Family & Trials

Saturday, December 6th--Tonight I had plans to start up my Christmas baking. I've been trying to find the ambition to do so for a few days now--it's all in the plan to get everything done early this year instead of last minute (yeah, right, like that's going to happen!). This afternoon, I got a call from my sister, Alishia, saying her 16-year-old, Jacob, is at Primary Childrens Medical Center. Yesterday morning he had his wisdom teeth taken out and the whole rest of the day, and into the night, he was vomitting continually. No medication was helping to ease the nausea. Just like Brady, Jacob has Juvenile Diabetes (diagnosed almost exactly a year before Brady was). Alishia decided to take Jacob to the ER last night. Due to the excessive vomitting and dehydration, his glucose levels were extremely high (400's), his ketones high and he was in ketoacidosis. He was admitted and told he was not able to have any meds for pain due to the risk of cerebral edema (if you need me to explain any of this, please ask). With levels so high, Jacob also had a horrible headache. Needless to say, neither he nor Alishia slept last night. When she called to tell me all of this she also asked if we could make the hour trip to Primary Childrens to have Nate give Jacob a blessing. I didn't even give it a second thought, of course we would go. Christmas baking, not so important to get done tonight and I knew the Lord would bless me with time on another day. We got to the hospital and Jacobs glucose level was back to normal, ketones dropping. Hooray! Nate helped my brother-in-law, Shad, give Jacob a blessing. It was quite emotional, the Spirit so incredibly strong. On the way to the hospital Nate and I talked about how it seems so unfair a simple thing such as getting wisdom teeth pulled can lead to such an ordeal for a person with Type 1 Diabetes. It definitely gave us insight to the possibilities ahead with Brady. It's comforting to know Alishia would drop everything for me as well, just like she did when Brady was first diagnosed.

Today, I also found out my dad was in a car accident last night. On the way home from work, a car passed him and clipped the side of the front bumper while trying to get back into the lane my dad was in. Fortunately, the damage was miner and no injuries. My dad even held his tongue while exchanging information with the idiot driver (the jerk would not have been so fortunate had he hit me!). This accident was on top of an already stressful week for my dad. He was called to be 1st Counselor in the ward Bishopric this past Sunday--his blood pressure was already pretty high from the stress of taking on a huge calling and finding there's a lot to be done to "clean house". And to top off this fun-filled day, my mom will probably be needing surgery in the near future. She's had problems with her galbladder for quite some time. I've had mine out so I know it's a fairly minor proceedure, usually outpatient, but she's stressing out about all the bazillion things she needs to do this holiday season plus my other sister and her family are moving into my parents house this month. I worry she'll overdo and cause more health problems for herself.

One thing I've thought about today is how blessed I am to know that my family would stop what they're doing and be there for me in a split second, if needed. And I feel the same for each of them. While my family is dealing with temporary trials we know we have an amazing support system. Some of my family is 1000 miles away. I don't get to see them very often, 2-3 times a year. It's never enough time but we make the best of it. When we're not together we talk on the phone or through email, Facebook, etc. Whether it be Christmas or any time of the year, family is truly the greatest gift. We're there for each other, not only because we should be, but because we want to be.

Oh Christmas Trees....

Wednesday, December 3rd--YES! Our two Christmas trees are decorated. Nate and the kids decorated the one in the downstairs family room. They did a superb job! You can tell Nate let Brady and Elise do most of the work, since most of the ornaments are at the bottom. And me, being ever-so-slightly OCD (yeah, right! More like major OCD!) has to have my own tree every year. This tree is in the front living room. I think it turned out the best it's ever turned out. I REALLY wanted a real tree this year but I didn't want to risk it drying out by getting it now instead of waiting a few weeks, which I didn't want to do. Oh well, one of these Christmases! These photos don't do our trees the best justice but that's okay, we're enjoying them and that's all that matters!

Christmas Craft Idea #3

Monday, December 1st--I received a very touching Christmas story from my visiting teachers, last year. It's a story called "Teach the Children". Here is a link to the story:

