far more important. It was actually more of a yearning, just a feeling I had that I knew it was what I was supposed to do. In my mind, however, I didn’t know how it could possibly happen. Tyson and I were so used to our lifestyle and our double income. Logically, I just didn’t know how it would be possible financially.

I prayed continuously during those nine months that the Lord would provide a way for me to stay home once Blakeley was born. At times, I became frustrated because I didn’t feel like I was getting an answer and I still felt like I was SUPPOSED to stay home.

At the time, we lived in Florida and one day, I think it was at Stake conference, our stake president was speaking about tithing and I had an ah-ha moment. He said, “Just take the first step in faith…” Although he was talking about tithing, I had a moment of complete clarity where I felt my mind and heart being enlightened and I felt the spirit so strong and those words spoke to me regarding my desire to be a stay at home Mom. “Just take the first step in faith…” In other words, I needed to just have faith and make the decision to quit my job and know that it would all be OK. This was very scary to me since it was the unknown and I had no idea how it would all work out.

So fast forward a little bit…Blakeley was born and I was on maternity leave from work and even on the way home from the hospital, I was crying to my sister on the phone because I wanted to stay home so bad but still, I just didn’t see how it was going to work out. Tyson & I had talked about it at different times and we felt like it was the right thing to do but we still didn’t really have a game plan as far as how I should go about quitting my job or when I should quit.

One day, a few weeks into my maternity leave, I just told Tyson, “OK, I’m going to call my manager now and tell her I’m not coming back to work.” It was as simple as that. I called her and told her that I’d thought a lot about it and that I wasn’t going to return to work. She was really nice about it & totally understood. Well I was planning on going home to California to visit in a couple weeks and I still needed to go back to my job and clean out my desk and get my stuff. A few days before I was supposed to leave on my trip, I called my old boss and left her a vm that I was going to go clean out my desk.

What happened next is the most amazing thing.

Long story short…It turns out the company had to lay off some employees and I was actually laid off so I got a severance package. I immediately knew that my prayers were being answered. That meant that I got a lot of unexpected money and healthcare benefits and it set us up nicely to start our new chapter in life with our new baby. This was such a huge blessing.

Words cannot express the immense joy I felt when I found this out. I was in such awe at this miracle and I completely attributed it to faith, prayer, and Heavenly Father’s goodness. I could not have planned this better myself and it strengthened my testimony so much that Heavenly Father does hear our prayers, and more importantly, that He does answer them. And the timing of it all was extraordinary. I had just enough vacation time left to cover the exact amount of days I needed so that I didn’t have to return to work before the lay offs were to take effect. Some people might call this a coincidence but there is just no way—coincidences do not exist. Heavenly Father’s love for us and His desire to make us happy are what exist. This was a righteous desire that I had and Heavenly Father blessed me with it and made it happen. He knows the desires of our hearts and He wants to make us happy. It was such a testimony building experience to me regarding faith because we literally had to take a leap of faith, with no knowledge of what the outcome would be.

There is a quote by Martin Luther King that says, “Just take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase…just take the first step.”

I think this experience was so profound to me because it opened my eyes to the fact that Heavenly Father can do all things- even things that seem impossible to us. I had absolutely no idea HOW it was going to work out for me to stay home. I just knew that I wanted to and I felt like I was supposed to.

Situations like these enlighten my mind and enable me to see the power of God.

D&C 76:12 By the power of the aSpirit our beyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see and understand the things of God—

We as humans place limits on things…we say, “that can’t happen because of this obstacle or this road block stands in the way. But Heavenly Father is amazing and is more powerful than we can comprehend. Don’t let your inability to see how it could happen stand in the way of your dreams.

This is where faith comes in. Faith does not just happen. You can’t just decide to have faith. Faith is an action word and it requires you to put in some effort and work at it. Prayer goes hand in hand with faith. I think it starts with prayer and builds from there. Reading your scriptures is also essential. I have developed a process that I use and we will talk about that a little later.

Another profound experience that I’ve had with faith as a Mother is when Skylar was in the hospital. I think experiences like this one where we aren’t in control and where we feel powerless are harder to endure. And they require faith on a completely different level. This experience strengthened my testimony and increased my capacity to have faith and to understand what faith actually is.

When Skylar was born, she had a blockage of tissue where her stomach and intestines meet. It just had not developed properly and it prevented her from eating. The milk would either just stay in her stomach since it could not go downward through her digestive system or she would throw it all up. By the time she was three months old, she had been in the hospital for 7 ½ weeks and had three surgeries to correct the problem.

I’m going to share a few of my journal entries from when Skylar was in the hospital. They are pretty special spiritual experiences that I had and I feel like they were glimpses of heaven. These moments greatly strengthened my faith.

4.15.11
This morning I prayed for Skylar to feel of Heavenly Father's love and comfort and then about 10 mins later the image came to my mind of Jesus sitting next to her hospital bed and I saw Him holding her and rocking her. Such a comforting image. Exactly what I needed.

4.17.11
I was driving to the hospital to see Skylar just now and I saw the temple in the distance up on the hill. As soon as I saw it, the first word that came to mind was "hope." And I was reminded that the temple is a great symbol of hope. Then the word "faith" came to mind. I was at a stop light a little bit closer and could still see the temple in the distance. As I stared at the gold angel Moroni, the words "good tidings" came to mind. And I felt the spirit.

I then realized that we pass by the temple every time we drive to the hospital. When I had that realization, I felt the spirit very strong. How lucky are we that as we endure this trial, we get to pass right by such an amazing symbol of hope, faith, and good tidings?

I'm grateful for our faith and the knowledge that we have that comforts us and buoys us up in these difficult times.

4.26.11
This morning at the end of my prayer and my begging & pleading that "He let me have her" and that "He please heal her" I envisioned Jesus standing at her bedside in the hospital with His hands touching her abdomen on her incision doing just that...healing her.

Tyson gave me a blessing last night and in it, it said she would be healed.

I need to have greater faith. Many scriptures that I read this morning said my prayers would be granted according to my faith.

5.21.11
One really big thing I've re-learned through this ordeal:

I know that by leaning on Heavenly Father, we can overcome any trial.

I don’t think I’ve ever been in a situation where I felt so many different emotions. It truly was a roller coaster ride that I was not expecting. There were moments of joy and happiness as she seemed to improve and then times of utter heartbreak when progress stalled or something went wrong. As a mother, it is so hard to stand by helpless while your child suffers. My sister is a therapist and she told me that the bond between a mother and child is nine times stronger than any other human relationship. You want the best for your children so it is so hard when you have absolutely no control.

You will come face to face with difficult trials, and some of them will make you feel so overwhelmed that all you can do is cry, pray, and put it all in HF's hands. There comes a point where there's nothing else you can do & you have to let go and have faith and trust in Heavenly Father. You have to trust that everything we endure happens for a reason and that Heavenly Father knows all things. He sees the beginning to the end…and we don’t.

One of my favorite quotes says, “Every experience God gives us and every person He puts into our lives is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see.” ~Corrie ten Boom

During both of these situations, I prayed continuously. After I would pray, I would open my scriptures and the things I read gave me comfort and strength. One of my favorites is D&C 84:119-120:
For I, the Lord, have put forth my hand to exert the powers of heaven; ye cannot see it now, yet a little while & ye shall see it, and know that I am, and that I will come & reign with my people. I am alpha & omega, the beginning & the end. Amen."

This is one of my all time favorite scriptures. What peace and comfort it brought me and continues to bring me. This scripture reminds me to have faith. It reminds me that if I do what’s right and make good choices, Heavenly Father will bless me and he has so many blessings in store for us. And it reminds me to be patient and that everything happens in the Lord’s timing. “Faith in God includes faith in His timing.”
Faith requires us to do all that we can do and then put it in the Lord’s hands. Another one of my favorite scriptures is D&C 123:17: Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

I absolutely love this scripture because it’s basically saying, after we do all that we can, we need to sit back with confidence and have faith in God.

Prayer and reading scriptures go hand in hand with faith because prayer is how we talk to Heavenly Father and reading scriptures is how He talks to us.
I have established a little process

1. Identify question/concern

2. Take your question or concern to the Lord through prayer. Pray to the Lord for guidance & comfort & ask Him your specific question. Ask him to feel the spirit & to feel his love & comfort

3. Search your scriptures (even if you don't receive an answer right then, I promise you that between your prayer & if you sincerely read your scriptures with real intent- seeking an answer, you will at least feel comforted & feel a lot better than when you started.)

4. Write down any inspiration or revelation that you receive- This is so important! You would be amazed at how easily you forget things if you don't write it down.

5. Stay positive. It’s easy to get discouraged if you don’t feel like you get an answer right away. Just keep praying and know that everything happens in the Lord’s timing and it happens that way for a reason. Continue to pray and start the cycle over and as you continue to read your scriptures, you will feel the Lord’s comfort and you will gain faith and strength to overcome the situation.

6. If it’s a difficult trial you’re going through, get a priesthood blessing. That will bring comfort and shed some light as well.

D&C 121:36: "That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven..."

I love that scripture. I don’t think we truly comprehend how powerful the Priesthood is. We need to use it- that is what it’s there for.

By doing these steps when you have a question or concern or you’re going through a trial, you’re putting the situation in the Lord’s hands which is the best thing you can do. Your faith will be strengthened because you will be able to recognize direct answers and guidance from the Lord as you do these things and as you write down your experiences.

The fact is that I’ve learned a lot this past year. And I mean a LOT. It was uncomfortable, it made me stretch, it pushed me out of my comfort zone, and it was a struggle. Nobody likes to feel those things, right? But when we go through experiences that make us feel those things, that’s when we’re growing and learning and Heavenly Father is molding us into the person we’re supposed to become. These trials teach us compassion teach us what faith really is and make us grow closer to the Savior. As we grow closer to the Savior, we become more like him.

This is part of a post that I wrote on my blog that kind of summarizes what 2011 meant to me.

