Pure Intent {Giving}

Random Act of Kindness: A friend giving Sophia enough clothes to last the next two years!!

Recently in our scripture study, we came across Luke 6:32-36. I got thinking of the times I've given to others. Times I've given to someone with a pure heart, expecting nothing in return whatsoever, and times I gave hoping there would be some sort of payoff, whether it be a public "thank you", a favor in return, or even a closer friendship. Maybe I had a small hope in the back of my mind that this person would think I'm generous or Christ like.

Anyone can give if you expect to get back, even wicked people. Real giving comes when you see a need and you meet that need.

Luke 6:32-36
32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive , what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again . 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good , and lend , hoping for nothing again ; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Sometimes we give only to those in our small circles...our friends and family, but it's so important we also climb out of our comfort zone and seek out those in need whether we know them or not,  and even if we like them or not! It's easy to give to the beautiful, fun, and pleasant person, it's much harder to extent a hand to the grumpy and prickly neighbor, but you never know when your kind act might fill a tiny hole in someone's wounded heart.

    A while back, I reached out to help a sick neighbor who at the time didn't like me. Her kids didn't either, and at first I was met with strange looks and less than friendly receptions however, through that experience I learned to truly love her, and we became great friends. I learned the importance of serving not just those that think fondly of us but anyone who has a need. As promised in the scriptures, the reward for my pure intentions was great!

Fast forward several years and now as a mom of three little ones, stepping out of my circle isn't so easy, but service isn't supposed to be convenient, and acts of kindness take effort; I know I can do better.

From what I hear it's 'Random Acts of Kindness Week' so, I'm putting my words into actions and finding ways to give because, isn't that what we should be doing every day?

Unintentional RAOK: Today I woke up to 13 Sunday papers...clearly the paper guy is spreading the love too. :)

xoxo,

Blissdom Remembered {Wrap-Up}

{The Hotel}

The Opryland Hotel was enormous and so beautiful!!

{My Roommate}

I couldn't have hand picked a better roommate. Patty from Finding Serendipty is not only beautiful, she's  "hate me" in shape, warm, so kind hearted, patient, friendly, fun, smart, humble, makes you feel at ease and has more talent than she realizes. She's a licensed physical therapist turned stay at home mom/fitness instructor/photographer & writer...in other words, she's not an axe-murderer. :) We had so many great tickle fights ha! I mean talks...I'm going through withdrawls!!

{Our Room}

The rooms were nice, and the view from our balcony was serene.

{The Perks}

To my surprise, at every turn there was some sort of fabulous giveaway. The lovelies on the right are adorable handouts from other bloggers such as necklaces, flower pins, book thongs, handmade rose earrings and homemade fudge. 

Fabulous keynote speakers: Scott Stratten and Brene Brown

Authors of: Unmarketing & The Gifts of Imperfection

{Long Time Favorites Bloggers}

Center : Edie from Life In Grace

I've been following the blogs of these talented ladies since 2008. You all know how much I love Edie, so I'll start with her...thank you so much for your friendship! Surprising me at the airport because you knew how nervous I was (in true Edie fashion). You are smart, gracious, classy, selfless, unique, brave, gifted with words and so beautiful inside and out. Thanks for incouraging me to stretch myself and step out
of my comfort zone.

 The Nester and Emily (if you don't already know), are sisters. The Nester inspires me to make my home beautiful and cozy by 'shopping the house' first as to not break the family budget.

 I relate with Emily in that she's an introvert but has her extrovert moments. She writes beautifully and incourages women to find their inner beauty and God given talents. Thank you both for being so sweet and friendly!!

{Forever Friends}

Ruthanne, Ruth, Brooke, Melissa S., Patty, Polly, Melissa M , Deanna, Shannan and Edie.



If I haven't convinced you to go to Blissdom 2012...

that's because I saved the best for last.

I had such anxiety about going, "What the heck were you thinking!?!?" went through my head more times than I can tell you. Having never met any of these bloggers in real life, I had all sorts of worries and insecurities. Besides that, I prefer to be in small groups not rooms full of five hundred plus women.

The night before I even cried out to my mommy on facebook, (which did me no good)

...she was half-way around the world!

When I got to the airport, rather than going through security, I found myself eating, shopping & wandering, 

in other words...

stalling!!

