Today Jeana turns 15!!! Of course we did all our celebrating with friends on friday and family on sunday so we just HAD to find something fun to do today. We decided to take a short trip to St. George (Washington really) to a community center there where they have a great little swimming area with slides, kiddie area, mostly covered awesome!
I can't believe that she is already 15! Where does the time fly? She has always been smart and precocious, talented and sweet. She is also argumentative, LOL about everything! Just try telling her the sky is blue and she will find something to argue with you about it hehehe. We love her and her quirky ways!
We feel so blessed to have her in our lives! She was an unexpected blessing in our family but came at the absolute best time of our lives. The Lord knows what we need when we need it even when we wonder why! She is our comic relief and WE LOVE HER!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Why...
Why do I open my mouth and say things (or write things as the case may be) when I know it could cause definite controversy? I realize that there are many people in this world and most the time I keep my strong opinions inside so as to not annoy others but sometimes...
My problem isn't that I said it, because it is what I believe, it is that maybe I could have said it better or maybe someone will totally hate me for saying it.
I guess the true friends in my life who love and respect me wouldn't care of my opinions as long as I respect theirs and honor theirs as they do mine. And, I guess those who don't aren't truly friends but merely aquaintances.
And so in an open forum I say Thank you to all those who listen to my, sometimes too honest, opinions and love me anyways and tell you that I love you just the same for yours.
My problem isn't that I said it, because it is what I believe, it is that maybe I could have said it better or maybe someone will totally hate me for saying it.
I guess the true friends in my life who love and respect me wouldn't care of my opinions as long as I respect theirs and honor theirs as they do mine. And, I guess those who don't aren't truly friends but merely aquaintances.
And so in an open forum I say Thank you to all those who listen to my, sometimes too honest, opinions and love me anyways and tell you that I love you just the same for yours.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Lota Month and Sweet 16
We haven't had a whole lot of time to breathe let alone time to blog this month so as I sit this morning, because I got up early due to going to bed early with a headache, I though I would recap our month.
The first and foremost biggest and most important thing to happen this month is our Jessica turned the BIG 16! She was able to have a big party with her friend Tiffany, which was a bbq and swim party (thank you Laura and Rick Bailey) with tons of friends and family. Everyone seemed to have a great time and I was glad to have the help of Tiffany's mom so it wasn't all me and made it a ton easier. We had her party a couple weeks before her actual birthday because she was going to be at girls camp for her birthday again this year and we knew things would get hectic.
Jeana and Jillian were able to go to soccer camp again this year at BYU and it rained most the time but they still were able to play. Jeana's team won first place in her division this year which was fun. I was able to watch the game because I got into town just in time.
I was able to go to girls camp this year with my girls and Jimmy which was a total BLAST!!!! It was Jillian's first year at girls camp and, even though we had a little rain, it was so much fun. One day we even went white water rafting. It was really neat watching all the YW grow, have fun and get along. It was the best for me to be there with my three girls and especially for Jillian's first year. She seemed to really enjoy herself and was totally pooped every night almost falling asleep in her chair at the fire. I loved getting to know some new people and getting reaquainted with some people I have known for a while and am so glad I could go again this year.
When we returned home Jessica had her "family" birthday party. It was alot of fun to have family around us but even funner to know that next time Jake, Teresa and the kids will be here as well.
Speaking of Jake and Teresa...Jimmy and I were able to travel to Phoenix over fathers day and be there to see Jake receive his final graduation from residency. It was so great and he is going to be a fantastic dr, so for any of you girls here in LV, he starts in August.
Well, theres our month in a nutshell. Busy but fun and I'm sure I have forgotten plenty. I am just glad I have the family I have to enjoy the life we have together forever.
The first and foremost biggest and most important thing to happen this month is our Jessica turned the BIG 16! She was able to have a big party with her friend Tiffany, which was a bbq and swim party (thank you Laura and Rick Bailey) with tons of friends and family. Everyone seemed to have a great time and I was glad to have the help of Tiffany's mom so it wasn't all me and made it a ton easier. We had her party a couple weeks before her actual birthday because she was going to be at girls camp for her birthday again this year and we knew things would get hectic.
Jeana and Jillian were able to go to soccer camp again this year at BYU and it rained most the time but they still were able to play. Jeana's team won first place in her division this year which was fun. I was able to watch the game because I got into town just in time.
I was able to go to girls camp this year with my girls and Jimmy which was a total BLAST!!!! It was Jillian's first year at girls camp and, even though we had a little rain, it was so much fun. One day we even went white water rafting. It was really neat watching all the YW grow, have fun and get along. It was the best for me to be there with my three girls and especially for Jillian's first year. She seemed to really enjoy herself and was totally pooped every night almost falling asleep in her chair at the fire. I loved getting to know some new people and getting reaquainted with some people I have known for a while and am so glad I could go again this year.
When we returned home Jessica had her "family" birthday party. It was alot of fun to have family around us but even funner to know that next time Jake, Teresa and the kids will be here as well.
