Well, I'm here for an important announcement.  Something new is happening for 2011.
Now, my family's first reaction to this statement will be:

"She's Pregnant!"

No, She is Not.

The new happening will not be shared with you at this time, though.  Yes, It is probably mean like unto tickling or teasing you, but you only have to wait a week to find out.  And, consider the source.  Just how exciting can it really be?  : )

See you later, Alligator, and stay tuned.

It's about time I posted something here again.  I get so busy keeping the other blog updated, raising the boys, teaching the boys, supporting the Bishop/Student that I forget this blog over here.  In fact, if you just go to the mission blog and click on the Nov. 28 post you will see a new post from me and not just Josh.

I feel a real duty to keep the mission blog current.  It seems like a way to do mission work for this mother that has never served in the field.  There is a resposibility to keep other informed about what's happening. 

Well, that's enough of my jibberish.  The Sabbath has been a delight.  My favorite meeting of the week occurred--Sacrament.  Along with that joyful time, I had a very nice time reading in the conference edition of the Ensign this morning.  Elder Robert D. Hales' talk had shed new light on Faith for me personally.  I had never considered that it took faith for us to follow Father's Plan in the premortal life.  Faith always seemed a thing of earth life.  Now I see that faith is something we will use throughout all Eternity.  Wow!  What a concept.

Have a lovely week.  We will be busy playing in the 6 inches of snowing laying across the lawn.  The little ones have come in from a little jaunt out in the backyard to "enjoy" the cold stuff.  It's time for hot cocoa.

Merry Christmas,
Stacie

                                                            That's a very happy little boy.

This year after a number of years collecting various odd pieces of material to make a pieced quilt, I finally asked someone for help. You see I have been terrified to cut the material for 8 years now. What if I did it wrong? How could I pick which pieces to use together? How should I put them together? My perfectionist/OCD tendencies were out of control, and my dream of quilting was never going to come to fruition.

I was told that Sister Gayle Crookston is quite the quilter--she is a 1st place ribbon winner. She showed me some of the pieces she and her hubby have designed and made. They are amazing! She commented that if I ever wanted some help learning I should feel free to ask her. So after many months of working up my courage I asked her for some help. She was just as sweet as could be and helped me out right away. Gayle brought over a pattern for a "little quilt"--it's just 19" x 23". She assured me that only little pieces of material would be required, it would be quick, and I could start over if I messed up without much loss of time or supplies.
           (The quilt actually has the word Baby and a heart embroidered here under the blue flower in white; but alas, you can't really see it in the picture.)


Did she stop there? Oh, no. She went on to offer materials from her stash, which by the way is stocked with some very beautiful and fun pieces. Next she went through the pieces I had collected helping me pick the ones to use. The whole process took only 20 minutes. WOW! I couldn't believe how easy she made it.

So, I did it. All the material was washed. I laid the fabric out on the table. My blood pressure rose. I considered stopping. "No, be brave," I told myself. Now I had someone to be accountable to.  I cut the material. It was invigorating. Being a person of more left-brained tendencies, this feeling of being "creative" was starting to feel quite exciting to me. The quilt was begun.

Now the truly fun part for me. As I was cutting the fabric my little 4 year old Joseph came in. Of course a sharp cutting tool would get his attention.

"What are you doing, Mother?" (yes, he calls me mother.)
"Oh, I'm making a quilt."
"Who is it for?" asks the little boy.
"It's going to be a decoration."
He stops to ponder the situation quietly for a few minutes watching me cut.
Then, "Mother, Baby would love a blanket like that," replies the little boy.

And with that simple request the mother's heart melted.  It was decided then and there that two little blankets would need to be made.  One blanket would be for the mother to decorate with, and the second blanket would be for the little boy's baby doll named Baby.  All fear of cutting fabric or messing it up faded away as I thought of the joy the little boy would soon experience.

This baby doll belonged to the mother once upon a time.  In fact, said baby doll is approximately 35 years old now.  Her days have been many, but none so filled with fun, adventure, and love as those shared with the little boy.  Baby has recently undergone surgery to repair her hands which had fallen apart due to the loving play the little boy shared with her.  He sleeps with her tucked in tight under his arm every night.  He drags her around most places.  One winter he even carried her around the house tucked up the back of his shirt, head sticking out of the top.  He loves Baby.

So, at long last, Baby and Little Jo are enjoying the blanket it took the mother about 8 years to make.  His has only waited since spring of this year.  I credit Gayle Crookston for her hands on support and encouragement, and Little Jo for his sweet request that this accomplishment has happened.  If it weren't for these two people the fabric would still be sitting in the box.

