Lucky...

I am truly blessed to be in love with and married to my best friend. We can talk about anything, and enjoy each other's company endlessly. He is very Corney and I love it! He also is a very talented singer and will write a song here and then. He wrote a song when he proposed to me that I make him sing every so often. He started to write one a month ago or so (after a little disagreement we had) and I am begging him to finish it. The chorus is very pretty and of course they are all about ME! This morning he let me sleep in and when I woke up he greeted me with this song...I had tears down my eyes as he sweetly held me in his arms and we danced. He didn't write this one, of course, but I love the fact that he found it and thought of me. I love him! Thank you Rob for loving me first and for being my very best friend... Song: "Lucky" Vocalists: Jason Mraz & Colbie

Aging...Please have a sense of humor...

This might be too crude for some of you...But, please have a laugh on us....

A Make-Over?...

My sweet neighbour asked me to be her model for this photo contest that she is entering for her Beauty school. There were three of us involved for her shots. She wanted to have a "candy theme". She is a student at our local Toni&Guy Hairdressing Academy. So, she chose me to be her main model and dolled me up in as much Candy as she could possibly put on (that would stay). The other two models lucked-out, heeeheee! They had minor hair and make-up touches in comparison to mine (I was definitely the more dramatic-look she was after)! She put a lot of time and effort to create what she had envisioned, I think she did great! My "Make-Over" took about 3 hours to complete. I think I was the oldest person in the photo shoot. I don't consider myself very photogenic, and it was a bit awkward to pose, but I had fun doing it! I felt like such a kid dressed for Halloween! I think I will be taking a break from my modeling career for a while...besides I will be too busy trying to wash off the glitter glued to my scalp, heeeheeee! I was definitely a good sport!

Thank you Grandpa and Grandma Tobler...

For Christmas we were given the choice to buy a new family tent as a gift from Rob's parents. It took us over a month to make up our minds and do some research. Living in the Pacific Northwest we had to get a really good, weather proof tent (mainly rain proof). I wanted to get one that was big enough for our family as well as accomodating in space for other things. Rob thought it would also be good to have some height to walk comfortably in. Plus some other stuff. So, we narrowed it all down to the EUREKA TITAN TENT. The BEAST, as we now call it, arrived about a week ago and the kids had been begging Rob to set it up. I kind of secretly didn't support that idea, because I figured it wouldn't fit in our living room. Well, the 13.5x9.5 foot tent was squeezed into our living room last night. It was the funniest thing. Rob was really good about following instructions, but of course we experienced some minor frustrations in the process. The girls were so excited that they kept getting in the way. This thing is amazingly bigger than we thought. Inside it has some sections with loops for hanging clothes, then each corner has a pocket for storing things. In the middle it has a divider for privacy and it makes it so that there are two rooms. We can fit 8 people in this thing. It has two exits, 6 windows, and it is 7' tall. WOW! We can't wait to go camping this summer. Seriously this was the coolest gift ever. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Tobler. P.S Grandpa Tobler: Since I am planning the Tobler Family Reunion for 2010, you can count on a camping trip for sure! heeeheee! Thank you!

Dust Bathing...

Our wonderful Hens produced their fair share of eggs and as a reward we let them lose in our yard. They all ran straight to the dry dirt and gave themselves a "Dust Bath". They do this to keep ticks and other bugs off. It was so fun to watch the joy they showed in doing this. Seriously, it was the most happiest moment for them. They are so cute! I just had to share...

Juliette's First Kiss...

Juliette's little friend from school came over to play today. It is their second playdate! They got along so well. There was a lot of chasing, bike racing, reading, wrestling and giggling the whole time. Then Juliette aproached me with "Mom, Can you keep a secret?". I am thinking oh my! My replied "Of course honey, Moms are best at Keeping secrets". Well as you can see, I couldn't keep this one quiet. Anyhow, she proceedes to tell me about her last playdate with Ian at his house, and how they were palying around and then they (She got interrupted by a very blushing little boy), she says "Accidently Kissed". She giggled and giggled while Ian was bright red. Then he collapsed of embarrasement of the floor. I didn't know whether to laugh or to worry! So, sheepishly I said "Well, could you two wait until you grow up and get married to kiss, please?" What kind of reply was that? I was really caught off-guard. I wasn't expecting this kind of talk until teenage years. She is just 6 years old!!!! OH, MY!

