Addictions

My Son is addicted. I have to admit I had my addictions as a kid too. Remember those smelly markers...you know...the old school ones that smelled like grape, root beer, strawberries, etc. I used to sniff them at school and come home with marker under my nose. My mom would as me if I was smelling markers at school and I would innocently say no. Silly me trying to lie to my mommy.

Well Tui has his own addictions. He loves his Blanket! It goes everywhere with him. It was made by his great great grandma. What he loves more than his blanket is a "Fresh" smelling blanket. He will spray febreeze all over the thing and then he will hold it in the same hand he is sucking his thumb with. He takes a deep breath and.....ahhhhh.....heaven!

Snow Week!

I guess I should be used to bad winter weather, considering I grew up in Canada. But this Iowa weather is ridiculous! It is not so much the snow accumulation. That is the easy part. The ice gets to be annoying ( not to mention hazardous)...but more than the snow and the ice this winter, it is the deep freeze we have had to deal with that irritates me. In Canada it was not uncommon to have a -40 CELSIUS day. That is about a -25 degree F here. Schools have been closing this winter because of the dangerously low temps of -45 FAHRENHEIT!!!!! That is just crazy!!!

We got lucky one day and had a break in the cold. It was actually warm enough to let the kids go out and play....and me shovel the driveway. Time to invest in a snow blower I think!

What's with the poses?

For the Love of Thomas!

I am sure there are many little boys out there who love Thomas the Train Engine as much as Tui. I personally am getting a little tired of all the Thomas stuff around my house. I guess I can't complain too much. Tui is very organized with his trains and cars. He always knows where they are and lately he insists on lining them up along the wall or the couch. He loves to sit and look at them...and Heaven help the person who messes up his trains! Hands off people!!!

I Love Duct Tape!

Please tell me I am not the only mother who has had to resort to using duct tape to keep her kids diaper on. Tui has become very talented at wiggling out of any outfit I put on him. At night he takes his footie pj's off and then his diaper. What comes next is not pretty! I end up doing laundry in the middle of the night. Plus we have the issue of modesty around guests. I babysit a little girl the same age as Tui and she is a very smart girl. The other day we had our first anatomy class. Tui decided he would strip while I was doing dishes in the kitchen. 2 minutes people and the kid was in his birthday suit. The only way I knew something was going on was the laughter of the little girl and the repetition of " Tui funny bum...Tui funny bum."

So as a last resort I duct taped his diaper to him. It worked wonders! Then at night I also duct taped his PJ's on him...just under his arms so that he couldn't get the zipper down. Am I a mean mommy.....I don't think so. I am just doing this for my own sanity!

Sink or swim?

It seems lately, that we are all in the same boat. Sometimes I wonder if the economy is really as bad as they say it is. This week has shown great evidence that it is, although I do not understand how it got that way. All over the country, and other countries as well, people are loosing their jobs...their means of providing for their families and the security of the benefits that come from a job ( health care, 401k, etc.). I know i am guilty of blowing things out of proportion sometimes...usually thinking of the worst case scenario. What if Anthony looses his job....what if I have to go back to work...what if things are so bad that neither one of us will be able to find work. It will be like living in the past when people actually had to live off the land. I want to know how, in a country advanced as ours, did we get ourselves into this sinking boat?

Like I said before, this week has made it obvious that there are changes happening that we have no control over. Anthony was given the difficult task of laying off two of his employees. It would have been easier to do if they were not doing their jobs well, but these were good guys who worked hard. Most importantly they were his friends. Unfortunately the company that Anthony works for is feeling the crunch, like many other companies nation wide. All of this has made us look at our own future. How long will it be until the company decides to close the store completely?????

There are so many what if's and unanswered questions. The future is uncertain....there is no doubt in that. We can not see where our future lies or where our choices may lead us. BUT....we do know that if we STRIVE to live our lives in accordance with the laws and commandments of our Heavenly Father, we will be blessed! Immediately? In some instances, yes...in some, no.

Ether 12:6 "And now, I Moroni, would speak some what concerning these things; I would show unto the world that Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

I learned a couple of things from this scripture. One...dispute not because ye see not. All I have been doing is disputing...what will we do...how are we going to pay for this or that...where will we work...we should do this or that. Why am I trying to figure this out on my own? Someone slap me!

Second....only after I have tried my faith....only after I have proven that I will do as I am asked, knowing full well that I must struggle and go through these tough times...only then will I receive a witness. A witness of His blessings. I know that the Lord will not give us trials that are too difficult for us to bear. So I need to do my part. The Lord has made his promise, so now I need to keep mine. Improve on the things that will ensure my families safety. Scriptures, family prayer, fulfilling my calling, being a good missionary, giving of all I have as did the widow in the Parable of the widow's mite. These things may be hard to do in a stressful time, but they will be for my benefit.