Thank you, Gayle and Joseph.

I just want to take a few moments to comment on one of my favorite parts of Sunday--Sacrament Meeting.  Sacrament Meeting happens to be a major highlight on Sunday for me.  My spirit is always filled to overflowing.  I learn so much.  I blame this phenomenon on the angels.

Let me explain.  You see, 9 years ago Jeff was called to the High Council in our stake.  After that he was put into a bishopric, and now he is the bishop.  So for 9 years I have been sitting alone with the children on the pew each week.  A woman alone with 4, 5, and now 6 sons on a pew in church for 70 minutes each week could be a scary event.  But instead of chaos and noise and dread being the atmosphere of our bench at church during sacrament meeting, it is pretty good.  I feel peaceful most weeks.  The children behave.  I get so much spiritual uplift from this one meeting each week.  How can that be?

Well, I believe the angels sit on the church pew with us each week.  For 9 years now I have felt their presence.  My heart tells me that Heavenly Father has sent the angels to help me out while my husband has been busy serving him.  I could never have the peaceful results week after week without the help of Heaven.

As far as the future, I am a bit scared what the bench experience will be like if Jeff is ever sitting with us again week after week.  Granted, he is pretty cute and I'd love to be holding his hand through the meeting like we used to do when we were newly weds.  But, frankly, if I can keep feeling the Spirit this strongly and learning so much each week, perhaps Jeff should keep serving and I'll sit alone on the pew.

Happy Sunday to you all!
Stacie

I've moved Stephen Jones to the bottom of the page to make room for a new video.  Hope you enjoy it because it is amazing.  Some people are so blessed in this life to be creative, and then turn around and share that talent with people like me.  I appreciate them so much.

To see one's family and friends progressing happily is a true joy afterall.

God blesses us with so much.  I have been more blessed than I deserve.

I love visiting blog posts of other people and being inspired.  There are a few I visit every Wednesday after writing to our missionary son.  Usually I am just lifted right up to a happy place as I enjoy the creative powers others have with words and pictures.

This week, however, my Wednesday pursuits brought tears to my eyes (mostly happy tears).  Some sweet person, who shall remain nameless here, made me think deeply.  Our actions may seem small.  They may seem to only affect one little moment of our personal life.  But indeed, it is these small and simple things that affect us and many others for all of eternity.  I loved her words.

Then the very same person put me in tears.  Her next post sounded so familiar, as though I had heard instead of read all the things she was writing about.  Indeed, I had heard these things before, and I had heard them from a male voice.  As I reached the end of her post I discovered a close bond we share.  Here is a wish for her.  May the year ahead be beautiful.  May she find joy and herself in the journey.  And may she enjoy the small and simple things, for they are what make eternity.

Stacie

Just watched Stephen again and can't stop laughing.  We went to a live showing of Humor U at BYU a week or so ago.  You have all got to get yourselves down there.  It was wonderful.  We laughed until we cried.  And . . . he is just as good in person, as well as the rest of the comedians.  Loved It!

We have another Eagle Scout in our home.  Chris earned his Eagle and we held the court of honor this past weekend.  Thanks to all who came and celebrated with us.

Besides that we have just been lazying the summer away with Cousin/Sister Days, reading, and playing.  Hope your summer is fun, too.

Learning to play soccer with coaches Taylar, Trevor, and Kari.

The Eagle Man.

Drills around, on top of, behind, and in front of the ball.  Ug.

Matt and Chris marching in the Summerfest Parade.

All is good in the world.

Jolynn's Honey Juice

I want to share something new.  My dear littlest guy has been coughing again--all night long, ugh!!  Well, my dear friend Jolynn reminded me again that I just needed to make up some Honey and Onion Cough Syrup and all would be well.  I know it has been working for her for years, but it just sounds beyond gross.  Well, I finally did it and guess what.  IT WORKED LIKE A CHARM!!!  6 straight hours of beautiful, cough free sleep the first night, and every night since.  It is a good world.

Fine, how do you make it you ask.  Here are some pictures and directions.

