Decorating the Tree

Thanksgiving In Helena

We were able to make a quick trip to Helena for Thanksgiving this year! It was wonderful to see everyone.. Ashley and Tyler got engaged, and are scheduled to get married in the Rexburg temple in Feburary. I got to meet Kaison for the first time- What a doll!! I wish we were able to spend more time, but I will take what I can get.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and the kids had a blast roasting smores with Grandma and Grandpa in the 30 something degree weather a couple of nights, HOW FUN!!

Can't Wait for Christmas!

You can't tell I am one who LOVES CHRISTMAS!!! I just can't wait this year for the "big" day!! Having a yummy Christmas breakfast, watching the boys all open their gifts and spending a day in our PJ's last year we all went in our PJ's to see the Chipmunk movie, I think that was a good tradition to start so This year we will probably do something similar... I just am so excited!!!!

Scary Week- Not just Halloween-Testimony building!

It has been a test of faith week this week. Dad went in for his 4th back surgery on Wednesday. It was his 4th surgery no big deal right? well.. The surgery went well, and everything looked good they were just waiting for him to come too. An hour passed he still hadn't come around.. two hours latter still no Dad. Three hours later Mom calls to let me know "Not to scare you or anything but it has been three hours past the time he should have come too and he hasn't woke up. They have done a catscan (that is spelled wrong but you know what I am talking about) and there is no blood clots or signs of stoke.. If he doesn't come around by morning they will do an MRI and the Neurologist will look at him." I was in shock! what we just wait... whats up with that? We call our friend who is an anesthesiologist, to see what could have happened since we couldn't talk to Dad's Dr. He gave us some hope but not too much.. I called back Mom to see what else they found out.. She said we just have to wait, she said that he would whimper every so often, but couldn't do much of anything else.
A while latter I called and she said that Jennifer had just spoke to Dad on the phone and had actually got him to shake his head in a "NO" response when she told him she was coming up to see him. He shook is head No when she said this and she asked him if it was because of the drive he shook his head yes.. And so then she asked me if I wanted to speak to him. I said yes... All I could say is Dad.. You have to wake up... Dad, you can't do this.. and then I just sat and cried on the other end of the phone I guess, Dad just cried.. tears running down his cheek he just cried.. I spoke to Mom a for a couple of minutes and it was during that time that some of our fears where eased. He opened his eyes, I heard the Dr in the back ground tell him, "good job keep them open" (by now about 4 hours later then they expected) Then they tried to get him to move is head.. He wouldn't Mom got off the phone then, so I just waited... Called to talk to Jennifer and let her know that he opened his eyes. During our conversation Mom's cell number came up and I answered, it was Dad... I told him he scared me, and I was so happy he was ok. I said that we were praying for him. Everyone.. especially Andrew. He told me he heard prayers, he told me he loved me, he said he loved his grandsons, Joseph and he missed us.

During this time all I could think of was, he can't go now, we get to go home in a few weeks. He has to make it till then.

Later I was talking to Mom about the experience and she said. "He said he was aware of everything from the time they lifted him off the table, he was in excruciating pain but couldn't say anything or do anything, he could hear everything around him and he was scared to death because all he could think was he was going to be like this for the rest of his life."
Now, he just say's to was an awful nightmare. He also said that he really thinks that this was a test for all of us and our prayers, he said he could hear prayer.. We all prayed so hard! we couldn't do anything at that time but rely on the Lord, and put it in his hands and say "Thy Will not my Will Lord and except the outcome" I am so thankful that this time the Lords Will and our Will was the same, I couldn't imagine if it had been different. Although, had it of been different I know the Lord would have helped us through that also.
I am so thankful for the Knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, that the Lord listens to our prayers and he know each of us individually. I am thankful for the Gospel and how much I learn of Christ's life, and hope that in some way I am trying to be like him. I am thankful for a now a day Prophet, a man who is called of God to receive modern day revelation, I am so grateful for Joseph Smith who brought forth the gospel, I am still in awe when I think of such a young boy the Lord entrusted to bring his gospel back to the earth. My heart is so full when I think of what all Jesus Christ went though to help insure (as long as I do my part) that I will return to live with our Lord God again. I am just so thankful for the knowledge of this all and I am thankful to my parents who took the steps necessary to raise us girls in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. It is through their examples where I was able to gain a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel and I am eternally greatful for this. Thank you Mom and Daddy who taught us and is still teaching us to rely on the Lord and thru Him all is possible!

