Live learn laugh

Disneyland

2011-02-19T11:56:00.000-08:00

I haven't been to Disneyland for 6 years but this past November, we went with Paul, April, Lily and Brooklyn. It was so much fun. I didn't think I was up for a long road trip but airfare is just too high. We left following my last parent teacher conference and drove through the night, crazy for a couple of old people, but we made it with time to spare. We had time to clean up at the hotel and then make the gates at opening. It was a beautiful day and just perfect for fun. Lily and Brooklyn were so excited.Space Mountain, Matterhorn, California Adventure, fireworks, water shows, Downtown Disney,and princesses. It was just perfect. Can't tell how excited Lily and Brooklyn were.

2009-Year of Change

2009-12-28T13:56:00.000-08:00

I am not exactly the best at this blogging thing but I love reading everyone else's. This year has been a year of changes. Doug lost his job in February,I started a second job in March, Mike found a job in September. Grandpa Teran died in October, Alex and Rachel totaled their car in December, and Doug received a call to serve as an ordinance worker in the Draper Temple. Sometimes you wonder when the hole will stop getting bigger and the light will appear again. Despite the struggles, our table has never been empty, we are warm and surrounded by many good friends and family. We have been lifted and supported and when it is all done for this year, I can truly say, we have been blessed and it has been a good year. Hope 2010 brings you joy and happiness.
"There is a tendency to think of change as the enemy. Many of us are suspect of change and will often fight and resist it before we have even discovered what the actual effects will be. When change is thought through carefully, it can produce the most rewarding and profound experiences in life." Marvin J. Ashton

Many good memories

2009-06-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

I know that we aren't supposed to love our "stuff" but the memories asociated with some stuff make it hard to part with. Foolish, you say. Yes, and true, but I can't help feel sadness as I watched the truck loaded up and taken away. It was a sentimental moment. This was dad's truck. We purchased it from mom with the agreement that we would tow her fifth wheel trailer. Several trips with mom to St. George and up camping. Then we have our own memories of our camper and time spent with family in our beautiful mountains. Then there are many times we moved people or materials for projects and others borrowed it. Despite the problems, we had with the truck, it took us many places and rescued us and brought us many good times. It will be missed. Okay, this sounds like someone died!

Spring Break

2009-05-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

One advantage to unemployment is no time obligations so over Spring Break Doug and I went with the Kinikini's to visit Grandpa and Grandma Teran. It was nice to get away from the daily struggles and enjoy a little break. Grandpa and Grandma are such wonderful people and we enjoyed time to visit. We even had the opportunity to celebrate Doug's birthday with them.We also went to the temple, played in the sand, and went swimming. The desert was beautiful. Kelsie, Kaden and Kenna rode with us from Filmore to St. George. That was fun, well at least, most of the time. Despite the problems we have in our lives, it is always nice to know that we have each other. We also enjoyed some time with other family members who were there.Our session at the temple was great. I have forgotten the beauty of that temple. As we walked out, there was a painting of all the U.S.A. presidents with Pres. Wilford Woodruff. It made me realize how blessed I am to have a testimony of the Saviour and this church but even more so to be worthy to enter His temple. All in all it was a nice break.

Changes

2009-03-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

I just started reading President Monsen's talk "Finding Joy in the Journey." I need a little joy, the past few weeks haven't been the brightest. I always thought that Doug and I could be the financially stable part of our family and help out our struggling children but this isn't the path we are on right now. It is a path that some of you have traveled before. One thing that he states is "I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do, instead, find joy in the journey-now." "Now" is the key word for me. I have had many wonderful opportunities and blessings in my lifetime. I am trying to focus on what I have and not what I don't have. I intend to find joy even though the journey is taking me down a path I do not want to travel.

Sunday evening

2009-01-25T16:13:00.000-08:00

Sunday night with family should be just a peaceful time but just look at these activities. I do not claim any responsibility in any of this!

Everyone got into the act and raced around on the scooters. I have to admit, they are fun!!!
While the rest of us enjoyed a nice dinner and conversation, Lily and Kenna had some fun of their own! We have small brains around here-we just can seem to remember that these two little girls are full of trouble and should not be left alone-ever!!!In case you can't tell from the picture, this was all the books and other items that were on the bottom bookshelves in the basement family room. I am just glad that they couldn't reach the top ones. They are so darn cute!Family game night is one of our favorite Sunday activities.Although it can get a bit crazy,I do love Sunday Evening!!

