Pres. Hinckley Quote and Oprah and Baily

"You are very precious, each of you, regardless of your circumstances. You occupy a high and sacred place in the eternal plan of God, our Father in Heaven. You are His daughters, precious to Him, loved by Him, and very important to Him. His grand design cannot succeed without you." GBH


I also wanted to mention how touched I was yesterday as I watched the Oprah show. Since our cable was turned off I took that as an opportunity to pretty much give up watching tv. I've been quite successful. I only watch tv at nights when Robert has it on and we're about to fall asleep. It's like a tradition to watch Friends, Malcolm in the Middle and Simpsons. But yesterday I was folding laundry and turned on the tv to turn on Baily's movie and Oprah was on so I decided to watch it. It was a rerun but I hadn't seen it before. She was reporting on a previous show she did when she gave everyone in the audince $1000 to spend however they want to "Pay it forward." I'm guessing she got this from the movie "Pay It Forward." I love that movie and was so touched when I watched it. Anyway the things these people did for others was amazing or as Oprah says they were miracles. I was crying through the whole thing. Baily kept asking me if I was okay and what' wrong. It was so inspiring and I can't wait for the day when I have money to help people like this. But until then I can still be of service in other ways and I'll be looking for more of those opportunities.

I also wanted to make a note about how much Baily's talking is developing. And I know I owe a lot of it to Winnie the Pooh. Like I've mentioned before she has an obsession with him. We watch his movies probably 3 or 4 times a day. As we were watching it last night I noticed that she knows the movie by heart. She does all the actions right along with the movie- like when Pooh falls she falls or when he does his exercises she does the exercises. She also can quote the movie and I noticed last night how clear her speech is becoming as she was quoting it. So thanks Pooh even though I get sick of you sometimes!

Terrible Two's Here We Come!!

So around 2ish yesterday after Baily woke up from her nap some evil person decided to turn up the naughty switch on Baily to full blast. Holy cow! She was seriously in the worst mood. She'd get mad if someone looked at her wrong or said something like "want an apple?" and offended her. I mean how dare I offer something she didn't want? It was annoying then kind of funny then very annoying. She was pretty much in that bad mood until she fell asleep.

The morning was pretty calm. I was up early again so I was able to get a headstart on the laundry... I had a ton to do with sheets and blankets as well as the clothes. I also was able to read scriptures in the morning before the kiddos were awake. I read a power chapter- 2 Nephi 9. I've read it a ton of times before and like it but I loved it this time. It was powerfully motivating and really made an impression on me about how much of our salvation is simpl our choice, our decision. My brother Beau and I were able to have a nice long conversation yesterady that was deep and spiritual. I love those kind of discussions. He always brings up things that help me look at them in a whole different way. It was nice to be in such deep spiritual thought.

For dinner last night I was all excited about a new recipe we wanted to try out- hot colby ham sandwiches. I loved them... they were really yummy. Robert wasn't a big fan. He says he didn't like the mustard because it was hot. He's so picky sometimes. Oh well... I liked them!

Last night was also Andre's first Mountain View JV Football game. We were so excited to watch him play. It turned out to be quite the adventurous evening. It was at Highland High School. We knew Andre wouldn't be playing the first half because he didn't go to football camp this summer. I really hate that because it's not his fault he couldn't afford to go... he would have loved to go. But don't get me started on that topic. While we were driving over there it was like we were driving into a black hole. Ok... maybe not that bad but there were some pretty dark rain clouds coming right toward us. The first half was fine... it was still pretty hot but started cooling down. About 3 minutes before half time I looked behind us and the storm was coming fast. I could smell the rain as well. Within 2 seconds of the 2nd quarter ending it was pouring. Everyone went down under the bleachers. It's only rained like 3 times this whole year and it had to rain at this certain moment?! We didn't want to leave because we didn't even get to see Andre play yet. Eventually it slowed down a little bit and we went and sat on the side of a building where we didn't get rained on too bad. Once the game started back up the rain slowed down a little bit. While Robert took Baily and Bryan to go get some candy at the concession stand I went to go sit in the bleachers again. As soon as I sat down it started pouring again. So I went back to the side of the building and we all got pretty soaked. I must say we are dedicated fans! The last 8 minutes the rain stopped and we were able to sit back on the bleachers. Andre was finally put in in the last 4 minutes. He did so awesome though! In the 2 minutes he played he had 42 yards! That's really amazing. I guess the guys on his team nicknamed him bowling ball because he plowed right through the opponents like they were pins. We were so proud of him. I'm sure he'll be playing a lot more next time. It was crazy but we had fun anyway! And sorry about the bad quality pics... it was dark and rainy! Oh yeah... and the Toros slaughtered Highland 41-0! Go Toros!

