More funny/ cute kid stories from the past. . .

October 30, 2011-


"So, at church today, during the service, "N" leans over and asks me if she can go use the bathroom. I whispered "Sure, just make sure to walk reverently and quietly, and fold your arms." She looked at me, rolled her eyes, and then said "I don't need to go THAT bad.", and she did NOT go. I just started laughing. I mean, REALLY?! ha ha. Oh, that girl!"





October 28, 2011 -


So, I think we have an official first word for Angela. ("Mama" and "Dada"). She has been saying "oh, WOW" all day yesterday and today. Too cute!





Septemeber 28, 2011 -


"Playing tag/ peek-a-boo on all fours with my baby girl! There are some precious joys in life. And Her giggles make it magical!"





9/23/11 -


"I hate when I don't forward a chain letter and then the next day I die."





Sept 20, 2011-


"So yesterday, My "T" man goes to kindergarten, and his teacher notices he got a haircut, and comments that she likes it. His response? "Yup! Business up front, PARTY in the BACK!" She wasn't sure she heard him right, and had him repeat it, which he did with even MORE gusto the 2nd time. For the record: No, we did NOT give him a mullett. ha ha. It cracked both myself and the teacher up. :-)"





September 16, 2011-


"My 10 yr (I) just said to me"Mom, if you're wondering why T (5 yr old) is mad, it's because he wasn't born in 2000. And that's the year of the dragon."Um,. . . well. . . .okay, then. (What does a mom even say to that? ha ha)"

August 21, 2011 -










So our family was talking tonight about if we were in a circus, what job
we would want to have and "T" (5 yr old) pipes in. I want to be the
killer, and kill clowns. . . . . but I would tell him jokes first." I
was laughing so hard, I was crying.. . . .Oh, that boy. . . . .though, I
think it is time to take him to a REAL circus, so he knows, that's not
really a job. ha ha


July 25, 2011


My 10 (I) and 12 yr old (A) boys were just arguing about something when my 7 yr
old (N) daughter jumps in "Ladies, ladies, you're BOTH pretty!" (yes, I've
heard that phrase before. But LOVED that it came from her to her
brothers) LOL

July 12, 2011 So, my Natty just came down the stairs crying and saying "Mom, I'm
just growing up TOO fast, and I'm not READY to grow up yet!" - - -
Aaahhh. . . bless her heart. . .I told her I'm not ready for her to do
that either. . . :-)But boy, it made me smile.

June 12, 2011 --My baby girl Angela (9 mos. old) started dancing to our opening hymn at church today. It cracked me up. That little girl had music in her SOUL!

"I dream of a better tomorrow . . .where chickens can cross the road and not have their motives questioned. "

May 9, 2011 - Conversation with my 4 yr old today: T: "Mom, when daddy gets home, can we get a pool of honey?" Me: "a pool of HONEY???" T: "Yeah, a pool of honey!" Me: "NO!" T: "But why? it would be awesome!" (Can I just say I love that I had to actually explain to him why a "pool of honey" is NOT a good idea?! Love that boy!)

--May 2011 -- In light of recent events, this is my quote of the day (borrowed from someone else) "The problem with quotes on the internet is that many are not genuine" - Abraham Lincoln (ha ha)


**And this is just a few extras I'm remembering from years past:


-Last year, 2010, Rachel and Corban came to visit. Adam came up to me one day, and asked if I would help him with a school project. He was supposed to tell me a story, and I was supposed to draw a picture of what he was telling me about. I said "Why don't you ask Rachel or Corban if they'll do it? They are MUCH better artists than me." . He got all exasperated and said "I Can't! It says Right here, it HAS to be a grown-up!". We all laughed at that one. ha ha





-At the age of 3, Timmy LOVED tomatoes (he still does actually). One day, I was slicing a tomato, as Timmy went running by, and I said "Here Timmy. You can have this tomato." He said "Oh, Mom. I don't like tomatoes." and I said "yes you do! You LOVE tomatoes." He responded with, "Oh, I do?" and plopped it in his mouth and ran off happy. Such a strange little boy. ha ha





--We were teasing the kids once about them not being smart (we were all smiling and laughing, it's not as mean as it sounds. ha ha). Breanna sat up tall, and said "We are TOO smart! There are only three kids in gifted ed. in our class, and Isaac and I? We are ONE of them!" She caught herself immediately after saying it, but we all (her included) just ROARED with laughter! And she may NEVER live those words down. ha ha

A month full of Thankfuls

So this month, I took on the challenge of posting everyday about something I am thankful for. I made my daily post on Facebook, and really enjoyed doing it. (Keep in mind, these are not done in order of imporance and MOST thankful. I just listed them randomly, and daily events helped inspire some).





