This I Know

In the book club I belong to we are reading a book called "The Language of God" by Francis Collins I think.. (sorry the book is not by me :)

I am so terrible about actually reading the books lately, that one of my sweet friends actually got the book for me this time. So, I have been reading. It is really insightful. It is a Scientist's proof that God does exist.

A leading Geneticist (spelling?) writes about his journey from Atheist to a Faithful Believer in God. I have always been sure of my faith in the Lord and Jesus Christ. I have always been sure of my testimony of the LDS church. I have always been sure of my testimony of the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon. These things are as real to me as the air that I breathe.

It was interesting though to see that it is harder to disprove God's existence then to prove that he does exist. There are so many answers that Science cannot explain. So many people want Evidence. If we have EVIDENCE than we would have no need for Faith. I don't need any evidence... but it is refreshing to see that such a brilliant man would take time to write this information down. I am just in the beginning stages of the book, but it is very cool.

I can't imagine not having the knowledge that I have. I know who I am. I know where I came from. I know where I am going when I die.. I know Heavenly Father loves me and my family.. and each of us are his Children. I can't imagine the pain our Father in Heaven feels when we think we can live our life happily without him in it. I can't imagine a life where he isn't the center of my life, my home and my family.

I am looking forward to 2010! I am looking forward to growing and becoming a better person each passing year!

So, these were the things on my mind tonight.. pretty deep huh:)

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Snowed in on Christmas!

We are enjoying a lovely Christmas Eve with family! The Weather is very fierce outside, but it is warm and cozy and magical inside.

We have enjoyed lots of good food. We have had already enjoyed a Polar Express train set given to papa from nana. The children are so excited for Santa to come!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good night!

Merry Christmas!

I am so awful this year! I never got Christmas cards sent out! So I am going to do a quick update for all my friends and family that check this ocassionally! We are all doing well and are happy to report that finally ready for Christmas! It is a good thing since it is in 2 days :)

We hope that each of you are healthy and safe this Holiday season! We are so thankful for such good friends that always fill our lives with such joy! We are thankful for our beautiful and awesome families that support us and give us such happiness too!

We are thankful for our membership in the Church! We are so thankful for our testimonies of the truthfullness of the Gospel! Richard and I love the Lord with all of our heart and we are so thankful for the Saviour, Jesus Christ! We love this time of year that we have to reflect on his birth and life, and of course his atoning sacrifice.

Our children are all doing so great. They are such blessings in our lives and Richard and I are so thankful to be their parents! Each day brings a new story and laugh.. and always a moment to just feel gratitude for wonderful kiddos. Of course, we have our challenging moments too. :).. We aren't raising super heroes or anything.. :)

We just wanted you all to know how grateful we are for our relationship with you and wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!

Much love to each of you!

Richard, Katy, Matthew, Shelley, Nicholas and Holly Anne

Stop Your Swineing!

Okay, so I am a nerd with my play on words huh? We have had a rough week. It started with Richard leaving town for a couple of days for work. His first day gone Matthew tells me he has a heaviness in his chest and was coughing. He had no fever, but I kept him home from school. By Wednesday he had a fever of 102.. so I took him to the dr. The diagnosis... H1N1... Swine flu!! Yikes. I was pretty surprised.. I called piano students and said to stay far from our infectious home. By Wednesday night, Rich came home and Nick started running a temperature too. By Thursday night his fever hit over 105!!!! We took him to the E.R... and the diagnosis.. surprise, surprise.. H1N1. He was so sick. They said he was dehydrated. Before we left for the hospital Richard gave him a Priesthood Blessing that his fever would come down quickly. By the time we got to the Hospital.. it was already down to 103. After we returned home from the E.R. that night (after midnight) his fever was 100.. and for the rest of his illness NEVER was above that temperature again. I always marvel at the power of the Priesthood. Nicholas had faith in his blessing and so did we.. I am so thankful for the knowledge my family has in the Gospel!!
So our boys were wearing little masks the rest of the week to prevent anymore of us from getting sick. They were so sad to be stuck behind those things for so long. At this moment.. no fever Matthew now for 72 hours.. and Nick for 24 hours. We made it!! So far no one else is sick. I hope that stays. Richard has a cold.. but we don't think it is the Swine Flu.
So, we are hopeful that it stays calm over here!!

