Super Walters Family Blog

Let's help brighten a day or two.....

2011-04-06T18:11:00.000-07:00

I follow a Blog of a friends Daughter from Camp Hill, she has provided us with an open door to be able to help some of the people in Japan. Let's all pitch in!
Here is the link to her blog if you want to help out. I copied the text from below so you could read it here, if you want to read more and see the pictures go to her page.

thesleepytimegal.com

for the children of ishinomaki, japanby thesleepytimegal on April 6, 2011 · 66 comments

{So far today we have 80 boxes going to Japan, being shipped from all around the world ! Let’s aim for 100!}

{photo from here}

I am feeling quite somber today, and yet, so excited I can hardly find the words to type. I finally feel like there is something tangible my family and your family, can do for Japan.

{photo from here}

A new Japanese friend of mine has been corresponding with her dear friend in the devastated town of Ishinomaki, Japan. (All of the Japanese photos are from Ishinomaki.) Her friend, Sachiko, is an elementary school teacher in this town. Many of the children of the school have parents that never returned to the school to pick them up. Many of the children, in the cooler weather there, are walking barefooted. Many of these children need our help, we who have so many comforts of life right now.

I’m calling out to you, my readers, to send one box. That is all. One box filled with most of the things you already have sitting in your cupboards.

What Sachiko says the children need:

hair things (any girls’ hair ties to hold back their hair)

socks

shoes

erasers/ pencils

paper

special things like candy, something fun that brings a smile

Besides what is on the list, I confirmed that things that are gently used, like children’s clothing, dried fruit, granola bars, and such would be wonderful as well. We’ll be sending many of the girl’s shoes and clothes that can be distributed to suit needs.

{photo from here}

For the teacher, Sachiko, she has needs as well:

women’s hair ties

had cream (from spending so many hours digging through ruins)

Sachiko’s father is a Buddhist monk, and therefore, lives in a Buddhist temple in Ishinomaki. The packages can be shipped here which still stands because it was built on higher ground. (If you are serious about sending a box, email me personally in the contact me section of my blog and I will email you right back with the address.) Her parents are presently housing 15 adults who have lost their homes.

Their needs are:

paper products (toilet paper, paper towels)

feminine products (pads, tampons)

baby wipes (currently used for bathing there, if they have them)

antibacterial gel (there is a sickness like the flu passing through rapidly)

food (plain noodles, dried fruit, other things that ship easily)

gently used clothes, socks, shoes

If your family chooses to get involved and send one package, have your children help by creating cards for the children. Sachiko says the children need some happiness. I can’t even imagine their feelings, longings for familiarity, and sorrows. Put some fun things in their box, too.

There is no need to run to the store. Look for things you already have in abundance in your home. The girls agreed to give away their homemade crayons we made. They donated some of their change to pay for shipping. We are gathering paper goods, supplies, dried fruit, clothing, etc., that we already have. So that means the only cost is the shipping. Do what you can afford, even if it is a really small box. Let the children donate towards the shipping as well.

Let’s do this together, please. If you can commit one box to Japan, share it with us in the comments. My goal is that this blog, through you generous people, can send 20 boxes to Ishinomaki, Japan. This town has been devastated. We have a real, hands-on way to give of our bounty. Please. Pass this on as well- through Facebook, friends, etc. Can you imagine the out pouring of boxes to this school, to this generous Buddhist monk and the people he’s caring for?

Lets fill up the comments section on the blog today with people committing to one box each, all around the world.

SHIPPING TIP: If you buy the international flat rate shipping boxes, that will be your cheapest option!

Home Sick!

