Had to share some more...

This is today's news report.
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=9510849&pid=0

Utah group receives clearance from Haiti to bring orphans to Salt Lake
January 29th, 2010 @ 5:03pm
By Jennifer Stagg

SALT LAKE CITY -- A group of Utah volunteers left for Haiti Thursday with the goal of rescuing as many orphans as it could as quickly as possible.
After difficult negotiations with the Haitian government, the group has gained clearance from Haiti to bring the orphans to Utah.

New video coming out of Haiti on Friday shows nearly 850 doctors, nurses and humanitarian volunteers from the Utah Hospital Task Force and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the airport in Haiti, getting ready to board a plane headed for Utah.
They left for Haiti with a mission: to bring back precious cargo -- 150 Haitian children with adoptive parents in Salt Lake City.
Jason Glen Taylor, a volunteer from Pleasant Grove who went with the group, said, "We made a commitment to the parents in Utah that we weren't leaving this country without their children."
As Taylor explained, the children they've been trying to rescue "are all pre-earthquake adoptions. As you well know, the problem started well before the earthquake, so these babies have been on a waiting list. Some of these parents have been waiting two years for these children."
He said the Haitian government is a mess and getting clearance for the children has been a nightmare.

Despite the U.S. State Department's recent decision of "humanitarian parole" status for the children, Haitian government leaders have decided to freeze the majority of adoptions to examine the documents of the children.

A Utah group left Haiti on Friday with adoptive children of Salt Lake parents. "It took us going and camping on the doorstep of the prime minister's office, and it took middle-of-the-night negotiations and real covert operations to get us in front of the prime minister," Taylor said.

Then finally, they received the news they were hoping for. The group's plane successfully took off Friday afternoon and will make a stop in Florida before heading to Utah.

In a statement Sen. Orrin Hatch, who worked with the group to get the children cleared to leave, said, "Today's airlift is a momentous first step in getting these Haitian orphans out of harm's way and into the homes and loving embrace of the families who have adopted them."

The goal was 150 children, but the latest number of children confirmed on board is 141.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Latest on the Gordon Family and Haiti Orphans...

Our friends are rejoicing now knowing that they are going to be a complete family this weekend.  Michelle is in Utah awaiting Scott's arrival with their girls and many other Haiti children that will be reunited with their adoptive families.  Many prayers have been answered and miracles have taken place.  My heart is full, and I personally can't wait to hug these sweet girls.  Their family has gown through a lot ot ge them safely home.  Here is a clip and a news report of the latest updates in regards to Scott's mission to bring his girls home...They are on their way to Miami and soon to Salt lake City, UT.

A Local Man's Mission  -Yesterday's Old news.  I just had to share...Many Miracles have taken place...

SEATTLE -- A local man's mission to bring dozens of Haitian orphans to their adoptive families in the U.S. has hit a sudden road block.

The parents who expected joyous reunions on Friday are left waiting for one man's signature.

Scott Gordon boarded a plane at Sea-Tac Airport last week and headed to Haiti to bring those orphans back. The group was due back on Friday, but they won't be on their scheduled flight home on a chartered plane.

Laura Trinnaman represents the parents left frustrated and angry. Their children are among hundreds who were in the middle of the adoption process when the country was hit by an earthquake.

The U.S. has tried to ease requirements to get them out of the country, but many parents just can't wait. That's why Gordon went to Haiti -- to oversee the process.

Amid chaos and devastation, Gordon and the children managed to get through all the red tape. Things were moving along until Haiti's prime minister left the country before signing the paperwork for Gordon's kids.

Now both governments are trying to work out an agreement, and the kids are stuck in the middle in the meanwhile.

"Day after day, these kids are sleeping in...no supplies," said Trinnaman.

Gordon has been voicing his frustration on his blog.

"These poor kids have been the victim over and over and over again. They just can't catch a break," he wrote. "We're demanding that the U.S. government find an alternative to the signature of a prime minister who obviously doesn't put the children first."

On Friday the chartered plane that was supposed to bring back Gordon and the children will return with just a few relief workers on board.

The hope is for senators from Washington state and Utah, where Gordon's group is based, to step in and help push the paperwork through so the kids can leave Haiti as soon as possible.

Haiti Needs Monetary Donations More Than Anything Else....

