Our garden is growing well...which is VERY exciting for us.
I've had 2 sunflowers bloom so far.
They are the miniature variety and are too cute!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Our garden is growing well...which is VERY exciting for us.
Our garden is growing well...which is VERY exciting for us.
A "Chilly" Summer Day
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Yesterday was a typical humid day with a chance of rain showers. Lindsey and I were outside...she was playing in the pool and I was checking out the garden when along came those "chance of showers". It was a cold rain so we headed inside. Lindsey was chilly and said, "mom, we need to have some hot chocolate and watch a Christmas movie. Wouldn't that be great?"
Of course, I didn't object, so we made some hot chocoalte and snuggled up to watch, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". Good times! I love being able to put aside everything else and just enjoy being together. It nice to really be able to concentrate on the things that are important! We thank Daddy often for providing us this memorable opportunity. Thanks, Dear!
Yesterday was a typical humid day with a chance of rain showers. Lindsey and I were outside...she was playing in the pool and I was checking out the garden when along came those "chance of showers". It was a cold rain so we headed inside. Lindsey was chilly and said, "mom, we need to have some hot chocolate and watch a Christmas movie. Wouldn't that be great?"
Faith in Every Footstep
July 8-10, 2010
I had the privilege of helping plan and attend the Indianapolis Stake Youth Conference again this year. This year we planned a pioneer handcart trek...Faith in Every Footstep...
Learn from the past, Live in the present, Prepare for the future.
We had 117 youth ages 14-18 and 40 leaders attend the 3-day youth conference in Jennings County. It was an amazing experience as we dressed like pioneers and pulled handcarts. We were organized into 12 "families" with a Ma & Pa with 7-10 children. Those of us "extras" were either walking along side of the families or in the leading and following cars. I took the opportunity to walk most of the trek, which was a hard and rewarding experience. I earned blisters on my feet with the majority of the group, but I must say I feel it was a small sacrifice to get a glimpse into the lives of the early pioneers who sacrificed so much for me. I have a greater appreciation for their sacrifice and endurance to the end. Although I don't have direct family ancestors who were mormon pioneers, I am grateful to these pioneers for their sacrifice for religious freedom.
"It is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future. It is good to look upon the virtues of those who have gone before to gain strength for whatever lies ahead. It is good to reflect upon the work of those who labored so hard and gained so little in this world, but out of whose dreams and early plans so well nurtured has come a great harvest of which we are the beneficiaries. Their tremendous example can become a compelling motivation for each of us, for each of us is a pioneer in his own life, often in his own family, and many of us pioneer faily in seeking to do God's will and lift and serve those around us." ~ Gordon B. Hinckley
Prior to the trek we were asked research a pioneer...someone we could think about while on the trek. I must admit that I was sad that I don't have any family heritage that is a traditional mormon pioneer, because I think it would be really neat to have that connection, however, I have a great appreciation for latter-day pioneers, like my parents. I decided to ask my mom to write down her conversion story, which has quickly become a very cherished family memior for me (and can be found in my journal). I have a great love for the early pioneers, but also the pioneers of our day. I love the Primary song,
I had the privilege of helping plan and attend the Indianapolis Stake Youth Conference again this year. This year we planned a pioneer handcart trek...Faith in Every Footstep...
Learn from the past, Live in the present, Prepare for the future.
"The past is behind, learn from it.
The future is ahead, prepare for it.
The present is here, live it."
~ President Thomas S. Monson
We had 117 youth ages 14-18 and 40 leaders attend the 3-day youth conference in Jennings County. It was an amazing experience as we dressed like pioneers and pulled handcarts. We were organized into 12 "families" with a Ma & Pa with 7-10 children. Those of us "extras" were either walking along side of the families or in the leading and following cars. I took the opportunity to walk most of the trek, which was a hard and rewarding experience. I earned blisters on my feet with the majority of the group, but I must say I feel it was a small sacrifice to get a glimpse into the lives of the early pioneers who sacrificed so much for me. I have a greater appreciation for their sacrifice and endurance to the end. Although I don't have direct family ancestors who were mormon pioneers, I am grateful to these pioneers for their sacrifice for religious freedom.
This is all of us "extra" leaders (those who aren't Ma and Pa's).
(I'm the second from the left on the front row...in case you wanted to know).
