Something new, but not really

So about two years ago a posted about Grant leaving Showalter Ford to start a new job at BH inc.  It was a tough decision to make.  Grant loved Showalter and the people he worked with, but with the economy going the way it was he just wasn't making the money we needed to support our family.  SOOO, he made the tough decision to leave Showalter for BH inc.  BH inc, is an icredible company to work for.  There are so many benefits to working there.  The people are awesome, the hours and pay are great, and Grant has his own shop to do whatever he wants in.  But, sometimes life has a funny way of letting you know it's time for a change.  We noticed a disturbance in the force about six months ago.  We thought it was just a fleeting moment, and that it would soon resolve itself.  But in time we realized that wasn't the case.  After many late night talks, many prayers, fasting, many visits to the temple, and more talking Grant made the decision to go back to Showalter Ford.  He actually started the last week of August.  He is loving it, and enjoying being with his friends again.  Believe or not over the past two years Showalter has been in our minds and the desire to go back has always been there, they have asked Grant several times to consider coming back, we just didn't feel right about it until now.  Leaving BH inc. was tough, but right. We know we made the right decision.  The balance in the force has been restored once again.  We didn't really make it public because both companies are amazing and we feel blessed to be a part of both.  This new change has been and will hopefully continue to be good for our family.  Grant has been able to continue his training and hopes to be master tech certified by december.  Woot woot!  This is something that has bothered Grant since he left, Showalter, that he wouldn't be able to complete his training.  The two years away from Showalter has set him back a bit, but he is ready and willing to get back up to speed. 
We would like to thank BH inc. from the bottom of our hearts for all they have done for us over the past couple of years.  There are many wonderful people within the company that have become a major part of our lives.  We are truly blessed to have them as friends and are grateful that Grant was able to make those relationships while working there.  Thank you BH inc. 
So, there you have it.  Besides the million of scout camps we have had the awesome priveledge attending this year (yes, I am being sarcastic, don't get me started), that is what is going on in the Schiess home.

My week with out "My boys"

Monday, Day 1 - Sad to see them go, but excited for my new found freedom. 

Tuesday, Day 2 - Woo hoo, got lots done, cleaned the house, (and it stayed clean), finished the laundry, went shopping,  chopped my hair, played with friends, and stayed up late eating ice cream and watching the movie of MY choice.  I love day 2.  I miss the boys, but I am excited that they are having fun.

Wednesday, Day 3 - Played some more, not really any house work to do, but still lots of playing to do.  Went to the Miss Unitah pageant.  Played at my friend Marcee's house, endured a thunder and lightening storm, stayed up late.  Missing my boys, but I still have so much I want to do.  Kind of wishing I had someone to talk to late at night.  Thank heavens for Mari and our late night phone calls.

Thursday, Day 4 - Got up late, still no house cleaning to do, I watched all the movies on my list, went shopping, went out for ice cream with a friend.  Laughed with Mari as we stayed up late on the phone watching Jimmy Kimmel together.   Good times.  Missing my family like crazy!  Only 2 more nights.  I think I can, I think I can...

Friday, Day 5 - Still no cleaning or laundry, I am out of movies to watch, all my friends will be with their families tonight, I am ice creamed and shopped out, I made the mistake of listening to the soundtrack from A walk to remember.  I want my family back!  I miss them!!!!  I don't know if I will make it to tomorrow.  The single life is not for me.  At least not for long periods of time. 

Saturday, Day 6 - My boys come home.  SOOOOO excited...

Do you ever really know a person?