Book Review...

This is a book I just finished reading and Highly recommend! I found this information online about the book for your enjoyment and interest... The Peacegiver: How Christ Offers to Heal Our Hearts and Homes by James L. Ferrell

"What does the atonement mean, practically speaking? How is Christ the answer to a strained relationship with a spouse, child, parent, or sibling? What if I am being mistreated -- how can the atonement help me cope with that? How can I discover the desire to repent when I don't feel the need to repent? And how can I invite others to do the same? These are the challenging, difficult questions of daily life, questions to which the gospel must provide answers if it is to have living, cleansing, redeeming power. The Peacegiver is a book about the answers to these questions." Reading "The Peacegiver" is a life-changing experience. By the time I finished reading it, I felt transformed. This book contains amazing insights into the Atonement, the Fall, and the Plan of Salvation, presenting them in ways that are equally easy to understand and profound. This is a book you won't soon forget. In "The Peacegiver", we meet Rick and Carol, struggling with pain and loneliness as their marriage becomes an arena of hurtful words and actions, pushing them further and further apart as the years go by. But more importantly, we meet ourselves, wounded by others; grievances burning in our hearts. As Rick learns of the true power and mercy of the Atonement, his heart is slowly turned to his wife. Likewise, our hearts are changed as we study, along with Rick, the principles presented in the book. Throughout "The Peacegiver" Rick is taught to look inside himself for the answers to his unhappiness, rather than looking to others to change their behavior towards him. The scriptures tell us that "men are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil" (2 Ne. 2:27). "The Peacegiver" shows us how to "shake off the awful chains by which [we] are bound" (2 Ne. 1:13) and choose liberty instead of captivity. If you've ever felt that other people or circumstances were "making you mad" or that you were out of control of your anger, resentment, or bitterness, "The Peacegiver" can show you the way out of your pain. "The Peacegiver" also teaches us, in practical terms, how to "love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them who despitefully use [us] and persecute [us]." (3 Ne. 12:44) We learn how to forgive and how to turn our burdens and our pain over to the Lord and receive His healing power in our hearts. The author, James L. Ferrell, is a managing director of The Arbinger Institute, which is recommendation enough for this book to those who are associated with the work the Institute has done and continues to do. If you liked "Bonds That Make Us Free" by C. Terry Warner, you will love "The Peacegiver". I highly recommend "The Peacegiver" to all who have suffered hurt and pain in this life, whether through their own sins or through the actions of others. This book will show you how change your life and your heart. It will show you how to access the power of the Atonement in your daily life. And it will show you how to break free from the bonds of anger and resentment that can so easily grip us in their power. "The Peacegiver" will show you how; the rest is up to you. http://www.meridianmagazine.com/books/040430peacegiver.html

Miss Juliette Houdini...

I have an incredibly talented child on my hands. I believe she might be related to Harry Houdini. Juliette can make things disappear and re-appear in a matter of seconds without getting caught (a great illusionist). I am baffled and have yet to figure out her skills and tricks. When asked...she simply gives ya the biggest grin she could possibly mount on her face, and leaves you with no greater desire to pursue the situation...thus, you remain in awe still wondering how she does it! Yesterday at church she wore her tights during Sacrament and when I dropped her off in her classroom she still had them on. Now, when she came into the Primary room after class, she had no tights. I asked her teacher if she knew how she had done this or had seen her? And she was just as baffled as I was, and told me that she had them off when she first saw her (Juliette does this trick almost every time she wears tights to church, she takes them off without anyone noticing). How is this done? I asked her and she simply gave us her perfect grin and added a giggle! Seriously, so many things suddenly disappear in our house and then with much questioning and passing time, the missing things re-appear. Sometimes she confesses to the crime, other times I get the cute grin! But, the TIGHTS thing is a complete mystery to me. I am so determined to catch her in the act of doing it. I think I need to be ready to be amazed!! She is an incredibly talented child as well as silly, as silly comes.

