Life is full of tests. In school, we dread test day. At work, its the yearly evaluations that get our palms sweaty. Oh, then there's the big test at the end...Judgement Day. However, we kinda fail to see the pop quizzes that our Father puts before us everyday. How often do we get frustrated when our kids don't listen, but He's using it as a way to teach us discipline? We get frustrated at our spouse, but He is wanting to see if we will love and honor. We get hurt, or something goes wrong, He is waiting to see what words we use, for out of a man's heart he speaks.

We are called to be holy, as our Father is holy. How can we see progress or where we need to work without these tests?

One Year Later

Wow. It never ceases to amaze me how fast time really does pass. It has been one year since I moved to my new family, and left everything I knew behind. Now, leaving all of my family has been the hardest thing I ever had to do, and it was not at all what I even wanted to do! I wanted, foolishly I suppose, to keep my mom close to me, as she always has been. I miss her more than I ever knew I could. That has been the hardest adjustment for me.

However, life in this house is normally a joyous experience. Yes, we have our days. What family doesn't? Today is one of those days, but I know things will smooth back out. I must learn to push for what I want, and just do what I want and not wait for anyone (or a certain someone) to do it with me. So, here in a few hours, I'm going to go do something I've wanted to do since moving to the area. I'm going to go see the lighthouse. I've always loved them, I think because my Grandparents loved them. Grandpa was stationed in Puget Sound during Korea, and they fell in love with the sea and the lighthouses. I'm keeping that alive in my own way. Ironic, my Grandpa worked for a company called Fiat Allis for decades. I live just blocks away from the home plant here in West Allis. Its like they are always around me. I like it.

So, Memorial Day. Unofficial Kickoff to Summer. I'm in between 2 lakes. What am I doing today? same stuff I do everyday. Next weekend, hubby and I are going out for our anniversary. I'm really looking forward to some time away and a break from my routine. I love being a stay at home mom, but even I need days off. Hubby doesn't get this. Of course, what husband does? He's going back to work Tuesday. We are thankful for the blessings that Heavenly Father has poured upon us. He carries us through some very trying times. Bills are always met. Food is always on the table. He is GOOD to us.

Well, that's about all for now. Kids are great, adults are great. Life is good.

archeological finds and my musings

It was in the news yesterday that metal or lead books containing images about Jesus and his crucifixion had been found in a cave in Jordan. Now, I know there have been hoaxes before, but the images seem pretty legit. Only time with tell, but they have me thinking... I had no idea that any culture had used metal to inscribe books on. Now, it makes sense, as paper and papyrus would eventually fall apart and the records would be lost. However, the first metal books I'd ever heard of were the ones the were supposedly found in New York state by Joseph Smith. In one of the articles I was reading about this newest discovery had a line that has me really thinking. "Other texts from the period tell of sealed books of wisdom and of a secret tradition passed on by Jesus to his closest disciples." (Dr Margaret Becker, former president of the Society for Old Testament Study) What was this tradition? Could it be communion? Well, sure, except that tradition was passed on from Passover and its clear that 1st century churches practiced it at every fellowship. What if this tradition of passing on information and history on these plates was the secret passed on? What if Jesus had asked his faithful to continue this history, knowing that proof would be needed later that this practice happened? One of the main, early arguments of the Book of Mormon was that no one had ever heard of books being written on metal plates, let alone gold plates. We now know that these books did exist. How could an uneducated farmer make that up, and it be true? Its a fanciful story, until there's evidence that the things written inside happened. We know that books were written on metal, human sacrifice happened on this soil (see Cahokia Mounds info from Illinois), a society just died out for no reason, their technology was far beyond what had ever been thought of by the people on this soil, trade routes came from India to California's coast before 1000 BC, etc etc. So many of these things are talked about in the Book of Mormon. Its starting to seem more and more plausible, huh? I'm not saying, nor will I ever say, that the LDS church is not a cult. Any group that raises a man to the same level as God or Christ is a cult. We are not, nor will we ever be, as High or Holy as they are. Joseph Smith was a fallen man, a sinner. He is not a God. He could have been a tool used by God, though. Well, just something to think about. I'm off to fix supper and pack Willow's clothes. She's off to Grandpa and Grandma's for the week! She's excited and just can't wait :-D

hi, its me again

2am...why in the world am I still up??? Oh well :-D

Not really much going on around here. The weather needs to change very soon, so I can spend some time outside. I'm ready to get the yard cleaned up and get my garden ready. There is something about planting such small seeds, watching them grow then harvesting them that is just so much fun. This year's task? Learning to can. I wanted my grandma to teach me, but time got away from us before she went Home to the Lord. So, I will take what I learned by watching her and try to figure it out with books and the internet.

I've been studying and discussing with DH about Passover. It looks like we may skip out of the egg hunt and go with the Biblical feast. It will be fun to teach my family about the Exodus, and all of the symbolism in the Seder showing the way to Jesus. Maybe we will do an egg hunt just for the fun of it later, though! Who says it has to be to celebrate anything? Kids love to treasure hunt :-D

I'm preparing to change my diet. I weigh as much now as I did 9 months pregnant. I have to get this weight off. I'm so tired of looking in the mirror and being disgusted, then turning around and eating junk! Such a terrible cycle. So, we're going to purge the house this week, get rid of all of the junk food, and get ready to fill the house with the foods we should all be eating. We are all over weight, and we need to be healthier people. Our kids look great, I look like bloated road kill (how's that for imagery).

