North Pole Breakfast

For years I always prepared and setup a North Pole breakfast for my family on Christmas Morning! We all look forward to it now. Simple tradition like this can mean a lot to a family year after year. Our elf skippy usually plays a part and leaves our house shorter after our tummies are full. Scott always makes his fabulous Biscuits and gravy. They really are the best, I tell him all time it’s the 108 reason Why I love him so much. But honestly it’s in the top 10 reasons I love him. While we are talking traditions one other thing I’ve been doing since my kids were little and they starting peeking and opening presents early. We change everyone name on there presents each each year and then on Christmas morning I tell them who they are. That way they never know who is who and they spent a month guessing. This year we changed there names to Rizzo, Danny, Kenicki, Sandy, Sonny, and Cha-Cha all from The movie Grease!! 

CapeTown, South Africa

He has been called to serve in CapeTown South Africa 🇿🇦!! He leaves in just 3 days and my heart is so full of excitement and love for this boy. He is so ready and willing to serve the lord and the people of South Africa. He will be so missed around our house and in our daily lives. He is funny, hard working, eager to do good, achieves all he sets his mind too. What a great example he is to all of us. We love you and will be praying for you every day.

Vicki

St Patrick’s Day 2017

 

Its almost time for one of my favorite holidays. St, Patrick’s Day!

Mostly because I love the color green and also because I do feel pretty Lucky.

I like to create alittle treat for my little tribe so this is what I came up with this year.

feeling lucky, white background  click here and print as wallet size

 

feeling luck, black background  black background click on the blue writing

 

 

Thanks, Vicki

turning 8 is great…

8 years sure did go by fast, from a easy snuggly baby to the spunky, adorable toddler she totally stolen all of our hearts! Payton is smart, loves her family, wants to take care of all animals, organizes her toys in rows, always has her kindle or iPad by her side, loves blankets, and planning things to do next.

8 quickly turns in to 16 as I know this very well. She will quickly learn about friends, consequences, chores, obeying her parents, managing time, between school and home and church.

I look forward to watching her and being right by her side as she becomes a beautiful young lady. She will bloom right in front of my eyes.

We love you Payton!!

Love, Vicki

How well did you love my Son?

I’m pretty sure this is what the Savior might ask me when I meet him. How well did you love my son? He might also say Did you endure your trails well? In all actuality he will already know the answers to these questions. But it does me good to think and ponder about these kinds of things. It helps me to push though, to keep going, keep trying.

I know this life is a test I've been taught this since I was a young girl growing up listening to every Janice Kapp Perry songs. It give me comfort to know I have a loving Heavenly Father who loves me. Who is aware of me and is cheering me on. This world we live in is tough, its can bring the worst and the best out in us. For me being a mother is learning about Strengths you didn’t know you had and dealing with Fears you never knew existed. I have had many experiences in my life that I had deal with things I didn’t want to but I did it anyways. Looking back at them I did find myself stronger than I thought  could be possible. I give all credit to our loving Heavenly Father.  It is also a place where we grow and learn. It is full of wonderful amazing moments. Some so precious and breathtaking you never want them to end. 

Also people are watching us, they are listening and learning from us. It may be our own children, our spouses, our neighbors, our friends They watch and see what are gonna do, how we are handling situations. some give advise, some don't say a word. some tell others what you should do. I say do your best, Give it your all, and most importantly love. We all need to feel loved, show love, and except love. Hold on to your Faith, cause at any moment life has away of testing you to your limit and you need to be ready. At at that time you will feel more of God’s love and you look around and realize it was just what you needed.

So for the time being I think I’ll keep trying to love my son, as Jesus loves me, he loves me fiercely, he loves me unconditionally, he loves me completely, he loves me perfectly. 

Vicki

Hershey Candy Book of Mormons

 

This year in primary the theme is I know the Scriptures are True

Last week we made 80 of these little candy Book of Mormons, the kids loved them.

You glue the 2 nuggets to black card stock, and then glue the white paper on top with a little red ribbon! So darling..

To print a copy click link below:

Hershey Book of Mormon

In 2 months he leaves US..