What a year. This has been a year of perspective. A year of faith. A year of adversity. A year of lessons. A year of survival. Ultimately, it’s been a year of joy and rewards. A year of gratitude. A year of TRIUMPH.

The rewards we’ve received this year have no monetary value. Prosperity did not come in the form of wealth. In many senses, we’ve been "poorer" than ever before, yet, in a greater realm, we’ve been made abundantly rich in qualities that truly matter such as humility, compassion, strength, gratitude, and faith. We’ve been made rich in understanding and we’ve truly been refined. We’ve received a greater understanding of what true happiness really is.

This life is such a whirlwind and so many things are out of our control. This year, we have been reminded that Heavenly Father is in control. Our faith and testimonies have increased tenfold as we have leaned on Him through some of our greatest trials. I know that Heavenly Father has the power to do all things...even what seems "impossible" to us. I've seen miracles this year which have opened my heart and enlightened my mind. At those precious moments, the worldly haze lifted and I gained a clear perspective on the things in life that are of the most value. We have our health, we have the gospel, and we have each other…our precious family. We are rich beyond measure.

“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”

This year we have truly learned to soar.

As you go through life and trials come your way, lean on Heavenly Father and he will guide you out of the storm. With faith, you can overcome any obstacle, as it relates to motherhood and any other aspect of life. God is powerful beyond measure and He loves you more than you can comprehend. Motherhood is wonderful but it is hard and it definitely requires a partnership with Heavenly Father and it requires faith. I challenge all of you to use the process I outlined , especially in times of hardship so that you can see the great blessings in your life.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Recognize These Guys?

2012-01-23T21:53:00.002-06:00

Just So T..i...r...e...........d.....

2012-01-22T22:13:00.002-06:00

(She doesn't usually eat in the high chair...she has just wanted to sometimes lately.)

Cheeks

2012-01-19T23:36:00.003-06:00

What funny stuff did Blakeley do today you ask? Well, let me just tell you...

We were in the car & all of a sudden I heard the window in the back seat rolling down...she used her foot to roll it down! Silly girl.

Also, I went to put her socks on this morning & what did I find in one of them when I pulled them out of the sock drawer? A tiny little ceramic bowl from a tiny play tea set. Wasn't expecting that one!

And then we went to the zoo...

My friend was near her and I was nearby and all of a sudden my friend laughed and said, "Kendra, you have to come see this!"

So I walked over and this is what I saw. Wasn't expecting that one! Funny kid. If she had it her way, she'd be naked 24/7. I think she wants to be a nudist when she grows up.

Phoebe

2012-01-18T23:36:00.000-06:00

Here is my sweet Phoebe girl. I can't believe she turns 7 next month! Poor girl doesn't get nearly as much attention as she used to but we still love her. Blakeley loves to play tug o war and throw toys for her. It's pretty cute to watch.

Remembering a Great Man

2012-01-16T01:53:00.000-06:00

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”
- Martin Luther King Jr

My favorite person in history

The Many Faces of Blakeley

2012-01-09T08:17:00.000-06:00

...mean faces, that is...

You are Perfect Just the Way You Are

2012-01-08T00:52:00.001-06:00

So I've been meaning to write this down for awhile.

I went walking/jogging awhile back (Nov 28th) and all of a sudden out of nowhere a little voice in my mind (the Spirit) said, "You're perfect just the way you are." I totally shed a few tears while I pushed my girls in the double stroller as I contemplated the profound message. And I just kept repeating that to myself like a mantra. It kind of came out of nowhere but I needed to hear it.

I think as females, we all have body image issues and it was just really comforting to receive that message at that particular moment. Another heavenly message!

So I just wanted to share that with YOU.
YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE! Remember that.

It's true and I've been thinking about that off and on for a month or two. That we are perfect, not only physically, but we are perfect where we are at this point in time in our life. We are where we are supposed to be and doing what we are supposed to be doing. Ponder that.

May we learn to really believe this:

Thanks Mom!

2012-01-07T00:50:00.002-06:00

So I was driving yesterday and saw this bumper sticker on a car and it kinda hit me. I don't think I've ever really thought about the fact that my Mom actually gave me LIFE. In a sense, I think most of us take that profound action for granted...that our Mothers decided to go through nine months of pregnancy to give birth to us and give us life. There were a few other bumper stickers on this car that I saw and they were obviously pro-life from a political standpoint (which I am too.) I was thankful that I saw it and that I was able to take a moment and really appreciate that decision that my Mom made.

And if you re-read the message, it kind of puts things in perspective. Smile! No matter what you're going through...you're ALIVE! That's a pretty great thing.

Thanks Mom!

HONK, HONK!!!

I just happened to see these videos on You Tube. Check em out. (Warning: Get the kleenex ready!) Let's not take life for granted! Thank you, Ben Breedlove.

Click here for Part 1

Click here for Part 2

(Ben passed away on Christmas day 2011-- a week after he recorded these videos)

The Happiness Project

2012-01-06T01:51:00.001-06:00

My sister posted something on Facebook recently about wanting to get a book club together to study & learn about "The Happiness Project." Too bad I don't live close to her or I'd be all about it!

THE HAPPINESS PROJECT is the memoir of the year I spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific studies, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier – happily, it was a #1 New York Times bestseller. As one of the hundreds of experiments I've conducted, I started this blog. Here, I recount my daily adventures in pursuit of happiness. –

Gretchen Rubin

I've been reading the blog frequently this past week & find it interesting. Who doesn't want to be happier?! I guess I'll have to read the book although I don't do much reading these days. Here's the link to the blog. Check it out:

http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/

Things Don't Have to be Perfect

2012-01-05T00:18:00.008-06:00

So, I've realized over the last few years that things don't always work out the way you plan...and things will never be perfect...AND IT'S OKAY.  I'm talking about our expectations of ourselves, ladies.

Let's rewind a few years. It's before we had kids and Tyson and I went to Utah for his cousin, Eric's wedding. We lived in Florida at the time and had not really planned too much in advance but decided to go at the last minute. So we're in Utah and we're driving the two hour drive with Ty's parents to get to the wedding which was at the Manti temple. So we're about fifteen minutes into the drive when I noticed my temple recommend was expired. I didn't think it was a big deal and we all just figured once we got there, a nice temple worker would call my Bishop and get the okay to let me in. We even called our Bishop in Florida to give him a heads up so he could expect the call.

So we get to the temple and we're walking in and I hand my recommend to a temple worker. He wouldn't let me in which I totally thought was a joke at first. Long story short, I couldn't get in because when a recommend is expired, it's as if you don't have one. Now, had I just forgotten it (if I had a current recommend), then they would call my Bishop and get the approval.

Heartbroken does not even sum up how crappy I was feeling as I went back out to the car while everyone else went into the temple for the ceremony. I was sooooo distraught and upset that I just bawled the whole time in the car. We flew like 3,000 miles and here I am stuck in the car, unable to participate & witness a super spiritual event.  I'm sure I prayed and asked for comfort. Tyson's sister, Chelsea must have gotten there at some point so after I let it all out in the car, I calmed down & walked around outside and ended up finding Chelsea. And then Tyson was out before I knew it. (It was a super short sealing...felt like 15 mins.)

Later that day (I think it was that same day?) as we were driving through the gorgeous mountains on the way to Tyson's cousins, Chuck & Amy's cabin, I had a serious "ah ha!" moment.  It was like the brightest lightbulb went off in my head and it was one of those heavenly moments where I received the strongest impression that told me, "Things will not always work out as planned...AND IT'S OKAY." Emphasis on the "it's okay" part. Even as I type it and think about it, the words on the page don't do that moment justice. It was like a learning moment for the rest of my life. It was just the sweetest reassurance that some things that we focus on just aren't that important when it comes down to it.

How often do we expect perfection? In other people, in our situations...and most of all, with ourselves? Not to say we should let everything go and just throw our hands in the air, but...well, sometimes that is actually what we need to do.

As I write this, I reflect on the crazy day I had yesterday. Just to give you an idea of my day... I've been sick all week, laying on the couch to rest as much as possible between the demands of motherhood, my house is a disaster, my kids drove me nuts (OK, a certain two year old whose name starts with B and rhymes with "Make me..." decided to claw the crap out of her little friend's face that we were babysitting...looked like a cat attacked the poor boy and just continued to torment me all day with her antics), I made a bunch of phone calls to get payment arrangements set up for Skylar's healthcare bills which I've totally been putting off because it's so overwhelming and by the time I was done doing that, I was so emotionally and mentally drained.  By the middle of the day, I was at my wits end, about to check myself into the loony bin and I still had to survive the rest of the day! ...Happy to say that I did. Phew!

My point is...we can only do what we can do when we can do it. (That is a Tyson quote.) My disaster of a house will only be a disaster temporarily but until I feel better and can muster the energy to clean it...a big fat, OH WELL! It's OK that this has not been the best week and that my house is a disaster and that I won't get a "Housewife of the Year" award for this week. I'm doing the best I can. And that's all I can do. Weeks like this make me appreciate normal weeks.

So, learn from me...quit expecting everything to always be perfect. Give yourself a break. I've decided that it's impossible to keep your house perfectly clean all the time with little kids anyway. I think it's important to recognize what we do accomplish each day. Some days, the simple, essential things are all I'm able to do.  Some days, if I feed the kids, change their diapers, & keep them alive, I have to call it a successful day.

P.S. Don't forget the 11th Commandment: DO NOT compare yourself to others. Everyone's circumstances and experiences are different.

I want to read this book:

Grocery Store Fun

2012-01-04T07:45:00.000-06:00

Forgiveness

2012-01-03T02:29:00.001-06:00

I really liked this quote & had never heard it before. Forgiveness is something I want to really focus on in 2012. Letting go of old baggage that I've carried with me for years. It's time to let go and move on & progress! (Easier said than done, for sure.) But with prayer, I believe it's possible. Who's with me?

Cheers to New Years Eve on the Couch!

2012-01-02T00:26:00.008-06:00

I’m reading Moses 1 and the thought just came to me…(personal revelation…the Lord comforting me and reminding me of what I already know deep down.)

