It Starts Today.

Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or Non-Believer….it doesn’t matter. There is one thing we can all agree on; the quality of our entertainment is on a downward spiral. I’m tired. Tired of covering my children’s eyes whenever an inappropriate commercial appears. Tired of getting up and walking out of anticipated PG13 movies that should’ve crossed the lines to R. Whatever the rating may be, at the end of the day…I know “good” material from “bad.” I know what I should be watching and what I shouldn’t. I know what leaves me feeling peaceful inside and what doesn’t. Last night I went to a movie. It was PG13 and used every bit of that rating it could. I heard destructive language, women and men having affairs, females who were in serious lack of attire….and there I sat. I didn’t get up that time. My soul urged, and I ignored. I traded the value of my conscience to see “how the show ends.” I felt horrible inside.
Today is a new day. There is opportunity all around me. Opportunity for my family to stand for what we know to be right. Opportunity to support those few entertainment outlets who still bring good into our theatres and homes. Opportunity to walk over to my Television and quietly shut it off, no matter the popularity of the program. Opportunity to be the only one to get up and walk out of a packed theatre. And finally, opportunity to do right by myself, my husband, and those two little guys that God gave me to grace my home. It’s time to change the current. It starts with me…. It starts today.

Top Ten List!

The Top 10 Reasons A Day With Jeff is Priceless!

10. He can sing you every song made by Conway Twitty, Hank Williams, or any other country singer imagineable.
9. When you think you've found the best burger dive possible, Jeff will take you to a better one.
8. On any given day, Jeff can tell you how to get to Zion..."Take I-15 down to a little town called Holden."
7. When you are parched and out of anything to drink, Jeff will unfailingly pull out a crisp cold can of Pepsi.
6. Although he appears very manly, Jeff is always up for a good episode of the "Gilmore Girls."
5. He has a killer built-in navigation system. You can almost punch an address on his forehead and get the same results as a GPS.
4. If you're bored, nothing is better than locking Jeff in the house for the entire day with nothing to do and watching him squirm. Quite entertaining.
3. He'll go to any store with you...except the MAC counter. Every guy has their limits.
2. Call him "Chef Jeff." He is a barbequeing, dutch ovening, grilling man. And he's only lit the barbeque on fire twice.
1. If you have a pet, trade them in and rent Jeff. He is the most loyal, humble, and best friend anyone can have.
I love you Jeff. I hope our 5 years turns into 50...and so on.
Happy Birthday!

Too funny to not post...

So, I was scanning Craigs List the other day to see if there was anything good out there and came across this table. Isn't it great?! haha Jeff's always saying how he needs more desk space at work...and his birthday IS coming up. What do you think??!

My Sweet Willaby

Dear Will-
I can clearly remember the first day you came into this world. Surrounded by a dozen people in the operating room, my only hope is that you would be okay coming here early. The second I heard your little cry, my life changed. I knew you were sick...but I had no doubt you were a fighter and would come through okay. Looking back, those weeks were the hardest and scariest I've ever gone through. Seeing you hooked up to all those machines and fight for each breath, broke my heart. God took care of you though and you have grown to be the strongest, funniest and sweetest 3 year old I know. I love that you come climb into my bed at 6 every morning. I love that you call me a "princess." I love your loooong kisses you give me. I love seing your eyes light up every time we take you to the farm or you get to see your grandparents, cousins & friends. I love that you have to give Grant a kiss on the cheek every morning as soon as you wake up. I love that every night when we say its time for bed you say "Few more minutes." In short, I love every quality that makes up the little boy you are. As I climb onto my knees this night, I will thank God for giving us one of His most precious spirits. You are a giant among men.

I Am

I am...a devoted mother, lucky wife, & a goofball most of the time.
I think...I am blessed.
I want…to see the world in black and white, no matter how grey it is.
I have...everything I need.
I miss…my little brother.
I fear...letting myself down.
I feel...grateful for the “old soul” that I call mine.
I hear...silence, the boys are tucked away sleeping.
I smell...wassail.
I crave…peace in an unsettled world.
I cry...when I’m uncertain of the future.
I search...for ways to give back to those who show such kindness.
I wonder...if I’ll ever get back in my size 8’s.
I regret...letting things that don’t matter steal away my time.
I wish...I could buy Jeff a farm with a tractor he could ride on all day.
I love...Jeff’s welcoming arms, Will’s mischievous grin, Grant’s eyes full of hope.
I care...about where I’ve come from, those heroic people I call my ancestors.
I always...try to believe that people have good hearts (and intentions).
I worry...about paying off our debts.
I am not...very good at making friends..I want to, but let fear hold me back.
I remember...all the kindness Jeff’s parents and mine have shown us.
I believe... with work, I can keep the world out of my home.
I sing...to my boys every day, music brings beauty to my life.
I don't always…believe my husband when he tells me I look beautiful.
I argue...too much about things that have no meaning.
I write...for work, pleasure, and to relieve a full heart.
I lose...discouragement when I hold my sons in my arms.
I listen...to my boys laughter and feel whole.
I can usually be found...at home with my family.
I need...to prove to myself that I can finish what I’ve started.
I forget...that God is with me every day.
I am happy...for each of you I call family and friends.

Tag...you're it.

Oregon in October

First Trip to Oregon

Well...for all of us except Jeff. In October, we packed up the boys and Grandma Stevens and went to Oregon to see Suz, Bret, & kids. We had such a great time and fell in love with the land. Oregon is truly breathtaking! I loved the coast..especially eating fresh fish. The Garcia's live out in the country. We went to pumpkin patches, outdoor farmers markets, the Mennonite Bakery, Eugene, the coast, etc. The most beautiful site though was definitely the drive from Bend to Eugene. I wish I got more pictures! We will definitely have to go back soon. Thanks Bret & Suz!!