Willingness

It's Fall!! Yes, that deserved capital letters. I am enjoying the evolution of fall here in West Virginia as the leaves turn a variety of colors; brilliant reds, burnt oranges, amber and gold. What a brilliant kaleidoscope for the eyes. The air is a bit crisper, especially in the morning, pumpkins are showing up in stores and in the fields. Time for all my favorite spices and flavors!! Speaking of that, I made a delicious bread pudding that I have gotten requests for the recipes from family members, so I thought I'd share it with you.

Bread Pudding

1 loaf of day-old bread (I used Texas Toast-only bread I had at the time)

4 c. milk (I used 3 c. 1% milk and 1 c. whipping cream)

2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. butter, melted

3 eggs, beaten

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chunks (You can also use butterscotch chips)

nutmeg (to taste, I used about 1/2 tsp.)

cinnamon (to taste, 1 used about 1 1/2 tsp.)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13" pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine bread, milk, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and chocolate chips;

mixture should be the consistency of oatmeal. Pour into prepared pan.

3. Bake in preheated oven 1 hour, until nearly set. It should still jiggle a bit. Serve warm or cold.

Hope you enjoy. Let me know if you try it and what you thought.

A few Sundays ago, Audra and Ron blessed their new daughter Ava, so of course we had to take pictures when we gathered for dinner at my place that evening. Here are a couple of shots that many of you will relate to. (Landon was hiding somewhere being camera shy. I'll get him yet. He's as tall as me now!!)

Before

After

Bart did a great job capturing the reality of what it takes to get a family picture around here!!

Here are a couple more shots of Ava. I could just eat her with a spoon!!

She wore the same blessing dress her mom did. I thought that was so special and she looked beautiful!!

Thank you to all that responded to my last post. Les so appreciated all the Happy Birthdays and I loved hearing your wise council and hearing about your experiences. You help me be a better person.

This week I have been thinking a lot about Willingness. The willingness to change, to get out of our comfort zones, a willingness to examine and be honest with ourselves about who we are now and who we would like to become, what we want our lives to be about. I believe we are constantly changing and growing as we experience and understand new things and so our examination of our willingness is also a constant process. When we see ourselves repeating the same pattern over and over, we have an opportunity to be willing to step out of what we "always" do and choose something new that would support us in making progress towards what we want in our life. Willingness can be large and small, and it all is still motion for change. The willingness to think about willingness is movement. I have been examining my life as a working mom and exploring the different feelings that brings up for me. This has been a difficult transition for me. I am willing to investigate that there are different versions of what "mother" looks like. I love being a mother more than any of my other titles and I am willing to keep loving it just as intensely and also finding different ways to live it. I can't be at home like I used to be. My time is now divided. I can use the time I have with them as quality time. I can make sure I make it to the soccer games, recitals and crossroads. I can be willing to let Les be a bigger presence in our home and strengthen his relationships with the boys. I can take them on special dates, and snuggle with them at night. I can do so many things that when I'm not willing to look at "motherhood" differently I can't see. Willingness to look outside my comfort zone and my expectations of what I should look like gives me hope, peace, love, and acceptance. We each have our things we feel stuck in. How can Willingness help you start to get unstuck?

Happy Birthday Les

Les turned 40 yesterday and I hope I helped him welcome the down hill ride he's now on with a bang. He and Mitchell spent the day in Pittsburgh at a Steelers game. They both had a blast and the Steelers won just for him. I so appreciate it when things just come together. Tonight I made a rich chocolate cake with a peanut butter mousse filling and rich fudge frosting for his cake. It has his name all over it!!

