Ozobots and the Tryazon Party

We held an Ozobot party through Tryazon this weekend and had so much fun! Kids and adults can learn to code their own tracks for these Ozobots to follow! Ozobots work with and without smart phones and I pads. The kids really liked racing them, creating their own codes/tracks, and watching them dance! The process is super easy to understand and really fun and educational! They played with them for hours. I think my husband and his friends enjoyed it just as much as the kids:) We definitely recommend this product and this party site! Check out the Ozobot and Tryazon. We are so glad we decided to fill out an application to host this party!

                                                 Dan Explaining how the Ozobot works

                                  Demonstrating some of the many things the Ozobot can do

                                               Trying out a track we coded ourselves

                            Looking at the many codes you can use and how to make them

                                                 Watching the Ozobot dance on the I pad!

                                                    Drawing our own tracks to try out

                                                                      After party fun:)

                                         More drawing practice, testing, and learning

                                            Tavin showing off the end result of his code track!

The Spirit of Christmas-more than just one month out of the year

There are so many things I love about this time of Year....the traditions, and the magic of it all-the spirit that fills my whole being with happiness and a yearning for doing good. I love to watch my children as they witness these things in their own lives.

We wrote Santa and delivered it to his mailbox here in Daybreak as part of our traditions we do. Each child wrote and created a letter so unique to his/her personality. Tavin didn't even ask for anything specific....he just said-"I would like you to bring me whatever you thing I would like Santa." Katie have 2 or 3 requests but then made sure to include a detailed picture of Christmas for him, promised him cookies, and included a few pieces of candy in the envelope for him. Livy asked for pink snowballs:)

I love their joy, their innocence, their faith in all that is magical and true, their desire to do good-they are examples to me.

I am especially grateful for their knowledge of what the true meaning of Christmas is-the birth of our Savior and Redeemer...in Katie's words the other day: "It is about giving and about Jesus mom." I"m determined to make it a goal this year to have that same spirit/faith/knowledge and desire throughout this year-not just for a month out of the 12 months of the year.

Jesse the Cow Girl, R2D2, A Mermaid, and the CUTEST Snowman EVER!

This year for Halloween Katie was Jesse from Toy Story/a very pretty witch, Tavin was R2D2 (I made his costume with a little bit of Dan's Help) Darth Vader, Livy was a mermaid, and graham was the cutest snowman I have ever seen!! Daybreak is the ideal place for trick or treating and after 2 hours of walking houses, we have more than our share of candy for sure! 2 houses even gave out the big candy bars. Dan of course loves it, at night when the kids are in bed- he loots their bags. And they wonder where all the good stuff disappears to:) One day they will figure it out. 

My favorite part of Halloween is the family traditions- we always go trick or treating with cousins and we always have soup and chili. The kids always sort out their candy and trade with each other and we always have fake eye ball ping pong balls in our drinks:) That is what makes life good. 

This week I wanted to take some time and tell you about 3 instances where I see the spirit directing me and influencing me in my life. I do not believe in coincidences:

After trick or treating and visiting-everyone eventually started to gather their things and head home. Chrissy and her kids were the last to leave. They happened to be there during our scripture reading and for prayer, It was livy's turn to say prayer and I asked her who she would like to help her say it...mom or dad? She said she wanted Chrissy to help her (she calls Chrissy "kissy" and absolutely adores her) I haven't heard Chrissy say a prayer since she was little and expected her to push the responsibility back onto Dan or I. 

When that didn't come, I glanced over at her-I saw the delema of feeling uncomfortable saying it/but loving Livy so much that she was willing to say OK and help her. My heart filled as I saw her wrap her arms around Livy, bow her head and close her eyes. And I felt the spirit fill the room as she whispered a prayer in Livy's ear. She prayed about family, kindness, and love. She prayed a prayer of gratitude. I am grateful for those kinds of moments.

Another important and valuable lesson we learned this Halloween:

When Dan and I were out food shopping, Chrissy brought over the movie Hocus Pocus. I remember seeing it as a kid and being a little scared and weirded out by parts of it. I have always been sensitive to the spirit of things when it comes to movies or TV....Even when some are just meant to be humorous or entertaining, I feel the darkness in it. Anyway, it is definitely not one that I would let my kids watch- especially at this age. 

