Forever Family

Parenting

2011-08-21T16:54:00.001+02:00

Last night was the adult session of Stake Conference for our church. I learned some new things and some things I already new and was reminded of. It was mostly on families and parenting. Something I much needed in my life right now. I still get amazed when I feel like a certain talk or talks were just for me. Wonderful how the Lord knows of our needs, even mine, even when they are sometimes insignificant.

I love my cute little ones. Unfortunately at 4:30 am when Tanner is whinning begging for cereal, I'm not very good at showing that love. At one time in my life I seriously wanted 12 kids. When I watched cheaper by the dozen I even wanted that more. Then reality set in for me. 1. I don't have as much patience as I thought 2. My health would never allow me to have that many and 3. I know there wouldn't be enough of me at the end of the day to go around. So, I decided I would settle I would have 6, and then the same realities hit me again. Now I'm thinking 3 is good. lol I do want one more. 4 seems like a great number now. lol :) It's funny how our desires change over the years.

My cup was definately made full last night. I was given a new hope, that I CAN do this. I CAN be a good mom. The Lord reminded me through the speakers last night that James and I are not alone in this whole parenting thing, the Lord is with us. I was reminded to not become habitual in our scripture studies and prayers as a family, to stop and take the time to really teach the kids the scriptures. One of the speakers said to slow down when we read, he said,"we don't read the scriptures to learn more about Christ we read them to learn how to BECOME more LIKE CHRIST." Interesting I had never thought of it like that before. Then of course the Sunday School answers to be a good parent and help our children have good testimonies: weekly/daily family activities to strengthen, weekly Family Home Evening, morning and night time prayer, scripture study, attend church/keep Sabbath Day holy, serve others, and be obedient to Gods laws and commandments. It all seems so very simple doesn't it?

I was given the courage and the desire to try a little harder and be a little better. One more thing I learned that's worth writing today is to have a To BE list instead of a To Do list. A To Do list is filled with things that one can check off and be done with, but a To BE list is never done! I like that! It reminds me that my work is never done, and that I can't just simply check being a parent off. Oh how grateful I am for the opportunity to be a Mother with all of the challenges and joy that it brings. My goal is to let that show to my children no matter what the circumstance may be ie: mud thrown all over the house, baby not wanting to be put down, or an attitude. :)

Reflection

2011-06-29T03:34:00.004+02:00

The lesson in Relief Society at church on Sunday was about the sacrament and the sabbath day. The comments that were shared during the lesson caused me to do some reflection of my own life, and I have been doing some reflection ever since.

We talked about how important the sacrament was and how we should take it etc. We also talked about how to honor the sabbath day. During the lesson I flashed back to the last few Sunday's and how I had taken the sacrament and how our Sabbath days went afterwards. All I could see was baby crying, 3 year old screaming cause he wanted his snack, and 8 year old asking if she could go to the bathroom. Needless to say you could imagine that my thoughts weren't exactly on Christ and all he did for us, and after church it was sitting on the couch just counting down the hours till James got home, not writing in my journal or serving, or doing other sabbath day activites.

In the past we have always talked about the different types of Mormons. hehe The Sunday Mormons, the Molly Mormons, the Jack Mormons, the Good Mormons, etc. I have always thought of myself as the Mormon who tried to do her best living the gosple. After the lesson on Sunday I stated asking myself lots of questions and reflecting on my life. Do I just go to church on Sundays? When I take the sacrament do I really stop and think of what it means? Do I take the time to truely repent of my sins? On the Sabbath do I meditate?

Well it's two weeks later, and I am barely finishing this post. lol Yup that's how my life goes. Since that Sunday two weeks ago I have tried to have a reverent attitude all week not just on Sundays. I have tried to remain close to my Savior. I'm not really sure I've made much progress since that Sunday two weeks ago. Hopefully the Lord will know my heart is in the right place....most days. :)

I'm back!

2011-06-29T03:27:00.001+02:00

Alright so its been year. Hey I've moved twice, had a baby, went back to school, started a business, and I'm sure I can find lots of other excuses too. :) BUT!! I'm back now. I miss blogging so much. I love to write and express myself and this is a great way for me to do so, and it doesn't hurt my hands as much as writing in my journal. ;)

LOTS has happened in our lives since my last post, as many of you already know. Little miss Roseleigh Jaymes Giacoletti entered our lives on March 28th. She is a 3 months old now! CRAZY.

Oh forget it! Lets play catch up later, I got other things I want to write about. :)

Cultural Celebration for the Gila Valley Temple

2010-05-23T15:19:00.004+02:00

Once again I have NO pictures to go along with my thoughts today, but I was trying to be obedient by not taking pictures at the cultural celebration as they wished, so I left my camera in the car as to not be tempted. DANG IT! LOL

For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about. The Gila Valley temple (which is just about an hour from us) is being dedicated today. The night before a temple dedication, a cultural celebration is held to celebrate the communities/stakes in which the temple will serve. The youth of the church in these surrounding communities perform dances and songs that represent these communities. They spent many many hours over the last month or so preparing for this night. This was done for President Thomas S. Monson(prophet of the church) and other church leaders. In attendence with him last night were President Henry B. Eyring(1st councelor of the gen. presidency of the church), Elder Jeffery R. Holland(a member of the quroum of the 12 apostles of the church) and two other general authorities, but I can't remember their names, oops.

It was amazing, cute, funny, and spiritual all at the same time. I didn't expect to feel the spirit as strongly as I did. In between performances they showed different individual youth being asked various questions(this was not live). There was music being played in the background. One of the questions was "What do you love about this area?" These youth put it so simply, in their words: "This is where my family is." "This place is so peacful, it is beautiful here." "You know everyone." "People are family." While these youth were giving their answers, my eyes filled with tears, it was right then in that very moment that the spirit testified to me I am in the right place at the right time. It was the most wonderful thing. I realized that while there are things I do not like about these communities, there are so many more things that are wonderful about these communities. I am not sure if this is where we will stay forever, but I have a strong feeling this is where I want to raise my children. They spoke of what a great place this is to have a temple here. It made me stop and rethink my former statements of, "I never want to go back, Let's just leave, This wasn't part of the plan to stay here", and so on. :) Then I leaned to my mom and said, "See mom this is why Tucson isn't getting a temple!" LOL This is a special place, and I most definately felt that last night.

As the Prophet made his way to the stand, the congregation on their own started to sing, "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet". You talk about feeling the spirit. President Monson is so stinkin cute, for an 82 year old man that is . LOL I couldn't believe he was right there, IN person. We had pretty good seats so we could see him really good. Once again I felt the spirit testify this is truely a prophet of the Lord. I wish you could have seen him with the children that were closest to him. As I looked down at little ones flocking to him, I imagined for a second what it must have been like when Christ was on the earth and children would flock to him. Christ loved the little children, and he blessed them one by one. Of course the prophet didn't have time to bless them one by one, but you could see and even feel his love for the little ones, and the youth. It was a priceless moment, one I hope I will cherish all my life. He did leave a blessing upon the youth that was so sweet, what a special thing to have the prophet come see you dance and sing, and then leave you with a special blessing! I was wishing I was one of the youth last night. ;)

My niece Kayla got to be in the cultural celebration last night. She did a great job! Kayla was literally right by the prophet, I am talking arm distance here. :) She tried to reach out and touch him, but as she did he turned the other way, he didn't see her. I saw her tears from the stand as she stood by him hearing him joke with the kids and testify of the Savior. What an amazing experience for her. I pray she will take those feelings and this experience with her throughout her life, and when her faith gets shaky she will recall these things to help strengthen her.

The closing song and dance were probably my favorite. Again the spirit was so strong. The kids while singing, darn I can't remember what hymn they were singing, turned around putting white on(kind of like a cape thing) and then they raised a young man up who was portraying the Angel Moroni. It was so awesome!! I can't even describe it in words, and of course I don't have a picture. LOL

I truely love the temple. I love the feeling I get when I enter his house. I love walking in those doors and leaving the rest of the world behind me. I turely feel a piece of heaven on earth when I am there. I am so grateful to have a temple in this valley, what a blessing! And, I came home just in time to enjoy it. :)

I had an opportunity to be with some of my inactive family in the temple for the open house. Sadly it will probably be the only time my family is in the temple together, but maybe not! I have hope. :) It was a very neat experience for us, and especially my mom. I know they felt the spirit there I could see it in their eyes. I just hope it was enough to bring them back. ;)

SLACKER/UPDATE

2010-05-12T06:11:00.003+02:00

Boy am I a slacker!! I have no good excuses either.

James has a temp. job. He works in Safford which is 55min from Morenci. After doing the math though it was wise to take the temp job even with the price of gas and wear and tear on the vehicle. He is hoping for a permanant job soon, very soon. In his words, "I didn't get a degree for nothing!" LOL Lets just say he doesn't care much for splitting core. LOL He is working for the copper mine in the area. He is taking his finals this week and should have his diploma for his Bachelor's Degree in just a few short months in the mail. Hooray!! I am so proud of him. He has worked so hard and the road has been L O N G!

I am busy filling scrapbook orders for mom's business. If you need the perfect grad gift, let mek now! For now we are just staying locally and friends until we decide how serious we are going to be. We are hoping to make this for real though.

DeeDee loves school and is becoming quite the young lady. She will be baptized this summer which is so hard for me to believe. I can't believe how fast she is growing.

Tanner is busy busy all the time like most boys are. He is growing fast as well, and is not my baby anymore. :( So sad. He will be 2 at the end of June. He is so much fun.

Okay I will be better at doing this, and will post pics of all our adventures so far in AZ!! We love being home.

Dementia Taking a Mind but not a Life

2010-02-25T19:58:00.003+01:00

My Papa has Dementia. Gram says now that she looks back he started showing signs in his 50's. Papa's memory is almost gone, but not quite. He doesn't remember who I am, but when I saw him for the first time when we got home I didn't have DeeDee with me and he knew I was supposed to have a girl with me. So, he has something left in there. :)

My Papa is 89 years old. It amazes me how is physical body is so strong and for the most part pretty healthy, but yet his mind is deteroiating slowly but surely and at a much faster rate than it was just a year ago when I was home last. They made the mistake of letting him use a wheel chair, so now his lower body strength is virturally none exsistat, leaving Gram with even more of a burden in carring for him. She just turned 80 at the end of Jan and is pretty healthy and strong herself. She is tired and her load is very heavy though. My dad helps as much as he can, but has his own limitations, and my Uncle helps as much as he can but lives a little further away. This leaves us with the question, Is it time now to put him in a home?

Monday he fell several times, at least 8 that Gram can remember. They took him to the hospital. They found no signs of stroke from the CatScan, but the picture was blurry. Yeah right, Papa stay still for a CatScan, not on your life. LOL He was so combative they had to sedate him just to get a blurry picture.

I have to say it was comical. Papa yelling at the nurses anytime they would mess with him, "You sorry sonsofB------(you can fill in the blanks I am sure) get your own damn bed!" Telling them he was going to bite their fingers off or kick their A-- up between their shoulder blades. He wouldn't keep his gown on or the covers. Gram kept telling him, "Cowboy! Your butt is not pretty, keep these damn covers on!" LOL They ended up sedating Papa two more times within an hour and half the next morning before we got back to the hospital. When he finally started coming to about 6 hours or more later Gram and I tried to help him pee. Let me tell you that was hallarious. I was secretly glad though when Papa peed on Gram and not me. LOL Gram says, "Oh hell Cowboy, you peed on me and down yourself." I could not stop laughing. I know the nurses thought I was horrible, but "no since in crying over it", Gram says.

All joking aside. When I walked into that hospital room with Papa curled up in a little ball on the bed I could'nt fight back the tears anymore. The reality that my Papa though here physically would never be here again mentally finally hit me. For the first time since the disease started taking over I saw with my own eyes what I already knew in my heart, he is no longer Papa, just an old man bying his time in this life. I hated to see him like that, wondering if he was in pain or what he was thinking, if he was thinking anything at all.

