{the rest of} November

At the beginning of this month my parents had us all meet at T&T's for a family meeting.  They gave us each an envelope with a letter + some money.  Here is what the letter said {written by Dad, given by both}:
"Children,
First & foremost, we wish for each of you, our children, to know how pleased we are with each of you and the many good things you do on a daily basis.  We see you teaching your kids and yourselves the principles learned through the gospel, and hope they will always plan an important role in your lives.  We have been truly blessed by and through the gospel, and know you will be too as you strive to live it in your lives and families.
As you hopefully know by now, the one thing that brings us the most joy in this life {besides our family, that being you}, is the ability to be of service to others.  We have been blessed to be able to impart of all the Lord has blessed us with to enrich, hopefully, the lives of others.  Our wish this Christmas season is for each of you to be able, again, to feel the joy that service brings.  We are giving you this money with only two conditions: 1st, you must use it to bless the lives of someone else.  2nd, your gift to us will be documentation of your act{s} of kindness.  Preferably in picture and written format.  There, now wasn't that easy?  We don't want the holidays spent worrying about what to get us, rather what to do for others.  The greatest gift you could give us would be to continue to follow the example of the Savior in serving others.  We would like you to put heartfelt effort into this project, and hopefully we will see results comparable to last year.
Now, know that we love you more than life itself.  You are what motivates us to do and live as we do.  We hope you have wonderful experiences and that your Christmas season is enriched through this gift.  The last thing we want is for this to burden your busy lives, so start now, pray, and study it out in your minds.  You will be blessed with great vision.
Now go, do, have fun, and may the Lord be with you in all you do.
Love you more...
Dad & Mom"

Pretty cool, right?  Of course the females were mostly crying & touched by this awesome task and the guys were excited.  My parents really are the greatest examples of selfless service I've ever known and are constantly in the pursuit of doing good for others, so this was a perfect thing for them to ask of us.  So excited & we began praying and thinking of those we could serve immediately. 

4th- Happy to see Lou after our trip and the guys strategized their business plan for the week.

5th- Another conference talk/ironing Monday.  I enjoyed listening to a couple talks from the Priesthood session this morning.  So blessed to have such great men who recognize the importance of leading their homes with righteousness in my life.  Beckham is obsessed with puzzles lately and is a wizard when it comes to them!  Amity came to play with Grayson and they had a blast being creative and making messes.  We all love Miss Miami around here.

Hosted the Ball Team Training in Meridian since Tony & Brenda were out of town.  Took yummy crockpot shredded chicken for salads and had fun teaching about goal setting and other business forward motions.

6th- Election day.  We had such high hopes for this election and although we kind of thought that maybe it wouldn't go the way we wanted, we were desperately hoping.  It was a crazy day of anticipation.  We anxiously watched the polls all day and it was pretty discouraging as the night came to a close.  The Election process itself is just interesting to me.  I think there is so much negativity and hate, so many lies and so much truth, but no one can communicate well because everyone is so tunnel visioned on what they think is right.  I have to keep reminding myself of the fact that most everyone really truly believes they are right-their personal opinions and perspectives are their reality-and that others have values; they just may be different than mine.  It was a scary day and night to contemplate what's to come with healthcare among many other moral issues we so firmly hold to.  Zac was super depressed-more affected than either of us assumed we'd be.  It is sad that entitlement will go on despite people who are working hard {that will suffer} and scary for small business owners, people who own their own healthcare, and more so than ever for us this time realizing we have children who will be affected by whatever change happens.  It felt like the popular vote with the "cool kids & celebrities" is what counted.  Our system isn't perfect and can be very frustrating in times like this.   

A few things I found after the fact that brought comfort in the days to come:

