Thought

The way that you live your life is the most powerful teaching tool that you have.

I've been thinking about this. I wonder sometimes if I am living my life in such a way that if I were gone, the memory would be something substantial enough to remember what this life is really all about.

Something to think about.

Maybe I will make a few changes.

Our New Baby is Here!!!

Isn't he the cutest?!!! I know you all want one too!

BRONCO

After much deliberation, numerous voting sessions, and internet surfing for dog names, the dog has been named Bronco. Upon deciding, the mom ( who has had enough of this indecision and constant fighting over the dog's name) practically tossed everyone in the car and sped to PetSmart to seal the name with an engraved dog tag. Ahhh! It's done. Now, we only have 1 week until the pup arrives!

woohoo!

We're thinking about getting a dog! What kind you ask? A mini pincher! We are so excited! We can't wait! If only Christmas would come faster! Do you have any tips on potty training? We're wanting to name it Speedy(after Joseph B. Wirthlen) or Chaos. Does any body have any better ideas?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Tip for the day: by Kobe

When gathering eggs, do not deposit them in your pocket and then close the chicken coop door with your hip.

I love that song.....

The Family is of God......
We are learning this song in Primary. It has become my favorite. It speaks to me, ya know? I love the tune. I love how it rhymes. and I love the message! It's like a testimony.

Here are the words.....

Our Father has a family. It's me! It's you, all others too: we are His children. He sent each one of us to earth, through birth, to live and learn in families.

(chorus)
God gave us families to help us become what he wants us to be---This is how he shares HIS love, for the family is of God.

A father's place is to preside, provide, to love and teach the gospel to his children. A father leads in family prayer, to share, their love for Father in Heaven.

(chorus)

A mother's purpose is to care, prepare, to nurture and to strengthen all her children. She teaches children to obey, to pray, to love and serve in the family.

(chorus)

I'll love and serve my family, and be, a good example to each family member. And when I am a mom or dad, so glad, I'll help my family remember.

(chorus)
God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be-- This is how He shares His love, for the Family is of God.

I love the part that says...This is how He shares His love...

I am so grateful for my family that I was born into, and me own little family. I love them so much. I can't fathom how lonely it would be to be sent here to make it on our own. It truly is an act of Love from our Father in Heaven. He gave us a built in support system.
p.s. to my family...I love you!!!!

More Paunsegaunt

Kylie caught this out of the little stream running around our camp site. She was so happy! She is usually the one that can't catch a fish. Everyone around her can be reeling them in, but those fish seem to sense Kylie's presence and swim to another line when she drops her pole in the water. It was an excellent moment!!

Part of the reason we return to King's year after year, is for the critters. In the past we have made them pets, only to be annoyed over the amount of crickets the little horny toads can pack away. Now it is an experience enjoyed only in the wild.
Our camp site was heavenly! ( Despite the fact that we lost Mom for a day. ) She didn't expect us to camp so far south. While we were frantically searching the area for her dead body, and calling siblings to hear if she had wrecked en route; she was patiently waiting on the side of the road, watching the birds, and fully expecting that sooner or later we would drive by.
THAT'S SOooo MOM!
Kylie and Kobe loved playing in the stream. They netted hundreds of little fingerlings and spent many hours of enjoyment wading and swimming. The weather was fantastic and the company was even better. We really enjoyed taking Keith, the Prestons, and Mom. One thing I love about my Mom is her ability to enjoy whatever place she is in. She is always cheerful and loving, easy company, and kind and generous with her time and attention to us, and the grandchildren. She is the best! I truly admire her.

One of the best parts about camping is spending time with your own family. Ty and I seem to get along the best when we are in the outdoors...sort of like ying and yang or cheese and crackers.

Path of Destruction?

I just got done reading Maren's blogspot "Path of Destruction". While she is picking up Easter Potatos from off the floor; I am 10 years down the road with a teenager who spreads a different path of destruction.

It started with the fact that he wanted my help with a homework project so he could go shooting---

So I settle down beside him to help him think of ideas for this project, lovingly reminding him how to spell "who" and "manifesto".....

He turns to me and says, "I learned what's wrong with you in class today." And then proceeded to tell me all the reasons why he thinks I am such a bad mother and why it is that he can't get along with me.

