Family Vacation....finally!

So - I know that I have been a complete slacker in getting anything posted! There are a lot of pictures to post from our vacation and just have not had time to put them up. So sorry! Plus that - for those of you that haven't heard yet, I have had a lot of morning sickness (or shall I say...all day sickness), so that has also been my excuse for not posting. Baby number 4 will be showing up around Feb. 21st. We are excited! Chris and Zach think it's a boy and totally want another boy! Chloe always says it is a girl. With as sick as I have felt - I think it's a boy! Who else can make you so miserable!!! (kidding, kidding!!) So anyway, I will start, but may have to do it in multiple posts....we'll see.

At the end of July, we headed out on a cross-country drive from Indiana to Utah for the Clay family reunion! LONG drive! The kids were such troopers and did a good job keeping themselves entertained and happy. We stopped in Omaha, NE for a couple hours to load up my sister, Julianne, her husband Ryan and their 5 month old baby, Sam. The van was quite packed, but we had a good time hanging out. Even baby Sam did a great job!

Just hangin' out trying not to be too bored!

At one of our pitstops, Zach found a toad jumping in the grass. This little guy kept the kids entertained for a bit. I remember when I was younger I would catch toads that looked just like this and tie a string around it's neck (if it has a neck!). Then I would take it for a walk down the sidewalk. Ahh, memories!

We made it to Colorado and spent the night at Chris's parents house. That was a lot of fun to see them, even if it was only for a couple hours. Grandma Stimpson made us a wonderful pancake breakfast that next morning and helped us pack a lunch for the days drive to UT.

We did get to stop by and see Chris's Grandparents for a few minutes on our way out, but missed seeing Chris's sister Stephanie and her family. We miss living close to everyone. I sure wish we would have had time to stop by and see all of our fabulous friends out there too, but there just wasn't time.

One of our most important stops along the way was in CO just before we headed out to UT. We stopped by the Johnstown cemetary where our sweet Karleigh is buried. We were flattered that Chris's parents had cleaned up her headstone and put some flowers there, knowing that we would be coming. That was special to us. I wish we lived close so that we could visit more often and keep it clean. But we are very thankful to our family and friends that so lovingly help take care of it for us. It comes with a lot of mixed emotions for everyone everytime we are there. Last summer I had a lot of tears. This time, I felt a lot more peace - still sad - but more at peace.













Chloe really enjoyed playing with Karleigh's "leegabub" (ladybug) and putting her face right up to Karleigh's picture. I know she knows her big sister and can't wait for the day that I can see them together again.













We finally made it to UT!! My wonderful Grandma Brammer was so kind in letting us invade her cute little home. Although, it wasn't just my family and Julianne's family! My parents, my brother Brian and sister Joy, and eventually my other sister, Marci and her 2 kids all crowded in the same house. Let's just say....crowded! But it was still fun, none the less. Chloe loved the shirts that Grandma would wear. The first one (not the one pictured below) was her favorite. If you ask her what is on Grandma's shirt, she will still tell you, "um, leegabub's and flowers!"


















Monday, we went up to Syracuse to see Chris's Grandpa and Grandma Stimpson. They are just wonderful! Grandma made us a fresh homemade rubarb pie - one of Grandpa and Chris's favorite. We are grateful we got to be with them, especially Grandpa. He is suffering from Parkinson's and has been having a hard time lately. Grandma is caring for him so lovingly, but is also getting pretty worn out. Caring for someone who is sick is not an easy thing, and I think it is even more amazing when you are elderly and doing it!











One the way home, we decided to stop by Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. I absolutely LOVE to look at the flowers there. It just makes me want to come home and redo all my flower beds!














Here are just some of my favorite pictures of our outing at the Temple Square!

I love watching these three play! Chloe was chasing Zach so that she could put grass in his hair! For those of you who know about my grass game....yes, my kids are learning all the tricks....a bit at a time. Maybe someday I will reveal the entire game! My siblings used to LOVE that game - right guys!!!

Not a fabulous picture of myself, but hey - I finally have a picture with my husband! So, I had to include it - yucky or not! Thanks, Zach, for being our photographer!

More to come in another post.....for now.....bedtime!

PS - With fingers crossed.....potty training is a success!!! YEAH for Chloe!