I miss his stories, his laugh, his smile, and the things he used to always tell us, "You better get somethin to eat." Do you need any money?" Or, the famous, "Grandma, Do you see those pretty babies, those are Papa's babies, those are fine babies Grandma." If I close my eyes today and listen carefully I can still hear Papa's raspy voice saying those exact words.

Of course looking back now I regret not listening more deeply to his stories. I regret not writing them down or recording them so that my own children would have been able to know him even after he is gone. But all I have now are my own foggy memories which aren't enough anymore. I have made a resolution to write in my journal or on here as much as I can that I might have my memories with me always and that my children and their children will have them after I am gone.

He will not eat. The social worker said when people are dying they often don't feel hunger like we do. Part of me is hoping he goes soon, although all is vitals and blood work prove that he will be with us longer, I know he is growing weaker and Gram is growing weaker and more tired as well. But, the other part of me wants my Papa back driving slow down the highway with a cigerate practically falling out of his mouth. :)

I do not want to see him in a home especially after seeing him in a hospital and the way they treated him there, but the reality is Gram can not take care of him by herself anymore. This hurts, this hurts bad. I am so grateful for our opportunity to be home. The Lord knows what he is doing my friends even when we do not understand why. I am also grateful for a husband who is so in tune with the spirit that he knows what the Lord would have us do and is not afraid to go foward and do it. I get to be with my family through this time and this is a blessing, a huge blessing.

None of us want to see ourselves facing this later on in our own lives. Unfortunately some of us will. I told Gram that I hope I go just like Granny Phillips in my sleep. Gram said, "Don't we all?"

This is it!

2010-02-09T21:21:00.004+01:00

I have tried writing this post for weeks now, but I find myself not being able to find the words. I'll try again today.

Well, today is James' very last day as a memeber of the United States Air Force. I have to admit I thought it would feel better than this. There is a part of me that is sad, sad I won't be seeing my husband in his uniform walking out the door to be a hero, sad I won't be meeting new people frequently and moving new places, and sad not to be a part of something so amazing anymore.

It has now been a few weeks since we began our journey of true freedom! Free from the military owning us, free from someone telling my husband where he was going to be and what he was going to be doing, and free from the worries of military life. I feel quite differently today than I did on Feb. 9, James' last day in the military. I feel a load has been taking off of my shoulders although a new load has been replaced. :)

There are things I miss about the military mostly a steady paycheck and the sence of pride for what my husband did everyday. (Don't get me wrong being a great father and husband far out weighs any work he ever did or could've done for the military!) I think I miss Germany more than I miss the military. :) Right now things are still so uncertain for us it is hard for me to know what I feel. I know I feel at peace with the decision we made to get out and so does James, No regrets, no should've would've could'ves either. He misses it more than he though he would, don't let him fool you, but he knows we made the right choice.

We are excited to be home, even though with it has been different challenges and burdens. I feel we have a real opportunity to make a difference now in the lives of our families. I feel this is a huge reason we are home at this time. I am not sure how long we will be right at home in the community we grew up in, but I have a sneaky feeling it is going to be longer than I had anticipated, perhaps ALOT longer. So, I am gearing up!

It is hard to believe at times that it is real. That we are not just on vacation, that we are really out of the military and at home. I always new we would come home someday, I had no idea it was going to be this soon. :)

Memories

2010-01-14T06:18:00.002+01:00

I watched as they walked out the door with our last box last night and sealed the very last crate a feeling of relief and sorrow came over me. It took me back to the day we moved into our house here. I had locked myself out so when the movers got here they had to break in! LOL Great way to start out a new life in a new country. The movers then were nice by the way. :) I remember going to a resturant for the first time people stareing at us talking in German and the only thing we could understand was American, so you know they were talking about us. I had never felt so intimidated in my life. For a minute I wondered if maybe I was wrongly excited about moving here. :) Then, 4 years seemed like a lifetime away. After we added 6 more months to it, it felt as though the day of our departure would never come, but here I sit today in an empty house that echos, trying to burn all the wonderful memories, and trials in my mind that I may hold on to this experience forever. We have been so blessed, through even our trials the Lord has delivered wonderful blessings.

One can definately say that I broadend my horizons while here. The Lord most certaintly does not make mistakes. My time here has taught me so many things. I have grown in immeasureable ways, well I like to think at least. Of course I am still the same fiesty Brandi, not sure that will every change. :) Looking back I feel we have done a great job at taking advantage of our time here. Only a few things on our traveling list that didn't get done, but I like to think we will come back some day, if only to show Tanner where he was born.

Time goes by so fast when you're havin fun uh? Or, when you are too busy to stop and enjoy the moments. Today I have mixed emotions, which I have had all along, but today I am leaning more on the I don't want to go side. :) At church on Sunday, I took a good look around at the people, my friends, my aquaintances. I tried to etch their faces in my mind, as I remembered the blessings they have brought to my life. I am not sure if I will see some of them again, at least not in this life, but I certaintly won't forget all they have given me. A good friend told me "You know we will see eachother again, and we will always have our friendship to grow." To me that was comforting. I am excited to see the friends that await us at home that we may be able to make new memories to add to our old. It has been a long time.

We always have our memories. When we are old and grey and we can not remember, we have them written down to take us right back to the places which we once were. I am going to be writing a lot of memories over the next few weeks, so bare with me. :) Hey you might get a good laugh out of it!

Writing a Talk

2010-01-07T16:45:00.002+01:00

Aw the joys! I actually enjoy giving talks in church. Numerous times throughout the years I have ideas come into my mind of good topics for talks, and I play out in my mind how I am going to deliver the message that Heavenly Father would have me do. Sadly almost 6 years has gone by since the last time I spoke in church. Well I am getting what I wanted, to talk in church. Um Yeah too bad it's about 6 months too late, and very horrible timing!!! But, blessings right? I need all the blessings I can get right now, well with the upcoming changes in our life and all. So, I said yes, of course, in hopes that I can draw closer to the Savior. The Bishop gave us conference talks to use as the basis for our talks, told us to only take 10 minutes and keep it simple so we don't have to stress out right now. Easy, only 10 min. I thought. I can do this. So, I read the talk last night, and NO inspiration, nothing. For the first time in Brandi history, I am at a loss of what message the Lord wants me to deliever. I am praying, but still nothing. Or maybe something just something totally unexpected and in a different way?

I have always believed that more often than not we are asked to do things in the church to help our selves grow not necessarily to help others. Today I decided to pull up(on the internet) more articles in the Ensign(church magazine) in order to get inspired. :) The title of the first presidency message for this month caught my eye. Even though this has nothing to do with what I am supposed to talk about I decided to read it anyway. I am so glad I did. It is titled: Hold On A Little Longer. I am not sure what message I am supposed to deliver to the congergation on Sunday, but am now most certain of the message the Lord wanted to deliver to me. :)

I think I have done pretty good with the obsticles that have been thrown our way over the last few months ie: health, James not being able to finish school like we had planned, Tanner not sleeping, and DeeDee's education. But, still I worry about the "other trials along the way" A horrible curse of mine, always waiting for the next shoe to fall. Elder Uchtdorf reminded me to hold on a little longer that everything will be okay. He remided me of my worth, and my part in Heavenly Father's plan. Keep the faith, especially when things go bad. Simple? I know, but profound. Again I needed the reminder. Dang, I need lots of reminders. Anyone else need as many as I do? Please tell me there is someone. :)

If there is one thing I know for sure it is that life hardly ever goes as we plan it to. There is someone greater than us however who always has a different plan, and even better plan than we do.

Blind Side

2010-01-07T16:17:00.002+01:00

I watched the movie the other day. It is an awesome movie by the way. I love true stories, and happy endings. :) Kind of silly? Maybe. I love a good movie, song, or book, that cause me to stop and think about life, that encourage me to live better, and be happier.

It truely was a miracle what this family did for this young man. After the movie I pondered a little. It was amazing to me that their wealth and busy lives didn't stop them from noticing a need and then acting on that need. I thought to myself how many opportunities to make someone or something better have I missed along the way because I was to busy to see, to wrapped up in my own problems to stop? Would I be able to do what they did for him? Would I be able to give of myself and everything I had physically and metally? If the opportunity was placed before me today would I have the courage to follow through, or would my own circumstances stop me from providing everything I had to give? These are questions that have been playing in my mind over and over for the last few days. I saw an interview with Tim McGraw who very perfectly said, A lot of us see needs in this life, but few of us have the strength to make a commitment to fix them. (not sure if this is exactly how he said it, forgive me, but you get the point?) He is so right though. How many of us could actually do what the Touys did for Michael Oher?

Call me crazy, but this movie has changed me. I only pray that I can be some of what they were, and are.

If you haven't seen the movie WATCH IT!! And to make it even better youtube some of the interviews with the actors and the actual people, it makes it that much sweeter!!

Here's to OPENING our EYES, that we may not be blind, and here's to opening our HEARTS that we may freely love others and give them all that we have REGARDLESS of who they are OR where they come from!!!!!

For Brittani

2009-12-27T14:52:00.002+01:00

Brit, this is for you. Of course he didn't do it as cute as he normally does because he was too distracted by the light on the camera, naturally. LOL We love you and miss you lots!

James and DeeDee Sledding

2009-12-27T14:17:00.002+01:00

Sledding was very fun for all of us. I fell and slipped a few times which gave everyone some good laughs. We weren't brave enough to try skiing. James decided getting hurt right before he gets out wouldn't be a good thing. I agreed.

Christmas in Wonderland

2009-12-26T18:12:00.006+01:00

Garmisch was beautiful! I have hopes to capture in words what I saw and felt with my eyes and heart while we were there. We have been to Garmisch once before in the summer time. It was beautiful then, but even more so now with Christmas lights, smoking chimney's, snow all around, and the people with a glow in their eyes. I couldn't help but notice the peace that filled the air as we walked down the little streets in the village. It was quite, no horns honking, no people yelling, no rush to get the last gift, no trash in the streets, or homeless looking for a bite to eat, just a band playing christmas songs with the people smiling, laughing, and holding hands seeming to me as though they were cherishing every minute with each other. As we neared the Christmas market where we wanted to be, stopping I turned to James and said, "I feel like I am in an old American movie, when life was simple when people really loved with all they had, and gave to those in need, but instead of fake snow on the roof tops it is REAL!" There we were just the four of us walking, standing in aw of the atmosphere we were experiencing. For a moment in time it was just us, no noise, no distractions of everyday life, no stress, just the feeling of peace that everything will be okay. For a moment in time nothing else mattered, we were grateful what the last year has brought us, grateful that we were together and for the most part healthy and very blessed. These are the moments we will cherish for all of our lives and forever. To top it off we walked by a church that had a very unique scene of what took place in Bethlem all those many years ago. As a stood there gazing into the scene I thought of the Savior's life. We worked hard to make this Christmas about service and the Savior, being in Garmisch and having that time together helped make our message very clear. That is what Christmas is truely about.

I was so excited to see all the snow. I think it is safe to say I have never experienced that much snow in my life up to that point. We went sledding, swimming(I know only in Germany could you do both in the same day) played in the snow, played games, watched our favorite Christmas movies, ate way too much sweets (as always), listened to great Christmas music and just enjoyed every minute we had before life gets crazy. The drive down was nerve racking as we experienced rough wheather in the dark, never a good combo. The car was packed to the top. We had things stuffed in places of that car I didn't even know exsisted. LOL Our Father in Heaven was definiately watching over us that night. :) When we got there we were suprised that our cabin was way smaller than what it looked like on the internet. The heat didn't work the first night in the front area which was not fun. Tanner was in heaven as he could climb up to the table all by himself, lucky us I know. Tanner now has bruises on his face and new scars on his nose from falling off of the table and bed more than once mind you. Um, yeah he doesn't learn the first time, what is this going to mean for the teenage years? Don't answer that. LOL Right outside the base there is a sign that reads, "Billy's Table Dance". I had not really paid much attention to it. Then DeeDee says, "Mom what is Billy's Table Dance?!!!!!". James and I couldn't help but laugh, I guess we can't keep them innocent forever. James told her she didn't need to know. I told her it was inappropriate. Later she asked if it was okay to kiss lots of boys before she gets married. James told her NO! Then he told her that his heart couldn't take that kind of conversation right now. What a whimp uh?