Our friends the Gordons have let us know that Haiti is in more need of cash than anything else.  There are many ways we can donate.  On LDS.ORG (click) there is information on how to donate through their Humanitarian Services Emergency Response.  Also if you go to the GORDON FAMILY (click) blog she has information on how to donate through her blog and other blogs.  You can also join "Hope for Little Angels of Haiti" through facebook and make a donation through there. 
Humanitarian Services - donations website
Official Statement -Official News from the First Presidency
Relief Efforts from the Church -News
Haiti Orphanage -Go to the "Volunteer/Donate" tab
Another place to donate -right top corner of the blog

Please keep the Gordon Family in your prayers.  There is a hold up at the moment and they need Miracles for Hearts to be softened.  Read more about their situation on their blog...Thanks for your support and prayers thus far.  We have much to be thankful for all that has taken place so far, but we still need more miracles for the Gordon Family and others in Haiti.

P.S Click on the BOLD and underlined words above, they should take you to a direct link with information and news.

Line upon Line...

Line upon Line...

"Revelation need not all come at once. It may be incremental. 'Saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more' (2 Nephi 28:30). Patience and perseverance are part of our eternal progression."
Russell M. Nelson, "Ask, Seek, Knock," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 83

Topics: Faith, Revelation, Prayer

On Our Road to Adoption...

