Today, I am 30!

So what exactly the big deal about turning 30? Everyone I know says they struggled with it. All I can come with is that I am grateful to be alive. Grateful to be able to look back on 30 years and celebrate it with family and friends. Grateful for what each year and experience has brought into my life. Grateful for how those experiences have shaped me spiritually. I have grown nearer to my Father in Heaven and if anything this 'big' birthday has caused me to reflect on my spirituality and where I hope to grow more and how. How can I serve more and how I can be more like my Savior this year? Never before in my life has a birthday or any personal special occasion for that matter, evoked these emotions or thoughts so strongly. I reflected on how grateful I am for "having been born of goodly parents, who love the Lord" and who have taught me that, most importantly through their examples. I had renewed sense of devotion to being a better mom and wife, but also to being a better example to my brothers. I have a strong desire to share the gospel and strive to be a better missionary. Sounds crazy and far-fetched, but believe it or not, this is what I have been pondering as my birthday approached and finally arrived. The gospel truly changes people and I testify of it. I know it's true. I know my Savior lives. I thank him for all things that have been made possible in my life and are possible. I am humbled by my blessings and the knowledge I have gained. So, though I'm not rich with the those riches of the world, I can say I am successful, after all I have a husband and children who are healthy and sealed me to for time and all eternity. I am working on my second bachelor's degree. I have a family who loves and supports me. I have wonderful friends and a great ward family. I have my health. I have food storage! This reduces a lot of anxiety for me. I am thankful on this day, my 30th birthday, to be alive and well. To have the gospel in my life and to love and be loved!

A lot of talk.

I realize that I write a lot and have very little, in the way of pictures. I am great at yapping and so writing comes naturally. Getting out the camera--now that's another story. So, if you happen upon my blog, I'm working on not only keeping up this blog, but getting camera out and having it ready at all times.

Izzy is growing so quickly. Her hair is crazy because it is curly, but it sticks up all over. Everyone got a haircut recently. Much needed haircuts! Nothing drastic for anyone though. I will post pictures. I don't know what we will do this weekend. It's four-day weekend, starting tomorrow. A five-day weekend for Ally and Lei'la. They may just make Sione and me CRAZY! Not to mention my poor parents. Hopefully, those tax returns get here so we can get them out of the house and do something fun. Although, there's always the backyard . . . if it's NOT raining--HA FAT chance!

And so it begins. Since we were young we've always had a rule "No hiding in the house". For some reason the kids cannot seem to get that no matter how many times we've said it. When ALL 12 nieces and nephews here it's even worse. At this moment there are six kids in the house and what are they doing? Playing hide-n-seek. Ugh! Oh well.

I'm so excited. I realized today . . . I guess I knew it, but it hadn't sunk in yet . . . I will be student teaching in Jan 2011. I'm relieved to have school out of the way! Excited to start my career. Apprehensive about leaving my family and not being at home, but glad that I will be on their schedule as far as holidays and other days off. Hard work pays-off!

I'm slacking

I have been slacking on writing. It's been a busy couple of days, but mostly just laziness has set in. It's no wonder it's a sin! Last night we took Siona to a baptism. We are trying to prep her for her turn, which is fast approaching (next year). It's amazing how quickly time goes by. Is the world spinning faster? I don't know, but it really does seem that time moves quicker and quicker each year.

The girls are getting so big and so rowdy. Some days I just can't handle all the giggling or the fighting. There is just no in between. They are either giggling uncontrollably or fighting.

Dear sweet Ally, my all to smart-for-her-own-good child, said to me, "Mom what do you do at your work?" I replied that I don't work and my job was to take care of her and her sisters. Her answer to this was, "That's it! That's all you do is watch us and make us go to sleep?" Someday I hope that she will understand the importance of being a mother and understand that the burdens of the job go beyond watching children and putting them to bed.

It made me realize how important my job as a mother and wife are. In that moment, I thought to myself that I need to teach my children that importance. I love being home with my children and doing for them all that I can do.

