I love to see the Temple...

Saturday night was a special night for our family. True to tradition in Ross' family where the neices and nephews do a family baptism when they turn 12, we accompanied Jerry in a family baptism. It was a spiritual moment to watch our son be baptized by his father for those who have passed on. There were 17 of us there and out of those 9 were able to do the baptisms and confirmations. They were able to do 220 names with one other small family there. I am so grateful for our family and the desires to do the work of the Lord.

It was quite the fun experience on the trip there though... I am claustrophobic and we piled(13) into a van and it felt like we were sardines! But what made it enjoyable or more bearable was listening to a funny cd that had a song on there called " peanut butter and Jelly"! It was a fun, spiritual occasion that I hope to never forget! As the song goes " I love to see the Temple..."!

A wild ride

Last thursday was Brayden's first time to the zoo. His favorite part was the giraffe slide. So I wondered why we went all the way to the zoo to play on the slide??? It was so fun to watch him enjoy himself though...

As with each child that has gone to the zoo, I have always had their picture taken with them sitting on the tiger. It is fun to have little family traditions! We had a good time that day and can't wait to have the whole family go back.

My loveable, silly husband

This morning was a difficult one to get my husband out of bed for work. The alarm kept going off and I was not wanting him to be late for work... but also I WANTED to get more sleep before the kids were up.

So in trying to get him up I asked him if he would turn the alarm off. He told me that he didn't sleep well last night because he had to go into the laundry room and get the laundry. I said, dear that doesn't make any sense! Then he said he had to get up at midnight to put the clothes in the laundry basket! My crazy husband... he says the funniest things when he is trying to wake up or someone is TRYING to wake him up! I finally got him awake enough to explain what he was talking about. He said that a cramp in his leg woke him up and he shot up right out of bed at midnight! Then he said as he was hitting the bed in sheer agony, he missed and hit my arm instead! I apparently said that it hurt... although I don't remember any of it. So there you have it ladies.. my husband still is hitting on me... lol! I look forward to his next words of jiberish when I will try to wake him up.. until next time!

40 Days Closer to Christ

I am wanting to start the 40 days closer to Christ program in the next day or two. When I did this a few years ago it made such a big difference in my life and I felt the Spirit in ways that I cannot begin to explain. I am in need spiritually of doing this again and would like to invite anyone who would like to join me... if not that is perfectly ok.

A dirty joke...

Here is a dirty joke for you...

A little boy played in the mud...

...And got really dirty!

And now for the clean joke...

...The little boy took a bath!

Of course I couldn't show the little boy taking a bath... that WOULD be a dirty joke! LOL

Brayden's Lingo...

From the mouth of my little two year old are his own definitions for his lingo.

Fwing- please push me on the swing
Pita- tortilla please
Crappy doo- Scrappy doo.
Try again- sing to me please
In singing I am a child of God, he says.."given me an wee wee home, all must do..."
3,2,1...- daddy play with me by picking me up and sitting me on your feet while you lay on the floor.
Monk- means to watch Tom and Jerry
That one- means new movie
Sandwich bread- means toast or a slice of bread with jam
"say cheese"- means want picture taken
moo here- old macdonald had a farm
piggie hurt- means toes got hurt
ouch I hurt- he wants you to ask if he is ok, then he says"ya Im ok"... then he is fine and smiles.
wanner- means water please.
shoe sock- means I want to go outside
i not stinky- means I am
I stinky- means I am not
i u- means I love you
last night at the dinner table, Brayden took a carrot and held it up in the air and said"by the power..." for those of you who remember He-Man. We all thought it was cute!
then he will say" yes! I did it! and uses the arm motion.
sit down - means I want you to play with me.

He is starting to put sentences together already! I can't believe how quickly he is growing up!

A little Nervous

Today I get the blessing of speaking in sacrament meeting with my dear sweetheart. I call it a blessing for I know I need to overcome my insecurity of speaking in public. I just pray that the spirit will guide my heart and words. My husband will do a great job and I am grateful for him.

Crash and Burn

This past Sunday we were at a friends house for dinner. While there, Raelene was on the little metal scooter and as she was about to come around the corner, she thankfully missed a mailbox and while trying to do so she crashed and scraped up her knee and leg pretty good. I felt so bad for her for I had done that several times growing up. It looks pretty sore and it feels that way too! She has been asking me to post this so I am doing this for her.

