What a Day

Well, today was Sunday. It is usually my favorite day of the week. Today, however, was not so. I was very happy to make it on time to 9:00 church, especially with the time change. Well, by the opening song, Baylor and Aynslee were already fighting and Baylor screamed of loud I had to take him out. I had a shorter fuse than usual pretty much all day with the kids, which didn't help, and I had a really hard time fasting, and felt weak and almost delirious, which didn't help either. Anyways, Spencer was conducting, he gave a great testimony, but all the new callings and the rest of sacrament I couldn't even hear because by the 4th time I took Baylor out, I just stayed out. He cried and cried.....it was so frustrating!! I didn't get to take the bread, which made me madder. I gave a lesson in the atonement that I thought would be so good, but they didn't really listen or seem to take it that well. Then I ended up subbing in Nursery instead of going to Relief Society. I knew they needed my help, but I so look forward to Relief Society and the spiritual upliftment it gives me, so I was bummed about that too. I came home with a plan to do things to make the Sabbath a "delight" and it didn't work. Wylie wanted to do his own thing, wouldn't participate in any of it and went around teasing his siblings until they would scream, it drove me nuts! Then poor Spencer came home starving and I didn't get his text, so I didn't have the food ready on time. The roast I thought would be so great, turned out dry. The kids made big messes and now after prayers a d scriptures, I realize how impatient and not understanding Spencer and I are as parents. Kaylese went to bed upset because both Spencer and I had hurt her feelings. SIGH. I am still so grateful for my life. I know I am so blessed, it was just one of those days where we had the combination of my onery self and kids who didn't feel like listening. I just want a schedule, I want to be organized, planned out and have a plan for discipline. I am sick of over reacting and regretting it. I want to be a perfect, patient mother and I want Spencer and I to be on the same page all the time. It is so hard though. I need help. I can't do it alone. I feel tired and frustrated most of the time. I am sick of it. I guess I need to change things. I need to be better at exercising, praying, reading, and being calmer with my kids. Same stuff I have always struggled with. I am frustrated with myself. I hope with God's help and my determination, that I can be a do better. Until next time, Justine.

