On a Spiritual note...Random thoughts

We all have different experiences throughout our lives that help us grow and progress towards becoming who we need to be. These experiences (trials, challenges) are for our good, they truly shape us, and define us, they also humble us. We may not see it as so, but we really do benefit from them. We all have a different approach or reaction as to how we see or handle the experience or trial. Some of us handle it better than others and can carry a heavier load. But, the Lord has one way...He knows our hearts and our thoughts. It never ceases to amaze me how much my Heavenly Father loves us and knows us. He is so very patient with us. He waits for us to ask for His help and then He pours us with blessings, and answers, and even strength unimaginable, to face whatever the circumstances of our trial. I read in the scriptures the other day this verse, and it brought so much comfort to me as well as serving as a reminder that I am in the Lord's Hands. Proverbs 15:28-33 "28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. 29 The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. 31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. 32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility." and Proverbs 16:9. "9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." It seems like a lot of things are happening around me, whether it be of my own experience or somebody else's. I have found myself praying more often than ever, and noticing my blessings more. I look for the good in life, in people, in things...I find myself much happier that way. I believe that we tend to complicate the simple things of life. We get so caught up in "bussiness" and "things to do" that we forget to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. I notice I haven't spent as much time as I think I should, at taking a break with my kids more often, from my daily, mundane things to do. I get so caught up on what I need to get done, more than on what matters in the long-run. I am trying to take some baby steps towards making that change. I actually dropped the task of doing the dirty dishes the other day and watched the girls run around outside in the yard, chasing bugs. That was fun! It only took 30 min or so of my time. That is nothing in comparison to the pleasure I felt and the laughter that I experienced watching my girls. Anyhow, it seems like I have been too busy to even listen to all the promptings of the Spirit that have come my way (thank goodness for a loving Heavenly Father who never gives up), or to listen to my children long enough to understand them better. I don't like that. I received an answer to a prayer about 6 weeks ago, and it came so clear to me. That experience was incredible and it left me wanting for more moments like that more often. So, I have been paying more attention and being more quick to observe every day. Today, I got another answer to a prayer and it came as clear as ever, without any doubt, I was so at peace with the answer and I knew what needed to be done. What a wonderful thing?! I know life around me can get chaotic, stressful, and busy, but I can choose how to handle that chaos and the stress. I can still listen and be quick to observe. I can still rely in my Father in Heaven for direction, guidance and comfort. I can still act for myself and follow through with what is asked or expected of me. I can become who I need to be (according to Heavenly Father's plan) and set the example for our children. Life is too wonderful to spend it or waste it stressing about every little thing, or having a perfectly clean house every day with four children. I am definitely going to have to work on that one. The Plan of Happiness has been layed out for me and I have embraced it, and now it is up to me to do what I have to, to find happiness every day of my life regardless of the circumstances. This opportunity to face adversity is a form of finding happiness, as well as keeping the commandments. Our Savior, Jesus Christ was sent to this earth to carry out the Atonement so that we can be happy and find happiness while on this earth and later receive a fullness of joy in the eternities to come. He suffered for me so that I wouldn't have to suffer. He wants me to be happy and I can't stand the thought of disappointing Him any longer. I hope that I can find happiness in all that I do daily, no matter what! Don't get me wrong, I am a fairly happy person, and very optimistic, but I can also be a stress bag in a matter of seconds. This stress is so intense that it affects my behavior and health. All I lack is the faith needed to not worry so much and the reminder, that I just need to do my part and the Lord will take care of the rest, He always does! I am faced with Happiness everyday...they are my husband and children, my family and friends, it is my life, it is knowing that I am a Child of God, it is knowing my purpose on earth, it is knowing where I came from and where I am going...It is knowing that the Prophet Joseph Smith was a true prophet called of God and that Pres. Thomas S. Monson stands as our Prophet today. It is knowing that my Savior lives and that He died for me so that I can return to live with Him someday. It is knowing that I am loved and watched over by a very loving Heavenly Father. I know that the scriptures are true, both the Bible and the Book of Mormon serve as witnesses of Christ and as a guidance in our lives. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church restored on this earth in this dispensation. I have every reason to be Happy and live Happy! “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 255–56.)

Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage Race 2008...

We did it! We survived running 187 miles from BLAINE TO LANGLEY, WA. The Race started on Friday July 25th in Blaine, WA at 10am and we ran all day, thru the night and the next day (Saturday July 26th). Our time overall was 29 hours 54 min. and 33 sec from start to finish. Our team's average per mile was 9:29min miles. Not too bad!! I am so proud and feel so honored to have been the team Captain of such an amazing group of 12 runners total. We lived up to our team's name with great honor and pride "Starting Slow...Getting Slower!" Thank you everyone! Thank you Cara, Jake, Jennifer (at 8 weeks into her pregnancy managed to stay steady all the way), Erick, James, Mark #7, Tara, Kristen, Caleb, Mark #11, and Laura. You are all amazing runners! Thank you Rob over and over again! I love you, you are my very best friend! Thanks to all the rest of the team's family members as well, who were a great deal of support to all of us. I did this last year and at the end of the race thought that I would never run it again, but after a week I decided that if the opportunity came I would do it again. This year after the race, I felt like I could do it again. I really had fun! Rob, James and my Brother were with me this year. Rob was our driver and biggest support. He even surprised me on my night run by running alongside me. The guy did not train for this and had never ran more than 4 miles. He ran over 5 miles with me. Thanks so much for such motivation and example Rob! James, you were impressive and I cannot be more proud of you, you are an inspiration...I am sure you were the youngest runner there. You were a great source of motivation to many that ran close to you, both young and old! We had many compliments from runners that had watched you run, and you had a great amount of extra support from other teams cheering you on, great job James! Erick, whether you trained or not you did awesome little Bro! Thanks for being part of my team! I felt pretty good, until the last 2 miles of my last run. I felt my knees starting to hurt, but I was determined to keep running and I did! Rob surprised me again by running the last mile or so with me. Thank you! I am going to run it again next year! Perhaps less than 17 miles next time, and less hills. Thank you Patty and Matt for watching our busy girls while we were doing the race. Thank you to the rest of you that provided us with warm showers and soft beds. Thank you team for your support and motivation through this whole expereince! I had a great time! We all enjoyed being together, and being part of such a crazy relay race. http://www.bellinghamherald.com/sports/story/476758.html

Called to Serve...

We have another family member going off on a mission. This one was a surprise to us. I guess we are not as good as we should be at keeping in touch with family. Anyhow, Rob's cousin Cherie Gulliver has been called to serve an 18 months mission to the Brussels Belgium, Netherlands. She will be speaking Dutch. Congratulations! She is going to be an awesome missionary!

Abuelo and Abuela come to babysit and visit...

My parents are amazing people. They are the biggest hardworkers and most selfless people ever. They watched our kiddies while Rob and I were gone for a day or so to go to the James Taylor concert in Canada. While we were gone they cleaned our house, folded and ironed clothes, and miraculously cleaned out our carport. We can fit our van in it now. Thanks so much!! The kids enjoyed your short visit and love you! Mom, the love it when you make them AREPAS!! Dad, they love the fact that you give them anything they ask for. We love you! GRACIAS!!! P.S The double drive to Vancouver Airport in Canada was worth it! Thanks for taking the time off to come watch the kids.

Kelowna, Canada...James Taylor Concert

As some of you may know, Rob is a big fan of James Taylor. I have come to enjoy his music and every year we have tried to go to one of his concerts. This year we took a beautiful drive to Kelowna, Canada. It was absolutely gorgeous country we drove on. Rob and I enjoyed some alone time together and we thank my parents for coming to watch the kids, all the way from Utah. The concert was a blast we had dinner at Boston Pizza and ate half a slice of an 880 calories dessert called "Chocolate explosion", it was deliciously sinful. We stayed at a Bed&Breakfast place called "AGAPE". It was in someone's home and we couldn't of asked for better service and a more delicious breakfast. The town was bigger than we thought and offered many fun things to do, but we were only there over night and had to drive back the next day in order for Rob to work the late shift at the tower. On the drive back we saw moose and deer. I think we would make the trip again with the kids. We'll see! http://www.agapebedandbreakfast.com/ http://www.kelowna.ca/cm/site3.aspx

Britt the ROOSTER???