Well, I didn't get much feedback about my last post (Thank you Susan for your response!!), however, maybe I helped you think for a minute. These can just be my musings and you can respond if wanted. I've been thinking about what it means to just "Be". "Be in the present moment". I have found that I am naturally a "doer". I have lists of my lists and feel the need to constantly get things checked off and accomplish tasks. My mentor asked me a thought provoking question as we were discussing this. She asked me what I most wanted to be remember for; what I had done or who I was. That was a defining moment for me and started me on a more conscious choice of choosing to be instead of just doing. Being for me is about not worrying about the future or fearing what has been in the past and enjoying what is now. My senses are awakened in the now and I am making memories. I am not where I want to be with this, and yet I am farther than I used to be in being in the present, fully aware. That is what is meant by feeling alive to me. When we are overcome with fulfilling tasks and worrying about what was or what will be we are numbed to the blessings we have now, the small joys we can use to build up our wells of energy and happiness. Just a thought.

(This is one of my favorite Van Gogh paintings. I love the colors and the feeling I get when I look at it)

Freedom, Anyone?

First, I want to thank so many of you for wishing me a Happy Birthday. It was a wonderful day that spilled into the weekend. We have found this beautiful lake that is surrounded by evergreens and reminds me of home, The West!! We spent a wonderful Saturday there with the family.

I have decided to use this blog to support and me and to hopefully inspire some thought and comments from you. I've been working hard on my Fearless Living Coaching program. I'm now on Phase 2 and can have clients. I'm looking for people who are willing to be coached for free right now to support me in my schooling. I'm loving it!! Please contact me if you know someone or you are interested in being coached.

The subject I want to bring up is guilt. How many of us function each day with that curdled feeling in our stomach of guilt? Where does it come from? What expectations are we stuck on? How is it guilt serving us? What would happen if we let it go? What are we afraid of? When do we know it's enough? I have been working on this myself for the past 8 months. The guilt that I have to work outside the home, that my kids have to fend more for themselves. The guilt that I don't look like the "Mormon mom" anymore. The guilt that I haven't, or felt like I haven't, had the time to strengthen my relationships. It's amazing how many times we are snookered into expectations we have unconsciously set up and lay dormant until we are pushed out of our comfort zones. I've learned that when I'm in fear, I'm afraid to be gentle with myself, thinking I won't get enough done. What helps and supports me is the question: What do I most want to be remembered for; what I've done or who I am? Also asking the question to myself "Is that true?" We're very good at hallucinating!! The last tool I'd like to share with you is helping me make conscious choices. "If I say yes to thing, I'm saying no to something else." That has helped me so much!!! Let me hear from you and what your thoughts are on guilt. Helping each other, supporting each other is an amazing gift!!

Quick update on the family: Landon is now 12 and can pass the sacrament. (Need to get him to church in time!! There's that NEED word!!) He's been a huge help to me this summer. I think he's as tall as me if not a TINY bit taller, but don't let him know I admitted that!! He is into architecture right now and is designing all kinds of interesting buildings. Grayson is still my ball of energy. He's so funny with the dogs and loves to just run circles around the house. He's had a blast playing with his cousin Pierce and going on "adventures". Mitchell has been working this summer and is enjoying having money in his pocket. We're working on the "saving" thing! He's taller than Les now! He's a senior this year and is trying to decide what college he wants to go to next year as he prepares for his mission. He has his drivers permit so we're practicing pretty frequently. The roads here are crazy and windy. That makes him nervous. I've learned to direct with a calm voice. Applause in warranted!! Les is busy doing server stuff, working on a non-profit idea with his best friend and working at Greenbrier with me. I love having him there. The puppies are 8 months old and weigh 80 lbs!! I have consigned then to the garage and the yard after my coffee table was eaten (no, really, it was eaten!!) and the smell of dog overwhelmed me. I am much happier now and Les gets to keep his dogs. I'm busy at the Greenbrier Academy. I'm the Director of Student Life and that keeps me hopping. I'm also in charge of the kitchen there. I do Fearless Living Groups three times a week with the girls and have loved evolving that for teenagers. I'm working hard on my coaching program and am finding my balance in this life I'm choosing.

My intention is to post once a week with a new subject for us to discuss or think about and an update of my family. Pictures are coming soon!!

Hello Again!! Did you Miss Me?