2010-11-12T00:27:00.000-08:00

Maybe I'm just over reacting but it seems every time we come home to Missouri to visit we get sick! This time it started with Isaac, I guess he was a little sick before we left low grade fever... Saturday Andrew started a fever that lasted a WEEK! After a late night trip to the ER and a filled prescription of Amoxicillin 3 days later he wasn't getting better. I took him into the urgent care center and what do you know he had a double ear infection. They prescribed him then with some heavy duty antibiotics and that sealed the heal deal ... he was better. So I figured we were clear done with the sickness...I woke up Tuesday morn with a huge headache and my body felt like I had just done 3 hours of P90 x. My mother came to the rescue and I slept the next two days away, bringing myself into the urgent care center. The rapid results strep test came back negative, but the Dr. seeing my rather pussy tonsils (I know its gross sorry) prescribed me with antibiotics too. 2 days later headache is gone, throat still killing me and now I have an ugly dry cough.... whew. Thank goodness for my mother St. Lois She has let Andrew sleep in her room the last couple of nights so that I could get more rest. I figured still again that we were all clear of the sickness phase we are leaving on Sunday and this is Thursday.... and then while putting Elisabeth to bed she said, "Mommy my mouth hurts in the back".... AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I drugged her up with Tylenol and quickly tucked her into bed. And it was so sweet because in her nighttime prayer she only prayed for me to feel better. I was sure she was remembered in my night time prayer.
Even though we have all been quite miserably sick, we have quite enjoyed our stay here. It is so good to breath the beautiful Missouri air, and we have loved being able to actually see stars in the sky, we don't see much of those in Philly. And did I mention the weather has been in the 70's the whole time we have been here? The kids have spent countless hours outside jumping on the newly purchased trampoline, as well as feeding the horses daily if not hourly.. I know if they come in the house with dirt filled fingernails that they have been plucking hand fulls of grass off the ground and then openhanded feeding the horses. I have had some great moments with my dear willard rooted friends. Shantai had her baby shower and then we all were able to stay and chat, and laugh, and blabber some more it was awesome and much needed. I also got to see Arianne who I haven seen in who knows how long.. it was so great to see her. Mom watched the kids all day so I could go have some relaxing girl time with Lora, who treated me to lunch at Hinode... yummy I didn't like sushi before but she had me try a Vegas roll mmmmm mmmm it was good we laughed most of the day away it was great for my spirits .. not so good for the throat. It has been great to get to be with my family, brothers sister in laws nieces and nephews and of course the wonderful parents they are all so fun and sweet. So I know no pics to prove we did have fun on the trip home, but I have been to tired to charge my camera...

Forever 4!!!!

2010-10-20T11:32:00.001-07:00

Purrrty Pet Party!!!!
Elisabeth was very particular about what kind of Birthday party she wanted this year. She loves Puppies and kitty cats, so we decided to invite her friends and we had them bring their favorite stuffed animals with them to Elisabeth's Purrrty-Pet Salon. At the party the animals were dressed in tu tu's, collars and super capes(for the boys). We played musical paw prints and Aunt Becky painted the guests faces the animal of their choice (they all seemed to want to be kitty cats) We had about 15 kids 4 and younger in our tiny apartment.... and it was way more than crazy here, but it was fun... and our Birthday girl loved every minute of it ... except for the couple meltdowns she had when she didn't win the musical paw prints game :)

The past month and a half... Lots of random Pictures

2010-10-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

So this last little while we have had many of adventures! To name a few... moved to Philly, celebrated labor day, my birthday(Jenn and kids came to play for the day), Elisabeth's Birthday(pics coming soon), we have taken several trips to the Philadelphia zoo with and without Daddy,enjoyed the visit of Stacy and Kyle, explored downtown Philly, Liberty Bell etc., eaten our fair share of Philly cheese steaks,Elisabeth started preschool,Isaac is potty trained (night time included:) we have enjoyed the great weather(Elisabeth fell and got a black eye... Ouch), and have been having fun getting to know the area of our new home.

Zoe's Birthday

2010-10-04T19:19:00.001-07:00

The most recent fondant cake I made for a neighbor friends 11Th Birthday. She wanted zebra print... this is what I ended up with.

2010-09-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Best Friends!

2010-08-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

I remember growing up, my very best friends were the ones that I called Brother, or sister, and quite frankly they are still my best friends today. There is something so special about siblings which relationships can not compare in the same way to any other. I have been blessed with the greatest siblings and have great memories with each of them.
I love watching Isaac and Elisabeth play together around the house. When one is gone the other one seems lost and confused. If one is leaving the other asks why they both can't go. It has been so neat to see them play, imagine, and love each other more and more every day. For instance, yesterday Isaac was upstairs taking a nap and Elisabeth was downstairs with me, Jake had just left to go home teaching and Elisabeth was very sad because she was not allowed to go with him. So of course this sent her crying and crying because she really wanted to go. All of the sudden we heard a soft yet hurried voice say "Sissy, Sissy, Sissy", it was Isaac, he was rushing down the stairs to arrive quickly at Elisabeth's aid, with his arms open he gave her the biggest hug... and then another one ... and then another, followed by an requested kiss. Elisabeth immediately calmed down and had already forgotten why she was even upset in the first place. We were at some friend for dinner last night and I was telling this story to them at the dinner table. Isaac and Elisabeth were sitting by each other and as soon as they heard me tell the story they wrapped their arms around each other again for another hug... it was way too cute for words. This incident melted my heart it was so darling! I love how they can be playing for hours at a time by themselves in the next room over, dressing each other up, jumping off of the furniture, or just playing make believe. They have both already tried to include baby Andrew in on the fun... I tell them they have to wait a little longer until he can join in...

Heaven Sent

2010-08-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

I was feeling a little down today. Realistically it was most likely because I was just tired. But I was feeling sorry for myself, a little stressed out about upcoming events and overwhelmed about a series of other things etc.....
I went up to my room to check on the baby and found my scriptures on my bed where I had left them earlier.I knelt down by them and offered a sincere prayer and asked for peace, I opened my triple and the pages fell to Helaman 5:12, immediately I felt an overwhelming feeling of love and peace, I knew that everything would be alright. of course this didn't stop me from crying a little, in fact I was in tears before I could finish the verse.
Elisabeth came up the stairs to find her pj's and we said a few words to each other and then I came downstairs with Andrew to comfort him. About 5 minutes later Elisabeth was at my side at the computer she said, "Mommy I have a surprise for you!", I replied, in my fake (I'm OK voice), "oh you do?". She then proceeded to reach oh her tipee toes for something that was tucked up behind the computer monitor and this is what she handed me...