First Day of School Pictures

Holly wishes she was big enough to go too!

First Day of School 2009

Shelley sporting a new hairdo! I know I am biased.. but these are some cute kids!

Matthew is in 7th grade, Shelley is in 5th grade and Nick is in 1st grade!!

Slogger... Blog slacker

I stole this word from a friend of mine... it totally fit me to a tee.
Let's bring you up to speed.....
It has been a busy month around here. School is going well for the kids. I think we are finally establishing a routine. I am getting my piano schedule organized and things feel like they are going well there. Holly is sick again, but that is nothing too unusual. The Doctor thinks her tonsils swell up partly because of allergies. So we are going to try singulair and see if that helps any. I had a fabulous August and got to spend time with an old dear friend.. Jamie. She flew to see me with her 2 kids. It was so wonderful. It totally reminded me that true and good friendships never go away and they stand the test of time!
I turned 32 last month... I am now officially double the age necessary to drive and date. That makes me feel pretty old. However, I do have a 12 year old.. I suppose to be any younger would be quite scandelous :)
KIDS NEWS....
Holly says the funniest things lately. The other day I was painting my toe nails, she came up and asked if I would paint her "ponytails" too. I then asked if she meant toenails, she replied " silly me, ponytails go on my head." She is so cute and funny.
Nick is really enjoying the first grade and loves to read. Getting better everyday. Shelley is in a Pom class this year and Holly is taking a dance class too. It is so sweet.
Nick plans to play Basketball soon and Matthew is busy with Jr. High.. (can you believe he is in Jr. High?) and plans to play basketball this year too. We have very busy and good kids!
Football fun....
This is a fun time of year. We are involved with Fantasy football, and currently we are not doing so hot.. but it is fun to do it none the less. We love watching all the Football games and especially cheering on the Huskers!!! I look forward to the leaves changing and to the temperatures cooling a bit.. not a lot, just a little. Pumpkin cookies and Apple Cider... I love Fall!!!
Lofty goals....
I am the organist in our ward and I have decided that despite the scariness of playing it, I am going to be the best one I can be.
I have decided that I am going to be a skinny girl again.. My mind is made up.. but, my body is like "whatever" ;). So, I will keep working out until I am sorda skinny again!

Cute hubby..
Richard is in the Elders Quorum Presidency as the 2nd Counselor. It has been a good change for him. He is really enjoying it. I am always amazed how he raises his hand whenever service is needed anywhere. He is always so willing to go the extra mile.. such a good example to me. He is a good husband and I am so thankful he is my husband and the father of my children.

Addicted to Politics..
I have really been upset by the current situation in Washington. I am a total Conservative and do not like Big Government. I have found it very challenging to stay positive about the direction our Country is headed. I know that there are many wonderful citizens who are standing up for what they belive in. (Like my parents going to Tea parties and such :) I am absolutely against a Public Option in Healthcare.. I am absolutely against anything where the Government's voice becomes louder then the peoples. But, I won't spend too much time on this issue.. this could be a whole post on it's own. Richard worries I get too obsessed. I am just concerned. Through all of this I have pondered a lot about my Great Grandfather John Hart who signed the Declaration of Independence. I try to support an agenda that would support what those founding fathers envisioned when they risked everything by signing the Declaration! Ultimately, I am so grateful to be a citizen of this great Country.
Conclusion...
I will try to be a more consistent blogger.. I know so many of you wait with bated breath for my next post. hee, hee.
We are so blessed. We are happy and life is Good!!!!
Pictures to come soon.. in Katy style, they will be a bunch all at once... cause that's how I roll.