A Fun Tag.

Every time I sit to do a tag -something interruptes me and I never get to finish 'em. I have the time and stole it off of another blog. So here goes.
I usually: can't resist a jr. mint
I search: for nail clippers.
I wonder: if we'll find an awesome house in St. George.
I regret: not keeping contact -better- with my good friends.
I love: watching Joe play with the boys.
I care: for my family.
I always: watch "Psych", each week.
I worry: that I am not growing into my best self.
I am not: the best cook, but would like to be.
I remember: to stop and soak in tender moments.
I believe: I was born to be a mother.
I dance: like a goof-ball
I sing: to all Barry Manilow songs!
I don’t always:know the right things to do at the right moments.
I argue: way more than I should.
I write: journals for my boys.
I win: radio contests (I've won like four in my life.)
I lose: weight occassionally.
I wish: I could have super-speed superpower, and predict the future.
I listen: to a baby monitor at night -and love to.
I don't understand: how I got so lucky to have the hubby and kids that I do.
I can usually be found: taking care of two cute boys.
I am scared: of moths and spiders.
I need: to see my sisters and my Brittany more!
I forget: more then I would like to these days!
I am happy: to be a mother and wife and to have the gospel in my life.
I tag: Anybody -(I stole this tag, so it's not really fair to tag others. ;D)

I Can Hardly Express....

Just about two minutes ago, I was talking with Ben while he colored. I was watching some of Education Week on TV, and a picture of the Savior came up. I asked him who it was. He knew. Then I asked him "Who is Jesus", he first said, "A prophet." So, I told him, "Jesus is our Savior." He got it.

Then I asked him, "Who are you?" He just smiled, looking at me anxiously for the answer. I told him, "You're a child of God." He grinned and then...

He said, "I want to be a disciple." Then he added, "I want to be a missionary."

I know we have read the scriptures to Ben, and I know I have given him the definition of a disciple before, but I didn't know it was anything he remembered. I knew he knew what missionaries were, but I am still thrilled that he thought to mention he wanted to be one, completely on his own. He's two and a half.

There are times as a mom that you wonder if what you are doing is going to bare fruit soon. I keep thinking that I will see the fruits of my labors when my kids have grown and made right and good life choices......but I have been wrong. This experience was fruit to me, that Joe and I have been doing something right. I know that I will see the fruits along the way, and for that I am very grateful. It allows for great validation.

BOYS!!

I figured the "older brother doing gross things to the little brother" stuff wouldn't start until my boys were at least 3 & 5. But nope, it's started already.

Last night, Joe had both boys on his lap reading books. I was going in and out of the room cleaning. As I passed by the chair, Ben said, "There's a booger in his hand." (meaning Kade's hand)

I asked, "There's a booger in his hand?" Then I opened Kade's hand, as Ben was saying "Yes."

Sure enough, there was a little booger in the center of Kade's hand.

I asked Ben, "Did you put the booger in his hand?"

To which he replied, "Yeah."

Where do boys come up with these things? I explained -very clearly- that "we never put boogers in any one's hands. It's not nice, and it's really just gross." I think he understood. We'll see.

Aw, boys, ya gotta love 'em.

Inspiration!

I have just started a book -that is so good and uplifting and inspirational -It is called "The Incredible Gifts of Women". It is a VERY easy read, something you can pick up for a few minutes here and there and still move through quickly.( I suggest you all get a copy!)

I have been very inspired by the women, so far, in this book. I have been looking to better myself, in many areas, and though I have a LONG road to go, I hope to grow closer to Heavenly Father.

One thing I have been lacking lately is self confidence, but I know I have good qualities -Satan just knows where to hit hardest. This book reminded me that I Heavenly Father is with me in everything I am doing, and I am not ever alone. I have always known this -but I forget it so many times when facing stupid daily struggles. I am going to remind myself of His presence and strengthening support more often.

Then when Blog surfing, my always inspired best friend added a quote to her blog -I just took from it the part that hit me the hardest. I am thankful for this reminder and challenge as well.