It’s been one month since Tristin received his Mission call to Indiana Indianapolis! Called to serve for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. The one thing that keeps going thru my mind is “He is prepared to leave, know we have to prepare to let him go”. I honestly believe Tristin will be a good missionary, cuz he already is one. He serves people all the time, he is a good example to all, people are better after meeting him, he loves the Lord, he has a desire to do the right thing, he is a hard working, and he never complains, these are just a few things I know to be true. Will it be hard YES it will, but is will be worth it.  He has proven time and time again to us, his parents that he can do hard things. He never backs down from a challenge, he likes to prove people wrong.

I’m shocked over the last month how much the adversary has been trying to pry his way into out home. He is a force that creeps his way into the simplest of conversations. Into the easiest of decision making and into our minds. I believe he tries really hard to have contention in our home, and ultimately show us our weakness and feel we aren't capable of moving forward with this journey that Tristin has decided to go on.

So for know I’m holding on to Gods Promise's. We will endure this well, by taking Jesus yoke upon us we learn all of things and especially how to be like him. We will cling to our faith and enjoy this time in our lives. We are excited to walk this path with him.

Vicki

DIY Chalkboard (Dinner Menu)

So like 8 month ago, I updated my computer to Windows 10 and I haven't been able to Post anything to my blog. I got a lot of catching up to do. things are mostly crazy around here. But so wonderful at the same time. Scott fixed it tonight after month of me complaining. thank you so much

I have wanted to make a menu board or something similar for like 7 years, and finally only 2 weeks ago I got my Chalkboard paint out and just did it. I chose a cupboard, cause its easily hidden, good use of space, easy to reach and cute. It was super easy takes about 2 coats and like 2 hours. I cut out white vinyl for the days of the weeks and title using my cricut. 

This is ME and I AM 40..

Over the course of years, there is moments when I question everything? From small questions to huge, to meaning less, to completely urgent. Everyday life is usually consumed with family, kids, chores, cleaning, service, work, and somewhere in the beginning, the middle and at the end of the day!
I find ME!!
Who AM I too my very core?
Which finds me wondering what I could have done, what I should have done differently. I hate that sometimes, few to be honest but still there. I doubt myself and it’s a dark place. Usually they are pointless and a whole lot of yucky ugly thoughts telling me that I wasn’t good enough. As hard as I try that I feel my passion for life is pointless. Does anyone really care? The struggle is real, It’s weird to me that these are actually my thoughts. Everything in opposition! You get to take the good, the bad and the ugly.  But with all that said.. Why do I or we feel this way? I like thinking its for growth and humility. Testing our Faith, a daily test for me? What am I going to choose do to? We all get to choose how we are going to life our lives.
This is ME this is what make ME, ME and seems to work for ME: I turn to the Lord, and beg him for direction and love. I go back to my earlier years when I was taught that I am a daughter of God, I have a plan and a purpose. I am where I need to be, he has led ME here. I am never alone. I need to be ME, I have to accept ME, and embrace all that is good. I have been given and entrusted with so much. I know with my whole heart He loves ME, He knows my heart, he knows who I need to become.
So me at 40 I am grateful, I am a mom, I am loved, I am thoughtful, I am a wife, I am crafty, I am a disciple of Christ, I am a child of god, I am a mess most days, I am supporter, I am a listener, I am a peacemaker, I am happy, I am helpful,  I am a cheerleader, I am a friend, I am a sister, I am a banker, I am a worrier, I am a boss, I am a chef, I am a daughter, I am loyal, I am enough, and I am ME….

Also at 40 I know, life is not easy, its not suppose to be. We are all just doing the best we can. We are to do are part and trust him, be obedient, find joy, keep his commandments, and his blessing will pour down on us. He loves us so much, he is aware of us and I’m so grateful for my personal relationship with the Lord. What wonderful promises he has made to us. My hope is that I may always live worthy of them.
Life is good!
This is me and I am 40..
Vicki

He is Cute and He is Sweet “16”

We had a little party with Gavin and His friends and there families last night. It was a fun time! I put this little video about him together. I’m in awe at how fast time seems to be going by. Also here is a list of 16 things about Gavin:

1. He loves socks, shoes, chap stick, and pomade.

2. He has had 3 broken arms

3. He likes Hunting and Fishing

4. In the 6th grade is was in a mathlete Competition

5. He is very cautious and thinks things thru.

6. His brother would take him with him to meet girls

7. He has been a Student Body Officer 3 times.

8. He loves Buffalo Wild Wings

9. He loves to watch and play Basketball and Football

10. He lets his baby sister sleep in his room

11. He has tons of friends and is very funny and entertaining

12. He is very determined, smart and loves accomplishing things

13. He was born with a skin disease called Urticaria Pigmentosa.

14. Likes to got to Beaver and hang out with family

15. Has always liked sleeping by himself, just opposite of his siblings

16. Loves Cellphones and Electronics and know everything about them

click below to see to watch the video—beware its 10 min long so you have been warned!!!