Pretty Boring Day

Today was very quiet and relaxing- and for the most part boring. It was a nice break though. I had a lot of free time to spend entirely and with full attention to Baily which I always love. We tried working with flash cards for the first time today. It didn't go so well as you can see. She threw a fit when I wouldn't let her have the cards to play with on her own. She did calm down though and she was much more cooperative when I let her hold the cards. We only worked on shapes today but she's pretty much got circle, oval and square down. She's so smart... she must get it from her momma! We also spent a lot of time with books. She's always liked books but she's so independent that she wants to "read" them by herself most of the time. After a while though she actually let me read some of them to her. She's so much fun. Oh I love her so much!

We tried going outside to go play with sidewalk chalk earlier in the day but it was so freakin' hot. Baily was drenched in sweat within like 30 seconds. She didn't want to go inside but I seriously thought either her or I would have a heat stroke. That girl loves to be outside and the heat doesn't bother

her- but it bothers me! So after dinner it cooled down quite a bit and was nice and breezy. It looked really stormy and although there was quite a bit of lightning there was no rain. But Baily and Bryan took advantage of the nicer weather and had fun playing with the chalk and in the sandbox. Robert's at church playing basketball and Baily's almost asleep already. She's watching her Pooh movie and last time I went to check on her she was barely able to keep her eyes open. I'm pretty tired myself too. We've got a busy next 4 days ahead of us so I think I'll make it an early night! Good night and I would love to hear from you!

