Back Online...

My Crazy Politics is back online--now that we are almost moved in, and I am reading my daily news again. I have to say, a month of no news makes for a much more positive view of the world! Then again, I couldn't stand to keep my head in the sand much longer. This is an amazing time to be alive!

Today's must read article:
"Without a Doubt
Why Barack Obama represents American Catholics better than the pope does."
By Kathleen Kennedy Townsend

No, really--you have to check this out!

My Crazy Politics: http://www.mycrazypolitics.blogspot.com/

Fabulous 4th!

I am finally getting around to posting pictures from our fabulous 4th of July! It has been a busy few weeks at this crazy house! We were able to get home from our vacation, unpack, and get the tile finished and sealed just in time to get the appliances into our kitchen on Wednesday morning. YAY--we are cooking food in the kitchen! We had been going out to the garage to use the refrigerator out there, and the microwave! Progress... My sister Shelly was able to come with her daughter Casey, they came all the way from Montana to stay a week and to see Wicked. My other sister Kimbie came down from Payson with her husband and 8 kids, and my mom and dad came from Thatcher. Wish my other sister from Utah could've made it--it would have been a full family reunion! (We'll get her down here for Thanksgiving--and Phantom of the Opera!) It was also a treat to have my aunt Vickie, my dad's sister, come into town from Tucson and stay a few days with us. I haven't seen her in years! We had a great time together!

We did have a few technical difficulties in our new house--big surprise! We worked hard to get someone over before the 4th to get our spa working so we could enjoy it with our family--and we did manage to get it heated up--although the thermostat wasn't exactly working right, so it heated up to a whopping 106 degrees! So Todd turned off the heater, and by the end of the night it was a warm 103--still pretty hot to sit in for more than 5 minutes, but it felt nice. The next morning, my mom went out to go for a swim in the pool, and got a big surprise when she went to step in and the pool was HOT--like really HOT! There was a wire crossed or something, and when Todd tried to turn off the heater to the spa, it actually began heating the pool. So the entire POOL heated up all night--to 106! Todd tried to go buy some ice for it--25 blocks, and threw them in, but the pool was still like 102--still way too hot for the kids to swim, so they were stuck inside for the day. By Saturday, it was a cool--98 degrees! Okay, so it wasn't very cool, but it was okay, and we bought a little blow up pool that we filled with the hose so there was some cooler water to swim in! Too funny! It was great to have everyone come visit! I promise, next time you come we will be out of boxes--well mostly! :)

We had a great time swimming...when it wasn't too HOT!

Of course we played lots of games--like Settlers of Zarahemla (fun, fun game!)Five CrownsAnd one of our favorites--GREED!The kids love the new "cuddle chair" that we got for the basement, it spins!What would the 4th of July be without a BBQ! The ribs were awesome, and sweet corn on the cob!My Aunt Vickie, Shelly and Casey...Shelly and Casey with my mom and dad...Aunt Vickie and my dad...

A "Lost Cause..."

Emie bore a beautiful testimony in sacrament meeting on Sunday, and I wanted to remember how special it was, and how much she touched me by the words she used, and the spirit I felt as she gave it. She talked about how she was talking with her cousin, my niece, this weekend when she was visiting. Her cousin told her that when it came to the church, she was a "lost cause". She is 17, and has just had a really hard life, and a really hard couple of months especially with some issues at home, and she just feels generally like people, namely God, have given up on her. Emie expressed how sad that this statement made her, and said how she felt in her heart that she knew that this wasn't true. She said that she was glad through reading the scriptures, and praying to her Heavenly Father, each of us can know that God loves us, and that he will never give up on us. To our Heavenly Father, NONE of us are a "lost cause". She expressed that she knew, through experiences that she has had, that Heavenly Father knows each of us individually, by name. If we will pray to him, we will know that he is there, and that he loves us.

