Kale's birthday

I can't believe my baby is 6! How did that happen?

Kale's birthday was not exactly what he was hoping for. He had a fever last night so I kept him home from school today. Bummer for him. He was really looking forward to sharing his cheese and crackers with his class for his birthday treat. We'll have to take the treat another day. He was supposed to have cavities filled this morning, which he was actually excited about. I cancelled that appointment though because I just didn't want to risk him being sick in the dentist's chair. He has been feeling fine all day and we haven't had a fever yet. We'll see how this evening goes. This morning he unwrapped a new comforter for his bed and a race track. Last week he received a new truck and trailer with a 4-wheeler and motorcycle and people from my Mom. Of course, all the bday cards with money in the mail is always something each of the kids looks forward to. We didn't plan a special dinner for tonight because we are planning on taking him to Spokane this weekend to make a Build-A-Bear. That is something that he asked for and I think he will love. His "bear-man" needs a new outfit and I think that is what prompted his asking for a new one. If he's sick, we're going to have to postpone. Grandma Jenks is planning on going with us. That will be fun.

"SIXTEEN"

The teacher aid in Kale's classroom is a friend of mine and she called this evening to tell me about Kale today. He asked to use the bathroom and of course, the teacher let him go. The bathroom is just off the classroom but apparently, you can still hear the teacher while you are using the facility. While Mrs. Mueller was helping the class count past 15, she asked for the next number and from the bathroom they hear a little voice yell out "SIXTEEN!". As he came out of the bathroom he said, "Did you hear me?" They couldn't help but laugh.

My testimony today.

I just climbed out of bed to come blog. I couldn't sleep thinking about my day. I knew I wanted to record my thoughts and feelings and I couldn't sleep until I did. I apologize for the length of the post but I felt compelled to share.

Last night Justin and I went to the temple. It was one of my best friend's birthday and we were invited to go to dinner with a big group to celebrate. However, we chose to keep our appointment at the temple, which we could have easily changed to a different day and time. I was feeling a smidge guilty and when I later apologized to her, she reminded me that we chose to leave behind something good for something better. She is so great. Do you see why I call her one of my best friends? Anyway, I'm so glad that we made that small sacrifice because it really just prepared me for Sunday. I had a hard time staying focused in the temple. I just kept thinking about this one particular trial that has invaded our otherwise fairly peaceful lives this week. No, I'm not talking about the early freeze that has threatened a large percent of our apple crop. That pales in comparison to this. I'm not really going to say anything more about it other than this trial has left Justin and I feeling so very sad and hurt. So, I couldn't concentrate in the temple last night very well. However, when we got to the Celestial room, I could feel the Spirit there and I knew we had made the right choice to be there together. After we left the temple we went to dinner and then began a fast together.

This morning, Sacrament meeting was great and again I could feel the Spirit close by me. I was very emotional and many times had to wipe away the tears. I was still feeling sad and hurt. We practiced for the primary program for the last 2 hours of church and I felt like I had my emotions sitting on my sleeve through the whole thing. Fortunately, I play the piano and no one looks at me during the songs which is when I loose tears down my cheeks. But, by the end of church I was at least feeling better.

We had a nice afternoon together as a family and then Justin and I took Seila and Kai to Stake standards night. It's an evening meeting that is held once a year for the youth (12 and up) to remind them about how important it is that they keep their standards high and the blessings that come from that. Again, I felt the Holy Ghost close by and teared up several times throughout the talks but this time I felt different. I felt a calming feeling and a peace. I felt that my Father in Heaven loves me. I felt that my Savior loves me. I felt the sad and hurt leave my heart. I felt the atonement of Jesus Christ heal my heart.

I wasn't even fasting for myself or Justin today. I was fasting for someone else but I received blessings that I needed. I am deeply grateful for a loving Father above who is mindful of me and loves me and sends me what I need. I am also deeply grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and the atoning sacrifice that he made that allows my heart to heal when it is broken and allows me to repent and erase my sins and mistakes. I love the gift of the Holy Ghost and I hope and pray that I am always worthy of His presence in my life. He teaches me truth, guides me when I'm in the dark, comforts me when I sorrow, and fills my heart with love from heaven when I have run myself to empty. Again I am brought to tears. This time in gratitude. Gratitude for a working knowledge of our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. Gratitude for a loving husband who knows how to help me grow closer to my Father. Gratitude for parents who taught me faith in my Savior Jesus Christ and his atonement.

Our family on the boat.

I copied this picture from a friend's fishing blog. We were down on the river one night a few weeks ago and watched them catch a nice salmon. I took a couple of pictures of their family bringing him in and they took this one of our family. We don't have very many of these so I thought it was nice. For those of you who haven't seem us on our boat, here you go. Hadley's inside sitting in the passenger seat and I'm peeking over the canopy because there is no more room in the bow.

Halloween Decorations

Every year it seems that by the time I finally get out the fall decorations, Halloween's only 1 week away and just as soon as I get them up, it's time to take them down. So, this year I was determined to get them up at the beginning of the month. Yesterday, Hadley, Kale, and Kai helped me make some new ones. They turned out pretty neat so I thought I'd post them for everyone to see. The pumpkin face in the window was an idea from Family Fun and Seila pushed me to do it. I took a pic without the flash so you can see what it looks like from the street and then one with the flash so you can see how it fits the window.

The little spiders were an idea from Oriental Trading or something and I just bought my own supplies instead of buying their kit. It probably would have been cheaper to buy their kit. Hadley and Kale helped me put them together and we had fun. I had forgotten how much fun it is to work on a craft project with your kids. I might have to do this more often. Today my plan is to get the rest of the decorations out and get them up, 4 weeks ahead of Halloween!