Goodbye Green ...Hello Spring!

I can't believe it! I broke one of the MAJOR rules! I know... what a bad person! I'm so ashamed! I couldn't just be patient for 2 more stinkin' days! What is this World coming to???.............

LOL Well, O.K.- It's one of my own rules AND one that drives Brett & others a little bit nuts!
You see, normally each Holiday/Month deserves it's own decorations the ENTIRE month. Just because New Years falls on the 1st OR Valentines on the 14th OR St. Paddy's on the 17th- doesn't mean that they don't deserve to have the same amount of time for decorating and celebrating as the others. So- it's a rule at the Seamons' home that- Every month has it's own decorations for the WHOLE month! They can come down on the last day but NO decorating for the next month until the 1st! If Brett did roll his eyes at me (which he never does)- this is when you he would do that! LOL
....Well, after all these years, it finally happened! I broke my own rule! You can blame it on the LONG Winter or Spring Fever or whatever... but I took down all the green to welcome the Spring! So there! Some one's gotta do something to get Spring to come! LOL

The kids don't complain though. They LOVE the new box every month. In fact this (see collage) is what they did all night!!! They read all our Easter books that we just got out! And they played with all the stuffed bunnies & Easter toys without any arguing all evening! It was heaven! What good kids!

Happy Spring!

Laundry Monsters

Every Tuesday is Laundry Day at the Seamons' home. Most days, I have very helpful children. Other times I have a bunch of Laundry Monsters. Today was one of those days..... LOL!

Haylie Baby

Haylie and Matt will soon be welcoming a new little one at their house. Haylie's girlfriends wanted to throw a Baby Shower to celebrate. Even with a bit of a MST (MormonStandardTime) beginning, we had a great turn out. [Oops! Sorry Haylie & Jen! LOL] I think I counted 16 of us when everyone finally came.

Background story: Before I had Liberty, I decided I was going to be the "Baby Shower Party Girl" for all my friends. I have an entire folder full of games and things.Well, let's just say.. where does the time fly? My baby's 10 this next month and the Baby Shower Folder needed a little bit of dusting. Oops! I'll just say that I've been saving them all for Haylie! LOL

At the shower...We visited until everyone got there and then we played a few games. First, we played a Candy Bar Matching Game. Kinda like Memory but the matches were a candy bar & a baby word. Things like: Engorgement & Mounds, Twin Boys & Mike&Ike, Breastfeeding & Milky Way, Baby Girl & Baby Ruth, Umbilical Cord & Licorice Rope, Bottle Feeding & Milk Duds, Conception & Skor, Sperm & Swedish Fish. Ya know- things like that. Haylie actually teased at the beginning and asked "Is this G Rated?" I teased her back and said that nothing about having a baby is G-Rated!!!! LOL The girls were getting frustrated on remembering where the matches were. They were blaming it on lost brain cells from having children (LOL) so I kinda gave them a few hints along the way! We had a good laugh.

Next we played the Memory Game. I brought out a platter full of "Baby Essentials" and let the ladies examine it for 2 minutes. Then I took it away. I gave them a bit to write down all the things they could remember. Some tried to cheat but they were no match for Jennifer and ended up doing worse after their papers were taken. See!!!! Cheaters never prosper! LOL. Teri & Ellen won with like 25 of the 31 items. Yeah! Haylie got to take all the items home!

The last game we played was a Mad Gab Game. We broke into 2 teams. The first team to figure out all 30- won! It was so funny to hear them because it was so clear to those in the kitchen what they were saying. But they had to repeat some of them tons of times to figure them out: Hilarious! Here's some for you to try. Good Luck!:

DIE

PURR
RASH

LAY
POOR
PANES

AIM
OTHERS
INN
STINKED

WON
MORR
DOG
TORSO
POINT
MINT

APE
PASSIVE
FIRE

RAW
KING
SHARE

DEAL
IF
FREER
WHOM

THIS
POSE
HIP
BULL
DIE
PURSE

Prizes for the winners (which I never took pics of. Sorry!) were those "layered cookies in a jar". They looked so yummy! Thanks Kenzie!