http://www.llerrah.com/truemeaningofchristmas.htm

This link titles the story "True Meaning of Christmas" but the copy I received titled it "Teach the Children". I've seen a couple of versions to this story, with different symbols but I like this one the best.
Much like "The Forgotten Carols" ornament tree, I thought about making or buying the symbols and placing them on a small tree and then giving one of each of these completed trees, with a framed version of the story to family members this year. I decided not to go with the idea but figured it would be a fairly in-expensive project. The framed story would be just the story glued onto pretty Christmas scrapbook paper and then placed in an in-expensive frame (Wal-Mart has them for $2.00). If I didn't like the frame as it was, then I was going to paint it red or green and then paint over that with glitter glue (really cheap to do!).
For the ornaments/symbols I looked at a website called: www.orientaltrading.com This is a pretty popular website and they sell many different kinds of ornaments in larger quantities (assuming you'd like to do this project for gifts). I did a search for each of the symbols/ornaments and was able to find most of them at an in-expensive cost. For the ones I couldn't find I was just going to go to Robert's and see what I could find and then use one of my discount coupons--or go with the cardboard shoebox route and design my own ornament. Robert's also has in-expensive unfinished wooden boxes that would be perfect to paint and use as a storage container for the ornaments.
If this is a project you are interested in doing and need some more input I would be HAPPY to HELP you! I've got the image in my head of how it's suppose to look and I think it would be a very touching gift for any family. I had this thought that a family that received such a gift could read the story, every year, with their children and the children could place the symbols on or around their little tree then put the framed story next to it---what an amazing reminder of the true meaning of Christmas!

Christmas Craft Idea #2

Monday, December 1st--I love the story and music of "The Forgotten Carols". I believe Michael McLean has earned his Celestial glory with all the amazing music and stories he's written. After all, he's the reason we have "Mr. Krueger's Christmas"! Years ago, when I was single and very poor, I was attempting to make my apartment look festive on a very meager budget. I bought the "Forgotten Carols" book with a gift card and decided just displaying it on my table didn't do it justice. Besides, I thought it would be cool to read the book and listen to the music while following along placing the matching ornaments on a tree--much smaller ornaments on a much small tree. I wondered how easy it would be to create the ornaments with stuff I already had. I found out it was quite easy!

Here's what I did:

*Use the cardboard of a shoebox to make the ornaments out of

*Go through the "Forgotten Carols" book and copy the ornaments on pieces of paper (to be traced onto the cardboard). When traced, use sharp scissors to cut ornaments out of the cardboard. (I might still have my "templates", if you're local)

*Get some craft paint in: brown, red, beige, white, gray, & burgundy

*Use a black Sharpie for detail

*I used glitter glue over the red cross, star, and Handel's pen

*Raffia glued onto the backs of ornaments to hang

*For the star, I bought inexpensive rhinestones and a large pearl bead--I hot glued the rhinestones on and cut a hole out in the middle and hot glued the pearl bead in. In the back of the star, I glued a strip of cardboard into a circle in order to place the star on the top of the tree

*I found an old scrap of white fabric, cut a strip, and freyed (sp?) it then tied it into a bow

*I found dried flowers and made a small bouquet and tied it with raffia to represent the corsage.

*For the curtain over the innkeepers door, I found another piece of fabric and cut it to fit into the doorway. You can make a pattern on paper and cover the door with that, if you don't have fabric.

*Hang ornaments on small tree with white lights. It's a great conversation piece and reminder of such an amazing story.

If you would like to purchase "The Forgotten Carols" book and/or CD of music, they can be bought at Deseret Book or Seagull Book.

If you're interested in doing this craft and need more details please let me know!

Happy Berfcake Alishka!

Sunday, November 30th--Tomorrow is my sister, Alishia's, 37th birthday. She wanted to eat at the Golden Corral, a buffet-style restaurant so we headed down to Salt Lake to do so. It was good eatin' and fun company. After that we went back to her house for cake and ice cream. I was so happy to be able to see little Bohdee again. He remembered me and kept jumping up on my lap to give me cuddles and loves. It's nice to see he's adjusting to his new home and enjoying it. Alishia lives next door to my grandma, aunt and uncle. I went over to visit with my grandma for a little while. She pretty much has no clue who I am, or most people, anymore. It's very sad. She kept rambling on about things that didn't make sense at all. She would be in the middle of a story and change to another one. My aunt is going to put her in an assisted living home soon and I think that will be the best for her needs. She can't even remember long enough to get up and use the bathroom or eat. As sad as it is to say, at this point, it would be best for her to just pass away. The meds she's been on to help her dimentia are no longer working. I have to just keep telling myself, "The Lord will call her home when it's time."
Well, Happy Birthday Alishia! I hope your family is able to make it a special day for you, since you're a special person! Cherish the next three years because I am SO making a big to-do out of your 40th birthday!

My Man, Natey-pooh!

TAG! All about my man. (I stole this one from Carrie B. Thanks!)