So I choose to swim. I will tread water, barely keeping my head above water....but I will not sink!

I am so grateful for my wonderful Visiting teachers and Home teachers and all the others in my life who are an example to me and who give me a boost when I feel like I can not tread water any longer. I am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who has not left us alone and who loves us.

I Wish I had a Crystal Ball!

Sometimes I wish I could go back in time. There are so many things I wish I could do over again. Not that I would change anything I had done. I cherish the good and bad times in my life. The memories I share with people throughout my life time are irreplaceable and one of a kind. I miss the people in my past and kick myself for not being a better friend and keeping in touch better.

But, that is not why I wish I could go back in time. If I could have that chance, I would simply choose to do more. Take the missed opportunities I had. Snatch up all the missed experiences I should have had....say I love you more....say what was on my mind right then and there instead of waiting 10 years to say things I should have back then.

And if I could go back in time, I would want a crystal ball to show me that 5 years down the road I should go back to school, instead of waiting ten years. There is a possibility that there will be some big changes in my near future, and I just wish I had a crystal ball to show me what to do.

Bundled Babes

Our house is not the warmest house you will be in this winter. I refuse to pay out the nose for heating bills. It would help if we put more insulation in our attic...but there is no way I am going up there. So for now we just keep the heat at about 62 degrees. Not too cold, but cold enough that you can't sit still to long or you will get cold. I guess I can say I keep it cool so I get more house work done.

Anyhow, the kids that I babysit were complaining that they were cold. So I told them to get their blankets and bundle up. When I came around the corner to see if they needed help, this is what I saw. All bundled up and ready for some pictures.

Well I finally did it. I have been making Jewelry for a couple of years. Mostly just for fun or for gifts. But now I have created a blog where people can go and see what I have made and if they like what they see they can order it in pretty much any color they like. Check it out. www.kristas-kreations.blogspot.com

I am Woman...Hear Me Roar!
As a young girl you might have looked at me as a tom boy. I was always playing sports and trying to keep up with them. I was never the prissy type. Well as a teenager I still was always wanting to do what the boys were able to do. Scouts always did way more adventurous stuff then us girls and I was always asking our high school coach if I could play football. Alas, my ambitions were never taken seriously.

Today I proved that I, a WOMAN, can do anything a man can do ( and better I might add). I noticed a van stuck coming out of an icy alley way today. It was a middle aged woman driving with her 8 year old daughter in the back. I went over to see if I might be able to help. The wheels were stuck in really deep icy holes which were only made worse every time she decided to lay on the gas. I told her to not press the gas until I got the van rocking and then she could press the gas slowly. It took a few tries, but I was able to push that van out of the alley. Me....alone....with my woman muscles. Amazed? I am since it took a MAN and myself to push my van out of the same situation only 2 days before.

Just had to brag ;)

Twas the Night Before Christmas....

and there was a knock at the door. It was a delivery van from my Anthony's work. The delivery guys said that Santa had called Anthony and asked if he would deliver a surprise to Sydney and Haylie. You see, it was too big to fit in Santa's sleigh. This is what Santa got for the girls this year. They will be keeping this until they go to college, cuz I am never putting up another one! ( or paying for another one!!!!!)

I have a feeling our house is going to become sleepover central!

Christmas Spirit.
Most years I feel a bit out of Christmas spirit due to not having my family around. I usually try to keep busy making someone's Christmas cheery. Well as our little family began this Christmas season, Sydney asked me a simple but profound question. " What is the Christmas spirit and how do we know when we are feeling it?"

I tried to give her examples and explain that it is not just the feeling we have at Christmas time, but rather the feeling we should have all year when we give service to others. She seemed content with the answer.

Today as we were at Walmart picking up some last minute groceries for Christmas dinner, we saw the salvation army " Bell Ringer" at the door. He was an older gentleman. He had a less than perfect winter coat on and a pair of gloves and a stocking hat....you know, the stretchy kind. Keep in mind, it was only a positive 2 degrees out.....very cold and windy. Sydney and Haylie looked at the man and then looked at me. We all had the same thought . Haylie said that the poor old man didn't look very warm. With that we went straight to the glove and hat section where we picked out a warm scarf to give him. It was not much, but it would at least cover his face when that frigged air blows at him.

As we left the store, we put a few coins into his collection basket and then pulled out the scarf and presented it to him. He looked confused for a moment. Then I told him that the girls wanted to get it for him to help block the wind. He thanked us and wished us the warmest Merry Christmas we have ever heard. Waking back to the car was not as cold as when we came in and Sydney turned to me and said, " mommy....I feel it. I feel the Christmas spirit. I felt it when we first saw the man. I knew I wanted to help him." I told her that we need to feel that all year round....That desire to help others. And then in return we feel the Saviors love.