After games, Haylie opened presents! Her and the baby got way spoiled. Some really fun stuff. Home-made quilts, baby toys, a Porta-crib gc, clothes, a diaper bag, a diaper cake, gift certificates, an adorable Indian Papoose Snowsuit (oh yeah-she picked it out! ;) and tons of other stuff! This is definitely one LUVED baby! Whatever it is! ;) [They didn't find out what the sex of the baby is and it has really stressed people out! Haylie is loving it a bit too much! She likes to torture us! LOL] I found a cute Keepsake Book for everyone to sign. It keeps track of all the guests, gifts and even had a place for advice and luv notes to the Mommy!

After games, we had a fabulous lunch! Jennifer's meatballs, KTuck's feta cheese & tomato bread thingys, veggies, pastel M&Ms and 2 delicious cakes. I found the most adorable plates and napkins for the Shower. Unfortunately, they never got in any picture. I DID however find a pic of them on the Internet so I included it on the collage. "Mom-to-be"! Aren't they cute?? And look at Haylie's tummy! I love pregnant tummies!

Good Luck to Matt & Haylie in their new adventure!

Thanks for giving us an excuse to Party!

Luv ya guys!

Go, Daddy, Go! GRAND Basketball

A mini-family trip to GRAND Forks was in store for us this weekend.

Right after school, we packed in the car and drove North. We went to support Brett in his first game of the Grand Am Basketball Tournament. He is a pretty amazing ball player, I must say! The whole game was so close- back and forth by a point or two. Unfortunately, the other team got a really lucky 3-point streak at the end and won. But it was fun to watch him play. Way to go, Honey!

The kids and I got to watch from the front row of the stands. (the bottom part of the arena was closed) It was really fun because Liberty had brought paper and some markers. She made tons of posters for us to hold up and cheer on Dad! Go, Daddy, Go! Brett had the best cheerleaders there, by far! LOL At half-time, we got popcorn for the kids. They thought it was the best night ever!

Before heading home, we decided to stop for dinner. McDonald's with a Playland was our goal. Easier said than done, unfortunately. Thank goodness for the GPS! It took us 4 "new destinations" before we found one that fit our criteria. A little scenic drive through Grand Forks was an added bonus. LOL Well worth it though! The kids had a fantastic time. Yeah! Thanks for the BBall Adventure, Brett!

Fargo Favorites #26

I have to keep telling myself, "You are SOOO LUCKY to live here!"

(And really, I DO have lots to be grateful for!)

1. Snow Day!
As far as I can remember- Wednesday was our 1st Snow Day of this school year. Insane!! due to the fact that we have had TONS & TONS of snow and LOTS & LOTS of really cold days this Winter. But it was nice to have the day off to play in it before it goes away!
2. Good friends for my Kids
My kids have made some fabulous friends here. I am so glad that they have people who help them make good choices and have lots of fun together!
3. Day Off from Cooking
I was supposed to go out to do some VT in Enderlin (about a 50 minute drive from here) on Wednesday night. Due to the storm, we had to reschedule. But my cute RS Pres had already made home-made Pizza for my family (since I wasn't supposed to be home to cook). She had made way too much for just her and her hubby to eat so even though we didn't go- she brought us dinner anyways. It was way nice to just have a night off from cooking. Thanks Linda! You are awesome! The pizza was delicious!
4. Inspiration
Sunday was eventful! Running a bit behind, I finally got all my kiddos and I dressed, fed and to the Church. Sitting in Sacrament, I realized that my team teacher was NOT there. It was his turn to teach but I got a feeling that I should read the lesson anyways. I spend the meeting with a prayer in my heart while studying the lesson book and writing up an outline "just in case". Turns out that he never showed so I taught the lesson. I have to say that inspiration from the Lord is an amazing thing! It was one of the best lessons I ever taught. And BTW- Happy Birthday Matt! Hope you liked your present! (aka-a day off from teaching) LOL
5. Sharing Talents
One thing I have really enjoyed about living here is the opportunity to share my talents with others. Because people come and go here so often, your talents never get old. Thank goodness! LOL. This past week, my new dear friend "D" came over to spend time with me. (She's like an amazingly talented, TALL woman!)We cut up tons of her UofU T-Shirts, a #23 jersey, and someone else's team quilt (lol) to make into her 1st T-shirt Quilt. It was so fun to be working with fabric again and hanging out with a new friend. Thanks lady! Let me know when you're back from vacation (aka recruiting) and we'll go shopping for sashing [FYI: that's the fabric in between each quilt square- winkwink]

