Merry Christmas, everyone!!

We have had such a wonderful day! I love Christmas! This year has found us in a circumstance that we never thought we would be in, and we definitely had less this year, but it does not feel like it! We have been lucky to have generous family and friends and ward that have helped make this a wonderful Christmas for us and our family. I feel rich today! And that is due to those kind people who have blessed our lives this year! I am truly grateful and wanted them to know of our love and appreciation! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!

Happy Anniversary, Bryan!

Happy Anniversary to my husband and best friend, Bryan! I have wanted to be where you are since the first day we met. (Or shortly after the first day! lol Had to get through the "water is wet" night!!) You are sweet, funny, handsome, good and strong. I have learned so much from your example and I am honored to be your wife. You are a loving husband and a fun and involved father. Your kids know that you love them and that you want to spend time with them. You show them what it is to be a righteous priesthood holder and they know of your testimony of the Savior. I love you! Thank you for the 16 years, I look forward to the rest!

I loved the surprise carriage ride! I will never forget the kids we drove past running with the carriage waving to us like we were Cinderella and Prince Charming. (Well, we were!) Thanks Eva for arranging that, I know you worked hard for it!


Our family!

Eric, Leslie, Kirk, Jenny, Judd , JoAnn, Lee and Amy Porter with us.

Happy Anniversary!!

"Wild Thing!"

My sister in law did this and it was funny so I had to copy!! I hope to see some fun title's soon, as the last question is what will I title this post, hence my "Wild Thing!" Such an old song, forgot it was even on my playlist! Kinda embarrased now!

1. Put your iTunes/playlist on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

What is your motto?
"When You're Gone"

What do your friends think of you?
"Don't Let Me Get Me"

What do you think about very often?
"Jingle Bells"

What is 2+2?
"Unwell"

What do you think of your best friend?
"When You Say Nothing At All”

What do you think of the person you like?
"Joy To The World"

What is your life story?
"It's My Life"

What do you want to be when you grow up?
"Jesus Take the Wheel"

What do you think when you see the person you like?
"What's Left of Me”

What do your parents think of you?
"I'm Not Dead"

What will you dance to at your wedding?
"Stay"

What will they play at your funeral?
"Fall To Pieces"

What is your hobby/interest?
"Long Way to Happy"

What is your biggest secret?
"Sk8tr Boi"

What do you think of your friends?
"Take A Chance on Me"

What’s the worst thing that could happen?
"Open Arms"

How will you die?
"Over My Head"

What is the one thing you regret?
"We Built this City"

What makes you laugh?
"Tomorrow"

What makes you cry?
"In The End"

Will you ever get married?
"Chasing Cars"

What scares you the most?
"The Sweet Escape"

Does anyone like you?
"Faithfully"

If you could go back in time, what would you change?
"Savin' Me"

What hurts right now?
"Girl Nest Door"

What will you post this as?
"Wild Thing!"

K- that was fun! I was laughing the whole time!! Try it everyone, I want to read your answers!!

Catch up and all sorts of stuff

Ok. I didn't win anything at the Twilight premiere. I was dissappointed esp because I was helping run the prizes to the winners and I was like "I want that one!". Oh well, I had a great time. I was there with my sister JoAnn and sil Julie and our long-time friend Marie. We enjoyed the movie and the crowd. There was a lot of noise like laughing and oohs and stuff, but nothing annoying. The weirdest part was one of the trailers. It was for this totally freaky and evil looking horror movie called the Unborn. We were all a bit stunned by it. It seemed so out of place for a love story even with vampires. Kinda freaked us out. We got over it and then laughed at the trailer for Bride Wars. We are gonna have to do another girls night and see that one! It looked so funny, plus I like Anne Hathaway. It should be fun. Now, I had heard the negative reviews about Twilight and so I went in with really low expectations hoping that I wouldn't be dissappointed. I wasn't! I loved it and am looking forward to the next one!

A lot of things have happened between now and then. It sometimes feels like I will never have a life without major upheavels or just enexpected twists all the time. Sometimes I just want plain and predictable. Oh well, not gonna happen. First off, we have actually gotten approval from the bank in regards to our offer on our house. They are doing the inspection on Tuesday and then if all goes well, are wanting to close on Friday. As of a week and a half ago, we had no offer and now in 2 weeks time it's almost finished. So ironic as it took the bank almost 4 months to approve the last 3 offers, which took so long that all our buyers backed out. Stupid bank actually admitted that they lost our file one time and missfiled it another time. No wonder the banks are suffering! Anyway, almost done with it, so that is good. One less thing to worry/think about.

The next major thing is I was released from my calling as a Primary teacher. I was teaching Kate's class and had only been there for a month and I was really liking it. I enjoyed teaching and the age is a lot of fun. I was really dissappointed until they told me my new job. Then I was HORRIFIED! Primary Chorister. Seriously?!?!? Do they know anything about me at all? They redid the Primary Presidency and they assumed since Jon played the violin in the primary program and Kate sang in an ensemble choir that we are ALL musical. The music gene came from my inlaws, not me!!! I can barely lead music, I lose the beat all the time! I have a very hard time singing in tune and can't read music to save my life. I told the Primary president this and she was shocked and looked a bit stunned herself!! haha!! She thought I had to be musical to have kids that are. (No, I am not!) Then I am informed that I have to put together a girls ensemble choir to sing Mary's Lullaby at the ward party THIS Saturday!! I am like, "Are you kidding me?!?!?!". So I stressed about this job all week and then yesterday was my first day. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Primary! It's just my fear of music that is my problem, plus the lack of free time I have to put this all together. I am always surrounded by lots of kids, which makes it hard for prayerfull preparation and inspiration! I taught this Mary's Lullaby, it is a beautiful song but the kids didn't know it at all and almost all of Junior Primary doesn't read! So that didn't go as well as I would have hoped. The senior did fine. I have to learn to teach the small kids the songs. If ANYONE has any ideas on this one, I would really appreciate a comment! Anyway, after the disasterous teaching of a new song , the longest 5 minutes of my life-seriously!- then we played a game. I had the kids write a favorite song on a blank white paper and thencrumble it up into a snowball. Then we had a snowball toss and I picked one out and had that child help me lead the song. They seemed to like it. The games I don't mind doing, its the teaching the songs that is freaking me out.