Unfortunately the pictures don't do it much justice.. looks better(worse) in person. But she has been quite the trooper!!

Wacky Wednesday!

This is a bit long but funny to read for there are many truths!

Glossary of Kids' Kitchen Terms
APPETIZING: Anything advertised on TV.
BOIL: The point a parent reaches upon hearing the automatic "Yuck" before a food is even tasted.
CASSEROLE: Combination of favorite foods that go uneaten because they are mixed together.
CHAIR: Spot left vacant by mid-meal bathroom visit.
COOKIE (Last One): Item that must be eaten in front of a sibling.
CRUST: Part of a sandwich saved for the starving children of [ ] China, [ ] India, [ ] Africa or [ ] Mid-East (check one).
DESSERTS: The reason for eating a meal.
EVAPORATE: Magic trick performed by children when it comes time to clear the table or wash dishes.
FAT: Microscopic substance detected visually by children on pieces of meat they do not wish to eat.
FLOOR: Place for all food not found on lap or chair.
FORK: Eating utensil made obsolete by discovery of fingers.
FRIED FOODS: Gourmet cooking
FROZEN: Condition of children's jaws when spinach is served.
FRUIT: A natural sweet not to be confused with dessert.
GERMS: The only thing kids will share freely.
KITCHEN: The only room not used when eating crumbly snacks.
LEFTOVERS: Commonly described as "gross."
LIVER: A food that affects genes, creating a hereditary dislike.
LOLLIPOP: A snack provided by people who don't have to pay dental bills.
MACARONI: Material for a collage.
MEASURING CUP: A kitchen utensil usually stored in the sandbox.
METRIC: A system of measurement that will be accepted only after forty years of wandering in the desert.
NAPKIN: Any warm cloth object, such as shirt or pants.
NATURAL FOOD: Food eaten with unwashed hands.
NUTRITION: Secret war waged by parents using direct commands, camouflage, and constant guard duty.
PLATE: A breakable Frisbee.
REFRIGERATOR: A very expensive and inefficient room air conditioner when not being used as an art gallery.
SALIVA: A medium for blowing bubbles.
SODA POP: Shake'N Spray.
TABLE: A place for storing gum.
TABLE LEG: Percussion instrument
THIRSTY: How your child feels after you've said your final "good night."
VEGETABLE: A basic food known to satisfy kid's hunger -- but only by sight.
WATER: The cola of underdeveloped countries.

Hope you enjoyed this!

How well do you know your scriptures?

Sunday night our Home Teachers came over and gave us a wonderful lesson. He turned it into a game for the kids and it was a great idea. He was to ask them questions out of a lesson in the Friend and they could use their parents as one of their "lifelines" if they didn't know the answer.

So the game began and it was fun. They answered the questions about Joseph Smith very well. I was very impressed that they knew the answers. Then came the question.." What Scripture did Joseph read that led him to the Grove to seek his answers?" They couldn't think of it and one of the Home Teachers started to say "James.." and then James 1.. and I said verse 22. Wrong... was I! He said James 1 verse 5. Of course you knew that one.. I think I was the only one besides my kids that didn't.. next thing out of Raelene's mouth were the words.." I will use dad for my lifelines!!" Ouch.. looks like Mom needs to do better at her Scripture Study!!

Either we will be compelled to be humble or humble ourselves.. But it was cute and made me think! I am so thankful that my kids know what they do and I need to do better at studying my scriptures so that I can teach them better. I love my kids, I love my husband and I love my Savior and Heavenly Father. May I always be willing to learn from my kids and others.

My Son a Deacon!!

Saturday April 18 2009 is the day that our son, Jerry was ordained as a Deacon.
It was a very special day for our family. We are so grateful to Jerry's uncle and aunt Shane and Chelsea Stevens, Our close friend of the family Joe Hall and Grandma and Grandpa Stevens for taking the time to be there to support our Son. We miss and love all who wanted to be here but were unable to come. I cannot believe that I have a 12 yr old boy, young man, now.. where does the time go? Brother King was there to officiate the ordination.

Ross was so touched because the one who gave him his Priesthood was there to assist in Jerry receiving his. I cannot begin to tell you how full my heart is knowing the lineage that Jerry comes from. He is so blessed to have a father who honors his priesthood and feels it a sacred calling. He learned this from his father. Jerry, you have special grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins who love the Savior and pattern their lives after Him. May you always remember your roots and where you are going. Know that our Father in Heaven is well pleased with you and that He loves you. Always use the priesthood in a reverent manner. Use it to serve Heavenly Fathers children. You are a special son and we are so blessed to have you in our home and in our family. We love you. Always turn to your Father in Heaven and your Earthly Father in times of need and support. May you always remember this day.

