11 years ago in 1999 I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. As I look back through those 11 years I remember not always being as active as I should have been, but I am so thankful to be where I am now.
As an active member of the church I am thankful to receive trials that will strengthen me as an individual to help me grow in the gospel and to help me know Jesus Christ, my Savior. Every day has a challenge all of it's own, as everyone has their own challenges; but with our faith and patience in our Savior and Heavenly Father it can be overcome if we but ask and listen. I write this so that when I waiver in faith I might come back to it and remember my strength and learn from it. Remember to fall unto Christ as he has given his life for us, so that we may be forgiven of our sins. He knows what we are going through so that we won't go through it alone.
I have received blessings beyond measure and for those I am truly thankful. I know my family, along with myself, will continue to receive blessings, as we continue to choose the right and obey the commandments the Lord has asked of us. The simple blessings may be the hardest ones but they may also be the most important ones. I love to watch my children strive to do their best and learn the gospel, read their scriptures, pray, pay their tithing, use good manners, obey their parents...etc. It warms my heart to know that they are learning these things in their nursery and primary classes. It makes me feel good to know that even if I get called the "worst mom in the history of the Universe!" I have done one thing right. I chose to introduce the LDS church into their lives, in hopes that some day (hopefully when they turn 8) they will make the right choice... to get baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
I am thankful to my mother and missionaries and all those who supported my family in helping us get baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This is the one true church and I believe that with all my heart and declare it to all. I am happy to celebrate today is my 11th year being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sydney and her Blankies
This was so sweet I couldn't just add it to the side as another "favorite things my kid says". Allow me to give you a little background on the situation before I tell the story.
Sydney loves her blankets. She has a certain type of blanket that she loves; the kind with the satin around the edges and the soft fuzzy fur in the middle. She loves these so much that she has at least five of them (not exaggerating). Besides loving her blankets oh so much Sydney also loves to take a corner of the blanket and rub it...oh so sweetly on her chin, mouth, feet, and especially her boo boos. Any time she has a scratch or a bruise she feels the need to rub her dirty blanket on the scratch to make it better (all the while infecting it more). As we all know these childhood blankets do not stay especially when you love them like Sydney. So the other day while examining the disgusting filth that covered my daughters blanket I told her I needed to take it and wash it. As little children do she protested at the idea of this until I found her another one. And here we find ourselves at the story...
Today I was in my room and Sydney saw one of her purple blankets and picked it up by one of the corners and said "Ook mommy no sttitty no dirrtty...no poop all eean!" Translation for those who don't have kids "Look mommy it's not sticky, not dirty, theres no poop on it, it's all clean!" She proceeded to pick up one end of the blankets corners and showed me that the blanket was quite in fact clean. I knew this was not the blanket I had washed and picked it up and showed her the other corner she usually uses filled with slobber and Cheerios that were a couple days old. With a grossed out look on her face I sadly told her "No sweetie this one is not clean" She responded a distressing "oooohhh" followed quickly by a perky "I find nodder bankie dadt 'ot dirtty 'n sttitty. (pause as she walks away) Daddd d'scustin'!" Translation: "I find another blankie thats not dirty or stinky. (pause as she walks away) That's disgusting!"
Oh the things that my little children say. This sweet little girl of mine has such a personality. She definitely knows how to make me smile. Gotta love that girl!
Sydney loves her blankets. She has a certain type of blanket that she loves; the kind with the satin around the edges and the soft fuzzy fur in the middle. She loves these so much that she has at least five of them (not exaggerating). Besides loving her blankets oh so much Sydney also loves to take a corner of the blanket and rub it...oh so sweetly on her chin, mouth, feet, and especially her boo boos. Any time she has a scratch or a bruise she feels the need to rub her dirty blanket on the scratch to make it better (all the while infecting it more). As we all know these childhood blankets do not stay especially when you love them like Sydney. So the other day while examining the disgusting filth that covered my daughters blanket I told her I needed to take it and wash it. As little children do she protested at the idea of this until I found her another one. And here we find ourselves at the story...