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Whats in a name

I was looking up my kids names meanings for a Christmas idea I had. I found it interesting how they all fit their names so well.. Aaron- Enlightened;Signing

What Happens in MEXICO

I wonder if we need to tell the Bishop of all the virgin drinks we consumed? We thought for sure we were going to have to go to NAA (non-alcohol anonymous) when we got home...

More Pictures of our trip

Parisailing Anyone?

We even got mom up!!

Formal Evening At the Occedental

We even had our own "fromal" night at the resort.. We had a wonderful Italian dinner with delicious sea food, although they all had chicken.. come on where's your adventure?

Swimming with NEMO

Lets give NEMO a round of applause!
Nemo kept wanting to kiss my head instead of my cheek!
He did LOVE his belly rubbed..

Zip Line through the Rain Forest

OK, so our cruise got canceled so we took a quick trip to Mexico!! while there we zip lined through the forest for about 3 miles.. walked on a cat walk, and did the Tarzan swing from one tree to a plat form... Then repelled 60 ft down a tree. It was AWESOME.... These are just a few of this adventure, I will post more activities very soon!

Don't we look great in our outfits!!!

I changed my font at pYzam.com

Loss of a Friend

You always think of how large your trials are until you are awakened one day of others greater trials. This week has been a very trying week for the Price home. Joseph has been out of town and I have had some home matters that I have been working though.

On Tuesday Joseph received information that a plane went down near Guam, we have a friend that flew on these specific planes and was deployed to Guam. Joseph and many others had a very bad feeling that Brent was one of the crew members. We received confirmation today that Brent Williams was indeed on the plane that crashed outside of Guam the other night. Brent's body was recovered, He was only 37 years old. He has two kids 11 and 13. We couldn't believe that it was true.

This is when I realized that no matter how large my trials are or how hot my house gets with no AC or how many arguments my kids have... I still have my family, a husband 3 crazy boys.. I realized that I have to live each day and enjoy all I can.

My heart goes out to the Williams family in this time of need. Thank you Brent for what you were to Joseph, your friends, family and most especially what you were doing for my freedom!!

Standing At The Door
by epoet
Standing at the door,
dog tags in hand.
About to tell
a loved one about
their loss.

Thinking of how
it could have been me.
Wondering how they
will react.

Reaching up
with heavy hand,
I knock on the door.

Waiting nervously,
I prepare myself
for what's to come.

Wishing anxiously
someone else had come.
Wanting desperately
not to have to
deliver such news.

He gave his life
for this country
that he loved.

Dying so suddenly
without warning.
He never got to say
"Goodbye, my love."

Sadly thinking
how to treat
the wounds
I'm sure to inflict.

Praying for peace
and getting only
a saddened heart.

The only tribute
I can give
is this poem.

His memory
will never fade
from my mind.

His lust
for life
never replaced.

His joy
in his family
and his friends,
never forgotten.

He will
live on
'till the end of time.

He is
one of us,
the unforgotten vet.

Single Mom

Well, Joseph is out of town again.. The boys and I are really enjoying each other this time.. I have the boys and myself on a routine and its amazing how much happier our home is. I called last week to shut off the cable. We decided at Philmont that the boys don't use their imagination enough. We, Joseph and I, don't really watch much unless we rent a movie. So all that is ever on is cartoons. Since the TV has been off in our home, the boys are playing together better, using their imaginations and reading more. What more could a mom want!! Today they made a robot out of a box and two vinyl roll holders. Very cute! I have some pictures but I need to load my camera cd before I can upload them. Its just so nice to see them play together!

Philmont Scout Ranch

We just returned from a wonderful vacation... We were able to attend our niece's wedding in Norman Ok, from there we drove to Cimarron New Mexico.

In New Mexico we stayed at Philmont scout ranch. A boy scout ranch in the Sangria DeCristo mountains.


At the scout ranch Joseph attended a cub training course. He loved learning all he could about Cub Scouts. Joseph came home with tons of ideas for our Cub Scout Pack.

During this week there was tons for everyone to do. Andrew was in his age group with all boys. There they played tons of outdoor activities, BB guns, archery, pony rides, a hike almost each day, skits and a ton of boy fun!!

Isaac and Aaron spent their days in the small fry class where they had tons of activites, pony rides,crafts, games, dancing, and food. Aaron loved to go to his "Scub Scout" class each day.

I spent most of the days reading a good book under this wonderful shade tree... Time to myself... Well needed. They had activities for the spouse but I really just wanted some me time...

We will certainly be going back in the near future... It was such a wonderful family bonding time for us, we were all sad to leave.

