healing and wheeling

Preslie did amazing at girls camp. We sent her one week from her tonsil/adenoid surgery and she was able to fully enjoy camp, staying up late gabbing with the girls and all. She was blessed to go and have the experience. When I picked her up after she got back, the first thing she said was, "Mom, I have a testimony now. I didn't know I had one!" Preslie told me about testimony meeting and how the spirit was really strong and she hadn't really felt the spirit like that before. She didn't even get death breath!

bus ride to camp

lake at Heber Valley Girls Camp

I had a glorious experience, while Preslie was at camp. Thursday, I attended the temple for Relief Society and Dax took the 3 other kids camping. I drove the 30 minutes to the temple alone and the car ride was so quiet and wonderful. I had time to think and pray about all that has been on my mind..which was a lot. It's a rare thing to have 30 minutes of quiet where you can't do anything but think. The ladies and I did initiatory work and after we were done, I found a family name in my purse that I'd forgotten my mom had given me. I went back in and did the initiatory for her. She still needed the endowment done so I asked when the next session was and it was in 30 minutes... Although I had planned on hitting the town all by myself and do some unrestricted shopping, I knew that this lady had been waiting for her work to be done and that there was nothing better to do that evening. Frances Parsens's work is complete! I stopped at Cafe Rio on the way home for a tamale and felt so peaceful and comforted just knowing things are going to be ok. And that wasn't the sweet pork talking, either. I know God is mindful of our worries and sends the Holy Ghost to comfort us! Anyway, after a disappointing trip to Wal-Mart (the only thing open that late), I went home to a quiet, dark house and tucked myself into bed. First time in 15 years that I had the place to myself. I LOVED IT. I woke up to the sunshine and went about my day. Totally refreshing!

Everyone was in attendance at the Warner family reunion/grandkid birthday party. 32 people which was a huge feat and a lot of calling/organizing on my Mom's part. I got to hold my new niece and grandniece. My parents took all the littles to Toys 'R' Us to pick out a present for their "birthday". The older grandkids who have grown out of toys got cash. My mom got the family picture she wanted! Can't wait to see how it turned out. My sister-in-law Kenzi is the photographer and has all the pics.

We took 2 nieces home with us late Saturday night to spend the week with us. The kids had a blast. We swam, went to Vernal, played at the park, at Cafe Rio ($5 Tuesday of course), Wal-Mart, ortho, and on the way home, stopped at the lake for a dip.

 We played board games and video games (Matisse and Hunter are my gamers...two peas in a pod)

 Wednesday we chilled out at home and by afternoon, the girls were like, "We're bored, there's nothing to do!" I told them they could each paint a section of wall in my garage if they wanted and they were like, uh, ok! Saryn said, "My Mom wouldn't approve of this!" I told her her Mom isn't here and that I approve. They had a great time letting out their inner artist.

  While Preslie was at young womens, these guys rode bikes to the ice cream shop but got distracted by a darling black puppy on the way. By time they got there, it was closed. There was a bike mishap on the way home so Dax took the trailer and went to rescue them.

 We found our way to the ice cream shop before the week's end!

7 happy kids

The girls' paint jobs turned out super fun. Matisse painted the top (pony), Preslie painted the middle (triangles) and Saryn painted the bottom (splatters). I love them all. 

 I had my nephew Wyatt this week, too. It was my last week taking care of him full time since he and Matt moved to Salt Lake on Friday. BOO hoo! I will miss them!

Wyatt and Quinn have been the greatest playmates for the past 14 months. Of course it's been crazy adding another kid to our lives, but it's been a great blessing for all involved, too. 2014 was the year from hell for Matt and the ripple effect was felt by all. He and Wyatt have come a long way and healed tremendously from the heartbreak and devastation they've experienced. Matt has found a girlfriend and has moved to Salt Lake to be with her. I pray that they can find happiness and have the things they need, especially for Wyatt! 

pizza break before we say good bye

 Dax bought us all pizza after we got everything moved out and loaded! I'm going to miss my big brother, and I know he will miss me. Heavenly Father has put us in each other's lives for a reason and it's been wonderful to have him and Wyatt close this past year. Looking back, I can see how God stepped in when things were going to get super crappy for Matt and led him to live by me. God loves all His children, even those that don't live a super religious life. He cares about us individually! I trust Him and know things will work out. Even before Matt moved, he said, "Things always work out for me. They just do. Even when I don't know how, they just work out." That isn't to say things are easy. No way. Matt has a lot of work to do and challenges to face still. We all do. I wish him and Wyatt the very best!

 Mack took this hug-fest picture. I love my girls.

The beginning of the summer, I was all gung-ho on finishing our basement and backyard patio/shed so I re-fied my house to get some cash out to do the projects. I was going to hire my brother and his boss to do the work for us: I got the bids and the financing done. Then Matt moved. So Dax asked his Dad if he could help us on a couple things and my FIL's skin cancer decided to come back so he's getting surgery this week. And then he'll undergo radiation and chemo. Thumbs down! Way more serious problem then deciding on tile.