Recently I have been hooked on the investigation discovery station.  I don't know if you are familiar with this station but basically it's re-inactments of true murder mysteries, cold cases, strange disapperances , kidnappings, and so forth.  For some reason I love it and can't get enough of it.  However there is one series that I just can't get myself to watch.  It's called  "The devil you know".  It has real life stories of people that have been masquerading as "normal, law abiding citizens", but in reality have a deep dark secret, such as serial killers, rapists, kidnappers, pedophiles, etc.  The big catch phrase they use in the commercial is "Do you really know your neighbor?"   This series freaks me out, but it has got me thinking.  Do we really know our neighbors and how much can or should we trust them?  I love my neighbors, I do trust them, we play together, have b-bq's, watch each others kids and so on.  Recently somethings have shaken me up a bit and rattled my faith in trusting people outside of my family.  I hate that the world is a sick place and that I can't trust people or places.  I hate that I have to really contemplate letting my kids go somewhere because I am worried about some sicko taking them or hurting them.  Honestly what has this world come to?  I just want to board up my house and never leave.  But then I am reminded of something my mom told me once when I was younger.  I once asked her how she was able to let us go places, and do things without worrying.  This is what she told me.  She said, I always worry, but I pray each day that you will be safe, and that you will make good choices.  I put my faith in the Lord, and that's all I can do.  I guess that really is all we can do.  I take precaution so that my children are safe in my home, the only precaution I can take when they are outside of my home, besides teaching them, is to have faith in the Lord.  It's hard.  But honestly, I can't keep them in my home all the time.  I need to have more faith and put my trust in the Lord.  It's like driving a car, I can make sure I obey all the laws, drive safe and cautiously, and be aware of other drivers on the road, but I can't do anything about the other drivers or the decisions they make while behind the wheel.  All I can do is have faith, and put my trust in the Lord to keep me safe. 
I know this might seem random and incoherent.  I apologize for my ramblings.  Like I said somethings have just shaken me up a bit and I needed to rant for a moment.  Thanks!

Round and round we go, where we stop (if we stop) nobody knows

Spring and summer has been as busy as can be.  Band concerts, school ending, camps, and so much more, I haven't had time to blog.  So rather than boring you all with a long post, I am posting pictures and I will give you a quick recap of summer so far.

Our fisrt adventure was Jayce and Alek's first band concert. Jayce plays the trombone and Alek plays the clarinet. Both are very good, but Alek has decided it's not for him and won't be continuing on with it. Jayce on the other hand loves it and wants to play every chance he gets. It gets loud at our house when he decided it's time to practice.

We attempted a drive to Flaming Gorge to see the tubes shooting water from the dam, but poor Alek got sick and threw up in the truck on the way there. So we stopped and got him a coke, and some pepto, and headed home. But not before Jayce and I savored the moment with a snap shot of us.

Our second attempt to Flaming Gorge was a sucess. The water was cold, and the tubes shooting the water was awesome and overwhelming. It was a fun day, and the scenery was beautiful!

Then Jayce and Alek attended Timberline NYLT scout camp.  This was a week long youth leadership training camp.  The boys loved it.  I missed them while they were gone.  That is until I got there and was parking.  Jayce decided to barrell into the car as I was backing up.  It made a horrible noise and I thought I hit a car.  I looked out my window and saw Jayce laughing his head off.  It scared me to death and I wanted to kill him.  Feelings of missing him were replaced with wanting to hurt him.  After I settled down, I was able to laugh about it and gave him a big hug.   Alek, however, hugged me and didn't stop for about a minute.  It was a very tender moment that made me tear up a little.  I love my boys! 1 camp down 3 to go.

Last week we hung out at Vernal's one and only outdoor pool and waterslide, The Big Kahuna. It was a blast and we had great company. The boys went with Isaac and Hunter. These four boys have been friends since they were born and have an awesome friendship. I couldn't get a picture of Isaac and Hunter, but I will get them next time for sure!

These are a few of the things we have done.  For the most part life has been fun filled and busy!  We still have a ton planned and hope to get through it all before the summer ends.  Our family leaves for Philmont this Friday.  Grant is way more excited for it than I am, but I am trying to be a good sport and smile.  It's just that I haven't slept in a tent in over 10 years, and I really don't want to start now.  Doesn't look like I have much of a choice.  Oh well,  I am excited for the fun family times we are going to have and the two hotel stays in between. 

Two weeks after we get back all three boys pack up AGAIN and head to scout camp with our ward.  Like I said we are busy.  At least the boys are. 

There you go, the Schiess family summer so far in a nut shell!

Mother I love you, Mother I do...