1 1/2 extra, large yellow onions, chopped small
Enough honey to cover the onion ( I used approximately 25 ounces)
Small sauce pan
Something to stir with
Colander
Large collection pot
A jar with a lid

Put the chopped onion in the sauce pan.  Pour in enough honey to cover the onion.  Stir well.  Bring to a boil very slowly over low heat.  As soon as it comes to a frothy boil, lower the heat to a simmer.  Let the honey and onion simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Do not let this come to a boil again.  Boiling will turn it into a hard candy not good for cough at all.  After 2 hours of simmering, strain the liquid through a colander, pressing to get all the honey out that you can.  Put it in the jar and cover with a lid.  Store in the refrigerator.

When all was said and done I yielded 2 cups of the stuff.  We administer 2 tablespoons every 4 hours through the day, and every 6 hours through the night.  My friend gives it every 2 hours.  We find our kid needs it a bit less often.  Adapt to your personal needs.  Little Jojo calls it Jolynn's Honey Juice.  He loves it.  He especially enjoys the way it stops the cough.

Enjoy Jolynn's Honey Juice the next time you have a sick one at your house.

Sincerely,
Me

I just had to share the sweet present I got for my birthday.  Josh's Mama in Argentina called me and handed the phone to him.  Oh, what a wonderful surprise.  Below is his explanation of what happened.  I just love her.

Haha, I will tell you the story.

We were waiting for her (Mama in Argentina's) b-day dinner and she asked, ''You got to call your Mom today, right?'' 

"No, I will in 2 weeks though!"

''That is just horrible, what is her number, Elder.  I am at least going to send her a message, she deserves that, the wonderful woman. This is me, not you, don't worry.'' 

I gave her your number not thinking there was a chance of a cell phone in a concrete house in Argentina getting to your's in UT. 

''I don't know if that went through, I will try and call her, does she understand spanish?'' 

"Yeah, sure, she understands, go for it." 

I did NOT think this was going to work, actually, no one did. Her son, and 2 of his friends (one male, one female) were there too and we were just talking when you answered!!! 

She said, ''Hello'' and then looked at me and gave me the phone.  ''Talk to your mother, Elder!''

I thought I heard Dad saying I shouldn't talk to you nad realized that it was probably an expensive call, that is why I cut it short!  It was so nice to talk to you. Both girls in the room kept talking about your screaming and how much I was smiling. Elder Palmer thought it was just great too (he called his Mom and her bday as well to say hi)

 

Yeah, happy birthday Mom. Your present is coming home with Elder Palmer, along with Ben's, and Sadie's.

 

Holy cow, look how the times flies, I should have learned to type faster, you were so right.

 

I love your spiritual thoughts btw.

I found a new great missionary scripture! D&C 24:8

''and if God be for us, who can be against us?'' (that is in romans I think...yeah)

 

Remember the Lord is always with you, Mom, ask to feel his spirit when you are down.

 

Hugs and kisses from Argentina, I will talk to you soon.

Love you all.

Your missionary son

Elder Joshua Wartena

Oh, what a happy birthday.  A phone call from my missionary son.  Flowers and love from my hubby and other sons.  And new dish clothes from my second oldest son.  They are just the best of men who shower me with more love than I ever deserve.  A young girl asked me yesterday if I ever just wish I had a daughter so I wouldn't feel alone.  To be honest, every so often I do long for a member of the opposite sex to live here who would understand how I feel.  But the feeling never lasts for long as I look around and realize I am very happy and content with these wonderful men in my life.  I love being the mother of all these sons.  I wouldn't change a thing. 

Stacie

A trip on the bus with my cub scout sons is such a fun treat.

New ceiling light fixtures in the kitchen are wonderful.

A new Easter dress is fabulous.

A smiling, happy, loving four year old son is the very best of all.

Happy Spring to you!

I am enjoying the sunshine and blue skies. So are the boys who have been jumping and running and digging for a while today.

Josh's email was fun today. I love/hate Wednesdays. For some stupid reason I don't understand I cry every Wednesday either while I am writing to him or right after email arrives. He is a good son. He could sure use a letter or two from you all to brighten life. It's rough when the work is going slow. But he keeps chipper and works hard.

Jeff has work for a month or two. YEA!!!

Currently two things are completely taking over my brain. First is getting the new school year planned out and ready to go with supplies, books, paper, etc. Second is to gut the family room and find a way to make this little house better serve our family's needs. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Chou.

Spring has come and with it the most lovely flowers in my flowerbed. I love Spring!!! All the sun and warmth which increase in intensity each day fill my soul with joy, and prove that the hope I've held onto all winter that this would happen again is fulfilled.

Here I have listed the kid's names in order to the layout of their pictures here on this page.

