Forgotten Pumpkin Farm Pics

I forgot to post our fun filled day at the Pumpkin Farm last fall.  It was the most perfect day with beautiful weather and I took a million pictures.  I posted a bunch on my photography blog.  Click here if you want to see more. 

Forgotten Family Fall Pictures

and I realized I never posted the pictures we took as a family in fall.  The first pic was used as our Christmas Card photo. 

Ode to Amber...

So this past week I had a big national board test. So for the last few weeks I've been stressed out of my head and trying to study, schedule patients, cure headaches and not fail this test. And throughout the whole thing Amber has been awesome!!! She works so hard (even though she's on restricted activity) and did everything she could to support me in the process. One night she came home from the store with all my comfort foods; sushi, bacon and eggs (I know they don't go together), and cinnamon bread for French toast. Then she made it for me over the next two days while I went through notes and study cards for the third time! She rocks!!!
So I just wanted to let everyone know that MY AMBER is the best wife ever and I love her soooooo much!!! Amber, thanks for being my wife/friend/support/lover/confidant/ and constant motivation! I love you!

General Conference

If I could put a theme to this weekend's conference I would say it was all about LOVE. Love God, love your neighbor, love your spouse, love your children. Show your love by serving others and obeying God's commandments. I also felt there was a great deal of discussion about receiving personal inspiration whether it's to know it the church is true or in making life decisions or for me personally, to receive the daily inspiration needed to lead and teach my children. The talks that stood out to me were:

1. Elder Scott's on personal inspiration and letting the spirit guide and guard you from Satan's temptations.
   
2. Elder Bednar's on "being more diligent and concerned in our homes." We need to express love and show it. Bear testimony to your spouse and children and live what we believe. And being consistent in Family Home Evening, prayer, scripture study.
   
3. Elder Uchtdorf's about being a true disciple of Christ, prioritizing our life's actions, and that love should be at the center of all we do.
   
4. Elder Oaks on God's love and God's commandments.
   
5. President Monson's on serving and easing others burdens.
   
6. Elder Holland's powerful testimony of knowing the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

It seems like every year I get more and more excited to hear what our Prophet and Apostles have to say to us. Maybe it's because I know I need to hear what the Lord wants me to be doing with my life more now than I felt when I was younger. And for sure being a mother, I feel a great sense of responsibility to my children that they learn how to be righteous children of God and become the men that God wants them to be. I feel I've got to do all I can as their mother in teaching them truth and love.


Jaxon, Talon, and Colton,

I love you dearly and know that the Lord loves you. I know that he sent us to earth to be challenged and tempted so that we can overcome trials and temptations. I know that He speaks through latter-day prophets to teach us how we can draw closer to Him and prepare ourselves to return to live with Him someday. I know that our current Prophet, President Monson is a man called of God and that he lives his life in accordance to God's will for him. I know that the Holy Ghost can manifest truth to our hearts and minds and that he is one of the greatest gift's God could give us while here on earth. The Holy Ghost can protect us from Satan's grasp and can provide inspiration on making good choices so we can be happy in this life. You boys are special to Dad and I and I know Heavenly Father has a plan for you here on this earth. I pray you will learn to live your lives in accordance to His will always.

I love you- Mom

Count your many blessings...

So this morning we wake up to our doorbell ringing at 7:30am. I hear a lady outside say, "Is this it?" I asked Doug if he was expecting someone and he said, "No." My immediate thought was, "Jaxon is outside..." Doug jumped up and ran out our bedroom door to find the boys' door open with no little ones and the child lock broken on the floor. He then runs down stairs and luckily Talon was in the living room and then goes down the next set of stairs to the front door. Upon opening it he finds a lady with our 3 1/2 year old who is wearing only his pull up and wet socks (it was raining) and his white Pottery Barn quilt wrapped around him (soaking wet...thank goodness I got it crazy cheap at Gabes). The sweet lady said she found him in the road (at the bottom of a hill that cars fly down) and so she stopped her car and started knocking on doors. Thank goodness one of the neighbors thought he might be ours and she brought him over.

Wow, all the crazy thoughts that filled my head with "what if" statements. I feel so blessed that the Lord watched over my child and brought him safely home. After Jaxon did his timeout time, I had a serious talk with him and then Doug did. Then I had Jaxon say a prayer with me and thank Heavenly Father for bringing him home safely. Today could have been the worst day of my life and I'm so thankful that it wasn't.