As Mother's day has steadily been approaching I have found myself reflecting on me as a mother, my own mother, and all the women who have made a difference to me in my life.  I have always wanted to be a mom.  It has been the ultimate goal for me.  I remember when I received  my partriarichal blessing I was promised I would be a mother.  That's all I could focus on.  I was so excited to think that someday I would have my own children.  And then I remember feeling a little bit of fear.  Questions filled my mind of what kind of children I would have, would they be righteous? Would they be honest?  Would they be good students?  Will they be kind to others?   Will they love me?  Will they be friends or will they fight?  All these questions and more went through my head.  I can't say that I was afraid, but I was definately nervous.  I knew I had a lot of learning and growing to do.  I used to watch my mom, and would think, I want to be just like her.  So I studied her, and watched her, listened to her (when it suited me of course) and paid attention to the little details.  That's when I realized that I have the best mom in the world, and there is no way I can ever do all that she has done, although I will never stop trying!  Years later when I became a mom and she became a grandma I remember thinking how blessed I was and am to have her as my mom.  I can't remember her ever really yelling at me, or spanking me, or saying unkind words to me.  She taught me with love and gentle words.  I wish I could say that I am that kind of mom.  But I still have some work to do.  I am just grateful that I have someone like my mom to emmulate.  Thank you mom for always being the example and for always teaching me.  I always thought by this time in my life I would know everything, that I would have the answers to all the questions my kids asked and know just what to do in any situation.  Sadly, I don't have all the answers and I don't know what to do in every situation.  I just hope I handle those situations like my mom did, with a smile and a sigh, and always an "I love you" in there somewhere. 
I am so thankful for Jayce and Alek.  They bring so much joy to my heart and so much spunk to my life.  They are the light and love of my life.  I am grateful to be a mom, and that they chose me to be their mom.  They are patient with me and love me even when I am not at my best.  It scares me to think that someday they will leave me.  I hope and pray that I will have taught them well and that they will know just how much I love them and will always be here for them.  I hope they have a testimony and trust Heaveny Father to lead them.  Most of all I hope and pray they find a wife as wonderful as my mom! 
I would like to thank all the women in my life who have loved me and taught me.  I would not be the same person without the influence you made in my life.  I don't have enough room to name you all one by one.  I just hope you know that I am grateful for you and for your love, patience, and example. 
I need to thank my dad too.  Because of him I have always known my divine nature, that I am a daughter of God.  He called me princess, and treated my like a princess.  I would not be the mom I am without his love and constant reminder that I am a daughter of God.  I love you dad! 

I hope you all have a wonderful mother's day.  I pray that you will take just a moment to reflect on your own mom, or someone that has been a mom to you.  Take a moment to ponder what a mother really is.  And most of all give your little ones that allowed you to become a mother a love, and tell them thank you for letting you be their mom.  Nothing in this world will ever compare. to being a mom! 
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Come listen to a prophets voice

We had the very awesome opportunity to attend the Saturday session of General Conference.  It was an incredible moment.  I have attended conference before, but never in the conference center, and never with my boys.  When they were born I made a goal to take them to conference when they were twelve.  I am grateful I was able to fulfill my goal.

When we arrived early Saturday morning, I could feel the Spirit so strong.  Everything I looked at, heard, or touched brought a tear to my eye.  We watched the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice and rehearse the songs they were going to preform.  That was amazing. We looked around the conference center and admired it's beauty, we watched as people filled the seats, we talked as a family about what we were going to see and here, THEN, the prophet walked in and I lost it. The spirit was so strong, and a rush of emotions flooded through me.  I couldn't hardely contain myself.  I was looking at the prophet.  I could feel his love and the love of our Savior as he walked to his seat.  I will never be able to beat that feeling. I am grateful that I had this opportunity, and that I could share it with the three people I love most, Grant, Jayce, and Alek. 

I am so grateful for President Monson, President Uchdorf, and President Eyering and for their faith, and willingness to do the Lords will.  I am grateful to live in Utah where I can attend conference.  I am grateful for the opportunity for my boys to be able to see the prophet, to hear him in person, and to be able to feel how much he loves them.  

Attending conference was an overwhelming experience, one I can't put words to.  I wish I could record my feelings and post them.  Then you would be able to see how blessed, and grateful I feel. 

The three most handsome men in the world!

Waiting for conference to start.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Alek

Jayce

Isn't it beautiful? 

Curls all gone...

