Another picture of Emily with her new hair do. She got blond and red highlights, more bangs and is so CUTE. She doesn't love these pictures. Maybe for Jr. Prom we will have some great ones. Yes Emily is going to Jr. Prom also. It is her first dance with Evan. They both had a good time asking and answering, sending each other on scavenger hunts. For Emily's answer John got involved and they had a great time. The answer was done after play practice, in the dark, required 4 wheelers, included fireworks and climbing into a cave to get the "Yes"! Wow was it a production. March 1 is the big day.

Charlie Brown

Emily is in the high school musical "Charlie Brown". Actually she is in the orchestra and is a very important part as she is playing the electric piano and does an incredible, full time job. Her good "friend" Evan Blair is Charlie and is doing a great job. There are also many other Olsens making this show a success. Neil (sitting next to Emily) also does the accompanying for one of the casts.

Kelli is in the orchestra.
Andrew and Jaiden both play the part of Shroeder in each of the two casts.
Here is a sneak preview. The play is next weekend March 7,8,10 and 11. The different casts alternate. She is so good, I don't know where she got the talent but I am sure grateful she is willing.

our week in review

Chloe, Simeon and Isaac
Simeon's view of Peter.
Debbie watching us make dinner--soo cute!

Last week Peter asked Paige to the prom. This week she answered. She brought a beehive full of Bit'o'Honey's and it said to filter through it to get his answer. We looked at every piece of candy and didn't find it, so then we started unwrapping every piece of candy. We were over half way there when Isaac found the answer. It was yes. This is his first dance and Paige will be a lot of fun. Prom is March 1.

Debbie looking so cute in her hat.

Simeon got a hold of the camera again. We had various photos of the kitchen from odd angels, 5 videos of the top of the kitchen table, and a coupls close up videos of his cereal. This is one of them. This picture of Peter is my Simeon also. He really thinks this is quite entertaining and especially loves it when any of you put videos on your blogs.

This was an odd week in that we have had days of well and sick and never quite back to full forward. On Saturday morning Dane went with the youth of our ward for his first experience in the temple doing baptisms. It was great. All the youth came to our house for breakfast afterward and that was fun--pancakes and waffles, although just maple syrup on top. Dane was hoping for butter syrup, lots of jams. . . He loves breakfast.

My thoughts

My thoughts as I share them are just that, thoughts. I need the challenge of putting things into words and seeing them written to see if my thinking makes sense to me after all. Please don't let my thoughts scare or worry you. I am just thinking out loud and you are free to ignore or enjoy, and to those of you who take time to comment anyway, Thank You.

Homemaker

Lately the subject of homemaker/mother has been coming up. It seems it is not a popular thing with "the world", and yet, I feel like there are more and more women choosing to stay home and raise their own children. The trick these days seems to be that there are not a lot of role models or resources or support. It is like they are pioneering the home front once again in our modern world. On Friday the middle school sponsored a career day. The teacher in charge happens to be a good conservative man. For several years now he has tried to get support to have one of the guests that comes in to talk about their career be about being a homemaker. He was met with a lot of resistance. This year he just did it anyway and invited some great homemakers to come and share about what they do (thank you Bridget and Amy). It's like we are the silent ones keeping society progressing. We were also discussing and looking for a role model of a great mother in a movie. I challenge you to think of some. Let me know of a movie where Mom is honored, stays at home, enjoys taking care of home and family. I thought of Swiss Family Robinson, Natalie suggested Little Women, but mostly parents are belittled and looked down on. Mom is generally not in the picture at all. It is a sad thought to realize that such an incredibly important role in society is ignored and not encouraged in our young women. C. S. Lewis stated: "The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only-and that is to support this ultimate career." I got this quote from an interview with Daryl Hoole recently. She wrote the book The Art of Homemaking in the 1960's and has a new book out about the same kinds of things. We need this. When I was called as RS president my bishop's concern for the women of the ward was that they don't know how to take care of their homes and wanted me to help them (that was a little scary and overwhelming and I must admit I came a bit short). Our church leaders are supporting us more in these sacred roles. I am so grateful. We need strong women in the homes doing great things and we need be there for each other not competing but supporting. I love being a woman, mother, and HomeMaker. I am grateful my husband supports the "ultimate career" and I am grateful that my daughters also want this career. The future is bright and God will bless us.