A beautiful scene of where we walked down a road in between two storm cells. We were constantly blessed in many ways on our trek, one of which was the weather. It was beautiful and amazing to see the storms all around us, but not right where we were. A miracle.
The mobsters. They came into camp the 2nd night a little after midnight to reenact how it may have felt to be made to leave your home because of persecution. I must say that it was a very real feeling, and I even knew it was going to happen. I can't imagine what the saints went through time and time again because of what they believed...but yet, they still persevered.
Each family adopted a baby along the trail. A dear friend helped me make these. I designed the baby and she created the body and dresses (we made 12 of them). I then finished them off with a face and hair. They looked really cute...at the beginning of the trek. I had to let go (emotionally) because not many of them looked as cute at the end, however, they were well loved.
Indianapolis Stake Youth Conference
"It is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future. It is good to look upon the virtues of those who have gone before to gain strength for whatever lies ahead. It is good to reflect upon the work of those who labored so hard and gained so little in this world, but out of whose dreams and early plans so well nurtured has come a great harvest of which we are the beneficiaries. Their tremendous example can become a compelling motivation for each of us, for each of us is a pioneer in his own life, often in his own family, and many of us pioneer faily in seeking to do God's will and lift and serve those around us." ~ Gordon B. Hinckley
Prior to the trek we were asked research a pioneer...someone we could think about while on the trek. I must admit that I was sad that I don't have any family heritage that is a traditional mormon pioneer, because I think it would be really neat to have that connection, however, I have a great appreciation for latter-day pioneers, like my parents. I decided to ask my mom to write down her conversion story, which has quickly become a very cherished family memior for me (and can be found in my journal). I have a great love for the early pioneers, but also the pioneers of our day. I love the Primary song,
To Be a Pioneer
"You don't have to push a handcart, leave your family dear,
or walk a thousand miles or more to be a pioneer!
You do need to have great courage, faith to conquer fear,
and work with might for a cause that's right to be a pioneer!"
(words by Ruth Muir Gardner)
I am very grateful for this opportunity to have a deeper glimpse into my mom's life. I am so grateful for her and all the sacrifices she has made for our family throughout the years. I am grateful for her example...I know that she is not perfect, and honestly, I appreciate that. I appreciate that she has taught me how to make better choices and what I should do when I fall short. She has helped me become who I am today. Thanks, mom!
I'm sorry for the long post, but this youth conference was an amazing experience. One that has changed my life. I have learned the importance of family and how when someone is having a hard day I can give a little more. Then when I am having a hard day someone else will be right there for me, pulling a little extra weight to ease my burden. I learned that it is important to do all within your power for what you know is right, even (maybe especially) when it is going to be hard. I learned the importance of love, courage, committment, devotion, faith and enduring to the end. Of all of these characteristics I know it was because of the faith of the pioneers that they endured each day. As I walked those 3 days my thoughts often turned to the pioneers and the thought of "why did they do it?" I often felt in my heart it was because of their love for God that they endured. It was their devotion to God and the hope of religious freedom. My endurance with blistered feet was only 3 days, however, they walked for 3 months. What amazing people! I have a goal to be more like them. Although I am not asked to experience the same phyiscal struggles they were, I am asked to experience trials and hardships in my life. I have a renewed conviction that I can do hard things! and that I will survive! as long as I put my faith and trust in my loving Heavenly Father.
I want to end this post with another quote that can be found at the back of our trek journals.
"Latter Day Saints need to remember that those who live now are being called upon to wrok out our salvation in a special time of intense and immense challenges. [During] the last portion of The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times...great tribulation and temptation will occur. The elect will almost be deceived and unrighteous people will be living much as they were in the last days of Noah. Therefore, though we have rightly applauded ancestors for their spiritual achievements and we don't and must not discount them now, those of us who prevail today will have done no small thing. The special spirits who have been reserved to live in this The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times will one day be praised for their stamina by those who pulled handcarts." ~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Who is she Today?
Wonder Woman!
Lindsey loves to dress-up, pretty much daily. I never know who she is going to be. (I must say that one of the best things we did was to hit Walmart soon after Halloween and buy the outfits at 75% off. She has definitely enjoyed it.)
The prophet said to plant a Garden
Monday, July 5, 2010
We are big garden planting people, but it has been so wet in our garden that we haven't been able to get much planted. You may (probably not) recall that last year our harvest was completely pathetic due to 2 drown outs, so we purchased dirt in the fall to build up our garden space. We were finally able to get into the area recently to get it leveled out, plowed, and disced. And today....drumroll please...we planted our garden! What a great day.