I just wanted to post this here, in hopes that my niece will read it, and know that her cousin was thinking of her, and so am I. In the gospel of Jesus Christ, there is no such thing as a "lost cause". It doesn't matter what we have done, or how far from our Savior we think that we have wandered, he never stops loving us. Even when we turn our back on him, even when we think that there is no possible way back, even when we feel like we have wandered so far from where we should be, our Savior is still there, reaching out to us, ready to welcome us back to the fold. He told us this when he was on the earth, in the parable of the lost sheep. In Luke 15 it reads:

"Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."

I want to add my testimony to hers, that no one is ever "lost" in the kingdom of God. Our Heavenly Father, and our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd in this parable, never stop loving us, never stop reaching out to us, they never give up on us. They will never stop searching for those who think that they are lost, for we never are truly lost, to them. They know you, and they know your name, and they know your heart. You were our Heavenly Father's daughter, and our Savior's sister before you can even remember. But they DO remember. They know you, better than you know yourself. They love you, more than you know. When you doubt that, all you need to do is get on your knees and ask Him. He will tell you, in your mind and in your heart, by the spirit of the Holy Ghost, that these things are true. You will feel how much He truly loves you, and then you will truly know your worth.

So many people search for happiness in this world, in so many ways. Yet, you look around and see plenty of miserable people. People who thought they could find fun, and happiness, and only end up destroying themselves in the process. The world only offers false hopes of happiness, empty promises, disappointment. The way to happiness, the only way, is through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through Him, we can truly be happy. Not just a happiness here on earth, but a happiness that will continue through eternity. That is happiness that is worth searching for.

Highland Wrestling Camp...

This week Joshua did a wrestling camp at Highland High School. It was pretty fun for him, even though he is pretty clueless when it comes to wrestling. He has a lot of fun, even when he's getting pinned, he just lays there and smiles. Wrestling is a big thing in Todd's family, lots of the brothers and brother-in-laws were awesome wrestlers, so when the cousins get together they all start wrestling. Let's just say, I'd prefer to watch a basketball game any day! It makes me cringe to see them try to beat each other up, I'm the mom who's on the sidelines going, "don't hurt my baby!" I guess I'll have to get over that if he's gonna play any sport though! At the end of the week, they have a little tournament, and his cousins Carson and Kam were also wrestling. They did an awesome job--and it was pretty fun to watch them, although I was glad Josh didn't have to wrestle his cousins--(they're really good)! Josh won two matches, and lost one. Pretty good buddy! We're proud of you!

Kam's turn...Carson takes it seriously...(he's on the right)Josh waiting his turn...Good Job~!Good job Boys!Future wrestling champ-Kash!

Our number one wrestler! Love you Josh!

Here's the video of his first match--so cute to watch!

WICKED!!!

Opening Night! One word: AMAZING!!!

Happy Birthday ABBY!

Okay, so I am 4 whole days late posting about Abby's 9th birthday! Her birthday was actually on Saturday--and we were driving home from California, so not much of a celebration! But we did celebrate last Wednesday, while we were still in California, by going to the most awesome place ever--SEA WORLD! I seriously love this place! I still remember going there like 20 years ago as a child, and it was absolutely my favorite place in California--I even liked it better than Disneyland. When I came home, I was convinced that I was going to reach my dream of being a marine biologist...ya, well, when you live in the middle of the desert, that isn't really gonna happen, but it was a fun idea! Emie was bummed when I told her that Shamu was just the name of the show--not really the same whale that has been there for 50 years. They don't really last that long... He was still as amazing as I remember him though. One of the most awesome things was going down and watching him under the water, and listening to him "talk"--that's seriously the coolest thing ever! We loved the shows, and the rides, and just being together! Thanks Abby, for a great idea--we all loved our day at Sea World!

This picture says it all! We had a BLAST! Love you Abby!

Oceanside 2009!

These were just some of my favorite pictures at the beach this year--enjoy... :)

Home...

