Monday, September 29, 2008

Photobucket

So our 6 year anniversary was on Saturday (Sept. 27th) I can't believe it's been that long . . . but on the other hand I can't believe it's only been 6 years, it seems like I have know my hubby forever! (We did date for 2 years before we got married). But . . . We look so Young don't we? Well, at least he does :) I won't go all smoochy poo on you guys since he's the one I need to tell it to not you . . . but I do love him and can't wait to see what our tomorrows bring!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Testimoments . . .

I have decided that since this is my blog and since I will eventually print it out in a book for a "journal".  I am going to share my testimoments.  (These are my testimony building moments).  So bear with me.  But two weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a stake priesthood leadership training meeting in which the YW presidencies were invited.  The stake president spoke with love and concern for the youth.  He spoke in a forward manner regarding the challenges and confusion out there facing our youth (and children).  

I determined that I need to decide WHERE I STAND!  I know that the gospel is full of guidelines and direction that only lead to happiness, but I don't know if I have ever sat down and said . . . I am LDS all the way, meaning I don't pick and choose the commandments I follow.  So to protect my children and to only make my life a happier one, I decided that for family home evening we were going to sit down and write down our Family Standards.  So my girls would know that our family standards ARE the church standards.  So we went through the things we are (or strive to be) - (I had a little help with this by using the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet - a must read and read and read, religious or not).  We listed things such as we are modest, we are honest, we repent . . . This not only reminds us everyday of the church standards that we live by, but it also holds us accountable, we can't say we are if we aren't.  So we can strive to be what we say we are.  

And on the note of repentance, I had an Ah Ha moment (as Oprah would call it).  A former mission president spoke on how MANY missionaries entered the mission field un-prepared, and not fully ready for they had not repented from all the things they should have addressed. And then he mentioned that they need to know that repentance isn't painful . . . now he went on to say some wonderful things, but this thought, stuck with me.  

For those of you who know me personally. . . I have taken some bumpy roads that have lead me to where I am today.  I have definitely taken advantage of the atonement.  But as I would stand talking to the youth or whomever, and when I had to speak on repentance I always made sure to tell them that it was hard.  (Because I have always heard that it was, that it's through this hard that we are forgiven).  So I made sure to tell them that repentance was worth it but it was hard.  But inside I thought . . . I NEVER felt like it was hard when I did it.  The burden or sin I carried was hard!  NOT the repentance, repentance sets you free of the "hard", now maybe admitting the sin or revealing it is hard, but repentance is WONDERFUL and not possible without the sacrifice Christ made for us! Repentance lifts that burden from your shoulders, just as Christ said, let me carry your load.  

I drove home from that meeting in tears, not because of the overwhelming load that was placed upon us in regards to chastity and morality, but because I realized I HAD REPENTED fully.  I have always thought . . . well I feel like I repented, I have the spirit, I feel forgiven, I have forgiven, but it wasn't hard . . . so did I not do it right?  I DID, I HAVE, AND I AM!  I gained a whole new testimony of the atonement that I have used over and over.  What a wonderful thing, that thru love, compassion, and JOY . . . I repented and was forgiven and returned to a full, GOSPEL FILLED life. 

I challenge EVERYONE to sit down and think where do WE stand as a family or as a person.  Regardless of religion, what do we want to stand for.  And display these things in your home, to remind you daily of those standards that we strive for.

I am TRULY grateful for the Savior, because he saved me!  He is not only the Savior of the scriptures, the Savior of the Church . . . he is the Savior of ME!  I know that while I have been saved once or twice, I will continue to be saved my whole life through until I return home with my eternal family (and probably even after that).

"If we could only understand All we have heard and seen, We'd know there is no greater gift than those two words - Washed Clean."
Boyd K. Packer

P.S.  I decided to start a separate blog called testimoments so that I can put it out there in the "world wide web" for people to stumble upon because who wouldn't benefit from a testimony building moment.  So you can click on the button on the right for my future testimoments.  Also, feel free to share yours too either on your own blog or email me and I can post them on the testimoments blog.  THANKS!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Tagged . . .

Ok so Brittney tagged me and this one kinda looks fun although it seems that she had a lot more fun in High School then I did!

