Yes, I like things in bulk.

Today I was doing my normal Costco run. Just the basics-chicken breasts, chips for lunches, spaghetti sauce, etc. As always, you have the sample ladies peddling whatever Costco is trying to sell this week. I usually love the sample ladies, let's face it, Costco samples are like the free appetizer to the pizza you are going to eat before you head home with your lifetime supply of Eggos.
Well, today the sample ladies were on a roll. It is our fall break from school so all 6 of my children were with me. They were all walking with me, the little ones holding the cart and everyone behaving themselves. We walk past the woman sampling bacon and in her LOUD sales voice announces to the store I must be on a field trip because "ALL those kids can't possibly be yours!". Whatever, I smile and walk away. A few aisles away another sample lady is putting sundried tomatoes on cream cheese with crackers. I know this is not going to be a hit with anyone in my home, including me so we walk past without stopping. Well, almost without stopping. She says,"Whoa, now tell me who belongs to who?" I turned to look because there is no other person who she is talking to and she asks me, "Are these all your kids?" I respond by telling her they are and she starts in with the normal blah, blah, blah about how many kids I have, how she can't believe it, how and why would I have this many kids, etc. I have no idea what my facial expression was because inside I really didn't want to hear it, so I half smile and start to walk away. You'd think she would stop, but no she continues on. I am now almost ready to turn down the next aisle and she is yelling at me, "Did you know there is another customer who comes in here and she has 9 kids and is pregnant." I tell her, "Wow, that's great. I really love being a mom too." I start walking away, she starts in again, "You should really meet her, I mean you could have one h#@& of a playdate with that many kids."
Yes, I am sure I would have a lot in common with this other Costco shopper, maybe we could get together and talk about all the rude comments we hear on our family size. Maybe we could get together and talk about how being a mother is the best job we have ever done or how we feel so blessed to be trusted with these amazing spirits from heaven to raise. Or maybe we would have nothing in common besides a having a large family. I don't know, I do know that I have great friends with no children and great friends with more kids than I have. The right family size is a personal decision.
I do know this, I love being a mom, I love my husband, I love my kids, and I love my life. Maybe that is something to make a spectacle of.

Sunshine In My Soul Today...

Life is a journey which we all must experience. It is on this journey we are tested, taught and grow. It is the Lord's way to prepare us to blossom and become that which He knows we have the ability to become.
Sometimes we are able to help others, sometimes we are the ones who need to be helped. Last week was a really trying week for me. My friends knew it and so did the Lord. Today I was reminded how much I am loved by both, and in trying times we are not alone. So, thank you if your hands were the ones the Lord used to lift me, I really needed it. It reminded me of my very favorite scripture, so I wanted to share it.

Doctrine & Covenants 61:36-39

36 And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you;

37 And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours.

38 Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not.

39 Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death. Even so. Amen.

Houston, We have a problem.

I am really bothered by something lately. It started as I overheard and listened to what my kids are watching on tv. At first it really didn't seem like a big deal to me, I thought it was just how a character was portrayed on one show, but it isn't. It is almost every show on the Disney Channel and Nick and I am taking a stand!
Ken and I believe and are teaching our children that no race or sex is superior to another. I have friends of all races and love each of them the same, I am not better than anyone because I am white. I do not believe men are superior to women either. I also don't think women are superior to men. I believe women and men are different and we should celebrate the differences, we both have strengths and weakenesses. Men are phyically stronger and women are more nuturing. By design we are made this way. It is okay, I don't have to be able to do everything my husband can do to be his equal. We compliment each other, he wants to fix everything I want to make everyone happy.
I think as a whole, this is how a lot of people feel. I also think there are a lot of people who like when people fight with the label of racism or sexism. I think this is exactly the thing that distracts people from the big picture and keeps people divided. So, onto my rant.
Wizards of Waverly Place, Hannah Montana, iCarly, Sweet Life on Deck, all have boy and girl characters. They are all portrayed the same way, smart girls and dumb boys. The majority of the jokes are geared to laughing at the boys while the girls always solve the problem. I don't like this, to me it isn't any different than watching All in the Family and seeing Archie Bunker treating his wife badly.
Is this really what we should be doing for entertainment? How sad that the writers can't think of any really funny lines and have to resort to making fun of boys for laughs.

New

Fresh. New. Like a newborn, like the way a new car smells, this is my new blog. I have decided to go private, so I can share more. I will use our real first names, but no last name. I am happy you are here reading my story. This is my life's adventure, the place I truly shine because He sent me here, my life is well placed.