1- Today, I am thankful for "Halloween candy tax" which allows me to eat some of my children's spoils from the previous evening.





2- Today I am thankful that I got my internet back (after having no connection for two days)-and for technology in general!





3- I am SOOOOO thankful for my little girl, who turned 8 yesterday. She adds so much "N-attitude" to our home, and has so much spunk. Happy Birthday Nat Nat!





4- Today I am thankful for my amazing children. ALL of them. They make me so happy and remind me how truly blessed I am. I especially like days like today, when there is no school, and they get to spend the day with me. . . . aaahhh .. . . .Life is good.






5- Today I am thankful for sports, like soccer, that teach my kids what it means to play as a team, and the bonus, is it's so much fun for them and for us to watch! I LOVE IT! What a great Saturday. . .





5 1/2 (:-) ) So thankful for the special evening we had tonight at my Natty's baptism. I'm so proud of her! And so thankful for the special friends that came out to support her, when our dear families could not be here.





6- Today I am soooooo thankful for my amazing Husband! This is the first year in quite a few that he has been around us this time of year, and I am SOOOO glad! He is my hero, my best friend, and my true love! I love Paul!





7- Today, I am thankful for my AMAZING Mama, and Papa! They LITERALLY are the reason I am the way I am (quirks and all. ha ha). They are always an incredible support, and I miss them terribly. I love my Mom and Dad!





8- Today I am thankful for my Little Sister, Rachel Lindsay! We share things like: the same goofy laugh, the same warped sense of humor, the same parental units, the same level of AWESOMENESS (:-) ), and are sooo very very different in so many other ways (But she really DOES try to help me look more stylish). I can't imagine my life without her!





9- Today I'm thankful for ALL the sisters I have gained through marriage (theirs, and mine :-) Krista, Alissa, Jamie, Carolyn, Julie, Kali, and Lindsay ). I always wanted to know what it was like to have lots of sisters, and now, I just wish I could see them A LOT more frequently than I do. They're all wonderful ladies, and I miss them. Love you, ladies!





10- Today I am thankful for all the amazing brothers I have! Every girl out there (and boy, for that matter), deserves to have a brother. They irritate me at times (but they do this on purpose. ha ha), but I truly adore them, and look up to each one. I Love all my brothers! (@Jared, Josh, Aaron, Shawn Beck, Jared, Jason, Tom, Corban, Christopher, @AndJacob)





11- TODAY I am thankful For ALL veterans, past, present, and the sacrifices they make and have made for all of us! I'm especially thankful for the veteran that I get to kiss goodnight tonight, and am very mindful of those friends of ours in harms way right now. We always pray for you. Happy Veterans Day.





12- Today, I am thankful for my mother and father-in-law, Bonnie and Dave Beck. They are incredible people, and did such a beautiful job raising their kids (I'm super partial to one, in particular ;-). They have always shown such love and support, and humor me, even when they don't quite get my humor. (ha ha). They're amazing and have taught me SOOO many things. I miss them and love them!





13- Today I am thankful for a most beautiful primary program, and the lovely children that participated in it. Such wonderful testimonies and songs were shared. What a Wonderful day!






14- Today I am thankful for dear friends, near and far. I have been so blessed to have so very many amazing friends in my life. They have helped pull me through so many bumps and curves along the way. It's always hard to part (when we move, or they move), BUT a sad goodbye is indirectly a blessing in disguise, because it means you care for someone THAT much! and THAT is a beautiful thing :-)






15- Today I am thankful for dirty dishes. . . (or trying to be, anyways). It means we have been blessed with many mouths to feed, and we eat well. . . or at least that's what I'm going to say it means. . . . now if I could muster up the strength to be thankful for dirty laundry and dirty floors. . . ha ha.





