...And Then There Were Six.

Eight is Great!

2012-07-08T21:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day

2012-05-12T11:19:00.001-05:00

Beatles vs Beetles

2012-03-28T21:04:00.003-05:00

In the car tonight, we were listening to a Symphony arrangement of
"All the Lonely People". I was telling Travis how much I really liked the arrangement. Then I asked, "Didn't the Beatles write this song?"

With amazement, Claire says, "What? Beetles can write?"

I almost died laughing!

One Amazing Egg

2012-03-27T13:45:00.002-05:00

One of our lovely hens layed this beautifully large egg.
(Much bigger than your grocery store variety.)
Instantly I knew: TWINS! Our hen layed an awesome double yoke!!
Isn't that Amazing?!

Christmas Vacation

2012-01-05T12:16:00.004-06:00

The Woodsworth Family took an epic road trip to visit Travis's mom. We last saw her in 2005. Here are some of the stats:

5,340.5 Miles round-trip,
82+ Hours on the road,
19 Days away from Home,
and 9 States visited
Along with tons of family, friends, and pictures to share with you in the near future. Here's a little preview of Claire's feelings regarding the trip:

It's been a while

2011-12-06T18:24:00.004-06:00

Travis has a new calling as the Scout Master. When he went to a merit badge college at Baylor they were giving away tickets to the Baylor vs Oklahoma game. We all went. The first half was good but we decided to take the kids home to bed right after half-time. We listened in on the way home and missed an awesome play (interception off a helmet for a touchdown). It was a fun family outing.

We have a friend staying with us and since to boys are both in school in the after noons we often take a "girl's night out" to lunch. Claire just LOVES it, and I do too.

And the most exciting news we would like to share with you is this:

We're going to have a baby at the end of May.

Wheatgrass?

2011-06-29T14:17:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday at the Stake Relief Society meeting we were told a little bit about sprouting and wheatgrass. Then I got to bring a "centerpiece" home with me. On Monday morning after zumba Travis noticed two left in the foyer. We could not just leave them their to die, so we ended up with 3 little bowls of growing wheatgrass.

Today I decided to try a wheatgrass smoothie. First I gave our little plants a hair cut, right into the blender. Then I added some fresh blueberries, a banana, milk, peach yogurt. A couple of minutes in the blender and we had a smoothie. Light green with flecks of blue berries and green grass in it.

It tastes like a banana with a meadow in it. What do the critics have to say about it?
Claire: We should have left the grass out because I don't like to eat grass.
Caleb: I liked it and I drank all of it. I like grass.
Joshua: I don't like it because the grass doesn't taste good.
What do I think? I might be able to get used to it. My recipe needs a little tweaking though. Maybe some strawberries or sugar/honey for a little more sweetness next time.

Belated Mother's Day

2011-06-04T17:53:00.001-05:00

So, over Mother's Day weekend, Joshua asked me if he could write a blog post. I thought that would be great, so I opened up a Word Document and let him type. This is what I got:

"My Mother
I love her. She is so cool. She always lets me play on the computer, even when I am bad at school. She is nice. She lets me play my Ds. I have a Spiderman game on my Ds. I have a superhero game on my Ds. I have a leapfrog game on my Ds. I have a Mario game on my Ds. I love my Ds."

He just added, "I wrote a lot mommy."

All I can say is, Thanks Bud, you're Awesome!

Survey Says:

2011-04-29T22:07:00.002-05:00

What is louder, 10 nervous chickens or 6 yapping dogs?

Maybe I'm a little biased by the beauties now located in our newly refurbished shed. We'll let you know when we have some eggs to share. Until then, cousins are welcome to come and take a peek through the chicken wire.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T07:20:00.003-05:00

We had a really wonderful Easter, complete with colorful eggs and more candy than anyone could want. My favorite thing about Easter can be summed up in St Matthew 28:6 "He is not here: for he is risen as he said."
I also love this video:
His Sacred Name: An Easter Declaration

Also, the nursery lesson yesterday consisted entirely of singing "I am a Child of God" and this simple testimony, "Jesus Christ was resurrected. He lives and He loves you."