Once again, our vacation is over, and it's time to go home. It's strange right now, the word home feels different. We are going back to our house...but I'm not sure it feels quite like home just yet. We have called many places home over the years, Todd and I don't stay in a house for long, it seems. We have had many houses along the way, in several different places, but I have learned that it takes awhile before a new house becomes a home. A home is familiar, you can find your way around in the dark, because you know every nook and cranny. A home is comfortable, you have your favorite chair, or your favorite corner to sit and read, or blog. A home is safe, because you know your neighbors, and you have friends who are looking out for you. A home is fun, you have friends over, and it is always bustling with activity and laughter. A home is a haven, a shelter from the outside world, someplace you feel comfortable, someplace you feel...well, you feel "at home"! I'm sure that in time, this house will be a wonderful home, when all the work is done, and life returns to some sort of normalcy--if that is even possible with all these crazy kids! I know this ward will be great--I have loved every ward I have been in. I know that the kids and I will make new friends, and see old ones as well from time to time. I know that this is where the Lord wants us to be at this time--even if we don't know exactly why yet. And I know that the most important element of a home--the love of a family--is still there, and as long as we have that we will be okay. Man, I love you guys! But for now, I feel like I am just returning to our house--and part of me really misses our home.

Happy Father's Day!

I meant to post this yesterday--but didn't have much time, since it was Father's Day, and that means I get to have the kids all to myself and Todd got to relax--well, most of the day! I just wanted to post about the wonderful men in my life, and how truly grateful I am for them and the way they treat me. First, my DAD! My father and I have not always seen eye to eye on everything. I was quite the stubborn, opinionated, unreasonable teenager, (no, I haven't really changed much), and my Dad probably wanted to throw me out the door on my ear quite a few times! Even though he was a junior high school teacher for many years, he probably didn't know a teenager could be quite so rotten as his own daughter! Looking back, I feel terrible about the way I treated him sometimes, and the way I was unappreciative of the sacrifices he made for our family. I am so grateful for his always setting a good example, always going to church, always trying to do what was right. He was the only member of the church in his family, joining in college, but he never wavered in his determination that we go to church, and live our lives so that people would know that we stood for something. I am so grateful for that. Now that I am grown, I feel like I finally have the relationship with my Dad that I've always wanted. I love you Dad, I hope you know that! I am so grateful for your love, and your example in my life! You're the best Dad anyone could ask for!Second, my Father in Law, Bob. I have always admired him for many reasons, but first and foremost, I admire the love that he has for his children and his family. You can tell if you spend any amount of time with him that his first love, and his first priority is his family. He truly loves to spend time with them, and is interested in each of our lives, and each of our children's lives. He has always made an effort to show that love, to each and every person, and in our family, that is very difficult. You would think that in a family of 9 children, and 35 grandchildren, that someone would feel lost or left out. But this isn't the case with Bob and Sue. They make sure that each person feels important, each person feels loved. I have always felt like I have had two sets of amazing parents, Bob has always treated me as such and for that I feel grateful! We miss you so much, but again, feel so blessed to have the blessings that have come to us as a family since you've been on your mission. You are awesome! I love you!Lastly, my amazing husband, Todd. How can I express the love that I have for this amazing man? Like his father, his first priority has always been his family. He has always been so loyal, and so dedicated to making sure that we were happy, and well taken care of. I tease him now, saying I have never been so spoiled! He has truly given me a life that I could have never imagined! He is never selfish, and always puts my needs or the kid's needs ahead of his own. He has always been a worthy priesthood holder, which I am so grateful for. I want him to know how much I appreciate him, and the sacrifices he has made in order to provide for our family. I am so grateful that you love our children, and you love me, and most of all that you love our Savior, and it shows in all that you do. You are truly amazing, and I appreciate you so much! What a blessing, to have all of these wonderful men in my life! Happy Father's Day--a day late--but when you know me, as you all do WAY too well, you wouldn't expect anything less! I love you!

YUM!...

Check this out: Our favorite pizza place in Oceanside--Spanky's Pizza, home of the 28 inch GINORMOUS pizza! That almost feeds our whole family! We loved it!

Fun, Fun, Fun...