16- Today, I am thankful for the wonderful teachers out there that help enrich my children's lives, further their education, and challenge them to aim higher. It also helps when they adore my kids and tell me so, too. :-)





17- Today I am thankful for hot showers, cozy sweaters, soft warm blankets and comfortable beds. . .. all of which make cold days and cold nights a lot more enjoyable






18- Today I am thankful for Fridays, and all the wonderful things it means: Pizza night, Movie night, nearing end of homework for the week, more time with kids and hubby, etc. TGIF





19- Today I am thankful to get to experience living in an awesome place like Europe, where visiting fun places is ALWAYS an option!






20- Today I am thankful for the freedom of religion and being able to worship how, where and what I want. I am thankful for my Savior and his sacrifice for all of us.






21- Today I am thankful for music. I love being able to sit at my piano, and play. I love that all my piano teachers hair pulling moments with me did NOT go in vain. Singing, playing instruments, or just listening to it, music is a part of me, and I LOVE it!

22- Today, I am thankful for food, and the joy of cooking and baking. I LOVE to make yumminess for my family (as my waistline will confirm :-), and am so thankful for all the wonderful foods and flavors we have to enjoy.





23- Today am thankful that my husband has a job that provides for our needs, (A roof over our head, food on the table, a safe environment to live in, etc.), and even some of our wants. . . . . It's not perfect, but I am thankful nonetheless. . . and even more thankful for that man of mine who works his tail off to provide for us.





24- (Thanksgiving Day) TODAY: I am thankful for so very very much. I've been listing one every day, but feel the need to list my top fave thankfuls today: MY amazing hubby, my wonderful children, my entire family, the gospel, friends, music, and LAUGHTER! Oh, how I love to laugh and smile, and the aforementioned things all make me do JUST that! Happy Turkey Day EVERYONE!





25- Today I am thankful for the beautiful scenery around me. THe trees, the rooftops, the sky, the hills. . . . . .I love God's artwork. . . .. .





26- Today I am thankful for four day weekends that my whole family gets to spend together. I love family time :-)





27- Today I am thankful for the joy of the holidays and the wonderful traditions that come with it: Warm wassail always readily available, watching tons and tons of Christmas movies, visiting Christmas markets (or looking at Christmas lights), helping the kids make their Christmas gifts for each other, setting out my Nativities (and keeping a lookout for the next addition to my ever growing collection). I Love the Season, and the REASON for the Season!









28: Today I am thankful for education, and the opportunity I have to further my own education. I really do love to learn. And I'm extra grateful for being able to finish my degree online, so that I can still be an at-home wife and mom for my hubby and kids.









29: Today I am thankful for four seasons. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, . . . I love them all. . . . and now anxiously await Winter officially arriving. Bring on the SNOW!









30: Today I am most thankful for so many things to be thankful for! The last 29 days were just the start of my list, and I have so many more things that I didn't even get around to listing. I am so THANKFUL for my life. Life is good.

Hooray for the Becks!

Now, I understand that we are not supposed to be prideful. BUT, I think it's TOTALLY okay to be proud of your kids and the great things they are accomplishing.

*Today, was the awards assembly for the first quarter at school for the Twins. Four awards are given out in each class, for the highest GPA in four different subject areas. Breanna got language arts/reading and the science award, and Isaac got the math award. Breanna also got chosen for an award called "Dining at the Ritz" which means she gets to go to a special banquet today and eat with some dignitaries, because of having the highest GPA in her class.
AND, they both made the Principals Honor Roll, which means straight A's. Only 6 fifth graders received this award, and they took 2 of those spots! We are so proud of them!
Adam also got straight A's for this quarter, which took a LOT of work! (middle school teachers get quite demanding). I was even talking to one of the teachers at P/T conference last week, and as he was looking Adam up on the grade sheet, I noticed that most grades in this teachers class were C's, D's, and even a few F's. There were also some B's sprinkled in, but very very few A's. It makes it even more of an accomplishment that he worked his tail off to get that A.
Grades aren't everything. We know this. It's a matter of seeing the time and effort being put in, and a goal accomplished that really thrills us.
Natalee and Timmy both had perfect report cards and are following awesome examples from the older kids.
We are just so proud. Hooray for my Becklings!

I don't want to forget. . .