Then she said,"my grandpa gave it to me when he was here and now I want you to have it."
Once again my eyes filled up with tears and I knew for a second time in about ten minutes that he had heard my prayer. What a blessing prayer is in my life, and what a blessing it is to be a mother to children who teach me the things I am supposed to be teaching them.
So for all of you that are having a tough day, I have a surprise for you,(to the left) my daughter gave it to me and now I want YOU to have it.

Water Balloons!

2010-08-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

Remember as a kid loving to get to play with water baloons, not really loving to be hit by them but just loving to hold them, throw them and fill up more? Elisabeth and Isaac have found their love for water baloons too. We had a couple of their best friends over and they played and played. Isaac wanted to keep all of his and not throw them. The girls were the opposite, telling eachother "hit me, hit me".

2 Cute 2 be Terrible!

2010-08-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

Too Cute 2 be Terrible!
Isaac was so excited for his birthday well at least Elisabeth was.For the last month she has repetedly asked him what kind of cake he wanted for his birthday. He has been telling everyone that he is 2 for weeks as well. He loves bugs, loves to touch them , look for them and smash them. He carries around the movie Bugs Life and attempts to say the title by saying buuh wife... it is very cute. For his birthday Grammy Grandpa, Uncle Bradly, Aunt Irina and cousin Brylee were here, so we went and did some local touristy things including a tour of Wolfgangs Chocolate Factory.

Now that the little monkey has hit the old age of two here are some of the things he has been up to....
jumping off of everything, stairs , chairs, curbs,etc...
he has started to say more words such as, sissy, bee, bum(gum), nam nam (grammy), nampa (grandpa), nigh nigh, eat, way way (water), impt (drink),truck, ball, hold me, hold me , hold me, puor.
he loves pouring water from cup to cup or just dumping it out anywhere he can
he plays simon says, and loves red light green light
his favorite primary songs are popcorn popping, and Jesus wants me for a sunbeam
he love to eat meat, tuna, chicken, steak, and especially love beef jerky
he can down a large salad if it has plenty of ranch on it
he loves his piyee bank (piggy bank) and carries it around everywhere, even sleeps with it sometimes, he is constantly asking for more momo (money)
he is such a sweet boy and has made our lives so sweet as well
We love you Isaac!

Toy Story Cake

2010-08-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

A friend was about to pay a big chunk of money to a bakery for them to make this toy story cake for her sons second birthday. I offered to make it for her for half the price, jokingly. She took me up on the offer and I made my 4Th fondant cake. It was a vanilla cake with a strawberry butter cream filling. I was pleased with it, and she was very pleased. The Saturday she came to pick it up was one of the hottest days of the summer, so the cake melted a little on the way to her house.

Baby in White

2010-08-02T17:35:00.001-07:00

It was so great to have family and friends at Andrews blessing on Sunday. It is so wonderful that we have the gospel to bless our lives starting from birth, really even before birth. Andrew continues to pring peace to our hearts. His sweet spirit is so special to be around.

It Just gets better all the time!

2010-07-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about your life before someone new to love came into it? After they come you sit and wonder how you ever lived life without them. You look back and feels like they were with you the whole time. I have felt like this several times, of course one of them was when I met Jake, then Elisabeth was born and I couldnt imagine my life withough either of them, I thought is it possible to love someone else like I love her, Isaac was born and I found out it is very possible and wonderful. Andrew came and the same thing has happened. It makes the Plan of salvation so real, knowing we lived before and knew each other. It feels like to me that we just had a long seperation from each other and now we are finally reunited. It just gets better all the time! I cant wait to meet the rest of the gang I feel now like I allready can't live without them.

Andrew Is Here!

