CONFERENCE MARATHON MARCH/APRIL 2015

I was feeling extremely blessed knowing that my birthday landed on Women's Conference evening. This was the first time that I was able to bring both my girls to this special occasion. I love being able to attend with other women from our stake as you definitely feel a special spirit there. At the last minute, Kate really didn't want to go, but I insisted.

During the talks, Kate kept wiping her eyes. I asked her if she was okay and she said that they were "tears of joy." She was so happy to hear the messages. And they were profound! The Relief Society also had popcorn for the treats and it was so much fun to have something different than ice cream and brownies. Everyone loved it!

The next weekend was the marathon of conference. We got all ready to start celebrating and the feed from lds.org was ... delayed, slow, stopped. Anything that you could think of. For all 5 sessions! SO, we have made it a priority to re-watch, re-listen, and re-read these important messages. I will definitely be paying close attention to these.

What did you take out of these sessions of conference?
President Monson did not open or close the sessions, which was different.
Alas, we also are getting 3 new temples.
The importance of sustaining the Prophet. There are always those that oppose, but perhaps we aren't always aware of the opposition.
For me, the themes were strengthening home and family above anything else.

My favorite talk was The Music of the Gospel by Elder Wilford W. Andersen of the Seventy. He starts by sharing a story in a Navajo hospital where an elderly man asked if the doctor could dance. Realizing that this man probably believed in healing through song and dance, the doctor asked if he knew how to dance. The elderly man said yes. The doctor then asked if he could teach him. He said yes, but he could not teach him to hear the music.

He then likened the music to the gospel.

"The challenge for all of us who seek to teach the gospel is to expand the curriculum beyond just the dance steps. Our children’s happiness depends on their ability to hear and love the beautiful music of the gospel. How do we do it?

First, we must keep our own lives attuned to the correct spiritual frequency. Second, when we can hear the music ourselves, we must try our best to perform it in our homes.

So if the basses in your family choir are too loud and overbearing, or if the string section in your family orchestra is a little too shrill or a little bit sharp, or if those impetuous piccolos are out of tune or out of control, be patient. If you’re not hearing the music of the gospel in your home, please remember these two words: keep practicing."

We will definitely work on studying the messages. Did you have a favorite talk? Please share!

Because of the hectic school and work schedule, I did not get pictures taken. Yes, we did have fruit, treats, and the tent. And we worked hard on listening as much as we could during the weekend.

FACEBOOK FUNNIES AND QUOTES 2014

One of my favorite annual posts is the summary of our year through the funny quotes during the year and the quotes that touched my heart throughout the year. I hope that you have a couple of laughs and that you too are touched by amazing words. Thank you for touching our lives! Enjoy!

Facebook Funnies:

January

January 5th - Asked Faith if she was excited to go back to school tomorrow. Her response? "Why would I be excited? It's like Azkaban."

February

February 7th - We just got done playing Apples to Apples as a family. Dad decided to pull down Kate's shorts and Dawson starts screaming, "You've just killed my eyes! I saw her nuts!"

February 7th - Another funny tonight from Dawson. "Mom, is it true that in the olden days that if a boy and a girl got married that the girl would take on the boy's family name?"

February 11th - This morning Faith and I were having a conversation that maybe we should eat a little something before we work out. She said, "I can't do that because Kate has ears like a ninja and Dawson IS a ninja!"

February 23rd - Kate today in church, (now 7), says, "Is Brother Porter the Bishop?" I laughed and said, "No. He's a counselor honey." Kate replies, "Is that like a butler or something?"

March 

March 9th - So today we caught Dawson sitting on the top of Brandon's truck signaling 'I've got my eye on you' to another truck that drive by our house. I looked over just in time to witness this and to see the passenger signal in the same way to Dawson 'I've got my eye on you!'

And in case you found that funny, keep reading. At Grandma Kathy's house, he says, he thought of something great to do and when another car drove by, he thought, 'this is the time to show that I'm very special!' Then he broke out doing the sprinkler dance.

March 29th - Dawson today, "I wouldn't be a pescetarian full time but I would do it part time."

