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Saturday, March 28, 2009

Boating Day @ in Sarasota & Venice

Jaycee & Jordan ready to start the day!















 This week Greg's Mom, his sister's Stacey & Jenefer have been here. Today we went boating in Sarasota & Venice. It was fun. After the boating, Greg & his family went to Siesta Key beach, only to get blown out of there by the wind.

So they came home got cleaned up while I was at the grocery store. Here are a few pictures from the boat outing. It was fun. We did see a dolphin which is always the highlight of the trip.

Here is what pictures are below-
1-Arvella, Jenefer & Stacey
2-Greg heading out to the water
3-Jordan & Grammie
4-Stacey & Jaycee
5-Jenefer
6-ArVella, Jenefer & Jordan
7-Jaycee & Shalee
8-Jaycee driving the boat
9-Shalee & Jordan
10-Jaycee being cute
11-Jordan being Jordan
12-Shalee
13-Shalee & Greg
14-Sarasota
15-Finally a dolphin!
















































Can I tell you how happy I was to see that I got this shot!?!?! Very happy!
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Jordan's 15th B-Day
















Jordan turned 15 on Wednesday. It was a busy night, but a nice one. The girls have New Beginnings for YW's, so we went to that at 6:30 pm. It was wonderful. The leaders put a lot of work and thought into it. The spirit was great! Greg's Mom and sisters were here to see Jordan get a couple of her awards for Personal Progress and to hear Greg read Jaycee's bio since she is new in Beehives this year.

After that we came home and had Jordan's choice of dinner...KFC...uuughh..Not a favorite of mine, but hey it wasn't my birthday. Then we did her cake thing and had her open presents. I think she had a good day. Here are a few pics.

















I'm pretty sure I know EXACTLY what she is wishing for...
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Punta Gorda, FL-Air Show

The Punta Gorda Air Show was this past weekend. Friday night while we were at the girls soccer games we saw them practicing. However, Shalee forgot her camera. Thank goodness for friends like John Elias who for one take AWESOME pics, and two are kind enough to let me show you what he was able to get pics of on Friday. He had a friend who let him on the runway and he got some WONDERFUL shots! Thanks for letting me share your talents John.

The pics are of the following:
- F-15 Fighter
- C-130 Hercules
- F-16 Fighter
- F-15 Fighter Upside down w/afterburners
- Blue Angels
- P-51 Mustang, F-15, F-16
- The Blue Angels
- UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter

























For more of John Elias' photos go to: http://www.printroom.com/studio_homepage.asp?domain_name=johneliasphotographyHe has some amazing photos, very talented guy.
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Saturday, March 21, 2009

Time Out For Me..in Orlando



So today I attended Time Out For Women in Orlando. Can I just say how much I love this?!?! I look forward to it whenever I have the opportunity to go.

It never ceases to amaze me the stories that I hear from the presenters and how much they help me in the things I deal with in life. Some of there stories make me think that the small problems I have are NOTHING compared with some of the things they have dealt with in their life.

Today I left with a great deal of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with so many things. I'm blessed to have my health and the healthy of my husband and girls. I'm blessed to have a roof over my head and a warm bed to sleep in at night. I'm blessed to have the Gospel and the knowledge that I KNOW my Heavenly Father loves me and knows my concerns. I'm blessed with a testimony that has grown in huge amounts the past three years. I'm blessed with two girls who I admire and adore.

I'm blessed with the opportunity to share Time Out For Women with two sister's in my ward whom I love dearly. Very neat experience today.
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Friday, March 20, 2009

This and that...

Tonight Greg left for a scout camp out. Last time he forgot a blanket and jacket and something to put under his sleeping bag and it was COLD that night between 35-40 degrees. It's funny seeing how he is the Scoutmaster..LOL. Today I talked to him and he said he thinks he remembered everything..I hope so.

Since Greg is gone, I got soccer duty for both girls. Tonight we spend 4 hours at the soccer field. Jaycee's game was at 6 pm. She did good. They lost, but she played good. Jordan's game was at 8 pm. They won 7-2. While I was at soccer I got to see the Blue Angels practicing for the air show that is going on tomorrow. It was awesome! It made me a little homesick for home. I always loved driving up to Hill Air Force Base and parking my car to watch the jets take off, especially at night. They are so fast and so loud! I love it! I won't get to see the air show tomorrow, but Sunday after church I should be able to see some if it. Love the air shows!!! Here is a photo that my friend John Elias took today from on the airport. He is amazing! John Elias's Photos - 2009 Punta Gorda, Florida Air Show
"2009 Punta Gorda, Florida Air Show" by John Elias
Old Meets New:
P-51 Mustang
F-16
F-15

Tomorrow I'm going to 'Time Out For Women' in Orlando. I'm excited..although I would be a little more excited if I didn't need to leave at 6 am. It will be fun though. Always very inspiring and uplifting. I really need this!