10 YEARS!!!!

In 1997, I was an mere freshman at Rick's College (now BYU-Idaho). I was so excited to be away at school and experience life on my own, but yet still a bit homesick. I missed my family and friends back home. I was lucky enough to have my older sister there to show me the ropes of college life. Mindi had been up there the year before me, and then I joined her in the fun of college life.

Mindi told me about Chris, a good friend of hers, about a year before when she came home for Christmas. She (and he) came to my apartment to find me many times after I got up to school so that I could meet him. I was a little freaked out by him when I finally did meet him because of his....well, let's just say - not so wonderful pick-up line and his stalking tendencies!

I thought he was quite cute, but kind of blew it off because he was 5 years older than me. I soon learned something that has been replayed over and over - his persistant nature! I soon found myself falling for this handsome guy. I had no intention to go away to school and get myself hitched that following summer - but boy, I sure am glad I did.

Today Chris and I celebrate 10 years of marriage! I can not believe it has already been so long! I have so many wonderful memories of our years together. It is amazing to me how you think you love someone at one point in your life, but you realize just how much you didn't know about the word "love." I am grateful for the lessons that we have learned along the way, the trials we have been through, the beautiful children we have, and the deepened realization of just what a wonderful husband I have!

I love my Chris so much! I am so grateful that we have been sealed together for eternity and that this love that we share will not end at death! What an amazing blessing we have been given to have that opportunity. I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Chris - I love you. I am so grateful you are in my life. I am grateful for the support you give me. You are an amazing father which makes me so proud. You are a wonderful husband and provider for our family. I pray that the years to come bring us much happiness and joy!

Happy Anniversary!

"Just Let Me Cry"

So, I occasionaly check Hilary Weeks blog on her website. (http://www.hilaryweeks.com/) (can anyone tell me how to do the hyperlink thing - I think that is what it is called - where you can't see the link just the name) She usually has something uplifting to say on there. I absolutely love her music and listen to it quite often. She has been working on a new album and is in the process of recording it right now. I just thought I would post what she wrote the other day because it struck a cord with me. Sometimes, but not always - this poem is exactly the way I feel. The poem below just says it all! Hopefully she doesn't mind me posting her post on here.

Day 2 of Recording July 15th, 2008

Today we recorded “Just Let Me Cry.” This song was inspired by a poem I received from a family who lost their 8 year-old daughter to cancer. This is the poem:

Please, don’t ask us if we’re over “it” yet.

We’ll never be over it.

Please, don’t tell us they’re in a better place.

They aren’t with us.

Please don’t say, “At least they aren’t suffering.”

We haven’t come to terms with why they had to suffer at all.

Please, don’t tell us you know how we feel unless you have lost a child.

Please, don’t ask us if we feel better.

Bereavement isn’t a condition that clears up.

Please don’t tell us, “At least you had them for a time.”

What year would you choose for you child to die?

Please, don’t tell us, “God never gives you more than you can bear.”

Please, just tell us you are sorry.

Please, just say you remember our children, if you do.

Please, just let us talk about our children.

Please, mention our children’s names.

Please just let us cry.

When I read the last line of that poem, I knew a song had to be written. Sometimes when we are going through something difficult, something heart-breaking, nothing anyone says or does is going to make it better. We simply need to mourn. We just need to cry. It doesn’t mean we don’t have faith. It doesn’t mean we don’t believe in the Atonement or Christ’s ability to heal our hearts. It is just part of the healing process. And it has to happen. We have to let ourselves cry sometimes.

_____________
So - if you are one of the lucky ones that gets to see and hear me cry sometimes - please just know that it is just something that I have learned that I will probably do for the rest of my life. I miss my sweet Karleigh. Sometimes the pain can be extreme and overwhelming, but sometimes the comfort that comes is more than I will ever be able to describe. Many times I cry in private and no one ever knows. For me, these are the times I have felt the hand of God the most as He has held me up and gotten me through my sorrow. Now that there has been some time since Karleigh's passing, I look back and see countless ways that I was carried through difficult times. There would have been no way I could have done it alone. He carried so many of my burdens during that time and still does. My burdens were also made light by many caring and loving family and friends. I will be forever grateful to my Savior and to all of you who make my burdens light.

Surviving Girls Camp!