Not even sure if anyone is out there any more, but I made some time today to update the blog. Work has been the forefront on my life the past few months and I'm finally starting to get a rhythm. For an update: I am on my coaching path and have 1 month under my belt as a Program Candidate. I love it and can't wait to really be able to dive in and coach. I'm the residential coordinator during the week at the school, oversee the kitchen and supervise my two cooks, and run three Fearless Living Groups a week. This keeps me very busy and I love it. Les is busy as the Human Resource guy and is helping with some of the daily operations too. The boys are finally out of school.


Here are some pictures of one of our Family Sunday Dinners. We eat very well on Sundays!! You can tell we love discussing!! I had missed that while I've been away from my family. It's been fun to get back to those roots for me.

This was taken one afternoon when Les was laying in the yard playing with the dogs. (dare I say, HIS dogs!!). He's sporting the full beard thing. I got his to shave once and that was it. Looks pretty good!!
This is a picture of a house we dream of owning one day. It's on the Greenbrier River and was built in 1823 I believe. We peeked inside on the way home from church. The lion head below is from the front walkway of this house. I thought it looked magical.

Big event that happened: Mitchell went to his first prom. No, I don't' have pictures. He was really sneaky about that. He looked wonderful and handsome. Somewhere there must be a picture of him.

We took a quick trip to Rochester, New York to see my brother Bryan, his wife Jaime and their kids. They were blessing new baby Easton last Sunday so we made it up for that. We had a great time and are looking forward to going back. We made time to visit the Hill Cumorah, Joseph Smith's family home and the Sacred Grove. I was so excited to take the kids there and share that experience with them.

Here we are at the Hill Cumorah. It was so beautiful and the view below was breathtaking.

Here is the bible they have on display in Joseph Smith's farm house, turned to the famous scripture in James.

Under these bricks, Joseph Smith hid the gold plates. I was in awe that we were right where so many miracles took place and such ancient things had been. What a wonderful blessing to have the Book of Mormon.

Here I am with baby Easton in the Sacred Grove. What a memorable experience, to be in the place that I know God and Jesus Christ visited a young fourteen year old boy who started the restoration of the true gospel with a humble prayer. How grateful I felt as I reflected on the many sacrifices Joseph and the early Saints went through so I could be a member of the Lord's church. How grateful I was to bring my boys to this sacred place and see the Spirit speak to their hearts.

Mitchell is now a senior!! I can't believe it. Here he is at the Joseph Smith farm house.

Landon is turning 12 next month and we'll have two boys with the priesthood. Here he is in the Sacred Grove.

Grayson is in the 3rd grade now. He did so good this past year. He's reading Frankenstein right now. He is sitting on a rock in the Sacred Grove with his cousin Connor. They had such a great time together!!!

Trying to rally everyone for pictures before we leave the Sacred Grove.

Me and my brother Bryan.

Well, that's about it for now. Holler out if you're still there so I know if it's worth making time for this. Take care all of you and know we love you so much!!

New Family Members!

Introducing .........

Reina and Harley.

Our new baby girls!These are our two new mastiff puppies. Yes, I said mastiff. They are little and cute now, but will be gigantic and cute soon.



Our family is happy and excited to have these girls. The boys are having fun taking them out in the cold to go potty and getting up in the middle of the night to get them settled down. It's all worth it. I keep telling them that, anyway. All joking aside, we all love them, even me. They are so sweet, smart, alert and just so funny to watch. We're looking forward to a lifetime with them. I know, some of you are calling me crazy. I agree!!

Les is in love with these two girls. Reina on the left and Harley on the right.

Me after a very long day at work. I still have a smile on my face with these two girls. They are just so sweet and cute!!

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. ~Ben Williams

On another note, our household stuff will be here on Friday. I am truly feeling blessed as we start to make adjustments to our new life. Oh, to have a couch to sit on!! Wonderful!!

