It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I love Christmas! I love the traditions, the time spent with family and friends, the food, the music etc. . I am thankful for my Savior. For his willingness to come to earth to provide a perfect example. Most importantly for His gift of the atonement and a way back to our Heavenly Father. That is the ultimate gift. I have been so blessed in my life. I have an amazing family. I really couldn't ask for better. I have awesome friends. I have the gospel of Jesus Christ and a testimony of it's truthfulness. I have a healthy body and have been given many talents with opportunities to use them. I have been blessed with trials to help me grow and life experiences that are incredible. I hope we all have time to reflect on our lives and the gifts we have been given...the ones money can't buy. Merry Christmas everyone!

Perspective

Since receiving this calling to play music I have been on a roller coaster. I recently have been reading and studying a little bit on the Savior's birth. I watched a video done by my church on Christ's birth. It was so beautifully done. While I was watching it there was a moment that really hit me. It got me thinking about Mary. I can only imagine her feelings during and after the angel visited her and told her of her chosen calling. I am sure she felt overwhelmed, and a feeling of inadequacy. But her words were, "Be it unto me according to thy word." I have reflected on this a lot this week. She accepted it with a faith and grace that is amazing to me. I can only imagine what it would be like to be the Mother of our Savior. What a daunting task. But she was ready to do the Father's will. Not to say that my new calling is in any way comparable but I have felt those same feelings of being overwhelmed and inadequate. After the last time I played I was determined that I would practice and really work hard on the songs for when I played today. I practiced the two songs given to me over and over and over again. I thought I had them down pretty well and could play them through without too many mistakes. I felt pretty good going into today, then...BAM! It was like I had never played the first song before. I don't think I hit more than about 20 notes right on each verse. It was humiliating to say the least. I didn't even end on the right chord. The second song went much better. I received the same consoling comments as I did the first week I played. It just made me feel horrible. I would rather people just not say anything than to say I did great, when I KNOW for a fact that it was terrible. I went to choir and was thankful that at least I could sing even if I couldn't play the piano. Then I came home and it hit me all over again and I cried. I hate feeling this way. I had a headache again before church even though I was prepared. I felt confident going in because I knew I had practiced really hard and could play the songs. So when I played so poorly it really was frustrating. I feel like it doesn't matter if I practice or not it is going to sound terrible either way. At least I am learning how to play the piano better in private even if I still can't play in front of people. I am trying to be positive but it is hard. I DREAD going to Relief Society. I really just want to skip out and go home after Sacrament meeting and Sunday School. But I know I need to stay and stick it out. I really hope someday I will be able to play the piano in front of others and not feel humiliated every time. My perspective has changed from I can't do this to, I can do this, back to I can't do this all in two weeks. I hope I can get it back to I can and keep it there someday soon! Oh did I forget to welcome you to my pity party? Sorry! Welcome!!!

Well...it could have been worse!?!

I played in Relief Society for the first time yesterday. It was such an emotional week. I don't know how many times I cried and thought I can't do this. I had a stress/tension headache on Sunday and was very emotional. The first song I played was TERRIBLE!!! The last song was actually alright for the most part. My fingers were shaking so badly on both songs it was amazing any sound came out at all. After choir I came home and, you guessed it, cried. Other than the headache, crying and lower self esteem it all worked out! Layne tried to leave me a supportive note before church. It basically said, sometimes the Lord calls us to a position to help others and sometimes he calls us to a position to serve us. So let him. To which I kept thinking, how can a stress headache, emotions out of control and lower self esteem be serving me? Nope...he tried to help but I am not seeing it. I know I am being a "negative nellie". I hope at some point I can look back and say, "I am so glad I received this calling." As for now...not so much.

Are you insane?!

