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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.  

Okay so this tag looks fun . . .

I am: a mother, no doubt about it!
I know: there's a million other things I should be doing right now.
I want: a new camera, three new lenses, and my shopping list goes on . . . but I am happy!
I have: been truly blessed
I wish: my hubby didn't have to drive so far everyday to work (He's working 2 hours away, but at least he comes home at night).
I hate: unloading the dishwasher
I miss: my brother and his wife, We Love you Dave and Kathryn!
I fear: losing a loved one (I almost don't even dare say it)
I feel: excited about the prospect of life and excited about the things I learned about photography at my latest workshop
I hear: the baby monitor and barney HELP!
I smell: Shampoo, I just got Princess out of the shower (it could be worse!)
I crave: Mt. Dew, but I haven't had one for 1 year and 6 months! So I'll keep at it.
I search: ponder and pray, he he he, sorry that's cheesy.
I wonder: How my photo session today will turn out.
I regret: nothing
I love: my family
I care: about giving back, and want to know how.
I always: clean out my ears after the shower, he he he, I just thought I better put something down I ALWAYS do, you have to dry them right! he he he
I am not: a worry-wart
I believe: Faith is Knowing
I dance: with my girls
I sing: Hannah Montanna with my Cowgirl (sad I know)
I fight: exercising, I know I need to do it but who has the time . . .
I write: only in my girls and my journal, and I am even considering changing that to type
I lose: my cell phone alot
I win: hummmm . . . not sure how to answer that one.
I never: have been to Hawaii
I listen: to a mixture of Kids tv shows, baby monitor classical music and guitar hero . . . a beautiful mixture :)
I am scared: of chainsaws (in light of the upcoming haunted house season).
I need: to be wiser with my hubby's money :)
I am happy about: everything, the spirit sure is a good thing. PEACE is GRAND!
I tag: Amy, Sami, Mindy, Marissa and anyone else who wants to do this tag, it's fun to think about!

First Day of School . . .

So the little ladies headed off to school!  Cowgirl is now in 5th grade!  Can you believe it!  And little princess is starting Preschool.  I picked her up from preschool and she was so excited to tell me that she had soooooo many friends, she said, "I have one two three four e i o of them"  Well at least she is learning something :) Cowgirl is just excited to see her friends again, wear her new clothes and that she doesn't have any homework this week.

The Hydro-Seed . . .

They came and sprayed the "hydro-seed" in our yard today!  So exciting!  I have to say a big thank you to Dusty Poulson and GRASS PLUS they did such a Great Job!  They were such hard workers and so thorough on their work (even down to hosing off my driveway when they were done!)  Two weeks ago this was weeds and clay and now I can see it as a great place to grow (both plants and kids)!  he he he.  Exciting stuff!  Ya for lawn!  The kids are super excited and isn't it nice that the hydro seed is even green when they spray it to give you goose bumps about the idea of having a yard in.  They said it should grow in about 2 weeks and that we will need to mow it at least once this year!  YAY!

Happy Birthday Cowgirl . . . . .

Ok so my little cowgirl turned 10 last week and boy is she growing up!  She choose to have a sleepover with a few friends.  We had fun with a cake and pinata and games, she got guitar hero for her birthday and MAN she is GOOD at it!  My hubby and I watched her play it last night and she rocked it!  Happy Birthday Cowgirl . . . I love ya tons!

I got my dream car . . .

Yes . . . it's a minivan!  he he he.  I tell you what . . . I don't care WHAT it looks like on the outside, it is HEAVEN on the inside.  With power sliding doors and space to keep the kids out of each other's arm reach . . . and the DVD player . . . Heaven I tell you . . . Heaven!  he he he!  I never would have thought I'd be the minivan driving mom but I am sure loving being one :)

Oh MY!

So Friday night (late) my computer freaked out on me for the LAST TIME!   I have had it with it and my photoshop was ruined so I talked my fabulous hubby into going to Best Buy and getting a new computer and I'll tell you what . . . it is Soooooooo Great!  I got a new iMac Desktop and it is the coolest thing ever!  It will be so great for my photography business and it is beautiful!  Okay okay, enough I know, but it is nice :)  Anyways, if you are ever in the market for a new computer, I strongly suggest looking into the Mac!

Totally TUBE-ular . . .

We bought a new tube because we are going up to Bear Lake with the family next weekend, and our current tube really beats the crap out of you. So we decided to take the new one out for a trial run this morning! It was sooooo fun! We are excited now for waves! But I do have to say I have a new love . . . . sorry honey . . . but I LOVE wakeboarding. I caught a little bit of air today . . . now I just have to learn how to land it, he he he. Anyways, this is the new tube we got and for those of you headed up to Bear Lake with us . . . be prepared!

Girls will be girls!

We had the funnest "portrait party" on Saturday and we had my little princess and her cousin do pics together . . . aren't they the cutest ghetto superstars you have ever seen!?!?!?

On this episode of cribs . . .

Aren't these memories in the making! I always hear moms tell their kids, "oh and so and so used to climb right in the crib with you" . . . well this is such a true and tell-tell sign of the fun friends these little ladies will be! Princess crawls in with the baby and shows her toys and watches the mobile with her, so when I saw them both under the blankets I had to take a picture so instead of just telling baby how Princess used to crawl in the bed with her . . . I could show her!

Some Beach . . .

Well the Fourth was fun! I sure enjoy having a birthday near the fourth because we can usually get the family together and thanks to my sister in law for taking me to lunch and a movie! Lots of fun! We decided to go out on the lake early to get a good beach spot, so the girls, the hubby and I headed out at 7:30 am and we were glad we did. I bet the lake was full by 9 am. We experienced a lot of interesting things while on the beach (including a hispanic baptism of like 12 people) it was fun and not too hot.

Fourth of July Celebration!

I wanted to invite family and friends up for a Fourth of July celebration! Liberty Days is a very fun, small, down-home way to celebrate the day. We will probably get up and go to the breakfast and parade (9 am) and then hang out there for a minute with the greased pig chase and other country bumpkin stuff. Then we will head out on the boat and try to find a beach spot. Maybe have dinner on the beach or somewhere. And then head back to the park for the fireworks. So anywho . . . call me or email me if you want to come and we'll make it a party!

Grandpa Richards

My mom's biological father, Alden Ross Richards, passed away last week. It was nice to see all of our family again, it seems like it has been a long time since we have all hung out. He was a very accomplished man. If you want you can view his obituary by visiting http://www.legacy.com/DESERETNEWS/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=112365993

A lot of "dam" fun . . .

He he he, my dad will like the title :) We love to play on words. Well, last weekend we were at the Pineview Dam and the lake was so crowded with boats and people that the waves were too restless for us to wakeboard or ski so we went out searching for fun. We found it. We found a piece from what looks like the dock floating in the bushes at the side of the lake so we decided to test it out. This video (courtesy of my brother and sister in law) shows my hubby, his bro, and his twin sisters out on the "dock" trying to make each other fall off! Because it was so crowded you can see all the other boats driving around and we were really attracting an audience. Fun stuff! Enjoy!

Father's Day Ideas . . .

So this year I want to do something special for my hubby for father's day. So I searched and searched online and here's a list of some fun ideas I came up with. (Lots of these ideas came from my hubby's aunt Mitzi, check out her website www.mitzfamilybitz.com there's lots of fun family ideas and ways to improve your marriage.

Here's what I came up with . . . some fun ideas to make this Father's Day Memorable:
1. Breakfast in Bed
2. Take a pad of post-it notes and write down great things or words that describe your "dad" and post them all over the house, down the hall or in a room. You could even put them all over his car.
3. Create a treasure hunt around the neighborhood or house where he can find his present or have small presents at each stop.
4. Write happy father's day with sidewalk chalk on the driveway. Or "We Love you Daddy!"
5. Roll up "I love you" messages and place them inside balloons.
6. Sprinkle candy kisses all over the floor and say "we kiss the ground you walk on"
7. Fill the shower with balloons and leave a note on the shower door/curtain that says "you have been showered with love."
8. Give him a heart attack by placing colored paper hearts all over a door, car, wall or desk. You can even write little notes on the hearts.
9. Place hearts with messages on a string and attach to the bottom of the garage door. The hearts will hang down when the garage door opens up.
10. Pillow presents: leave little treats, notes or presents on their pillow so they will see before they go to bed.

I think I am going to do a few of these . . . hope you enjoy and happy upcoming father's day to all the dads (and dads to be) out there