Dinner Club

So I started doing this dinner club with 3 other families in our ward and I am LOVING IT! It is only day 2, but we are just thrilled! We got together and figured out what day of the week each of us wanted to take, set some guidelines, exchanged dislikes, put together the menu and what time dinner will be delivered, and voila! We have dinner every night of the week delivered to our door except for when it's my day to cook, then I deliver dinner to the rest. We know exactly what is coming for dinner the whole month in advance. It makes the shopping easy and best of all, the rest of the days, I DON'T HAVE TO COOK! Plus, doesn't it always taste better when someone else cooks?? I sure think it does.
So, for all you other folks, I would totally recommend doing this. It is the best, and if you are like us, you won't be heading to the dollar menu at McDonalds every other night, he he....chunky Caldwells.

I wanted to share these beautiful pictures and what the artist has to say about each one of them! You can ALL win a FREE signed 8x10 print of your choice (out of the three prints), by copying and posting to your blog or website this whole post! After you post then send an e-mail to David (contact@bowman-art.com) with your website or blog address telling him you posted it and that you read about this offer on my blog. Also send him your name and mailing address and he will send your signed 8x10 print of your choice. David Bowman: has had a passion for art ever since he could pick up a pencil. He loves creating images of the Savior that inspire and uplift. Along with his Christian fine art, David has also written and illustrated a series of scripture storybooks for children titled "Who's Your Hero". Check out his website at http://bowman-art.com/indexFineart.htm to see more of his precious art.

"Innocence"

The Savior tells us we need to become as little children to inherit the kingdom of God. I've often wondered what it is about little children Jesus loves most, and I think its their innocence. They are clean slates, seeing the world and others through untarnished eyes. Their hearts are pure, without the baggage of cynicism and self-doubt. In this piece, I've tried to imagine how a child would act upon meeting the Master for the first time. Without reservation or inhibition, I think he would simply want to play with Him. He would be at complete ease, allowing his pure little heart to soak in the love and laughter of His pure, infinite heart. Its no wonder Christ delights in these little ones and sets them up to be our examples.

"Security"

One of the greatest human needs is a sense of security. In all aspects of life, we naturally gravitate towards anything that makes us feel safe. In this piece, I wanted to convey a sense of complete peace and calm like only the Savior can provide. It's a security that allows us to rest assured, without fear or worry, when we put ourselves trustingly in His arms. Little children have that inherent kind of trust in their parents, so it's fitting that the man and girl who modeled for "Security" are actually father and daughter. They generatedthe exact feel I was looking for.

"My Child"

This piece conveys an intimate, up-close-and-personal feeling of the Savior's love. Notice how all the lines draw your attention and point towards Jesus' face in the center. I chose the name "My Child" because the only thing that could compare (even remotely) to Christ's compassion for us is the love of a parent for his/her child. This image is also intended to put things in perspective. Above all, we are God's children first. He allows us the privelege of experiencing parenthood for ourselves and we are entrusted to be the mothers and fathers of His children here on earth.

Mountain Juice and Presidents

So Doug went to the grocery store the other day and bought some Mountain Dew. When Drew got in the fridge he said, "Mom, can I have some Mountain Juice???". It's funny that he thought that's what it's called.
Also, as he has been watching us wrap presents, he says things like, "Are those presidents for me?" and, "Is Santa going to bring me some presidents?". He is silly. Just thought I'd share.....

Not so "thanks" giving.

Well, everyone else is writing about it so I thought I would put in my view on our, let's say, "eventful" Thanksgiving. In response to other things that have been said, here is where I stand...
I think I am harder on my family because I care about them. I want the best for them and a lot of the time I expect them to be better than they are because they know better. I am feeling very anxious about the state of the world these days and have a real sense of urgency about everyone in our family's spiritual well-being. It is nothing to take lightly or to put off for another day. I feel like I am the only one in this family who puts importance on church attendance, service and obeying commandments. I know we all have weaknesses and make mistakes, it is a part of life. Everyone knows I am at the top of the sinners list, but I am trying, and it hurts that nobody else seems to care. It just kills me because I know each and every one of our family members has a testimony whether they know it or not, and some still continue to make unwise choices for their lives. I am literally afraid of where we will stand in the last day and I don't want to be without any one of you when this life is over. Losing even one would hurt more than anything. Now is the time to be better, to become stronger, to decide who's side we are on and to live like we actually want to be together forever. So, I'm sorry if it is hard to hear, but that is how I feel. I just hope you all know how much I love and value each one of you.