What do you have to be

GRATEFUL for?

Downhill Slope

After burying myself in my bed most of the morning in denial of our never-ending winter, Brett dragged us all out for a final (hopefully!) Sledding Adventure for the year! It was a PERFECT Snow Day activity! We had a blast spending time with our fam and friends. Hopefully this is the downhill slope towards Spring weather! Cross your fingers for us!

Happy Snow Day to You!

Spring Blizzard in Fargo

So remember our Sunday walk and the puddle after puddle after puddle.....

It looked like this:

Well it snowed AGAIN last night so now it looks like this:

See!!!!!!!!!!

Spring is NEVER coming to Fargo!

(We got so much snow that school AND work got canceled!)

Puddle after puddle after puddle...

We finally can see most of the sidewalks here in our neighborhood (at least until it snows 3-12 inches again this week- Grrrr!) so we took advantage and went our 1st Sunday Walk of the Season. Yeah! We started taking Sunday Walks when we first got married or maybe even when we were dating. [That's a LONG time!] It's such a great way to get outside and enjoy each others company AND work off some of the big Sunday dinner. LOL! So today, even with a bit of chill still in the air and a whole lotta water- we enjoyed it!!! I mean REALLY enjoyed it!! ;) Gotta LUV how kids love a puddle or two or three.

Happy Puddle Jumping!

Fargo Favorites #25

A little St. Paddy's Version of:

Every year- at the beginning of March- we hang up a big, black pot under a newly-created, colorful rainbow  on the backside of our cupboard. Then, the kids help me trace and cut out "GOLD" pieces to fill it. Each day until St. Paddy's, we write on them what "GOLD" (a.k.a. blessings, things we love and/or are grateful for) we feel that we have in our lives. By the 17th, our pot is always overflowing! We are very rich indeed! Here's our Family's GOLD from this year:

Jesus, a nice house, great kids, foood, Prophets, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, World, God, Family, friends, Holidays, Poke' Cards, sexy Hubby, heaters, Harry Potter wand, Dad & Mom, puppies, "Mune" (money), Dora the Explorer, Glory (Bella), Liberty (Bonita), Jesus, Blankie, Home, Snowmen, Victoria (Linda), playdough, rainbows, the Holy Ghost, Daddy came home!, Justice (Guapo), Mom, Work, Spring (if it ever comes), sleeping in, movies, good food, treats, days off, Baby Soph, pink milk, Webkinz, Lucky our dog, hot wife, Hulabaloo, Seamons Fam Blog, Missionaries, crafting, FHE, awesome Parents, scriptures, animals, books, books, reading and books, life, etc.

So...What is your GOLD?

Green, Rainbows, Gold, Lucky Me!

Holiday time again at the Seamons house means ParTay! St. Paddy's Day for us is not an Irish Holiday. It's about enjoying green things (such a lovely Spring color ;), Rainbows (who doesn't LOVE rainbows?), Gold (That means were rich, right?) and being the LUCKiest family ever cuz we have each other! (and that's the total truth) Doesn't that sound like something to celebrate?????
Well- CELEBRATE we did.... ALL Day long!!!!
Morning:

Noon:

Afternoon:

Night:

AND all month!:

Hope you had a LUCKY day!

Where's Waldo... the Leprachaun?

The Youth Program at Church (the Young Mens and Young Womens) started a tradition a few years back to do a "Where's Waldo?" Game at the West Acres Mall. Several people dress up and "hide" at the mall. The Youth break into groups and go searching. First group to find them all wins! Brett has participated every year. Here's his disguise for this year! My little Lucky Charm! LOL

I AM one Lucky Lady!!!