1.What's your husband's name? Nathan Carl Armstrong
2.How long have you been married? 8 years, 8 1/2 months
3.How long did you date? 6 months and then 6 months engaged
4.Who said I love you first? I think it was me but his was much more romantic (in the Celestial room at the Bountiful Temple)
5.Who asked who out first? I can't remember (long story!)
6.Who kissed who first? Nate, he was pretty nervous! he he he
7.How old is he? 33
8.Who eats the sweets? I'm an all-the-time sweets fan, he has to be in the mood for 'em
9.Who sings best? me
10.Who's smarter? Book smarts, definitely him. Common sense smarts, me.
11.Who cooks dinner and does laundry? We share dinner responsibilities. I do the laundry.
12.Who pays the bills? That would be Nate, the accountant
13.Who drives? When we're in the car together he usually does.
14.Who wears the pants? It's about 50-50 (I hope he feels the same!)
15.Our favorite couple thing to do: We love to go to Desert Star Theater (We have season tickets, I highly recommend it to any couple!)
16.His favorite pastimes: He loves watching sports and playing sports, Xbox, Wii, playing with the kids, playing with me ; ), watching the Simpsons and collecting Simpsons stuff.
17.What I love most about him: He's very caring and kind-hearted. He thinks of the most romantic things to make me feel so loved. He always tells me he loves me in the morning and at night. He is the most amazing dad I've ever known--Brady and Elise know how much he loves and cherishes them. He's respectful and respected. I love that he doesn't give in to my whining and begging over petty things--it teaches me better budgeting habits. I love that he's managed to keep us out of debt, with the exception of the house (full tithing!). As I've said MANY times before, he's my best friend and I can talk to him about anything.

Alrighty then! So I tag whoever wants to do this in honor of their own hubby.

(Last one!) I'm Thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ....

Saturday, November 29th--There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about my testimony of Jesus Christ. Everyday I'm reminded of the reasons I even have a testimony to begin with. I was born and raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but it took me a long time to build my testimony to what it is today. I went inactive for a short time and found empty joys in worldly things. It took a diligent, loving mother to bring me "back to the fold". She never gave up. She was always that way. My dad went inactive in his teenage years and never returned to church till I was 12 years old. My mom got 4 kids ready and to church all by herself for almost 20 years. I can't even imagine what that was like, I was young enough to be oblivious to it. She endured to the end and was rewarded with the ultimate gift, an strong, active husband who took her and her children to the temple to be sealed as an eternal family---all on my 15th birthday.
It's hard to say what moments have all added up to what my testimony has become. I'm sure it's many little ones and a few big ones. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ exists on the earth today. I know the Holy Ghost lives within those that have received him and choose to live by his promptings. I know families are forever as long as we all remain unified in our testimonies, devotion and love. I know our Father in Heaven only wants the very best for His children and just wants us to return back to Him. I know He gave us a living prophet to guide us in these chaotic latter-days.
There are enough people in this world that would try to persuade me otherwise but they don't understand or comprehend what it took/takes to build a testimony. It takes work, faith, trust and so many other things. It doesn't come easily but once you have it, it's hard to lose it. Nate and I take our children to church in order to continually "feed" and "refresh" our testimonies every week. While we need to work harder to be better at it, we have family prayer, family home evening, scripture reading and conversations pertaining to gospel teachings. Nate gives us priesthood blessings, even at a moments notice, if needed. Just spending time with my husband and my kids reminds me of my testimony and the promises made by Heavenly Father. We can be an eternal family, we're on our way! Life is great! Sometimes I forget how blessed I am and then the Holy Ghost quickly reminds me.

Christmas Craft Idea #1

Friday, November 28th--Some peeps asked what kind of craft ideas I have for Christmas presents this year. I'm going to share a few but others you'll have to ask me over the phone or email because I'm using them as family gifts (they're good ones!)

This first one is something we got from a neighbor the very first year we were married. I've always saved it because I love that they took time to do it and it's cute. It appears to be very inexpensive. It's a popsicle nativity and with it is a story called: "The Parable of the Popsicle". If you are interested in more details on how to do this Christmas craft, please let me know. (This is for you, Heather S.!)

Here's the story:

After eating a Popsicle on a hot day,

We may find the stick to be in our way.

So looking around we toss it aside,

Never knowing the parable it may secretly hide.

You see a long time ago far away,

Mary and Joseph needed a place to stay.

But innkeepers too busy to take them inside,

Just like the Popsicle brushed them aside.

Some didn't listen to the things Jesus spoke,

Not knowing the joy his words would invoke.

To some in the crowd his words were a guide,

But many just mocked him and brushed it aside.

Now in modern day we see it happen once more,

Some hear him knocking but don't answer the door.

Too busy to answer we keep him outside,

And just like the others we've tossed him aside.

So don't let this Christmas time go like the others,

Be kind to your family, your friends and your brothers.

Don't toss this parable away with the season,

Keep it around to remember the real Christmas reason.