Hurray for Cousins!

2011-03-20T21:29:00.003-05:00

For Spring Break Heather and Lorraine brought their 4 kids each over to our house for some fun in our back yard. After lunch, running through the hose, watermelon, and drying off, I put up our hammock for a little swinging.

Caleb, Evan, and Garin

Rose, Ellen, Eva, Karen, and Claire

Garin, Claire, Eva, Caleb, Evan, Evan, and Ellen

(unpictured: Jack and Elijah, Joshua was at school)

It may be the first day of spring, but summer is coming on quickly, and we can't wait to spend more time with our best friends: family.

Claire and the Marshmallow

2011-02-17T07:39:00.002-06:00

My sister Mary, who is much better at taking pictures and blogging regularly, has documented an event that happened at our parent's house a few Sundays ago. It is very cute, and includes current pictures of all three of my kidos. The Marshmallow Challenge Thanks Mary! We love you!

Claire Says:

2011-01-21T17:53:00.003-06:00

So, after struggling to get some shoes from her bottom drawer, Claire just said, "Double drats! I can't even get them out of the drawer!" LOL I love it!!

New Friends

2010-11-10T15:40:00.003-06:00

I have joined a little Mom's group here in our little town. Today we road/walked to the local FFA buildings to see some piggies and a sheep.
We are really enjoying playing with and getting to know our new friends.

Talk on Forgiveness

2010-11-01T13:37:00.002-05:00

Travis and I were asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting about 5 weeks ago. With all the changes that have happened with the new Hewitt Ward and then the new Waco Stake, We finally got our chance yesterday. Here is the message I shared about Forgiveness.