Survey Addiction

**My First Baby***Body: Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born!1. Were you married at the time?Yep... just about 9 months...lol.2. What was your reaction?Yippee! 3. How old were you?21 when I got pregnant and 22 when she was born.4. How did you find out you were pregnant?Home pregnancy test...turned positive in about 10 seconds.5. Who did you tell first?We told my mom.6. Did you want to find out the sex?Yep... and I got what I wanted.7. Due date?9-11-058.Did you deliver early or late?1 week early9. Did you have morning sickness?Uh yeah... horribly. I lost 27 lbs the first 12 weeks.10. What did you crave?capri suns- can't stand them now and pineapple 11. Who irritated you the most?pretty much everyone... like I need extra hormones!12. What was your first child's sex?Precious girl.13. How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy?i gained the 27 I lost back plus 30...so about 30 over pre-pregnancy weight.14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy?Just very, very sick in first trimester.15.Where did you give birth?Banner Desert in Mesa.16. How many hours were you in labor?28 plus 2 1/2 hours pushing.17.Who drove you to the hospital?Robert.18.Who watched?lol... I'm so not a shy person so this may freak people out- Robert, brother Alex, niece Emely, mother-in-law Cande, Aunt Kathy plus nurses and Doctors... during the C-section it was just Robert19.Was it natural or c-section?Natural labor and C-section birth.20.Did you take medicine to ease the pain?Oh yeah... Epidural all the way!21.How much did your child weigh?7lbs 7 oz.22.Did your child have any complications?She had a little jaundice.23.What did you name him/her?Baily Fay24. How old is your first born today?She'll be 2 next week:(
1. Are you taller than your mom?I don't think so.2. What color is your shower curtain?Lacey black and a plain white one as a liner.3. What is the closest thing to you right now that is red?My Franklin Covey planner.4. What is your ring tone?Enya Caribbean Blue.5. Does anything hurt on your body right now?My pelvis.6. What color is your favorite pillow?The actual color I believe is tan.7. What is your favorite video game?Mario Kart or Donkey Kong Country... SNES baby!8. Had a nap today?I wish.9. Gold or Silver?Silver fo sho.10. Is there an animal that creeps you out?Ants and tarantulas... and probably more but I can't remember them all right now.11.Who was the last person you rode an elevator with?Robert I believe.12. Did you go ice skating as a kid?A couple times and I hate it. It hurts my ankles so bad.13. Ever have stitches?Not that I remember.14. Favorite non-alcoholic drink?Pepsi!15. How long ago did you hug someone?About half an hour ago when I layed Baily down to sleep.16. What's something you want to do before you die?Run a marathon.17. Have you ever caught something on fire?I don't think so...18. Have you ever seen a ghost?Yes.19. Have you ever seen northern lights?Nope.20. Do you know how to use chop sticks?Yes sir!21. Name something good that happened today.Baily woke up in a good mood.22. What room are you in?Computer/guest room.23. Are you worried about something you can't control?Yes unfortunately.24. Do you take daily medications?Nope.25. Ever been in a fight?Yes.26. Are you wearing nailpolish?Not at the moment.27. What time is it?12:35 PM.28. Innie or Outie?Innie.29. Ever used a Ouija board?Yes and it was one of the most horrible experiences of my life.30. Sweet or sour?Depends on my mood.31. Sun or Moon?Moon.32. What shoes did you wear today?None.33. Favorite eye color of the opposite sex?Dark Brown.34. What pefume/cologne do you wear?All different sorts... I love Rapture and Curve the best though.35. What's your favorite flower?Rose.36. Time of day you were born?5:13AM.37. Do you know your blood type?Nope.38. Do you know how to kill a zombie?I'm pretty sure that would be useless knowledge.39. Do you smoke?Never... I hate smoke!40. What would you spend 5,000 dollars on right now if you were handed it?Bills and down payment on rental house.41. Who is your favorite musical artist?Oh there are so many... probably Josh Groban or Yanni.42. Which animal(s) remind you of yourself?An orangutan.43. Whats your background on your pc?Pic of me and Robert.44. Did you grow up in the city or country?Small town.45. Would you ever consider going on a reality tv show if offered a large sum of money?Depends on the show.46. What's your favorite snack?Lately it's pears and a handisnack.47. Whats one thing you're really good at cooking?Spinach and artichoke dip.48. Kisses or hug?Yes please!49. You have 10 dollars to spend in the dollar store..what do you get?Kick knacks, lipstick, toys or purses for Baily and probably junk food.50. Slurpee flavor?Sour green apple from Circle K... sooo good!
Finish the sentences:1. I'VE COME TO REALIZE THAT MY EX...which one?2. I'M LISTENING TO... my playlist from my blog.3. I TALK... to people I love.4. I LOVE...my husband! And other people too.5. MY BEST FRIEND(S)...mean the world to me.7. I'VE LOST THE ABILITY TO .... want to go out and party.8. I HATE IT WHEN... I have to get up in the middle of the night to pee-especially like 4 times a night!9. LOVE IS... what it's all about!10. MARRIAGE IS....the most important relationship ever.11. SOMEWHERE, SOMEONE IS..... making whoopee!12. I'LL ALWAYS BE.... true to the faith!14. THE LAST TIME I CRIED WAS....yesterday.15. MY CELL PHONE IS.... awesome!16. WHEN I WAKE UP IN THE MORNING... I pray.17. BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP AT NIGHT....I blog and pray.18. RIGHT NOW IM THINKING ABOUT.... see number 11...lol!19. BABIES ARE.. perfect and innocent!20. I GET ON MYSPACE... way too much.21. TODAY I... have a day off and am organizing.22. TONIGHT I WILL...tired I'm sure.23. TOMORROW I WILL....get to go to Andre's first football game!24. I REALLY WANT TO .... live in my own house!
1. When was the last time you saw your number 1 on myspace?I think it was Memorial Day weekend... too long ago!2. What's bothering you right now?Actually nothing surprisingly.3. Will you kiss the last person you kissed again?Of course!4. What is in your wallet?Checkbook, cards and stuff.5. Wallpaper on your computer's desktop?Me and Rob at Cardinals game.6. Background on your cell phone?Baily Bug.7. Next time you will kiss someone?As soon as Baily's awake.8. Where was your default picture taken?Cardinals game.9. Do you like messages or comments better?Probably comments.11. What is the last thing you ate today?Nacho cheese Doritos.12. What are you doing this weekend?Funeral, hanging out with my family, Baily's birthday party.13. Wearing?Jean capris and Pooh t-shirt.14. Who was the last person to send you a text message?Beau and Alex.15. If you could have one person with you right now who would it be?My mom.16. Listening to?Playlist from my blog... Rob Thomas "Don't wanna be lonely no more."17. Have you ever kissed anyone named Patty?Yes actually... my step-mom!18. What do you smell like?Bath & Body Works country apple lotion.20. When you think of your bed, what song comes to mind?Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye! LOL21. Do you believe in a soul mate?Kinda.22. What do you wear to bed?Sleep capris and G's.23. Do you remember your dreams?Sometimes... they're so dang weird!25. Have you ever been gambling?Uh... who's asking?26. What is your dream car?Red Tahoe with all the fixin's.27. What are you doing tomorrow?Baby-sitting, laundry, cooking and going to Andre's first football game.28. Who do you miss?Lots of people... mostly my mom!29. What are you going to do after this?Hopefully something productive!31. Who was the last person you went somewhere with?Robert.32. What was the last text message you sent?A boogie schnickle schnickle. Inside joke.33. Have you ever had a crush on your sister's/brother's friend?Yes actually... he looks like a replica of Brad Pitt- at least he used to!34. How good is your eyesight?Just fine thank you very much.36. What was the last thing you drank?Pepsi:(37. Whose house did you go to last?Loren's I think.38. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?Tio Frank.39. Do you like someone right now?Yep!40. Do you have a chance with them?I think so... we're sorta married.41. What do you wear more,shorts, slacks, jeans, or sweatpants?I love my jeans!42. What is the last movie you watched?Pooh... surprise, surprise.43. Name Three Drinks You Drank Todaywater, cranberry juice, Pepsi.44. What are you excited about?Having my baby!

