We got to go to Pismo Beach with some friends in our Ward the Lenzingers and McCauleys. We had a blast camping on the Sand Duns for 5 days. We sure got sandy but it was well worth it. My Parents and 2 sisters came down Saturday for the day and got in on the fun. I was nurvice to camp with 3 little kids but it was nice having the Lenzingers camper there to warm up bottles and use the bathroom. Allie ate tons of sand. Trey got to be profetional at throughing the sand. and Lindi was able to drive a quad all by herself! She was also the first to jump into the freezing cold ocean; she is shuch the dare devil. Lorin got sweet air...as you can see from the pictures and I did a lot of talking. It is so nice to have such great friends to share their awesome toys and make memories. I hope they will have us again.
HELP I'm the Faith in God Leader in our ward for the 10-11 years old this week we did a 'Modest are the Hottest' activity and dressed ourselves both modest and immodest with newspaper and garbage bags. It was a blast. It is fun having my sister Emily in my group.
George Washington's Prayer for the United States of America
Almighty GOD; we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection, that thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States of America at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of The Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech thee, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
Hi, Hello I hope you are still getting mail since it is now snail mail. I usually like to hand write letter but each of the letters I write you I also add to my blog, because I never add much to it. It is also a way to bare my testimony in an easy way to all that read it.
Well today I substituted Primary (which I do every week in some form) but this week for singing time. I was to teach the kids “Called to Serve” by the time the two hours of Primary were up I was ready to drop in exhaustion. I had them singing at the top of there lungs and doing these awesome actions as we sang the choirs. It was so powerful. I love baring testimony of Missionary work. I gave each of the Kids a badge that said, “Future Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints”I think that everyone one in the building could hear us singing. I then went into Nursery to do their singing time and wow I love little kids, I learned that all along I was doing the wrong actions to “Twinkle Twinkle little Star”
I don’t officially have a calling in Primary…well kind of “Perma-Sub” but I love the feeling in there and the energy the kids have for the gospel. It was truly a powerful Sabbath.It is amazing to see children be raised with such standards and doctoring engrained in them from such an early age. It is a witness to me that if I do all I can and one of my kids decided not to stay active in the Church they will still remember the lessons throughout their lives and one day come back…even if it is in the Millennium. (and no I’m not predicting my kids to go off the deep end, I’m just saying)
Any way for the week; we went swimming Tuesday and Friday, I maid 7 batches of home maid Peach Jam and 6 batches of homemade Fruit leather. Dad had supplied me with 100s of fresh Peaches from his peach tree and they are to die for. We have also had lots of vanilla ice cream with fresh smashed peaches on top. Let’s just say PEACHES have been the hot item over here.
Updates with the kids since it has been a while…
Lindi – She has now mastered writing her name and love to practice. She is such a perfectionist and has to make it just right. She is also quite the swimmer. I don’t really worry about even watching her anymore …she can do flips and dives of the side of the pool, and dive into the water to get toys at the bottom, she has even tried a back dive off the diving board. She was challenged being around her cousins in Utah that she pushed herself to the limit. She also just got a pocked size B.O.M. and loves caring it around.
Trey- is into his 2’s big time his favorite word is “NO” and thinks he can do everything himself. He is such an observer and then once he thinks he figures it out he masters it and is set in his mind that that is how it is. For example; he figured out what a ‘Church’ but then if you show him a picture of a temple and say it is a temple and not a church he is so frustrated, usually throwing a few punches and some firm yells and demands you say it is a church and not a temple.
He is talking so much now too. He loves to read books and tell the story he is really into animals, swards (truly anything is a sward) and toothbrushes. I think he just likes eating the toothpaste but he like to brush several times a day.
Also Big News he went poop on the toile 2x this week. It is the first time ever he has shown interest. So Maybe I won’t have 3 kids in dippers at onceJ
Allie- Wow this girl knows how to motor. Every time you put her down so jets to the stairs to see if the gate is up or if the can climb them. She would spend her whole day going up stairs if she could. Allie has the easiest going personality she is always on the move to LEARN she wants to get her hands on the next time, whatever that may be.
She likes to make noises - she puts her hand over her mouth and makes an Indian noise. Every time you look over at Al she always offers up a huge smile. She always melts my heart. Truly she is my joy these days.
Baby #4- Well this one is giving me the run around, I’m sick 1 out of 3 days. My legs are getting bad now and my body just aches. To tell you the truth I really don’t think about this baby, but being pregnant is on my mind all day long. It is hard to be pregnant.But all is worth it in the end.