 Things aren't going as planned, and maybe that's good, because the plentiful choices have me befuddled. Also, we are keeping a good perspective on what's truly important. I want the basement finished. But I want my family to be healthy and happy even more!

 Spur of the moment camping trip to Co-op creek. Stopped for gas and Preslie said, "I've always wanted my picture on one of those dinosaurs." Well, 2015 is a summer for checking things off your list! We camped with my dad, sister Trina and her fam. All the summer rain has the mountains in tip-top shape. The wildflowers were huge, colorful and thick. We saw a porcupine waddling up the road, plus deer and moose. Enjoyed riding 4-wheelers and breathing cool air.

 Could not get enough of the thistles. I know they're knoxious weeds, but they were gorgeous and also like 6 feet tall!

Mack loves his new cotton candy maker my parents got him at the cousin party. Can't think of a better fit for this kid than something that he can operate to make sugar treats.

Our neighborhood held the annual "Kill it and Grill it" party in which everyone brings a game dish to share. Dax brought grilled turkey-kebobs and there were no leftovers. That same day, Preslie and I started a 28-day commitment to love our bodies by eating better and exercising regularly. I passed on the cookies at the BBQ and wasn't even sad about it. I want to be strong and give my body what it needs and less of what it doesn't. At the end of our 28 days, we will check our progress and see how we feel! I'm predicting we'll feel amazing! We are already 1 week in and we're doing great! Dax joined us by lifting weights one day and a hilly bike ride the next! Junk consumption is way down and activity is up! The kids all start swimming lessons tomorrow so Preslie will be getting her workout in there. She's an awesome swimmer!

NO! vember

Seriously NO. Why is it another month?! The time racing by makes my heart race with stress that I'm not getting my projects done fast enough. I DID make massive progress today, though. I got half my bedroom painted and it is so much brighter and fresher in there already.

 I had the cutest helpers! My room has a lot of angles and it is really tall at the highest point. Here is me sitting at the top of my closet. That dark wall to my left went bye bye.

 For the color I chose, I went 2 shades lighter on the paint strip. It is also the color of my ceiling, so that makes for some easy cut in (none). I am happy with the change already! More work to be done, though. So much more.

Moving backwards through the month of October... Halloween:

(the girl on the end on the right was Katniss..notice the bow. She looks like her! I love when people dress up as characters they look like. I always love a creative idea/ homemade/ made up costumes)

Totally thought of the boys' costumes day before...Mack was a zombie clown (did his own make-up) and Hunter was a greasy mechanic. The "greese" wore off. He unpicked the name tag from the coveralls. For some reason, he didn't want to be a mechanic named Elvis.

I got a new niece named Audrey! Can't wait to meet her! Dax got to already! Yay for babies.

 I made this roman shade for my friend's daugthers' room! It turned out way fun. I can't wait to go over and see it hung up in the window.

Hunter was awarded his Arrow of Light. Hard to believe that little Wolf in my scout den has graduated to boy scouts!

Hunter joined his school's Math Olympiad (which I think is a club for smart kids). I am way happy about it!

We really enjoyed Preslie's choir concert and her Halloween dance show. It is fun to see my kids develop talents.

We went deer hunting with my family. My Dad, brother, bro-in-law, husband, and I all had tags. We camped with my aunt, uncle and 2 of my cousins. A couple of my brothers came up to camp for fun. The kids liked the gophers that popped their heads out right in camp.

 It was Hunter's birthday while we were out camping. I surprised the pants off him and brought his long lost bud from Salt Lake out to spend a couple days with us. Hunter blew out his candles atop a dutch oven cobbler.

Opening morning I rode with Dax and we hiked around looking for deer. We saw a cow elk, a porcupine, and a blue jay. Also a doe or three. We didn't get a deer but had fun. I really don't enjoy shooting animals. I do love to camp, hike, and visit my family. Many of my extended family hunt and that is when I get to see them. I took a selfie of us out hunting. Later I saw how weird it turned out and noticed my camera was on fish eyeball setting. WHY is that a setting? Not useful.

My Dad brings pumpkins for the kids to carve every year at deer camp. They love it. My Dad is a great host and always shares his trailer, food, and supplies with us. He is the biggest kid of all and wants everyone to have as fun as he does.

I gave Hunter a chess set for his birthday and he is getting way into it. He played Dax and beat him. Dax got so frustrated. It was so funny/sad. Hunter felt all bad and guilty for winning his dad. Dax is really mellow and easy going but once in a while, his competitive streak shines through and he looses that warm fuzzy vibe that we all love about him. Playing games with my in-laws makes me think competitive-ness may run in the family! Ha!