I need to accept the challenges and obstacles that I’ve been given and that I am enduring now. I need to accept my future challenges. Just accept them in advance…that way when they do come, I will not be so shelter shocked or in disbelief but I will immediately know that there is a purpose for what I’m learning and a specific reason that I’m enduring whatever it is. The fact of the matter is that Heavenly Father has already mapped out my life- there is already a plan in place for me. So instead of throwing a tantrum by theoretically laying on the ground like a two year old and pounding my fists and feet on the ground and screaming at the top of my lungs, I need to just ACCEPT these things. It’s for my own good. I cannot see the future but it will be GRAND!

Has He ever let me down? NO!

I feel like I constantly go through the pride cycle…things will get tough which causes me to read my scriptures religiously and with MEANING and enthusiasm and zest and then things get good and then even better and I lose steam and slowly focus more on worldly things (without really meaning to) and then I go through the same cycle over and over and over.

When am I going to learn?!

I have such great experiences of personal revelation and spiritual promptings when I’m in the right frame of mind and my thoughts and efforts are focused more on spiritual matters. It’s just human nature, I guess and just goes to show that unless we are DILIGENT and really make effort to do the things we know we are supposed to do, then we are just going through the motions and even though we’re doing those things, we’re not really progressing to our FULL POTENTIAL. We are missing out on special spiritual promptings and blessings because we are too distracted by the worldly chaos of life that is so aggressively impeding our days. Our ears are too busy searching for a song on the radio and our eyes are bright with glee from the worldly whims of happiness that come from material things and then quickly leave us feeling so empty.

I’ve been feeling quite discouraged these last few days, to be honest. Partly because I’ve been feeling kind of sick and my house is a disaster and then recently, for a different reason. The adversary knows how to manipulate our thoughts and turn things around if we let him so we go from being happy with our life as stay at home Mommy to having feelings that we’re missing out on the fun and excitement of life because of our special role and because we have little ones. IF WE LET HIM is the key to that statement. It mostly came about because of New Years Eve, believe it or not. We went to a Church Stake New Years party that was for families and we were done by like 8pm. Then it was like…what do we do now? It’s still so early…bleh! And of course there’s not much you can really do with a baby and a two year old and actually enjoy it late at night, so we went home, put the kids to bed, and then sat on the couch watching the New Years festivities on TV where the world was partying, carrying on, and having all the excitement.

Well to the adversary, I say…Poo on you!

There is freedom in sitting on the couch with my babies asleep in the next room. There is protection in that. We won’t be getting hit by a car on our way home later that night by a drunk driver…we won’t be surrounded in an atmosphere that will only carry us further from the spirit where the adversary can slyly sink his grip in us with the false luster and the superficial glitz and glamour that he wants us to believe we’re missing out on. I am in no way passing judgement on people who go out…I just know that for me and my past experience, it was a lonely, superficial world that ultimately did not bring me ANY true or lasting happiness. Frankly, it only encouraged me to make even more poor choices. Again, that’s just me and my experience.

If I would have been asked, “OK Kendra, in order for you to have children, you are going to be required to sacrifice a few things…errrr, OK, maybe A LOT of things. You won’t be able to go to the movies whenever you want, you won’t be able to pick up your parents from the airport when they come to visit because there won’t be enough room in the car, you will get stretch marks, there won't always be money to get your nails done, and you won’t necessarily be able to go hit the town for New Years Eve at the drop of a hat…

Now, after hearing all of this which is just a fraction of what motherhood will require, are you still willing to be a mother?”

Ummm, DUH!

The fact of the matter is that the benefits far outweigh the superficial worldly ideals that are placed on motherhood and rearing children. My life is so much more meaningful with these adorable faces in it!

Bottom line…I’m grateful for these heavenly reminders of what’s truly important when my mind and thoughts become so uninvitingly clouded sometimes. It allows me to get my mind straight and again, recommit myself to be diligent so that I can have the kind of life that I truly want. That I can have lasting happiness where my family is my foremost priority without worldly distractions. That I can discern the adversary’s lies and cast his unwelcomed deceit from my mind and life.

I’m grateful for the source of protection that I have from the gospel. Let’s face it, folks…we ARE a bit different but I’m ever so thankful for the foundation of hope and faith the gospel gives me that no matter what trial I face, I know who is there for me and who will help me through it. And that we are protected when we live the teachings of the gospel.

Cheers to motherhood. Cheers to New Years Eve chillin at home. Cheers to doing what I know is right and what makes me happy no matter what the world thinks.

Booyah!

This is what matters right here!

Worth Your Time...Read 'Em!

2012-01-01T00:43:00.000-06:00

WANT

TO

GO

FROM

?
?
?

Lately, all of the Ensign articles that I've been hearing about one way or another and reading have been amazing and have helped me so much with a challenge I've been facing or just by shifting my mindset so that overall, I'm happier and mentally healthier. I go from feeling bleh to feeling rejuvenated and have a fresh outlook on what's going on in my life. The bad doesn't seem so bad! The good is actually GREAT! I'm so grateful for the uplifting and inspired material that I read and that we are so lucky to have the freedoms we enjoy to do such.

This first article was used as a main resource in the amazing Relief Society lesson that was given today.

The Best is Yet to Come
By Jeffrey R. Holland

As a new year begins and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives...

To read the entire article (which you soooo need to do!), click here

And here is one more article that is amazing...

Living the Abundant Life
By President Thomas S. Monson

At the advent of a new year, I challenge everyone to undertake a personal, diligent, significant quest for what I call the abundant life—a life filled with an abundance of success, goodness, and blessings. Just as we learned the ABCs in school, I offer my own ABCs to help us all gain the abundant life.

A- Attitude (Have a positive attitude)
B- Believe (Believe in Yourself)
C- Courage (Face challenges with courage)

To read this entire article and be inspired, click here

Gotta love it!

30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

2011-12-31T02:41:00.000-06:00

Man, oh man, I love the article below. Here's to a happier 2012...time to do some transforming. It's going to be a great year!

I need to work on 2, 4, 6, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 30...whoa, that's a lot...one step at a time.

When you stop chasing the wrong things you give the right things a chance to catch you.

As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Nothing could be closer to the truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.

2. Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.

3. Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled .

4. Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.

5. Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you likeeveryone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.

6. Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.

7. Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.

8. Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.

9. Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.

10. Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness .

11. Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.

12. Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.

13. Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. There’s no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.

14. Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.

15. Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.

16. Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”

17. Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.

18. Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.

19. Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.

20. Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.

21. Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.

22. Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.

23. Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. Read Getting Things Done .

24. Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.

25. Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.

26. Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.

27. Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.

28. Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.

29. Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.

30. Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

Amen. I've got some work to do.

2011…A Train Wreck? A Disaster? ...I’d Call it a Masterpiece

2011-12-30T03:14:00.014-06:00

“Every experience God gives us and every person He puts into our lives is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see.” ~Corrie ten Boom

What a year. This has been a year of perspective. A year of faith. A year of adversity. A year of lessons. A year of survival. Ultimately, it’s been a year of joy and rewards. A year of gratitude. A year of TRIUMPH.

The rewards we’ve received this year have no monetary value. Prosperity did not come in the form of wealth. In many senses, we’ve been "poorer" than ever before, yet, in a greater realm, we’ve been made abundantly rich in qualities that truly matter such as humility, compassion, strength, gratitude, and faith. We’ve been made rich in understanding and we’ve truly been refined. We’ve received a greater understanding of what true happiness really is.

This life is such a whirlwind and so many things are out of our control. This year, we have been reminded that Heavenly Father is in control. Our faith and testimonies have increased tenfold as we have leaned on Him through some of our greatest trials. I know that Heavenly Father has the power to do all things...even what seems "impossible" to us. I've seen miracles this year which have opened my heart and enlightened my mind. At those precious moments, the worldly haze lifted and I gained a clear perspective on the things in life that are of the most value. We have our health, we have the gospel, and we have each other…our precious family. We are rich beyond measure.

Here is an update on each of our gems and jewels:

Blakeley Jewel, 2, is the comedian in the house. Her shenanigans constantly have us laughing and I can’t imagine life without her. This year she started nursery at church and she loves it. She learned to fold her arms and she gets excited when she sees pictures of Jesus. She loves to dance and likes music of all kinds. She’s incredibly social and she loves to say “hi” to people and wave to them at the store which makes everyone smile. She is very outgoing and has such a fun personality. She loves going to the park and being outside. She will go up to kids and copy them or involve herself in their play…no matter what age the other kids are!

She loves playing “Ring around the Rosie” and she has a ton of energy- she won’t even sit through a whole movie. This year she also discovered trampolines and she’s obsessed. She is my little shadow and she loves to help me with anything I’m doing. She especially likes to stir whatever I’m cooking and help me unload the silverware out of the dishwasher. Recently, she climbed out of her crib so we will be transitioning to a toddler bed soon & we will also start potty training soon. She loves her little sister & loves to give her hugs and kisses! She gets so excited when she sees her first thing in the morning and sometimes she will randomly say, “I want to see Skylar” and she will go up to Skylar and say, “Hi!” in her cute little voice. It’s so sweet.

Skylar Bloom, 8 months, is starting to show her personality. She is actually becoming a little bit feisty! She is such a good baby though and has the sweetest disposition. She is always smiling and has the most beautiful blue eyes. She just sprouted her first tooth and the day after that she said "Mama" and "Dada" for the first time- on the same day! (For the record, she said "Mama" first! That's my girl!) She loves jumping up and down in her exersaucer and she loves to chew on her toys. Her eyes light up when Daddy is around and she will just stare at him wherever he is in the room. She also loves her big sister and is always squealing at her in delight. She had her third and hopefully, final surgery in July and has been healthy ever since. I have a feeling she has a special purpose on this earth and I’m so excited to watch her grow and develop.

Tyson is busy as ever with work and is still a Regional Manager with Cellular Sales, with a team of about 30 employees that he mentors. He works long hours but loves his job and is very motivated to reach his long term goal of achieving that final promotion so we are just being patient and crossing our fingers that it will happen soon. He is such a positive role model for us and a great provider for our family. The girls adore him and with Sunday as our only day off together, we try to spend as much quality time together as possible. He still enjoys teaching the 13-14 year old class at church as well.