April

April 5th - Looking through old pictures of Faith today. One in particular is special! Faith says, "I was under amnesia!" The correct term would be anesthesia!

May 

May 17th - Dawson (10 years) asked me this afternoon if I was having a baby. When I said no and asked why he asked, he said, "You've sure been craving chocolate enough!" Not to mention the extra fluff... So, I think I have motivation to start working out and hitting the gym again.

June

June 4th - Dawson today, "If I came home and if the walls were smothered in cake, I would not be surprised one bit!" Funny boy - maybe having cake is in order!

June 29th - After talking about some fun things that Dawson said when he was in preschool, he said, "When I look back on those times, I think I was a brat!" I love this boy of mine!!!

July 

July 1st - Kate today in the van humming Let It Go. "Mom, I'm humming Let It Go in Spanish!!!"

July 17th - So I go into our bedroom and hear something under it. Look to see what it is an Dawson is watching mine craft videos on the laptop. I ask him what he is doing and he says "This is my man hole". Couldn't stop smiling.

September 

September 4th - During the prayer tonight, Dawson said, "Please bless Zoey and Brandon that they will be comforted in their jobs." So hard not to laugh when your kids don't say mom and dad.

September 11th - My sweet Dawson today was telling me about kids that were not behaving in class today. In his own words after he told me that they were moved from their desks right then and there, he said, "It was the taste of sweet justice. I knew justice was going to get them. And yes! Justice did. Taste justice suckers!"

September 14th - Faith and her orthodontist were having a conversation about her turning 14. He said, "Wow Faith! You're old!" She says, "Thank you! That's what every women likes to hear!" He says, "I mean mature." She says, "I don't feel like I will ever be more mature than I am right now!" As if she is already grown up and knows everything. Ahh, the life of a teenager!

September 23rd - Dawson was talking to his piano teacher and he says, "It just BEJUMBLED MAH MIND!!!"

September 25th - Dawson says to Kate, "Who died and made you Queen of the orange juice?" Funny boy!

October

October 4th - Dawson this morning. "Mom, do you know how I look at conference? It's spiritual Christmas I tell ya!"

October 26th - Dawson this morning. "I have two thoughts for restaurants. The firsts called "Phil's Place" and the other is an Atlantis themed restaurant with an aquarium." Seriously don't know where this kid gets it from!

December

December 27th - As we clean up Christmas, Kate noticed an older stocking. She said, "It's pink and princess. I'm too old for that stuff!"

Quotes:

Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and the thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see greatness within you, even when you don't see it yourself.

Never stress over what you can't control.

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes” Charles Swindoll

If you allow people to take more withdrawals then deposits in your life, you will be out of balance and in the negative. Know when to close the account.

As we grow up, we realize that it is less important to have lots of friends and more important to have real ones. - Amanda McRae

When people try and rain on your parade, poke them in the eye with your umbrella.

The "stuff" that's happening in your life: there are lessons to learn and strengths to gain; that's why it's happening. Sue Fitzmaurice, author

"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves." Sir Edmund Hillary

Happiness is an inside job.

Our days are happier when we give people a bit of our heart rather than a piece of our mind.

Be thankful for the bad things in life. For they opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before!

"Lesson one. Sometimes being right doesn't matter." - Girl on a Wire

Why do we close our eye when we pray, cry, kiss, dream? Because the most beautiful things in life are not seen but felt only by heart.

We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The one who would do anything to see you smile & who love you no matter what.

A physician once said, "The best medicine for humans is love." Someone asked, "What if it doesn't work?" He smiled and said, "Increase the dose."

Instead of saying, "Lord I don't know how I am going to do this," say, "Lord, I can't wait to see how you do this."

"Don't go to college just to collect a degree. Search for something you love and pursue it with passion." Dave Ramsey

MY TOP 3 - APRIL 2014 CONFERENCE

Conference is always such a fun time for our family and I love listening to the general conference talks. This time, the overall theme that I heard was that we have made covenants and commitments, so we need to do what we've promised that we would do. I also find it fascinating when there are repeats, such as the Martin Harris story. Something that I definitely need to go back and study more.

Although all of the talks are fantastic, I always like to highlight my favoirte. Here are my top 3 conference talks for April 2014.

