Stenciling The Stansels

Real dough, play dough, and my flower girls.

2011-05-13T14:24:00.001-06:00

Homeschool playgroup, after making mini-pizzas from biscuit dough, and having their faces painted! Sweet kids!

I made the kids some homemade play dough out of flour, salt, and water! Very fun! Mal is showing off her "Frosty the snowman"

Bri's famous head tilt. I think she knows it's cute.

Frosty and a beautiful smile.

She couldn't stay as still. Bri's blurred face and her Frosty ;)

Famous head tilt again, and Mal picking flowers.

I thought they were so cute out there picking flowers together, I had to run in and get the camera!

I have no idea...looks like the cover of someone's album, I can see it now, band name: Raising Dandelions.

Maybe I'm biased....

....but these girls seem photogenic to me; even if they weren't!...but they are. ;0)

"I'm gonna getcha!"

*sigh* A picture says a thousand words. Priceless.

Can I just say that I love staying home with my girls. I am getting to know them now more than ever. They are such sweet kids. Mallorie can read most of the words in the scriptures when we read together. And she surprised me yesterday, having remembered stories and meanings behind them, and where the pictures were and in what order in the book before we turned to them. Wow. It was a learning moment for me. And the other homeschool moms have taught me an important lesson, just by their examples: Just breathe. Don't overload children with things, just teach by the spirit; things both spiritual AND TEMPORAL. Love it. It is building a mutual respect between the girls and I. Who could ask for more.

Turning 6

2011-05-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

This year we had Mallorie's birthday party at Michael's craft store. You could pick out what you wanted the kids to do, so we picked bracelet making and face painting. The bracelets turned out to be a little more intracate than some of the kids, including Mallorie, could stay interested in:) I think they all liked having their faces painted and enjoyed themselves for the most part. Here are some pictures:

Mallorie and friends starting their bracelets.

Still workin'....

Mal with her face painted!

"Yummy!"

Everyone was excited to help!

Had to show this one...Bri, with her cupcake mustache and trying to get in the middle of present heaven!

Here's how the cupcake cake turned out! I was happy with it. *And as you can see, I broke down and got pink for the edge and black for her hair*

All in all, Mallorie had a great birthday thanks to new friends, grandparents, and{hopefully} her "wonderful" parents who put alot of time and effort into it!!! For real though, she had a great time thanks to all who helped celebrate her birthday.

Hope being 6 is great Mal! I still owe you your birthday spankings, though!

Gettin' crafty!

2011-04-28T17:24:00.000-06:00

We have been watching way too much T.V. around here! When I need to fill in down time, that is what bonds the time together...the boob tube. I try to keep these kids, and myself, going all day with something constructive, but alas we succumb to iCarly, The Berenstain Bears, or some other DVD that screams "I'll capture your attention and pass the time!"

I was thinking the other day about that. Why do I try to pass the time?! I want time to slow down, really. I need to find, for myself and my entire family, something that helps us enjoy the time we have and not be bored or on the contrary overly extended. The internet and fb capture alot of my time, too. Limiting myself to checking up on fb to once a day is plenty, I'm sure; I digress. I wondered, do I really know my kids, I mean really know them? I want to.

T-I-M-E. Not passing time, but spending time. It's weird how you can live with people, and get so used to it that you forget how special the are, and what they hold inside that you have no idea about because you've become complacent.

Yesterday, we did a craft together, and it's what started me thinking of this. I really had all intentions of just blogging about the craft, but it meant so much more to me than that.

We thought it turned out pretty cute *thanks G-ma Stansel*. I hope I can learn how to relax more and spend quality time with them while they are young, especially. Maybe they will think I know something when they become teenagers. That may be wishful thinking though. Mallorie already thinks she knows more so who knows.

Mallorie also received a birthday package today! She and Bri were pretty excited!

After taking all the clothes out, she decides to try them on!

And, the gummy bears must have melted somewhere along the way.

"Look, mama, they're one big gummy glob!"

"That won't stop me!"

If Mal likes it, that's all that counts!

2011-04-27T14:29:00.000-06:00

Mallorie said she really liked the trial cake we did, so I guess we will stick with the concept. I made Carly's head too round, but you can't erase... so here's how it turned out with the random colors:

Mallorie did balloons and an "M" on the bottom right.

I think I will make the iCarly logo bigger, try to make her face more oval, and my mom is sending a package with some candles that spell "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" and the number 6, so all I should have to write is Mallorie. I ended up using 20 cupcakes, and Mal, Bri and I ate the remaining 4! Fun project! It has sprinkles on there, too, but the camera didn't pick them up. Just imagine a little added sparkle:)

Here is the mock drawing I did and the DVD cover I used for the logo:

Have you ever made....

2011-04-26T15:08:00.001-06:00

....a Cupcake Cake??

Yeah, me either.