Back several months ago for a Family Home Evening we planted seeds...
We are big garden planting people, but it has been so wet in our garden that we haven't been able to get much planted. You may (probably not) recall that last year our harvest was completely pathetic due to 2 drown outs, so we purchased dirt in the fall to build up our garden space. We were finally able to get into the area recently to get it leveled out, plowed, and disced. And today....drumroll please...we planted our garden! What a great day.
Back several months ago for a Family Home Evening we planted seeds...
We tried this last year, but unfortunately not many of our plants lived. This year, our plants did great. We were able to save a significant amount of money by growing our own plants.
Today we all worked together (including Papaw)
and planted our beautiful garden.
Lindsey was even a big help
(in between playing in her pool...hence the swimsuit).
We also got to watch a farmer come and plant soybeans in our fields (we rent them out since we don't have the machinary capable of such a big job). We can't wait to see the fields full of beans.
It's such a great feeling planting a garden. Here's hoping for a bountiful harvest!
Happy Birthday America!
Friday, July 2, 2010
We met up with some friends (Papaw, and the Hinckley, Pendleton, and Morley families) at the local fireworks and had a great time. It was nice to just relax and chat.
Saturday night we got together with more friends at the Hinckley's and visited, ate homemade ice cream, and shot off more fireworks. Good times with friends!
We met up with some friends (Papaw, and the Hinckley, Pendleton, and Morley families) at the local fireworks and had a great time. It was nice to just relax and chat.
Everyone
I love the beautiful sunset at 10 p.m.
Saturday night we got together with more friends at the Hinckley's and visited, ate homemade ice cream, and shot off more fireworks. Good times with friends!
Fun with Friends
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Today was the birthday of Lindsey's best friend, Kenzie, and she invited us to go the Children's Museum. We had a great day!
Today was the birthday of Lindsey's best friend, Kenzie, and she invited us to go the Children's Museum. We had a great day!
The dinosaur exhibit is usually one of the first things we visit each time we go. They have a small area where the kids can dig for artifacts. In the past Lindsey has not been interested in this activity. She has never wanted to put on the goggles that are required. Well, as you can see, today she conquered her fear and put on the goggles, but that's as far as we got. No digging today...maybe next time.
The Barbie exhibit was very popular with the girls. I can't lie, though, I thought it was pretty cool too. It was fun seeing all the "old" Barbies that I used to have...I think they are now considered vintage. :)
Lindsey is talking to Barbie while Brooklyn waits for her turn.
Lindsey and Kenzie playing with Barbies. They had a few tables set up for kids to actually play with them. You could also design clothing, which Kenzie liked, as well as style some dolls on a computer.
One of Lindsey's favorites was dressing up and walking down the runway. She did this three times and was having a great time until she noticed a lady over to the side watching her and saying how cute she was. She instantly became embarrassed and ran to my side.
Another favorite area for us...water, sand, and pretend.
Lindsey and Kenzie pulling themselve across the "river" on a raft.
The little raccoon. This area was one of Lindsey's favorite. She loved running back and forth on this log. In addition to the raccoon, she was a skunk and a yellow jacket.
This is such a fun doll house. It's huge!
We can't miss the carousel. Always a favorite!
It's usually the simple things for kids (kind of like the boxes that gifts come in). If you look closely you can see the lights on the floor...they would move and change colors. The girls loved trying to jump on the reflections as they moved around. This was right as we were walking out the door. I think they could stayed her for a very long time. It's the simple things!
Thanks, Kenzie, for inviting us. We had a great time!
What Happened to Mother's Day?
I realized I didn't post anything about Mother's Day (Sunday, May 9, 2010).
We went to church together in the morning and then had a peaceful day at home. We invited Mom and Dad to come over and cooked lunch for them. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of that day. It was a day of spending time together and just relaxing...which is all I could ask for. I love being a mom! I'll admit it is a day that is bittersweet for me. It's amazing how those feelings of not being able to be a mom for so long just lingers. Don't get me wrong, I feel so blessed to be a mother, and the feelings have definitely lessened through the years, but they are still there, and they are still real. It's something I just can't explain. I often find my thoughts on Lindsey's birthmom on that day. I think of how special she is and how I wish I could tell her how grateful I am for the wonderful gift she has given me. I wonder what her life is like and hope that she has received all the blessings that she deserves. I know that Heavenly Father hears the prayers that we give on her behalf and I know that she is blessed for her selfless sacrifice. It is very hard for me to put into words how I feel about Lindsey's birthmom and the incredible woman she is. I am grateful everyday for her and all that she has given to me. I am grateful that my Heavenly Father has entrusted me with such a special spirit. I feel a great responsibility being her mother. It is such a privilege to be a mother...something that I express gratitude for daily!
