Saturday I went to get an oil change for the car at Wal-Mart and it took...2 Hours with all 3 kids so I looked through fabric and Lindi picked some and had me make us 3 girls Matching dresses. It was fun to be back on the sewing machine. Sunday the girls and Emily(I gave her mine) ware the outfits and we took pictures.
Also I potty trained Trey this last week and he was awesome. Treys personality is one to "watch others" until he knows he can do it and then he just does it. The first 2 days we only had 2 small accidents. (church was a desaster) and then the rest of the week was incredible. He still forgets and starts a little in his pants then runs to the bathroom. but over all 10 times easyer than Lindi (not that I'm compairing) He just seems so much bigger now!
I am So proud of my little Lindi who isn't so little any more. Wednesday we went boating and Lindi saw a 7 yr old girl water ski and said, "Can I go next?" she was so excited and ready to try. She got up on her 1st try and finally we had to stop the boat because she went for so long and Lorin was hanging out in the water, since he helped her start. She was grinning from ear to ear and hasn't stop talking about it. The water Ski was a 'U' shape ...great for beginners. We also went boating today and she was crazy on the tube. She wants to be so big and will live up to the next age around her. Which today was two 11 yr olds. Lindi puts her mind to something and does it. She is my confident little go getter.
And I have to add a few Pictures of the rest of the Family. Emily Wake surfed for the 1st time and was so excited. She has been staying with us for 2 weeks as she started school and my family is up in Utah getting Sam started at UVU (UVSC in Orem UT). The Couks..ie: Allie is always ready to pose for a picture it is great. Trey likes boating because of all the treats and junk we always bring. He also tubed and did awesome. He has little emotion on his face the whole time. He is so mellow and go with the flow.
Getting to the half way point in Pregnancy is huge!! Not only because it is down hill from here but because of the awesome 20 week ultrasound. I am continually amazed at the incredible miracle of BIRTH and how the Savior allowed us as women to be a part of it. God allows us to be co-creators with Him...WOW!!! Today I was reminded of my roll as a woman. So often the world or feminist try and take on lots of rolls, however there is none greater than the one of being blessed to be a mom.
My 3 cuties in the tub! Getting Clean after a hard long day of PLAY. Caitline my darling friend called Friday and said she was on her way to visit for the weekend. I was so excited. She is in her last year of nursing school in the Bay area. She is a person with so much strength and confidence in knowing what's meaningful and going after it. We taught her some games, went to a ward swim party and watched a lot of the Olympics. She is so cute with my kids, I love her to pieces! This is a Picture just before I was about to do Allie's Hair. She has a great Mohawk! Allie is my big climber as of late. She climbs up onto our couch and then can't get down. She is also way sick right now which has been a miracle because it is the first time since she has been born. It is hard being helpless as she is coughing up a storm.
Trey is potty training in action. He is always naked and working on going to the toilet or in the dirt out back. Monday we are starting with Big Boy Underwear. I can't take the diapers all over the house any more.
Lindi is an avid colorer. She works so hard at every picture. She has also become so much more obedient. She is in love with 'Real' make up and jewelry and doesn't like the fake stuff at all.
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.
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
so I looked through fabric and Lindi picked some and had me make us 3 girls
Also I potty trained Trey this last week and he was awesome. Treys personality is one to "watch others" until he knows he can do it and then he just does it. The first 2 days we only had 2 small accidents. (church was a desaster) and then the rest of the week was incredible. He still forgets and starts a little in his pants then runs to the bathroom. but over all 10 times easyer than Lindi (not that I'm compairing) He just seems so much bigger now!