2010-07-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

I have so much to post about. Our computer went out a day before our new addition arrived, so I have not had the chance to tell the stories and show the pictures of his miraculous birth. Each time I have had a baby I realize more and more the miracle it is and what a blessing it is for me to be involved in part of the creation of a human being. I am humbled at the opportunity Heavenly Father has given me to be their earthly mother.
Many of you have heard the story of the labor I went through with #3, but for those of you who haven't and for mere personal history sake I will tell it again.
Friday May 28Th I went into the hospital to be induced. at about 10 am they inserted the cervical gel, to help soften the cervix and they were hopeful that it would start contractions and put me into labor, well it did, about 45 minutes later I was having contractions every 1 to 3 minutes. After about an hour of that I went and labored for a couple of hours in the jacuzzi tub. I had been training for labor using the Hypnobirthing method, which is pretty much teaching yourself how to relax and not to fear pain. I used this method all day long as I labored and honestly I can say I never felt pain for the first 14 hours. I was in an out of the jacuzzi, on the birthing ball, in the rocking chair and in bed and I was able to handle the contractions very well. At 4 they checked me and I was only dilated to a 3, I was still having contractions every 1 to 3 minutes, they said they would continue to let my body labor naturally and if I didn't have the baby by the nighttime then they would start me on Pitocin in the morning. at 9 they came and checked me again I was dilated to a 5, the Dr. broke my water and I got back in the jacuzzi tub to relax. I then could feel the contractions more intensely, and 2 hours later all the hypnobirthing I had practiced went out the window. I started into transition and I was in pain. I told Jake I had to poop, because that is what it felt like I needed to do, he called the nurse and she came and told me I would have to get out of the tub so the Dr. could check me again. I told her I was not going to get out of the tub and she said, "Well we don't do water births so you have to". That didn't make me very happy but I got out anyway. The Dr. checked me and I was only dilated to a 7. I was so upset by this because I felt like I all ready needed push the baby out. I felt like I was being ripped in half already and I wasn't even pushing yet. I felt like I was dieing of heat too. The nurse and Jake kept trying to cool me off, and I kept telling them not to touch me. At this point I was in so much pain I figured they were just going to have to put me under and take the baby via cesarean, because in my mind I could not comprehend how I was going to be able to make it through to the end, and actually be able to push him out. Finally the Dr checked me again and I was dilated to a 9, only one side of my cervix was thicker than the other so I still had to wait to push. 10 minutes later I was at a 10 and I started pushing because I could not stop myself, my body wanted that baby out and nothing was going to stop it. At this time there was 1 Dr. and about 5 nurses in the room, probably because I was so crazy they thought they had to bring in backup. The head was out and they couldn't find the bulb syringe so they were calling everywhere to get one because he was not breathing and was completely blue, then the Dr. yelled Sara you have to push as hard as you can so I did, and then I was positive I ripped or they cut me but I dint care I just wanted it over and done with. one and a half pushes later he was out. I just laid there, in pain but relieved at the same time. At this time I still didn't know if the baby was a boy or a girl, I didn't ask and they never even told me until about 10 minutes after he was born,one of the nurses yelled over, "oh by the way it's a boy!". Jake was by me the whole time, I would have never wanted to go through that with out him with me. He encouraged me and supported me through the whole process.
It was over and I felt so much better. Andrew David was born at 1:10 am, he was 9lbs 4 oz. 21 inches long. He was extremely bruised when he came out, he had broken blood vessels in both eyes and his face was purple for many hours after delivery. The Dr. told me that this was normal because of how fast he cam out.
We hadn't chosen a name for him previously so after we had a couple hours of sleep, we chose one in about 5 minutes. Andrew David Walters. Andrew after Jake it is his middle name, and David after Jake's uncle David, He has always been very special to Jake and a great role model to all of us.
What a sweet bundle of joy. I have loved being his mother for these last 6 weeks. He has brought such a special spirit into our home and into my life. I feel so honored to have the opportunity to raise him. I have enjoyed motherhood in a whole new way this time around. For some reason I feel more calm, and I have been able to enjoy the little things that I think I overlooked with the other two at this age.
Big sister and Big brother adore him, and always want to hold him, or talk to him, or try to get him to smile. It has been an adjustment for all of us but definitely a much needed and desired one.

When OH When?

2010-05-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

39 weeks and 5 days pregnant! When is this baby going to come outside to play? What does everyone think?
Tell me if you think it's a boy or a girl, and what day it will arrive....
If you are right there will be a special prize..... the prize of being right:)

In search of a new camera!!!

2010-05-11T18:51:00.001-07:00

Does anyone have any suggestions? I need input ASAP
Thanks!!!!

OH HOW I LOVE HER!!!!

2010-05-08T00:29:00.000-07:00

MY MOTHER

This is for you MOM

Brothers and sisters, recently my wife, Barbara, had back surgery and could not lift, twist, or bend. Consequently, I have done more lifting, twisting, and bending than ever before—and it has made me more appreciative of what women, and especially you mothers, do every day in our homes.

There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children.
As a Church, we have enormous respect and gratitude to you mothers of young children. We want you to be happy and successful in your families and to have the validation and support you need and deserve.
Elder M. Russell Ballard Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Who can measure a mother’s grief? Who can probe a mother’s love? Who can comprehend in its entirety the lofty role of a mother? With perfect trust in God, she walks, her hand in His, into the valley of the shadow of death, that you and I might come forth into light. Thomas S. Monson

The holiest words my tongue can frame,
The noblest thoughts my soul can claim,
Unworthy are to praise the name
More precious than all other.
An infant, when her love first came,
A man, I find it still the same,
Reverently I breathe her name,
The blessed name of mother.
George Griffith Fether, “The Name of Mother,”

“I love you, Mother,” said little John;
Then, forgetting his work, his cap went on,
And he was off to the garden swing,
And left her the water and wood to bring.

