My First Vinyl Project

I have been wanting to try vinyl for the cricut for a long time. I bought some a long time ago, I just really wasn't sure what to do with it, so there it sat. I did cut out some letters for a sign that I never did see the finished product once. Anyway, there are some things I want to do around the house to make the house more, well . . . homey. I am NOT a good interior decorator - NOT my talent. I wish it were sometimes, although I'd likely be broke at that point.


So, here's my first project. I think it looks great - other than the whole wall really isn't finished yet. To not get a glare, I had to take the photo from an angle, so this photo might look a little crooked. Also our walls are brown, not gray as they appear here. I really should learn how to use my fancy-schmancy camera some day. But . . . ta-da . . .

I need to get new frames so that Fischer can be on the wall too (I have them picked out, just need to go get them!). Here's where this vinyl project resides above our piano:

So there it is. The first real decorating I have done in our house and it only took me just under 3 years. :) It was kind of rewarding and I should do more. Our family picture will be as is without a frame. It's supposed to be a canvas print, but we didn't get that one yet. Hopefully it will be here soon.

So, how was your Sunday? I had a pretty good one. Fischer was not cranky during church, which really is helpful. He was throwing colored pencils at everyone which didn't impress the older ladies, but at least he wasn't screaming. So, maybe he needs something smaller and without sharp edges to play with at church; I'll keep that in mind for next time. We had a good lesson in relief society and some pretty good talks in sacrament, as well. I rarely remember Sunday School, hopefully no one is offended by that! ;-)

I watched the RS General Broadcast from home yesterday. Fischer was napping and Paden was playing computer. I actually got to watch the broadcast with limited interruption. Gunnar was with Neil out playing in the woods (setting up hunting camp). I loved the message that President Monson gave. He's a funny guy and gave a great talk. The message of not passing judgement is an important one. I loved it and was definitely humbled by it. I encourage you to listen to it, whether you are of the same religion or not. It was a great message. It's available in 63 languages at the link above. Isn't that amazing? 63 languages and it was just live in SLC yesterday. Technology is truly amazing.

Following the RS Broadcast, I watched another show on BYUTV called "Emma Smith: My Story". That was a great, great short program. It was about the life of Emma Smith. What a great example of a faithful, strong, determined, humble, sweet woman was Emma. I lost count of how many children she gave birth to that did not live but minutes following their birth. And she kept trying. After being run out of her home so many times, how did she not give up? In her words which I can't quote exactly, strength isn't something that you have, it's something that you find. You find it by going though hardships, you find it because God helps you find it. Emma found much strength in her difficult life. She had more trials than any one person I know. If she can find happiness, then so can we.

I have thought a lot about those two messages since I watched them. I am so thankful for the chance be humbled by those messages. I plan to be more thoughtful, less judgmental and find more strength to endure through the trivial trials I face with more faith in Heavenly Father's plan. Endure through trials with less murmuring and more joy. Really, what are my trials? I think I have a much easier life than Emma Smith did and I feel no room to complain, nor speak ill of my circumstances at all. Maybe I will even read more and learn more than choose other activities that are mushing my brain! Wow, now that's ambitious of me!

Well, off to think of my next vinyl project. I really want it to be in my dining room. Hmmmm . . . paint color needs to be chosen . . . pronto!

Don't Work Without These

Here we have our very own shoe rack of Georgia Boots. (Papa needs to oil his up a bit.) Gunnar's main attraction to Georgia Boots is there are no laces. I think Paden's reason might also be the same. I am not sure I can keep these off those two. The only reason this picture has no feet in them is because they were changing out of their church clothes. Gunnar changed into shorts and put them back on to watch TV all afternoon. For many years, Gunnar has worn black pants for church, probably about the last 5 years. When he was three he had a pair of khaki color pants and a blue shirt he wore. But when those were too small he switched to black pants. Being somewhat fashion conscious, I told Gunnar I would rather him not wear black pants with brown shoes. So, he let me buy him some khaki pants again. He even pulled out his old white shirt instead of his blue. He looked great today, should have snapped his pic too. Maybe next week. I love having boys. They are so easy on Sundays - same outfit every week. :O)

So, I am feeling a little left out of the Georgia boot club though. I am getting some boots for Christmas. I am really not a cowboy boot connoisseur, so I can't recall which brand I want, but I will know them when I see them again.