Today I was in my room and Sydney saw one of her purple blankets and picked it up by one of the corners and said "Ook mommy no sttitty no dirrtty...no poop all eean!" Translation for those who don't have kids "Look mommy it's not sticky, not dirty, theres no poop on it, it's all clean!" She proceeded to pick up one end of the blankets corners and showed me that the blanket was quite in fact clean. I knew this was not the blanket I had washed and picked it up and showed her the other corner she usually uses filled with slobber and Cheerios that were a couple days old. With a grossed out look on her face I sadly told her "No sweetie this one is not clean" She responded a distressing "oooohhh" followed quickly by a perky "I find nodder bankie dadt 'ot dirtty 'n sttitty. (pause as she walks away) Daddd d'scustin'!" Translation: "I find another blankie thats not dirty or stinky. (pause as she walks away) That's disgusting!"
Oh the things that my little children say. This sweet little girl of mine has such a personality. She definitely knows how to make me smile. Gotta love that girl!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Halloween Party
For those of you who have Face book you will have already have seen these photos. But for the rest here are some of the photos from the kids Halloween Party. A girlfriend of mine and I put together a little Halloween party for the kids after school on Friday. The kids had a ton of fun!
We of course had a buffet of goodies (creepy ones that is!)
And made sure that we had Halloween sugar cookies to decorate...
Which of course were DELICIOUS!
Then we made some Tootsie Roll Ghosts
Had a mummy making contest
Played "Pin the Mouth on the Bat"
The last game that was played was "Mystery Jars" the kids had to use their hands while being blindfolded to guess what was in three mystery jars! Over all I think the party was a big success!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
1st day of school
Liam on his first day of KindergartenLiam on his first day of 1st Grade
It's amazing to see the difference as Liam has grown just in one year. Liam was so excited to go into Mrs. Togni's class this year even though we all love(d) Mrs. Jones so much. However Liam was very excited to be entering first grade and knew that he could go back and visit Mrs. Jones any time so that made it all better.
You'd think it would be a nice and quite day for mom but mom actually had a busy day with Sydney. We kept busy with baking and chores and all the phone calls. And of course Sydney continually saying "where Iam?" that was non stop! Of course after a couple months of having a brother to play with and tease and then suddenly no one I can see why she is so lonely with JUST MOM :(
Liam didn't have much to say after he came home from school today. He didn't seem as tired as I thought he would be. He made sure I knew that there were papers I "HAD TO SIGN AND RETURN TOMORROW" He told me that they went on a treasure hunt and he got a blue card (which is a good thing) showing he stayed on task. But he quote "couldn't remember anything else-okay?". Well as long as he had a good day thats all that matters right?!?!? Over all I think it was a good first day of first grade!
Too Damn Many!
Okay to be honest I hate blogger. I am so tired of how this damn thing is set up. I have to do everything backwards...upload the pictures backwards....write things after pictures are uploaded in the wrong order...blah blah blah and when I have taken over 3000 photos it just isn't going to work for me. So as far as the remaining photos for the Idaho Falls vacation goes you can see those on my facebook page if you would like. If you aren't my friend just ask and I will accept you or email me and I'll come find you. Other then that I will continue to post regular things from now on but as for the Idaho Falls vacation photos well I just took too damn many. Hope you all understand :)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Heise Hot Springs
Here are more photos from our wonderful vacation to Idaho. We got a chance to go to Heise Hot Springs! We swam in the swimming pool and then went over to the Hot Pools. The biggest challenge was trying to get Sydney in her swimming suit (hence the nasty face in the photo below). However I finally gave in and she just went in her little swimmers...oh well!
Sydney, Grandpa Jodie, and Grandma Liz
Daddy loving both Sydney and Liam
Grandma Liz hauling both kids around the pool.
Sydney and "Gamma"
Daddy lifting Sydney in the air
Daddy and Sydney doing the motor boat
Grandma continuing to chug the kids alongas dad smiles and watches.
What an awesome Grandma!
Sydney and Grandpa
Grandpa making Sydney smile...
What an awesome Grandma!
Sydney and Grandpa 
Grandpa making Sydney smile...but check out the small smile on Granpas face.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Sentencing
Today was an emotional day as Damon and I went to the courthouse to speak and hear the ruling on Benson Hoovers sentence regarding his Felony/DUI ( blood alcohol level .229).
