Dreams

I thought I would share this interesting experience, so I hope you don't mind. I usually have pretty crazy mixed up dreams where I know what is happening and where I am, but nothing looks the way it is supposed to. Well, let me tell you about a dream I had last night.

In this dream, everything looked real and normal, it was the middle of the night and our home looked just like it does now (which was surprising to me since I don't know if I have ever dreamed about our home, it is usually my parents home). Clark had just helped David back to bed since he woke up for some reason, when I felt I needed to go check the front door to make sure we had locked it. Clark and I walked through our dark home to the front door. What a shock I had when I felt the door and not only found it unlock, but open ajar! I pushed it closed and went to lock the door when suddenly I felt pushing and snarls and growls on the other side of the door! Clark reached out and helped me and we were able to hold the door closed and finally lock it. Well, this really creeped me out, and we peaked out the window by the door to see what kind of animal was out there (we could still hear it) but there was nothing there. We realized it was invisible. (I hope I am not creeping you out, I will come to an explanation of why I am sharing this)

I woke up from my dream and at that point went in to feed Benjamin since he was hungry. As I fed him I had time to think. This beast reminded me of the beast we need to protect our families from, that of evil in the world, it lurks around waiting for a door to be left open. Christ has made it possible to keep our families safe, he has given us power to overcome, he has given us the priesthood and we gain even more power through the covenants that we make and keep. Through these we can be protected, but it isn't enough just to protect ourselves, we need to teach our children how to keep themselves safe. Teach with all our might. And what about our friends and family? We want them to be safe too.

As I was thinking about all these things and how the dream had scared me and worried me, I couldn't help thinking about Lehi from the Book of Mormon worrying about his children and people because of his dreams. I can't imagine how hard it would have been for John the Revelator to see the destructions and pains of people in the last days because of wickedness. I am very grateful to have the scriptures that teach me, comfort me and guide me. I am thankful for Christ and the power he gives us to overcome that evil one. I am thankful for our Father in Heaven who lovingly watches over my beloved little family, my treasures, and who has given us the Holy Ghost as our guide. He has blessed us with the restoration of the gospel in these last days. Joseph Smith did see the Father and the Son in that quiet grove of trees, and that is what started that small stone cut out of the mountain that rolls forward today. It is true, and I know it.

Christmas Traditions

The Christmas Story

Angels appearing to Shepherds

Angels singing for joy!

Joseph, Mary, and the little King

Excitement for their stockings

Reading new stories

Lots of memories, full of singing, laughter, and joy.

Merry Christmas!

We created a Christmas eCard for you to enjoy. Click here to enjoy a short story of our family and to see a cute collage of pictures.

A Few Stories

Googlyland

David has been putting little eyes in all sorts of places after we bought a book with a packet full of the eyes. Here is one cute example of what his imagination comes up with.

A Quick Nap

Our little Benjamin is was sitting so quietly while we were in the kitchen, then we noticed that he had in fact fallen asleep just sitting there with his arm draped over the edge.

Peter Rabbit

If you look closely you will see our little friend Rabbit that likes to take naps just outside our window. The children love going to look out the window every day and see if he is there. Sometimes he is, sometimes he isn't. When he isn't there, David says he is off eating somewhere.

And the Winner is...

DAVID! The University had a, would you call it, contest at a Christmas activity we attended. We received a phone call the next week saying our names were drawn for the little boys bike. Yeah! David is an expert bike rider and often scares the other mothers at how fast he can ride. (scared because they are afraid he will fall down) He has been riding a bike since he was three, he really is fast!

Long Sleeping


Benjamin has really started falling into a sleeping pattern now that his he almost five months. I needed to go somewhere the other day and was sad to have to wake him up. I just had to snap a picture while I had the chance. There is something special about looking at a sleeping baby.
Also, a note about the blanket. I used to be the Primary teacher for the girls that are about 11, once I had Benjamin they released me from that to give me time with my baby. One of my sweet girls made me this blanket, and it is the cutest softest blanket. Benjamin loves it.

Three in a bed, and the little one said...

From the time we had David as a baby I have taken a picture of my children snuggled up in Mommy and Daddy's bed. They love being all cuddled up together.


For Grandma

Grandma sent some fun holiday clothes for the children. They love these clothes and look festive wearing them. Thank you! We love you!

Seven Years Today

Happy Anniversary

A Few Pictures

Here we are trying to get a picture of our family again. It is pretty hard to get everyone looking the same direction.

Our little children.

Clark out like a light, and Benjamin wide awake.

Our little trip to "Main Street Bethlehem" in Burnet, Texas.

All bundled up, one of the few chilly nights...