Eternal Perspective

So like I said Robert was home from work yesterday. We had a discussion and I got my feelings hurt and got mad at something so wrong... as in I was so wrong to feel the way I did. I was insensitive. It was just a combination of things building up that finally led me to get upset over this one thing that I shouldn't have. Anyway I didn't think we were going to be able to attend the temple to do our sealings or Stake Temple Day but I know Heavenly Father made it happen for us. I'm ashamed to say how long it's been since we've been to the temple... way too long. Oh how I've missed it! We had such a wonderful experience and the Spirit was so strong. We had to wait about 30 minutes for some other couples to show up so we had an awesome opportunity to sit in with about 6 Sealers and listen to their conversation. What amazing men they are. The Sealer we had was the cutest, sweetest man and I just wanted to hug him. Anyway it's amazing how your perspective and thoughts and feelings change to an eternal perspective while in the temple. Hearing those words and promises and covenants that we made and were given ourselves just a little over a year ago, and staring into my husband's eyes made me realize how much I truly love him so very much and want to be with him, and only him, for time and all eternity. I'm so grateful for the temple and the blessing of repentance that has allowed me to enter it's sacred walls. We are definitely going to start going a lot more often. We need it so much.

The rest of the day went pretty smoothly. We found out the details of the funeral arrangements and made some changes to plans for Baily's birthday party. Our prayers and love go out to Frank's family. He and his wife were sealed in the temple so it was neat to hear what promises and hope they have for eternal life as well. I know they'll be together again and when they are they'll never be apart from each other ever again. What a wonderful promise!

