Todd gets accepted!

Todd did not want to go back to school. He took classes our first semester married, but it wasn't the right time for him. When he was laid off--yet again--he wasn't excited when Brother Hazel told him to go back to school. But we had been praying to know what the Lord would have us do. And Todd listened and went back to school. And the Lord has richly blessed us for following Him.
Many have suggested that Todd go back to school, but Brother Hazel had one thing they didn't--a career option that Todd could see himself doing: an x-ray tech. So Todd enrolled two years ago. The game plan was to complete the pre-requisits and get into the program. Then Todd might finish his AA while he was working with his certificate. But last year he was 1 of 3 alternates, and he didn't get in. Todd quit his job, so he could focus on his grades. And Todd has brought his grades up a whole grade point. He retook his first antomy and physicology class. And when Todd finished his AA, we felt we had done all we could and the rest was in God's hands.
The day Todd's acceptance letter was suppose to show up, Todd checked the mailbox 4 times. And we were relieved and excited and nervous when Todd was accepted. He starts classes on July 5th.
Sometimes, I look at our 3 girls and think to myself--couldn't you have done this before we had kids when it wouldn't have been as hard. But I have seen God's hand in our lives. And I know God has been in the timing as well as the miracles that have made this possible. And I am so proud of Todd and all his faith and hard work.
We want to thank all who have prayed for us, aided us, supported us, and been a huge part of making this happen for our family. We could not have done this on our own. Thank you.

My Mom

When I was a teenager, I told my mom everything. As I got to collage, my mom and started to disagree a lot. We had a few years where it was really rocky. But my mom wouldn't give up on me. And I wouldn't give up on her. And when Karla was born we agreed to disagree. It has taken us a few years for things to become comfortable again. But my wonderful relationship with my mom I don't take for granted because I have had to fight for it and so has she.

Having said that, I thought we were moving home so I could take care of her. And instead, she has taken care of us. She has watched my children a lot so Todd could go to school, study, or be able to be with the scouts--while I worked to support our family. She has helped us pay our bills. She has supported us, loved on us, and spoiled us. She has become a woman I look up to and admire. She is one of our biggest cheerleadears, and the first person I want to call when I feel like crying. I enjoy the time I get to spend with her talking, shopping, or just cleaning the kitchen. Momma, I love you. Thank you for ALL you do.

Easter

For Easter--we went to Aunt Dot's house and had stuffed samlon. It was so good!! And it was good to be with family. Jonathan's family always has fish for easter dinner because Jesus's first meal after being resurrected was fish and honeycomb. We attempted to get some honeycomb, but it showed up late.

The girls got new toothbrushes as well as some batons and headbands.

I told the girls we were going to have a special Easter Church. And Kylee said "Yeah, the easter bunny will be there!" I tried to tell her Easter was really about Jesus. Kylee started to argue, but Karla said "Remember our special Easter family party. And Grandma did the eggs with all the things about Jesus's death--but the last one was empty. Remember?" I am so proud of her, and so grateful that Grandma Julie took the time to do that family home evening with us. And I say, Remember the tomb was empty that wonderful Easter so many years ago. And that is the most amazing part of Easter. My family can be together forever! My Savior has redeemed me, cleansed me, and made me better. And I pray that one day I will be fit to stand in front of my Lord and be welcomed home.

April 2011 pictures

Kaylyn is potty training. She is even in underware these days. But I think it is funny to see such a little girl on such a big potty. But for Kaylyn--it's all about the candy.

This is my family doing stretches after a good workout! I love it when we workout together.

Picture day!

Soap Box: I love you

I write this blog for me first. I enjoy the journaling aspect. Secondly, I write this for my children. And then thirdly, I enjoy sharing with those who like to keep in touch!! I am not writing this to offend any one, but I am going to stand on my soap box for a moment. This way my children know where I stand if I'm not there to tell them.

I recently watched a show where the characters spent several nights together. And then, and only then, he said he thought he loved her. This has bothered me. When I was a teenager, we held hands before I love you. The holding hands staged came at "I like you." But I didn't kiss a boy that I didn't love. And I love you was either said before or very shortly after a kiss. And yet, I have seen as people I know, as well as on tv, causually kiss, causually have sex, move in together, and then discover they love each other.

Here is where I stand. I am so grateful that I was taught these standards in my youth. Sex is to be sacred--and done only between a man and a woman legally married. I am so grateful that all of my children were born and conceived with in the bonds of marriage. And that we are committed to each other in a very perminat way. When it is done this way, my body and his is an amazing gift in which we have only given to each other. And in following these principles, I have not found restrictions but freedom and happiness.

Now I love all my friends and family no matter the choices they have made. And I want to encourage my children to be tolerant, loving, and supportive. But this is where I stand, and I want my children to know.

Having said that, I am so proud of my co-worker who choose to get married. They didn't spend much. My mom made the bouquet. My sister made the cake. And I took the pictures. And I wish them many, many years of happiness together. More pictures not posted for privacy reasons. But I am so excited for them!! And Mom and Dot, you did a beautiful job!!