 Jayce has the cutest curly hair.  I love it!  Over the weekend he decided to see what it was like to have straight hair.  So we pulled out the straightener and went to town while watching conference.  I was shocked at how long his hair was.  AND, it actually looked pretty good straight. 


Before



He kept it straight for school on Monday and got lots of comments.  Some nice, some not so nice.  I think it looked dang good.  But I do prefer his curls. 



During





After



All I Need To Know I Learned in Primary

I am a Child of God
Believe in Christ

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Choose the right

Where love is, there God is also

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

Forgive & Forget

Give oh Give

Listen to the still small voice

Count your many blessings

Do the things the Lord Commands

Honor your father & mother

Dare to be true

Kindness begins with me

Families are Forever

Search, Ponder & Pray

Listen to the prophets voice

Jesus said love everyone

When you are helping you are happy

Heavenly Father hears & answers prayers

There is beauty all around

Reverently & quietly pray

Sunday is special

Do your duties with a heart full of song

My body is a temple

HEAVENLY FATHER LOVES ME !!!

I'm not gonna lie, primary is the place to be.  I love primary with all my heart, and would stay in for the rest of my life if I could.  It is rewarding no matter where you serve in the primary.  I love the children and their sweet, innocent testimonies.  I love to watch them grow and become more confident in the gospel.  But most of all I LOVE it when they give me hugs, and high fives, and tell me that they love me. It brings joy to my heart and a tear to my eye.  

I LOVE PRIMARY!!!   

Sunday was a bitter sweet day for me.  After almost 3 1/2 years I was released as the primary president.  If you ask me if I am ok, I will tell you I am great!  I feel relieved, and I feel like a stress has been lifted from my shoulders.  But in my heart I am sad.  I loved so very much being in primary each and every week.  I have been in primary for 13 years.  It's my place.  It's where my homies, and my peeps are.  But I know the Lord has a plan for me, and this part of the plan has been completed.  I get to move on to something new.  I think the hardest thing for me (besides not getting the hugs and high fives) is not working with the phenomenal women in my presidency anymore.  I have learned so much from each of them.  I was blessed to work with Carlene as my 1st counselor.  Carlene is by far the most patient, loving, and kind person I know (besides my mom).  She loves unconditionaly and has such a sweet, humble spirit about her. Aburey was the 2nd counselor.  I think I learned the most from her.  She has such empathy for everyone she meets.  She never thinks negatively and always has something nice to say about EVERYONE.  She has been  such an example to me, and I would love to have just an ounce of her faith, love, and sense of humor!  I could go on and on.  She is amazing!!!  And then there is Susan, she served as the secretary!  I love Susan.  She is so strong, and noble, and has more integrity in her little pinky finger than most people have in their entire body.  She has one of the sweetest testimonies I have ever heard.  Susan loves everyone, and is everyone's friend.  I am honored that we are friends.

Each of these ladies were such a blessing to work with, and a blessing in my life.  I am grateful for their hard work and dedication.  I love each of them and want to thank them for giving me the best presidency ever! 

In my 3+ years I learned to laugh, I learned to love, I learned to turn to the Lord and ask for help, I learned to deligate, and I learned to lead.  But it wasn't without the help of many.  I would be very ungrateful if I didn't take the time to thank each of amazing women that served for a time in the presidency.  Sharon, is amazing, and super dedicated to everything she does.  I am thankful that we have stayed friends and that we still get to see each other.  Laurie, she is one of my best friends, and I am so blessed to have been able to serve with her.  She taught me more than I have time to write.  Elizabeth, I miss her!  We were so much alike and we just connected on so many different levels.  We had so much more than just our names in common.  Megan, she is very quiet. I truly enjoyed our time together.  She taught me a lot about loving myself.  Brynne, such a spit fire.  I loved her "go get 'em" attitude.  She was so efficient, and loved what she did.  Kami, was such a joy to be around.  I was really sad when she moved.  She loved primary and you could tell. 

