My random thoughts......

 "Stand in Holy Places"

I love everything about this! I am so grateful to have had experiences that have led me to the knowledge that truly the most dangerous things in this life are the things that would prevent us from returning to the presence of our Heavenly Father. Interesting to me that we become so complacent with the real dangers that are a detriment to our mortal and in turn to our spiritual progression.

General Conference Weekend

Children are highly vulnerable. They have little or no power to protect or provide for themselves and little influence on so much that is vital to their well-being. Children need others to speak for them, and they need decision makers who put their well-being ahead of selfish adult interests.
We are all under the Savior’s command to love and care for each other and especially for the weak and defenseless.

I love conference weekends. I have very fond memories of General Conference as a girl. I loved MANY of the talks that were given over the course of this weekend but this one specifically spoke volumes to my heart and mind. I love Elder Oaks boldness and direct manner of speaking. I do whole heartedly believe that the calling I hold as a mother is indeed a very sacred one and one that I will be held accountable for in every way. In the current circumstance of my life, I do believe that I am my children's voice. It is my sacred duty to teach them what is right and true in every way. I have made sacred covenants to do so. I also know that the most profound way we are able to teach our children is through personal example.

 

“Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

 

The proclamation to the family is clear and concise as to what our duty is. I love how it says our duty is to rear children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and SPIRITUAL needs. I think I overlooked that fundamental responsibility in my early years of motherhood. I worked and I worked A LOT. I helped provide for the physical needs of my children in every way. As I have finally had the opportunity to be home with my children, I have come to the realization that my time here in my home is where I should have been all along. The sacrifices that have had to be made have been worth every moment of being here with my children. The physical needs ARE important but I think we get so caught up in that, we loose sight of what is truly important and that is to spiritually nurture our children. It will matter not what clothes I wore, what model of car I drove, what elaborate home I lived in when all is said and done. I hope that the fruits of my labors of this mortal existence are evident in my children and the faith and testimonies they have of the true and everlasting gospel. I pray and seek guidance daily from Heavenly Father to guide my footsteps as I raise HIS choice spirits and pray that I fulfill this calling adequately that they will be able to declare and distinguish, without hesitation, what is right and what is wrong.   

 

"Victim of my own Optimism"

This just seemed to fit everything I have been feeling lately.

Brennan's Big Day!

Brennan turned 7 on September 18th. What was I thinking having them so close together.....well I obviously wasn't thinking. :) This boy is such a good, tender hearted little man. He has blessed my life more than I ever imagined. It also seems like yesterday I had him. I remember Mom driving me to Banner Desert when I went into labor and almost causing an accident. How very glad I am that she was there! Britnee got there 2nd and rubbed my back and talked me through my contractions and terrible back labor. Then Nantie Shine got there coming all the way from CV, and actually having an accident pulling into the hospital parking lot in her Armada. Haha! Nantie Sonda was there too and I was so glad for her laughs and giggles that seemed to ease the roller coaster of emotions I was experiencing during that monumental moment in my life. Shine and Sonda teased my OB nurse unmercifully about her being an avid fan of the loosing Cardinals. Together those special women made that day exactly how I know Our Father in Heaven wanted it to be.....and almost 12 hours later, my black eyed, dark haired and tan skinned, beautiful baby boy was here. Auntie Shine stayed most of the day and held Brennan while I slept. In many, many ways he was as much her baby as he was mine in the sense that she had seen me through the darkest and brightest parts of my whole pregnancy. I could not have ever known then how completely Brennan would change my life and he continues to push me to my very limits of the best inside of me everyday. He is truly my gift, my heart, the very breath I breathe.

 His Birthday crown from Ms. Cooley. Flashing his "7" sign with his toothless smile.:)

 Auntie Heather, Uncle Alby and the boys could not have chosen more perfectly for Brennan either. He LOVED the cap gun he got. Most of all it was the effort and time they took to make my kids feel loved and special. For that, I am so grateful.