Little did I imagine when I first was married that we would be on the road to adopting our next child.  It was talked about and mentioned but never considered seriously enough to pursue.  I'm overwhelmed with emotions, feelings, thoughts and joy about all this.  After months of praying and fasting about it, we finally felt inspired and encouraged to start the process.
Over a year ago, July of 2008, I felt that I had received an asnwer to a prayer that had been said months before.  I had asked Heavenly Father to help us know when the right time would be to have another child.  I felt so strongly that we began trying.  I was pregnant right away.  It was a Miracle.  We were all over-joyed and so very excited!  I just knew we were doing the right things at the right time.  Then on my first visit with the OBGYN the ultrasound showed no sign of a heart beat.  I was about 7 weeks along.  I don't think I had ever received such terrible news, ever, in my life.  I was heart broken, but still had faith that a miracle could take place.  That perhaps the Lord would make our baby's heart start beating.
I was scheduled to have another ultrasound a week or less later.  It just seemed like forever.  The ultrasound then showed no heart beat at all, again.  I was devastated!  I cried so hard until it just hurt my head and stomach.  I felt nauseas.  I felt pain in my chest, and my heart just ached.  All I could do is cry!
That night we gathered the children and told them the news.  Rob told the story of Job and how the Lord gives as well as He takes (Job 1: 21..."And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord").  It was a sad moment.  I remember Juliette crying so hard, it was difficult to bear.  But overall the kids understood. 
A day or so later I had a successful "D and C" surgery and recovered very quickly.  So, we tried again, and got pregnant.  At about 7 weeks I miscarried naturally.  I was heart broken.  I had a visit with my OBGYN and he comforted me by encouraging me to try again if I felt good about it, but that I needed to have a normal cycle once and then I coud try again.  This is when I really applied the Atonement and began to understand all that it could do for me to get me through my grief and find peace.  I knew the Savior was feeling all that I was feeling and he knew my heart and thoughts.  So, as soon as I could we tried again and got pregnant right away.  But this time I miscarried at almost 6 weeks.  I really cannot describe how I felt at this point.  I had some mixed feelings and my grief was not as bad as what I had felt when I experienced my first miscarriage.
I felt immediate comfort and undescribable peace.  I felt Heavenly Father's love for me.  I knew the Savior was right beside me.  I knew that I would get to see my three babies some day, that it was not a complete loss, that I was not a failure and that the miscarriages were not my fault.  There was no coincidence for my experience.   It was all for my good and growing.  I was being refined and shaped into becoming who I needed to become at that time in my life.  My faith, my hope, my dreams were all tested.  I proved to be obedient when it came to receiving answers and following through with them.  I didn't ask WHY!  I just asked WHAT, HOW and WHEN. 
If it wasn't for my miscarriages, we would have never considered Adoption as an option to adding on to our family.  The first Fast Sunday after my last miscarriage, I fasted for guidance.  I still felt that we were to have more children, at least one more.  I couldn't shake off the feeling, but I was willing to say that if I was to be done, then I would be done.  James handed me an Ensign magazine during Sacrament.  As I flipped through the pages I came accross a success story of a young LDS couple that had placed their baby up for adoption through LDS Family Services.  It hit me, as clear as glass, that this was the next step in our lives.  Our next child would come through adoption.  So, I did some researching and contacted LDS Family Services for guidance and information.  I still didn't feel it was time to do anything so I let the case worker know that we were still praying and that we were not ready.
So, we prayed and fasted.  I came across many forks on the road, many options, and many disappointments trying to choose which direction we shoud take to find our child.  This is more complicated than any one thinks and a lot more involving...more time consuming too.  Many of our options we thought we could take, we wouldn't even qualify for.  For one, our family is already big, then our home is too small, etc.  Very discouraging stuff. 
We did take a break for a while and became a little more interested by November of 2009.  We felt prompted to pursue this adoption, but didn't know how, when or with whom we would start the process.  So many agencies to choose from, so many options, thank goodness for Prayer.  About two weeks ago I woke up around 6am and the first thought I had was contact LDS Family Services again, that this was the way to go.  I had it in my head that we were to adopt a toddler, so I asked LDSFSA if they offered such a possibility.  Their reply was disappointing and it brought me doubt, they only do Infant adoptions.  I questioned everything that I had been feeling all these months and the answers I (we) had received.  I was filled with confusion and felt so doubtful.  Thank goodness for a very loving husband who told me to share my feelings and not bottle them all in.  So, during my Monday run with friends I was able to talk to my friend Jill more about all that I was feeling and my confusion.  She helped me think of the reasons why I was feeling the way I was and why getting a Toddler versus an Infant was even an option.  It made me realize that I was letting my feelings get in the way to fully doing and submitting my Will to doing the Lord's Will.  I was humbled and felt very capable of doing whatever the Lord wanted us to do. 
I came home that day feeling at peace with my previous answer, which is to go through LDSFSA.  Regardless of our probabilities, we feel this is the path to take.  The kids are more than excited about all this.  They want a baby so badly and they don't care whether it is a boy ro a girl, which was shocking.  James even came up with a girl's name which we all feel really good about.  The name is Evolet which means "the promise of life"  How appropriate is that?  Boy, if we get a girl, then James was one inspired kid.  If it is a boy we will go with the same name we have had for year, which is Spencer Mathias.   
Now the paper work and praying begins.  We contacted LDSFSA and they immediately booked us in and made the exception to make our first appointment, our first Interview as well.  We were interviewed together for about 2 hours.  All went very well.  Sophia was with us and she was an angel.  We are filled with much hope and faith.  We feel good and so very excited about all this.  We have no doubts, we have no fears.  We are doing the right things, at the right time and with the right people.  It feels good to be doing what the Lord wants us to do.  We felt very optimistic and felt strongly about making some changes in our lives with ourselves and with our children to prepare for this baby to come into our home. 
I personally feel that this will not take very long.  The birth mother that will be carrying our child will find us sooner than we think.  The timing and all that is taking place makes it seem that way to me.  Rob feels it too.  The case worker at the LDSFSA office made a comment to Rob that made him believe strongly that this will definitely happen sooner.  We are all praying!  Please keep us in your prayers and pray for the Birth Mother to find us.  We will be posting our profile online soon and sending all of you an e-mail with ways that you could all help us spread the word that THE TOBLERS ARE LOOKING TO ADOPT THEIR NEXT CHILD. 
Thanks for your support and friendships.  Thanks for your love and compassion.  We will keep you posted.  Oh, I have also created a Blog just for the Birth Parents to read.  It is under construction, but check it out once in a while and leave your comments.  http://www.lovedefinesus.blogspot.com/

P.S  Sorry for the lengthy post.  Excuse my bad grammar and if I didn't make any sense or forgot something, please forgive me.  It is late and my parents are arriving in about an hour with Rob.  They are here for a couple of days.  YAY!

Sophia's First Field Trip...

Thanks to our friend April I managed to get these pictures from her blog and posted them on mine to share with you all Sophia's First Preschool Field trip.  She was glowing and raving about how much she had fun at the Fire Station and pretended to be a fireman for the last two days.  She has saved us many times from horrible fires, heeheee!  She also taught us about what she learned.  Thank you Miss Mimi for setting this up for our kids, they had a wonderful time.  Sophia will never forget this experience.
Read more about it through our friend's blogs:

Miss Mimi's Blog
Paden's Mommy

Follow up on Haiti...