If I'm going to be holy, I must be holy in and out. I must take care of my home and family, as well as this Temple that God has given me. I have a high calling to be a mighty woman of God, and that means all of me. I must lay everything down, die to myself, and be raised in a newness and fulness of Christ. I must decrease, so He may increase!

I lay on my bed as I type tonight. I'm listening to my very hyper daughters play on the Wii, Rich plays on his computer, and everyone else is in their room. Its been a long week around here. William is sick with an upper respiratory problem, Thomas is teething, Tori has had an up and down week, and the stay at home moms are worn out!!! Brandy has been working a ton of split shifts at work, which have been keeping her busy and out of the house. Rich has now worked 2 days in a row, and seems to be loving it! So, I guess life is returning to normal around here. Its kinda nice :-D

Homeschooling has presented a few more challenges than I was prepared for, but isn't that just motherhood? I am hoping to start incorporating activities for Willow and Cameron soon. At Willow's age, I already knew my ABC's. I'm embarrassed to admit that she doesn't know hers. I need to get her caught back up.

Not much more going on. Still waiting to hear from the production company when we are going to air. We should know something very soon. Keep checking back!

So sorry I've gotten so far behind on keeping this blog up. Life in the Austin household is crazy sometimes. We filmed both weddings for TV, survived that nightmare almost unscathed. We are now waiting for the final cut to be approved for network to find out if it is even going to air. Just crazy stuff!!! During filming, we had 5 extra people staying in our home on top of the production crew in and out. Needless to say, I was sad when everyone had to go, but was ready for normalcy to return.

Tonight, I'm the last one up. Normally, I'm accompanied by Willow, who has decided that she wants to stay up until 2 AM. Yeah, I know, I should wake her up early and make her stay awake until bedtime and get her reset. Problem with that? Well, I'm homeschooling Tori all day, have 4 other kids here most of the day (Cameron is in school for 2 hours in the morning), a sister-wife that is depressed and a husband that desperately needs to get back to work before he looses all sanity. So, sorry, but I DON'T want to deal with a screaming and whiny child all day. I can deal with the lack of sleep. That is why God invented caffeine.

We pulled Tori out of public school in December. She was failing most of her classes due to lack of focus or drive. We have worked out a system with her, that seems to be doing her quite well. I plan enough work for her to do in 5 days. Each day, she is given a file folder with her daily assignments in them. These are accompanied by computer work and reading. She has the chance to get all of her work done by Thursday. I administer a weekly test on Friday morning, covering all that she has learned throughout the week, and the important information from the prior weeks. If she passes her test with a 60% or below, we have school all weekend. If she gets a 70-80%, she has school Friday and Saturday. 80-90%, we have a full day of classes on Friday. If Tori is able to pass her test with a 90% or above, she is free for the weekend. Guess what...I have yet to actually teach on a weekend. Now, mind you, we are still covering stuff she SHOULD have learned 1st semester, but at least she's learning it now. We are going to be having school all summer, but I'm hoping to have her at the same level as her classmates by September. In some classes, that's almost a 2 year jump! She is a smart little girl, we just had to find the best way to reach her.

I know I have a few poly wives out there that read my mindless ramblings. I have a question for you ladies. Do you ever feel like just giving up? I'm in a mood tonight, and I'm just tired of dealing with the drama that comes from living with all of these women! I know, the man should feel that way. The problem is, most of the time, I feel like the responsibilities of this house and everyone in it fall on my shoulders. I'm worn out! I need a "me" day.

I really need a Mommy and Willow day. We haven't had one of those in a long time. When I was working, I would make my payday "Mommy and Willow" time. I'd take her to McDonald's for supper and play with her, and maybe even go buy a new toy. I miss having that time and money to do special things with her. I can't just go take her to the park right now, as we have too much snow on the ground and its really cold still. But, laying in bed before she fell asleep, she grabbed me in a big hug and told me I'm the best mommy in the world. I cried. I felt so special at that moment. All the diapers, the pee-pee accidents, the sleepless nights, the ER runs, the colic, all just melted away in that moment. Now I remember why I wanted to become a mom. She's such a sweet little girl! I have truly been blessed.

Well, its midnight, and I have a full day of class tomorrow. Brandy is working a split shift, so she will be gone all day. I'm hoping that I can slip out early tomorrow and get away. Just don't want anyone upset with me if I do. But, I have to take care of me, too.

Until next time...blessings!

January 22, 2011

Well, the big day is here. We've made some changes. Brandy is no longer getting married on the 15th of January. Instead, I'm sealing myself to Rich on the 22nd. Yes, this is for TV. I love my family, and I want to show the world that just because we live this way doesn't mean we're scary people, or a cult. I'm really excited! I'm getting married again!!! I ordered my dress today. Its just a simple dress, but its so pretty. Now, its just a matter of planning the little stuff. If I know you personally, please send me an email and let me know if you are interested in coming! I'm going to do some email invites and some phone calls, but I dont want to offend anyone by asking. Soo, if you dont get an invite, but want to come...PLEASE let me know!!! Its not rude at all! I have so much to do, I know I'll forget people...