Learning to Let Go

I have been trying hard to have more self-control over my feelings and emotions. I really struggled yesterday. Baily woke up in a bad mood and Mya was super fussy and poopy all day. I could feel myself becoming someone and having bad feelings that I didn't want to. So I prayed with all my heart for strength to overcome these feelings and emotions and have control over them. In my scripture reading I read one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon- 2 Nephi 4... Nephi's Psalm. I can relate to that chater so personally and it's so uplifting and edifying. The day didn't get much easier but I felt much better and much more in control of my actions.

While the girls were sleeping I made the treat and planned our combined FHE with Robert's family. I made some peanut butter bars that were quite tasty. Baily loved them. I also stayed busy preparing the meal which is good but a lot of work- beef stew and home-made rolls. During this time I had some time to think a lot. I consider myself to be a very respectable person. I also enjoy my privacy. So when someone is not resectful to me or my privacy it gets my blood boiling- like when people just take food without asking me or going into our room and borrowing something without asking. I don't mind if people ask me but I hate it when they don't. Well I thought someone had done something of that sort and it bothered me all day. After I found out I was wrong I realized how much of my peace and own brain cells I wasted worrying and being angry over this. So I'm really trying to let things go- for my own sake. I can't be in control of everything all the time and I just need to realize that some people aren't respectful and it's going to be ok. It's really hard living in this situation that we do but I need to be grateful that we do have a home to live and food for people to take instead of being homeless or hungry. I'm embarrassed to even admit that I have this weakness but I really am working on it. I think it's a lesson of faith and patience I need to learn and I figure that faster I learn it the quicker we'll be able to find a way to move out.

We had a really good FHE last night. Dinner was really good and after we were all satisfied we had our lesson. It was about how we live in a land of freedom and the many freedoms we need to be thankful for. After we talked about that we talked about the soldiers fighting for our freedom and how we need to be grateful for them. Robert's sister's husband is in Afghanistan with the Army right now so we all wrote him a letter to express our gratitude. Then we made special prayer rocks to remind us that when we pray we need to remember to pray for our soldiers and to thank Heavenly Father for our freedom. Then we all ate those yummy peanut butter bars.

On a sadder note, Robert's Tio (Uncle) Frank passed away early this morning around 2. He's been sick for a while and although I'm sure he was relieved to be free from the pain and suffering his family will miss him very much. I didn't know him all too well but from what I did know he was so sweet and loving. Robert and his mom went over to their house around 2:30 until about 5:30 this morning so he's home from work today. We're supposed to go do sealings at the temple for Stake Temple day but I don't know if we'll make it because his mom has a lot to take care of and may not be able to watch the girls. I'm excited to have Robert home today though and spend some extra time with him!

Sunday Funday

Today was a nice day. I was busy this morning trying to get prepared for the day and such and then we went to Stake Conference. For some reason I was super tired so I had a hard time paying attention and concentration really well. I do know that the Spirit was strong. Some highlights for me are when the choir sang "Consider the Lilies" which is one of my favorite songs and scriptures. A man accompanied with the violin and it was such a beautiful arrangement. I was brought to tears (surprise, surprise!) as I considered how much I have felt the love of my Savior lately. I also remember being motivated attend the temple much more often and to really focus on missionary work. And I was delighted to hear from Bro. Hinckley again. He again shared a lot of personal stories and what I remember most is his great concern about forgiveness and tithing. At least that's what stuck out the most to me. I left feeling spiritually uplifted and motivated.

After conference I had to hurry and finish making the pasta salad. Then Robert's Uncle Armando came and picked us up to take us to his sister's for our nephew Tyler's first birthday party. She lives all the way out in Queen Creek and we didn't dare drive all the way out there with that donut. I was grateful for the ride but man is his uncle a crazy driver. It was pretty funny actually. He kind of reminded me of the crazy bus driver in the Harry Potter 3 movie. We had a lot of fun at the party. A lot of family was there and I really do love my in-laws. They're so loving and sweet and just fun to be around. It was a really good time!