Linda S. Reeves 

Protection from Pornography - A Christ Centered Home

I felt her strength and conviction of protection our families from the evil that is in the world. She truly touched my heart.

From her talk: Brothers and sisters, how do we protect our children and youth? Filters are useful tools, but the greatest filter in the world, the only one that will ultimately work, is the personal internal filter that comes from a deep and abiding testimony of our Heavenly Father’s love and our Savior’s atoning sacrifice for each one of us.

How do we lead our children to deep conversion and to access our Savior’s Atonement? I love the prophet Nephi’s declaration of what his people did to fortify the youth of his day: “We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, [and] we prophesy of Christ … that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”

How can we do this in our homes? Some of you have heard me tell how overwhelmed my husband, Mel, and I felt as the parents of four young children. As we faced the challenges of parenting and keeping up with the demands of life, we were desperate for help. We prayed and pleaded to know what to do. The answer that came was clear: “It is OK if the house is a mess and the children are still in their pajamas and some responsibilities are left undone. The only things that really need to be accomplished in the home are daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening.”

Brothers and sisters, because I know from my own experiences, and those of my husband, I must testify of the blessings of daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening.

Elder W. Craig Zwick

What Are You Thinking?

I loved his initial story about the semi cab filling with smoke and his wife jumping out with his infant son before he was completely stopped. He exclaimed, "What were you thinking?" Her reply? "I was just trying to save our son!" I loved how he talked about our communication with each other. I think that this will definitely be one that each family needs to study during family home evening.

From his talk: Paul warned, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but [only] that which is good [and] edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29) We all regularly experience highly charged feelings of anger—our own and others’. We have seen unchecked anger erupt in public places. We have experienced it as a sort of emotional “electrical short” at sporting events, in the political arena, and even in our own homes. Children sometimes speak to beloved parents with tongues as sharp as blades. Spouses, who have shared some of life’s richest and most tender experiences, lose vision and patience with each other and raise their voices.

When our truck cab filled with smoke, my wife acted in the bravest manner she could imagine to protect our son. I too acted as a protector when I questioned her choice. Shockingly, it did not matter who was more right. What mattered was listening to each other and understanding the other’s perspective.

The willingness to see through each other’s eyes will transform “corrupt communication” into “minister[ing] grace.” The Apostle Paul understood this, and on some level each of us can experience it too. It may not change or solve the problem, but the more important possibility may be whether ministering grace could change us.

I bear humble witness that we can “minister grace” through compassionate language when the cultivated gift of the Holy Ghost pierces our hearts with empathy for the feelings and context of others. It enables us to transform hazardous situations into holy places. I testify of a loving Savior who “looketh on [our] heart” and cares what we are thinking. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Grateful in Any Circumstances

I truly believe that our attitudes affect everything that we see in this world. It's important that we are positive and have a grateful heart. 

From his talk: Sooner or later, I believe that all of us experience times when the very fabric of our world tears at the seams, leaving us feeling alone, frustrated, and adrift. Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. We can be grateful!

It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.

So now that I have shared my top 3, share your top 3 with me! Which conference talks stood out to you this time? Which ones are you most excited about studying again? 

FACEBOOK FUNNIES AND QUOTES 2013

No pictures, but definitely worth the read if you have 5 minutes! Enjoy!!!


January - 
Brandon tells me today that when asked about other alias' he goes by, he said "Snuggle Pumpkin." I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes!!!

Kate said, "Get OFF the phone!!!"

This morning while getting K's hair done, she says, "I look like a Kate bobblehead!" She was not pleased.

Just showed up to volunteer. The kids were reading the list they made for the items they would bring camping. Dawson started to tell his list to the class: "Campfire, marshmallows, hammock." (Long pause.) To his teacher, "You do know what a hammock is, right?"

After putting Kate in the bathtub, we blew kisses. A minute later, I heard her yelling, "Mom, get back in here!" I went in and she said, "You forgot the air hug!" It was so funny!

February - 
Kate at church today, while I held her on my lap, "I love to spend my life in mommy's arms!"