Doug then switched the door handles so we can lock the door from the outside now. Speaking of Doug, he had a hard day at school loosing a patient who needed 4 crowns and a root canal. He has to get 9 more crowns and 5 root canals completed before December and is stressed out! Doug rarely gets overwhelmed and stressed but this sure is doing it for him. So if anyone knows of someone who needs crowns (veneers and bridges also fall under this category) or root canals, PLEASE let them know that they can get the work done for 1/2 price at the dental school and that Doug desperately needs these patients. Also, on top of this, Doug has his first round of clinical boards this weekend and in two weeks from then, is his 2nd round of written boards. It's a challenging process to get certified and licensed as a dentist, so we are asking for prayers on his behalf.

Again with the counting blessings, at least he is in dental school pursuing the career of his choice and at least we get to go through this together as a family. Doug, I'm so thankful for all your hard work and your dedication to educate yourself in a way that will provide for our family. I admire you and support you 100%.

Frontier Fest

Doug's cowboy action shooting group held a Frontier Fest this weekend. We all came, including Doug's parents, to watch our cowboy win 1st again in the shooting competition. He also won a custom made bowie (sp?) knife. To show my support, I thought I'd get dressed up for the occasion. Luckily Gabes had a maternity "cowgirl" shirt for cheap. I also got a hat, but was too shy to wear it...baby steps...maybe for Halloween I'll wear it. The boys loved playing in the buggy and my mother in law is convinced I need to have that in my back yard instead of a playground.

I posted more "photographic pics" on my photography blog along with several of these.

In Honor of the "first" season

This is all too true!! Well Amber and I had our annual discussion of time allotment for the "first" season. It seems that it never gets any easier. Hopefully this year's seasons will go well. I found this and it says it well.

Jeff Foxworthy's Commentary on West Virginia
If you consider it a sport to sit in a tree stand all day long with a bow or a gun just to put food in your freezer, you might live in West Virginia.
If you're proud that your region makes the national news 96 nights each year because Elkins is the coldest spot in the nation, you might live in West Virginia.
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March, you might live in West Virginia.
If you instinctively walk like a penguin for five months out of the year, you might live in West Virginia.
If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there, you might live in West Virginia, 'cause you're all so damn friendly.
If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, cause he wears a hardhat you might live in West Virginia.
If you have worn shorts, sunglasses and a parka at the same time, you might live in West Virginia.
If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, or if you are in church and your priest or minister asks you to pray for the MOUNTAINEERS, and wants to get you all home for 1 p.m. kickoff, you might live in West Virginia.
If you have had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you might live in West Virginia.

You Know You Are A True West Virginian When:
'Vacation' means going up north past I-64 for the weekend.
You measure distance in hours.
You know several people who have hit a deer more than once.
You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching.
You see people wearing camouflage at social events (including weddings).
You install security lights on your house and garage and leave all the doors unlocked.
You carry jumper cables in your car and your girlfriend knows how to use them.
Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.
You can identify a southern or eastern accent.
Your idea of creative landscaping is a concrete statue of a deer next to your blue spruce.
You were unaware that there is a legal drinking age.
Down South to you means CHARLESTON, WV.
A critter is something you eat.
Your neighbor throws a party to celebrate his NEW FORD F150.
You go out to a fish fry every Friday and bingo every Wednesday.
Your 4th of July picnic was moved indoors due to frost.
Someone in your family killed Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.
You have at one time lived in or have at least 10 relatives that live in Ohio.
You know that the smell around Easter is worth it because ramps are Yummy.
Brown beans, fried taters, ramps, and cornbread, now that's fine dining.
You wave to 99% of the cars you pass on the road.
You are sure that Autumn is a gift from God and this really is Almost Heaven.
You are aware of all 4 seasons:deer bow, deer gun, deer muzzleloader, and turkey.
Because your home isn't remote enough, you have a "camp" way up on a mountain somewhere.
Y ou have a rifle in your car and your girlfriend knows howto use it.
When asked where you arefrom, you name your county.
You know that canning occurs in glass jars, not cans.
You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all our West Virginia friends and amily.
my own additions would be:
When Jaxon (or your own son) says house and it has two syllables!
When your son (Talon) wakes up from a nap and the first thing he wants to do is shoot his gun!
When your son routinely practices shooting animals (native and non native)!
When the biggest husband/wife fight of the year always comes two weeks before bow season!