Life is short. I am glad we had the opportunity to remember that as we took time for each other. I hope your Christmas was a memorable as ours, and that this new year will bring many joy's to your lives.

Hatered Why?

2009-12-14T07:53:00.003+01:00

I often wonder what makes people say and do some of the hateful things they do. We are all human and at times we may say and do things that we are not proud of. But, hopefully most of us make right the things we did wrong.

Today while searching on youtube for a church christmas song I fell upon comments that were very hatefully directed at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My mom always told me to stay away from things like this. I know why. I have such a horrible feeling towards those people that said those horrible things. I am writing because I hope it will make me stop shaking. LOL I know not very Christ-like, I will repent later. I can not help but want to SCREAM!!

I understand that people do not agree with the church and it's doctrines, but why would people spend their precious time trying to convince us that our church is not true? Does it matter that much? Is it that serious that people BELIEVE in Christ and are trying to be as he was and devot their lives to service in his name? I understand that some people have had bad experiences with Mormons, but does this mean that we are all like that? And, let us remember that we are all human weather or not we profess to be part of the true church.To each their own as my brother always says. :)

Does it matter weather or not Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, called of him to restore his gospel to this earth? Or does it matter that millions follow his teachings today trying to make themselves and their lives better? I feel it matters that people are trying to be better and make our world better rather than what they believe. So many people are mislead. I have lots of close friends that are not members or not active members, do I love them the same YES!!

A few months back I saw a woman's paintings, they were beauitful. I have always wanted a painting of the San Deigo Temple, where James and I were sealed. So, I asked her if she could paint one for me, offering to send her a picture, etc. She emailed me and said she couldn't do it because we were a cult and didn't believe in Christ. She said she couldn't paint something that was the center of something she didn't believe in and felt so strongly about. I was totally blown away. I wrote her back infromed her, very nicely, that we do believe in Christ and his teachings etc. I then told her I respected her feelings and thanked her for her time. I put myself in her shoes, would I share my God given talent to do something I felt so stronly was wrong, no I wouldn't. So, I could respect that. It just saddens me that so many people do not count us among them as Christans. As Christans we need to come together despite what we believe to make our communities and schools a better place for our children. It saddens me that so many people are blinded by their own pride that they can't see the church for what it is. People are so hung up on the plygomy that they can't see past it. Or the fact that we support marriage being only between a man and woman. It's all the same stuff I have heard since I was a kid. Along with telling me that I was brainwashed. LOL That's funny. Anyone who knows me knows that couldn't happen. :) It was simple I prayed, I asked, the Lord provided. Same thing my 7 year old has recently experienced. I never once told her she had to believe. Either did my parents. She had her doubts I told her to pray and ask, and she did. She now has her own testimoney.

I share the gospel with people because I care. Although I haven't been a good missionary lately. :( If they say they are not interested okay, life goes on. I share the gospel with people because I want everyone to have what I have. There are no rewards no commission checks at the end of the day. Just the feeling of happiness, that I have shared the best thing I have in my life with the people that I care for, or the people that I know are searching for something better. Is there something wrong with that? Is that really so bad?

The Savior said, "love one another as I have loved you". He didn't say love only the people of your faith, or only the people that do the things you deem right. He also said, "if you do it unto the least of these my brothern you do it unto me". He didn't say only serve those you know or those who believe as you do. He said to pray for our enemies, and for those that despitefully use us. He said, "I will forgive whom I will, but of you it is required to forgive all men".

Yesterday I was struggling, today I am grateful for the opportunity for my testimoney to be strengthend once again. I have decided to recommit myself to serving Heavenly Father and ALL his children.

Thanks for reading, I feel much better now! LOL I forgive them now. :)

First Snow

2009-12-14T05:08:00.003+01:00

They had so much fun. Even though it was Sunday I let DeeDee play out in the snow with her friends. Tanner thought it was the best thing ever. These pictures are taken at 5 am. Tanner couldnn't wait to go outside. When we let him down he started laughing, and running. I love the snow, not driving in it though. I just love to look at it. It is still stuck to the ground it is supposed to snow again today, we will see.

Putting up the Christmas Tree

2009-12-13T17:17:00.004+01:00

Well our tree is little this year. Sad. But we figured it was better to put the fake one away after our trip to Garmisch than to try to take down, or leave up a real one.

This really is the most wonderful time of the year. James did FHE last night on the meaning of the traditional things we use at Christmas ie, tree, star, lights and presents. It was fun for DeeDee to learn the reasons we use those things. She gets 3 presents from us for Christmas because of the gifts the 3 wisemen brought the Savior. She does get 1 from Santa and her stocking filled, which is plenty. We want our kids to not be focused not on getting gifts but rather giving and on the Savior. When James and I were growing up it was all about gifts. So, we have decided to change it for our own kids. DeeDee and I made a list of what we could give this year. It was so much more fun than writing the what I want list. I am sad to report that we haven't done anything we planned on doing because I have been so tired and Dad is not home. I know poor excuses. This is the last week before we go, so we are getting some of our service done, hopefully.

I to turn off all the lights in the house and stare at the Christmas tree lights. It brings me a sort of peace, as I sit there and reflect on my life the last year and on the life of our Savior. I think of the eternal light.

Merry Christmas everyone!! I hope your days are specail!

Tanner's Randomness

2009-12-13T16:45:00.003+01:00

We had to cut the feet off the pj's he wont' wear them

He found sissy's chones and put them on! LOL

This boy is something else let me tell you. Grandma always said everyone needed a Myge (my oldest brother), well we definately got ours! He is every where. My house stays clean for about a minute. He looks right at me and does it again when I tell him to pick something up. He is so much fun and so full of life. When we hear pitter patter we know he is coming. He loves to give squeezes and kisses. He loves to "read" and play with his Trucks. I thank Heavenly Father every day that he gave him to us. The Lord most definately had his hands in with this one. After 3 years of trying and lots of prayers, he finally came to us. I can not imagine our lives without him. He teaches me more about myself and about life. He does things on his own terms, not on his mama's. Yeah I know this is going to be fun! Both of my babies have lots of personality, and are determined to get what they want out of this life. I can't ask for more. I keep telling myself that they will need it someday, and I try to teach them how to use it for good. I love them!!

Mrs. Sharunn "See You Later Party", We love you!!!

2009-12-13T14:19:00.006+01:00

I already miss this woman like crazy! Another goodbye down, lots more to go. :( Sharunn has been my back bone for 3 years now. She understands me and does not judge how I feel ever. She is special in every way! As she is to lots of people. We look good girls don't we?? James must have been doing something silly when he took the second picture of all of us, imagine that. Sharunn Come Back!! love you

The Lord's Hands

2009-12-09T06:20:00.003+01:00

I know that my trials are not as great as others may be. At times this helps me to tell myself, " Suck it up cowgirl", but at other times I do get discouraged. After all I am human, and a firm believer in being "real" with your feelings and then finding the strength to move on. I do not believe that it is good to convince yourself that your feelings are not just. To me that only brings more heart ache later on.

There are always more things than meets the eye. Things people are going through that others are not aware of. I too struggle with things that others may not know. This stops me from judging others as I am not aware of what is going on inside of them or their homes. Do not get the wrong idea here. :) I have a good life. I do struggle with my own demons though.

At times I let Satan get the best of me. I say Satan because I know Father in Heaven would not have me feel or think the things I sometimes do. (D&C 50:23-25: And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. ...) Sometimes Satan wins, at least for the moment. That is until I find my faith again and strengthen myself in the Lord's words.

Today while reading the words of Henry B. Eyring, First Councleor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a peace came over me. I found great strength in a servent of the Lord. "This faith requires enduring bravely the trials of mortal life." Bravely, um. Before hand I had not thought about bravery and trials together. But, it makes since doesn't it? Bravery to me means doing so with honor and with courage. Have I done so? I am sad to report, NO. But, am grateful today for the reminder, for the lesson learned. I know that reading his words was not an accident, it was the work of the Lord.

"Some of us are troubled with illness and with poverty (mine might be both LOL). Others may have contentionin in the family or no family at all. Yet we can invite the Light of Christ to shine on us and let us see and feel some of the promised joys that lie before us", Henry B. Eyring. The Lord has not forsaken me. :) I have seen his hands in my life. The last two days somehow I was able to do some cleaning without being totally exhausted. I got a lot done. This may not seem big to some of you, but to me it is huge.

The Lord is real, and his healing power is even more real.

10 Things I learned these last few days Funny

2009-12-09T05:49:00.005+01:00

One: never get white kitchen cabinets, especially ones that have a texture. Who does that?
Two: magic erasers really are the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Three: recycling despite being great and helping our enviroment, SUCKS!! When you are moving and they won't let you use the recycling center on base anymore it sucks even more!
Four: clean the car out weekly that way it doesn't look like a junk yard on wheels.
Five: do not I repeat do not clean the car out in the rain with two kids "helping" everything/one ends up wet and cold.
Six: do the laundry before it gets to be as tall as the doorway, this will prevent laundry take over (you know it takes your life away because you are spending days doing it)
Seven: don't go crazy on your husband on HIS birthday because he is teasing you, you might ruin his specail day or worse everyone's day.
Eight: yelling doesn't accomplish anything.
Nine: do not bite off more than you can chew, I do this a lot.
Ten: a 15 month old can destroy a house in a matter of a few minutes, do not turn your head!

Some things I have to learn over and over again.

Recent Diagnoses/Life is Crazy right now

2009-12-07T06:58:00.004+01:00

For those of you who read this on facebook, I apologize for saying the same things. I love to write and this blog is my opportunity to express myself the best way I know how.

James said it, " I knew we couldn't just get out of the military and everything be great, there has to be trials." He it the nail on the head with that one. James has 4 classes to graduate with his Bachelor's. He is taking 2 right now and is going to clep to because they wouldn't let him registar for the 4. Between the VA the military and the school he has had a heck of a time with registaring for classes the last few terms. He is trying hard to get it all done before we get out. He should be done right before we leave in Jan. That's cutting it close.

They are working James like crazy right at the time I need him the most, as far as his physical help goes. Looks like I will be getting most of the house ready mostly by myself. DeeDee is helping bless her heart. We are postponing school for now for her because I just can't keep up with everything. Heather how did you do it? I am worried but a sweet sister at church yesterday who has been homeschooling for 15 years told me not to worry. She does the same thing when they move.

I have just been diagnosed with Graves Disease, which is a form of Hyperthyroidism. I have been sick and tired, and more tired for months now but I never once thought about Hyperthyroid. I didn't think to go to the Dr for it either. I have a knot in my stomach that moves and that is why I went. Good thing I did. I have every single system right now which is rare most people have a few and it takes them years to get diagnosed because they don't realize it. The evenings are the hardest right now because that is when I am most exhausted and James is gone at work. My poor kiddos think they are being abandon. Now I know exactly how my mother felt when she had it many years ago. She had a rough several years.