I guess only time will tell what's next for me.  I can only hope and pray it's in the primary, but my heart tells me otherwise.  It will be interesting to say the least!  I look forward to spending time in Relief Society.  I have only attended a handful of times since I turned 18.  Mostly because I have been in primary, but also because it scares me.  I really have nothing to offer the women, and it makes me nervous to be in a room full of women.  Maybe I will try Elders Quroum, I am much more comfortable there. Ha Ha.  All teasing aside, Relief Society will be an exciting new adventure for me.  I am nervous, but I know the Lord will bless me, and I know he wants me there.  So, "I will go, I will do the thing the Lord commands, I know the Lord provides a way, he wants me to obey" Just one more thing I learned in primary!

Scouts

Last night we had the opportunity to go to a court of honor for the scouts in our ward.  It was a full house, and many merit badges were awarded to the scouts, including Jayce and Alek.  My boys were awarded 9 merit badges and 2 rank advancements.    I am so proud of them and all the hard work they have put forth as they have completed each merit badge.  Three of the baddges they earned were commemorative badges for the 2010 year only, the 100th year of scouting.  For the anniversary the BSA brought back, for 1 year only, badges that have been dissolved or are no longer offered.  I am proud to say that Jayce and Alek earned three of those four.  They earned caprentry, tracking, and pathfinding.  The only one we did not get is signaling, and that's because we just didn't have time. 
I guess I never realized all the work that goes into each and every merit badge.  But, holy cow, it's a lot!  Jayce and Alek are 2 required merit badges, and a 6 month waiting period away from being a life scout.  This means that in September we start Eagle projects.  YIKES!!!  I am so excited for the boys to become Eagles.  They are excited too.  We talked to them last night about what their projects will entail, and the hard work and dedication they are going to have to put forth.  We decided on two projects and hope they will get apporoved when the time comes.  Although I don't see why they wouldn't, they are AWESOME, and also very TOP SECRET!  I don't want anyone to borrow our ideas.  We had a hard time coming up with the ones we have.  So please pray that they get approved when we submit them this fall.  And be prepared to get a phone call in September.  We will need lots of help!  Our goal is to have both boys completely done and awarded their Eagles in March of 2012.  It's going to be a fun roller coaster ride the next 12 months, but so incredibly worth it.  I am excited to see them dive in and get started.  I hope they are as excited as me and Grant.  They seem to be, but we will see as we get heavy into their projects. 
I love being a mother of boys (especially twin boys).  It has taken me out of my "girly" element and forced me to learn so much.  There are somethings I think I was better off NEVER knowing, but just the same, I have learned and continue to learn all there is to know about boys. Good and bad.
The scout law says; A scout is, Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and  Reverent.  I see all of these qualities in my boys.  (Well, except maybe the reverent part.  They are boys, I can only expect so much!) They work hard to do what they know is right and to be good boy scouts so that they can receive their Eagles worthily. 
I am so proud to be their mom.  They make me proud every second of every day!  I have been blessed with these two sweet and gentle spirits.  I am so glad they let me be their mom!  Motherhood is the best job in the world, and though I am not as good at it as I should be, they are patient with me and give me hugs and kisses every day, and tell me they love me, even when I am a snot!  I love you Jayce and Alek!  Heavenly Father knew how much I needed you, I am so glad he sent you to me.

So ya know...

So ya know when you get strep and they tell you if you don't finish your antibiotics or if you don't treat strep it could cause heart problems?  Well, they aren't kidding!  It really can. Of course in my case I didn't know I had strep, but my heart sure did.  Sunday morning I woke up with a pain in my chest.  I ignored it at first, but it steadily increased.  That night it felt as though I had been hit by a sledge hammer right smack dap in the middle of my chest.  I was worried, but it was Valentines day so I thought I would put it off until Tuesday and go see the doctor.  Well, that night it got really bad, so I went to the doctor.  Pericarditis.  That's what the doctor said.  HUH????  Best explained, you have two sacs around your heart.  One fits snug and the other a not so snug.  Well these two sacs can become inflamed and irritated if you don't treat strep (among other things).  Anyway, that's what was going on.  It's not a huge deal (other than the pain) I just take Tylenol and Ibuprofen, and that pretty much keeps it under control.  I feel much better now, and am not taking as much drugs.  Phew...
Anyway, let this be a lesson to you ALL.  If you think you have strep get it checked out.  And ALWAYS finish your antibiotics.  Trust me, you don't want this!

