Updates, Updates, and Updates!! 2010-present!

Westin at Lehi days

Zachary at Lehi days

Lehi Days Petting Zoo :)

Amber performed in a city choir for MPS, it was a great experience for her.

Friends being silly! :)-

Old Tuscan (around Christmas time)

Zach and Westin pretending to be good :)

Zach and Westin in jail in Old Tuscan.

California!!

Westin sun bathing at the beach !

Zach sun bathing at the beach

We had so much fun at various beaches!!

Our Disneyland trip!! For Thanksgiving 2010!

Friends :)

Westin was my Halloween mummy! He was so funny!!

My niece knows how to down a pear!! I love her!!

Family outing to Workman Falls, where we caught to tadpoles and watched them gow into frogs before they died of heat. :(

Working in grandmas Fall garden!

WoW !!

It's amazing how time seems to pass by with out notice...or maybe with too much notice. So here we are today at the end of summer begining of fall and quenching our thirst with 110* still outside. So, Happy belated everything up to this point. I endulged myself with Facebook and neglected my original source of internet connection...Blogger. I am surprised that there weren't weeds growing on my page or dust building up as a widget! That would be fun! Well I am back and I apologize to my dear Blogger site for neglecting such precious memories that I have stored here.

Merry Christmas.... what other Blogs are saying!

I always told my kids the story of St. Nicholas...Santa isn't fake, but rather a carried out tradition of a good person. We always center Christmas around Christ. Santa gifts still come, but we draw names and do secret acts of service and a special gift for each other. I like to write special notes with each gift as to why they are getting this item...if it's a tri-cycle I would write what the item means to me about them... like " This gift will let you explore your outdoor adventures, you have great energy and stregnth" Christmas is about our savior and our families; share with them what you see about them and how special they are. We celebrate to show how special our Savior is.

Other Bloggers:

