Baby #8 is already making his/ her mark in the World

I think each child I have had has taught me something. Having so many children has forced me to learn how to clean efficiently and organize my home-- I don't think I ever would have gotten around to it with only 3 children. I'm still not very clean, but I'm much better than I would have been without being responsible for so many. I've also learned to put my children first and read to them at night even though I'm tired, and make sure I am available to help them with whatever school work they need help with, and just take care of them and make sure they are doing what they are supposed to do. It has taken a lot of time and attention to figure out how to get it all to work. I'm far from perfect, but I'm much further along that road because of my children.

Even with 5 kids, I was handling my life fine-- I had time to learn how to play the guitar, time to read and time to learn all sorts of cooking and food prep. Enter the twins-- I went from 5 kids to 7 and it was rough. I am jut 5'2" tall, so the pregnancy was very heavy for me. By the end I could hardly walk and I struggled to finish the dishes by sitting on a stool, I also sat on a stool to cook. The pregnancy was hard from the beginning-- I was twice as sick the first trimester and twice as big the 3rd, the 2nd was O.K. I was too tired to do anything besides take care of my 5 children and my pregnant self. Once the babies were born I literally could do nothing except take care of those babies, pull meals together and read to the kids or help them with their schoolwork while I nursed those twins. There wasn't enough time to clean, our house was really, really messy. The kids would have helped, but it was so out of control that they just couldn't because they wouldn't know where to start. I did have meals brought in at first and my mom helped with laundry, but wow-- the whole year is kind of a blur. I loved those babies and enjoyed them, but there was no time for book clubs or playing the guitar. We barely made it to our homeschool group once a week. School was O.K. because I could do that while I nursed, but that is about all I did. I don't even remember much about Christmas because I think it was still a blur. Once those babies turned 1, my life started to ease up. I was ready to join back into life and social events as I am a very social person.

That was a rude awakening. My 3 best friends had moved during that year and 3 others the year before. The couple of friends who were left who I had done things with when my older kids were young no longer had babies. They were entering the phase of motherhood where the youngest child goes off to school and they suddenly have some newfound freedom and opportunities. I felt like everybody left me behind, and I think they did. It was time for me to grow further and it was time for our family to move to a better environment closer to my husband's work. That didn't turn out to be very easy, and only after it got really hard for not just me, but for the kids, we knew we had to force the move and just do it. We are in the process now- still haven't moved, but we are feeling much better because we are building a great house in a great neighborhood and area for our family. Things I've learned and experience I've gained from these experiences are really due to those twins.

I read that only about 0.5% of women nowadays have 7 children or more. In Utah, there are a good number of families with 4 and 5 kids, 6 is less common but accepted as normal, and very few families have 7 or more children. So I think I was considered "normal" with my 7 because the last 2 were twins and that is "acceptable". Those twins are so cute and so sweet. They are worth every pain I endured. With a promotion at work and a new house being built with plenty of room and a feeling of someone missing, we decided to have another baby. I am no longer considered "normal" even though it is just one more kid than my 7. Some people are having a hard time accepting it. I find myself growing again, going against the culture and defending my freedom of choice and being fine with staying away from negative people and just doing what I think is best regardless of what others say or think.

So far baby #8 has already changed my life forever. I am officially "unusual" now and officially in the BIG family club. I do have a very nice big family group I'm a part of and those ladies are wonderful and very encouraging. I have some good friends with varying sizes of families who are supportive of me and that make me feel good.

I read a quote by Joseph Smith the other day that perfectly describes how I feel about this:

When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what power it has over my mind, while the opposite course has a tendency to harrow up all the harsh feelings and depress the human mind.

( this is from Daughters in My Kingdom page 23)

I had no idea there was even so much to learn and do in this life. Thank you baby #8, I am already a better person because of you. Thank you to my husband for always being there for me-- at least we have each other!! Thank you to all my sweet and good children for putting up with me and loving me despite my weaknesses. Thank you to all the people who have shown love to me even though they may not understand me or even know me or have met me in person. Thank you to anyone who has been kind to me and smiled despite the throng of children usually following me around. Thank you for being nice. Going against the grain is not an easy thing to do-- there are plenty who mock and don't even try to understand. Thank you to you for being a true friend.

p.s., the morning sickness is finally starting to subside, I exercised for the first time today in about 6 weeks-- it felt sooooooo good-- I should be pretty much back to normal in a week or 2 so I'm sure I'll be back on here posting updates-- the past few weeks have been rather boring with me laying down and resting every time the twins go to bed. Fortunately my kids watch so little TV that they actually guiltily like it when I'm sick because then they pretty much get to watch as much TV as they want. My husband was sick last week too so they had a couple days of marathon Curios George shows on Netflix. They're hoping to watch a lot of Kipper too, but I'm starting to feel better and I made them all do aerobics and yoga with me today. They'll thank me later!!

Just be nice!!!

Life is too short for meanness and cruelty. Sometimes we think we're not being mean by making fun of someone-- we're just joking. Maybe we think we're not being by talking bad about someone's faults when they're not there-- we're just trying to find a way to help them. The worst is passive agressiveness by people who are supposed to be nice- so they won't be outright rude or mean to someone-- they will just be on the lookout for that person's failure in anything so that they can subtletly point it out at an embarrassing moment for that person. They take secret pleasure when life is difficult for others.

We don't know what each other is going through. We don't know the pain we can cause, especially to those who trust us. Betrayal is such a terrible feeling.

Just be nice. Look for the good in people all the time and let them know. Overlook their faults and build them up. Give them opportunities to do good things if you can and be happy for them when they succeed. Be kind, say nice things, don't make fun of people. A kind word and a smile can do wonders for anybody. Life is tough enough, it is almost unbearable when surrounded by ridicule. Be nice!!!

This is from 2 Nephi 27:31,32 in the Book of Mormon:

31 For assuredly as the Lord liveth they shall see that the terrible one is brought to naught, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off;

32 And they that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of naught.

go Ron Paul!!!!

I whole-heartily support Ron Paul's views on the Constitution, the Fed, economic policy and FREEDOM from big government. I think he totally understands the constitution and the proper role of government. I like his idea of being non-interventionist around the world and that we need to get out of all these wars, and use that money saved to take care of things here at home. Like he told Jay Leno-- his message hasn't changed in 30 years, but people are finally fed up with what's been happening to the country and the loss of our freedoms and his message is resonating with the people. Now he's ahead in the polls for the Iowa caucus which is a big deal. The Republican elites have been trying to ignore him, but they can't any longer. So watch for a smear campaign against him and we also need to watch the election and make sure it's not stolen. I read that Iowa is taking precautions such as using paper ballots as a backup in case there are odd results as there have been in other elections especially with these stupid voting machines that are really not very secure. www.infowars.com has lots of good article on the state of the nation and Ron Paul if you want to read more.

Anyway go Ron Paul-- keep it up and thanks for staying in the race and explaining so much about the constitution, gold standard, freedom and the proper role of government!!

Kids and Cameras

I am taking my camera back. My girls love to set up scenes with their dolls, playmobil or legos and take a ton of pictures. I have a ton of pictures of stuffed animals at the Monte L Bean life science museum with no kids in them. I like pictures of people especially my kids and I kind of let my girls take over the camera thinking they were getting some good shots of the kids-- WRONG!! There are some, but not nearly as many as I would have taken and not nearly as good-- plus the camera gets filled up with junk pictures so it's not available for the really good pictures. Both girls now have their own cameras and I will be guarding mine-- I'm the only one who will be allowed to use it-- when the boys are ready to take pictures, I'll get them their own cameras!! That's it!!! I'm taking control of the situation!!! Also got a new refill kit for the printer so I can print too!! What a hassle photography can be-- one I don't like to delve into as you can tell by the number of photos I post here!

Cleansing, Life

I sure do try to do a lot of things sometimes. I have realized that it is physically impossible for me to do as much work as there is to do around here- there jsut simply aren't enough hours in the day. This means that the kids have got to help more, and I will have to make them. Not a great prospect come tomorrow after a long weekend of playing around, and the necessity of doing schoolwork!

I am also in the midst of an awful cleanse. I started 2 weeks ago thinking I would ease into it for a week and just eat fruits and veggies, then move on to the deep cleansing with juices and broths and herbs and be done by now. Well, I got a new book on cleansing the bowel, so I've never done this cleanse, but it's a lot cheaper than the one I like doing the most of course, anyway, it took me some time to get all the supplies and get going with it. I'm hating it so far, but I know my body really, really needs it and we really can't afford $500 to do the other one. If it really doesn't work, then we'll have to cough up the $500. I wish insurance would cover that great cleanse. They'll cover medication and surgery, but for me colonics and herbal cleanses are what keep me healthy and avoiding medication and surgery. I guess even without insurance paying, it's more cost effective in the end- not to mention quality of life. But the cleanse I'm doing now will be even better if it works because I won't have to depend on anybody else-- going to an appt. or anything.

