What I don't like about myself

Today I was reading in the Book of Mormon in Jacob 4 and came across verse 2: "But whatsoever things we write upon anything save it be upon plates must perish and vanish away...". This is what I don't like about myself - I can't remember every cute thing that my children do. I was just thinking today how little I can remember about my oldest, Madelyn, when she was Kaelyn's age. It is so hard to remember those many precious "baby" moments that we spent together that Kaelyn and I are making right now. All I can remember is what cute toddler things she had done that morning. When I read this verse this morning it just reiterated in my head why the church leaders have admonished us to keep journals. I have started writing in my journal more frequently, but it seems like I only have a 2 to 4 hour window before I forget all about the details of that cute moment. The journal entries I have written throughout the years have been such a strength to me when I revisit them. Like when my 2 year old is whining about EVERYTHING. If I go back to an entry when she was being so cute and sweet it gives me the strength to overcome the overwhelming urge to sell her to the circus. I wish I had the perfect memory, but am grateful that I can r write in my journal so my memories will never "perish and vanish away!"

ps. To all those who want to see more posts of my children. We are in the process of getting our camera computer cord back. Cute Pictures are on their way!!

Family Home Evening with the Bishop

Tonight we had the Bishop in our ward over for dinner and a small Family Home Evening. His wife has been out of town for a few months because his youngest daughter is going through treatments up in Utah to fight off the cancer she has been battling for 3 years now. It was SOOOO fun to have him over! He is such an amazing man and he brought such a good feeling into our home. I love having people over because you are really able to get to know them. I had tons of respect for my bishop before, but now I respect him even more and my love for him has doubled. He is so personable and easy to talk to and Maddy couldn't get enough of him. She was such a little actress and loved the extra attention. I just love to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There are so many blessings that I have received from living the principles that the gospel teaches and one of those blessings is having GREAT people to associate with and learn from. So if you ever have the chance I highly recommend you invite your bishop to FHE or a family dinner. It was fun to be able to serve him!! He does soooo much for us!

A Free Family Activity

Every Friday and Saturday Night during the summer months The District (off of Green Valley Pkwy. and the 215) shows a FREE movie at this small park hidden on the south side of Whole Foods. Tonight my family went with some friends of ours and watched Hairspray (which is an excellent movie by the way). On Friday nights they tend to show more family oriented movies and on Saturday a variety of PG and PG-13 movies. The great thing about this park is that there is an old fashioned merry-go-round that your children can ride for $2.00 a ride and they give out FREE popcorn and candy during the movie. Next week they are showing Alvin and the Chipmunks on Friday and Nemph's something or other (the preview looked really cute). If I could find the cord that connects my camera to the computer (which has been lost a for a few weeks now) I would show you some fun pictures we took tonight. Highly recommended activity! Dogs can come too!!

Total Money Makeover!!!

Okay those who know me well know that I have always found joy in "The Deal" or hunting out ways in which I can save, save, save money. When I was in high school the clothes I got the most compliments on were the ones that I had hunted out at the local thrift stores and prided myself that I could find cute clothes at half the price that others had paid. I do that now with my grocery shopping (see Frugal Shopping Post).

Well my husband and I received a $25.00 gift card to Barnes and Noble and decided to purchase this book "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey. It is a definite read for anyone and everyone! Do you want to be debt free (cars, student loans and even your house)? Do you want to retire with millions? Do you want to get a good savings account and keep it?

Dave Ramsey is a national talk show host and is quoted weekly on ldsliving.org. Although not LDS his teachings fall right in line with those of the general authorities of the church. He just tells you step by step how to achieve financial freedom. A book I highly recommend!!

How to Subscribe to a Blog

This is a blog that my husband posted last week and I thought it would be helpful to anyone who wasn't aware that you could do this.

So it has come to my attention that not everyone knows how to subscribe to a blog. There are LOTS of ways to do this but I wanted to share with you the one I think is the easiest.

First, if you haven't made Google your homepage yet, there is still time to repent.

1. Make Google your homepage (be sure you have a google or gmail account)
2. Make sure you have iGoogle selected (top right of page) rather than classic view
3. Click on "add stuff" on the right side of the screen, toward the top. (this allows you to add lots of cool stuff to your new Google homepage)
   
4. There, you'll see a search field that says "search for gadgets." Enter "Google Reader"
5. Your first result will be the Google Reader. Click "Add it Now"
6. Return to your google homepage and you'll now see your Reader in place.
7. Click the title of your new gadget "Google Reader"
8. This is where you manage all your blog subscriptions
9. On the left side of the screen you'll see: add subscription. Click that and a little text window will appear.
10. In that field, enter what ever URL (or web address) you think might have a blog (or RSS) feed on it. For example, you might enter: http://jmdougherty.blogspot.com and then hit enter.
11. Repeat this step with URL's from all your friends and family that have blogs.
12. Now, whenever you open a browser window, you'll see that Google Reader on your homepage. When someone updates thier blog your Reader will automatically know it and you can read the blog from right there on your homepage window, you don't even have to go TO the blog to read it.

GOOD LUCK!

Notes:

• The Google reader will also work with YouTube channels. Put in the URL of your favorite YouTube channel and when they add a new video, your reader will let you know and you can watch the video right there on your homepage without actually going to YouTube.
• There are many other ways to subscribe to blogs as well. I just like this one.

The Mom Club - Check it out!

Check out my newest post on Frugal Shopping @ themomclub.blogspot.com If anyone is interested in cutting your grocery bill WAY DOWN read my blog!! My friend is the one who started this site. She has several other posts that are interesting to read. You can also go to selfreliantsisters.blogspot.com for additional info.

I Love You Mommy!

This morning as I was reading a few blogs that I subscribe to my 2 year old daughter, Madelyn, somehow ended up in my lap. I was so busy reading that it took me about a minute to realize that she was repeating over and over again "I love you, Mommy!". As soon as I responded with a big I love you she instantly hugged me and giggled with excitement. She then continued to tell me how much she loved me for a few minutes longer and then started to poke my eyes with her fingers. Guess that was my cue to stop reading and pay more attention to her.

Fourth of July!

Well sadly we are back from our 3 week trip to Valley Springs, CA (Jay's parent's house). As I mentioned on a previous blog I absolutely LOVED being there and didn't want to come back to HOT Las Vegas. It wasn't just the weather though. I imagined myself living there and enjoying every second of it. Valley Springs is covered in oak trees, rolling hills and SILENCE. I didn't hear a single airplane, the constant roaring of traffic or even a siren. It was heavenly! It doesn't hurt that I LOVE my in-laws to death and enjoy every moment in their company. Maddy had a blast too! Today she has been going through withdraws of not being with Grandma, Papa, Cleo (their dog) or able to go outside and play for most of the day. Here are some pictures from our forth of July.

Maddy and I riding "The Bubble Train"

Maddy posing for the camera

My Smiley Baby Kaelyn!

Kaelyn and I watching Fireworks at Lodi Lake, CA

American Idol Live Concert

So my husband and I are HUGE American Idol fans. Last Summer Jay surprised me for my birthday with tickets to the American Idol Live Tour Concert and this year we couldn't resist buying tickets again and I am soooo glad we did. Not only was it worth every penny just to have a really fun date night with my husband, but the top 10 Idols gave a concert that was just amazing! I have been to several concerts in my lifetime, but this one tops the charts at my favorite concert ever! To see Jay's review of the performers you can go to his blog: jmdougherty.blogspot.com/
I agree with everything he says on his blog!! Here are some fun pictures of the concert!
Jay and I at the concert!

The Crowd in Fresno, CA Savemart Events Center

Top Ten Idols!