Little Bit

Well, as you know my rooster Cleo is no longer with us.  We put ourselves out of misery.  I loved Cleo and I was sad that we had to kill him, but he was just to aggresive.  In fact the day he died he tried attacking Jayce.  If Grant had not stepped in front of him I am pretty sure Jayce would have had some pretty nasty cuts and scraped on his face.  This event may have lead to his demise.  Up to that point I was fighting for his life (kind of.  I knew he had to go, I just kept putting it off) After he went after Jayce I told Grant let's just get it done.  It was an emotional thing.  Poor Jayce had the privilege of holding his neck as Grant whacked it off.  When it was all done, Jayce looked at Grant and said, "can I have a minute in my bedroom?"  and when Grant said that was fine he looked at Cleo and said, "poor guy, it didn't have to be like this."  It was so cute and tender.  Alek, well, he didn't stay for the event at all.  It was to hard for him so he watched out the window.  Poor boys.  As a mom I knew I had to do something.  Instead of making the boys watch Grant gut and clean him, we hopped in the car and went for a drive.  We just happened to end up at a chicken breeder's farm, and we just happened to find the most beautiful bantam rooster and hen, and we just happened to bring them home.  I'm not so sure Grant was thrilled about it, but I assured him that our new rooster "Little Bit" was not aggressive and would be the perfect addition to our beautiful hens, along with our new bantam hen "Zeb"  So he let us keep them.  Unfortunately our hens HATED, with an extreme passion, Zeb, and tried eating her.  I know that sounds gross right?  But they were attacking her to the point that she bled, then they got the taste of her blood and were literally trying to eat her.  So poor little Zeb found a new home.  No, not in heaven!!!  We took her to my friend who has nice chickens that wouldn't try to eat her.  Last I checked on her shew was as happy as she could be. 
ANYWAY, so now we have a wonderful 3 year old  Wheaten Old English Game Bantam Rooster.  And I LOVE him.  He has a beautiful crow, and has the most gorgeous colors in him.  The picture above is not him, but is very similar, although I think mine has a bit more color and a lot more personality.  This is him below.  You can't see him very well, but you get the point!

I never thought I could or would fall in love with chickens, but I have.  They are like pets with benefits!

Sweet thang

I finally got to meet the newest Cook family member last week.  Olivia Joy Cook.  Born January 18, 2011.  She is so beautiful and I couldn't put her down.  I fell in love with this sweet little girl the second I saw her.  She has the sweetest personality  and very rarely cries.  Seriously, I have never seen a better baby.  My only thought to that is that Olivia was just in heaven and she KNOWS her daddy has a son just like him up there so she better cut them a break.  :)
I forgot to charge my camera before we left, so I stole a picture off James' facebook so you could she how gorgeous she is.  Isn't she cute?
Olivia is a precious little gift and I can't wait to hold her and love her again.
Congratulations James and Jerrica, Olivia is absolutley perfect!!

I just called to say...

 Last night I got two phone calls!  My phone ringing is not a weird thing, sometimes it never stops.  But these two phone calls were special to me.  The first one was my sister in law Darleen.  I had a fun time talking with her and realized how much I miss seeing her.  The second phone call was my other sister in law Aleen.  I again realized how much I miss her too andI enjoyed our chat, even though my phone was being stupid and kept cutting out.  (sorry Aleen, you probably thought I wasn't listening. It was just my phone going in and out of service) Though the circumstances of the phone call were saddening and hard to hear, I still enjoyed catching up and hearing your voices. 
Then to top it all, I got a message on facebook from my OTHER sister in law Suzanne, and for the third time that evening realized how much I miss seeing my sister in laws. 
These three ladies are the bomb.  I miss them daily and often loose myself in memories of when we all lived close together and got to play whenever we wanted.  I am so very lucky to be able to call you guys sister!  Thank you for the chats the other night. I can't wait to talk to you all again!

Warning, Long post and lots of rambling.