Once easy things are not so easy for me anymore and take great effort. Walking up the stairs, cleaning, cooking, exercise, chasing after Tanner etc. I thought I was just really out of shape, good thing to know I wasn't. LOL It is an Autioimmune disease which would explain why I still have a cold and a very sore throat. It is back to the Dr. again on Wed. I should be put on lifetime medication then. I am also on heart medicine right now to slow my heart down. My resting pulse is between 100 and 115, not good. Within a few weeks to months I should start feeling like me again. Happy, energetic, etc. It really has taken everything out of me. The bad part is this is the time in my life when I need a lot of energy. It makes me depressed, mood swings etc, so that is why I wanted to divorce my husband and fun away with out my children. :( LOL

We still do not have a job. Which adds a little more to the mix. Moving is a task all in its own as so many of you know.

I do want whoever is reading this to know that despite all this I do have great faith that the Lord will provide. I am going to start writing daily, I hope, of how the Lord does have his hand in our lives, and has not left us a lone. Partly for me to see and be reminded and partly for others to see that their is hope, when all hope feels gone. This has been extra hard for me because even when I am sick I do not stop. I have been forced to stop, sadly not enough because James is gone.

I love the Savior and my Father in Heaven. We will make it through.

New Blog Address

2009-11-16T11:50:00.001+01:00

Here is the new address http://preventiononechildatatime.blogspot.com. Please share this with your friends/family anyone you think could benefit.

Thanks for your support!

Drug Prevention Blog coming soon "Preventing, One Child At A Time"

2009-11-15T15:14:00.004+01:00

You're wondering what this means aren't you? Well, I am starting a new blog. This blog will be dedicated to preventing kids from using drugs. For many years now it has been my dream to help kids to not do drugs. But how? Can I really make a difference? What do I have to offer? These are questions that have filled my mind for years now. I want to be a motivational speaker so I can speak to kids in Elmentaries, Junoior Highs, and High Schools anywhere that they will let me. :) I am currently working on my degree in Psychology with a Certificate in Drug Prevention and Substance Abuse. I unfortunately am still a long ways off from accomplishing this goal. I want to do something now! Do I have to have a degree at first, well yeah if I want to be viewed as credible. Lately I have become discouraged because I still canonot see the light at the end of the tunnel with my degree. Will I ever be able to speak at schools? Can I make my dream come true with out a degree at first?

After watching the movie Julie/Julia the other day(horrible ending by the way) I started thinking that I CAN do something right now. I can blog about my experiences/knowledge and the experiences/knowledge of others. I was reading a book about Jesus Christ to Tanner the other day, one page talks about showing love to the Savior through your talents. Another book says, "Because I am God's child, he shows me the way to my dreams." I don't know why, but these two little sayings made me stop and think about a couple of things. One, I think I am descent with words, I do feel this is a talent the Lord has given me. I can express myself in words. I love to write. It is also one of my dreams to write/compile two books one day. One about the effect of drugs on those who are around them unvoluntarily, and two the effects of drugs on those who are using them, in their own words. Two of my passions writing, and drug prevention in one blog. :)

Will the blog really make a difference? Maybe, mabye not, BUT at least I am doing something. Over the years I have told James, "I want to save Greenlee County (where I from, lots of drug abuse), and get others excited about doing so too!". James being the great supporter he is says although it is a huge thing I want to accomplish I can do it, with help of course. Seems like every year I go home it gets worse. It seems like a lot of people just don't care, and the ones that do are besides them selves over it and do not know what to do or where to start. I too have felt this. A lot of people say to themselves, "Who am I that I can make a difference, or have a right to do so." I am here to tell you, if you care then you have a right to make a difference, and if you know all too well the effects of drug abuse due to someone else's choices or your own, then you have a duty to make a difference.

I invite you to, if you will, take part in this journey with me. If you have stories please share them with me so I can share them with others. If you have knowledge or a desire to help please let me know and together we will make a difference. "If I only save but one, just one, then I will have done my part." I often think of the Savior who took the time to save his lost sheep. He said we should leave the ninety and nine to go save the one. What a great example we have to look too.

New blog address coming soon!

Saying Goodbye/Growing/Following Promptings

2009-11-12T08:52:00.005+01:00

Why do I have 3 titles for this post? Well instead of making different posts for each one I decided to combine them. :)

One would think that 9 years in the military would make me good at saying goodbye. Honestly it is just as hard today as it was when I left my family almost 9 years ago for an adventure I will forever be grateful for. Over the next few months we will be saying a lot of goodbyes. I am trying to prepare myself once again to say bye to dear friends, knowing that with some of them our paths will not cross again, at least for this life. I learned a long time ago the hard way that often when two friends part their friendship grows distant with life and miles getting in the way. Most the time your love for them never fades leaving a part of them with you always. Over the years phone calls/eamils get less and less and before you know it you really don't know who they are anymore. It takes work on both sides to keep a friendship strong when distance and time is between it. I have also learned that just because you don't talk to someone everyday like before doesn't mean that it has to change everything. I love it when I talk to an old friend on the phone and it is like we were never apart. And so the old saying goes, "some people come in our lives for only a season and some are there to stay for a lifetime." Both I feel are equally important having helped shape and are shaping you into who you are! I love the song, " A circle is round it has no end that's how long I am going to be your friend. Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold"! Having said goodbye to soo many close friends over the years whom I still love today just as much as I did when we were together I choose to keep this song my theme song! :)

Today we said goodbye to Britt, my neice. I know I will see her very soon, but it was hard to say bye. She has become a part of us. It was hard for me to let her go, but I know she needs to be there for her family. She is going to be their rock, I know it. She is so much like me, this is good and bad. LOL Watching her grow in so many ways has been a joy. I can not even begin to tell you how she as blessed our lives.

Was it easy to have an 18 year old girl with a lot of attitude in my house who is just like me you ask? NO! There were sacrifices made on both parts that is for sure. BUT, I have learned more in the last few months about myself, teenagers, how the gospel really changes people making them better than before, and that following feelings/promptings is an amazing blessing. Britt if you are reading this, we love you!

It seems as though over the last year James and I have had so many feelings to do certain things. Feelings that at first we could have never imagined the reasons we were following them or their outcome. First it was for me to go home for Christmas last year while James was deployed. I fought and fought with this feeling not wanting to fly by myself etc. Of course I listened (I know it is just as bad when you fight the feeling as it to not listen, that is for another post ha). We will be forever grateful that we listened. James' Aunt Kathy past away after a car accident took her life just two short months later. While I was in AZ for Christmas Aunt Kathy got to meet Tanner and DeeDee got love on her. I have her on video singing to James. James obviously didn't get to say goodbye. That video with just a few moments of Aunt Kathy will be something he will cherish forever. Then it was for Tanner and I to stay longer after her funeral while James and DeeDee went home so I would be able to attend my neice Chantel's wedding (Britt's older sister). I was never really sure the reason I stayed for Channy's wedding other than I love her and would have never forgiven myself for missing it, until now. Because I stayed James and I were able to invite Birttani out here, and she was able to accept. We had a strong feeling that she needed to come. Which she said last night saved her life. :) Who knew? Who ever knows why they get the feelings they get, and what they mean? Sometimes it is evident right away what that feeling meant, sometimes we don't know for a long time, and sometimes we never know. I know there are times when the Lord just simply wants us to be obeident, and there are times when it is for a reason; sometimes big sometimes small.

I know I am so grateful for a gospel/parents/church leaders that have taught me to listen to the still small voice and follow on faith alone not knowing why at first. I am also grateful for a gospel that taught me that really there are no goodbyes. For family, knowlege, and friends are the only things we can take with us when we leave this world.

And so, I think I am prepared as much as I can be for the next coming months which will most definitely be bitter sweet!

Because I Have Today Tribute To One of The Greates Men I know

2009-11-06T12:46:00.002+01:00

I decided to enter a contest to award the person who has had the greatest impact on my life. I entered my husband. Here is what I wrote, thought I would share.

There are so many people that have touched my life over the years and have helped me to be who I am today, too many to mention here. However; I nominate one person and only he can get the credit for making me a better person each day of my life, my husband, James Giacoletti .

A member of the United States Air Force for 10 years he proudly, very humbly serves and makes many great sacrifices each day for our great country. At 20 years old he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints claiming that it was the best decision he ever made. In January 2001 at 21 years old he embarked on the greatest selfless most stressful missions of his life, he married me. J Of which I am forever grateful for. Two years later he added to that mission becoming a father of a precious little girl who stole his heart. Finally in June 2008 one of his greatest dreams came true, our baby boy was born. We believe he is one of the best fathers/husbands out there. We are blessed each day because of him and who he is.

His many Christ like attributes remind me each day of the Savior and his love for me. His faith is so firm often reminding me that no matter what the Lord will see me through. I can honestly say that I have never met another person in all of my days that loves like he does. He loves so perfectly, so openly, no conditions, no fears. His love is truly that of the Saviors. He is slow to anger never getting offended and rarely upset. He forgives freely even when at times others may not. He is always the first to say he is sorry and admit when he is wrong. The glass is always half full with James. He most definitely makes a gray world bright. He touches everyone he meets leaving a mark forever on their hearts. He lives each and every day as though he might not see tomorrow. When he walks into a room it is not long before he has people smiling, laughing, talking, and being their true selves. He brings out the best in the lives of those he touches. His love for life is contagious. He loves and connects with the youth even with those that others cannot. He is very humble in every aspect of the word. He is light hearted reminding all that there is hope for a better tomorrow. His love for the Savior and Father in Heaven grow each day despite life’s many challenges.

He is my world, he is my everything. I would not be half the woman I am today had it not been for him and his greatness. When I am sad he is sensitive. When I am mad he makes me laugh. When I feel like I do not have the strength to go another day he is there to lift me up. When I am weak he is strong. When I need someone to talk to he gives his ears. When no one else understands me he does. When I need him he is there. He cheers me on in everything I do. He encourages me to become all that I can. When I try to do the impossible he is the first to hold my hand. He is able to see me for who I am and through the Saviors eyes. He appreciates all that I do and even the things I don’t get done. He thinks there is nothing more beautiful than me 9 months pregnant, bonus. J Each day he shows me and our children how much he loves us in small and simple ways. I pray that when I grow up I will be like him.

As life gets the best of me and time goes by I forget to stop and realize what a wonderful man I married. As petty things get in my way and my heart grows hard I forget to show him how much I appreciate him. I forget why I married him. But to him I am forever grateful for taking this chance with me for eternity. For shaping me each day so that I will be worthy as I stand before my Savior when that day comes. Because of him I not only have wings, but I am able to fly!

I thank you Hilary for providing me this opportunity to stop and think of the greatest treasure in my life, my eternal companion. I have included pictures that I feel represent James’ best qualities.

Thanks to all of you who helped shape me as well!!

Its All For Mama

2009-10-18T07:01:00.002+02:00

Well, we are now taking orders for christmas, so if you want something specific or if you want to buy something already done, now is the time. Or you can just donate to the cause... To remodel Mama's farm house. Make donations to It's All For Mama P.O. Box 603 Duncan AZ 85534 cash, checks or money orders. We have decided we are going to remodel the kitchen first. It will be a family event. Since my brothers are all pretty handy I don't think we will have to hire much outside help, which should save a bit, I am hoping. My sisters and I can do the bossing around (which we are very good at lol) and decorating. The plan is to keep my mom in CA for a week with the oldest ones kids, she won't have any idea. We are going to try to tackle this project sometime in the spring around mom's bday. The plan is for my sister to take mom to Home Depot something like that and pretend she is going to finally redue her kitchen that way she can really feel mom out for what she would like. If any of you have any ideas, let us know.

http://itsallformama.blogspot.com

This site is still very much in the works bare with us!