Good afternoon, Brothers and Sisters. (insert personal information) I’m very excited to be a part of this new ward and the growth and changes that are happening. I pray that the Holy Ghost will be here as I speak to you today.
Doctrine & Covenants 88:33 reads, “For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.”
I would like to speak today about how forgiveness is like the gift spoken of in this verse. Christ has given us an amazing gift. Through the Atonement, he will forgive us of our mistakes and shortcomings. In order for us to receive this gift, and find joy in Him, we must not only repent of our sins, we must also forgive others.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Christ teaches us to pray, “...forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” He then adds, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”(St Matthew 6:12, 14-15) As we pray for our sins to be forgiven, we need to seek to forgive those who have trespassed against us.
This reminds me of the Parable of the unmerciful servant found in Matthew chapter 18. “Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
“But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”(Verse 23-35)
When we refuse to forgive we build a wall between ourselves and the blessings of the Atonement in our lives. We can become imprisoned by dwelling on the past and thinking only of how we were wronged, and how justice can best serve us. When we hold on to feelings of bitterness, resentment or anger we prevent ourselves from receiving the greater blessings Christ has in store for us. Our Heavenly Father will not forgive an unmerciful servant.
In Doctrine & Covenants 64:9 we read, “Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.”
To find fault with one another and become offended and angry is a sin. Those feelings keep us from feeling the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and separate us from our Savior’s mercy, and the blessings of the Atonement. When we don’t give the gift of forgiveness, we cannot receive it into our own lives.
The example of Laman and Lemuel in the Book of Mormon shows us just how dangerous holding onto resentment and anger can be. They hardened their hearts and would not forgive Lehi for leading their family out of Jerusalem. They would not forgive Nephi for obeying their father and the Lord. They chose to take offence each time they were given counsel and direction. They taught their children, by their words and actions, to hate also. This led to generation after generation of war and bloodshed between the Lamanites and the Nephites. The Lamanites were also cut off from the presence of the Lord and the blessings of the gospel.
“President Brigham Young once compared being offended to a poisonous snakebite. He said that ‘there are two courses of action to follow when one is bitten by a rattlesnake. One may, in anger, fear, or vengefulness, pursue the creature and kill it. Or he may make full haste to get the venom out of his system.’ He said, ‘If we pursue the latter course we will likely survive, but if we attempt to follow the former, we may not be around long enough to finish it.’”(David E. Sorensen, "Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Love", Ensign, May 2003, 10–12)
Becoming angry and unforgiving is like a poison that can seep through us, and take way our ability to feel compassion, mercy, love, and even the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Contrast the actions of Laman and Lemuel with the example of Joseph, sold into Egypt. Elder Sorenson of the Presidency of the Seventy described the account this way. “Joseph's brothers jealously hated him. They plotted to take his life and finally sold him as a slave. Joseph was carried into Egypt and struggled for years to rise from slavery. During these challenging times, Joseph might have condemned his brothers and sworn revenge. He might have soothed his pain by scheming to get even someday. But he did not. In time, Joseph became ruler over all of Egypt, second in command only to Pharaoh. During a devastating famine, Joseph's brothers traveled to Egypt for food. Not recognizing Joseph, they bowed down to him because of his high position. Surely at that moment Joseph had the power to exact revenge. He might have put his brethren in prison or sentenced them to death. Instead he confirmed his forgiveness. He said: "I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither....And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity...and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God." ("Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Love", Ensign, May 2003, 10–12)
When we truly forgive others we are opening the door for God to work mighty miracles in our lives. Joseph could see, through his forgiveness, the hand of the Lord in his life, and in the saving of his family. When we don’t forgive others, dwelling upon the wrongs others have done to us, and expecting justice or punishments to come upon them, we are putting ourselves in God’s place as the judge. We are forgetting the changing power of the Atonement in their life as well as in our own. As we kneel before the Lord, and ask him for forgiveness for our own sin, we must also be willing to forgive others. This is one way we can develop that Christ like attribute of mercy.
Nehemiah 9:17 says, “…thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness….”
The Lord stands ready to forgive us; we need only seek to be merciful, kind, and slow to become angry or offended by others. We can become like Christ and receive His great gift of forgiveness through the Atonement. As we seek to forgive those who have truly hurt us we can come to know our Savior, Jesus Christ, on a more intimate level.
After Alma and Amulek taught the people of Ammonihah, the more wicked people were angry, and took them to the chief judge. They then cast out the men who believed the words of Alma and Amulek, and threw stones at these men. Then they brought their wives and children, and cast them into a fire to destroy them and their holy scriptures also. Then Amulek, “…said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames. But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.”
Then they were bound and cast into prison, and striped of their clothing and left without food or water. Then their lawyers and their judges and their priests and their teachers and the chief judge came and slapped them and ridiculed them, and Alma and Amulek said nothing, until all these men had taken a turn.
I can just imagine Amulek’s thoughts through this whole ordeal, “Why don’t we smite them? Why don’t we use the power of the priesthood to exact justice upon them?” But he held his tongue because he had been taught by Alma that the Lord will be the judge and that his consequences will be just.
Then “…Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them. And it came to pass that so great was their fear that they fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the prison; and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers, and priests, and teachers, who smote upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof. And Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ….”(See Alma 14, Verses 10-11, 26-28 quoted)
When we put our trust in the Lord, in His Atonement, in the justice of God and the mercy of our Savior, we will see the miracles in our life. The walls of resentment and hatred will fall, and we will be free. In giving the burden of judgment to the Lord, we can take upon us His mercy, and extend that mercy to others.
There is a freedom that comes with laying our pains and sorrows and the feet of our Savior. In the Beatitudes Christ said, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”(St Matthew 5:7) This mercy can only come through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He not only commanded us to forgive, but extends to us the ability and power to do so. He has carried our grief and felt our sorrows. As we come to Him in prayer, He will show us how to forgive.
The gift of forgiveness is not only for after this life as we stand before the Judgment bar of God. The gift of forgiveness will bring peace and joy to our lives today.
This past week I made a batch of cookies, and while they were baking, I sat down and discovered this scripture in Luke 6:35-38 “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
I realized that a good batch of cookies must be made with good measure. The right combination of ingredients was essential. The brown sugar was pressed down, the flour, salt and baking soda where shaken together, and the vanilla should be running over a little. But even the very best cookies are not finished until they are shared with someone else. So it is with the gift of forgiveness. As we are patient, and kind, and understanding with others, we will feel that same gift of forgiveness coming back to us.
“Nowhere does this principle apply more than in our families.”(Elder Sorenson) In a revelation to Emma Smith the Lord said, “And again, verily I say, let mine handmaid forgive my servant Joseph his trespasses; and then shall she be forgiven her trespasses, wherein she has trespassed against me; and I, the Lord thy God, will bless her, and multiply her, and make her heart to rejoice.”(Doctrine & Covenants 132:56)
The greatest blessing of the gift of forgiveness is finding joy, in our families and in our lives, in our homes and with our friends and neighbors. We will see miracles, and the changing power of the Atonement will fill us with a greater measure of mercy, forgiveness, and the pure love of Christ.
In the last General Relief Society Meeting, our dear Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson taught, “I consider charity—or ‘the pure love of Christ’—to be the opposite of criticism and judging….I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient. I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere. Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are.”("Charity Never Faileth", Ensign, Nov. 2010, 122–25)
This is the gift of forgiveness, the gift that can change our lives, and our thoughts and our feelings towards others; the gift that, if given freely, will be returned to us. It will cultivate our mercy, compassion, kindness, and charity towards others. It will bring us closer to our Savior, and increase or understanding and appreciation for the Atonement.
I know this church is true. I know that as we strive to live the principles of the gospel we will be truly blessed. (Insert Testimony) I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Funny!

