trial or tender mercy?

Well, we're still on the way to Australia. We made it from Tulsa to Denver and to San Francisco, but we're still in SF. We got on the plane and then sat there for 3 HOURS waiting to take off (Jared had a really hard time falling asleep- he was really fussy on the flight to SF. )

Anyway, another plane heading to Sydney was having maintenance problems so they were moving some of the passengers (higher class) to our plane. So they had to move their luggage also. Then because of added passengers, they needed more fuel and catering. Then they had to switch crews and do paperwork and such. Well, 3 hours later, they cancelled our flight. The boys were already sound asleep AND they didn't do baggage re-claim, so we headed out with just our carry-ons. We didn't have a change of clothes and I didn't even have a toothbrush with me. Anyway, I guess we didn't have to tote around all our stuff. And they gave us motel and meal vouchers at least. We finally got to the motel at about 4:00am our time. Long day. It seemed like such a trial, but maybe it was a "tender mercy," because we got to spend the day with my brother and his family in San Francisco. Yeah for family! We were able to rest a little bit before we head out again for our long flight.

We missed the train we were supposed to take today, but we got bus tickets instead. The bus leaves from the airport so we don't have to worry about getting a taxi or anything. And the bus gets in around 5:00pm, so we have time to get a rental car, which happens to be just around the corner from the bus station. So it is all working out. We'll see if we fly tonight...

In the meantime, we're enjoying getting to see Mike, Carrie, Nicholas, and Brenda (Carrie's mom, who picked us up from the motel.)

Headed to Australia

In less than 48 hours, we will be headed to Australia for about 6 weeks... I just hope we will survive the nearly 24 hours of travel to get there. We fly from Tulsa to Denver, Denver to San Francisco (about 4 hours or so flying) then from SF to Sydney (about 14 hours). Then we take a train to Canberra (about 3 hours). So add some wait time and that's about a full day. That's why we leave on Tuesday and get there on Thursday (add the time difference). (On the way back, we will miss a day.)

I hope we have enough snacks and activities...

No worries mate? Worries.

early Christmas presents

The boys were pretty excited about their early Christmas presents, Thomas sticker books and videos, Thomas legos, dinousaurs, and books.

Jared's 1st haircut

Jared is 18 months now and finally getting his 1st haircut.
I didn't have to take hardly anything off the front,
but the back was getting a little bushy...

before

He let me use the "buzzer" on it. He did great.

after

Did momma do a good job? Momma did a good job. Yeah momma!

little bakers

For Family Home Evening, we made sugar cookies. The boys had a great time. Alex and I made our own batch of cookies, though!

Doctor Nathan

Here's the real Dr. S*. Nathan has really been into the pretend play lately.

thankful heart

We spent Thanksgiving with Alex's parents. We had a good time. I was thinking how much I like Thanksgiving. It is probably my favorite holiday, because it's all about food and family. What can be better than that? And you don't have to worry about gifts. It's great. And it is a good time to remember all the blessings we've been given. In my journal, I was trying to write down a few of the things that I'm thankful for. Here they are:

-the goodness and mercy of God
-the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ
-Jesus' Atonement, making repentance possible
-prophets to guide us, even a prophet today, President Hinckley
-restoration of the gospel, with all of the priesthood authority, through the humble and faithful Joseph Smith
-the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other scriptures as witness and testament of Christ
-my own testimony of truth
-temples, to unite families beyond death
-my precious family
-my patient and forgiving husband, who is a hardworker
-my 2 amazing boys who teach me what life is all about
-a reliable job, with income to meet our needs
-2 reliable cars
-a modest home of shelter and comfort
-lots of nice things; clothes, shoes, t.v., computer, phones, and so many other luxuries
-FREEDOM and those willing to give their life for it
-healthy body, mind, and spirit
-good friends, available and willing to serve
-teachers, willing to sacrifice time to help us find truth
-doctors, dentists, garbage men, construction workers, grocery store clerks, and others who work to make life easier for those around them
-Education; schools, libraries, opportunities to learn
-Good books, music, and entertainment to enliven our minds
-Good food, easily accessible
-Nature, parks, the beauty of the earth
-Animals, to share in our journey and sometimes be our companions
-Opportunities to serve, to increase our love for those around us
-Talents
-Trials, to strengthen us and build character
-Memories, to cheer and strengthen
-Love, that keeps us going
-Time, to grow, to experience, to become

There's a good start to my blessings...


"When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings; name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done...
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings; ev'ry doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by...
When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold. Count your many blessings; money cannot buy your reward in heaven nor your home on high...
So amid the conflict, whether great or small, do not be discouraged; God is over all. Count your many blessings; angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey's end. Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your blessings; See what God hath done. Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your many blessings; See what God hath done."
- "Count Your Blessings," Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Heritage Makers

Well, I've been busy. I've been training to be an independent consultant for a company called Heritage Makers, a digital storybooking company. It's pretty cool- you can put together your own book. Just go to my website at www.joyarchives.com. There you can create an account and start working on your project. Just upload your photos, arrange them in pages, add text, and send it off to get bound. It only takes about 2 weeks to get it published, and it's very easy to do. You don't have to be a computer guru. It's designed for dummies like me. :)

A basic account is FREE. If you want to upgrade, there is a monthly subscription, but you can have access to over 30,000 pieces of artwork (paper & embellishments). Say good-bye to your traditional scrapbooking (well, you can still do that), but this is much easier. Once your photos are uploaded, you can work on your projects anywhere you can get on the internet. And there's no mess to clean up.

Anyway, I'm done advertising. But it is really cool. You have to check it out...