Monday, August 29, 2011

Quick trip to Prescott Valley

We headed up to Prescott Valley this past weekend to see Karrie's new place. My parents were heading up and wanted to bring Jack and Jay but Jack was in Utah with Ryan so it was just going to be Jay. Then I thought why can't I go, why does Jay get to have all of the fun. So I headed up and talked Joe and Cassie into coming since I had enough room in my car. We had a great time seeing Karrie's new house. It is beautiful. I love the floor plan and the basement. It was so fun to see Jeremy, Jacob, Abby, Hannah, and Annie. They are such a fun family. After lunch of Panda Express, my parents left after staying about 2 1/2 hours, almost a record. The rest of us headed out for an adventure. We went to Watson Lake, and hiked around. It was beautiful except the millions of ants that swarmed all over my feet if I stood still for too long. We had a great time and look forward to many more trips up to Prescott Valley. In fact Kate is already asking when we can go back and saying she misses Annis in Prescott.


Jake, Jay, Hadlie, Joe, Cassie, Abby, Jeremy, Hannah, Kate, Karrie, Keelie, Dyan and Annie











Sunday, August 14, 2011

Summer lessons learned

My summer was eventful and as I was thinking back on it I learned a lot of lessons so I thought I would blog about them so I will remember them when I am old, or even just next week.
*The summer started with us being called home early from a vacation in Show Low so Ryan could be called as second counselor in the bishopric. At the time I was mad. I didn't want to leave Show Low. It is one of my favorite trips, softball over Memorial Day. But we knew we needed to go so we went. When I think about that decision I am glad we went. Yes, I was angry but in the big picture what is one day of my life. I learned I need to be obedient and have faith. Even when I don't know why I am being asked something or it may be hard. If I can always be obedient when asked to do something in the church I know I will be blessed. I am grateful to a stake president who asked us to come home early from vacation so I could learn this lesson.
*Jay's ruptured appendix happened right after Ryan was called to the bishopric. When I think about his illness I am amazed at how fast it came on. One day we were shoveling dirt in my parents back yard and the next day Jay is sick and sick for three weeks. I learned to speak up for my children. Even when the doctor says nothing is wrong. I didn't feel good about what the doctor said but I also didn't know what else it could be. Now I will speak up and make sure my child is treated properly. I also learned that I can deal with illness. Before this happened the thought of one of my children getting really sick did me in. I am not the mom who is kind and patient with sick kids. Usually I just tell them to suck it up and go lay down. But I was able to take care of Jay and I developed some patience sitting in the hospital day in and day out. I also learned that accepting service is hard but necessary. I could not have had a child in the hospital without all of the people who helped. Jay went into the hospital on a Thursday, on Sunday when my ward heard, I got so many texts asking me what they could do to help. Before my ward helped out my family stepped up. They spent the night at my parents, Karrie's and the Ricedorff's. How grateful I am to the many people who helped me and I hope someday I can repay them.
*Finally after Jay got better we were able to take many vacations, Show Low, Lake Powell, Christopher Creek and California all in July. I love traveling with my family. My kids are so much fun and love to play. I enjoy watching them interact with their cousins and play outside. I am also grateful to Ryan for supporting us. We have been blessed with a good job that allows us to travel. I know we are making memories with my kids. I hope and pray that we can always travel together and enjoy each other's company.
*Rathen left on his mission. The night before he left the Ricedorff's all bore their testimonies. I was so impressed with my in-laws. They each have such sweet and strong testimonies. I know it has been hard on Randy and Rebecca to have Rathen on a mission but they have such strong faith to let him go. They know that the Lord wants Rathen on a mission so they let him go even though it was so hard. I also learned that I need to be a better missionary. I am a ward missionary and I need to not be afraid to speak about the gospel. When I get scared I think of Rathen out in North Carolina all by himself and it gives me strength. I am nowhere where I need to be but I am working on it.
*My Grandpa passed away at 95 years old. He lived such a good life and I learned a lot from his funeral. He was a hard worker and taught my dad how to work. My dad in turn taught me, if I can be half the worker my grandpa was and my dad is I should be good. My grandpa also loved his family. When my dad was talking he told the story about riding to and home from school with his dad and how much he loved that time with his dad. I know I need to spend more time with my kids. My grandpa taught me to spend time with my children. I know my kids are growing fast so I need to teach them now, and the best way to do this is by spending time with them. His passing also reinforced in me the plan of salvation. I know that families can be together forever. I know if I live my life right I will see my grandpa again and will be with Ryan and my kids after we have died. I am so happy I have this knowledge. It made my grandpa's death so much easier.
*The summer ended with Karrie moving away. It has not been easy but it has forced me to step outside my comfort zone and make new friends and ask others for help. When Karrie lived close it was easy to use her, she is my sister and I know I took advantage of her, and didn't appreciate all she did. It has taught me to appreciate what I have now. I know I have a great life and many blessings. I only hope I can continue to appreciate all that I have.
I know I learned more lessons from the summer but these are the big ones.
-be obedient, have faith, more patience, let others serve me, family is important, be a better missionary, work hard, spend time and teach my children, families are forever, move out of my comfort zone, and be more grateful