We are still unsure as to the sex of this chicken. She is definitely more aggressive and growing at a faster rate than the rest. She is just a beautiful looking chicken. James joked today that we might have a ROOSTER for Thanksgiving this year. HAHAHAHAH! I am not cooking that one!

James at Soccer Camp...

The kid would not let me take a decent picture of him during Soccer Camp at W.W.U last week, so I have these nerdy ones. Oh, Well! He did have a blast and is already asking for us to do it again next year. He really loves playing soccer, and all this running has made him a better runner at play. Fall season is just around the corner! Time really flies when you are having fun and keeping busy!

Teaching the girls how to bake bread...

This was the most challenging thing yet, for me, I always bake as a source of relaxation or stress relieving time. So, I decided to attempt to teach the girls how to make Banana-Nut bread with chocolate chips, and enjoy some bonding time with them. They each were supposed to take turns adding ingredients and then mixing, with my supervision. Well, things didn't go as planned, or as orderly as I had hoped either. The girls ended up fighting about who was going to do what, and then when I suggested who would do what, they didn't agree with what I had chosen for them to do. "TOO BAD!!" I said. What was supposed to be "Bonding time" became a stressful experience for me. We eventually got it together and successfully baked three loaves of bread. It was YUMMY! James was in heaven, because this is his favorite Bread ever. Rob suggested that next time I bake with one girl at a time. I will definitely consider that...

Specially for Uncle Weston & Aunt Frandie...

This one is just for you Weston and Frandie. Sophia loves you both terribly and she is excited for you to come visit in August. Here she is modeling the outfit you gave her for her birthday, proudly. She remembered you gave it to her. Thank you again! Here is a few highlights of the week on Sophia...Just for your enjoyment and entertainment. Get ready to laugh!! So, we have been trying to get the kids more motivated to do their chores and Rob puts on fun music, I get them to sing. Sophia was singing the other day while making her bed, and what I heard was this: "I like to wear dirty underwear" over and over again, YUCK!!! Where in the world do kids come up with this sutff? Pretty funny! NOT? On Sunday, we were getting out of the car and Sophia turns to Juliette and says angrily "I am going to sell your bike on e-Bay", then as she sees Juliette get upset, she truns to her with a smile and says "Just Kidding!". Now where did she get that one? I definitely do not use "selling their stuff on e-Bay" as a consequence. OUCH!! Today as we got ready to go out I noticed that Sophia was wearing her bathing suit under her clothes. I asked her to change and she just fought me, then she said "I promise Mommy when I go potty I will take all my clothes off". WHAT? I have finally developed a good sense of humor, or at least I like to think that I have, as a parent. After 4 kids, I have to! P.S...notice that her sandals are backwards...

Chuckanut Footrace...

James and I ran a 7 miler this weekend. It was pretty harsh when it came to the few hills we encountered, but we managed to finish the race with good times (James did it in less than 50min, and I did it in 1 hour and 10 min) and we kept running, even over the hills. James placed 169th out of 1014 runners, I placed 626th. Not too bad!!?? James was not too thrill with his time. I thought he did awesome for his first big race ever. He really thinks that he can keep his 6min pace no matter the distance, but I know he understands that he does need to start off slower than normal and then increase his speed as he gets closer to the finish and at the end he gets to sprint and give it his all. He has been training with me to run in this big Relay Race, called Ragnar, that involves a team of 12 runners and 187 miles to run from Blaine to Whidbey Island, WA. I ran it last year and decided to do it again. This year there were no age restrictions and James jumped all over that and asked to run in my team. I am the Captain of this year's team, I was somehow nominated. It has been quite an experience. I actually have enjoyed it a lot more than I thought. I have a wonderful team of friends that share my passion for running. I will be blogging that event for sure. I think James and I are ready to tackle our runs. He has a 16 miler and I am doing a 17.9 miler. It breaks down into three legs/runs, so we will not be running it all at once. The race will take place within 24 hours. So, we'll be running thru the night. Last year my team did it all in about 28 hours. We did so great for first timers. We'll see if we can beat that this year. Here is the website if you want to check it out for fun... http://www.ragnarrelay.com/northwestpassage/index.php