THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS!: 2020

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Thanksgiving Point and Parenting Styles

A few weeks ago we went to Thanksgiving Point for the day.
I had never been there, so I had no idea what to expect.
The museums were a little on the young side for Ashlynn,
but we still had a fun time.

The outdoor gardens were my favorite. I loved the Light of The World gardens/statues.

Ashlynn loved taking pictures in the outdoor gardens.

She HATED the fact that we were walking through them.

She thought renting one of the golf carts would have made it much more enjoyable.

We ALL loved the butterflies and made

our way around that garden a few times.

Milking a cow may have been

one of the highlights of Ashlynn's day.

Feeding the fish was crazy. They were about to eat

each other trying to get to the fish food.

It was a fabulous day!

I took a parenting style test for a class I was recently in.

JD and I typically disagree on how we should handle an issue with our children.

I say yes, he says no! The bottom test is my score.

I found it interesting that we don't often perform the way we believe.

Our actions follow our spouse's style of parenting more often than they follow

what we think we should do. I wonder if that is to keep the peace we simply go along, but we are not always pleasant about doing so. This would explain why my autocratic in-action number is the same as my husband's, and his permissive is close to the same as mine in action.

It would be an interesting study.

Friday, September 11, 2020

SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION!

Britton started a new job right before school started and man, has it made him a HAPPY kid! Britton loves being around people. I think if he would have known how much he would enjoy working and getting a paycheck he would have gotten a job sooner. I am glad he didn't because I believe this job he has is the perfect fit for him. I love that Britton ordered Trump 2020 masks for school. He is passionate about the principles he believes in. He recently had his wisdom teeth removed and so him and I spent the day watching TV together. He has a bunch of college classes this semester and I admire the hard work he puts into the things he does. I can count on Britton to make me smile or laugh daily. He is quick on his toes, and has a real talent for making hilarious in- the-moment commentaries.

We dropped Dax off at Utah state a few weekends ago, so we

are back to having only two children in the home. Daxon was beyond

excited to get to school and begin the college life.

Daxon loves Logan !

College life suits him well.

Daxon and I enjoy listening to many of the same podcasts. I loved having someone who

"spoke my language" to discuss them with while he was home.

I admire the focus to detail and determination to be successful that Daxon lives his life with.

Ashlynn was BEYOND excited for school to start.

The most difficult part of being home during Corona for her

was missing the consistent social life.

This girl thrives on being social. Her world is more content

and satisfied now that things are getting back to a new normal.

Riley and Madeline moved into their new place.

It is adorable. Both are working and are full-time students.

I admire how hard they both work to keep everything done so well.

Jake is working full time and recently started

the electrician apprentice program at Bridgerland. He is an excellent father

and it is crazy how much him and Luke look alike. When they were over the other

day, I kept staring at Luke and thinking he is seriously a mini-Jake.

Alyssa loves motherhood. I love watching the two of them raise adorable little Luke.

They are both first-class parents!

I finished my summer classes a week early and will be

starting the new semester on Monday.

I have LOVED having a week off to rest my brain. It was a good thing I finished early because due to the storm school was out three days this week. It gave me time to hang out and chill with the family.

I am ready to get back at it! JD is who we all go to when we need to know how to fix or do something. I love that his children call him and he knows how to explain to them how to repair or achieve the issue at hand. He knows the answers to "MOST" all of our questions and I love that I married such a brilliant man!

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

HAPPY #22 RILEY

My children frequently tease that Riley is my favorite child. All of my children are my favorite, but Riley makes the job so simple. From the day he was born, he has been a peacemaker. He has a persistent enthusiasm for life that is inspiring to be around. He has a tender heart and an unconditional love that he willingly extends to others in all facets of his life. This year for Riley's birthday, Madeline planned for them to go with friends to Bear Lake for the day. They went to visit the Minnetonka Caves and watch a show at The Pickleville Playhouse. The following day, Riley and Madeline moved out of their first apartment.

YAHOO!!!