After we got home it seemed like the rest of the evening flew by. Baily's finally asleep and I have finally had time to catch up with my blogging. This weekend had been so busy but great in many ways. I've learned and realized a lot. I still have a couple things to do tonight like read my scriptures for today and yesterday, write my mom and do my planner for next week. I better get crackin'! Have a great week everyone!

Power of Prayer

**Warning-- Very Long Post

Yesterday was a busy, productive and crazy day. In many instances it was a testimony of the power of prayer and that my Heavenly Father loves me and hears and answers my prayers. I truly felt an abundance of the tender mercies of the Lord yesterday.

My day started yesterday with a very long shopping trip to... where else... Wal-Mart. I need to explain first just how big this shopping trip was. We hadn't been able to go grocery shopping for about 4 weeks so we were pretty much out of everything... food and household items. I usually have this certain pad of paper I use to make my list but this time it was so big I had to use a full size pad of paper. And instead of shopping for 1 week like I usually do I shopped for 2 weeks including for 2 birthday parties and having family staying at my house from out of town. So yeah it was a lot of stuff. Oh... and it was a Saturday morning at Wal-Mart. Ok- it actually wasn't too horribly crowded and I wasn't rushed at all which was nice. And Baily was still asleep when I left so she was at home with Robert which makes all the difference in the world. Besides all this, after about 2 1/2 hours of shopping making sure I separated all my price match items and bending and lifting and balancing stuff on an overflowing cart, I was pretty exhausted by the time I got to the checkout line. And it was really hot in there as well. I said a little prayer just to have enough energy and stamina to get through this last little push of my shopping experience. While I was in line, trying to keep the price match items separated people kept coming in line behind me and after realizing how much stuff I had and that I was moving a little slower because I'm pregnant and that I was going to take longer to price match a million things they would get annoyed and go to another line. Then the sweetest thing happened and I can barely even talk about it without getting so emotional. Two gentleman came behind me and they had maybe like 15 items in their cart- they could've easily gone to the express lane. I looked at them and told them sorry and they just smiled at me. As I was unloading some stuff and started telling the cashier the price match items I realized that one of the guys was unloading stuff from the cart for me and the other one went and got a new cart for me and started loading up the bagged groceries inside of it. He even did it with the heavy items on the bottom and had it all organized. I told them thank you sooo much and they just said it's nothing. They ended up loading all my bagged groceries for me and after they had checked out they stayed and waited to make sure someone was coming to help me out with the 2 carts to my car. When they left they said have a great day and they hoped I had help when I got home. It was all I could do to not cry and embarass them but I don't think they'll ever know how much their simple service meant to me. It touched me so much and made me realize I really need to follow their example and be willing to go a little out of my way to give a helping hand to others. I know they were an answer to my prayer for help.

After I got home and cooled down I put the groceries away, fed Baily, got laundry started and house cleaned up. Robert willingly quit playing X-Box to go out in the heat and clean out our filthy car. I've noticed that over the past couple weeks our marriage has been closer and just better in general... another answer to prayer. Robert's been so great and has really made an effort to be more helpful and understanding to my needs and I've tried to do the same. It's also helped that we've finally been really consistent with reading scriptures and praying every day together.