I am more excited every week to think I will have another little angle in my home.
I am now just over 15 weeks which pregnancy is 40 weeks so 3mts.
Lorin- He is a trooper and has been picking up the slack since I haven’t been up to full speed. 3 nights in a row I didn’t really have much of a dinner…well if you count ‘Top Ramen’ or the minuet he comes home/out of is office I head to the bed. He has his furniture business going and growing, it is doing better each month. He surely works hard.(also Lorin says. “Abs time will just fly by, work each day to make miracles happen, True Faith will cause things to happen. Spend these last months’ causing miracles to happen.Make each day count! There is no better place than a mission. I love you keep up the good work!”)
Kelli- I have updated you through out…but as of late I just want to read Work and the Glory #7 and sit in bed. Life is good and I love my little family they keep me going and remind me everyday how much I love being a mom and how challenging it is.
Abi I love you millions and am so proud of you and all you are doing. How incredible to wear the Lords name on your shirt every day. I know he is pleased with all you are doing and your efforts to bring true Joy to all his children. Keep it up and know that we are praying for you everyday.
Since I'm not to good at writing on my blog I like to just copy my letters I send to my Sister Abi on her mission. It gives a better update of what I'm thinking, doing, and feeling
Abi- I just thought I would get a letter off quick so you at least hear from someone since your e-mail has been turned off. I have really been praying for you and the people of Argentina. As I learn more and more about the circumstances that are going an there it is a true blessing you have the prayers of the whole membership of the church and are included in every prayer in every temple! Because if not there is no way you would be safe in any which way. I love you and I just want you to be safe. Over the 4th of July I was move as I thought of how blessed we are to live and be raised in America and how many opportunities we have because of this land. I know it is incredible to travel and visit other lands but there is nothing like being home.
Well for the last 24 day we have been in Utah. It is good to be home but we had a blast. We spent a week in St George with a family reunion; and then in Orem for the rest of the time. We swam, went fishing, and feed the ducks, went to Thanksgiving point to see the farm animals and just played around. Life with 3 little kids is hard to travel because you can’t do much, you still have to follow somewhat of a routine. Anyway I added some pictures so you can see.
I love what you said in your last letter…
“ I also know that with His many mighty miracles and wonders He personally spent hours making me and teaching me how to become the best I could long before my mission started. I have come to reflect a lot this week of how the Lord has prepared me for this call. I know that I had to have surgery on not only one but both of my knees because if not there is no way I would have been able to do this. He knew long before I did that I had weak knees. Just simple things that I never would have thought have often popped into my mind and as I have come to reflect every single choice I have yet made in my life, whether good or bad has lead me to this point in my life and I feel confident that this is exactly where the Lord wants and needs me to fulfill this marvelous work.”
I feel this same way I don’t know if I am capable of all the Lord has in store for me but I’m ready to try. Everyday I marvel at the Lords Tender Mercies. While we were up in Utah, Lindi dropped Allie out of the playpen and we thought fractured her hip. I called my insurance and my kids weren’t covered out of State so I would have to pay out of pocket for any bills. Allie was in so much pain and wouldn’t move, she would just hold on to me and if you tried to but her down she would just wince in pain. I had Lorin give her a blessing and it was incredible. He said, “To let her be healed by the Master healer.” Both Lorin and I opened out eyes full of tears.I felt the Lord was so aware of Little Allie and our situation. I then put Allie down for a little nap while I got in contact with a Doctor in Bev’s ward. They were so helpful and said to come in.I woke Allie up and went strait there. However, when I got there Allie was a different Girl. She was able to crawl around a little bit and wasn’t in hardly any pain. I then felt kind of stupid in front of the Doctor. He then determined that she just bruised her left hip and to watch her. As I went up front to check out and pay the bill. The Lady informed me the Doctor did the check up ‘free of charge’…wow! I knew that the Lord not only healed little Allie and comforted her but also took care of out finances since we are tight right now. I left the building and couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with the tender love of a Heavenly Father who watches out for me. Allie slowly recovered and is doing so much better.Well the story doesn’t end.Just last Sunday(Bev’s Ward still in UT) I sat down in church and stared talking to the guy next to me.Well at the end of Sacrament he says, “I noticed your little girl if favoring her left leg is everything okay?” He then explained that he just got back last week from being a mission president in Mexico but is a Pediatrician. He then gave Allie another examination and made sure the hip was healing properly…wow again!!! What are the chances-to sit next to a Pedestrian, and for him to be so observant and helpful. It was so comforting to know everything was healing right with Allie.
