{Even Moms Need A Time Out}

"Mom," "Mom," "MOM!" Then there's "mama," "MAma," MAMA-MA!" Sometimes, I swear, I am going to change my name and not tell anyone what it is!! When we moms can't even go to the bathroom without an audience, it's time to feel like a dignified person again and regather your OWN thoughts and reconnect with why we became moms in the first place. It's like the title of Emily Watts book that says, "Lessons I learned on Accident Because I had Children On Purpose!" Time Out For Women is just the place to do those things. It is a program for, obviously, women, put on by Deseret Book. And is mostly put on by women as well. This past weekend I had the distinct pleasure of going with some dear friends, who also happen to be great gals-ones that I could learn a lot from! This was the first time, believe it or not, that this mini weekend conference was put on in Salt Lake! It was also the first time I have ever gone! I wish I could write down every influential sound that came off that stage whether it was in words or in the music-my heart was softened and open. My normal thoughts of day-to-day were dismissed and I was able to completely reflect, and gain some personal inspiration/revelation that I know was meant just for me.

I decided I couldn't let you get away without hearing some words of wisdom. These are just a few, quite a few, of my favorites that I wrote down. F.Y.I. When you see an "A-" before a statement, that means it comes from my own thoughts. :)Get excited. . .here they come . . .

*Topics covered by Elder Nelson's wife (I forgot her name and I threw away my program)
~All experiences are for thy good & Fear not what man can do (from scripture, obviously)
~Be Hyper-vigilant of all influences/people coming in our homes
~"As the forces around us increase in intensity, whatever spiritual strength was once sufficient will not be enough" Henry b. Eyring A-That's one of those right-to-the-point, suck-it-up-soldier kind of points. And felt deep in the heart of what we all feel and know is true. loved it!
~Stop trying to turn your husband in to a girlfriend.A-that was one just funny and true!
~Think about pre-mortal commitments we might have made. Then think about the people/music/places that draw you in. Then try to live by these words,"Not Even Once." meaning; Not even once did I deny what I know to be true. NOT even once did I let someone influence my divine worth by trying to get me to dress/do/act like anything less than a daughter of God. NOt even once will I turn away an opportunity to serve. . .

*Topics covered by Sheri Dew- aka The General (that's my nickname for her)
~Women have a Profound influence for good on Husband, children, younger women and any one they may come in contact with.
~Who/What is your influence and Who/what are you influencing. "Who can find a virtuous women, who?"
~TRUTH has an influence and an immeasurable impact. A- Eternal truths!
~"Sometimes we act as if we are staying here!" Elder Holland- A-The best quote of the night
~ We can find success in this life and live as we were meant if we have these three gifts/truths
1. Know who we are-Women/ Daughters of God
2. Understand the Atonement-repentance and the healing powers of this selfless act by our Savior
3. Personal revelation-gain knowledge of what our distinct and unique mission on earth is meant to be. That doesn't have much, if anything, to do with what we want! But rather what He wants. A-In my short existence on this earth, it has been my understanding that when we forget what we want, we always end up with something better than we thought we wanted.
~ Be fearless in building Zion
~ See yourself the way Heavenly Father sees you and the way he feels about His daughters. A-this makes me think about the beginning of the Young Women Theme: " We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who Loves us and We love Him. We will stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places . . ." Being a witness is a BIG deal. . .to me.
~Your understanding and increasingly feeling the spirit has a lot to do with purity.
~ How can we be who we were meant to be without personal revelation. purity+rev.= truest self.
~It's time to take one for the team. . .the Lord's team. A-Stand up for what is right and forget about what the world thinks of you. Refer to above reference from scripture: Fear not what man can do! And stop acting as if we're never leaving this earth.

O.k. that's all, I'm off my soap box! I guess I wrote down more than I thought. So. something is wrong with my picture-loading gadget on here, because it won't let me do any more. SAD! Hopefully, I can figure it out and do an extra post of the other pictures. There were some good ones too! For now. . .
Christie, Marrya, and Sabra at the Cheesecake Factory for Dinner. MMM-MMM
The other side of the table: Rachel, Me, and Kim This was Marrya and Christie "patiently"waiting. . . Me, "patiently" waiting. . .
For our own personal "Masterpiece Theatre!" Kim, while worth it, takes a while to create her masterpiece!
This was taken right before we left to return back to "MOM!" "Mom, can I. . .?", "Honey, what's for dinner?" All of us on Friday night: Kim, Christie, Sabra, Marrya, Me, Rachel. Best lookin' group there! I'm not sure which made the experience better- the speakers and musical performances or these lovely ladies that have made moving from "Idahome" MORE that worth it!!!! I love you all, thanks for the great time. A girl is lucky to have so many good friends!

Witching You a Happy Halloween!!!!

Here's a run-down of our Halloween activities! We were a little lazy about pumpkin carving this year, so it didn't happen until the day of!

Emmie was SERIOUS about making her pumpkin scary.

Notice all the little stabs even before we poked out the eyes and mouth. It looked like someone who is a little psycho did it. Yikes!

This is just a cute picture.

I told Emmie to make the same face as her pumpkin. . .that's a little too similar!

Ditto

My friend Marrya invited us over to make some Halloween crafts. The kids had a good time making ghosts out of paper plates and garbage bags, and making bats with their hands.

OOOOOOOH. Scary!

All the kids:(Marrya's kids) Seth, Audrey, Morgan, and Emmie (the only picture where she would kinda hold still)

Yes, that's a sucker in her hand. I had to bribe her to get her to stop crying after I gently forced the pumpkin costume over her head

Here we have: Little Red Riding Hood, pumpkin on The Queen "B's" lap, and our little witch. "Only the witches were supposed to be frite-nee (frightening)," says, Emmie

Oh, see, we're not that scary!

"Trick or treating. . .what's the big deal?"

This is at one of our neighbor's houses with their little baby girl Felicity. They Love our girls and always give special treats around the holidays. Which means I get to steal them, or I take "taxes" as we call it in our house!