Blessed

Warning: Random, Spiritual, teary-eyed Mom post ahead!!! We have had the loveliest weekend!  I just wanted to take a few minutes to write down all the feelings in my heart. This past week, our home has been filled with an abundance of the Holy Spirit. I guess you could say "Peace, like a river, attendeth my way."  It's easy to write down my sorrows or struggles or griefs.  It is also easy to overlook the peace, the calm, and even the joy which the Lord so graciously bestows upon us.  As I sat in church this morning, I felt so impressed that I ought to record the complete joy of this week and weekend.  It was not perfect.  There were sibling arguments and moments of impatience and frustration, but the Spirit of the Lord prevailed.

It's been a crazy couple of weeks and I have been overscheduled and happily helping with lots of different projects. For the past ten days or so, I have had the hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross" running through my head.  Specifically the words:

 So, with that line as a melody running through my heart, last weekend was General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and we were able to hear words from the quorum of the 12 apostles and the Prophet of our Church.  My heart was well fed! It was a magnificent conference that set the tone for a wonderful week.  It was a veritable feast of spiritual strength and although I could never choose only two favorites, here are a couple of parts that stood out to me:

"When our children are little, we can sing them the lullaby of love unfeigned, and when they are obstinate and refuse to go to sleep at night, we might need to sing the lullaby of long-suffering. When they are teenagers, we can tune out the cacophony of arguments and threats and, instead, perform the beautiful music of persuasion—and perhaps sing the second verse of the lullaby of long-suffering. Parents can perform in perfect harmony the tandem attributes of gentleness and meekness. We can invite our children to sing along with us in unison as we practice kindness toward a neighbor who is in need."   -Elder Wilford W. Andersen

"I marvel to think that the Son of God would condescend to save us, as imperfect, impure, mistake-prone, and ungrateful as we often are. I have tried to understand the Savior’s Atonement with my finite mind, and the only explanation I can come up with is this: God loves us deeply, perfectly, and everlastingly. I cannot even begin to estimate “the breadth, and length, and depth, and height … [of] the love of Christ.”^7"       -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Even if we were to serve God with our whole souls, it is not enough, for we would still be “unprofitable servants.”¹² We cannot earn our way into heaven; the demands of justice stand as a barrier, which we are powerless to overcome on our own.

But all is not lost.

The grace of God is our great and everlasting hope.

Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the plan of mercy appeases the demands of justice¹³ “and [brings] about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.”¹⁴

Our sins, though they may be as scarlet, can become white as snow.¹⁵ Because our beloved Savior “gave himself a ransom for all,”¹⁶ an entrance into His everlasting kingdom is provided unto us.¹⁷

The gate is unlocked!

But the grace of God does not merely restore us to our previous innocent state. If salvation means only erasing our mistakes and sins, then salvation—as wonderful as it is—does not fulfill the Father’s aspirations for us. His aim is much higher: He wants His sons and daughters to become like Him."  -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

After lots of work and service and general busy-ness, we were able to spend some awesome time together this weekend.  Friday afternoon, Matt got home and we all decided to go for a walk/run/bike ride through Kays Creek Hollow near our home.  I truly wish I had a picture from that outing to share because it was sucha  gorgeous day and the mountains were breathtaking. Matt and I had planned on jogging/walking while the kids rode their bikes.  We thought we'd have fun and explore, going farther than we usually do.  Of course, while we were out, BOTH girls ended up getting flat tires, so the outing was not quite what we planned. It was, however, a lovely way to spend some time together!  As we climbed up the final hill, Victoria was really fading and struggling to continue.  I thought (more than once) that perhaps the boys should run ahead and bring back the van to rescue her tired little six year old feet.  I felt very certain, however, that we should finish this 5.6 mile walk together.  I wanted her to feel the sense of accomplishment.  So, I said, "We are going to go up this last hill and we are going to work hard and we aren't going to complain! Let's go!"  Isaac, of course, was achamp, and Daphne really surprised me with her willing attitude and hard work.  She pushed Victoria's flat bike while I gave Tori a piggy back ride up the last half of the hill.  We sang, "What Doens't Kill You Makes You Stronger"! I'd like to think that they got a little something out of it!