Things have been quite busy all month! On July 1st, my wonderful Mom and little sister, Joy flew out to stay for a couple of weeks. They came out to take care of my kids because Chris also had to be gone at Scout Camp that week. July 8-12th was Girls Camp for our stake. I went up with 14 girls from my ward, and unfortunately, forgot to take pictures most of the time! Anyone reading this that has some....send them my way, please!

Camp was a lot of fun. I got to know the girls much better and whether they liked it or not, they got to know me better! We stayed in these huge bunker type cabins, so we separated each wards area with a big curtain divider. It worked out pretty well. The bathrooms weren't absolutely horrible, but sure weren't anything to rave about. Luckily, a few other leaders (Thanks for driving TJ!) and I were able to drive up the road to some nicer bathrooms to shower. I think the girls will always remember me as the leader that made them shower and brush their teeth! To me, common sense. But to some - they really didn't feel the need! I am sorry but I have a sensitive nose and don't like to smell people's pits and see fuzzy teeth!!! Mean leader - I know!

This was the first time I have been away from my kids for more than one night. It was not the easiest thing to do, but I think it was a lot easier knowing that they were in good hands. Chris ended up being here part of the time too. But I am so thankful to my fabulous mom for taking such good care of my little family while I was away....and while I was home! She went home on Tuesday morning, and I already miss her a lot! It was so wonderful to come home and have Chloe and Zach run to the front door to see me! Chloe looked so huge and grown up - only after a week. She has been pretty attached to me since getting home. Zach gave me a big hug, showed me the Welcome Home sign he made and then headed out to play! Punk boy! I was ready to kiss his face off and he took off outside - probably because he knew I would! Chris was also home to give me a big hug and kiss! Luckily he hasn't had to travel much at all this month, so he has been here! yeah! That will all change very soon, I'm sure!

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their summer! We will be heading out for a short trip out west next weekend for a family reunion. It will be quite the drive, but hopefully we will have a great time! School starts for Zach about a week after we get home (Aug. 13th), so we are already doing some school shopping! I can't believe summer is almost over! I have enjoyed the time with my kids this summer. We have gone on many bike rides and little outings. I sure have fun kids! When school starts, I have told myself that is when I have to start potty training Chloe. Auugghh - the messes! I certainly don't like this phase of life! But hopefully she will do well. She is already showing a lot of interest in it, but I don't want to start before our trip. That would not be fun for anyone! Now if I can just remember how to do this! I haven't done it for over 5 years!

Have a fabulous week!!

Toothfairy

So I should be in bed right now because it is very late and I have to get up very early. But I just had to post an adorable letter that Zach wrote to the Toothfairy. I saw the note taped onto his lamp next to his bed when I was tucking him into bed tonight. I wonder if she came tonight and how much money she left him......??? Here's the letter....


Please let me keep my tooth. Please keep note forever so you will remember me.
Zach, Stimpson

Happy Birthday, Chris!!

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband! The kids and I wish you were here so we could pamper you on this special day, but know you are hard at work providing for us! Thank you so much for taking such good care of us and always working so hard. We know life is pretty stressful right now. Here are some fun pictures to take your mind off work and on to the funner things in life! You have accomplished much in your 34 years on earth, much more than many ever thought you would. I am grateful you have wonderful parents who pushed you to do the best you could despite your hearing limitations. I know that you will always succeed and will always do well at everything you set your mind to. I know that because you have already been a shining example of just that! I love you and miss you lots!!! I hope these memories make your birthday a bit better!

Lessons learned...

So all last week, I worked on preparing a lesson for all the Young Women in my ward. I was so thankful for that opportunity because I truly believe that it is the teacher that gets more out of the lesson than the class. The lesson was on Eternal Perspectives. I really enjoyed studying about this topic all week. I would read a little bit at a time and then think and ponder about what I had read throughout my day. I have decided that I want to pick one topic a week to study about and just have that on my mind all week. To me, this is a very important lesson, and I really wanted to make sure the girls felt that as well. The lesson went well, but I had to skip a big portion of it because of time. Doesn't that always happen - you run out of time while teaching. Anyway, I just wanted to share a few of my favorite quotes and parts of the lesson.
_________________________________________________


President James E. Faust said:
"Knowing who you are – who you REALLY are – is closely tied to knowing God, for you
are His children."

