Best Kept Scripture Reading Strategy Secret Discovered

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we've been instructed to faithfully read The Book of Mormon daily. I know I'm not the only one that struggles in this area since we seem to be reminded of this constantly (and because their are other temptations that come in a vampire series, Jodie, and a murder mystery series form and my list could go on and on).

Anyway, I attended the BYU Women's Conference in May and went to a seminar on scripture study. Totally loved this technique that was offered in the class. It is based on the quote from President Hinkley on how we seem to read too much and ponder too little. The presenter told us that it took her 5 years to finish reading The Book of Mormon. During those years she gained an extremely strong testimony of the scriptures. Here is how she did it:
1. read a few verses (I read anywhere from 3-8 daily...almost)
2. in a notebook write down the scripture reference
3. then write down what inspired you from just that portion you read
4. write how you apply that inspiration in your life

I'm telling ya, this has really helped me. There is no more pressure on getting that chapter read or having to study for 20 mins. and then feeling like crap because I couldn't even remember what I read although I read it over and over while trying to stay awake. This method has helped me to actually think about those scriptures throughout the day. I have never done that before! At Youth Conference Sister Cook, from the YW General Presidency, promised that if we read The Book of Mormon for only 5 minutes DAILY, we will be blessed. That is all the above strategy takes me. Anyway, try it and you just might like it.

What's been keeping us busy

I had no idea that boys could get into dressing up like girls...Koen in his all red outfit. It was his favorite for a few days. And yes, it included the bike helmet as well since that was red too. But hey, he's happy so why not!










You just can't feel any better than getting your peaches done and making loaves of bread all in one day. Man alive I'm a good mom!

Koen was getting wrapped up in Daradie leaving for preschool and wanted to be a part of it. It's his "first day of pretend preschool" picture.

When is this phaze going to end? I can deal with the Princess Barbies all over the floor and drawing ballerinas and princesses on every scrap of paper she can get her hands on. But this? Having to eat her breakfast with a tea cup, saucer, and teapot. Will she ask me to serve her breakfast in bed next?


I just finished another 10k and it felt awesome! It's amazing how we've been blessed with a body that remembers how to get back in shape. I am now proud to say that running 5 miles is not too much of a big deal and I can spit out 3 miles like it's nothing. The race was just around town and so the family caught up with me for the last mile. I did pretty good (finished at 1:04) with some minor detours. First, I promised myself that I would not get pre-race jitters and need to use the bathroom; unfortunately, I had to go and figured I'd run half way and then use the portapotty at mile 3. Ran to mile 3 and there were no bathrooms. Running a bit further and a saw exactly what I needed. I pulled a Teasha (a friend from high school that could go to the bathroom on demand anywhere) and went to the bathroom between two cargo trailers at a trailer dealership. Doing just fine and then looked up...looks like their security cameras will finally have a story to tell. Now feeling better and kept going and saw the kids waiting for me at the 5 1/2 mile mark. I tried talking Daradie out of wearing her black sparkly church shoes to the race because she wanted to run with me for the last bit. But, she HAD to wear them since they matched her black pants and she wanted everyone to say that she had pretty shoes on. Anyway, all 4 of us started running. Within 2 strides Koen falls flat on his face. No worries, 1 down and 3 to go. Before we hit the sidewalk Daradie's slick church shoes hit a pebble wrong and she twists her ankle. Now there are problems. Over the crying kids, Dan yells at me, "Get going! Don't wait for us. Crazy woman keep running!" That was the last words I heard from him as I turned around and headed for the finish line. What an eventful morning.

Swimming 101

I could not stop laughing at Daradie. She'd dive into the pool non stop! There is a clear rule of no diving allowed...I just don't think the lifeguards knew exactly what to call what she was doing. (The video runs a bit before you actually witness the plunge--she's the one in the black and white swimming suit.)

Koen was amazing! From the kid who wouldn't even get in the water and now who flops in and doesn't care if he gets water in his eyes. I had a lot of fun taking these guys swimming.

Now you know where they've been practicing. Who would've guessed that a bean bag and bench could lend to weeks of fun without even taking a step in the water.

Bed bugs? Least of my worries....

Crazy things that Dan eats in bed at night while watching either "The Cosby Show" or "Scrubs" reruns. In no particular order: 1) raviolloi 2) brownie batter (I appreciated it when he offered me a bite, but had to refuse since he was dripping batter on the sheets and pillowcases) 3) fried chicken 4) otter pops (this left no lingering smell nor sounds while he was eating, but I discovered 5 leftover wrappers in bed the next morning) 5) leftover tiny spicy chicken from Panda Express.

Like father like son....I found Koen sitting on the floor between the fridge and the door hiding. He ate the whole container of strawberry jam, worked on the bowl of celery, had some of the jello (he used his hands) and ate 3 yogurts (he found a huge spoon that I was surprised could even fit in the hole). That was at 10 a.m. today. And yes, he did eat breakfast and even lunch.