Momza said... December 9, 2009 9:31 AM
We do the 4 Gifts of christmas...Gold, Frankincense, Myrhh, and Santa Claus.And use other traditional means to focus on the Savior--like going to the Messiah presentation at Church, a Creche exhibit,Speaking of the Savior's birth, etc.Santa is just a tiny part of our celebration.
Karen said... December 9, 2009 9:49 AM
One of my favorite things to collect are nativity scenes. I have more than I can count. I think this a great way to constantly remind children that Christmas should be centered around our Savior. I talk to my children about the fact that Christmas is Jesus' birthday. We even made Him a birthday cake the first day of December. I have several books that talk about the First Christmas and I make sure to share them with my kids. We do go visit Santa Claus but I also tell my kids that just like the Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus, Santa brings the children gifts to remind us of the gifts that Jesus received. I just don't focus on Santa that much because the kids are going to get a lot of bombarding info on Santa and so my focus is on the real meaning of Christmas.
Lene said... December 9, 2009 10:31 AM
Considering that Christ should be the focus everyday and not just at Christmas; and that he was most likely born in the spring closer to Easter; and the fact that most of the traditions of Christmas are related to pagan holidays I don't have any problem having Santa as part of Christmas. Yes we do have many nativities and we read stories about the birth of the Savior, but we also read stories about Santa and his reindeer.
mormonhermitmom said... December 9, 2009 12:08 PM
When my kids started asking about the existence of Santa, I told them "Santa is a job, not a person". It helped explain why they only saw ME putting stuff out Christmas Eve, when I thought they were asleep, silly me.
East of Eden said... December 9, 2009 12:17 PM
i've actually been struggeling with this, this year. Now that our son is a year old, and next year he'll understand presents and whatnot, I was panicing about what to do. Personally I am not a fan, nor is my husband, but how do you balance things so that your kid is not the weirdo among his friends?I really wresteled with it, to the point of almost having a crisis of faith. Then I remembered something that we did for a few years growing up. We celebrated Sankt Nikolaus Tag (St Nicholas Day) on December 6th. On the night of Dec 5th we'd leave one shoe out by the front door, or by our bedroom doors and St Nick would bring us a treat or a rock. Also per the German tradition (because this is a German tradition) the Kristkind brings gifts on Christmas Eve.So Sat night we laid our shoes out and Sankt Nikolaus did indeed come. We all got a treat.
DeNae said... December 9, 2009 1:33 PM
I'm with Lene, and for what it's worth, I think we "Mormon Mommies" do a pretty darn good job of remembering Christ all year long. I am SO over the guilt, and I officially absolve all of you of that guilt, too.Starting with sweet East of Eden up there, who is pre-worrying over how to balance the experience for a 2 year old (because moms are GREAT at the whole pre-worry / worry / post-worry trick!)However, I fought hammer and tongs to keep the Easter Bunny away from Christ at Easter. Easter is the last "High Holy Day" in Mormon culture, and in our home the bunny and his pals were over and done with by the Saturday of that weekend.
Kendra@My Insanity said... December 9, 2009 2:36 PM
I think the Santa thing can be great, if we use Santa as an example of giving. He gives without expecting something in return. I just bring it all back to the nativity.Here is an advent I've made to keep the focus on Christ.http://meandmyinsanity.blogspot.com/2008/12/inside-advent-calendar.htmlAnd here is a discussion about this very topic, that I participated in on MomTimeTV. I think I am the only LDS woman involved, but the others have good ideas, too:http://vimeo.com/8070328
Shellee said... December 9, 2009 2:57 PM
We mostly leave Santa out of December. My kids have deadlines. Their list has to be done by Thanksgiving and in the mail. We have taught them that he's more of a personal shopper that we give our money to and he finds what we (the parents) have put on our list. He's the judge of how much effort he puts into the task.Starting December 1st, the "gimmes" have stopped because there is nothing more that they can do. This is when we sneak in with the real Reason for Christmas. We attend concerts, perform in concerts and go see the temple lights. If we choose to do an advent calendar, it's service oriented. Sure, we'll see Santa at the mall, but I request that they ask for something for someone else. We also start with one piece of the nativity and nightly add a character and read the corresponding scripture. This really has helped.
Stephanie said... December 9, 2009 4:54 PM
I agree with most everyone elses comments. I used to be anti-Santa. Now I'm a believer in believing in kindness and giving, which Santa is supposed to be. I actually just posted about this on my blog on Monday.
Ana said... December 9, 2009 11:11 PM
We don't do Santa with our boys. I don't go out of my way to tell them he doesn't exist, and we still have fun with the stories and shows about him, but he doesn't come to our house and leave them toys. Those come from their parents and others that love them.When it came down to deciding whether we would do Santa or not, it wasn't really about the place Christ holds in the holiday. It was more no desire to play an elaborate game around a guy that doesn't actually exist. I have friends who will go to heroic lengths to make their kids believe, and it all seemed like such work when they will just figure it out someday, anyway.I realize this game is fun for a lot of people, but it wouldn't have been for us. I also have a bit of a problem trying to convince my sons something exists that I very well know doesn't. It goes against everything we try to teach them. So, Santa does not come to our house, but we treat him the same way we do Mickey Mouse or characters from Star Wars; they are fun. Whether this is a problem for him when he starts school next year, I have no idea, but I'm not too worried about it. It's not a bad thing to be different, especially something as trivial as this.
Julie said... December 10, 2009 10:00 AM
I really haven't felt that Santa is a problem. The problem is the commercialization of Christmas. The focus has turned to worldly goods and not service and love. My kids all know who 'Santa' is so we have set a low limit of expense for gifts. On their names that they draw it has to be homemade or something inexpensive. We go caroling to the neighbors to give them some joy. The most favorite of all is the story that we read of Santa paying tribute to the Christ child. It's called Silent, Snowy Night.
wonder woman said... December 11, 2009 1:53 PM
Great topic. Love the "Santa is a job, not a person" idea.

