Time to Say Goodbye....

Hi Friends!

This is a new year and you know with a new year comes changes, new goals, etc... After 2 years of having this fun blog I have decided to make this my last post. With me trying to keep up with two boys, a husband, my own spirituality and a household, life has been busy and a little challenging.

I have found myself running out of time and being distracted during my day. I get distracted easily with fun"me" time.... I have enjoyed posting on this blog, getting your sweet comments and thoughts. I know I will still check in on "My Girls" every once in awhile just to see what you are up to. I love you all,

Big Hugs - Alicia

This was the last article that I read and these where the quotes, scriptures and words that stuck out to me. I really enjoyed this talk, it is the home teaching message for January.

Hold on a Little Longer
By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency

A Spiritual Outpouring
“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me” (D&C 88:63). As the Saints of Kirtland drew near unto the Lord, He truly did draw near unto them, pouring out the blessings of heaven upon the heads of the faithful.

Lorenzo Snow (1814–1901), later to be President of the Church, was living in Kirtland during this blessed period. He observed, “One would have imagined that after receiving these wonderful manifestations no temptation could have overthrown the Saints.”
~ But, of course, great spiritual experiences do not make us exempt from opposition and trials.

The Lessons
~ Our spirits need constant nourishment.

~ As President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) taught: “Testimony isn’t something that you have today and you keep always. Testimony is either going to grow and grow to the brightness of certainty, or it is going to diminish to nothingness, depending upon what we do about it.

~ I say, the testimony that we recapture day by day is the thing that saves us from the pitfalls of the adversary.”6 We need to stay close to the Lord every day if we are to survive the adversity that we all must face.

~ In some ways our world today is similar to Kirtland of the 1830s. We too live in times of financial distress. There are those who persecute and rail against the Church and its members. Individual and collective trials may sometimes seem overwhelming.

~ That is when we need, more than ever, to draw near unto the Lord. As we do, we will come to know what it means to have the Lord draw near unto us. As we seek Him ever more diligently, we will surely find Him. We will see clearly that the Lord does not abandon His Church or His faithful Saints. Our eyes will be opened, and we will see Him open the windows of heaven and shower us with more of His light. We will find the spiritual strength to survive even during the darkest night.

~You Can Hold On
If ever you are tempted to become discouraged or to lose faith, remember those faithful Saints who remained true in Kirtland. Hold on a little longer. You can do this! You are part of a special generation. You were prepared and preserved to live at this important time in the existence of our beautiful planet earth. You have a celestial pedigree and therefore have all the necessary talents to make your life an eternal success story.

~ The Lord has blessed you with a testimony of the truth. You have felt His influence and witnessed His power. And if you continue to seek Him, He will continue to grant you sacred experiences. With these and other spiritual gifts, you will be able not only to change your own life for the better but also to bless your homes, wards or branches, communities, cities, states, and nations with your goodness.

~ It may be hard to see that at times, but hold on a little longer, for “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” and wait for Him (1 Corinthians 2:9; see also D&C 76:10; 133:45).

~May we ever remember the lesson of Kirtland and hold on a little longer—even when things look bleak. Know and remember this: the Lord loves you. He remembers you. And He will ever sustain those who “endure in faith to the end” (D&C 20:25).

Karate Kid

Hunter and Gordon had a great time on their first day of class. We were given a free trial month to see how Hunter would like his class. They had them stretching, warming up...I sure need this class to work my abs :)... I was very impressed with the 45 mins that they spent with them. Hunter woke up the next morning and asked if he could go back to his class... That's a GOOD sign.

New Years!!

We had a great time bringing in the new year with our Family in Orlando. We went to downtown Disney and checked out some of the fun events they had going on. It was so packed, yet fun for us to be all together. The kids had fun staying up late and seeing the fireworks. How did you bring in the new year???

Purpose and a plan..

This morning I was reading in Moses and doing the study guide for a class in church and one of the questions was what did Moses learn about himself in Moses 1:1-7? After reading it and giving a summary, I came to understand that WE ALL HAVE A Purpose and a plan in the this life, it might not be a intense and earth changing at moses, but I have a purpose .

