My Year of Lessons in a Nutshell

Hello all my lovelies! 

I tell you what, as soon my classes started up, my extra time and desire to find the time to blog went right out the window!  Sheesh!  Talk about piling up the busy work!  Busy enough that I didn't get my Christmas cards out!  Oh well!  I'll have to post it here on my blog here in the next week for you all to see... that saves me postage anyway!

The thoughts on my mind are all of the things that I have learned in this past year.  It has been a speedy one for sure.  Here is my list of lessons learned, some hard, some great.

Fear God, not man... if you feel confident that God will not be displeased, then you are okay. 1, 2

God and Jesus Christ are always here for me.

I love the Constitution.

A wall hanging in my house.

Relationships are fragile.  They can end abruptly.

Gossip hurts everyone.

Excuses stink, and everyone has them (that one isn't a new realization).

I like to shoot guns!  I want to one day go hunting for real...well, more than once. (hint hint Hoss).

Not everyone sees the world the way I do.

True friends can be counted on one hand (wisdom from my dad... very true dad, thanks).

Needless to say, great friends are hard to come by.

Sorry its blurry.

Never were there better friends!

Hugs!

My friend is in the red dress in the doorway...I didn't have another pic.
Her whole family is represented by this picture. 

Life can't be lived on the computer/phone/ipad/xbox/_______ (insert your own distraction).

I miss family.

Grandmas!

Grandpas!

Memories are never done being created, so don't stop doing fun things.

I hate coaching soccer....but I loved doing it with my girls.

Losing weight is not an end goal... it is a way of life.

One of the best feelings in the world is to see your child baptized and and confirmed.

Its Bug's turn this August!

I really miss Idaho.

Everywhere I went, I found myself snapping pictures of the
scenery I drove and walked by every day before we moved.

I am ALWAYS right when it comes to politics. :) That is sarcasm in case you missed that.

But while maybe not always... definitely most of the time! Ha! :)

Happiness happens when you make it happen.

I LOVE teaching science!  I hope to delve into physics one day!

I can live anywhere on this green earth and know that my husband is always there for me.

Ten years of marriage down!  I couldn't have found a better man.  God sent him to me.

Hoss posing in front of the neighborhood oil pump.

Missions are amazing!  I hope to one day make my family a full serving family!  My mom and dad are heading out on a mission this March!

Since most of my siblings all live far away from each other, we did a
Google Hangout to watch my parents open their mission call

The events in my life are all at the will of God.

Scripture journals are the best things ever!

I am very VERY imperfect. (also not a new realization).

A sisters' bond can be better than any friend.

Raising a boy is VERY different than raising girls.

I might miss the snow, just a little bit.

Forgiveness is an important part of repentance.  Frankly forgive all men. I am still working on it.

Education or knowledge is not always in a diploma.  Education is living life.

My children fill my heart to the brim with love (again, not new).

I'm so lucky that God has trusted me enough to help them through this life.

Technology is fun and exciting, but it is only momentary.

My right to own a gun is very important to me...no matter the gun.

It is easy to focus on what should have been, but it does no good. Focus on what will be.

I'm still working on that too.

My right to educate my children in the way I see fit is very important to me.

Natural medicine in most cases is best...or I am trying to live by that as much as I can.

I am very interested in learning more about alternative medicine.

Support from my family is important to me, but not mandatory.

I love my scriptures, and my liberty of religion is also very important to me.

I am grateful for those men and women who went to so much trouble,

 sacrifice and war to establish my liberty here.

I am very aware that those liberties are being sold for temporary comfort.

Time flies faster with each year older I get.

I am in love with New Mexico sunsets.  There are none like it.. the silhouettes and colors are amazing!

I know there are a lot more things that I have learned in the past year, 

but there is no way I could name them all!

All in all, the world didn't end on my 10 year anniversary...everything is still ticking.  I am still waiting for my hover car as predicted in the Back to the Future series.  

It has ultimately been a pretty good year, with exciting changes for our family, and we look forward to what awaits us for 2013!

Happy New Year!

Evelyn

Disclaimer: Nothing on this list is meant to cause offense.

As my class starts back up, I will do my best to blog when I can.