Matt and I went to dinner together while the kids stayed home and watched a movie.  What a blessing to have a 13 year old and to be able to leave for a quick dinner date.  We got some much needed couple time and they got a fun movie night!

Saturday, we watched Isaac's soccer game and he scored two fantastic goals, one of which was extremely impressive!  His team took a corner kick and Isaac reached his foot behind him to knock the ball right over the goalie's head and into the goal!  SO fun to watch your child succeed!

We cleaned the house together and went out to dinner together.  Then, while I painted the girls' nails and got their hair prepped for Sunday morning, Matt taught Isaac how to tie a neck tie!  I can't even believe how big they are all getting!

 Sunday morning, we finally got pictures of them in their cute Easter outfits!

There was much focus on the family in these sessions of Conference. I was so impressed at the truth that God wants to bless us with ALL that He has. His Son came not just to forgive us of our sins but to perfect us that we might, as Paul wrote, be "joint heirs with Christ". 

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present timeare not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." 

Romans 8

Through His atoning sacrifice, He does this in our families.  The Family is of God and is Eternal.  His perfect and precious grace can make my beautiful weekend with my family and an abundance of the Holy Spirit be just a "foretaste of glory divine!"

I am truly humbled that, despite a "soul so rebellious and proud as mine" that He would not only justify, but glorify.  We are truly given God's Riches At Christ's Expense:

When he says that He will give us a crown, that he will exalt us on High, that we will be joint heirs with Christ, that our Families will be Forever with Him, I know that He bestows all of this through His matchless grace.  And I sit here, once again, on an average day, completely and utterly overwhelmed at His goodness, His mercy and His love, which I could never deserve or merit. 

I know that, because of Jesus Christ, my family can be together forever and live in the presence of God the Father and our Merciful and Perfect Savior Jesus Christ.

In other words, I am blessed. 

Hunter's Funniest Kids Stuff/2014 Wrap Up

So... in case you didn't notice... I kinda didn't really blog this year.  Or last year.  In the past, I have done a "Hunter Kids Funniest Things" for the New Year.  Since I am so behind on blogging... here are some random pictures from the past two years combined with funny or sweet things my kids have said in the past two years.  Hope you enjoy!

On the top of the Conference Center for Daphne's 9th birthday

1.Victoria asks for Lemontimes for breakfast.  (Clementines!)

For dessert, she wants a Haagen Dong  (a Haagen Daz Bar)

Victoria's First Day of Kindergarten

2. Our next door neighbors, the Archibalds, asked us to watch their house, check the mail, etc... while they were out of town.  Victoria comes running to me with the "Archibalbs mail!"

Archibalds Archibalbs

Wonder Woman and Cat Girl- November 2013

3. The kids and I were having breakfast one morning and all the sudden Victoria asks,

"Can I fly in heaven?"

Painting Easter Eggs- Easter 2014

4. The week of Easter, we told the kids that they could dye Easter Eggs as soon as they finished cleaning their rooms.  Victoria furiously "cleans" her room and runs out in the hall shouting,

 "I'm ready to dye now!"

Snowman!  Christmas Day 2014

5. Many of you know that I am not a big fan of Winter.  I like snow at Christmas, but other than that I painfully endure it.  I struggle not to whine and cry and throw a fit every time I see snow covering my drive.  But Victoria, she LOVES it!  She is clearly a Daddy's girl!  She often asks when it will snow again throughout the summer and fall.  Last Spring, just as things were starting to look Spring-y, we had one of those famous middle of April Utah snowfalls. My typically cheerful Victoria looked out the window and said,

 "I used to think I would love Winter, but now I just hate it."

Victoria's Fifth Birthday

6. One day, as we were driving, I told Tori she was funny and she said, "I know.  I'm the funniest child in our family."

Daphne's First Salon Hair Cut- Summer 2013

7. Daphne is MY child.  She is animated, dramatic, and full of expression.  Even when she was tiny and just barely reading, she would read with appropriate (and sometimes extreme) expression.  Unfortunately, when they read out loud at school, most of the children in the class read with that monotone, make you want to stab yourself in the eye, sort of voice.  For some reason, being in the minority has caused her to tone it down.  Sometimes, when we are reading scriptures together, I hear that "apathetic" tone enter her voice and I correct it by saying, "Read with Expression!"  So, one evening we were just beginning the Old Testament and it's Daphne's turn.