"Be obedient and valiant in your search to establish who Heavenly Father wants you to be. It may be hard sometimes, but He is always there to help you."

“If we really want to feel better about ourselves, we should do deeds of kindness. Kindness shapes our character and makes us more like our Father in Heaven. When we demonstrate our love for others, in turn we will understand better the love our Savior has for each of us and that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father."

"YOU choose your own happiness."

"We often will need to choose between having a GOOD TIME or LEADING A GOOD LIFE."
_____________________________________________________


"Pres. Harold B. Lee said, “Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you but on what happens inside of you. It is measured by the spirit with which you meet the problems of life.”

_____________________________________________________
Ralph Waldo Emerson said…

“What is success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by
A healthy child, a garden patch
Or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.
_____________________________________________________


(I played this song at the end. This got a lot of us in tears)

A SONG TO SING
By: Hilary Weeks

She laid there last night
And all she could do was cry
She wondered who she was
As she thought about her life
The times she has failed
The things she has done
Surely heaven must look down
And wonder who she’s become
Is there a reason why she’s here
Then in the silence she heard these words

You have a song to sing
You have a story to tell
There is a destiny that only you can fulfill
Though you are wandering
If you’ll put your trust in Me
I’ll give you a song to sing

Her eyes were closed
But she opened her heart
She had always believed
There was no part
For someone like her
With so far to go
But tonight that changed
And now she knows
And for the first time in her life
She let go of the fear
So that she could hear

You have a song to sing
You have a story to tell
There is a destiny that only you can fulfill
Though you are wandering
If you put your trust in Me
I’ll give you a song to sing

Yes there’s a reason why we’re here
We have a Father who cares
Who will answer our prayers

You have a song to sing
You have a story to tell
There is a destiny that only you can fulfill
Though you are wandering
If you’ll put your trust in Him
He’ll give you a song
He’ll give you a song to sing
___________________________________________________


Sunflowers
Sunflowers always face the sun. In the morning they face east. By evening, they have turned west. They follow the sun as it crosses each day's sky, so they can gather in as much sun as possible. We can be like sunflowers, and turn to the SON, Jesus Christ, and gather spiritual light from Him. A sunflower seed will grow most anywhere. You, too, can bloom and grow where you are planted. By desiring to believe and by studying the scriptures prayerfully, you will nurture your personal gospel seed.

As the sunflower grows, small buds will soon appear, surrounded by protecting leaves. Like those leaves, your parents, leaders, and teachers surround you, and love you, and protect you, and help your budding testimony grow. As a sunflower grows taller, its stalk grows thicker, for it must support the large flower that will soon be full of seeds. So as your spiritual stalk must grow, and your testimony will grow stronger as you prayerfully read the scriptures that teach of Jesus Christ and strive to become like Him.

When the sunflower bud opens, bright yellow petals form, and its head becomes a golden crown. The blessings of its growth at last begins to show. And, having been born of a seed, it now produces seeds of its own that nourish people, animals and birds. Your testimony will likewise produce its own new seeds and you will nourish family, friends and others who will see the Son reflected, like a golden crown, in you, for you have become like Him.

So, turn to the Son. Open your heart to His light. Seek it first thing each morning. Follow its warmth across each day's sky. Let its comfort be the last thing you feel each night. Then as the evening of your life's last setting comes, you will arise to a glorious new morning and turn again to Him and He will see His image in your countenance.

Springtime fun in the Midwest

So yesterday evening, we decided to go up to the lake up the road from our house and see if we could catch any fish. I almost didn't go because how could I pass up a little bit of time by myself! Chris would have taken both kids, but then I decided - either I can sit at home by myself, or sit and watch them. I am glad I did because I got some cute pictures, plus it was fun just being all together (Chris was away most of the week)! Zach is getting pretty good at casting out his line. Maybe he will end up a fisherman like his old man!
Chloe wanted to be right down with Chris (I was too boring, plus she was sick of me taking pictures of her).

We were having a great time when all the sudden the tornado sirens went off! They went off right as Chris caught the first and only fish of the night! They were just going off to warn that their was a thunderstorm blowing in. We didn't even notice it creaping up behind us while we fished. So we took a few more pictures, and then headed on home.