Wednesday, August 10, 2011

First day of school

School has started. I have counted down to this day all summer and now that it is here I am not sure how I feel about it. My boys are growing up so fast. Watching them walk into the school made me want to cry. They didn't want me to walk them to their classes. They could do it themselves. I made sure Jack knew to take care of Jay and where to meet after school so I could pick them up and then they were off. I hope and pray that they will have a good year. That they will make good friends and make good choices. Ryan gave them great blessings yesterday which I am so grateful that Ryan honors his priesthood. I know they will do good but I miss them already. Now it is just me and Kate home. I hope I can enjoy her and teach her.


Jack's favorites:

Color: Blue. Animal: python. Food: Pizza. Best Friend: Jake Platt. Book: Ramona and Beezus. Activity: Going to the beach. Toy: silver race car. Movie: Ramona and Beezus. What do you want to be when you grow up? a singer and a dancer.

Jay's favorites:

Color: Green. Animal: Shark. Food: fruit cups. Best Friend: Wilson Kerr. Book: 100 day worries. Activity: science projects. Toy: power rangers and transformers. Movie: Transformers

What do you want to be when yo grow up? make movies.








Monday, August 8, 2011

Random things my kids say

I am always amazed at the things my kids say and do. Here are a few funnies from the summer.
Kate: While straddling the pack and play at Lake Powell "ouch my nuts." Gotta love having two older brothers. Kate and I were talking about what she wants to be when she grows up. I asked her if she was going to be a mom and she responded with, "Yes, but I will have to get big boobers." (breasts, thanks Annie for the nickname) Now every time I get in the shower with her she will proceed to tell me "moms have big boobers, Jack, Jay, and dad don't cause they is boys. And I don't cause I am little."
Jay: "Mom, why is it Gulliver's Travels? He only goes on one trip so it should be travel." How can I argue with that? He also asked, "mom, to get an egg don't you need a chicken?" I said yes, so he responded with "but how do you get a chicken if you don't have an egg?" He was pondering the question which came first the chicken or the egg. Julie said next time give him the answer,"live righteously so when you get to heaven you can ask Heavenly Father that question." I don't like that my kids are getting smarter than me.
Jack: "Mom, do you know that gross thing moms and dads do to get kids?" I said yes, I have three kids. His response was "well what is it?" He has asked a bunch of times about it. I am not ready for the birds and the bees talk. Any advice on this? Jack is also starting to really say great prayers. He takes his time and really prays for people and he is always so grateful for the things he has. He is a great example to me when it comes to praying.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Changes

"Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding and compassion, which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain." Elder Richard G. Scott
I don't really like change. If I could keep things always the same I think my life would be great. But then I look around after the change and realize I needed it and I am a much better person because of it. But I am struggling with this big change in my life, Karrie is moving to Prescott, Arizona. I know they will do great and will have so much fun but I will miss her. Karrie is my go to person. She is such a great example to me of service. When I need her she is right there, either with a phone call, taking my kids and the best sugar cookies ever. I can't wait to see there house and their life in Prescott. But the Platts will be missed by me and my family.