I'm not reading along, but I can hear her voice going toward the monotone, so after a few lines I say,

"Daphne, read with expression."

She reads the next line with as much pizzazz as she can muster

"And they were both NAKED!"

(said in the loudest, most suggestively silly voice imaginable)

Genesis 2:25

Victoria's 6th Birthday

8. Victoria laying on floor and randomly says, "Mom, where are we on the earth?"

Isaac just after Junior Jazz Semi Finals

9. Isaac's 5th grade teacher is named Mrs. Gammill.  As we are talking about his class Tori says :  "Mrs. Gammills name remembers me of camels"

Easter Sunday 2014

10. August 2013- I was laying down for my Sunday afternoon nap.  I texted Matt to send Tori  to me so she could nap, too.  We had already tried to get her to sleep in her room. She climbed into bed with me, snuggled up into the crook of my arm and said, "this Is. AWESOME."  "This is Just right."

 Sure is wonderful to be someone's awesome.

Victoria's 6th Birthday

11.  Tori asked me if everyone who lives in a mansion HAS to be rich/.  I said, "well no but you pretty much have to be really rich to pay that much money for a mansion."  Tori said, "If I'm rich when I grow up, I'm not going to pay anybody any money. I'm just going to keep it."

Then she smiled and said, "I'm gonna trick people so they give me all their money."

 I said, "Wow!  Well I hope you won't lie to people and do mean tricks."

Tori, "only nice tricks."

Me: "well, if they have to give you all their money that doesn't sound very nice."

What the ?!!

Daddy Daughter Dance September 2013

12. Tori said,

 "Have you ever seen a castle?  A real one?  I have, but I was a baby and you were holding me."

Me :"We saw some pretty amazing stuff together when you were a baby."

Tori:  " I wish I was a baby again."

Me: "Oh, no you don't!  You couldn't so anything for yourself. Someone would have ot dress you, feed you, bathe you."

Tori: "I like people to do stuff for me."

Me :  "But you wouldn't be able to go outside by yourself, or play in your friend's back yard or anything.  I'd have to go everywhere with you."

Tori: "I like to be with you all of the time, Mommy."

Victoria Learned to Ride without Training Wheels in 2014

October 2013

I went upstairs to sing to Isaac at bedtime and it occured to me that he is so big he might as well put his arm around me.  I said, "Well, bud, I think you're almost bigger than me, so you might as well just put YOUR arm around me.   So he did and I laid on his chest and sang my great big little boy a lullaby.  Sob.

Isaac Graduated from 6th Grade!

2014

Conversation with Daphne (9) while listening to Andy Grammar’s “Fine By Me” 

D: “Men and boys are so ridiculous.”

Me: “Why?”

D: “They don’t express themselves fully. What he really means to say is, ‘Yes! I would love it if you stayed with me forever. That’d be great!’ But instead he says, ‘Fine by me.’ as if he doesn't care at all. IF you really don't care, then you wouldn't be singing a song about it- Ridiculous!” with Matt Hunter

Daphne and I went to see Wicked for her 10th Birthday!

My kindergarterner just came home from school with her friend's jacket. She asked me to wash it. Apparently, her friend's mom couldn't get out the stains and Victoria told her that I am really awesome at getting clothes clean, so she offered for me to wash it. I'm not sure whether I feel like a hero or a maid.

Victoria built a Fairy House to catch fairies on our front porch.  I asked her what if mice and rats come in?  She made a sign that said Fairies Only- NO RATS (Mowses OK)

Victoria asked if she could have Cinnamon Toast Crunch for breakfast, and I said, 

"That's a negative."

Isaac said: "Negatory"

Tori said, "Nuh UH!, you're a Nega Isaac!"

4th of July 2014

Lying in bed one Summer morning before school started, Victoria said, "I'm so lucky!  I get to snuggle with you every day!" I said, "I know... Summer is almost over though and we'll have to get up and go to first grade!  Won't that be exciting!?"  Victoria said, "I don't want to go to first grade!  I just want my Mommy!"

As she was cheerfully eating dinner with us one evening, Victoria said, "Mom, what does ass mean?"

We also got to define douchebag and rape for our older children this year- thanks Junior High!!