Shortly after we got home, this is how the sky looked! It was awesome!!! I love a good thunderstorm! It reminds me of growing up in good old Missouri and standing under the eaves of the house watching and smelling the rain. Love it! Luckily now, we have a covered porch, so we can sit outside in the pouring rain and enjoy it.....as long as the wind is not blowing the rain horizontal. The clouds soon calmed down and we didn't get much rain from this little batch of clouds. As the clouds moved out about sunset time, we got to enjoy an absolutely beautiful sunset! These are the kind of sunsets I remember ALL the time in MO. So pretty! That is one highlight of being back here in the midwest. I love the storms (as long as they are not tornadic, love the sunsets, and LOVE all the trees and green!).

I don't know if you can see it, but a faint rainbow came out. Zach wanted to go see if there was a pot of gold at the other end.This morning after a long night of thunderstorms, we got even more rain. The lightning and thunder were intense. Now a big area of the state, including where we are at is flooding - and having flash floods. So - the downside of a good thunderstorm. Hopefully the rain will slow down and the rivers won't flood too much more. The river in town was spilling over its banks today onto the bike trail that is next to it. Chris thinks it has probably risen about 8-9 ft. to be able to spill over the onto the trail. Crazy! This is what the drainage easement looked like at the back of our yard this morning!Here is a little video of the storm blowing in when we got home last night.
Hope all of you Midwesterners that don't live here anymore enjoyed reminising about the fun weather out here!

"A Dream Come True!"

This old (extremely loud) tractor was given to Chris a month or so ago. He fixed it up and got it working again. Zach has been so excited and said, "I have always dreamed of having a rider and I never thought it would come true! This is a dream come true!!" Yes, if you haven't figured out by his stories and things he says - pretty much all he thinks about are cars or anything with motors. Anyway - this is just a little video clip of him cutting the grass all by himself for the very first time! He was quite excited!!! You can hear Chloe in the background asking to drive it too! (my neighbors grass is lovely, don'tcha think!)

Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!!

(I started this post a week or so ago, and forgot to finish it! Sorry!) Well - I don't really have any pictures of the lions, tigers and bears we saw.....just thought the name was catchy for this post. Anyway - Thursday, the 29th, my good friend TJ and I took our kids plus 2 friends to the Indianapolis Zoo. It was a lot of fun and a lot of work chasing after 5 kids, but great to get out and do something we haven't done in a while. The kids got pretty worn out, but did a great job trekking through the zoo. About lunchtime, TJ's hubby showed up and helped carry those with weary legs on his shoulders! That was a great help!

TJ and Evan with Chloe and I. Chloe and Evan have a pre-arranged marriage!! Hopefully they won't mind!!!

We had a blast watching the dolphin show! I have always enjoyed them. I am amazed how smart they are!
Chloe got a kick out of this cute monkey hanging right in front of us. He just sat there letting us check out his pits for a bit! Chloe talked about this monkey for a few days after the zoo.
Just love this picture of Evan so I had to include it!
Chloe woke up with a slight fever the day of our zoo trip. She was pretty laid back the entire time at the zoo, but stuck it out. I still don't know what her fever was from, but she had it off and on for 3 days or so. It even got up to 103.0! Then all the sudden, she was better. Whatever it was got fixed from the fever.

One of the highlights for the kids was petting the sharks. They would swim by you and then you reach over the short wall and pet them. This was Zach's favorite thing to see.

Bily Bob Jo - The Official

By: Zach Stimpson

Once there was a dumb guy. His name was Bily Bob Jo. He ate everything in the store and went to the bathroom out in the middle of no where and had to burp 2 times in the store. He was an odd man. He lived in a stall in the girls room. He ran up and down the halls of the school screaming. Would you like to have him in your home? Well that's all. Bye.


For all those that still have sweet wonderful little boys.....beware!!! Your time will come too that your child will write these nice, sweet, make you proud type stories!! Or maybe your children will be more refined then mine..........guess we will see......!

Last Day of 2nd grade!!!

Well, it's official! My handsome Zach has finished 2nd grade and now thinks he wants to go to 3rd. Wasn't he just crawling around in diapers not that long ago? It's so not fair how fast he is growing up! He had a great year! He has grown up so much this past year and is turning out to be quite the guy! The other boy in this picture is his best bud, Connor. He is our neighbor and I also watched him every day after school this year. It was great having a play buddy for Zach.