The Gordon Girls are safe with Daddy.  Working hard to get the process going to bring them home next week.  Here is their blog post and updates in more details.  Many Miracles are occurring.  Thanks for your prayers.  http://gordongangnews.blogspot.com/

A Late Post...

I have to blog this one. 

For Christmas I sent my niece Miss D. this complete snow suit outfit that all my girls just loved to wear.  The thing has to be over 10 years old and is made out of pure Down feathers.  It is very warm!  I never liked it very much because it is so pink, but they loved it.  So, I thought it would be nice to keep it in the family and allow my niece to enjoy it.  I figured my sister would be less thrilled about it, but all that mattered is that Miss D. would like it.  Well she did and it went perfect with her new pink, kitty bike which she got from Abuelo and Abuela for Christmas.  My sister sent me pictures!  Look at how cute she looks...

Helping Haiti Orphans...

Grandma Gulliver e-mailed me this wonderful news report that has got me fired up.  There is a need for Former/returned Missionaries that served in Haiti.  There is a rescue mission being put together to try and bring back 153 Haiti Orphans.  You can read all about it on these links:

http://utahhospitaltaskforce.org/
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705359924/Former-LDS-missionaries-wanted-for-service-in-Haiti.html

I feel that there is little I can do at the moment.  If I could I would join this rescue team.  I also would love to adopt a child or two and bring them home with us.  But all I can do is spread the information and pray that this comes together and that these children are brough back.  Oh, how I would love to adopt one of these children.  Please pray that all goes well and that this mission is succesful.

Another story is that the Gordon Family will be bringing home their girls this weekend.  Scott Gordon left this morning to Haiti to get his girls.  Please keep him in your prayers and those with him.  They need all the prayers rhey can get to make miracles happen.  There will be 50 other Orphans coming to the US wtih him, with those whom he is travelling with, as well.  Thanks for your time and faith.  Thanks for your support!

http://gordongangnews.blogspot.com/
http://www.hopeforlittleangelsofhaiti.org/Home_Page.html

Prayer....

"Miracles are wrought through prayers"...

A Year Ago...

I read a friend's blog today that shared what she was doing a year ago in her life.  She challenged every reader to do the same, so I will reminisce what I was doing a year ago this month. 

Let's see how much I can remember...

I got contacted by an old friend from high school through facebook and we met with him and his family in Camano Island.  There was snow still on the ground.  My Sister Frandi came to watch kids while Rob and I spent a few days in Victoria, Canada (Rob surprised me).  Sophia was 3.5 yrs old, Juliette was 6, James was 11 and Eliza was 8.5.  James went snowboarding for the first time and loved it.  Our chickens were laying a lot of eggs for the first time.  I found out I was pregnant.  Heather Lambert gave me a Make-over.  I was her model for a contest.  Her theme was Candy. 

UMmm!  I signed up Rob to run Ragnar for the first time.  Oh, James got his cast off from his broken thumb and the girls had longer hair.   I think that is all for the month of January 2009.  I am amazed at how quickly time does fly.  If I try to think longer and get passed January, I could tell you about February as well.  It is good to know that I have not lost my memory yet.  Some days it feels like I have.  I am glad that I have used blogging as my journal.  I hope some day to print all these posts and make them into a book. 
What do you remember doing a year ago in the month of January?  Share!

Tortuga's Designs

My Little Sister Nelsy and my Mom have been hard at work creating some gorgeous and unique pieces of Jewelry.  I am so amazed at how creative they are.  It is truly a gift and a talent that they share.  Just to think that these two could not get along for most of my sister's teen years.  Now, they have a wonderufl relationship and much in common.  My Mom had surgery about 2 months ago, and is still recovering.  I am glad Mom has been putting a lot of time with my sister to create these beauties.
She will be coming to visit with Dad next week.  We are very excited!
Anyhow, check out their Etsy store online and become a fan on facebook.  Search for "Tortuga's Design" and become their fan. 

FHE Distractions, Indoor Soccer & Bessie...

Part 2

Another weekend of Indoor Soccer.  This game was fun to watch.  The teams tied.  It was such a tight game and they were all playing awesome.  James was disappointed that he didin't get to play as long.  His team has 5 or 6 extra players.  The coach really tries to give every one a chance to play at least twice.  We'll see what he does wtih the boys this weekend. 