Being a Sister

This week had a wonderful surprise in store for me. I got to go with Audra to see her ultra sound and find out what she's having! Cheryl and I were as tickled as two sisters could be for Audra and Ron. It's a girl!! I was so thankful that I was close by to be able to participate in something that special. I've missed so many of those moments over the years, traveling around the world. I am enjoying being a sister!! The spoiling will soon commence!!

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.-- Isadora James

Being a sister has been an interesting experience for me. Being the oldest, for so long I had felt like I needed to be the "strong" one, the one with the answers, the responsible one. Not that my siblings weren't those things in their own right, but I didn't think I had permission to not be strong sometimes, not have the answers, not be responsible. As my brothers and sister have grown up, married and some have had children of their own, our lives have become more parallel and I have learned that we all take turns being the strong one, having the answers, being responsible (I can't give that one up yet!). I have been loved by a great family of brothers and sister. I haven't been around to really get to know them as adults and I am appreciating the people they have become.

A sister shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.-- Author Unknown

I love that when we get together the stories commence-and I might add, they usually don't coincide with each other's. Hearing the different points of view of different situations is interesting as an adult. I wish I had had those insights as a child. I see where it could have made some differences.

Between sisters, often, the child's cry never dies down. "Never leave me," it says; "do not abandon me."-- Louise Bernikow

Because Audra and I are linked as sisters who have lost a mother, I see a need we both have and that we try to help fulfill in each other, of wanting and needing of a constant nurturing relationship in our lives. I don't speak for Audra, she may disagree, but these are my observations. Without that mother in your life, as a daughter, you miss having someone really know you, really love you no matter what, and someone who has that soft open arm hug waiting for you when you need it. A sister is the closest thing to that. I am grateful that I have the sister I have. I admire and respect her in so many ways.

When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?-- Pam Brown

I also feel blessed to have chosen sisters. Women I've met in various places we've lived that have connected to my soul and women who have married into my family. Sisters that have loved me, had fun with me, gotten to know my heart and accepted it, supported me. I thank God for sisters. They truly are special packages we get to keep unwrapping our whole lives. My word: DELICIOUS!!

Help one another, is part of the religion of sisterhood.-- Louisa May Alcott

What a Wonderful World

It's been a busy two weeks since I last posted. I miss not being more up to date, but that is where I am right now. It has been so cold and snowy here. One night it was even 1 degree. We've been quickly running into and out of the car in hopes of not getting too cold. I love waking up in the morning and seeing the stark white of the snow against the bare dark branches of the trees out my back window. I feel like I'm in a picture. The boys have had fun sledding down our hill while we've been at work. They have had quite a few snow days lately.

This is a tree on the school's properly that I just had to take a picture of. So beautiful to me!

Last weekend we went to Roanoke, Virginia with my sister and her family and took the kids to the circus!! They hadn't been to a circus before and I was determined that they have that experience! Now they've had it and we can go on with our life! Just kidding. They had a wonderful time, riding elephants, eating cotton candy and watching all the crazy antics of the circus people. I'm so glad we went.
Audra, Landon (nervous about the clowns), Pierce, and Grayson (not happy I won't buy something-go figure) waiting for the circus to begin.


Ron, Kai and Mitchell (don't ask) waiting for the circus. Yes, we had to wait at least and hour. Kids got a bit restless so we took them.....

... to ride an elephant. Kai didn't want anything to do with this, but Pierce, Grayson and Landon loved it. They got to be in the front. But wait, look who we picked up.....
That's right, that guy in the middle there that looks homeless is really just "Les". He drove our Prius from the west coast to here in 2 days and surprised us at the circus!! Crazy man, but he wanted to make it back to be with us. (and to see the Super Bowl, but that's another story

Pierce and Grayson. These two cousins have had a BLAST together!! (Grayson is lording his age over Pierce. Finally someone who's younger than him!)

Here's our cute little Kai. His ears didn't like the noise one bit, so he and Ron sat out the second half. He did like his sugar treats though!!