Our internet signal takes like 20 minutes to upload just one photo--

so here's another collage I made today...enjoy!

Lovin the Beach...

Tons of FUN! What a great day!

HOORAY for the BEACH!!!

After a crazy two weeks of moving, and trying to find things in boxes while we remodel the house, we were beginning to go a little bit crazy. I found that Todd and I were snapping at each other a little too much--and the kids were complaining a LOT too much, and generally we just needed a little break from being in that new house while it got finished! Oceanside is a welcome break! This is one of our favorite little places in the whole world! We have been coming here for our whole marriage--(Emie took her first steps here almost 14 years ago!). Oceanside brings us comfort, familiarity, and peace! We love the beach, and the cooler weather, and the ocean. We love the little resort we stay at, even though it's old and small--it is literally steps away from the beach! This year we decided to stay two weeks--since things are so hectic at home. We always feel like just when we get settled it's time to pack up and go home. The first week we have 3 of Todd's siblings and their families--and a couple of extra nieces that came along--between us we have 22 children! Yep, tons of cousins equals tons of FUN! The second week will just be our family--so we'll see how that goes...I am hoping the kids will be forced into having fun with each other, but it may just be a week of fighting...stay tuned! It was a beautiful day, and a wonderful change of pace! I love the BEACH!

Making the Best of It...

So, this is how our kitchen looks:


As you can imagine--there hasn't been much cooking going on in this house the last few weeks! Thanks to both friends and family who have made sure we were fed! So we decided to make the best of it last night for family night and had a little cookout. Emie and Erin made hot dogs on the grill--we had to certify them for girls camp--YAY! They were great! Then we went swimming, now that our pool is cleaned and filled! It was lots of fun, although what's with the chilly 80 degree weather this week!?! I'm not complaining--but it was COLD for an Arizona June! We keep saying that we'll look back on this move and laugh at how crazy we were--but tonight was a great memory! Isn't family the greatest! I love you guys!

This sums up our week...

Yes, remodeling a house can make you completely LOSE YOUR MIND! Ask Todd...first his arm--now this: watch--you'll understand! All I could do was laugh--because you know what? There was no talking him out of this one...

Such FUN!...

Okay--so we are all in our house--but it is nowhere near finished yet.  We are without running water downstairs, without a kitchen or master bathroom, and none of the closets are done, so we can't move much in yet.  None of the furniture is put together--and Todd can't lift anything for a few weeks, so it will stay where it lies!  If you were thinking of moving--I could talk you out of it if you want!  I have to brag on my mom and my two older girls--we moved 15o--(seriously...) boxes of food storage down our stairs into the basement storage room!!!  It was fun at first, and we were laughing and playing Biggest Loser...but after the first 50 we're like how many more???  They just kept coming and coming--boy did our movers LOVE our family!  A year supply is great, until you have to MOVE IT!  All is well though--and thank heavens for fast food the next few weeks!  I just won't unpack my scale for awhile... :)

Adventures in Moving...

So today started with a phone call, about 10 this morning, and it was from Todd's cell phone.

Guy: "Hi, this is Rick, and I am with the Gilbert Fire Department, I have your husband Todd here, and he has had an accident."

Me: "You mean like a car accident?"

Guy: "No, we are over at your residence, and he was trying to take a mirror off the wall, and it fell and gave him a really good cut down the side of his arm."

Me: "Are you being serious, or are you just joking?"

Guy: "No, ma'am, I am serious. He is in an ambulance, and is on his way to Maricopa Medical Center, do you know where that is?"

Me: "Why would he be going there? Banner Gateway is right there.

Guy: "They have some of the best hand and arm surgeons there, and he will probably need surgery to close the wound. You should probably go to the hospital, and meet him there. We don't want you to come over to the house, there is a lot of blood, and it looks really bad right now. We will clean things up as best we can, but you should go to the hospital."

