Tagged again

Thanks for the tag Katie. These are fun.. although this is probably more than anyone wanted to know about me!

Favorite Person Outside of Family:
It's a tie... Henry B. Eyring and Penny Defino
Quirks about you:

I am not fun to be around when I'm late or I can't find something. We even have a nickname for when I get all stressed out... Nicolette. Jon used to try to intervene and help me calm down, but he's learned to just get the heck out of my way! Yeah, he's a smart guy.

I can say some pretty ridiculous things when I'm flustered. I have a tendency to totally botch cliches. Like once, I was upset with Celeste about something and I blurted out, "Ship up or shape out!" Jon and I just busted up laughing, so I couldn't be mad anymore.

How would the person who loves you most describe you in 10 words or less:

I just asked Jon and this is how he responded...

Caring, compassionate, creative, credible, capable cranium, copiously cute, considerably copulatory

Oh, man... I should have known better than to ask him ;)

Any regrets in life:

Honestly, no. I used to stress so much about past mistakes, etc. but those feelings of regret and shame have disappeared as I have chosen to put my faith in my Savior, who I believe really does take away my sin when I sincerely repent. I know I'm forgiven when I repent of my humanness, and that that through Him, I don't have to suffer regrets anymore... what a blessing.

Favorite charity:
Our third born little cutie-pie ;)


Favorite Blog recently:

All of them! I've been spending too much time lately learning more about all of you. You're all remarkable and inspiring women and I'm grateful to know you.

Something you can't get enough of:

My hubby's smooches! Upon greeting and parting, we kiss each other for the number of years we've been married. It's five right now. It's cheesy I know, but I love it! I'm a bit concerned about what we'll do after 20, 30, 40 years... maybe we'll start doing one kiss for each decade or something...

Worst job you ever had:
Caretaker for a young girl with fetal alcohol syndrome. My job was to help her get integrated into society. Although she was a real sweetheart, she definitely kept me on my toes. Like once she got away from me and stripped naked at a swimming pool and ran around screaming obscenities at the top of her lungs. That was interesting.


Worst job you would pay not to have:

I would hate to be a telemarketer. I don't like feeling like a bother.

Favorite Bible verse:
1st Corinthians 13: 1-8, 13

Guilty pleasure:
Anything with sugar in it. Right now my fave is York Peppermint Patties. Yum.


Got any confessions?

I hardly EVER iron anything. Occasionally I'll iron Jon's shirts, but only if he's lucky. ;) I'm learning that with 4 kids, there are some things that just have to give around here.

A few times, I have put the kids to bed in their Sunday clothes on Saturday night, so I didn't have to get everyone dressed in the morning.

If you HAD to spend $1000 on yourself, how would you spend it?

I'd probably buy clothes at the goodwill outlet. I LOVE that place!! Once I bought 9 dresses there (cute ones believe it or not)... for $1.49 each!!! Then, I'd buy a ton of scrapbooking stuff, and maybe a trip to the beach somewhere with my hubby... and a babysitter.

Favorite thing about your house?

Open layout/vaulted ceilings

Least favorite thing about your house?

Carpet

One thing you're good at:

Forgiving people

One thing you would change about your circumstance:

My extended family (mom/dad/brothers and I) would be sealed together in the temple :(

Who would you like to meet someday?

Thomas S. Monson or Stephen R. Covey


What makes you feel sexy?
Having a deep and compelling conversation with my hubby when we're both totally vulnerable and when we reveal our truest selves... and candles are nice too. :)


Who is your real life hero?

My husband... definitely

What is the hardest part about your job:

Endless demands

When are you most relaxed?
When I'm outdoors with my family.


When are you most stressed?

Probably Sunday mornings... which is sad because it should be the most peaceful time of the week. But somehow, it doesn't seem to work out that way. Ho hum...

What can you not live without?
Prayer


Do you agree or disagree with a recent article that reported blogs are authored by narcissists?

I think there might be some bloggers who are narcissists, but I think for the most part, people are just looking to connect with others and develop and cultivate relationships. This is such a great way to get to know people better!

Why do you blog?