 I took Mack with me to go back to deer camp a couple days later to see Trent and Kenzi who had driven in from Seattle. It was fun to visit them but Mack got a fever right when we got there and felt crappy the whole night. I drove him home the next morning.

 My littles ran the Spook Scoot race. They were awesome! They ran their hearts out. I ran along with Quinn and cheered her on. She was a delight. I was so impressed with their good attitudes and perseverance. A mile is far for such short legs.

 I took Mack and Quinn with me to Salt Lake for a funeral. On the way we saw this rad Moose. I pulled over and snapped some pics. It was SO cool to see. We were very close. Mack and I loved it.

 The funeral we went to was for my little nephew's Mom (Matt's wife). Seriously, people write movies that are as crazy as Matt's real life. It was really sad and hard. I feel sad for Matt and his son. The only thing worse than losing your wife, is losing her twice (3 times, actually). It was bad for a week or so there. My whole family mourned. My little Mack cried and cried that his cousin didn't have a Mom. Things are going to be ok. Life is hard sometimes.

I am sorry to write about such crappy stuff on my happy little blog but sometimes life isn't fun. A person's choices affect so many more people than just them. The more I get to know people, the more I realize that no one is exempt from hard times. So many people I love are dealing with so much. People that seemingly have it all together. I've learned time and time again to never ever judge someone; you never know what they are going through or struggling with. So many people that I think have everything going for them are carrying heavy burdens. This month I went to visit a friend in town who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  I have served in cub scouts with this rad girl and she is one of my sewing buddies. She went from an energetic mother of 5 to losing her breasts and her hair-plus other horrible side effects of chemo (and cancer in general). It is amazing to me how people recover from the blows life dishes out. I just want to reach out to people and lift them a tiny bit to make things a little easier to bear. Here is a quote I read in the Nov 2014 New Era that hits home:
"We came to mortal life precisely to grow from trials and testing. Challenges help us become more like our Father in Heaven, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible to endure those challenges. I testify that as we actively come unto Him, we can endure every temptation, every heartache, every challenge we face." Richard G. Scott

Ok, here is a weird thing- I got released from primary! WHAT?! I'm now the Relief Society meeting coordinator (Enrichment leader). I cried about leaving primary. Mack sobbed. It has been an emotional month! I will attend Relief Society tomorrow for the first time in a year. I have come to love primary. It isn't just babysitting like I thought it would be. Miracles happen there. The kids are so bright and know so much about their Savior and His gospel. I never thought I could feel the spirit in primary with all the wiggly and loud kids but I was so wrong. I've loved being in primary with my own kids, too. I will miss them! Our Primary program in sacrament meeting was this month. So cute. Quinn sang her heart out. Also at one point she walked up on the stand and grabbed a microphone and started singing into it. Little diva wanted to be the star.

Among lots of these other things, my master bedroom project is constantly on my brain. I wake up in the early morning hours and immediately my mind starts racing with lists and ideas and plans. Then my heart starts racing. Then my eye starts twitching. I have GOT to get this baby done. I need to sleep and feel content in my own bedroom! I know that sounds so crazy but it is real and exciting and annoying. Having my room done will add quality and years to my life. This is happening. Watch me do it!

loving life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!

Summer is hauling and there is lots to catch up on so I will just start with the most recent things and work back. Last night I took my girls to Vernal for a night out. We enjoyed school shopping for Preslie, Café Rio, and going to Wool-Mert. That is what Quinn thinks it's called and she says her 'R' really strong and it is adorable. Vernal is growing up! They have a new shopping center going in... JoAnn, TJ Maxx, Ross, Sportsman's Warehouse.. I feel like I'm in the city! Vernal is 30 minutes away and when I first moved here, it was an adjustment not having shopping nearby but now I really like it. Sometimes less options are better. Traffic in our town is mellow, and shopping isn't used as a default activity or recreation quite as much as when you live in the city. I like small town living for the great down-to-earth people, open spaces, and outdoor adventures. My neighbors are on the city council and school board; my voice can be heard more easily. This is a great place to raise my family.

While the girls were playing, Hunter was getting babysat at home by Pokémon and Dax and Mack were working in the hills, checking bear traps and taking wildlife pics. They had a great time. Bears have been keeping Dax super busy this summer.

Many are getting into camp trailers and wandering through town. The dry weather is making them look harder for food. We did get a KILLER rainstorm last week that was GLORIOUS. It hailed ice marbles for a minute and then downpoured for 20 more minutes. Everyone came outside to soak it up. We haven't had rain for months. It was wonderful!

Every summer we celebrate with the rest of the Uinta Basin at U.B.I.C (Uinta Basin in Celebration) which is held right here in our town, just a stick's throw from our house. We are lucky to have the Ute

Tribe as our neighbors and they always put on a show each year. These little boys are so cute all decked out.