OK, now last week was also the Super Bowl, and in this Call home it's a big deal, especially this year. Les is a HUGE Steeler's fan since the age of 6, and Mitchell's team is the Cardinals. You can see my point. The talk with thick and full of male testosterone and each was trying to get the rest of the family to root for their team. It didn't' take long for Mitchell to get cranky and sullen and then accept his defeat. I hope those two teams NEVER meet in the Super Bowl again.
Congratulations, Les. You win.

We are getting our stuff that's been in storage for longer than I care to think about. Two or three more weeks and it's here! My creative juices (that have been stagnant like a mud hole for so long) are starting to awaken. I want to strip the wallpaper here and put up some paint. I love all the wood floors in my house and the moldings. The fireplaces are brick so I am incorporating those colors into my scheme. What a blessing to finally have our things back in our life. What a lesson we've learned about not putting our heart into "things". They can be taken away so quickly and we are left with what truly matters; our faith and our family and friends.

On the 20th, I'll be going to Philadelphia to another Fearless Workshop to work on my certification. This one is "Pathways of Change" and teaches us "where you get stuck, how fear holds you back, and what is possible when you allow yourself to change.Rhonda Britten has uncovered twelve principles that are integral to any transformation. These principles form a "pathway of change" that will guide you to your best life. You'll learn what these principles are, why they create such powerful change, and how you can apply them to your own situation.Everyone has a sticking point on the way to Fearlessness. When you understand the hierarchy of change, you begin to recognize where you get stuck. This workshop helps you clearly identify your Achilles heel when it comes to change. Once you've found it, you can conquer it.Through experiential and interactive exercises, you will learn to use the principles to promote positive change that will impact your life in unexpected ways.Our ability, or inability, to change determines our future. Choose your own path." Fearless Living.org

I am so excited to go and learn new things that will help me be a better coach. I'm almost done with my application (what a process!) and hopefully with be able to go to the Wheels Workshop in March. I have renewed my quest to be a life coach (I'm sure it has nothing to do with my current job of cooking for 10 hours a day!!) and fulfilling my dreams of helping others to live a life full of joy and courage.

I thought I'd include a picture of half my kitchen at work. This is as I was preparing lunch. I rarely leave that counter. I have plans for this space, I really do!!!

Two recipes I want to share this week. They are to die for!

First: Red Pepper-Salmon Pasta

4 (4oz) fillets of salmon

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 c. roasted red bell peppers (I roasted mine in the oven and then let them sweat in a brown

paper bag until the skins are easily removed.)

1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

2 tsp. minced jalapeno peppers (I used fresh)

1 clove garlic, minced (I used fresh)

1/4 c. fresh cilantro

1 c. chicken broth

1 (8oz) pkg. angel hair pasta

Directions:

In 8" baking dish, arrange fillets in a single layer. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Tightly cover dish with foil. Bake at 450 degrees. Cook until fish is opaque, but still moist looking in thickest part, 12-14 minutes.

Meanwhile, in blender, smoothly puree red peppers, Parmesan, cornstarch, jalapeno, and garlic. Add cilantro and chicken broth; whirl to blend.

Pour pepper mixture into a 10" frying pan. Stir over high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to keep warm.

Cook pasta until tender to bite, about 7 minutes. Drain and return to pan.

Stir juices from baked salmon into red pepper sauce. Mix 1 1/2 c. sauce with pasta. Spoon pasta onto plates. Top with fish and drizzle with remaining sauce. Serves 4

Second: Sun-dried Chicken Pasta

1/2 c. sun-dried tomatoes (I use the ones packed in oil and the sun-dried tomato pesto)

1 1/2 c. chicken broth

6 chicken breasts, cut into strips (because of the volume I cook at, I boil this ahead of time and

then chop up. Works great!)