“I love you, Mother,” said rosy Nell—
“I love you better than tongue can tell”;
Then she teased and pouted full half the day,
Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.

“I love you, Mother,” said little Fan;
“Today I’ll help you all I can;
How glad I am that school doesn’t keep!”
So she rocked the babe till it fell asleep.

Then, stepping softly, she fetched the broom,
And swept the floor and tidied the room;
Busy and happy all day was she,
Helpful and happy as a child could be.

“I love you, Mother,” again they said,
Three little children going to bed;
How do you think that Mother guessed
Which of them really loved her best?

Joy Allison

One certain way each can demonstrate genuine love for mother is to live the truths mother so patiently taught.

Mother, who willingly made that personal journey into the valley of the shadow of death to give us mortal life, deserves our undying gratitude. One writer summed up our love for mother when he declared, “God could not be everywhere, and so He gave us mothers.”

While on the cruel cross of Calvary, suffering intense pain and anguish, Jesus “saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!”
John 19:26–27.

What a divine example of gratitude and love!

My own mother may not have read to me from the scriptures; rather, she taught me by her life and actions what the “Good Book” contains. Care for the poor, the sick, the needy were everyday dramas never to be forgotten. Thomas S. Monson

Fabric Headband- How To (Sorry, pics are blurry I need a new camera)

2010-05-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

Lessons I Learned

2010-04-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

I recently made this cake for a best friend for her birthday. I wanted to make it very special and in a way that I thought fit her personality. This was my second fondant cake and I spent many moments researching exactly how I would make it.I learned many lessons in the process...
1. I usually use a more dense cake recipe, however I opted for the more moist version,the cake was deliciously moist but too moist to hold well under the weight of the fondant and the roses.
2. You can learn anything on You Tube which is where I learned how to make the sugar gum paste roses. The roses were beautiful but too heavy for my too moist cake.
3. A tyred cake needs a good support system so that it does not collapse into itself, I thought I had a good one but I was wrong again. Next time I will be sure to build my support better.
4. Even though I was not satisfied with the finished project Jenn seemed to love it, which was my ultimate goal.
Happy Birthday Jenn! We love you!

Easter!

2010-04-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

These are a little late but thought I would put them up anyway. I asked Sabrina if she wanted to help make an Easter dress for Elisabeth, so she could teach me her techniques and we could spend some quality time together. We were able to get together for a few hours, it was great to see sewing in a new light.
I made Elisabeth's Easter dress and Jake and Isaac matching ties. I couldn't get Jake to sport his, he said it was too girly:)

When I grow Up.....

2010-03-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

Last night before putting them to bed I gave the kids baths. I was sitting by the tub getting ready to wash them because the water was no longer warm it was cold, they had been in it for quite some time. Elisabeth started pouring water over Isaac's head and then blurted out, "Mom when I grow up I wanna be a washa." (because she can't pronounce her R's) I said, "A washer what is that?" She explained, .... "You know... a washer is someone who washes people, washes cars, they wash all kinds of stuff". It was so cute I just had to laugh. Who knows maybe she will start a new career option for people.

She is always full of unexpected conversation, which I'm sure every three year old is. In the car on the way home from the gym today she asked me why Jesus made the cold. After giving her my opinion, she randomly questioned, then why did he make some things scratchy? I didn't really know what to say.... except if we didn't have scratchy things we wouldn't appreciate the soft things. I love the fact that she teaches me with her innocent comments and questions.

She has been struggling lately with her prayers, she always wants help because she says she doesn't know what to say. So I finally explained it to her in a way that she understood. I told her that she is talking to her Daddy that lives in Heaven, and that he wants to hear all about her day and he wants to hear anything she has to say. After that explanation she said the sweetest most sincere prayer I think I have ever heard. A couple nights later in her prayer she said, "Heavenly Father, I love my baby brother Isaac so much he is my bestest brother ever, and he is going to be a big brother soon and I know he will be the best big brother to our baby". Talk about a hormonal mother who was trying to hold back the tears, my heart was so full, once again she is teaching me to put my own advice about prayer into better practice.

Sew sew sew!!!

2010-03-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

This one above and the one below were my favorites.

These are a few of the fun bags I have made recently. Everyone seems to be

My First Fondant Cake creation!

2010-03-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

My sister Becky, told me that she has been making fondant cakes lately. I have wanted to try this for sometime now but I guess she gave me the final motivation I needed to do it.

I love cake decorating and baking in general, but this was a new adventure. It took a few hours but was really intriguing and fun. I really had no reason to make a cake yesterday so I brought it to Mutual and let the Young Women enjoy it.

Out of the cave!