After a good comforting dinner of chili beans and cornbread with fresh veggies we rushed to get ready to go the adult session of Stake Conference. We debated not going since we didn't have a sitter for Baily but we went and decided to just take her with a prayer that she would behave and cooperate so we could attend. When we got there she was pretty much the oldest child that was there which was a little embarassing but she did awesome! She was so reverent and calm the whole time. The focus seemed to be on temples and strong marriages. The final speaker was Bro. Richard Hinckley of the 70 and he is also Pres. Hinckley's oldest son. He looks and sounds a lot like Pres. Hinckley and seems to have the same type of sense of humor. He told a lot of personal stories and most had to do with the blessing of the sealing power we have available in the temples. Then he opened it up to questions from the audience since he said it was a less informal meeting. There's so much I want to remember about his talk that really stood out to me but I'm just going to share what I remember most. He opened with telling us about how his niece was sealed in the Salt Lake temple a little while ago and his dad did the sealing. He mentioned that Pres. Hinckley has limited his sealings to just his grandchildren. He said that his dad mentioned something that really stuck with him. Pres. Hinckley said that he had sealed all 5 of his children and this was his 24th grandchild out of 25 that he has sealed. Then he sort of mentioned to himself that he felt it was the greatest thing he's ever done. Bro. Hinckley said that stuck to him so much because he knows his dad has done so many great things and for him to think that these sealing were the greatest things he's considered himself to do must mean he values sealings so very much. He also mentioned that his parents raised him in a style that was very trusting. He said him and his siblings never got grounded and somehow they just knew when they were out of line without having to be yelled at or scolded. And another thing I loved that he talked about is his parents advice on strong marriages. He said his dad always says that you have to be concerned for the personal welfare and happiness of your spouse more than your own. His mom said what made her marriage successful was to lower her standards. Hee, hee. Bro. Hinckley explained how both these principles are so true. He gave so many stories and so much wonderful advice and I wish I could write them all down but it would take forever. I really enjoyed hearing him speak and gained a lot spiritually and mentally from conference.

After conference we told Baily we would take her to go get ice cream since she behaved so well. She immediately got excited and started doing her ice cream dance. Well she ended up having to wait a long time for that ice cream... poor little girl! What a crazy night followed. We had to run home to get our check book for an errand we had to run. When I ran in the house I discovered that our washer went berserk and the brand new bottle of laundry detergent I had sitting on the washer fell off, cracked and spilled every where. I picked up the bottle but didn't have time to clean up the mess completely. On our way to run that errand Baily started to get pretty restless. After Robert paid the bill and as we were driving out of the parking lot we discovered that our tire blew out. Fabulous. As soon as I realized this I felt the stress coming on. How are we going to be able to afford a new tire? Why does this always happen to us? I hate being so poor. Then Baily started with the tantrum. I can't say that I blame her... she was expecting ice cream as promised and I kept telling her it would be just a minute which turned out to be like an hour and a half. So as the stress and frustration and tears started rising I prayed. I prayed for patience and faith that since I know we are doing our best that everything will be ok. So as my poor husband was out in the heat changing the tire to our donut I felt an immediate peace. It took him a while to get the tire off because it was stuck pretty bad and once he got the donut on it was almost completely flat. Of course we were at the only intersection in this city with no gas station. So we drove ever so slowly and cautiously, all the while Baily's screaming, to find a gas station to put air in our donut. When we finally find one a couple blocks away and are about to turn into it, a bunch of ambulances come behind us so we have to pull over into this dirt parking area. Nice. We finally made it to the gas station. Robert goes inside to get change to pay for the air (that's so dumb that you have to pay for freakin' air!) and they tell him we don't give change. What?? They consent to turn the air on for us thankfully but that's still so stupid. Well we were finally able to drive without dying and there's no way we could've gone home without getting Baily her ice cream. We went to Sonic and Baily was able to calm down. We finally made it home, we got our laundry soap spill cleaned up and said our prayer. I know I was blessed with a peace and calm because otherwise I would have lost it and gone crazy. I was so tired by the time all was said and done for the day but I couldn't have gone to sleep without a nice long prayer of gratitude for all the many answers to prayers. I know my Heavenly Father loves me and I'm so, so grateful for the blessing and power of prayer!

Productive Day and Elder's Quorum Party Fun

Yes... I have been productive today and it feels great. I didn't sleep well at all last night but when I woke up this morning at 6 I wasn't tired at all. So instead of just lying in bed I got the itch to be productive. I wanted to get some things done that I've been putting off and even though I say I'm going to get them done after I put Baily to sleep I'm always too tired and fall asleep myself. So this morning I was able to get our budget figured out to every single penny, update my planner and make some goals for myself and make a two week menu complete with grocery list and ad matching deals. I got all this done before the babies woke up and I felt very proud of myself. I was able to handle Baily and Tyler just fine and Mya slept pretty much all day again. So I think I'm going to stick to this routine and try to get my stuff done in the mornings before the babies wake up instead of at night after Baily's asleep.