Thanksgiving

The bird was so tender and juicy!
I used the Citrus Rubbed Turkey I blogged about.
No bags this year!  Straight roasting and basting!

 I really wanted to post yesterday saying a Happy Thanksgiving to you all!  I just was so busy trying get dinner ready that I just didn't have time!  Then afterward, that turkey kicked in, and I was falling asleep!

Our dinner turned out delicious!  Beautiful turkey, potatoes, stuffing, veggies, cranberry sauce, and brown sugar muffins!  It was quite the spread for our little family of 5!  We definitely have leftovers!... I don't complain about that, because we have meals made for a day or 2 more!  Ha!

Some of our Thanksgiving traditions are getting a newspaper to look through ads (I never get up with the crazies... I like my sleep too much!).  Then we take a family picture somewhere with hopes of using it in a Christmas card that year.  They we usually end the day with watching a movie.  Whether that is in the theater or at home.

Our table is so tiny that we had to put a fold up next to it to double the size.

This year we planned on watching A Christmas Story here at home.  We ate dinner at about 7pm.  So like I mentioned above, after that turkey kicked in, and we were pretty much done cleaning up, we sat down to watch the movie, and Hoss and I were both out.  We ended up turning it off early and heading for bed.  We didn't even have pie we were so stuffed!  It made a pretty decent breakfast though!

My best apple pie yet! 

We certainly had a wonderful day though!

Things I am thankful for:
My God and Jesus Christ
My family (extended and my own)
Water
Cinnamon
Pumpkins
Christmas music
A house that stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter (our last house didn't do well with that)
My calling in church (the service I've been asked to do)
Good friends
No car payment
Crisp cool air (at least it is today)
My dog
Cows
Chickens
Refrigerator to keep things cold and help preserve food
The ease of life we have with technology
Trees
Grass (I miss grass)
Mountains (I really Really miss mountains)
Dirt roads
Smell of pine trees in the forest

And so many more.

Here's one family pic!  We'll be sending out Christmas cards this year!

Yesterday morning, after we got ready for the day, I took the kids to Home Depot where we bought our very first-brand-new-fake-pre-lit-Christmas-tree!  We have always had a hand me down...its nice to have a new one.. and we only paid $40!  Not so bad I think... especially for only going to one store!  First try... I'm thankful for that!

What are you thankful for?  How did you celebrate this year?  What is your favorite part of the meal?  Did you head out to catch any sales?

Sincerely,

Evelyn Curtis

Sunday Reflections: Children

don't mind Huggle's yogurt mouth

I read a blog post yesterday evening that was very memorable for me.  I pinned it in Pinterest... that's how inspired I felt it was.  Its a message I feel needs to be spread.

This particular blog is written by a fellow homeschooling mamma.  I don't know her personally, but I find her posts to be very insightful and inspiring.  She really takes time out of her day to focus on how precious her children are.  This is something I need to do every day as well.

The blog is Finding Joy: beautiful, connected, life

This particular blog post titled, 51 Things You Can Do That Will Bless Your Kids.

I loved the list she laid out, many of these things I do, but more than half of these things I don't do well...or at all.

I decided that I needed to focus on one for now.  Start somewhere making better habits and memories.

The list talks about letting your children try, let them fail, let them succeed on their own...and with your help, love them, and tell them that you love them every day...and so on and so forth.  You should really read it, because maybe you will find something to focus on too.

I chose # 36 "Let them end the hug."

My family didn't hug a ton while I was growing up.  We still don't hug much.  When we see each other, we do a little side hug.  Hoss's family are "huggers"... always hugging.  It was a lot to adjust to when I first married into his family.  It was a good adjustment though.  My family had other ways of showing affection.. like punching each other in the arm, giving a dead leg, a noogie, or playing sports and games together.  (Family::  Do I remember wrong?)

When we moved to the south, I had to learn a new appreciation for hugs.  I hug my kids, and Hoss plenty, but friends and acquaintances?... not likely.  Just ask my good friend Chris...when we parted ways upon my moving to New Mexico, I went and said goodbye to her.  We both stood there looking at each other saying, "Well.... see ya later."  I had thought about giving her a friendly thump on the arm, but I refrained.