We'll see though, because I am REALLY tired of salad and watermelon and tomorrow I start the juice phase for 3 days. I hope I make it, my herbal combinations aren't as good as having it already made for me.

We also got the little goats. They were so loud going back to their pen. They've been quiet ever since, so I think it will work out. I hope it's worth the cost-- you know that goat's milk really does help the kids in their growth. I'm about halfway through The China Study, so I'm just not sure. The kids like them though, and they learn a lot about animals, nature, biology and responsibility taking care of the animals.

So glad we'll be moving. I hope it goes by quickly! The Lord really does watch out for us, but I don't really like growing and stretching. I'm glad in the end that I'm a better person with more understanding, but when I'm going through it, I just want it to be over. Patience, patience.

We got the Lot!!!

I am so happy. We have our lot for sure, they are drawing up the plans and now we just have to wait for the building permit and they can start building. I'm sure other issues will arise, but now we are really going to move there and we can stop wondering if we should try to find something else. Yay!!

Why do we often get pushed to our limit before something good happens?

toddlers

#6 hit his older brother,#3, with a wooden spoon. It made his brother laugh, and it was fun to do, so he tried it on #5 who did not laugh, but cried. Then little #6 was reprimanded by me, his mommy, and the combo of #5 crying and mommy's reprimanding made #6 cry too. He's sorry and he'll try not to do it again!

#7 learned where his nose is. He pointed to his toes once, but now he runs around and points to everyone's noses saying, "no, no, no".

They both love to be chased. They run away a lot and laugh and laugh. They also understand a lot and will try to help as much as they can. They bring me all sorts of things from the cupboard. They'll put things in the cupboard too. They'll also put things on the counters and table and they like to decorate the walls with marker. They will also help me find whoever I'm looking for. This really is a fun age.

Transition-- STIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLL............

Today was a little rough. As I've mentioned before we have been driving an hour each way to church each Sunday. We have to leave by 8 a.m. to get there on time. We didn't get up until 7:30 am last week, so this week we made sure to get everybody bathed Sat. night, but I forgot about gathering all their clothes. It didn't actually take that long to find them all, but it was just more than I could bear. I'm just running out of steam. We were very late again this week. It would be easier if we knew that we would get the lot we want and build the house we want on it to be in that ward and that neighborhood. I hate this uncertainty. I broke down and cried on the way there and held back tears when everybody was so friendly to me and wanted to know about us.

It's nice but it's hard to be so uncertain. I can't really tell them anything yet. It is a great ward, and they have all been really nice to us, but we aren't really a part of them yet. We can't move our records until we get our lot, and the builder/owner is being the same way with our new builder that they were with us- not returning calls, not making appts., etc. so it is moving way too slow-- it has now been 2 weeks since we signed with them and now it's Thanksgiving so we probably still won't hear from them this week. Day after day we wait, day after day, there's nothing new to report. Meanwhile, it's getting colder and snowier and later in the year. Plus the new ward isn't perfect. I'm very sensitive to picking out people's tendencies to be cliquish and mean and this ward does have a few of those. So it's hard to go, but I always leave feeling very thankful and glad that we did go (we did skip nursery and sunbeams though- the twins and the 4 yr old won't go to their classes without us-- we just drove around and talked/complained).

The other kids are very happy there. They all have friends. They all feel included and supported. I think the people are genuinely caring and kind overall, so we will continue going for the kids. It makes it worth it. I can hang on and keep going for them. I will just have to step up to the next level of organization again. I would never be well organized without all these cute kids. They have made me better than I every though possible and I guess there's still plenty of room for growth.

I do hope we will have something more definite soon. I hope we get that lot so that they can finally start the process of getting the permit and getting started on the house. Life is really tough sometimes. It's hard to fit everything in with all this driving. I think my cleaning time has suffered the most. I just have to make the kids follow through on their chores better. I think our new house will work out, but this is definitely the roughest transition we've ever had to make. Patience, faith, ENDURANCE. I will really try harder to not murmur.

Some great faith stories

My friend, Diane, just had a few people post their stories on faith this past week. I finally got around to reading them and they were well worth my time.

here's the link:

www.thoserobertsons.blogspot.com

Family Prayer

I love my boys. They love the wii and they will do just about anything to play on the wii-- it is a great motivator and they do a lot of chores and schoolwork for the privilege. Works for me. They've been playing super mario bros. and one of them prayed in family prayer that they would keep finding secret passageways!!

I'm sure they will!

kid stuff

#2 told my brother how she wants to be journalist because it uses no math at all, she also sold him 4 slingshots she makes out of sticks she finds in the backyard for $1.

I took #1 to milk the goat this morning, someone is supposed to be taking that goat, but not yet, she came back while I was getting the bucket to say that the goat was gone, I went to do a double take, and the goat was there!!

Miracle Music is a miracle you never saw so many little feet run to make their bed!

I'm so tired I can't remember any more funny sayings right now-- but they are plentiful. We laugh all the time. The twins are especially cute. #6 tries to push his brothers off my lap, and they both fold their arms and they want to get certain things themselves.

#4, 5 are really cute too. I watched a lot of jumping and rolling on couch cushions today. They built a huge fort out of them. "watch Mom", "watch again!!" very fun, very good kids!

2 Ne. 8, Isaiah 51

I read this chapter yesterday morning and got nothing out of it-- as I slammed the book shut, I remembered our Relief Society lesson and how important it is to meditate and listen for answers as we read, so this morning I decided to pay attention and look at these beautiful gems I found!!!!

7- Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart I have written my law, fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

12-- I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you. Behold, who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of man, who shall die, and of the son man, who shall be made like unto grass?

22- Thus saith thy Lord, the Lord and thy God pleadeth the cause of his people; behold I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again.

I just need to do what I know is right regardless of how strange I may seem and what other people think. It is what the Lord thinks of me that I need to worry about. Man really can do nothing-- only the Lord!

hands full today

We took the sides off the babies cribs, and they have done pretty well and slept most of the time- but not today!! I would lay them down and out they would both come smiling, knowing they were getting away with something and thinking it was a very fun game. We finally put the baby gate up in their door way so they couldn't get out, and #6 fell asleep right there on the floor by the gate. They didn't sleep well and they were sure cranky and tired. They went to bed fine and fell asleep fast when it was time for the night time sleep. So cute!!

Robert D Hales Conference talk

Another winner-- this one is on patiently waiting upon the Lord-- great perspective:

http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/waiting-upon-the-lord-thy-will-be-done?lang=eng

Here are some of my favorite parts:

Why such terrible tribulation? To what end? For what purpose?

As we ask these questions, we realize that the purpose of our life on earth is to grow, develop, and be strengthened through our own experiences. How do we do this? The scriptures give us an answer in one simple phrase: we “wait upon the Lord.”12 Tests and trials are given to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstances, “all these things shall [be for our] experience, and … [our] good.”13

What, then, does it mean to wait upon the Lord? In the scriptures, the word wait means to hope, to anticipate, and to trust. To hope and trust in the Lord requires faith, patience, humility, meekness, long-suffering, keeping the commandments, and enduring to the end.

In my life I have learned that sometimes I do not receive an answer to a prayer because the Lord knows I am not ready. When He does answer, it is often “here a little and there a little”33 because that is all that I can bear or all I am willing to do.

Birthday Parties

We are getting good at holding birthday parties. Autumn is our birthday season, we have 3 in a period of 5 weeks. The first one we had was for #4, he had a dinosaur party, the kids buried plastic dinosaurs in our woods that the kids had to dig for. We played dinosaur, dinosaur, roar instead of duck, duck, goose, we had some other games I can't remember it's been a while now and then of course we had homemade whole wheat vegan lemon birthday cake with homemade sherbet made in the vitamix out of frozen fruit, agave nectar and a little bit of water to get the blades turning. We also decorate with lots of streamers and balloons and the kids pick stuff out at the dollar store to put in the goody bags and decorate the table. We usually have the party hats and matching plates and cups.

So we had a carnival party today. The kids filled easter eggs with tickets and hid them in the forest. Then they set up several stations outside with different activities like bowling, golfing, bean bags, jump rope etc. We also popped popcorn and filled popcorn bags with it and #2 made some great little cookies that got eaten really quick. Then my husband let each kid have a turn shooting the BB gun and then the bow and arrow. That was a highlight. Then we had them play catch the chicken, so the boys were running around the yard and forest getting all scratched up catching chickens to put back in their coop. Finally we had our lemon cake and sherbet, party hats and sang happy birthday in the midst of our lovely decorations. Very fun times, very easy, most everybody just walked and they all walked home when it was over. Thanks to my girls for setting up and pretty much running the party while I baked the cake and talked to one of the moms.

