Gingerbread....

I use to help my Grandma Pat with gingerbread houses a few times when I was younger, but never attempted to do it on my own or with real gingerbread(not graham crackers) until two years ago with my sister and her family. Well I decided to get all of my local family involved this year and we had some amazing creations!

We made the Train!

Dean helped mainly with the Railroad tracks and M&M's on the Engine!

Santa driving the train!

Presents Anyone?

Other creations, My brother John and his wife, Amanda, made a cabin with an out house!

My Mom and Brother Landon built the Salt Lake Temple.

In my next life, I want to be a bear!

So I've been going through a lot of my stuff lately getting my home ready to sale and I came across this little thought/story/whatever you want to call it.

In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When you're a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that!
Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid-I could deal with that too!
When you're a girl bear, you birth your children,(who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake up to partially grown, cute cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that!
If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. you swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat at them too. I could deal with that!
If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs, and excess body fat.
YUP... GONNA BE A BEAR!

wouldn't life be great?

Baptism

So on Sunday in RS we talked about Baptism. The teacher started out by asking "Why were you baptized?" I don't share much in RS, but I almost blurted out "because I was 8 and that was the thing to do!" go figure someone else beat me too it! haha.

But really that was what I remember. I remember having a conversation with a girl at school about getting baptized. I can't really remember if it was her turning 8 or I, but I do remember she had no idea what baptism was and asked why I was being baptized. I remember thinking or saying "well because that is what happens when you turn 8."
I also remember the bishop interview. The bishop asked me what my favorite Book of Mormon story was and I proceeded to tell him the Joseph Smith story. Yeah I'm not sure I could say I had a testimony of the gospel at that age.

I also remember getting baptized in a white dress my mom made me(see picture). I show up for the baptism and all my many friends that were getting baptized that same day had on the little jumpers they still have for everyone. They kept telling me I needed to change, but it turns out I didn't. I'm not even sure it is allowed now, but I got baptized in a dress. Much harder to get all of that under the water, but we did it the first try. I also got confirmed a Member of the church the next day in Sacrament meeting, which I know doesn't happen with an eight year old anymore.

Though I wouldn't say I had a testimony of things when I was eight, I am thankful I got baptized when I did(21 years ago this month). I wonder sometimes where my life would be without the gospel. Even though my life has had it's up and downs and I have gone in and out of activity in our church over the past Decade, I am thankful to know that there is always repentance and forgiveness and I always have the Holy ghost to lead me back to the truth.

Vacation to Vagas and Disneyland

We went on vacation a week and a half ago and am finally blogging about it. We started our vacation in Las Vegas. We stayed two nights at circus circus. We watched some of the free acts they have there like trapeze, acrobats, and a guy who danced in air wrapped in fabric hanging from the ceiling(not sure what is called, but was very cool).

We went to Hoover Dam which was amazing. We decided that large projects like that would never happen now days with the way people are. It would be stopped if it had even gotten far enough in the approval process to even get started. many people died to get that dam complete and that would not be aloud now days. It would put it to a stop. It just makes it more amazing when you think about it.


We stopped at a small train museum. we saw the signs for it on our way to the Dam and decided to check it out on our was back. Dean is a big fan of Trains! It was really neat, It was basically a large pavilion with engines and special train cars in it. Saw one of the largest engines I had ever seen, we also saw a mail car and a caboose.

We did walk the strip a little bit and saw some of the free things available in Vegas. We went to M&M world, saw the lion exhibit at the MGM Grand, and on our way out of town we stopped at the famous Las Vegas sign!

When we got to California We decided to go to the beach first. We originally planned to get into swim suits and stay awhile but it was a little cold that day so we decided to just go wadding in our clothes. We go soaked and should have just changed. LOL! We bundled up the boys in there towels and went for a walk. We found it interesting that out of the about 7 cars at the beach 5 were from Utah. Can we say UEA?


We left the beach and headed to our Hotel. This is where we got spoiled. Rob's Brother's family has a time share and got a two room villa at Disney's Californian Grand Hotel and Spa. Wow it was amazing. We had the best view out our balconies. (picture below of California Adventure at night was taken right off the balcony. You may have to click on it to enlarge). There was a private entrance for Hotel residents to California Adventure, sense the Hotel is basically in the park, and a short cut to Disneyland.


The last time I went to Disneyland was nine years ago and it had been seven for Rob. I did not go on the large roller coaster then, I chickened out, but this time I went and basically i can say I can say I went. will I do it again maybe, but it may take some convincing. (Oh my earing busted on the ride too, from my head jerking around, good thing they were cheap!)

Dean and Brig had a blast (so did Mom and Dad). Dean tells everyone when they asked what he liked best? that he liked all of it. Brig just looked wide eyed the whole time trying to take it all in. We all loved the Pixar Parade. We could see it from our balcony the first Day and the caricatures would wave to us. The next day we had front row seating it was even better. Another big hit was the playhouse Disney show and we saw Hanny Mandy, Winnie the pooh and all the people from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Over all we had a blast and are excited to do it again in a few years!