Well, after talking to Chrissy and explaining why I didn't feel it was a good choice (sucking souls out of people, raising bodies from the dead, sexual implications by the witches, etc.) she felt bad about it. The damage had already been done though-and we had a talk with the kids about watching things and taking part in things that uplift us and help us to feel good inside instead of watching things that make us confused, scared, or feel uncomfortable inside. We talked about the fact that sometimes Dad and Mom won't be around to tell them to shut it off or watch something else, and they need to be able to make the choice themselves by how they feel. 

As a consequence Katie learned the hard way about it-she had bad dreams and a hard time going to sleep at night because of the images she saw from the movie....she said to us "I know that witches aren't real but the pictures are stuck in my head and I feel bad inside." 

We would say prayers with her when she felt this way to help her feel at peace and be able to calm down-think of good things-so she could go to sleep. And we talked about singing church songs to help focus on feeling better. She would be able to fall asleep afterward as we showed her ways to invite the spirit and ask for help from Heavenly Father. We also made sure to point out in the morning that our prayer was answered/and that the feelings that replace the yucky ones were given by the Holy Ghost. I hope and pray that these types of experiences and lessons will help them in the future and am grateful for the simple yet grand miracle this was to a little girl.

Journey of Becoming a Better Me

The highlight for my weekend was going on....not 1, but 2 dates with Dan:) That is very rare! We went to a cooking class Friday for a work event. I met some of the people he works with while we learned how to cook a Spanish meal called Paella. There were three groups-one made a chicken version, another a vegetarian, and a third a seafood. Dan and I were in the vegetarian group. I actually ended up liking ours the most! The chef lead each group through the steps to make the dish. Then we got to try all of them. Dan was brave and tried a Muscle from the seafood dish-he said the was really slimy and gucky so I decided to skip that:) 

My other date with him was to a REAL soccer game it rained for half the game but we brought 2 blankets so we just  put one over our heads and another over our body and weathered it out-die hard fans I guess:) I liked Dan's attempts to keep me dry. In the end we were both pretty wet.

I have a strong a true believe/faith in the ability of Heavenly Father to help me change to be the best I can be. I also believe that he will reveal to us what areas we need to change in our life to become better-through the Holy Ghost. So after General Conference, I really thought and pondered about what I needed/wanted to change in my life and then I prayed fervently this week for Heavenly Father's help-next I "went to work" -acting on the promptings and moving forward (God cannot direct a parked car) with the commandments and principles I needed to be diligent in for my improvement to come to pass. Day by day-little by little-I try to add on to the little things that make a difference and prioritize the things that really matter. 

In just a few days-I have seen the changes my obedience has brought to pass. I am filled with strength and testimony of these things-and a love for my Heavenly Father for showing me the way. HE HEARS ME-AND HE HEARS YOU. The three things i am working on is: being a better wife, being a happier person, speaking kindly in our home. 

A Better Wife: not be so critical of Daniel and treat him as an equal, refrain from being bossy, sarcastic, or from saying things that don't need to be said. Pray to love him as god loves him, see him as God sees him.  A quote from President Eyering: "Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in your companion. Pray for the love that makes weaknesses and mistakes seem small. Pray for the love to make your companion’s joy your own. Pray for the love to want to lessen the load and soften the sorrows of your companion."

A Happier Person: accentuate the positive in my situation and day. find the positive in others-not be critical but uplifting. Focus on speaking about good things/counting my blessing. pray to see others as God sees them

Speaking Kind words in our home: Use a softer voice, have more patience, let my kids be kids, be more positive in my comments, give more compliments, and speak more gratitude.

My goal this week as I continue to work on these things is to make it to the temple! Also to say prayers morning and night and to continue with scripture reading-try to do it a little earlier so I am not so tired. Ponder what I read.

Tavin and Katie would like to work on their talents this week-soccer, tennis, tumbling, dancing

Speaking of goals- scored a goal in his last soccer game for the fall season:) He was very proud and had a goal dance and everything.

Katie-we have been listening to church music more often and she said " I love to listen to this music in the car-when the music is playing and we are driving, I look out the window and think of Jesus-it makes my heart feel good" I have also been praying for my children to have spiritual experience-i think this counts as one:)

All the kids have been more helpful this week-without complaining-which is the best! Especially Olivia-getting herself dressed in the morning without asking and helping clean the toy room with Katie. She has been a great example to her other siblings by being quick to act when I ask for them to do something or to help. I really appreciate this!!

Return With Honor

 The parking garage was full when we arrived and Dan had to drop us off and take a shuttle from the long term parking. We were surprised to find dozens of groups of families and friends all  waiting at the bottom of the escalators holding signs-all there united in one purpose...to welcome home their missionaries. The airport security actually set up ropes to make sure that a path stayed clear for other travelers.