Now, as I was getting ready for church, I realized that I wasn't going to even be at the ward party! Yeah!!! I am gonna be somewhere so much more fun! Bryan knew I wouldn't be there, but I totally forgot. This was planned over a year ago and I still forgot! I am too overwhelmed! Anyway, this is where I am gonna be: Wooohooo!!! How could I forget about it?!?!? In case you missed it, I am so excited! I will be going with my mom and sisters, so it will be so fun! Yeah for me!!

Twilight Movie

Okay, I know every girl is obsessed with the Twilight series and the movie opening tomorrow. I am not obsessed with the movie, I would be happy to watch it whenever, but no- my sister, JoAnn is "dragging" me to a premier party. Okay, not quite dragging, I am excited to go. I do want to see the movie, but usually movies fall WAY short in comparison to the books. The Twilight series is not the best writing I have ever read, but it is one of the most engrossing series I have had the pleasure of reading. Not since Harry Potter (yes- I said Harry Potter) have I been more interested in the next book of a series. I still wish JK Rowling would write more, but she has exhausted herself of the Harry thing. I understand, but it still dissapoints me. When I love a series, it sucks to have it end. I was frustrated to learn that Stephenie Meyer was working on another book in the Twilight series when someone leaked the manuscript on the internet and she has since shelved the whole book. Bugged me so bad cause now I will probably never read that installment. Oh well. Back to the premiere party- I hope it will be fun. My sister's friend rented out a theater and sold tickets to her friends at a slightly higher rate and is using the extra money to buy prizes and stuff. I hope I get a good seat and that I don't have to listen to a bunch of people quoting or squealing or any other teenager like stuff. I hate that! I just want to watch and enjoy without anyone elses opinions or thoughts thrown out there! All right, now I sound like a serious complainer! Oh well, maybe I do that to hide the fact that I am not entirely comfortable surrounded by women that are probably so much better off in life than I am. Maybe I am sabotaging my evening before it even starts! Oh well, here I go trying to adjust my attitude. It will be fun! I probably won't win a darn thing, but I will be going out to dinner and to see a great movie with my sister, who is one of my favorite people, so I will not be a whiner or insecure pain! Lol! If I win I will post!

Halloween, Heber and My Teenager Still Likes Me!!!

First off, these pictures are soooo late because I got so sick on our trip to Heber. I came down with Strep on Sunday afternoon and it hit me so fast I never saw it coming. I didn't figure it was strep until Monday night, so I had infected so many people! (My apologies everyone!) It was a horrible illness and I am so glad to be rid of it!! When I finally started to get better, I came down with another cluster migraine on Wednesday. I am still working on getting rid of it. I hate these stinking migraines. They keep trying to take over my life! I went to the Dr on Friday to see if they could do anything about them. I am getting so many that my insurance doesn't cover enough migraine medication to get me through the month. I now have a referral to a neurologist to figure out if things are ok and then hopefully put me on a medication to control them instead of just treating them. Yeah!! Relief may be in my future!! Oh yeah, I also have a referral for a dermatologist to check out the really suspicious spots in the middle of my forehead. I look like I have a killer pimple or something. That doesn't look good and all the makeup in the world doesn't seem to hide it! Oh well, we will see what that is all about in a little while!

Anyway, here are pics of Jenna's school costume parade. If you look 3 kids back, you can see my nephew Tyler (Todd's son) behind Jenna. He is the green skeleton.

Alex, Jacob and Luke all had front row seats! We didn't even have to get them out of the car!

Jonathan and his friends- Kimberly in black and Lexie in the white. Cute girls!

Alex, Connor, Jolie, Jenna and Kaitlyn

Photos from Heber

Believe it or not, I had just combed his hair!!

Sisters!

Brothers!

Seriously, Mom!?!?!

Fine, One good Picture but that's it!

And Finally, My Favorite! Here's Proof that my teenager still likes me!

More proof: Jonathan wanted me to take him to the mall on Friday and I asked him if he wanted me to take him and his friends and just drop them off or if he would rather just him and I go. To my great surprise, he wanted to go with just me. He would have liked to had his dad come along, but he had to work. So we dropped off the rest of the kids with Aunt Leslie and Grandpa (Thanks, guys!) and we went shopping. He needed a new sweatshirt and we found a really cool one at Tilly's (so glad he has his own money!) and then we grabbed a bite to eat in the food court. While we were eating, he was telling me that at school he was excited to go shopping and told his friends he was happy to go to the mall with me. They were a bit surprised and asked him why he "wanted" to go with his mother. He said, "I like my mom, she is cool." His friend told him he hated his mom. Now, I tell him that is sad that his friend doesn't like his mother, but inside I am like, "Oh yeah! Woo hoo! My son still likes to hang out with me! I am cool!" Didn't realize I was cool, but I will take it! We had a great time and I am so glad we were able to go.