2 funnies from today. This morning, Kate came with me for 10 minutes to work. I logged in and realized that my password expired. I mentioned to my co-worker that it had expired and that I needed a new one. Kate said, "Why don't you use __________" which happens to be a common password in our house. Such a clever girl. Story #2. I was asked to babysit an adorable baby for a night and when her mom called to cancel, Brandon picked up the phone. He graciously took a message and when he hung up, I asked what her mom needed. He said, "You don't have to watch torilla this week." Still am laughing about it, because as far as I know, that is not her nickname!!!

Tonight we had to create an email account for Faith for something and we were discussing the address that Brandon had created. In the middle of a heated conversation, Dawson pipes in and says, "Is that a form of segregation? If so, I'm against that!" After a bout of laughter, we went on to continue to discuss and we started talking about how the email account and segregation weren't even related. He said, "HELLO people! It's called Martin Luther King Jr!" I almost started crying; it was that funny!

Faith, was telling us everything she knows. She repeated the Young Women's Theme and then said, "And I even the first two lines of the national anthem." Grandma says, "Are you serious????" (Like she should know the whole thing.) F says, "The Fire Nation National Anthem!" Which, for everyone's information, is the Avatar, the last air bender, "Not the blue people!!!"

Dawson tonight at FHE, "Can I get a new heating pad? Because every time I heat mine up, it smells like boiling cabbage."

March - 
Dawson tonight, "I barely understand the female mind!"

April - 
Kate whispered to Dawson right now, "Dawson, we have bad news! The spray cheese is all gone!" Good thing we only have 1/2 hour left of conference!

Brandon made a fantastic breakfast for Dawson this morning because it is testing (ISATS). D said, "It's like breakfast masterpiece!" So cute! Good luck to all our Panthers!

I just told Brandon that the quickest way for us to get out of debt would be for one of us to die. He said, "Are you volunteering?" LOL!!!

Yesterday I was looking through Kate's backpack and noticed a pair of scissors in her lunchbox. When I asked her about it, she said she had it in case she can't get her Cheetos opened. Smart girl! I would never thought of doing that as a kindergartener!

May - 
Yesterday, Dawson and Kate were eating at the breakfast at the table. I asked Dawson if he was glad to get a hair cut. This sparked a very heated discussion. Kate said, "I think that you should do a 'peacock.'" (She moved her hands from each side of her head going up to the middle.) Dawson said, "I like flat hair." And back and forth. Kate insisted that he needed a 'peacock' like the boys in her class. SO funny to hear them discuss the way that Dawson should wear his hair! ('Peacock' meaning 'faux hawk' to clarify.)

While we were cleaning downstairs, Faith pulled out her kindergarten scrapbook. Kate (6 yrs) and I were looking through the pictures and she said, "They grow up so fast!"

June - 
So Kate (6 years) and I are having a discussion about starting speech therapy this week for the summer. She kept telling me that she was not going to go and then said, "It's my life mom!" She's going to give me a run for my money!

Out of the mouths of babes: crying and carrying on about not being able to spend time with me and wanting to go out to Kiwi Loco tonight... when all of a sudden, Kate sees a pair of shoes in the sponsored section of Facebook and says, "Oh! These are CUTE shoes!" Funny 6 year old girl!

July -
I just found out that Kate has been 'oiling' her friends! Hehe! We love doTERRA!

Dawson (9) this morning as we are walking into IHOP. "This should be called the International House of Breakfast!" All the adults immediately started calling it IHOB. Towards the end of breakfast, I gave D a piece of my french toast that had maple syrup on it. "Did you put Butter Puchanan on your pancakes?" It was so funny we couldn't stop laughing! Love you Dawson!

I just noticed that Kate (6) has a lot of blonde hair on her legs and told her so. Her response, "You really need to teach me how to shave!"

Dawson gave me his 'bucket list' tonight! 
#1 - Go to Hawaii
#2 - Ride his bike from Idaho to Utah
#3 - Gliding down a cliff because it's pretty popular in Brazil

August - 
Want to know how much I dislike spiders? Yep, I'm making my 12 year old kill it for me!!!

September - 
I was asking Kate about a rule at school. She said, "I don't know. Why don't you ask Mr. Watson, 'cause he bought the school!!!" No, Kate. The principal does not 'own' the school!