So this guy gives me directions, but I am still freaking out a little--and part of me still thinks it might be a joke--that's what happens when your husband is always playing little jokes on you--it's like the boy that cries wolf you know. So I called my sister in law, who lives right down the street, and had her go and check it out, and sure enough--fire truck, and lots of blood, just like he said. So I went and got dressed, and left my kids in a rush, and drove out to meet him at the hospital. Do you want to know the worst thing?? When the guy was telling me about all the blood, all I was thinking was--"Holy crap--the new carpet just got put in YESTERDAY!!! Did he bleed all over my new carpet??" Isn't that the worst wife in the world? Man, I have some repenting to do!

So when I got to the hospital, this is what I found--Todd sitting up, smiling, talking to the nurse and giving him all the info. He looked just fine, and the wound was all bandaged up--but he was already on morphine, and feeling okay.

Then, the doctor comes in to remove the bandage and take a look at the wound. Todd was like, "make sure you get a picture--I want it to show people." I have to say, I wasn't prepared for what I saw. I am warning you now--if you have a queasy stomach, or can't handle the sight of blood--do not scroll down!!! The pictures don't even do it justice either because you have to know that there were some little arteries that kept shooting blood all over the place, plus the wound was gushing ALL OVER! It was all I could to to take these pictures and the smell about made me throw up. I can't believe that he had this HUGE gash in his arm and he wasn't sitting there screaming. I think I would have been a wreck--but not my Todd. There was another guy who had a little cut on his hand--and Todd let him have the gurney in the ambulance and just sat up on the bench--even though he lost a TON of blood on my lawn before they even left the house. He has a CRAZY tolerance for pain--and is SO tough that it amazes me. I think if he was the one having the babies, he would have just popped them out and said--"what was the fuss about?" Having said that--check out this gash:

*AGAIN--DON'T LOOK IF YOU ARE QUEASY AT THE SIGHT OF BLOOD--THESE ARE GROSS--*

Umm...yeah--that is almost down to the bone people! So they were able to tie off a few of the little arteries that he severed, and clean the wound after numbing it, and just stitched it up. Thank goodness he missed the muscle, and the major arteries, as well as the nerves in his arm. This could have been much worse! I am so grateful for thoughts and prayers that were sent our way today. I know that our Father in Heaven was watching over us today--and am so grateful that Todd is alive and well! He will be grateful as well, since he can't lift anything, and it will be me lugging the boxes all over the new house to unpack! Lucky dog! See--there is a silver lining! All this for a new improved bathroom! I'm so glad he's okay...Love you babe!

Moving On...

One of my most vivid childhood memories was from the 1st grade. I was 6 years old when my best friend, Veronica, moved away to a new state. I wasn't quite sure where it was she was moving, all I knew was that I would probably never see her again, and it broke my little heart. I remember so clearly the day that she left, I broke into tears as soon as I got home from school, and I couldn't quit crying the whole rest of the day. My mom reassured me that I would have other friends, but somehow in my mind, there would never be another friend like Veronica. It seemed like my little world was coming to an end.

Flash forward to the 8th grade, when my parents informed me that we were moving from the town that my dad taught school in, the little town I had lived in for my whole life, Pima, Arizona--down the road 2 miles, to Thatcher--our mortal enemy in sports, and life. People from Pima didn't hang with people from Thatcher. Those people were snobby, and stuck up, and rotten. I can remember having the same reaction of despair, and crying myself to sleep for many, many nights in a row upon hearing the news. Again, my world was crashing down around me, and there was nothing I could do, I was helpless in the situation. It didn't end up turning out so bad. It took awhile, and I resisted it, but I did make wonderful friends, and I still have friends from Pima, that I keep in touch with today.

Last night, Emie's friends had a surprise party for her (thanks girls)! It was so much fun for her, but when she got home, I could see that look of despair that I have seen so often in my own life. The look like, why are my parents making me do this? Why do I need to go somewhere else, when finally I feel comfortable with who I am, and what I want to be? Sometimes, change is hard! They all wrote her a sweet list of things that they love about her, and they were all so encouraging to her, and so kind. They are the best bunch of girls, and I am so grateful to them for sticking with her, and being good friends, and good examples for her. Seeing her heart break like that was hard, knowing that she doesn't want to say goodbye, and I am forcing her to make this change.