This morning I was called in to talk with our Bishop. After the small talk he hemmed and hawed around and then said, " Your name was submitted to us from the Relief Society. We talked as a bishopric about it and we know this will be a stretch...(at this point I am thinking what would be a stretch for me in Relief Society. Then it hit me!!! I said please don't tell me accompianist.) The Bishop said, "Oh! See you know." To which I replied, " ARE YOU INSANE?!" Not my most stellar answer to a calling being extended to me. He said, "Your husband told us he thought you could do it but that it would be a stretch." I told him that was an understatement. I will have someone to switch off with who can actually play the piano. That is the good part. After I left the church, (I did say I would accept because that was the way I was raised...which I am really questioning at this point.) I got in my car to go back home. As I pulled out of the church parking lot I started listening to the song that just"happened" to be playing on the radio. These were the words that they were being sung...'He lives to hear my soul's complaint. He lives to silence all my fears. He lives to wipe away my tears. He lives to calm my troubled heart. He lives all blessing's to impart." At this point I really wanted to cry. (I mean I get nervous playing with my children in their recitals if there is a simple duet. I don't like playing the piano in front of people, especially if they have to sing along. My fingers get shaky and my mind goes numb). Pulling myself together I thought alright, I get the message. I know that the Lord will magnify those whom He calls to serve. Yes I will have to put in hours each day to fulfill my calling. Yes this will unquestionably be a huge stretch for me. But I do have faith that the Lord will help me and bless me in this calling. The way I see it, the Lord has a purpose for me to learn to play the piano better. Who knows down the road I may be on a mission somewhere that they need an accompianist and I will be able to help out because of this calling. Or maybe the Lord wasn't happy with me wasting a talent, so he is giving me this opportunity to learn, grow and develop this talent. Whatever the case may be, I hope the learning curve isn't too long. Feel free to send prayers up for me! This of all the callings I have had in the past will take the most of my time, at least initially, and that is saying something! Having been the YW President, and in several Primary Presidencies. I think I will have to listen to the lines of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" several times in the next few weeks, and months. I am sure my soul will complain, that I will have fear, many tears and a troubled heart...but in the end blessings will be imparted. Right?!

A Time of Thanksgiving

I love this time of year. I love the holiday season. The time to reflect on the things that are important and to be thankful. Thankful is such a loaded word. To me thankful means not only a feeling of gratitude but an action that accompanies that feeling. I am giving myself a challenge to really make this a season of Thankfulness. To put into action my feelings for my husband, my children, my friends, neighbors, community, home, extended family, my health, talents, the gospel, my testimony etc.. To go above and beyond my normal everyday activities. I am getting excited to put this plan into action. I believe that implementing this plan will not only bring me closer to other's around me but maybe more importantly will help me to be a better person. Maybe I will post some experiences along the way...here is to a season of thankfulness!

Football/Basketball results

Connor's team went to Octoberfest today. They made it to the championship game. Connor had 3 amazing games. (They play 12 minute halves. They are mini games.) He only came out once...after his touchdown run of 65 yards. He had to catch his breath! He played both sides of the ball and was their kicker too. Layne said he had some fabulous kicks. They lost in the championship game but had a great time.
Cole's team is in the playoff's. Their first game was today. They won 30-0. Cole had two amazing tackles for loss of yards...he had more tackles that stopped them from getting too many yards too. He broke up two pass plays and caused a fumble. He also was able to get in on offense for one pass play to him that he completed! It was awesome! Their team plays again next week against Kaysville Gold. Go SKYVIEW!!!
Andrew also played basketball today at Jordan High School. He was a bit frustrated because his teammates wouldn't pass the ball back out. When they did he scored both times. Even the bench was telling the players to get it to Andrew. However they didn't listen. It was a losing effort but Andrew felt good about how he played.

October

Well fall is officially here. I love the crisp cool mornings. The changing color of the leaves. The holiday's that are just around the corner. The harvest of everything you have grown. Fresh apple crisp, hot chocolate, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, soup's and chili's...mmm all the yummy flavors of fall.
Football season is almost wrapped up for my guys. Connor plays in a mini tournament this Saturday in Roy then he is finished. Cole's team is in the playoff's. His season end will be determined each week, if they win they move on.
Basketball is in full swing as well. I love watching my kids play sports. They have all been blessed with athletic ability and they are each fun to watch.
Fall has got to be my favorite time of the year!!!