As for me, two little ones keep me pretty busy but I’ve started what I would consider a part time job cooking and cleaning for people at church and it has worked out great since it’s something I can do with the kids. You could call me a “Mother’s Helper” and while it’s not very fun to clean your own house, I actually find it really rewarding to help others. I feel more productive and it gives me the opportunity to become better friends with some of the other ladies at church. I’m also taking advantage of living only about four miles away from the San Antonio temple as I have been going almost weekly for a few months now and I’ve had some amazing experiences. I love my role as Compassionate Service Assistant at church and find it very fulfilling. Overall, my goal right now is to provide our little darlings with happy, memorable childhoods and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

We hope this letter finds you healthy and happy and we want you to know how thankful we are for each of you.

We are so very grateful for the prayers, fasting, and countless acts of service and kindness that have lovingly wrapped around us and carried us this year. We have truly felt strength beyond our own and it is very apparent to me that there are angels who walk this earth. To all of you, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will pay it forward every chance we get.

We will never forget this momentous year that has taught us so much. What a year. A year of TRIUMPH.

“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”

This year we have truly learned to soar.

Gratefully yours,

Tyson. Kendra. Blakeley. Skylar. & Phoebe

To read about the comedy that keeps us laughing, meaningful experiences that I have, and other randomness we encounter, come back to this site often: tysonandkendrahaas.blogspot.com

*For a good chuckle, check out the previous post

Top Ten Blakeley Shenanigans of 2011

2011-12-29T11:49:00.002-06:00

10. The funny faces she makes

9. The things she puts on to keep herself warm

8. The creative way she plays with fruit

7. The way she likes to make Mommy clean up after her

6. Her role playing as "Gangsta B"

5. Her obsession with her pacifiers and the random places I find them

4. Her obsession with water

3. The interesting objects she likes to use as blankets

2. The way she goes above and beyond to help me with laundry

1. The way she wants to be a Mommy someday & practices with her baby dolls

Can't wait to see what comedy she brings me in 2012! The camera is ready...

Heavenly Hug

2011-12-28T02:32:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love this image and love the expression on Jesus' face. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately, mostly due to medical bills and this picture alone is comforting.

Sending all of you a big hug.

Putting all my troubles in His hands...

xoxo

First Christmases

2011-12-27T20:56:00.000-06:00

Here are the girls on their first Christmases.
Here is Blakeley in 2009

Here is Skylar this year

Skylar is three months older than Blakeley was...

I don't think they look that much alike in these pics but there are some other pics that I see of Blakeley when she was younger that totally resemble Skylar.

May We Celebrate the TRUE Meaning of Christmas

2011-12-25T01:53:00.002-06:00

I had a hard time feeling the Christmas spirit this year. In Florida, at the beginning of December, our stake would always go all out and put on a huge production called "A Night in Bethlehem." It was outside and you basically walked through a little town that they had created on the grounds of the stake center and there were different little shops that you could buy bread, play games, & different things at with play money that you would get at the beginning. There was a firepit and hot chocolate and you would sit on bales of hay and watch a live show of Joseph and Mary trying to find an inn to stay at on the night of Jesus' birth. It was always really nice and spiritual and I remember always feeling the spirit so strong. There is singing which is what really made it special. And it was always a great way to start off December and to be reminded of the real reason we celebrate Christmas. I miss that.

I actually very much dislike the commercialization of Christmas because material things leave you feeling empty when all is said and done and it's easy to spend too much money. Anyway, I found this on a different blog & loved it so I'm posting it too. Sums it up pretty well.

"For Christmas is a beautiful time of the year. We love the excitement, the giving spirit, the special awareness of and appreciation for family and friends, the feelings of love and brotherhood that bless our gatherings at Christmastime.

In all the joyousness, it is well to reflect that Christmas comes in three levels:

Let’s call the first the 'Santa Claus level.' It’s the level of Christmas trees and holly, of whispered secrets and colorful packages, of candlelight and rich food and warm open houses. It’s carolers in the shopping malls, excited children, and weary but loving parents. It’s a lovely time of special warmth and caring and giving. It’s the level at which we eat too much and spend too much and do too much–and enjoy every minute of it. We love the Santa Claus level of Christmas.

But there’s a higher, more beautiful level. Let’s call it the 'Silent Night level.' It’s the level of all our glorious Christmas carols, of that beloved, familiar story: 'Now in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus…' It’s the level of the crowded inn, and the silent holy moment in a dark stable when the Son of Man came to earth. It’s shepherds on a steep, bare hill near Bethlehem, angels with their glad tidings, a new star in the East, wise men traveling far in search of the Holy One. How beautiful and meaningful it is; how infinitely poorer we would be without this sacred second level of Christmas.

The trouble is, these two levels don’t last. They can’t. Twelve days of Christmas, at the first level, is about all most of us can stand. It’s too intense, too extravagant. The tree dries out and the needles fall. The candles burn down. The beautiful wrappings go out with he trash, the carolers are up on the ski slopes, the toys break, and the biggest day the stores in the entire year is exchange day, December 26.

The feast is over and the dieting begins. But the lonely and the hungry are with us still perhaps lonelier and hungrier than before.

Lovely and joyous as the first level of Christmas is, there will come a day, very soon, when Mother will put away the decorations and vacuum the living room and think, 'Thank goodness that’s over for another year.'

Even the second level, the level of the Baby Jesus, can’t last. How many times this season can you sing 'Silent Night'? The angels and the star and the shepherd, even the silent, sacred mystery of that holy night itself, can’t long satisfy humanity’s basic need. The man who keeps Christ in the manger will, in the end, be disappointed and empty.

No, for Christmas to last all year long, for it to grow in beauty and meaning and purpose, for it to have the power to change lives, we must celebrate it at the third level, that of the adult Christ. It is at this level–not as an infant–that our Savior brings His gifts of lasting joy, lasting peace, lasting hope. It was the adult Christ who reached out and touched the untouchable, who loved the unlovable, who so loved us all that even in His agony on the cross He prayed forgiveness for His enemies.

This is the Christ, creator of worlds without number, who wept, Enoch tell us, because so many of us lack affection and hate each other–and then who willingly gave His life for all of us, including those for whom He wept.

This is the Christ, the adult Christ, who gave us the perfect example, and asked us to follow Him.

Accepting that invitation is the way–the only way–to celebrate Christmas all year and all life long."

Oh every time I think of this I get that feeling once again. He is there. He loves us dearly. The adult Christ who gave His life for us.
May we all remember to be still enough to remember not only that tiny babe born in Bethlehem all those years ago, but that third level of the living, adult Christ this week and throughout the whole year.

post-edit note: I googled where this came from and this is what I found: "The article was written as a Church News editorial by William B. Smart, and appears in his book, Messages for a Happier Life (Deseret Book, 1989), pp. 33-34."

Wise Men Still Seek Him

2011-12-24T21:40:00.000-06:00

The first wise men gave Christ treasures from their kingdoms.
Today's wise men give Christ the treasures of their hearts.
~Holley Gerth

This Christmas, may our joy be found
in giving our hearts to Him-- the One who gave His all to us.

This was from my friend's Christmas card & I loved the message.

I also love this video. Check it out:
http://lds.org/pages/wise-men-still-seek-him?lang=eng

Skylar's Gift

2011-12-23T19:46:00.001-06:00

For Christmas, Skylar gave us a present a couple days early. Today, she said "Mama" and "Dada" for the first time! I think it's funny that she said both on the same day. For the record, she said "Mama" first! Thadda girl!

What Will We Give?

2011-12-23T04:02:00.000-06:00

"Christmas Gift Suggestions : To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.
~ Oren Arnold

I'm Grateful for Adversity

2011-12-22T22:28:00.004-06:00

ad·ver·si·ty/adˈvərsitē/
Noun: Difficulties; misfortune.
Synonyms: misfortune - disaster - distress - calamity - hardship

This video kind of sums up our year.

http://lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng&id=2009-11-39-in-the-spirit-of-thanksgiving#2009-11-39-in-the-spirit-of-thanksgiving

I'm grateful for adversity. (Cringe.)

Adversity teaches us the truth about ourselves.

Happy Happy Happy

2011-12-21T22:56:00.000-06:00

Love her! She is starting to get more feisty.

Also, in big news...she's finally about to sprout a tooth. You can see the tooth through the gums and it should appear any day now. It's a bottom middle one.

Momentous Day!

2011-12-20T21:33:00.000-06:00

This lil' bad boy got some use yesterday for the first time! Blakeley went pee pee in the potty!!!

She is obsessed with her little potty & she always says, "I gotta go poo poo!" and she takes her diaper off. The first time she did this I was SO excited until I realized she cried wolf and just wanted to play with the potty. She's done that about 30 times now and never once has she actually gone potty in it...until yesterday!

In January, "Mission: Potty Training" begins!

I'm going to be brave and use a method that supposedly trains kids in three days. You put plastic down all over the house, you are with them constantly and keep them naked. Anytime they start going, you race them to the potty. Sounds like it would work well! My friend swears by it & said it worked in three days and that kid has had nearly no accidents vs. her other kids who have taken years to conquer potty accidents.

Wish me luck!

Blakeley's Shenanigans

2011-12-19T21:33:00.000-06:00

Here are some of Blakeley's shenanigans this past week. She is always making me laugh. Can you tell why?

She loves to take off her diapers & throw them up in the air. It's pretty hilarious. Here is one that landed on her play tunnel.

In previous posts, I've shared how she is obsessed with her pacifiers and how she likes to hide them in different places. I randomly saw this the other day.

She covered up Phoebe with her blankie...so sweet.

These are just a few highlights from this past week.

Finally!

2011-12-15T01:07:00.000-06:00

She finally fell asleep on the floor! All konked out!

Million Dollar $miles

2011-12-14T00:34:00.001-06:00

This is why I love life. Man, we're lucky.