I have said it before and I will say it again.  I love my family.  With out them I would not be who I am. 
I have been contemplating family a lot the last little bit.  Maybe I have been putting to much emphasis on spending time as family, maybe I rely on my family to much, maybe I require to much out of them, both my little family, and my parents, brothers and sisters.  Maybe family isn't what I think it is, so I looked up the definition of family and this is what I found "a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not: the traditional family."  I didn't like this definition.  It's very vague and It doesn't seem to describe a family unit, or the reason we have families.  I couldn't find what I was looking for, so I knelt down in prayer and asked my Heavenly Father to help me.  I felt the spirit with me and it testified to me that family is all of the things that I mentioned and more.  I also felt directed to read The Family  A Proclamation to the World. I believe that the proclamation was given to us to preserve our families and I am grateful that was I was directed to read it again.  It renewed my faith that families are forever and that we have a purpose within our familiy.  In the procalamtion it says "Family is central to the creator's plan" 
“The disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.”
And the last words of the proclamation express the simple truth that the family is “the fundamental unit of society.”
The proclamation’s clear and simple language stands in contrast to the confused and convoluted notions of a society that cannot even agree on a definition of family, let alone supply the help and support parents and families need.
I found on lds.org this statement.
"...Public opinion surveys indicate that people everywhere in the world generally consider the family as the highest priority..."
"Joseph F. Smith said: “There can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from the home, and every effort made to sanctify and preserve its influence is uplifting to those who toil and sacrifice for its establishment. Men and women often seek to substitute some other life for that of the home; they would make themselves believe that the home means restraint; that the highest liberty is the fullest opportunity to move about at will. There is no happiness without service, and there is no service greater than that which converts the home into a divine institution, and which promotes and preserves family life”
President Harold B. Lee said "The Church is the kingdom of God on earth, but in the kingdom of heaven, families will be both the source of our eternal progress and joy and the order of our Heavenly Father. As we are often reminded, we will be released one day from our Church callings; but if we are worthy, we will never be released from our family relationships."
I am in love with my family.  I don't want to EVER not be with them.  It breaks my heart, and brings me to tears to think of losing a family member.  I am grateful for each member in my family.  Each one brings a different dynamic to our family.  We aren't perfect, but we are strong.  We make mistakes, but we love each other.  We may not live near one another, but we are always there for each other. 
My definition of family is a unit made up of different personalities, traits, and talents, created by a mother and father who love each other, and each child, who also love one another.  A unit that spends time together and apart yet still has a bond stronger than any element found on earth a family is made up of both Unconditional love, and devotion. 
Family is important to me and needs to remain a focal point in my life.  My life revolves around family.  I hope my boys, my husband, my parents, and my siblings all know this.  You are my life, and I will always be here for you.  I can't think of anything in this world more important to me than you!
P.S.
I want to clarify that when I say family, siblings, parents, sisters, brothers, etc. I mean EVERYONE, in-laws and all!  

Kids say the funniest things...

The kids I watch are hilarious. They say the funniest things. Here are just a few things they have said this week.
Monday Keira was scratching her foot. I said "Keira, what are you doing? She said "I have foot fleas".
Tuesday I was talking to Keira about going potty in the toilet. When we were done I said "Keira, where do go poop?". She said "HAWAII!!!!"
Wednesday we has dinosaur fruit snacks for lunch. One of the kids said "look I have triadactyl" to that another child said " nuh-uh, it's A stegadyl"
Thursday Jackson and I were taking care of the chickens. I asked Jackson if he had a pet. To which he replied "no, we forget to feed them. We shouldn't be the Menea's (his last name), we should be the forgetfuls."
And today (Friday) Jackson and Bronson were copying what the other one was saying. Jackson said "hey, stop copying me!" Bronson replied "I'm not copying you, I am just saying everything you say."
This folks is why I love watching kids!!!

Weak in the knee...