Happy hiding Honey!

XOXO

FHE Boxes

A handful of friends came over to my house for Playgroup today. We have been talking about FHE boxes lately so we decided this would be a good time to make them.  Well--- 11 kids under five including 3 little babies+ 7 mommas + a HUGE craft project + lunch + lots of phone calls  (it rang like this was Grand Central) = Some fun and a whole lot of chaos! We did end up finishing 12 of them, feeding all of us and having a smorgasbord of yummy desserts cuz everyone but me brought treats. Score! LOL. The kids had a blast and it was fun to see so many ladies out. I've missed days like this in Fargo so YEAH!

Some of the kids

OK- so you might be wondering "What are FHE boxes?" Let me tell you... Several years ago, my dear friend Christine had this FHE Box idea for a Relief Society Super Saturday thing. {She's always full of fabulous ideas like this} Well, at the time she made them- I made maybe 20 or so for gifts, of course. I'm sorta a Bulk-maker-freak or at least I used to be. LOL And of course while doing that, I made a box to store in my Craft Room that had all the leftovers which were labeled and organized and had a disk with all the info on it. You know-- just in case I ever needed it again. [And yes, I admit it-- I'm Sick!!! I am still prone to the Pack-Rat disorder. Recovering but sadly still have it sometimes.] It doesn't help though that now here we are almost five years later and all of a sudden I need all of that stuff. Still you are probably wondering- "OK, woman! Tell us what they are already!!"
Here you go...
1st- What is FHE? "Church leaders have instructed members to set aside Monday night as “Family Home Evening.” This is a time for families to study the gospel together and to do other activities that strengthen the family spiritually, create family memories, and increase unity and love."

FHE Box

2nd- FHE BOXES are an amazing little life-saver for Monday Nights with young children! It contains 30 fast and easy FHE lessons all in one place-the size of a shoe box! Proof that great things can come in small packages. LOL Inside the box are items kept separate in 30 snack size baggies. My kids simply pick out what interests them. It then becomes the visual for the lesson. We turn to the corresponding page in the handy dandy lesson book [that also fits inside the box], read the story and whoala! -- lesson complete! Each story also includes a scripture that you can turn to as well. So you could study further if your attention span is longer than the one at our house. Here's from the 1st page of the Lesson book:

30 Fast and Easy FHE Lessons

Directions: Have someone choose a bag out of the box. Look at the number that is on the bag or item. Turn to that page in the cards that coincides with that number. While you and your children look at the item, have someone read the short story.

1 Compass

2 Candle

3 Pencil

4 Dove 

5 Sacrament Cup

6 Baby in Basket

7 Animal

8 Joseph

9 Towel

10 Gold Coin

11 Whale

12 Lion

13 Money

14 Stone (Clear)

15 Seeds

16 Sword

17 Baptism Song

18 Missionary Tag

19 Fish

20 Hair

21 Ruler

22 Tree

23 Ring

24 Goatskin

25 Rock

26 Grapes

27 Sun

28 Apple

29 Picture

30 Pail

31. Fly

32. World 

(I'm working on adding the last 2)

This BOX works awesome at our home! We have other fun things for FHE lessons as well (that's a different story for another time!) but we love, love, love this option! And now 12 more families have life on Monday a tiny bit easier as well! Yeah! Thanks Christine for sharing your fabulous box!

Assembly Line

LobsterFest 2011

Anytime we see the commercials for LobsterFest, the kids ask "When can we go to Red Lobster?"  It's not exactly the most child-friendly or budget-savvy place to dine so the answer has usually been, "We'll have to talk about it." Well, with Brett coming home after being away for 2 weeks- we felt like celebrating! So yummy seafood... Here we come!!!

The kids were so excited to see the lobsters. At least until we actually got one out of the tank. They took a bit to warm up to the idea but thought they were awesome by the end. They had a humongous 3 pound-er in the tank as well. He was GIGANTIC! The kids spent half the time up there.

