I am thankful for a prophet

Lots of good stuff going on here, even though I can't get any camera in this house to download pictures. Alex is doing so well taking care of his Eagle requirements. We had his project on Saturday and it went really well. He was so appreciative to all who came out and worked so hard. We were finished much sooner than we had planned. Emma and Lily even got to try out machetes in the woods. They were so big. I can see good things that have come from Alex completing the requirements for Eagle. There is confidence gained from completing something that is not fun, that you don't have immediate gratification for, that you are doing for someone else, and that the prophet has told you to do. I hope he has learned all of these lessons and I think he has to some degree. Alex is really maturing. I am so proud of the hard work he has done and the obstacles he has overcome. He has pushed himself to do things that are outside his comfort level. That is a really growing experience for a young man. I am so thankful for a prophet who pushes young men and young women to do things that are not always fun. I think that he knows the growth that can come from completing such a program. There IS a purpose in this program (even though even I didn't always understand it I can see it now) and that the church has decided to use it to help shape its young men.

I'm Tired!!!!!!!!!!

Big Deal!!

Alex came running into my room this morning while Zack and Lily lay in bed, yelling "I've got to go to the bathroom!" After he disappeared into the bathroom, Lily turned to Zack and ,shrugging, said, "You do it, I do it.........what's the big deal." She already understands that using the bathroom is the great humanity equalizer! What a cutie!

Revenge of the ....................

I just can't bring myself to type it. But, what else to call it. Emma came out of her room this morning after dressing herself. She is just precious, but I guess style is not on the top of her list. She was dressed for school with her polo buttoned up to the top, pants that were at least 4-5 inches too short, and tall socks with her running shoes. Oh, and the sweater she wore was tucked in with her belt and her pants were pulled up as high as she could get them. Mary Catherine and I laughed as she went around the corner. Mary Catherine said, "you can't let her go to school like that!" And, yet I did. As she got out of the car, I thought about how she has always marched to her own beat and is so content to do just that. Good for her. And she IS so cute, even when dressed like Urkel.

Seriously

I say seriously because that is a major pet peeve of mine. I found people asking me to keep someone in my prayers and I would always say I would and then not think about it when I pray. I hate that. Telling someone that I will keep them in my prayers is a big deal. If I say I will do that, I mean that I will. I don't want to say that I will, unless later that night I actually PRAY for them. Thanks for getting that off my chest, even though MOST of you will say that is never a problem for me, and I would have to agree! Still, feels good to give my opinion.

Happy Day!!

Besides being Molly's birthday......more on that later, we were so excited today to have a visitor from our friend, Janelle. She was our neighbor who we met when she was about 9 years old. When she turned 10 she was baptized a member of the church. She was VERY active with us until she was about 13 or 14. She was will us all the time. Members of the ward here in Sulphur would take turns picking her up for church on Sunday and then keeping her for the day. She even spent Christmas with us one year when her great-grandma, with whom she lived, was in the hospital. She had a very strange homelife.....an uncle who was later arrested for murder lived with them.....many relatives would be there all the time.....sometimes up to 10-15 people. She was a really sweet girl. We thought we lost her when she moved to Florida after the death of her grandmother. We thought, "oh, well maybe she will someday remember something she learned." Well, today she called and then came over for a visit. She looks so good and seemed to soak up having a history with a family. When she hugged Zack she just had the biggest smile on her face. She wants to go to church on Sunday. How great is that!!! So exciting. I don't know where this will go, but I felt such joy at her visit. I know that Heavenly Father loves and is so concerned about her. I hope I can do anything to help Him help her. Please, keep her in your prayers......seriously.

We also celebrated Emma's long awaited and previously celebrated Molly doll's birthday. When they received American Girl calendars for Christmas, Emma and Lily realized that they had been celebrating the birthday's of their dolls at the wrong time. So.......we had to correct that mistake. So, tonight was the big night. Molly's 10th birthday. It was wonderful.

Mama

Are you still reading my blog? Call me, if you are.

You Vote!!!

Ok, I may have decided too soon. I found MoTab, and it is amazing. Unbelievable, in fact. I want THEM to sing this at my funeral. What are the chances of that? Better chances of winning the lottery, I believe. I'll settle with You Tube. What do you think?

Battle Hymn of the Republic

I was listening to Rush as I ran errands today. He was talking about the Pope's visit to the White House and the Army Chorus that sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Since I have requested this to be sung at my funeral, I HAD to find it on YouTube. Rush said he was obsessed with it. He has found other popular reditions of it, including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and has decided that this is the best one, ever. I have to agree. It is perfectly amazing. I sure love this country and know that it was inspired, along with this song!