Speaking of Jake and Teresa...Jimmy and I were able to travel to Phoenix over fathers day and be there to see Jake receive his final graduation from residency. It was so great and he is going to be a fantastic dr, so for any of you girls here in LV, he starts in August.
Well, theres our month in a nutshell. Busy but fun and I'm sure I have forgotten plenty. I am just glad I have the family I have to enjoy the life we have together forever.
Friday, May 22, 2009
New Young Woman...Our Sweet Jillian
This morning, 12 yrs ago, Jillian Nicole Skinner was born. She was impatiently quick and not waiting for anyone to get the job done, almost delivered by the nurse, hence her way of life since then.
She is a non-stop, active, beautiful, talented young woman.
I am so grateful that the Lord saw fit to place Jillian in our home. She brings us laughter, joy and as all children sometimes frustration, however; I wouldn't change anything about her. She wears shorts in the winter without a coat and jeans in the summer with a sweatshirt. She will kick a soccer ball for hours and play the piano any time of day or night. She is a friend to everyone and an enemy to none and the newest Beehive in our ward. She can't wait for girls camp. I love her goofy smile.
Jillian, you are a true joy to your father, sisters, brothers and I. We love you so much and are so grateful for you.Your crazy ways make you truly unique and wonderful. Our family and lives would be incomplete without you. We love you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
She is a non-stop, active, beautiful, talented young woman.
I am so grateful that the Lord saw fit to place Jillian in our home. She brings us laughter, joy and as all children sometimes frustration, however; I wouldn't change anything about her. She wears shorts in the winter without a coat and jeans in the summer with a sweatshirt. She will kick a soccer ball for hours and play the piano any time of day or night. She is a friend to everyone and an enemy to none and the newest Beehive in our ward. She can't wait for girls camp. I love her goofy smile.
Jillian, you are a true joy to your father, sisters, brothers and I. We love you so much and are so grateful for you.Your crazy ways make you truly unique and wonderful. Our family and lives would be incomplete without you. We love you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Families
We haven't been so busy that I can't post something and its not like life isn't continuing to roll on; however, it seems all I do these days is check facebook, email and farmtown(which is on facebook). I seriously need a life lol.
I had a fabulous Mothers Day! Jessica made me breakfast, yummy delicious food, and a beautiful picture. Jeana hand crocheted and braided a pin that I now have on my church bag because she and I decided it wasn't a good one to wear necessarily. Jillian bought me some very nice flowers. Jordyn gave me a recipe book which has some great recipes I can't wait to try. James gave me some coupons for many different things he will do for me. And Johnston, well JT just continued to go potty which is good enough for now. Jimmy gave me a new fan in our t.v. room with a remote and it is SO NICE! He was looking for new doors for the dining room but found that all the doors at the store were too small for what we needed so looks like we need another plan. He and the kids also gave me a certificate to get a manicure and pedicure, I can't wait.
I was able to lead our primary kids while they sang to their moms and they did a wonderful job. Let me tell you, prayer works.
I think one of the many highlights of my day was seeing our family after church. Jake, Teresa and the kids were down for the week, they are moving back next month and are looking for a place to live. All the kids were running in the water in the back yard and playing together. While we were at my in-laws Jesse and Heather got on the computer with us all and we were able to see them and all three boys. It was so much fun. The twins are getting so big and Aiden has such the personality.
I am also grateful that my mom came home from her vacation safely and that I was able to pick her up and visit with her.
How amazing it is to me and how wonderful it is that God saw fit to put us on this earth with families. I don't know that I could do it without their love and support. To know that my family is with me forever, no matter what, is a calming influence when hard times arise. Life can happen, death, pain, joy, happiness and yet FAMILIES ARE FOREVER.
I had a fabulous Mothers Day! Jessica made me breakfast, yummy delicious food, and a beautiful picture. Jeana hand crocheted and braided a pin that I now have on my church bag because she and I decided it wasn't a good one to wear necessarily. Jillian bought me some very nice flowers. Jordyn gave me a recipe book which has some great recipes I can't wait to try. James gave me some coupons for many different things he will do for me. And Johnston, well JT just continued to go potty which is good enough for now. Jimmy gave me a new fan in our t.v. room with a remote and it is SO NICE! He was looking for new doors for the dining room but found that all the doors at the store were too small for what we needed so looks like we need another plan. He and the kids also gave me a certificate to get a manicure and pedicure, I can't wait.
I was able to lead our primary kids while they sang to their moms and they did a wonderful job. Let me tell you, prayer works.
I think one of the many highlights of my day was seeing our family after church. Jake, Teresa and the kids were down for the week, they are moving back next month and are looking for a place to live. All the kids were running in the water in the back yard and playing together. While we were at my in-laws Jesse and Heather got on the computer with us all and we were able to see them and all three boys. It was so much fun. The twins are getting so big and Aiden has such the personality.
I am also grateful that my mom came home from her vacation safely and that I was able to pick her up and visit with her.