Blakeley's Obsession Part 2

2011-12-13T00:28:00.000-06:00

Have I mentioned that Blakeley is obsessed with water?

After Church

2011-12-12T20:35:00.000-06:00

P.S. Happy 8 months Skylar! <3

Blakeley's Obsession

2011-12-11T02:48:00.000-06:00

Alright so last night at the ward Christmas party, Blakeley's obsession was very apparent...

About eight cups of water later, she moved on to the water fountain...

...and she got wet! Really WET!

But the funniest part by far was this...

Dehydrated? Hot? Really wishing it was bath time? Thirsty? Or just for the fun of it? Hee hee.

That's my girl! Always keeping me laughing. She is such a character.

Church Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-10T23:34:00.001-06:00

Tonight was our ward Christmas party and it was AMAZING! Seriously, the decorations were awesome, the food was super good (we even had tamales! And lots of them! I ate four!) And of course great people. There was a DJ so lots of people were dancing, they had a snow ball fight (with balls of paper), movies in certain rooms for the kids...it was great! ...Oh, and Santa was even there!

I absolutely LOVE this photo. Tyson had just gotten there and she was so enthralled and excited to see him.

Can you say ADORABLE?

A lady in the ward (who did all the decorations & they were seriously amazing- wish I would've taken more pictures of them) made wings for the girls! How cute are they?

Blakeley got in a fight with the water fountain and lost! No matter how wet she got, she kept going back! She was actually really obsessed with water in general...check out tomorrow's post for some hilariousness.

Snow ball fight! Looks fun, right?

Some of the cute decorations

This is what Blakeley did the entire night!

Best church Christmas party EVER!

So Full of Life

2011-12-08T00:52:00.001-06:00

Graham cracker, anyone?

Toddler Bed, Here we Come...

2011-12-07T23:20:00.000-06:00

I've wondered lately when I should transition Blakeley to a toddler bed. Her crib adjusts to one. Well, today Blakeley made that decision for me. After her nap, all of a sudden I heard her crying and it sounded like one of those "I'm hurt" cries so I was walking toward her room to get her and here she comes walking out of her room! She had jumped/fallen/gotten out of her crib! So needless to say, the transition will be happening soon & I am NOT looking forward to it since I'm used to her sleeping till at least 9am. I have a feeling she will wake up at like 7am when she goes to a bed! (That's what she did when we were in Utah in July and she slept in a toddler bed next to me.)

Hugs!

2011-12-05T00:47:00.000-06:00

Ready for Church

2011-12-04T00:52:00.000-06:00

Bye Bye Nursing

2011-12-03T00:45:00.000-06:00

So I'm officially done nursing Skylar. I stopped nursing about a week ago and I've still had a lot of frozen breastmilk that my friend was storing in her deep freezer and that supply will be gone as of tomorrow. It has not been as hard to stop because it's making me lose weight which I'm not OK with. Skylar has adjusted to formula just fine!

(This is more for my journaling purposes!)

Wassailfest 2011

2011-12-01T23:29:00.000-06:00

Let the Christmas festivities begin!

Tonight we went to Wassailfest in New Braunfels which is an annual event that Tyson loves. I had never heard of wassail till I married Tyson but it's basically hot apple cider. Different stores downtown make wassail and you vote which one is the best. We walked around enjoying the Christmas atmosphere & the girls had fun too. Aren't the girls' hats the cutest?

(For some reason, I'm unable to upload the picture below that is not vertical correctly. I tried 5 times.)

Yo Gabba Gabba Live!

2011-11-30T23:53:00.001-06:00

Tonight we went with our friends to a live performance of Yo Gabba Gabba which is a fun childrens TV show where they dance and sing. It was fun & Blakeley loved it. She is so social...she ran right over to a little girl down the aisle from us and was dancing around with her. It was so cute. At one point, however, she started acting like a teenager as she didn't want to be near us and she only wanted to hang out with her friend down the aisle. I was like, "What the heck?! ...Already?! You're only 2!" I don't know how I feel about that. I even took her outside and had a talk with her because I didn't like her attitude! If she's like this already, wow...what are the teenage years going to be like?! Oy. Anyways though, it was fun. Thank you Bay & Allison Willingham!

Isn't her outfit so cute?

And then look at these big pretty blue eyes!

And here's our little buddy Hunter that we went with!

Good times! Thanks again Bay & Allison!

Oh, How Lucky We Are to See!

2011-11-28T22:39:00.002-06:00

Yesterday Tyson & I were watching a musical Christmas special with Andrea Bocelli and it even showed him singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. There was beautiful music throughout the show because Andrea Bocelli has an amazing voice. At one point, I was thinking about how he is blind and it just reminded me how lucky I am to be able to see.

The beautiful sky.
Blossoming trees and flowers.
Rainbows.
Lightning.
Animals.
Sunsets and Sunrises.
But most of all...
Faces.
My loved ones faces.
My husband's face.
My babies' faces.
Sweet, sweet faces.

Oh, how lucky we are to see!

Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde

2011-11-27T02:23:00.005-06:00

These pictures were all taken within a few minutes of each other. Notice the split personalities...

So cute and loving...

Awwww...

and then suddenly...

"NO! NO! NO!"

So cute and loving...

And then...

...Crazy eyes...

...Cute and loving...

...to "I wanna punch your teeth out..."

...cute and loving...

...to "If I were a tiger, I'd eat you right now..."

Thrash, thrash...

"Roarrrrrrrr!!!"

Are you scared?! I'M SCARED!

RIP Grandpa Ray

2011-11-26T01:35:00.002-06:00

My Grandpa Raymond Worden passed away on Wednesday. He was 92. I didn't know him very well and only met him once when I visited Utah in Dec 2009. I think it's kind of sad that I only met him once. He had lived with my Aunt for five years before I found out that anyone in our family even had a relationship with him or spoke to him.

On the bright side, I am so glad that I at least got to meet him that once! He is my Mom's Dad and both he and my Grandma Elsie (my Mom's Mom who passed away some years ago) both were thin so that's why I'm skinny...good ol' genetics! He was very nice and I'm glad I have a picture with him.

RIP Grandpa. Love you & can't wait to see you again someday.

He's holding Blakeley in this picture so I'm glad I have a pic of that as well and that's my Mom.

I think it's interesting that I just read some church talks about what we believe happens after we leave this mortal earth. Just got the prompting that I should send those articles to my family members so that's what I'm about to do. Here are the articles below. They're super good! Now I know I read them for a reason. Funny how that works.

http://lds.org/new-era/2008/09/five-scriptures-that-will-help-you-get-through-almost-anything?lang=eng&query=five+scriptures

http://lds.org/general-conference/1992/04/doors-of-death?lang=eng&query=doors+death

http://lds.org/liahona/1977/12/the-spirit-world-our-next-home?lang=eng&query=spirit+world%2C+our+next+home

I'm so grateful for the gospel and the knowledge we have of the Plan of Salvation!

A Shield of Protection

2011-11-25T00:47:00.001-06:00

Recently, at the beginning of a session in the temple, a member of the temple presidency, President Obanion shared a message and said that when we serve in the temple, it acts as a shield of protection for not only us but for the people we love the most.

I also have felt the adversary's pull quite a bit recently but I've been reading my scriptures everyday and I've learned that I can cast him out of my midst. My friend even recognized and told me that she could tell that I am being "protected," as she stated.
Well here is a visual for that. Wow! When I saw this painting online just now, I lost my breath because of what I have recently experienced.

The description of the painting:

This inspiring view of a young man surrounded by angels as he ponders the Scriptures portrays the protection we receive in the Gospel plan.

Coincidence that I just so happened to browse a church art website and see this? I think NOT!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T23:13:00.003-06:00

"Thanksgiving day gives each and everyone of us an invitation and a wonderful opportunity to pause and count our many blessings and to give thanks to God and praise Him from whom all blessings flow." ~N. Eldon Tanner

I'm grateful for these people:

I'm so grateful for this man. I've said it many times & I'll say it again. He is the most positive example I know. So patient and forgiving and overlooks my flaws more than I can imagine anyone else doing. Love him for being the great role model that he is and for his determination and hard work to support our family.

I'm grateful for this incredible smile that makes me feel happy. What a sweet, special spirit this girl has. She is a ray of sunshine that Heavenly Father knew I needed in my life. Oh, how I love her. I look at this picture and happiness just radiates from her. Can you feel it?

This little sweet pea has bloomed into such a sweet, happy girl. She is always smiling and just look at those big blue eyes! Big things are in store for her...I can feel it. I think she has a special purpose and place on this Earth and I can't wait to watch her grow.

"Gratitude is expressed in prayer and thanksgiving; but more so in living lives of honor and integrity, of kindness and compassion, in awareness of others and their needs, and an honest expression of gratitude for all those who bless and affect our lives for good. Thanksgiving is best expressed in thanks"living"—in [living] lives of goodness and obedience and love and service."            ~A. Theodore Tuttle

I have so much to be grateful for this year. It has been such a difficult year- the most difficult by far since we've been married but it has also been so incredibly rewarding. My faith and my testimony has increased ten fold. I KNOW that Heavenly Father has the power to do all things...even what seems "impossible" to us.  My testimony of the Savior and His atonement has been developed and I finally do have a testimony that he did indeed suffer all manner of afflictions in the Garden of Gethsemane in order to carry our burdens and to understand our pain so that he could understand and give mercy and compassion.

At different points in my life I have doubted that He could truly have felt and experienced everything that each one of us endures. I just know the pain and suffering that I have felt in my thirty years...I can't imagine the magnitude of the pain and anguish that every human who has and ever will live faces. I prayed not too long ago asking Heavenly Father how this happened and to give me a greater understanding and a testimony of this fundamental event. I wanted my own testimony about it.

Recently, I was sitting in the Gospel Doctrine class at church and the lesson was on the atonement. While the teacher was speaking, I thought to myself, "How? How could He have possibly felt and experienced all the pains, sicknesses, and afflictions that we all encounter in this journey of life?"

