I love being ready for the holidays!!!!

This is the first year I am ready early. Can I just say.... it feels really gooood! The presents are wrapped, check,.... house and tree decorated, check,.... Christmas Letters will be out and finished today, check. I think it has helped that my hubby is home, and has been very helpful with all the cooking. Life is wonderful when you have a true help meet.

Fall Harvest Festival

Mormon Monk, Witchie Pooh, Ninja Boy, Cutie Pie Clown. There was a great turn out and it was a whole lot of fun.

Randelle is an Aweeeesooome Teacher!

I just love how creative you are! Right down to the hot, hot, hot chocolate. You sure know how to set the mood for a great lesson. How did you get it all ready in time? I would have helped if I had known. I feel bad I was late to class. I've got to say I am not looking forward to the next lesson I have to do. It is about fasting, which I am not, I hate to admit it, that great at. This maybe another lesson for me in humility.
Keeping the Sabbath Day holy can sometimes be a challenge with children that want to play and do things that not appropriate for that day. I think helping them to recognize the blessing and joy that can come from not sitting idol, but involving them in specific uplifting activities like, writing letters to missionaries, visiting the sick, or grandma's for family history, having dinner with extended family, journaling, etc.

NOTA - All I Want For Christmas Is You

Beauty Parlor Days

This is Baylee playing with daddy's hair. What a good sport. I remembered doing this to my father when I was young. Don't tell my hubby I put this on here he'll ring my neck. Doesn't this happen to all dads with little girls?

Problem I recently encountered with my blog.

I was wanting to change my background and tried some stuff from this blogger site. Some things I like but others I do not and wish I could get background stuff from the old sites I used, but for some reason they won't work anymore. It is very disappointing because blogger doesn't have much variety. Anyone have any helpful ideas? Thanks, Brenda

Hello! Longtime No Post

Well I thought I would just mention our new pledge to start reading the B of M together as a family once again. Baylee is just dying to type so I am going to let her and then I will finish my post. lkjuytgrdexffbcq. There you go, a message from Baylee Bug. She says it says you has to do with yourself my prapatation from my teacher said. I have no idea what that means. Any interpretations for that would be appreciated. Merik gets up and out very early in the morning and then also goes to bed early and so we end up with having a hard time doing any reading together as a family, but generally it's time to kick back and relax a little, and get a snack when he gets home so I decided what better time to do this. I recently read, and have heard this saying in the past by Pres. Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the 12 "The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior. That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel." It is time to put this to the test, trust in the Lord, and lean not unto thine own understanding. I have a large dry erase board in my kitchen and am writing the day and scripture we are to read for that day to help keep us on track. Even though we put a marker in the scripts somehow the page gets lost, mainly due to children that like to mess with things. I feel that the message Pres. Packer gave is a true one and know we just need to apply it in our lives. By the way there is a wonderful message in the July 2010 Ensign by Russell T. Osguthorpe called "A Work For Us To Do". It talks about applying the principles we learn to our lives by acting on them, (by living them). 1st we must obtain the knowledge, ask the Lord for help in understanding it, and apply it to our lives by following the guidance given, which is generally to obey and keep the commandments. The key is it may give us a different idea how, or help us see ways we may not of thought of before in applying it. It is then that our testimony of that thing is felt, or increased by the effort of doing what is asked, and seeing the wonderful effects of that application in our lives. It is also important for us to learn to recognize things in the Lords way of revelation through the fruits of the spirit. By the feelings of the spirit, which are love, joy, peace, gentleness, meekness, & faith. See Galations 5:22. Many have thoughts that they have never thought of before that come and you realize WOW where did that come from and then you realize it is the feelings of the spirit and the Lord is telling you something. I have definitely felt this one more than once. I have heard of it referred to as an ah hah experience. Another word for it is inspiration. It is pretty cool. In every instance there has been a feeling, that what I was feeling was right. Okay I feel that I am getting a little off of what I started, but want to say that when I have followed the direction of our wonderful leaders given to us to guide us from God that I have been truly blessed and have been feeling that is what I must do once again. Brandon whines and complains about it for now. He'll read like he is bored to tears. We continue to pray that this will help us all as a family, and bring greater peace into our lives, as well as an increased desire for us to live the gospel fully. We all fall short at times and this can only help. I think to many times we forget to include the Lord in our lives, whether it is because we don't put our whole heart into our prayers, or are simply allowing other things to get in our way. The key is to never ever give up! And always keep trying when we fall short, that may mean we need to look at things in a new way to accomplish what is required but with the Lord's help the time will come when we will succeed. Hopefully this post will help to inspire others in a positive way, and not discourage you into thinking things are hopeless. I put on our bedroom wall the message ...with God nothing is impossible. I love it, because I know it is true!