We celebrated the end of school this afternoon (they had a half day) by taking a picnic lunch to the park and then playing for 2 hours! It was an absolutely gorgeous day today - about 70 degrees, breezy and not a cloud in the sky! Oh, and NO humidity! Just beautiful! The park was packed with kids and parents enjoying the afternoon. The boys played tag for a bit and then decided the huge sandbox looked pretty fun. Chloe thought the "sleed" (slide) was tons of fun, as well as the swings. I am grateful Zach is out of school now and that we will have more time to spend together.

Smell the flower Chloe!!

Chloe had picked me a flower on her walk and wanted to smell it. (Notice it is more blowing than smelling!) Darling girl!


Yesterday Chloe kept going up to her room and getting lots of "hair bows" to put in her hair. She wanted to sit on the bathroom counter and tell me how to put them in too! I am not quite sure why she was so into it, but it was fun to watch her reaction when it was done. She just kept flipping her head back and forth, smiling at herself and thinking she was so beautiful! I have to agree with her though!

Last week I just happened to have my camera handy while she went out and played in the rain. She had a lot of fun wearing Zach's old rain jacket! Now she thinks she has to wear it all the time! Zach's bus got home right as she was playing and she took off running to go see him! She was SO excited he was home!!!

Do you have a few minutes to read??

I know most of you have heard or read this talk. The last few weeks have been especially difficult and this talk has helped me through some rough times. I am grateful for our leaders and for their guidance. Read or reread it when you have time.

Daughters of God

Daughters of God
Elder M. Russell Ballard Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.
Brothers and sisters, recently my wife, Barbara, had back surgery and could not lift, twist, or bend. Consequently, I have done more lifting, twisting, and bending than ever before—and it has made me more appreciative of what women, and especially you mothers, do every day in our homes.

While women live in homes under many different circumstances—married, single, widowed, or divorced, some with children and some without—all are beloved of God, and He has a plan for His righteous daughters to receive the highest blessings of eternity.

This afternoon I want to focus my remarks primarily on mothers, particularly on young mothers.

As a young father, I learned the demanding role of motherhood. I served as a counselor and then as bishop for a period of 10 years. During that time we were blessed with six of our seven children. Barbara was often worn-out by the time I got home Sunday evening. She tried to explain what it was like to sit on the back row in sacrament meeting with our young family. Then the day came that I was released. After sitting on the stand for 10 years, I was now sitting with my family on the back row.

The ward’s singing mothers’ chorus was providing the music, and I found myself sitting alone with our six children. I have never been so busy in my whole life. I had the hand puppets going on both hands, and that wasn’t working too well. The Cheerios got away from me, and that was embarrassing. The coloring books didn’t seem to entertain as well as they should.

As I struggled with the children through the meeting, I looked up at Barbara, and she was watching me and smiling. I learned for myself to more fully appreciate what all of you dear mothers do so well and so faithfully!

A generation later, as a grandfather, I have watched the sacrifices my daughters have made in rearing their children. And now, still another generation later, I am watching with awe the pressures on my granddaughters as they guide their children in this busy and demanding world.

After observing and empathizing with three generations of mothers and thinking of my own dear mother, I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.

There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part- or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.

I am impressed by countless mothers who have learned how important it is to focus on the things that can only be done in a particular season of life. If a child lives with parents for 18 or 19 years, that span is only one-fourth of a parent’s life. And the most formative time of all, the early years in a child’s life, represents less than one-tenth of a parent’s normal life. It is crucial to focus on our children for the short time we have them with us and to seek, with the help of the Lord, to teach them all we can before they leave our homes. This eternally important work falls to mothers and fathers as equal partners. I am grateful that today many fathers are more involved in the lives of their children. But I believe that the instincts and the intense nurturing involvement of mothers with their children will always be a major key to their well-being. In the words of the proclamation on the family, “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

We need to remember that the full commitment of motherhood and of putting children first can be difficult. Through my own four-generation experience in our family, and through discussions with mothers of young children throughout the Church, I know something of a mother’s emotions that accompany her commitment to be at home with young children. There are moments of great joy and incredible fulfillment, but there are also moments of a sense of inadequacy, monotony, and frustration. Mothers may feel they receive little or no appreciation for the choice they have made. Sometimes even husbands seem to have no idea of the demands upon their wives.