Ryland's Birthday & Stake Conference

Well, it's official- Ryland is 11, where has time gone? He is such a smart, tenderhearted, fun, and talented boy. I am grateful that he is in our family. He got to go play laser tag, have Pizza Pie Cafe, and watch a Star Wars movie on Saturday with Spencer, Wylie, Kaylese, Tyler Peckham, Braxton Allred, and Cayton Lund. He said they had a lot of fun. The next day we had a party for him at our house. Winston, Jamie and their kids, along with Preston and his kids and Marian and Tracy came. He got shoes, church clothes, a hat, and a Lego Star Wars guy. He got a few games for the xbox, but he didn't get the until Monday because they came late. Anyhow, overall, I think it was a good day or weekend for him. He just finished his bball season. He has improved so much. He has become a great player. It was fun to watch him. Wylies team took 2nd overall for Junior Jazz. He still has accelerated Basketball going though. His age is a lot more competitive, so he doesn't get played as much as we would like, but he still does well and has learned a lot. Kaylese had her first competition at Thanksgiving point a couple of weeks ago. They did great. So they scored them according to points they could get and they scored 1st place points, so that was a good start. It was really fun to watch her too.
At church on Ryland's birthday, they announced the changes in the ward boundaries. They created a 3rd ward for both Moroni and Fountain Green. We stayed in the 1st ward and didn't gain anyone. Our boundary is on 100 No, then over to the South end of the little subdivision out on the West road. Everyone North of us is now the 3rd ward, with Darren Owens as Bishop, Ron Oldroyd as 1st counselor and Clint Hansen as 2nd Counselor. That was a neat surprise. Everyone living past the subdivision on the West road, such as the Stallings, and Elaine Anderson, and Dixie Cook, all ended up in the new boundaries of the 2nd ward. They are still 200W and East of that in FG, but they lost everyone that lives 100 No and over, and gained everyone in Freedom, and all those living along the highway between here and Moroni and those living on this side of the T on the west road. So it will be interesting to see how it all works. We will have our first Sunday as a new 1st ward this Sunday. I am grateful we are still in 1st ward, but think it will be fun for those in the new formed wards as well. I am bummed Chavonne isn't in our ward, especially living that close, but it doesn't matter. It's not like we saw each other a lot at church anyway. So those were hard changes for some people, but I now they were inspired and that Pres. Peckham follows the Spirit, so it should be good. So I wanted to mention that we had Stake conference this last weekend. Spencer had to work late, but I was able to attend the temple session for stake conference on Thursday with Chavonne. It was a huge session and it was a good one. I have to say, I have now begun to recognize that every time I go to the temple with worries or a prayer in my heart about something, my prayers are answered. In the adult session on Saturday, the speakers talked about being better parents and they said things that were on my mind at the temple. I felt so grateful and blessed when I heard their messages. God really does answer prayers and He really does care about our worries. They also talked about making the Sabbath a delight. I feel grateful that we have a temple this close to us and hope I can continue attending it often. It makes life better. It truly blesses you and your family. So, I need to talk about a funeral we attended last week. So one of Spencers second cousins from Moroni, who married a Dyches from Moroni passed away the week before. Her name is Emily Dyches. She was married to Eric Dyches and they have five children ages 15, 12, 9, 6 & 11 months. She had been struggling really bad with post partum depression and anxiety. She had an anxiety attack while in the car with her Father and tried to get out while he was driving her home to Salem. He stopped on the side of the freeway to try and calm her down and she got out and ran in front of a semi. Saddest thing I have heard in a long time. My heart aches for her and her family. To have it that bad, I can't imagine. The poor lady. And now her poor husband. He is Bishop in their ward. He just had to hire a Nanny to keep things going. Both their parents are heart broken. The funeral was amazing. Her siblings told funny stories and sweet memories about her. Her Dad shared how strongly he felt about the importance of telling those you love that you do love them and why and to take time with each one of them. He said he felt the help of Angels form the other side helping him. Her daughter sang Families Can Be Together Forever, such a sweet and perfect song. Her three older children spoke. I was so impressed with the 12 & 15 year old son maturity. They both have strong testimonies and talked about how Christ like she was. Her husband gave the best talk I have heard at a funeral. He shared so many scriptures and talked about his impressions from her were about Faith conquers Fear, and Good conquers Evil, and how God's hand was in this. He told all of the husbands to please date their wives more often and love everything about them. He said how hard the past year had been but how grateful He was to go through it with her. He is starting a foundation to bring more awareness and resources to those with post partum depression. He even wants to help husbands know how to help. He said she was in the hospital for two weeks because it got so bad, but then she came home and he said they had the perfect two weeks before this happened. It was such a sweet tribute to her. I am grateful for her example in my life. It makes me want to be a more loving Christ like Mother. Also, to appreciate my time with my family more. She was only 39.
Marians brother Ralph passed away the other day. He has battled cancer for years, poor guy. I am so grateful for my knowledge of God's plan. I don't know what I would do without it. I hope I can bring others to this knowledge. I hope I can become the Mother my kids need before it's too late. I have so much of work on and I struggle with so much. I love them with all my heart though and am so grateful that Spencer makes it possible for me to stay home. I wouldn't miss it for the world. We were able to go through the Provo Center Temple Open House Friday, well, some of us. Baylor was being so naughty that Spencer ended up staying out with him and Wylie was with Grandpa Tracy. It was so beautiful! Aynslee kept saying " Mom, it's so bootiful! I love the sparklies! " I feel so blessed to have more than one temple so close to us. I love my family so much and my Heavenly Father.  Until Next time. Justine Cook

Great Week!

So last Sunday was Valentines Day. Spencer spoiled me and the girls with flowers and getting our nails done. Yes, they were very excited! The boys have been busy with basketball and doing well. Kaylese busy performing her trio with Rianna and Ashley, which turned out cute. This last Wednesday, Spencer & I went to Nevada and took the three youngest to my parents in Logandale. We stayed that night and then left early to Vegas because he had a conference for work there. The three oldest stayed here and Emily Peckham (Revoir) helped watch them because they had school and activities they needed to stay for. The younger three really enjoyed staying at Gr & Gr Masters house. Tyrik ended up getting stitches in his forehead while down there. He tripped and hit his head on their rocking chair and split it open. She took him to the ER for me and handled it so I didn't have to leave Vegas. I felt so bad, but because of the drive, I couldn't make it in time to take him anyway. Thank goodness for her. I was also to shop, relax, watch TV, spend time with Spencer and get some much needed sunshine!!! We went to see Cirque De Sol Liel which was awesome! We went to the Vegas Temple which is my favorite!! We had good food and got to visit, which is a rarity at home. We were there Thursday to Saturday afternoon, then we went back to my parents house and had dinner with Colby & Erica and their kids, which was really nice. My parents are buying a house in Logandale, or we went to see it. I am happy for them. Then this morning. we went to church with them because my Dad was speaking. He did a great job. He is on their High Council. We spent a little more time visiting with them at their house and then drove home. Spencer went to get the other kids at Marian and Tracys because they spent the day there. It was a much needed break from reality, but it is nice to be home and back together as a family. I am grateful for my blessings and hope I can be a better Mother. Until next time.