There are so many stories that come out of my kids. I tend to forget many of them though, SO, I'm going to try and be better about posting them here (which later will turn in to a blog book), so their words, actions, and little personalities don't get forgotten about. . . .

So, Timmy (my 5 yr old) walked out to me last night, and was all teary eyed, and said "Mom, I need something to remind me." and I said "something to remind you of what?" and he said "of Daddy." and I said "You miss Daddy?" He nodded his head with the saddest eyes, and I said "I have the best reminder EVER!" and walked him back to Daddy to get a real Daddy hug. I guess sometimes he forgets that Daddy's home now, and woke up thinking he was gone again. . . .Daddy got to snuggle and hold him for a long time then, and they just talked. Then, Daddy wrapped him up in my blanket (that has pictures of Paul all over it), and put him to bed. SO TENDER! I am SO thankful we have the real thing here with us this year! SO thankful!

**Another tidbit: Angela today got into my pantry and found the potatoes and garlic, and decided that eating garlic like an apple is a good idea. She was quite enjoying the raw garlic cloves and did NOT like me scooping it out of her mouth. ha ha. Having a child eat plain garlic is definitely a first for us. ha ha

Oh, Breanna Kay . . .

You know how in many families, the oldest daughter seems to just take over, as the responsible one? And she makes sure things keep running smoothly (or as smooth as possible)? Basically, she becomes Mom's assistant?

Breanna plays this role to a "T." She is my "go to." I cannot believe how responsible this little girl is. Sometimes, I forget that she is only 10! (almost 11, but still). When she was a baby, she was given a blessing. In that blessing, she was told that she would be a "great strength to (her) Mother." OH, how true that is. I can't tell you how many times, I have been running around trying to get things done, and she has just stepped in and started helping where things need done. Her baby sister ADORES her! (and sometimes, Angela prefers Breanna over Dad, and even MOM too).

She is compassionate. She is motivated beyond belief! I laugh about how much "type A" personality she has. If there's a competition to be won, she wants a piece of the pie. She gives her all to everything she does. She was the only student last year in her entire school (of 600+ kids), to get THREE "highest GPA" awards for a specific subject, in a semester. She thrives on that kind of achievement. She loves to play soccer, and is 100% immersed in those games. Wherever the Coach wants her, she jumps right in.

I've been told by her teachers and coaches, that they know if they need something done, they can ask Breanna, and she'll do it with a smile.

We've been fortunate enough to have not dealt with any "girl drama" amongst friends, because basically, most of her best friends are boys. She tells us that Isaac is her best friend. It's just easier to hang out with the boys anyways (they are the ones that want to play soccer and other active things.)

She is quite creative and artistic, and has been known to create elaborate creations out of paper and tape alone.

She LOVES dogs, especially German Shepherds, and is great with our huge mangy mutt, Teancum.

She has a beautiful voice, and is a great helper in the kitchen.

I call her "B.K." sometimes, just because.

She can be just a tad bit bossy sometimes. But it's only becuase she can see things that need done, and thinks everyone else should too, and tries to help them along. Although, not always in the best way. ha ha

She laughs more than ANYONE I know. Everything is hilarious to Breanna. She smiles so very much.

She is such a beautiful young lady, and I can only imagine what is still in store for her.

I am so glad to have my B.K. in my life, and can't imagine HOW I would get by without her next to me helping. What an amazing momma's helper she is. I love my Breanna Kay!

Natalee's Baptism Day

(I can't figure out how to turn the picture the right way . hmmmm. . . . . )

Last week, on November 5, 2011, we got to experience a super special day. It was the day that my husband took our 4th Child, our 2nd daughter, into the waters of baptism, and baptized her as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I felt a little homesick, as I prepared for the baptism and made programs and such. I realized, that we had to choose two witnesses. Our Dad's (the Grandpas) have been the witnesses for our three other children. The uncles and Grandpas have been the ones standing in the circle when they are given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Yes, I did get a lump in my throat, and shed a small tear. I would have loved to have our families there to share in the joyous occasion.

I love living in Europe. But there definitely is a price to be paid, and sometimes that price is painful.

As we got closer to the date, I had friends emailing and calling to see how they could contribute. The night of the baptism, I watched as the little chapel filled up with people who have become dear friends of ours in our two short years here in Germany. Some of these individuals were L.D.S., some were not. But as the prelude music played, I realized that I DID have family here.