To leave a legacy for my children so after I'm gone, they'll know how much I loved them, to keep in touch with my extended family, to feel connected with other women in my community and church, and to stay (somewhat) sane. ;)

Who are you tagging?
Rules:
Answer the questions
Link back to the person who tagged you
Tag 8 bloggers to do the same, 2 from each category

New/Newer bloggers:
Caroline, Christine
Blogger friends:
Dana, Sarah
Bloggers you'd like to get to know better:
Melody, Bethany
Bloggers you don't think will respond, but hope will:
An open invitation to whoever wants to!

True Joy

I was really inspired recently by a blog from my friend Ilona. (I love how we can uplift and learn from each other this way!) Anyway, I just wanted to pause tonight and express joy and gratitude for the blessings in my life. I know that tremendous trials and difficulties are sure to come my way, that we all will be "tried even as Abraham" in our own unique ways, but I just wanted to stop my rushing about and worrying about the future, and just appreciate how wonderful things are right now. Although my life isn't perfect, I can't imagine being any happier. I feel like I have everything I need and even want. (I don't even want to be rich and famous... who needs that kind of pressure??!) I have been given so much, so many privileges, and I just feel immensely grateful. Especially to have the true, restored gospel in my life!!! To live in this country which was founded on such divine principles, to have been blessed with this body which functions so well, and has helped create and nurture 4 babies! To have been blessed to know and love such wonderful family and friends! It's just overwhelming sometimes. But I also know that to "whom much is given, much is required" and that we who live in this country and have been blessed with the gospel have so much expected of us. We have a responsibility to share this truth about Jesus Christ with the world, to live up to our covenants, and to bless others and help alleviate suffering all around us. One of my favorite quotes... "What do we live for, if not to make life easier for one another?" is really what it's all about! I know we can show Heavenly Father we love Him by loving each other. What a wonderful life. :)

Dr. Dad

I'm so ecstatic for my Dad!! Last Monday, due to years of perseverance, tremendous intellect, and sheer hard work, he successfully defended his dissertation! I am just so inspired by him and all he has accomplished. This is no ordinary doctor... he has overcome so much to be where he is! (see previous post- "7 random things") He is the first in the Sasnett family line that we know of to achieve such a feat and we are all so happy for him! We're looking forward to his commencement at OSU on June 8th. My brothers will be here, and my Boppa will fly in from Seattle to support him. Woo-hoo! Love you Dad!

Post-defense surprise party!!

We got him an enormous hat to fit his BIG head now that he's gotten his Ph.D... HA HA!! Just kidding, my dad is the most humble man I know.

So proud of you Dr. Sasnett!

Me and my wonderful Dad :)

Helpful Baby Tips

It seems like with each baby we have, I need a 'Baby 101' refresher course. I forget so much. Luckily, our friend from college shared these tips with us on caring for a baby. Hopefully these will be helpful to you other moms out there too. ;)

Father and Son Campout

Jon and Benny went to a father/son campout together for the first time yesterday. Benny had been looking forward to having some one-on-one time with his Daddy all week. He was just thrilled... it was the cutest thing.


Here's Benny and his buddy Nathan and the ENORMOUS bonfire in the background!

Benny's all-time favorite activity!Wiped out from all the fun!

Although we definitely missed our boys, I have to admit that us girls had some fun of our own! We had our first annual all-girls (and Jakey) pampering party. A tradition that's sure to continue!!

Tagged

My friend Jill tagged me to answer a few random questions, so here goes...

What I was doing 10 years ago:
Let's see, I was a junior in high school and we had just moved to Orem, Utah. (See previous post 7 random things for the reason) I was in a serious relationship with a guy who later proposed... (soooo glad I listened to the spirit on that one!) I felt lost and alone during those years. Thank goodness I gained a solid testimony in later years and married the right guy for me!!

5 things on my to-do list today:
1. Practice sextet musical number for Sunday at my friend Jessica's house
2. Bake 2 cakes for book club (strawberry cream, and german chocolate, my Aunt Linda's recipe... my all-time fave!!)
3. Take care of my sweeties: (dress, feed, bathe, learning time, probably send a couple kids to the naughty chair, etc. etc.)
4. Sing 'Amazing Grace' at a memorial service
5. Host a book club... woo-hoo!! (I always look forward to book club night!)
Whew! It's gonna be a busy one... just writing it makes me want to take a nap.