Natalie's foot

Natalie let me take pictures of her foot when we went to get the stitches out and then I didn't get around to blogging about it sooo... here it is Natalie and her foot. She is improving all the time. She is out of the boot and has now started physical therapy at Elise's work. More changes are afoot as she is looking at a change for her hair. We will keep you posted.

confessing

I am reading a book that talks about the importants of confessing our sins, weaknesses, imperfections both to God and at least one other person. She says it is important to not be a pretender--pretending that we are perfect. That a lot of the ideas that everyone else is doing "it all" so easily and feeling like the only one that has to work hard is a falsehood. If we are more honest with who we are and how we struggle we are less judging, more able to "mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort". We can better bear one another's burdens (as we covenant to when we are baptised)if we are more willing to admit and share those burdens. It almost makes sense to me. So here is my question. How do you do that? How do you share your weaknesses and your strengths in an appropriate way? How do you be more open without sounding like you are just making excuses, whining, fishing for compliments. . .? I know that when I drop by someone's home and they are not emmaculately dressed with a perfect house but instead I find that they also sometimes forget to come their hair before lunch (or are still wearing stickers on their face from their 1yo), or maybe their kids leave all their stuff by the front door too, or maybe the dust has gotten thick enough to tempt someone to write in it, maybe the children are still wearing breakfast or yesterday's hair bows--I instantly feel an increase in closeness with this person. I feel like "Hey, maybe we have a lot more in common than I thought. Maybe she wouldn't judge me too harshly if she came to my house." So I know that I will continue to strive for taking care of myself, home, and family, but I appreciate not feeling constantly judged on a perfect scale. I will continue to raise the bar but knowing that I will also continue to slip and I would love the thought of a friend that is there not to point out that I slipped again but maybe to catch me, cheer me on, or help me hold on just by being there holding on too. So back to the original questions--How do you do this? How do we admit who we are and where we are still at with others feeling the need to fix you or argue that you aren't really struggling the way that you are? One of the hardest things can be when you share a concern or challenge and you are told "oh, you're just fine" as if your being prompted to make changes isn't real. I guess it's a validating thing, a tricky balance of supporting without brushing you off.
Another example could be that desire to lose weight. You don't feel comfortable with the way you look. You know you would feel healthy with some changes but if you express your dissatifaction you may be told "oh, you're not fat". At the same time you don't appreciate the "are you pregnant? aren't those pants a little tight?" either. I guess my problem lies in the "unseen things" when we have inner struggles. Is there an appropriate way to share those and help one another. If I struggle, is there someone that would understand, someone I could call and say, its a hard day. . . thanks for listening. So for today this blog is my friend, my sounding board in search of answers, of success stories, or understanding. Maybe I will figure out how to really do this step in repenting and forsaking. In the mean time, I am publicly confessing that I am not perfect. I will never be perfect but I will continue to endure and become something good--one step at a time. As my weaknesses jump in my face and bring me down, I will remember that we all have them, we all have our own challenges, and somehow, with the Lord's help, I can learn how to keep my covenants by bearing one anothers burdens. I pray.

Debbie is doing great. She slept late this morning and we hurried up to the doctors to get her oxygen checked. She is at 98 woohoo! She has no fever and she is happy, animated and a joy all around. Another great blessing.

So I now know why Debbie got two naps. She was getting sick and today she is sicker! She is lethargic, fever of 101 and sleeping all day. We had to go to the doctors because I was worried that we might be doing the RSV/low oxygen thing again. She is holding at 92 which is a little low but not panic yet. Last time it was 85. Anything below 90 and they like to hospitalize. We will keep watching her and check the level again tomorrow. Hopeful we can treat her at home. Dr. Armstrong is more open to that and so am I. The rest of us are improving and I am actually cooking dinner again. I did take quite a break from it all and insisted that they eat the leftovers. It is amazing how long some things will last when nobody wants to eat it. Tonight Natalie and I are inventing a chicken enchilada recipe that we are excited about. It is good to have an apetite again and Debbie is still eating so that is a relief. (p.s. How do you use the spell check on the postings, I wanted to check lethargic but it wouldn't do anything?)

today's blessings

Blessings--Peter's truck is working and he loves it. I got to go to the chiropractor (although Isaac called it the psychiatrist). I got some reading time in, Debbie went to bed cheerfully and had two naps today. Emily and Peter's stake activity they were in charge of went well. Nobody showed up to troop committe meeting. Natalie's full time job is going well. Dane is playing violin again. Isaac practiced being obedient "about 30 times" he says before he remembered to go and do cheerfully when mom asks. Milt is feeling a little better and didn't get as sick as the rest of us. Elise willingly babysat for half an hour tonight at 8:30, which required her getting out of bed. John is feeling a little better. Emily is going to strengthen some muscles and has a new 'do'. Chloe came back after running away twice today. The chickens produced 5 eggs and the rabbit escapes but jumps back in it's cage and is still alive.

Simeon turns 4!

Simeon passing out treats at preschool.

He got his drum. He also got gum and we enjoyed his new bowling set.
razmataz cake was great, loved by all. (thanks for the recipe, Julie)
This is definitely the most snow we have had on Valentines day that we can remember. Milt and I were stuck in the storm and spent last night in a hotel, finally getting home this morning. Glad to be safe and home.


Happy Valentine's Day! We had a great day celebrating Simeon's birthday. He has been so excited to be four. When he would greet anyone today he would start with "I'm four." Then as he received a birthday wish he would say, "your welcome". By evening while talking on the phone he started saying "Happy Birthday" back to them and finally settled on "Happy birthday valentines". It gets a little confusing. I sure do love my Simeon.

Childhood survived!

Boston sent this to me and I thought I would share.


