When things are going great

You know when things are going great- why is there always a part of me that feels I will jinx myself if I rejoice in the greatness? Well, NO MORE!! I've been so happy lately and really enjoying the simple things in my life. I love to watch my kids play together- especially when the big kids play with the little kids- it is so sweet. I love when it just feels as if all areas of life are working together. I am really learning how much more effective it is to let my kids make their own choices as opposed to Ken or I telling them what to do. It's amazing- they really want to do the right thing and they also really want it to be their choice. That is teaching principle instead of just focusing on behavior. If only I'd known this years ago- but even if I did I wouldn't have listened because I thought my way was better- what a dummy!! Did I mention this works on husbands also? Ken decided to go with me to the adult session of stake conference. It was the first time I didn't beg or try guilt to get him to go with me and what do you know there he was sitting beside me Saturday night. He did lean over and ask me how I got him to go to church on a Saturday night. I just smiled to myself and thought about how much smarter I'm getting as the years and trials pass by!! Did I mention how much I love the simple things?!?

A Blogging Depression

Okay I admit I've been lacking in my postings but I've been in a bit of a blogging depression!! After seeing everyone's posts from the Fourth of July I felt like a big loser. We don't camp, fish, raft, hike long distances or any of those kinds of things that most Alaskans like to do. We like to drive around and see different sights and stay in hotels which is really something that is best done in the lower 48- so maybe we are living in the wrong place. We do still love it here and thankfully we all do like to be home together so I realized we are still making memories- maybe just not the kind other "true" Alaskans do!! So in the last 2 months we've had a few exciting things happen. The girls got their ears pierced. Marah went first which was so surprising to me and she didn't even flinch. That set a high standard for Autumn so she did just as well. I found a great bargain on swimsuits for the girls- $3 each at Wal-mart!! This was very exciting for me because I never find bargains so it was very fun and hilarious to watch those silly girls in the tub with their suits. We made a last minute decision to go to the fair and had a great time. We stayed until 10:30pm to see the fireworks. It was the first time that the girls had seen any fireworks and they loved them. They kept saying it was the best day ever. When we asked them what the best part was they said the cotton candy and spending time with everyone. Hayden had a great time while visiting Chicago. We missed him alot and I think he finally started missing us toward the end of his trip. We have all officially started school. The girls are great to teach- they just want to keep doing more and more!! That is so much different than the boys. They also love to draw. I seriously thing we could dispose of all other toys except for paper and crayons, markers,paints, and colored pencils and they wouldn't even notice. Jack is really quite the character and likes to be in the middle of everyone and on top of everything!! Hayden has started working on his school as well. It's so amazing to me how much of an independent learner he has become. I guess I shouldn't be surprised because I think homeschooling definitely encourages that but it is so nice to watch him and have discussions about what he is learning. Ryker is still Ryker but he is contributing to the family and being kind to his brothers and sisters so we are focusing on that while he tries to figure out his life. I've been fascinated with the election. I love to watch MSNBC and think it was very smart of John McCain to choose Sarah Palin for vp although I'm still voting for Obama!! I also started Jenny Craig and it's been surprisingly great!! The food is pretty good and I've been eating lots of fruits and veggies and I've lost 12lbs!! Ken is still not smoking but a little discouraged with the weight gain that came from quitting but I know that will pass and he will start feeling better. Well, that's about it for now and since I have yet another messy diaper to change this morning I better get to it!!