Oh man. Kate is REALLY tired. Here's another funny that just happened. "Mommy, you know when you tickle me? I don't like it very much because it feels like a snake is biting my body."

Dawson (10 yrs) just stated that he wanted to get some MC Hammer pants... Thinking about letting him for Halloween, but worried that my individualist will decide to wear them after the holiday!

Dawson on his way out the door, "If I wasn't a Mormon, I would have said something totally inappropriate!" AND "It's a good thing we are Mormon. We would be totally messed up!" He cracked me up pretty good this morning!

Chubbuck panther moms will appreciate this one. I told Dawson and Kate that for panther day, they needed to wear red this time. Dawson says, "I don't remember getting involved in a bet!" And after explaining that our PTA lost to their PTA he says, "Seriously! They need to ask us before they involve us in their bets!"

October - 
Night before general conference, Kate says, "I'm excited over the top! I don't think I'm even going to be able to sleep tonight!"

Kate is learning social cues. "My friends feelings are hurt when I tell the truth. So that's why I never tell the truth!"

November - 
I told Dawson to get Brandon He told Dad that I needed him. Brandon said to tell me to hold on to my panties. Dawson then said, "I'm not an owl Dad!" (My kids are Harry Potter fans and the owls deliver messages for those of you who didn't get it.)

On the way to the dentist. Dawson and Kate are going at it. Kate, "I never lie to Mom! I've lied a couple times to Dad but we've gone over it so I don't lie anymore." Dawson arguing that she is a liar and she stole 5 bucks over the summer. Stop the argument. 30 seconds later, Kate starts up with Dawson that she loves him but he isn't nice to her. Less than 10 minute car ride. I love my children!

Dawson this morning after learning about the cold weather, "I think Mother Nature is angry!" I have to agree and wish that it was just a little warmer!!!

The funniest part of saying what we were thankful for today... Brought to you by 10 year old Dawson. "I am thankful for fancy people!" (So that someone can be an example of doing fancy things, like drinking out of fancy wine glasses.)

December -
Kate this morning while Brandon and I were hugging, "Please don't do the smoochies! Please don't do the smoochies!" I loved it!

So tired and Kate says, "But Mom. Santa doesn't mind if the kids sleep with their parents, does he?" Brandon and I are both laughing. Here's to hoping that the excitement wears off quickly so that Santa can get to work soon!!


Quotes for the year:
"When we understand who we really are, we no longer have to be told what to do."

"Our family is about remembering what matters, letting go of what doesn't, laughing, loving, and knowing life is good because we have each other."

"When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is, remember the teacher is always silent."

"Be selective in your battles; sometimes peace is better than being right."

"Marriage does not guarantee that you will be together forever, it's only a piece of paper.  It takes love, respect, trust, understanding, friendship and faith in your relationship to make it last."

"Always believe something wonderful is going to happen. Even with all the ups and downs, never take a day for granted. Smile, cherish the little things, and don't forget to hug the ones you love!"

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses!"  Abraham Lincoln

"Marriage is like a house.  When a lightbulb burns out, you do not go and buy a new house, you fix the lightbulb."

"Don't just show up ... Show up with a smile, and a willingness to help others smile too."

"Enjoy the little things in life... For one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things." Kurt Vonnegut

WORDS TO LIVE BY 2012

Here are the quotes and thoughts that showed up in Facebook this year for me. LOVE the inspiration!

Faith + Prayer = Blessings and Miracles

"The road to success is always under construction."

“Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others...By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves.” ― Gordon B. Hinckley 

"He lives! He lives who once was dead! ... Oh sweet, the joy this sentence gives: 'I know that My Redeemer Lives!'