No sooner had I asked myself that question in my mind, did the teacher say, "We don't know how. We just know that He did. How it happened isn't important." (Gee, was that a clear, direct answer from Heavenly Father directly to me? I would say so!)

And then recently I read this talk:

http://lds.org/new-era/2008/09/five-scriptures-that-will-help-you-get-through-almost-anything?lang=eng&query=five+scriptures

I gained some new knowledge that I didn't fully understand before regarding the atonement. In the section where they talk about how the atonement is not just for sinners...I didn't fully grasp that clarification before. I always just thought of the atonement as a huge blessing for when WE made mistakes and needed to repent and be forgiven. I didn't understand that the atonement is what heals our pain and helps lift our burdens due to other people's actions and the anguish we feel sometimes.

And then this past Sunday morning, I had a voice in my mind speak to me and say this:

You believe that the experience in the Garden of Gethsemane is real and happened, don't you? And I thought to myself, YES.

You believe that He bled from every pore, don't you? And I thought to myself, YES.

You know that He loves you, don't you? And I thought to myself, YES.

Then that is all that matters.

I also know that we are not meant to understand everything in this life and that Heavenly Father will one day reveal all things to us. (Also discussed in the talk above.)

So...my testimony has been strengthened on so many levels because of different hardships and events that have happened this year.  I feel like I have been refined. And I am so THANKFUL!

I'm grateful for my family. I'm grateful that we are all healthy. I'm grateful for the temple. I'm grateful for the inspired words of our prophet and our church leaders. I'm grateful for prayer, my scriptures, and for the numerous experiences this year where my prayers have been answered in such an awe inspiring way. Lastly, I'm so incredibly grateful for the gospel, for Jesus Christ, and for the amazing, remarkable atonement that I'm finally starting to understand.

I'm continuously in awe of this person:

(Man, I love that painting! I will have to one day own it.)

What a remarkable year. Difficult...but so worth it.

"It would be very difficult to be grateful without being good, or to be good without being grateful. As we feel and express our appreciation TO God and FOR God, we tend to become more like him."
~Sterling W. Sill

Lovebug Under a Rug

2011-11-23T06:51:00.001-06:00

This is why I love being a Mom. Priceless.

The Adventures of Blakeley

2011-11-22T07:35:00.003-06:00

Oh, how I will miss these messes one day.

P.S. I especially love how Blakeley makes messes like this or plays with something she's not supposed to and then afterward, she points it out to me. Some of the stuff I wouldn't even notice. But she will hide stuff in her play kitchen where it might take me awhile to find it. Her favorite toy the other day was the paper towel holder which I had not noticed that she grabbed off the kitchen counter (the back of our sofa is right next to the bar so she climbs on the couch & can get to the kitchen counter.) She had hidden it in her "oven." hee hee

Nancy Tillman, You're the Best...

2011-11-21T22:18:00.003-06:00

...Childrens' book author!

I am seriously in love with all books by Nancy Tillman. They have the most beautiful illustrations & I just love the sweet messages that her stories portray. Her core message to each child is "You are loved" and she does such a great job expressing how each child is special, unique, and of infinite worth. The books make you FEEL the love you have for your child.

I highly recommend these if you don't have them in your collection already. And believe it or not, Kohl's has them for $5 each righ now with all proceeds going to charity which is crazy because they're $17 at Barnes & Noble. The only book they don't have is "The Crown on Your Head" which is one of my favorites. Love, love, love these so much. I wish I had these books when I was a child.

The pictures below are a sample of some of the illustrations in the books. Gorgeous, right?!

2011-11-21T22:10:00.003-06:00

I'm Thankful for a Prophet

2011-11-20T23:52:00.000-06:00

Today I'm especially grateful for a modern day Prophet who leads and guides our church. Thomas S. Monson and his counselors are so inspired! I'm so grateful for their wise words and that I'm privileged to hear them and be uplifted and that I can use their counsel to better myself and my life.

Here are a few of my favorite talks...two of which I read for the first time recently.

Finding Joy in the Journey - Thomas S. Monson (I've loved this one since I heard it in the 2008 conference)
http://lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/finding-joy-in-the-journey?lang=eng&query=finding+joy+journey

It's Better to Look Up - Carl B. Cook of the Seventy (Just read this recently and LOVE it)
http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/it-is-better-to-look-up?lang=eng

Five Scriptures That Will Help You Get Through Almost Anything
http://lds.org/new-era/2008/09/five-scriptures-that-will-help-you-get-through-almost-anything?lang=eng&query=Five+scriptures+john+bytheway

Triumph

2011-11-16T03:08:00.002-06:00

"From some of our hardest trials come some of our greatest triumphs."

~ Kendra quote

Driveway Nap

2011-11-15T03:01:00.001-06:00

Apparently Blakeley was too tired to walk from the car to the house...

...because she decided to lay on the driveway!

*11.1.11

Chocolate Fiend...

2011-11-14T02:55:00.001-06:00

...Just like Mommy

Thadda girl.

*11.7.11

Fast Asleep

2011-11-13T02:09:00.000-06:00

Tyson & I always joke that Blakeley has never just konked out on the floor or couch around the house (at least since she was like 8 months old.) She always has so much energy and is going, going, going... Well this little darlin wasn't feeling well a couple weeks ago (on 11.2.11) and she finally fell asleep on the couch! I had to snap a picture to remember this profound event. Sad that she wasn't feeling so hot though. She was acting normal except she actually laid around and was more relaxed that day. And I'm sure at one point she was dressed but if it was up to her, she'd never wear clothes. She always takes them off.

Bittersweet Handprint

2011-11-10T01:57:00.003-06:00

The other day I was cleaning the glass table in the kitchen where Blakeley sits to eat & there was a perfect little hand print on it. Part of me didn't even want to clean it because with every wipe, it made me a little sad. It made me think about how fast time goes and how before I know it, she will be all grown up and I would probably give anything to have her little handprint on my kitchen table again. Part of me wishes she would stay little forever but I'm excited to see what the future holds in store for her (ok...at least that's what I tell myself to cope with the fact that she's getting so big!) Oh, my little sweet child...how I love you.

Shotgun!

2011-11-09T23:42:00.000-06:00

Tonight was Skylar's first shopping trip sitting in the front of the cart! I love the double seated carts and as you can tell, Blakeley loves them too so her lil' sis can sit next to her and keep her company. So sweet.

Love them!

best.talk.ever.

2011-11-08T23:55:00.000-06:00

I had a REALLY rough couple days at the beginning of the week. On Sunday, it was just a not-so-great morning & then to make matters worse, Skylar started throwing up. When she throws up, I immediately feel stressed and worried because that's the first sign (along with maybe not pooping for awhile) that there may be a problem. All we can really do is wait it out & see if she continues to throw up or not. And the amount that she was throwing up was worrisome. She was throwing up everything she ate plus some. I really knew I had to get to church because I was in some serious need of spiritual enlightenment and I just really needed to feel uplifted. So we made it to church. And she threw up about 6 times by noon (including all over me during Sacrament and again on me in the foyer.)

As soon as Sacrament ended, I headed straight to the pulpit to talk to the Bishop and ask him if he could give Skylar & I a blessing. Of course as soon as I reached him & tried to get words out, I started bawling. And there were people all around but oh well! Couldn't help it. So he & Tyson gave Skylar & I blessings and they were really comforting. Skylar's blessing said she would heal quickly. And then off to the ER we went since Skylar was still throwing up. My friend watched Blakeley (thank you Rachael & Tshana-love you ladies!)

Long story short...we were at the ER for about 4 hours and we gave Skylar some Pedialyte and she didn't throw up anymore. I was totally expecting her to continue to throw up but she didn't. So...false alarm. It was either a short bout with the flu or it was from Tyson accidentally putting too much rice cereal in her bottle that morning which may have upset her tummy (which he then poured half out & then re-added more breast milk.) In these situations, it's almost like I have to expect the worst (and of course hope for the best) so that if we do get bad news, I'm mentally prepared for it. It was just freaky though because she was throwing up the exact same way she was when we were in Utah and that time she required surgery because she had another blockage. So, I'm happy that it wasn't anything serious. And all we can do is learn as we go so in the future, I know to just try Pedialyte before going to the Dr or ER.

As my previous post mentioned, it has been a really hard year. Probably the hardest since we've been married. Not only have we been dealing with Skylar's health issues, it's also put a financial strain on us since now we have a lot of hospital bills to pay off and the monthly premium for our health insurance is ridiculous due to her issue. And I've finally come to terms with the fact that I've been dealing with post partum depression. It's kind of weird to finally admit it & deal with it. I guess I didn't even realize I had it (or maybe I just didn't want to admit it?) I've finally opened up to a few people and shared my feelings & it's nice to know that I'm not alone & that it's pretty common.

My friend told me to read this talk & I absolutely love it & it's exactly what I needed this week. I truly believe that with Heavenly Father's help, I can overcome all of the obstacles that I'm faced with. I am so grateful that I know it's all temporary & I'm so grateful for the gospel in my life that helps me keep an eternal perspective. I'm also more grateful than words can express for the wonderful friends and family I have that support me and help me get through hard times. I feel like the adversary knows us so well & he sure has been working on me lately! But he is going down...that's all I've got to say. Anyway, read this talk. It's seriously amazing.

It Is Better to Look Up
Carl B. Cook of the Seventy

At the end of a particularly tiring day toward the end of my first week as a General Authority, my briefcase was overloaded and my mind was preoccupied with the question “How can I possibly do this?” I left the office of the Seventy and entered the elevator of the Church Administration Building. As the elevator descended, my head was down and I stared blankly at the floor.

The door opened and someone entered, but I didn’t look up. As the door closed, I heard someone ask, “What are you looking at down there?” I recognized that voice—it was President Thomas S. Monson.

I quickly looked up and responded, “Oh, nothing.” (I’m sure that clever response inspired confidence in my abilities!)