My Testimony

I believe a prophet is a person called by god to speak in his name. I believe apostles are special witnesses for the lord Jesus Christ. I believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely apostles, prophets, etc. I believe in the gift of prophecy and revelation. I claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of my own conscience and try to allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may without my judgment. I believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances there of. I believe that a prophets purpose is to tell us what we need to know from God, in addition to our own person revelation.

I believe that no man that has, is or will ever be on this earth, save it Christ himself, is perfect. I do believe Pres. Wilford Woodruff's words when he said:

“The Lord will never promit me or any other man who stands as president of this church to lead you astray. It is not in the program, It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that , the lord would remove me out of my place and so he would any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God, from their duty.”

I know, because the spirit has testified it to me, that President Thomas S. Monson and the 12 apostles, and anyone else that has been called of God by them, through prophecy,(because they have the authority) are called of God, are men of God, and are prophets and apostles of Christ.

I believe in Pres. Ezra T. Benson's 14 fundamentals in following the prophet, that was shared twice with us this past Saturday, by Elder Costa and Elder Duncan.

1. the prophet is the only man who speaks for the lord in everything.

2. The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.

3. The living prophet is more important to us than the dead prophets.

4. The Prophet will never lead the church astray.

5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.

6. The prophet does not have to say “thus saith the lord” to give us scripture.

7. The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.

8. The prophet is not limited to mans reasoning.

9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter temporal or spiritual.

10. The prophet may be involved in civic matters.

11. The two groups that will have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud that are learned and the proud that are rich.

12. The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.

13. The prophet and his counselors make up the first presidency, the highest corm in the church.

14. Follow the living prophet and the first presidency and be blessed, reject them and suffer.

I am guilty this conference as I have been probably every conference before now, that I have listened too. When listening to a talk, thinking “this talk is do good for so-and-so, I hope they are listening” I listened to the women session Monday morning after conference, because I was unable to attend the night it was broadcast. Pres. Monson's talk stood out to me on so many levels. I would like to share bits and pieces of that talk, because I don't think I could say it better.

“None of us is perfect. I know of no one who would profess to be so. And yet for some reason, despite our own imperfections, we have a tendency to point out those of others. We make judgments concerning their actions or in-actions.”

I do believe the words and teachings that were given this recent conference. I don't however believe they were given as an “okay” to judge or make judgments of others. I believe they were ment for us to evaluate our standing with God. I believe that if you don't have an understanding of what has been said it is not only okay, but expected in my opinion to pray to come to an understanding. Following blindly will only get you so far. As Elder Packer said, “it is time to wake up!”

Pres. Monson:

“There is really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize.”

“...Charity...impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.”

“ Charity is...It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are...It is resisting the impulse to categorize others.”

“Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who worked among the poor in India most of her life, spoke this profound truth: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”⁵ The Savior has admonished, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”⁶ I ask: can we love one another, as the Savior has commanded, if we judge each other? And I answer—with Mother Teresa: no, we cannot.”

I believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. I know and believe that through repentance Christ can and will heal all scares and pain, that is why he suffered for us. And because he did he has the power to take away all that we struggle and hurt with. He never said it would be easy and it will take work, I believe it is possible because through Christ all things are possible.

As I strive to live charitable, to love as Christ loves, I will try to remember one more thing Pres. Monson shared:

“Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life.”

I say this in the name of my savior and friend, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Birthday Season

My boys have birthdays three days apart, so around here it feels like cake for days! It being Brig's first birthday I wanted to celebrate it separate from his brother's. Everyone should have there own special 1st birthday party. We Did a theme for each this year, Brig's party was The Very Hungry Caterpillar off the book by Eric Carle. Dean's party was Dinosaur Train off the new PBSkids series.

The invites to The Very Hungry Caterpillar party were made with finger prints. I attempted to use my one year olds, but got to messy so i had my four year old help me with the rest. My finger print was the head. Inside It said "COME VERY HUNGRY!" for dinner cake and ice cream.

We had the guest wear antennas to look like bugs.

For dinner we served Pizza, we had a few side dishes which were a fruit salad made with plums, strawberries, apples, oranges (mandrine), and pears. We had a platter with pickles, sausages, and swiss cheese with holes that looked like the caterpillar already ate through them. (I made these with a straw). We had a spring mix salad which is made of many different types of leaves. I also had a watermelon I forgot to cut up and serve at the party. Oh well you get the point we had about everything from the book.For decorations I had red and green balloons down the center of the eating tables to look like the caterpillar. The wind made it hard to use the tables to eat, but I did get one good shot of them. I also made caterpillars out of egg cartons for the food and gift tables.

Presents were not the typical one year old event. Brigham was not interested in the wrapping paper like most kids his age. He wanted the gifts and I had a hard time getting him to move on to the next wrapped gift.


