Making Strawberry Jam

I have been wanting to make strawberry jam for years now. My mom and sister kept telling me how simple it is. So, last night while I was at the store I spotted strawberries for a great price. I got 8 pounds of berries and planned to make the jam this morning. Hannah went down for her nap so easily this morning and Austin and Wyatt were playing outside with neighbors, so everything was perfect. I decided to do both batches at once since I had a huge pot and all of the containers ready. I followed the directions to a "T" (I know family- that is hard to believe), but I really did. I noticed that after I got the berries and pectin boiling that it was going to be a tight fit with all of the sugar. I poured in the sugar though and we still had room without everything going over. Then, it happened when the jam started to boil - it went right over the sides of my pan. I quickly removed the pan from the burner, but forgot to turn off the hot plate. Soon there were flames burning, but I thought to myself, it will burn itself out. Then the flames got bigger and started to spread. I quickly grabbed my trusty baking soda and doused the flames. As smoke filled the air I surveyed the damage. The jam was saved but my stove was a sticky black mess. To top it all off the smoke alarms in every room in our house started to sound. I stood there and laughed. Hannah who was up from her nap by now, started saying "uh-oh". Yeah she knows trouble when she sees it. I am just thankful that since I have a cold and allergies combined, I couldn't smell any of it. I never knew that making strawberry jam could be such an adventure. FYI: the only other time I have started a fire cooking was in my parents' microwave over 10 years ago :)

A new day a new word

Today was such a beautiful day. I love the weather when it hints of Spring. We actually put our running shoes on and went for a jog this afternoon. It wasn't extremely far, but we did it. Next time Wyatt rides in the stroller with Hannah. (bike + Wyatt + jogging = very slow) Here's to our 1st 5K this year in May and hopefully more this summer!
Also, little Hannah Nannah said her 1st real word (besides mamamamama) it is.... ought oh!!! We love it. When she drops something or gets into things we say ought oh and she repeats it. So cute :)

Testimony almost

Today was Fast and Testimony meeting. I kept thinking all week how it had been such a long time since I had gotten up to bear my testimony in Sarcrament Meeting. I always use the excuse that I can't leave 4 kiddos on a bench alone and that since Colby always gets to bear his testimony that is sufficient for our family. While I was sitting listening to others bear their testimonies, I thought that maybe today was my day. Then, a sweet brother behind me said that he would hold my baby for me if I wanted to get up and bear my testimony. I thought hey this definintely means that it is my turn. Well when I was just getting the courage to do it, Hannah spit up all over both of us. By the time I got us both cleaned up there was 10 minutes left. I wasn't going to let it get me out of it. But, there was never a break between testimonies and the line of those who were getting up to bear theirs. So, I didn't make it. I have no shame or embarrassment to post my testimony for all to read it... so here is what my testimony would have been today.
I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me! He knows me. He hears me when I pray to Him and He forgives me when I repent of my ever present mistakes. I loved that someone said today that He knows what we want in life, but He also knows what we need. I needed to hear that today! For, sometimes life takes turns that we don't want it to take, but it is just what we need.
I know that Jesus is my Savior. He is who made it possible to be with my family FOREVER! I know that we belong to His true church here on this earth,
I know the Book of Mormon is true. It is so fun to read together as a family. I love seeing a 7 year old read ahead to see how the story ends so that he doesn't have to wait until tomorrow.
I am so very blessed, and I know that it is all from my Heavenly Father that loves me!

To all my sisters...

Today in RS our lesson was on being unified as sisters in Relief Society. It made me realize just how blessed I am to have such amazing sisters in my life. I have 2 of the bestest blood sisters ever. Our relationships haven't always been perfect, but they are solid. I have 6 amazing sister-in-laws on this planet. I couldn't have hand picked a better bunch. I have so many amazing friends that surround me. Some have moved away, but are never forgotten and continue to be examples to me. All I have to say is... Thank You! Thank you for loving me, laughing with me, crying with me, falling with me, for picking me up, and for accepting me for who I am.

9 Years!

It's been 9 years since I married my best friend. We've done a lot in those years - 4 children, 6 moves, 5 different jobs, 5 different cars, countless different callings, so many late nights spent talking about "life", struggling to learn how to parent 4 very different children, laughing together, crying together (ok maybe that was just me) ... but one thing remains unchanged. He's still my best friend!

This little lady

Can you see her? She is adorable huh! We love her bunches and bunches. Lately she has been showing quite the stubborn streak. Ok, so it's only been the last 4 days. But holy cow is she ever fiesty and grumpy!!!! It all started on Sunday. I had to take her out during Sacrament meeting. No big deal right. I tell you this is a 1st for her. She has been such a good baby. On Monday she would scream anytime her brothers came near her. She refused to nap, refused to eat her baby food and wanted to be nursed almost every 2 hours. This has continued on thoughout the nights and through the morning today. Cross your fingers because she is taking her 2nd nap today as I type. We have wondered if it is teeth (can't feel or see anything), an ear infection (no fever, no pulling at her ears), we tried supplementing with a bottle  (which she refuses to drink). Personally, I think this little lady is just showing us who is the boss around our house.
Is it weird to anyone else that her favorite place to play is under our bed. Apparently she has no problem with tight dark places. Holy Claustraphobia Baby!