It's a trend for me!!

Hi!! Okay, so this year seems to have been more dedicated to Facebook!! I am not a picture taking frantic kind of gal...well, I wish I was. My camera has issues right now, but that's what you get for a cheapie! I think I love Facebook for daily interaction, but Blogger for journaling.

So....

What's new?? Football Popwarner has come to an end and it was a fun season!! I am glad to take a break from that schedule though. Jason just informed me that he's filling out the papers to start coaching again.... oh boy.... that means I'll have 4 boys, I mean 5 boys in next year!! I may as well let Amber do cheer leading next year too and I'll for sure be my own "Team mom!!" or "league mom!" Okay, I'm not sure about the cheer leading part, Amber really does enjoy her Ice Skating and Tennis. I'll let the boys stay with football and baseball. Us girls can have a separate event...maybe I'll take up Ice Skating and Tennis too! :)

On a separate note, I can't believe that it's that time of year again for Turkey and gifts!! I know that we will have a great holiday season, our #1 goal is Family Happiness.... (Thurs.) Thanksgiving is planned to be eventful starting with Turkey bowls with our ward friends and another one with the Whiting clan. Then we are spending our Turkey day withe Whiting side at Uncle Mike's home. The weather will be perfect for our outdoor festivities. Then Saturday is planned for Reunion time with my family honoring Great Grandma Florine Estella Ellsworth Julian and Great Grandpa Leon Augustus Julian. (I hope I spelled their names correctly??) A lot of fun fun fun!!! :)
In the mean time, my children are off school Wed. thru Sun. and are already bored as I speak!! Out comes my "To Do" list!! :) lol!!

Happy ThanksGiving Everyone!!! Love to you all!!!

This is Ridiculous!!!

One season to the next!! How time goes around here! Football season, Corey's moved up to Jrs., Keith moves up to PeeWee, and Zach is in flag! It's been a lot of fun and running around! So many things happened over the summer, we went to Greer for a family reunion and had a great time!! Came home in time for school to start. Corey is 12 and on to Jr High!! But we are at a Charter school so it's K-12th grade. I am loving it so far and so do the kids!! That's it for now, I will post sooner than later!! :)

It's April!!!!!!!! Where have I been??

I can't believe it's April already!! We have had soooooo many birthdays and events! Corey is now 12, Keith is now 8, Zachary is now 5 and I am now ?? yea!!
Baseball season is well underway, Corey moved up to "Juniors" division, Keith is a "Rookie", and Zachary is playing T-ball.
We have ben staying busy busy!!!!

love you all!! I'll post more soon. :)

As the year strolls along......

At least that's how it feels right now. The days aren't consistent and time is standing still. As the economy has a downward effect, it's like we are standing here waiting for the end results so we know what direction to take. When will we find that "right" balance?

Today is a beautiful cloudy day and sitting outside has been refreshing, it makes me think about the beauty that Heavenly Father created for us and the trials that lingers within. These trials stem from ourselves, not the creation. Now the time is here more than ever... are you ready? Your resources? What about things you have no control of? ....and I thought I was frugal before?


So, I'm back to work and possibly school. I am nervous, sad, and excited all at once! Nervous about going back to school, sad to not be only at home, and excited to be venturing out into society again!! My work schedule is whenever I choose because it's around my clients, I enjoy doing hair. School will be the trickier schedule, I haven't quite made up my mind as I research a career path, but it's leaning towards Respiratory Therapist.

Do I want to know.....

...what you're thinking??

Only time will tell what will happen next!! Just keep praying for our Presidency!

Opening my personal Blog...

I had this closed blog for some time and now I am opening it up...http://aperfectlifein100days.blogspot.com/
I hope that you will find it motivational and help you start a new chapter in your life. I share it with love, strength, compassion, and sincerity. It's a daily journal that I kept for 100 days (almost anyway). My husband and a couple of friends decided to do this challenge. So enjoy....

