Rain in a Drought

We had an awesome sacrament meeting today. Our former stake president and his wife spoke on relationships. He is a counselor (among other things) by profession and he and his wife have something like 15 kids (some are foster kids). She was Miss Idaho before they got married. They are just neat people. Anyway, she was saying how she believes the scriptures are the best relationship books ever. She gave some examples. She was reading from 3rd Nephi Chapter 11 when Christ visits the Nephites in America after he was resurrected. " And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn. And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not. And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came. " She referenced this by saying that we need to try whispering to our kids when they aren't listening. She joked saying that she has used a voice that has caused her kids to quake but it never is effective. She also said it is okay to repeat yourself, calmly. I don't know how many times I have said "I have already asked you three times to..." I think that was very beneficial for me to hear. When the Nephites heard the voice it said, "Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." She said our kids and our husbands need to sometimes hear us "bragging" about them to someone else when we think they aren't listening. Later he had the Nephites come and feel the prints from the nails in his hands and the wound in his side. She said that it is important to touch those we love. This message came at the end of a very long week and today has seemed worse as 3 out of 4 of my kids had meltdowns tonight at the same time while Bridger was doing missionary work. I know that the Lord is aware of me and my struggles and sends me the blessings I need. One more thought her husband shared that the Atonement of Christ is there to help us with our adversities as well as our sins. He also said that Christ has his apostles come and touch not his biceps to see how strong or wonderful he was, but his hands that he can touch our lives with. I feel like the Lord has filled me up to continue on in my trek for the next week.

Presidents Day

We had a great time skiing over the weekend. It is so beautiful to get up in the mountains and have that white counterred by the evergreen of the trees. Bridger is such a good man. He always laughed at himself when he fell. I think I would have been getting frustrated if I was him. But he was skiing for me and wanted me to have a good time. If I did, it was worth it for him. I love him for it. It was fun to go just with him on Saturday and then take the kids yesterday. I started out with Kjerstin, and Bridger had Corban. We didn't make it all the way down the hill with either of them before they were crying and wanting the other parent because they were obviously being picked on. I tried to tell Corban that they were just too frustrated because they were having a hard time skiing and they were trying to blame it on the teacher. It made me ponder if I ever do that in life. I am sure I do. They caught right on. I don't remember skiing that well after my first day of skiing. I had a hard time keeping up with Corban on the last run down the hill. I can't believe my kids have already turned into "those little kids who just bomb it down the hill as fast as they can." I am more conservative and appreciate a slower pace and a bit more control. I did "tweak" my knee a bit. I was trying to make sure Corban got off the ski lift okay. He had jumped off a little prematurely before. Well, because I waited for him to get off I got off a little late and had to jump off the lift. I landed and my ski popped off. I just laughed. I have not had problems like this since I started skiing. Well, I just got up and started skiing again but as the day became evening, I noticed I wasn't moving as nimbly as before. It is a little swollen and I have to baby it a little bit. That is what happens when an old dog tries to teach a young dog a new trick I suppose. I was told by Corban that I will probably be old and have white hair in 5 years of so. He also told a gentleman in front of us on the ski hill that he didn't know that grandpas could ski. What a bucko! He also told me that he thinks he is an expert now. I said, "I don't think you're an expert yet." He said, "Whatever." I laughed at this but it is true that kids are not modest about themselves and their accomplishments. I think as adults we need to give ourselves a little credit; not be prideful, but let ourselves bask in the light a little, so to speak. There were lots of kids up there younger than our kids and younger than Brynna, who I said was too little to go quite yet. Maybe I have underestimated her ability and need to rethink! It was surprising to me that I had as much fun on Monday as I did on Saturday. Despite the initial complaining and the knee tweak, I had a good time. I think that is because when we share something we love, it is always better. Whether it is a good book or a recipe or a favorite store or laugh, it is always better when it is shared with a friend. So share away!

Great recipe

Chocolate Bundt Cake
1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix
1 small box instant chocolate pudding
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs
½ cup water
½ cup oil
1 bag chocolate chips
Bake at 325 for 1 hour. (You can make the same cake with a yellow cake mix and vanilla pudding instead)It was divine. Needs no frosting! There's something else sweet!

Sweet in life

I am so glad Valentines Day is coming because it is a sign we are moving toward the end of winter. Maybe the heat from all the love will melt all the snow and flowers will start to bloom again! I gives me something to look forward to. January seems like such a long month. I am glad it is over. February is a short month and then it will be March! Maybe I can begin running outside again.
Primary songs, I just love them. The new one the kids are learning for this year, "God gave us families, to help us to become what He wants us to be. This is how He shows his love, for the family is of God." My mother is law gave us this cute CD called Scripture Scouts. Here is an exerpt from one song, "Who always wants the window seat? Eats the last bite of your treat? Sits by you with stinky feet? Family! Who says you have to do your chore? Buys the broccoli at the store? Tells you not to slam the door? Family Who sees you with your morning hair?... " You get the idea. Then the musical number in sacrament meeting today was "Heavenly Father Loves Me." I remember having just arrived in California on my mission in the mission home and hearing that song. I was overwhelmed with the responsibility of what I was attempting to do and felt somewhat alone. I heard that song and I just started to cry. I am so grateful for music, especially primary songs, they put it so succinctly and eloquently. It puts some of the sweet in life.

Are you looking for a house?

Bridger likes to look online at houses for fun. He found this house. Here is the description: "One of a kind dream home in a beautiful rural community. This historic former church house boasts nearly 13,000 square feet. 3,397 square feet of living space including huge master suite with gas fireplace, massive great room/kitchen, theater room, den/office, and more. Includes an indoor gym with basketball hoop, full stage, change rooms serving kitchen. Plus a 6,000 square foot finished basement with bathrooms, guest showers, exercise room and more. Only your imagination limits the potential. Only 15 minutes from American Falls and 40 minutes from Pocatello." Would you like a house with a steeple? Would your kids need to go to the bishops office when they got in trouble. Can you only heat food but not cook in the serving kitchen? Would you like to put your broken toys in the nursery? It is funny to think of living in a church. In the photo available, there was a pew sitting along the wall in the gym. It just made us chuckle. Let us know if you are interested. We will give you more information and plan to have all future parties at your house!

Brag on Your Man

I just have to brag on Bridger a little bit. There is a radio station that used to have a day when callers would call in to brag on their man. You would listen to lots of stories of wonderful husbands, and then the station would draw for a room at a local bed and breakfast from all the callers who has called. I think it is a good idea to remember the good things that we do and not only focus on our shortcomings. I have to remind myself to do this! Bridger called me this week to tell me about the Valentines plans he has for me. He has it planned two weeks before the day! That is impressive to me. Not because he doesn't plan, it is because I am a last minute planner. He knows I like to ski. I am not good by any standard, but it is fun. I am happy if I get out once or twice a season. There have been many years I haven't gone at all because of pregnancy or newborns or inconvenience. My sister was coming to town earlier this year and he wanted me to call her and ask her to go skiing with me so he would be content in the knowledge that I had my fix. I didn't because I wasn't worried about going. He has planned to take me skiing on Valentines Day. He even had a massage planned for afterwards. I know stuff like this isn't an everyday thing. It is just those moments you get in all the craziness of life that reminds you why you love each other and why you got married all those years ago. He is very thoughtful. I am grateful for the counsel I got before I was married that if you would each worry about your spouse's happiness, you both would be happy. Sometimes I get so busy worrying about the kids, I forget that counsel. I have to be reminded. I am grateful when my husband remembers, too!