-a blog post {http://minorityrepublican.com/2012/11/11/post-election-rant/}
"I pray for his success.
BUT, his success should not be measured in how many people he can put on foodstamps, but how many people his policies free from foodstamps.  His success should not be measured in how many poverty programs he enacts, but in how many poverty programs he needs to eliminate because Americans are working and successful.  His success should be measured not by how many women he gives access and money to have abortions, but how many abortion clinics need to be shut down because their services are no longer needed.  His success should be measured not in how much wealth he can redistribute, but how much wealth he can help individuals and businesses generate; thereby keeping America the most prosperous and generous nation on earth.   I want Obama to have success because his success is America’s success.
And for the record, I don’t hate Democrats, but I do hate the policies and ideas they have aligned themselves with.  I really have a problem with the way the Democrats “pimp” the poor.  Yeah, I said it!  They are poverty pimps and they use the poor as pawns.  They stir up envy and hatred among the poor and pit them against the rich, causing the poor to covet and vote for politicians who will steal from the wealthy and give it to them.  They vote for politicians that will “punish” big business, but in the end, it is these job creators that have to lay-off workers, raise prices, send jobs overseas, or shut their doors–ultimately hurting the poor and increasing the poverty base.
I won’t go on much more, but “redistribution of wealth” and “paying your fair share,” are rooted in covetousness and there is no biblical foundation to justify our government stealing from one family to give to another.  Unless under your immediate or parental care, no one should be forced to pay for another’s health insurance, home, car, education, food, clothing or anything else.  Redistribution of wealth eventually leads to redistribution of poverty because ultimately everyone will be equal, but they will be equally poor."
-this quote by Carl B Cook.  "Experience has taught me that if we, like President Monson, exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life.  We will not feel incapable of doing what we are called to do or need to do.  We will be strengthened, and our lives will be filled with peace and joy.  We will come to realize that most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance--and if it is, the Lord will help us.  But we must have the faith to look up and the courage to follow His direction."
-this thought from a friend, Jared Smithson, on Facebook. "I am grateful to know that politicians are not going to solve America's problems...the people are {through kindness, patience, tolerance, and hard WORK}.  I am grateful to know that focusing on problesms rarely solves them--but rather creating what you want in life makes most problems just fade away.  I'm grateful to know that whomever sits in an office is not going to prevent me and my family from being WILDLY happy, successfuly, full of life, and grateful every day!"
-this by James E Faust.

7th-Despite crazy things happening throughout the world, we have to continue making the choices on a daily basis that will make us the humans we want to be.  I worked out in the garage while the boys entertained themselves so well.  The mess was well worth it.

We've pulled out rockband a couple times with the kids and/or Lou lately and that's been fun.

Time at Grami's is always fun.  Making apple sauce {disgusting, but entertaining}, riding the lawn mower, and being silly.  And we have the MOST beautiful sunsets where we live.  Just sayin.

8th- Life can be super hard.  We try not to dwell on the negative and for the most part we are positive people who try to focus on serving those around us and doing the best we can.  We rarely discuss the hard stuff with outside influences, but our families and closest friends are aware that we are praying and working and fasting for certain answers.

Today we had to make a really tough business decision that basically depleted our personal bank account for the benefit of our business.  That is hard!  We know we'll likely never see that money again and although we are willing and thankful it was there to be done, it feels like steps are being taken backward.  Becca is one of those friends who is in tune and aware with us-often when we haven't even spoken recently.  She brought over a sweet gift and card expressing her love and support for Zac and myself.  So thankful for sweet friends.  It's not often in life we can solve things for other people, but having good people there to laugh and cry with through the hard parts is certainly one of Heavenly Father's greatest gifts. 

9th- Taylor-another huge blessing in my life-watched the boys for me today for a long time so we could attend Spencer's {Esplin} endowment session at the temple.  It was the best place for us to be at the best timing.  Mom & Dad drove us with them to Twin Falls for the session and it was awesome being there with Spenc.  Love that guy so much and am so proud of the choices he's made to bring him to this point.  We got lunch and headed back afterward.

10th- Participated in a bridal show for my business.  Total flop except for visiting with some great friends who attended.  Got a nap with Zac for a bit when we got home.  Gray & Bex laid on our bed & watched a movie while we rested.  Love my little family.

We got to go to Shelby's baptism tonight.  So proud of her!  She is such a sweetie and it was an awesome night with a great spirit felt. 

11th- Sunday's.  Church-naps {sometimes}-creative projects keeping kids busy-visiting grandparents.

12th- It's cold, but not too cold to keep the boys inside!

At the end of a long work day, the guys played 30 minutes of xbox on our bed.  We squish.  We laugh.  Grateful for a hard working husband. 

14th- I had hidden some of the Halloween candy in a container & was planning on taking it to the nursery closet at church.  I set it up high & the boys found it, snuck it in the garage, and enjoyed several pieces before I found them.  Stinkers!  (;

We are so blessed by the people around us.  Becca's boys have seriously dressed my kids for the past 3-4 years.  Dad installed a new garbage disposal for us.