2010-03-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

Just a few random pictures of Isaac and Elisabeth. And of course some cute cupcakes that tasted even better than they looked!

We have the Internet now!!!!!! I have had a few request that I needed to update our blog. So here are a few things that have happened in the last 8 months since I last posted. :)
As most of you have heard we are moving, Jake will be starting PA school in the fall at Drexel University, in Philadelphia. I was really distraught when I found out we would not get to stay here in Camp Hill. I have grown to love this town and I feel more at home here than I ever have since I left Missouri. We have met the most outstanding people here who have changed our lives forever. I feel so comfortable here, I love our ward, I love our neighborhood, I love the local YMCA. I think they know me by name at the GIANT cookie counter where my children have had more than there fair share of free kids cookies. There really are countless things I love about this place. But..... all good things must, no I was not going to say come to an end I was going to say keep going. I know that we are moving for a specific reason, not one that I am sure of right now but, I have always felt the Lords hand in my life. I feel that he knows exactly why it is that we need to move and I trust him to take care of us there. We will meet more people and come to love different places, and I hope we can maybe be put into someone Else's life that might need us there too.
Meanwhile, I am currently 31 weeks pregnant, and I am feeling more and more tired these days. I am not too fond of the whole pregnancy experience, except for the fact that I know that I am carrying the most important miracle inside me for nine months. Those little kicks and sometimes hard punches remind me of the reality of a Heavenly Father who loves me and loves that I am willing to bring one of his children to this earth. To be honest I could do without the sickness, exhaustion, backaches, varicose veins, constant urination, constipation,& stretch marks to name a few (and believe me I could go on). However I think all of these things can be brought back to what I was talking about before, I think it gives me a little taste of enduring the bitter and then being blessed to get to taste the sweet and be the mother of a beautiful child of God.
Though I have slowed down, Isaac and Elisabeth certainly have not! They are having more and more fun these days playing side by side and sometimes on top of each other, because they have found that they love having wrestling matches. Elisabeth almost never stops talking except for when she is asleep,and then we even hear her on occasion doing that, she loves to dance, sing and give hugs and kisses. She is such a sensitive Little girl, I don't wonder for a second where she gets that from... her dad obviously:) Though she is sensitive she is so sweet, always making sure that no one is getting their feelings hurt, always trying to be the mediator and make everyone happy most of the time.
Isaac, our little 20 month old monkey, is such a boy to the t. He loves jumping, wrestling, growling, hitting, throwing and doing any other thing that boys do. I just don't get it because that is so opposite to Elisabeth. He is so tender as well though. Always comes up and offers random kisses which somehow make all of those other things he does seem OK. We love both of them and they make our lives so much more exciting and fulfilling, more than we could have ever imagined possible.
Well Its late now and I should have been in bed about an hour and a half ago... so hopefully tomorrow I can update with more pictures and a new background, since it is spring time and not Autumn anymore:)

Butterfly in the Sky!

2009-09-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

These cupcakes were made especially for Chera for her 29Th Birthday. I thought they were particularly perfect for her (bright and beautiful).

The Butterflies were made using melted Chocolate. They were so much fun to make, a little time consuming, but worth it.

Happy late Birthday again Chera!

Sweet Corn!

2009-09-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

Don't be fooled these are cupcakes, the kernels are made of Jelly Belly's the butter, is Starburst, and the little black pepper is just colored sugar. They were so fun and easy to make and I guess we will find out if they taste as good as real Pennsylvanian sweet corn!

Speaking of walking...

2009-07-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

I decided to hand mop my floor yesterday, I was going to wait until the kids went down for their naps but Elisabeth was just not willing to surrender early enough. I thought what the heck I'll let them join in on the fun. They loved playing in the suds from the soap and Isaac thought they tasted as great as they looked. I was cleaning the far side of my kitchen, and I turned around to find them both standing in a huge puddle of water from the bucket that had been tipped. I thought about getting upset about the huge puddle but decided it wasn't worth it. We all laughed instead, and then cleaned it up.

Isaac started to walk about 2 weeks ago.... I guess I should say he started taking steps. He loves to walk back and forth between Jake and I. He thinks it's a game now and gets a huge smile on his face when he realizes we are both sitting in the right positions on the floor for him to be able to walk back and forth, back and forth.

Thanks to those who walked and walked and walked...

2009-07-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

I was explaining to Elisabeth yesterday, why I was making her a pioneer outfit to wear to our ward Pioneer party. We got to talking and she started asking me questions like;"what is a pioneer, why they wear those, and why they have to walk?" So I started explaining and telling her some different pioneer stories, and all of the sudden I had a huge rush of gratitude toward the Pioneers and early church members come over me. I really am so thankful that they smoothed the path for me and my family so that we can enjoy the fullness of the gospel so freely today.

They were the cutest pioneers I've ever seen, even though I can never get them to look at the camera when I want them to.

You know, Isaac and Elisabeth were just out doing their normal chores for the day.