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Put some money aside for our family and loved ones for our needs to be taken care of.
2. Donate the rest to worthy causes I believe in (church humanitarian fund, helping end poverty and world hunger... btw... did you know that every 3.6 seconds someone dies from hunger? And to satisfy the world's sanitation and food requirements would cost only $13 billion- what the people of the United States and the European Union spend on perfume each year. Ahhh, don't even get me started! This leads me to the next topic...

Bad Habits:
1. Worry about things that are for the most part out of my control, like world events, tragic stories on the news, etc.
2. Consume too much sugar
3. Nag my hubby to take out the diapers

Places I've lived:
1. Washington
2. Utah
3. Texas
4. Ohio

5 jobs I've had:
1. SuperTarget bakery employee/cake decorator
2. Florist... kind of... it was my very first job and I was in 7th grade, so I didn't really know what I was doing
3. Waitress at the Palace Cafe in college
4. Dickens Caroler- The coolest job ever!! I was part of a quartet that was hired to sing at private parties, community events, etc. We dressed up in traditional victorian costumes and sang christmas carols. Our repetoire consisted of over 100 Christmas carols... definitely comes in handy every December ;) Here's a link for a picture: http://dickenscarolers.com/pictures.html
5. Rise, Inc.- I worked with developmentally disabled youth- caretaking responsibilities, and tried to help them get integrated into society.

Tag, you're it!
1. Caroline
2. Tresa
3. Michele
4. Jennifer
5. Sarah

Ode to my mother

While I love and respect both my parents, in honor of Mother's day, I thought I'd share some thoughts about my angel mother.

My mom has been the most influential person in my life. I have watched her since I was a little girl and wondered what it was that made her personality so magnetic. EVERYONE who meets my mom is drawn to her. For years, I thought it must have been her genuine and warm smile. But it wasn't until I developed my own testimony and came to know the Savior that I realized that my mom's charm was far deeper than her smile. My mom emanates Christ-like love. Although she is not perfect, she is the closest thing to true charity that I have ever known. She chooses to love all people without reservation. When I was growing up and I would criticize, judge, or gossip about someone, she would gently correct me with these three simple words... "Just love them." Those words have become ingrained in me through her teaching and example. Although I still struggle to "just love them", I have been so deeply influenced and inspired by her, that I will continually seek after this gift.

My mom is an inspiration in so many other ways as well. For those of you who don't know her, let me help you understand the type of woman she is:

This is a woman who has been stunningly beautiful since the day she was born, but doesn't have one ounce of arrogance or conceit in her body. I'm convinced the emotion of jealousy is completely foreign to her, and she is constantly building up and supporting others.

This is a woman who has her priorities straight. She was Miss Washington and Top Ten in the Miss America Pageant, and had multiple offers to sing professionally, but she sacrificed it all to become a wife and a mother.

This is a woman who realized that she could still pursue her professional goals and dreams after raising children. Her career in opera and musical theatre has taken her all over the world. And due to her great intellectual ability and a strong work ethic, she went back to school to earn her Master's Degree and Ph.D. over the age of 50! Since then she has continued singing, and helping others develop their own musical abilities and find joy in expressing their own talents.

This is a woman who is so loyal and supportive, she has been here to welcome each of her grandbabies into the world... even if it meant abandoning other ambitions, and traveling great distances (from Florida to Texas, and Pennsylvania to Ohio) on very short notice!

This is a woman whose grandbabies squeal in delight and shout (Nana! Nana!) when a picture of her comes up on our computer screen.

This is a woman whose contagious laugh (snort, and all!) and optimistic attitude were the greatest sources of light in our home growing up. When mama was happy, we were all happy.

This is a woman who has endured heart-wrenching trials relating to our family but continues to be an example of faith. She has never wavered in her testimony of the gospel, and devotion to its principles.

This is a woman who loves her family. She has a pure and unconditional love for me, my brothers, and my dad. My parents' love is stronger than ever after almost 30 years of marriage. They have a loving relationship that has been a model for my own marriage in many ways. Their love and devotion to one another is a beautiful thing to behold.