2010-10-12T20:09:00.002-05:00

So, Travis and I ran across a video clip by a comedian named Anita Renfroe. She's really funny (and clean). Very "Mom" friendly.

Start with these: Short Episodes

And then move on to this: Music Video

It's so true! It almost made me cry (more than the original).

Alma 29:4

2010-10-10T18:57:00.002-05:00

I ought not to harrow up in my desires, the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction. (emphasis added)

In our scripture reading tonight Claire distinctly said, "decrees which are awesome". Unalterable? Awesome? Close enough, sweetheart. It made me smile so much, I just had to share it!

Sorbet, sort of.

2010-08-26T11:23:00.002-05:00

Today I put frozen Mango, Watermelon, and Strawberries in the blender. Then I realized I have no yogurt (a key ingredient in a great Sorbet), so I added some milk, sugar, vanilla, and a little fruit juice. As I was blending I had this conversation with Caleb:

Caleb: Mom, what are you making?
Me: Some Sorbet.
Caleb: Is that Smoothie or Ice Cream?
Me: Well, It's a smoothie that wants to be Ice Cream.
Caleb: Oh, can I have some?
So I put some in a cup for him.
Caleb: Mmmmmm! This is good, mom.

Now we have a container of Watermelon Mango Sorbet in the freezer. Yum!

1st Grade!

2010-08-23T09:11:00.002-05:00

Joshua started First Grade today! He was so excited to get up and walk to school with his dad this morning. Travis is also starting first grade (that is, a First Grade Bilingual Teacher!) So, we're settled into our own place, and staring the Career we've been working on for the last seven years.

First Tooth!

2010-02-11T14:05:00.003-06:00

Breaking News: Joshua lost his first tooth this week. He has been wiggling it for about three weeks now and it was hanging by a thread, so Travis decided it was time to pull it out.

He was so proud and is already saying his other teeth are loose!

Thanks Sisters!

2009-10-18T21:08:00.006-05:00

I just have to say Thank You to my sisters for representing my babies in such a wonderful manner on their blogs. See the following as proof that sisters are so wonderful (and my children really are the funniest!!):

Aunt Mary #1
Aunt Mary #2
Aunt Lorraine

Love Ya!