I don't think I really could wrap my head around the fact that wow I'm a mother, and with that comes a huge responsiblity to TEACH, LOVE, NURTURE and prepare these little souls to be ready for this world, spriturally, phyiscally and mentally. That is huge! I have a huge purpose in the life.

Sometimes I feel like i'm not doing much, not serving eneough, I'm sure you know what I mean... making a HUGE difference. And then a thought came to mind a friend said one time... she said that "our Chrildren here on this earth and in heaven are watching us, Am I being a great mom and example".

I was stuggling with reading my scriptures, praying regularly and really shoot I was just lazy. Well that is just not good enough, I wouldn't let my boss at work down so how could I let my Heavenly Father down... These boys, my family is my full time job. So as I read today the scriptures and studied I felt good, I felt like I could learn and be able to teach my boys.. my future missionaries, my adorable CTR!

I'm excited to learn what Hunter will be learning this year. (so I posted what the primary theme is).

I can't wait to have him learn his articles of faith, stand up proudly... we have number one done - YEAH!

I'm greatful for good examples around my boys...we are so blessed. Have a great year, learning and finding your Purpose and Plan the lord has for you!

This is a great site to look at: http://www.sugardoodle.net

Our little Chef!

Hunter loves to cook, bake, play.. anything in the kitchen. He got a new baking kit for Christmas and he loved it. Mommy and Hunter had fun making pizza bits.

New Year, New Room, No Cost Makeover!!

We are blessed to have such a huge living room that I can change up alot... after living in our home for 3 yrs it has been tricky to really find a good way to arrange it. One night Henry was pulling an all nighter so Steve and I rearranged the living room, added bookshelves we already had in storage, moved the TV (AGAIN), and my sweet honey was so patient with my little decorating ideas... I love to make changes (must be the Gemini in me). Lacy come over the next day and helped me really finish the final touches, she has great decorating ideas and we love it!!! It feels like something you would see in a catalog, Did I mention we love it!! It's not Pottery Barn or Southern Living but it feels like a warm cozy living room to us. It was fun doing a living room makeover for FREE!!!

BEFORE....




















AFTER.....

CHRISTmas in the White House...

This christmas has been so special. Words just can't express our gratitude to those that have served our family in such loving and caring way. Our family has been blessed in ways we never imagined. The Lord is so mindful of our family and used others as his hands. We had tears of joy, it is such a peaceful feeling when other do for you and you know they are an answer to a prayer. Our hearts are full, we truly are so greatful.

Christmas Eve we had Alicia's dad, his wife and her daughter Amber over for some christmas cheer, dinner and read the nativity story. Hunter had fun opening some gifts and giving the "reindeer" some food - oh we can't forget the cookies and milk for santa! Then off to bed waiting for santa to come.

Christmas day was blissful for Hunter, he got some fun items that he wanted. He was a happy little boy. It is always so fun to see his excitment in his eyes.
Later on that day we had Christmas dinner with the Towers family, joining in on the fun was The Valentine Family and Mr. Kesling. Dinner was fabulous, the company was great, chatting, laughing, a cozy bondfire and "death by Chocolate" dessert! Thanks Adam and Lauren for hosting the best christmas dinner. It was the perfect christmas!

Breath of Heaven....

Today my heart was so full as I reflected my day... Sometimes our blessings of the day are so simple, just being able to be surrounded by beautiful children. I was able to have a play date for Hunter, it was so nice hearing the children laugh, run and play. I can understand why we should be "child like" and why our Heavenly Father treasures his children.

Then later on that day I was able to serve a family. Something so small for us like making them dinner, gives them such joy and allows them to breath, what a nice feeling we are given just knowing that we are "tools" in the lords hands. As I drove away I thought about the pain and saddness going on in those 4 walls, the trials and tribulation this family is having to endure. My eyes watered as I drove away and the song "breath of heaven" came on my cd. It was so humbling to me to know that our savior is here for us. We are never alone, no matter the trial, we are NEVER alone. I feel so blessed to be part of this gospel, to have the "church" family that we have..this plan of happiness that is given to my family. The blessings this holiday session, that WE too as a family have felt by SO MANY serving us in small quiet ways. We are so greatful to our Heavenly Father for those kind acts shown on our family and have given us a ray of light and love. We have felt a breath of heaven come down on us by others serving us and the amazing warm feelings in our heart by doing for others.