 My heart was beating out of my chest, my nose was sweating (as it does when I'm nervous), but I soon  realized, the stress eating, sleepless nights and self doubt were all for nothing!!

Most of the women there felt the exact same way,
and if they didn't,

they remembered those feelings and reached out with their motherly souls;

 calming my fears, boosting my confidence and making my
Blissdom experience unforgettable!

What I learned from Blissdom?

• Vulnerability is the key to loving with your whole heart
• When we exercise vulnerability we are courageous and brave
• Never let anybody steal your voice
• I am enough
• I can do hard things

Thank you friends for a fabulous weekend.

xoxo,

Fly Like an Eagle {Edie}

A few words to my dear friend Edie who just before Christmas had a tragic house fire in the middle of the night and lost her beautiful home and all her possessions. Thankfully, Edie, Steve, and the girls escaped without harm.

I met Edie in 2008 through blogging. We quickly realized we shared a lot in common namely, our love of the Vikings (more specifically all things Favre), good books, home schooling, song lyrics and now C.S. Lewis. I love her like a sister and have benefited greatly from our friendship. We've often referred to ourselves as 'twins' in many things only she got the looks and the brains!

Edie is an amazing woman of strong faith, deep love and great compassion for others. Please keep her sweet family in your prayers as they trudge through the difficult days ahead.

I came across a scripture and a quote that instantly made me think of her. I know as always she will 'soar like an eagle' and make it through this 'without stain'.

Isaiah 40:31

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

"God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain."

-C.S. Lewis

On Faith {or lack thereof}

My week has been filled with many 'life lessons' that I know were put in my path for a reason.

It started out on Sunday with a great lesson in Relief Society. I was reminded that we all have insecurities at times but by caving into these doubts, we only digress. We need to stretch ourselves and practice faith in all things...even the little things like knowing Jaxon will be OK as he enters junior high next year or when he leaves on scout campouts.

As my week progressed, I came in contact with three different people who happened to confide in me some of their trials and insecurities. It was a real eye opener to me, I learned I need to seek out those who I can help in any small way, to be compassionate; you never know what someone's circumstances are or when you'll be in their shoes, and then there was that same old reminder of how important it is to be frugal...times are so uncertain!!

I don't know why it is we need to be reminded of these same lessons, but we do. I guess as humans we constantly have to check ourselves to keep us from veering off the beaten path.

Then I read a tragic story about a woman named Immaculee Ilibagiza. The book is called Left To Tell, in it she speaks of her horrific experience in 1994 during the Rwanda genocide. I am in awe of her strength, her courage, her ability to forgive, and most of all her faith in God. Her parents were also amazing examples of charity and how we should give until it hurts.

”I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare…If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us,… they are too small.  There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditures excludes them.” -C.S. Lewis in  Mere Christianity

This always reminds me of my parents, who are so generous that they've always  lived a lot more frugally than they needed to because they're always helping family, friends and even strangers who are hurting financially. I love this about them, they don't even think twice, they just do it; it's what makes them happy.

Since I was a kid I've been the type who worries a lot, I still am. As an adult my anxiety has gotten even worse. Earlier this year I decided rather than getting on some 'I don't give a crap pills', or paying $85 out of pocket to sit on some guy's couch every week, I'd use natural ways to control my anxiety like deep breathing, daily exercise, meditation, healthy eating, turning off the news or violent shows, read books before bed etc.  It's all been very helpful, but even more than that, I've come to realize something...worrying is just a lack of faith. If we let fear and self-doubt rent space in our head  satan wins. Yes, we do need to be concerned about certain things however, if we prepare, pray, and then leave it in God's hands He will carry us.

St. Matthew 21:21
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have ^afaith, and ^bdoubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this ^cmountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done."

Joining up with Tuesday's Unwrapped

In Our Darkest Hour...

Who knew I'd love reading Robinson Crusoe so much!?! Kade and I have been reading this fabulous classic by Daniel Defoe. Most of you probably read it in high school or college, but I didn't. I had a one track mind back then and it wasn't studying. I'm so grateful as an adult I learned the joy and satisfaction that comes by reading good books.