Congratulations!!!!!

Congratulations to Justin and Kayla on their new little bundle of joy!!!! They had a boy!!!
We love you guys!!!

AZ Deals

If you ever wondered how people end up spending $0.23 on their total order of $189.00 grocery bill, let me share with you where I get my tips; You may not know Allison, but she has helped many families save $$$ in groceries and other items as well. She is known for www.pinchingyourpennies.com (Nationwide information) and her home blog: http://azdealsbyallison.blogspot.com/. And both sites are free!!! Their are a lot of ways to save!! Go check these sites out!!

Happy Birthday My Love!!!

You are a wonderful DAD!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday!!!

We have some great times together!

Time to Write!

As I visit everyones up to date Blogs, I need to catch up. My sister, shawnie, came across another mom in need through cjane...blog. It's a tough time for this beautiful family, you can get more details here: http://www.komonews.com/news/28125714.html and http://sccsdecker.blogspot.com/

This mom has yet to see her new little baby that is about four months old now, she has been in the hospital ever since. This story has definately brought tears. I will be praying for the Scott and Carol Decker family.

CALLING ALL MOMS!!!!!

Hey,
Want a free "Kids Don't Vote, But Moms Do" bumper clinger? MomsRising.org is giving them away totally free--even the shipping's free. I just got mine, and wanted to share the opportunity with you.
Click this link to get a free bumper clinger: http://www.momsrising.org/bumperclinger
Thanks!

Where Have I been?

I always wanted to be a good writer, but I lack some...I know...
I use to write for my high school events paper and submit poems in contest... Time has changed some I guess....
I am starting yet another blog!!

http://whittywritings.blogspot.com/

It's touch Many Lives!!

I just wanted to share this web site for updates on Chris and Steph: http://cjanerun.com/ and a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rieB0hZHgWU

If you don't know this couple it's o'kay. I, along with many have just begun to understand the impact that these two have on our society... Especially in the blogging world.....

It's amazing how two people can touch so many lives just by being examples of love and happiness. I know I have them in my prayers for comfort and I hope their 4 young children will always be happy and just know how great their parents are. I know they are being well taken care of by their loving family. Oh, how great it is to have such family....

They have created friendship around the world and I'm not sure they even realize it.... God Bless !

Plane Crashes....

This brave couple is in my sister's ward, she touches up on them here: http://lukeandshawnie.blogspot.com/

This is Stephanie's Blog of here family, and I must say, she has a beautiful blog that is full of life. The Nielson family and the Kinneard family are in my prayers....

Click Here:

As many of us heard, there was a sad tragic event of a plane crashed Saturday shortly after taking off from the airport in St. Johns, Arizona. The engine stalled and the plane crashed into this woodpile in a residential neighborhood.
Pilot Doug Kinneard was killed and passengers Christian and Stephanie Nielson of Mesa, Arizona, were critically burned and airlifted to a Burn Center in Phoenix.
Stephanie Nielson's father, Stephen Clark is a Utah State lawmaker and her mother, Cynthia Clark, is a Provo City councilwoman.


Kinneard, Doug
Doug Kinneard, 48, of Mesa passed away August 17th after a plane crash in St. Johns the afternoon of August 16th. He is survived by his wife Roslyn and 4 kids: Curtis, Clayton, Chelsea (Robby) Hale, Courtney; his parents George and Florence; and siblings Sandra (George) Fayad, Pamela (Robert) Williams, and Kelly (Michele). Public visitation at Bunker Family Funeral Home on University Drive from 6-8 pm Friday August 22nd and 9 am on Saturday August 23rd at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Lindsay between Adobe and University, followed by funeral services at 10 am.
Published in the East Valley Tribune on 8/21/2008

Stephanie's sister is keeping updates on her blo: http://cjanerun.com/

Here's a news link: http://www.azfamily.com/video/localnews-index.html?nvid=273958&shu=1

This news clip has a short commercial at the beginning, so hang on a couple seconds...