FHE this week was interesting and distracting.  First of all Eliza showed up wearing her big booty and belly, then James had a bad case of gas and Sophia had ants in her pants.  Our lesson was on Honesty, which was very much needed.  We have been having some problems with kids not being honest with their chores and with each other lately.  It is mainly the girls.  I thought we were past this phase.  Our kids are pretty darn honest and we were surprised to hear all the fibbing and blaming going on the last three weeks.  So, this was a good lesson for us all.  We just couldn't help but laugh at Eliza and James.  Rob was a bit frustrated at first, but he did a great job with the lesson and the kids did participate.  Thank you Rob!

P.S  Eliza doesn't know I took these pictures of her....

We visited Grammie Bessie yesterday and brought her some chocolate chip cookies.  She had spent a night at the E.R this weekend because of some heart problems.  She is fine now.  She is such a delightful person.  I really love her.  She will be turning 97 years old this February.  WOW!!  She is the Lambert's Grandmother (great-grandmother too), and we have adopted her as one of our own.  The Lambert's are like family to us.  The girls love to visit her.  Yesterday they kept telling me that they didn't want to leave, that they wanted to stay with her forever.  Very Sweet!  Grammie Bessie was flattered.  This is a wonderful thing for our family.  We don't have family living near by.  The kids don't have their great-grandparents close enough to visit with and experience this wonderful part of life.  Thank you Lamberts for sharing her with us.  We love her!

Another Baptism & A Day of Shopping....

Part 1...

I'm a little behind on my blogging.  We have had a lot of things going on in our lives lately.  So, get ready to read a lot.

 I will start with our friends the Saunders.  Their youngest Son, Aidan, got baptized a week ago today.  It was a sweet experience to be a part of his baptism and it made me realize that my Juliette will be going into the waters of baptism this October.  Where does time go?  My kids are growing so fast. 

I really enjoyed seeing Aidan's excitement and huge silly grin after his baptism.  He was so ready and was just gleaming.  It filled my heart wtih so much gratitude for the Gospel, and all that it offers.  I am so grateful for our Savior's example and for His Love.  These little children feel it and you can tell.  Thanks Mimi and family for being such a great example for us and sharing oyur special day with us. 

Let's see...

Thursday of last week, I went shopping with my Japanese friends.  Noriko had been asking me for weeks to go shopping with her and her friend.  So, I checked the calendar and booked a day of shopping.  We had a wonderful time.  We hopped from one "second-hand" store to the next.  We found great deals.  I got stuff for all of us.  We then had a late lunch at this Vietnamese Restaurant inside this huge Asian Market.  I enjoyed my first taste of PHO soup.  I can't believe I went these many years with out having this.  It was delicious!  I had this Medium size bowl, which was huge for me, and then my friends had the Large size.  Incredibly enough we ate our portions.  I had fun eating with chop-sticks again.  I don't get many chances to do so and I really like it.  Well it was so good that as we shopped in the Asian market I bought all the ingredients needed to make PHO at home.  I had to share with Rob and the kids.  I asked my new Vitnamese friend about the ingredients and she was very helpful, although she wouldn't share her chili paste sauce to put in the soup...it was a secret recipe.  It was hot and delicious!  So, I settled for another paste.

I did make PHO on Sunday after Church.  It turned out Delicious.  It tasted just like the PHO I had at he Asian market.  Half of us loved and the other half didn't.  Oh, well...can't please them all. 
One funny thing...as I was walking towards the Asian store this asian man was waving at me while I was taking pictures.  He approached us and told me that I was not allowed to go any further with my camera.  WHAT?  He told me that if I went in that I coudln't take pictures.  I was confused for a moment thinking what he was thinking I was going to do with these pictures.  So, I put it away and proceeded to enter the store. 

We had to taste test the bakery stuff first.  I had never had Black Bean paste in pastries before.  It was sweet and yummy!  I went into the produce section and my mouth dropped at how much of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables there was.  It was also cheaper per lb than our average market.  I was more intrigued to walk into their meat and seafood section.  I felt like a little kid.  There was a huge selection of stuff you wouldn't see in our American Supermarkets.  I saw all sorts of squids, fish eggs, anchovies, octopus, etc.  Even that smelly giant fruit, that I thought was illegal to bring to the US.  I can't remember its name.  Let's not mention the amount of rice varieties and chili.  Of course I was naughty and took pictures.  I just had to show the kids and Rob. 