That is one of the good things that happened in this dreadful week, another thing that I thought was cute was on Saturday, Bryan was working on his brakes and the whole time he let Alex tag along with his "Handy Manny" tool set and work with him. He planned all along to let Alex be there and I thought it was so cute. I really appreciate a husband who takes the time to be a wonderful father. I know he is not here as much as he wants to be, but we know how much he loves us and that he would be here if it was possible. We look forward to the time that he can give up that second job and just be Dad all afternoon and stuff, but until then, thanks for being a great example of love and sacrifice to our children. I love you! Don't tell Jon, but I think YOU are the Man! lol

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

I am finally going on a vacation!

And no, it's not only in my mind! Jonathan has only a couple days of football left and so we are going out of town next weekend! We have been wanting to go camping or something, but with Bryan working friday nights and Jon having football all the time, there has never been a chance to go. So Friday is Halloween and then we are going to stay up at my parents place in Heber for remainder of the weekend. To many people that doesn't qualify as a vacation, but to us it totally does! So, we will go early Sat morning and come back Sunday nite. Yeah, finally a change of scenery! I stare at these 4 walls so much I won't miss it at all!

Last night we had our ward trunk or treat, it was a lot of fun. Bryan was working, but my friend Laurie and my Bro Todd and his wife Julie came so I had plenty of company. We were having a good time when Bryan sent me a text that he got off work early so he was able to come and hang out for the last half (the best half) of the night. We had pace painting, cake walks (Todd's kids scored like crazy!), carnival games, costume parade and the trunk or treat. My boys won the scariest costumes, they were matching skeletons, and we won a gift certificate to paradise bakery. Sounds like a gift for me!! Kaitlyn was dressed as a cheerleader and Jenna was Cinderella. My favorite costume in our family was Jon's. He borrowed Gerry's Michael Jackson jacket and was the King of Pop. It fit him perfectly. Cute! Then we were asked to judge the best decorated trunk for the trunk or treat. It was fun walking around actually paying attention to the decor and not just the people. We had a really good time! I needed it, too. I had talked to my old mortgage company right before the party and was really missing my old house. The party snapped me out of that funk.

Anyway, not a whole lot going on over here. Just the same day to blending day stuff. Do you ever forget what day it is because they all seem the same sometimes? Not necessarily a complaint, just an observation. Except Saturday and Sunday- I love the weekend! Just time with my man! Have a good weekend!

A Wonderful Sunday and......Meet Melissa Hooper!!

I gotta say that I am so impressed by our bishop. He is so young, but such an inspired man, like I have never witnessed before. I think he is a great bishop and a fun person as well. He started out by encouraging people to bear their testimonies as they feel prompted and to not ignore that feeling. I knew then that I was supposed to bear my testimony. It had never entered into my mind to do that until I heard those words. My heart started pounding and I just knew. I tried to get out of it, but that feeling just wouldn't go away. I just spoke in church a month ago and thought that would be enough, but I guess not. Anyway, I bore testimony that our Heavenly Father knows each and everyone of us and what we are going thru. I feel like so many people have done little things or said words of encouragement at just the right moment for me. I am so grateful for people heeding small promptings of the Spirit in ways that have strengthened me and my testimony. I feel that the Lord has sent these people across my path at my weakest moments and I felt that I needed to acknowledge His hand in my life. I am truly grateful for a loving Heavenly Father. It was not just me who felt a gentle Spirit today, Bryan was touched and inspired in his dealings with the Young Men today. It was so wonderful to hear him tell me what he was feeling and what he did about it. I am so grateful for a loving, spiritual husband who honors his priesthood. He is my best friend and I wouldn't give that up for anything!

Now, the funny side of today. Have you ever met Melissa Hooper? Apparently she is in my ward. Melissa Hooper was called to be a Primary Worker today. Oh wait, I am Melissa Hooper! Our bishop sustained me today as Melissa. I wasn't sure if it was actually me they were calling at first! I know our Bishop is such a good guy that I will let it pass. Someone was telling me I should give him a hard time about it, but I think he might actually feel bad about it if I point it out and it is not worth it. So, call me Michelle or Melissa. They are close, so I guess it doesn't really matter! lol!! I am excited to be back in Primary. I will be Kaitlyn's teacher and I am looking forward to it. I miss working with Marilyn in RS, but Primary is always where my heart has been. I love kids!

Anyway, have a good evening! We will- we are going to my brother Todd and and his wife Julie's for dinner and I don't have to cook! It will be fun, they are hilarious! See you!

RandomOlogy!!

This is my 50th post!!! Woo hoo!!

Okay, for Jon I will do this RandomOlogy tag. Looks kinda fun. Here goes:

The Random "Ology" Tag :)

*FOODOLOGY
What is your salad dressing of choice? Olive Garden Italian
What is your favorite sit- down restaurant? Matta's and Olive Garden (I can't choose!)
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? ice cream
What are your pizza toppings of choice? lots of cheese
What do you like to put on your toast? egg yolk, yummy but sooo bad for you!

* TECHNOLOGY *
What is your wallpaper on your computer? my family was on it till the comp freaked out and now it is boring blue
How many televisions are in your house? 3
What color cell phone do you have? blue

* BIOLOGY*
Are you right or left handed? right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? moles and babies
What is the last heavy item you lifted? tool box from my hubby's truck
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? only by medical professionals

* BULL CRAPOLOGY*
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? NO WAY
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $ 1000? YES

* DUMBOLOGY*
Last time you had a run- in with the cops? New Years Eve 3 years ago
What did you want to be when you grow/grew up? lots of things, but most often I wanted to be a lawyer working my way to a Supreme Court Judge and an Astronaut. Lofty dreams, huh! Then I realized that these careers would be so hard to do and be the mother I wanted to be.
Last person you talked to on the phone ? my hubby
Last person you hugged? my hubby

* FAVORITOLOGY*
Season? Spring
Holiday? Halloween, Christmas, 4th of July
Day of the week? Saturday (Why did Jon say Wednesday? What is good about a Wed?!?!)
Month? June

Ok, that was kinda fun, so if anyone wants to do this tag, then consider yourself tagged!