And Amber would add:
When you become a single mom from Sept- Christmas due to hunting season.

Preschool for Jax

Jaxon will be attending preschool 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hours. His first day was this week and he was all into it. To make it special, I let him wear clothes from the closet (the nice ones), make his bed, brush his teeth, and comb his hair (ok I helped with that). I'm sure for a moment he thought we were going to church...shows how good I am at getting my kids ready everyday huh. His teacher Ms. Mickey wanted them to bring a leaf with them, so he climbed in a little tree and got one. I know I'm bias, but what a good lookin' kid!

After we dropped him off Talon and I ran some errands and then went to the park. It was so weird to be with one kid again...I forgot how much easier it is. Talon got all the attention and I think he appreciated that. He's been so moody, throwing fits, and crying to get what he wants...so I've been trying to modify his unpleasant behaviors. It was delightful to just laugh and play with him without any distractions. Also, we had a break through yesterday...he gets frustrated easily and so I've been trying to help him learn how to deal with this emotion through words versus crying. For example, if he drops his spoon on the floor, I've tried to get him to say, "Oh man!" instead of crying. So yesterday it finally happened (twice actually), he dropped his tools out of the tool box and said, "AHHHHH, MAN!" I got such a kick out it. Then he spilled his grapes and said the same thing. It gave me hope to keep going with the other behaviors that I'm trying to change.

20 weeks today!

Yay for the half way mark! Yay for not feeling nauseous anymore! Yay for feeling Colton move! Yay for the placenta moving away from the cervix! Yay for an amazing husband who has done countless dishes, diapers, grocery runs, outside activities with the boys, meal preparing, and comfort giving! Yay for two healthy boys who are able to run around outside and get filthy and who get so excited when I walk into a room! Yay for all the prayers and love I've felt from family and friends!

I love feeling well and having energy! What a blessing!

Now I've just got to keep praying the hematoma will start to shrink and go away so I can have a normal delivery. Dr. Alexander did tell me I will remain high-risk for the remainder of this pregnancy since I had the placental abrubtion...so I'm still on all the same restrictions, but I do feel the the placenta moving away from the cervix is a step in the right direction! I know this was an answer to prayers and thank my Heavenly Father for that blessing!

Ode to the Ol' West!

As many of you know, I love guns. Well as much as I love guns, I love the old west. Well I found this association that lets us combine both! Its called Cowboy Action Shooting (SASS - single action shooting society) and I am hooked. So yesterday was the third time I got to go shoot it, and the first time I was able to shoot all my own guns and not borrow any. I must add that Amber is great about it! She laughs when I dress up, just shakes her head when I tell her I wanna be called Nova Kane (everyone must have an alias), smiles when I get home, and listening patiently while I give her shot by shot details. Yesterday was an all day thing and Amber was a trooper and stayed here and watched the boys all day so I could go play cowboy. Thank you Amber!!! I love you!
So the first time I ever shot this I got the Jailer award, ie dead last! Last month was the second time and I got fourth. This month I worked hard on the friendly tips the other competitors gave me and got the US Marshall award or FIRST PLACE!!!! Yeee-haw! So here for your entertainment are two of the six stages. I actually didn't get my best stage on film (no misses and a fast time). In this sport you are timed (the little blue box he holds by my ear, it actually records each shot) and penalized for every miss or procedural error (shooting something out of order or too many times, etc.) You must have a time period hat on at all times and go by your alias. I am Nova Kane (I have also been Mus B. Greene (when I got last), and Tinker Made- I am always tinkering and making things). Each stage consists of some combination of three or four guns, two single action revolvers, a rifle of pistol caliber, and a shotgun (all time period correct). The the stage is set to shoot one or the other first in a specific order. For example in the first video I started with the shotgun in hand (usually its on the table or leaning against something unloaded) and shoot a diamond and then the clay pigeon (I missed the clay pigeon). Then had to draw pistol number one and shoot the knock-out circle twice (black and then white) and then each of the three diamond targets once, holster that gun (these pistol holds six but traditionally the cowboys only loaded five for safety reasons - hammer down on an empty chamber). Draw pistol number two and shoot the five knock-downs (I missed the third one). Then pick up the rifle and Nevada sweep the five squares on the hillside (Nevada sweep means go left to right 1,2,3,4,5 then back to 4,3,2,1 and then in this case end on the buffalo, ten shots total). And that ends the stage, I finished it with two misses (5 seconds penalty for each). The other stage was more complicated with the numbers and shots on each target (watch for the clay birdie at the end). Anyway its fun, we laugh and goad and tell jokes and help each other out. I am really hooked! Any questions?