On Motherhood...

A Mother’s Most Important Role Is to Love Her Family Above All Else “I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.“There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be ‘full-time moms,’ at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part- or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.” M. Russell Ballard,

“Daughters of God,” Ensign, May 2008, 108

Extra reading for fun...A mother's example:

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=ec6de97864a6b110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures. ...

Rob (like most children) is motivated by some tangible thing or event. For example...in order for him to stop biting his nails, he committed to running two miles for each infraction (by the way, he hates running). It only took about 5 or 6 miles for him to stop a 20-year old habit. He does not bite his nails anymore. It worked! So, his next righteous desire is to stop raising his voice at the kids. All of us who have kids have probably struggled with this. He figured out that since he hates spending money or losing money, and he hates watching his children waste money on candy and junk...that the way to motivate himself to not raise his voice is to lose money. So, he invited the children to be his judge and he promised not to yell. He also asked them to promise to try to be more obedient. If they think that he has yelled they are free to take a dollar every time he raises his voice. So we'll see how this works. My bet is that it will only take about $8. I am really looking forward to what the outcome of this will be. These kid's behavior are going to make it tough for him (and frankly some times they deserve it). If he does yell, I hope he gets his money's worth.

HUMUS, HuMuS, hUmUs...

I heard that there are many ways to use Humus, not just for dipping Pita Chips. So, I decided to venture out and test our taste buds. I have gone as far as using it on our sandwiches instead of mayonnaise, healthy enough, Right? Well, the kids had something to say about my newly discovered spread. They absolutely detest it. The sad thing is that we have this MOTTO at our house that goes like this "You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit". So, they had to eat their sandwiches today...with a lot of mumbling and murmuring they painfully chewed and swallowed their food. They made the funniest sounds and faces ever. It was pretty pathetic. Except Sophia, I forgot to mention that she actually did enjoy her sandwich and ate without complaining. I am such a mean Mom! How dare I feed my children healthy food?

A little Melancholic...

My thoughts were a bit on the sad side today as I contemplated about my two miscarriages. The last five months have been a lesson of God's love and mercy. I know that "He gives" as well as "He takes". Accepting that concept does not come difficult to me, but I still have felt the pain that has come from these two experiences in ways that are hard to describe in words. Grieving comes in so many different ways for many of us. We all mourn and feel pain in various levels according to our circumstances or experiences. But yet we feel so much the same. The answer to healing comes through the power of the Atonement. The Savior took upon Himself every pain and suffering. He felt it all and knows exactly what we are going through. He wants to comfort us because He understands.

I have not allowed myself to cry much...especially after the second miscarriage. I just figured that this was out of my control and that I needed to have faith and hope, as well as try again. It will all be taken care of because the Lord has a perfect Plan and a Purpose to all things. I have never experienced this kind of loss or heartache. It is all new to me and the feelings are different. The anguish I felt was deeper than I had ever experienced before. I guess I am still going through the motions. I am just grateful for the Atonement and for the peace and comfort I am able to feel through it. I have come to understand it more the last five months. I guess the more trials I have the more I understand and apply the Atonement in my life. I am definitely growing and being refined to become a better person through all this. I hope I am learning the lessons I am supposed to be learning, and becoming whom I am supposed to Be because of such. I am truly humbled and at His feet!