Labor Day Fun

We decided to go to Lava Hot Springs on Labor Day. It is only about an hour and 20 min. or so away. We had a blast! We all loved the slides and the kids (Layne included) loved the diving boards. A few even jumped from the platforms! There was also a fun climbing wall the kids tried out. The water temperature was great. Good thing too because the air temperature was just barely on the warm side. We all decided we would like to go again and try the hot pools and try floating the Portneuf river that runs through the town. It was a great last fling of summer!

Clint black - Something that we do

Happy Birthday Layne

My amazing husband turns 45 tomorrow. I am so blessed to have him in my life. He has always treated me with love and respect. He is quick to forgive. He is an incredible father. My kids are blessed to have the example of a man who is loving, fun, honor's his priesthood, is a good friend, and a really hard worker. He was raised by wonderful parents who taught him to be the best he can be. Happy Birthday to the love of my life!!!

A New School Year Begins...

I am excited and nervous for this new year of school. Andrew is now "officially" in high school. A sophomore. I think my challenge will be to not push too hard but push enough that Andrew is willing to go out of his comfort zone. My first challenge is to get him to actually go to a Stomp...even for 30 min.. Connor is nervous about finding all of his classes. I am sure he will be just fine and make lots of friends on the way. Cole is exicted to start and take on new challenges...hopefully in Math. Katie is excited for school also. Katie is also starting an exercise program to help get her in shape for basketball. She went walking/jogging with me this morning from 6-6:30. She did great. They all received priesthood blessings from Layne and are ready for another fabulous year of school.

On Monday, other than priesthood blessings, we also had our second "Chopped" experience for dinner. It actually worked out really well again. We all went to the store together, grabbed an ingredient we wanted to work with and then came home to find out the teams. The teams were;

Team 1- Layne (red potato's), Katie (sausage) and Connor (Flip's pretzel crackers)

Team 2- Julie (small tortilla's), Andrew (swordfish), and Cole (melon)

am one made pretzel cracker coated red potato's with sausage. Team two made swordfish tacos, with fresh salsa and melon with tortilla cinnamon chips. Both were excellent...everyone was really pleased with both items for dinner. The kids think we should do this activity at least once a week. It is a great activity to get the kids in the kitchen and to have some good family fun.

Slacker

Wow! It has been a really long time since I blogged. I can't even catch everyone up on the happening since then. So I will highlight.
-Andrew made the tennis team and played doubles. He had a lot of fun. He also played about a million games of basketball. Attended 4 basketball camps with SkyView and 1 tournament (not with SkyView) throughout the month of June and 1st week of July. Went to the Uintah's on a scout campout for a week in August also.He ended the school year with a 4.0.
-Connor ended the year with a 4.0 as well. He attended basketball camp and scout camp in June. He is now playing football and practicing with his basketball team(s) as well. Layne is an assistant coach for Connor's team again.
-Cole ended the school year with straight 4's. He attended soccer camp and scout day camp. He is now playing football.
-Katie attended soccer camp and played softball. She also ended the school year with straight 4's.
Family- watched lots of sports, and.....went on a Cruise to the Mexican Riviera. We had a great time snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas and playing in the ocean (with the exception of the jellyfish stings for Andrew...across his whole back and Cole on his arm). We also had an amazing experience zip lining in Puerto Vallarta. Of course the food was INCREDIBLE...as my waist line can attest. We had a great time celebrating Layne's parents 50th wedding anniversary even though it was almost 51 by the time we actually went on the cruise. Katie and I also went to the Due West concert at Huntsville Barbecue Company and had a fabulous time. Overall it has been a great summer!

I can't believe that school begins again in a week and a half. I am not quite ready for the summer to end. I just hope I can keep track of all the schedules! Wish me luck!

And the "Chopped" Champion is...

We had a really fun Family Home Evening tonight. We love the Food Network show Chopped. We decided to do our own version of chopped. We all went to the store and picked out a 'secret' ingredient. Then we paid for our groceries and came home. We then put our names in a hat. The first three names would be on one team with each of their ingredients, and the three names that were left would be on the other team with their ingredients. The rules are you have to use each ingredient somewhere in the dish, you could also make use of anything in the 'pantry/storage room.

This is what the teams and ingredients looked like: Layne (steak), Andrew (zucchini) and Katie (beef jerky) on team 1.