Teacher Appreciation

What a great night! We had our annual teacher appreciation night at church last night. It was so wonderful. We actually had about 40 teachers and guests come. That is at least double from the previous years. Taylor conducted the evening. Let me just say..........that is a cute kid(Zack and I had an argument about who he looked most like the other day...I say me, Zack says him). He did such a great job. I was so proud of him. He took it very seriously and was just great. The primary kids sand "I Am a Child of God" and the youth sand "We Will Bring the World His Truth". Elaine Newton and Mavanie Bonnette sang a special number that was so perfect. I loved the music. Presidents Packard and Newton spoke beautifully about how teachers work with our families to teach our children life lessons that they will need as they go out into the world. The sweetest moment of the night was the opening prayer given by Kenya Williams--5 years old-- and the closing prayer by Von Turner. They were both sooooo sweet and the Spirit was so strong. They were so brave to get up by themselves. Von was very thorough and not rushed in his prayer. I was so proud of those two and so thankful for a church that teaches its youth early to pray and gives them opportunities at such young ages to get up in front of a group and express themselves spiritually. Sooo good. I as grateful Taylor had the chance to conduct the meeting. It was a great experience for him to sit up there and learn from his leaders. I am filled with grattitude this morning for all the people who worked to make this such a success and to our Heavenly Father for working with us to help His gospel be better understood. It was a good night.

Oh, yeah, one other blessing from last night is that Alex told me "thank you" and "sorry". To explain, I invited 3 of his teachers without his permission. He didn't even know that I had done it for a week or so. When he found out he was furious. We didn't even talk about it for another week or so. When we finally did he was so mad. He could barely talk to me for the few days leading up to it. But, I felt so strongly that this would be great thing for him. So.........2 of his teachers came! They were his most favorite teachers that he had for 3 of the 4 years of high school. I am so glad that I acted. He had a wonderful time. I think it meant so much to him that they would come just for him. These ladies have influenced Alex in so many ways over the years. Mrs. Fontenot encouraged him, always. We had a meeting at the school when he was a sophomore. One of his teachers was kind of down on him, but Mrs. Fontenot interrupted and told what a great kid he was and that he would do just fine. She understood him and could see through his silliness. Dr. Tarver came, too. She has been Alex's greatest challenge in school. She is very tough and has very high expectations. Sometimes he rose to the occassion and other times he sunk, but, he loves her. She taught him so much. I am so grateful to her for pushing him to do more than he wants to do. I am so sad I didn't have my camera. I would love to have pictures of these 2 ladies with and Alex who was so happy they were there.

Lily's teacher came, Mrs. Diane. Emma's teacher from last year, Mrs. McKeiver, also came. They are very special to us, also. They felt so special to have them there. Teachers are such a blessing in our lives.

Lily and Sydney

Lily loves babies. I was always so worried that my younger children wouldn't love babies because they weren't around them as much as my older kids were. It seems, maybe, just the opposite. The older kids like kids, but they have been around them, maybe, too much. Whatever it is.............Lily has baby fever!

I SOOOOOOO AGREE!!

From my favorite "I don't know who she is" blog:

In other news, I think our church needs a copyright on our name and we can't let anyone who does polygamy use it. OMG, these reports on the news are disgusting and vile (even worse then the transformer people, if you can imagine). Each time they say the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I get sick. I would like to state categorically that these are not a part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They are a "break-off" the same way that Hilary Clinton is related to Madonna and Angelina Jolie. We do not allow polygamy in our church. We're not kidding about it. I know many non-members who think, "yeah, sure you don't." But really those who practice polygamy are immediately taken out of the church through a process called excommunication. End of story. Also, the stories of the bed in their temple (which is designed to look something like our temple -- although not NEARLY as nice) -- is DISGUSTING and we have NOTHING like that in our own temples. is not a religious rite in our church. Just had to get that off my chest. Personally, I believe there is a special section in hell where the fires burn the hottest (no, we don't believe Hell is full of fire either -- just a metaphor) for men who hold religion as a way to rule over women and children. The women who escaped, are brave, and hopefully we can all help them to heal an integrate into society. If anyone knows of a fund for these women who are choosing to leave I'd love to donate. Can you imagine -- married at 14, with no real workplace "skills" not to mention they probably have a bunch of kids as well? {sigh} Good luck to them.

Can you see why she is my favorite? She has very strong feelings about things and likes to share them. We might not get along in real life, but our blogging relationship is great! And she speaks the truth!!

Make Some Money!!

Ok, this may not make sense to you but, I have seen it all ove rthe place. You can sign up at Revolution Money Exchange and they will give you $25 for signing up. I also signed up Zack which gave us $25 more and $10 more because I refered HIM. So, we just made $60 this morning in about 20 minutes. Go here.

https://www.revolutionmoneyexchange.com/ReferAFriend/ReferAFriend_landing.aspx?referreremail="zack6mom@aol.com'" target="'_blank'">

It really works. We already added the money to our checking account. Great. You must do it before April 15, 2008. The promotion will be over then. Pretty good gig. Be sure to go from my link so I can get the extra $10!!!!!!! Shameless I know, but hey, that 10 bucks is 10 bucks!