 It was an amazingly good sight to behold! My heart swelled and I shed tears as we watched groups of missionaries turn the corner and descend down the escalators toward their families. Cheers rose each time someone spotted their missionary and excitement/anticipation filled the air. Some ran down the stairs, others took in the sight slowly descending-emotion spreading across their faces. Mothers-stepped out from behind the rope to embrace their "babies" that they have missed, worried about, supported, yearned for, prayed for- for two years. One mom even ran to her tall lanky son and jumped into his arms-both crying and rejoicing. 

This was a scene of such love, sacrifice, joy, celebration, and pride. It struck me at that moment how wonderful our church is and how wonderful each of you are to leave all that you know and love and go and serve-sometimes in places that are foreign in many different ways-and in situations that are uncomfortable and extremely hard. You wear your heart on your sleeve as some say-baring something that is so precious to you and a big part of who you are-for all to see and criticize, or judge you for, in hopes of finding the few who are searching. You change Lives! 

Our Church is one who sends missionaries out to find and save souls-and I am proud that I am a member and a supporter of such an organization. It is a sincere act of love for your fellow men. 

And finally when Mason was the one to descend the stairs, I watched as he embraced his mother and brother and sister-all the young cousins surrounding them in a hug-some not quite sure what was going on-but they were happy that a member of our family was joining us once again. He did it-and he served with all he had-I felt his spirit and goodness-his tiredness from all his hard work as I hugged him. Well done....you did it....is all I could utter. 

I am grateful for you and what you are doing-I know you are giving your all each day. You are making a difference. "With God on our side, we cannot fail."

A theme that I liked in the talks given in General Conference-stems off that statement...It stuck out to me that with God we can become something so much more and so much greater than what we could ever imagine. He can make our weaknesses strong. We are destined for greatness. We just need to live righteously and allow his spirit to lead us in the direction we need to go to grow and become. We shoudln't let fear (Satan tell us we can't, we aren't good enough, we are of no worth-that is the hard part). overshadow us.

Super Six

Today My Katie Girl Turns 6 years old. All I can say is....I LOVE THIS LITTLE GIRL! She is so thoughtful, bright, spunky, and full of surprises. Two events in the past few weeks really show who Katie is.

Katie came up to me a week ago and said: "Mom I want to ride my bike" Dan had taken off the training wheels in the spring but we had not practiced much.

Me: "OK, we need to practice a lot-I can help you."
Later that day she spent a lot of time practicing outside by herself. She came in with a huge smile on her face and asked if I could come outside for a second. When I walked out, she was on her bike riding around giggling and laughing as I cheered her on. She taught herself in one day! When I asked her how she did it she said: "I just trusted in my heart that I could do it-and I did mom!" Now she asks Dan to take her on bike rides. After her first one with him, he asked if she liked it she said "It was better than I thought! I loved it!" She is determined and persistent and I am excited for her future.

Yesterday-While I was cleaning to get the house ready for her family party (we are making yummy caramel apples upon her request:) She quietly snuck into my room and made my bed-knowing that I was going to go do it soon. And on the bed-was a sweet note : "To mom and dad-I LOVE U. Zoo, Museum, From Katie." (she had recently told us she wants to go to the zoo and museum with us:) She has such a soft heart! and is always thinking of others.

We are so much a like in our love of creating-she draws and creates every day-and in most cases-what she creates is for someone else. She loves to give gifts!

She is a wonderful gymnast and is graceful and beautiful. She is the youngest in her class but holds her own and keeps up with the others. She got an award for most improved gymnast because her progress from the beginning to the end of class last year was so drastic. Her teacher said "She was so determined and worked so hard-she would come in and tell me I am going to do a Valdez today and would do it!"

Her prayers often take a while because she is all encompassing:) Even our dog (especially our dog) is included:)

She is beautiful with her unique red hair and face full of freckles...She is so filled with life and love and such spirit! Happy Birthday SWEET girl!

What I Know For Sure

"What I know for sure"
During her talk show, Opera would often ask her guests "what do you know for sure in your life?" This simple question struck me as being the anchor of knowledge that keeps an individual afloat during the inevitable storms of life.....and so I ask myself, "what do I know for sure?"