What a wonderful Christmas lesson we have learned this year.

Snow Fun

It was finally warm enough today ( 19 degrees) to let the kids out to play in the freshly fallen snow. Even Tui was willing to let me bundle him up to let him out. The kids made snow angles and went sledding down the hill in our back yard. I remember being that age and not minding the cold....but after a few pictures, I headed back inside for some hot cocoa. The kids played and played until their scarves and hats and gloves were completely covered and frozen.

Kissing Friends

As part time work, I babysit a few of my friends kids. One of these children is a girl about the same age as my son, Tui. She is a cute little girl with curly hair and long eyelashes. When we go to the store together, people ask me if they are twins or say " what cute twins". I have gotten tired of explaining that she is not that I now say yes or " thanks" to the compliment. What I find absolutely adorable is how well these two get along. They sing together...they dance together. Sometimes they just make noises at each other until they are both laughing uncontrollably. They have also began kissing each other. Mostly when they are apologizing for something or when one of them is sad about something. It is so adorable!

No Way , No How!
I am very pleased to hear that there are a bunch of people and organizations that are backing up the Mormons and the others who fought to defend traditional Family values in California. There was an article in the New York Times that spoke out against the threatening nature and actions of those in California who are targeting Mormons. I am grateful to those who are not of our faith, who are still willing to stand with us of similar beliefs, to preserve the Family and to stand against those who would morally corrupt this nation.

I took this link off another friends web site. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-12-07-iowagaymarriage_N.htm . I think that it is a warning that we are not out of the woods. We, here in Iowa, will need to fight just as those in California did. Heck....if they can do it in a state that is so filled with " worldly" ideals, then why can't we, here in the quiet Midwest, put up the same fight. I have never had to write letters to legislators or to our state representatives, but I have a feeling I am going to have to start doing it. Petitions people.....we, as " the people" can not vote on issues until they have been voted on by legislature, but that doesn't mean we can not take a stand now. Change legislatures mind before they have a chance to think twice about it. If they know they are going to face opposition from the voters, then they will be less likely to even discuss changing laws and amendments. Am I wrong?

Has anyone done this before? Written letters to government officials? Started petitions? Anyone know where to start?

Story Time.

Well, I have been in my new calling for 3 months and so far I am loving it. Not that I didn't love being Primary President. My heart will always be in primary. But now as Enrichment Leader, I have the opportunity to get to know and serve my fellow sisters. I have a wonderful committee that has helped me transition from primary to Relief Society.

This months activity was a Christmas story time and sing along. We would read a story and then sing a Christmas carol....then another story....song....story, etc. I read one that was entitled " the Twelve Days of Christmas". It was not the traditional 12 days story...it is hilarious. Let me know if you would like a copy. Then a couple of other sisters read a story as well. Each was heart warming and a quiet reminder to our souls of how we should be feeling....not only at this time of year, but all year round.

Then we made neat little cards. Amy( our R.S. pres.) found a book that showed you all kids of patterns to make with ink and your fingers. It was fun to see how many things you can make with just your fingerprint.

Thank you to everyone who came and made it a special evening!

Oh Christmas Tree...

As I was preparing for this Christmas season, I had mentioned to Anthony that I would like to have a big tree all decorated in co-ordinating colors. Like all blue and white, or red and golds. I wanted to have a classy Christmas. But alas, I was convinced otherwise. We stuck with the old 7-footer and all the ornaments we have collected over the years. The kids picked out their traditional new ornament from the store to put on the tree which fit right in with the other mish-moshy ornaments we own.

Then as I was watching and helping the kids decorate, my mood had changed. I realized that I don't need to look or feel classy. All I needed was right there in our small living room. My husband and my three children....singing Christmas songs and smiling and helping one another to bring joy into our home. I am truly grateful for the wake-up call! Christmas is not about how it looks...but rather how it feels.

Here is my favorite part of the whole night. Tui has only heard " Jingle Bells" twice and has already been singing it all over the house. Sorry the lighting is bad.

A Jolley Good Time!
I just wanted to say thank you to my Jolley family. We do not always have the opportunity to be with family over the holidays, but...we are always welcomed with open arms by the Jolley family. When I find myself sad and missing my family, I instantly have brothers and sisters and wonderful adoptive parents who are so kind and loving.

We had a wonderful dinner of all the Thanksgiving best. Turkey and ham and all the sides you could think of. Oh and the deserts were to die for! Once again I have stuffed myself to the point of bursting buttons. The kids were wonderful ( hardly any fights) and the weather was gorgeous! What a wonderful thanksgiving...so thanks to my Jolley family!

Thankful Thoughts.