1. Did you date someone from your school? Of course, I was one of those girls that always had to have a boyfriend. So I could name a few :) But we'll leave that in the past.
2. What kind of car did you drive? My mom's red VW Jetta. I thought it was so fun to drive and I remember driving it "dukes of hazard" style up at the B when we were sluffing.
3. Did you pass your driver's license test on the first try? I did, luckily. I had to take the test in SALT LAKE, how rude is that, I don't think I could even pass it there now!
4. Were you a party animal? Surprisingly no, they used to call me a "molly mormon", but it was AFTER high school that I was able to experience the whole "party scene" and then later . . . the whole repentance thing! he he he.
5. Were you considered a flirt? Yup, by my boyfriends. All of this I was totally unaware of. Apparentally, if you touch someone's arm when you are talkin' to them it's flirting . . . who knew?!?!
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Nope, I don't think the choir teacher liked me, I talked to much. So I opted for Art classes!
7. Were you a nerd? No, but I sure had some great friends that were! Thank heavens for their help!
8. Were you on any varsity teams? No unless "sluffing" was a team.
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? Never got suspended or expelled but I did have A LOT of U's to work off :)
10. Can you still sing the fight song? I don't think I could have sang it even WHEN I was in High School
11. Who were your favorite teachers? Mr. Bailey - current events and Mrs. Hart, my art teacher.
12. Where did you sit during lunch? At Taco Bell or Carmacks (oh the cinnamon rolls)
13. What is your schools full name? Viewmont High School
14. School mascot and colors? A viking and maroon and gold
15. Did you go to Homecoming and who with? Twice . . . a friend and a boyfriend (nobody wants names right)
16. If you could go back and do it again, would you? Heck No, although I will encourage my girls to be more involved, go to the games, go to the dances, enjoy it.
17. What do you remember most about graduation? Ummmm not much other than that it was at Symphony Hall in Salt Lake and we had to weird stupid robes :)
18. Where did you go senior skip day? I thought that was EVERYDAY!
19. Were you in any clubs? No, well sort of the art thing, I liked to draw people though and that didn't get me very far (go figure I take pictures of people now, a lot easier than drawing them)
20. Have you gained some weight since then? A little :) Hopefully not too much but the three kids have added 15 lbs.
21. Who was your prom date? Ummmm a boyfriend and not really all it was cracked up to be. Too much pressure.
22. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? Well seeing that it would have been last year, no. Our class sucks and they haven't ever done reunions. Lame.
23. Did you have a job while in high school? Yes, I worked at the Bountiful Rec. Center (like my bro.)

I now tag . . . Mindy, Liz, Sami and Marissa.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

More Peas Please . . .


Peas are the first solid thing we can get baby to eat.   We have tried everything (except we are trying to hold off the sweet stuff) and so far the only thing that she will do is actual peas mashed up, she will have NOTHING to do with the canned baby food.  She almost throws it up!  She needs something with a little bit of texture I suppose . . . . so we are down the road of homemade baby food.
We had her six month check-up today and she is doing well.  She now weighs 14 lbs 12 oz (18%, that's way better than the 4% from our last visit)  She is 25 inches and her head is growing well too!   :)  he he he, I always think that's a funny one.  Big Sister Princess had to take a stroll down to the fish tank with another nurse while baby got her shots because last time she cried harder than baby did.  She did NOT like the people hurting her sister!  This is funny, especially since she didn't even cry at her last shots.  She made a troubled faced and said, in her gruff little voice, "I okay mom!"  The nurses couldn't stop laughing.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Sittin' back watchin' the grass grow . . .

I know that this term is usually used for a sort of "boring" moment, but I tell you what . . . watching our grass grow has been anything but boring. We are thinking that we need to buy a lawn mower soon! We haven't needed one for three years. I can't believe how great it has grown in two weeks. Fun stuff.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

My brother on tv . . .

So my brother is an "animal cop" and was involved in a pit bull attack in downtown Salt Lake (it does feel nice to be able to mention locations now that the blog is private) . . . anywho . . . Friday this aired on television, not for the happiest of circumstances but he's got his 15 minutes of fame :)  He is the animal control cop talking about the attack.  He is a VERY talented officer.  We are sure glad he knows what he knows!  Way to go Zach!



Monday, September 1, 2008

Going Private :)

Ok so I have thought this over and have decided that I am going to make my "family" blog private to only those who I intend to see the site (I would just feel a lot more comfortable knowing who is checking it out) so I am making it an "invite only" blog.  Please email me (codyandann@hotmail.com) or post a comment (leave me your email address because I'll have to send you an invite) if you would like to have "permission" to see the blog because I will be putting it as invite only on Friday this week, but I feel better about putting my kids pics on the internet when I know they are somewhat protected!  THANKS for understanding.