Prior to going into the courtroom we got to read his pre sentence investigation report. It stated that he had been out drinking all night and into the morning and had gotten a call to come hang out with his friends early that afternoon. He stopped at a liquor store and then got into his car and drove over there which is when he lost control of the vehicle. It went into detail about how much he drank that night. It also explained what the three extra bottles of liquor were doing in his car. It was a very long report and looking back now I don't know if I should have read it or not. I am not quite sure if it helped. I was sad to learn he consumed alcohol even after the accident and taking an alcohol treatment course. He also took marijuana to calm down his anxiety, which he said his doctor told him to take (gee my doctor gives me anti anxiety meds...hmm?. I also learned about his past and how he had a hard life which he said lead him to heavy drugs and alcohol. I noticed we had some similarities in our lives growing up but who hasn't had a hard life right? Its the choices we make that define the person we become. Yet I don't do drugs, or drink. In his report he did express remorse which I was appreciative of however after reading how he still consuming illegal substances it made it numb.
Once in the court room his attorney got up and spoke about how he was remorseful but that there was nothing he could do to change what had happened. Then he got up and said that he was sorry for what had happened. I thought he would say something more but I guess I should be thankful he said anything at all. They talked about all the legalities of the situation what we had agreed to in the plea...etc.
Then I got up and presented the judge with pictures post accident of the car along with my hand. I expressed my feelings on the pre sentence investigation report and how everyone has hard lives but we also have choices. I asked him if I was allowed to read my Victims Impact Statement, which I did. I expressed that I knew it wasn't any of our decisions it was his decision but that the next time I saw a drunk driver I didn't want it to be him who had killed someone and I didn't want it to be my fault because I didn't do enough. Those of you who know me obviously know that I cried through the entire thing. Even from the moment I walked in the courtroom.
The judge sentenced Mr. Hoover 3 years in ComCor and 1 year for the DUI however the DUI charge will be served during the 3 years while in ComCor so basically just 3 years in ComCor. He also has to do a 45 day intense treatment there. Once out of ComCor he is required to do 200 hours of community service. He will always have a Felony on his record and his license is still revoked and will be for the DUI charge. In case you are wondering ComCor is a lock down facility where they monitor you however you are allowed to go to work during the day but are required to be back at a certain time at night and it's locked down. They have so many requirements and he only has one chance. If he fails or doesn't comply ONCE he is sentenced to prison for 3 years.
I guess there really isn't much more to say. I know that most of you guys have been wanting to know so I thought that I would post this to let you know so I don't have to repeat myself 20 times. Thank you so much for all your help and support through this whole thing. I love you all and appreciate all your prayers.
Prior to going into the courtroom we got to read his pre sentence investigation report. It stated that he had been out drinking all night and into the morning and had gotten a call to come hang out with his friends early that afternoon. He stopped at a liquor store and then got into his car and drove over there which is when he lost control of the vehicle. It went into detail about how much he drank that night. It also explained what the three extra bottles of liquor were doing in his car. It was a very long report and looking back now I don't know if I should have read it or not. I am not quite sure if it helped. I was sad to learn he consumed alcohol even after the accident and taking an alcohol treatment course. He also took marijuana to calm down his anxiety, which he said his doctor told him to take (gee my doctor gives me anti anxiety meds...hmm?. I also learned about his past and how he had a hard life which he said lead him to heavy drugs and alcohol. I noticed we had some similarities in our lives growing up but who hasn't had a hard life right? Its the choices we make that define the person we become. Yet I don't do drugs, or drink. In his report he did express remorse which I was appreciative of however after reading how he still consuming illegal substances it made it numb.
Once in the court room his attorney got up and spoke about how he was remorseful but that there was nothing he could do to change what had happened. Then he got up and said that he was sorry for what had happened. I thought he would say something more but I guess I should be thankful he said anything at all. They talked about all the legalities of the situation what we had agreed to in the plea...etc.
Then I got up and presented the judge with pictures post accident of the car along with my hand. I expressed my feelings on the pre sentence investigation report and how everyone has hard lives but we also have choices. I asked him if I was allowed to read my Victims Impact Statement, which I did. I expressed that I knew it wasn't any of our decisions it was his decision but that the next time I saw a drunk driver I didn't want it to be him who had killed someone and I didn't want it to be my fault because I didn't do enough. Those of you who know me obviously know that I cried through the entire thing. Even from the moment I walked in the courtroom.