 He doesn't look excited at all does he?????? :)

 Grandma Jenine's card with his $10. He was delighted. This boy can save money better than a lot of people I know. When he finds something he wants, he does chores and saves, saves, saves until he has enough to buy it.

His new Wii game. Such a sweet boy. It was a special birthday for both my kids due in large part to family and friends that made it such. My kids were thrilled to see their Grandpa. They loved taking the candy kabobs and cotton candy icecream cones to their classes. Brennan chose for me to make steak and potatoes for his special birthday dinner. His Papa got him a new black hat. Again, their birthday's were special this year and I am so grateful for all those who helped make it so. 

Brynlee's Big Day!

Brynlee turned 5 on the 17th of September. I can't believe how fast it has gone by. I remember just like it was yesterday, bringing her home from Banner Desert Hospital. She has grown and developed her very unique personality and I adore this little girl. She is my heart, my soul, the very essence of who I am.

 She wanted to do something other than cupcakes to take to her class. I was relieved to be quite honest because I think cupcakes are SO overrated. It doesn't matter if you make them from scratch or from a box, they all taste the same. So......she chose to do candy kabobs instead. I think they turned out so cute. Although by the time we were done doing hers for her class and with all the kids except Amree helping, I was ready to poke myself in the eye with a kabob stick. Oh my heavens! I think Edge consumed more candy than he actually put on all 3 kabobs he made total in the 2 hours time we made them. It was fun though and she was so excited so it was well worth it.

 Her flashing to the camera that she is "5" now! Of course for her special birthday dinner she chose to have McDonalds Chicken Nuggets, one of her all time favorites.

 Doesn't she look so big?? It makes me kinda sad that she is growing so fast.

 Auntie Heather, Uncle Alby, Easton, Gunner, and Porter brought gifts to the kids for their birthdays. They could not have chosen more perfectly.

 Brynlee LOVES to color and has become quite the artist. Grammy got her an art set for her birthday so this went perfectly with it. Also notice the lip gloss.....This little girl is all girl for sure. She was delighted.

 We also did cotton candy icecream cones for her to take to her class. We wrapped them up individually really cute. It was so nice to have something unique and different.

 Grandma Jenine sent her a card in the mail with $10 just for her. She put it in her piggy bank but knowing Brynlee it won't stay there long.

Here she is in her cupcake birthday glasses Mr.White gave her at school. So funny! Grandpa Ryan was able to stop and visit too. It was such a fun surprise and I am so grateful for his continued effort to take the time, even if he knows he will only be in town for just a bit, to ensure that my kids feel his unconditional love and acceptance. He is by far one of the best men I know and we love and miss him dearly!

Come what May and Love It!

I stumbled across this again and was filled with gratitude. I know that this is indeed a true witness from an apostle of the Lord that testifies of our Savior's redeeming love for us. As my journey has taken a "detour" over the course of the last year, I am grateful everyday that I have a Father in Heaven that hears and answers every prayer, every plight, every silent pleading of my heart. I love that Elder Wirthlin reiterates that with every tear and sorrow that we endure faithfully and valiantly that our joy and happiness to come will be magnified ever more. I am so grateful for the testimony that I have been able to "rediscover" on my path of life. I look back reflecting on some very poor choices and some things that I wish I could have done so differently. However, I am eternally grateful for the destination I have reached and the opportunity to declare without hestitation that I have been immensly blessed. I don't know what is to come but I do have a faith, hope and overwhelming peace that as my life unfolds that it will take me exactly where my Father intended it to.

Labor Day Weekend. A day spent on the Mountain at the Jirsa Family Reunion.

 Uncle Ed and Aunt Jolan do their family reunion every year over Labor Day weekend. We were invited for the first time last year and went up and spent the day riding 4 wheelers and just enjoying the day without the constant bother of everyday life. There is no cell service so there are no distractions and it is beautiful. My kids talked about it forever after the last time so when Britnee invited us back, they were so excited.