What's going on with me...

Placenta previa, hematomas, ultrasounds, nausea off and on, no traveling, no lifting, no exercising, pelvic rest, trying to stay positive, finally finished reading Alma, reading every Ensign article I can get my hands on about Faith, learning how to handle a very moody Talon, trying to keep Jaxon from escaping outdoors, too much Dora the Explorer and Backyardigans, a very supportive and loving husband, and a mother who just dedicated the last 2 weeks to cleaning my disasterous house, making yummy meals, taking my kids on walks and to the park, reading for hours on end Dinosaur text books to Jax, showing Talon how to do complicated puzzles, and teaching my children how to listen and obey their parents...she was our saving angel on so many levels.

Well, we did find out at our last ultrasound, we are having another BOY! His name will be Colton Tanner and so far our doctor thinks he'll be ok...I keep having feelings that he might not be as ok as she thinks. Hope Dr. Alexander is right and I'm wrong. She did say my placenta is much bigger than the normal prego person and so the egg size hemotoma blocking the placenta from giving nutrients to the baby doesn't seem to worry her. I couldn't believe that the hemotoma was almost as big as the 3 1/2" baby at our 14 week ultrasound. The hemotoma, which is a blood clot, was caused by the partial placental abrubtion I had at 12 weeks. I thought I was miscarrying because I bleed through almost 3 huge pads in about 6 hours. When I saw the doctor the next day, the bleeding had stopped and that's when this whole thing began. To prepare myself for the worse, my mind already took me to the "you're loosing this baby." But when we saw the heartbeat on the ultrasound, my heart was full of gratitude and relief.

The nurse told me I was to on strict bed rest, but my doctor told be to just take it easy by not lifting, not exercising, pelvic rest, not traveling farther than 30 minutes from the hospital in case I bleed again (placenta previa puts you at risk for hemoraging which could be fatal without a blood transfusion). So our 3 day drive to Utah on June 29th was cancelled and I missed my family's 4th of July pool party, Ben and Janelle's Wedding on the 7th, and all the family time we were going to enjoy all summer long until August 18th. Doug and I had even planned a week long getaway to Washington and Oregon which included another friends wedding and a beach house on the Oregon coast and visiting friends in the Vancouver/Portland area. Jaxon still asks to go to Blake's house (his 5 year old uncle that he loves) and doesn't understand why we aren't going. Luckily my mom came out to help and that was a huge blessing for us all.

So I know there's something I should be learning from all this and I hope I learn it soon. After spending the months of May and June sick 24/7 and in survival mode in our house, I feel like the little school girl who got grounded indoors all summer long. I know I should look at all the positives and there are many, but I'm just not totally there yet. I do feel blessed that the baby is ok and that my mother was able to come out and help. I also feel blessed that Doug will have 4 weeks off after this week and that he can help. I know the Lord lets us go through things like this to make us stronger in our faith in Him, I just hope that happens soon. Doug gave me a blessing blessing me with an increased faith and especially in Christ's atoning sacrifice. I know my trials are nothing compared to so many others and that Christ is there for us all during hard times. I know I'm brought to my knees a lot easier when I go through challenges and disappointments. If anything, this experience is giving me more sympathy for others who deal with physical challenges.

Thank you to all of you wonderful friends who have been so supportive. I love you all dearly and pray you are blessed for your selfless service.

Birthday Celebration for Talon

Doug's sister Katie blessed our lives as she rescued us for a week. Thanks to her dishes were done daily and many burdens were made light through her selfless service! My kids loved playing with her.

For Talon's 2nd birthday we met Doug for pizza at his school, which Talon loves seeing Dad during the day and he loves pizza. Later that afternoon we went to the pool. Jaxon loved every minute of it but Talon was a bit hesitant. By the end, he was enjoying the water and kept wanting to go on the diving board...few more years before that happens. When not in the water, he enjoyed walking around the pool and pointing out all the letters and numbers he knew that were written on the cement. He knows most of his alphabet and their sounds.



The next day, Grandma and Grandpa McArthur, Uncle Scott, Daniel, Katie, and Maddie joined us for ice cream dinosaur cake and for him to open his present. Grandma Mac gave his some cute shirts, Jax got him a Triceratops (his favorite dinosaur and says it so cute), and from Mom and Dad, some sunglasses. He's always wearing our sunglasses (and breaking them) so he got his very own.