Other stuff, Bryan has a job interview on Monday afternoon and it would be a step up for him right now. We are hoping and praying for a better job so he doesn't have to work 2 jobs. Anyway, I just found out we have fish in our pool at out old house. Interesting. The county puts them in to keep mosquitoes from breeding in the green water. Richard has been throwing in shock to keep it from getting horribly bad instead of just bad, but this will help a ton. (Thx, Richard!) Weird, huh. The fish will live for about 2 years. Kinda grosses me out, I guess our buyer will have to drain the pool now, but it is not my problem then. FYI, we still have a buyer on our house and have had one for almost 3 months. The bank is seriously ticking us off-my poor realtor has logged so many hours on the phone trying to get them to get their act together. So annoying. We are just waiting for the final approval and then its just signing the papers. So, we should only own the property for a couple weeks, but I am not holding my breath. That is what is going on in the house front. I know people have been curious.

We are going riding tomorrow with my parents. They 2 4-wheelers and bryan has a 3-wheeler and we have a 70 for the kids. Too bad Jons go kart doesn't work. We are excited to go and forget about everything but having fun together! Well, have a good weekend!

Tagged!

Leslie tagged me!

Now for the 7 weird or random facts about myself in no paticular order:

1. I love my DVR. It is one of my best friends. I love TV, too! I love to watch Survivor, 24, Amazing Race, dearly miss Alias, Grey's Anatomy, Bones, Prison Break, Heroes, and so many others!! I love having the control that the DVR gives me. I used to plan my kids bed times around my favorite shows and hated how guilty I felt doing it, but I wanted to watch my shows. I love the pause button! In fact, I never watch live TV anymore! I only watch the shows I want, so I actually am watching a lot less, believe it or not!

2. I got married at 18, on purpose. I had a child 10 months after getting married, on purpose. I have a terrific husband, so I am lucky that I could basically grow up with him. I would not recommend that young of an age for my girls (or yours!), but I would not change it!

3. I was a part of a Mexican Dancing troupe for several years. I didn't enjoy it that much, but there were times it was a lot of fun. I did love the performances. I was forced into it by my mom, along with 5 of my brothers and sisters. I don't think anyone of them are proud of this fact.

4. I am going to be a nurse when I grow up. I have been trying to go to school on and off for the last few years. Life keeps getting in the way and I feel as if I may never finish, but I want to so badly. Right now, it hurts that I have had to postpone it a bit longer. Oh well, that is life, right?

5. I am in the Primary again. I have been in Primary for 13 of the 15 years I have been married. It's a good thing it my favorite organization of the church. I don't know what class I will be teaching yet, but I am hoping for Kate's class. She needs me the most right now.

6. I want to serve a mission with my sweet man when we are older and able. I would love to go to a country in Europe or maybe Australia. Somewhere safe, yet fairly exotic. I would especially love to go to Germany. Then I would hopefully have the chance to see where Bryan's family came from.

7. I love to read. I love books where I can get lost in another world. Like the twilight series or John Grisham or Mary Higgins Clark novels, or Pride and Prejudice. Fun and fascinating stories that at the time are all my own. I don't have to pause it for someone to go to the bathroom or rewind because someone missed something. I can go at my own pace and will often sit outside and read while the kids I babysit play in the backyard. The ultimate escape. My ideal break would be a cool afternoon in a hammock on a pine tree covered mountain. Of course, chocolate would be involved!

Anyway, those are 7 things about me. Now I know I am supposed to tag 7 people, but I don't have that many to tag, so I tag:

1. Bryan

2. Jonathan

3. Kaitlyn

4. Connor

5. Jenna, if she wants

6. Karla

See, all but one of them are my family!

If I didn't feel OLD before....

Then I certainly feel old, now! Jon is in the middle of his birthday party with about 12 teenage boys (and my niece and her cousin) playing X-boxes and eating pizza. My house smells like men's cologne (someone trying to impress my niece maybe? She is cute.) and pizza and boys. It is loud and chaotic and I feel like watching tv in my room so as to not crowd the birthday boy. But I am afraid of my niece feeling stranded, so after this quick blog I will be back out there. I am so tired and feel awkward with all these teenagers that I don't know. I don't even know how to express it!

I want a house on e-bay!!

I was browsing KTAR's website (or somewhere else, I can't remember but that's another story) and saw a headline about a woman who bought a house in Georgia for $1.75 off ebay! I was a bit curious so I read the article. It was a really old, small house in not so nice condition, but still less than $2. It was legit, too. The buyer had to pay $800 in back taxes and closing costs, but again under $2 for a house! I found this interesting and was again curious and so I looked on ebay and there are quite a few houses for serious bargains. There is a house that vaguely reminds me of Bryan's house growing up, it is a long red brick house set on 44 green acres in Ohio or something with a barn and stable going for $20,000. I am like, really? Not that I have any money lying around or would even want to move to OH or whatever, but still, I want 44 green acres! Anyway, if you are ever bored and want to dream, check out the real estate on ebay. Kinda funny. Maybe we can find a home that is newer and a bit nicer than the $2 house for under 20 bucks! Yeah, right!

Little Nothings

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is having a good day, or at least able to find something good in your day. Mine started allright with the kids this morning. As we were doing their hair and stuff for school, we were laughing and having a good time. Then Kate started to get emotional when she told me she hasn't been able to find a friend to play with after school. She really misses her old friends. We we decided to host a girl party this Saturday night. She is going to invite a couple of her friends over from the old neighborhood while the boys are at conference. She wanted to make sure that we invite Layna Lou, also but she wants to make the invite phone calls herself. She is so excited! We have this movie called the Last Unicorn that I loved when I was a kid and she wants the girls to watch that. Hopefully they will enjoy themselves. I felt so bad for her, she really wants to go home.

