Heavenly Father MAKES You Have Friends

I am a loner type of person. :) Most people wouldn't know that about me. I can have fun with people, but I truly just like being home with my family - alone. I never really got into playdates or game night with "The Girls." And I think my kids are starting to get frustrated with me because they don't have friends over very often.
Recently I've wondered about this quirk of mine. I am sure I have even hurt feelings or offended others because of my lack of desire to "do things." I don't even like the phone.
Now don't get me wrong, I truly LOVE people. I have so many friends and family that I feel blessed to have in my life. I can't really understand what my problem is, but I have decided to make a concerted effort to be a better friend.
Things brings me to my main point....
Heavenly Father has placed me in a wonderful pickle. :) I have a friend who has been going through some yucky stuff. I think we both felt that we wanted to be closer but just never had the time. For some odd reason she felt impressed to come to me with her struggles. We have become very close and I treasure her friendship.
Now as I look back at the whole situation, I feel so grateful for a Heavenly Father who sometimes throws things at you that you need. I didn't even know that I would need my friend so much. Or that I would learn so much from her.
Strength!!! She is an amazing source of strength.
Love!!!! She truly loves her kids. They are her friends!! I have seen the power of such a love. It heals and smooths the horrible things in life. The love she gives those little monkeys is 100% Christlike!
Peace!!! She wouldn't say that she has any type of peace in her life right now; but she has it. She is the one who brings it into her home.
I have also learned how much I need to open up again. I didn't used to always be so closed. So watch our world, here I come!!!!!

Elijah and Jake

As most of you know, our Ward was split a few months ago. We were put into a brand new Ward and in the shuffle, Elijah and Jake weren't up to date on their Scout Awards. This was our first pack meeting as the new Pack so they received quite a few awards. Elijah has since moved on to Boy Scouts but he received the rest of his stuff for Cub Scouts. Except for his Arrow of Light. He will be getting that in a few months. I guess the Pack Leader is trying to get the higher-up Arrow of Light people to come and do the ceremony. I will post pictures when that happens. :)

You know, growing up my mom had 5 kids to work on different things with. Scouts, Personal Progress, Faith in God, Duty to God..... it is really tough to make sure you aren't cutting corners on their goals and advancements. It has gotten a little bit easier with Elizabeth because she will take the initiative and do things, but with the boys it's harder.

I guess I need to say that I am proud of US, as a family, for achieving these fun milestones. :)

Just a few Pics

Camping in Sedona with RAIN, 6 adults, 9 kids, and tons of FUN!!!!

A boy and his dog. Jake LOVES Dozer!!!

Elijah turns 11!!

Our paper bag laundry room floor! (Very proud of us)

Elizabeth turns 12!!

School is in

Well, it's official - I get ME time!!!! The kids have been in school for a week and a half and Bret went back to work this morning. I am sitting in my house, playing on my computer and listening to country music. And as I sit and contemplate my first day alone, my mind struggles with the age old question....
"Do I do what I SHOULD do, or do I do what I wanna do?!"
I guess technically I could do both. I need to go to the store and clean the house. I want to go to the Library and take a nap.
I do know one thing for certain - I will be spending more time posting on my blog. I have been enjoying Facebook, but you can't really share a lot in the little comment section. :)