In honor of my 2 year old- TALON

Talon’s 2^nd Birthday was in June, but I've been too sick to write posts and our internet has been in and out.

To my Talon James,

This last year you have grown so much! You’re playful, funny personality easily entertains us. Jax, or “Sass” as you call him, is your favorite playmate and when he’s not around us you frequently ask, “Where’s Sass?” Now that you are in a big boy bed, you love to wrestle and initiate play with Jax when you are supposed to be going to sleep. And since you are the first one up every morning, you are Jax’s alarm clock. If Jax doesn’t want to wake up to play with you, you get very frustrated and physically try to get him out of bed. Then you’ll yell “DAD-DY…wake up!”

Daddy’s definitely special in your life. You two have developed quite a bond these last couple of months since I’ve been so sick. If you wake up in the middle of the night and need comfort, you yell for Dad. If you fall down and get hurt, you go snuggle with dad. When you want a horse ride, you climb on dad’s back and say, “giddy-up”.

You are quite a little cowboy as your favorite accessory is your black cowboy hat. You love playing with your toy guns and LOVE dinosaurs (probably since Jax is obsessed as well). I did teach you that Dinosaurs ‘kiss’ each other, but somehow you decided that dinosaurs bite and growl at each other but they do kiss mommy. I don’t think I’ve received so many dinosaur kisses from plastic creatures before, nor kissed them myself (as you always insist).

You are Mr. Affectionate and freely offer your hugs, snuggles, and kisses. I love when you come up to me acting like a kitty cat and snuggle your little head into my shoulder while making a soothing noise. I also love seeing you give Jax a hug and tell him your sorry after you did something that made him sad.

Speaking of sad, you have been quite moody since April, I think it’s a combination of the allergy meds, teething, communication frustrations, and striving to be more independent. When a need is not being met, you have no problems expressing your emotions. Though this sometimes gets you in trouble, you are such an adorable kid in time out. You have kept us fighting laughter as your response to discipline has quite comical. For example, the other day dad put you in time out and said, “Stay there!” You furrowed your brow and yelled back, “NNNNOOOO!!!” Dad said, “ex-cuuuse-me.” And you responded calmly and naturally, “excuse you Daddy.” Or sometimes you’ll just burst into laughter after being punished…hhhmmmm…what to do with you.

Physically you’ve maintained your strong stature and have been wearing 2T clothing since 18months. You’re beautiful thick hair used to have curls before we cut it. I love your cheesy smile and frequently find myself just staring at your beautiful…I mean handsome face. My mom says you look a lot like me when I was your age.

Since I’m your mother and nursery teacher, I’ve seen your understanding of prayer start to grow. You love saying prayers and even when someone else is saying the prayer, you still offer your own. You always bless Mama, Daddy, Jax, Grandpa, Grandma, and who ever else is in the room, then you repeat this list over and over until the person is done praying and shout with arms extended and a proud smile on your face “A-MENNN!” Sometimes you even just fold your arms and say a prayer randomly.

Also, you love singing songs and pick up on them real fast, especially if they have movements. Some of your favorites are “Old McDonald” in which you tap your leg and stomp your foot, “Book of Mormon Stories”, “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, and your current favorite “I’m so glad when Daddy comes home!” You love playing “Ring-a-round-the-rosies” and “Duck, Duck, Goose” in which you always jump up anytime someone is tagged and run around and when it’s your turn to choose the goose, you go around the circle saying “Duck” about 40 times before you get to the goose. Also, you like to play the piano and say, “Mama…sing!” while you play.

Well, my little love, I’m so thankful you came into our lives when you did and for all the joy you frequently bring to my days. My heart breaks that I can’t lift you or let your climb on top of me to snuggle, but my heart is so in love with the person you are becoming. And in 9 months I can’t wait to hold my 31 lb, 35 in, cutie!

Love- Mama

Dr. Dad!