I just want you to know Abi how grateful I am for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that God lives and that we are watched over. If we simple look for all that he dose in our lives we would be amazed. The Priesthood is real and works!!! It is incredible how the Lord tests our faith and requires certain tasks of us, but when we live up to it how blessed we are.Please share this message with your little village and add my witness to yours of the divinity of a Savior. He is and holds the key to happiness.
I miss you tons and am so proud of how hard you are working. I’m glad you have a new fun companion. The kids and Lorin say Hi too.
I Added a baby ticker and so I think I should also Share the Great News!!! We are having another BABY!!!! I'm feeling good (well depends on the Day) and we are excited to add #4. I didn't think it would be this fast but we'll take it. The Lords plans are not ours, I learn this every day. I'm Due Jan 8th, so Am 14 weeks/3 months along.
We just got back from out long visit to Utah. We Had a blast in St. George for the first week at a family Reunion with Glenn, Kathy and the Brown Family. We spent the days swimming, at the park, and simply being together. There are so many Little Kids Lindi and Trey are in Heaven when they get to play with their cousins.
We also had a great time in Orem ...@ Thanksgiving Point- Fishing in Midway-Cooking at Granny's-4th of July Parties(Tinnie's House, Glenn's House and Uncle Matt's with all the Drigges) Ya we stayed up tell 2:15am and then didn't leave tell the next day at 5pm. We played Hard
Thanksgiving point- Seeing all the animals Hanging out at Grandpa Glenns! This is Bev's Birthday Dinner I had incredible sushi and yes you sit on the Floor Driggs Family 4th of July Party!!!! Swimming Games and all night fun. This is in Midway fishing and feeding the Ducks, We also went to Granny's Restaurant for Shacks!
For our update, yesterday We all hicked Half Domb (ward activity) and wow am I feeling it today! Lorin basicly ran up the mountan and hasn't worked out at all, I don't know how he does it. Sam, Emily and I went together on the way up and it was so fun to be with the two of them it will be a memory for life. I thought Sam would want to prove something and be real fast but he hung with us slow pockes until two miles left. The total hick was 19 miles.- Let me tell you it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. Emily was a trooper at a 11 and making it to the very Top!!! Mom wasn't with us except for the drive which was a big bummer. Lorin, Sam and I went down together and ran almost the whole way. It was beautiful and an incredible day. This was our last week of Preschool for the year for Lindi and I'm so proud that we keep it up the WHOLE year. I'm planning on doing it again next year too. Thursday Night I took Sam on a date. We went to a nice restaurant and just had dessert. I had him bring his journal and we reminised about his life up to this point. I also did this with Spencer before he left on his mission, (made a JOY book/memory book). I asked him about his favorite memories thought out life ... High School and with every individual in the family. With each person I had him list like 3-5 memories. He had a hard time thinking of memories with everyone in the family except YOU! it was so sweet. We got to your name and he rolled like 6 memories off the top of his tong. We then went to Emily and after we were done talking about memories with her. I asked Sam who he looked up to the most growing up...it was YOU! Your his closest sibling and I tried to explain to him that as much as he looks up to you, Emily looks up to him and to do is best when he comes Home to Love her and make her feel special. His eyes watered up and he just started to cry it was so sweet. I think it hit him that he was leaving! that this chapter of his life was closing and he wasn't going to be home anymore...or at least for the next 2 1/2 years. He is Off to Texas to sale security system a week after Graduation. Mom was released from YW President today and she gave an incredible testimony. I was balling. She is an amazing example of someone who fulfills their calling. I need to step it up. Well I love you and I've got to go. This was a good size letter, Points to me :) Once again I'm so glad you are safe and nothing happened more to you than loosing your purse. We pray for you always love you millions Kelli
wow wow I already sent Abi the letter and went and got in Bed and realized I didn't tell half the week. It was an ever eventful week. Spencer, Katie and Lance were in town and we played every night from Friday to Wednesday. We had a few BBQs, Game Nights, One night we went to a nice country club and all played tennis (on a clay court, Lorin was in Heaven) My uncle Warren and Cindy were in town too and it was so fun to be with them can catch up. Lance was a doll ...but Allie got the best of him and would crawl all over him beating him up It was pretty cute. Spencer and Katie are on there way to Washington for a summer internship and will have a blast. I loved being with you guys.