Sometimes

Well, it was a pretty good Sunday. I am just feeling a little frustrated. I want so badly to be a fun, happy, kind, patient mother, but I feel like so many things get in the way of that. I am actually sick of chores, busyness of life, and my moods affecting how I parent. I need something to change....now to figure how to balance it and still be a good Mom. We learned in sacrament that we need to be facing our tents or our lives toward the temple and not facing the things of the world. Also that all God expects of us is to keep his commandments and He will bless us. We talked about Mothers in Relief Society and it really made me ponder about what my children are learning from me. I don't want them to remember that I taught them to clean a house. I want them to remember that I taught them to love others, to serve others, to read scriptures, that.prayer really does change things, that going to the temple is important and will bless your life. I want them to remember that I loved them more than anything in this world. Oh, if I could just convey that more everyday. I need to do better and be kinder. I just wish I could be a perfect Mom. My kids are the best thing in the world.
Last weekend Mom & Dad Masters came for a visit. It was so great to have them. We really enjoyed it. My Grandma Slades sister Sigrid died, so a few of my kids & I went to the funeral and lunch. It was so great to see her family. What some neat ladies they are. Some great examples to me. History Fair is this week. I hope Ryland does well, we shall see. I was able to go to the temple Thursday for a session. What a great way it was to start the morning. I loved it! I am so grateful to have one close.

Funny things

Aynslee just told me "you're hairyarious Mom" :) She also was singing Let It Go, so I started to video her and she ended up falling right on her face. Thankfully she was ok. It is such a funny video though!

Baylor has started saying many words. For example: Why? Candy, puppy & thank you. He is getting to be so funny. He has grown taller lately, which makes me sad.

Tyrik is reading pretty good since the break. We started practicing everyday and it has helped a lot.

Wylie, Ryland & Kaylese all did really well on their grades for 2nd quarter. Ryland & I are starting to work on History Fair. The boys started Jr. Jazz Basketball and both did well at their first games. Ryland's Game was tied and he made the winning points for his team  (4). He was so happy! :) Kaylese is getting faster everyday with her times tables.