Yes, I would have loved to have my OWN family. But that's the thing with the military. You become each others families when you are away from your own.
I love the people that came to Natalee's Baptism. They are my family in Europe. One of those dear friends, combined with us for the baptism, and baptized her son. It was wonderful to see both of these valiant children become our ward's newest members.



I don't think a Mother can help but smile and cry a little as she sees her gorgeous baby girl, step into a white dress once more (like the white dress she was blessed in as a baby). She is beautiful! There's a song my Mother introduced me to years ago, called "What Heaven Sees in You". It talks about the three important white dresses an LDS girl will wear in her life. Her blessing dress, her baptism dress, and her wedding dress. "Pure and holy, in a little white dress. . .and the Father looked down, and the angels surround that place. They know the truth. All that you can do. And you will too, if you have eyes to see, what heaven sees in you."

I see the potential for this strong willed little girl, and it brings me so much joy.

At the end of the service, Bishop Andrus made a few comments. He told Natalee, that a change would happen in her. People around her would notice a difference. They would see a new light, and wonder what it was. The presence of the Holy Ghost would shine bright in my little girls eyes. It has only been a week since her baptism, and I can say, that his words have been absolute truth.
She has been a happier girl this week, then I remember her being before. Moments that would have set off a tantrum before, are handled with a deeper maturity. There is a new light in my daughters eyes, and I am so thankful to have the knowledge I do. I know what caused this new light. I am so thankful for the covenant of baptism, and the new beginnings it brings.
I know this gospel is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, and my Redeemer. I know that he suffered for me, so that I can return to my Father's presence someday. I am grateful every day to have been brought up in the light of the gospel.
The day after her baptism marked the first day that all three of my older children stood up in Fast and Testimony meeting and bore their testimonies. The Spirit was strong, and I felt my testimony strengthened even more.
I am so proud of my little girl, and feel blessed to have experienced her very special baptism day.

My Scoopy!

So, today I'm going to tell you a little bit about my boy, Isaac. When he was a tiny baby, his Dad nicknamed him Scoopy. (We don't know why. He doesn't even know. He just did). Well anyways, it stuck. And that's what his family calls him sometimes.
He has one of my very very favorite smiles EVER. His dimples just melt me. He has this mischievous spirit about him. Sometimes, it makes me want to pull my hair out, but sometimes I just adore it, and it makes me laugh.
He has such a soft spot in his heart for little ones, and puppies. He can hardly stand to NOT pick up his baby sister if she is anywhere near him. He just loves to hold and cuddle her. He loves to go up to our dog and just pet and nuzzle him. He's a tender hearted boy.
He has such a great sense of humor, and will catch me off guard so many times with his little quips, and jokes.
He is really enjoying soccer and spends many recesses playing soccer with his sister, and any other kids that want to join in.
The boy has a mind for Math, and is so quick with it.
You can almost see the cogs a turning when you give him a math problem, and he spits the answer right back out.
He's actually won highest GPA awards in it, and has been making the honor roll, since he was old enough to.
One of the things that really is a skill, but drives his parents crazy sometimes: his listening skills.
There are so many times, we'll be trying to talk to the kids, and he will obviously be distracted by something else at that moment. So we get annoyed and say "Isaac! Repeat what I just said." and wouldn't you know it! That little stinker will recite almost the entire comment we had just made, almost verbatim! It makes us smirk when he does too.
He has taken an interest in "creature creating" lately, and enjoys just doodling new ideas. The boy just really makes me smile, and I like him a whole lot.
He tries so hard to be a good boy (but you can sometimes see the inner struggle he has with it. He just REALLY wants to eat that candy bar on the counter sometimes, that mom told him not to. ha ha)
OH, and newest development, is that there are some girls that have crushes on him (word gets around). I knew it was only a matter of time with his wit, and those dimples (and brains to boot!) Breanna just gives a funny look and says "They have a crush on him? That's WEIRD!" ha ha. It's weird that he's growing up so much. (Almost 11 years now! WOW!)
Just thinking about him, makes me smile SOOOOO much. I'm so glad we have a Scoopy. What a great kid.