London

2009-09-27T17:16:00.005+02:00

We had a very adventours time in London. With us, it always is. Here is a run down of the excitement: First, we couldn't figure out the train system that everyone said was so easy, DeeDee lost her favorite stuffed animal had to deal with that drama for a day, James got irritated with Britt and I cause we were talking with a British accent the whole time-he said he is proud to be an American(ruined our fun, punk!), the hotel was less than desireable, mold in the shower, continential breakfast was toast, cereal, and canned fruit(gotta love Europe and cheap hotels), hotel was quite a distance from the train station, we walked, we walked and we walked some more, ate so many sweets got sick, ran out of British Pounds and had to get more money, the train almost left James behind with Britt, I and the kids already on the train-James being James couldn't help himself and started laughing uncontrollably-DeeDee started crying lucky for us the Driver saw James and opened the doors(I wanted to hit him), to top it all off when we got back to the airport in Germany and went to pay for parking that we figured was about 40euro ended up being a 130euro! ouch that was like $180. We had a great time laughing and walking, and seeing the many wonders of this world! It was nice that everything was in English for a change. :)Brit and I saw Wicked it was amazing! By the way Glenda the good witch isn't who you think she is.:)

4th of July

2009-08-29T13:13:00.004+02:00

this is the story of our lives!!

I love 4th of July. It gives me a chance to stop and think about how greatful I truely am to be an American. With a husband in the military, being proud to be an American takes on an entire new meaning. I have been around the world literally and can still say it, I am Proud to be an American!

We had a pancake breakfast an a ceremony at church, followed by the carnival, should have been fireworks next, but the rest of the fam whimped out so we went home. Here it gets dark so late that they can't start them until like 11ish.

Tanner's First Birthday

2009-08-29T12:16:00.005+02:00

His very favorite present, who knew, why buy expensive gifts.
My little puppy dog.

Eating dog food. He looks like he just got caught doing something bad. LOL

Yes, I did make the cake, but Jess did the writing. Thanks Jess!

Eating his own little dog bone cake. At first he didn't know how he was going to grab it and eat it, but it didn't take him long.

More presents, he is not as impressed.
I can't belive it! I know everyone says that, but really it is true how fast they grow. Of course it never feels like that when you are up all night, tired, cranky, with a screaming baby. I often wondered if it would ever end. It did, and now we are on to new challenges and new excitements.

Tanner loves dogs. Every time he sees a dog he says, "oooo, D." That it is way of barking and then saying dog. We decided that since he loved dogs so much a dog theme would be perfect. If you know us well, you know that we go all out for the first birthday. It was a uge it! My favorite part was watching all the little ones eat "dog food" like a dog with no hands. (it was recees puff cereal and coca puffs, it looked real though)A big thanks to Nana for all the wonderful party supplies, everyone loved them.

Some of our Summer

2009-08-29T10:38:00.004+02:00

Tanner and Daddy being silly
Swimming

DeeDee's First Swimming Lessons

Dinosaur Park

Catching Up

2009-08-29T10:28:00.001+02:00

I hate playing catch up, but here it goes. We have had a great time this summer. Brit got here at the end of June. We have been enjoying her. DeeDee had swim lessons. James is job hunting so we can hopefully have a job lined up before our return to the states. I will attempt to put up as many pics as I can.

DeeDee's Dance recital

2009-06-18T21:17:00.002+02:00

She did a great job! She was in Hip Hop this year, which she thought was a little too fast, but she had so much fun. The dance was to Tootsie Roll, so cute!

Becoming as a Little Child

2009-06-07T20:33:00.002+02:00

Today for Family Home Evening we talked about a testimoney and what it really is. Since next year DeeDee will be 8(year of baptism) we decided it is time to start preparing her so she will be ready to make the choice to be baptized on her own.

About a month or so after scripture study, before bed, DeeDee and I talked about gaining a testimoney of The Book of Mormon. She asked how she will really know and so on. So, I told her to get down on her knees and ask Heavenly Father if it was true. We talked a little about the Holy Ghost, she seemed interested and then went to bed. Nothing else was said about it. She never said she did it or she didn't. I actually forgot we had talked about it and didn't think to ask her.

Tonight after talking about a testimoney her dad asked her how she could gain one. Then something truely amazing happened. DeeDee began to bare her testimoney, she had no idea this was what she was doing, she was just simply telling us of what happened one night.

DeeDee, " Well before mom came to sing to me, I got down on my knees to pray. First I thanked Heavenly Father for my blessings. Then, I asked Heavenly Father if The Book of Mormon was true. I heard something wisper in my ear and say yes. I know that it was Heavenly Father. "

James and I both cried. The spirit in the room tonight was undeniable. Here we thought we were teaching our daughter about a testimoney, but really, truely she was teaching us. Tonight I relearned what it means to become as a little child. Her testimoney was pure, hers is an example of how ours should be, a witness of the truthfullness of the gosple, no frill no fluff.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be taught by my children, to have them as daily reminders of what I am striving to become one day- pure, honest, kind, and true. It's amazing how most days you don't think they are listening. Most times you feel like your efforts are in vain, until one day you see the fruits of your labors. To me this is the most rewarding gift of motherhood.

Questions to ask your mate

2009-05-16T08:05:00.002+02:00

I totally forgot about the dumb order of this blog, opps! So, now it is backwards and you are wondering what the heck I am talking about. Go down to 40 day Journey.

Okay, here is a list of questions to ask your spouse. James and I sat down in the Kitchen(our favorite place to talk, don't ask LOL), and just had a discussion board, if you will. I just listened to his answers and didn' say anything negative about them. I learned a lot from our disscussion, and it opened up the door for more disscussion. I wrote his answers down and I keep them in my book, that way I can read them each day so I don't forget.

If you can find a copy of the book get it, there is a lot of wonderful advice in it.

Questions:
What is your greatest hope or dream?
What do you enjoy the most about your life right now?
What do you enjoy the least """?
What would your dream job be, if you could do anything in the world and get paid for it?
What are some things you've always wanted to do but haven't had the opportunity yet?
What three things would you like to do before the next year passes?
Who do you feel the most "safe" being with? Why?
If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
When was the last time you felt filled with joy?
If you had to give away a million dollars, who would you give it to?
What are three things that I do that you really like?
What are three things I do that you drive you crazy?
What have I done in the past that made you feel loved?
What have I done that made you feel unapprciated?
What are three things that I can work on?
Of the following things, what would make you feel most loved?
Having your body massaged and carresed for an hour.
Sitting and talking for an hour about your favorite subject.
Having help aournd the house for an afternoon.
Receving a very nice gift.
Hearing encrouragement about how appreciated you are.
What things in the past do you wish could be erased from ever happening?
What is the next major decidion that you think God would want us to make as a couple?
What would you like your life to look like five years from now?
What words would you like to hear from me more often?

Remember to just listen, don't make this a time for you to defend yourself for the way your spouse feels. I know that it is hard to hear the truth about ourselves, but the truth hurts sometimes, and how are we ever going to progress if we aren't aware of the things we should change.

Have fun with this! We did. James said he wants to hear me say, " Take me to the Bedroom", more often. LOL For those of you that know my husband well you can only imagine/hear him saying this and how hallarious this was. :0)

Day 1 Today's love Dare

2009-05-16T07:49:00.002+02:00

Love is pateint

EPH 4:2, EPH 5, James 1:19

Today's Dare:

" The first part of this dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demnstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the tempatation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret" (Kendrick, pg 4)

Questions: "Did anything happen today to cause anger toward your mate? Were you tempted to think disapproving thoughts and to let them come out in words?"

Today was pretty easy for me. James didn't do anything to cause anger, but he did irritate me like crazy! So, I just bit my tongue, and smiled instead. I am so excited for this book. At this time in our lives I feel we don't really need something like this persay, but I am on day 3 and I love it. I am actually thinking before I speak and act, something that has always been very hard for me to do. Can't wait to see how you guys did!

A 40 Day Journey

2009-05-16T07:31:00.003+02:00

I know some of you have heard of the Fireproof movie. Well the cast was here this last week on base and they were giving away free copies of the book. So, I have a signed book. (No, Kirk Cameron wasn't here). For those of you who haven't seen the movie go get it. It is the best story I have seen in a long time. It is horrible acting, and a little corny at times, but much needed in a world like we have today when divorce is so rampit on the earth.

Every marriage needs this, it doesn't matter if your marriage is just dandy at the moment or not. Storms do happen, and this book will enrich your marriage no matter what stage you are at. And so, I invite you to join me on a 40 day journey to enrich your marriage and your life. Why not, what do you have to loose!

I will post each days "Love Dare" along with some scriptures to go with it, and questions to ask yourself. Keep a daily journal for these 40 days of our journey together. Comment and tell us what your progress is. We want to see everyone's success!

Side note- I have been using the "Love Dare" with my children as well, it is working!

I Dare you!:)

Rain Dancing

2009-05-16T07:01:00.003+02:00

I get frusterated when it rains, again in Germany! I know this is what makes it so beautiful here, but rain after rain, and grey skies wears on you after a while. Well, not DeeDee. She said, "Oh, man rain again, then she said wait I'll go dance in it!" That's my girl, if your sad just dance or sing your way happy! As you can tell she is very happy. I love catching the real moments, not the posed ones.

New Hair!!

2009-05-16T06:40:00.003+02:00

I got my hair "did" yesterday!! I love it! This picture really doesn't do it justice. I'll have to go out in the Sun. I would have never thought to go brown. There is a new lady here in the area, thank goodness cause the Germans always mess up my hair! So, I went to her. I told her I wanted high lights, she looked at me and said, "um, I don't like the color of your hair, it doesn't match your skin tones, lets go dark." I was like uh, okay. LOL I am so glad I trusted her. James can't stop starring at me. :) He loves it, and says you can now see the green in my eyes. I love it when I am happy with hair, so does James, cause then I am not mean for a day and cry. LOL

A Mother's Day

2009-05-10T14:52:00.003+02:00

I am so grateful I get to be a mother. It is through mother hood that I will gain the knowledge, and present myself worthy to my father in heaven at the end of my time here on this earth. Although, I will not lie, there are times I wonder if it is through this mother hood that I am going to be kept out of the presence of my father in heaven. Especially on the days that I just want to run away and be free, or throw them in the trash. LOL BUT, I know that this is just my Father's way of perfecting me.

Happy Mother's Day! I know you guys are wonderful mothers!

I enjoy pausing for a moment to think about my own mother and the great things about her. I love her very much and try to be like her in many ways. Her patience, her tenderness, and her willingness to serve and give, have been wonderful examples to me throughout my life.

Big Changes

2009-05-10T14:29:00.002+02:00

As some of you know we are getting out of the military next year! Only 9mo and 3 weeks left! HOORAY!! It will be 10 years! Holy Cow can you believe it? James has served our country and done his part very proudly and honorably. It is time for us to start a new chapter in our book of life. It is scarey and exciting all in one! The Lord has told us it is time for us to go home now! I was reminded of this while being home this last time. We won't be able to go right back, but are hoping to be in Tucson or Pheonix until we can go home, Duncan or Morenci. We are so grateful for our time to be away and grow in tremendous ways. We have had a chance to really decide what we wanted in our family, without the influence of our seperate families. Now, it is time to take all that we have learned and be home.

James is putting is paper work in for an Active Duty Reserve spot in AZ. This will mean he will work as a civilian for the AF, but be a reservest 1weekend a month 2 weeks a year. This spot looks promising for him, we just have to get him off of this profile.

James only has 26 credits left for his bachelors! Yippy. Then it will be onto his master's. He graduates in Oct. Congrats James! The end is in sight. I am so grateful for the sacrifices he makes for us to have a better life, he hates school. LOL He is doing fabulous.

Brittani is coming to live with us starting in July!! She is my neice who is graduating next month. We are so excited to have her come. It will be a once in a life time opportunity for her.