America

2009-01-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

America, what a country we live in. Despite all the problems and the struggles that people are going through and the imperfections in our government and economy. I am proud of this country. Yesterday was an amazing experience. We are so blessed to be able to move from one president to another without a bullet shot, riots in the street or ethnic genocide occurring. I was raised during the 60's. I remember the assassination of Dr. King, President Kennedy, and his brother Robert. I was part of student government with the first African American student body president at the University of Utah. He was amazing and did a great job. I was saddened by the narrow mindedness of people who told me I was going to hell because I was serving in the same student council as "him." I watched the tears on the faces of many people yesterday as Pres. Obama spoke. The dream is alive. You can be anything you want if you work hard enough! I love America!

The Holiday Season

2008-12-21T14:52:00.000-08:00

2008 has flown by. I can't believe that we have celebrated Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas is just a few days away. This has been a wonderful year but it has not been all sweets and chocolates. There have been some sour times and challenges to face. Like every year, we find joy in the good times and even in the challenges (usually with hindsight). We have expanded our family to include two new grandchildren, Brooklyn and Kyler,

and added a daughter-in-law, Rachel. They have brought joy into our life. Brooklyn is tiny and yet spunky. Kyler is just a big chunk of love and Rachel is a caring, loving and believing daughter. We could not pick better people for our children. They have found choice people that have made our family stronger. As this year draws to a close, I am grateful for the strength of family. Merry Christmas every one and a bright new year ahead!

2008-12-07T19:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, so November just flew by. I have enjoyed this beautiful autmn here in Utah. Over Labor Day we went to Hogle Zoo. We packed a lunch and met together as a family. The kids were more interested in eating than seeing the animals. But even while eating, we spotted a terrifying animal by the fence.

Wait a minute, I think I recognize this one!

I let Kelsie and Kaden take the pictures of the animals. They are quite the photographers.
The animals were very active. We even heard the howler monkeys. It reminded me of the howlers in Mexico. Check out the gorilla. WOW! I don't think I ever saw one just pose like this one did.

Lots of fun and a very nice day at the zoo!

Life is so busy and we all need to take time to enjoy.

Karson retreiving Kyler's bottle that rolled off the stroller, under the fence and off the bridge.

I Believe

2008-11-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

I have been pondering the essence of who I am. This may sound a bit strange but there have been 2 events in my life that have made me stop and think about this. The first one was a stake leadership meeting and the second one was our stake conference. So here is what I believe: I am a daughter of God who has great potential to become like Him. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Mormons or just LDS. This has greatly defined who I am. I live by its doctrine and it drives my very life. I believe in the Savior Jesus Christ. He has provided His gospel through the scriptures (Book of Mormon, Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, & Pearl of Great Price). I know that by studying these books, I can draw insight in how He wants me to live each day. I believe that when I make mistakes I can turn to the atonement of the Savior to rescue me from my weaknesses. I believe that we are guided by living prophets. Our prophet today is Thomas S. Monsen. I have felt the witness of the Holy Ghost as I stood in the Sacred Grove that Joseph Smith did see God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know that our prayers are answered. There are many times that I have read in the Book of Mormon and received a witness that it was true. I have had the privilege of standing on ancient sites from the Book of Mormon. I know that temples are important. I know that I find a great peace in my heart whenever I take time to attend the temple. I know that temples are sacred places dedicated to God. I am thankful to wonderful parents who led me to this faith through their own example. I am thankful for wonderful in-laws who have also been an example of goodness and righteousness. I believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am a Mormon and I am thankful for all that it means.

Welcome

2008-10-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog. This is my attempt at sharing a little of my world. Hope you enjoy! Life is short so I chose my title to reflect how I feel about each day. We live, learn and we should laugh each day! Sometimes it is the laughing that we leave out of our life. No matter the challenges we face we need to keep a sense of humor. During General Conference of the LDS Church, Oct. 2008, Elder Wirthlin spoke about the importance of laughing each day. I think back on my life, especially as a mother, and realize that I was way too serious. I can now laugh at the "mud" fight that two of my sons had in the bedroom we were trying to finish before the new baby came or the green artistic drawing on the wall in the hall that is hidden behind a bookcase. My advice to new mothers or young mothers: enjoy each day. Find one opportunity to smile each day!I can now take time to wear the goofy glasses and enjoy a beautiful autumn day with Lily and Kelsie!