And the food was amazing! Liberty and I shared a Ultimate Platter. All of us had plenty of food and got to try tons of different stuff. YUMMMY! The kids thought the crab claw was the greatest. Cute kids! Thanks Love, for coming home, giving us a reason to celebrate and spoiling us with a bit of delicious seafood! XOXO!

God Answers Prayers

Remember how I watched Evan Almighty with Justice? Well one of my other favorite quotes was when God is talking to Evan's wife..."Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?"

Well, as some of you know, I have had a pretty rough S.A.D. Winter (self-diagnosed). I have been praying for help to know that I am not alone and to know that God knows I am struggling. It always amazes me how answers come in all different ways. I do know God lives. I know that without the struggles we wouldn't know the joy. I do know that He knows me and loves me! I do, I really, really do. It's just nice to hear it sometimes. This time- His reassurance came in a couple of songs from my favorite radio station that I heard almost everytime I got into the car this week. Do they really play these 2 songs ALL the time? OR were they just for me this week? I guess it's how you choose to see it! ;) Hope you enjoy what God told me this week and feel it for yourself as well:

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning

Who told the ocean you an only come this far?

Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening

Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives

I know my Redeemer lives

All of creation testify

This life within me cries

I know my Redeemer lives

The very same God that spins things in orbit

He runs to the weary, the worn and the weak

And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken

They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives

I know my Redeemer lives

Let all creation testify

Let this life within me cry

I know my Redeemer, He lives

To take away my shame

And He lives forever I'll proclaim

That the payment for my sin

Was the precious life He gave

But now He's alive

And there's an empty grave.

And I know my Redeemer, He lives

I know my Redeemer lives

Let all creation testify

This life within me cries

I know my Redeemer lives

Nicole C. Mullen \ Redeemer

AND

He cries in the corner where nobody sees

He’s the kid with the story no one would believe

He prays every night “Dear God won’t you please...

Could you send someone here who will love me?”

Who will love me for me

Not for what I have done or what I will become

Who will love me for me

‘Cause nobody has shown me what love

What love really means what love really means

Her office is shrinking a little each day

She’s the woman whose husband has run away

She’ll go to the gym after working today

Maybe if she was thinner then he would’ve stayed

And she says…

Who *will* love me for me?

Not for what I have done or what I will become

Who will love me for me?

‘Cause nobody has shown me what love

What love really means what love really means

He’s waiting to die as he sits all alone

He’s a man in a cell who regrets what he’s done

He utters a cry from the depths of his soul

“Oh Lord, forgive me. I want to go home”

Then he heard a voice somewhere deep inside

And it said “I know you’ve murdered

And I know you’ve lied

And I've watched you suffer all of your life

And now that you’ll listen I’ll, I'll tell you that I...”

I will love you for you

Not for what you have done or what you will become

I will love you for you

I will give you the love, the love that you never knew

I will love you for you

Not for what you have done or what you will become

I will love you for you

I will give you the love, the love that you never knew

JJ Heller - What Love Really Means

How did God answer your Prayers today?

Fargo Favorites #24

1. Acts of Random Kindness (A.R.K)

This week it snowed. Surprise! Surprise! I know! It snowed lightly for the whole day but it was just enough to completely cover the driveway and sidewalks. With Brett gone, I was bummed at the prospect of having to drag my lazy butt out there and either start up the snow blower or hand shovel the LONG driveway all by myself. I know- lazy wife, I am! But I was dreading it a bit nonetheless. However, some dear friends invited us over for Sunday dinner! What better way to put off my snow duty than some good company and some real food- amazing! ;) Then, when we got home, ... the driveway was completely shoveled!!! So, to the dear Brothersons- thank you for your kindness of the visit and the dinner! And to my anonymous snow blowing life-saver... thank you! thank you! You made my week!
P.S. Justice and I did a little, late-night date this week. We snuggled in my bed and watched Evan Almighty. It always amazes me when things in my week tie together. So- to reinforce the A.R.K. theme in my life this week....One of my favorite parts of the movie is when God tells Evan "How do we change the world? One Act, of, Random, Kindness (pointing at A.R.K)." ;)

