Madi's Baptism

Today was Madi's baptism. It was a fantastic day. It went pretty smoothly. Jared and I woke up around 7 am. Everyone had showered the night before so we didn't have to get the kids up early. We got ourselves up and ready before we roused the kids. Madi was so excited and got up on her own. I helped her get dressed and did her hair. I figured we wanted to do our pictures before the baptism, since I didn't think we would have time to do her hair later. She wore a pretty white dress with a lace bodice and sheer skirt. It had a empire waist and lace around the neckline and waistline. It was tea length. She had darling silver sparkling ballet flats, and a white flower in her hair. She looked very pretty.

We arrived at the stake center, right on time around 9:40 am. We were the first to arrive. K8 and his father came next. They also brought a dress for Madi to be baptized in. K8's grandma made the dress when his oldest sister was baptized. All his sisters and several cousins have used it as well. Madi's wasn't so sure he wanted to use it until she saw it. It was much cuter than than the polyester jumpsuit she could have worn instead.

They had a great turn out. They invited many friends and family members. Madi invited her primary class, primary presidency and a few neighbors. We were so pleased to see the Primary President and our sweet neighbors. Madi's best friend HJ came too. Her teacher from school last year wasn't able to come, but gave her card and a gift. Grandma and Grampa Fillerup, Aunt's Em, Amanda, Tanise, Tara, and Tana, Uncles Hank, Aaron, and Ben. Grandma Mattie and her friend Kay, and Grandpa McIntire also were there. Most of her cousins were there as well. Madi was thrilled with all the people who came to support her and K8.

The baptism started at 10 am. MST or McIntire Standard Time made it around 10:10. I started crying with the opening song and was teary for pretty much the entire event. Madi and K8 planned the program and did a great job. Madi had chosen the opening hymn and prayer. The opening prayer was "I am a child of God". We sang all the verses. It is a tender song for us. We had all the cousins sing this song at Rhett's graveside service and brought back bitter sweet memories. K8's mom was leading the music, and we had to take a break from singing throughout the song. The spirit was very strong and sweet. Grandma Mattie gave the opening prayer. The first talk was given by K4. It was on baptism. She did a very good job. She was followed by K6, who sang "When Jesus Christ was baptized." She has a beautiful voice. Then came the baptism.

Madi went first. I couldn't help get teary. I waited in the wings for her and had a unique view. Jared went in the water first and helped her down the stairs from the other side. He explained what was going to happen and held her right hand. He raised his right arm to the square and baptized her. I cried the entire time. She came out of the water beaming. She had received a new white towel with her name on it and the date from K8's grandma. (Adam also got one for his baptism.) We wrapped her in it and watched as K8 was baptized by his dad. It was very sweet.

After the baptism, I helped Madi get dressed. We were first ones ready. I was surprised. I was worried about taking too long, so we didn't dry her hair. We probably could have. We have a tradition of writing notes to those being baptized. There were several notes written with words of congrats and thoughts of wisdom. We read them and they made Madi feel very good. After everyone was dressed and back in the chapel, Grandpa Fillerup gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. It was very thoughtful. He got a bit teary, and said some profound things. He told Madi that the Holy Ghost is a friend, comforter and protector. If she will remember that it will do her well throughout her life. Then they were both confirmed by their father's. Jared gave Madi a sweet blessing. He blessed her to be an example to others and always follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

After that, Bishop McIntire asked that the mother's give their testimonies. He mentioned that in Mosiah, the 2050 stripling warriors went to battle because their parents could not. The knew the Lord would protect them because their Mother's "knew" it. Well, I do know it. I hope that my children know that I know. I bore my testimony to Madi about what her choice will mean for the rest of her life. I told her to rely on the Holy Ghost to seek answers to prayers and to follow its prompting. Life will not be easy, but if she continues to follow the commandments and do what is right she will be able to live with him again. We finished with a closing song of "How Great thou Art", and a closing prayer by Grandma Linda, the K's grandma.

We had a luncheon for everyone that could come after that. We had beef brisket from Wallaby's, salads, dessert and a pinata. We had a lot of fun. The food was delicious and everyone had a lot of fun. It turned out to be a great day. Madi got a new journal and shared her thoughts of the day. She got new scriptures that she was very pleased with. She also got several gifts from family and friends. We are so lucky and blessed to have so many people around us that support us. Thanks for everything.

Friday

Well, we are ready for the baptism. I cut the boys hair. Finished the errands. Cut the rolls for the luncheon. Everyone is showered and in bed.

It has been a long week for all of us. Looking forward to a few days off.

I scored 10 points today. I look forward to tomorrow.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

I worked today and got home about 6:30. Drew made dinner tonight. He made sloppy Joe's and french fries. He spiced up the Manwich with hot sauce, garlic and onion salt, and diced onion. He did a good job. I ran an errand for him so he was very willing to help. He wanted a TapOut Hat. I found it at Burlington for half price. It was awesome.

I picked up Madi's scriptures as well as Luke's pocket Book of Mormon. They will love them.

Jared went fishing for work today. He had the opportunity to go to Strawberry, for a "team building" trip. He said it was fun, but he is very tired.