15th- Attended a fantastic stake primary training.  Walked away with lots of notes on how to be better as a president and to serve the kids in a better way.
Some take aways:
-Help the children feel Heavenly Father's love.  That is my highest priority.  The Savior ministers to us on a very individual basis.  Don't worry so much about the little things that we don't "see."  They must feel loved.  Don't get caught up in the details.  Be the eyes/ears/hands of the Savior.  Scouting is vitally important for young boys and building strong character.
Afterward I met up with Julie in Ontario to have dinner & see the new Twilight movie for her birthday.  It feels like we only see each other on Sunday's and it was so nice to visit and celebrate her being born.  Love you Jewels!

16th- Grayson's check up at Dr. Lee's.  We took her onions and she LOVES that.  She's a great doctor and he did so well.  Beckham was great, too.  We had some serious costume time when we got home.

17th- Sometimes we all cuddle in our bed upon going to or waking from bedtime.  We decided to break out the Christmas & Winter decor today.  Again, Grayson cracked me up with his LOVE for all things Holiday or party.  He is so fun with stuff like this.  Took the boys to ice cream, made yummy pumpkin chocolate chip spice cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting, and listened to Christmas music.  It's the simple things.

18th- Today was the Boise temple dedication!  We were much anticipating it because President Monson would be here doing it.  The boys had loved the open house-as did we-and weren't old enough to attend the dedication, so they stayed and played {and had a ball} at Julie & Rock's.  We drove over with Lou and Spenc & Steph.  It was such a great experience.  The spirit was strong, the speakers spoke to our hearts, and afterward we sang "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet" as President Monson left.  Such a sweet time.  So thankful our beautiful temple is open again!
Here are some of my take aways:
-Participate in both parts of the temple blessing {our own work + work for others}
-Attend the temple frequently.  Weekly if possible, monthly at minimum.  Helps with personal revelation, and specifically tailored personal revelation.
-He knows us.
-With frequent, consistent & thoughtful attendance, we will find courage in adversity.
-Let it never be said that our home didn't have room for the Son of God.

19th- these two are adorable.  We met up with Amity & Julie so the kids could get a kids meal after running a couple errands.  A fun surprise for the kids & great convo for me and Jewels. 

Amber sent a sweet thank you gift-love good mail!

We do whatever we can to stay busy and occupied around here. (;  Sometimes we color on the wall and have to clean it with a magic eraser.

 

Love Grayson's art-complete with bones.

20th- Sundee came to babysit while Zac and I went with Mom & Dad to Spencer and Stephanie's sealing.  Such a beautiful event!  Love those two so much.  We went to eat a yummy dinner after with Mom and Dad and it was nice to just visit with them one on one.

21st-23rd- The boys and I rode with Grami and Grandpa to McCall for a couple days.  Zac had to stay home and work.  We were sad to leave him, but excited to go have fun with the fam + Sandi/Gary & their kids.  We just chilled and vegged and enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner together.  So yummy!  So fun.  The boys had a blast being loved and adored by Abbey and Sadie the whole time & I even got a cute felt Christmas tree project done.  Grayson also had fun trapping a squirrel!  They spent lots of time on this and watching him was pretty cute.  Zac was taken care of by his folks, but had a pretty rough couple days with the business and I felt bad I wasn't there with him to take some of his stress or at least give him lots of loving.  We drove home Friday afternoon and Abbey rode with us this time which the boys loved.

24th- We celebrated Thanksgiving with Cleaver's today.  The boys love their cousins and it was a great day to focus on what we're grateful for and the many blessings we have in our life.  Our relationship with Jesus Christ and our families are at the top of that list.

We went with the Pete clan to sushi that night & Abbey & Sadie babysat our littles + Jaeger.  They were so adorable watching a movie on our bed when we got home.  LOVE sushi, good company, and people who love our boys.