Robinson Crusoe has such rich language and  invaluable lessons on faith, our relationship with God, our desperate need for Him, gratitude, and making the best of whatever our circumstance. Its caused me to reflect back on the trials I've had in my life, and how I reacted to them; what struggles may lie ahead; and do I have the faith to endure all things in my darkest hour? 

As humans we become so busy and independent, wrapped up in our lives that we become slow to ask for God's help, waiting until our situation is dire, only to then plead and bargain if only He will deliver us from this trial. The storm clears, our 'resolutions' slowly fade away...a distant memory; we return to our old ways. 

Hopefully it doesn't take being stranded on an island all alone before we find ourselves on our knees, however for Robinson Crusoe, it did but once he let God in, great things happened and he was transformed.
I loved that the more he read his Bible and prayed, the more he realized the need for gratitude in all things, including the very lonely place that became his home for twenty-four years.

We so often think of the things we don't have, rather than basking in the blessings that surround us. Here is a passage that struck me:

      "I learned to look more upon the bright side of my condition and less upon the dark side; and to

       consider what I enjoyed rather than what I wanted; and this gave me sometimes such secret

       comforts that I cannot express them; and which I take notice of here, to put those discontented

       people in my mind of it who cannot enjoy comfortably what God has given them because they

       see and covet something that He has not given them. All our discontents about what we want

       appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have."

We're not finished with the book yet, but obviously I'm a big fan.

Through our history studies the past three years, I'm so fascinated and humbled as I learn about the struggles of those who have come before us and I'm grateful for the many blessings, luxuries and conveniences we have in this modern day beause of them. The courageous people who lost their lives exploring, fighting, inventing and risking all they had to make this land what it is today. One can't help but see God's hand in all things.


Visit Tuesday's Unwrapped for more posts on gratitude.

Sometimes the hardest things and the right things are the same...

Have you ever known a person who has a wild imagination,
 a PhD in meddling, and can't be trusted?

The type that just when you think you've distanced yourself enough, you realize
 you haven't.

One word...MERCY!

Obviously I'm venting and seriously need to pray for mercy.

Pray that somehow, someday I will have genuine, kind and caring, feelings for this person, (that last for more than just a week or a month.)

Pray they'll practice some mercy toward me, stop interjecting false and misconstrued ideas and take up Solitaire or something.

We all know this type of person is toxic to our lives and relationships, and we don't have to just sit there and take it, but we must remember our own need for mercy, and therefore must pray for merciful feelings toward those who dislike us, even in our hurt and anger.

How do we start?

By acknowledging our own imperfections, false judgments, and hurtful words.

By asking God to forgive us of our ill feelings and short fuses.

By praying for more compassion,

thicker skin and,

more mercy-giving people in our life.

We all need a support team, people who are there for us no matter what. I had decided that I'd pray this week for more mercy-giving people in my life, and just a few hours later, I received several kind emails, texts and phone calls...totally out of the blue.

{I know that it wasn't just a coincidence.}

I've accepted that I can't please everyone, and not everyone is going to like me, but that's OK, I only have control over my words and actions.

When typing this post a few scriptures came to mind...

Lamentations 3:23-33 

23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

24The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

God's love and mercy for us is new every morning.

Matthew 5:43-48

43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Forgiveness isn't an option...it's a necessity.

Lastly, I'm praying for self control with these Thin Mints...darn Girl Scouts!


For Tuesday's Truce click here

UN{CONDITIONAL} LOVE

Unconditional love: To love someone regardless of one's actions or beliefs.

Unconditional love is something we all want desperately, yet how freely do we grant it?

In Marriage: I have thought a lot about this expression over the past year. Many people don't know this but Kimball and I were both married before...to each other! That's right; we were married for about a year and a half then divorced, and remarried nine months later. We were young, selfish and immature. Unconditional love isn't something that comes natural to me, though I have come a LONG way. I've learned that marriage is sacred and should be treated with the utmost care. We shouldn't consider divorce as 'Plan B' when we come to realize that marriage takes endless effort, patience, sacrifice, forgiveness and above all undonditional love. When you find someone who's willing to look past your weaknesses, shortcomings and baggage and still loves you fiercley...hang onto him!

In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis compares divorce to surgery. Like cutting off both legs, something that should only be done "as a desperate remedy in extreme cases." Having experienced that kind of agaony firsthand, I fully agree. When I read this my heart ached all over again. I wouldn't wish divorce on my worst enemy; it should be avoided at all costs.