What A Deal!!

I know I have been posting deals lately, but with back to school in action and hungry bodies after school, every bit helps. So I started taking advantage of the coupon world and this is what I accomplished lately:

This TOTAL bill (from Fry's) came to: $.78 !!!! Yea!! :) I didn't even have a coupon for the cones ($1.00), I would've gotten paid $.22 !! Crazy!!


It was fun shopping today (4 stores); all in all, I got $187 in groceries and only paid $28 today.

ITEMS INCLUDE (w/ coupons):

10 BOXES OF MALT O MEAL CEREALS= FREE
3 CASES OF TAVA SPARLING DRINK (like fruit soda) = .50
Bic MECHNICAL PENCILS (8 PACKS)=FREE
FARMLAND SAUSAGE (6-1LBS PACKAGES) = FREE
HUNTS 4PK PUDDING (4 PACKAGES) = 1.20

Total= $1.70

WITHOUT COUPONS WERE:

BOTTLE WATER
DIAPER RASH OINTMENT
HOTDOGS
ICE CREAM CONES
OTHER CEREAL


I am thankful that I have 4 major stores by me so my route was a nice small circle and allowed me to take advantage of all of my coupons.
I was so amazed!!

I would love to hear your deals! :)

Back to School Deals! Already?

Yea!! :) My kids are ready to get back to school! And so am I! LOL



OfficeMax (this week) is have a great "Penny Sale".
I don't know about you, but I have to jump on these deals when they come.
I already have my kids supply list from their school and it's long!! This is my kids list (per kid! and mine are in 2nd, 4th, and 6th grade this year) :

• Glue/glue sticks (Target~ this week, elmer's glue stick 6pk for $1)
• Crayons (off brand~ OfficeMax $.01,limit 3)
• Washable Markers
• Scissors (Office Max, $.25, limit3)
• Erasers (OfficeMax, $.25 for assort. pk, limit 3)
• Pencils (OfficeMax, $1.99 for 72 pk, limit 3)
• Red pens
• Blue or black pens
• pencil pouch (no box)
• Wide rule lined paper
• 3x5 Index cards
• 2 spiral notebooks ( 70+ pages)
• White board markers
• White board eraser
• Highlighters ( different colors)(OfficeMax $.05, limit 3)
• Flash drive for computer.(OfficeMax, $19.99 4gb)(1gb is cheaper @ Wal-Mart and plenty of space.
• 1" 3-ring binder (OfficeMax, $1.99, limit 4)
• Subject dividers (5 dividers)(OfficeMax, $.99, limit 4)
• 2 folders with pockets
• ruler(OfficeMax, $.01, limit 3)

I figured about $50 including the flashdrives!! Not too bad. I will be checking Ebay for flashdrives in a 'lot' size purchase also.

Well, I hope this information helps! :)

Over half the year is GONE!

I looked back at my January posts and realized that I haven't hit my goals yet! : (

I still have time!

1. I want to go to the Temple more than I have! :0
   


2. I want to get back into shape! :)




3. I want to reach our next financial goal! :)



4. I want my family year supply complete! :)

Well, that is just to name a few. I am however, very thankful for my many many blessings!

I have wonderful friends, family, and testimony of the true gospel.

I find all these things important in my life. I need the Temple to be enriched with the blessings Heavenly Father has for me and my Family. I need to be in shape, healthy, and strong for what may come my way physically. I need financial growth to prepare for daily living, missions, retirement, charities, and other services. I need year supply to be prepared for trying moments, spiritual strengnth, and @ times to help others. I need my testimony, church, savior, family, and friends to learn from and grow together. To live and prosper how our Father in Heaven has asked us to do so. I love life and the happiness it brings!

Just my thoughts, thought I'd share.