I, We will be homeschooling next year! After much prayer and thought we decided this is the best thing for Miss Domanique as well as the whole family. With us moving in the middle of the school year we decided this would help to not have so many changes come all at once for her. I am scared to death, but with my experience in the classroom I am hoping/praying it will come in handy for homeschooling. I am also hoping/praying that DeeDee and I don't kill eachother!! LOL

My mom, sisters and I finally started our family scrapbooking business! Right now we are still trying to work out the kinks, and figure out how to get everything on the blog. Now that school is over and I am going to spend some time working on it. Here is the blog: http://www.itsallformama.blogspot.com

That's it for the Big Changes!!

Pondering the Semester's end

2009-05-10T14:11:00.002+02:00

Well, the semester is finally over! I am not sure how I survived it actually. This semester has been crazy, with so many unexpected changes. I flunked my Trig class!! Yep, you heard me right. Sad I know. I have never flunked a class in my life. This has been a good lesson for me. I have been pondering lately and looking back to the day I registered for classes. I knew I should not take that many at one time at that time in my life(James was gone and not due back until April). BUT, because I put this idea in my head that I needed to hurry and finish my degree, I pushed myself, not the smartest choice I ever made. I want to add here that pushing yourself can be a good thing, sometimes.

I have learned that it is as the Lord put it, "to everything there is a season", and right now the best I can do is two classes at one time. I have learned that I can not run faster than my legs can take me, for it is then that I stumble and fall, this the Lord also tells us. I have learned that bad things happen, and the whole world doesn't fall apart(like I knew it would if I failed this class, but I can assure the world is in fact still intact! LOL). I have learned that sometimes it's not about how fast I get somewhere, but about the getting there, and how that really matters. I love Miley Cyrus' new song The Climb. Isn't it so true? "Ain't about how fast I get there, Ain't about what's waiting on the other side, It's the climb!"

As I sit here and ponder the last few weeks of my life trying to hurry and finish up finals I realize I didn't enjoy one minute of it, and I didn't learn a thing. I was stressed, crabby, and for what? To sacrifice time with my family now, so that I can say I have a degree that I don't even plan on using until my children are gone. No thanks. This way I figure hey at least I'll finish about the time I am ready to actually use it! LOL

So, I am following the council of my husband and I am taking the summer off and will registar again for the fall, One class that's it! And, so I say anxiously engaged in good cause! I love to learn, I really do. I enjoy it more when I can enjoy my family.

The Adventures of "Sleep Time"

2009-05-02T20:29:00.002+02:00

Yeah, that is his big toe in his mouth! LOL I think he was sucking on it! LOL:)
This is how we found Mr. Tanner Dee sleeping

So, our little guy is 10 months old and still does not sleep through the night. Other mother's talk of their children sleeping through the night from 4 months old, and some sooner. I however; have never had this luxury with my babies. :) A few days after being home from the states and being up with Tanner for 3 - 4 hours at a time, James and I decided it was time for us to "help" him learn how to sleep on his own. As some of you know this is harder than it sounds. Our Dr. had told me of a method at Tanner's six month check-up, but James told me to just do whatever got me the most sleep while he was gone. Yeah, good thing I listened to his council.

Anyways I researched everything I could find, but nothing really felt right. I then turned to Montessori, (you know I love montessori), nothing really there. After much prayer and thought James and I decided to go with the Dr. Ferber method. This method is where you put the baby down for bed, then come back every few minutes until the baby falls asleep, you don't pick the baby up instead you touch and say, I love you.. etc. We don't have the book, so it was hard for me to see how this would work. Even this, I didn't feel very comfortable with. I don't like letting a baby cry it out. There are two very extremes out there some that say you can damage the baby mentally by letting them cry and some that say they must. So, I wrote a montessori mom who had a blog and she explained how she did this method and helped me to feel better about it.

Well, we tried it, and so far it works! I don't feel guilty because I don't just leave him there. I also feel that this is the best thing to help him have some control over his environment, which is Montessori. Okay, so, it hasn't been like magic cause we did it wrong at first, but he is doing better each night. In theory they say it only takes 3 days, well for Tanner is has been 5.

He gets really mad and as soon as I lay him down, before I even leave the room he is standing up. Tonight he sat back down, but obviously fell asleep before he made it down all the way. :) After he stopped crying I checked on him and there he was sleeping hunched over. Too precious! He only screamed for 15 min, but it took him another 5 or so to fall asleep. He sleep through the night for the first time on April 30th!! HOORAY!

We also took the pacy away, and we are weaning from nursing as well. He still nurses about 3 times a day sometimes 4. Oh the joys of motherhood! I am so glad I have had my sweet husband at my side, who helps 100% of the way.

More pics from Channy's wedding

2009-04-26T16:09:00.004+02:00

I forgot that these won't be in order opps!

Channy's Wedding!

2009-04-26T14:56:00.003+02:00

me and my boy
me and some of my neices

the beautiful temple

Channy and the bridesmaids

This is the main reason why I stayed in the states. James said I would never forgive myself if I missed this special day. I was so thankful for an unselfish husband who sacrificed a lot to let me share this day with Channy, and for Chantel for including me during this new chapter in her life.

For those of you that don't know Chantel is my oldest neice. The one I carried around like a baby doll for lots of years, the one who was my little side kick. I like to think I have a special bond with all of my nieces, at least that is what I have always tried to do, so this was a very emotional time for me.

Chantel and Jared were sealed in the San Diego Temple on April 18th. That is the same place James and I were sealed, so it was a double special day for me. I had time to stop and reflect on my own sealing and the important choice James and I made to be sealed for time and all eternity in the Lord's house, and what that has truly meant for us and our family. I remembered me standing there waiting for my sweet soon to be husband before we were sealed forever, and the feelings I felt on that day. Oh how the emotions flooded me, and my eyes. LOL I wish James could have been there with me, but we promised we will go back someday and get our family pictures done there.

I was Chantel's escort in the temple, which really means doesn't mean much I didn't do much just got to wear a tag and follow Channy around, but I felt importnt anyways. :) I am so proud of her. I definitly had a proud Auntie moment when I saw her standing in the temple in all white. She looked beautiful, just like an angel! It is hard for me to believe she is all grown up now. As I sat back and watched Chantel the last 2 weeks before her wedding it was amazing for me to see the transformation in her from just a woman to a woman becoming a wife. There are no doubts in my mind that Chantel will make one of the Lord's most wonderful wifes, and mother some day.

I am greatful for the opportunity to be with my family the last 8 weeks. It has reminded me of how important it is to be close to our families, and just how important it is that our children grow up with/close to their extended family. I am most definitly greatful to be at home with my eternal companion and DeeDee I missed them so much!

Finally home!!

2009-04-26T14:49:00.002+02:00

Tanner and I are finally home. The flights were long, but it went by pretty fast, except the last 45min. We barely made our flights and had to rush to all of them. Thank goodness the Lord was looking out for us, and we got home when we wanted to and in one piece. We are all very excited to be a family again and get our lives back to normal!!

Sorry to those of you I didn't get to see while I was home. Even though it was for a long time, it went by really fast. There are tons of you guys and only one me. :( Know that I was thinking of you guys though, and that I tried to get to all of you.

In Arizona

2009-03-13T16:58:00.002+01:00

I haven't posted in a while. Seems like James and I's life has been turned upside down since Christmas and we are trying to get it back to normal. I am afraid it will be a little while longer before that happens.

James and DeeDee went back to Germany and Tanner and I stayed here in AZ. Crazy you think? So, did I! James and I just couldnt' ignore the strong feeling that we both had that I should stay. It came down to the very last minute of buying the tickets for us to go home, when we just couldn't do it. We are not sure why I am supposed to be here, but I am. DeeDee went home because she wanted to get back to school. We had talked about taking her out to homeschool her, but she decided she wasn't ready to homeschool yet. Next year we will more than likely homeschool, as it stands right now we will.

I miss them like crazy, especially DeeDee. I have never been away from her except over night. This has been very good for James though. He has always been wonderful at appreicating me, but now I think it goes beyond appreciation. Now he is starting to understand all the behind the scenes things that I do that he never had to worry about. I feel he will forever appreciate and understand me more! :)

I will be here until the 19th of April. My neice is getting sealed in the temple and I am her escort.
After the wedding I will be going home, hopefully then we will have some bit of normalcy restored to our lives.

A legacy

2009-02-22T14:39:00.002+01:00

This past week has been a very long emotional one. Aunt Kathy's funeral was beautiful. It was harder than I thought it was going to be to see her lying there in her casket. It really just looked like we could just wake her up, and I wanted to. When I looked at her it seemed as though the whole world was spinning. I felt as though I was in a dream. There seemed to be a fog around me, and for a moment it seemed as though time was standing still. It was hard to see James have to say hello, and goodbye to her the way he did. It was hard to see Uncle David and the girls, and try to imagine the pain that they feel. They were so brave though, and so courageous.

While sitting there I turned to see and watch all the people file in to honor Aunt Kathy and her life. I knew she was amazing, I guess I just didn't realize how amazing to soo many people. Anyways while looking back I started to think of my own funeral someday, how will I go, the fact that I want everyone in bright pink LOL, and so on. As people started to come up to the family to give their condolences I couldn't help but over hear the things they were saying about Aunt Kathy. Then I thought of her amazing legacy that she left behind. I couldn't help but think again of my funeral day. What would people say about me? What legacy would I leave behind?

This has really been on my mind the last couple of days. A legacy, and how important it is. I thought of the country song by Randy Travis Three Wooden Crosses. It says, "It's not what you take with you when you go, it's what you leave behind you when your gone." So, I have decided the same thing as James, if I can only be but half the person Aunt Kathy was.

And so, I have committed myself to be that kind of person that Aunt Kathy was. Not that I will ever be, but it is something worth striving for. I want to truely live a Christlike life. I want to leave behind a legacy of love, Christlike attributes, and a joy for life.

A Tribute to one of the greatest women I have ever known: Aunt Kathy

2009-02-15T16:09:00.006+01:00

We found out early this morning that James' Aunt Kathy passed away in a car accident yesterday. Once again we are reminded of just how short and precious this life is. We are trying to head out in a few days to be there with the family.

James had a very special unique relationship with Aunt Kathy, one I was always envious of because I was not that close to my aunts, and I always wished I was. Other than myself and James' mom I don't know of any other woman who loved James as much as Aunt Kathy did. When she spoke of him she always lit up.

As I sit here and I ponder the last several months of our lives I see very much how the Lord works in mysterious ways and I am amazed, and grateful that I can put my trust in my Father in Heaven. Many months ago back in August James said, "Brandi I have a strong feeling we need to go home for Christmas this year." Of course most of you know he was not able to go, but I followed his council and I went. Let me tell you how extremely grateful I am that I did. While there we had Christmas Eve dinner at Aunt Kathy's just like the Giacoletti's do every year. During this visit I was able to capture Aunt Kathy on video doing what she did best. Expressing her love and concern for those she loved, laughing, and keeping everything and everyone together. I got her on tape talking to James, telling him to come home soon and then insisting that the whole family sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas to him. This is a memory James will hold on to forever. Also how grateful we are that James was home for this news. If he was deployed they would not have let him come home so that he could be in AZ with his family.

When we first moved to Germany we always talked about how we didn't want anyone passing away while we were here. Just last week James thought to himself okay one more year and I will be home. James is upset that he has been so stubborn and not gone home the whole time we have been here.

Those who knew her know that she was truely an amazing woman. She had a way with people especially children. She was kind and very tender hearted. Many will miss her and the strong influence she had on the lives of those she came in contact with. She had a huge impact on me, in the way I parent, and in the vocation I chose.

This last week I have been questioning our decision that our Father in Heaven led us to to get out of the military and get closer to home, because of the economy. This morning I was reminded that nothing is more important than being with family even if that means not being sure you will have financial security. We don't always know right away why Heavenly Father asks us to do the things he does, in some cases we may never know, at least not in this life. But, one thing is for certain if we will follow him and heed his coucil we will find lives greatest treasures.

