25 Random Things

This is mostly boring stuff that you will not want to read. I merely posted it for journaling purposes (my kids may want to know this stuff later on - I think)

1. I have five beautiful children that I feel very blessed to have. It took four years to finally get pregnant with the first one and we have had 3 miscarriages in between.

2. I got married when I was 18 and everyone teased my husband that he was "robbing the cradle" (I met him 5 days after I graduated from High School and he was already back from his mission :) )

3. After the kids go to bed at night, I usually make myself a large shake with some type of chocolate candy in it. Jason and I then sit down and watch a show together. (Not the best habit, I know!)

4. I have been to 23 states and Canada (including Niagara Falls) and I lived in New Jersey for 8 months.

5. I don't like to answer the phone when I'm not in the mood; I just let it ring and check my messages later. (I know this is probably surprising because I love to talk, but the phone can really bug me sometimes.)

6. I can't stand it when my kids try to talk to me when I am on the phone.

7. I love to go to the gym, especially for the weight lifting.

8. When the kids take their naps, I make myself a turkey, lettuce, and tomato wrap. I eat it on the couch while watching chick flicks.

9. I can't stand it when my children complain about what they are asked to do!! (Especially when it comes to practicing the piano.)

10. I love going to Hawaii and I think Kauai is the greatest - I didn't care for Maui very much (the resort we stayed at was fabulous though!)

11. I don't like that I get impatient with my children sometimes!

12. My dad was shot and killed when I was 12 years old. He was in the Stake Presidency at the time and was a major influence in MANY people's lives. (Over 4000 people came to his viewing and funeral.) The Deseret News did an article all about him and put it on the Front page of the newspaper the day after his funeral. I really miss him!!!!!

13. I love to save money and I get a rush out of getting a great deal on something.

14. When I was a Senior in High School, I was selected as one of two honorees from the state of Utah to attend the American Academy of Achievement in Williamsburg, Virginia.

15. I am a sucker for Masterpiece Theater and A&E Classics!

16. I am madly in love with my husband of 13 years!

17. I am anal about being on time to things and I get VERY cranky if someone makes me late. (I'm not sure this is such a good thing, but my intentions are good :})

18. I am a fake blond - yeah, baby!

19. I received a Scholar/Athlete award by the United States Army Reserve "For Academic and Athletic Excellence" at a Principal's Reception my senior year.

20. I LOVE to play basketball - anywhere, anytime!! (I was Captain of my High School team and was a Varsity starter my Junior and Senior year.)

21. I have not missed a day of writing in my journal for 9 years - I am on volume 25, page 5,488

22. I have a very strong testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!!!

23. I do not like it when I pour a bowl of cereal and the milk is warm because it has been left out by the kids - I pour the milk out of my bowl and open a new carton (EVERY time).

24. I have always thought that I would have a child with Down Syndrome - I'm not sure why, but I would welcome the opportunity to raise such a special spirit!

25. My favorite hobbies are writing music, playing the piano, updating my blog, writing in my journal, reading books, playing Dance Revolution, and of course, playing on Facebook

One Hundred's Day

Tomorrow is the 100th Day of school and Corbyn came home with a note asking him to create a picture with 100 of something. Here is what he came up with (and there is exactly 100 noodles used to create this picture). I'd say he did a pretty great job! I particularly like his little robot. :)

Good Times

Last Friday night, we hosted a couples party with our some of our friends from "The Ranches." We had a lot of laughs and a great time!!!

Stuck on the Lip

Landon is a finger sucker and when I went to check on him before bed, the other night, this is what I saw - it was so much more funny in person! His fingers were literally stuck on his bottom lip and he was breathing so loud.

How do you rid a child of finger sucking?! It's cute now, but it won't be when he gets a little older and can't stop - anyone have any advice?

Grandpa's Birthday

We celebrated Jason's Grandpa's 93rd birthday on Monday night with all of Jason's relatives. It was a lot of fun to catch up with everyone.

Grandpa and Grandma Reeder

Young Women's

A few years ago I had the privilege of serving in Young Women's and I LOVED it! I was the Miamaid Advisor and I thought it was the best calling in the Church! When I got released, I cried for days! Well, I am so happy to say that I am back in Young Women's and I could not be happier! I am serving with the greatest presidency ever (Kim Zebley - Pres., Jamie Forsyth - 2nd Counselor, and Kim Wright - Secretary). I am so thrilled to have this opportunity again. I have seen the Young Women's program strengthen and enrich the lives of so many young women and to think that I get to be a part of that is wonderful!

The Book of Mormon

I just finished reading The Book of Mormon today and it doesn't matter how many times I have read it in the past, I always get more out of it each time I read it. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have the Book of Mormon in my life! I KNOW that it is a true book of scripture given to us by our Heavenly Father! I know that it is another testament of Jesus Christ and is a companion to the beloved Bible. I know that the teachings in the Book of Mormon were given to us as instruction and guidance for our own life's choices. The experiences that each of the prophets went through, in the course of the Book of Mormon, have taught me so much about faith, obedience, gratitude, perseverance, patience, humility, charity, etc. etc. There are times of happiness and prosperity, and there are times of sadness and despair. There are miracles and there are tragedies. There are triumphs and there are failures. There are all the things that we experience in our lives, in this day and age, and there are examples for us to follow in order to make it back to our Father in Heaven.

