Zip Lining

The stake took the youth that will be 16 this year or older on a little retreat.  Friday night was spent at the temple doing baptisms and a service project and Go Ape on Saturday.  As reluctant as I was, I participated in Go Ape.  I am not a fan of anything that is not safe and jumping out trees to zipline and walking from high in the tree to another is not ideal, but, this was a moment I could share with my daughter.  It was not pleasant and I wanted to puke a thousand times but I can say I did it!
Aubree attended a forensics competition with her friend and they placed first in impromptu acting.  She has discovered her love in acting and theater.  She found out yesterday that she received a very minor role in HairSpray at school. She had tried out for Tracy but then was asked to read for the gym teacher. As bad as she wanted Tracy, she figured it was a little more realistic she would get the gym teacher. She was so sad yesterday when she saw the cast list.  I told her no matter what we were proud of her and even if she was not in the play that we would have watched with her.  She is down on herself about her body build and stated that only stick thin girls can play most of the parts, what she fails to realize is her own beauty. 
Will had his first trip to the principal's office at school this week for accepting an "airdrop" of a video game that he knew was not allowed.  We have talked to him mulitple times about the use of technology and limiting it, so may, this will help enforce the importance of it.
Christopher was super proud to share with us this week that he mas mastered two more sounds in speech, one of them being the k.  He is improving and it is showing.  He also has asked that each night at dinner we share something we are thankful for, so that helps us reflect on the good.
We left this morning for a two day trip to Branson, MO to meet up with James's family.  We met at Dixie Stampdede for dinner and then James reserved a large house for everyone to stay at. 

Recently I have improved so much on reading my scriptures.  I have a new found love for the New Testament and look forward to listening/watching a little episode I watch weekly on the Come Follow Me curriculum.  The crazy (but I guess to be expected) thing is that although when I read about Christ life and what he did for me I feel buoyed up, at the same time I feel almost less by the others I love most and toxic. I continuously wonder if I am good for those around me, do I build them up or tear them down, do I bring out the worst in others? Have I and am I building up my children and being the voice in their head for good or do they hear constant ridicule? I am unsure how I it is possible that I can make a situation worse, it is not my intent, especially to those dearest to me. Like how is that I offend when I really am trying to be good? What would or should I do? How do I become what the Lord and my family need me to be? What more can I do, even when I feel like I am giving it my all, yet maybe my all is not enough. 
There is no doubt that I have been blessed. I have parents who sacrificed much to ensure that my siblings and I needs were met and that we attended church. I have been fortunate to have four kids, and not just four kids but four kids that are good kids.  I have been blessed with a husband that is gentle and kind, and that despite how embarrassing I am....he loves me. His patience may wear at times (and actually has these past couple weeks) but in the end, I do not doubt his love.   

Red Ribbon Week and Pre-Halloween

Fall happens to be my favorite time of the year. Not only do I love the cooler weather, I love the: hay rides, s'mores, bon fires, pumpkin contest, and that the holidays are each month.  It makes my mind and heart happy.  Red ribbon happens to fall on the Halloween week this year and I have enjoyed dressing up a little each day.  Tuesday was cartoon character day, Jake work dumbo ears and I attempted to be be the Nightmare before Christmas character but the students thought it was Jessee from Toy Story or Raggedy Ann, so I went with it.  Wednesday was Disney Day- Jake was the scientist from the Muppets (lab coat, green potion, glasses, and all) and I was Maleficent.  Today (Halloween) was twin day and Jake I dressed as twin pirates.  It has been so fun having him here with me to do it.  I love working with him....he is my Favorite! 

TRAP

Aubree loves to perform and be involved in drama productions.  She played Mariam Jay in the high school production of TRAP. She did so well and played the part perfectly.  She is devoted and has a loyal crew that comes to support her.  We were not able to go each night but loved seeing her the night we did attend.  She somehow seems to manage theater and keeping her grades up.

Fall Break

This fall break we spent some time in Chattanooga and in Johnson City looking at colleges with Ginny and just being together.  Overall, it was a nice trip. We took the kids to the aquarium and Ruby Falls in Chattanooga and they enjoyed that.

On a different note, I realize that I talk too much and do not give Jake the opportunity to talk, like I chime in it our cut him off, so I need to do better about that. He was upset when he brought it up but for him to bring it up, it must really bother him.

Ginny had a rough night at work last night, someone took advantage of her and stole money from her hand.  She was so distraught when she got home. My heart ached for her.

We are where we are suppose to be....

     Yesterday at church, I feel that I received my personal confirmation that we are attending where we should be attending.  This summer, Jake was prepared spiritually when we were asked, he knew that a change was coming or at least his brother had told him that a new calling was coming because he had expressed various personal revelations he had been receiving.  Listening to the testimonies yesterday at church, I had a nice little warm fuzzy that out family is suppose to be attending the branch.  Yes, it is a little different and we were 4 of 37 people in attendance but it is right. I have been trying to read my scriptures more often lately and I can tell the days that I read compared to those that I do not.  I have the idea to hopefully listen to general conference talks more often or regularly as well.  There were so many good talks this past conference.  I felt there were many on not becoming distracted and remembering who we truly are. 

      Quick story- Jake ordered Ginny little gift and it came in Friday. He was so excited to give it to her, like wanted to go by her work on his way home but she wasn't at work.  Anyway, the funny thing is that when I saw it, I asked if he looked at the date.  He then laughed at did not realize he had purchased a class of 2019 instead of 2020....we had a good little giggle. 

     We left today to take Ginny on a couple of college tours...I am not ready for this!  I have so many mixed motions that I am not sure I have prepared her for all she needs to know. Have I been a good example to her and my other children? Do I help them realize their divine potential?