In Parenting: Marriage isn't the only area we need to exercise unconditional love. How many times do we show {conditional} love by the way we sigh, yell, spank and give disapproving looks to our kids? We constantly show that our love is conditional by the way we react to their mistakes, misjudgments and choices we don't necessarily agree with. Again, this is a hard one for me. I'm often quick to react (or overreact) and am constantly praying for more patience and a softer tone.

Love Thy Neighbor: "Do not waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him." We literally have to ask ourselves, "If I loved this person, what would I do? How would I act toward them?" I have found this to be true on many occasions. I can't say I'm great at retaining that affection the next time they offend or hurt me, but I'm working on it. My stubborn, prideful self gets in my way all too often!

The Ultimate Love: Christ's ability to love unconditionally is much safer. "Though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not. It is not wearied by our sins, or our indifference; and, therefore, it is quite relentless in its determination that we shall be cured of those sins, at whatever cost to us, at whatever cost to Him."

Christ grants us his unconditional love...freely. 

All quotes taken from Mere Christianity

Putting On My Big Girl Pants

Do you ever wish you could escape to a remote island

and rest for days on a hammock,

without a care in the world?

The houses in our neighborhood are about 10 feet apart...

{I kid you not}.

Lately it feels like 10 inches.

For a girl with personal space issues,

this is no bueno.

People pry, push, insist and judge

 it's human nature...

but this makes becoming a 'shut in' so very tempting. 

However,
with each passing year
 I feel the need to stretch, to grow,

and 'put on my big girl pants'.

It's much easier to just follow along quietly,

questioning nothing, avoiding conflict.

No one wants to disappoint and

we all crave approval.

To me,

faith is such a personal thing.

It's something between us and God.

Only He truely knows our hearts desire.

I'm so grateful for the atonement.

I find comfort in knowing

there's only one critic

that matters.

So even though I'm pasty white feeling claustrophobic

and would prefer to just relax in the sun

on a far away island...

I will remain faithful,

exert myself,

 and reach out for His arms.

Here's my new favorite song,

(To hear audio, scroll down to my music and hit play.)

How He Loves

Lyrics by John Mark McMillan

He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,

Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.

When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,

And I realize just how beautiful You are,

And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us oh

Oh how He loves us,

How He loves us all

He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,

Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.

When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,

And I realize just how beautiful You are,

And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us oh,

Oh how He loves us,

How He loves us all

He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

And we are His portion and He is our prize,

Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,

If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.

And heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,

And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,

I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,

When I think about, the way…

That He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

Yeah, He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

Yeah, He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

P.S. I'm linking to Emily's Tuesday's Unwrapped, check it out.

Two Words

Discipline and Purpose.
are the two words
I've come up with
to describe my
2010
resolutions.

I'm striving for more discipline in my
homemaking tasks,
time management,
health & fitness
scripture study,
and my
thoughts & words.

This may sound like a lot but the key here is
purpose.

With a desired outcome in mind,
 it's much easier to choose action vs. idleness.
I'm by no means a lazy person,
but with no 'boss' to answer to all day,
it can be tempting to start slackin'.

When my day starts feeling
'hum drum' or my job seems unglamorous,
I'll read this quote and remember I landed the best job ever!

"The homemaker has the ultimate career.
All other careers exist for one purpose only -
and that is to support the ultimate career. "
- C.S. Lewis

Let's make one thing clear though...
Pony tails and flip flops are still my friends.
I'll still be rockin' lounge pants
and jumping on facebook now and then but
all things in moderation right?

I'm currently reading
Me and My Big Mouth
and finding it to be very helpful.
Our thoughts and words are so powerful,
Obviously if we want to change our words
we need to first change our thoughts.

Change is never easy,
I am sure to fall short but
I take comfort in knowing that He will make up the difference.

Ephesians 3:20
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

Merry Christmas 2009

We have been blessed beyond measure.

 I am truly grateful for

Him.

I am also grateful to Joseph and Mary...for their courage and faith.
Here is one of my favorite Christmas songs.