 Dax's favorite brother and his family came to visit and celebrate UBIC with us! They have been coming to it for the past 4 years. I snapped this pic at the concert.. I don't know how little Ev fell asleep with all the noise! Can't wait to meet their baby #3 pretty soon.

 I watch my nephew 8-5, M-F while my brother Matt works. It has been an adjustment having another kid in the mix. Great to have him close and playing with my kids everyday. I think it has helped him learn to share and get along with other kids. Being the only child, he is used to calling the shots but it is a different story when he is at my house.. My kids shut him down really quick. They also need to learn to give and take. I have too many little bosses up in here!

 Preslie, Hunter, and Mack all took swimming lessons this summer and they all passed their levels. I am proud of each of them for the improvements they've made. They have learned a lot!

 I cleaned all the baby clothes out of my storage room and gave them away! This has been a process for me. I'm closing a huge chapter of my life; one that is very dear to me.

  I am at peace and know my job is to enjoy my beautiful kids in the here and now. I love my family and am just bursting with gratitude for the chance I have had to bear FOUR healthy children and raise them.

We had Dax's Mom come visit and stay with us for a few days and we had a ball with her. She is the

 most fun and spunky grandma ever. She was like a celebrity at our house. My kids loved having her. While she was here, she made Quinn a birthday fruit pizza and we celebrated. I love my little sweetheart so much. She is a bright spot in our family. Impossible to be sad or mad when she is around.

 We drove to Dax's bro's house on Quinn's b-day (July 24) and celebrated again with those guys. And of course, Quinn always gets fireworks on her day!

 The next day, Dax and I met my bro Tyrel, wife Kaeli, and my SIL Kenzi at Lagoon for some grown up kid time riding coasters. BLAST. Only way to do Lagoon is minus little kids. I think Preslie is old enough to go finally but we needed her to babysit Quinn. My boys played at their friends' house.

We ran down to see my parents and Dax cooked up some yummy ribs for everyone. My parents are so wonderful. My Mom's health continues to go down hill but she still takes time to play games with the kids.

 

I took Hunter in for an eye exam. He looked trippy with his eyes dialated! He will look great in glasses. 2nd kid of mine who needs glasses.. Dax and I don't wear them so it is new to us.

 Dax went to Beaver High Adventure scout camp for SIX days with his teachers quorum. They hiked, repelled, biked, went canoeing, horseback riding. It was intense. It was also intense at my house with me and 5 kids and the worst PMS week of my life. (Which came first: the PMS or the husband leaving?) The kids seems crazier than normal, the toilet in the main bath was clogged for 3 days and I just was ready to flip off the BSA. My dad called mid-week and invited us to go camping with him but I only had my crappy car with bald tires and did not feel like camping one bit. He really wanted us to come so I went and choked down the $600 bill for new tires (needed to be done anyway) and took my kids camping. I am glad we went.

My boys are great hikers. Mack wanted to climb the mountain again when we woke up the next day, so we did! My girls rode with grandpa on the 4 wheeler and Preslie was driving when she got one wheel in a rut and they tipped the machine onto themselves. My Dad was quick to toss Quinn out of the way and she came away unharmed. Preslie was bruised and my Dad was the most beat up but they are all ok.

 

Took a day trip with friends to Starvation Reservior and tubed, fished, and played on the beach. It is a fun place!

We had a round of the stomach flu the beginning of July and I'm the lucky one that didn't get it. Quinn threw up in primary on the floor in front of the Sunbeams. Great timing because our church recarpeted after that! Here's Dax on 4th of July when everyone else was watching fireworks and enjoying BBQ food...

 Earlier that day, my bro Matt and I ran in the Roosevelt RedMud Run. It was 2 miles of mud and obstacles and grueling fun. We had a blast. I hope more of my family will join in and do it next 4th.

Mangus family reunion was at Palisades State Park near Manti. My MIL planned it all and brought her new kayak to share. Fun with family swimming, eating, dancing, making ice cream and making memories.

Most of our family and friends who saw the cover of the July Friend magazine thought the girl on the front looked like Quinn.

 Preslie has a blast her first year at Girls Camp. Kinda calm at our house without her spunk.




I am sad that summer is winding down. I will miss my kids and especially Mack who will be in 1st grade all day. I will miss the warm weather and the carefree schedule. But I am excited to have some time to cook good meals and work on projects while the kids are in school. I have so so many projects I want to do: Scrapbook the kids' school years, Master Bedroom decorate, and food storage just to name a few.

 

Let's end with a Mack quote, Yes?!  So Dax taught a lesson in YM about dating and making yourself worthy for a great wife. He was telling us how it went and Mack piped up with, "I'm gonna spy on the girl I'm gonna marry to see what kinds of things she does. I don't want to marry someone nerdy who drools and falls down a lot."