Today is Superbowl Sunday and though our team (The Steelers) didn't make it to the Superbowl, my dad is watching and talking/yelling at the tv. This is always more entertaining than the game itself.

After a long day, I am ready to have dinner and turn in early. I think the kids could use an early bedtime, as they are currently fighting and whining. It's 6:30. Dinner. 7:30 BEDTIME!

Oh Happy Day

I am so glad. I got the results of my Praxis exam and I passed! My taxes are filed, with a much needed return to be expected. I have had such a wonderful day considering the sleepless night I had. I was so motivated when I got my score and even more so when I realized that my taxes went through! Woohoo! Now I am exhausted again. I have stuff I'd like to do, but really there is tomorrow to get it done, right?!

I am so greatful for my family and health. I have had so many things put my own life into perspective this week. Unfortunate events that have brought sadness to me, but also reminded me of how grateful I ought to be for what I have been given.

I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ. Like the song, I feel it . . . "Oh happy day, when Jesus washed, washed my sins away."

Not tonight!

I have had a roller coaster of a day. I went from having a migraine and being so tired to a cleaning machine. And now I am wide awake, yet sleepy. Hmmm? How does that work? So, I am not doing a whole lot of blogging tonight, but just needed to write a little something to keep in the habit. :)

Sundays

It really is hard to feel the Spirit when you have children with ants in their pants! The topic was awesome and did learn so I guess that is important. I did enjoy our combined meeting (only the baby) :). I needed to hear all of the topics today. I learned a lot even while in the Mother's Lounge. Really!! I got to nap for an hour. I guess all in all it's been a wonderful Sunday. My kids are in bed before 9 and now I am just waiting for the cheesecake to come out of the oven. Not to worry . . . I won't get a lick of it. It's a birthday gift to my neighbor, whom I will is say is really an awesome example of faith, hope, and charity. I love her dearly.

One thing that baffles me is how is it that I work so stinkin hard on Saturday to get the house clean for Sunday, but the time Sunday is over, this house is turned upside down?! And usually by the end of Sunday, I am wiped! Is is just me? I get a headache every Sunday too. Ha!

I love our ward. I have met so many wonderful sisters. I never had sisters until I had sister-in-laws. Then I realized that my ward sisters are really my sisters. I love the bond I have with them. I love learning from them and being able to share with them. I have been shown so much love and kindness. I look forward to seeing my sisters each Sunday and I am reminded that they help me to feel the Spirit. Thanks ladies! I love you all!

Ah Sundays!

I am failing miserably!

Not at blogging, but at Weight Watchers. I am just not disciplined enough. Go ahead laugh. I like to eat and don't care much for exercise. Somethings gotta give I guess. Gym memberships are too expensive and the weather here stinks for trying to get out and exercise. So I guess I better stick to Weight Watchers. I am not feeling very confident about my goal to lose 10 - 15 lbs by my birthday on FEBRUARY 28th. That's in 30 or so SHORT days away. The days are flying by. It will be February on Monday. That's just crazy.

I am trying

In my effort to be better, I am here again tonight. I do not know what I've done to my background though. I was trying to put up a new background and it just isn't working. I'll figure it out. I just need to focus on writing for now.

Anyway - so I didn't do a whole lot today. I did make a brown rice salad and dessert for a baby shower I attended. However, tomorrow is turning out to be busy. The kids don't have school. I had hoped for a day to sleep in, but I guess that won't be coming anytime soon. I also can't seem to catch a cat nap either. Apparently, I haven't earned it. Bitter? Yes and growing grumpier as the week progresses.

I need to keep this brief, as I need to make time for scripture study. I am so distracted. I have the days events running through my mind, but I also have what I need to accomplish in the coming days there too. All this crazy madness is not working too well, with the whole "lifesyle change". It is challenging to try to eat well, when I only have time to grab the closest and easiest thing AND I just am not making time to prepare. I can barely make time to go to the bathroom. Great excuses I know, but still I try.

Well, I've gotta get the hungry baby and read. Off I go.