Sometimes I wish I could freeze time, this was one of those times.

They were just sooo dang cute.

The cute cowboy/make-shift pioneers

What a Man!

2009-06-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

So there is a man I know, one that I am in very close contact with that I would like to brag about. It's not a good thing to be proud but I have to admit I must be a sinner because I am very proud of this great guy. He tries so hard every day to make it a good one, a happy one, and better yet he goes out of his way all day long to make sure that mine is even better than his. He is a full-time student and has been for many years now, apart from being at school (he is at the top of his class) he works, serves diligently at church, plays with his children, holds family Home evenings regularly, has scripture study and prayer with his wife, sends her out for her own time weekly if not more while he stays with the kids, he cooks, cleans, dances and instead of listening to the radio in the car he listens to Conference talks.
I think the only scratch in his character is that he doesn't see all this in himself. sometimes he gets down thinking that he is not good enough, not working hard enough, or looking back in his life he thinks he hasn't yet achieved anything. I want him to know that he is wrong in thinking this. He has accomplished so much with his life and the things he is doing now are stepping stones and bricks to the structure of the beautiful castle of a man that Heavenly Father is building out of him. I feel so privileged to be a part of his life, his partner, his companion, his soul mate. I have been so happy getting to share this journey with him, and I honestly wouldn't change it for anything. It has made me stronger going through it with him. Thank you Jake, you are amazing. I love you

YARD SALE!

2009-06-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

So our little community is having a yard sale this Friday and Saturday, everyone is invited. Most items for sale at our house will be selling for $.25 and the larger items for $.50. We are also having a bake sale consisting of custom cupcakes by me. I am also selling Tu Tu's and very cute hair barrettes for girls. Hey, thought we could make a buck or two. Jake said the problem with me having a sale is that I will give everything away for free...( because I will feel bad asking money for things) I have to admit he is probably right. I told him that and he just laughed and said, "who cares anyway". I will post some pictures of the cute bows and Tu Tu's if anyone is interested.

Home again Home again Jiggety Jig

2009-05-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

Mom, and I drove home with the kids last Monday. It was a long drive but actually wasn't too horrible. The kids did really well and Mom and I switched off and on driving and and sleeping. Thank goodness for rest stops along the way, one even had a nice play area with a playground. We arrived home on Tuesday morning at about 3 am. Jake was so excited to see all of us, it was a very happy reunion. Tuesday night, Mom sent us on a date, to dinner and then we went and watched the BYU Ballroom dance team perform in Harrisburg. Mom took the kids and spoiled them at McDonald's and she also went with them to their music class, they ended up getting home later than we did. Mom left Wednesday night, she had to get back home to fulfill her grand-motherly duties. We love her so much and appreciate all the sacrifices she makes for us.

We have been home for over a week now, and have slipped right back into our normal routine. Things have been great at home, it is so wonderful to be back with my love, I just don't seem to function well with out him, and the kids don't either.

We had a great Memorial Day weekend, full of fun times at the pool, with family and friends. We are looking forward to an exciting summer, who knows what adventures lie ahead.

Feedin The Chickens and Ducks

2009-05-17T21:25:00.001-07:00

Any chance Isaac and Elisabeth had they were outside, Playing in the grass, feeding chickens, or just running and crawling around.

Fun with Family

2009-05-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Missouri, Missouri, Missouri.... These pictures explain it all. There is just no place like the home you've grown up in.

Random...

2009-05-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

These are just some random pictures that I had to post. Elisabeth and Isaac love the bathtub. Especially Elisabeth because she gets to choose the color of the water every time.

These are some more Easter pictures. I made

Elisabeth an Easter dress, Isaac a Bow Tie, and Jake a normal tie. They looked so cute, I had to show them off. Isaac was sleeping so he didn't get in the pictures, and Elisabeth was sleepy, which explains the face. Jake of course looks like a hunk no matter what he is wearing, so he pulled the floral tie off no problem. :)

A Fun Filled Day at the Dickerson Park Zoo!

2009-05-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Elisabeth and Isaac loved the petting zoo, at the zoo. Elisabeth was becoming quite the pro at feeding the goats. Isaac is a happy boy. Loves to be outside and loves to see any kind of animal. He got upset when we took him away from them.

The Giraffes were a big hit, especially because Grammy bought some giraffe food so the kids were able to feed them themselves. They all got a kick out of their long tongues.

Elisabeth , Isaac and Tucker all loved this peacock. He had his feathers down until the female peacock came around then he started showing off. The kids loved him, they were having so much fun chasing him around.

2009-05-16T07:58:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about coming home to Missouri is that I get to see the friends I have had forever. These are the friendsthat are there for you no matter where you are living or what you are going through in life.