Between then and the time Ry & Maddy moved into their new place, they needed a home for about ten days. The Pences are some of our good friends from Iowa, and they happily let them move in. When the weekend arrived, Ry & Madeline came to visit. You would think with "Riley" being my favorite child and all, the weekend would have turned out amazing! It was an interesting Sunday to say the least. A few posts ago, I discussed how having adult children puts me on unfamiliar ground. At times I forget where my boundaries are as a parent. I overstepped the lines that day and let's just say, we have no happy pictures of everyone singing to Riley or the eating of cake. The memory of everyone painfully singing Happy Birthday would be quite humorous if it were part of a reality television show.

This family is a perfect example of a work in progress!

Riley returned home from his mission 2 years ago this October. I love the knowledge he gained as a missionary. He has a firm understanding of the scriptures. His insights into gospel doctrine strengthens my testimony. He has a way of leading others to think about the principles they are reading and learning about. I love his ability to quote General Conference talks from years ago off the top of his head. Riley has a strong conscience of right and wrong and I love that I have been able to depend on him to fearlessly choose the right throughout his life.

In February, Riley and Madeline were married in the Logan Temple for time and all eternity. My mom used to listen to a song by Tracy Byrd called, "Keeper of the Stars." The beginning of it goes like this,

It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew
Now I just can't believe you're in my life
Heaven's smilin' down on me
As I look at you tonight
I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need

Thanks to the keeper of the stars!

As I look at the millions of circumstances that had to work out perfectly for this match-made-in-heaven to get married (when they did before all the craziness of Corona hit), I have no doubt that the keeper of the stars had a hand in it. I am thankful that friends and loved ones were all blessed to join together and be part of them going to the temple and making covenants. I am thankful we all were able to celebrate this new begining with them.

Riley and Daxon are riding LOTOJA this weekend.

Riley has never been short on stamina. I am excited to

watch these boys take part in this ride together!

A few weeks ago, Riley went with Ryan Cook and others to the Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area. This is the PERFECT trip for Riley and he had a fabulous time.

At times I wondered if fishing was a phase for him and Daxon.

I think it is safe to say it is not a phase.

I love the smile Riley gets on his face whenever he holds Luke.

A better way to state that last sentence would be, "I LOVE RILEY'S SMILE." I feel blessed by the choices you make each day and the way you conduct your life. I remember right after you returned home from your mission I was stressed as I was running out the door for work. I returned home to find the entire house spotless. Ashlynn was sad that morning and so you shined her room and arranged her stuffed animals all cute for her. I love the thoughtfulness you live your life with. When Riley returned from his mission and I asked about the attributes of Christ, he shared a story with me about the companion that required patience. In this story there was no complaint about the companion, simply the attributes that were gained in learning to live with him. Riley has always been a leader this way.

I love that I get to be your MOM, Riley!

HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY

CrAzinesS on Sunday 🤪 and all!

I LOVE YOU FOREVER,

🥳 I LIKE YOU FOR ALWAYS!

Sunday, August 30, 2020

MY MOTHER

It was 17 years ago this August that my dear mother passed away from pancreatic cancer. She was too young to die, and a day never passes that fact doesn't feel true. One day she was 48 years old, in the prime of life with a future full of endless possibilities. The next day, she was 49 and gone. I turned 45 this year and I find myself struggling at times with the idea that my mother was not much older than I am when cancer took her life. This year Ashlynn and I were in Pocatello visiting family because my sister's son was being baptized. I don't think my sister Trisha realized it, but this year I was struggling more than usual with my mother being gone. Being around Trisha helped cheer me up. She is like my mother in several ways. For example, she takes the time and puts in the effort to make little moments important. She brought all the family together on Saturday for a beautiful baptism and get-together. She made Sunday special by making the candy popcorn and delicious peanut butter cup cookies my mom used to make. Trisha accomplishes miracles in a day and makes it look like it was effortless to do so. My mother was also that way.