Ok... I could go on and on. And if it sounds like I'm bragging... I am. ;) I couldn't be more proud of my mother or more grateful that I was fortunate enough to be her daughter. The scripture in Proverbs is surely coming to pass; that her children, (and grandchildren) "will arise up, and call her blessed". She is leaving a Christ-like legacy for my family and for generations to come, and for that I am eternally grateful. Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you!

4 months!

I can't believe my little guy is 4 months already! I'm totally head over heels for this sweet boy! Who wouldn't fall in love with this face?

Patience

It's been one of those days. Mama said there'd be days like this... but I didn't think they'd be this bad!! I seriously think Heavenly Father is trying to teach me patience. The following picture should explain everything:


I took the kids with me to my friend Jessica's house yesterday, and they had a nest in their front yard with baby birdies inside that had just hatched. The kids were fascinated. So today I overheard Celeste pretending she was the Mommy birdie, and Benny was the Daddy birdie. So cute... until I saw this mess. They spent the rest of the afternoon hosing down the trampoline (and each other). So that was interesting.


Then tonight one of the young women in our ward asked for a ride to the church for our activity. She lives all the way in Vandalia, which was no problem, I just had to make sure I left early so I could get to the church in time. So I left 40 minutes early, at 6:20 just to be sure. I drove all the way there, and then realized that I had been going the complete opposite direction! I had accidently typed in the wrong address in the mapquest directions. How dumb is that?! So there I was, TOTALLY lost, driving in the pouring rain, with Jacob in the backseat screaming his head-off. And I was supposed to be in charge of an important activity which was already starting by that time. So I pulled over, called my hero hubby for help, and he got me phone numbers to make the arrangements I needed. But I didn't even get to the church until 7:45! For anyone who knows me and my control-freak tendencies, you know that kind of thing drives me crazy. Luckily, I have an amazing hubby and presidency to support me.


A day like this definitely called for some homemade chocolate eclairs. Luckily, I had just enough eggs left... ;)

Here's the recipe for this delicous dessert:

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 1/2 cups cold milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons hot water

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Grease a cookie sheet.
2.In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring until butter melts completely. Reduce heat to low, and add flour and salt. Stir vigorously until mixture leaves the sides of the pan and begins to form a stiff ball. Remove from heat. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well to incorporate completely after each addition. With a spoon or a pastry bag fitted with a No. 10, or larger, tip, spoon or pipe dough onto cookie sheet in 1 1/2 x 4 inch strips.
3.Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and bake 20 minutes more, until hollow sounding when lightly tapped on the bottom. Cool completely on a wire rack.
4.For the filling, combine pudding mix and milk in medium bowl according to package directions. In a separate bowl, beat the cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Beat in 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Fold whipped cream into pudding. Cut tops off of cooled pastry shells with a sharp knife. Fill shells with pudding mixture and replace tops.
5.For the icing, melt the chocolate and 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until icing is smooth and has reached desired consistency. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and drizzle over filled eclairs. Refrigerate until serving.

'Snores'

It was so gorgeous out on Sunday that we thought spend the afternoon outside and have a BBQ after church. For dessert, we made "snores" (that's what Celeste thinks s'mores are called) over the grill. The kids were thrilled!

I think Jakey was ticked that he didn't get any! ;)

Carriage Hill

One of the things I absolutley LOVE about living in this area is the MetroParks system. There are over 20 parks in Miami Valley that are replete with recreational opportunities, and in my mind, there's nothing better than being outdoors with my family. So last week, I was feeling daring, so I took all 4 kids to Carriage Hill, my very favorite park. It's a historical farm with over 900 acres of scenic woodlands, there's also a visitors center, and even a cute country store that sells (penny) candy. I just love it there, plus we've been reading Charlotte's Web together, so it was good for the kids to see some barn animals.

I had Benny and Charity in our jogging stroller, Jakey was strapped to me in the baby carrier and Celeste walked next to us. I always find it amusing to see the looks I get from people when I take them out. They ALL say the same thing... "Looks like you've got your hands full" or "Are they all yours?" I just laugh and say something positive, like, "Yeah, it's great!" and if the kids are behaving, I try to bring up the gospel somehow by saying something like, "We're all about family in our church." Anyway, we had a great time! Here are a few pics from our fun day: