Family

We had family visit!!! After Craig's parents were released from their temple calling they started making visits to all the the kids and it was our turn this weekend :0) Craig's brother Brydon and sister Anelle and their families all came up too. The kids were especially excited to see all the cousins. We mostly visited and ate. That's what's important when you get together, right?

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I have been thinking a lot about family. I am always so greatful for the Skeem family and how lucky and blessed I am to have joined them. They love to get together whenever possible. When they get together they like to visit (Anita's favorite thing-that's my MIL). They like to eat. They like to laugh, usually at each other's expense (in the mostly loving, fun manner). They like to go to Best Buy (Galen's favorite thing-that's my FIL). And they love everybody. Unconditionally. I truly did not know what unconditional love was until I met them. LOVE this family!

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Some "wise" words: "Be wise with your families. Be wise in fulfilling your church callings. Be wise with your time. Be wise in balancing all of your responsibilities. O be wise, my beloved brothers and sisters. What can I say more?" -M. Russell Ballard

This was the quote I put on the bulletin this past Sunday. Nothing was really jumping out at me and this one finally made an impression on me. I am constantly conflicted when it comes to responsibilities. What should we attend? Is it ok to skip this activity? What will others think if we don't go? Am I a bad person if I don't go? These are all thoughts that run through my mind quite often. So, this quote is getting put on some cute paper, with a cute font and going on my fridge! I am learning to not worry so much what others think. Everybody has unique situations. Different challenges. Nobody knows what each family is going through. I am learning not to judge others in this process. It is hard, but oh so worth it!

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We had an AWESOME lesson on gratitude in RS. It really touched me. The challenge at the end of the lesson, I found particularly inspiring. We were challenged to thank Heavenly Father throughout the day for just about everything. Not every minute, of course. But maybe a dozen times in 1 day. And it doesn't have to be a formal prayer either, just a quick, true expression of gratitude. Today I was greatful for church. Especially the talks in sacrament meeting and the lesson in RS.

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I am not a creative person and frankly, I think this blog is QUITE boring. But, I'm doing it because I find it easier than journaling and maybe the kids will enjoy reading it someday. So, when I come across an idea that I like from another blog, I copy it. So here's a couple of ideas that I read on another blog. This woman does a "thankful thoughts" blog where she writes what inspired her that week and what surprised her that week as well. So I think I will do that. I may replace the inspiration with what made me laugh. We'll see. I would like to focus on things the kids do that inspire, surprise or make me laugh. After all, this blog is more for them so it should be about them.

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That's all for now.

Bye, Bye Diapers!

I found out about a 3 day potty training program and decided to do it with Adam. We started Friday, which was the longest day ever, and we're all finished. We even went to church yesterday and went prepared with extra clothing. No accidents! I'm still counting on having a few accidents, but for the most part, he is trained. The best part, no more diapers. EVER!!! Another good thing, we didn't have to buy a single pull-up. It feels so good to have that over with. Lately it has felt like I am getting to a really good stage with Adam.

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I was reading in my book last night about how when we ask somebody how they're doing, most do it out of obligation. It's just something you ask to make small talk. We don't really want to hear the truth. We expect people to always say that they're doing fine, good, alright. But what if somebody said that they're not doing so well? Would we think it odd that they didn't just give the standard answer? Do we say we're fine even though we may not be because we don't want people knowing otherwise? It is because we have certain people we confide in so we don't tell everybody we come in contact with what's really going on? Do we say we're fine because we really want others to think/know/see that all is well? So, next time I ask somebody how they're doing I will do it more sincerely than I usually do. Sometimes if we listen closely to how some one says "fine" we can detect something more. Just a thought and me rambling.

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That's all for now.

Legalese...legalize?

Audry participated in the Miami County spelling bee today. It was quite nerve racking! Unfortunately she got out in the first round with the word "legalese." I didn't know how to spell it. I thought maybe the moderator meant "legalize." But no, it was in fact "lagalese," which Craig and I looked up when we got home. After she repeated the word, which I think I heard correctly, she started spelling it "lec..." That's all I heard. When she sat down with us she said she said "g" not "c." Oh well. The first round, over half the kids got out. They were having issues with the microphone and the kids weren't speaking very clearly and the judges were having a hard time understanding some of them. I sometimes think I'm a pretty good speller. Nothing like a spelling bee to shoot those thoughts down!

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This past week we had 3 snow days in a row! Yes, that's right, THREE. Craig came home early one day and the following day he worked from home. Where was all this snow during Christmas? Hopefully this is the last of it and spring will be here soon. Punxsutawney* Phil didn't see his shadow this year, so spring is bound to be here soon right?!

*How 'bout that spelling huh?!! Alright, I cheated and looked it up. But really, unless you live there I doubt most people could spell that.

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A friend of mine posted on FB that she had just finished potty training her kid. Her kid that's 21 months. In THREE days. Not even two yet and potty trained in such a short time! It made me feel embarrassed/bad/lazy (take your pick) realizing Adam will be THREE next month and wants nothing to do with the toilet. So I asked her what she did. She emailed me the 3 day potty training guide that she's used with her last 3 kids and she says it works. So guess what I will be doing next weekend? Starting Friday I will basically have to spend all day with Adam. No going out, no checking email, nothing! Maybe I can squeeze in a text here and there? You can go out but you have to plan on LOTS of accidents and I would rather deal with those at home. I am already dreaming of diaper free days. :)

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Did you notice the THREE theme here? Didn't do it on purpose, just happened.

That's all for now.