Jason-House Hunting

We have finally sold our home and have been looking at houses here in St. Charles. We have found several that we like and struggled to pick which one to go forward on. While driving home I asked the kids what they thought we should do. Jason said, "I would rather buy a piece of property, cut down the trees, and build ourselves a house then to keep looking for the perfect house and have stressed out parents." LaMonte and I got quite a laugh out of that. I suppose we do get a little stressed at times worried about the house, the price, the location, the timing, etc.

Yesterday, we went for a walk around Creve Couer Lake. I enjoyed the time together so much. We kept joking about pretending to race other walkers or bikers as they passed just to see how they would react. We talked for quite a while to a couple who was fishing. We climbed a really steep hill/cliff then the kids slid down it like a slide. We also picked wild blackberries. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family. This has been a long transition time for our family, but I am so grateful. We are all getting so much closer. The kids are all doing well. They are listening so much better. They are being kinder to one another. We are especially enjoying all of the time with our family here.

House Offer and Date Night

Today we put an offer on a house on Paddlewheel. It is a nice, large home next door to a family in the ward. I hope it will work out. I really like the neighborhood. The kids are excited about having friends next door. Our offer was pretty low, though.

In the evening, Mom and Dad watched our kids so we could go out on a date for our anniversary which is tomorrow. We went out to an Indian Restaurant. It was pretty fun. The food was spicy! Then, we went to the temple. I love going to the temple. It really helps me keep life in a good perspective. I am feeling so much more gratitude for all that I have. I have thought alot about LaMonte and how grateful I am for him. I am setting a couple of goals to "give" him for our anniversary.

Swimming

Last night the kids had a mock swim meet. I was so pleased with all of them. David and Ben were pretty cute. They pretty much just pulled themselves down the lane line. It feels good to have an activity we all can do together.

This morning I am feeling such an anxiousness to be a better mom, a better wife, and a better daughter. I have been so blessed. I have such a happy, wonderful life. I was brought to feel the love of my Savior at such a young age. What a difference that has made in my life! I have so much desire to do good. Why, then, do I keep screwing up?! Dang it! So often I feel like I charge at good things and fall pretty quickly. Yet, my God and my family are constantly standing by to help pick me up and keep me going. You know...if I spent less time falling on my face I think I would be able to help an awful lot more people. I suppose I should be more grateful, though. For example, yesterday I accidently got turned the wrong direction and stuck in traffic while I was going out to run an errand. Instead of getting frustrated with myself I just told myself how grateful I am for all the good happening in my life. I ran into a book store to pick up a couple of things for Ben. While there the cashier was asking me about homeschooling. Her ex-husband is pressuring her to homeschool her kids. I believe I was guided in my response to her. You never know for sure, but if felt like our meeting was not by chance.

Ok, well I slept in (for which I am committing NOT to beat myself up but to just keep going doing the best I can) so I better get on with my day. I am going to tie on my Supermom cape, charge, and hope I don't have any crashes significant enough to require lifelong therapy for my husband or my kids. It may already be too late, so what the heck...might as well give it another good try.

House Hunting

Well, it looks as though we've sold our house in Texas. It is really exciting to be looking at houses. We found at least 3 that we really like. We put an offer in on one yesterday. That evening we went running with Eric and Debbie. We talked to a neighbor and found out that most of the neighbors are single or empty nesters. We may be a little overwhelming for that street! I think we will try an offer on another home, today. This has felt like such an adventure. It is fun to picture raising our family in these homes. The kids are all doing really well. What a blessed time this has been to keep our family so close together. We have truly felt the hand of God over us. I feel like I have been learning so much. Most of all, I feel a great sense of gratitude for my Heavenly Father, for His Son, and for my family. Last night as we went to bed I told LaMonte, "Even if we never get a house, I feel like I would be happy just to have you, our kids, and a hammock."

Faith

"Only when our faith is aligned with the will of our Heavenly Father will we be empowered to receive the blessings we seek." This quote by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin stood out to me today as I studied about faith. How do we know when our faith is aligned to the will of Heavenly Father? Knowing the word of God through study of the scriptures and words of living prophets is key. Praying for and following the direction of the Holy Ghost is also essential. I am so grateful for these principles. I pray that I will have the strength today and everyday to live by faith.

Date Night

This weekend Eric and Debbie came over to watch the kids so LaMonte and I could go out on a date. We had such a great time together. We biked on the Katy Trail to Old St. Charles. We stopped at the Little Hills Cafe for salad. It was dark on the way home. As we came up the hill at the end of the trail, the field was full of lighting bugs. I've never seen so many. It was a magical, romantic end to our evening together. I love being married to LaMonte. He cares for me and our family so well!

Date Night

Eric and Debbie came over this evening to watch the kids so LaMonte and I could go out on a date night. What a treat! We rode bikes into downtown St. Charles. I enjoyed the time with LaMonte so much! On the way back we went alongside of a field just full of lightning buys. It was kind of magical and romantic. We were really grateful to have the time together.