Lora and I had so much fun, the kids were sick so Mom watched them and Lora took me out to dinner. We laughed and laughed remembering funny things that had happened in the past. After dinner we decided to mosey around through Target. We didn't even plan to both wear bright yellow shirts, I guess we were just in happy spirits that day. Lora is such a great person and friend, it is always refreshing to get to be with her.

2009-05-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

These videos were taken before the trampoline blew away completely.

2009-05-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

Friday when the kids and I woke up it started to rain heavily. I didn't think much about it since it had been raining for the nth day in a row. Mom woke up and realizing I had barely lived through another sleepless night, told me to go back to bed and she would watch the kids. I had just laid down when I heard the sirens roar, and Mom yelling through the house telling all of us to get into the bathroom. I grabbed Isaac and Elisabeth and did just what we were told. Isaac, Elisabeth, and I, sat on Pillows in the bathtub. Mom, Dad and LIsa came into the bathroom as well, but thankfully didn't try to squeeze in with us. The sirens were loud but the wind was louder.

I grew up with Tornado warnings all the time but never do I remember being so scared and so worried about my safety and the safety of my family as I was that morning. After the sirens went off we lingered anxiously around the house watching out the windows at the unbelievable scene in front of us. The winds were blowing about 80 miles an hour and the trees all looked like they were made of rubber. The electricity had already been out for awhile by then but I still had my video camera in hand. I captured our trampoline spinning through the air like it was a weightless frisbee. The winds were scary and I often rushed us back into the bathroom away from windows that could possibly blow out for all we knew.

Thankfully after about an hour or so the winds calmed and we were able to survey the damage. Many trees around my parents property had been uprooted, including the 30 foot pine tree that stood in front yard is now leaning at a 40 degree angle. The other trees that were uprooted are not little ones either, they are all "Big Trees". When the sun came out we went for a drive in the van to see the rest of the town of Willard. We saw many more trees broken or uprooted and, about a dozen trampolines wrecked, and a couple houses with smashed roofs where trees had fallen on them.

To sum up this story... with lots of prayer we are all safe and sound. We didn't get electricity for a couple of days but we were safe and that is really all that mattered.

2009-05-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

We wanted to surprise my Mom and drive home to Missouri with Ryan and Lizzie, but someone blew our cover before we could get there. The 17 plus hour drive wasn't that bad really. The kids did well for sitting in the car all that time. We finally arrived to Grammy's house at 3:30 am. Elisabeth woke up when the van door opened and immediately knew where we were. she wanted to see the horses and find Grammy as fast as possible. After that I didn't see much of her for about three whole days. She didn't want anything to do with me, she just wanted her Grammy and Grandpa. She even slept in their big king size bed with them for a few nights. After about five days of being here I knew it was about due time for the kids to get sick, it happens every time, it was just a matter of when. Isaac woke up the next day with a burning fever, the next two nights were sleepless for us. Finally he started feeling better and then of course Elisabeth, Tucker, and Baby Ryan all came down with the same thing. Elisabeth started hers out with a temperature of 105 F. I called her pediatrician in Pennsylvania and he recommended that I take her to the emergency room as soon as possible. After she received a blessing given by Grandpa and Uncle Bradly we opted to take her to an urgent care center in Springfield. We checked in and they were about to call us in when I realized that Elisabeth's body felt a lot cooler than it had earlier. I pulled out a thermometer and took her temp one last time, to our surprise it had dropped to 103 F. After talking to the nurse we decided the worst was over and we took her home where she could sleep comfortably.

The next 3 nights were once again sleepless for us. On Friday elisabeth was feeling much better and we had more drama that had to do with a rash and an intimidating call to the Pediatrician. Friday when we woke up it started to rain heavily. I was up with the kids and didn't think much about it since it had been raining for the nth days previous. Mom woke up and realizing I had lived through another sleepless night told me to go back to bed and she would watch the kids. i was just about back to sleep when

2009-05-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

The next week was followed by more fun. Ryan, Lizzie, Tucker and Baby #2 came to visit. Tucker turned 2 while he was at our house and we had fun celebrating with him.

LIzzie and I had a fun time decorating these cupcakes,Tucker loves Nemo so we decided to make fish/beach cupcakes. We had to be creative because the gummy fish we were going to use, mysteriously disappeared :).

2009-05-14T12:00:00.001-07:00

I just couldn't resist taking this picture!
Gettysburg
City Island
Market Street Bridge
Hershey Chocolate World
This spring has been a fun and busy one. Brad and Irina came to visit in the middle of April. We had a blast and kept them busy touring many of the fun attractions in the area.

2009-05-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Isaac and Elisabeth loved Easter. Elisabeth went to 4 different egg hunts, and fell in love with the Easter BUnny at the first one. Isaac just sat back and let the eggs find him.

We Finally Have a Blog!!!

2009-03-24T10:31:00.001-07:00

Everyone has been bugging me, telling me that I need to start a blog. The fact that we don't have the internet at home was my major excuse. I finally decided enough is enough, so I guess I will be using the library now to keep everyone posted.