Ginny's birthday party and Aubree's play

Ginny chose to have a birthday on March 30th and I was impressed with how many people showed up.  This is also the first year that she has included Aubree.  I am glad that Ginny felt loved by her friends and that Aubree felt loved by her sister. Will was chosen to become a member of Beta Club, so we are proud of his accomplishment.  Aubree had opening night of Pippen and that went well.  She loves to act.  I had no clue what the play was about and even while we watched, I was a little confused but at the end, I think I finally figured it out.  It is a bout a young boy discovering life or what is important in life.  Being torn in may directions by the voices in our head, choices must be made. He seeks for something extraordinary but in the end realizes that family or loved ones are the extraordinary in this life. He learns to not just focus on himself but comfort others.  I love that it made me think a little deeper and reflect on what is important in life.

Will gets the Aaronic Priesthood

Today, Will received the Aaronic Priesthood by his dad.  We chose not to do it January because we did not feel we had adequately discussed being we thought we had a solid year left with him turning 11 in December but then the announced changes occurred.  Our thought was just because you can, does not mean you should.  Jake gave him a beautiful blessing. A few things he was encouraged to show kindness to all, including his siblings and to perform one act of service daily. It is crazy to believe that our kids are growing so quickly.
We have had a busy march. The end Saturday of Spring Break, Aubree had the opportunity to sit in on youth leadership training with Elder Costa, of the Seventy with the youth committee and she thoroughly enjoyed that.  Many of the members of our committee were still on Spring Break, so we brought our children.  One thing that Elder Costa said that stood out to me was that he stayed busy so he did not have time to do anything stupid.  He was very down to earth and shared his favorite musician and playlist with the youth.  He did say every fifth song was a religious song to remind him who he was.  Ginny was babysitting so was unable to attend.  The following weekend (this past weekend), we had a youth service project in Jackson Tennessee and Aubree had a regional theater competition- yep on Jake's birthday. Aubree and her partner placed first, she was quite ecstatic.  Ginny and Will attended the service project with my while Jake and Christopher hung out here. 

Happy Birthday (yesterday) Jake

Happy 40th to my main squeeze and best friend!

I dreamed my whole life to for a successful career and to feel loved, never did I imagine it would come in the form of this life. Life with you is better than my childhood dreams. Here’s to the man I’ve loved since I met him or maybe just saw him and will forever.

Here’s to the man who works hard on things that he wants too (it really depends on what it is). Who is successful in anything he tries and does (so darn talented!). The man who holds my girls in his arms and comforts them when they need it. The man who teaches my boys to be kind and good through his own example. The man who keeps me laughing every single day and keeps my heart light. The man who loves Utah football and watching shows. To the man who walks in the door and despite working with me, is concerned about me and how I am doing (maybe not concerned enough to do more chores without asking, but nonetheless concerned). The man who loves traveling, chocolate covered Raisins, Reese’s Pieces, Ray Bans, movies, donuts, spending money, Dr. Pepper, hiphop music, who doesn’t take life too seriously, my forever dance partner, my anchor, who supports and sacrifices to make my dreams/wants happen, my best friend. I love you, Jacob L Farrell. Can’t wait for the happies, adventures, dances in the kitchen, snuggles on the couch, watching shows, listening to you play the piano, and whatever else life has in store for us together! You make me better. I’m glad you’re my babies daddy and my forever date.

You are an incredible father and I am glad you got to take the boys on a "boys trip" over spring break.

Happy 17th Ginny!

 It is that time of year again...the time of year that I am reminded of becoming a mother and how I learn about being a mom from you. Being the oldest, I understand being the oldest and the challenges that accompany it, including trying to teach your parents how to be parents.  I love that you are patient as we are learning.  I love that you are willing to do kind things for others and randomly talk to strangers at stake activities.  I am glad you came first. I love you GinBug!

According to Ginny today:
You currently want to be when you grow up: dental hygienist
Your favorite color is: grey or pink
Your favorite show is: THE OFFICE
Your favorite game is: foosball or not ticket to ride ;)
Your favorite toy or activity is: wiffle ball 
Your favorite boy is: NOAH ORRIS and Paul Harmeir  I guess 
You are really good at: sleeping 
Your best friend is: Stella Seaman 
You want to vacation to: Greece
Your favorite ice cream is: cookies n cream with condensed milk on top and gummy bears
Your wish is to be: I do no know... happy or like retired
Your hero is: probably my mom 
Your favorite thing to do with your friends is: sit and watch movies 
Your favorite holiday is: Halloween
Your favorite person in the whole world is: I like lots of people. I don't necessarily have a favorite
Your favorite song is: Dancing Queen
Your favorite restaurant is: Genghis Grill
Your favorite foods are: candy and cereal
If you had $1000 you would buy: I would give it to my parents cause of the car then with the left over 100 I would go to chic-fil-a

Spring Break-Part One (or the girl's perspective)