James said, "When Lazerous died Christ wept." He also said, he can only hope and pray that he will be half the person his Aunt Kathy was when he stands before the Savior at the end of his life. There is no doubt in my mind that our Father in Heaven has recieved with great joy one of his most precious children. I am grateful for the gosple in my life that provides me with this comfort. I am grateful for the peace that this brings and in knowing that her great work will go on and still many more will be touched by her great spirit!

Aunt Kathy you will be greatly missed, and always remembered. Your strong spirit and love for life will go on in all those who you touched and who loved you.

A full load, and the meaning of Endure

2009-02-15T14:55:00.004+01:00

The last 2 months have been trying for me. I felt as though the Lord had given up on me. One day James and I were talking about school and how I couldn't do it, blah blah. School has been very challenging this time around. I decided to take a full load (not one of my more brillant choices), among that full load my last math requirement for my degree. I am not good at math. Anyways so, I have been sick, sleep deprived, James is on 12 hour mid shifts (grave yards), and in school full time as well, you know the same old story almost every other mother has felt at sometime. So, I started to feel sorry for myself. I felt as though the Lord was not helping me(after all I am doing what he asked of me), as he has in the past to balance my spiritual self, family, church calling, school, and whatever else I think I needed to do at the moment. I of course felt that I have been doing my part ie: saying my prayers, reading scriptures, serving, trying to be more like my Savior, yahda yahda.

So, pretty much I was obviously not counting my blessings and seeing where the Lord had helped me, and I wasn't realizing that doing your part is not just in the things you do, but in how you are doing them. The next morning during my prayer I prayed that my mind would be enlightened during my scripture study. I started to read in 3 Nephi 24 of the Book of Mormon and then I got to verse 13, it reads: "Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say: What have we spoken against thee?" 14: "Ye have said: It is vain to serve God, and what doth it profit that we have kept his ordinances and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts?" Well as you can imagine, I knew the Lord was talking to me. Oh, how I have been so foolish I thought.

Over the course of the next few days I would learn something I had not yet learned in this life; the true meaning of endure. While James and I were talking he kept telling me that everything would work out and that I just needed to endure and have faith. Well being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I have heard all my life: Endure to the End. I being the wonderful pessimsit that I am, have always interpreted this to mean, life is pretty much gonna suck so just cowgirl up and get through it until it is all over. After having an experience this past week my husband informed me, that my definition of endure was totally wrong. Oh great, now you tell me punk!! :)

Endure isn't the bad, endure is going through this life with faith until the end. Faith in every footstep, in every moment, in every good, or bad thing, having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in his Atonement, that he will deliver you.

So, not only did I learn that endure doesn't mean bad, but I learned to never, ever doubt the Lord! I also learned of how if you are not careful just a few words or thoughts can lead you into darkness. We often think of ourselves as being those who are "safe" from the adversary because we are "trying to do what is right", not realizing how easy it is for us to be influenced by him any time our faith is weak through music, television, books, etc. I have often heard the quote, "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees." This I know to be true!

I wish I could share everything with you, but I can not. One there is not enough space to type the enormous lessons I have learned, and Two I am constrained from doing so, but, I wanted to share with you the greatest lessons I have "re"-learned. And that is that the Lord lives, that he loves us, that he will never leave us alone as long as we have faith in him and that life is good!

Making valentines

2009-02-11T13:01:00.003+01:00

Homemade valentines, there's nothin better, well maybe Hannah Montana ones, but I was to cheap for that. Plus, homemade ones are so much cuter! We took toliet paper rolls, stuck candy in them, wrapped them up with tissue paper, then tied the ends with curly ribbon! I showed her how to do one, and she did the rest! Way to recycle those tp holders. In my house with me being the tp princess, as my husband calls me, it was no problem getting 21 of them!

100 days of school!

2009-02-11T12:14:00.003+01:00

This was DeeDee's 100th day of school! Big day! :) She had lots of fun counting out 100 beans to put in the mystery can. Who knew it could be so exciting!

Snow Angel

2009-02-11T09:32:00.004+01:00

Not enough snow on the ground, but had to make a snow angel!

Momma's Bday

2009-02-11T07:11:00.002+01:00

Relaxation is the theme! Umm.....

Blowing out my want to be candles freakin James

forgot the candles! So it is a 2 cut in half, nice!

My favorite food from my favorite resturant!

Cream Scheniztel with fries from Genos (Il Pirata)! Oh and my favorite ice cream... Italian Ice cream, Schocolacuse (Sp)

Good day!

Sick Momma/sick baby

2009-02-11T07:08:00.002+01:00

I look just as bad as that so I decided to spare you the picture of me! Look at his sad eyes. A sick momma and a sick baby is never a good combination. Especially when the daddy is on nights 12 hour sifts and can't give momma a break! I have been sick forever now. I finally went to the Dr. and I have a mean sinus infection. Tanner has RSV and was in the emergency room about 2 weeks ago because his fever was so high and freakin me out. Well we are starting to feel a little better. I just have tons of pressure in my face, and Tanner has a cough. Now, if we could just get rid of this thrush that keeps coming back!!

8 years and counting!!

2009-01-23T11:20:00.004+01:00

Janurary 18th made 8 years for us! Wow! Amazing! James surprised me at almost midnight with 8 chocolate covered strawberries, and a beautiful poem. DeeDee and I made him breakfast!

Looking back on these last 8 years it is amazing to see how much we have grown, and how the experiences we have had along the way have shaped us into who we are today. Our marriage has in no way shape or form been perfect, or the ideal marriage. We have most definitly had our ups and downs, and there have been times when I just wanted to throw my hands up and say, "That's it I quit!" Lucky for me I didn't. Getting married so young brought with it of course many challenges. We were not only growing up, but we were having to grow together, which actually has ended up being one of the biggest blessings in our marriage. Coming from two very different families, and James not being a member his whole life, and of course me being a "Sheewoman" man hater LOL, has not always made things easy for us. The odds were stacked up against us one might say. As I sit here today though, I can honestly tell you that it has been an awesome ride so far, and one I would not change. We only keep getting stronger, oh we still have our differences, but they build us not break us. I am still fiesty and bossy, and James is still, well.... a dirty mexican, some things will never change! LOL But, that is what makes us great.....together!

He completes me, and I am grateful for the many sacrifices he has made for our family! I never understood when people said that they loved someone more each day, but now I do. I love him more today than I did yesterday!

Together at Last... Our bitter sweet reunion

2009-01-08T20:58:00.000+01:00

Well, not the way we planned it, but our daddy is home, safe, some what normal, and we are so glad to be a family again!:)

We got to Germany Firday morning the 2nd after a long flight, but the kids were amazing. We went straight to the hospital. Domanique had no idea that her dad was at home. We decided not to tell her that he was in the hospital because of how concerned she was about him getting hurt. When we drove up to the hospital she asked why we were there and I did not tell her. When we got up to his room I had her wait outside, I went in handed Tanner to him, and then had DeeDee come in. As you can see she was so excited. I think it helped her deal with him being in the hospital being able to see him and know that he was going to be okay. They had taken James off of all the machines some time the night before we got there and the rest in the morning before we got there, so she didn't have to see him on oxygen, iv's and the other stuff he was connected too. This was much better for her.

James is at home with us now. He was discharged Monday late afternoonish. He was so ready to come home. He is feeling almost perfect now, but still has some discomfort and shortness of breath after doing just minor things, like walking up the stairs! You know James though he hasn't skipped a beat. He jumped right in and starting helping with the kids right away, and of course being is normal upbeat self. I have mastitis again, for the 4th time since September, and if any of you women have ever had it, you know that it literally kicks you on your can. It makes me where I can barely function, and I mean that. I was trying so hard to be strong and not let it affect me because I need to be taking care of James, but here he was taking care of me. Don't let him fool you though he has tried to milk his situation for all it is worth!! LOL

Over the last week I have realized just how serious this was and is, and how bad it could have ended up for us. When I first found out about James, I was numb, and for a few hours everything seemed to go in slow motion. My dad said to me, "What a reminder of how short this life really is." This has stuck with me this last week, and I have realized that life is so short, and have tried to remind myself that it is time to stop sweating the small stuff and enjoy this life. I have not only been reminded of the small stuff, but also just how precious my husband is to me and my children. And how foolish I have been in taking this for granted. The lord in a way prepared me for what would come, I just didn't realize that it would be something like this.

He got his level checked today and it was way higher than it is supposed to be, meaning his blood is way to thin right now. We already knew the precautions we will have to make over the next months, but over the next week it is even more. They asked him not to shave tonight for sure and to be careful the next time he does among other things. He has to be on a special diet and of course pretty much a desk job for a while. I being my wonderful pessimistic self started to freak out just a little. I asked him well what would you do if the rolls were reversed, he said very seriously with his hand on my face, "Honey, I would try to enjoy every moment I had with you and live life to the fullest." Oh, I just wanted to beat him!! LOL I'm like hello, just freak out with me for once!! LOL He reminded me that everything would be okay, and that he could've died, but he didn't! Oh, yeah like that makes it all better. :) I said, " Wouldn't you be worried, or scared?" He said, "We are an eternal family, and everyday I would have a part of you with me, then he pointed to the kids." Yeah, so as you can see my husband is truely amazing, not perfect, but amazing. :) I told him well good, since we are trying to get our lives back to normal and not letting this bring us down, blah blah blah, the floors need swept and mopped, the bathrooms need done, and there is a ton of laundry!! He then said, "Oh wait, the fumes from the cleaning are so bad for me right now, and the laundry, I can't lift more than 20 lbs!!" LOL Yeah, so cleaning has never been his strength, but he knows he is not getting out of it! :)

Again thank you for all your prayers. After James got his blessing he started doing much better. Thank goodness for the gospel that provides us with the comfort and strength to make it through these times in our lives, and a father in heaven who loves us so much that he has given us eachother. James said one of the things that helped him make it through the pain was that he kept thinking about the pain the Savior went through for us, and knew that what he was going through was nothing compared to that. :)

Update on James

2008-12-30T15:05:00.000+01:00

James is in Germany at LRMC, which is the military hospital in our community. He will be staying there, they are not sending him to the states. He is doing better. They still have no idea what caused the blood clots, and are still doing lots of testing. He is still in pain. His first shirt said he should be in the hospital for a couple of weeks. He is in good spirits, but this is James we are talking about here. In the almost 8 years of marriage there has not been very many things that could get him down.

The kids and I are still trying to get home. I am looking for the best way right now, that will get us home fast, but not be too expensive. He wants us home, and we want to be home with him.

Thank you to those you are praying for him, and us. James reminded me yesterday that everything happens for a reason, reasons that sometimes are never known to us!

James Home Soon

2008-12-28T15:13:00.000+01:00

Well, not that this is the way we wanted him to come home, but James should be home within the next 24 hours. The kids and I are still in AZ right now, and will be heading out as soon as I have confirmation that he is at LRMC, the hospital in Germany.

All I know is that Christmas night James couldn't sleep because he was in a lot of pain. He went to the hospital there,(I am assuming), upon which they airavact him to Balad, at least I think it was Balad. James has a blood clot in his lung. He is on blood thinners right now, and from my understanding will be for the next 6mo. His commander from Ramstein said they have told her he is in a lot of pain right now and are trying to get him out within the next 24 hours.

I have spoken with him once. He sounded okay and assured me that everything will be just fine, but naturally the longer I go with out hearing from someone the more worried I get. I am trying to hold tight to the blessing I recieved right after he left, that he will be okay. It is reassuring and comforting to know that the Lord has his hand in our lives and that as long as I trust in him things will work out the way they should.

I will keep you all posted as soon as I find out more info.

We're Here!!