Next week we'll be going to the Classic Fun center-- more good and easy times. No wonder my kids all insist on a party!! But I am pretty glad when February comes around-- no more celebrating-- we can actually get some work done!!

We got a full day of celebrating tomorrow with Halloween parties at our homeschool group, Ryan's work, and the pinewood derby in the evening. We'll be leaving at 8 a.m. and getting home around 9:30 p.m.

Falling out of bed

We took the sides off the cribs yesterday because #7 is usually in #6's bed in the morning and I don't want him to get hurt climbing from crib to crib and the side of his crib kind of broke. So anyway, #6 fell out of his bed about 4 times last night, but went right back to sleep each time. #7 only fell out once mostly because his bed is partially blocked by the other one. It's hard growing up!

Elder Uchtdorf's talk

Fourth and finally, please understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him. Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed.

Be assured that if you but hold on, believe in Him, and remain faithful in keeping the commandments, one day you will experience for yourselves the promises revealed to the Apostle Paul: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love.

God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him.

Another home run talk. http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/you-matter-to-him?lang=eng

Too bad I can't read and write all day-- gotta get the day moving!

Another Great Conference Talk-- Boyd K. Packer -- following the Spirit

I'm kind of behind in the whole conference discussion, because I really don't pay that close attention during conference mostly because of all the excitement that is constantly around me when all 7 kids are awake. But then afterwards as a I read or listen to the talks, I find these great nuggets of inspiration. This whole talk is great. Every sentence contains great wisdom. I'll just blog about these couple quotes:

http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/counsel-to-youth?lang=eng

This quote is very comforting to me:

The gift of the Holy Ghost, if you consent, will guide and protect you and even correct your actions. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought or a feeling put into your heart. The prophet Enos said, “The voice of the Lord came into my mind.” And the Lord told Oliver Cowdery, “Behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you.”

It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. This promise applies to all members of the Church.

As I get older, I am better at recognizing the promptings I receive. Especially as I look back on my life, I can see times where I should have recognized promptings better and other times where I am so thankful that I did follow promptings. There have been a couple times where I feel so bad about something, that even though there is no logical explanation for my feeling- I can't do the said thing.

The big one that comes to mind is from my BYU years. It was summer and I had gone down to the Y to finish setting things up and I stopped by my apartment for the year. While I was there looking at it, one of the girls who was living there for summer term asked me if I would trade apartments with her for the fall, her fall apartment was just upstairs. I said sure, because the only roommate I would know was the one I was sharing my room with, and I figured she wouldn't care. On my drive home, I just had a terrible strong feeling that I should not live in the apartment upstairs. It was so strong that I knew that I should either live in the apartment I signed up for, or find a different place to live. I called the girl and told her I wouldn't trade and when it came time to move in, I was very nervous because I had not met any of the other girls yet and I was afraid they really liked that girl and would be sorry that I had taken her place.

It turned out that we all 6 of us got along great. We still get together periodically and keep in touch. My room roommate especially bonded with the other girls in our apartment and that just wouldn't have happened for either of us had we lived with the girls upstairs. That was also the year I met my husband. He came to our apartment because he heard it was the fun place to be and it was. He never ventured to that other apartment. The Lord really was watching out for me and now that I can look back, when I get that bad feeling I know it is the Holy Ghost warning me about something. Sometimes it takes me a while to figure out what it is, depending on how strong it is, but the Holy Ghost truly acts in my life guiding me and helping me as I go along. I definitely get answers to my questions and prayers. It is such a profound blessing in my life.

I also loved this quote:

You may in time of trouble think that you are not worth saving because you have made mistakes, big or little, and you think you are now lost. That is never true! Only repentance can heal what hurts. But repentance can heal what hurts, no matter what it is.

We have a tendency to get down on ourselves when we are not perfect and I know people who feel they are too far gone to even try to take advantage of the atonement. I wish everybody knew what I know-- that God loves us and wants us back no matter what. His time was spent among sinners when He was on the earth, and it is never too late to come unto Him. He loves us and He will help us no matter how good or bad we are as long as we let him. He will take us from wherever we are and help us get better little by little- He won't make us do more than we can. He is perfect and He loves us.

Great Quote

Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They can accelerate physical healing.

Richard G Scott October 2011 conference

I love the scriptures and I love this quote. I have found it to be true in my own life. I think when we have emotional challenges- heartache, fear, sadness, depression-- the scriptures can lift us and remind us that the Lord loves us and is watching over us and things will be O.K. even though we can't see how. This lifts our spirits and encourages us to reach outside of ourselves which in turn helps us put our own feelings in perspective. The scriptures have been my guiding light throughout my life- that where I turn for peace, solace and understanding. I like the idea of that they can accelerate physical healing. I believe it, because when we are happy we are less likely to get sick and more likely to get better. Reading the scriptures makes us happy and encourages us to do more things that make us happy!

Chicken Ordinance

I'll be attending a city council meeting on the restrictions on chickens in our new city. I can't print from this computer, so I'm writing it here so that I can easily copy and paste and print it on my other computer.

To the City Council:

I have reviewed the proposed chicken ordinance for this city. I am glad that the city wants to allow the chickens in the city and is trying to find a way to make this possible in a way that is acceptable to chicken owners and their neighbors. Part of the reason we picked our lot was because the backyard neighbor had chickens. We decided against another lot where the next door neighbor had 2 yappy dogs.

The only thing that should be regulated is that the chicken structures are so far from the property line-- this should be the same as for any other shed or out building. What it looks like should not be regulated nor have need of approval -- unless it is larger than 120 sq. ft. just like any other out building. This city is considered rural and qualifies for federal funding for rural areas for home loans. We can't accept the 0% down loans because we are rural, and then not allow a few chickens into the area or overregulate them. This is the type of thing that HOA's are meant to cover- not cities. As long as there is no health hazard or other nuisance, the chickens are clean and healthy, and they stay in their own yard, then there should be no problem. I don't think they should even have to be registered with the city as that causes more red tape and cost for the homeowner and more work for the city that is really unnecessary. Also, since there already seem to be plenty of chickens in the city with no complaints, I think it's fair to say those chicken owners have probably been taking good care of their chickens and have done just fine without any regulation.

The current proposed ordinance regulates where on the property, chicken structures can be, also regulates that the chickens can not be allowed out of the proposed approved area designated for them. The healthiest chickens and best eggs come free range chickens. Chickens are great for fertilizing gardens and landscape plants. They can be used as tillers for gardens. They eat bugs, so letting them free in the yard actually keeps bugs down. They are birds just like the wild birds that roam freely throughout nature. When a small backyard flock is well-cared for- there are very few diseases, and the birds are very helpful and useful not just for egg production, but also for gardening and yard maintenance. The birds should stay on their owner's property, but where they are allowed to go on the property should not be regulated. This should allow owners to have their birds as free range as possible if they so desire.

Vaccination should also be left up to the owner. It is unnecessary to vaccinate backyard chickens because they are not exposed to many other chickens who could have disease. Also, there are no guidelines to do so given by the USDA. The chicken diseases that are preventable by vaccine do not pass to humans. They are mostly for big farms who have their chickens in tight quarters without enough air and room to roam. Chickens with space and care don't get sick.

The chicken coop, tractor or other structures should be subject to the same regulation given for other out buildings in the city. The chickens should be required to stay on their owner's property, and should not cause a nuisance as many things can. Roosters are already not allowed- hens are no louder than other birds in nature. Keeping the yard clean should be a given just the same as for anything else. Yard maintenance is not regulated by the city. As long as there is no health hazard, the owner should be allowed to keep their yard however they want. Chickens should fall into this same category.

Redwood Forest Adventures!! Part 2 -- the rest of the story

We recovered pretty well from the crazy lady experience, the kids were very glad that we reported her to the police, and I think they were glad to all be sleeping in the same tent with us and nobody wandered off on their own the whole trip. They now understand why it's important to have a bathroom buddy and to stay together. Our new campground and site again was right by the bathrooms and the trees were even taller. We drove to the visitor center to see where to go and we were on our way.

