Potluck

Our ward does potluck on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Some months we do it the 4th Sunday. I think we are the only stake that does potluck on Sundays. LOL!! Any other wards out there that do it on a regular basis? Today I am making a yummy taco salad. That's it. Didn't have time to do anything else. I usually take 3 things because I have such a big family. I think this salad could feed 30... I think I did enough.

And I forgot to watch SNL last night. Sarah Palin was suppose to be on it. Anyone watch it? Was it good?

Texas largest flea market!

I know a lot of people in my ward like to go on day trips, and a lot of them haven't even heard of Canton, Texas!! Personally, I have been only once, but it's awesome! You have to have the money to spend. Even if you can't afford to buy anything, you go for the food (I did!). Canton Trade Days are only once a month (sometimes twice). It's always the weekend (Fri-Sun) before the first Monday of the month. That's why November will have 2 (1st weekend, and then right after Thanksgiving). I WOULD LOVE TO GO to the one after Thanksgiving! That would soooooooo get me in spirit of Christmas. When I went before, it was the one in November. IT WAS AWESOME! The biggest junk sale ever! Whatever you are looking for, you'll find there!


From Texarkana, go west on I-30. In Sulpher Springs, go south on Hwy. 19. About 40 minutes. Canton is off of I-20.

Pray for my friend

I know my friends pray, so if you can squeeze in one more name, I would appreciate it. Please pray for Kathy. She just found out that her cancer has returned (she had breast cancer last year), and it's possibly in 5 spots now. She is in my ward, and has been doing all that Temple work (with the names I give her) too.

Part of living in a small town

Maybe it's because I was so "sheltered" that I didn't see how some people's lives were when I was growing up, and even living in Bryan. I loved being in Bryan because well, I was kept busy. Seems like I was always on the go, and I didn't have time to "talk with the locals" much (even though, my bestest friend, Laura, was born & raised in Bryan), I didn't see a lot of other people's lives outside my church circle of friends. Does that even make sense?

Since moving here, I have been more involved with the "locals" because there aren't a lot of church members that live here, and if I don't want to go nuts by living here, I need to get out. Yes, I know most of the girls that work at Sonic (how sad is that?), and they know me (even sadder!), and know what I want before I even order (Ok, I am pathetic). 2 of the girls that work there are there because their husbands do not make a lot of money. One is married because she found out she was pregnant, and I'm not sure how long the other has been married, but she does have a little girl. She is also pregnant. Both have been telling me their sad stories on how they don't have money to buy clothes for their babies, their moms not here or will not help them. I'm pretty sure they weren't trying to do a pity-party for them, but I felt bad. I mean, how sad! I went to the local resale shop, and found some baby clothes. I mean TONS of nice stuff. I picked through them all (took about an hour) and found these mamas clothes for their babies. I wanted them to look nice, so no stains. I had some clothes that I traded in, and with that money, the money that one of the resale shop ladies gave me ("that's why God sent us Christians"... I was embarrassed because sometimes I feel I'm not), and the discount the owner gave me when she found out what I was doing, I've only had to pay $21! I know a pack of 5 onesies at Walmart is almost $10! I got loads of nice onesies for both of them. I gave them the clothes today, and they were so touched. They were not expecting them at all. I hope they will use them. I am glad that I could help these mamas because I hate to see any newborn baby, no matter what the circumstance is, go without clothing. Newborns go through a lot. Another mom here in town just had her 5th child. She has 2 older children Lauren & Kayley's age, and 2 smaller one besides the newborn. I've talked with her a few times, and knew she was due this month. I have been waiting for Kayley to come home from school to tell me that the baby has been born. She did this past Monday, so tonight I am taking her family dinner. She has asked me before about church (they do go here). I think tonight I may talk to her a bit more about it.

I want people to know that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that I am not weird or some crazy Mormon. I want them to think of me when they hear something about the Mormon church. I want them to think how I helped them, and how we are good people. My friend, Suzanne, did a blog about that too, and I am so glad that our church was there to help those people in Louisiana.