My mother seemed to have it together much more than I feel like I do at the moment. There was nothing she could not do. She was an excellent seamstress (my sister Jana inherited her gift). She sewed Christmas PJ's every year for her kids, and blankets for her grandkids. The Relief Society knew how much that act of love meant to my mother. Weeks before she passed away, the ward put together NUMEROUS baby blankets and quilts. They presented them to her and told her they were for her grandbabies still to come. We have been blessed by this act of love over the years as each new addition joins the family. My mother cooked delicious meals and she always had cookies in the cookie jar for her children and our friends. We were instructed to deliver them to neighbors each time she made them. My mother made every holiday special for her children and grandkids. I remember one year when we all showed up for Christmas with our little ones and the doors were locked with a sign that read, "NO room at the inn." We had to go out back to the patio where my dad was serving hot cocoa. That year my mom made adorable PJ's for all the grandkids, and her and my dad had put together an actual nativity--complete with homemade costumes. Christmas Eve was always a special event consisting of an uplifting program, and a delicious chicken cordon bleu dinner. Wendy Briscoe has taken over the baking of the chicken tradition. It is always fabulous!

For as long as I can remember one of my mother's favorite songs was, I'll Build You a Rainbow.

My cousin Amy sang a version of it that fit my mother at her funeral.

The song is about a mom reassuring her family before she leaves them that everything will be okay, because Families are Forever

I'll build you a rainbow, way up high above.
Send down a sunbeam, plumb full of love.
Sprinkle down raindrops, teardrops of joy.
I'll be happy in heaven, watchin' over my kids.

The afternoon after my mother passed away it poured and poured outside. My mother is continually finding ways to let us know that although she is not here with us, she is watching over us and that we must keep pushing forward in this journey we call life. As we walk this journey, distractions are everywhere. I find that when I lose my focus on what really matters a rainbow shows up in the sky. This reminds me to get back on track and pay attention to the details in my life that matter most.

I love the talk "What Matters Most" given by Elder Russell M. Ballard,

In it he states, "Crisis or transition of any kind reminds us of what matters most. In the routine of life, we often take our families—our parents and children and siblings—for granted. But in times of danger and need and change, there is no question that what we care about most is our families! It will be even more so when we leave this life and enter into the spirit world. Surely the first people we will seek to find there will be father, mother, spouse, children, and siblings.

We should not need a hurricane or other crisis to remind us of what matters most. The gospel and the Lord’s plan of happiness and salvation should remind us. What matters most is what lasts longest, and our families are for eternity."

How thankful I am for a mother who taught her children, to stay focused on the things that matter most, by the way she lived her life. My mother had a strong testimony, she knew the church was true and that Christ loved us. Once when we were all young she gave a family home evening lesson on the importance of always remembering that you are a Child of God. She showed each one of us children a baby picture, and told us how much she loved us. I love that memory! She taught us by example how to be strong and to have faith. I remember in the hospital one day shortly before she passed away someone went to give her a bite of broccoli, and she quietly found the strength to insist that we bless the food first. I am thankful for the fact that my mother never let us children know how much work we were. Whether it was a holiday or simply getting up for scriptures and prayer, she acted like we were doing her the favor by being there.

Recently, I was reading an old journal and I remembered one of my favorite games I used to play with my children that my mother taught me. I was complaining one day about getting one of my children to go to sleep at night. Mom told me about how she would look into our eyes at night when we were little and say, "look into my eyes. . . ." She would then tell us all the things she loved about us and the wonderful things that took place that day and the future adventures she could see. I began to try it out and it didn't take long before Riley would say each night as I went to leave the room,

"Mom, look into my eyes."

I am thankful for my mother, I know she looks over us. I miss her, and I love her. I am thankful for the lessons she taught us and continues to teach us. Many of us in the family can think of times when things should have, or could have, gone completely wrong but did not because of our angel mother watching over us. I love this quote from the amazing talk, Life is Eternal

"The spirit world is not far away. Sometimes the veil between this life and the life beyond becomes very thin. Our loved ones who have passed on are not far from us." Ezra Taft Benson

I am thankful for the many ways my incredible father continues to bring my mother's memory into our lives through carried on traditions and rituals.

He loves his kids in a big way. We would all be LOST without him!!! We never had to wonder if our mom loved us, or approved of us. My dad is exactly the same way. He loves us, end of story!

FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

HAPPY 24th Alyssa

Twenty four years ago, heaven sent an angel to this earth, and made her my daughter.

In the last three years, Alyssa has returned from an LDS mission, became a wife, and became a mother.

It is crazy how fast life changes.

Alyssa has a spark and spirit about her that lights up the room when she enters it.

