February 12-18

I have somehow abandoned my blog this year and it makes me a little sad.  I love to record the little things about life, good or bad.  It somehow makes the bad feel more tolerable and I love being able to recognize my growth as an individual through those challenging times. I am going to attempt to catch up on February and then just move on with my life.

Sunday, February 12th: I taught Relief Society (a women's only meeting) at my church for the FIRST TIME EVER.  I was a little hesitant when they asked me to prepare a lesson because I had never done something like that before.  I am one hundred percent NOT a public speaker, never have been and never will be.  I'm also not one of those people that words come easily to with speeches or public events.  That is a talent that my husband has always had, not me.  But I put my faith in God that I would be able to speak the words that the sisters (and I) needed to hear.  Fortunately He delivers and was with me throughout my entire talk.  The topic I spoke about was "Loving Thy Neighbor as Thy Self".  I felt like I learned a lot more about what kind of Love I want in my life.  I want to have Agape (Godly) love in my life, I want that to be the kind of love that I give to others.  The kind of love that is non-partial, sacrificial, and unconditional, that expects nothing in return.  Not the natural man version that is weak in comparison, selfish and self-serving that is based on how other people behave toward us.  I hope that I can exercise more control over myself in the future and continually strive to develop the love that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father continue to show me regardless of my own personal failures and shortcomings.  I want to be able to teach my children by example of the kind of love I want them to have in their own lives. 

Monday: February 13th: The boys and I headed over to our good friend's house for an afternoon of cookie decorating.  We had a great time frosting cookies and laughing while the kids ran wild and played together. Maddie was pretty jealous when she found out about all the fun we had, but luckily I had some extra frosting and cookies for her decorate that evening as well.  She also was really creative this year and handmade her Valentines for her school class.  She cut out heart shapes with construction paper and stapled them shut with a few hersheys kisses inside.  She constantly amazes me with her creative side.

Tuesday: February 14th: LOVE day! Maddie had a great time at her school party, passing out candy and getting lots of treats in return.  She had gymnastics after school so it was somewhat busy from about 2:30-5:30pm around our house.  I did homemade pizza that evening complete with heart shaped pepperoni's on top.  I have to admit there was no romance this year on V-Day with Jesse busy with school work, studying, group projects, etc.  But still a great day spent with my children showing them how much I love them.

Wednesday, February 15th: This particular night I worked at the hospital and it was one of our doctor's last shift at the hospital. Good thing we had some fun goggles to model in to celebrate the occassion.  Christina is a crack up and was so proud to say that she owns her very own pair.  Dr Johnston, we will sure miss you!!

Thursday, February 16th:  Jesse picked up the boys early from the sitters and we happened to get a bit of snow in the meantime.  So needless to say they all had a good time goofing around together.  I am seriosly dying at how cute Mr E is with mis-matched pajamas, ski goggles, and his hat backwards.  I sure love that little boy:)

Robby had to take his turn wearing the cool ski goggles.  He thinks they belong to him now and wants to wear them whenever he goes outside to play in the snow.

Friday: February 17th: CHILI DAY. Jesse and I worked together to make some yummy Chili for Tuck's annual competition. It was fun to do this together in the morning, although I was quite tired because I had worked the night before. By that evening I was worn out and just wanted to relax at home, so Jesse took Maddie on a daddy-daughter date to the event. She had a great time running around with the other kids while Jesse manned the chili station. Unfortunately we did not win, but we still had a great time making it.

Saturday, February 18th:  Last minute Date night/girls night!! I ended up going to a girls night movie of "Breaking Dawn: Part 1" with a group of girls that live in my neighborhood: Michelle, Maren, Andrea, Liz, and Emily.  We had a great time laughing, talking and watching a total chick flick without any male gagging during the movie.  After I got back from the movie Jesse and I ended up going to the Tuck "Hoe Down" for a few hours.  It was pretty fun, even though we didn't dress up at all to suit the occassion.  I love the chances I get to get out of the house for something non-work related without children and spend time with adult contacts.  I had fun dancing with Lauren, Jen, and Natalia: I sure love my "fellow groupies" on the dance floor :) while listening to the T13 band rock out to some good old fashioned country music.