To add insult to all of this stuff, Bryan tells me about an article on KTAR's website about how HUD is helping people keep their homes, even when they have already started foreclosure. I seriously doubt that would get us our home back, but the idea is so great. Just made us both sad, cause we want to go back to our home. This one is nice and all, but it is not our home. It really sucks sometimes! I keep thinking I need to be happy with what I have and find a way to have peace and bring a happy spirit into our home for my kids. That is so hard when I feel like my world has been shattered. I am trying, tho. I am making an effort to play and smile and laugh, even when I don't feel like it. My kids and my husband deserve that at the very least. So here I am putting on my happy face!!

This morning, Alex and Connor (the one I babysit) were fighting like cats and dogs (so not fun!) and I thought I would get them out of the house. We went on a nature scavenger hunt in our neighborhood. They loved it. We found pine cones, rocks, several different flowers and leaves and they got to fill up a bag to take home. It was a nice little adventure. Then when we got back, we took turns being a scary ghost and playing monster hide and seek. They had a blast! Now, they are taking a Dora break and are not fighting at all! Woo hoo! A moment to blog! That never seems to happen anymore! I have to be creative to keep these kiddos happy and entertained!

I was reading Sarah's blog this morning, so jealous of her scrapbook room, by the way. She has a plan for getting Christmas taken care of. I am so jealous of that too! I usually have quite a bit of that done already and I don't know how I am going to make that happen this year. How can I tell my kids that Santa can't afford to come this year? Especially when they think that now we have a chimney that Santa can get in easier now and that might make him happier?!? I am stressing out about it already! I know there is no way to duplicate what we did in the past, and I don't even expect to, but I just want to be able to give them something! Oh well, I have 2 1/2 more months to pray for a miracle! Somehow, it will be ok. There is nothing wrong with a small Christmas, in fact I think it is better. We will definitely be having a Christ centered Christmas. We have been moving in that direction the last few years, so this will just give us a shove that way, anyhow.

Well, those are my random thoughts for the day. Some happy, some sad, all of them true-unfortunately! Seriously, I hope everyone can find a moment to play/laugh/be silly with your family. They love it!

Slightly Hectic, but going fine!

The title says it all. Slightly hectic, but going fine. I have been watching Connor for 3 days and while him and Alex will fight over toys now and then, they mostly get along well. He is a cute kid and naps really well! That is probably the most important thing to my sanity. Today, I forced Alex to lay by me in bed and thought I am gonna get this kid napping if it kills me. I didn't kill me, just put me to sleep, too! Only for a half hour, which was just what I needed to feel more alive. Alex and Connor stayed asleep for 2 more hours!!! Then I got the house cleaned up, planned and prepped dinner and even watched a new show that is really cute (called Priviliged on CW). Not to shabby! If only this morning didn't feel like I was a continual referee, then it would be an even better day.

I have a headache that won't go away, Jon has a game tonight and Bryan has to be at YM tonight, so I am a bit overwhelmed- that and Connor and Alex are both awake and arguing over who wants their daddy most. I swear the level of competition between those two can get irritating! But, they do like each other, thank goodness! Gotta go and distract/redirect those two!

Just for Bryan and Jeremy: "Have a Better One!"

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!

I finally have another child joining my daycare! Right now, I watch Tatum twice a week, she is great with Alex. Such a cute girl. I also watch a boy named Jayden, but only 2 hours a week. Not enough to pay didly squat, but I have a full time 3 year old boy coming!! His name is Connor (at least I won't forget it :) ). He will start on Monday, which is fabulous cause I need the dough right away, too! So, I now have only one full time opening left and my budget is so much closer to being in the black!! Not in the black yet, but a lot closer!! So, good news!

Hooper Kids Blog

Hi everyone! My kids have been bugging me for their own blog. Well, now they have it! So go and check it out! http://hooperkids.blogspot.com/ It will make their day! They would love to see a comment, too. Thanks!!

Happy Birthday, Bryan!!!!!

Happy Birthday to my best friend and handsome hubby, Bryan!!!!!! You are such a good man and bring laughter and fun to our family. I am so thankful for you! Have a great birthday!

This picture is after we had just started dating.

A wedding photo

Bryan's version of the same photo.
Connor's birth (first one with a digital camera)
Bryan on a monkey bike!
Camping trip!
Trip to Old Tucson in 2004

Baby Alex in 2005

Scout Camp in 2006. Bryan loves being a part of scouts, especially when he gets to work with his own kid!

Mentos and Diet Coke. Thanks Mythbusters for giving us a really fun way to get sticky!

Halloween in 2007. Bryan loves to get into Halloween!

Connor's Baptism in 2008We all love you so much and want to wish you a Happy Birthday!
If we could, we would fix up your Chevelle until it looked like this! Until then, you can look at the picture instead!
Happy Birthday to our Main Man!

Frustrations and Aggravations!