Lyrics -
Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me, your holyness
For your holy Breath of Heaven


"With the pure love of Christ, let us walk in His footsteps as we approach the season celebrating His birth. As we do so, let us remember that He still lives and continues to be the Light of the World, who promised, 'He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.!" President Thomas S. Monson

Tis the Season... To be Jolly and Greatful!!

“True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service"-President David O. McKay


Singing to the Nursing Home People... It was so sweet to see the kids sing to the elderly people. There was one lady that was so greatful, FUNNY and bossy all at the same time. I think Hunter got a little scared of that lady, but he did sing his little heart out. The morning singing ended with yummy hot chocolate and the kids hanging out in the bishops truck! Who knew the back of a truck would be so popular!













The kids gave each person a christmas gift.




I took this picture and it broke my heart, I don't know what happen or why Hunter looked so sad when he was with all the kids. I went and got him out and took him home to have some mommy Hunter time....I told myself I would never let him have that face again I just wanted to protect him and make everything all better. Have you ever seen your kid look like that and you just want to hold him close until he smiles and laughs?



Tailgate party, in the bishops truck!!

Hunter's VPK Christmas Program


God loves little boys and all that they do
Exploring and laughing and roughhousing, too.

God loves their energy, eagerness and wit.
He loves their serious side and their fanciful spirit.
He guides them and tends them while they grow,
Giving them all of the grace he can bestow.
God's plan for his boys is wondrous as well,
Because soon in their place little men will dwell.


Hunter's Granny Iris came into town for his school christmas program and to see him sing in the program at church. Hunter was one of the wise men. It was so cute to see all the kids singing.






Hunter was so excited to show Granny his classroom.


















Mommy's little wisemen.


















Ms. Mary and Ms. Tiffany are Hunter's teachers. He adores them. He asked them the other day if they were coming to his house and that he loved them. For a mom this gives us great comfort to know that they care and love our kids so much.
`FIRESTATION CAROLING `
It was so much fun to be able to make cookies and go christmas caroling to the firefighters. The kids had a great time watching the fireman get dressed. They let the kids see the lights and also sit in the truck.

























































Our Belly's are BLESSED!!
Our family has been given lots of little blessings all this holiday session.

One friend gave us a ton of baby food. Henry has been chowing down on that....

And our dear friend Lauren made the best most delish cookies in the world... Steve wanted the receipe.. now that means they are amazing almost sinful they are so good!!!!

Homemade goodies from the Salmons, Jones, and our neighbors... we are set on yummy desserts and candies. We feel love from so many friends.

Mosiah 2:17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn a wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.


We have been SO blessed this holiday season.

































We love our new Homemade Christmas CD... it is fabulous and totally put us in the christmas spirit. Thanks to our special friend!!!!


Henry Turned 7 months this month and he is the our smile that warms our heart each day. Henry has started to scoot backwards around the house to get where he wants to go. He laughs ALL the time. The best part of mommy's day is to hear the boys laughing together.























It was hilarious to walk in the room and see Henry went to sleep sitting up.... what a precious baby boy!
Christmas Bliss! Our Church had a christmas dinner and beautiful song and nativity play. It was perfect!! Steve was one of the wisemen. Hunter was so excited to see Santa and tell all the things he wanted. It was great spending the evening with our "chruch family".















Henry met Santa for the first time, he was curious about his beard. It was a precious picture... Hunter was all smiles as usual, excited to tell santa all about his wishlist.





















The joy in Hunter's eyes and smile say's it all... he enjoy's giving his pocket change to the special families. And they even let him ring the bell. We are so proud of our little man.

Mommy and Hunter cuddle time... I love this boy. I just look at him sometimes and i'm in awe how precious and perfect he is. His fun spunky personality..he is our sunshine that brightens our day. He is so loving and has that caring heart to make sure our family is o.k.

The other day I was running out the door in a hurry and didn't kiss him. He can out and said "mom are you going to leave with out giving me High fives and kisses". It made me smile and I gave BIG hugs and kisses. I adore my Hunter boy!!