Books I've Been Reading!

My sister Donna has turned me onto several love story books by Marcia McClure. They are great! They are clean, fun, and old fashion goodness. It is very weird to me to think that I actually enjoy reading now, because when I was young I couldn't stand reading. I think it had an awful lot to do with my ability to read. Until I read the Book of Mormon, I wasn't a very good reader. I didn't read it all the way through until my sophmore year of high school. I had missed so much seminary that my teacher told me she would give me the summer to read it. If I wanted credit for the class. In my mind I just wanted to pass so my mom would not know I ditched, and be disappointed in me. It turned out to be a good thing for me. That is when I actually gained a testimony.At first I would go outside and sunbath while reading my book just to get through it. I struggled with reading it. I was in a hurry to get it over with, so I was doing it as fast as I could. About half way through it I asked myself why am I doing this. Not just reading it, but rushing through it and not getting anything out of it. I thought I might as well read that promise in the book and take it to heart. The one that is in Moroni 10:3-5. It reminds me allot of the one Joseph Smith read that says "if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not. And it shall be given him." I decided to do things differently after that. I decided to pray every time I read it before I read it that the Lord would help me to understand it and if it was true I would know it. I did, and that knowledge, and understanding came. Also, my reading ability improved. The spirit taught me to understand it, and helped to know of it's truthfulness. There is nothing like the enlightenment of the mind with understanding of the things of God. It makes it really hard to want to do anything other than what God asks of us when we take to heart the scriptures. The idea of doing anything else is really hard when you realize the seriousness of doing so. I love the Lord and am grateful of my testimony of the scriptures, and the power of prayer. I am truly grateful for the atonement of the Savior, and his sacrifice for me and all of us. I hope and pray that I do not disappoint him, and live up to all the covenants I have made to live, and follow Christ example. I know I have much room for improvement, but I also know that I am not alone. He is there for me and you to help us on this path back to him and our Father. I know this to be true for I have had to humble myself many times throughout my life and ask for help. And the spirit of the Holy Ghost has been there to help guide me home. I am truly grateful for the prophet Joseph Smith who not only wanted to know the truth about which church was true, but when told was ready, and willing to follow God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. He sacrificed much for us in restoring the truth to the earth, and for this I am grateful. When I think of the prophets of old, and those from modern days I realize the Lord knows what he is doing. He put men in there that would be of the greatest need for the time. Each one fulfilled a mission of service using there various gifts, talents, and humility to accomplish what was asked. They trusted in the Lord for guidance, and did whatever was required of them. I am grateful for the Lord's church that has been restored to the earth in these latter days with all the priesthood power restored. Also the work that has gone forth in this dispensation through member missionaries, and those that serve full time. I had no I idea I was going to write all this. Sorry if it is to lengthy for you. Some of you may have already heard my conversion story, hope it being repeated doesn't bore you. I wouldn't feel right not to say that, I say these things in the Name of Jesus Christ Amen, because it is my testimony.

Funny Class Moment!

Today I wrote a scripture on the board for my lesson, and spelled prophet propet. "Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth his secret unto his servant the propets." Amos 3:7 Sister Joann Burrus says hey could you fix that word propet and change it to prophet. It was pretty funny. I hadn't even noticed it until then. In my defense I said hey I do know how to spell it. I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote that. I spelled it write in the other scripture I have on the board.