2. TOFW
We finally bought tickets for the April 8-9 Minneapolis TOFW this week! I have 15 ladies joining me. I am so excited! We are renting a large van and traveling down for 2 wonderful days of all women! Hotels, dining, uplifting speakers, heart-felt music, laughter, tears, and some of the most amazing friends ever! I can't wait! Their theme this year is Choose to Become! "All thing are possible to Her that believeth" Mark 9:23 (OK so I changed it to "her"- sue me!) Keep an eye out for some fun trip journaling when we get back! It should be AMAZING!
3. Dishwashers
Maybe a funny little thing to make it on the list, I know but, the day Brett left town- a nice waterfall streaming down our basement wall required us to give up our dishwasher for 2 weeks. [In the past, it has always been our sump pump that decided to die when Brett was away but since it was already replaced in the middle of February during our flu bug--- I guess something else water-related decided it was their turn to die!] It wasn't the end of the world so we've managed. It's actually been kind of fun to teach the kids to hand wash dishes. They have been taking a night here and there. Their comments of "Was this how you did it when you were young?" or "I didn't know this was gonna be so much work" have had me giggling. Pretty funny! They are some good workers though! Thanks guys! You're hired!
4. Crafting
This week's playgroup was all about crafts! It's been quite a while since crafting as even crossed my mind but it is so fun! And even FUN-er when you have someone who has an amazing supply of crafting options. Thanks KTuck & Kristen Krafts!

Holiday Button Magnet

5. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Thomas Haynes Bayly
Brett just got home from a long absence from our family. We have missed him so much! Over the last several years, we've become accustomed to having him travel once in a while so it really isn't that big of a deal anymore. In fact, if I decide not to be lazy- I actual can do amazing things around the house when he's away. But our time apart does make us realize how much we take him for granted and how much we LOVE him! Several hearts a little bit fonder indeed. Glad you're back, Honey!

What LUCKY things are you grateful for?

Spring???

What is Spring anyways?
Does Spring even really exist OR is it a made-up concept to trick us into remaining here in this Frozen Wasteland? This week we have had four to six inches of new snow to add to the other 4 feet we already have, only 10 1/2 hours of daylight, real temps between 4 and 20 degrees, windchill in the negatives, 2 foot icicles hanging from the Christmas lights that we can't yet take down, no blue skies, frosted trees in the morning, an hour and a half snowplowing opportunity, not a grass blade or bloom ANYWHERE to be found, not even the SUPER squirrels are braving it out there, and lots of S.A.D. friends....

I am going to have to go with the latter.

Spring.....

where are you?????????????

GLORYious Photography

Many hours have gone into the collages of this post and just as many have gone into coming up with a title. Many have come to mind. Things like: "The Eyes of a Two year old" or "3 foot Perspective" or "A Thousand Pictures" or "Photography- Eye of the Beholder" or "Don't tell Dad I let you use my camera!" or "What does Glory see?" Well... you can make your own decision!

Gotta love a digital camera

& a two year old!

LOL!

She's an artist in the making!

P.S. In case you were wondering, Glory is NOT the only blossoming photographer in our family. Here's just a few of Victoria's works of art:

What can I say... We are one LUCKY, talented family! ;)

Freezer Meals Galore

Any evidence of our last Freezer Meal Exchange has long since vanished from our home! So what's a girl to do? Make more, I guess. Craziness of life or sheer boredom created a Kitchen Monster in me this week. I was supposed to make 3 of 4 different kind of meals to exchange with the ladies today- total of 12. Well, I went a little overboard. I figured it didn't take anymore time to just make 2 of each meal for myself while I was making them anyways. Then, I figured I had all the stuff for Cream Cheese Chicken and Taco soup. Two stables around here so I made those as well. Final total- 20 meals in 2 days! Wahoooo! Let's eat!