November 2014

Daphne and Victoria were showering together and Victoria looked at Daphne's chest and said, "Are those your testicles?"  Daphne said, "Victoria! No!  Do you even know what testicles are?!"  

Daphne and Victoria's Christmas Dance Recital

November 2014

Daphne: Mom! In social studies we are all in groups and each group represents a colony! We are Georgia.

Me: OOooh, fun! Georgia peaches

Isaac: Florida Oranges

Daphne: California Avocados. Washington RAIN.

Me: Actually, Washington is famous for producing apples.

Victoria (6): Well, China makes most of the stuff.

Sea World San Antonio August 2014

Since I wasn't recording these on the blog when my big kids were little, I found a little journal I was keeping of their funny comments.  So... just to even it out a bit:

Daphne (3)

I said, "How are you today?"

D "I don't know yet.  I just know about you."

Me "What about me?"

D " I like you."

Daphne's 4th grade Diorama of the Desert

Isaac

Praying (age 7)

"Please bless Daddy that he will have the priesthood at work.  Please bless the baby in mommy's tummy."

Isaac returning from his week long scout camp- such a hard week for me!

Happy New Year!  

Our Awesome Family Room Makeover!!

It's done! It's done!  We FINALLY finished the last painting and touch ups over Christmas Break and it's actually done! 

I have pretty much been fantasizing about this re-do since we bought this house. LOVED the floor plan and location... hated the oak and the red stripe--- what the heck?!  We started re-doing with the kitchen as you may have seen on this post about our kitchen makeover.   Then, we turned half of the basement into my preschool. So, since apparnetly I am incapable of just enjoying my house as-is (Ha!)... this year's big project was our family room. I am SO excited about how it turned out.  Y'all- I LOVE it!  So, of course, I have to share with you. 

Once again, we failed to take a before pic until we had already piled up the new flooring in front of the fireplace and started staining the staircase.  But... you get the gist:

I bought the flooring and the stain and one random July night, Matt and I tested it out.  We loved it so much we kept going!  Yes, I said July.  We started this project five months ago. For reals.   We did NO sanding.  I did do a masssive amount of de glossing/de greasing/scrubbing to rough up the wood some.  We used a gel stain for the dark and oil based white paint.  

 Do you see these people? They are amazing!! Matt's parents, Calvin and Marsha seriously worked at our house for a month to help us get this done.  Matt's time was so  limited with work and church that we had the flooring but none of the man hours to do it. They were amazing.  I scrubbed and stained and painted, but if it involved a saw or a nail gun.... Matt's dad was totally the boss for this project. Matt came home and helped where he could, but they were total workhorses to help me get this done. Thank you SO much, Nanny and Papa!  Y'all rock.  They even took time to teach Isaac some skills as well!

 A few work in progress pictures:

 You can see that I am gradually getting the rungs done on the staircase while Matt and his parents work on the floor... actually in this pic it looks like Matt is watching his mom carry heavy stuff.  But I'm sure he was helping, too.  Right, babe?!

 The staircase was murderously painstaking to do. I'm not gonna lie. Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!  Bu halfway through I was cursing and trying to convince myself that I like builder-grade oak.  The gel stain was incredibly easy to work with, but the oil based paint was a little trickier.  The hardest thing about the staircase was trying to paint one side and then go around to the other side to catch drips and prevent them from drying.  As you can see, this involved going up and down a ladder A. LOT.  You would think you could just paint one side and then the other, but if you paint one side of a rung, it is impossible not to have drips dry on the other side.  Once everything was done, we did three coats of a floor grade urethane coat on top of everything dark.  

Eventually, we got the carpet ripped up and Matt's parents put down the flooring on the stairs and we put beadboard on the risers.  That took a little tricky engineering, but my stud of a hubby figured that one out!  Thanks, babe! 

Staircase before and after:

Red Stripe? GONE! Builder grade oak staircase and fireplace? GONE!

  Horrible, old carpet? GONE!  

Here is the only one where you can really see a before and after of the fireplace and everything else:  

I do really owe a big thanks to my sister in law, Natalie as well- she held my hand at Home Depot and prevented a panic attack.  She also, unlike myself, is amazing with a saw! 

I LOVE THIS ROOM!!