Adam

SO, let me tell you a little bit about my oldest. He's such a great kid.
It still blows my mind that I could have a 7th grader, but I do! AND he's going to be 13 soon. . . . that's right, . . . a TEENAGER! . . . To be honest, I don't worry about him, ONE BIT during the teenage years.
Every day, he takes an hour long bus ride to and from his middle school. The conditions on the bus are deplorable. Language is horrendous with the constant use of crude terms and even the "F bomb" is dropped numerous times. And these are only middle schoolers!
Yet, here's my sweet son, who takes his Mp3, and tunes out to the filth around him and tries to ignore it. At the end of last year, there was even an incident of one sixth grader being bullied by an 8th grader. The 6th grader "J" threatened the 8th grader "B" that he would go to the principal. "B" responded by saying that everyone on the bus would back him up and say that "J" was the one that actually started it. Then "B" looked around and said "you'll all back me up, right?" To which, MY Adam stood up and said "I won't! You totally started this, and I'm not going to lie about it."
"B" looked at him, then sat down. I was SOOO proud. Keep in mind, my Adam is one of the smallest kids in the school, and "B" is a large kid. Now, granted, it does help that I know "B's" mom, and he knows Adam and I (and it's been under good circumstances), but STILL, that took guts for Adam to do.
He has not seemed worried about being bothered or bullied. I LOVE that he's comfortable with who he is. He doesn't like to see kids get picked on, and tries to do his part.
He's been doing well in school, and has learned to play the trumpet. It is so fun for us to get to listen to him improving on it.
We are getting to the end of this soccer season, and a little sad that this will be his last season of being on the same team as the twins. Those three are SO fun to watch together.
Adam is a real leader on the field for the defense. He usually plays "sweeper" (for you soccer players out there :-) . He really commands this position! It's actually quite funny, because it's very noticeable when they pull him out of this position. Two weeks ago, we had an intense game. It was 1-0 late in the third quarter (our favor), and the coach pulled Adam out of the game to have a breather, and switched Isaac with an offensive player (Isaac is usually a guard for defense). Well within 2 minutes the other team scored TWICE> Adam's coach from last season was sitting by us, and was muttering "WHY would he pull Adam away from sweeper?!" After the 2nd goal, it was hilarious, when our coach, pointed to Adam, then out to "his position". He switched to sweeper, and there was an enormous cheer from our cheering side. It was hilarious! Adam stayed in as sweeper, and the other team was unable to score again.
It's definitely not all him, but they have an amazing defense when you combine their powers (MY three are referred to as the "Beck trio").
I love watching soccer.
I really love seeing Adam's personality come out more and more all the time too. He is so fun to talk to. Most mornings, it's just him and I, since he leaves for his bus, before the other kids have to wake up. We have great talks.
I am so happy that he has a great group of friends here. Our LDS group is really small, but they really seem to pull together and enjoy each others company. To me, that is a beautiful thing.
Basically, I am so proud of my oldest child. He's a great example to his five younger siblings, and most of the time seems to understand that. He is so sweet and wonderful with those little ones too. Keep in mind, he still acts like a turd sometimes, and is still very much a kid. . . but I really like him. The end.

Section 29

This week in my Doctrine and Covenants class, I was given the opportunity to do a more thorough study of Section 29 (In D&C). There are so many wonderful tidbits to be found in there.
Next, I had to answer a few questions, which I have attached below:

What are two important truths you learn from your study of section 29 concerning each of the following doctrines (six in all): the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement?

The Creation:

1- TRUTH: By the power of the Spirit, the Lord created ALL things, both spiritual AND temporal. (D&C 29:31)

Importance of knowing: All that we see is created by God. No matter what man may say, they themselves are here because God created even them.

2 - TRUTH: The Lord’s work (creations), have no end. (D&C 29:33)

Importance of knowing: God’s creations did not end right after he created Adam and Eve. They continue on today, and will forever more.

The Fall:

3- TRUTH: By transgressing the commandments (Adam partaking of the fruit), he became subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded unto temptation. (D&C 29:40)

Importance of knowing: When we allow ourselves to succumb to temptation, we are more vulnerable to Satan’s plans and persuasions. We should not allow ourselves to EVER fall into his snares.