Overall I had a wonderful time.  We carried wonderful spiritual and grown up conversations without interruptions.  It was very refreshing.  When we got home, we found Rob, the kids and her son Josh partying.  They were all stuffed with clothes and pillows.  They were dancing and jumping like silly folks.  I was mortified to find Eliza wearing two oranges as breasts and had a huge stomach as well as a big booty.  I was shocked and questioned Rob.  He said that it was all her idea.  The kids just started it all.  Thanks for watching our kids Rob...even if they do odd things while I am gone.  You are such a fun Dad!

Haiti Follow Up...

All is well and great news have been spread.  These girls have been found, they are safe and they are coming home to their parents.  The Gordon family has no official news yet, but they know their girls are coming home.  It has been almost 3 years of this and it is almost over.  We are so very excited for them and our hearts are full.  Thank you for your prayers and comments.  Keep praying for them.  This disaster came as a blessing in disguise.  Many children that were waiting for their adoptions to be finalized are going home to their adoptive families.  What a miracle?!  Amazing, Heavenly Father is truly amazing!

http://www.cbsnews.com/elements/2010/01/19/in_depth_us/photoessay6115938.shtml

http://gordongangnews.blogspot.com/

Haiti...

The news about the earthquake in Haiti this week hit me like a ton of bricks.  I literally felt an ache in my stomach and my eyes watered watching the news about it.  The reason being is that we have friends in our Ward who have been trying to adopt two little girls from Haiti for over two years and this disaster has been heart breaking for them, for all of us.  As a mother, I feel a lot of compassion towards our friends and my heart just aches for them.  I would like to take the liberty of asking everyone who reads this blog to add our friends to their prayers.  Please Pray for the Gordon family and for their two haitian daughters Destina and Avrie.  They have yet to hear news about Avrie, and the prayers are much needed for her to be found safe.  Please join me in praying for our friends, and for their daughters to be safe and for this year to be the year that they get to come home.  Thanks!

If you check out the Gordon's website at http://gordongangnews.blogspot.com/  you can make a donation to help the specific orphanage they are involved with and you can read more about what is going on with their adoption process and with Haiti.  It has been a very long journey!  They are amazing people!

Photography Class at Bloedel Donovan Park....

www.epiclifephotography.com

Hello Bellingham Friends who would love to benefit from a photography class (would like to take better pictures). My friend Jessica Bjorn, who is a local photographer, is having a class this Thursday (January 14th) at 11am at Bloedel Donovan. Meet in front of the Gym. There is no fee but she would appreciate donations. The procee...ds will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. At that meeting you can all help her decide whether you would like to continue with more classes weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly and if this day and time works best. She is a very talented photographer and we can all learn a great deal from her. She is willing to share her talent with us. Hope you can come.

These Are Awesome Reminders and Suggestions...

http://www.ldsliving.com/magazine/show/2323/10-Natural-Energy-Boosters

10 Natural Energy Boosters
by Jenni Gasparrini

You watch in amazement as your kids play, running from one thing to the next like the Energizer Bunny. Meanwhile, you're exhausted, and it's only 4 p.m. Read on to learn how to boost your energy with some simple remedies.

1. Jump out of bed in the morning.
Instead of grudgingly throwing off the covers, get up fast. Yes, it takes courage to throw yourself out into the cool morning air of your bedroom, especially when coming from a cocoon of warm covers, but it's worth it. Jumping from bed as opposed to hesitantly edging out provides you with an immediate burst of energy to start your day off right.

2. Drink more water.
You've probably heard that it's important to drink eight glasses of water a day. But why? Water keeps the sinuses hydrated and blood pressure normal, preventing headaches. In addition, your muscles are made up of 70 percent water, so the more water you intake, the better your muscles will function. More water equals stronger muscles. Stronger muscles equal more energy. And more energy means more accomplishments throughout the day. So drink up.

3. Move it.
Even if it's just a morning walk around the block or walking for a half an hour on the treadmill, get your blood flowing. When you get moving early in the day, you're not only starting your routine with a positive accomplishment, but you are also boosting your metabolism -- which gives you that extra energy kick you're looking for. Also, Take a little time at work every couple hours to take a brisk walk; it will pull you out of the middle-of-the-day stupor.