We drove on the old horse and buggy road into Crescent City and had to stop to look at some of the huge trees. The kids loved it until #2 got stung and then #4 got stung twice. We checked him and he looked alright, but he was ready to drive all the way back home to Utah. We stopped at Stout Grove and finally got him calmed down enough to agree to go when he got stung again. We quickly took his shirt off and sure enough, a yellow jacket fell out-- it had been caught in his shirt. Now he really did not want to go- so Ryan took the other kids and I stayed with #4 and the twins, they came back and said it was so awsome, Ryan promised #4 a new wii game if he would come. He came very reluctantly, but it was awesome. It was so beautiful, it was just like being on a movie set. The trees were so huge it felt like we were small insects and a big dog could come bounding out at any minute. He had a good time and everyone agreed that if we did nothing else, that walk through Stout Grove was worth the long drive and the misadventures we'd had so far.



We finished the drive into town- it was just beautiful and we had a picnic lunch on an overlook to the ocean. The waves were wild, but it was beautiful and peaceful and spectacular really. Then we drove on down through other parts of the park, we had to stop at one of the beaches it was so pretty and I love the ocean. We were disappointed however, to find out that there was a large swell coming in for a direct hit on the beaches while we were there and it wouldn't be safe to go tide pooling. We were educated on sneaker waves and decided against going into the water. However #5 fell in and got soaked, but we had extra clothes and shoes for him and he liked the idea of being the only one to go into the Pacific Ocean.

We drove on down some more and paid $5 to drive through a tree, but our van was too big, so we just walked under it and got sap dripped on us. Then we were pretty much done for the day and drove back through the forest on the old horse and buggy route the other way. It was spectacular. We let the kids take turns riding up front to stick their heads out and we let them all be unbuckled for most of it which the twins especially loved.

We packed everything up in the morning, ate breakfast and hiked down to a beautiful river beach. The kids found some frogs and stayed mostly dry and threw a lot of rocks in. It was very relaxing. We drove on down through the rest of the park and stopped at Wayside tree and hiked around. It was surreal- lots of moss, greenery and huge trees. We ended at the opposite visitor center, watched a video on the Redwoods and the kids got their Junior Ranger badges and bought their souvenirs. We ate lunch on the beach, read an Indian legend about a girl who turned to stone because she cried about nothing, and watched the waves some more.

Then we drove on down the 101 through Indian country, then more forests, hills, trees, eventually small towns, then vineyards, then bigger towns and finally into Marin County. We drove across the Golden Gate Bridge at night into San Francisco, drove along the Embarcadero, pointed out places we used to go when we lived there and the building Ryan worked in. We explained a lot about cities and boats and people and buildings. We decided not to get out and try to find a place to park or anything, but we think it gave our kids a better perspective on what a big city is. Then we drove out across the Bay Bridge to San Ramon where we lived and Ryan worked most the time we were there. It was fun to remember our time together there- having our first baby, Ryan working his first "real" job out of college. The kids got bored looking at our apartments and work places there, but I remember thinking the same thing when my parents would take pictures of there first houses and other stuff. I understand now- guess I'm getting older.

Well, there was no where to camp around there at all, so we just kept on driving, it was all pretty much on the way home anyway. There were probably places around Reno and Tahoe, but by the time we got there it was going to be morning soon, so we just kept on driving- switching off. The kids slept through most of it, we had to wake them to see the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco so it wasn't too bad, but we stopped at a rest area and slept for about 2 hours. We got pulled over in Nevada, because Ryan thought the speed limit was 75, but it was 65 through there- fortunately the kids were all buckled in and the cop let us go when we couldn't find our registration. We had had to stop for the bathroom often throughout the whole trip, and true to form our last stop was at the rest area right before Tooele, Ut at the rest area where the salt flats are. Then it was a 2 hour drive home, where we turned the TV on for the kids and crashed for a couple hours and said-- we're not really home yet!

The kids were great. We listened to a lot of music along the drive and there was plenty to see. We all loved it and would do it again-- but our next road trip will probably be to Colorado or Idaho! :)

Redwood Forest Adventures!! Part 1 - Crazy Lady

We took the week off and drove to see the giant redwoods this week. None of us had ever been, and we were looking forward to it. We had a fabulous time, it was beautiful and well worth the very long drive. We had a great time, we had a few mishaps, but we survived and we are looking forward to our next trip! This is the long version-- you can read the short version on my other blog www.academichomeschooling.blogspot.com.

We packed and got everything ready to go on Monday- we planned on camping so it is a lot of work to get everything ready to go. We knew we wouldn't want to camp more than 3 nights and we needed to be back for everybody's final soccer games on Saturday. So we finally left at 6 a.m. Tuesday morning and drove to Winnemucca, NV and then through the back parts of Oregon. The Tom Tom was great at navigating, sometimes we had trouble believing it because it thought some of the roads we drove on were unpaved, but we found it was pretty accurate and especially helpful finding things around town. There was a lot of construction through Nevada. We saw an overturned dumptruck that had dumped black asphalt across the road in the back ways of southern Oregon. We drove through some very pretty country, then we eventually came out at Klamath Falls which was a very unimpressive run down town. We had a hard time finding a grocery store and then it took us awhile to get on the right road to the Redwoods. We finally did and stopped at a campground down the road that turned out to be closed, so we kept driving til we came to another state campground that was open and right by the Redwood National park and found a campsite right by the bathrooms.

It was about 11 p.m. and we were excited to finally be out of the car and able to lie down, so we pulled out the tent and Ryan started setting it up and we were getting everybody out when some crazy woman with a low cut top that showed a bunch of cleavage came swaggering over and asked what all the screaming was about. We told her there was no screaming and then when she saw all the kids she accused us of stealing them and demanded that we show her pictures of them to prove that they are all ours. We told her, that they are our children, that there was no screaming and that she should go get the camp director if she had a problem. She kept insisting that the kids were not ours and pushed my husband and started asking the kids if we were their parents. Ryan was setting up the tent outside with the older kids, I was in the van with the babies and younger kids. When she started walking toward the van and picking up some of our things, I asked her what she was doing and told her to go away that she was disturbing and scaring the children. One of the twins started to cry really loud and a man came over and we told him what was going on, he had to wrap his arms around her and force her out of our campsite. He said they were just camping over there. Ryan said we are out of here, we loaded everything back up and tried to wake the camp host. He didn't stir, so we drove on down the road and found another campground which we passed in case that crazy lady would follow us. We saw a sign for highway patrol so we drove over there and reported her. The officers said that she was probably coming off of some drugs or medication, and that we did just the right thing by removing ourselves from the situation. The kids were pretty shaken by the experience, but now they understand very well now why they should not run off by themselves and should always have a buddy when they go to the bathroom.

The campground we ended up staying in was called Jedediah Smith Campground and it was right in the redwood forest-- it was so nice, we were right by the bathrooms which also had showers for 50 cents for 5 minutes which makes such a difference when you're camping. There were a lot more people staying there too which was good. The crazy lady was quickly put in the back of our minds as an occurance to learn from but really would not affect our trip.

More to come......

Perspective in Trials

Now I don't really consider myself to be going through a great trial anymore, especially compared to what I've been through with having twins, dealing with unkind actions at church, homeschooling, running a household and various other things which don't even seem like that much compared to what I've been through in other times in life and especially not compared to real serious trials I've watched other people go through with death, divorce and the like.

Even so, life is never stagnant and I am having to practice my long earned skill of patience. We are building a house and it has been moving slowly, but at least it is now moving, and I'm so happy at church, I feel so good when I go and my daughter is so happy to go and everybody is so nice and friendly. I am uplifted each week, and we all just can't wait to move there. but like I said it's moving slowly.

So I read this scripture this week:

1 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness.

2 And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.

3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.

4 And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yea, even eight years in the wilderness.

1 Nephi 17:1-4, Book of Mormon

8 years in the wilderness!!!!! Bearing children, eating raw meat, living in a tent, traveling by foot!!!!!! I can wait a couple months for my brand new house in a beautiful spot surrounded by nice, quality people. I can handle driving down there a couple times a week. I really have nothing to complain about and everything to look forward to!!

Funny and Cute Kid Things

My twins are almost 21 months. Their first words: #6 "uh-uh", "eis", #7 "uh-oh", "bal"

#7 has been crawling out of his crib and I have found him in his brother's crib a couple times- time to take the sides off I'm afraid. He also likes to twirl and get dizzy and fall down. They both understand so much and look for their shoes when it's time to go bye-bye. #6 will say "bye" after people have already left. They both fold their arms for family prayer and blessings on the food. They are way cute.

#5 prays to watch Thomas the Train and Team GeoTrax every night and every time he prays which he likes to do a lot. He is also incredibly stubborn and if he doesn't want to do something like move out of the way so somebody else can walk past him, he won't do it which usually ends him up in his room on time out 'til he's ready to be happy and nice. He has been following behind his soccer team in the back I think because he sees no reason to exert himself further than that. He can play for hours by himself though and he's very sweet and likes to make the twins laugh and watches out for them. They are starting to follow him around and I think he likes having a little entourage.