Emmett Idaho Stake Center

Jerry's Grandma LaWana Stevens

Brayden, Ross, Raelene, Jerry and Amber

Dad and Jerry

Grandma, Jerry and Grandpa

Aunt Chelsea, Jerry and Uncle Shane

Jerry and Joe Hall

Shane, Grandpa, Ross, Joe, Brother King and Jerry

One Expensive Weekend!

You know you are becoming a blog addict when you look forward to having weird, crazy, funny, and unsual or even sometimes mundane things happen to you so that you can blog about them!!

Friday night I was enjoying a movie with my sweetheart at home and I have come to develop a habit of eating popcorn when I do. As I was chewing the popcorn, I felt something stuck in one of my teeth. To no avail I was unable to retrieve it and after much frustration, the thought occured to me that I had broke off part of my tooth! I went in a timely manner to the bathroom to see what the damage was and sure enough, there was half my tooth gone.. I had swallowed it and had no clue I had done so!

Now its off to the dentist tomorrow to get a crown fitted for the silly thing I had done and figured that the popcorn cost me around $500 dollars when all said and done... they say that you need to learn to laugh at yourself. I figure if I don't others will and so I will beat them to it!! Ya gotta find humor in your everday living and experiences or else you would go insane..

Then later on Saturday.. being the ever so careful mother and person that I am..! I left my prescription glasses on the counter and noticed that Brayden was quiet. I looked for him and found him on the ground playing with my glasses.. he had broken the side of them off and bended the middle! Hopefully they can be repaired so I can see in the sunshine when driving. Oh well, such is life and if this is the worst thing that I need to deal with I am blessed! Just part of learning and growing! I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything!!

A Digital World

I was over at a friends today and she was helping me with my background for my blog. We got on the subject of digital cameras and I mentioned that it would be nice if we could just take a picture of our homes.. you know, the rooms that we want to have cleaned and the clutter gone, and then upload them to our computer and voila! once cleaned on the computer it would automatically do that in real life!

Think of the rearranging, the decorating, the endless possibilities that we could do if that were possible! Isn't it fun to just think about those things once in a while? If it were possible, my imperfections would go away.. oh wait.. it is but I have to wait for the Resurrection. I guess in some ways that is what it will be like. I never thought of it in that sense before... but that is the best Program that we could ever have been given and the Composer is our Savior, Jesus Christ. How thankful I am for His Sacrife and Atonement!

May we find ways to beautify our environment and ourselves while partaking in the blessings of the gift of the Atonement and know that we are "perfect" in His eyes!

Flying Lessons...

So I finally decided it was time to take flying lessons! I know.. you thought the day would never come. Ok.. for those that know me well, you know that this would not ever happen for I am terrified of heights!!

So I am taking a different kind of flying lessons. It is from the website Flylady.net. She has step by step instructions that are very logical and easy to follow on how to get rid of clutter and organize your home. For those of us who are interested in it, if you are not one of us nuts who love our clutter...just kidding... you might not like this post.

I am tired of living in CHAOS..(can't have anyone over syndrome) and I want things to be nice in my home. True it will never be immaculate.. who wants that anyway! Takes the fun and surprise out of life! But I do want things a little more organized! Of course it might not last too long but I can enjoy it when it does happen...

On the website it has you decluttering your home in just 15 min a day.. sounds too good to be true, sounds too simple and of course with me if it is too simple I will complicate it! I will be posting pictures of proof when I am done.. for those who want to see that it truly works... but I feel good about myself for actually starting it! I will post later on my progress. In the meantime, enjoy the other blogs...!

Joke of the week...

A boy had reached four without giving up the habit of sucking his thumb, though his mother had tried everything from bribery to reasoning to painting it with lemon juice to discourage the habit.
Finally she tried threats, warning her son that, "If you don't stop sucking your thumb, your stomach is going to blow up like a balloon."
Later that day, walking in the park, mother and son saw a pregnant woman sitting on a bench. The four-year-old considered her gravely for a minute, then spoke to her saying, "Uh-oh ... I know what you've been doing."