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I finally got a letter from my mom today and I was so excited. She had major problems with her thumb right now which may sound like a lame excuse to some for not writing but I completely understand. I pretty much don't write her unless I can type it because writing it by hand hurts so bad due to my arthritis in my fingers. Anyway she sent this adorable angel to watch over Baily while she sleeps that I've hung over her bed. Baily was so cute when she saw it and after I explained to her what it was she carried it around awhile just saying "Ganca's (that's how she says Grandma and Grandpa) angel." It was really sweet. She also sent this sweet story about a taxi cab driver who went the extra mile in taking care of this little old lady that had no family and was on her way to Hospice care about to die. He took her to all these places that had good memories for her, talked with her, helped her walk and didn't charge her. He explained how it was such a small thing but it was one of the greatest things he'd ever done in his life and he did it because he wanted to treat her like he would his own mom. My mom sent this little taxi cab for me to hang up to remind me to treat people like the ones I love the most. My mom's so creative and I love her for that.

I decided that Baily has lately developed multiple personality disorder. I understand that babies, and just regular people for that manner change moods quite often. But it's been crazy with Baily lately. She'll be laughing and dancing with Pooh one minute and then all of a sudden she gets this scowl on her face and will come up and hit me for no reason. Then she'll just stare at me and we'll have a stare down and then all of a sudden she smiles and gives me a kiss. She has been doing this since yesterday... whiny, silly, sad, mad, loving, serious- all in a matter of minutes. She cracks me up! I guess it just must be contagious with her momma's hormones all out of whack... she's probably caught some of my extra ones or something!

After Robert got home from work I had to rush to the store to get the ingredients for the desserts we had to bring to the Elder's Quorum party tonight. Then I had to rush home and make my dessert and Robert made his. It was a contest between all the desserts and the one voted the best got the prize. So of course, Robert and I being as competitive as we are, went all out to beat each other. He made mud pie cups and I made a banana berry brownie pizza. Neither of us won but they were both good anyway.

By the time I finished making the dessert, cleaning up, getting Baily ready for the baby-sitter and showering we showed up about 10 minutes late for the party. Robert took Baily to the sitters and got gas while I was getting ready. Let me tell you... this party was a blast. I think I almost peed my pants from laughing. There were the yummy desserts and of course, our ward is the best in the world, so the company was great. The first game that was played was called the Brown Paper Bag Game. As you can see the point is to bend over, with only the bottom of your feet allowed to touch the ground, and grab the bag with your mouth. Then you tear of the piece you touched with your mouth and it's the next person's turn. Eventually it gets lower to the ground and harder to reach. Apparently our ward is quite flexible. I didn't play because I thought it was obvious that it wasn't possible in my pregnant condition. Well Kim had to prove me wrong. She did awesome and she's like 8 1/2 months pregnant. I was so impressed! Robert got out about half-way through... which was impressive to me because I know how not flexible he is. It ended up going all the way until there was no bag left so there were 5 winners. It was craziness but so funny to watch.

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After that we played a round of charades using words that we each made up. We played boys against girls and obviously the girls kicked butt 41 to 30! After the massacre it was time for some Karaoke. This is the part where I almost peed my pants from laughing so hard. It was so much fun. Most of the songs ended up being a group sing along. I love going to the Elder's Quorum parties. They're always so much fun and we seriously have the best ward. It will be a sad day whenever we have to leave it!

It's been a long day but a good one. I almost got everything done on my list today. I was going to try and finish my grocery shopping tonight but it's way too late and I'm way too tired. I hate going on Saturdays to Wal-Mart because it's always so crazy but at least I won't be rushed or anything. And so far so good on staying within our budget. Even though it's only the first day, that's a plus for us because we usually splurge on pay day. Ciao everyone!