There is no greater love or mercy shown than that of the Lord's. I have felt His love and compassion. I have been comforted in ways that only He can provide for me. He has blessed me more than ever. He has answered my prayers and brought me much joy. I am happy because of the knowledge and comfort the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings. I know He lives. I know He is my Redeemer and Savior. He is my Light and Comforter. Even though I feel this heartache, I know that it will soon be lifted and that peace will replace my pain. All I need to do is Pray and ask, and I will receive!

I listened to some great uplifting music today that brought me much comfort, as well as, put my feelings into words that I couldn't find before, to describe my heartache. Hilary Weeks is one of my favorite LDS Musicians. She is fantastic and has absolutely beautiful music/songs of praise, that just describes life's experiences and the Savior in the exact influential and understandable way. Her songs uplift and strengthen as well as comfort the broken hearted. Here are the lyrics to the song I was listening to, that really brought tears to my eyes. It is from her new CD "If I Only Had Today". All the songs are wonderful, but this one just touched me the most:

"You Give...

You give me sight when I can't see. You give me breath when I can't breathe.

And you give me love, and You give me peace,

And You always seem to give just what I need.

You take my doubt and replace it with truth.

You take my fear so all I see is You.

You take me as I am, and You take me by the hand

You see to my soul and you take just what I need.

Chorus:

You give and take away, and refine me day by day.

As You lead me through the bitter and sweet

I am trusting You to make me complete.

Though You see the heartache, You're sending Your sweet grace

As you give, and as You take

You give me strength and You give me life.

You give me hope and you give me light.

You take my pain and You take my shame.

You bless me to see the give and the take.

Is just what I need.

(Chorus)

Please send Your perfect grace as You give and You take."

I know that all is well and that feeling what I am feeling is healthy and normal. I am glad I have the life that I do and the attitude to move forward, but I will always remember these two little ones that I was not able to keep. I am also more grateful for the children I have been blessed with thus far. They are a joy in my life and I don't know what I would do without them. I just love them! I am very blessed! Life is good no matter the difficulties and challenges it has. It is all part of the great Plan. More to grow and learn from...

Miss Dagny...

I have many beautiful Nieces and handsome Nephews...One in particular tends to stand out! She is just the sweetest thing. She is cute and yummy as can get, and I am a very proud Aunt. My Sister had some pictures taken by a friend and I just got them all. I had to blog her and share my sweet niece with you. So here she is...

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Snowboarding...

Rob and James went Snowboarding up Mt. Baker this week (Wed. Jan. 21). It was James' first time, Rob's second. He picked up on it really fast once he got it (after some struggles, and persistence) and he can't wait to go again. Especially if it means skipping school for the day and being with Dad, one on one! They had been talking about this for weeks and they finally did it! I am so glad they did! These are the memories and experiences that kids talk about when they get older.

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Our 2-Day Get Away...