Kids say the cutest things... and then you wonder where they get them.. and then you hear yourself speak!!

I hope this made you laugh today... my goal is to help make you laugh at least once a week...

A skunk in our home??

Have you ever smelled something yucky in one of the rooms in your home but could not for the life of you figure out what was causing it? You search and tear everything apart and still to no avail cannot find the culprit...until you finally discover that it was right under your nose the whole time, you know.. right in plain sight! If it were a snake it would have bit ya!

For the past few days I have been smelling something unpleasant coming from the boys' room...(I know it shouldn't surprise me, after all they are boys) and I have not been able to find what is causing it. So today I decide is the day that it needs to go away. I attack their room with a mission and a cause! I clean everything.. still nothing to be found until...can you believe what I found?? Are you ready? it was a.... skunk! I don't know how it got in my house let alone the boys room! How could I have missed it? How long was it there?

Ok.. so now that you have been skunked like I was!!... the real culprit was the new pair of chore boots I bought for Jerry! How could something so silly cause so much smell in one bedroom? They haven't even been worn yet.. Anyway.. I found it to be a little funny and if I can make you laugh today then mission accomplished! If not.. check your sense of humor.. just kidding!

A Simple Easter

Yesterday was a quiet and simple Easter for our family. We got up in the morning, prepared Easter breakfast then had scriptures and prayers before Church, then as I have done in the past I gave my children something that is a little more on the spiritual side for Easter. Then we had a beautiful Sacrament meeting at Church.

After we had pictures taken by some friends and due to the sunshine, shadows were cast on our faces... so they didn't turn out like we would have liked them to.

We then had a wonderful meal provided by my dear husband and I am so thankful for his kindness.

We finished our Easter Sunday by attending the Easter Cantata at the Stake Center. It was so beautiful and Spiritual. The Slideshow that went with it was so touching and helped to put into perspective what Our Savior did for us. I am so thankful to all who made it a beautiful experience that I never want to forget. I am thankful that my family is more interested in the true meaning of Easter and not the Easter bunny. What made it more special was when Brayden saw the slideshow and said"Jesus!" "that is Jesus, Mom". I am so grateful that he recognizes him.. it is important to me that he knows who Jesus is.

I am so grateful for the Birth, Atonement and Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. But I know that I need to do better at living my life so that it reflects that gratitude. There are so many areas in my life that I need to work on that I know that I fall short in that probably don't show my Savior how thankful I am for what He has done for me. But I want Him and you to know that I do have a testimony of Jesus and Heavenly Father. I know He loves me inspite of all my weaknesses, failures, insecurities, and faults. I only pray that I can come to have the Christ-like love for others the way the Savior loves me and you. I love my family, the Scriptures that teach me how to become more like Christ, my dear friends that put up with my insecurities and challenges and the Spirit for testifying of Christ.

Jerry's 12th Birthday Party Slide Show..

I was so pleased with these boys at Jerry's party tonight.. they included Brayden in almost everything they did! They made him feel like he was one of the "boys" and he had so much fun!

I want to thank those that came tonight.. you made it fun for Jerry! I can't believe that he is already going to be ordained a Deacon here soon!!

Love you Jerry!

Recipe for a lil green man...

For those who would like to know how to make a little green man.. I will tell you step by step on how to make one.
1. you take 1 curious little boy(not hard to find)
2. 2 parts green food coloring and 1 part green marker
3. need to have a sense of humor and adventure!
4. Make sure you mix well and color the feet and hands the most!

Combine the above ingredients... bake with love and laughter for 5 seconds.. (that is all the time they need to paint themselves..) then sit back and take pictures and enjoy the results and the moment!!


now if you just kiss your prince charming the little green monster will turn clean again...

but it takes some time...

as you can see it is starting to work!! just a few more kisses and he will be the handsome prince again! If anyone is in need of a lil green monster and wants one to demonstrate, Brayden is taking numbers...

Training Grounds for the Summer Olympics

What most people would call the fun place where children can play, swing, climb and jump would be the Park.. but for the Stevens kids it has a different name. It is their own personal training ground for getting in shape for the Summer Olympics! You will see 3 very serious Athletes who are competing in 3 very challenging sports! Don't let their faces fool you... they take their training seriously! So look for them in the coming Summer Olympics and cheer on your local Athletes!!

First up is our hometown diving star... Brayden


He is practicing on something a little safer for his diving techniques. I give him a 10 for effort! What score would you give Brayden from Emmett?