#4 won't read any words that have any reference to girls like "she", "her", "mermaid", "girl", "dress", etc. when I'm reading with him. He just skips those words and keeps reading.

#3 throws amazing tantrums when he thinks his math is too long and hard. Once he gets into it, he moves through great. I always point out to him how easy it actually was, and hopefully we'll get over this hump. He really has a lot of common sense and is very good to watch out for his brothers when he's not poking them.

#2 definitely has personality. As a baby just walking she would hop down the halls at church and say "ribbit". Up until last year, she was horse most of the time galloping around the house on hands and feet. Unfortunately she would often hurt somebody in her way- she' is getting better and watching out for people. She is also very dramatic and everyone knows when she has the tiniest little bump or hurt spot, but when she crashed on her scooter a few weeks ago and got some major scrapes, she hardly cried.

#1 is very mature and doesn't often do the funny stuff, although she had her share of it when she was younger. She does have her funny moments and I'm glad we can all laugh at ourselves!!

LDS General Conference-- Elder Anderson's talk

What little bits of conference I caught today amidst our weekly 5 soccer games and playing catch up in the kitchen and making lunch and helping kids with math, was all very good. But Elder Neil L Andersen's talk made me cry. He talked about how we should not delay having a family and we shouldn't limit the size of our families and of course how it is a personal decision and we shouldn't judge each other, it is very personal. He also talked about how we need to support families and help each other and love each other in this endeavor and how children are precious gifts.

Having a large family is hard. The prevailing attitude I see from so many people in and out of the church is that it is too hard to be worthwhile, and they wonder why anybody would want to subject themselves to that endeavor. There is little time for anything besides just taking care of the immediate needs of these little people in a large family. It is nice when I am around people who appreciate what I'm doing and support me rather than mock me or subtly make things more unpleasant or difficult than necessary. A smile of support is really all I need, and it was very nice to have a vote of confidence thrown my way from the top leadership of the church. It was nice to hear some words of support, and confirmation that there is a good reason for subjecting myself to so many dependent little children. Thank you, Elder Andersen.

Visit to our future ward-- so GOOD!!!!

We are in the process of getting a house built about 20 min. from my husband's work. We've picked out the lot and picked out the plan we want. We just have to hammer out the details, sign on the dotted line and put some money down. So we all went to check out the new ward.

It was so AWESOME!!!!! I am still in shock at how good it was and how welcoming the leadership was. They announced over the pulpit that they would like to have all the new families and visitors meet in the bishop's office after sacrament meeting. So we went and the bishopric, the relief society president, the young women's president, the primary president, and the young men's president were all there. They went around the room and introduced themselves and then gave the new people a chance to introduce themselves. They chatted with us a little bit and then all the presidents were there to help all the kids find the right classes. I feel totally comfortable with all of them, I have no qualms about handing my children over to them. They asked me if there was anything else they could do to help. They made sure I knew when the activities are. The bishop knew exactly who was serving in what calling. It was amazing. This is the first time in a long time that I have felt relaxed at church. I didn't have to be on guard. I could relax. There were tons of people there- it filled up have the overflow gym section. There were lots of families and lots of kids. A family sang a beautiful hymn humbly and beautifully without changing the tune or making any fanfare. It made me cry. One of the nursery leaders homeschools, and there are other families in the ward who do so also. Lots of people introduced themselves and were sincere. I am just in awe. It was such a contrast to what I have been used to in my current ward. I don't ever want to go back to my old ward. The bishop asked if we should pull our records and when I told him that I didn't want to make it to difficult for visiting teaching, he told me we could do phone visits. They already have tons of people in the ward, but they are so ready for more. Each organization had get to know papers to fill out. They were all so nice. This is the church I know and love, and I feel like I've come home.

I think we'll sign the papers this week and I will drive my kids to their weekly activities. My oldest is sooooo happy. I just can't wait. I can hardly believe it. I am still in shock.

Life Experience-- love

I've written a bit about some of the frustrations I've had here in Utah and especially in my ward. I have tried to be fair and keep it general, I hope I have done that and will continue to do so. I'm getting tired of the whole thing, but I keep understanding myself, others and life around here a little better and I keep wanting to share. This has been a huge growing experience for me, and we'll be moving into a brand new house probably the end of November so I'm all set for a completely new set of problems-- because they (problems) are everywhere- you know.

The most important experience I've gained is what it feels like to be on the outside and to really not fit in. I hope that all through my life I have felt empathy for those around me who haven't fit in or who have been shunned in one way or another. I've known people who have felt and gone through similar things I've just gone through, and I have talked with them and tried to help them and make them feel better, but now that I personally have gone through it-- I can REALLY empathize. I think I have a better idea (although, my understanding is still extremely limited) of what Jesus Christ went through- being thrown out of synagogues and being asked to leave his home town. Wow, you just don't know how it feels 'til it happens to you. I had no idea-- I'm glad that I tried to be understanding, but I really didn't understand. I have friends now who try to understand, but just really can't. I can see people with the same thoughts toward me that I had towards other people-- I've now been on both sides.

I think the most important thing for me to take away from this experience is to just be kind and considerate of everyone. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself or to get to know people. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. Each one of us has power to do things that will brighten or darken someone's day. There's no way to know the sorrows people carry with them. We need to lift each other and rejoice in others successes and sorrow at their failures. We need to make sure we are kind and friendly with people. A smile can make such a difference-- it's such a small thing, but so powerful. We also need to sincerely care for others-- not just because we should-- but because we really do care. If we really love people, it will shine through even if we don't know how to relate to them or help them-- it will make a world of difference just to know that someone cares.

I think Cor 13 is particularly applicable here-- if you don't have love or charity- then whatever other great things you can do or have, don't matter. Without love- life is meaningless.

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not acharity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

If you don't have charity- you can pray for it, and God will grant your desire Moroni 7:

46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

47 But acharity is the pure blove of Christ, and it endureth cforever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, apray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true bfollowers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall cbe like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be dpurified even as he is pure. Amen.

Health Food Store Raided by the Govt.

This is the link to the story linked by Drudge. Disgusting.

http://www.infowars.com/raw-food-raid-armed-agents-bust-raw-milk-cheese-sellers/

This blog used to be fun

I vented a great post on my daughter's girls camp, but after sleeping on it, I decided I'd better write it over again in more general terms. This blog was a lot more fun when I didn't have people I know reading it! :)

My New Recipe blog

I added another recipe blog to my sidebar list because I still cannot find my password to the old one. This one has one that I should remember fine so hopefully I won't be doing this again. I find it very valuable to keep up on what I make for dinner especially when it is good so that I remember to make it again and keep it in the rotation of meals I serve.

A Strange Conversation-- get me out of Utah!!

I think we are ready to leave Utah. It is mostly a subject for a different post, but we are tired of dealing with the willful ignorance and non-caring attitude we have encountered in different circles around the state. If it is our lot to deal with it, let's at least do it where it is beautiful and where there are awesome field trips. I may go into depth about our realizations later.

For now here is the conversation I had with the Primary President on Sunday:

I am now officially the sunbeam teacher to 6 kids including one of my own and the wolf cub scout leader. Sunday was my first time to teach the Sunbeams. At the end of church as I was waiting for parents to come for their children, the P.P. came into the room to talk to me.

P.P.: O.K., so I need to talk to you.
me: sure.
P.P.: So, just tell me straight up, what is going on with you- do you really want to be in the nursery, because the nursery leaders are telling me that you told them you would be in there.
me: I am willing to do whatever needs to be done. My twins were not yet 18 months and I had no calling, so I told the nursery leaders that I would just hang out in the nursery with my babies until I got a calling. Now I have a calling, so I will not hang out in the nursery, I will teach my new class. End of story.
P.P.: End of story?
me: end of story.
P.P.: Oh, O.K., that's what I thought- the nursery leaders were just so worried and I saw Ryan leave with the twins, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah-blah.
me: We had a funeral yesterday, the twins were tired, Ryan took them home.
P.P.: alright, I just thought I needed to hear from you what was going on.
me: I guess I can let the nursery leaders know that I have a calling now.
P.P.: Are you O.K. teaching this class- do you need an assistant? The bishop is moving kind of slow in getting you an assistant.
( I told her when she gave me the sunbeam lesson manuel that I did not need an assistant, I have 7 kids including twins-- I can handle 6 Sunbeams as rowdy as they may be, unless there is someone who needs a calling)
me: I do not need an assistant unless someone needs a calling, we were just fine- then I told her some of the things we had done in class to keep children happy, learning and behaved.
P.P.: O.K., I trust you. We won't worry about an assistant then.