It is Spring Break week here in Tennessee and I like it.  Jake and the boys are on a backpacking trip with TW (Jake’s oldest brother), his sons, and a few scouts from TW’s ward.  The initial plan was to backpack in Guadalupe Peak, but the weather called for snow and below freezing temperatures, which lead to a change of plans to Big Bend Park.  The girls and I are chilling at the house.  We considered going to Orlando with Charity, Rebekah, and my mom but it would not really prove to be a break with the littles there and we did not want to spend the money on theme parks (we still have to get my car repaired from Ginny’s accidents).  We spent Saturday birthday shopping for Ginny and ate dinner together.  Sunday, after church we just relaxed and watched a show.  Although we have not done anything spectacular, I am enjoying time with them and the house remaining somewhat clean. It feels good to be able to walk in and the house be in order or to be able to use the downstairs restroom without cleaning it first. Somehow, I managed to remind myself that next year, I will have a child that is considered an “adult”, say what?!?!  Have a taught her the things she needs to know to stay strong in her testimony when hard times come? Am I teaching all of my children to stay in contact with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through the good times and the bad times? Am I teaching them to look for opportunities to help others but not to neglect themselves?  Are they learning to appreciate the process and not necessarily the end result? My mind becomes flooded with questions and wondering what I could have done and should do differently. Where have my deficiencies been as a parent?  Do my words strengthen and show love to my children? Am I giving it my best to love and serve my family and others? At times I see other parents and fall into the trap of comparing myself to them, despite the gentle reminder from Jake that comparison is the thief of joy and have to step back and remember I am comparing my fallacies or weaknesses to their strengths. Above all, I want my children to have a personal relationship with God the Father, be His hands on Earth through serving and loving others, and know of their infinite worth and potential.  My children are a reminder to me of the goodness in the world and the love of God.  Each leaves of footprint of good in the lives of others, a mark in time showing kindness to others, and are a beacon of light to all they come in contact with.   
I loved the week with my girls. We sat up late each night watching movies, shopped, ate out at different places, saw a movie, and Ginny and I got hair cuts. It was great and the house stayed clean. 

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I have the best kids

          I have absolutely no clue how I am so incredible fortunate to have the children I do.
Ginny was asked to the Priest Laurel prom by a guy and was excited but ended up telling him it could not happen after a few days.  He was trying to pressure her in to things that she was not comfortable with, so she told him that she was uncomfortable going with him.  It was hard for her to do but she did it on her own and then told us about it. As sad I was for her that she experienced it, I was so proud that she realized it could potentially lead to an uncomfortable situation, and had the courage to make the best choice.  Ginny also received her Honor Bee in young women's, which is the highest honor one may receive.

          Aubree is so full of life. She is engrossed in her theater and placed 2nd at impromptu competition. She has a way to make people smile and is seldom afraid to do the right thing. We had a stake standards night tonight and she left the stand (she was the conductor) and went and sat by another young lady sitting along. What an example of noticing people and acting upon it.

          Will has found a love in singing. He auditioned for an honors choir and made it.  He was so happy at his performance and did so well.  I can tell that he is maturing some this year and growing into more of a responsible young man. He is eager to participate in youth activities, including those he is not quite old enough to attend but I love to see him wanting to be involved in gospel opportunities.

          Christopher had his first and last blue and gold banquet. He and his dad made a simple yet fun little dessert.  We have been working to bring up his grades and he has been remaining patient as we strive to do it.  He has a crush on a little girl in his class (and has for about five months) and was insistent that we purchase a class photo, so he can have a picture of her.  He also wanted to ask her to be his Valentine and purchase her a special gift but we explained that may scare her to not even be his friend.  He is definitely a lover.

          Jake and I are diligently working to maintain balance at home, work, and as students.  While we are not perfect it, it is working.  I strive to have all my assignments submitted by Saturday evening (doing them after I out my kids to bed at night), so I can devote Sundays to my family, while Jake does all of his on Saturday and Sunday.  Recently, I have been so concerned with my sisters and their well being that I am losing sleep over it. I want to "fix" everything and realized my desire to help is a great strength but it is also a weakness. I do not rest, fret that it will be too much for Jake, and want my little crew here to not feel neglected, obligated to help, or any divide in our little family. There are sometimes I need to say "no" or not stress about their disagreements and take care of myself and children.  Tonight at the youth standards night, my heart was full and I felt the Spirit comfort my soul as I listened to, If we love Him (the youth 2019 theme song), felt Will rest his head on my shoulder, and watched my girls.  I know He loves me and I can truly show my love for him by loving others.

My heart has been heavy the last couple days as I have contemplated if I am really giving it my all in helping others and trying to lift their burdens. Do my words strengthen others and show love? Am I giving it my best efforts and what more can I do? I attended sacrament with my little crew and then left to attend the Arlington Ward for their unit conference.  Listening to the talks throughout the day, I felt a sense of urgency that I need to be there more for my sister.  Charity is a single mother and had the realization Friday that she can no longer anticipate help with the kids financially at all.  There was another incident on Friday and her primary focus is the safety of herself and children.  I feel that I need to visit Robert as well because no matter what,  he is a child of God and deserves to feel the love of others too.  My heart aches for he, Charity, and the kids.  I want so bad to do more and be there but I have to guard my crew too and can not let my relationship with my husband or children be effected. I long to do so much more.  I hope that my children learn to serve others and look for the opportunity to help alleviate the burdens of others and find happiness.  Some of the most peaceful moments I feel are in serving others.