"...our primary example—is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He "grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."

To the duty designated by His Father, He turned His face, pledged His heart, and gave His life. And what a sinless, selfless, noble, and divine life it was. Jesus labored. Jesus loved. Jesus served. Jesus testified. What finer example could we strive to emulate? Let us begin now, this very night, to do so. Cast off forever will be the old self and with it defeat, despair, doubt, and disbelief. To a newness of life we come—a life of faith, hope, courage, and joy. No task looms too large; no responsibility weighs too heavily; no duty is a burden. All things become possible."

I hope these two things can inspire you all the way they have inspired me. And, really -buy the book!

The Boys Being Boys!

I took this clip one morning --the boys were just too funny. This is Ben and Kade being their typical selves. They have a good time together and are just too fun to watch.

A BIG Change!

Joe said I could post the news, so here goes.

Joe got the job he put in for in St. George. So, yep, we're moving! CRAZY! At least I already know St.George, so it won't be a total -"where the heck am I"-kind of move. But still.....new house, new neighborhood, new ward. I am a little nervous, but still excited.

There are so many more things to do in St. George. And, the best thing of all is that Joe will no longer be gone for six months out of the year fighting fires. He'll generally be home every night for dinner. Whoo!

And, the second best thing is that the temple is right there!! I have a goal to go to the temple at LEAST twice a month...hopefully more. And, at least once a month with Joe. I already know I will enjoy going there. The St.George temple holds a ton of personal meaning for me and my family, so I'm excited to visit it regularly. (I 'll go for all of you who live too far to go every month!)

We haven't really looked at houses yet, we have to wait for some paper work to come in. So, we don't know exactly when we're going. My guess is a few months....maybe. (I really have no idea.)

The Graduate!!!

SHE DID IT!!! Here's a video of my little sister jumping for joy at FINALLY being done with school. After eight years straight, Natalie has graduated with a doctorate degree in Audiology. I thought a jump was very appropriate for her achievement.

Nat is amazing to me. I was so proud of her, in her gown with the cool velvet stripes on the sleeves. I got choked up at "Pomp and Circumstance" when all the grads walked in. I was teary when she stood to go to the stage. I cried when they called her name, gave her her diploma and hooded her, and even more when they pronounced her degree on her. She a doctor people!! I can't believe it. I love you Nat. There are no words.

More From the Kader-bum Show!

While my mom was in town I filmed this clip of Kade laughing. I have to admit, it's not even the best laugh he gives. Sometimes he cracks up and it is just too hilarious to believe! But, hey grandma did a good job in keep the laughs coming. I love when he stop and looks at me and actually goes "Huh?" Funny Boy! He cracks me up.

(Oh and hey, I still need suggestions below; please, look lower in the blog at the "Any Suggestions" post.)

Melt My Heart.

I was just sitting at the table with Ben, while he ate some yogurt before bed. Usually, we sit and talk while he eats. Tonight he said the best thing to me.

He looked at me and said, "Benjamin and you are friends."
I said, "Yep, we're friends." and "I love you."

We smiled at each other and I got a little teary. It was such a funny thing --how he said it, and so sweet, because he said it. I hope he and I are always friends.

Any Suggestions?

I really need to get better at making lunches for Joe to take to work. I do really well for a while then I'm bad for a while. I'd like to be able to send him off with something good everyday, but I have no idea what I can make.

Joe always says, "I'm good with anything." Which isn't a lot of help. And, I have no creative ideas for lunches. Must the poor guy eat sandwiches everyday?! Help his wife help him! (By the way, I got this pic of a sandwich from the interent -I really don't make pb&j sandwhiches for Joe.) Maybe I should...is that a creative idea? ;)

I don't think Joe has a fridge or microwave at work -a cooler could be do-able, but I need something. ANYTHING you guys can think of to help me out would be great. Thank you thank you!!!

They Really Do Look Alike.