The judge sentenced Mr. Hoover 3 years in ComCor and 1 year for the DUI however the DUI charge will be served during the 3 years while in ComCor so basically just 3 years in ComCor. He also has to do a 45 day intense treatment there. Once out of ComCor he is required to do 200 hours of community service. He will always have a Felony on his record and his license is still revoked and will be for the DUI charge. In case you are wondering ComCor is a lock down facility where they monitor you however you are allowed to go to work during the day but are required to be back at a certain time at night and it's locked down. They have so many requirements and he only has one chance. If he fails or doesn't comply ONCE he is sentenced to prison for 3 years.
I guess there really isn't much more to say. I know that most of you guys have been wanting to know so I thought that I would post this to let you know so I don't have to repeat myself 20 times. Thank you so much for all your help and support through this whole thing. I love you all and appreciate all your prayers.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Almost 7 months since the accident
As many of you know it has been almost 7 months to the day since my car accident and tomorrow (Friday the 13th) is Benson Hoovers sentencing. I am extremely emotional and have been as I try and prepare myself for what his sentence will be. Some how I know it won't seem fair right now, but in the end I just hope his punishment turns out to be what he needs to get his life turned around. I pray that no one else gets hurt by him. My biggest fear is that the next drunk driving incident that I hear about will be him killing someone. I know that I have no control over who drinks and drives but I can speak out and let others know how I feel about it and hope that they make the right decision. I hope that in this case my victims impact statement will help him to understand how his decisions have impacted my families life and help get him the help he needs.
Motor Vu Drive In
Idaho Falls is one of the few places in the United States that still has Drive In movie theaters. So we decided that we would take Liam and Sydney to a Drive In while we were there. DESPICABLE ME was the movie we decided to see and was it ever good! The kids had an awesome time and both of them stayed awake the entire time...even Sydney. Regardless of how she looks in the photos. She really just didn't want her photo taken (who blames her right? with a mom like me!)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
I love Idaho Falls
The family recently got a chance to go back home to Idaho Falls for a weeks vacation. It was so nice to relax and enjoy everything the small town life (compared to Colorado Springs) has to offer. I am no photographer but I do enjoy taking photos and stopped to enjoy the scenes along the way. As I slowly update the blog with all the fun things that happened I decided that I would start with the beautiful reasons why I love home...
Monday, July 19, 2010
Whats the point of a blog if I never blog?
So I decided that it's about dang time that I start to blog again. I mean whats the point of having a blog if I never blog right? So if I am going to continue to have this then I'd better use it.
The summer has almost gone by and I am still not ready for Liam to go into 1st grade. I thought that maybe having the summer time getting used to the idea would help but it didn't. I'm still sad that my little boy is growing up. I think this summer has been good for him. He has definitely learned how to get along with Sydney alot more. It was very hard at first but now he is learning to be the big brother that he needs to be. Of course not all the time, but most of the time.
Its still pretty darn cute some of the things that kid does! Sydney was in trouble for banging on the cabinets with a spoon (making indents) and she was sent to her room. When I went to talk to her about it. I told her that she "she can't bang on the cabinets that it's a no-no and that it gets her in trouble" Liam spoke right up and was like "Yeah and she steals too...see- she stole my radio" (pointing to his radio that was in her room). The kid didn't even miss a beat! Ohhh Liam!
Every day is an adventure with Liam. Today he locked himself out of his room and then told me it was Sydney's fault. But eventually confessed that he was the one who locked himself out! Either way we figured out how to unlock the door!
As for Sydney well I would like to say that she is my sweet shy little girl but she is the exact opposite. She is more outgoing then Liam. She is my monkey...my tigger...my stubborn wild child who I sigh at. She is ALWAYS hungry or hungy as she puts it. I keep thinking she is going through a growing spurt but I don't think they last 3+ months. She knows what she wants and she makes sure that she talks clear enough to get it. She talks alot and most of the time you can understand her...but mostly she just talks. She loves to dance, even if it's just swaying back and forth in her car seat or moving her arms...she dances! Ohhh and she loves to sing as well. She sings her ABC's and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Old McDonald, There was a dog named BINGO...you name it she tries to sing it! She makes us laugh none stop. She is always doing something cute. But what 2 1/2 year old doesn't? She loves Cats and Dogs and Balloons and of course her big brother Liam (Iam). Her favorite thing to say besides "I hungy" is "Where'd Iam go?" She does what Liam does from trying to make beautiful pictures for mom and dad to jumping down the stairs (in her princess shoes non the less) to playing video games (trying anyway). It's amazing how fast they grow!