As we were leaving, Taylor asked if we could have a family meeting at our house when we all got back.  She was vague and wouldn't say what it was about and Zac and I grumbled a bit on the way home about how no one tells us anything & we could probably accomplish whatever they wanted to talk about on the phone....hahaha!  We got home and all the siblings congregated at our house.  They said we were gathering to talk about what to give Mom & Dad for Christmas and that they thought we should send them on an Alaskan cruise.  I gave a bit of an incredulous look-not sure Mom would really prefer that over a Hawaiian vacay or something-and they said, "Just kidding!  We're actually using some of our Christmas service on your little family."  WHAT??!  We were SHOCKED to say the least.  Totally overwhelmed with love for our siblings, too.  They are the most thoughtful, kind, and amazing people.  Zac and I were very emotional and so thankful.  The kids reactions-when they realized why we were crying-were priceless.  Grayson was thrilled about the clothes & hat-like more than I've ever seen a 4 year old love clothes, and Bex was excited too.   To know that our siblings were so aware of what was going on in our lives and the stress the business was putting us & our finances under was incredible.  It's hard to even adequately put into words what this gesture of HUGE love meant to both Zac and me.  Here is what I wrote later in a letter to my parents about the experience, " being a recipient, from our siblings, as part of their service, was so humbling.  We cannot adequately express how touched we were when they showed up at our house for a family “meeting” and ended up blowing us away with their generosity.  The temporal “stuff” was great, but it wasn’t about that for us at all.  It was that overwhelming feeling that we were so loved.  That our siblings-who happen to be some of our best friends-care about the details in our lives.  That they know things are hard and life isn’t always easy, and that they want to do whatever they can to help.  They are choice human beings-the ones you gave birth to & those they married-and we feel so blessed to be able to know them, love them, and associate with them.  Your legacy is being well carried out in them.  This was also just a further indicator that The Lord is aware of us-we were given hope in an otherwise pretty dark time and we know as we continue to do the small things-we will somehow make it thru with our faith in tact having seen the Lord's hand in every trial and blessing."  Needless to say, we were very thankful.  Such an unexpected and sweet surprise.

25th- Sunday naps look like this more often than not these days:

Dinner at Pete's is always a good time.

Wally the elf is here!  We love this tradition and have a great time when he's in our home.  

26th- This is a common picture of what working from home as a full time mom/part time health coach looks like for me.  Pajamas at 11 am, no shower/makeup/messy bun, boys crawling all over me, attempting phone conversations, finishing emails, and laundry piled up waiting to be folded & put away behind me.  Basically it's utter chaos breaking out in every direction at times.  Even with all the crazy sauce, I wouldn't have it any other way.  Thankful for understanding family, clients, and coaches. 

My weekly ironing + listening to conference talks date is so rewarding and much looked forward to now.  So thankful for guidance and revelation from modern day prophets, especially in this crazy day where people worship celebrities over God.  Today's take aways: incorporate gospel principles and teachings into every day life, share my testimony with my kids often, strive harder to teach by example and remember that parenting consistently with the spirit will help me keep my cool and see my kids as Heavenly Father sees them-valuable children of God-who've been entrusted to my care.  And, to enoy the process of being a mom, rather than sometimes focusing on the long days or harder moments.

Grayson's chalk masterpiece: the McCall house, complete with pool table in the bottom left corner {big ball on the table}, the stairs, doors, and Abbey sleeping on the top left. 

27th- Having a sicky always makes me grateful for our usual healthy lives.  Zac took the first four hour couch shift and I'm on the second.  On the bright side, Grayson is a generally sweet and apologetic sick kid and amazing at puking in the toilet.

Having a clone trooper {Bex today} is super helpful when it comes to kitchen jobs.

Cleaned out some junk for the food pantry in town {trying to instill some healthier habits in the kiddos too}.

29th- We got Amity for a few hours today.  So happy to have that sweetie anytime we can.  We made snowflakes, colored Christmas pictures, and played and watched movies.  Always a good time!

30th- The boys and I went to Jumpin Jungle for the first time.  Such a success!  They loved it.  They ran and jumped and played for a couple hours without stopping.  It is an awesome little place-a big hit with both boys. Afterward we stole Zac from his office for lunch, a trip to Cabela's, and to see Santa.  A BIG hit with everyone.  The boys were adorable with Santa, told him just what they wanted,
{darth maul guy-Bex, blog up slide/jungle gym-Gray}, gave hugs, and said thank you.  So so cute!
When we were leaving Cabela's, Zac gave each boy some quarters and told them why we were putting money in the bucket.  The woman let them ring her bell and then Bex-unprompted-said, "Merry CHristmas!"  So adorable!  I am very grateful to be married to a man who loves thinking of others, serving, and whose heart is so incredibly big.  Such a good daddy example.