Grrr....

(Well, let me tell you!!! There is alot more wrong with me now than there was a few minutes ago!)

And buddy you still aren't going shooting until you HOMEWORK is done.

Kings! Kings! Kings!

Anyone who knows anything about me, knows that I love to camp! I plan all winter and save my vacation hours so that we will have time to go and play in the Mountains. One of my favorite places to go is Kings Campground, better known as Tropic reservoir. It is one of God's secret gardens. The lush green valleys and the red canyons, the beautiful wildlife and gurgling streams let my mind at peace with the world. It is a blessed release from the grind of life and it's daily pressures. This year we went with Mom and the Prestons' and Ty's Dad. We had so much fun! There was a little
stream that surrounded our camp that the kids pulled fingerlings from and even some big enough for a hook!

P.S. Beware TY, You are Next!!!

April Fools!?!

This morning I was pulled out of a dead sleep by Ty explaining to me that the hospital had burned down during the night. "What?! Was anybody hurt? Man, I guess I'm going to have to find a job."
All to end to the tune of ---APRIL FOOLS!!!

So then we began to plan how to best fool our sweet unsuspecting kids. Kobe and Clay were brought to a very solemn meeting this morning to tell them we will not put up with their fighting any longer. We had decided that they would play with each other and ONLY each other for one month. No friends, no snowmobiling, no cousins, etc.... Boy! that raised some cain! Ha! Ha! Ha! APRIL FOOLS!!

Kylie was still asleep at this point and so, still unsuspecting. I enlisted Kobe's help to prank Kylie. At breakfast I very sadly informed Kylie that we would not be able to afford the chicken coop or chickens this year (what with the economy sinking in the toilet and all). Kobe did his very best to look appropriately morose. (Good Job, Kobe!)

I thought Kylie would start to protest, but instead, promptly began to CRY! Yikes! It took me 30 whole minutes to stop the flood and explain that it was April Fools' Day and that we really were going to have a chicken coop and cute little baby chickens. Good Grief! Somebody serve up the BAD MOTHER OF THE YEAR AWARD , I'm waiting.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! OLD MAN!!!

Another year older and wiser? Hmmm.... I don't know about that. But another year older sure! We love you!

So, you are now 41. Now, that's OLD! Thanks to all the Blanchard Fam, who made it over to celebrate! The apple pie was great! Mom, you always make it so good. The best part was having everyone there, especially the Huffords, and the Tuckers. Since we don't see you-all very often. It was nice to have a full house!

Ahh Haa!!!

After many hours of blood, sweat, and tears, (on Mark's part) I am finally blogging again. THANK YOU!!!! Oh, by the way, did I say THANK YOU!!!! You are the best!

See Jane (Lara) Blog!!!

I like daisies

Daisies are my favorite. Tulips are lame. Sorry Maren.

NEXT WEEK!!!!!

Guess What?!!!

I bought a digital camera! I know you (especially Maren) are shocked that I finally broke down and did it. I have been talking about it for some time, but with the a little push from Kaira and her amazon.com know how, the impossible has been done. Ta..Da!!!
So, I hate to promise anything spectacular, but I might be updating our blog sometime soon. Due soulie (souly?) to the fact that I will have actual pictures to show you!!!
So, here's to next week.........

It's been awhile

Well, this is for me I suppose. I'm getting older. (I know that's hard to believe.) But, I am. So I've been thinking about making some changes in my life. #1) This year I'm going to tell people what is in my heart more. So, I hope you all can handle it. I'm going to cultivate my friends and family and let them know I care about them. Not just think it, but tell you all. #2) Get to the Temple 2x's a month. I know to some of you that seems like nothing, but for me, it is a real challenge.
#3) Listen, and stop talking. I want my children to know I care about what they have to say, so.... I'm going to make a real effort to LISTEN.
#4) I'm going to love Ty like I used to. Let go of all the craziness and really try to remember why it is that I married that guy. Make time to listen to him and show an interest in him. (Now I know some of you newly married couples think that this is a stupid thing to say, but you just wait until you have kids, a job, church callings, and a dirty house; then you will see that it is easy to get off track.)