Kindergarten Round-Up

Turning FIVE means that my little girl will soon be joining the school-bound crew! No more sleeping in, hanging out all day in pjs, helping Mom with everything, watching Glory, going to playgroup & preschool, mid-day runs to the bank, TV days, and being Mommy's little girl! BUT- there will be lots of learning, making new friends, bus rides, Penny & Pal concerts, field trips, actual lunches, backpacks, and growing up! It will be a fun Adventure!

This week was Kindergarten Round-Up. With Brett gone, I decided not to go to the 7:00 Parent Meeting. Instead I took the girls over this morning before preschool. It was PERFECT timing because they were having a Penny & Pals Concert. The girls sat in the hallway and enjoyed the music while I filled out the paperwork. They think Kindergarten is amazing!!! ;) Now just a few more months, a couple shots, a copy of her birth certificate, a little pep talking and we will have a Kindergartner on our hands!

Fargo Favorites #23

As a kick off to our LUCKY month----->

Here's a few reasons why I am so LUCKY!



1. I am a Mormon! (That's a nick name for being a  Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
Why does that make me lucky? Because it gives me purpose and direction. It tells me where I came from, why I am here and where I am going.  Because it's the Savior's Church here on Earth and His Gospel has the answers to all the world's questions. Because living His Gospel brings health, peace and happiness. Because it allows me to be sealed to my family for time and all eternity in His Temple. It allows me to be a partaker of the blessings of His Priesthood. It allows me to hear His words from a current day Prophet that knows and understands the world we live in. Because it brings me the knowledge that my older brother Jesus Christ died but more importantly LIVES for me!!! Can't get much more lucky than that!

2. I have the most amazing Family!

Aren't they gorgeous? I have the most amazing hubby ever! He is so hard-working and patient and sexy! My kids are so fantastic. Thoughtful, kind, creative and loving. Just couldn't ask for a more perfect family. XOXO!

3. Regardless of events this past Winter that would prove otherwise, I am really Healthy!

Besides the occasional flu bug and a slight sight problem (that I am in denial of ;), I have never had to deal with the hardships of prolonged sickness or disease. I am so grateful for that. I can only imagine the strength that those of you who do deal with those things have. You're amazing! I admire you- but would rather not join you if possible.

4. I have the privilege of living in Fargo, ND!

 

I have had lots to complain about this little town I call home lately but the truth is... there's no where else like it. The proximity of everything, the personal growing opportunities, the community, the friends- you can't find that anywhere else!

5. I enjoy a Freedom that is not free!

I unfortunately take for granted everyday that I live in the Untied States of America. But as times get a bit crazy- it makes me realize how truly lucky I am to have had the opportunity to be born here in such an incredible nation. May God Bless us all to stand united in our belief in Him and our desire to be free.

Why are you LUCKY ???

Victoria's Four Favorites!

I can't believe that she's FIVE! Where did my baby go? Here she is on her 5th Bday with some of her favorite things from when she was four.

May all your dreams come true this next year, cute girl! XOXO

Happy BDay Victoria!

It was celebration after celebration after celebration for this Birthday Princess. We celebrated on Sunday with Dad. A yummy dinner, singing and eclair cake. She was getting excited for her birthday countdown.

Next was her friend party! It was Playgroup at our house today so we made it into a Partay! We blew up tons of balloons for them to play with. They ate lunch, opened presents, had cake & ice cream and played like crazy! What great friends we have!

Victoria kept begging to open a present or two or three during the day- which I let her! Afterall- it is her special day! ;) But we did have to save some for our little family Partay! We only made it until the kids were home from school before we let her open everything up. Thanks to those who sent her stuff. She was so excited! We ate her requested dinner- simple but well eaten! We sang "Happy Birthday" and had more cupcakes. We even got to watch her new Barbie movie, The Diamond Castle! She was one happy girl!

Happy Birthday Missy Moo! We sure love you! You are such an amazing kid! You are so helpful and kind hearted. You are always creative and so beautiful. You have the most amazing smile! We LOVE having you as part of our family. Happy Birthday kiddo! XOXO