You see the Popsicle stick will always outlast,

The treat on the outside that disappears so fast.

Just like the teachings of Jesus should too,

Not come and go like Christmases do.

I'm Thankful for Scents......

Friday, November 28th--I'm taking a break from decorating. I don't do Christmas decorating lightly, it's a big ordeal every year. I enjoy it a lot but it's pretty tiring. While I've been decorating I've had my awesome Christmas CD's playing and a candle on the candle warmer. I'm burning my absolute, most-favorite Christmas scent of all. It's called: Holiday Cobbler by Salt City. Sadly, and they must be out of their minds, they don't make this amazing scent anymore so I'm trying to squeeze every last fragrant bit of it out before I have to throw it away and pray they bring the scent back (I've begged and begged on their website! No luck--bah humbug!). For some reason, Holiday Cobbler, reminds me of Christmas as a child. I wonder if my mom baked something or had a similar candle she would burn, I don't remember but the scent sure brings back fond memories of Christmas-time at home. We always had a fresh Christmas tree so whenever I smell that ever-so-refreshing scent of pine, I think of how those fresh trees would fill the entire house with their scent. I loved it so much!
Scents seem to re-kindle memories, almost, on a daily basis for me. Some are good, some are bad. This summer we rented a camper and the bathroom in it did not have a very pleasant smell. To shower, I would use body wash, one of my favorites: Bath and Body Works, Midnight Pomegranate. Well, it's no longer a favorite, it just reminds me of that stinky camper bathroom!
When I went to visit my new niece, Danika, two weeks ago, she had that new-baby/hospital scent and I remembered that's how my newborns smelled.
I found a deoderant that, oddly, reminds me of fond Christmas scents too. Roses remind me of how fragrant my beautiful wedding bouquet was. Cinnamon reminds me of all the times I was nauseous, during my pregnancies. I would sniff a little and feel, somewhat, better. Flour reminds me of the times when my sisters and I would make pinatas out of papier mache. We'd use flour and water for the "glue". The smell of fresh rain reminds me of home, back in WA.
I had a teacher at UCMT that had lost her ability to smell. I often wondered how that would be to deal with. She said she missed being able to smell. I can only imagine and pray it never happens to me. In Disneyland/California Adventure, my most favorite ride is "Soarin' Over California". During the ride you can smell different scents based on where you're at in the ride. It is so cool! My sister-in-law, Wendy, and I have been on a quest to find scents similar to the ride. We've found a few through the Bath and Body Works line. (Ya know, as much as I promote that company, I should be getting some kind of payment for endorsement! I'll have to check into it!)
Anyhoo, I'm thankful for scents and the ability to smell. Please, Salt City, bring Holiday Cobbler back! PLEASE!!!!!!

Our Thanksgiving Was Great!

Thursday, November 27th--We had an excellent Thanksgiving! Nate and I enjoyed having a good chunk of his family over for a delicious Thanksgiving feast. Most of the family arrived between 2:00 and 3:00. We did a Wii bowling tournament---Elise kicked our butts in a humiliating way. Nate turned on Wii Fit and that became a huge interest (yes, it's THAT good!). Dustin made some fabulous garlic, parmesan & mozarella mashed taters. I think I cooked the best turkey I've ever done---there is something to be said about trying too hard, I didn't do that this time and it worked out incredibly well! Rosemary made some delicious pies: banana cream (so good!), pumpkin and cheesecake. Kip brought some tasty rolls, some from Great Harvest and some that were home-made. Jenny brought some wonderful fresh veggies.
After our bellies were full we sat around chatting, playing games and then we put on both "Robot Chicken", Star Wars 1 & 2. They are so hilarious! Everyone had a good laugh.

Fortunately, we all managed to stay healthy for this day. It was a huge relief since 2-week-old Danika was with us. Everyone enjoyed holding and cuddling with her. I think I even got a little smile out of her! She slept most of the time but then Crystal fed her and she was wide-awake, looking around. She responded to voices and people moving around. It was very sweet!

Dan wrote a most hilarious song about all the pets the family have had through the years. He wrote the song to the tune: "We Three Kings". He even sang it for us! I would post it but I don't have his permission at the moment.
Jenny was so nice to bring her newspaper with all the ads. We went through them and made a list of things we wanted. Just about everyone had plans to start early on Black Friday, Nate included. (I'm SOOOOO happy he's willing to get up so early!)

I enjoyed being able to talk to my parents and sister, on the phone. It seems everyone had a great Thanksgiving and I'm so thankful for that. What a great holiday! To be able to reflect on the many things we can all be thankful for and have a special day for it as well, it's just a wonderful thing!