Small-town Pageants

So, the Miss Land O' Lights Pageant is in a few weeks (Nov. 21st). This pageant has been going on for as long as I can remember (ok, not as long as I can remember, but at since since 1984 when pictures of it are in Shawn's senior year yearbook). Lauren & Kayley brought home the forms yesterday. They want to enter it this year. Great. They've never done a pageant. I've never done one. These things are intense from what I have heard at the local salon. I mean, girls (actually the moms) live for these things! It's so crazy! They didn't have things like this in Bryan, or did they? And then both girls have to have floor-length dresses. Where can I find modest ones without costing $200 each? I've checked Beautifully Modest. I'm hoping that maybe the local resale shops may have some, or I can check with the salons and/or other moms who may share. Kristen & Lindsey may want to do this too...

Jacob's day

We were going to go bowling tonight to celebrate Jacob's birthday, but it ended up being postponed until next Tuesday. One of Jacob's friends couldn't make it tonight, but Jacob really wanted him there. Tonight I am making Jacob his new favorite dinner: chicken pesto & manicotti, and for dessert~ white cake with white icing! What's the problemo with these kids wanting a white cake with white icing? I used a box mix but did make the icing. I was going to buy some decoration to put on top, but didn't make it to Hobby Lobby to get one. Our Walmart just doesn't have a lot of cake supplies, but then again, our Walmart doesn't have much of anything that you want! I put some fancy candles on the cake, and I don't even know if I will get pictures because my batteries are dead in my camera. I will get some for next week for sure! I got Jacob some new Boy Scout stuff the other day. He looked rather spiffy! He had to have it for a Sunday night worship. Yes, Sunday night worship at a local Baptist church.

Now, I'm not going to knock down this church, or any other church, but it was the weirdest thing! Maybe it's because I'm not used to it? I guess I was expecting it more like my church? To tell you the truth, this was the first time I have EVER been to another church for Sunday meeting. I was way over-dressed to begin with (black floral skirt + white shirt). Every lady was either in nice pants or capris or jeans. T-shirts too. I was rather shocked. After the service started, the pastor was lost with what to say about this or that, so the congregation would blurt "out the answers". No prayer was offered. I thought that was weird. Then the scouts presented the church a new flag (BTW: I put Jacob in this local group since he was the only active cubbie at church, and they can't just have 1 scout to have an active group). But before it was presented, the pastor did a slide show with rock music. I was rather shocked to say the least. But in the end, just before we left, the music director led us in singing The Star-Spangled Banner, and we left. In a way, when our missionaries or us invite people to come to our Sunday Sacrament Meeting, I guess I can see why they may feel uncomfortable. I sure was.

I mean, T-shirts and jeans? Geez!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACOB!

Wow! 10 years old today! Can't believe it!! You made your entrance at 1:55am, after like 2 pushes. In fact Dr. Montgomery (on call for Dr. Doss) hadn't even made it to the hospital yet, and the nurses were telling me not to push until he made it. I guess they didn't realize that I would go from a 3 to a 10 in 20 minutes! I tried to tell them that I go fast, but they didn't listen! You were the cutest little baby with the biggest ears I had ever seen! I am so glad that your head has finally grown with your ears! We waited so long for another brother! Josh used to say his nightly prayers when he was 3, and he would bless Jacob in heaven.

One of your favorite cousins, Reilly. You 2 are still unseperateable!

I love your 3rd grade Spring picture, or was it 2nd grade? Still a handsome dude!

Happy Birthday! We love you Jacob! We hope you have a great day!

03, 04 & 05 gone!

If any of you have pictures of my kids in these years, please send me a copy. Shawn was suppose to download those years onto a CD, and guess what? Yep... copied 2 sets of the rest of 05, 06 & 07! Let's just say, I'm not in a very good mood. All of Lindsey's birth pictures... GONE!

Fireants hurt!

I was grilling last night and I stepped in a fireant bed. Didn't feel the ants until I went in the house. Looked down, OW!!!! I was careful not to step in the same place again, but as I looked down while standing out there, my other foot was covered with them. No bites this time from them as I acted quickly, but OW for my left foot!!

2 so far (WARNING: NOT FOR WEAKLINGS)

Last Friday night (3rd), Josh got the first kill of the season... a nice size doe.

Gimme some tongue!

Last night, Shawn got the 1st buck of the season. He's quite proud.
This is how we get our meat for the year. For a gal who never ate anything like this growing up, I've had to learn to eat it. I actually only get it done in hamburger w/out adding fat, and let me tell you... talk about lean! It doesn't taste game-y, and it's quite good. I leave the steaks & roasts to the steer that Shawn's dad has slaughtered each year. It sure does taste a lot better then store-bought stuff!