My sister Nelsy flew up to watch the kids so that Rob and I go on a last minute get-away. (Wow, 2 whole days without kids!) She was so nice to take time off for us, and she did an awesome job watching the kids just like on previous occasions. She just spoils them and they adore her (go figure). She credited James with being a huge help. I am so proud of him. She took them to the Mall, ate at Olive Garden, got Sophia a BUILD- A-BEAR (all thing that we the parents would not have done). She bribed them with points, money and candy (sounds like a future mom in the works, huh?) As for the destination of our trip, I let Rob plan a surprise. He teased for days that he was taking me to Ferndale, WA...a small town 10 miles away with little of interest. I figured that whatever he had planned that it would be fine and fun as long as we were together (...getting away from the kids was the main thing). So, as we got on the highway and headed towards Ferndale, I started to wonder. Then we passed Ferndale and drove to the Canadian Border. For years I've wanted to go to Victoria, Canada but didn't think it possible since we don't have passports. I found out that we are still able to get in with just our birth certificates and Driver's licenses until June when the passport law takes effect. Then, before I could wonder whether we could go to Victoria he told me we were going to Tsawassen. I asked what was so great about Tsawassen, and he simply replied with "you'll just have to see and find out". In Tsawassen we boarded a ferry which took us to Shwartz Bay...I asked again what is so great about Schwartz bay? I got the same reply. I just went along and enjoyed the beautiful scenery which appeared after the fog had lifted. Then, we drove into town and took the scenic route. I had glanced at the map and noticed that Victoria was not too far and wondered why he didn't just drive me there. Oh, well...I went along with his fibs and surprises. We enjoyed a nice ride through neighborhoods and the ocean. There were trails everywhere and a lot of people out walking and jogging. It was a gorgeous sunny day! We stopped to check out the ocean, and Mt. Baker in the background was almost fake to see. As we approached the downtown, I still had no clue where we were going to be staying. As we pulled in front of the famous Parliament building in downtown Victoria Rob told me where we were...'cause I still had no clue. The architectural style of houses and buildings were amazing. I love old towns with History in them. We then had to go check into our hotel. He made me believe that we were staying at some cheapo hotel (as usual). He drove up this ramp after crossing this bridge and pulled in front of this very nice and classy hotel. He said that he wanted to go in and ask for directions, then teased that we could just stay here. I replied with "Yea right, you'd never take me somewhere this nice". He convinces me to come with him and ask for directions. Moments later when he checked in with our reservation I quickly took back my comment. I was so surprised and tickled pink. The room we had was huge. It had a king size bed with a view to the bay and the downtown. We had a spacious bathroom and a kitchenette. We also had free access to the gym, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, racquetball and more. We went swimming that night and enjoyed an awesome run along the bay (ocean) in the morning. Our 2nd day was filled with more fun. We visited an Old Victorian Castle called "Craigdarroch Castle" built in the late 1800's for an Irish family. It was incredibly intriguing with all its history and antiquity. It had electricity, running hot water, phone line and flushing toilets for its time. Very modern for the Era it was built in. I loved it! We had so much fun for hours. The architecture, the furniture, the art everywhere were breath taking. Then we visited the Royal B.C Museum, and had the most fun yet seeing all the displays and learning so much from their exhibits. We were there for almost 4 hours. It was wonderful and so educational. Before dinner time we walked around China Town until the stores all closed by 6pm. The town became sort of desolate almost immediately, weird! Rob kept telling me that we couldn't have dinner until 7pm. I sure didn't like hearing that, I was hungry and we had an hour to spare with hardly much to do. I finally convinced him after 20 minutes or so of getting nowhere to go eat. He finally told me that the place we were going to had some kind of music show at 7pm. He took me to the Irish Times Pub. He had read good reviews about it and that they served the best Fish and Chips in town. He is such a sweet guy! We enjoyed our dinner too much, we ate more than we should have and we were nearly feeling sick for it. But, it was YUMMY! I am not into fried foods, but that was delicious! I even ordered dessert. I had to try their fruity Bread Pudding with White chocolate drizzled all over it. We ate half of course and took the rest home. We caught the 7am ferry the next day and were home before 10:30am. Not too shabby! I felt as if I had just gotten married and had gone on a Honeymoon. We both agreed that we felt like newlyweds. So we called this little break our "2nd Honeymoon". For the rest of our day I spent it with my sister in town and Rob watched kiddies. Then we enjoyed an Indoor game that Eliza had and her team won. Thanks Aunt Frandi, you are the best!

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We love you Aunt Frandi...

We cannot thank you enough for taking time out from your busy schedule and work to come watch our kids. You did a fabulous job (as always). The kids adore you and they always scream of excitement at the sound of your name. You bring so much love, joy, happiness and fun to our family. Thank you for all that you did and for loving our kids unconditionally. Thank you for spoilling them as well. You are their #1 Aunt! You are an amazing woman. We just love you and miss not having you near us. Thank goodness for Buddy-Passes and the ability to fly out here at any given moment from Utah. Seriously, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I love you sis! You are the best! You are going to be one fabulous Mother someday! P.S These are the pictures she took of her and the kids while Rob and I were away...

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