I know these pics are already on the side of the blog, but they are just perfect to compare the boys' faces with. I have seen their similarities, but mostly, I've thought Ben looks like me, and Kade looks like Joe --And, to me, we're aren't one of those "brother/sister lookin' " couples, so I figured the boys were different enough. BUT, then I saw these pics, so close together, and thought "For Sheesh!", they really do look alike -A lot I think.

I just love their little faces and am so happy they're mine!

First Lesson!

Today, I taught my first lesson to the VERY FUNNY 9-10 year olds. They were talkative, yet interested in the lesson. It was great. The lesson was on Capt. Moroni and putting on the whole armor of God. I found this------>

poster and knew it would be perfect to give as a prize for a "challenge".

The challenge was to say each part of the armor and what it stood for. (shield= faith, etc.) The kids went ballistic over trying to win the prize. (Which only cost .75 cents. There's one boy who always knows every answer and I assumed he'd win it easy. He didn't; and, a kid I hadn't even thought would be in the running, won it hands down. I was so happy for him to get it. It boosted his confidence.

Anyway, I love the kids. I already know all their names, and it SO WEIRD to be called "Sister Harris" -it makes me feel old. :) Anyway, great lesson, great class, and sharing time is a hoot --I am excited to have this calling!

A Trip Down Memory Lane.

I love this tag.
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.

Girl's Weekend!

This past week my older sister Katie celebrated her 30th birthday!! Crazy! I vividly remember us all being little!

Anyway, Katie and her two boys came down, and our mom and little sister came up. We had planned a short weekend (well mid-week) get-away to Mesquite and St. George.

Katie had been wanting to see Les Mis at Tuacahn, so we got tickets. It was a great show, from what I heard. I stayed back at our hotel room and had a "hotel party" --consiting of a movie and treats-- with my boys and nephews! It was a blast; the boys were funny and cute, and I didn't have to get back at 1:00 am. with the others. ;)

We got Katie the "spa package", at the Oasis. She had an hour long massage to sooth her aching "old lady" body. The hotel was great and we all loved swimming. (Kade went for the first time. Aw.)

Later, we all got facials at the St.George Day Spa!! Fabulous!!! That one was my first....and it won't be the last, that's for sure!! Why have I not gotten one before?!

It went by quickly and was so fun. We were goofy; we joked, laughed, and caught up on our lives. We were able to have fun without reservations or nervous situations. We got to be just girls, and even though we had our kids with us, we weren't feeling like moms or wives. We were girls again. I
needed this "refreshing" of spirit! Thanks mom, Nat and Kate!

I love my mom and both my sisters. But, since this was a highlight of Kate's birthday, I'll just highlight her. Katie is amazing. She is one of the funniest people I know. I love her sarcasm. I love how much fun I have when I am with her and her family. I admire her strength and her endurance and great example of patience and forgiveness. I love that she is my older sister, so I can look up to her. I love that she was willing to be my second "coach" during the labors and deliveries of my boys. I needed her there! Thank you Katie!

Anyway, I was glad I got to see everybody and I am grateful for sisters! Heavenly Father knew what he was doin' when he invented the "sister".

Fourth of July!

Ben and Kade LOVED the fire works -obviously it was Kade's first time seein' 'em. He sat on Grandma Lana's lap and was stiff as a board, mesmerized by the whole show. He didn't move a muscle till the show was over. His face was literally glued to the sky. (Don't ya just love his chubby little profile!)

We did a TON of fire works at home (we did some wed., thurs., fri., and sat.) and Kade would laugh and giggle and squirm with the excitement of it all. Never scared or nervous -he just loved the everything.

It is fun to experience the firsts with your kids. I love making these memories. The Fourth was awesome all around. We went to the Enoch parade, and to the park. My mom, little sister, the boys and I lounged comfortably in the bed of Joe's truck with big pillows and blankets and treats, for the fire works. (We missed you Joe --he was off simply saving homes from a little fire.) What an awesome holiday!