How amazing it is to me and how wonderful it is that God saw fit to put us on this earth with families. I don't know that I could do it without their love and support. To know that my family is with me forever, no matter what, is a calming influence when hard times arise. Life can happen, death, pain, joy, happiness and yet FAMILIES ARE FOREVER.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Treking
Jimmy and I were able to go with our Stake as a ma and pa for the annual (every 4 yr) pioneer trek. This trek is for youth ages 14 to 18 so Jessica and Jeana were able to go as well. It was incredible and I don't think words could really do it justice. We have been planning for it since January with walking, sewing and meetings with the last real push being the last week or two.
Thursday morning we were up bright and early to get to the Stake center with our stuff that needed to fit into a 5gallon bucket and meet our new family. Jimmy and I had 7 kids all together and we couldn't have asked for a better bunch of kids. We had a great time with all of them. We boarded buses and headed out to a place somewhere between Elgin and Caliente called Rainbow Canyon where we unloaded our stuff into our handcarts and off we went.
I won't bore you with the details of pushing and pulling, hills and dales. We really had alot of all that and it was hard, but the real meaning was knowing what the pioneers did for us and what they went thru so that the church could be brought west away from persecution.
As I watched the youth do what needed to be done it hit me even harder how important they are in these latter days. They have strenth beyond what we needed to have as youth.
I also was so grateful for what the pioneers did for me. I only had to go a third of the distance that they had to go in one day and by the end of my third day I was glad to know that a shower wasn't far off. They didn't have someone giving them food, or port a pottys every so often, they didn't have coleman stoves or warm sleeping bags. Ya, we were a little wet the last day but we knew the end was near. They didn't know how long they would be going before they were going to be in an actual home with warmth and comforts. The pioneers went truly by faith and although I would like to think I gained a better understanding and greater testimony for all those things I think most of us went by knowledge because we had an end in sight when we started.
All in all the experience was wonderful and unforgettable. It was something that I would definitely do again and knowing what I know now I would do it better from my end. We had wonderful kids, fabulous leaders who planned for everything and the Lord watching our for us.
Thursday morning we were up bright and early to get to the Stake center with our stuff that needed to fit into a 5gallon bucket and meet our new family. Jimmy and I had 7 kids all together and we couldn't have asked for a better bunch of kids. We had a great time with all of them. We boarded buses and headed out to a place somewhere between Elgin and Caliente called Rainbow Canyon where we unloaded our stuff into our handcarts and off we went.
I won't bore you with the details of pushing and pulling, hills and dales. We really had alot of all that and it was hard, but the real meaning was knowing what the pioneers did for us and what they went thru so that the church could be brought west away from persecution.
As I watched the youth do what needed to be done it hit me even harder how important they are in these latter days. They have strenth beyond what we needed to have as youth.
I also was so grateful for what the pioneers did for me. I only had to go a third of the distance that they had to go in one day and by the end of my third day I was glad to know that a shower wasn't far off. They didn't have someone giving them food, or port a pottys every so often, they didn't have coleman stoves or warm sleeping bags. Ya, we were a little wet the last day but we knew the end was near. They didn't know how long they would be going before they were going to be in an actual home with warmth and comforts. The pioneers went truly by faith and although I would like to think I gained a better understanding and greater testimony for all those things I think most of us went by knowledge because we had an end in sight when we started.
All in all the experience was wonderful and unforgettable. It was something that I would definitely do again and knowing what I know now I would do it better from my end. We had wonderful kids, fabulous leaders who planned for everything and the Lord watching our for us.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Surrender?
I heard a song today that made me think about my life up til now. If you would have asked me in high school where I thought I would be in 20yrs I think I would have answered differently than what I am doing now. But this song reminded me of how important what I AM doing is in the whole scheme of things.
It isn't as important for me to be entertaining millions when I can entertain the 6 MORE important people I have in my home.
Maybe it would be fun to be recognized for amazing things that I do with more flair but how much more I LOVE having a thank you from my family and a hug from my kids. How could I ever live without those soggy wet kisses.
So, I was thinking of things that I may have surrendered in my previous ideals and found that I am happier than most could ever hope to be. I think I have followed God's plan for me instead of a plan that my youth thought I should have.
When I was in high school I had a friend, who I still am in touch with and talk to, we were talking about what we wanted to do with our lives when we graduated high school. I told him that money didn't matter, I just wanted to make people happy. Guess I got my wish, most of the time.
It isn't as important for me to be entertaining millions when I can entertain the 6 MORE important people I have in my home.
Maybe it would be fun to be recognized for amazing things that I do with more flair but how much more I LOVE having a thank you from my family and a hug from my kids. How could I ever live without those soggy wet kisses.
So, I was thinking of things that I may have surrendered in my previous ideals and found that I am happier than most could ever hope to be. I think I have followed God's plan for me instead of a plan that my youth thought I should have.
When I was in high school I had a friend, who I still am in touch with and talk to, we were talking about what we wanted to do with our lives when we graduated high school. I told him that money didn't matter, I just wanted to make people happy. Guess I got my wish, most of the time.
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