Happy 1st little Ella!

Happy Birthday Umbrella-Ella-Ella-Ella-Kissed-a-Fella-Ella-Ella!

We love ya!

Sorry that I forgot to post this on your birthday, October 5th!

Happy Birthday Brandon!!

Dang!

Hope you had a great day!

Brandon... Hard to believe you are 14! Let me tell you, this kid is taller than me! I think his foot is bigger then mine too! He is a very good-looking kid, with such a manly voice now.

Save me a piece of cake!

Dad, why do you have a Strawberry?

...Lindsey asked last night. Shawn looked at me, I looked at Lindsey. Confused, I asked Lindsey, "A strawberry?" Yes, why does dad have a strawberry phone? Hmmmmm....

Then I realized she said the wrong fruit...

While I still use the 2005 hand-me-down phone. Hand-me-downs are good, right?
We all had a good laugh.

In 40 years...

Will I really be missing all the little things that are happening now? After President Monson's talk, and then reading some blogs of friends who are more wiser than me, I have decided yes... I will miss~

Josh's moodiness especially when he doesn't want to do something, like, let's say... going to his Eagle Scout Board of Review last night. He pleaded, begged and even bribed (I almost got to go eat at Outback last night!), but I didn't give in, and he was moody until almost 7pm. He passed (who doesn't?), and is now an Eagle Scout!

Lauren's back-talking over everything and anything she doesn't get her way with. Maybe it will be her crying over the rest of the stuff? Maybe it's because she is 13 1/2?

Kayley's poutiness whenever she is asked to do something that she doesn't like... no matter what it is or the circumstance it may be.

Jacob's angriness over anyone who gets in his way while playing Game Boy or N64 or Sim City, and so therefore has been grounded from them for the next week.

Krissy's whininess every morning that it's time to get up for school or church. Saturdays are the best day for her to be in a great mood. Other days? Forget it!

Lindsey's tandrums for not being able to go to school even though she is the first one up and ready to go before anyone else!

Joey's mischievous ways... oh, will I miss the whole bottle of antibiotic being spilled from a supposedly kid-proof bottle, I doubt it. But I suppose I will miss having to dig things out of the toilet & trash can, and all the messes he makes in between.

But all in all, I have some great kids. Whose family is perfect? All families have their ups & downs. I will miss for sure the times when my kids got along, we did things as a family, and the times when we felt close to our Lord & Savior. I know this may sound sappy and all, but I will miss it. Josh is about to be gone in a year's time. I was thinking about this last night. I hope he remembers the good times we had. I hope he remembers that we did our best, even if it was buying a green mini-van that he hated! I will miss Lauren's talks about boys: "Mom, can I have a boyfriend?" Are you 16? "No." Well, then that's your answer. She's already had a boyfriend, yes, and hours did they speak on the phone, but after speaking to her, I told her maybe it would be better if they were just friends. She agreed, and still talks with Matt.

I do hope in 40 years my kids can look back and thank me, just like I have thanked my parents for the way they raised me. Things I did wrong were my choice, not because my parents didn't raise me well. They did they best they knew how, just like me.

How low will it go?

This morning at the Texarkana Sams:

$3.08

Cry baby, cry!!

Update

Shawn's aunt from Norman, Oklahoma emailed me: $2.98!

HO-LY COW!!

I love President Monson!

I just love listening to him!! I loved his closing remarks from the 1st session! There is hope that one day my laundry will be caught up... and he even said I would miss it! Excellent speakers, even from the General YW Leader, Elaine Dalton, who Josh grumbled about. He takes after his dad... "no women should ever speak at conference." I guess because they are so "happy" and "cheerful" and have their little squeaky voice that men can't stand? Geez!

Because I was so busy in my family history work this weekend, instead of homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, my kids got and absolutely went gaa-gaa for

(which I don't understand!):

And I also made french toast. Yep... full of unnutritious ingredients & white flour!

But, I had to steal a piece of the white bread and smother it with real butter!

Past few days...

