New Bishopric

We got a new Bishopric today!

Dale Nielson
Phil Decker
David Mills

Sam works with Phil at the school and he is a great guy. I did jury duty with Bishop Nielson when he was the judge a few years ago. He is an awesome guy and will be great Bishop.

President Smith shared that there really is nothing else like this in the world, where we spend years training a man to be a spiritual giant and then release them to be a nursery or scout leader. Bishop Peterson had been in a bishopric for 11 years, his wife informed us but whose counting. We will really miss the old Bishopric but it is awesome to see how the new Bishopric steps in and the Spirit confirms that they really are called of God.

It has been awhile since I have sat through a changing of the Bishopric but I thought it was neat that President Smith shared a letter from the First Presidency that they approved the choice of the Bishop and that THEIR prayers were with him and they were confident that he was called of God.

Sister Nielson shared some comments that her kids had made:
"Dad is Bishop and Mom is Relief Society President - now my social life is ruined."
"So we still won't get any cookies..."
"I'm going to cry until one of you are released."

So Sam & I made cookies for the Nielson kids tonight. I love to make cookies but I have to give them away before I eat them all. We made the traditional Waffle Stompers for Valentines Day. We have a heart shaped waffle iron, so that has been a tradition for a long time in my family.

Exercise

Maybe I should clarify that I did not like PE. I am not good in sports and in general I do not like to exercise. However Sam's family started a biggest loser contest and I joined. Because as much as I love my little boy, I really would like to lose the rest of the baby weight. I have been trying to eat less, but I like to eat and I like candy. I admire my friends who are doing PX90 challenge but that is just way too dedicated for me. So I did the bike at the gym and rode 3 miles today. Then I came home and did crunches... Don't laugh but I was proud of myself for doing 30. Hyrum decided I was in the perfect position to play airplane so I finished off with that. I borrowed my sister's pilates tape and did that twice in the last 2 weeks so I really need to get in gear.

I have been somewhat inspired by so many of my friends who have participated in marathon or triathlon but really a hot bath and a good book sound much more enjoyable than torturing yourself to get in shape. However I did enjoy one story about how friends can help motivate you.
When my friend Whitney posted a blog http://whitneydibble.blogspot.com/2009/11/10-minute-mile.html For Myra's birthday she wanted Whitney to run a 10 minute mile. I think that is crazy...I would agree with Whitney for my birthday give me a pedicure!

And yes... I do realize that today is February 1st and not January 1st but it is never too late to start good habits. And yes I do procrastinate. I had decided not to make any new years resolutions because I usually break them. So this year I am not making a resolution rather I am improving my habits.

And my sister Deedra is making biscuits and gravy tomorrow to test how dedicated I really am. So we shall see if I will not overeat on one of my favorite meals...

Hyrum likes Diego

Dec Update

I think the Grinch took over our December schedule, we were very busy but we had fun.  Jaydee had a field trip to Basha's and we got to see how they make bread, cookies, cakes and see the sprinkle closet (it is 6 feet high and just has shelves of different kinds of sprinkles).  Jaydee liked the merry go round (the giant oven where they put in two giant racks of cookies and they spin around).  They can cook thousands of cookies all at once.  We went to a birthday party for Joseph, a baptism and the Christmas spetacular.  Then we went to see the CellularOne Santa.  He gave Jaydee a Mr. Potato Head and Hyrum some little trucks.  They were both thrilled.  We had a surprise birthday party for Mom with some of the aunts and uncles, then we missed her while she was touring the world with Vicki.  We took the kids to NPX (the North Pole Experience) and it was AWESOME!  We had dinner at Molly Butlers, then boarded the Candy Cane Express driven by Santa's special elves.  They took us to Santa's workshop, we got to see the Toy Hall of Fame, the mail room and then we entered Santa's workshop!  The kids got to help the elves dress bears, put together toys, then we had Snowman Soup and cookies.  The kids sang really loud and Santa came out to say Hello!  Then we went through Elf School, the Elf Bedroom and then we got a private session with the Bearded Man himself.  Outside we sat by a giant fire, played in the snow, took pictures on Santa's sleigh and by the "North Pole" (which looks like a giant candy cane).  We saw the Reindeer Stables, Jaydee claims she saw Rudolph's nose glowing.  Then we went back and had story time with Mrs. Clause.  Check out our blog for pictures.  It was really neat. 

Christmas Eve we spent with Grandma Flake, Ron/Mindy, Kent, Chris/Stacia and Vicki.  Vicky & Josh were Mary & Joseph... Jaydee was an angel next year she wants to be the shepherd that gives Baby Jesus this (the statue of liberty).  I asked if she meant a wise man, she said.  I want to be a Wise Guy next time.

Christmas morning was great, the kids slept in until about 8:15, so Sam & I were showered dressed and had made a huge breakfast.  Mean parents made the kids eat first too.  Jaydee had requested that Santa wrap all his presents so Hyrum was not impressed when he came in.  Until he found candy in his stocking.  He also liked his toys.  It took us about 2 hours to open presents because they played with them in between.  We had a small Christmas.  Jaydee's favorite toy is her dog from Sylvia's family.  She still sleeps with it. 

The day after Christmas we had a big dinner at our house and then Navajo Tacos...Honestly I don't remember much after Christmas.  I took the kids to Flagstaff for a day to see my grandparents.  We were in bed by 10:30 on New Years Eve (yes we are party poopers, we left the party at 10 and told Jaydee it was midnight).   

NPX

 

 

 

 

Gratitude

Dr. Richard D. Grant said something profound: "The opposite of
depression isn't 'Yippee!' The opposite of depression is gratitude."

This quote really made me stop and think about what I was grateful for.
I think this is a good month and a good week to reflect on our
blessings. So in a very random order here are some things that I am
thankful for. What are you thankful for?

My health, my husband, my children, giggles, sunlight sparkling on the
snow, weekends, the gospel, our Savior, Jesus Christ, America, a vehicle
to drive, legs to walk, air to breathe, a good job, the ability to help
someone else, family, friends, hugs, a baby in the bathtub, a doggy
smile, sunshine rays, starlight, that my brother is coming home from
Iraq for Thanksgiving, cookies and brownies, movies, the internet,
imaginary friends or blogs who have touched my heart, nieces and
nephews, letters, Netflix, back rubs, smiles, lunch with friends,
raindrops, the color purple, my wonderful grandmother, empathy, stories
from grandpa, the grandparents of my children who think they are as
wonderful as I think they are, giggling sunbeams, words of wisdom from a
four year old, doctors who answer questions, the internet... the list
could go on.

We downloaded pictures last night of things that we were thankful for as
a family. Jaydee came up with a few that surprised me "the moon" and
"cheese". She enjoyed picking out the pictures. This was her picture
of the moon: http://zuserver2.star.ucl.ac.uk/~idh/apod/ap020316.html

May we all see our blessings through the eyes of a child.

Eat at Chili's

My brother is on leave for Thanksgiving, he has been serving in Iraq.  My family went out to eat at Chili's after picking Van up from the airport.  The manager came out and shook Van's hand and gave him a free meal. 
I am thankful for our soldiers, may they all come home safe.