So, I am so frustrated and annoyed today! If it can go wrong today, it seems like it is. Now, it is nothing earth shattering or serious. Just the little ticky tack things of my life today. It all started yesterday when I was trying to help my dad save a little money on his wireless bill. He has been paying for 4 phone lines, 2 of which are smart phones. (One of the regular lines Rich still has. He is former employee of my dad's who has been using the phone for free for like 8 months.) Those four lines used only 650 minutes on average each month (after the my circle and mobile to mobile minutes) and he has been paying for 5500 minutes!!!! So, I finally convinced him he can go to a cheaper plan and he will be fine!! Then I realize that my phone (my dad's business line that I carry around and answer the 5 times it rings a week) was being billed as one of the smart phones. Turns out my mom has been using this really nice and expensive Palm phone that is hooked up! Only she only knows how to dial a number and the rest has been wasted. My dad thought we should switch. Works for me, right? It has been such a nightmare with All tell trying to get them to switch. It's not like they use sim cards on their phones anymore. I was on the phone with them last night and 3 more times this morning trying to get it all sorted out. You wouldn't believe the level of incompetence I have dealt with on this. They kept using the phrase "rest assured" that they would fix the problem. I haven't rested assured yet! After throwing my phone (home phone) across the room and throwing a royal screaming fit in my room out of sheer frustration, my line finally works. Not my mom's line, tho. Now I have to physically go over there and get the phone and call them and try to get them to fix that one now. I am so not looking forward to that.

I am excited about the new phone, tho. My dad said I can drop my other cell and use his as my primary phone. That is awesome cause I have to drop mine and Jon's anyway in order to save money each month. Jon is lucky that he has a cool grandpa hooper that sill let him join under his plan, provided jon does his yardwork and stuff. He is so grateful for that! Thanks to them both. Now I can email and all sorts of cool stuff!

The other frustrating thing was this morning I had to help Jonathan with our ward flag fundraiser. We actually got to the church at 6 and figured we would be home by 6:30. Um, no. We both got a 15 minute lecture on how this ward does things differently and just what we have to do and how he gets credit for doing it. We were like, please. We are not stupid and can figure it out. They think is is ran so well, whatever. Our route had wrong addresses (and we have no idea where the members live yet, so that was fun-not!) and there were individual instructions for each house as to where to stick the flag and to find the post. They were all wrong and were messed up. They had instructions for the houses all switched. This was taking all morning and I had to get back before the kids woke up (didn't happen tho). One of the men running it started to feel sorry for us and found us on our route and said. Oh, this route is all messed up. We were like, "You think? Really?!?!?!" We were so frustrated by the time we got home. I barely got the kids off to the bus- don't judge me on their hair today! That is when I realized that the phone switch that was supposed to happen at midnight didn't and spent the next 2 hours fighting with Alltell. ARRRGGGHHH!!

Then, I decide to make cinnamon rolls to sweeten the day (which I have had no problems with yet) and start an early dinner by throwing something in the crock pot. Yeah, right. I get the meat all thawed and all the stuff ready and I can't find the lid to the crock pot to save my life! Now I am like "ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?" I can't even remember if I had used it in this house yet. So I search my kitchen up and down 3 times, I search the garage boxes and the DI pile twice. I search my china hutch just in case. Nothing. I am like, now what. I don't know how to make pulled pork without a crock pot! Fortunately, my sister, JoAnn will save the day and bring one over later. I think she is only coming to get my cinnamon rolls! But now my roast is in the fridge and will be cooked tomorrow. I have no idea what we will eat tonight. Maybe we will just have cinnamon rolls. Only kidding!

Now, I am telling all of you so you can share my frustration and help me laugh about it. Sometimes that is all you can do when nothing goes the easy way! I am really hoping that the rest of the day starts to go a bit more smoothly! Have more fun than me today!

Happy Labor Day!

Today is the day we celebrate what exactly? Laboring? Whatever, it is a day off!!!! I love it! The kids are playing at their new friends house and were so excited to go. Almost as excited as we were to have them go! Bryan has been home and we love it! So, it is a good day!

We gave our talks yesterday and I will copy Leslie and Jeremy and post the text version of our talks below. I always change/tweak what I say vs what I write, so it will be a bit different. I think it went well, except for the fact that I was crying before I really got going. I am a baby, I admit it. It was a tough topic and I felt the Spirit so strong, that I knew it would happen- I am just glad I didn't have makeup running all down my face.

Thanks to everyone who came- my parents, Grandma Gurr, JoAnn and Saige, and Gerry! It was nice to have so much support!

I was so nervous, but I think I was wven more nervous to meet with the Bishop after church that day. He is helping our family right now. There was no reason to freak out, he is a very kind and gracious bishop. He made me feel like we are wanted and respected even with all our problems. I really appreciated that, it made things so much more bearable! So thanks to him and our ward. That is such an understatement, but Thanks so much!

Anyway, here is the talk minus the ending. I usually don't write one. I kinda make one up as I feel it, so you can make one up if you want! :>)

My name is Michelle Hooper. My husband, Bryan and I and our 5 children moved into the ward about one month ago. We are happy to be here, while the change has been a bit hard, the ward has been very accepting and gracious. You have all made us feel welcome and we really appreciate that.

Let me tell you all a little about ourselves. I was born in Florida and moved to Mesa when I was 2 and other than a year in Las Vegas, I have lived my entire life here in Mesa. My parents, Frank and Carolyn Standage have 7 children. I am the 5th. I have 3 older brothers, one older sister and two younger sisters. Some of you may know one of my brothers, Todd Standage, he and his wife Julie have been members of this ward for a few years. Although, when we moved in, we had no idea we would be in their ward. So it was a fun surprise. I grew up in Central Stake and graduated from Mountain View. My husband is a native of Arizona; he grew up in East Stake and also attended Mountain View. His parents Gerry Hooper and Eva Hooper have 5 children with Bryan being right in the middle. He has an older brother and sister and a younger brother and sister. Bryan served a mission to Fresno, CA. He really enjoyed his mission and I love hearing his stories from then. We met shortly after I graduated from High School, very shortly after. My family had just moved into his ward and he was one of the Young Single Adult Rep’s. He saw our family had 5 single adults at that time and called to invite us to a waterskiing activity. Well, Bryan and I talked on the phone for about 30 minutes. We started dating shortly after that and were inseparable ever since. We were engaged a month and a half after we met and married 3 months later. I like to joke that my family decimated the single adult program in that ward. Within a 6 month period, my brother, Judd married the other Single Adult rep and another brother Lee married a girl in the ward. My sister Jenny married during that same time period, but she didn’t marry someone from the ward. My poor parents had a very eventful year! Bryan and I have been married for over 15 years, he is a wonderful man and I am lucky to have him. We have 5 great kids, Jonathan, Kaitlyn, Connor, Jenna and Alex. I feel so privileged to be their mother. They are such good people and I love them so much.
We have been asked to speak on adversity and I have been asked to focus my remarks on why we have adversity. I found an article called “Finding A Safe Harbor” by Joseph B. Wirthlin. This article is actually a talk given during the April 2000 General Conference. His talk touched me so much, I saw myself in these words and wanted to share parts of it with you. He says things so much better than I could alone.