The other day I finally had a new name, Dr. Dad! Jaxon and Talon came to see Dad at school and thus became his patients (no family member within reach is safe). Jaxon did great, smiling, staying open, getting his teeth cleaned (no cavities) and letting the doctor on duty check Dr. Dad's work.
Talon on the other hand was all smiles for about three minutes, just long enough to take a few pictures. Then everything became, "noooooooo" no matter what the request. We eventually had to have Daniel Johnson hold him and rest his head in my lap so I could get him to open and let me look. Then when the doc came over, I held Talon and the doc looked. I was kinda expecting it sinec he makes me sit on him at night just to brush his teeth. All said and done, Talon came away without any cavities and a big orange balloon and all smiles.
It was fun to have my boys at school with me (Jax brought his backpack to go to school with Dad), and do an "official" check-up. I love my boys!

Angels among us

This past week has been a testimony to me that the Lord does hear and answer prayers and sends His Angels to comfort, uplift, assist, or make up where your lacking. I've been feeling sooooooo sick, almost to the point where I was in bed for 5 days straight, feeling like I was quickly spiraling downward physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Doug and I were so excited to find out we we're pregnant and literally the next morning it felt like the morning sickness turned up from 5 to 10 overnight. Survival mode sets in as all I could focus on was trying to force feed myself and not throw up. WHY!!! Why does something so beautiful have to be soooooooooooo awful! We'll last Sunday night I really felt like I needed some form of relief. So after listening to President Monson's talk from conferenced titled, "Be of Good Cheer", and another heart spilling prayer, slowly but surely that relief that I had been craving started to occur.

The next day was my birthday and Doug had to go back to school (luckily he had the previous week off). Meaning here I go taking care of myself and the kids and not an ounce sure how I was going to do either of that. My goal was to enjoy my kiddies and make sure they made it to 5 o'clock without injuries. If they got feed, that would be a bonus, but not life threatening for a day right (just kidding, they are capable of feeding themselves as anyother almost 2 and 3 year old would be in desperate situations, the after math is bit much to handle, but hey their independent =). So here's how the Lord wished me a happy birthday:

1. Kate Johnson comes over at 9am, does 75 loads of laundry (I know I'm exaggerating, but it was endless). She even folded it. Helps feed the boys a morning snack and helps clean up my living room. (She then comes over Tuesday and Wednesday mornings to assist with the boys, housecleaning, and feedings....what an ANGEL!!!)
2. Yolanda Ulibarri calls to say Happy Birthday and informs me she's going to bring me a fruit tray and her yummy dip.
3. Amy Godfrey calls to say congrats on the pregnancy and to see what she can do to help. Later brings me flowers and scrubs my kitchen floor.
4. Kim Walker calls and then comes over to make me lunch and feed my kids. She also helps clean my kitchen.
5. Melanie Danes comes over to visit, helps me take my mind of the nausea, and helps put away folded laundry and keeps an eye on all the kiddies.
6. Tiffany Stowe drops by to give me a birthday present and offers to take my kids anytime.
7. Abby Johnson calls to say happy birthday and then later brings me flowers.
8. Lydia McAllister brings us dinner and cupcakes.
9. Amy Godfrey brings us more food to eat the next night.
10. Liz Olsen brings me cookies and flowers.

Other blessings:
1. The boys took long afternoon naps.
2. Doug made me homemade bread.
3. Jax sang Happy Birthday to me and helped blow out the candle.
4. Talon didn't throw any fits and Katie changed his only poopie diaper.
5. At the end of the day Jax says to me, "Mommy, I like being with you."
6. Many friends and family wished me happy birthday via phone, text message, facebook, email.
7. I didn't throw up until the next day.

I just felt an outpouring of love and support from so many heaven sent Angels. To all of you who helped make my day so wonderful, I say "THANK YOU!!!" Thank you for being intune with the spirit and following through with whatever promptings you received. Your motivation to do a little something was seen as BIG help in my life. Thanks for letting me feel the love of the Lord through your selfless service and love.

Without a doubt, I know the Lord loves us and will help us get through hard times. I know that His love is shown through other people and when you're serving someone, you are serving God. I know that we go through hard things in life to humble ourselves and rely on the power of the Atonement of Christ, for with that power, all things are posible. I truly belive that.

Killdeer's First Day Out Shooting

Well I finally was able to get out and try out the muzzle loader. I shot it the first night it was done but only twice and I could barely see the sights cuz it was getting dark. So this weekend I am down visiting my parents with the boys. Grandma watched the boys during nap time and Grandpa (Dad) and I went ou to try out the new muzzleloader.

It is awesome!!!!! So much fun to shoot. Great sound, feeling and pretty straight shooting. There is something amazing about using something that was created by you and to have it work great. I love this gun!

Here are two videos we took while shooting.