Last Sunday I had a lot of pain in my knee.  This isn't anything new for me.  My knees generate pain often.  I am used to it.  At first I just ignored it.  As the day went on the pain became very intense and almost dropped me to the ground every time I put my weight on my right side.    I was hoping that I had slept on it funny, bumped it, or twisted it funny, and that as the week went on the pain would go away, and my knee would just heal itself.  So far that has not been the case.  I don't know what I did, or how I did it, but somehow, someway I have screwed up my knee AGAIN!!!  This is a problem for me.  #1, because I am terrified of doctors, #2 I have already had multiple surgeries and really not in the mood to do it again, #3, I don't like needles, and surgery requires a few of them, #4, I don't trust the hospital out here.  ( I am sorry to all my friends that work at the hospital, it's not you I don't trust!!!)  #5, seriously!!!!! How many surgeries does it take?  and #6, I am to tired for this!  :) 
Like I said I have had multiple surgeries in both knees. I am just not ready to do it again.  Don't get me wrong, the end result is fabulous, but everything in between just sucks!!!  It seems like everytime I have had knee troubles it just comes on.  There isn't any kind of traumatic injury that has caused the damage (at least not that I can remember)   And every time it's something different, something the doctor couldn't have predicted. and something that always makes the doctor scratch his head (I don't meant to be difficult, it just comes so naturally).  This time it's the same story, but I am worried that it is slightly worse than any of the other times.  In the past the pain has been, for the most part, bearable.  This time, not so much! 
Bad knees run in the family, and I guess the hereditary fairy didn't notice the EXEMPT tag on me when I was made, Yay!!! 
I was just really hoping that I was done with knee problems!  Guess not!
I am sorry to complain about this on my blog. It's really not an interesting topic.  I use my blog as a journal, and really  needed an outlet to get this off my mind.  I am nervous, and hoping to avoid the inevitable!  I don't have time for surgery, I hate the swelling that comes with it, I hate the bruising, the crutches, I hate it all.  I just really don't want to do it!  Maybe I will have a small miracle.  Stranger things have happened.  Right?

Blood, sweat, and a toga...

The end of the 2nd quarter was last Friday.  Phew!  This quarter has been a whirlwind and a half.  The quarter started out just like any other, but by mid-term it was a different story.  Alek had two c's and Jayce had three.  Luckily we got them up in a hurry and were able to maintain the 4.0 status until THREE days before the end of the quarter.  THREE DAYS!!!  Alek forgot to hand in an assignment in science that brought his grade back down to a C and Jayce's gym teacher screwed up on his mile run time and wouldn't give him any credit even though he had done exactly what she said. Now I know what your thinking.  You are thinking ya right the teacher screwed up.  But I am a witness to the crime. I had gone to the school to help Jayce and give him some moral support, I witnessed the whole event.  Basically what happened is Jayce had to beat his 1st mile run time, which he did, but when he handed his time sheet in the teacher said, "this isn't his 1st mile run score, this is his 2nd (which was slightly worse than the first).  Jayce told her that was the number she wrote down.  She refused to listen to him and accused him of lying.  That's when I got involved.  I explained to her what had happened and she simply said, "well I'm the teacher, and he didn't pass off his mile run, so he will either need to run it again, or take the C."   Ahhhh....
So after a few tears, and a long time for mom to calm down, we devised a plan.  We hydrated him really good, gave him a GREAT dinner, bought him a stop watch, made THE BEST breakfast ever, bribed him with dinner, and a movie with friends, and most importantly Grant gave him a blessing,  The next day I was on pins and needles.  FINALLY Jayce called me after 3rd period to tell me he beat his score by 1 min and 38 sec.  SWEET!!!  Now Jayce has an A in gym and is out of that class.  What a relief, except now Alek has her,  Great, here we go again!
Now back to Alek's C in science.  I saved this for last because it makes me laugh everytime I think of it.  Alek begged and pleaded with his teacher to let him hand in his missing assignment.  She wouldn't budge, but she made him a deal.  Since they had been studying Greek mythology if he would wear a toga to school ALL day she would give him extra credit.  Of course Alek sprung this little tid bit of information on me the morning that he was supposed to do it.  But we got it done, and he wore the sweetest blue toga this side of the mississipps to school.  He was so proud of it!  He wore it clear until dinner time.  We were proud of him and he got the extra credit points.  Unfortunately it wasn't enough to get him an A, but he did get a B+.  He was a little bummed because he has A's in all his other classes, but it was a lessoned he needed to learn.  Hopefully he won't "forget" to hand in his assignments ever again!
Now we are on to third quarter tomorrow, and hoping for smooth sailing.  Wish us luck!!!
P.S.
To all my V-Town friends.  If your kids get Ms. Jensen for gym, here is a little bit of advice, tell your child to run as slow as they can the first time.  Trust me on this!!!!