He begins be telling the story of Jesus and His disciples when they set sail upon the Sea of Galilee. The scriptures tell us that Jesus was weary, and He went to the back of the ship and fell asleep on a pillow. Soon the skies darkened, and “there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves.” The storm raged. The disciples panicked. It seemed as though the boat would capsize, yet the Savior still slept. At last, they could wait no longer and they awakened Jesus. You can almost hear the anguish and despair in their voices as they pled with their Master, “Carest thou not that we perish?”
Many today feel troubled and distressed; many feel that, at any moment, the ships of their lives could capsize or sink. It is to you who are looking for a safe harbor that I wish to speak today, you whose hearts are breaking, you who are worried or afraid, you who bear grief or the burdens of sin, you who feel no one is listening to your cries, you whose hearts are pleading, “Master, carest thou not that I perish?” To you I offer a few words of comfort and of counsel.
Be assured that there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father—who knows when even a sparrow falls—knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants the best for you. Never doubt this. While He allows all of us to make choices that may not always be for our own or even others’ well-being, and while He does not always intervene in the course of events, He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations.

“Then,” the world would ask, “why does He sleep when the tempest rages all around me? Why does He not still this storm, or why would He let me suffer?”

Your answer may be found in considering a butterfly. Wrapped tightly in its cocoon, the developing chrysalis must struggle with all its might to break its confinement. The butterfly might think, Why must I suffer so? Why cannot I simply, in the twinkling of an eye, become a butterfly?

Such thoughts would be contrary to the Creator’s design. The struggle to break out of the cocoon develops the butterfly so it can fly. Without that adversity, the butterfly would never have the strength to become something extraordinary. Adversity can strengthen and refine us. As with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to build character in people. It makes us strong.

I remember about a year or so ago there was a moment where I felt so happy. I felt like everything was right in my world. I had a great family, good friends, and it almost hurt that my life was going so well. I then had this feeling that it was too good to be true. That something would happen to break my perfect little world. I became afraid. I was filled with fear, and I called my husband and told him what I was feeling. He told me to relax and stop worrying all the time. It was a short time later that my world did change.

My husband was working with my father in his company. My dad’s company lost its biggest client with only a few days notice. We always knew that this was a possibility, but in the 15 years my dad has been building his company, it only grew bigger. As a result, we have had to start over with his career and we have lost so much. As you can expect, this has been a difficult time for our family, but not just our family. My parents have been affected as well as several other employees that have had to find other work, including my brother in law on my husband’s side of the family. They have lost so much too and have had to start over as well. I tell you this not to make you feel sorry for us, but to tell you that it will not break us. My family is strong. I am strong. I have not always felt this way, but I know that I am strong. I can deal with this and still smile. I will have days or moments when I feel like I may break, but I don’t!

I don’t think I could bear the trials that my family now faces if I hadn’t already struggled with and overcame adversity in the past. I have dealt with many things in my life, some trials were small and some felt so big at the time. But each time, I have learned something from it. My trials and challenges have molded me into the person I am today. I would not change that. I cannot understand and appreciate the beauty and joy of life if I don’t also experience the pain and sorrow of adversity. I still don’t have the answers, but I know the Lord is leading me and my family. It may not be the way I would have chosen or the easiest path, but it is the Lord’s all the same.

I have felt His hand in almost every aspect of our lives right now. I know we are here for a purpose. I have felt that so strongly, and it keeps me going. I know that the Lord knows me and my family and everything we are going through. I also know that if the Lord knows me this well, that he also knows each and every one of us. He knows our situations in life and He will not leave us in our time of need. You are stronger than you think. Our Father in Heaven does not wish us to cower. He does not want us to wallow in our misery. He expects us to square our shoulders, roll up our sleeves, and overcome our challenges.

I remember a conservation I had with my sweet mother several months ago. She was telling me about some trials she was experiencing. She thanked me for being there for her and for giving her an understanding ear. She said that I had been through so many things and that I had so much compassion because of the things that I have experienced. I had never thought of my trials that way before. I knew that adversity would make me stronger, but I hadn’t appreciated the increased understanding and awareness of others needs that my trials would bring. There is much need for compassion in our lives, and if we have not endured many things, how can we in turn build up and support those around us in their times of need?

I have felt such love and support from family, friends and ward members. The small things they have said and done have been a strength to me. Their examples of faith and endurance give me the courage to keep going. I believe as members of the Church that is one of our responsibilities, to reach out to those who may be struggling. Often just a kind word goes a long way, it can remind someone that they are not alone. We are blessed to have ward families and that helps to develop relationships. These relationships can be a source of strength, compassion, and love. Follow the promptings of the Spirit and you can be a source of help and support to someone who may need it, both in and out of the ward.