Speaking of Christmas, what do you do the year following the purchase, er, uh, Santa's delivery of a family gift such as the Wii? I love watching my kids open gifts on Christmas, it's joyful. However, I do NOT want them to continue to think that is what Christmas is all about. I liked last year that Santa brought family gift and there wasn't a lot of opening and greediness. How do we move away from that. So, I am trying to think of some ideas. If we don't start now, we'll end up with last minute shopping for crap they don't need. :)

I have a pile of laundry that needs to be put away, so I am going to attempt to at least put a few things away . . . tonight. It is getting very close to my bed time though, so wish me luck - really it's the clothes that need to be wished luck 'cuz they might want to be where they are supposed to be instead of a giant pile on the floor. I really don't like to have to dig around in the morning to find clothes for everyone. Why, why, why are they not already put away? Even though I took a nap today, I am still tired. Yes, I took a nap. I haven't done that in forever! I actually slept for at least 90 minutes. It was good, except that I woke up lethargic.

I made the boys clean with me for 30 minutes. I think that might be a new good thing. I am not sure how many days a week I an feasibly do that. Every night of the week, we are busy with soccer, meetings, homework, reading time, bath/showers, screaming baby wandering around, oh and dinner. So, yeah. But 30 minutes a day with each person working in a different area of the house would theoretically keep it pretty clean throughout the week. My house definitely DOES NOT need to be on the show Clean House, but I wouldn't mind emptying out a few rooms and dejunking, decluttering and remodeling.

What do you think about a gray dining room? I really need to paint it. I bought red to paint one wall in the dining room red, but I haven't done it yet. It's only been about 2 years since I bought the paint. So, I am thinking about an art project for the dining room. Three wood panels, 2 feet wide by 3.5 feet long or so. I want them smooth and painted gray. Then, I am going to cut out some 2 feet tall flowers out of vinyl and stick them on. I am sure it will look much better than I can describe. Look on allposters.com for decals, that's where I got the idea. I do have a cricut and a cool program (Sure Cuts A Lot) and I could do some pretty swell art projects - it's just about time and energy. So, if I do the gray wall panels, I am not sure what color to paint the walls though. I am not really good at that interior decorating stuff. I see a lot of stuff I like, I just don't get it done. I did see in someone's house vinyl on the wall that said (changed to our name & date): the LIVINGSTON family, est'd 2000 (it was two lines and it looked cool). I think I am going to do that when we get our family picture back. It should be here this week.

End random post here . . .

A Day to Remember - Lots of Love

Saturday, September 11th - the first available weekend we felt we had after Gunnar turned eight. At our church, we don't baptize babies. We baptize children at the age of (at least) eight - an age when they can understand and be accountable. I am sure they know the difference between right and wrong well before this magic age of eight, but we spend several years teaching and preparing them through all their classes at church and at home. I believe eight is a good age, although it's not really up to me - that's what the Lord decided, so we roll with it.

It is a day to remember. Gunnar obviously doesn't know what happened nine years ago in New York, but I do. I remember getting ready for work in our old East Wenatchee apartment. Neil and I hadn't been married one year yet. It was truly amazing footage on the TV all day long. What a strange day.

So, move forward nine years and we get to remember something else very special. Our oldest son is baptized. It's the first of many fairly major events in life. That means he is growing up; he's still a boy, but he's growing up fast.

We had a very nice afternoon. The weather was nice. I was a little cranky, I will admit, before we left for the church. We had a house cleaning frenzy in the morning - one where the boys were less than motivated to help and were great little dilly-dally-ers. So annoying. Then Gunnar had a soccer game, which was somewhat painful. He actually did play well most of the game, but he did excellent in the 4th quarter. Practices don't really teach game situations, so it's hard for those kids to go from dribbling ball drills to how to play a game. Anyway, enough about that.