But he had seen my subdued countenance and my heavy briefcase. He smiled and lovingly suggested, while pointing heavenward, “It is better to look up!” As we traveled down one more level, he cheerfully explained that he was on his way to the temple. When he bid me farewell, his parting glance spoke again to my heart, “Now, remember, it is better to look up.”

As we parted, the words of a scripture came to mind: “Believe in God; believe that he is … ; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth.” As I thought of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s power, my heart found the comfort I had sought in vain from the floor of that descending elevator.

Since then I have pondered this experience and the role of prophets. I was burdened and my head was down. As the prophet spoke, I looked to him. He redirected my focus to look up to God, where I could be healed and strengthened through Christ’s Atonement. That is what prophets do for us. They lead us to God.

I testify that President Monson is not only a prophet, seer, and revelator; he is also a wonderful example of living the principle of looking up. Of all people, he could feel weighed down by his responsibilities. Instead, he exercises great faith and is filled with optimism, wisdom, and love for others. His attitude is one of “can do” and “will do.” He trusts the Lord and relies on Him for strength, and the Lord blesses him.

Experience has taught me that if we, like President Monson, exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life. We will not feel incapable of doing what we are called to do or need to do. We will be strengthened, and our lives will be filled with peace and joy. We will come to realize that most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance—and if it is, the Lord will help us. But we must have the faith to look up and the courage to follow His direction.

Why is it a challenge to consistently look up in our lives? Perhaps we lack the faith that such a simple act can solve our problems. For example, when the children of Israel were bitten by poisonous serpents, Moses was commanded to raise up a brass serpent on a pole. The brass serpent represented Christ. Those who looked up at the serpent, as admonished by the prophet, were healed. But many others failed to look up, and they perished.

Alma agreed that the reason the Israelites did not look to the serpent was that they did not believe doing so would heal them. Alma’s words are relevant to us today:

“O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful … ?

“If so, wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for [our] sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead.”

President Monson’s encouragement to look up is a metaphor for remembering Christ. As we remember Him and trust in His power, we receive strength through His Atonement. It is the means whereby we can be relieved of our anxieties, our burdens, and our suffering. It is the means whereby we can be forgiven and healed from the pain of our sins. It is the means whereby we can receive the faith and strength to endure all things.

Recently Sister Cook and I attended a women’s conference in South Africa. After we listened to some inspiring messages on applying the Atonement in our lives, the stake Relief Society president invited everyone outside. We were each given a helium balloon. She explained that our balloon represented whatever burden, trial, or hardship was holding us back in our lives. On the count of three, we released our balloons, or our “burdens.” As we looked up and watched our burdens float away, there was an audible “Ahhhh.” That simple act of releasing our balloons provided a marvelous reminder of the indescribable joy that comes from looking up and thinking of Christ.

Unlike releasing a helium balloon, spiritually looking up is not a one-time experience. We learn from the sacrament prayer that we are to always remember Him and to keep His commandments, that we may have His Spirit to be with us every day to guide us.

When the children of Israel were wandering in the wilderness, the Lord guided their journey each day as they looked to Him for direction. In Exodus we read, “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light.”9 His leading was constant, and I give you my humble witness that the Lord can do the same for us.

So how will He lead us today? Through prophets, apostles, and priesthood leaders and through feelings that come after we pour out our hearts and souls to Heavenly Father in prayer. He leads us as we forsake the things of the world, repent, and change. He leads us as we keep His commandments and try to be more like Him. And He leads us through the Holy Ghost.

In order to be guided in life’s journey and have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, we must have a “hearing ear” and a “seeing eye,” both directed upward. We must act on the direction we receive. We must look up and step up. And as we do, I know we will cheer up, for God wants us to be happy.

We are Heavenly Father’s children. He wants to be a part of our lives, to bless us, and to help us. He will heal our wounds, dry our tears, and help us along our path to return to His presence. As we look to Him, He will lead us.

The Lord is my light; then why should I fear?
By day and by night his presence is near. …
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night he leads … me along.

I bear testimony that sins are forgiven and burdens are lightened as we look to Christ. “Let us remember him, … and not hang down our heads,” for, as President Monson said, “It is better to look up.”

I testify that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

These little lovelies make my life wonderful:

In Deep Gratitude

2011-11-07T21:49:00.001-06:00

As I write this, my heart is full as I think about all of you who have sent me sweet messages, words of encouragement, and for the numerous prayers that have been said on our behalf this year. Its been a hard year and we are far from family. Who knew Facebook could be such a blessing? Although we're spread all over the country, you have no idea what your messages from afar have meant to me. They have truly strengthened me, increased my faith, and eased my burdens. Thank you for your kindness and for taking the time to think of us, pray for us, and type those brief messages when life is so hectic and busy. The fact that you took the time to do so means so much to me. We are so grateful for all of the support that we have received this year and intend to pay it forward every chance we get. Please know that I will never forget the love that we have been shown. I could not have gotten through my trials this year without the support I've received. Thank you for making my burdens more bearable and for being my angels here on earth. Our race, religion, or background might be different but there is one thing that brings us together...LOVE. I have a lot to be grateful for this season.

P.S. Isn't the picture so super cute? It's of my neighbor's porch. Love it.

*Posted on Facebook

Pumpkin Fun!

2011-11-05T02:24:00.040-05:00

On 10.30.11, we went to a pumpkin patch with our friends, Joscelyn Iverson, Rachael Munson, & Jennifer Vassilaros. This cute boy that Blakeley is with is Kai and he and Blakeley love each other. His Mom tells me that he always asks where "Bakey" is and he always wants to play with her. So cute!

She thought the scarecrow was lonely so she wanted to give him a hug...

In a barrel of corn...

Singing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" so they would look at the camera...

So sweet...look at them holding hands! Now, she's not allowed to do that again until she's 45...

P.S. We miss you Iverson family! Glad you made it back to AZ safely.

Best Friends

2011-11-04T00:34:00.000-05:00

I love Blakeley's cheeseball smile above. That's the smile she does when you tell her to say "cheese."

And Then There's This Little Beauty...

2011-11-03T00:18:00.000-05:00

Yummy feet!

I'm one lucky mama!

I Didn't Know Blakeley was Such a Gangsta

2011-11-02T00:26:00.000-05:00

And then on Sunday she was throwing up gang signs...

I think I'm going to have to have a serious talk with her before things get really outta control.

Blakeley's Halloweens Thus Far...

2011-11-01T06:00:00.002-05:00

~2009~

~2010~

~2011~

Love her!

Trick or Treat!

2011-10-31T22:57:00.003-05:00

It was a fun night taking the girls trick or treating! Well, Blakeley trick or treated while Skylar chilled in the stroller. Blakeley insisted on walking the entire time & we walked a lot.

Why do little kids always smile as if they have an under bite?

Hurry up, Dad! Keep up!

High Five!

Awww...sisters and best friends

I'll take the whole platter please!

Staring at a scary skeleton that was making noise

All loaded up!

Can you tell what Blakeley's favorite candy is?

I think Halloween might be my new favorite holiday. I had a lot of fun now that Blakeley is old enough to walk on her own and say trick or treat. Can't wait for next year!

P.S. I'm excited to eat Blakeley's candy!

Goodbye Iversons

2011-10-30T22:09:00.000-05:00

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.-- Anonymous

When I think of my friend, Joscelyn, who recently moved, the quote above comes to mind.

Joscelyn,

When I think about the timing of when you got here and the fact that you're gone now, I truly believe one of the reasons you were here in San Antonio during this time for me. I am so grateful for your friendship and your example. You were always so willing to help me any time that I needed, and specifically during Skylar's ordeal when she was in the hospital. You are truly such a sweetheart and I will be forever grateful for your service. You are a testament to me that Heavenly Father places people in our paths to help us through trials and that He is very aware of our needs. You are beautiful inside and out and I will never forget you. I love you.

xoxo

Halloween Play Date

2011-10-29T00:38:00.000-05:00

On Friday we went to a Halloween play date. My favorite thing was playing with my friends and eating the mummy hot dogs. I had so much fun running around! Here are some pictures of me with my cute friends.

(Pic above, from left to right: Jackson Vassilaros, Christian Munson, Rylan Jorgensen, Blakeley, Lanie Embleton, Kai Iverson, Gavin Edmondson, Bronson Jeffs)

Check out my boots in the pic above. Aren't they so super cute?

I don't know why we're all frowning in the picture below. You would think someone popped our balloons or something.

I'm tired from playing so much in the picture below. But I sure love my Mama and sister!

I love Halloween! And I especially love eating Halloween candy!

Temple Blessings

2011-10-28T00:03:00.002-05:00

Today I did a session at the temple & I love when a member of the temple presidency comes in & greets us & welcomes us to the temple right before the session starts. They always share a thought from a prophet regarding the temple & the blessings it brings when we attend the temple & I always feel the spirit from their words. Today he said that President Hinckley once said that when we attend the temple, we are promised that we will have a shield of protection, not only for us but for the ones we love the most. I’ve never heard that before & when he said it, I immediately thought of Skylar & her stomach issue because sometimes I worry that the adhesions will come back & that she’ll need surgery again. I try not to think about it but the other night I even had a dream that it happened again & she needed surgery again.

It’s just always sort of in the back of my mind although I try to stay positive about it & the chances are pretty slim that it will happen again. Today I was sort of worried because Skylar had not pooped all day & I realized recently that’s the first sign that there’s a problem- even before the throwing up begins. If she doesn’t poop for a day or two, chances are, something is wrong. Anyway, so I immediately thought of her when he said that & I felt like she would be ok. I love moments like that when I feel the spirit & I feel like I receive personal revelation.

I've finally been taking advantage of living only 3 miles from the temple & I've been going weekly. Although the temple was closed the last two weeks so I couldn't go. But I went the three weeks before that & I went today. I have noticed a difference from going. I'm able to deal with stress and the trials we have been facing in a more positive way. They don't feel as overwhelming and I've had the motivation to do things lately that I normally would not have the motivation or energy to do. It's really cool.