As you overcome adversity in your life, you will become stronger. Then you will be better able to help others—those who are working, in their turn, to find a safe harbor from the storms that rage about them. In D&C 122:7 the Lord is speaking to Joseph Smith and He says, “know thou, my son, that all these things shall be for thy good.” He doesn’t say that they will be pleasant or easy, but they will be for our good. I know that the adversity we face in our lives is difficult and at times may feel like it is more than we can bear, but it is for our good. We will be stronger and more compassionate and better prepared for the next trial. We do not have to go through things alone. Our Father in Heaven is there for us, our Savior, the ultimate example, has suffered all things for us. We can find peace and even joy in our trials, take time to see the small things- like the butterfly, the smile on a child’s face, a perfect rain cloud. There is beauty and goodness all around us, sometimes we just need to stop and notice it. I would like to close with my favorite scripture. It is one that is very dear to my heart. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Talking in church tomorrow....

Tomorrow is the big Sunday! We are talking in Sacrament Meeting tomorrow. (11:30 for those that wish to attend.) I finished my talk a little bit ago and Bryan is working very hard on his right now. It is a tough subject for us right now, but I think we will do pretty good. I love listening to Bryan, he does amazingly well and I love to hear his thoughts. I think he is very smart and insightful and I love hearing him open up. I know this is so hard for him, tho! I hope we don't lose our places or stutter, choke, sneeze, bawl or anyother embarrassing things! Wish us luck!

I did it!

I completed 4 pages for my scrapbook today! And I hardly felt sorry for myself. There was a brief ten or fifteen minutes, but overall not bad! If I had any clue where my camera is and how to get the pics off my camera right now (the move still has us a bit disorganized) I would post pics of my pages. I think they turned out great!

Now, I need to make dinner before Connor's curriculum night!

Bye!

I just don't feel like pretending.

I was reading others blogs today and I thought I would post something, but I just don't feel like pretending that everything is great and I don't want to be overly dark today either. I am somewhere in between. Does anyone ever feel like this? That you know things could be worse and they are pretty bad right now, but you know it could be worse. I know that there will be a time that everything will be good again, or at least good enough to not freak out in my head anymore. I just don't know how much longer I will have to wait for that time. Maybe that is my problem, I am waiting. I just realized that is exactly my problem. I can't wait for my life to get better. Even though it hurts, sometimes a lot- like today, I still have a family that needs me. When I wait, I get so little accomplished and I am just passing the time of my day. I am not enjoying the little pieces of it, the funny moments or the sound of the birds, or the rain clouds blocking the hot sun. I did take Alex to the park yesterday morning, and I really enjoyed getting out with him. But when we got home, I didn't do much of anything except worry and stress out. That needs to stop. Maybe I will scrapbook some today. I like doing that and Alex can work at the table with me and create a masterpiece of his own.

So, I will try really hard to stop feeling sorry for myself, at least for today. and maybe tomorrow too!

Surprise!

I just got an email from Bro. Murset (Bishopbric member who asked us to speak). They are changing topics on us. Bryan doesn't even know. We are now speaking on adversity and why we have it and how we can overcome it. I was already getting into the saving part, now adversity. I guess the Lord wanted me to learn more than one thing this week! Now I have to reshift my thinking. I had already gotten my talk half together in my head! Oh well, I truly don't mind. This is a good subject, but I am sure I will have to try really hard not to cry in the middle of it!

I get to go to scrapbook night tonight! I am looking forward to it. I love to run away for some girl time once in a while! Have a good night everyone!

Thanks Everyone!

I just wanted to say Thank You to everyone who left comments about my talk in church. It is always helpfull to see the perspectives of others. Sometimes I cant see past my own nose! Anyway, I hope it will be a good talk and that I won't embarrass Bryan or my kids! Thanks everyone!

It's happened! And I thought I could avoid it!

We have been asked to speak in church. I was gonna screen my calls, okay maybe not really, but I felt like it. Instead of that, they asked Bryan when he was at Young Mens. That's not fair! The real kicker is the topic. They want Bryan to talk on tithing and me to talk on tithing also, with a little twist thrown in to torment and humiliate me. They want me to talk about saving for a rainy day!!!!!!!!!! Do they know anything about me at all?!?!?!?!?!? No, of course not, or they would have never asked me to talk about saving. Hmmm, lets see, couldn't they just kick a girl when she is down? No, they have to put me up there for public humiliation. I am not a good example of someone who can save, you have to actually have money to save it! I can do it if I absolutely must, but I am certainly not one to go and speak to others about it. So, they just ruined the rest of my week, and then some.

Yes, I am ornery and annoyed and feeling stupid to have been assigned this topic, but I can't help but to feel that the Lord isn't assigning me this topic to have His own personal laugh at my expense. Obviously I need to learn to live within the new budget we have and maybe some research into the subject will help. I don't know how to budget when there is just not enough to even pay the basic bills, let alone save. I do know that I never want to be in this position again, and that we won't always be like this. The only way to prevent the utter loss of everything I have again is to save. I know this and will be the first one to admit it, but I am feeling so embarrassed to have to go and speak about it. It is a topic that is to raw right now. So, thanks to my new ward for making me feel soooo comfortable! I will shut up now and stop complaining, at least out loud. I am still whining in my head!

Happy Birthday, Alex!!!!!

Happy Third Birthday, Alexander Cook Hooper!!

The next 2 pictures are when Alex was a few days old and we had to go to Desert Sam and treat Alex for jaundice. He was such a yellow peanut!

Alex turned 1 and LOVED opening the presents!Alex was such a happy, but VERY mischievous child!
Alex turned 2!

Happy Birthday, Little Man!! We love you!