"If our hearts are right before God, adversity will school us, help us overcome our carnal nature, and nurture the divine spark within us. Were it not for adversity, we would not know to “choose the better part.” Adversity helps us see where we need to repent, to bring into subjection baser instincts, to embrace righteousness and enjoy peace of conscience."
--Keith B. McMullin, "Be Prepared … Be Ye Strong from Henceforth", Ensign, Nov. 2005, 10

Read about my evening here.

MOM turns ONE!

Last night was MOM's first birthday. I am so glad that Bart and Mick actually followed through with the whole, "We should take our families out to dinner so our wives can meet" conversations they had when we first moved here. Without Kris, I'd have no MOM's. Without MOM's, I'd have nothing to do and WAY few good friends. So, thanks Hubbies, Kris, and MOM's for helping me find a group to fill in the gap left when I left all my wonderful friends in Baton Rouge(see all their blogs over there...>)

So, at the party, there was a HUGE raffle...I mean HUGE! The following is a list of items raffled, $1 a ticket or 6 for $5. All money raised (almost $400!) went to the local food bank.

One hour massage from Massage Envy
$30 GC from Red Lobster
$25 GC from Brewskies
MyOmahaMommies License Plate Frame
Jar Candle Trio from PartyLite
Regeneration Chemical Peel from BeautiControl
Doll House from Arts and Minds
Two passes worth $40 each for pizza, drinks and tokens from Chuck-E-Cheese
4-$8 Appetizers from TGI Fridays
$30 GC from Mimi's Cafe
My Gym gift certificate
2-To Maternity and Beyond $25 GC
$20 VIP card from the Classy Gourmet
$25 GC from HYVEE
$25 Box of Chocolates from The Omaha Chocolate Co.
4 Girls Hair Bows and 2 Picture Frames from Jessica R
Neclace, Bracelett, Earings and Ring from B. Accessorized
Justin Thyme Cafe $25
Fantastic Sam's free haircut and free bottle of shampoo and conditioner
Olive Garden $10
Floral Ceramic Box with Lid from Unique Accents
$10 GC from The Afternoon*
5 Free Pies from Village Inn*
Passes from OCM
$100 GC from Gloss Salon
Gift basket from Creative Memories
$25 GC from Pampered Chef
Stardust CD from Cher
*=I won

There was an "awards show" in which I won the "Martha Stewart" award. True in some ways, I guess, but WAY off in others. For instance, the cake I baked. AWFUL! The top layer just WOULD NOT BAKE!!!! It was a mess. Oh, well. At least I can make my children happy with chicken nuggets and peanut butter sandwiches...

Wednesday evening, we braved the snow to go out to dinner with some great friends, Mick and Kris and their too cute 18M daughter, Joss. We ate at Brewsky's, because Kris is about to be leaving there and it would be a shame to let some of her food allowance go to waste. :)
As you can see, Jackson and Joss are fast becoming good little buddies.
After dinner, we went back to MKJ's house for some Wii Guitar Hero. Let's just say I'm not so coordinated. We had a blast, though, and are anxiously waiting for the invite for WiiFest '08.
It has been snowing a lot here, so I put the boys to work shoveling the walk. Hey, they have to earn their keep somehow.
Not too sure the proper angle to view this photo...
Brennan trying to convince Jackson to go on the sled solo...he did it, but that doesn't mean he liked it.

A picture from a few weeks ago during the BIG GAME!!!!

a video of the little buddies at dinner...pay attention around 15 seconds.

Just another reason I love this little guy

"Aunt" Jamie decided to buy the boys a present as a thank you to them for being away from me while I was in FL. We saw Word World Moon Sand in Target and she loved it. (sand from FL)
Brennan's response when he saw the box (he had no clue he was getting a surprise, nor did he know what was in the box)
"Whoa! This is what I was thinking of all day long."

So, Jamie, I'd say the present was a hit.