Amazing-- The great thing is that I was in a good mood when she came in, I really like being with the little kids. I have no ill feelings toward her so she couldn't get me to react in any kind of a negative way. I can sense her frustration towards me-- she couldn't keep me out of Primary-- I went over her directly to the bishop to get a calling and I'm not inactive so that she and others can say to themselves --" well, if they would just come to church more often....", "they just must not be that righteous...", "that person is just so hard to work with...", etc., etc.

I can't wait to get out of here and deal with a different set of problems!!

What I have learned from being shunned at Church

I recently posted about not being given a calling for 18 months after I had the twins even though I had offered to help in different areas. I think I last wrote when I realized that I was being shunned and realized that something was very wrong. I tried to make an appointment with the bishop- but that is a long story- suffice it to say that I finally got his ear and felt that he understood my situation and why I had to talk to him only. He thanked me for my patience- I reminded him that I am a mother of 7- I have developed a good amount of patience thus far. Anyway, I felt much better and my burden was lifted.

Actually I really started feeling better after a heartfelt prayer I had the day after I first got his attention and set an appointment directly with him for the following day. I poured my heart out to the Lord in prayer and I was instantly calmed. One of my concerns was that some of the people who were treating my badly in the ward would have influence over my precious children. I really did not like the idea of sending them off to people who don't like me. Anyway, I felt calm and peace and also the assurance that the Lord knows, he understands and their incompetence will not affect my overall purpose in life. They can't take away my influence as a mother to my children. The Lord will give me opportunities to serve at a later date.

For now I think I have learned some valuable lessons. The first is how awful it can feel to go to church. I have a very strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of the divinity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it was really hard to go to church for a while. I understand how those who go inactive must feel. It is not that they have necessarily lost their testimony-- they just may feel like they are different and on the outside. There may be some people there that they just don't want to see or have contact with or be reminded about how rotten things have gotten. I have never really been on the "inside" of any social group, but it has never really bothered me. But to feel so on the "outside" at church was really hard- because that is supposed to be a place where you can feel safe and loved. I am much more empathetic than I have been in the past. There is nothing like experiencing it for yourself.

I am very much relieved because I did my part. I kept going to church. I realized that it is not the primary president's church or the bishop's church-- it is the Lord's church. I tried to talk to people in the hall and to anybody that looked like they needed a smile. I stopped talking to other people who pretended to be my friends and really aren't. I was polite if I saw them, but I have to admit it felt good to show them that they couldn't push me out or down. Regardless of what they did to me intentionally or unintentionally I would still do what is right. I decided that I would not avoid them- I would watch out for my kids regardless of what they might think. I substituted a couple times and just did my part without fanfare or attention. I didn't make a big deal of anything. I was polite and made it through the church day although it was hard to do. It gave me courage to know that this is Christ's church and he wants us all to feel welcome in his church. That gave me courage to reach out to people I normally wouldn't have reached. I made and delivered loaves of bread a couple times to people I just thought might appreciate it. And I was right- they did appreciate it. I found that I was not the only one feeling shunned.

I was optimistic that I had reached the bishop, probably in a way that anyone any less patient could not have reached him. Two months passed with no word, but I felt that I had had my say and it was not my responsibility to contact the bishop again. Then this week he just showed up at our doorstep one evening and wanted to chat. He let me know he had thrown my name out there and still there were no takers- no calling for me. I let him know that since my son's cub scout leader was moving that I would be taking that over until they called someone new so that there would be continuity. We visited for awhile and I think he saw further what I had been saying. Today he issued me 2 callings in the primary which I am thankful for. I think he realizes that he had to go and fix it himself because auxiliaries were not giving me opportunities that I should have. I am very thankful.

I am still annoyed at the primary president and a few other annoying people who seem to constantly be in callings of influence. I think they could really benefit by experiencing what I have experienced over the past couple years. But I am watching some changes happen and I'm sure there will be more. I am not afraid to speak my mind to anyone in the ward about things that affect me or my children. In a way by being pushed out I was liberated. I was able to see and show myself that I am not dependent on people for my testimony or my faithfulness in the gospel. I was able to overcome the feelings of betrayal I felt and deal with those people in a healthy way. I am stronger and more confident in my thoughts and abilities. I have been able to forgive them all and thus not worry about being around them or having to work with them. It is still annoying, but I can handle them.

Another thing I have learned is that I need to make sure that I have positive interactions each week so that I don't have to rely on my ward as a social outlet. I attend to worship my God, not to make friends. I need to make sure I am fair to people- not all of them are responsible for my shunning. I have to treat them all as best I can. I am not afraid and it is very nice! I do much better when I make sure to meet at least another mom friend for a field trip or to visit. Life is good. I am grateful for the experience-- hopefully I've learned my lesson and I can enjoy a better church- going experience! Things always change- and when things are looking bad- it's nice to remember that they won't stay bad and it will get better!!

Mostly I'm thankful to my Heavenly Father for being so perfect and being there for me. Prayer is real. Forgiveness is real. God is real.

Goat Milk Kefir

I found a way to make it palatable and even tasty-- I mixed it in the blender with ice cubes, agave nectar, bananas and dark cocoa powder. The kids liked it. Yay!! We won't be getting our goat until July, so I have to find another source of milk until then. I also want to build a chicken tractor this weekend. My husband is not happy at the prospect of chickens because he's afraid he'll have to do stuff to take care of them like build fences. He didn't tell me I couldn't build a coop, so I think if we have it all set up, and ready to go without needing any help, then he'll be O.K. with it. The kids are really excited about the goat and the chickens. We all wish we could live on a farm. We'll keep trying!!

In Over My Head-- Goats!!!

What else is new? I've taken on too much or will be soon. I read about the health benefits of raw goat's milk and talked to a few friends about it. We bought our first gallon and HATE it. We have been mostly vegan for the past 6+ years and I never liked eggs and milk as a kid. I only ate them because they were supposed to be so good for you. I was pretty glad when I found out that you don't need to eat them to be healthy and with the present factory farming methods, they can be quite detrimental to your health. I missed cheese a little when we changed our diet, but really nothing else.

Fast forward now 6 + years, we are doing well. We eat lots of greens and salads and we seldom get sick. But a couple of my kids are smaller than I think they should be, and I just think that if we had a good source of raw goat's milk and maybe some eggs that maybe it would help them grow a little faster and better. So I have been seriously considering chickens and I found a lady who lives about 5 min. away who has a barn and pasture and has had goats before and would like to share the work and cost for milk. It doesn't get fresher than that. Unfortunately, we do not like the taste at all!!

Do any of you have some ideas for me or words of encouragement? Is adding Kefir to our diet going to help us enough to be worth the effort? I really hope this is worth it. I just don't know. Maybe my kids are just going to be short, I do have some strong tendencies for shortness. My mom is 4'11" and my dad is 6'4" and my sister and I only ended up being 5'2". Now we are going to be milking a goat twice a day 3-4 days a week. If only we liked the milk. My one friend said to just blend it with the smoothies and we will eventually get used to it. We shall see!!

Little Twins

#6 is finally walking everywhere! #7 started walking right at 12 months and #6 took 'til 16 months to walk. They are soooo incredibly cute although they don't look a thing a like. They follow each other around and I have been teaching them how to share and not take things away from each other. They also have strong opinions on what foods they like and dislike and I have to trick them into eating lots of different stuff. #6 is more opinionated that #7 in that way- much less willing to try new things. I sat yesterday watching a gardening video with all my kids and the babies on my lap- it was so precious. They were both so happy to just sit there on my lap. Later I helped the boys with their reading and the babies played with some blocks- they each had their own set and stayed on my lap. I loved it, it was so sweet.

I;m doing much better with the house, just doing my daily chores. Fly lady is awesome. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, eventually I will be able to follow all her recommendations. I am considering getting chickens for the garden and for the occasional egg. I think it would be good for the kids and I think they will take pretty good care of them.

Yesterday, #6 got up before #7 and I found him squawking (he's very loud- high pitched screams-- (he got in trouble for it a couple times yesterday- it's got to stop)) in his room, he had closed the door on himself. He wanted to play with his brother, but his brother was sound asleep. It was very sweet. #7 is curious about everything, but he was tired and his eye teeth are cutting through and it has been hurting. I think those are the last to cut through so we should be done with that soon.

#5 is really growing up. I have to coax him to do his chores, because he wants to stay a baby in that respect. All the kids are doing well and I feel very privileged to have so many and to be such a big part of their lives. I love being a mother. I am so happy. My children bring me great joy.

Great finds at the D.I.

I had a great time at the D.I. today. i bought an awesome oler sewing machine that works better than my regular one!! Yay! Now we can have sewing days easier, maybe I'll start getting to my projects and maybe the girls will finally like sewing. I just wanted to share!