As a Church, we have enormous respect and gratitude to you mothers of young children. We want you to be happy and successful in your families and to have the validation and support you need and deserve. So today, let me ask and briefly answer four questions. While my answers may seem extremely simple, if the simple things are being tended to, a mother’s life can be most rewarding.

The first question: What can you do, as a young mother, to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?

First, recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.

Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: “The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . . . I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less”(Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).

Second, don’t overschedule yourselves or your children. We live in a world that is filled with options. If we are not careful, we will find every minute jammed with social events, classes, exercise time, book clubs, scrapbooking, Church callings, music, sports, the Internet, and our favorite TV shows. One mother told me of a time that her children had 29 scheduled commitments every week: music lessons, Scouts, dance, Little League, day camps, soccer, art, and so forth. She felt like a taxi driver. Finally, she called a family meeting and announced, “Something has to go; we have no time to ourselves and no time for each other.” Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh, and to play together.

Third, even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children. Avoid any kind of substance abuse, mistakenly thinking that it will help you accomplish more. And don’t allow yourself to be caught up in the time-wasting, mind-numbing things like television soap operas or surfing the Internet. Turn to the Lord in faith, and you will know what to do and how to do it.

Fourth, pray, study, and teach the gospel. Pray deeply about your children and about your role as a mother. Parents can offer a unique and wonderful kind of prayer because they are praying to the Eternal Parent of us all. There is great power in a prayer that essentially says, “We are steward-parents over Thy children, Father; please help us to raise them as Thou wouldst want them raised.”

The second question: What more can a husband do to support his wife, the mother of their children?

First, show extra appreciation and give more validation for what your wife does every day. Notice things and say thank you—often. Schedule some evenings together, just the two of you.

Second, have a regular time to talk with your wife about each child’s needs and what you can do to help.

Third, give your wife a “day away” now and then. Just take over the household and give your wife a break from her daily responsibilities. Taking over for a while will greatly enhance your appreciation of what your wife does. You may do a lot of lifting, twisting, and bending!

Fourth, come home from work and take an active role with your family. Don’t put work, friends, or sports ahead of listening to, playing with, and teaching your children.

The third question: What can children, even young children, do? Now, you children, please listen to me because there are some simple things you can do to help your mother.

You can pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them, and when you get a little older, you can make your bed, help with the dishes, and do other chores—without being asked.

You can say thank you more often when you finish a nice meal, when a story is read to you at bedtime, or when clean clothes are put in your drawers.

Most of all, you can put your arms around your mother often and tell her you love her.

The last question: What can the Church do?

There are many things the Church offers to mothers and families, but for my purpose today may I suggest that the bishopric and the ward council members be especially watchful and considerate of the time and resource demands on young mothers and their families. Know them and be wise in what you ask them to do at this time in their lives. Alma’s counsel to his son Helaman applies to us today: “Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).

I hope all of you dear sisters, married or single, never wonder if you have worth in the sight of the Lord and to the leaders of the Church. We love you. We respect you and appreciate your influence in preserving the family and assisting with the growth and the spiritual vitality of the Church. Let us remember that “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”). The scriptures and the teachings of the prophets and apostles help all family members to prepare together now to be together through all eternity. I pray that God will continually bless the women of the Church to find joy and happiness in their sacred roles as daughters of God.

Now, in closing, I want to add my witness of President Monson’s prophetic call. I have known him since he was 22 and I was 21. That’s 58 years. I have watched the hand of the Lord prepare him for this day to preside over the Church as the prophet and President. And I add my testimony, along with all of the other testimonies that have been borne through this conference, of his special calling as President of the Church, and add my testimony, along with all of the others, that Jesus is the Christ and this is His Church. We are doing His work, to which I testify in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Zach's 2nd grade writing assignments...

I thought I would share two little stories that I found of Zach's as I went through his paperwork tonight. They are pretty cute!

Story #1

May 13, 2008
Dear Grandma, Grandpa, Joy and Brian,

Will you please take me to Frankies? We will have a blast. We'll be able to go on the go-carts. I know that we would have a radical time. I know another fun thing...Laser tag! We would have so much fun playing Laser tag. There's also arcades. We would have a lot of awesome times on those too. I hope we can go.