General Conference

Ok, I have lofty goals, I know. I always envision perfect little children sitting attentively and interested as they listen to the speakers. I always think given the best conference booklet that they will listen for the clues as they do "conference bingo" and learn so much along the way. I always think this, but know somewhere inside that is will not happen that way. And it never does! But, even with my hopes and dreams dashed, it is really pretty good. We got satellite on Friday evening and were able to comfortably watch at home. The kids did really good, even with Alex having Prom and needing to leave in the middle of the morning session on Saturday. We also got DVR and were able to stop and rewind when we need to. That is cool, I must say.

Also very cool was sustaining President Monson in the Solemn Assembly. I only remember one other when President Hinkley was sustained. What a wonderful experience to see the First Presidency stand and then a few steps away, the men in my family stand. They all make me so proud as they honor their priesthood. And then I had to stand alone, and then Mary Catherine alone. I was so impressed with the sincerity in which this was done. It is such an honor to add my insignificant vote to that of others. The fact that the church gives me the opportunity and cares what I think is humbling. I loved when President Uchtdorf--love HIM, by the way, maybe my new favorite--told Stake Presidents to report to SLC if there were any negative votes and why. That is so cool. All around the world people can still have a voice and an opportunity to express support for our new prophet.

More about New York!!

Mary Catherine and I in front of the PLAZA. Definitely the most beautiful Hotel I have ever been in. It was recently renovated and is just amazing. We went inside later. The scene from
Eloise and Home Alone. It is right across the street from Central Park and FAO Schwartz. Pretty cool.






This is my nerdiest picture of all. When we first got to the airport I couldn't help but notice the difference in items sold at the stands there. They had nuts, fruits, unusual sandwiches, and different candy than I am used to seeing. It is so different from what we saw in Atlanta or Houston. Heathy!!! The city as a whole seemed to me to do things in a healthier way.....walking, eating, everything.





Me at the Statue of Liberty. Sad to say I had to take this picture of myself. Mary Catherine had her picture made and then ran off with her friends. It was kind of lost of the girls. I love it, though. It was really cold and the wind was so strong. Not too bad!

The two guys came through the train and sat up their drums and announced to us that they are from the Nation of Islam and were going to perform for us. They hoped we enjoyed and would then donate to their cause. Some other interesting things in the subway.........on the same train a guy came through and very loudly announced that he had been pick-pocketed a few streets back and had needed like $7.30 to be able to go home. He was very cordial and polite. It made us a little uncomfortable to sit there. Most of the adults would not give, but then the kids started collecting their money. They were worried that it was a scam, but we told them not to worry if it was. They had done the right thing. It probably was a scam, but oh well. Another thing.......A guy pole dancing on the train. Unfortunately, I did not see it. I was too busy talking to one of the teachers. It was pretty hilarious to the kids. They loved it. As soon as he got off the train, they all broke up laughing. We saw lots of strangely dressed people, lots of Orthodox Jews with long curly sideburns, and many other assorted interesting things to look at.

And of course, the whole group at the Today Show. We were able to shake hands with Matt, see Donald Trump and Trace Atkins, and have a good time. New York was so interesting. I loved just seeing normal things and normal people along with all the touristy things you like to see. Good time.

New York, New York....and Queens, too!

As we left the airport, we drove throught Queens. So exciting. I said, "I've always wanted to be in Queens." How true is that. As much as I thougth Manhattan was amazing and cool, I loved the off the beaten path places we went. Driving through neighborhoods was the highlight of my trip. That and going to the Today Show, of course. A few pics for your enjoyment.

Mary Catherine and her friend with their heads out the window of our hotel room. We were on the corner of Broadway and 42nd St.--right above the Ed Sullivan Theater, i.e. the David Letterman Show. How cool is that. Seriously loved being in that place. 2nd is one of many sitings of Matt Lauer around town. This just happens to be a cardboard siting, but still. Got my picture with him!! We have several other sitings I will be happy to share if begged and pleaded with.


Next is Mary Catherine's Mary Tyler Moore moment. Not that she knew that..........but realy is cute. Oh, and is that me shaking hands with President George W. Bush?!?!?! Why, yes, it is! We ran into him at Madame Trousseau's Wax Museum. We chatted for a while and I gave him some of my ideas on politics and his leadership. Great times.















Just a few pics to prove that I was there, I guess. More to come tomorrow. Computer is way to slow to do more right now.