Years ago our family fell in love with Hank Smith. Year after year, Alyssa insisted we buy every single new CD he released. For this reason, we tease Alyssa that everyone in the family has seen him in person, except for her. For her birthday, my son Britton got the crazy idea to ask Brother Smith if he would send Alyssa a short happy birthday message.

He said, YES!!!

Seriously, what a good guy!

This made her day the best day ever!

Recently, Alyssa told me about how she wanted the sheet

music to one of Hilary Weeks' songs, and she sent it to her.

I love this story for a few reasons.

It would have been easy for this email to have been ignored.

It would have been easy for Hank to say, "that isn't something I do."

If we only have today, may we spend it living

in a manner that blesses the lives of those around us!

Alyssa has always had a strong character.

She believes in standing firm in the faith.

I love that about her.

We should address the fact that Alyssa and Jake have the cutest baby in the world!

Alyssa is an adorable mother. As I watch her, I am in awe.

Luke is everyone's favorite and brings giggles to the space he is in

(except for when we are fighting over who gets to hold him).

Even the horses next door LOVE him!

Alyssa loves the TV show FRIENDS.

I believe that is due to the fact that she loves to laugh.

From the time Alyssa was very young, her laugh could dominate and fill the room.

The cheerfulness she carries with her sparkles in her countenance. It is a blessing to her family and friends. One thing I admire about Alyssa is the way she loves and serves others.

She can often be found in the service of others.

It is one of her many eternal gifts😇

She is wise beyond her years in the motherhood department!

That could be why Luke has had a smile on his face since the day he was born!

Alyssa is an excellent mother to this little guy.

I love the pictures I get from Alyssa each day of her enjoying motherhood.

I love that I get to be Alyssa's mom.

She blesses my life each and every day. I love talking to her on the phone, about sometimes nothing. I love that she buys me awesome gifts like anniversary mugs and shower scrub (which I LOVE)

I love that she still enjoys hanging out with her mom. 💞

I remember very well being on the phone with my mother shortly after Alyssa was born.

I said to my mom, "I can't believe she is mine, she is so perfect."

Twenty four years later I feel exactly the same way as I did that day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALYSSA!

I LOVE YOU FOREVER,

I LIKE YOU FOR ALWAYS!!🥳

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

HAPPY 25th Anniversary!

July 21st marked 25 years

since Jd and I said I DO!

The last 25 years have been a crazy exciting ride.

I am thankful I get to share the good and

the bad with this wonderful man!

We seriously make each other insane on a daily basis and yet no matter how upset we are,

we know that no matter what, we have each other's back.

We can be arguing about something one minute, and call to ask each other to lunch, or what the others' opinion is the next. We both have strong opinions, and even stronger personalities. At the end of the day we both know that we love one another unconditionally. Eternally, we are headed in the same direction, and somehow that makes all the difference. Together is our favorite place to be no matter what mood we find ourselves in. We find a way to get over whatever "IT" was and move on quickly. I love that about our relationship. We have learned that in each other,

we have a safe and prefered place to be.

For our anniversary we contemplated a million different ideas of how and where to celebrate. I did not want to fly anywhere because of COVID. I didn't want to ask someone to help with the kids and felt unsure about the idea of leaving them alone. One day I would feel confident in their ability to handle things without me, and then they would fight over the smallest incident and I was sure it was a bad idea to leave. I finally made a firm decision that we should celebrate at a different time of the year. Anyone who knows me knows that I RARELY make firm decisions--I am still considering the decision I made, while I am in the process of carrying it out.

JD made plans to work and at first I thought I was okay with the plan. As our anniversary day drew closer, I knew I was going to be very upset when he left me for work on our 25th anniversary.

JD was scheduled to work in Billings and Great Falls, Montana. As our anniversary grew closer, JD and I could feel ourselves wishing we would have made plans. JD sent me a text that I should come with him:). We have the greatest children and as I was expressing my thoughts on why I didn't feel I should go to Alyssa and Britton they assured me that going was a perfect solution and that they would make sure the house didn't blow up while we were away. I was still somewhat unconvinced due to the fact that JD would be working and I would be alone much of the time. The kids assured me that this would be a good thing as well, and that I could use some free time. Seriously, they are the best kids!!! We got up Tuesday morning and headed to Billings, Montana. It was a beautiful drive. We loved having time to discuss all the happy, crazy moments we have experienced over the last 25 years and the new ones we want to experience in the next 25.