Colton

Nick

Brittany

Tricia

Cambry


Christopher

Chris and his friends had fun Saturday evening at the Sweethearts Dance for Orem High School. The theme was Nerds in Love, and they did nerdy real well.

The girls taught the boys how to make paper corsages and boutineers. Cambry's mom was the expert for this fun activity. After dinner and dancing they went back to her house for ice cream fun. Cambry was Christopher's date and we think she is such a cutie.

It is so fun to watch these kids having good clean fun with each other. Colton won my heart when he suggested they all begin the date with prayer to begin the evening together. YEA!!!

Happy Sunday to you.

Stacie

I did it! I finally did it! 7 years of long, one length hair was cut off last night by my wonderful sister Debra. She listens so patiently. She puts up with all my indecision. I Love Her!! And I love my short layered hair.

THANK YOU, DEBRA!! You're the best!

It is currently 3:14 a.m. I can't sleep, so I'll type. My tummy is just a bit upset. Ben had a tummy ache and headache on and off today with some dizziness. My head hurt and I was dizzy yesterday, with the headache occurring again at bedtime tonight. Hmmmm? Me thinks it is the same thing. But what?

The house is so quiet. Only the sound of the ticking clock to keep me company now. Even the fridge has just gone off to sleep. At night when all is put back in place, the machines are quiet, and the family is resting one has an aha moment of peace. It is not that one wants it this way at all time. O, contrare. One, instead, is just "rested" in the sensory department and rejuvenated for another round of life. The Lord is wise. Sleep is a necessary thing. Now if I can get my body turned back around to going to bed at a decent hour and enjoy this "rest" on a regular basis all will be well.

Valentine's Day was nice. Please enjoy a story or two now.

Story #1: Benjamin discovered the joy of giving. On Friday I told him I'd make muffins/cupcakes with frosting and everything (everything being sprinkles) and they could make valentines to go with them for people. Immediately Benjamin cuts out what he determines to be enough pink hearts for his valentines. He then addresses one to every MOM in the neighborhood. On these he writes, "To Siter (name of neighbor lady). Happy Valentine's Day. Love, Ben." No one else wanted to make any cards. I decided each mommy could have enough cupcakes to share with her family. Nathan made a second batch of cupcakes since Ben had made sooooooooooo many valentines for ladies. Matt and Nate and Jo and Ben decorated them and delivered them. Now comes the really fun part. All day Saturday and Sunday mommies from around us kept showing up with plates of valentine goodies addressed to BEN. Imagine the delight of an almost 8 year old boy who is handed a plate full of goodies containing only his name? AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! He couldn't have been more excited if it had been a puppy. He did decide to share. It was only right considering each plate had just enough for the whole family. The nice thing about Ben is that not only does he love to get presents, he gets just as much joy from sharing with others. All is well, and he wants Valentine's Day to happen monthly.

Story #2: Kind of a sappy story, but Jeff is good at those. Being the last one to go to bed Saturday night, I thought it would be fun to leave a Valentine message for my sweetie on the bathroom mirror. I locked up the house and went to bed sure he would love the fun I had left for him. Little did I know what he had planned. I woke up Sunday morning late, but not too late. As I open the bedroom door to find my way to the shower, my tired eyes seem to be deceiving me. Something is all over the hall floor and it looks none too good, at first. "What is that?" I ask myself. I don't step out. As my eyes start to adjust to the dilation requirements of the moment, I think, "Hmm, that looks like rose petals, kind of. No, wait a second, that's a heart--and so is that, and that, and that . . ." I venture out into the hall. Sure enough Jeff had arisen at 5 a.m. in order to have enough time before Stake Bishopric Training meeting to cut out pink and lavender hearts to spread all up and down the hall leading out to the living room to the piano. These hearts led to a lovely card he had made for me. Ahh. So sweet it just drips with goo even in the story form. Well I quickly took pictures--which you can view on the site--and then decided to leave the hearts out all day long so the whole family could enjoy Jeff's lovely idea. Later that night at about 9 p.m. Sadie had come over for a visit. We all talked and laughed and I was sharing the adorable story with her, when Nathan decides to share. All day long he had thought the hearts were from me to Jeff, and that I was trying to lead him to our bedroom. Hahahahahaha. I couldn't get over how funny and sad that was. All day Nate had that thought in his head--Mom leading Dad to the bedroom. . . Poor guy, but we sure had a fun laugh.

May all your days be filled with the joy and surprise of Valentine's Day. Share your love with someone today.

Stacie

P.S. The pictures are in backwards order. I don't want to spend time fixing them. So just deal with it, please.