As I read the book of Moroni and reflected on the position that he was in when he wrote that book, I couldn't help but feel so sad for him. I cannot imagine being all alone in the world, knowing that all of your people have been killed off and that the rest of the world is so wicked that they cannot even begin to see the truth. The heartache that he must have gone through would have been unbearable! Yet, he persevered . . . and he prepared a way for all of us to learn from the teachings in the Book of Mormon, by hiding them away in the mount and preparing the way for young Joseph Smith to find them.

I am so thankful for the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that he was chosen for this last day to restore the Church of Jesus Christ and to bring forth the Book of Mormon from its state of hidden treasure. I know that he saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ! I know that he translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God and that He was, indeed, a prophet of God.

I know that our Savior, Jesus Christ LIVES! I know that He came to this Earth to fulfill our Father in Heaven's plan of salvation. I know that He volunteered to carry out our Father's plan and that He gave all the glory to His Father. I know that He atoned for the sins of the world and that He suffered, bled, and died on the cross so that He could be resurrected for all of us. He made it possible for us to live again! I know that He loves us and wants us to be happy. He has felt our sorrows and understands our pain and He has also felt our joy and understands our happiness. He Lives!!! I know that He lives and I know that because of it, I will one day be able to be reunited with my earthly father and will also be able to live with my own family for all Eternity.

I am thankful that I have had the privilege to be taught these things in the course of my life. I do not doubt them in any way . . . and I NEVER will! I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church of Jesus Christ restored to the Earth in this latter day. I know that it is lead by a true prophet of God, even President Thomas S. Monson. What a privilege it is to be a member of Heavenly Father's kingdom through baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ! I look forward to the day when I will be able to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. This is what keeps me on the right path - I have a yearning desire to make it back! I do not want anything to get in the way! I hope that I can always live my life in a way that would be pleasing to our Father in Heaven. I know that if I do, He WILL welcome me back into His presence after this life is complete! I say these things, in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

New Year's Eve Party

For the past three years we have had a New Year's Eve party at our house and this year we invited my family over for some fun.

Kelsea, Grandma Hall, Liz, and my mom
(My mom and Grandma spent the night)

Landon and Anna

Grandma Hall, my mom, Anna, and Tracy (my older brother's wife)

We had to have plenty of munchies

Corbyn got out one of our library books on drawing and who knew it would be such a hit! All of sudden everyone was at the table showing of their sweet art abilities

Skyler

We had a lot of fun playing games, eating food, talking, laughing, watching Times Square, doing fireworks, and playing Dance Revolution. I sure love my family and I am really grateful that they were able to come and celebrate the New Year with us!

So Funny!!!

I just have to write about the funniest thing that happened last Sunday at Church. I am the Primary Chorister in our Ward and during the last hour, Amber (my 3 year old) had to use the bathroom. The Nursery leaders brought her to Jason, who was in the hall with Landon, and he decided to bring her to me. I was sitting in the front of the Primary room listening to a Class Presentation for Sharing Time when all of a sudden, the back door flung open and at the top of her lungs, Amber said, "Mommy! I need to go potty!" As you can imagine, there was an instant laughing reaction from all the primary children and as I exited, quite embarrassed, I had to fight back the urge to laugh myself. It truly was so funny, but I felt bad that it interrupted the sharing time presentation.

On a sad note, poor little Amber was absolutely devastated that everyone laughed at her!!! She held it in until we reached the bathroom and then she looked up at me with the saddest face ever and said, "they laughed at me." The tears just poured out of her eyes and I felt so sad for her. I tried to explain that they were not laughing at her, but just thought what she said was funny - to no avail, she was so crushed for quite awhile. Poor thing. I think it is pretty safe to say that she will never do that again.

Happy Anniversary, Honey!!!

Tuesday was Jason and my 13th Wedding Anniversary and may I just say it was the funnest Anniversary we could have possibly had!!! We didn't necessarily do anything out of the ordinary or particularly special, but we were two of the silliest, giddiest, and ridiculous little couples out on a date, on a Tuesday night. We could not stop laughing, cracking jokes, saying cute little things to one another, etc. etc. Now, I know there are many of you who already think we are ridiculously newlyweddish, and it probably drives you nuts, but . . . you are absolutely right, we are ridiculously newlyweddish - and I love it!!! (You can tell that to the guy that overheard a secret something Jason was saying to me when we didn't know anyone was standing there - it was SUPER funny!!)

To my sweet Jason - I just want you to know how much I absolutely LOVE and ADORE you!!! You are the love of my life and the best friend a girl could possibly have. I have always been amazed that Heavenly Father allowed me to meet and marry someone as wonderful as you! Thanks for choosing me and thanks for the past 13 years of marital bliss! I LOVE YOU!!!!!