I know Brownies are divine
I know bubble baths are ultimate relaxation
I know the value of a good book
I know hugs are comforting
I know smiles are powerful
I know that I love fall-the smell, the sweaters, the colors, the hot chocolate
I know Fireflies are beautiful as they light up the night
I know accomplishing goals is fulfilling
I know my body is miraculous and can do way more than I ever imagined it could do
I know that we are more than just physical beings, we are spirits
I know the music I choose to listen to has an affect on my mood and thoughts
I know Satan is very real and that he tells us lies to slowly deceive and lure us into darkness
I know there is joy in choosing good and sorrow in choosing sin
I know Everyone needs to love and to be loved
I know that Love is an active word
I know that Kindness goes a long way
I know we are often the answers to each others' prayers, there is joy in service

I know that you can't lick your wound and expect it to heal

I know to not forgive is to rot inside
I know Life is about families
I know there is truth/reason in a marriage between a man and a woman-each has a specific and distinct purpose
I know I am meant to be a mom
I know that Children bring an indescribable happiness into my life like nothing else does

I know I love my children and that they were sent to me as a gift from my Heavenly Father to love me in this life

I know families can be forever-this life is not the end
I know God is unchanging and loves perfectly

I know that God blesses us with tender mercies numerous times a day to show us he loves us

I know there is no such things as coincidences

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the fullness of the Gospel on earth
I know that there is a living prophet and apostles that guide our church today
I know I will never be perfect but there is hope to overcome weaknesses and make them strong
I know that depression is a way Satan tries to get us to loath ourselves
I know I have a purpose
He knows my name....he knows me
I know God answers prayer-he is aware of me and hears my pleas

I know that life is hard but there is a way through

I know that my trials and how I handle them shape who I am

Most importantly:
I know there is a God
I know he has a son, my brother, who died for me to provide a way for me to repent and become better and live with him in Celestial Glory some day

I challenge you to make your list of the things "you know for sure"

Mom...mommy...mother

I asked for a picnic at the temple for mothers day with the people that I love most-and my wish was granted on a beautiful Sunny Sunday. When I stated how happy I was for the Sun after a week of lots of rain-Katie matter of factly said: "Of course mom-why wouldn't it be sunny-its "Sun" day!" :)

This picture encompasses all that matters most to me as a mother- my beautiful family, the essence of what life is all about, and the place where they were sealed to me forever! It also represents where I can find true happiness and peace in a world that is full of turmoil and deception.

I

I got most of their gifts early because they couldn't stand the thought of waiting to give it to me:) Tavin Drew a picture of me for mothers day-I think he did a great job:)

Katie made this cute flower for me at preschool-it is totally something she would love making. I love her creative flare. She hid it for me to find-and we played hot and cold- as she jumped up and down when I got closer to finding her surprise!There is so much about her that reminds me of myself.

The best part of their gifts was the joy that was in their eyes as I opened each one. They could have given me a handful of dirt and it would have been perfect because of the love that it stands for.

This  girly girl  didn't have a material gift for me-at least not something that I could hold in my hands. Her gift is her ability make my life lighter with laughter and humor. And there was plenty of it on mother's day:) 

President Monson: One cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God. Why? Because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one.

Big Number 3

 Anxiously waiting for our yummy cupcakes to bake! She of course licked the beaters and tested the frosting for us! (We made buttercream frosting from scratch this time!)

                                                             The finished product

 The special surprise in the middle! (pearl sixlets) Dan and felt pretty proud of ourselves for getting them to turn out right. Team work!

                                                  Dad pushing livy girl on the swings!

                                                    Twin Cousins swinging close by:)

                                             Mommy getting a picture with the birthday girl!

                                          The princess with her crown and sparkly lipstick

                                                      Frozen Anna Doll from Grandpa


Three years ago today, I was given the priceless gift and privilege of being a mother to this vivacious, smart, kind, spunky, loving little girl and I can't tell you how grateful I am for the blessings she has brought into my life and our family. Even though she was born on a rainy april morning, she brings so much sunshine to this world. Because of her, I laugh/and smile at least 20 times a day. Oh how I love you my true princess.

We spent the afternoon making her cupcakes...they have a special "surprise" inside! And then, it was off to the park with our family to enjoy the sunshine and play. Her favorites are the swings, slide, and playing "daddy chase" with her cousins. 

She loves the songs and movie Frozen and got lots of frozen themed gifts: An Anna Doll from grandpa, and Frozen lip chap, body spray, undies (hopefully this will help with potty training), crown, and hair bows from Aunty Chrissy( who shares the same birthday!). Her present from us hasn't arrived yet-an Anna dress up outfit:)