But, I will try! I just realized that last year for Brianna's birthday I made a cake that looked like a cupcake, and this year for Mal's birthday I am making cupcakes that look like a cake. Weird. Anywho, I thought it would be fun and kids always love cupcakes so hopefully I won't totally bomb at making it. I thought about even drawing Carly Shay from iCarly on it, but I may give up on that after the test run....
Example of a very nicely done cupcake cake:

Whoever did this one, said they baked cookies and painted them to make the iCarly logo.

The following is the picture I'm going to use, with step by step instructions, to draw Carly:

I'm on a limited budget, so the cake is going to have random colors (ones that were on sale!), so we shall see! I plan on updating this with pictures, unless I fail miserably.

Any suggestions from anyone who has made one before? I'm all ears.

Easter at Temple Square

2011-04-25T17:01:00.000-06:00

Just us girls...and a cookie.

We decided saturday night, that Easter Sunday we would go to Salt Lake and have a picnic at the temple. This was Joe's and the girls' first time seeing the Salt Lake Temple. I have only seen it once before. It was even more beautiful than the first time. How can that be? I think I was able to take in more of my surroundings this time. It was a little cold, but we still enjoyed our lunchables and we decorated the cookies my mom sent to us. We got some really good pictures of the girls in their Easter dresses. We couldn't believe there was a theme park open, though..boo. We could see all the rides going like it was just any day. I hope they lost money that day. Anywho, we had a great time. Can't wait to go back.

Grateful for the man who offered to take our picture *but did he know he cut out Moroni?*

The kids loved their Easter basket, and the Easter bunny even brought them scripture markers and a church video! Must have been easier for him to find out here...When we first brought up that we needed to get an Easter basket to set out so the Easter bunny could come, Mal responded, "I know the Easter bunny is not real. I know it's just y'all." So, I was actually fully ready to accept that she had moved on. Later that day, her neighbor/church friend was so excited about the Easter bunny that I think Mal got convinced again, so I just rolled with the punches. I just keep talking about and asking her why we really celebrate Easter. As long as she knows that, I could really care less about the rest. And last night when we got home from the temple, Mallorie was excited to watch the DVD the Easter bunny brought her. And when it was over, she asked to watch it again. All in all, it was a good Easter. Just missing a few key people, of course.

See how Brianna has learned to open things herself.

edZOOcation

2011-04-19T17:49:00.000-06:00

Today turned out to be very sunny, and though still cold, we decided to go to the local zoo with some friends. Wish I had taken the camera:( I will try to get some pictures from another who luckily was able to take some with her phone...Anywho, watching all the animals*namely: cranes, bobcats, coyotes, bald eagles, fish, swans, ducks, birds, deer...maybe more*was such fun for the kids, and they of course loved feeding the "fish"-->which was mostly feeding the ducks:)

GENERIC PIC A

GENERIC PIC 2

Bri enjoyed swinging at the park after the zoo, while Mal played in the volleyball court sand! Bri fell asleep on the ride home. As a matter of fact she slept for about 3 hours! Gotta love that!

Fun -n- friends

2011-04-13T18:07:00.001-06:00

This week the kids and I have gotten to get to know a few more people and play and hopefully create some good friendships. Play dates with new people is always fun. Everyone is so nice and the kids enjoy themselves. Also, learned a little more about a homeschool philosophy that I had heard a little about before. Ever heard of a Thomas Jefferson Education? I like the philosophy so far and look forward to reading the books. Thanks to a new friend for introducing that to us again:)

Mallorie and Brianna made paper butterflies, at one craft-date, and then afterwards they all dug up worms! Well-rounded day, I say. Today we went for a playdate/picnic at a park near where we live. It was just us and another friend with kids, then it turned into a party with about 6 or more moms and their kids! Fun times! I love how there are so many people with the same interests in our little neighborhood!

And there are peaches!! The next big city over is called "Peach City"!

And.....I just realized that I got a sunburn on my face today! C'mon SPRING!!! Silly when you get excited over a sunburn, but that means there was sun:)

Stansel School of Elementary Excellence

2011-04-08T14:51:00.001-06:00

.........aka home school! So, I just wanted to showcase a little bit of Mal's handwriting she did yesterday that I am well pleased {hate to use the word "proud"} with:

Mallorie said, "It should have said 'Mallorie likes to eat cake'"

I think she does so well when she puts her mind to it! Come to think of it, that's the exact phrase my teachers used to use. Hmmm... Brianna is saying new words everyday, just yesterday she said "Heavy" when trying to pick up a doll that was over half her size:) I should make a list of words that she says. If you see a sidebar pop-up with all the words she says, don't be surprised.
We decided tonight we would go see a movie as a family. Looking forward to it! This will be Brianna's first time at the movie theater! Will give a re-cap of the event for sure.
It has been snowing for 24 hours! Very pretty, but kinda prevents us from playing outside:( Brianna likes to occasionally go to the window and say, "I's 'nowing" {translation-It's snowing} It looks like "The Lion, the witch, and the wardrobe" out there, that's what I keep thinking when I go outside!Just waiting to see a half man/half goat run out from behind a tree...HA!
Until next time...

Truly, a walk in the park.