This is the celestial room. This picture doesn't do the stained glass justice but it's beautiful and the afternoon sun shines on it perfectly so it looks like heaven's light is shining down from the clouds. It's a tree with clouds and sunlight rays at the top.

I'm grateful to have the temple so close. Today I remembered how grateful I was to drive by it every time I drove to the hospital while Skylar was admitted nearby. What a sweet gift that was to me...to have that symbol of faith & hope & peace during that time!

Have I Mentioned How Much I Love This Little Girl?!

2011-10-27T00:11:00.001-05:00

Blakeley is the most amazing little gem & she has been the sweetest thing lately. I don't know what changed but she's been so loving & more cuddly. She has such a fun personality. <3

This is part of Skylar's Halloween costume. Blakeley put it on & then I had to bribe her with candy to leave it on long enough so I could take some pictures!

My Sweetheart Fairy & My Little Lamb...So Glad They're Mine!

2011-10-26T00:55:00.001-05:00

My Sweetheart Fairy and my Cute Little Lamb take on Halloween...

I had to say "my" instead of "the" above because just looking at these pictures makes me so happy that these two amazing, beautiful, darling girls are mine. They are so special. In the last month/month and a half or so, Blakeley's behavior has changed so much for the better. She has seriously been such a sweetheart. She has been listening and obeying better, she's been more cuddly and loving, she loves to help me, and she's just been such a good girl. Funny thing is that just typing that made me realize that's about the time I started going to the temple weekly so maybe I've been nicer and more patient and loving too?

Skylar has been a doll too (well she always has been.) She's really smiley and a friend just commented today that she's a social butterfly & that she had never seen a baby her age just smile at anyone who looked at her. (Blakeley has always been super friendly like that too.) Skylar has also started going to bed a lot easier. Now when she's tired, I just put her in her crib while she's still awake and she goes to sleep without fussing much.

Blakeley really does love her little sister too. They are so sweet. I really hope they will be good friends as they grow up. I really feel like things have been easier in the last month or so with them. Maybe we've all finally adjusted to Skylar being home and to having two kids? All I know is that I love them so much & they are seriously special. I'm sure every parent feels that way about their children but they really are. Such fun personalities...can't wait to watch them grow up together. Anyways, on with the pictures...

The girls' faces in this picture seriously crack me up...

Apparently Blakeley actually wanted to be a lion for Halloween...

I love this little lamb...

And I love this sweetheart...

I'm so glad they're MINE!

P.S. Tyson & I were white trash (with cute kids.) Grrrrr! (I look pretty hideous!)

I'm a Mormon!

2011-10-25T06:58:00.003-05:00

I love the new mormon.org campaign that the church is doing. Every time I see the commercials on TV (which they just started running here in San Antonio), I feel the spirit so strong.

Here is my profile on mormon.org:

Hi, I'm Kendra

A wife & mother. A "Ring Around the Rosie" expert. I love color. I require chocolate. And I'm a mormon.

About Me

I'm a wife to a wonderful man and a mother to two beautiful girls. They are my world. I gave up a successful career so I could be home to raise my children. I wanted to be the one to teach them and watch them grow and see all their magical firsts.

I'm becoming an expert at "Ring around the Rosie" and I almost have the movie, Tangled memorized. My favorite moments in the day are kissing my baby's cheeks, hearing my daughter's laugh, and seeing the squeals of delight when Daddy gets home. I wish I could bottle the feelings these moments bring and relive them at any time of my choosing. They are moments of pure JOY. The fleeting moments of happiness that we all yearn for.
My family is my number one priority but I also love interior design and fashion...I need color in my life! I also enjoy writing, running, chocolate, and sunshine.

Why I am a Mormon

I have a deep rooted knowledge & a love for my Savior, Jesus Christ. His love is pure & unconditional. It doesn't matter what mistakes you've made. He is always there & will never leave you.

I've learned that it's OK to make mistakes as long as we learn from them. Far more importantly, I've learned that it's NEVER too late, no matter how far you've strayed. The Lord loves you. I've felt the arms of an angel wrap around me when I felt utterly & completely alone. The Lord wants to help us. All we have to do is ask for forgiveness. And when you do, the wave of pure joy and bliss that flows into your life is indescribable. It transforms you & helps you become the person you are supposed to be. It allows you to see the everyday miracles that happen all around you. You can then use the experiences & knowledge that you've learned to help others.

I've learned that the only way to be happy is to make good choices. Your life is made up of individual choices you've made in the past & your future life depends on the choices you're going to make. We must choose wisely.

I've learned that without pain & sorrow, we wouldn't know joy. This life is for us to learn & grow. I've had a lot of heartache in my life & each time my heart has mended, it's reaffirmed to me that you can overcome any trial in this life by leaning on our Savior, Jesus Christ. No trial or test in life can overwhelm you as long as He is your partner.

I've learned that we each have a purpose & a path created specifically for us. There are things only you can do. And with your individual experiences, talents, and abilities, there are people that only YOU can assist in the way that they need. We are each of infinite worth.

I've learned that God hears & answers prayers. I've seen miracles in my life which have opened my heart & mind & allowed me to see glimpses of heaven. It's these sweet moments that strengthen my faith & help me endure.

This knowledge brings me peace and happiness. This is why I'm a Mormon.

How I Live my Faith

This gospel is such a big part of my life and it's not only a Sunday engagement. First, I try to be a loving and supportive wife and mother. I also try to live by Christ's example which means striving to be a good role model to others around me all the time. I love helping people so I try to serve those around me as often as possible. Not only does it bring feelings of joy, but it helps me forget about my own problems and reminds me that I have a purpose.

I've learned that we all have the power to bring joy to other's lives and to help lift someone's burden. If I think of someone that I know and feel like there's something I should do for them, there's normally a reason for it. I know from experience that it's important to act on any feelings or promptings that I receive. Time and time again, I've seen the hand of the Lord in my life and in other people's lives when promptings are acted upon. Its very apparent to me that God places people in our lives to help us through the journey.

I've held many positions in the church and my favorites have been teaching the 7-8 year old children and being a mentor and working with the young women, ages 12-18. I have also loved teaching and learning from the adult women. Responsibilities given to me at church have taught me to be a leader and a teacher. I've learned public speaking skills and it has enabled me to be more outgoing in settings where I wouldn't have been, had I not learned these skill sets at church.

It's a privilege to meet and work with such special people where we all share the same beliefs and have the same standards. They are great examples to me and make me want to strive to be a better person. We are an extended family and it's such a blessing to have the gospel in my life. We know of the happiness it brings and that's why we want to share it with others.

Go to mormon.org to see the awesome videos and profiles!

Blakeley & Phoebe

2011-10-24T06:43:00.001-05:00

Blakeley's new favorite thing to do is walk Phoebe. She's really good at it too. It's super cute to watch!

LOVE

2011-10-23T22:42:00.001-05:00

MY FAMILY!

Only God...

2011-10-22T05:53:00.000-05:00

I love this.

The Rollerskate

2011-10-13T01:34:00.000-05:00

Although this picture looks like it was circa 1976, it was actually 1999. What you behold before your very eyes is my ultra cool first car, "The Rollerskate." My good friend, Chelsea Suafoa named this beauty and many adventures we had in this hunka junk. It had a dent in the side, no heater, no radio, no air conditioning. We rolled with a "boombox" in the backseat that was powered by some D batteries. (I'm embarrassed to use the word boombox.) Wow, shows my age. I did just turn 30. Amazingly, guys still hit on us!

I never had a picture of this gem until tonight when my friend, Kim Hicks uploaded it on her Facebook page. This will fun to come back and look at in 20 years with my kids to show them how lucky they are that they will never have to drive such an awesome car as this. Oh, and I must mention how this car used to swerve when I would drive it which I now know was probably some kind of axle issue. Scary!

Ahhhh, the good ol' days. Many a days did I sweat while driving this car in the summertime.

Happy 6 Months Skylar!

2011-10-12T22:52:00.000-05:00

This little darling is such a good baby. Always smiling and loves to be held. She loves Phoebe and she laughs when I give her zerberts. She normally sleeps through the night. She's a mama's girl. And Blakeley loves her little sister!

My Little Model

2011-10-11T21:31:00.002-05:00

We went to the park today & I got some super cute shots of Blakeley. Love her!

And here are funny ones...

Blakeley saw an airplane. I love the look on her face. Pure amazement.

Yesterday she did this funny pose where she squatted really low and then held her hands up. Like a warrior. She's kind of doing it here but not quite. Not sure where she saw it but it's pretty hilarious when she does it!

Strong girl, holding herself up.

Look at me Mom!!! (Ewwww!)

Yellin...

Bob sledding...

And lastly, I can't believe my kid and climb up this stuff now!

Butterfly

2011-10-10T20:03:00.000-05:00

Today I showed Blakeley a flash card that had a picture of a butterfly on it. It sounded like she said "butterfly" (buddafa....) and she started flapping her hands like they were wings. Super cute. Smart girl!

Best Trade Ever

2011-10-09T20:06:00.000-05:00

I recently traded my single jogging stroller for this double jogger with a lady from church. Probably the best trade I've ever done! The girls love it...can't you tell?

Suckle, Suckle...Chuckle, Chuckle

2011-10-08T19:45:00.001-05:00

Today I was nursing Skylar and Blakeley was holding her baby. She started patting her baby on the back to burp her. She was also holding her little play bottle. I said, "Feed your baby..." and Blakeley proceeded to hold her baby up sideways to nurse her. Ha ha ha!

P.S. Blakeley likes to help me burp Skylar too. She pats her on the back. =)

This Past Week...

2011-09-17T23:14:00.001-05:00

Here are some highlights from this past week. And with Blakeley, it's always entertaining...

High five!

Gotta love it...

This girl LOVES raspberries

Stuffin' crayons down her shirt...

And makin' faces...

And Skylar is just a doll...

She's got some crazy hair...

We made a bed on the floor to watch Ratatouille

Blakeley loves her little sister!

So Proud

2011-09-14T23:12:00.000-05:00

I'm really proud of my brother, Nathan. I love you bro!