After the game, we had a little over an hour before I felt we needed to leave. Of course, the ironing of clothes and bathing/showering of 2/3 of the kids took longer than I would have liked. But, we made it to the church on time. :-)

We had several family members there. I LOVE THAT! I come from a small family. I was terrified when I first joined the Livingston family - absolutely terrified (of course I wouldn't admit it then, but everyone could tell). It is reassuring to know that I was voted "in" by my nieces during a special meeting of the minds. Thanks, girls. You are the best! So, now that I have been a part of the family for officially almost 10 years, I couldn't imagine it any other way. I love that we all come together for family events. It's harder as the years go by and everyone gets older. We used to travel for ordinations to different offices in the Aaronic priesthood. That's how dedicated we are. Neil and I now live a little far to go for those things, but we do make it for major happenings. (Except the baby blessing of the twins, sorry Downs, trip to the mountains to see my Grandparents - I feel terrible we missed that.)

Sorry for the digression . . .

Gunnar chose his cousin Jake to give the talk on Baptism and cousin Brad to give the talk on the Holy Ghost. They did a good job. I always forget just how redneck cousin Jake is, but I love him and all of his redneck-ness. :-) I love that he brought his silver dollar that he got from Grandma Great Livingston when he was baptised 20 years ago. I think that made some eyes teary. I love that Gunnar's Grandma Livingston decided to carry on the tradition of silver dollars and Bibles for our kids (and Tessa) since Grandma Great is not here to do it for them. What is really special is the note that goes with the silver dollar, which goes with his brand new scriptures:

Gunnar,

In this blue bag is a dollar made of precious metal, silver. The bag is a protector & keeps it shining.

If you live by these scriptures, your life will be shining and bright. They will teach you many things and help you to resist the many temptations you will face in life as you get older.

I know these books are true and will guide you throughout your life, and help you prepare for your mission.

Grandpa and I are very proud of you this day. We are grateful for the good mom and dad you have and for the testimony of the gospel they have.

I know the church is true and I'm grateful for all my blessings it brings to me. I know the scriptures are the word of God.

Remember to study and pray often.

Grandma & Grandpa L.

I love that my lovely nieces were willing to sing a tune for Gunnar's baptism and step in to lead the music. I love that my nephews were honored to speak. I love that my in-laws wouldn't have missed it for anything! I love that Gunnar's confirmation blessing was awesome! I wish I could remember it all. Where is that pocket tape recorder when you need it? I know we all have one our phones, what was I thinking? Anyway, I do remember that he was blessed to be a good example, especially for his brothers. He was also blessed with courage to be a leader for good. I love that. Gunnar can do it if he puts his heart and soul into it.

It was a pretty low-key, low-stress event. I did send Neil to the wrong bakery to pick up the cake afterwards, so it took a few extra minutes (or 15). I will take the blame for not communicating correctly where the cake was to be picked up. It was an excellent cake though, so well worth the wait. I am bummed that Jaye Dean, Uncle Milo and Hank broke down on the way and weren't able to make it. Thank you to Uncle Max for coming to their safe rescue and return home. Thank you, Hank for making an appearance even if you missed everything but the food. :)

Thank you to our Primary Presidency for helping make it less stressful. "My Baptism Book" was awesome and my sister-in-law totally, seriously wants one. Thank you for filling the font with warm water and making personal sacrifices to be there. :)

I recall Jake talking about the fact that for at least a split second, you are free from sin. For some of us that feeling doesn't last as long as it does for others. I was curious how this would affect Gunnar. Sunday could be just another Sunday where we have to rush and fight to get people dressed and out the door. Although, we did arrive at church during the opening song instead of before it started, we had a pretty good morning without frustration and yelling. The boys weren't argumentative while getting ready. I don't think they brushed their teeth or anything, but they were dressed. Gunnar actually wore a tie. A new tie given to him yesterday by some friends. Thank you, friends. He's not worn a tie since he was too little to remember. He also wanted to bring his new scriptures to church. I dug out an old scripture bag for him to borrow until he gets his own. I meant to order the one he wanted, but I honestly didn't remember that until he pulled his scriptures out of his gift bag this morning.