2008-12-20T01:45:00.000+01:00

We made it! We got here Sunday afternoon. We got on a flight Saturday afternoon to BWI. I gave up on the Travis, and March flights. It was a long trip, 3 planes later and one night in the terminal is enough for me. I actually said to myself, " I can't believe I let them talk me into this!! " The kids did great! We are in California right now and are heading to Duncan either tonight or early 30 in the morning. More traveling, ah! :( I have been so super tired this time around. I don't remember being this tired the other times I have come home. I guess this the difference is this time I have a nursing baby, who is sucking the life out of me.

Just wanted everyone to know we are here safe!

Home for Christmas

2008-12-13T07:22:00.000+01:00

I'll be home for Christmas, maybe it really will be only in my dreams! :(

So, before James left he kept trying to get me to go home for Christmas. He said he had a strong feeling we were supposed to go. I was not budging, I decided I wasn't going and that was that. I refused to do that flight by myself. I was also going to punish our families for being horrible at keeping in touch with us since we have been here, but those issues are for another post! LOL Anyways, James assured me that everything would work out, still I was not budging. Finally a few days before James left I too had an overwhelming feeling that I was supposed to go home. When I say overwhelming I mean like I have never had a feeling that strong before, it burned in my heart it was so strong. So, I told James I guess we are going home. James said he had prayed and the Lord told him just wait she will realize it on her own! :)

So, the closer it gets the more excited I am about going home. Well, we have been trying to get out on a military hop since Thursday, but everything keeps falling through. I told James well, I guess my feeling was wrong, he says no, sometimes there are just trails along the way. It seems like everything keeps stacking up against us!!

Last night we found out Tanner has an ear infection. Thank goodness one of our great friends is an ENT and came over last night to check him. He couldn't see in the one ear because there was so much wax. So, we had to go up to the clinic so Mark could clean the ear out, and yup there it was an infection. Not a bad one, but the ear drum is swollen. We got an antibotic, and some stuff to spray in his nose an hour before landing.

Okay, James and I both thought well now we will get on. The flight was at 3:40 this morning I called before I left, thankfully, and NOPE the flight has been pushed back again!! So, we will try again this evening.

I was starting to get discouraged. Then I was reminded that sometimes before we do things we are supposed to we are tested. I think about the weeks and even days leading up to our temple sealing, and how many obstacles were put in our way, Satan of course hoping we would give up. I feel now that this is what is happening. I am not going to give up! The Lord knows what I need he knows I can't buy a commercial flight right now, and for some reason I don't know yet I am suppose to go home. I will get there! I know it, it may not be as I planned, but I will get there.

Some extra prayers would be nice!! You know just as much help as we can get! :)

Hopefully we will be home soon! I will keep you posted.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-13T07:09:00.001+01:00

Thanksgiving with the Covington's & and the Leforts, just like having Thanksgiving with family-wild, crazy, laughs, and really loud! :) We had a great time.

For Daddy!

2008-11-27T10:03:00.001+01:00

pictures of Tanner with his bear from Daddy! So cute!

For Daddy, Aunt Monica, & Nana

2008-11-24T15:28:00.000+01:00

You can't really tell, but this is a turtle neck! When I put him in this I couldn't help but laugh and had to take a picture. Nana and Aunt Monica are always teasing Daddy about wearing turtle necks when he was little. He swears Nana made him, but nana said he begged for them. I thought you would just love to see your boy in one Daddy! Sorry, I won't do it again!! :)

Sabbath Day

2008-11-24T13:49:00.000+01:00

I can't believe I was actually able to capture this moment! I love that he is looking up at her. He loves her soo much, and she him. I always tell her that she has to be the example for him that he will look up to her. I can't wait to show her this picture.
happy boy!

happy girl!

um... enough mom seriously!

On Sunday's I love for us to all match! Yes, James thinks I am crazy too. But look how stinkin cute they are! I love the Sabbath it is honestly my favorite day of the week. As you can tell right now I don't have a really involved calling on Sunday! LOL No, even then I love this day. I love the time to just be still on this day. Not that I always get to do this, but when I do it is a little piece of Heaven on earth.

Our First Snow

2008-11-23T10:17:00.001+01:00

a warm cup of hot chocolate after a day of playing in the snow, there's nothing better deedee says!

playing in the snow-well what's left of it :)

this is what it looked like at 10:00 am, short lived, but still freakin cold!

little tiny snowflakes

this is what it looked like at 5:30 am

Sick Momma/Sick Baby

2008-11-20T23:07:00.004+01:00

2008-11-20T23:02:00.000+01:00

Oh he's falling!

Sitting Up

2008-11-20T22:56:00.001+01:00

He is so ready to get up and go! All he wants to do is sit up or stand. He is doing really great a sitting up. He is starting to sit up a little straighter now instead of that whole slanted over thing they always do. I was starting to worry a little cause he wasn't rolling over a lot. The Doctor asked at his 4 mo. check up if he was rolling over, I said, "Well he has done it a couple of time each way, but not very much." He said, "Great he met the mile marker that is all that matters!" So, now I feel better.

Look at his ears, poor baby. I told James I wasn't going to tape them down and he told me I couldn't! LOL

These Boots Are Made For Walkin!

2008-11-20T22:47:00.000+01:00

Thanks Nana!

Nana sent these groovy boots! DeeDee loves them, especially right now cause it is so flippen cold here! She really wasn't diggin the whole tuck the pants into the boots thing, but after a little master manipulation (I know it is bad) I convinced her to do it. When she saw how stinkin cute she was she decided to leave them like that!

Baby Blue's

2008-11-20T22:42:00.000+01:00

I can't believe he still has his blue eyes! I am sure they will change, but I am not sure that they will be as dark as DeeDee's are. I was trying to get the perfect shot so you guys could see how blue they are! The other day we were out and a lady stopped us and said, "Oh my gosh! He is cuter than the Gerber baby!" It was cute she was an old lady, and you could tell she how much she was missing her own grandbabies!

These Precious Moments

2008-11-20T22:17:00.000+01:00

I walked in the other morning and this is what I found. DeeDee reading to her brother! She is so awesome at teaching him all he needs to know. I have been trying to take advantage of these precious moments, we only have them for a short time of their lives. Of course this gets difficult to do at 1,2, and then 3 o'clock in the morning! LOL President Monson's talk "Finding Joy in the Journey" at General Conference really hit home for me. He spoke on our lives and how they are forever changing, and how we only get one chance at mortal life so we need to take time for the most important things. I have been thinking about this a lot lately especially with so much uncertainty in our world today. I have recommitted myself to enjoy these moments, reminding myself that soon they will only be a memory. And I don't want to say, "If only I would have taken more time to enjoy the little things!" This is so hard right now with James gone because I want so bad for him to be home, but I don't want to wish this time of my children's life away either.

The Next Hannah Montana AKA.. Domanique Dail!

2008-11-02T09:27:00.001+01:00

Since her Dad has been gone, she picks up his guitar hero guitar and sings songs to him. It is adoreable. She really gets that foot goin. It's hallarious to see how into she gets. And those shoes, now she thinks she is a real rock star! I think Santa will be bringing her a real guitar this year!!

Help!!

2008-11-02T09:25:00.001+01:00

I am such a dork. James usually does all the computer stuff, and I am a little slow. How the heck do I get to add you guys to my site, so I can veiw your blog and comment on it? I don't get it!! :(

First Solid Food

2008-11-02T08:40:00.000+01:00

When we sit at the table to eat we put Tanner in his little blue chair. Over the last week he watches us like a hawk when we are eating. He follows the food with his eyes as we put it to our mouths. He just turned 4 mo. a little over a week ago. I wasn't ready to give him food yet because they say to wait now until 6 mo. because of allergies. Well after reading about the signs of a baby being ready, I decided to try it. It is the montessori way to let the child try to do everything on their own, only intervening when we have to, so this is what we tried!! He loved it, and I have decided to make sure that next time he has no clothes on! LOL

The Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-30T14:24:00.000+01:00

We went to the pumpkin patch with some good freinds of ours. We thought we would be picking our own pumpkins, turns out the farmer picked them all for us! We still had fun choosing a pumpkin to call our very own, oh and lets not forget the want to be corn maze! :) Well the girls had fun anyways.

Trunk or Treating

2008-10-25T08:34:00.000+02:00

Every year the church does a trunk or treat. It is always so much fun, and soo many people. This year we had a chilli cook off. It was delish! Domanique had fun. Tanner on the other hand was way stimulated, and a little freaked out by all the noise. And of course mad cause I made him where the costume. I was the oven!! I had so much fun making it with Jessica. I told her what I wanted and she had the vision. It turned out way supper cute.

Halloween Shirts from Nana!

2008-10-25T08:19:00.001+02:00

Nana got us these very cute shirts! We love them!!

My little-BIG man

2008-10-18T08:34:00.000+02:00

Tanner is getting so big! He now weighs 15lbs 4oz and his 25in long!
Where ever we go people talk about that smile
And how big he is! He is so much fun, and such a joy to have in our family!

The Baker and The Gingerbread Man

2008-10-18T08:00:00.000+02:00

Are they too cute! I saw these online and I couldn't resist. Thank goodness they had a baker with pink on it, that is the only way I could get DeeDee to do it!

Baking Cookies for Dad!

2008-10-18T07:38:00.001+02:00

Nana sent all the stuff to bake cookies! So, Domanique and I decided to send some to dad! We were torn with how many to send though, since he is trying to loose weight. We decided a dozen would be good, but he has to share with his roommates.......YEAH RIGHT!

SAYING BYE

2008-10-15T08:59:00.000+02:00

This was us saying bye to daddy! It was so hard the first day. DeeDee asked, "What if my Dad gets hurt?" It was so sad. Then she got an upset stomach just worring about him. She is in the deployment buddies at school, so I hope that will help. This was so much easier when she was little and didn't really care. I thought I would be okay, but I am sad. Today I am better. I am just trying to keep myself busy.

Just like Daddy

2008-10-12T16:16:00.000+02:00

I got Tanner all dressed up in his Sunday best, I really saw how much he looks like his daddy! He was too cute in his white shirt. :)

How we are doing

2008-10-10T12:56:00.000+02:00

Well, we have been in Germany for a little over 3 years now and have 1 and 1/2 left to go. We have enjoyed our time here. We have met wonderful people along the way. We are excited to end this chapter and start a new one in our lives. After this we will be ARIZONA bound! Who says you can't go home! :)

Domanique is doing great in first grade. I was a little nervous about public school, but so far so good. She is a great big sister. She loves to read, and math is her favorite. She has such a sweet spirit, and lots of attitude, but we are working on that. :)

Tanner is 3 mo. now. I can't believe it. He is a happy baby. He has rolled over both ways, but is not showing interest in doing it again. :) He just wants to get up and go. I keep telling him he has to do all the steps in between first.

James is in school for his bachelo's. We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. He should be finished by the time we are done here. He is doing very good. We hardly see him, but we knew there were going to be sacrifices we had to make in order for him to finish. He is hoping to get in great shape while he is in the desert!

Me, I am good. I am also in school. Some days my head just spins trying to keep up with all the tasks I have to do in a day. Right now I am trying to finish my crap classes I call them cause they are a waste of time. I still have 20 credits left to go. At the rate I am going it could take a life time. ;) Then I will start working on my core classes for my bachelor's in psychology. I am studying Drug Prevention. I love staying at home with Tanner. I do miss the kids at the preschool, but this is where I belong.

Well that is what is going on in our world.

Daddy Leaving

2008-10-10T12:29:00.000+02:00

We are doing great. We are sad cause Daddy leaves in just a very short time for his deployment. It has been 5 years since James has deployed, so we can not complain, but it doesn't make this time any easier for us(especially DeeDee). We know that this is what is best for our family at this time. We are excited for the many experiences this will allow us to have and the opportunity for more growth.

It was very touching to hear James speak of his deployment. He said, "I did not sign up for the military for school, medical, or any other reasons, those are just bonuses. I signed up to serve this country!" He is amazing.