Merry Christmas!!
Love, Kimball, Jessica,
 Jaxon, Kade and Sophia Washburn

Survivor

We did it...we survived our first year of homeschool! I'm no longer the "Newbie". I can't believe how fast it went and how much I enjoyed it. Sure there were days (though not too many) when I thought "Gee, it would be nice to have the day to myself." But those thoughts were always replaced with warm hugs, new discoveries, and awesome memories. I am so grateful for this last year, it was a lot of work but so rewarding! The kids aren't the only ones being educated, I've learned so much this year, it's been an incredible journey.

Our favorite subject by far was history. The boys really loved learning about Egypt and Ancient Rome. I cannot wait to travel there someday. Our next favorite was read aloud time each morning. Reading great classics, all snuggled up on the couch...my heart melts just thinking about it. We mastered many poems by Robert Luis Stevenson and some scripture verses. It's amazing how easy memorization is for kids. They improved their reading and writing skills by leaps and bounds and both have a true love for writing stories and poems. We did some fun art projects and science experiments, and went on some great field trips. With math being our least favorite subject, we still have a few weeks before we finish up. I am determined to make math more fun next year, and focus more on service.

Jaxon and Kade have always been close, but this year they bonded even more. It's nice that Kade no longer has to say his favorite part of the school day is the 5 minutes when he sees Jaxon at lunch recess. The boys also had a lot more time to play with friends, and enjoy being kids.

I've heard the first year is always the hardest, so I'm glad to have it under my belt. With Sophia becoming more independent, it's sure to get easier. I'm very anxious to plan for next year, but for a few weeks I'm enjoying the down time, and the kids are having a blast doing canon balls in the pool.

Here are a few pictures from Havasupai Falls. Thankfully Kimball survived the 10 mile hike out of there and had a great time with the young men. We were very glad to have him home.

A flash flood came through not too long ago and wiped out part of the rock, make the waterfall shorter, but also creating a few new ones.

Spring Has Sprung

Weekly Update: This has been the most enjoyable spring I ever remember here in Arizona. Why? Well it took me a while to realize it but I think I figured it out. With the kids at home, we are outside so much and are really taking advantage of the beautiful weather. When they were at school, I was busy carpooling, and sitting in the house, they were busy at school and then came home w/ loads of home work. By the time they were out of school it was smoldering hot. Just one more reason to love home school!

On a side note, Kade's ear is really bothering him, the one that has the tube in it still. I am so worried he will have to have it surgically removed! I am praying hard from now until the 20th (his Dr. apt.) that the Dr. can just pull it out in the office, but it's not likely. Anythings possible with God though, so I'm still praying.

We have a new mama bird living in the same spot on our front porch overhang. She built her nest about a month ago and has been sitting on her eggs the whole time. The eggs finally hatched so we now have baby birds too. Sophia was so excited about it. She LOVES babies! Seeing this cute mama bird loving on her babies, beautiful blossoms all around and countless family members coming to visit, is a sure sign that spring has sprung!

Improvements: We have been so busy just plugging away, and going to home school activities. It's been so fun! To think a month or so ago, I wanted to throw in the towel, everyone feels like that now and then. The improvements I've made that are making all the difference are, putting forth more effort and planning, using time more wisely, not taking phone calls during study hours, blogging for journal purposes only, only watching 1-2 t.v. shows per week, studying the scriptures and praying daily, and reading like a crazy woman each morning and night. I am learning so much and feel so much better. The boys absolutely love it, it's such a great fit for our family. If it weren't for my allergies, I'd most likely conquer the world!

A few of my home school friends and I are creating a co-op. We will get together bi-weekly for now then weekly next year for science, geography and history lessons. It should work out good and force us to be more 'on the ball' w/ science experiments (for me at least).

Kade is about to lose his first tooth...the cute little bottom front tooth. I can hardly bare it...tear!

I'm finally on a food storage kick, stocking up and preparing so we'll be better equipped in an emergency. I'm trying to knock it out quickly rather than a little at a time (in true Jessica fashion I guess).

Reading: Jaxon's assigned book now is Jungle Book among many other 'free reads' he's working on. He has finally started his long anticipated book club. He's invited several of his friend both kids and adults. They are all so supportive of him and are planning on coming, I hope it works out. I know people are busy but I think it would be so great for these kids to have these young dads for mentors. It will really foster their love of learning. We are currently reading Little House in the Big Woods together, the boys love it and it gives them such a detailed account of what pioneer life was like. We will finish it today. Now the boys want to read the entire series, which I luckily bought last fall for $20 total at the used book store. I love that place, I just wish it was closer.