"What will you choose to do, with the time God has given you? Every day you have a choice. Make it count." Unmeasured Strength by Lauren Manning

"Do not ever take friends for granted. Offer them advice when they seek it, lend an ear when they want to talk, hold their hand when they need comfort, lend your shoulder when they cry, enjoy their company, make sacrifices for them, and share your life with them. True friends will do the same for you. That's what friendship is." Genelle Guzman-McMillan

 "When we compare, we can compare only to facades, to what we see and perceive. Even if we think we know someone well, there is always a deeper part that is hidden from us." Merrilee Boyack

"In quiet moments when you think about it, you recognize what is critically important in life and what isn't. Be wise and don't let good things crowd out those that are essential." Richard G. Scott

And for Faith, Dawson, and Kate when they are teenagers:

FACEBOOK FUNNIES 2012

One of the funnest things for me to do in January is to go through all of my Facebook posts and see what things were SO funny during the year.  So thankful for all of these smiling moments and my beautiful family!  I love you!

January ~ 

January 3rd
Kate: "Mom, are rice krispies a vegetable?"

January 9th
Singing tonight "The Wise Man and The Foolish Man" and Kate does it like this. "The rains came down and the flowers came up!"

January 24th and 25th
Kate: "When you love someone, you color them pictures!"  Then she adds, "Why do you throw all mine away???" Sweet girl! We cannot hang on to the 10 + pictures she makes everyday!

February ~ 

February 1st 
Tonight when I asked Dawson about making sure clothes weren't shoved in his drawers, he said, "Ummm, I think I may have forgotten how to fold clothes." 
Yeah right Dawson ... but nice try!

February 16th
Kate is having anxiety about going to school. "I don't even know math!!!" she cried. So Dad was teaching her 1 plus 1. Kate finally said "2." And Dawson, under his breath said "Oh geez." Funniest thing that happened all day!

March ~

March 5th
At FHE tonight, Dad did the lesson on emergency preparedness. We started talking about escape routes if there was a fire. The look on Dawson's face was priceless. Dad then quoted the scripture, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." And Dawson said, "Well, I'm pretty scared right now." Then, a little later, Faith was telling escape routes. Each time, Dad said, "No, that route is blocked." Dawson said, "Great. We are all going to die!"

March 9th
Pinewood derby tomorrow. Dawson is so excited. He said, "The odds of me winning is 5%. The odds of me not coming in last is 50%." I asked Dad where he got those odds. He told Brandon that he calculated them himself! 

March 11th
Dad asked the kids to clean up. Five minutes later, F was sitting down and he asked, "What are you doing?" F answered, "I'm on my break." Brandon answered, "What are you? A union member?" 

March 12th
Did I really just tell my 5 year old that she needed to eat 5 french fries before she eats licorice?

March 24th 
Dawson says, "My nature is weirdness." Yes, Dawson, we all know that!!!

April ~

April 7th 
Last night Brandon and I were talking to a neighbor about how we try to keep commercialized Easter on Saturday and religious Easter on Sunday. When talking about what is in the kids' baskets on Sunday, Brandon said, "Oh, don't worry. We throw in a few chocolate Jesuses." I guess there are no chocolate bunnies at the Jolleys!

April 12th 
Kate this morning: "Mom, I'm allergic to ghosts and lions! And a teensy bit to bears!" Where does she come up with this stuff?

April 20th
Morning! Faith was hilarious this morning. First she said, "I told you I needed munch loney." A few minutes later, as we were discussing ISATS, she said how disappointed that she was not in the advanced (super close on both so far). She is 'just' high proficient. I asked her if she discussed it with her teacher. She said that he said not to worry about it (good call I think). Then she says, "I know that I'm still one of his prize students." I wonder how she knows??? Funny girl!!!

April 21st 
This morning as Dawson was wiping off his juice mustache, I asked him if he was going to grow a mustache when he got older. Then, realizing that Brandon really never wears any facial hair, I asked him if he knew that when he was older, he would have facial hair. He said he knew that and that he would shave. Next, Dawson said, "That's the painful part of being a boy. Shaving! The painful part of being a girl is having babies. That's SO painful!" Funny boy!

April 26th
Kate this morning: "I dreamed that daddy brought me home a mountain dew and my dream came true!"

April 29th
So, this afternoon, I was trying to tell my sweet husband what I thought we should do for an anniversary gift this year. Before I could tell him about it, he said, "Buy guns." I said, "What for?" (You probably know what's coming next, but being a blonde, I didn't!) He said, "To shoot each other with." That's real love!