Gavin's 16th Birthday Video

What a joy he is to our family!

13 things I want my teenage daughter to know….

Whitney turns 13 tomorrow, I have mixed emotions about this. She has spend the last week attending Oakcrest, a camp for only girls going into 8th grade. I’m sure she has had a blast and made a lot of memories. She will soon be starting school and although she thinks I know nothing about being 13 or that I don’t know how she feels. I wanted to share with her 13 things I want her to remember!

1. You are more beautiful than you will ever know.
2. Learn to apologize, Learn to forgive and also Let things go.
3. Put others before yourself.
4. Never forget a SMILE is the prettiest thing you can wear.
5. Your dad can see a crappy boy before you can.
6. Bad times make you appreciate the good times.
7. Tell you favorite teacher they rock, just do it.
8. Hug your grandparents every change you get.
9. Nothing good happens after midnight.
10. Do what is right, Not what is easy.
11. Chill with the eyeliner and don’t wear pushup bra’s.
12. You deserve happiness, know some people with just not like you, and its OK.
13. Love God with all your heart, His plan is greater than yours (Romans 8:28)

I seriously could go on and on with advise and things I want to tell her. My first instinct is to protect her. But I know she has to do her thing. She will learn a lot and make mistakes. But with all that comes growth. We love her very much and are super proud of her. We love watching her become a beautiful young lady. 

Enjoy life, It goes by faster than you think LOVE, MOM

cute as can be (alittle of everything) six yr. old style

Payton has a busy couple of month! First up I was able to go to the Zoo with her Kindergarten class, which was totally fun and so cute. These kids are just darling and she has really enjoyed having Mrs.Zeally has her teacher.

She played coach pitch baseball and she really did do great. She hit the ball several times and loved running the bases. When we first went to the store to get her a mitt and baseball shoes. She told me she didn’t need a mitt because she didn’t plan on catching the ball anyways. And she wasn’t to sure about playing because boys play baseball. I did talk her into the shoes, by convincing her that they were kind of like high heels, cuz they make her taller.

Both girls had a dance recital and did wonderful!! They are such good friends and made me so happy doing what like doing.

She passed off level 2 of swimming lessons and loves swimming so much, she is so brave and hardly has any fear.

These last pictures of her are just a typical day, she is getting really long hair but most days hates it to be combed. When she got her baseball trophy she carried it around for days. Last but not least this Barbie camper is her favorite thing to play with she even plans to get up earlier for school just so she can play with it. 

she is a full of life and we love watching her grow and learning new things.

Finally an Eagle Scout…

In May we finally had the Court of Honor for Tristin to receive his Eagle Scout Award.

Along with a lot of other boys in our ward. It’s been awhile since they had one. I had to along with some other mothers keep after the leaders to have one.

Anyways Tristin did his Eagle Scout Project actually in Oct of 2012. He put on a Veteran’s Day celebration for Veteran’s living in an assistant living center. He had program with music and stories, refreshments and gave them all a wooden plaque with an American Flag. But moving on, this is what I came up for the court of honor.

I went and took some pictures of him so I could make his invitations. He has a huge personality and makes everything really fun and entertaining.

Then I made these 2 banners for the tables using my Cricut.

I found this shadow window box at hobby lobby and spent several evenings finding all his awards, merit badges and pins even some from cub scouts. Then Scott helped me glue them all on, after rearranging it several times.

It turned out so great and it was a surprise to him.

I made the centerpieces for the food table, just cut out stars and put all the words that a scout is like Kind, Brave, Trustworthy, Honest, Frugal Loyal, etc.

At least know I’ll be set for the next court of honor, I'm sure before I know it, It will be Gavin's turn.

We are super proud of Tristin he has always loved Scouting and has had some of the best leaders. He gave out 3 mentor pins that evening because he couldn’t pick just one. I know he learned great skills and has great memories of all his scouting years.

Welcome to the Eagles Nest!