The culture here in Southern New Mexico seems to be of the kind to hug upon greeting, and usually upon parting.  "Huggers" were everywhere!  But, I think I have adjusted, because hugs are wonderful, and I'm not quite as taken off guard when someone offers a hug!

So why do I choose to focus on letting my kids end the hug?  Because, I felt inspired that it is what my children need.  I put it in practice immediately.  Last night, after family prayers and before bed, I gave Bug a hug first.  I smile as I write her reaction.  We hug often, but never like this.  I just held onto her, and you know what?  She just hugged me back.  I think we hugged for around five minutes.  And when she finally pulled away, she was beaming, and so was I.  When I hugged Bunny, she saw Bug's hug, so she was prepared.  She too just let me hold her in my arms as we hugged.  When she finally ended the hug, she too was beaming, and I was positively joyful!  Such wonderful things a hug can do!

Today, I have been thinking about how blessed I am to have such sweet, lovely, funny, and wonderful children.  My heart cries out for them, and I only want to help them along in their lives to be the most successful in whatever they choose to do.  I only want to arm them with faith in God, a testimony in Jesus Christ, and a hunger for the scriptures, or the word of God.

Give your children a hug from me....or from you!

Sincerely,

Evelyn Curtis

Daily Reminder

I don't know why I don't watch this every day.  I think that if I am reminded this daily, it will do me wonders.  I think it is easy to forget.

I will have more posts updating the family later in the week!

Sincerely, 

Evelyn

Facebook and Some Pictures

Today marks 1 week, and 2 days that I have deleted my facebook account.  It was a decision long in the making.  I put it off for so long, because it is the easiest way to stay in contact with family and friends that live far away.  Months ago,  I went as far as "unfriending" just about half of my friends.  If it was you, it wasn't anything personal.  I just decided to cut my friend list down to family (extended included, and friends I interact with all the time). 

Changes and a Lot of Time!

Hello my friends and family!

I have not posted in a very long time!  There came a time a few months ago that I realized that I cannot be a serious blogger and love it still.  I have to want to do it for fun.  So, I'm stripping down any schedules that I had, and I am going to post when I want and about what I want.  I do need to post more for my family's sake.

Hoss and Baby K at the park!

Anyway, all of that aside...

Hoss filling up his tire.

Hoss is still working at Leprino Foods.  He still has the same position, but he enjoys it.  He is hoping to move up in the company and is always vigillently looking for an opportunity.  He is now serving in our church as the young men's president.  He really loves serving the young men, and we are truly blessed to have some amazing youth in our ward!  Some recent ventures Hoss has taken on are biking to and from work (about 15 miles round trip).  We just need to figure out how to keep those goat heads out of his tires!

My boyfriend.  Don't tell Hoss!

The bike in the background.

Me!  Well, I quit attending school at Grand Canyon University.  The timing just hasn't been right.  I tried to force it, and I tried to make it work, but my more important duties, aka being a mamma, homemaker, and house wife, just weren't getting done.  However, I have decided to take it upon myself to educate myself for now.  Over the last few months of my absence from my blog, Hoss and I decided to pull our girls out of school and to homeschool.  This has been a very spiritual experience.  The Lord had testified to me that this was the right choice for my family, and I could not deny it.  We were going to wait for the end of the school year, but I felt the Spirit pushing me to pull them out sooner.  They were home just before spring break in March... their last day being March 2nd.  What a blessing it has been!  I am still serving in the young women's organization at church, but my calling has changed.  I am now the first counselor and responsible for the Mia Maids (14 and 15 year old girls).  I love it!  And I love those girls!  They are such good examples to me, and I am just blown away with how strong they are!

Baby K getting ready for the bike ride.  He's sleepy.

I too have taken up biking again.  I like to hook up the trailer and take Baby K for a 10 mile bike ride!

Lovely.

Big T is loving being home.  She is growing very tall!  She is taller than most girls her age!  When she runs, she just looks to be all legs.... daddy long legs style!  She is playing soccer, and has rekindled a friendship from her school.  I prefer this friendship now that they are away from school, because the competition from other girls is not there...so it is a more relaxing relationship.  Big T has enjoyed her time with her friend at soccer much more than she ever did while being at school.  She got baptized on January 18th.  We are so proud of her!  She knows so much about our Heavenly Father and gospel principles!