Allie is now all over the place. She is my fastest mover. Yesterday she went from our front door into our play room which is like 25 feet. She is so much like Lindi when she was little in the fact that she has to always be discovering something new, I am out of ideas of what else I can let her play with. She is always moving...never stops; this is one of the reasons I think she is so small...5th percentile in weight or less. She just had 2 teeth pop through on Thursday, which wasn't enjoyable. Allie loves REAL PEOPLE food, she struggled to eat at first but now is a champ. I can now give her tons of stuff; tonight she had waffles for dinner. Lindi is really into coloring. She is a perfectionist with not going out of the lines. She has a "slow and steady gets the job done" - crafty side. I have loved teaching her pre-school this year because I have seen how she learns compared to the other kids...her strengths and weaknesses. Lindi is my biggest helper, I didn't know a 4 year old could do so much, it is so nice to have an extra set of hands. Trey is such a trooper. His arm hasn't slowed him down- he is always on the go. He went to our Fathers and Sons this weekend with Lorin which was on a lake, boating for 2 days straight. Trey is a total Daddy's boy. He won't come to me for anything unless Lorin is at work - Treys favorite people are #1his Dad #2 Mimi ( my mom) and #3 Emily ( my sister) I think he has them wrapped around his finger because he can get all 3 of them to do whatever he wants ... and he doesn't like me because I don't let him get away with stuff. It is still a major struggle to get him to go to bed. Tonight he screamed at his door... and when we finally came to check on him he was fast asleep on the floor -right as you walk in. Lorin is quite sore because he went boating Thu, Fri, and Sat...and wants to go Monday too. Lorin is also excited because this is his last week of teaching seminary for the year. Both he and the Seniors are ready for summer. Saturday I taught a class for our stake Faith in God Activity.(8-11 yr old girls) It was on the Holy Ghost...I taught the class for 30 min 5x. I have a new respect for teachers. I was so tired and confused with which class I taught what. Overall it went well and I'm glad it is over. Next Lorin and I are training to hick the Half dome in Yosemite national Park. It will be a fun day trip to take with the youth of our ward. There is an update on the Brown Team
Lindi's Birthday. The best part of the whole day is she can now chew GUM
This is Lindi on her birthday loaded with make-up. As soon as she woke up she asked, "Now Mom can I have lip stick, Lip liner, eye shadow, blush and Mascara!" Ya she is only 4 I'm in trouble Saturday May 3rd Lindi Turned 4! So is getting so big. Sam was Danny in Grease so we went and saw his play and then went to the park after for Linid and Mark (my mom's cuz) Birthdays. I think Allie and I look alike here and I had to throw this picture in here because my kids always tend to look like Lorin. Playing in the Backyard we bought a new pool out back and have started to put it to good use, but now it has to be on hold until Treys cast is off.
Broken ARM
Trey decided to Dive out of his crib last Friday and broke his forearm ... it wasn't a clean break but we still had to go to the ER and get X-rays and the whole bit. then the following Monday we went in and got a little blue cast. He is a trooper and I am really having a hard time keeping him in his bed. He dosn't get to bed until like 9:30 or 10 and we start Bed time at 7:30 His cast goes all the way to his armpit. He is getting pretty good with his left hand too. but is so unstable, he falls all the time. This is how I found him a sleep one of the days...ya lets just say it is a battle!
Maria Portokalos may not have been the focus of the movie, but that's the only way she would have had it. You, like Maria, are the backbone of your family, but you do it without ever wanting to be the center of attention. You know what we're talking about — your kids always seek out your well-thought-out and sincere advice, and your husband knows who really wears the pants in your house.
You consider motherhood a delicate balancing act — you're strong and tough when necessary, but it's tempered with love and respect. Fiercely loyal, you always act with your family's best interest at heart. And that's just the way you want it.
My favorite part of teaching my kids the gospel is when they get it and talk about it. Lindi got sick the other night and asked Lorin to pray with her so she could get better and she said it helped so much. Trey was taking a bath and saw a picture of the SLC Temple and said, "Mom and Dad Temple" I was shocked! The Church is True and I love it!!!
"You have nothing in this world more precious than your children. When you grow old, when your hair turns white and your body grows weary, when you are prone to sit in a rocker and meditate on the things of your life, nothing will be so important as the question of how your children have turned out ... Do not trade your birthright as a mother for some bauble of passing value ... The baby you hold in your arms will grow quickly as the sunrise and the sunset of the rushing days." President Gordon B. Hinckley