Good News: Kade exclaimed to us that he LOVES READING!! I have been waiting to hear those words for a long time and was beginning to wonder if that day would ever come. He's always loved having Jaxon read to him each night but he actually said HE loved reading. Since Jaxon just recently finished reading the entire Harry Potter series to him, I decided to make Kade do his own free reading each night. They still lay in their beds next to each other but read separate books. Now that Kade can read faster, he is doing great. I guess me being 'worried' if my 6 year old would ever LOVE reading was a little silly.

I just finished reading Leadership Education by the DeMille's. It's a great book about the Thomas Jefferson Education method. I am now starting on The Chosen as well as studying the Bible. I am anxious to start a new TJEd book club in the fall. It's a group of home school moms who are working on their 5 Pillar certification. We will be reading classics and writing papers along with what I hope will be awesome discussions. I am really looking forward to it. Until then, I'm going to start on my own and also reread The Well Educated Mind, it will help me learn how to really read and study a classic. I also am going to read The Thomas Jefferson Education Companion, it should help me implement that method more clearly.


Faith: We always start our day with a devotional (prayer, scriptures, & discussion). Sophia is getting better at sitting quiet during that time or as quiet as she can.

I feel like I am growing so much spiritually, it's been awesome to see God working in my life. I am fully aware of his answers to my prayers, it amazes me how he can look out for each one of us and be so loving and merciful.

Kimball is taking a bigger role in seeing that our family is spiritually fed too and I am grateful for it. It's so important for kids to see their dad showing faith and expressing his testimony of Christ. Jaxon and Kade look up to him so much and I remember what it's like to savor every moment you can get with your dad.

History: This week in history, we are focusing on our Savior. It just so happens that we are on that very chapter in Story Of The World so it works out well. Kade drew a picture of Jesus on the cross. I love how excited he gets when he's heard or read a good story. He'll jump up and ask if he can go draw a picture about it right away. Of course I say "yes" and he goes running off, then several minutes later brings me an adorable drawing that he is so proud of. Jaxon also likes to draw, usually Star Wars stuff or Harry Potter pictures. I am giving him more time at night just before bed to do some pencil drawings. He is loving it.

Free writing: Jaxon is writing a book called Kid Wars. He has also been needing more time for that, so I decided to let him use some of his quiet time to work on it. He is really excited about it and is always asking me "Do you really think this could possibly get published someday?" I tell him "Of course it could". He is really a talented writer for a ten year old, really for a 30 year old. I hope that he will always foster that gift whether it's as a hobby or a career. Today I'm going to suggest the boys write a poem of their own. All year they've been memorizing poems by Robert Louis Stevenson. They do an awesome job, it's amazing what young minds can remember. They are always making fun of me for forgetting things because I'm 'getting old'.

Fun: Kimball's taking the boys to the sand dunes this weekend with the Freeman's and probably Uncle Johnny. My sister in law Keri and my nieces Sam and Rachel are coming to visit me or I'd go too. Kade is going this time, I just hope they are safe! There was another death there a few weeks ago. I also knew a family who lost their 13 year old on mothers day due to a four wheel accident. It kind of scares me. Kade is beyond excited. He has never been on a guy's trip (other than the father's and sons).

Another fun thing, last weekend I bought a swing set for the kids. Kimball spent two days assembling it and the kids absolutely love it...especially Sophia. It was so cute there at the end, she went and sat next to Kimball under the hut area just helping him work and anxiously waiting for it to be finished. She was all smiles when she finally got to play on it. It was really made the weening of the t.v. easier. It's amazing how much more we all accomplish without the constant background noise of the t.v.

We had a fun BBQ last weekend w/ 3 other home school families here at our house. It was great for the kids to get together and play with their new friends and for all the dad's to get a chance to visit. We are SO lucky to have such a great group of home school families out here!