Pride in my Ward

I am very sad to report that I see pride among my fellow saints. I have tried to give people the benefit of the doubt for the 7 1/2 years that I have lived in my current ward, but I'm past it now. I have different ideas on how to do things than the people in my ward-- I homeschool, I like to read, we hold regular family home evenings and read the scriptures together daily, we memorize scriptures and poems. My kids memorize their talks and they know the primary songs. I get a lot of compliments on how well my children behave and how kind they are to each other. We try hard to do the right things and to be kind, considerate and generous. But we don't fit in. I am not cool. I could care less about what I'm wearing, I care much more about what we eat- that it's real food even if it takes extra planning and time to make it. I really don't care what others think of me. It may make me sad, but it doesn't affect my decisions or what I do. I learned early on that the best course is to please the Lord because He is consistent ( and good and true, etc).

Anyway, the very same people who were in leadership positions are still in leadership positions just moved around a bit. They pick their friends to work with them and they pick the hip, cool people which I am not. My twins are almost 16 mos. now and I still don't have a calling even though I had 5 children in primary until last month when my oldest turned 12 and I am there at church with my 7 children, bathed, fed and dressed at 9 a.m. church every Sunday. It makes me sad every time a calling is announced that I could do especially the non- Sunday callings that I could do. I feel like I am really missing out on opportunities to serve the Lord and have a part in building his kingdom. I love the gospel. I love the Lord and I want to serve Him. I wish I could serve and be with my children in an official church capacity. It is not to be at least in this ward at this time.

Unfortunately I don't think it would be different in another ward. My ward may even be better than some. I think the "Mormon coolness" is everywhere in the church. I am sad. I am left out. But my testimony is strong. I will continue to go to church and have my children participate in the activities, but I will also have to find other outlets for them where they are not around so much "coolness and awesomeness". They are great kids and I hope they will be O.K. because they are not being raised to be "cool" and thus they will be left out just like me.

This scripture in Helaman 3:32-36 came to mind today:

33And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church—not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God—

34And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.

35Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

36And it came to pass that the fifty and second year ended in peace also, save it were the exceedingly great pride which had gotten into the hearts of the people; and it was because of their exceedingly great riches and their prosperity in the land; and it did grow upon them from day to day.

Recipes link

I'm taking some salads and dressings to share and taste for a Relief Society cooking class and just posted some of the salads and dressings I make a lot on my new recipe blog because I can't find my password to the really nice one and the template I used on that one is no longer available. Oh well! Here's the new link:

www.ambersfamilykitchen.blogspot.com

Great Article on Mormons and Satire

This is a masterpiece written by Michael Otterson, the Public Affairs spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/post/why-i-wont-be-seeing-the-book-of-mormon-musical/2011/04/14/AFiEn1fD_blog.html

I quite enjoyed it!

History of Byzantium

I have started to listen to Teaching Company lectures again when I clean at night. I just finished the History of Byzantium. It was fascinating. I understand now so much better what happened to Rome and how the Catholic church and Greek Orthodox church split up. I also understand the crusades better and how the Turks took over. The world and the history I teach my kids is making so much more sense and coming together. I understand better why the people in that area of the world are still fighting. It seems not much really changes. I love learning. Thanks teaching company-- what to listen to next?

www.teach12.com

Twins Update

The twins are just about 15 mos. old now. #7 has been toddling all over the place and is very curious about everything. He finds it fun to play chase and throw. We have to watch him extra careful. Last week both babies were playing on the back deck while I was helping #1 with her math. For some reason I thought they were both inside because I heard #6 playing behind the couch. But when I finished with #1 she asked where #7 was. I realized then that he hadn't come back in but somehow the back door was now closed. I ran outside frantically searching and found him in the front of the house!! I then knew I will have to keep an extra close eye on him.

A couple days ago as I was loading the babies into the van, I set #7 on the driveway while I situated #6 in the van. #7 never stopped walking and I caught him just as he was about to run in the road! Today I knew he had gone out front with some of the kids. I suddenly had a feeling I's better go look for him. I ran out front just in time to see him walk right into the road where he started running faster as soon as he saw me. I'm very grateful we live on a quiet street!

Both babies played outside for a while today. The older kids got pretty muddy so they took baths. I heard #7 playing in the bathroom while #5 was in the tub. I soon heard a splash and crying. I ran in to find #7 in the tub with all his clothes on. He didn't like that!! Never a dull moment with this sweet boy. My other babies have not been this adventurous and curious. They've all stayed pretty close to me and been nervous to try new things. Not #7!

#6 loves to be held. We have to trick him into walking while he holds our hands and sometimes we can trick him into walking while holding only one hand. As soon as he realizes he is standing on his own, he cries and sits down. He is way cute though with long, long eyelashes. He loves to push buttons and often turns off movies and cds. He fell out of the wagon out back today, but didn't cry much. He is very smiley and very cute.

There is never a dull moment around here with these babies. I have to assign older kids to entertain them so I can make dinner, because they are little handfuls. My life is rich. I'm so glad to have all these blessings in my life!

Snap up those Onesies- (kinda gross)

I have definitely had some yucky things to deal with this week. First I had to deal with a breast infection which I never had with any of the other 5 kids. I think it is because nursing twins it is just about impossible to wean them gradually. I had flu like symptons for an evening, but I took a bunch of herbs and a long hot bath and although I was still sore I didn't feel sick anymore. But I did sleep in for a couple days so the house has gotten out of control. My husband took us all out to eat, that helped a little. Tomorrow is Saturday so hopefully we can get caught up and on a good cleaning schedule.

The gross thing was of course the evening I had the flu like symptoms, my husband was gone on church business and we heard the babies crying ready to get up from their late nap. My oldest daughter offered to go get them. She was soon screaming for me. I ran in to find her holding both babies and one of them was covered in poop. I saw that there was an open diaper in his crib and so I started to clean him (#7) first. He had poop in both fists and down his leg and on his clothes. I was very surprised to find that his diaper was in tact. Upon further inspection I found some little bits of poop in #6's crib and a big pile in #7's crib right next to #6's crib. The diaper itself was farther away from #6's crib. #6 was pretty clean although diaperless.

Somehow #7 pulled #6's poopy diaper through the bars of both cribs into his own and curious boy that he is-- examined it thoroughly I think. They both got baths, clean diapers, clean clothes and clean sheets. I know I've cleaned up pretty gross stuff other times, but I don't think I have recorded it. I know these days will end, and I want to have good stories to tell my teenagers and grown children about how much I must have loved them. I think this is a pretty good one-- but I think they'd still know I love them without it.

So-- don't be lazy like I was and leave those onesies unsnapped!! Snap those onesies. It took a while to clean up that mess!!

Nuclear survival handbook

This book has a lot of practical information about radiation and how to protect yourself from it. It really won't be too bad if we do get some as long as we stay underground or surrounded by enough mass to keep the rays out.

www.naturalnews.com has good info too. I go grocery shopping tomorrow. I hope I can get some more seaweed.

We wait-- it may not even get here or even be a problem. But better to err on the side of safety.

Make peace with the Lord!

Radiation from Japan

We need to watch the radiation levels coming from Japan. The radiation will follow the jet stream and if it's high enough it will cover half the Western U.S. 100- 200 rad causes death in 5-6 weeks and it goes up from there. Get supplies-- it takes about 2 weeks for the radiation fallout to dissipate it would only be safe inside and sealed for 2 weeks! Then I'm not sure when we could garden again. Be Prepared-- maybe it won't be that high-- let's watch it!

There's a chart at the bottom of this page of what happens at different radiation levels:
http://www.hss.energy.gov/HealthSafety/ohre/roadmap/achre/chap8_2.html

Here's a map of a possible scenario of radiation following the jet stream:

Caddie Woodlawn

My girls needed to read this for a book club- usually I don't get into that age book, but this one I really enjoyed. It is written by the granddaughter character of a real live pioneer girl and is based on real events. It covers a year of Caddie's life and includes sweet passages of character learning-- things I'm glad my girls are reading and hopefully absorbing.

Yay for BYU!!

I'm very proud of BYU this week. They showed the world that honor and morals are more important than winning basketball games.

Thank you BYU.

Read the story here:

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/cougars/51348870-88/davies-byu-season-team.html.csp?page=1

Mothering and Housekeeping

I think I know why mothering and housekeeping can be so incredibly overwhelming--

It is because when the mother looks around everything is in disarray even though she hasn't sat down since she got up that morning-- there is no evidence that she has done anything at all all day long.