Beautiful eyes!

Cute girl!

Here are some pictures of the two girls together.

I love this picture!

Valentines Day hairdos

Missing tooth!

Little H is also loving being home!  She enjoys riding her bike with Big T everyday.  Just a few days ago, Little H finally lost her first tooth!  When I pulled at it, she was so scared that she scream out loud! Then we had a good chuckle about it, because she realized that it didn't hurt as bad as she thought it would!  She is a very funny girl, always making us laugh!

So sweet!

Goofy!

She too, is playing soccer, and she is on Big T's team...since I am the coach (I forgot to mention that--I honestly hate it!  I have never had more trouble with soccer dads and moms...how many games are left??).  Hoss and I have seen the most change in Little H since she has been home from school.  While in school, she would come home and sport a certain attitude that was becoming difficult to deal with.  If something didn't change, it would get a lot worse, creating a stressed and frustrating home life.  Since she has been home, there has been a 180 degree change in her.  She is so much happier, and we don't have the same behavioral issues as before.  It has already been positive, and we've only just begun!

She might be sulking. :)

So beautiful!

Baby K!  He can walk...when he wants to!  He prefers crawling because he is very quick.  However, sometimes he will stand up against something turn around and take off!  He really concentrates when he walks, and he seems to think it is a lot of fun.  He opens his mouth in a giant smile, sticks his tongue out, and holds his arms out for balance.  It really is a sight (I'll look for a video).

He still is in love with his mamma, which I love, but I would enjoy him being able to spend time with others as well... maybe one day.

He loves to play in the dirt, mud and loves being outside.  He is facinated with trees, the stars ("tar"), and the moon.  He loves to push a ball or car or truck around the house as he crawls after it.  Baby K is enthralled with music!  When I sing, he quiets down and listens (it is virtually the only way I can wipe his face and hands clean after eating).  He LOVES the piano, and I think could play it for a full hour non-stop!  The thing about when he sits down to the piano, is that he is not like a typical boy.  He seems very calculated in his play.  He doesn't pound on the keys much, but places his fingers on the keys and...well, I half expect him to break out into Clare De Lune!  He might be my prodigy!

Picture taken today, 4-21-2012

Pointing to the tree... "tee!"

Does this really need an explanation?

They did this on their own.. Lol

Let's see, what else?.... He is going to be tall.  I'm sure of it.  That little boy has large hands and feet, and he is thinning out and he is already half of Little H's height!  Look out girls!  He's going to be bigger than you one day, and he'll get you back for putting him in that dress!

1st birthday!

He loved the cake!

Easter!

He's not so sure about the swings.

He lost his fingernail just before his bday.

Pointing at a car...another of his loves.

Mini-Hoss?

Sleepy!

Loving the outdoors.

More trees!

He loves his sisters!  They are the best!

And he loves his daddy! I love this picture!

We are dabbling in gardening.  But not in the traditional way.  We have plenty of room in our backyard to garden.  However, the soil... or should I say sand, is just not conducive to raising up a good bit of produce.  It would cost a lot of money to bring in fertilized soil from the dairy farms, and fence it off to keep Titus out of it.  So, we are opting for an experimental garden.  It is located in our front yard.  I just hope if it produces, that people won't steal them!

Peas, watermelon, spinach, and pumpkin!

Zucchini, tomatoes,  red peppers, and cucumbers.

Here is what I did.  I bought bags of garden soil from the local hardware store, poked holes in one side, flipped it over and cut out the top of the bag... in which I planted the plants and seeds.  I've heard of doing it, and have seen a few websites discussing it.  I'll let you know how it goes!

A Thomas Jefferson Education, nicknamed TJed is the program that I have prayed about and intend to use.  Check it out.  This is what we are doing, just so you know.

We have a limitless supply of gorgeous sunsets...and sunrises I'm told.  I'm usually asleep at that time. :)

As for where we are.  Hoss, the kids and I really have grown to love it here in Roswell.  It has its own charm, and the people are amazing.  However, we are very much looking forward to our visit back to Idaho!

My beautiful family on Baby K's birthday!

A comic I thought was cute.