Funny Stuff: Kade said a funny thing in sacrament meeting last Sunday. We were taking the bread and water and Sophia was reaching to get a big hand full of bread. He said, "remember that time Sophia tried grabbing 4 pieces of bread? She REALLY must like the taste of Jesus' skin". We thought that was pretty funny. I just love how funny my kids are...they are definitely my favorite people in the whole world! I am so glad I get to spend all day with them. We were also watching a history movie and there was painting of a topless woman showed, I quickly told them to close their eyes. Jaxon asked why and Kade said in a really funny accent..."It was a neeeeple". He is always making references to his nipples and pulling down the collar of his shirt to show us his nipple. Here's a picture of Kade doing some more dance moves (a daily occurrence). There's never a dull moment around here. The boys had a grand time pranking my on April Fool's Day. They schemed and plotted for several weeks in advance. They even checked out several books from the library on jokes and pranks to help them prepare. Here are the things they did...

1. Jaxon sent me an email that morning saying something like this..."this email contains a funny virus".
2. Lotion on the toilet seat.
3. Elastic on the handle of the kitchen sink sprayer.
4. Flour in my hair dryer.
5. Hid the t.v. remote the entire day (good thing we recently quit w/ the t.v. or we'd have gone CRAZY...we didn't notice until that night).

Sophia was recently stung by a bee, ever since, she is deathly afraid of flies. She cries and gets all crazy every time she sees one. It's pretty funny. She likes it when I grab the fly swatter and start killing them, pointing at them and saying "fy mama fy", or sometimes she'll call them bee's. She's so dang cute. It's kind of sad though, I hate for her to be scared of something like that, because they are unavoidable!

More news on the toddler front, Sophia has gotten into the nail polish 3 times now. Last Saturday, I was working on the budget, Kimball was putting together the swing set and the kids were playing in the toy room...or so we thought. Sophia was actually painting her finger nails and toe nails on my bedroom carpet. Someone had forgotten to lock my door and it ended up all over the floor. Just a small hiccup in my busy day! Would someone learn their lesson and just put it up already!?!

Spring Break...Sort Of

While most kids have been on spring break, we have not...at least not in the vacation, no school sense. As I've mentioned, Jaxon's had some school work to catch up on and we aren't exactly on schedule so I just couldn't feel good about taking a week off. We've still managed to pack a lot of fun in this week as Kade said, "How could it get any better"? St. Patrick's Day was fun, soccer day was a blast, our field trip to the dairy was a success and today we had a fabulous time at our new play date out in Queen Creek. It makes me so happy to see them enjoy these social functions. I feel like this week Heavenly Father has definitely been hearing my prayers. Things are going very well and I am happy to say I'm feeling a lot better about homeschooling or by ability to homeschool than I was last week. I feel a strong desire again to continue on with it and feel it's what I am supposed to be doing right now. It's amazing what recommitting myself to God can do. For the past 3 weeks or so, I've set aside my own quiet time to pray and read scripture. This is something I really need in my life and feel so much better in doing it. It's crazy when we start thinking we can go it alone, like we don't have time because we're busy cooking, cleaning, raising kids and blogging...I mean journaling *wink *wink that we forget to turn to the Lord for our daily strength.

Sophia is a little over 2 now so she's obviously a handful. It's been hard teaching the boys because of all the messes she creates and things she gets into. I've been praying for more patience with her and feel like it's working. Jaxon even told me today that since I've been reading my scriptures and praying each morning, he's noticed a big difference in my behavior. He thinks I'm showing more patience and getting upset less. I am so thankful for a Father in Heaven who knows each one of us and hears and answers our prayers. Sophia is such a blessing and joy in our home, I don't want to take one second for granted.

Kimball is on another scout camp out. He has really been doing great with the boys and enjoying his time with them. I am glad to see him take them under his wing and treat them as his own, he truly cares for each one of them. I'll admit, I get a little jealous and wish I could go on fun camp outs and activities. It's sometime hard to always be left at home but then I remember what a blessing it is to be a mother and how there's a time for everything. For now, I will be completely satisfied and grateful for the opportunity I have to be a mom to 3 wonderful kids. I am so lucky for the chance I have to stay home with them and the ability to homeschool is just icing on the cake. Since it's Friday night (movie night), the boys borrowed Harry Potter The Order of The Phoenix from our neighbor. Jaxon just finished it for the 2nd or 3rd time, only this time he read it aloud to Kade. They are ecstatic to watch the movie!

It's now a few hours later, I just returned from our homeschool planning meeting where we discussed a lot of stuff...it's late, I'm glad I went. There's so many great mom's who I can learn and grow from. We are definitely lucky to have so many great resources and an amazing support system. I don't know how I'd keep motivated otherwise.

