{Carving Pumpkins}

The kids got to make a special trip to the pumpkin patch with my great aunt.....they each came back with the pumpkin of their choice and so we spent the evening carving them.

The finished products:

{Back to School 2011}

I realized that I had never posted the back to school pictures for the year....I'm afraid that I am failing at keeping this family journal afloat......I suppose that late is better than never!
This year because of our family circumstance I pulled Kamrin out of the charter school so that both girls would be at the same school.I love Sawtooth though and have been very glad that I made the switch and man is it easier to just drop off at one school instead of two!

Sisters

Kamrin, age 6, 1st Grade
Ms. Morrison

Sawtooth Elementary

Kelsie, age 9, 4th grade

Mrs. Jones, Sawtooth Elementary

Kamrin's teacher had a contest to see who could memorize all of the states in order. Kamrin came home determined that she would learn them and practiced until she could say them all.....it only took her a couple of days and now she's a pro!

{Kamrin is 7!!!}

Kamrin Marie

Kamrin had a birthday this week and is 7........I can't believe how fast she is growing up. She is a lot like me and it's been interesting to watch her grow up and do some of the things that I do. Right now she loves cheerleading and mostly being in the gym working on her tumbling. She is pretty competative and wants to do the things that all of the older girls can do. She is also very helpful and likes to cook with me and just be a part of anything that I am doing at the time! I really do love having her around and couldn't imagine not having her in our family!


Right Now Kamrin loves:

• School





• Cheer





• Reading





• Nail Polish & Jewelry (She's all girl!)





• Zebra Print &





• Baking
  
  
  
  
  
  

{What Matters Most....}

The girls and I were browsing on YouTube this evening and found a mormon message that we really liked. Short, to the point and very powerful. I think that you will like it too:



A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to take some family pictures. This time the pictures meant a little more to us than usual. I wanted the kids to be able to have these pictures of our family and especially their dad as he goes through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery over the next few months. We had a great time together taking these pictures.
Throughout this whole experience I think that Josh and I along with our kids have been able to learn how important family relationships are and begin to find ways to strengthen them. We have also learned how important it is to share with those that we love how much we do love them, instead of just assuming that they know so. It seems as though we fill our everyday lives with so much stuff that sometimes we forget to take time for those that we love.

I am so glad that the church has put out these mormon messages.....they sure are a good reminder for me.

{Kyler is 4!}

I can't believe that my baby is 4! He is such a sweet spirit and we love having him in our home. If you can't tell from the following picture...he pretty much rules the house.

One of the many things that I enjoy about Kyler is his kind, loving personality. He tells us all that he loves us....usually many times a day. He also reminds me frequently that I am his best friend. I just love how no matter what my day is like he is always there to remind me what is really important in life.

Right now Kyler loves:

Coloring

Super Heroes

Cars

&

Watching ball with Dad

I love his perseverance... he has had many challenges in his early life. However, he has been able to overcome each one of them. He reminds me that miracles occur every day....... His smile can brighten even the worst of days. He has enough spunk and energy to go on for hours. Most days I wish that I could clone that energy just to keep up with him.


We love you Kyler......and look forward to the excitement you'll bring us in the year to come!

{Peace}

Last weekend Josh and I were able to take a little road trip together. We had some business to do in North Dakota and we decided to go without the kids. There was once a time in our marriage where we were able to travel a lot more and we enjoyed the trips that we took together. So, the opportunity to take a road trip together sounded like fun. We enjoyed our time as we sang favorites from our past, teased each other, and enjoyed the scenery......We even got to eat at one of our favorite restaurants, Red Lobster.

On the way home we decided to go through Yellowstone because it was right on the way home. We saw a black bear which I have never seen in the wild before. We drove through some of the most beautiful country that I have ever seen. I will remember this time spent for as long as I can.

Now, I believe in divine inspiration and believe that we are given opportunities at specific times for specific reasons and I know that this opportunity to spend time together was given to us for a reason. We came home this week to a major trial....one that I know we will overcome, but at this time seems to be very overwhelming and difficult. I know that we are never given more than we can handle and that we have been given the means and knowledge to make it through any challenge. Fear and doubt step in making it difficult to find the necessary inner peace to continue.

I know that this is the most difficult thing that I have ever been faced with in my life to this point and that I will most definitely have to rely on the Savior to lead me through this challenge. I recently read this quote, "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." This is my new motto for the time being. I know that the only way to help my family and myself through this is to let go of fears and take ahold of the Saviors hand. I recently found this picture online...the artist, has some beautiful pictures of the Savior. I have looked at this picture frequently over the past few days and have been able to literally feel the saviors arms around me as I struggle with finding that inner peace. I am writing this for two reasons. One..this is the best attempt at a family journal that we have and two, ....because the struggles and challenges of others and their personal journals have helped me during the past few days. The amazing stories that many strong women have made available to us through blogs and other media sites can help lift and encourage.....and we all need that sometimes. And, without sharing too many personal details my husband could really use some extra prayers for the next little while. :)