4. Alternate showers between hot and cold.
According to studies from the Thrombosis Research Institute in London, England, alternating the temperature of your shower increases metabolism and boosts circulation, ridding your body of lethargy and giving you the pep you need. If you can't stomach quick changes in temperature (or cold at all), do all your cleansing in warm water, then slowly transition to cold at the end of your shower. Taking a short bath at the end of the day can also help to recharge your batteries and give you the energy you need to finish the day.

5. Eat an apple.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. But did you know that eating one in the morning can help wake you up? The chewing action required and the monosaccharide sugars that moves right into the bloodstream get your body working fast.

6. Start a new hobby.
Don't worry -- trying something new doesn't mean it has to be as exhilarating (or terrifying) as skydiving or bungee jumping. It can be something as simple as joining the neighborhood tennis team, sewing, or learning to play an instrument. In any case, the thrill of getting out of the old routine provides an extended adrenaline rush and a new medium for excitement. Trying something you've always wanted to do can really put an extra spring in your step.

7. Show those pearly whites.
Laughter is said to be the best medicine, and that may be because it imbues you with energy. Laughing releases the chemical serotonin into your brain, reducing stress hormones and boosting your immune system. And depending on the intensity of your laughter, it can provide a total body workout. So go ahead and laugh. It's energizing and fun.

8. Spice it up.
Adding a little cayenne to your meals can help get the blood moving. In fact, there is no herb that increases your blood flow faster -- and more blood means more oxygen coursing through your body, giving your metabolism a great boost. If you're not a fan of spicy food, look for a nutritional supplement that contains cayenne in the formula.

9. Go outside.
Whether you garden, hike, bike ride, or play with the kids, escaping to the outdoors gives you a chance to breathe in the fresh air and rejuvenate. Take advantage of the cool winter weather and plan a day outside, away from the television and telephone. It will do wonders for your mood and free you from those sluggish feelings that come from being trapped inside.

10. Take a twenty-six minute power nap.
Who says naps are just for kids? NASA did a study that showed pilots' performances improved by one-third after a twenty-six minute snooze. Naps of sixty minutes even reverse information overload and improve memory and learning skills (although naps over thirty minutes are harder to wake from and can make you groggy afterwards, so err on the side of caution and nap for shorter periods). Bottom line: You snooze, you win. If you can't get away for a nap during the day, make sure to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep at night.

8 Is Great Fireside & 4 Unexpected Baptisms....

For three months I planned this wonderful fireside for all the kids in our Primary that are turning 8 this year, and are getting baptized.  Little did I know it was the last Primary activity I would plan.  The purpose for the fireside was to invite the soon to be "8" children and their family and present them with more detailed information as to what to do and what to expect on their baptism day.  It included discussing the meaning of their white clothes, the font, why baptism? and the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  Also a little intro to Cub Scouts for boys and Activity Days for girls, plus the Faith in God program.  It all came together, and we even had 4 unexpected baptisms.  Our Bishop had decided that the Vaughn family could get baptized soon after this Activity and that it would just fit perfect with the fireside.  Three children and their Mother took the steps into baptism and became official members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

They had been attending church for months.  I believe they came from a family that has members and these members were truly grateful for our Ward helping them get baptized.  They all received the missionary discussions and were more than ready to accept.  The Father is still receiving the discussions and will need our prayers so that he can feel the Spirit and truly be converted.  I  was told by the Mom that her daughter was the instigator to all this.  Because of her faith and persistance she brought her brothers and Mother to church.  She is an extraordinary girl!  What a wonderful story?!  I doubt she realizes what great and marvelous thing she has done for her family.  She followed her heart and listened to the Spirit.  What a girl?!

It was really nice to see this family get baptized.  Specially to have our friends the Fisher's witness this event with us.  We invited them over for dinner and then took them to the Fireside and baptism.  Their little boy Josh is the one we have been taking to church for weeks now.  He has already said that he wants to get baptized.  After the fireside and baptisms he was really excited about it more.  I told him that there are some steps he needed to take to prepare and that we had to get his parents involved.  We are praying his parent stay receptive and come to church one of these Sundays.  They have expressed i nterest in coming but haven't yet.  Besides we are working on building a better relationship with them and strengthening our friendships.  It is all very exciting and I have to practice patience and faith.