We went to church together in the morning and then had a peaceful day at home. We invited Mom and Dad to come over and cooked lunch for them. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of that day. It was a day of spending time together and just relaxing...which is all I could ask for. I love being a mom! I'll admit it is a day that is bittersweet for me. It's amazing how those feelings of not being able to be a mom for so long just lingers. Don't get me wrong, I feel so blessed to be a mother, and the feelings have definitely lessened through the years, but they are still there, and they are still real. It's something I just can't explain. I often find my thoughts on Lindsey's birthmom on that day. I think of how special she is and how I wish I could tell her how grateful I am for the wonderful gift she has given me. I wonder what her life is like and hope that she has received all the blessings that she deserves. I know that Heavenly Father hears the prayers that we give on her behalf and I know that she is blessed for her selfless sacrifice. It is very hard for me to put into words how I feel about Lindsey's birthmom and the incredible woman she is. I am grateful everyday for her and all that she has given to me. I am grateful that my Heavenly Father has entrusted me with such a special spirit. I feel a great responsibility being her mother. It is such a privilege to be a mother...something that I express gratitude for daily!
Daddy's Day
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Father's Day was a day for family. We invited our Dad's to come over (which of course included my mom), as well as Jeremy's sister's families. We enjoyed catching up and spending time together.
Father's Day was a day for family. We invited our Dad's to come over (which of course included my mom), as well as Jeremy's sister's families. We enjoyed catching up and spending time together.
Daddy and Lindsey
Me and Lindsey with Grandpa (my dad)
Jeremy's family
Melissa, Madison, Papaw, Britni,
Amanda, Mya, Jeremy and Lindsey
We are blessed to have wonderful family in our lives.
We love you all!
I'll Go Inside Someday
Friday, June 18, 2010
Jeremy and I have a goal to go to the Louisville, Ky Temple at least once a month, but this month we did something different. It has been 3 years since we went there as a family, so we decided it was time to take Lindsey back.
Jeremy and I have a goal to go to the Louisville, Ky Temple at least once a month, but this month we did something different. It has been 3 years since we went there as a family, so we decided it was time to take Lindsey back.
Louisville Temple
Our forever family!
This one just warms my heart. She was having such a great time.
Daddy and daughter.
Me and my sweet Lindsey bug.
We had a great time walking around the outside of the temple talking about how the temple is special. I am so glad we decided to take this evening and do this. Lindsey felt extra special to be able to walk around and touch the temple. After the temple we went to dinner at Sonic down the road and then made a stop at a family favorite...Bass Pro. It was a wonderful evening.
Sweet is the Work
June 8 - 12, 2010
I spent the week at our Stake Young Women's Camp at Camp NaWaKwa, in Poland, IN, again this year.
Camp theme: Sweet is the Work
Scripture: "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." ~ D&C 64:33
This year I had a new experience...the privilege of serving the 2nd year YCLs (youth camp leaders). These are the girls who are in their 6th year of camp and are the ones that basically run camp. I got to spend the week with working closely with 12 great girls and a good friend, as well as other amazing women.
Have I told you yet that I love girls' camp? I do! I have gone for many years now (I don't know how many...I've lost count). I love going to feel the spirit and be close to nature. I love serving with amazing women and being around young women who are also amazing. We had a great week! I felt the spirit consistently throughout. It was a wonderful feeling! I'm already looking forward to next year.
I spent the week at our Stake Young Women's Camp at Camp NaWaKwa, in Poland, IN, again this year.
Camp theme: Sweet is the Work
Scripture: "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." ~ D&C 64:33
This year I had a new experience...the privilege of serving the 2nd year YCLs (youth camp leaders). These are the girls who are in their 6th year of camp and are the ones that basically run camp. I got to spend the week with working closely with 12 great girls and a good friend, as well as other amazing women.