Here are some important but invisible jobs:

Cooking involves making a mess and then eating up all that work- not to
be seen except as evidenced by a bunch of dirty dishes
Cleaning-- it sure doesn't last very long
Laundry-- same as above and I like it hidden in the laundry closet
Changing diapers-- those changed diapers just get thrown out
Feeding children
Finding things for children like socks, shoes and coats- they wind up
in the most mysterious places like under the couch
Helping children with schoolwork-- this takes time and patience and
there is nothing to see from the effort
Reading to the children-- this I love to do, but the result is not
tangible

These are all important but not visible. It's all worth it for those happy, cute, smiling kids.

Life

This is from my 10 yo daughter:

music leader: I want everybody to sing every word using your best voices

my daughter, raises her hand and asks: well, I don't know if I can sing every word because I have a cough.

She was not trying to be funny, she was just really concerned about following instructions. Then tonight:

Dad: It is time to read scriptures and none of you have anything important to say so be quiet until I'm done ( they had all just been reprimanded for wild behavior)

my daughter: Well, what if it is about the scriptures?

I tried to explain to her later that when someone is upset- you should not talk to them and you should wait for an opportunity to talk to them like after reading scriptures. Good thing we grow up in families where we can learn this stuff.

4 yob -- " I can't do that because I don't want to"
later I say: "your teacher says you are really smart and a good singer"
4 yob : "no, I'm not"
me: " do you know that being smart is a good thing?"
4 yob: " Say that again"
me: (I say again a different way)
4 yob: "no mommy, say that again"
I have to start over the exact same way to make him happy. Lots of things have to be his idea.

We have soooooooo much snow. I tried to go to the grocery store last night and ended up sliding on the freeway. Fortunately other people were smart enough to not travel on the snowy roads where you could hardly even see outside so I didn't crash into anybody-- but it was really scary and i called my husband and he told me to come home. There was a scraping sound on the car, so I pulled over and the tires looked fine, so I kept going and eventually something sounded like it popped off and then the scraping sound stopped. I hope the car still works. I'm ready for spring!!!

Sleep Deprived Mothers

This made both me and my husband laugh & laugh:

Starting Flylady again

In my previous life -- before the twins-- I loved following fly lady recommendations. I cleaned my sink each evening and swish and swiped my bathrooms each morning. I started decluttering and it was very rewarding to see my house come together. I was not born organized-- it's not in my nature-- so I needed somebody like fly lady to teach me how to prioritize and make housework doable. I really didn't know-- it didn't come naturally. She helped me so much it was awesome. I never did the full program, but my house was way more under control and a nice place to be.

Then I got pregnant with the twins-- pretty much everything went out the window for 6 weeks during the 1st trimester and for 6 weeks during the last trimester-- all I really did was make dinner and wash the dishes. Then I had the two babies to nurse and care for-- huge amounts of time required. They started getting easier as they grew and I started to focus on my children helping out more their zones and rooms are looking pretty good. Now the babies are one and sleeping well through the evening and night-- it's my turn to focus on my responsibilities.

So this week I'm going to follow Kelly's missions-- I try to include the kids in these and also work on the decluttering habit found here .

Fly lady has been a very good thing for me!! Someday I will be organized and my laundry will be done! There is hope.

My Recipe Blog

I remembered my password so I updated my food blog. I have a new page on menu planning and a couple new recipes up. Enjoy!

Herbal Remedy for Dry Eye

I woke up yesterday with my eye feeling like I had an eyelash in it. When I went to check and try to get it out, there was nothing but red. So I figured I must have scratched it. It was annoying, but I was able to go about my day. By the evening though it was starting to hurt and I didn't think it was getting better. I thought mabybe it was infected so zi started putting in colloidial silver drops. It gave a tiny bit of relief so I started boiling water and made a tea of some herbs I already had that I thought might be good for eyes. After the kids went to bed I started researching on the internet and found out it was probably dry eye-- I had all the symptoms. There didn't seem to be much I could do about it and I wasn't sure how long it would last. I put drops of the tea in my eye and wet a washcloth with the tea and laid down with it. that seemed to really help. Then I thought to mhyself that I really needed to check Dr. Christopher's website www.herballegacy.com I could hardly open eye at this point and it even seemed hard to open the good eye. I really felt blind and started to worry about getting through the next day. I was incapacitated. I managed to look up the eye ailment and got this formula which I have made before:

1 part eyebright
1 part goldenseal
1 part red raspberry leaf
1 part babyberry bark
1/8 part cayenne

I had all those herbs in powdered form, it was tough to find them all, but I managed to make another tea with these, let it sit for 15 min. and then put those drops in my eye and got another washcloth soaked with the new tea and put it on my eye. I couldn't even feel the cayenne I was in such pain. I felt relieved, but when the washcloth felt too hot I remembered reading that alternating between hot and cold water can help stimulate the blood an tissues of the body. So put the now cold washcloth from previous tea on my eye for a little bit and then put the warm one back on and fell asleep.

I got woken up about 2 hours later by my 3 yob and after giving him a drink of water I realized that my pain was gone and it no longer felt like I had something in my eye. I looked in the mirror and found that there was a little bit of pus and a tiny perfectly round beige ball that looked like it had been expelled from my eye.

My eye feels tired and sore now, but there is no pain and I'm sure it will be fine. We appreciate what we have until it's gone. I will appreciate my eyes so much more in the future and I will feel more empathy for the blind. I'm thankful for my eyes!!

The Best Kimchee Recipe

This is a link to an awesome kimchee recipe. I've made it several times and we love it!! Just thought I'd share!!

http://drbenkim.com/recipes-kim-chi.htm

Menu Planning and This Week's Menu -- mostly vegan

Not that anybody cares what I plan to make for dinner-- but this should help me remember!!

1- Hummus and pita bread
2- Mexican-- probably lentil tacos
3- Baked potatoes or potato wedges
4- Veggie pot pie
5- white bean soup with bread
6- some kind of stir fry or peanut butter rice
7- vegan lasagne

Plenty of green salads and cut veggies to go with each meal.

This is a pretty easy menu. I find it's easier to plan meals by dividing the days into types of meals. Each week we have 1 or 2 nights of Mexican such as tacos, fajitas, burritos, tostadas, or enchiladas. One night we have some sort of potato main dish usually baked potato wedges. One night we will have something that involves fresh bread like soup or sandwiches. These are the main meals that most everybody likes. That only leaves 3- 4 nights of other kind of food. I usually make one of them a stir- fry or rice dish, one an Italian or pasta dish, one something with beans like chili, and one ethnic meal such as Indian, Korean, or Chinese. This keeps it interesting. I'm also learning to make huge batches so we can eat leftovers for lunch. I also make extra beans for meals later in the week and extra bread whenever I make it. Same with rice and quinoa. It has been working out pretty well lately.

I've also been making some good cookie and raw treat recipes. The kids also like pancakes- those are easy too. Oh and I have learned to make Kimchee and we are loving it!!

When I find my little phone book with my password to my recipe blog- I'll post some of these.

some of my favorite verses of Scripture and other thoughts

These are some of my favorite verses of all scripture found in Doctrine and Covenants 6: 33-37

33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.

34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.


I especially like verse 36. Raising children right can seem like a daunting task, but if we teach them and love them and do our part and follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost, then we have no need to fear. I am so thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I just read a Christian lady's blog post and she described Melchizedek from what she could learn of him from the Bible. I was very impressed with her understanding and her study and insight she gained from the Bible. I sent her a couple links from the Book of Mormon and from the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible which give even more information about Melchizedek. I hope she will appreciate it.

Anyway, I am just so grateful for the added light and knowledge we have in addition to the Bible. I love the Book of Mormon so much. I don't feel right when I don't read it regularly. I'm so grateful to Joseph Smith for going through what he did to restore the fullness of Christ's church to the earth. We have the Melchizedek priesthood. The worthy male members of the church hold it and my family was benefited today by receiving father's blessings for the new year from their own father who holds the Melchizedek priesthood. I'm thankful for the temple and that my sweet family is sealed together for eternity. We will be together forever not just here on earth. I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price we have in addition to the Bible. I'm thankful for our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, as he receives revelation for us and Christ's church directly today just as the Bible prophets did in their day.

What a glorious although precarious time to be here on earth. I am most thankful for our Saviour, Jesus Christ and his willingness to give his life for us that might return to Him again. I know He loves me and my family and you. We are all his children and He wants us home. I'm so thankful for the love and guidance I receive. I'm thankful to have been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide me in my life. I have certainly been guided. I love my husband and my children. I am truly blessed.

If you have never read the Book of Mormon, please do. I will send you a copy with my testimony or you can read it online here or the missionaries would love to deliver one personally and answer your questions. Check out www.lds.org and www.mormon.org for more information. We love our religion so much we want everyone to hear the Good News and share in the joy.