Philmont

During our Philmont experience we got to hike up and see the only T-Rex dinosaur foot print in North America, it really was cool!!
On the way we saw a number of small animals and they boys found this beautiful egg.. We thought we would take a picture of it so other people could enjoy the same experience.

Aaron was a real trooper, he made the 2 mile hike like a champ..

I've been on vacation!!

Ok, so I have not only been physically on vacation but mentally also. I am back and ready to go.. keep checking back for more info!!!

The Car Wash

Andrew has been dying to start his own business. He really wants to own a car wash. So, we have been helping him train for the start of his business. He started with learning how to wash Dad's car one saturday. Isaac and Aaron loved learning how to do it also.

Oreo Double Stuff Cookie

Ok, So we did get a new edition to our family!! Last weekend Oreo found his way into our hearts and home... He is a tiny Shih Tzu, He is 9 weeks old and probably doesn't even weigh a pound. He won't get any bigger then about 8 lbs. They boys are in heaven and I think he is even growing on Joseph... Sorry the pictures are kind of blurry, I will post others when my camera has a new battery.

Missy had this on her blog, here is what Windy means

What Windy Means

You are very charming... dangerously so. You have the potential to break a lot of hearts. You know how what you want, how to get it, and that you will get it. You have the power to rule the world. Let's hope you're a benevolent dictator! You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Six Natural Household Cleaners

Here are some tips I found online.. I have tried some of these and others I am going to use also.

Sure, it’s great to find that one magical product that solves a very specific household problem. (The Gonzo Pet Hair Lifter a multiple-cat-owning friend received as a Christmas gift truly has no equal.) But the truth is, you need little more than the following six ingredients—baking soda, borax, lemon juice, salt, olive oil and white vinegar—to clean just about anything in your home (pet hair excluded). Here are just a few of the many uses for these, well, magical multi-taskers:

1. Baking soda: Acts as a scrub to remove hard water stains; polishes metal; deodorizes pretty much anything it touches (try stashing some in the fridge).

2. Borax: Mixed with three parts water, it makes a paste for cleaning carpet stains; mixed with ¼ part lemon juice, it cleans stainless steel and porcelain. (Note: although borax is a natural substance, you still shouldn’t eat it—and neither should your kids or pets.)

3. Lemon: Deodorizes and cuts grease on counter tops; rubbed on cutting boards, it bleaches stains and disinfects; combined with baking soda, it removes stains from plastic food storage containers.

4. Salt: Another natural scrubber—sprinkle it on cookware or oven surfaces, then rub; add citrus juice to turn it into an effective rust remover.

5. White vinegar: Deodorizes and disinfects; combine with water (and a little liquid soap—I know, it feels like cheating) to clean windows, mirrors, and floors; use at full strength in a spray bottle to fight mold and mildew.

6. Olive Oil: Mix two parts oil with one part lemon juice and use as a natural wood polish. (Save the really good stuff for dinner.)

One added bonus of using natural cleaners: as part of your spring cleaning regimen, you can now clear out all those bottles of specialized (and possibly toxic) potions.

For more tips on rounding out your eco-friendly cleaning closet, see Christina Strutt’s cleaning-pantry-checklist from her new book, A Guide To Green Housekeeping; for a video demonstration of how to mix up some natural cleaning solutions with these ingredients, watch this clip from Decor It Yourself.

What are your best natural cleaning techniques?

The Price Family's Top Ten Tips for Taking Care of our Earth and Going Green

1. Recycle: Many medium and large cities offer voluntary recycling from your curb. If your city does not participate, write a letter to the mayor and the city council urging them to recycle to reduce waste in landfills and temper the need to consume more trees and generate new plastic, aluminum, and glass products. If city-sponsored recycling is still not an option, numerous communities have centrally-located recycling centers where you can drop off plastics, aluminum, paper, cardboard, and other recyclables. Buy a big trash can, paint it blue, and draw the universal symbol for recycling on it. Make it your family's dedicated recycling bin.

2. When you go shopping, use reusable grocery bags. Many stores carry them. If you go to a local fair during Earth Day, you can probably get them for free. Millions of plastic grocery bags are produced every day. They have to wind up somewhere... usually a landfill! Remember the big bag purses from the 80's? We bought five reusable grocery bags that were that size (just not gaudy or made from naugahyde), and they work great! Even during our "big haul" of groceries for a pay period, they work well.

3. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. A 13-watt CFL produces as much light as a 60-watt regular bulb. You save a whopping 78% of electricity used for lighting your home just by switching to CFLs! With the exception of our dimmable and bathroom vanity lights, all bulbs in our home are CFLs. While you're at it, change your habits! Turn off lights when not in use. Pull open the blinds during the day instead of keeping them drawn and turning on lights.