I need to find another job. I drive from Port Charlotte to Sarasota/Bradenton every day which is 52 miles one way. It is getting old and I've really had enough of the mess that we deal with on a daily basis at work. I've never seen anything like this in my life..It isn't good. Hopefully, I can find something closer to home. I'm glad to have a job in this economy so I really shouldn't complain. Just need somewhere that I'm happy at.

Have a good weekend!!
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Thursday, March 19, 2009

To my girls love your Mom...


First of all, can I just tell you how much I love my girls. Jordan & Jaycee are the best things that have ever happend to Greg & I. They are such good girls, who are happy, kind, fun and teach me more than they will ever know.

I was on my way to work and thinking about them the other morning. I decided to put a list together for them with some advice on life...I'm sure they will do the eye roll and say "I know Mom", but I want them to grow up happy and not make some of the mistakes I have along the way. I love you Jordan & Jaycee! Love Mom Ü

To my girls, love your Mom..
* I love you with all my heart and will always love you no matter what.

* Always remember Heavenly Father loves you and is ALWAYS there for you.

* Have a good attitude; think positive when things go wrong, it will make things a lot easier to deal with if you do.

* Keep friends who bring out the best in you. Don't hang with people who try to get you to lower your standards or values.

* Be kind to all you come in contact with. Smile, look people in the eyes and say hello.

* Be respectful, even if you don't agree with what someone says.

* Stand up for what you believe in, don't be afraid to hold your ground.

* Laugh at yourself, don't take things so serious that you can't enjoy life.

* Serve others even when you don't feel like it. You will be happier in life if you do.

* Be yourself, don't try to change for someone else. You are wonderful the way you are!

* Don't be afraid to try something new, if your not good it's ok, but at least try.

* Learn and share your talents with others.

* Listen to good music.

* Dance whenever possible.

* When you date...(when your 50)...date someone who is kind to his mother. He will treat you the way he treats his Mom generally.

* Make a list of what you want in a spouse, then STICK to that list! NEVER settle for less than what you deserve. You deserve the best!

* Be the type of person you want to marry. You can't find him if you aren't the same type of person.

* Stay close as sisters. Do things together to build each other up and be there for each other.

* When change happens moving, school, friends...make the best of what ever situation you are in. Look for the good and don't dwell on the bad.

* Know beyond a shadow of a doubt that your Dad & I love you more than anything on this Earth! You two are amazing girls and we are so blessed to have you.

* Be happy!! Life is too short to not be.

Love you both!
Mom
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Monday, March 16, 2009

♣♣ Happy St Patrick's Day ♣♣


♣♣This is dedicated to my Irish sista' Mary...♣♣
Happy St Patty's Day Mary!!
Love ya!

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Saturday, March 14, 2009

Beauty & The Beast

Since January, Jordan has been working many,many hours after school to help prepare for the school play of 'Beauty & the Beast'. She was helping build, paint and prepare the sets for the show.

Tonight we went as a family to see the show. It was amazing!!! The performers were wonderful and the sets that Jordan took part in building were amazing. Lots of work! It was a fun night and great to spend time as a family.

Jaycee is acting in her school play in two weeks, so I'll be excited to see her as well. Glad I have girls who are scared to try out for things and learn new talents that they have. Very neat to see them grow and learn.

Today was our YW Stake Day Camp in preparation for girls camp coming up in June, so the girls and I were there early this morning until about 3:00 pm. This is Jaycee's first year at girls camp and Jordan's 4th. Jordan will be on High Adventure this year and will be sailing for four days to the Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys. They are going snorkeling and have a lot of cool things planned...wish I could go with her!

I'm very blessed and LOVE my family!! They are awesome!
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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

It's All About Jordan


With this month being Jordan's birthday, I thought I would do a post for her and why she is special to me. First of all I can't believe it will be 15 years that we had our first 6lb. 0oz. baby girl. With her being born in the spring & a week before Easter, every time I see baby lamb, horse, chick or calf, I think of when she was born.

Here are 15 things I love about Jordan: (Did I mention she is going to be 15?!? uuggh)

1-She has always made friends quickly and is a good friend to everyone.