Team 2 was made up of Julie (Fennel), Connor (Strawberry Fruit & Grain bars) and Cole (Easy Cheese AKA cheese wiz).

We got together in our teams and made up our recipes. Team 1 made Flavor blasted goldfish encrusted steak bites with zucchini, jerky, tomato and cheese side dish.

Team 2 made a fennel, celery & mandarin orange salad with fruit & grain bar crumbles/croutons served with a cheesy vinigarette dressing.

It actually turned out really yummy. It was fun to be creative and work together to come up with something edible. None of us had ever had fennel before. It was actually quite good.

What happened last month...

It has been a long time since I have blogged. I am going to have my children write their own 'happening's'. I absolutely loved Conference. I feel so inspired and uplifted. The messages of service, love, marriage, parenting etc. were amazing. I can't wait to get the Ensign next month and reread and study the talks. On to updates: Layne and I are doing very well. Layne has been very busy at work and I am having a blast working at the school. I love the kids, they are so funny. We love going around and supporting our kids in all their activities. We just finished painting our downstairs, Saturday, with help from the kids. It was a fun activity to do together. Now we get to pick out new carpet together. The kids have really enjoyed being involved in the whole process. Andrew: I've had two tennis matches. lost one of them and won the other. I play doubles. I got a cortizone shot in my finger to attempt to fix it. General Conference was good. Thats my life right now. Connor: I am working on my Eagle Scout Project now, I am making canes for young blind kids. My basketball season with the Irish ended at 4-5 which for our first year together against teams who have been together for quite a while is pretty good. Cole: I played a basketball tournament and went undefeated,they made a bracket of the tournament and we won the championship of that also.I started soccer and that's going well.I'm in a school play coming up and I'm really not excited for that.I am having a piano recital in May and I'm playing Tarantella. Katie: I am starting soccer.My team name is the commets.I know some people on my soccer team .I have a recital coming up also.I am doing good at school .I painted my downstairs with my family while my family and I were listening to general conference.I am playing turkish march by beethoveen for my recital piece.

Basketball pictures

The basketball season is over for Andrew and Katie. They both did really well. Connor and Cole have a month left of basketball with their respective competitive teams. Here are some fun pictures from the season.

Katie's Baptism

It was a beautiful baptism. Katie looked beautiful. She was able to sing, "If the Savior stood beside me." She sang it so...well, beautifully! She was really excited to see her friends and family there. She also bore her testimony the next day in Sacrament meeting. Our little girl is growing up!

Back to Blogging

It has been over a month since the last blog. Of course a lot has happened in that time. Andrew broke his middle finger, BADLY jammed his ring finger and jammed the pinky and pointer fingers as well. All trying to steal a ball...which he did and then made the lay up. He only was able to play in 3 games before this unfortunate injury. He has now been out for almost 6 weeks. He has a doctor's appointment on Monday. Hopefully he will be given the go ahead to play ball again. He can make a fist (not tightly). That is one of the requirements. The middle and ring fingers are the ones we are waiting on. The middle finger is doing really well. The ring finger is still swolen around the knuckle, even after all this time. There was a lot of ligament damage. That one is the one that he can't quit get down all the way yet. We think as long as he tapes them together for the first few games back he should be able to start playing next week. That is our opinion and hope...hopefully the doctor agrees. He is a little worried about not being able to straighten the two fingers as well as he would like for a straight shot. I told him to shoot with his left hand for awhile if he wasn't comfortable with the right. He has gotten really good shooting with his left hand. Including 3 pointers.
Katie just had her 8th birthday. She will be getting baptized on February 5th. She is really excited. We will post about her baptism in a couple of weeks.
Connor, Cole and Katie have all been playing basketball and are all doing very well. They are on great teams and they are great contributor's. In fact Connor's team doesn't know what to do on the 5th without him. He is their only point guard. They are all hoping that Katie will be first to get baptized so that they can steal him away to play his game at 10:00 a.m. His coach even volunteered to talk to the people in charge to see if that could happen. ( I don't think he really did?!) They may have someone come and stay in the parking lot to take him over after the baptism. He has really come on strong this year.