Some times it is hard to be thankful. This time of year is always particularly hard for me. I am not the type of person who likes to feel depressed or in a slump....but through the months of November and December I find myself crying at the drop of a hat. And every year it gets worse. I miss my family, who all live close enough or have the ability to go home for every holiday. So everyone is together...except me.

So to remedy my gloominess, I like to give extra service, focus on giving my husband and kids a wonderful holiday season, and think happy thoughts. I feel the need to remind myself that I do have things to be thankful for.

I am thankful for:

• My parents, who love me no matter what
• My siblings, who taught me patience and love me no matter what.
• My ancestors who believed....and lived the Gospel.
• My husband....for having the love and patience to put up with me!
• My daughter Sydney....she is so tender and thoughtful!
• My daughter Haylie....who makes me laugh and cry all in the same day.
• My son....I almost didn't have him. He is my miracle boy!
• Friends who are my family when I am so far away from my own!
• Rekindled friendships.
• The first dentist I worked for....he taught me so much!
• My years in Utah....I will cherish all those memories!
• All the places I have travelled. This world is so beautiful.
• Money. Without it I would not have been able to travel.
• My extended Family...they have always been so supportive of me.
• My home. It may not be the prettiest thing, but it is home.
• My van!
• Sunsets....I love the colors.
• Warm cloths...I hate being cold.
• All of the callings I have ever had. Each one has helped me to understand my weaknesses and how to make them strengths.
• My senses...I would be very sad if I could not see the beauty of this earth, or hear my children's laughter, or smell a cooking turkey!
• My pain...it lets me know that I am not invincible
• My sadness...it helps me to cherish my joys.
• Doctors who have saved my life more than once and who have healed my daughter.
• Prayer....not my own, but all of yours.
• My hands...I love to create with them.
• For our freedoms...may we always have them.
• And so many other things. This list could go on.

Lastly, I am thankful for the deep and steadfast testimony I have that we are loved by a Heavenly Father who has provided a plan of happiness for us. I am grateful for His laws and consequences without which we would not have an appreciation for His love and Mercies. I am forever grateful to our Savior, Jesus Christ for His gift of unconditional love and sacrifice. I hope to someday fully appreciate that sacrifice.

Girls Night/ Birthday Night.

There are a bunch of us who have Nov. birthdays and we usually all go out for dinner. I always end up eating so much, I don't have room for desert, so tonight we did a desert night. One of my favorite deserts of all time is the Olive Garden's White chocolate raspberry cheesecake. However, I can not go to the Olive Garden without getting a bowl of their Zuppa Toscana soup. It is perfect on these cold nights. Warms you up all the way to your toes!!!! It was a fun night. We talked and laughed until nearly closing time. I love all my Waterloo gals! Thanks for all the birthday wishes!

9 down...a life time to enjoy.

November is a crazy month for us at the Nai home. I my birthday, my sisters birthday and my mothers birthday all within a 4 day span. On top of that, 9 years ago I decided to get married.....2 days before my birthday. Don't ask me what I was thinking!!!!

I was thinking the other day of where we were every year for our past anniversaries. This is what I came up with.

Year zero: Married in Canada.

Year one: Living in Erie, PA( not liking it) and pregos with Sydney.

Year two: Living in Erie still ( and still not liking it)

Year three: Living in Terre Haute, IN. ( loving it)

Year four: Living in Waterloo, Ia ( not sure if I like it yet) ( haylie is 2 mo. old) .

Year five:Loving Waterloo! moved to new house.

Year six: Still loving it

Year seven: Recovering from a Pulmonary embolism and giving birth to my baby boy.

Year eight: Totally forgot anniversary!!!!

Year nine. Still in IA, Still Happy, Still in love.

Well for the past couple of years, I have been playing the role of the forgetful husband. Last year I totally forgot our anniversary and my birthday was on thanksgiving. ( yuck!). The year before that...who knows. I actually can not remember the last actual anniversary we did something out of the ordinary. I love my husband very much....but he is not the romantic type at all. Any planning for a date is done by me. Well this year I was not going to let it slip by again. I am not high maintenance or picky, so date nights don't need to be too detailed.

The 9th anniversary is the pottery year, so I planned a date to this neat little place where yo can pick a piece of pottery ( plates, mugs, vases, etc.) to paint and then they fire them and you have yourself a little creation made by each other. Anthony painted me a vase. He is very talented when it comes to drawing, but painting is not his favorite. Bless his heart....he at least had fun trying something new. I painted him a card holder for all his business cards. I must say, mine is way cute! It was fun to do something together like that.

Then it was off to try something else new. We went to the Hu Hot. A Mongolian grill where you pile on meat and noodles and veggies and watch them cook your food on this huge round slab of hot stone. It was fun to watch and fun to eat. All in all a pretty good anniversary. Next year is a big one, so I told Anthony to start planning now.

I don't have any pics of the pottery yet. I will post them when I get the pottery back.