CEU's - That stands for Clinical Education Units

Every year I have to do 15 hours of education that is applicable, and approved by the Nevada State Board. I signed up last year for some online courses, and paid about $40. extra to have up to a 100 hours. It actually saved me money for this year. Like about $100. dollars so even if I don't use all of the hours, and just get my requirements I still save money. I just could not pass it up. I have also found it is alot cheaper to do online courses. I used to have to pay about $500. a year for the full 15 hours. The courses most were often on a Sat. and Sun. I took a course about Spasticity, Alzeheimer's, Low back stabilization, and a few others. Now I can do this at my own pace. As long as it is done before the end of July. I typically aim to get them done before the end of June. So I can get everything taken care of in a timely manner. The hard part is I just want to get it over with, and don't like spreading it out to much. It is best to do when Brandon and Baylee are at school. I forgot that Brandon would be on track break so soon though. I am just glad I am done. They really are interesting courses. I think I will eventually take one about Aquatic Therapy. This company I use also offers a few free courses as well.

Back Online

My computer had a bad virus, and I am not so sure it is gone. It is one that likes to rename itself. I had major amounts of email to look at. Things are better than they were and I am grateful for that.

Edgel Family Christmas Party

I know I'm late. It was a great party. I wish I could get a short video uploaded.

Merik Got a Tunneling Job

Yeah! He starts tomorrow. The Lord is watching over us. Thank You. I am awaiting job info. for me. I really want to do per diem with Life Care. It will help me to get my foot in the door if I want to do full time or part time later. I also really like the company. When Baylee is in school full time I can change things.

Job Interviews, Etc.

I have had a few interviews with Life Care. I also received some calls, and things seem to rolling along nicely. I have been told it is a lengthy process to get into Life Care as an employee. It could take up to a month, mainly because of the background checks. They require background checks, TB shots, a physical, and finger printing before they can start an employee. That is okay with me. They allow you to set your own hours as long as you fulfill the agreed time frame for full time, or part time. They have a great set up with a variety of care to meet the various needs. I am hoping things work out.

Currently Jobless & Looking

Merik is now on the out of work list with the union. I am attempting to refine my resume, and do some networking. For those unfamiliar with what networking is...it is finding friends, or others you know that can refer you to jobs. There are jobs out there fortunately in the field of Physical Therapy. Merik may get a tunneling job. We're not sure yet. Let's hope and pray. One of us needs to be home for the children though, at least until they are in school full time.

Septimus Heap - A New Series that I am Currently Enjoying

I have been reading this series recently and rather enjoying it. I must say that I really don't like when I read a book and find there are 4 more and I can't get them from the library fast enough. It usually takes me about 3-4 days a book. I wanted to know how many more of this series there is, and I am still not sure. I read the first one that I bought at Brandon's school library book fair for $5. Then I wanted to know if there were more. I checked a website and found out the info below.

KRC: Is there any chance we'll see MAGYK (or any of the other four books) on the big screen?

AS: Warner Brothers has the movie rights for all seven books in the Septimus Heap series, and MAGYK is in development at the moment, which is great. David Frankel (who directed Marley & Me) is piloting it through this stage, and I heard recently that there are some great screenwriters working in it. I think it will make a wonderful movie.

I have been trying to figure out how to add a book cover picture to this, but don't know how. I have found them, highlighted them, tried to do a copy and paste thing and it is not working. What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I wanted to put these on a sidebar thing not here, but this will have to do.
I just read that it will be coming out after the Harry Potter movies are all done in 2012. I also read it will be an animated film. I am not as excited about that, but think it will still make a good movie, and there will be 7 books 5 are already out. I messed up somehow and got 2 of the same book on this post. The 4th book is called Quest, and I just read it and it was really good.

Our Fort - Not Knox

So how's this for a fun eye sore? It's all in the name of fun for the children. It honestly kind of scares me. Brandon and Baylee are hard at work painting away. We have plans to get rid of the old swing set and use this instead. I just hope it is a project that gets done. I love that Merik has the desire to create something that is fun for his kids. He is a very hard worker. It is a fort that is not finished yet. Merik is planning to add swings, a climbing rope, and put some sides around the top. He made it so he could walk under it when mowing the lawn, and not have to duck.