2 cloves garlic

1 Tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. cornstarch

3/4 c. basil pesto

3/4 c. tomato basil feta (must have!!!) (I add a bit more)

16 oz. penne pasta

2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Soak sun-dried tomatoes in chicken broth (don't' need to do this if using the oil packed ones). Cook chicken in oil with garlic over medium heat. (I just heat up garlic then go on to next step). Stir cornstarch into a couple of Tbsp. of chicken broth. Stir in remaining chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and basil into the skillet with chicken (I just thicken my sauce then pour it over the pasta noodles and chicken piece and stir to combine). Meanwhile, cook pasta. Drain. Sprinkle feta into sauce. Serve sauce over pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Hope you enjoy these. Let me know if you try them and if they worked out for you!! Please trust that I am thinking of all of you and love you dearly. I'm trying to get my life into a pattern that will free up more time to connect. Thank you for all your love and support, prayers and kindnesses. I am blessed because of you!!

My Life Right Now in a Nutshell

It seems to me as I look back on my life, that God has given me many opportunities to walk in other's footsteps, one's I wouldn't have chosen, necessarily, or one's I wouldn't have even imagined. Right now I am learning to empathize with the working mother. The one that doesn't have a choice to stay home at this time, the one that needs to work. What a difficult struggle this can be. I have been working almost 12 hours a day for 2 weeks now, and I haven't seen much of my boys. I've been going through small withdrawals, missing the time we've had before. The time in Hawaii that I was able to home school them is priceless, even more so now that I have to leave them more than ever before. The juggle to stay connected to family and not get lost in "work" is a real one. You have just so much energy a day and so many things that need it. I have real troopers for kids, and they have been so understanding, considering, and we'll be OK, but I miss being that stay at home mother. That is a gift. I remember many years ago talking to someone close to me who was a working mother and her sharing her thoughts with me concerning how separate she felt at church from the moms who were stay at home moms. I have often thought about this and wondered if we do treat each other different depending on our circumstances or our choices. Are we including all our sisters in the gospel into our lives, or just the ones we feel are like ourselves? Just a question I thought I'd put out there. I don't know the answer to that one. I'm sure it happens, but it's all individual. I am grateful for the chance to "see" from a different pair of eyes.

It's been so cold here. I believe 4 degrees was mentioned a few times. I am anxiously awaiting a new coat that I finally ordered. I miss those "cold" days in Hawaii!! HA! Hot chocolate in 65 degree weather? Bring it on! The boys have had fun in the snow and playing in our backyard. I love waking up and seeing the trees frosted with snow and the squirrels scurrying in and out of their holes. It's peaceful.

I've loved working in the same place as Les. I love knowing he's there and that we are on the same team. He's so easy to be around and has been so encouraging and supportive to me. How did I get so lucky? He's not off to Iraq for at least another month, so we still have some time to be together. I know we are in Heavenly Father's hands. (I can't believe how bendable I've become.)

The girls at the school have been great to work with. I have more and more of them coming into the kitchen to help me cook. They like to look through my ipod and see if there is any "good" music on it (all in my opinion!!) and they have spontaneous dances while they are working. This week I had a Greek Dinner and it was a HUGE success. I thought I'd post the recipes for those of you who want to try it. I was happy just smelling as I was cooking. Imagine the tasting!!!

Souvlaki:
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. soy sauce
1 tsp. dried oregano
3 cloves of garlic, crushed (I added more)
4 lb. pork tenderloin, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 med. yellow onions (or white), cut into 1 inch cubes
2 green bell peppers, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 yellow bell peppers, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 red bell peppers, cut into 1 inch cubes
In a large bowl, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, soy sauce, oregano, and garlic; add pork, onion, and peppers, and stir to coat. Cover, and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
Preheat grill (oven at 375) for med.-high heat. Thread pork, peppers, and onions onto skewers (if using wood skewers, soak them before using).
Lightly oil grate (or baking sheet). Cook for 10-15 minutes, or to desired doneness, turning skewers frequently for even cooking. Servings: 12

Mediterranean Potato Salad
2 lb. small red potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch slices (I halved, quartered, than halved again)
3 c. water
1 small red onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
1/2 c. pitted Greek olives
1/2 c. oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, undrained, chopped
1/2 c. minced fresh parsley
1/3 c. pine nuts, toasted (I omitted this)
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. sun-dried tomato salad dressing (vinaigrette)
1 pkg. (4 oz) crumbled tomato and basil feta cheese
Cook potatoes unto tender. Drain and rinse in cold water (stops them from cooking more).
In large bowl, combine potatoes, onion, olives, tomatoes, parsley, pine nuts, salt and pepper. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Let stand at room temp for 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 10 serving

I served this with some hummus and sliced pita bread and it was a hit. Let me know if you like it.