I can't say I'm in love with this picture, but I have come to grips with the reality that this is me right now.
The wonderful people I got to spend most of my time with.
Our group on the last morning (we are missing a
few girls because they had to leave early).
Baby hats!
Our camp wide service project was knitting baby hats on looms. The hats were then given to an area hospital and humanitarian aid. They were very cute and the girls loved making them.
The Indianapolis Stake Young Women's Presidency.
These are the amazing women I have the blessing to serve with.
Jayme, Sherri, LaDawn, me.
Our campsite.
Have I told you yet that I love girls' camp? I do! I have gone for many years now (I don't know how many...I've lost count). I love going to feel the spirit and be close to nature. I love serving with amazing women and being around young women who are also amazing. We had a great week! I felt the spirit consistently throughout. It was a wonderful feeling! I'm already looking forward to next year.
She's in the Spotlight
Sunday, Jun 6, 2010
In January, Lindsey was asked to complete a short list of questions about herself to be used at some time during the year as a spotlight in Primary. This is something they do each week to get to know some extra things about the children. Today was Lindsey's day...she was so excited!
In January, Lindsey was asked to complete a short list of questions about herself to be used at some time during the year as a spotlight in Primary. This is something they do each week to get to know some extra things about the children. Today was Lindsey's day...she was so excited!
2010 Primary Theme - I Know My Savior Lives
What State were you born in? Indiana
Number of people in your family? 3
Pets? 1 (dog)
Favorite thing to do with your family? grow the garden
Hair & eye color? blonde hair, hazel eyes
What do you want to be when you grow up? ballerina
Hobbies or talents? singing and dancing
Favorite food? apples
Favorite color? purple
Favorite primary song? I Love to See the Temple
(I love that these are Lindsey's answers...I wrote down what she told me. I love her spirit and spunk that she brings into our family. She is such a sweet little girl and I am so grateful to be blessed to be her mother.)
Back in time at the Drive-in
Saturday, June 5, 2010
We drove to Bloomington to go to an old fashioned drive-in movie theatre. We took Papaw with us and met our friends the Dill family.
We drove to Bloomington to go to an old fashioned drive-in movie theatre. We took Papaw with us and met our friends the Dill family.
We had fun chatting and playing around until the movies started.
We've been to the drive-in in Franklin, but really enjoyed this one (except for the long drive) because it was more of the "old style". It had the traditional outdoor speakers that hook on the car doors, as well as the good old fashioned snack bar located in the middle of the parking area. It reminded Jeremy and I of the times when we were younger and we would go to the drive-in with our families. (And, yes, Lindsey is already hearing the stories of how it was when we were younger. At least right now she thinks those kinds of stories are cool.)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Creek - a tradition
Monday, May 31, 2010 - Memorial Day
We woke up early and drove to visit the grave of Jeremy's great-grandma (on his maternal grandma's side). It has become a tradition for us to stop at a creek just before the cemetery. It is a great place to play because it doesn't get too deep.
We woke up early and drove to visit the grave of Jeremy's great-grandma (on his maternal grandma's side). It has become a tradition for us to stop at a creek just before the cemetery. It is a great place to play because it doesn't get too deep.
Just the two of us.
This was our first time taking Lindsey to the creek...
she was apprehensive at first.
and got braver within a few minutes...
but...it didn't take long for her to feel completely comfortable.
Daddy had fun catching the crawfish
(or crawdads...which we actually have in our yard at home)
and Lindsey liked touching them.
Hanging out on a rock on the other side of the creek.
Lindsey and I by the pretty red flowers (which you can kind of see) back on the road getting ready to head the cemetery.
Up the road at the cemetery we visited Jeremy's great grandma's grave. We also enjoy checking out the other people, specifically pausing for those who were in the military. It is interesting to visit graves that have been around for many years.
Just down the hill from the cemetery is this old school bus shell. This shell used to go on a truck bed because most bus drivers drove buses during the school year and farmed during the summer. Jeremy's dad told us that this bus shell was the actual bus that Jeremy's grandma, Grace, rode to school. It has been in this place for years (which you can tell from the rust). I would loved to have walked up to look inside...maybe on our next visit. :) It's great family history. There is another cemetery not far from this one that we have never been to. It is up a very steep hillside. Jeremy's mom has told us there are many family graves up there. We keep saying we are going to walk up there too. Maybe someday.
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