April 29th
Brandon and I were sitting in the bedroom when all of a sudden we hear Kate in her game show host voice, "Come on! Let's rock this baby doowwwwnnnnn!!!!" We are still laughing about that one!

May ~

May 2nd
So this afternoon, we are cleaning, and Kate says (in her Annie voice) "Oh my goodness! Dawson trashed my room!" I had to explain that he didn't trash it ... she did!

May 13th
Is it weird that when I found out the water in Texas is chlorinated, my first thought was, "How in the world do they give a proper facial???"

June ~

June 15th
Yesterday, while we were driving, we passed a lake. Randomly, Dawson says, "Dad and I are going to go fishing!" So funny because they have never been fishing before ... but now they will have to go!

June 15th
Kate is waving at the parade and yelling, "Hey everybody! We're here for candy and toys!"

June 20th
Feeling a little sad that my baby is 5, so I asked her if she could please be 4 again. She said no. I asked her why not. Kate said, "Because Jesus Christ won't let me!" What a cutie! And don't you wish, just for a day,that sometimes your baby could be smaller again?

June 29th
Dawson tonight, "Mom, you look like you are 19!" Me, "You know how to win over a girl's heart!" D smiled and nodded his head.

June 30th
Tonight, Kate came into our bedroom and said, "It smells like paint and diet." Hmmm, wonder what 'diet' smells like.

July ~

July 7th
"K-I-T-E, that spells Kate." Exact words tonight from our little girl!

July 8th
We asked Kate what Veggie Tales movie was playing. Her response? "Why do these people (her parents) always think I can read?" Too funny!

July 15th
Brandon, Kate, and I are hanging out in the bedroom today. Kate says, "Talk to me and not your father!" (meaning Brandon) So funny!!!

July 16th
Yesterday, I had a nice conversation with Dawson. He said, "Dad says I can't sleep in the living room unless it's a special occasion." Me, "Oh, does that make you sad?" Dawson, "No. Actually, I'm relieved. I get a lot more sleep in my own bed!" Kids are SO cute and funny!

July 22nd
Kate today, "Bored, I am 'D-L-I' BORED!!!"

August ~

August 5th
At church today, an elderly man held the door open for our family. Dawson turns to Brandon and said, "These senior citizens are doing good deeds!"

August 13th
Yesterday at church, we were one crayon short in a brand new box of crayons. Things disappear quickly around our house (in a 2 week period, we lost 6 complete boxes of crayons.) I started to freak out a little. Kate (5 years) starts rubbing my cheek and says, "Mom, it's going to be okay. We have 8 more boxes on the stairs. No worries! No worries!"

August 25th
Kate tonight (5 years old) telling her aunt Amy: "Our neighbors live right by us." Lol!!!

August 29th
Dawson and Kate were having a conversation in the car about school. Dawson says (almost 9), "School is an event in life that people have to do to survive!" Wonder how he comes up with all this stuff!

August 30th
Dawson today, "I read a book title. It said, '10 stupid things people do to mess up their relationships.' I'm going to have to read that by the time I'm 16!"

September ~

September 16th
Playing apples to apples when Dawson is trying to help out his card. "Sushi, sushi ... I mean, I don't know what card I put in!" Laughing SO hard!!!

September 17th
Faith said tonight, "Family helps each other. Even if we irritate each other out of our minds." So true! It's going to be a LONG week folks!

October ~

October 4th
Kate today, "Mommy, if you will start Barney for me, I will not bother you anymore!!!"

November ~

November 26th
My Monday in a nutshell. After searching for my keys for over 5 minutes, Kate (5 years old) says, "Here they are!" Where are they? Hanging on the key hook. Load up Kate and head to the library to return the books, only to get there and realize I don't have any books ... in the car. Grrrr! Head back home to get the books, and Faith (12 years) says, "Good one Mom! Good one!" Thank you Monday for gracing me with your presence. Now will you please send in Tuesday?

November 30th
Dawson (9 years old): "Mom, here's my advice on dating. Never flirt with a girl until you are at least 14 or 16!!!"

December ~ 

December 26th
Kate today just said, "Mom, I have some barf in my shoes from school!" I guess there is barf at school! Interesting!