Tag, YO

One word tag

1. Where is your cell phone? Room
2. Where is your significant other? Bed
3. Your hair color? Blondie
4. Your mother? Sweet
5.Your father? Funny
6. Your favorite thing? Family
7. Your dream last night? Forgotten
8. Your dream/goal? Skinny
9. The room you’re in? Dark
10. Your hobby? House
11. Your fear? Family
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Millenium
13. Where were you last night? Caldwell's
14. What you’re not? Sexy
15. One of your wish-list items? Money
16. Where you grew up? O-town
17. The last thing you did? Eat
18. What are you wearing? Mismatched
19. Your TV? Big
20. Your pet? Drew
21. Your computer? Slow
22. Your mood? Thoughtful
23. Missing someone? Mom
24. Your car? Dirty
25. Something you’re not wearing? Underwear.....he he
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your summer? Fun
28. Love someone? Definitely
29. Your favorite color? Turquoise
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday

I tag whoever reads this.

Halloween, Trunk or Treat and Birthday!

Well, it is kindof late in posting these, but I thought everyone might want to see the kids' costumes and what we did. Dallin was a ROCKER and Drew was a SOLDIER. They both felt so cool, it was funny. My Mom was here for halloween and she had this cute mask she bought. She made me this yummy dinner I requested and also a pumpkin cake roll for dessert! Ooh it was so yummy, I hardly ever get that. She went way out of her way to make my day special and make me feel loved, so thanks Mom, I'm glad someone loves me (and I am glad I have you!).








We also went to the Trunk or Treat at our church and we had lots of fun! We hauled all of Dallin's friends from our neighborhood with us and I hope they all had a good time. I think they did. They are awesome kids!
We took some pictures of the kids collecting candy and playing at the carnival.



And here are the most beautiful young women I have ever seen! I especially like the shirts......ha ha, I bought them. They are all such awesome girls and I love them and am so proud of their testimonies and activity in the church. They are such an example to me! All in all it was a fantastic B-day. Probably one of the best in recent years. I enjoy being with my family and seeing how excited the kids are and how big they are getting. Dallin just took off this year without me and ditched us for his group of friends. What a big kid he is becoming. I love him.


Also, here is a book review I wanted to add to the Halloween post:
Snappy Little Halloween by Derek Matthews

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
We have had this book since Dallin was little, and we absolutely love it. It was Dallin's favorite and now it is Drew's favorite too! I have to read it to him like 5 times a day. All the other "Snappy Little" books are fantastic too. Best pop-ups ever! I just ordered the Christmas one on Barnes and Noble.com for $5.95 as a bargain book. They will go fast at that price I'm sure so hurry and get yours! Aren't I a great salesperson? They should hire me.


View all my reviews.

Grandma Hoxer's Funeral

My sweet Grandma Hoxer died last week. She was healthy as a horse so it was quite the shocker. She had a headache all morning but apparently went tap dancing, then went shopping for a car and when she went to leave again, she got in her car and never pulled out. She had suffered a major aneurism. A neighbor noticed her hunched over in the car and called an ambulance. When she got to the hospital she was pretty much gone. They had her on a respirator until the family all arrived.
Once everyone got there that could come, they met with the Doctor. He said there was nothing that could be done for her and the family made the decision to take her off the respirator and let nature take its course. She actually started breathing again when it was taken out, which was a surprise. Her heart kept beating for like 4 more hours or so and she finally quit breathing.
The funeral was great (I think). My Dad asked if I would speak and give a tribute to Grandma. I was glad that they asked me, I was grateful for this last chance to do something for her. I wasn't as close to her as I would have liked to be, so it was very sad. But, I do have to hand it to Lindquist Mortuary.....I have never seen anyone look that great in a casket! She looked absolutely fantastic. Her skin color looked great and there wasn't much makeup caked on. I was totally impressed. It just looked like she was laying there. So thank you, Lindquists, for that.
My cousin, Abby, read the obituary. My sister played the violin, there were several musical numbers, and me, Marnae, Jenasie, Lindsey, Abby, and and Marnae's niece, Amy all sang a couple of songs. Amy and my other cousin, Starlene, accompanied with the flute and piano-they are so talented. Grandma would have loved it.
Grandma loved music the most. Most of her funeral was just enjoying the music she loved. The good news is that we have a testimony that we will see her again and that our family is sealed for eternity. It is very sad, but having a knowledge of the gospel definitely helps. I want my Dad to know I love him and I am so sorry he is hurting right now. I hate seeing him so upset, it just breaks my heart. I wish I could make it all better, but I love you dad!

It WAS very nice seeing the whole family again and experiencing a spritual time with them.