Again, I digressed from where I was originally going with my thoughts . . .

So, Gunnar was pretty cooperative today. We got home from church and Neil took Fischer upstairs for a nap. Gunnar came downstairs, got a chocolate milk out of the garage, stuck the straw in and handed it to me. Awe, for me? He was so sweet. He didn't even like rush to get himself one. He and I played catch with the football, inside, downstairs, for a little while. He then took a break to get himself a milk. He was just being a very nice kid. He's excited for football (which doesn't happen for like three more school years) because he will be able to push people around and not get yelled at like he does in soccer.

We ate one of his favorite meals for dinner - BBQ pork short ribs (with Aunt Cathy's sauce), mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli and Pillsbury flaky layers biscuits, with POG juice (I think he drank the last of the cream soda, actually, but I drank POG). Mmm, good.

Gunnar was just being a nice, polite boy today. He didn't chew or talk with his mouth open; he didn't rush through his food; he read his book when it was time and I didn't hear him whine; he picked out his $10 worth of Scholastic Books; he went to bed without whining, although did have to scarf a piece of cake before he went. It was a nice Sunday.

I know that we have several friends and many family members who do not share our same faith or religion. I know that some people will not understand why we do what we do. I know that we don't fully understand what we do what we do. But, what I do know is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a way of life, not just a thing we do. The way we live is peaceful and happy. We live free from major drama, free from major chaos and free from negativity. We chose to be productive members of society who aren't perfect by any stretch of the imagination. We chose to believe we can repent for our mistakes so that we can return to live in eternal bliss with our family. We chose to believe in life on earth as a journey to our next destination, Heaven with Heavenly parents and a Heavenly brother, Jesus Christ. The Spirit that we feel when we are with our family participating in righteous activities is real. The Spirit fills our hearts and, often times, fills our eyes with tears. I know that our Father in Heaven loves us. He blesses us each day with so many things . . . physical blessings as well as spiritual ones. It's always been hard for me to express my feelings, especially to those who aren't members of the LDS church. Luckily, I can do it here. :) I believe what I believe. In the end, if my beliefs are inaccurate, at least I can say that I lived my life in peace, in happiness, and in fun. I can say that I tried my best to raise my children as respectful, productive, intelligent members of society who can take care of themselves and who have an end goal in life. Although, we are encouraged often to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with our friends and family, I usually don't. I know I am not a perfect example of a "saint", but I hope that others will know what is in my heart by the way that I conduct my life (which reminds me I should make some conscious efforts in some areas!).

I love my family - all of them - my mom, my grandparents, my aunts, uncles & cousins. I love them all. I appreciate EVERYTHING that my mom and my grandparents have done for me. There aren't enough minutes in the day to say how much I love them. I am happy to be living a life that has a meaning and purpose. I love my three sons - wow, three sons - that sounds a little strange. They teach me so much. They are amazing on so many levels. I love my husband and couldn't imagine life without him. And, I love the crazy family I married into. I am happy to say that I don't have crazy, meddling in-laws and I have a fantabulous mess of nieces, nephews, and great nieces & nephews that I couldn't have otherwise being an only child.

I hope Gunnar will remember this day for years to come. I hope he remembers the feelings he felt and I hope he remembers the Spirit he felt. I pray always that he continues to follow in the Gospel footsteps, so that he too can have a peaceful and happy life full of fun!

Pictures to follow . . . of course another thing that went wrong was a dead camera battery. Thanks to Aunt Ann and Aunt Susan for always being prepared with fully charged camera batteries. I also didn't get a picture of Gunnar in his baptismal clothes; he was so cute this afternoon when I mentioned that. He, who normally hates to be in pictures, said we could just go into Hermiston and he could put it back on really quick for a picture. Awe . . . well, we'll see. :-)