Rebecca holding up her picture. She has a tendency to decorate herself as well.

Exploring campus while Daddy goes to his class.

More fun on campus.

Tortillas and Cheese

Yesterday as the children were eating "square cheese" as they like to call it, David proudly stated that when he was little he didn't know how to take bites out of the cheese to make holes in it, but now he does! He does it with any kind of food he can bend.

Quiet Moment

Last night I had a meeting and arrived at the location ten minutes early and was about to get out and go into the person's house when I decided that I would take that time and just sit in the silence. (I noticed that no one else had arrived yet) I sighed and listened to the sounds and quietly filtered in from outside. It felt better than taking a nap!
I just finished reading a set of books ("City of Ember, and "The People of Sparks") that made me think about the night sky and lights and all that we use in a different way. As I thought about this I was realizing how much the world go by so quickly during the day and we are so caught up in our lives; and when night comes and we can't see our busy little world so well any more, we gaze up into the sky seeing the endless sea of stars and realize that man is so much smaller in the whole of creation and that there is so much more to life and the world than the busy little tasks we do all day.
The quiet of the night turns my attention toward heaven and my Father in Heaven. He is there, he does love us even through all the noise and chaos of our little world. I am thankful for the chance to quietly listen.

Joy of my life

Here is my sweet boy. I often struggle through motherhood; which I am sure most do, but I have a hard time seeing that others do too. There is one person right now in my life that fills me with love and joy and that is Benjamin. He is so sweet and pure. Truly a gift to me.

Thoughtfulness

I had a fun time thinking about the answers to these questions when I read them on another blog... So I thought I would share them.

1. Do you like blue cheese? No, I have always thought it was kind of gross to think about what it is.

2. Have you ever smoked? No

3. Do you own a gun? No

4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Grape has to be the best. Clark has introduced some fun new flavors but Purple is always the best!

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Yes! I get so nervous I think I give the doctor ideas that I need more done to me than I really do!

6. What do you think of hot dogs? I love when they are grilled, but otherwise they are not that good to me.

7. Favorite Christmas movie? I don’t think I have a favorite.

8. Favorite thing to drink in the morning? Milk or water.

9. Can you do push-ups? I haven’t tried in a while. I might be able to do one.

10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring, which is about the only thing I wear now days.

11. Favorite hobby? Playing the piano and painting. I don't get to pain very often, but I love trying to picture how I would paint the things I see around me.

12. Do you have A.D.D.? No.

13. What’s one trait you hate about yourself? I am always so tired.

14. Middle name? Frances

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. It is raining outside. I hope Clark and the children are having fun and are safe. I should be getting to sleep right now while I can…

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, milk, apple juice.

17. How many siblings do you have? Three.

18. Favorite place to be? Home

19. Current hate right now? Trying to get ready in the morning and keeping the children out of trouble at the same time. (Clark goes to school at 4:00 a.m. so I have to squeeze in my time to get ready since my children wake up at 6:30 and I will not be waking up earlier right now in my life.)

20. How did you bring in the New Year, 2008? I was sleeping.

21. Where would you like to go? Anywhere if only I could go with only my husband. Another honeymoon would be nice.

22. Name three people who might complete this: ----

23. Do you own slippers? Yes, at least five. (I just can’t get rid of the old ones.)

24. What shirt are you wearing? An “Environmental Science Institute” t-shirt Clark got from a conference he went to.

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I don’t know, but probably not.

26. Can you whistle? Yes.

27. Favorite color? Red and all the Autumn colors.

28. Would you be a pirate? No, I always end up wanting to be a princess.

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Religious songs, and church hymns.

30. Favorite Girl’s Name: Rebecca

31. Favorite Boy’s Name: David

32. What’s in your pocket right now? No pockets…

33. Last thing that made you laugh? I think I had a pretty hard day today and can’t remember, but I do remember laugh pretty hard yesterday at something the children did. (Probably David making his silly faces)

34. What vehicle do you drive? Van

35. Worst injury you’ve ever had? I was hit by a car when I was 14 yrs. old. I didn’t have many injuries, but it was the most tramatic.

36. Do you love where you live? I do love it here, but it doesn’t feel like “home”. Perhaps someday I will live in a place I consider "home".

37. How many TV’s do you have in your house? One.

38. Who is your loudest friend? My husband.

39. Do you have any pets? No.

40. Does someone have a crush on you? My husband.

41. Your favorite book(s): I really like the “Chronicles of Narnia” and there have been lots of books I have liked that I read with the children like “The Runaway Pumpkin”.

