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......
Friday, October 14, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
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!!
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!!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
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!!
#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!!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, August 19, 2011
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.
If you don't have charity- you can pray for it, and God will grant your desire Moroni 7:
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.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
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/
http://www.infowars.com/raw-food-raid-armed-agents-bust-raw-milk-cheese-sellers/
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