4. If you're not in a room, TURN OFF the ceiling fan running in there. Ceiling fans do not "cool the house". They make a room feel 5-7 degrees cooler because they move the air around. If you're not in the room to feel the breeze, it is doing nothing but wasting electricity.

5. Minimize your use of the air conditioner. For most of the spring and early summer, A/C use isn't even necessary. Open the windows for the first few hours of the day to completely cool off the house. Then, as the outside warms up around 80 and above, shut all the windows and blinds. Even here in San Antonio (where spring lasts about three weeks), the house stays cool until around 3:00 p.m. Then, you only have to use the A/C until around 8:00. While you're at it, install a digital thermostat and set it to 78 degrees. Every degree you drop the thermostat adds another 10% to your electric bill.

6. Turn off your computer when not in use. Computers left on (and monitors are even more notorious for this) continue to sap electricity needlessly. If you're that tied to e-mail that you must know the instant one arrives, you need to go outside and start planting flowers or take up a hobby like reading. :) Many computers offer a "Hibernate" feature. This is NOT the same as Standby (which still draws electricity). Hibernate stores the entire state of your session on the hard drive and then shuts the computer off. You can unplug it even and you won't lose anything. When you start it back up, it starts quicker than a complete power down, and whatever you were working on is still there... no need to reopen everything!

7. Unplug appliances when not in use. Many appliances and electronics draw some amount of current even when they're not in use. Ever seen those thick black boxes surrounding the plugs of many electronics, they contain a transformer and an AC-to-DC converter that draws energy when plugged in regardless of whether the electronic device is operating.

8. Ride your bike or walk to places close by. Not only will you put less carbon monoxide in the air and decrease your gasoline consumption, but you will also enjoy the physical benefits of the exercise and spend less money on gas (and who wants to spend any more than they have to on gas?!?). You will get DOUBLE the benefits! If you live too far away from places you frequent (like work, grocery store, library, playground, etc.), try regularly sharing a ride. It still benefits you, the earth, and your pocketbook!

9. (This one is solely the input of Windy... snicker, snicker!) REUSE... shop at Goodwill! You would be amazed at how many different things there are to be found that satisfy a need or a want without undue strain on the pocketbook. While you're at it, give back to these great organizations by DONATING your clean, well-maintained, unused items. You never did use that post-hole digger did you? Now you live in a condo. Why are you hanging on to it?

10. Plant a garden. This may seem like a monumental task in your mind. Or, if you're like me, you think back to those days as a kid when you had to pull weeds in the family garden. I never even liked cantelope growing up, so why did I have to pick out all the dang weeds?!? Nevertheless, a small garden with a few key crops can promote health and lessen the grocery bill, all while teaching yourself and your children to appreciate all that Mother Earth has to give us. We recommend you start SMALL and use ORGANIC seeds and soil. Organic methods of pest control are available (who wants poison on their food anyway??). Talk to your local nursery or co-op about organic options that work well in your area. With respect to "starting small", we recommend a couple of square foot planters. Make sure they are at least 18"-24" deep, so the roots have plenty of room to grow. Pick one or two of your favorite veggies, and cut your teeth on the whole gardening thing with no more than a couple of planters. Try a tomato plant and some carrots. Avoid plants that don't grow well in your climate, or the endeavor will end up taking more time than you anticipated and will reap less than you expected.

These are our top ten tips. What are yours?

- The Price Family

Be kind to our EARTH!

So for the past few months or so our family for family night have been watching The Planet Earth DVD series. We have been able to teach the boys the importance of conserving energy, recycling, not littering and just doing our part to help preserve our earth. We went camping two weekends ago and were surprised how the boys noticed any litter around and were eager to clean it up. Last weekend being earth day weekend we were able to go to an earth day fair that was going on. The boys were so excited to get their reusable shopping bags, seeds, and flowers. We all were so excited when I found out that I won a bike!! They were giving away 50 adult bikes and 100 kids bikes. Yours truly was the first name called! It's one of those fun beach cruiser looking kind. I am so excited about it!! now I want to get a little basket for it and ride it to the grocery store to get all of my fresh produce!! Call me crazy but I think I am reverting back to my childhood when I was a tree hugger! Birkenstock's and all!! I am just so interested in learning all I can about being "Green" and how to garden and reduce, reuse or recycle!! Maybe I should end this by saying PEACE :) LOVE, and HAPPINESS