Where to start? The weather here has been changing, and it's been quite nice. Cool throughout the day and night. I don't think my a/c has kicked on at all. But because of season changes, kids get sick. Krissy started with the hacking cough, still has it some, but not as bad as Joey. Most of them have the sniffles too, but not as bad as Joey. Finally I took him in this morning, and yep... double ear infection too! 3rd time since getting his tonsils out! Maybe I should have had tubes done? I think I am going to take him back to the ENT, so he can possibly have his 3rd surgery before the age of 2. Poor kid is miserable. Dr. Platt is in SLC @ conference this weekend, so I got the doc on call, and he was pretty cool. Can't remember his name.

Can't get caught up with my laundry. I hate laundry.

Some of you know that I have a job. It's not a hard job, and I'm not getting paid up front. A sister in our ward had asked Josh to help her with some family history work. The deal was, he did it, and she would pay so much a month in a mission fund in his name. Easy, right? Well, he didn't think so. So I talked with her, and I asked her if I could do it, and my pay would be putting money into his mission account. Afterall, missions are $10K now. Usually I waited until she called me to tell me when she was going, and then I would get some names for her from my side of the family. We had names that had been ready for so long, but no one to do them yet. She called me on Thursday telling me she was going to Dallas next week for a whole week, and needed names. "Great", I thought... where was I going to get more names? I think I've submitted all the names that I could find without having to go start looking up names (which is a pain to do on dial-up). 2 things happened this week that I would like to share with you:

1. My gramma's dad was married to another lady before he married my great-gramma. He had about 12 children with that wife before she died. Gramma was the 6th child with her parents. WOW! My great-gramma's name was always the name that showed up because afterall, she was related to me, not the 1st wife. But on Thursday (maybe Friday), the 1st wife's name was showing up on the direct line. I thought "how weird" since I'm the only one who goes into Family Search, and I've never clicked on her name to be the direct name. I decided to click on it to just see what was there. WOW!!! Hundreds of names to be done!! I was kinda excited that I can help a line that isn't "mine" perse, but in a way, they are 1/2 relatives... KWIM? I was able to print some names off, and I know these people are so excited to finally be able to have their work done.
2. A sister in my ward is blind in one eye, and legally blind in the other (but she still drives... scary!). She isn't computer literate. Because she is a convert to the church, a lot of her family history work has not been done. She told me she had tons of names to be done, and she asked me if I could help her. "Sure", I said, thinking it would be just a few here and there. She gave me a box with 4 file folders FILLED with articles, obits, stories, etc... She has quite the family. Almost every Texas town in Central Texas is named after someone in her family line, including her great uncle who Randolph Air Force Base is named after; Bell County for her great-great grandparents; plus Millican, Anderson, Bartlett, McGregor plus hundreds of cemeteries named after someone from her family. Her family was well known in Austin. It's pretty amazing to read about her family. Past 2 days I have been able to add names to her file, and I think I have gotten a least 150+ names ready for the Temple, plus already another 100 more for next time. I called her today, and told her, and she was so happy.

I am on the 3rd folder right now. I'm about 1/2 way done with it. I think I will take a few days break so I can get caught up with my laundry. :-(

Madusa no more

Exactly one year ago, I had Lindsey's hair chopped off. We had cut 10-12 inches off, and the plan was for me to send the piggies to Locks of Love, but that never happened. I just found the bag the other day. I'll either send them in, or save them in her babybook. Since then, I haven't cut Lindsey's hair. This is how long it grew over the year. And it was beginning to get on my nerves some. She hated for me to comb it out (#1 reason we cut it last year!). This is her serious case of bed head in the front...

and in the back.

This is her after she got her hair cut a few weeks ago.

Krissy got hers done too. They both want the pink hair again this month (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), so I may let them. I don't know if I want to cut their hair this short again though. I love putting their hair up in a ponytail with cute bows, and it's hard to do that with short hair. Krissy actually wanted hers shorter, but I told her no.

"You're going down!"

Some of our good friends, the Cooks, came over for dinner just before they moved to Virginia in August. We really enjoyed getting to know their sweet family. Jeramy was the Seminary teacher for Josh's last year. As the Cooks were beginning to load up their family to go home, Josh challenged Jeramy to an arm-wrestling match... Shawn always allows Josh to win at least one match throughout the course of wrestling, but not Jeramy!

"On your mark, get set..."
"Go, Josh, go!"
Poor Josh... didn't have a chance with Jeramy!

Talk about family resemblance!

Lauren

1952

1960
1968
1990

Kayley

1950

1964

1968

1978

1980

1996
Jacob

1990

1994

(And no, I don't have anything better to do)