I scored 10 points today. I am almost done with week six. Less than two weeks and then I will get a break. I am finding that I don't crave sugar and look for healthier choices in my eating. Even on my free day I find that I look for healthier choices, but don't feel guilty about a splurge of french fries. :) I am head to bed so I start my day over again. One more day and we can take a break.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Not much happened today. I worked today and got home around 7 pm.
Luke went to preschool and daycare today.

Madi had Activity days today and made Humanitarian Aide school kits. She was thrilled to help others less fortunate than herself.

Adam had scouts and learned about leadership. They played follow the leader and learned to lead and follow, which is equally important.

Drew had a "Come to Jesus" moment with Jared this morning. We all have to have those once in a while. He admonished him to be better than he himself was. If he wants to be something great in life, he is going to have to work for it. Jared was very smart at that age and still is. However, he does not feel that he achieved his highest potential. He likes his job, but feels he could have done something he does more. I tell him it is not too late, but he ways it is. Anyway, Drew was properly subdued afterward. He came home from school, did his homework, picked up Luke and worked on his scout merit badges. Hopefully, it is not short lived.

Work went well today. It went quickly, without being out of control. I work for the next two days. I scoured 10 points today. I ran 4 miles today. I am now off to bed to start over again.

Election Day 11-02-10

Today was a busy day. I spent the day running errands and preparing for Madi's baptism. Jared worked from home today. Remember I said he was feeling weird yesterday? Well, it got worse. By 3 am he was having trouble getting his muscles to move. He has had this before, so we were not really concerned but he was jittery and feeling sluggish. He was in some pain as well. By 3:15 he decided to go for a walk to see if that would help. I was concerned about him and went with him. The stars were beautiful at that time of the morning, and there was no traffic. It was a little chilly however. He tried to run, and that was funny. He looked like Steve Martin when he ran in "The Jerk". A little slow and very little coordination. We both got a kick out of it. He was in his slippers, shorts and a sweatshirt. He still could not relax when got home, so we watched a little TV. By the time we got back to bed it was about 4:30. Needless to say, we slept in. He decided he would be more productive from home. I ran to his office to so he could finish his work at home. He is doing much better now, he probably got more done, since no one could bug him.

I spent the morning finding scriptures for Madi. I went to the distribution center in Orem for the best selection. Of course, she requested the one set that was on backorder. Deseret Book did have what we needed, but it was the one at the mall and not the one next to the Dist. center. It was more money, but it matched the bible we got her. I have gotten each of the kids a set of genuine leather scriptures and a bag for them to carry them to church. She requested pink scriptures, but settled for a pink bag since pink or white were not available. It took three weeks for her decide so I couldn't change that. I figure it is something they will have for the rest of their lives, so we get the best. I did find a hot pink patent leather quilted scripture "purse". It ended up being $4.99 on sale. It is perfect. I was so grateful, the only other one that was a remote possiblity was $25. She will love it. I did have to back to the dist center because I wanted the embossing on both books to be the same for name. My errands also included a full length slip, flower for her hair and new sparkly silver ballet flats to go with her dress. She is ready to go.

We filled the pinata with the candy we found at the $1 store for half price. You can't go wrong with Hersheys chocolate, starburst, jolly ranchers, double bubble gum, and licorice. I also found a few other trinkets. With the exception of paper for the tables and a costco run, we are ready. The rest of this week will be busy. I work tomorrow, thursday and friday. Luckily no late shifts so it shouldn't be hard to get everything organized. I am a planner and feel much better when things are done in advance.

I had a lunch meeting for the MRIpad today. I have been offered a new opportunity. I am not sure if it will work and will share that with you when I figure it out.

Drew's math teacher called to inform me that he failed Algebra last quarter. I was unaware that his tests were a large part of his grade and he didn't test well. We thought if he turned in his homework, he would do fine. Not so. He will have to make up the quarter doing "packets" . He is also going to be transfer ed out of the period he is in. He is capable of better, and his teacher felt it would be better to get him away from some of his friends. I agree. It may mess up his schedule, but it may be better in the long run. I am very disappointed, however, I know this is for his growth as well as mine. We will figure it out.

I scored 11 points today. I voted today and scored a bonus point. I am glad I did. It is my duty as a citizen to vote my beliefs. I am more of an independent voter than I thought. I feel it is best to listen to both sides and do what I feel is right for me and my family. If we as a Americans aren't willing to take advantage of the opportunities we have, they may be taken away. I think many felt the same this year. As the country as asked for change.

Monday, November 1st, 2010

Week 6 day 1.

Usual routine. Clean house and laundry. Minimal day for the kids. Jared had another back shot today. It should help, but he feels weird right now.

I scored 10 points today.

Happy Halloween

Luke wanted Mickey Mouse on his "Punkin"

Madi wanted a Kitty of course.

Luke and his spurs. This was a last minute addition Daddy pulled these out before we left. We went in the middle of a rain storm. We took an umbrella, but it was cold. We made it about a block and called for a ride. We had a good time. We came home, had pizza, and dressed warmer. We went back out to our old neighborhood. It had more houses closer together in a smaller walking distance. Luke was so tired when we got home. He almost fell asleep on the doorstep of our friends house. He was a trooper after 1 1/2 hours. Adam was done with his costume after our first attempt, so he just walked and put his candy in his pocket. Most people didn't care, just a few gave him a hard time.