4- TRUTH: The fall caused Adam to experience “spiritual death”, which is the “first death”( This is the same death that will be pronounced upon the wicked) (D&C 29:41)

Importance of knowing: Though it may seem to some like a small infraction (the mistake that Adam made), it too would have separated Adam from God’s presence forever, had he not repented.

The Atonement:

5- TRUTH: They (the seed of Adam) should not die (as in, spiritual death), if they repent (and angels will be sent forth to declare repentance and redemption) (D&C 29:42)

Importance of knowing: Even though we error and make mistakes, we can return to God’s presence if we rely on the atonement and repent

6- TRUTH: “Little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten” (D&C 29:46

Importance of knowing: There is no need to baptize babies, since they cannot sin (D&C 29:47). Children should not be held to the same accountability as adults.

**What questions does this section invite you to ask concerning God’s plan of redemption?

I believe this section leads one to ask HOW do we repent? How do we make sure our repentance process is acceptable to the Lord?

I am constantly amazed at all that God created for us, and of his infinite love for each of his children. It is almost unfathomable to realize the depths of his love. What a great blessing to have the atonement available to each and every one of us. Some days, I truly feel blessed.

--I really am grateful for opportunities like these, that help me to learn and grow.

My kids & hubby

I love this picture! (and can you see the bird diving down in the background? cool huh). This was taken on the beach in Spain, right in front of our apt. rental. What an amazing trip that was! (Details to come soon :-) )

Another picture of my little munchkin.
Books are seriously one of her favorite things. She loves reading them and throwing them on the floor. Either way, it's exciting, and she loves books! :-)

You so need to see how she's grown!

Just look at my baby girl! She's so grown up! and SO fun! She's 13 months now, and so full of life and happiness. She is still the happiest baby on earth and laughs ALL the time! She loves our dog (oh yeah, we got a dog. I'm not as thrilled, but the rest of the family seem to enjoy him:-)
Angela also LOVES music, and will get annoyed if others try to interrupt her music time (on the real piano, or her play piano or drum). She loves shoes, and smiling, and crawling EVERYWHERE (but has no desire to walk. ha ha). She especially loves to empty out bags or buckets of their belongings. (this is NOT my favorite game to play.)
IT's just her and me at home during the day, since all the other kids are in school, and we have a lovely time together. OH, I love this baby girl!

A Soldier comes home. . .

It is AMAZING what happens in a year!
Many good things have happened.

In May, PAUL CAME HOME! (Let's blame my lack of posting on the blog to spending time with him and the kids instead ;-)

I've had many times in my life that were filled with utmost joy and happiness that I thought I would burst. . . This is right at the top of that list. I can't quite say it was the happiest day of my life, but Pretty sure it is tied for that position (along with my wedding day and the births of all six of my children).
I was so nervous the day of and the day before he got home. I had butterflies, and could hardly eat. Funny enough, as I think about it, I get teary eyed. . . It is truly a magical amazing moment. To be separated from the love of your life, your best friend, your helpmeet, your spouse for a YEAR, is crazy! To reunite, is indescribable. I just couldn't stop smiling.
There's a song "I could not ask for more" that kept reeling through my head, because I found the lyrics SO appropriate to my feelings in that moment when I finally held him in my arms again. "These are the moments, I thank God that I'm alive. These are the moments I'll remember ALL my life. I've found ALL I've WAITED for, and I could not ask for more. I could not ask for more than this time together, I could not ask for more than this time with you. Every PRAYER has BEEN ANSWERED, every wish I had's come true. . . "
I just saw a picture today, and it put me right back in that moment. It seriously brings me tears of joy.
I can't help but think of our Father in Heaven and the reunions that are constantly taking place above us. Going through a deployment separation REALLY helped me see the heavenly perspective that is there. When we talk about the joyous reunions that must be taking place when someone we love passes on, I can visualize even MORE what that must be like! and WOW! Reunions full of LOVE are amazing.
I can't believe it's already been five months since he came home! WoW! It's flown by. I am hoping and praying it continues to go that fast for my dear friends who are experiencing deployments right now. I look forward to the tears I will shed on their behalf when they are reunited again. Oh what joy! I love my life!

Update picture

She gets more and more beautiful every day! Seriously, the happiest baby I've ever known. She brings so much joy to our family! We so love our Angela Isabelle