Ana Singing

We were stuck in the car for a little bit, so I decided to take advantage of the time by videoing Ana singing...

I love it when Ana sings this song, because it means she is HAPPY! She will joyfully gallop around the house singing it over & over when she is in a good mood.

Okay, so I feel like a bad mom because Ana has known her ABCs for over a year now, and she was completely adorable singing it just after she turned 2 yrs old, but I only got it on camera a couple months ago. Oh well!

December 21, 2010 "This gets kinda' churchy"

I was watching a Nostradamus video the other day with Emily & Brian which got me thinking. I don't necessarily believe that 12/21/2012 is the day the world will end-- but my resolution is to be a noticeably better person, mother, and wife by 12/21/2012. This really isn't that far away; less than 3 years. I think that if I knew I would die in some terrible natural disaster in 3 years, that I could make it that long doing more of what I am supposed to.

I know, you are probably thinking that you should live like you are dying every day because one day you will-- but, it is a continual journey to righteousness, not just one day of all good choices. If it really takes 21 days to form a habit, then I should be regularly doing a lot more good things in 3 years than today. If anything, at least I will be consciously thinking about trying harder for awhile, and I can tell you that this is already working.

I think I am definitely more patient with others, and have been trying to solve more problems with love. I have also been reading some sort of LDS book in my spare time which keeps my mind on "goodness" throughout the day. Well, I will admit that this started because I am giving a sac mtg talk next Sunday and I wanted to be in tune to give the correct message. But the result is excellent no matter what the reason.

Anyway, here are a few more things I wanted to testify as a result of my thoughts from watching that video. I don't really believe (nor depend, thank goodness) on death bed forgiveness. I believe that the Lord will forgive you as you try to do your best everyday. I know that once you have been taught the truth, you are accountable. I am grateful that every time we come unto The Father, he will be so ready to forgive. I also know that our Heavenly Father wants to bless us with all that we righteously need, but I learned through more studying that some blessings are not given but through much prayer and fasting. I always just thought that if you fasted, you were showing more faith and humility when asking for something-- but some blessings literally may not be given unless you fast (ex: Christ casting out the devil, after the apostles couldn't make it leave). If you have been consistently praying, reading, pondering, and serving to receive an answer for something-- don't forget to FAST. That may be just what is still required for you to receive an answer, or a blessing if the Lord wants you to have it.

Sometimes life can feel really long, but with my new outlook I have more of a feeling that today is important. I am ready to start praying again for Christ to return and I hope to be ready when that prayer is answered. I have a hope for my family and friends to be ready with me. We can do it-- because with the Lord's help, it is completely attainable!!

Just a few months of photos!

Hello Milwaukee! Since we finally have a working phone and internet, I decided to take a whole night downloading some favorites from the past few months worth of photos for you to see. Alot of these are out of chronological order. We are doing well and enjoying it here. Brian is loving school and the cold is almost here. Come and visit whenever you'd like (except the week of finals!)

Are you seeing a pattern here?? Ana loves to organize and line up things.

We went to the Children's Museum and the girls tried out all sorts of careers. This is their tribute to Grandpa...

to Adam...

to Grandpa Dave...

to Grandma Ann...

to Grandpa JJ (although he had a radio show)

and to Grandma Terri and Mom.

For Halloween, Ana was Strawberry Shortcake, and Mya was Supergirl (at their request).

I love this picture of Ana....

We had a ballet class at home and the girls loved it. I told Mya that if she learns enough at home, I would consider putting her in a class. Sometimes we pass the Milwaukee School of Ballet when we go to the grocery store. We like to watch the ballerinas through the second story windows and wish we were dancing!

This is Mya's first hair cut... she absolutely loved the attention the hairdresser gave her!!

Ana kept asking if she could get a haircut too, but I couldn't bring myself to do that yet.

This was when the girls were trying on Halloween costumes to see if they liked them. I told Mya she could NOT wear the wig outside the house.

I put their hair in spiral sponge curlers...

They looked in the mirror off and on all day saying, "I look like Mommy!"

I really wanted to buy this plaque...but I had decided NOT to buy anything except food these days so I took a photo for a future art project!

Mya and Ana absolutely love using umbrellas. This was at the zoo...

This cute hat we saw made me think of Buffy--- because I thought she could easily make something cute and stylish like this.

Bring on the wedding photos! These are just a very few of what I have...

Ana danced practically the entire night. She was the first on the dance floor, and one of the last. When Stuart would get tired she would switch partners or rock out by herself, but her favorite was dancing with Stuart by far. Poor guy barely got a rest!

Yes, that is a plastic yellow pork chop in her mouth. Don't ask!

Ana picked some beautiful flowers for me...from the temple grounds!! WHOOPS.

Congrats Rachel and Steven!

This was a nail bitter.... :)

Fun with Adam...

Rachel's surprise bridal shower...

Mini Golf with Adrienne

A Rutowski household favorite...

Jelly Belly Tour....Adrienne your hair looks GORGEOUS :)

Gotta' stop for custard as soon as you cross the WI state line!!

Our last day out enjoying Utah....

Ray Ban sunglasses model and Mya