Jackson's Ordination

Yesterday, my Jackson was ordained to the Melchezidek Priesthood, and office of an Elder in the LDS Church. It was beautiful. Our family was there, as they always are, to support him.

Jackson and Kaydon both spoke in Sacrament Meeting... which is always awesome. My kids are so good at public speaking. They talked about their Trek experiences. I love listening to their talks because I learn far more about their experiences when they have to write it out and REALLY talk about it!

After Sacrament Meeting, we all gathered in Bishop's office. We were waiting on Pops and Nana, so Brother Randall asked that we go around the room and bear our testimonies. I was the first one... of course. Then Kaydon, Colton, Grandma, Papa, Brandon, Bishop, Brother Randall, Tina (Grandma Tina), Randy, Braxton, then Jackson. It was beautiful. The Spirit was strong. Jackson is so loved. Pops and Nana came. Nana bore her testimony. Then, the men in the room who hold the higher priesthood surround Jackson with their hands on his head while Pops ordained him and gave him a blessing. It was extraordinary.

I am so thankful for the men who surrounded Jackson. They are the men who have molded him and taught him and trained him and loved him. We are so blessed to be surrounded by love. Oh, this boy of mine! We finally have the Melchezidek Priesthood in our home. What an incredible blessing!

B Money

This boy came home from work last night just as Colton was asking me to cut his hair. Braxton kindly told Colton to get the stuff out to cut his hair. I went out of my bedroom, where I ran to for some solace from the day at work. I heard Braxton taking care of the haircut for me. It looked so good!

Braxton is my kind-hearted, always thinking of creative ways to show people he loves them, kiddo. He leaves me cards or notes, makes crafts for me to put in my room, tucks me in and kisses my cheek, takes Colton on a walk or a drive to give everyone a break... He is always thinking of ways to make people feel better.

I know that in his own mind, he is preparing himself to be the man of the house when Jackson leaves on his mission. I hate that my boys feel that pressure and responsibility, but at the same time I love it. They are independent, hard-working, mindful boys who are aware of their surroundings and their circumstances. I am so proud of every single one of them!

V for Victory!

Yesterday morning, Kaydon opened my bedroom door - where I still lay in bed - and asked me to go hike Adam's Canyon with him. I told him that Jackson had to work and we wouldn't have a car. The truth was that Jackson didn't have to be to work for four hours and I was just scared to do something that I haven't done since the stroke. So, I got out of bed and told him that I would drink my protein shake, see if we could get out of the complex (parade) and go. And we did.

Kaydon is my boy who RUNS up the switch backs and then runs up the high peaks. I told him that I would be much slower than usual and that I needed to pace myself and listen to my body. (note: second stroke on Father's Day) I figured it was driving him nuts when I had to stop and catch my breath after every two to three switch backs. He told me it was just fine! And, up we went. All the way up to the top. I was overjoyed! I was SO happy that I did it and that I felt great! It was so beautiful... it always is! The views are incredible. The sound of the stream is so soothing. There were about 10,000 other people up there, too, but I didn't even care!

I am SO full of gratitude for a body that works well enough to take care of my daily needs. I am so thankful for my children who push me and support me. I am so thankful for freedom, flags, and the most beautiful place to live. I am so thankful for hard things and for victories - big and small!

Just More Babes for Your 4th of July Viewing!

These were taken on Sunday at our family dinner at my mom and pops' house!

Asher is seriously toooo much! This kid LOVES the water. He stands in freezing cold water and just stands there. He growls. He grunts. He screams (not crying... just screaming). And he stands there. And we laugh. And the sprinklers get turned off and he cries. They go back on and he repeats the same cycle. It is perfection!

Anson sits in his car. Daddy runs through with Anson in the car. Anson thinks it's cool the first time.. but not the second or third or fourth.

These boys, though!!!

Vision

I created a July Vision Board yesterday. It is on my favorite color - YELLOW!

It has goals for home (momming, housekeeping, cooking), self care (exercise, food, water, yoga, meditation, sleeping) and my business. I didn't put what I want to accomplish... I put what I am going to DO. I strongly believe that if we do our best... put forth our very most terrific effort... everything we have... Heavenly Father will make up the difference. So, I am not focusing on the OUTCOMES I would really like to see... I am focusing on what I will do and let the outcomes be what they will be.

I feel like mindset is so important and it is something that I am working on constantly... like never-endingly. I know that's not a word but just go with it for now, please!

When I started my business, T told me that her husband told her to give it FIVE years. He told her not to give up for five years, to give it her all for five years. A while ago, I told R that I was going to give it a year. He asked me why I was putting a time stamp on it at all. He was right. I am all-in. I recognize that I am not going to be uber successful on day #2. But, my mindset is such that if I don't seem to be having success in one area, I will focus on another area. It's kind of like the whole, "If one door shuts, open a window!" I work every single day to be successful in my business. I treat it like I am a professional... a hot mess professional.. but a professional. I go Live everyday. I post everyday. I have started a business account. I do in-home clinics and classes and makeovers for free. I read personal development books and watch videos and tutorials. And, I pray about it every single day. I ask God for guidance on how to grow my business and how to be successful. I LISTEN to those around me who love me for advice and suggestions. I am not an expert. I am a single mom who wants to be financially self-reliant and not question constantly how I am going to buy a gallon of milk or put gas in the cars that are well over 170,000 miles. I work full time to put a roof over our heads, but it isn't enough. So, I work harder and harder to get to where we need to be.

My mindset helps me to keep going!

P.S. This is from this morning. We have the greatest stinking Kudos this month which includes lip plumper!!!

Ink

Braxton came to me several months ago and told me that he knew what he wanted for his 17th birthday. He told me that he wanted a tattoo. I asked him why. I expected to hear, "Because they're cool." "Because my friends want them." "Because, Mom."

Instead I got: "Mom. I want to have a lion with P's name in morse code. The lion represents to me everyday that I have depression and that it is hard... really hard. But I am stronger." Oh. I didn't tell him yes right away... in fact I didn't say yes for several months. He, on his own, went to multiple tattoo shops and asked several questions of the artists. He has been working six days a week to save up. He has prepared himself for this. He took me about one month ago to meet the tattoo artist that he selected. His name is Kolin and he is amazing.

On Saturday, Braxton went and got the ink. It was six hours in on the table, in the hardest spot of the body. Kolin was super impressed that for his first tattoo, he was able to sit and tolerate it for that long. Jackson and I showed up for the last hour and by then, his body was shaky.

It turned out really, quite amazing. P's name, in symbol, is beautiful.

Update on the Babes

Can you even get enough of these babes?!?!

They are perfection.

Asher is 16 months old. He is so busy. He LOVES the water. I was watching them a couple of weeks ago and took them outside to go for a walk. Asher walked (ran) right over to the neighbor's house and just stood in their sprinklers. Just stood there. He was drenched and oh, so happy. Asher loves his mom and dad. He still loves Auntie, thank goodness! He is only taking one nap a day now. He eats like the biggest boy and is just the best little adventurer!

Anson is 13 months old. He is so big! He LOVES his mama! He also loves the water. He wants to be just as busy and mobile as his big brother! He is still the more mellow of the two. He loves to climb stairs and smile and smile. He loves to ride in his little truck and is still obsessed with sweet potatoes!

These boys, though. Auntie is in heaven!