2-She is very laid back and doesn't stress about ANYTHING.

3-She loves her pets. She has always loves animals and used to want to be a veterinarian.

4-She loves to ride horses. I remember her first pair of cowboy boots we bought her, she was so excited.

5-She is very talented on the violin & piano. She can play by ear and very well. Most of the violin & piano she taught herself.

6-I love watching her play DDR. Not the most coordinated, but always entertaining.

7-She is an EXCELLENT artist. She can draw just about anything. I wish I had her talent.

8-I love that I checked on her one night to make sure she had her lights off and instead she had a flashlight and was reading her scriptures. Who could yell at her then? Not me.

9-She is fun to tease, and dishes out as much as she gets.

10-She is funny and has a fun personality.

11-I love her hair. She doesn't always like it, but I love it.

12-I love when her and Jaycee are laughing with each other and being sisters.

13-She loves soccer and volleyball.

14-Even though it drives me crazy...it makes me laugh. She looks at EVERY expiration date on anything she eats. She won't touch it if it is even close to expiring. Even when I have frozen bread to use later.

15-I love Jordan because she has a good attitude about life and always strives to do the right thing. I love having her for a daughter.

Happy Up-Coming Birthday Jordan!!
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Sunday, March 1, 2009

Individual Worth

For me I've always known I was a daughter of our Heavenly Father and that He loved me, but I don't think it was until very recently that I felt without a doubt in my mind that He is mindful of me and my desire to KNOW and feel that He loves me.

Growing up I had little to no self-esteem. I remember specifically a Fireside I attended where the speaker was speaking about likeing ourselves. I remember sitting there and thinking 'I don't like myself and don't know why anyone would like me'. I was between 12-13 and just didn't know how to feel that love from anyone, let alone Heavenly Father.

It took me years to get out of my negative thinking and attitude, to start thinking positive and looking at myself as a daughter of Heavenly Father who is worth everything to Him and is deserving of everything good and righteous in life. I think as women, we are very hard on ourselves. We have the desire to be good and righteous and when we feel we aren't we tend to feel we are failing. This so not true!

President Gordon B Hinckley said, “Woman is God’s supreme creation. Only after the earth had been formed, after the day had been separated from the night, after the waters had been divided from the land, after vegetation and animal life had been created, and after man had been placed on the earth, was woman created; and only then was the work pronounced complete and good.

“Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth.”

I grew up in the church, but as I said above didn't always have the best attitude about myself and my Individual Worth. I attended church, but not all the activities, not camp EVER (I was an indoor girl), I attended 2 Youth Conferences which I loved and started to get the importance of the Church and Young Womens. I've now been serving in the Young Women's Program since 1999, first as Camp Director for three years, (I know..indoor girl)Heavenly Father gave me a second chance to learn of His love for me and the importance of the YW program and why camp in an important part of my Individual Worth. I then served as Laurel advisor to two wonderful YW who I learned so much from. From then I served in Primary for a couple of years, then when we moved I was called as YW 1st counselor, then YW Pres.
All along the way of these callings, I KNEW without a doubt that once again Heavenly Father was giving me a chance to get it right and to learn the importance of my own Individual Worth. With my latest calling in YW's, I have been soooooo humbled. I've never felt the love of my Heavenly Father as I did when I was asked to serve in this calling. I literally have felt His arms around me and hearing him say "You are so loved." There is NO DOUBT in my mind that Heavenly Father needs me and loves me. I don't know how much I can help these girls, but I hope that I can share with them what I have learned and that they will know of Heavenly Father's unconditional love for them. I learn more from them than they will ever learn from me.

One last quote from Pres. Hinckley "Never forget that you came to earth as a child of the divine Father, with something of divinity in your very makeup. The Lord did not send you here to fail. He did not give you life to waste it. He bestowed upon you the gift of mortality that you might gain experience—positive, wonderful, purposeful experience—that will lead to life eternal. He has given you this glorious Church, His Church, to guide you and direct you, to give you opportunity for growth and experience, to teach you and lead you and encourage you, to bless you with eternal marriage, to seal upon you a covenant between you and Him that will make of you His chosen daughter, one upon whom He may look with love and with a desire to help (from Ensign, May 2001, 95–96)."
I know that "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us and we love Him". I thankful to know that Heavenly Father knows of my fears, my weaknesses, my problems, my heart and my love for Him and my desires to be with Him again.

You ARE WORTH everything to Him.
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