Landon's recommendation for a great book series is "Ranger's Apprentice" by John Flanagan. there are 8 books so far and he is eating them all up quickly. Number 6 is coming out in August in hardback. All are out in paperback form now.





A book I've had since Mitchell was a little boy and have read to all of them is "Whitefish Will Rides Again" by Arthur Yonkers. I love funny western stories and this one is a perfect example! I love the story and the illustrations are charming and funny. (Remember to read with your best Ol' West accent!)
Check out my last post if you haven't already. It's worth a laugh!! A fellow West Virginian told us about it.

A Little Culture From West Virginia

I thought I'd spread a smile across the country to you friends and family with a short video from West Virginia. We loved it!!

*Don't try this at home!

West Virginia Ninja.WMV - The most amazing bloopers are here

I'm Still Alive

I really am....still alive. It has been a furious roller coaster for us since leaving Hawaii. We arrived here in WV to a huge family Christmas. Three of Teri's girls, Abby, Ali and Ashlee's family were here and Grant and Heather and Dax, along with all the members who already live here. It was a great experience to be all together. The high-light for me was going to the D.C. Temple and being there for Abby to receive her own temple endowments for preparation for her mission. The temple was awe inspiring and it was wonderful to be there with so many of our family. I came to a new understanding this time of what eternal families really means and was thankful for that gift of insight from Heavenly Father. While waiting for our session, most of us visited the Visitor's Center and had the opportunity to walk through a photography collection called "The Reflections of Christ". I was so moved by the photographs and how they really captured the love I imagine the Savior to have for those he served and for us. That was a beautiful experience.

I love the look of pure joy dipicted here after the baptism of Christ. Why hadn't I ever thought of it this way? Of course there was rejoicing and joy on that wonderful day.

I have now started work at the Greenbrier Academy for Girls as the cook. It has been an adjustment for my boys and we're still working on the kinks, but it has been rewarding to see the difference I've made and to be a positive influence on these girls. I have enjoyed cooking with them and getting to know them. If you have any good recipes out there, send them my way!! I need to be creative, as you all know, in whatever I'm involved in, so options are wanted!! I'm also looking forward to getting my life coach certifications done this year. I can't wait!! Hopefully this can extend to my working with the girls at the school.

Mitchell has started school and is happy. We are looking at the swim team in a city 45 minutes away. He needs to get his eagle so he can drive!!!

Landon and Grayson are still waiting to get into school. We are trying to get some paper work from the military so they can start next week. I get so tired of all this "paperwork" stuff. It will be done this week!!

Les planned to take the HR position at Greenbrier and did work last week in that position, but we have had a different opportunity come to us that we really need and he will be taking on a job with USfalcon and will be leaving us for a year to go to Iraq. We have prayed about this for some time before this job came up and know we are following what Heavenly Father is blessing us with. It will be difficult and lonely, but we are a stronger family, couple and individuals because of our year in Hawaii and the growth that we experienced there. Keep us in your prayers.

It is beautiful here and we are loving the atmosphere. Les said driving down main street is like going back in time 30-40 years, where people know each other, you have the quaint shops and the people are so friendly. Our home is an older home with lots of warmth and charm. All wood floors, crown moldings, two fireplaces and a gorgeous view out our back windows. We feel so blessed. We've had snow and it really feels like winter!! I'll try posting pictures soon. I just got Internet yesterday so hopefully I'll be able to keep up on the blog.