My Cooking Philosophy:

2009-10-01T10:09:00.002-05:00

This is how I approach cooking: a little inspiration, some tweaking, and a lot of luck.
For example, Lorraine and her family were visiting last week, and we had to cook up a casserole for dinner.
Step one: Look through a great cookbook for some ideas.
Step two: See what you have: Chicken, shell pasta, frozen broccoli, and cream of mushroom soup.
Step three: Search personal recipe data base: Broccoli, chicken, and rice? no rice; Tuna noodle casserole? no tuna; Chicken Tetrazzini? no spaghetti.
Jackpot! A new recipe is born: Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Casserole!!

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2-3)
Shell Pasta (8 serving box)
Frozen Broccoli (about 16oz)
Cream of Mushroom Soup (32oz can)
Sour Cream (about 6oz)
Milk (3/4 cup)
Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, divided)
Chili Powder (1 tab)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Cook Pasta on stove, according to package instructions. Cook Chicken in Microwave, cube, and place in casserole dish. Cook Broccoli in Microwave, and place in casserole dish. Add Cream of mushroom soup, milk, some cheese, pasta, chili powder, salt and pepper. Combine ingredients thoroughly (should be thick, not soupy). Sprinkle with remaining cheese, cover and bake at 350 for 30 min.

Enjoy!

What is it?

2009-09-28T13:08:00.009-05:00

It's Caleb's 3rd Birthday!!
Joshua gave Caleb the PJ's (a favorite pair he has outgrown).
We decided to make Bug Cupcakes:

How Caleb has grown in just 3 years!
October 2008: 2 years old.

May 2007: 8 months old.

September 2006: Our brand new baby boy.

We love you Caleb!!!

A return Missionary, a Birthday, an Anniversary, and Kindergarten!

2009-08-30T16:00:00.014-05:00

What a week it has been! Who would have thought the end of August could be so jam-packed with excitement. I have so much to talk about, I don't even know where to start.
Daniel returned home from serving a Mission in Minnesota. We were so excited to see him. I cannot believe it has been 18 months since he was with us while we blessed Claire. Most of the family came home to see him. Heather, Allen, Eva, Evan and Garin, Lorraine, Jack, Ellen, Jack, and Rose, David, Chelsea, Bentley, and Blake, and William were all here on Sunday to hear him speak in church. We also had a little frozen yogurt pie to celebrate my 26th Birthday. It was so great to see everyone, and the 11 grandchildren had a great time being together.

Thanks for coming to play with us everyone!

I would also like to introduce Mary's fiancé, Luke Mott. My kids just love him!

And Caleb just had to dress up as a clown while everyone was here.

On Monday we took Joshua to meet his Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Sustala! He started school on Wednesday, I and Travis's 6th Anniversary. What a great day he had at school! Mean while, I got a hair cut, and did a little shopping! Thanks to MOM, Daniel, and Mark. Travis and I celebrated on Saturday with dinner and a movie, courtesy of Mary's work :)
This past year seems to have flown by so fast. We have grown so much and learned so much, too. One example of the amazing changes going on here are in my sweet little Claire. She has really become her own little person.

Happy 5th Birthday!!

2009-07-08T13:50:00.004-05:00

June 21st came and went so quickly. Our Little Joshua is now Five Years Old. I just can't believe it.
We had a wonderful Birthday Party with The Jackson Family. Joshua chose Hamburgers for his Birthday Dinner and Home-made Ice Cream Sandwiches instead of Cake. He also had a lot of fun with the presents:

Thank you Grandma W. for the cars and car carrier:

Thank you Grandma J. for the learning puzzles:

Just in case you were wondering if our little boy has changed any in the last year, here's a little something we took in May:

On the other hand, this was in March. We talked about going out to take bluebonnet pictures for over a month, and the morning we went was a little chilly. Joshua just had to bring one home for us.

We love you, Joshua! It's been a great 5 years and counting.