2008 Spiritual Highlight!

This last year our Bishop challenged us to read the Book of Mormon. We took the challenge on as a family - starting it and ending it together. We knew this wouldn't be easy, because at the start of last year we knew that Cameron would be separated from us for a time, but wanted to do this as a family. Cameron made a huge sacrifice and would wake to our phone call at 5:00 am and read the Book of Mormon with us on speaker phone. Thank you Verizon Network!

After Cameron returned home in July we had to figure out our groove, then school started. Karina Had to be to school by 7:45 am and Karadie also had to be to her tutoring by that same time each morning. We all voted and still felt that our day went better if we read in the morning, so alarm clocks were set for 6:00 am. I have been so proud of the girls for sticking with this decision and getting up so early each morning.

The end of the year quickly approached and we pressed hard to finish. The morning that we finished the Book of Moromon, Cameron was reading Moroni chapter 10 and read Moroni's promise. I had been praying in my heart all morning that the girls would feel of the truthfulness as he read the famous versus. It was so powerful to watch their eyes and feel what their hearts were feeling. I know that the spirit testified to each of them that this incredible book is true!

We gained so much this year by taking on the Bishop's simple challenge. We grew so close as a family through the incredible dedication and challenge of setting the time to read. I listened to my children explain to each other different principals. The stories they've heard in primary came to life for them. All three daughters became much better readers. I especially watched Karadie struggle with dyslexia and impaired hearing be strengthened by her daily reading from the scriptures. I watched my children gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon. My understanding and my own testimony grew so much this year. The Lord again gave me the greatest gift for Christmas...over two thousand years ago He sent the Savior, this year he gave my family a strengthened testimony!

Nutcracker Performances!

Karina and Kensington will be performing in Mountain West Ballet's Nutcracker. The performances are at Mt. Jordan Middle School, 9360 S. 300 E. Sandy. Tickets may be purchased one hour before the performance at the door or on-line at http://www.mountainwestballet.org/. They will be performing: 12th 2:00, 19th 7:30, 20th 7:30, and the 22nd 7:30.

Busy December

December is a busy month all around. There is a hustle and bustle in the air that one does not feel at any other time. Perhaps it's the last minute Christmas Shopping (or in my case, starting it), all the Holiday Parties, children's performing events, or the regular craziness that life brings. As I struggle to feel of the Christmas Spirit this year, it seems even harder with the added pressure of trying to be everything to everyone everywhere. So forgive my lack of blogging. I haven't even been able to read what is going on in the lives of my dear friends and neighbors.

During this Christmas Season I hope to focus on Christ and His beautiful, wonderful atonement. The thing that gets me through each and every day. Some days, each and every minute. I also hope to focus on my family - my wonderful and amazing husband who has sacrificed so much for me and our family; and my beautiful daughters, who bring joy, love, and laughter to my dark nights; and my precious son, who each day I remember his light in my life.

Hope all is well with you this crazy, busy Christmas Season!

No FREAKING Way!!!

Last night I went out with 2 of my sisters. We had a long conversation about gray hair. I bragged that because I have blond hair (which they informed me is no longer blond), I won't go gray until I'm really old. CRAP!!! Kensington was playing with my hair this morning, when all of a sudden she stopped and hysterically started laughing..."Mom, you have a GRAY HAIR!" Yep, sure enough I HAD my first gray hair. Is this a sign of maturity? a sign stress induced life? a sign of old age? or a sign of good things to come? Tell me what you think...

How Much Do You Love Your Kids?

Several months ago it was announced at our local live theater, RMT, that they would be having auditions for the Wizard of Oz. My little drama queen begged me to let her try out. As the date got closer I called to find out times etc. It turned out, children were strongly encouraged to try out with a parent or older sibling. What? Karadie didn't have an older sibling able to try out at the moment - Cameron certainly wasn't going to do it. What was I to do? This was something she had been planning and preparing for, for months. I did what any mother would do. Right? I tried out with her. No, you won't be seeing us in the local production. We both got call-backs. Karadie was called back for munchkin/flying monkey and I was called back for Aunt Em. Yes, you read it right. They viewed me as an OLD and FAT woman! Needless to say, the experience was so worth it. We had a great time and learned a lot.

Share your stories with me. What have you done for your children, just because you love them?

Not too much!

So yesterday I was wearing a form fitting sweater. You know, the kind of sweaters that are thin, not thick. I didn't realize I was being watched as a grabbed my extra stomache blubber and jiggled it. My daughter (who will remain nameless to protect her life) said, "Mom, if you don't do that we can't really tell that your fat, too much." Hmmm...I think that I need to be more disciplined with my sweets eating and step up the work out. The honesty of children, it kills me, no really it's killing me.

Catching Up...

Sorry for the absence. I'll try to get everyone up to speed on the Kent Household.

First of all, my last post on Waiting. Let me explain. It seems that there is always medical drama in our home. When Cameron and I stood in the line in Heaven for trials, we stood in the line titled, "medical problems for children". Without going into the big, long, not so interesting story, we had a bit of a scare that Karadie had leukemia. As it turns out, it was only a bunch of not related flukey symptoms that compiled together are symptoms of leukemia. Thankfully, she doesn't have it and she is doing great.

Witches Night Out! What a blast. A bunch of women from my ward went to Gardner Village for "Witches Night Out!" We had so much fun. Hopefully I will post some pictures soon. Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday, because I get to reveal my true self and dress up as a WITCH! I love it. Melissa, I really missed you! Your absence was felt!!!

Job Changes! Tuesday I arrived at work to find out that RE/MAX Metro, whom I am employed by, had a new owner. I was a little apprehensive, but quickly learned that this would be a fantastic change. I have been given more responsibilities, and hopefully with that will soon be determined my new wage! The new owner seems very organized, ambitious, and energized! I have been working MANY more hours and will continue to for awhile, but change IS exciting! Any whoo, this is part of why I have been missing in action.

HALLOWEEN... was a fabulously warm night. And with the time change being the first of November instead of the first of October, it was light most of the Trick or Treating time. The girls were energized and covered more streets than usual. The afternoon started out Trick or Treating to Auntie Marion's. She's a little under the whether so the girls went with Omi, Byron, and Emily to visit her and cheer her up. Next stop was a visit to my work. Susan and I pretty much spoiled the kids. And possibly a new tradition was started with a Trunk or Treat at Dick's Market with Opa. Before the evening had even started, their buckets were half full and by evenings end, buckets runneth over with loot.

The girls spend most of September trying to decide what costume to dress up in. After much contemplation the evening came and went and I think they were pleased with their choice of Halloween Characters. Karina our typically straight as an arrow child went as a "Goth Girl"sporting a nose piercing, lip ring, tatoos and all. She actually could have blended in with many kids from school. Thank heavens it was just make-believe. Kensington was the most adorable witch, with the most fabulous witches hat. Her black dress was complimented by purple striped tights, a purple belt, and long purple hair. Karadie has a passion for pretty things and loves classic movies. She really wanted to go as Scarlett O'Hara from Gone With the Wind, but she settled for a lovely Southern Belle. And she did look lovely in her green hoop dress and beautiful big hat. For the first time in five years, my Malificent costume finally came together. It all began with a hat purchased by my husband in Disneyland and has continued with the search for the perfect dress, which was finally achieved this year. My mom is amazing and helped me accomplish this task. Thanks mom!

It is always fun to get out of your own character and play someone else for a little while. Until next year...