Eliza will be handing Josh a Book of Mormon this week with her testimony written in it.  Pretty neat stuff.  She is such a great girl who is not afraid to speak her mind and tell it like it is.  She is a great missionary.  She has laready expressed an interest in Serving a Mission, and she is well on her way!

P.S...Thank you to everyone that helped make this night possible. 

Time for Change...

I knew this day would come, but I didn't expect it this soon.  I was asked last Sunday to be the new Ward Activities Committee Chairman by our Bishop, which meant that I would be released from my Primary calling as the 2nd Counselor.  I had mixed feelings at first.  I loved working with such a wonderful Presidency, which eventually I developed a bond of friendship with.  These are magnificent, spiritual women.  It was an honor to serve alongside them. 

I put in about three years of service in this calling.  I really think this is the longest I ever had a calling for.  I had become attached and comfortable in my own little world of Primary life.  But, I guess the Lord thinks I have grown enough and done my part and it is time for me to grow elsewhere.  I am going to miss being in the Primary.  I really don't know how I am going to sit still during the last two hours of church.  I have not gone to Sunday school or Relief Society in years.  I feel like a kid with a bit of anxiety.  It is very silly, but I really was kept busy and on the go on Sundays with my calling, whether it was teaching, conducting, organizing, discussing, helping with little ones or where ever else I was needed. 

I guess it is time for me to sit still and be taught.  For me to listen and learn more about the Gospel.  It is time to fill my Spiritual Sunday Cup in a different way.  Pretty exciting, I mean Change.  I love change and I embrace it.  I don't often take it well at first, but eventually I am happy that it is taking place.  This means I am growing, I am being refined/shaped into the person I am meant and destined to become.  The Lord knows all things and He sees all things.  My faith and testimony grows when I think about the great things the Lord has in store for me.  It just makes life more interesting and thrilling. 

I am now excited to see what the Lord has in mind with this new calling for me.  I also feel a huge responsibility.  The calling is bigger than anyone thinks.  There is a lot of coordinating, planning, delegating and organizing.  Many have already expressed their faith in me and are looking forward to what I will be coming up with.  I have as part of my committee the Ward Mission Leaders and Missionaries.  The focus is in making these activities more Missionary friendly as well as the opportunity to unite our ward more.  I am filled with ideas.  I already want to do too much.  It is just neat to know that I will be attempting to provide our Ward with opportunities to mingle, have fun and grow spiritually together.  I already found myself praying and asking the Lord for guidance and inspiration as to what activities would be best for the Ward and for investigators.  I have the list of activities (ideas) narrowed down, but many keep coming.  I guess that is why I have a committe as well to help me and the Bishopric. 

I checked out the internet for more fun ideas and I really overwhelmed myself.  I just found so many awesome activities.  I just need to see what the Ward budget allows and check out the Stake Calendar to better plan these activities.  Stay tuned!  If you all have some ideas you would like to share, then share them.  I can consider them or add them to the list to discuss with the committee, especially if you are in my Ward and would love to have an activity that you really enjoyed once and thought would be fun to have again. 

I Just Had to Blog These...

My James spent 50cents after his soccer game on some vending machine.  This is what he got.  I thought it was totally a waste, but funny.  He told me he was going to collect these every Saturday for every game he plays.  What is a Mom to do when the kid has his own money and agency?  I did ask him if that is how he wanted to spend the rest of his cash?  He just smiled and said "of course Mom".

Indoor Soccer Begins...

I took a season off and now we are at it again.  James had his first game this last Saturday.  I didn't realize that with the bigger kids, Indoor Soccer goes longer (January 9th-March 13th).  Then Spring season begins for all of them except Sophia.  She gets to play in the Fall.  Anyhow, it was fun to see James on the field again.  He loves playing soccer.  The team didn't win but they sure played a hard game.  He got in the car pretty happy and looking forward to the next game. 

I tested out my camera.  I have so much to learn.  The pictures were definitely better but blurry.  I tried different settings, and still no success.  I have not had time to listen to podcasts or read up on Photography.  I guess I could be doing that right now instead of blogging, but blogging is my journaling...so it is a good excuse!  Anyhow, here are a few pictures I took that I thought were acceptable.  If my photographer friends have any suggestions as to how to take better "sports" pictures let me know.  Thanks!