 We got to steal some fun pictures of the events of the day. Amree was loving just being outside and taking it all in.

 Sitting on the stump.

Thank you Aunt Jolan and Uncle Ed for including us. It was such a fun day and it is definitely a reminder of how richly blessed my life is. I am so grateful for families and the eternal plan that our Heavenly Father has in place for His children. The love and support of such special people have made all the difference. My heart is full of gratitude everyday for that tender mercy from above. 

It's Raining, It's Pouring, Uncle Ed is snoring :)

 It starting coming down at one point. It was so pretty though. The smell of rain in the pines is still one of my very FAVORITE smells. Brynlee just cozied up eating a O'Henry.

 Uncle Ed catching some zzzzz's. :)

 Baby Eskimo! Little Paislee. Don't you just want to smooch her face off? :)

The boys having a very "serious" conversation. We know better than to believe that especially with the parties present. :) Jenni reminds me a lot of my sister, Sonda. Whenever I am around Brett and Jenni, I always think how fun it would be to get them, Sonda, and Sunshine's husband, Patrick together. The laughter would be constant. 

A little of Everything......

 A ride on the 4-wheeler.

 Brynlee, Skylar, Tripp and Rowdy building a fairy house. :)

 Edge sitting on the dirt bike.

Happy and dirty as can be. :) 

The girls caught some "pets"

 A baby hornytoad. I haven't seen one of these for a LONG time. My kids loved it. Regan and April's little girl, Skylar, just scooped it up and quickly decided it was her pet.

Regan and April's oldest, Ivy, caught a snake. YUCK! I HATE snakes. All kinds. Ivy just picked it up as if it was nothing and toted it around in her butterfly carrier. 

Amree and Paislee

 Amree LOVES babies and was so cute with Paislee. I am sure there was quite a few moments Paislee probably just wanted Amree to leave her alone!

I must admit though, little Paislee is irresistible! I wanted to pinch her cheeks too!:) 

Marshmallow Guns

 This was the funniest thing to watch all the kids. Once they figured out how to make the marshmallow's launch out of the guns, it was a constant stream of laughter.

 Regan thought it was quite funny to pelt the kids. Poor little Skylar's heart was crushed when her Daddy shot one at her right in the face but she quickly got over it and sought revenge!

 Uncle Ed volunteered to be the "target." The kids had a field day and it was so fun for me to watch because I remember the "magic" that enveloped me anytime we spent time with Uncle Ed. He was such a fun Uncle and still is so for me to witness that same magic come alive in my kids made me so grateful for the small things and moments that Heavenly Father has blessed me and my kids with.

 Somebody wanted to be part of the fun:)



Sharp Shooters!

 My cousin, Brett, helping Brynlee load the pink .22 to shoot.

 She was absolutely thrilled there was a pink gun for her to shoot. I must admit she is a little like her mom when it comes to stuff like that because I LOVE the color pink.

 Edge taking his turn. He would squint and really end up closing his eyes. :) I am not sure if that is what he has seen on movies but he was the funniest thing to watch.

 Pleased as can be.

Brennan's turn. It amazes me how patient my Uncle Ed still is to this day. 

Brynlee's latest hairstyle

 Brynlee is so funny. She used to throw the biggest fit when we would do her hair. Now as long as she gets to decide how we do it, she is just fine. I know at some point she is not going to let me do these fun little girl styles and so I am enjoying it while she still does. And of course she always wants me to take pictures of the final result. :)

I thought this one turned out pretty cute.

Watermelon......a perfect ending to a perfect afternoon

 Papa sure does know how to pick a good watermelon. It was such a fun afternoon and I am so grateful for Papa and Grammy making it possible. It is truly the time we spend with our kids making memories that makes the most profound difference. I am SO grateful for every day, every hour, every minute of our journey together.

 Can someone say Pollyanna?????

Of course she chose the biggest piece. Would we expect anything less???????