Zach


Story #2

The Party

I once heard...There was a monk in town. His name was Lick. He came to get his friend Stick to go to a party so they took Stick's car to the party. But as they were almost there an old lady with a big and heavy bag was crossing the street. Stick had to slam on the breaks and honk. The old lady swung her bag on the hood of the car. No damage was done to the body, but the airbreather (I think he means carburetor...?sp?....) got a hole in it when the old lady swung her bag. So they had to call their friends to help them fix the airbreather. Once they got it fixed they went to the party that was at Jump 'N' Play and they had a great time that night. The main thing learned from that evening was to watch out for old ladies carrying big bags.


Such a funny kid! His imagination is so clever sometimes! I will have to find some of the other things he has written and post them. Cute boy! 3 1/2 days of school left!!! Zach is totally excited! Anybody have any fun ideas for summer activities? Zach is excited he gets to go to Cub Scout day camp in June. I need to sign him up for swim lessons....completely forgot! Ooops!!

Cute 2 year old sayings and Cookie recipe!!

So this last week, my little Chloe brought many needed smiles to my face with some of the cute things she said. I love this age and how kids are exploring different ways to express themselves....with the exception of the whining and temper-tantrums! So, I wrote down some of her saying and thought I would share.

1. We had some toasted cheese sandwiches the other night for dinner (yes, it was one of those no-cook nights!). I brought Chloe's over to her and told her that I needed to blow it because it was too hot for her to eat. She then said, "Blow samich up!"

2. We were driving in the car one evening and the moon was already showing in the sky, even though the sun hadn't set yet. She had been looking at the moon and talking about it. Then she said excitedly, "Moon driving!" (I think she thought that because it was moving as we were driving.)

3. I was taking Zach to school one morning because he missed the bus. On the way to school, Chloe was looking out the front window and out of no where said, "Jesus over there!! Jesus over there on the grass!!"

4. We had squash for dinner the other night. She kept saying, "No like sqaaaaaash!" Then as she ate it, she realized it wasn't so bad. (Butternut squash is Zach's favorite veggie!)

5. Today as she was getting ready to eat her lunch, Baxter was waiting patiently for his portion to be dropped on the floor. I asked her not to feed Baxter. She looked at him and said to me, "Baxter annoyin' me!"

Super cute girl!!! Now I want to remember Zach's cute 2 year old sayings and write them down. I will see what I come up with.....

Here is the Chocolate Chip cookie recipe that the kids and I made last week for anyone interested... (it makes a lot, so you might want to cut the recipe in half)

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

2 C. shortening

3 C. flour

1 1/2 C. white sugar

1 1/2 C. brown sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 - 2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 2 tsp. of HOT water

Mix.

Add 4 C. oatmeal (regular oats, not quick oats) and 12 oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-11 min. (May not take that long to cook depending where you live.)

Eat and enjoy with a big glass of milk!!

yummmm....cookies....

The kids and I decided to have a cookie baking night. We decided to make my mom's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies....famous in the Clay house. Zach loves them, but doesn't get them that often.....mainly because my hips don't really need them! Mean mom, I know. I had my apron on, so they wanted to wear one too. I thought they looked cute in their little aprons sitting on the counter.

You may be wondering what the big white thing is. Everytime I have people over at my house when I pull this thing out, they always wonder what it is! It is my Bosch mixer!! Yes, it is ancient - and for a very good reason! It was my Grandma Clay's mixer that I inherited and I love it! I works wonderful! Mom, any idea how old it is?

Finished product!!! Looks yummy, huh! The kids sure enjoyed them and we had a fun time in the kitchen together!

Congratulations, Zach!

Today was a very special day for Zach and our family. Today Zach was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is an exciting occasion and we are very grateful that Zach made the decision to be baptized. We are proud of the example he sets for us and those around him. He is an absolutely wonderful boy and is working hard to make good choices.

This is a picture of family and friends (not quite all of them) that came to witness the big day. My parents and youngest brother and sister drove from North Carolina, and Chris's parents and youngest brother flew out from Colorado to support Zach. We greatly appreciate their sacrifices to come all the way out here. The others in the photo are our neighbors, the Jorgenson's and Stinson's. Chloe is missing from the picture....uh, yeah....Chris and I just kind of spaced it that we have another child running around that maybe should be in the picture. Ooops! =) Anyway, she was also there!!!

We are proud of you, Zach and love you SO much!!!!