While we were in Billings we took time to walk around the temple grounds and can I just say, it is beautiful. I love the temple and the spirit that is there. I am thankful for the covenants we made 25 years ago and the strength they have given us throughout our marriage during the good and hard times.

Wednesday morning, JD headed off to work and I hung

out in the hotel and finished up this book. I loved and hated

it at the same time. Man, the strength people had to have during WW2.

I can't even fathom what it would be like to make the choices

that they were faced with, and for that I am thankful.

When JD returned, we went to visit some old Indian caves.

It was fun and freaking HOT! Britton called the evening of the first day and for the most part things at home were going well, except for the fact that he was home babysitting while his friends were having a good time. Ashlynn, had this to say about Britton that day, that he drove her around for over 2 hours trying to find her the perfect package of sidewalk chalk. He made her a delicious dinner of roasted potatoes and shrimp kabobs. I was impressed by that. Later that evening, they popped popcorn and watched a movie. The following day Alyssa agreed to take Ashlynn so that Britton could hang out with friends.

Krispy Kreme, Chick fil A, McDonalds,

Pretzel Maker, Color Me Mine(paint and glaze)

are just a few of the fun adventures

Alyssa spoiled Ashlynn with while she was with her.

It was a huge blessing to me and made

being gone much easier knowing Ashlynn was being taken such good care of.

When the kids were all little and Alyssa could see that I needed her help, she never needed to be asked, she simply took over and did what needed to be done. Seriously, God sent me an angel when He sent her to me. Her willingness to help us and Britton with Ashlynn while we were away made it possible for me to go and enjoy the week with JD.

Thursday we headed to Great Falls. JD had

to stop at Shiloh Rifle and check it out.

Once we arrived in Great Falls, JD had to leave and go to work.

I was able to get in some more alone/shopping time in.

Friday morning, JD went in early to finish up work

before we headed the direction of home.

We decided to take the scenic route home and go

through Yellowstone. We also stopped at a few hikes we came

to along the side of the road in Montana. They were beautiful.

We stopped at this little restaurant to eat called the Iron Cafe and it was adorable. It reminded me of those places you see in a Hallmark movie where everyone knows each other and they are all visiting and having a good time at the local cafe. The jam was delicious homemade freezer jam.

The next stop was yellowstone. I was in this part of Yellowstone when I was a nanny, but I do not remember it. I have been to Old Faithful and the Paint Pots numerous times. The views on this side of Yellowstone are completely different. We LOVED it. Riley and Madeline went to Yellowstone a few weeks ago and that is what gave us the idea to come home this direction.

I have always LOVED Yellowstone. I have great memories of it growing up with my family. I am thankful for the memories I have of it with extended family and my children (when they were little) as well. I have to say it is a totally different experience when it is just you and your spouse. You can explore all the long walks you want. No one is saying it is too hot and they don't want to go, and you can take as long as you want to read all the signs.

I can't say enough about how much I loved being in the park.

Man, the beauty is breathtaking!

We stopped, walked, and took in

the scenery at every opportunity.

JD was very impressed by all the huge elk.

We had a fabulous day exploring and in the process forgot to

consider the fact that we were in a national park and

things close down at night time and places to sleep are hard to come by.

We had no idea how difficult it would be to find a place to sleep.

We called every hotel imaginable from the park until we reached Brigham City and they were ALL full. We were sure Idaho Falls or Rexburg would have a place available, they did not. We drove into Blackfoot thinking there is no way they will be full. Wrong, they were all full. Malad and Montpelier were even full and I am not even sure I would have wanted to stay there if they weren't. We pulled into Brigham city at 3:15 am. They had two rooms left at the Holiday Inn and I wanted to cry I was so happy!!! SERIOUSLY, we were both hitting slap-happy mode and would not have made it much further. We considered staying at a rest stop and we could have driven the short distance further and made it home, but then we would have needed to be responsible and wake up early and start taking care of people again. We weren't quite sure we were ready for that yet, LOL:).