Next we have Jerry doing is vertical 180 on the swings. He is training for the un even bars! Look at that straight form! Judges give you a 10! What would you give him?

Here is our hometown girl, Raelene. She is practicing her techniques for the Rings. Look at how long she has been holding on! You are awesome... although it looks like you can't hold on much longer! I give you a 10 for effort! What score would you give her?

Since these athletes practiced diligently, I decided they earned some play time, to keep them loose and happy!

Brayden is amazed at how she can get her body to do this!!

Look at that cute face!! You did a great job, Brayden!

Not quite big enough to make this venture on your own... so thankful you have an older brother to help guide you along!!

So there you have it folks... your very own local athletes in training who practice hard and play hard! There will be a voting area for those who would like to cast your votes. Who will be your favorite choice??? Or will it be a 3 way tie?? You decide!

Runaway ducks...

pet duck on the loose!


redneck Duck Catcher... he looks pretty serious to me!

great hiding spot there donald!

And he is caught!!

Raelene and I were finishing up our dinner outside tonight since it has been a beautiful day and all of a sudden we heard quacking behind us. So I turned around and there was Brayden chasing our ducks!! He had let them out and thought it was quite funny.

Jerry said not but a few seconds earlier that he wanted to play hide and seek with Raelene. Well, Jerry I think you got your game in, only this time it was with the ducks!! It was funny to watch him try to catch them!!

911! My 2 yr old is gone!

Thursday was Jerry's birthday and he asked me to bring treats to his class that day for his party. I had a dr appt. at 11 am that day and knew that I wouldn't have time to make him anything. So, on my way out of town I stopped by Albertsons to find something that would suffice my son's party. As I was browsing thru the different goodies.. it dawned on me that I had left Brayden out in the van all by himself!! Panic struck and I hurried and checked out and proceeded to the van. As I unlocked and open the door, I said"Brayden.. I am soo sorry", only to find that he was not in his carseat!! I looked all over the van and to no avail he was nowhere to be found.. the most horrible feeling came over me and I started to cry while calling out his name. I can not begin to describe the panic, sick feeling that I was experiencing! I quickly searched the parking lot while trying to call out his name between sobs. I saw a guy come out of the store and asked him if he had seen a little boy. He said no and asked how old he was. I said that he was 2 and that he was no longer in his carseat. He then asked a woman if she would come and help us look for my lost son. I called Ross but he did not answer.. I didn't know what to do, I had lost my son and felt like I was the worst mother in the world! Me and the lady went back to the van.. I looked in the back seat, still no sign of him, then I opened the door to where his carseat is and realized that he was unbuckled.. he does not know how to unbuckle! Some one had taken my dear Brayden!! The lady said to call 911 for it was an emergency! I have never been in a situation like this before.. how was I going to tell Ross that I had left Brayden alone and someone had taken him?! He was gone forever... I cried horribly. So I dialed 911 and then quickly hung up. I realized and remembered at that moment that... I had left him at a friends house earlier!!
Sure it might be funny now but it definately wasn't then!! It took me a good 10 minutes to get the adreniline rush to settle down... I will never forget that feeling!!

I am so thankful that it wasn't the real thing! What would you have done?

The Finishing Touches...

Since yesterday was filled with meals and movies with friends and family, Ross didn't have time to fix my birthday cake that he was wanting to make... so this morning my dear, sweet husband got up and fixed it first thing. I have had the same birthday cake every year for 26 years now! It is my favorite cake of all times.. Angel Food Cake.

Then when he got home from helping a friend.. he brought with him Roses! I am so blessed to be married to such an amazing husband and to have wonderful kids! I love them soo much! We had the cake with sliced strawberries and whip cream... Yum!!

So now my birthday is complete! My kids made me cards last night and made everything so special for me!

Thank you!

I just want to thank everyone who remembered me on my Birthday yesterday and who also made me feel so special and loved! It is nice to know that you are thought of and cared about! I hope you all know how much you mean to me and that I love you! Thank you for your kindness!

Don't Blink...

Ok.. the only reason I am posting these pictures is because my sweet mother in law requested them.. other wise I would not be doing this!
Yes, today (April 3rd) is the day I was born.. I feel like I share a connection with everyone, seeing as how we were all born at some point in our lives!
So as the song goes..
Don't blink
Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five ... then 30, then yes even 32!

And now I am blessed with a beautiful family!!