In Good Company

I have always been shy, especially when in a big group or public speaking setting. It seems the older I've gotten the more fear stricken I've become. I am praying for help in this area, as I don't want to miss opportunities of growth and I realize the importance of sharing with others. Like it says in this scripture...
"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
-Matthew 5:15-16
I am fully aware of my weaknesses and my lack of sharing my light to it's brightest. We are all different and not everyone is on the same spiritual level, or has the same gifts. My brother Jeff hears the phone ring and actually hopes it's someone asking him to speak in church...that's not me nor will it ever be me. I'm no longer going to get down on myself for not being like my brother. Instead I'll keep trying my best to use the talents and attributes that I have been given, to serve my neighbors and share in ways that I can. It's not something others should judge, and yet that's exactly what I use to do. I would look at those who had this same struggle, and get so bothered with being told 'no they couldn't say the prayer', or 'no they didn't get their visiting teaching done' (or whatever) and judge it as laziness or an unwillingness to serve. I now realize just how wrong that was!
After having this 'epiphany' am I still judgemental of others? Um...YES! I wish I could say I wasn't but I have always liked having a good laugh and often times, it's at another persons expense. Far too often I find myself being quick to criticize or judge. I am going to try and be more aware of my tongue. This is something that has annoyed me about myself for a long time. It's been one of those repeated 'resolutions' every January, and yet I continue to fail. Last New Year's Eve, when I was telling my family of this resolution, I broke it with the very next sentence that came from my mouth. Sure we all had a big laugh, but I really do want to do better. After all, wouldn't we rather be in good company, surrounding ourselves with those who are positive and uplifting?

Here's another scripture I came across...

"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth...And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:"

- Colossians 3:8,10

In this scripture we are told to rid ourselves completely of ill speaking and negative feelings and behave more Christlike. I've decided with His help I know I can do better, maybe asking daily for strength will make the difference. Why didn't I think of that before? :)

The Good News

This morning Kimball's sweet Grandma Smith passed away. She has always lived far away so The boys and I have only met her once. When I told them the news they were sad. They remembered meeting her last year at our house when she came through town. You can read more about that HERE.

After I told them, Jaxon said "Well, the good news is now she can meet Grandpa James in heaven. Again and again and again." I assured him the good news is now she has a perfect memory and she is free from any pain. They were very glad to know that, but being Washburn's they couldn't help but chuckle at his comment.

Kade had a great idea, "Maybe we should make cupcakes for our good news." So we made these sweet, little cupcakes and thought of our sweet, little Grandma Smith.

I'm Keeping It...

my joy that is! The other night I came upon a great message that really hit home with me. It was about keeping your joy and not giving it away to others who offend or hurt you. This isn't a new concept but something we all need to be reminded of.

It is one of the most destructive and dangerous of all human emotions and if not dealt with, will spiritually destroy the person who has it.
* It can rob you of your peace and joy.
* It is an open door for Satan to control you life.
* It can lead to the lost of good friends.
* It can hurt or destroy you relationship with your family, your wife and can even lead to the breakup of your home.
* It make peace and harmony impossible.
* There can be no true biblical love where it exists.
* It destroys any true relationship with the Lord and will keep you from growing in the Lord.
* It will defeat you and ruin your life and the lives of those around you.
What is it? It is the sin of bitterness.
Definition: "adjective" 1 having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet. 2 causing pain or unhappiness. 3 feeling anger, hurt, and resentment. 4 (of a conflict) harsh and acrimonious - which means having ill feelings. 5 (of wind or weather) intensely cold.

I have had a rough couple of weeks, letting unkind acts toward me get me down. I've been annoyed, angered and offended too often lately and whether it was justified or not, bitterness is an ugly beast.

So from now on I'm keeping it! Hurt feelings aren't worth holding onto and it's definitely not worth giving away my joy, it only ends up causing more pain. After all, I can't control what everyone else thinks of me. If I reach out to someone only to keep getting a stink eye and cold shoulder, there's nothing I can do about it. If someone's speaking unkindly about me, oh well! I only have control over one person and that's me. I have a long way to go, I'm far from perfect but I'm trying my best so I can return to live with Him someday.

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.