42. Do you collect anything? Children’s things.

43. Favorite Sports Team? None.

44. What song do you want played at your funeral? “Somewhere My Love” my Grandpa used to sing this one.

Somewhere, my love,There will be songs to sing
Although the snow covers the hope of spring.
Somewhere a hill blossoms in green and gold
And there are dreams all that your heart can hold.

Someday we'll meet again, my love.
Someday whenever the spring breaks through.
You'll come to me out of the long ago,
Warm as the wind, soft as the kiss of snow.
Till then, my sweet, think of me now and then.
God, speed my love'til you are mine again.

Francis Paul Webster
Maurice Jarre

Our Princess

We were given a Barbie Princess movie not too long ago and my children have loved watching bits of it. Rebecca has taken up dancing around and singing just like a princess. She is really growing up.

Sweet Rebecca

Election Day

Today is the big day we have been preparing for all these months! We decided to start a fun family tradition when it comes to voting. I waited for Clark to come home and we WALKED to the elementary school just a minute away. (I emphasize "walked" because they just changed our location and it is now in walking distance!!! A big thing here in Texas--no pun intended.) The children loved getting to see the school David will attend next year, and we loved getting to vote.

Now for the tradition. We went out for ice cream afterwards to celebrate the chance we had to vote and to talk about what voting is. Our children were so happy! They would tell people that "they" voted, and they wore their stickers proudly.

Life is always a fun adventure when Clark is home with us. He makes everything so fun!

CANDY!

Here are our cute little ones all dressed up for Halloween. We had a fun week of Halloween activities. There was a party for children so young that they don't really know what to do except to wander around, but they had lots of fun anyway. Then we dropped by Daddy's work to parade through the hallways and show everyone their costumes. Although, everyone had gone home already, and that is when I decided to give David a haircut because someone new there thought he was a girl by the way his hair is hanging out. Then there was the fun Church Halloween party. The children loved getting to see all their friends dressed up. The most fun we had of all was on Halloween. We went to an assisted living center that had invited children to come and we had fun sharing joy with the cute elderly people. While we were there, we ran into friend from church and they told us about trick-or-treating down our cities main street. After that we joined those same friends and went around their neighborhood together. Holidays are always more fun when we can share it with others. (it makes family not feel so far away.)

On our way to visit Daddy at work.

I pinned ears on Benjamin to make him a puppy. It is a terrible picture, but the one that was in focus was too dark...

Walking on Main Street

San Antonio

Here are some pictures of our trip to San Antonio last Saturday. We went to the Japanese Tea Garden, the zoo, and topped it off with going to the temple. We had lots of fun together.

Preschool Learning

We are going on eight weeks of preschool. I feel like it is going well. I didn't do so well last week, but we have been pretty consistent. This morning I had a fun surprise. Each week I pick a word that goes along with the subject and that way the children can learn letters and the sounds the letters make. This morning I picked "Work" since our topic is on "community helpers". I hung it on the wall and David said, "What does that say?" I asked him to see if he could figure it out by telling me what sounds each letter says. So he went through and told me the sounds and did it again and again until he got an excited look on his face and exclaimed "Work!" I know he has recognized words here and there, but this was the first time I had seen him actually read a word that he had no idea what it was.

I am so excited for him! That small experience made me realize that my little efforts at doing preschool with him is really paying off! This gives me motivation to keep doing it.

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm

Pumpkin Festival!

Hair Cut

Rebecca had her first hair cut ever on the 3rd of October! I finally took courage at snipping her hair after I saw it looked long enough to trim. She was very excited to have it cut and to have her chance at getting a sucker. We have a tradition with the children that when they get hair cuts they can have a sucker to suck on while we cut their hair.
One of our first purchases in our marriage was a hair cutting kit, and I have been the official barber of the family for many years now. If only I could cut my own hair too!

A Party at the Park

Most of the time when we go to Pfluger Park, David spends half the time gathering sticks together to make a "fire" and leaves together to "roast marshmollows". Today he claimed a picnic table and was setting out sticks and leaves for everyone that would come to his "party". He even found ribbons on the ground. To top it all off, he found quite a few tickets scattered on ground.

I was anxious to get back home, but David's party was finally ready. He walked across the park to where a group of children were playing and asked them to come to his "party" and he distributed the tickets to them. (he even encouraged them to ask their mommies) The children complied and were all excited to join the party. I post-poned our departure to see how it all turned out. The children had a blast, and I felt it was a very good learning experience for David.

Children really do learn a lot when they play, don't they. David is so cute in what he can imagine.

A Month of Fun!

It seems that even though we didn't take any vacations, we took lots of pictures! Clark went through and put a lot of them on our family website. If you would like to see them you can click here.