What We've Been Up To in 2011, Part 1

Joseph got baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints August 6th. It was a very special day and Joseph was surrounded by many friends and family that love him so much. He is such an amazing kid. Unfortunately, these 2 pictures are the only pictures of the day. We were so distracted and busy we forgot to document his special day!



We finally updated our family photos in August. My good friend Olivia took them and we loved being with her. I hate having my picture taken, but she made it fun and I love all of the pictures. I just wish I weighed about 20 pounds less.....



Joseph turned 8! I can't believe he is getting so old. He got his first suit and had a super hero birthday party. His party was so much fun and he had tons of kids come to help celebrate the day.



Visiting with awesome cousins from Texas!



Awesome cousins from Colorado. We had a lot of family visit us this summer. It was great to see all of the cousins playing together and getting along so well.



Joseph went to his first Scout Camp and got to shoot a real gun! (Well, a BB gun.) It was one of the highlights of his summer!



Olivia graduated from her home pre-school program. I had the privilege of being one of her teachers during the year.



Neal is still in the Bishopric and this is what he looks like when he gets home from Church. He really does love his calling though!

Mama Baer

My Mom called last night to let me know that a dear friend had died yesterday in a head on car collision. Jane Baer was not only an amazing woman, but she helped mold my testimony when I was a teenager. She was my teacher and friend and I know she loved me. I went to her house when I got my mission call, and I went straight to her house as soon as I got home from my mission. I spent a lot of time in her home and I always admired the teal wall in her front sitting room. I wanted one just like it when I was a young and now I have one!

Jane radiated goodness and Christ-like love. I remember sitting in class at church and feeling love radiate from her as she taught the lesson. She was so good that one time when she was driving to girls camp she left her blinker on the entire drive there, which drove me insane. But I didn't point it out to her because I didn't want to nag her. She made me want to be a better person. When I was shy and feeling like an outcast, she took me aside and made me feel important.

Jane was currently serving as the Temple Matron along with her husband, Mark Baer as President of the Denver Temple. Each time I would go home and attend the Temple I would see her and as always she would hug me, look in my eyes and ask about my life. Jane really was an angel on earth. I love her so much and I'm so thankful for her grace, her Christlike love and for raising such an amazing family that has been an important part of my life.

Vent

I know I shouldn't vent publicly, but I figured no one reads this blog anyway, so why not?

I joined the PTA last May and I regret to say that I did not research the position before accepting it. One mother told me they needed a PTA President-Elect. That sounded harmless enough to me and they were desperate, so I told them I would do it. Neal has not stopped making fun of me since. Why did I not look into what I was getting myself into? I really am going to do my best and feel grateful to be with my kids so much at school, but if I could I would stay in my home/cave and never have people look at me or look to me to be in charge. Instead I am going to be front and center (especially next year) and I don't want to do it!

I was supposed to start my "Sex Goddess Diet" on September 1st. I am turning 40 next May and I really want to look my best before I plummet into middle age. But the problem is, I have no desire. I want it to happen instantly and I don't want to make the effort! So, instead of working really hard and changing my habits, I have done nothing to change and am eating worse then ever. Blah.

I have read a certain blog for several years that I really looked to for help and parenting advice. She helped me be a better parent and taught me to love being a mother. But recently her blog has become to much for me. I guess if it bothers me so much I should stop reading it.
The truth is, I am probably jealous. I know that she has gone through tremendous struggles in the last several years, but I wish she would realize that the general audience that she is speaking to, does not live the ideal lifestyle that she does.  I don't mean to offend anyone that knows her, and I especially don't want to offend her. She has helped me in ways that she will never know. I even met her once at Costco. Well....I went up to her and hugged her. I felt that she needed to know how much she had helped me.
I know that most bloggers write about the good things in their lives. We don't see all of the struggles, the pain and the stress that goes on behind the scenes. So why am I struggling with her? I realize her life isn't as perfect as it seems. Can anyone else explain this to me and do they feel the same way? Does my frustration even make sense?

Anyway, I could keep venting but I should just stop now. I don't want anyone to feel bad about what I am saying, they are just things I am thinking about and want to figure out in my own life.