Erin has a great group of girls she is leaving behind, and Abby has asked me so many times, "Why are we moving?" She doesn't think because we got a great deal on our dream home is a good enough reason to move her from the neighbors (who have pretty much adopted her) she loves. Joshua isn't really upset yet, but he also hasn't woken up to find that Logan isn't right across the street anymore, and Adam and Max won't be coming over to swim today. I'm not sure if he knows what's in store for him just yet. Man, are we gonna miss that posse of boys! We love those little guys--trouble and all!

Parents make lots of decisions that are hard for kids to swallow. Sometimes, it can be as simple as your mom asking you to change an outfit that doesn't match, or switching you from a junk food diet to a healthy one. It's hard, because as a kid, you don't have a choice in the matter. I think for the most part, that parents don't mean to ruin your life, or make things hard on you, I think most parents care deeply about their children's feelings, and want them to be happy. The fact is, it's hard to move. I know that-- we have done it many times. The hardest thing, is when it's not your choice, and you have to do it anyway. I have done that too, and I want my kids to know that I understand their feelings. It will be okay, I promise you. If you feel like crying, that's okay too, it's normal and natural to be afraid of change, even to resist it. There will be times when you miss your friends, and you miss your old house, and you miss your old ward. I will have those times as well. I also want you to know that we are not expecting you to leave those things all behind...if you get homesick for a friend, we can invite them over. You can call them, use facebook, and other things to keep in touch. That's the nice thing about moving across town, instead of across the country! Yes, things will be hard for awhile--but sometimes we have to make it through hard things. Believe me, life is full of hard things! I know you will be okay--because you're tough, you always have been! Please let me know when you are feeling sad, or unsure--I really do want to help. Yes, change is hard, but if you stay positive, and trust in your Father in Heaven, you can make it through anything. You guys are awesome. I love you! Mom

Erin's Promotion...

6th grade promotion was right after Kindergarten promotion, so we was able to get a great seat to see Erin! We are so proud of Erin for her hard work this year, and being on the honor roll every semester. She was able to earn the President's Academic Fitness award--and got a pin and a certificate signed by Barack Obama! Erin is always trying to tell us that she isn't smart--but we're onto you sis...we know you're smart! She graduated with a sweet group of friends, and it was such a fun day. I had to sit through yet another sweet slide show with baby pictures, and then their pictures now and try to now BAWL out loud, with all the sappy music playing. I just can't believe how time flies. Another friend was blogging about heart wrenching moments with your children--and wanted warnings--so here you go! Man, 12 years has flown by so fast! We went to eat at Crackers with a group of friends and parents afterward. We love you Erin--and we're so proud that you're our daughter! You go girl! You're halfway there sister--only 6 more years! BTW--doesn't she look amazing! Thanks to Kelsey for coming early in the morning to do her hair--and to Karin for the gorgeous necklace--(that I'm gonna steal :)--love you guys!Nice Dresses huh?

Kindergarten Graduate!

Joshua graduated from Kindergarten on Thursday, and looked so handsome! He has had such a great year--and a great beginning to his school career! Thank you so much Mrs. Heinrick! This has been a hard year for this special teacher--she was getting ready to retire this year after 30 years of teaching, when her husband passed away suddenly. It was such a tragedy for the school and the community. Mr. Heinrick was also a substitute teacher, and all of the kids just loved him so much. She was able to come back in and finish out the year with a positive attitude, and a smile on her face, even though I know inside her heart must've been broken. I am so grateful for good teachers! Joshua, we are so proud of you buddy--you are reading like a pro, and your writing has really improved a ton this year! You are always well behaved in class, and that makes mom and dad so happy when your teachers tell us that you are a great kid! We love you so much dude! Here's to only 12 more years!