THOSE BORN 1920-1979 BY JAY LENO.
IF YOU DON'T READ ANYTHING ELSE---VERY WELL STATED TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!! First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking. As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because,WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING! We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or chat rooms.......WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not poke out very many eyes. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them! Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! If YOU are one of them CONGRATULATIONS! You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.

John and Elise

As some of you know a couple of weeks ago John was put in as counselor in their new bishopric. Today he and Elise spoke along with the other counselor and his wife. Elise spoke first and did such an amazing job. She shared her love of the gospel and the joy that keeping the commandments brings. John talked about the need to give our heart, our whole heart to Christ and shared experiences from his mission. The talk on the radio this morning was about missionary work and how much serving a mission affects the rest of your life. I am so grateful for faithful family members and missionaries who continue to share their experiences so that we can continue to learn and become better. As Elise said "just keep doing what we are doing but do it a little bit better" and we will progress to become what Heavenly Father would have us be. I love you John and Elise.

My nephew, Grady Giles Gunter

Amber invited me to be at the birth of her third baby. He was born at 4:26, on Feb. 5, 2008. He weighs in at 9lb 4oz and 21 1/2 inches long. Wow, big baby. He was face up and a bit of work but Amber is tough and did great. It was really such a miracle to witness. I am always amazed that this little life was just moments ago a hard lump in her belly that was causing such pain and discomfort and now, an instant later is a real person bringing joy to everyone. Especially great joy and happiness to Mom who just worked so hard and felt such effort. Heavenly Father's plan is so amazing and perfect. Families coming together in love. Working hard together, going through difficult times together that bring them closer and then crowning it all off with an increase of love and joy.
It really couldn't be any better. Amber is an amazing mom and an amazing person. She takes such good care of her husband, Walter, and their three children, and our parents home, and those 4 extra boys at her house. I think she would actually like to stay at the hospital a bit longer, but she is not one to shy away from the job at hand. I am so grateful for her example. I am so grateful for the steady, dependable influence that she is in our extended family too. You would think being the youngest she wouldn't be the most responsible but she is. She is beautiful, talented, forgiving, accepting, fun, and I love her.
So, here he is, the lucky new Gunter in our family. Welcome sweet miracle to this adventure called earth where you will be tried, tested, loved, supported, and guided in a great family so that you can find your way back to your Savior and once again be encircled about by His arms. We love you, too!

And here is an action shot of the cute little sucker.

Snow fun!

Debbie's first time out in the snow, we finally got a snow suit for her although no boots.
Debbie, Isaac, and Simeon
Debbie, Isaac, and Dane

Family night/day was spent at the park playing in the snow. It was snow much fun! We had our whole family there playing tag with a couple of other families on the trails we had made. We made our family in snow angels and then got to go home to a fire, hot coco, and popcorn. Every night should be so fun.

Why I choose butter

BUTTER v MARGARINE – The great debate
The great margarine versus butter / butter v margarine debate should have ended long ago.
Since the early 1990s, scientific evidence has been pouring in about the many dangers of trans fats found in margarine – as well in other artificially created fats like vegetable shortening and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil.

Trans fats are now known to cause heart disese, obesity, diabetes, cancer and other degenerative diseases. In addition, trans fats have been linked with lower birth weight of babies as well as declined fertility.

Given the evidence, one would expect that there is now universal agreement that margarine is by far the more harmful product.

This is assuming that the saturated fat found in butter is harmful in the first place. If, like a number of more enlightened scientists, you adopt the view that saturated fat is actually healthy, then there is absolutely no contest.


Butter is better! There is no need for a margarine versus butter debate.

Amazingly, however, the butter v margarine debate rages on.

Even though trans fats are now known to be much more harmful than saturated fats, a number of scientists, doctors and health authorities – including the Singapore Health Promotion Board and the Chairman of the Singapore Heart Foundation – still hold the view that margarine is healthier than butter.



To read the whole article go to http://www.stop-trans-fat.com/butter-v-margarine.html

To your health

Outrageous Chocolate Chip Cookies

A newly discovered favorite
Outrageous Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes Ready In: 25 Minutes
Yields: 18 servings

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup quick rolled oats
1 cup semisweet or milk chocolate
chips

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter, vanilla and egg until well blended. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the batter just until moistened. Mix in the oats and chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Drop by tablespoonfuls on to lightly greased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges start to brown. Cool on cookie sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

"Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its trouble, it empties today of its strength." Thank you, Amber

Isaac came up to me today and whispered in my ear, "Mom, I'm going to do every thing you say today. Do you know why?" Why, "because I love you". Having just read The Five Love Languages I am guessing that he is a lot like me in having acts of service express our love. He is such a sweet boy. He has been shoveling the sidewalk all by himself and only charges me a quarter. He has gotten very good at feeding the chickens, helping with dinner, helping take care of Debbie, and always loves an excuse to play with friends. I love my Isaac.

Peter Wrestles

Peter did well with this match. He was actually sick. He left the match with a huge headache and threw up in the locker room, came home and rested. He did loose by points but he did a great job. Mom, don't worry he is quite flexible.

There was one more video but I think the post got full. It still gives you a good taste of my hard working son.