As for Damon he's working so hard. He's continually doing new projects at Westone. As for school he's almost done. I know I've said that before but August should be his last LAST LAST LAST month and then he gets his diploma and its finished. He should be done with clinical hours. However this is to the best of my knowledge so don't hold me to this! I can't wait until I actually see the damn diploma...I won't believe it until I see it! I don't think he will either!!!! He has worked so hard for it he deserves it! He is such an incredible man and he works so hard for what he wants! I don't know what this family would do without him!!!
As for me things have been getting better. The accident has definitely changed my life but I am so thankful that Sydney and I are alive and that the accident wasn't worse. The hearing is coming up August 13th so we will see what the verdict is for the drunk driver. It's been a long emotional time waiting but hopefully things will work out for the best. Over all I have tried to stay busy with the kids. We did do alot of fun things this summer so when I get a chance I will post our vacation photos and some fun things that we did around the Springs and Denver! Will try and continue to post more frequently!
The summer has almost gone by and I am still not ready for Liam to go into 1st grade. I thought that maybe having the summer time getting used to the idea would help but it didn't. I'm still sad that my little boy is growing up. I think this summer has been good for him. He has definitely learned how to get along with Sydney alot more. It was very hard at first but now he is learning to be the big brother that he needs to be. Of course not all the time, but most of the time.
Its still pretty darn cute some of the things that kid does! Sydney was in trouble for banging on the cabinets with a spoon (making indents) and she was sent to her room. When I went to talk to her about it. I told her that she "she can't bang on the cabinets that it's a no-no and that it gets her in trouble" Liam spoke right up and was like "Yeah and she steals too...see- she stole my radio" (pointing to his radio that was in her room). The kid didn't even miss a beat! Ohhh Liam!
Every day is an adventure with Liam. Today he locked himself out of his room and then told me it was Sydney's fault. But eventually confessed that he was the one who locked himself out! Either way we figured out how to unlock the door!
As for Sydney well I would like to say that she is my sweet shy little girl but she is the exact opposite. She is more outgoing then Liam. She is my monkey...my tigger...my stubborn wild child who I sigh at. She is ALWAYS hungry or hungy as she puts it. I keep thinking she is going through a growing spurt but I don't think they last 3+ months. She knows what she wants and she makes sure that she talks clear enough to get it. She talks alot and most of the time you can understand her...but mostly she just talks. She loves to dance, even if it's just swaying back and forth in her car seat or moving her arms...she dances! Ohhh and she loves to sing as well. She sings her ABC's and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Old McDonald, There was a dog named BINGO...you name it she tries to sing it! She makes us laugh none stop. She is always doing something cute. But what 2 1/2 year old doesn't? She loves Cats and Dogs and Balloons and of course her big brother Liam (Iam). Her favorite thing to say besides "I hungy" is "Where'd Iam go?" She does what Liam does from trying to make beautiful pictures for mom and dad to jumping down the stairs (in her princess shoes non the less) to playing video games (trying anyway). It's amazing how fast they grow!
As for Damon he's working so hard. He's continually doing new projects at Westone. As for school he's almost done. I know I've said that before but August should be his last LAST LAST LAST month and then he gets his diploma and its finished. He should be done with clinical hours. However this is to the best of my knowledge so don't hold me to this! I can't wait until I actually see the damn diploma...I won't believe it until I see it! I don't think he will either!!!! He has worked so hard for it he deserves it! He is such an incredible man and he works so hard for what he wants! I don't know what this family would do without him!!!
As for me things have been getting better. The accident has definitely changed my life but I am so thankful that Sydney and I are alive and that the accident wasn't worse. The hearing is coming up August 13th so we will see what the verdict is for the drunk driver. It's been a long emotional time waiting but hopefully things will work out for the best. Over all I have tried to stay busy with the kids. We did do alot of fun things this summer so when I get a chance I will post our vacation photos and some fun things that we did around the Springs and Denver! Will try and continue to post more frequently!
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