Always wait too long

Well, Thanksgiving was delicious and great with The Cook family this year. Wylie and Ryland had quite a few accelerated games in December. They played well. The kids had their annual school Christmas performance. This was Tyriks first year. He was singing SO LOUD that everyone was cracking up! Love that wild boy! He did know the words really well though ;). Wylie had his first band concert, he did well. It was fun to watch what he has learned. He is doing well in school still and made quite a few friends now. We enjoyed seeing my Slade family a couple of times at Christmas parties. We love our little family party now. It's a lot of fun! We had the Cook party last weekend which was fun. We went to the live Nativity here that night and it was so great! Spencer has been working a lot, so he can pay for Christmas. The kids got spoiled this year. Not necessarily a ton of gifts, just things that cost more than usual. So for Christmas we headed up to the cabin at Miller's Flat this year. It was Spencers idea. I was very nervous, but it turned out to be the best Christmas we have had. Christmas eve we snowmobiled in and it was perfect and beautiful. I was organized with packing so that helped it go well. Matthew, and Winston helped Spencer take everything up to the cabin the day before we went which made it so much easier. Christmas day the kids were so happy Santa found us. :) It was snowing and blowing most of that day, but they did get to play outside in the snow that morning. Wylie got a 270 gun, Ryland and Tyrik an x-box 1 with games, Kaylese got a doll and a big horse for her doll that she really wanted, Aynslee got Anna and Elsa dolls, and Baylor got a bball hoop, with a small set of balls to go with it. They were all very happy. The next morning it was clear and sunny again so we could snowmobile out. The kids slept pretty good, the fire kept us nice and toasty. I even planned some pretty good food for only having a stove to cook on. All in all I don't think we will ever forget it.
The day before our suburban had to be fixed for the 2nd time within a month. We have had to put quite a bit of $$ into it which has been hard. I am grateful though. I feel like Heavenly Father has really helped things to work out for us lately. He has really blessed us in many ways.
So I found out that my Grandma Larson(Donette's Mom) passed away while we were at the cabin on Christmas day. She was 81. I feel sad, but happy for her because she had many health problems for many years. What a relief that must be to not feel pain anymore. We will be going to her funeral Wednesday.
We actually left the gifts for the kids from us wrapped under the tree for when we came home. The kids were surprised. They were mainly underwear, socks, and exciting things like that. But Ryland did get a Bionicle guy to build and Tyrik a lego set. Kaylese and plastic girly looking Bow, with some arrows, and Aynslee got a bike we found for cheap. She was very excited!
Anyhow, I am sad because I am done teaching Wylie's Sunday school class. I have only taught for two months, but because they will move onto the next teacher next week, I feel really bummed. I have already learned to love each kid and have high hopes for all of them. We will see what this new class brings. Also I am sad that Aynslee moves onto sunbeams. It's just sad and amazing at the same time how slow time seems to go when you have your first child, then when it's your 4th on, it just speeds by. I can't believe I only have 1 babe left in nursery. Speaking of that babe. He is starting to talk a lot. He now says, "hot toto", "I love you", "I see you", and other cute things. He is quite a funny little boy. So here are a couple of good Tyrik quotes. His teacher in Primary asked him how old he was " I'm five, how old are you?" The teacher told him 66. Tyrik asked " And you're still alive?" Ya, that made them laugh quite a bit. The other was when a guy in our ward who was walking out of church was teasing Tyrik about having to sit on him in Primary because he will be his new teacher, Tyrik gets mad and yells "My Dad is fatter than you!" The guy laughs and says no I think I am bigger than him. Tyrik again yells " No, he's way fatter than you!" The guy was laughing, I was laughing and so was his wife. Spencer got a kick out of that story too. Aynslee has quite the personality coming out. She is starting to be so funny. Today when she saw an ambulance she said "the aliens are coming!" Her teacher said she was the Mother hen of the nursery, she would keep them all in line, and yesterday during her visit to primary, she saw Tyrik being irreverent and stomped over there and said, "Tyrik knock it off!" Tyriks teacher said he couldn't believe someone so little and quiet would do that. Ya, she's got most people fooled. :)
Today was an exciting day, Chavonne had her baby!! A boy!! I guessed it :) I am so happy for her! #6, now she is caught up to me. Well, I can't believe another year has passed. It's been full of change, full of blessings, full of fun. I am so grateful for my family. I couldn't ask for better parents, husband and kids. I love them all so much. My siblings too. I wish my kids knew just how much I care and love them, even though I nag them to do so much. I feel so blessed and know that God knows me and helps me. Until next time.

A great Sunday

Wow, it's almost the end of November. I can't believe it!
Halloween was good this year. The kids had a lot of fun. We took them to some houses around here and then to Moroni to see cousins and Marian & Tracy. Wylie just went as a cowboy, Ryland was Wolverine, Kaylese was a pirate, Tyrik was very excited to be Captain America, Aynslee was Rapunzel or Tangled, and Baylor was a minion.
With Ryland playing football this year and then starting accelerated bball before it ended, it about did me in. He played every night one week and then Wylie played Saturday that week. It was too much!  I survived though. Wylie & Ryland's coaches on accelerated Basketball have not played them that much until this Saturday. Spencer talked to Wylie's coach & I talked to Ryland's. Thankfully they listened. Ryland played some and for the first time, Wylie got to play most of the game. He played very well. I was happy for him and proud of him. I have been very proud of Ryland's attitude since basketball started. He cheers his teammates on, is happy and positive even though he doesn't get played as much as others. That makes me happy and proud of him. I really enjoy watching both of them play.
So last Sunday was Wylie's birthday. Yes, I am sad to say I have a teenager :( I can't belive he has grown up so fast. He really is such a great kid. He has been more forgiving and patient with me than I could ask for. I have to say I have already started to see some changes in him. I wish he would just stay little. SIGH... He got to go ride motorbikes with his cousins for two days in a row, then we had a party for him Sunday. Then he went to Mom & Dad Slades for the night lastnight. He got two pair of boots (one for farm & one for riding) Then he got a hoodie and $$ and goggles and even a chest plate for riding his motorbike. He is very happy and grateful. The kids had their primary program on that day too. It was such a great program.
Today was probably the most I have felt the Spirit in one day for a long time. It was so great. The talks were on the atonement and on marriage. I felt like I gave a descent lesson, and then in Relief Society we talked about why we have a church and different women talked about why they come. It was great. I am so grateful for the Spirit.
I am very grateful for my sweet family. I love my Heavenly Father so much. Until next time. :)