We played two games. We had a caterpillar beanbag game, which we handed dum dum suckers out for prizes. The big hit was the cocoon making contest. we had everyone pare up into groups of two or three and raced to see who could get one of their team mates in a cocoon first (toilet paper) the prizes were gummy worms and lollipops. It was a lot of fun! (it would be a fun game for a Halloween party as well and call them mummys)


My sister made the cakes (zoobiecakes.com). Brigs cake was chocolate and the rest of us had cupcakes, chocolate and white cake. After all the hungry caterpillar ate through a chocolate cake and a cupcake.

Here is about how the cake eating went (pic below). he wasted no time eating it. he even licked the platter clean at the end. Check out video below for more. (Sorry video is not wanting to work)

Dean's Dinosaur Train Party

Dinosaur Train is a new (about a year) show on PBS kids. There are not many things (or nothing) out there like party supplies, so we had to do it ourselves.

Dean's invite was made to look like the train tickets on the show with few alterations. On the back we put: come have a train-tastic time at Dean Lawrence's birthday party. All aboard the Dinosaur train at (place of party). Departure is (time and date) come travel through the time tunnel for a dino-mite of a party.


We started out the party coloring pictures of the dinosaur train caricatures. Everyone got a conductor hat that looks like the one the conductor on the show wears.


After coloring we started our first game of toss the lava rock into the volcano. we then moved on to the game hatch the Dino, were we had small toy dinosaurs in eggs (balloons). the kids then had to sit or stand on them and pop them to hatch the Dino.

They played with their new Dinosaurs for a few minutes then we opened presents and had cake and ice cream.



After cake and ice cream they dug for Dinosaurs. In there goodie bag they got a wooden train whistle, dinosaur fruit snacks, dinosaur suckers, magnifying glasses, notebooks. and they got to keep the dinos they hatched and the ones they dug up, and the brushes they used to dig with.


Dean Had a lot of fun, which is what matters. We only had his cousin show up and none of the four friends he invited so things went fast. I'm just glad I had to cut a lot of things out because of lack of time or practicality. I was planning on making fossils with playdough and paster of paris, but I couldn't get it to work well on the trial run. also I was going to make a balloon arch as a time tunnel, but after Brigs party and the wind I desided not too. I was also going to make large paper mache dino eggs for the goodie bags, but never found the time with two kids wanting to be with me all the time.

Who knew chopping wood could be so funny!

Summer Dayz!

Sorry I haven't had time to post for a while, it has been a busy summer. which is fine and fun! Here is a little of what we have been up too!

My family and I have gotten together to raise money for Alzheimer's. My grandmother past away about a year ago suffering for this disease and with it being a hereditary disease we all have the chance of getting it. We have raised over $1000 doing just bake-sales and a few other random donations. We will be walking in her name on Sept. 18th in Murry, Utah, which happens to be her birthday. We are called Pat's Party! Grandma always loved a good party!

We went to California the first part of July to visit with Rob's family out there. We had a niece and nephew get baptized on the third. We went to the beach, a children's park in San Fransisco, and hung out at Grandma Marva's house. (Rob's mom)

We had cousins from California come visit Utah a few weeks later we went to Pizza pie cafe, Very good. Brig is sort of the star of the show when we get toether with them can you tell?

We also went to the Zoo again, we have a pass so it happens often. Even though we were there in the after noon the animals seemed to be very active this time, it was great! We also went to the bird show, we have never done that before it was fun!

we attempted to go camping a few weeks ago, but got rained out. Dean still managed to get filthy in about ten minutes!

Butterfly Fun!

We received a Butterfly garden kit for Christmas this past year and we decided to try it out. We ordered the caterpillars on line and they came in the mail. We received them on May 21.

They come in a cup and feed off the stuff in the bottom of it.

They seemed to almost double everyday. I was surprised how fast they grow.

Eventually they started to hang from the lid of the cup.

they started to build their cocoons.

It didn't take long to build the cocoons only about 24 hrs or less each.

We then transferred the paper lining from the lid to the butterfly cage.

I thought it would take two weeks of being in the cocoon before they would come out as butterflies. (I guess the Hungry Caterpillar book is wrong) They came out in about a week. On June 9th.

We fed them orange slices and watermelon.

Today June 14, we woke up and one of them had died, not sure why. Anyway we decided it was time to let them free. So we went to the near by park.

Dean didn't really want to let them go.

He loved to chase them after the were out.
In fact the first one landed under his feet and had a sort free life.

Check out this 2 min video of us letting them go.

Memorial Day

For Memorial Day this year we went to Brigham City with Rob's sister and her family. My mother-in-law was born and raised there and they have a lot of family buried there. We also went out to Promontory Point. This as any of you that know my son, knows this was the highlight of our day. Here are some pictures of our adventure.

They did a reenactment of the ceremony to the best of their knowledge. It was pretty good.

The original trains where both sold for scrap of a $1000 each, so these are remakes. The only problem is they had to go off of pictures, because they had nothing else to go off of. They believe they are accurate to a .25 of an inch of the originals. And they are painted the same.

Dean always has his fingers in his mouth in pictures because he has to make sure he is smiling. I'm not sure why?