2011-04-06T13:52:00.001-06:00

"Alright!"as Bri would say. {sorry the resolution is crappy on the first couple, Joe had it set for taking pics of the car}

"Wee, this is fun! But wait, Mal is on a Big Girl swing! That looks like MORE fun!"

"Woo hoo, mom! Take a picture of me when I'm way high!!"

"Much better...didn't you know that was a baby swing, mama?"

"Spin us around in circles!"

"Look who's stuck in the port-hole!"-a shark tale

Then, Mal says, "Look Mom!!....

...there's the temple!!!!"
So, of course we had to take advantage of the scenery. Three beautiful little pieces of Heaven in one picture.

Then, we went to McDonalds...Mallorie said she wasn't hungry and her stomach hurt. The stomach ache began after the last tire swing spinning adventure. After we get home, in the middle of this blog post, she commences to throwing up!! Poor thing, looks like she has daddy's motion sickness problem *sigh*. I think she is okay though...she said, "Now I'm starving" and is now eating her lunch. The little one was all tuckered out, and was asleep before we pulled out of the Mickey D's parking lot. All in all, just three gals having a great day; no complaints by me!

Too Many Options

2011-04-05T12:48:00.000-06:00

It has been a while since I have had so many {productive} options on what I could do with my day; our day. And with getting another car, even more options are opening up. I am confined to what's in walking/bus riding distance right now, but surprisingly this still provides so many options! Keeping myself and most importantly these kids entertained and educated is going to be a project in the making here for a while.

Mallorie has completed most of the Abeka kindergarten materials that we got at the end of last summer. We are working on cursive writing still(yes, Abeka starts this in kindergarten! we love it!), continuing writing her numbers to 100 for better penmanship, and re-reading all of her school books. She keeps asking for more math! She loves doing addition and subtraction and asked when we were going to learn division!! I honestly don't see it as far in the horizon as it normally should be. She really catches on to things fast!

Brianna of course, thinks the answer to every math question is "2!" It is neat that she knows when we are asking her a math question though!

Can't wait to get a school and crafts budget, and a schedule so we can get organized!!

{aren't they adorable? maybe I am a little biased}

Following in a BFF Blogger's footsteps.

2011-04-01T14:53:00.000-06:00

MAIL CALL!

This is always so fun to read on her blog, so I thought "what the heck?!"...this might be a fun thing for me to start, too.

To my wonderful friend Marquesas-
I know you are sooo ready to meet your new little guy and it seems like it's being drawn out! I wish you all the best in labor and delivery. I know you will have wonderful company and a great medical crew and facility. God will also be with you and though I won't, I will be thinking of you tons. I love you and am so happy for you, more than words could express. Thank you for being there for me when I was about to go out of my mind before having Bri. Love you.

To my awesome, sweet, loving, and talented husband-
I love the way you smile. You light up a room when you do. I love the way you walk. I love the way you talk. Most importantly I love the way you love us. What would I have done if our lives had not crossed paths that one day? Luckily I never have to know.

To mom-
We miss you! Thanks for all the care packages! Sorry we haven't sent anything, have I ever been good at that?? *Okay so quarter-year resolution: Mail letters to family and friends.* We will try to get on a weekly routine! Hope to see you soon. Hope everything is going good for you. Love you, too!

To Mal and Bri-bear-
Thank you for being you. No matter what, no matter the mess, no matter the back talk, no matter the tantrums...I am glad you are you. You both have such sweet countenances and I'm so glad you are here with me.

To dad-
I hope I can do what is right for you. I hope you are not in much pain. I am sorry this happened to you and I love you. Hope for the best for you. You have not been forgotten.

Nate & Katie-
Thanks for all your hospitality and your friendship. Here's to many more fun times ahead. And more time at the gym, too. Can't forget that. ;o)

To both my sister-in-laws-
I am so excited for both of your new babies! Wish I could be there when they are born. Maybe we will see them sometime! It would be nice to get to be an Aunt Jenn! It will be funny if we ever have a boy, there will be 2 Jadons! Different spelling at least, right?! Great minds think alike.

Peeps in our new ward-
Thanks for everything. Thanks for helping us feel like we fit in. Thanks for showing us that stereotypes are not always right and the church is the same everywhere. Thanks for being down-to-earth. Just plain thank you.

To April 1st-
I was never good at lying, so I just never bonded with you. Why do we even celebrate you? Sorry, but I could go all year without you. Here's to an April Wise's Day. Let us do something good for someone and forget the foolishness. It's a good thought anyway.

To the last 20 lbs that won't leave me alone-
Why won't you find something else to pester? Do you like hindering my life? I know we have been together for awhile but I'm sure you will like it better somewhere else. It's not you; it's me. So please, let us part gracefully.

To Shelley, Fani, Lindsey, and Olivia-
Just wanted to say that you women are great and I think about y'all a lot. Maybe we will live close again one day and have a grand ole' time! Until then I'll enjoy blog-stalking, fb checking, and texting y'all. I keep up with y'all more than I actually talk to y'all. Weird how technology let's us do that. And kinda creepy. Miss you guys!!

To all the creeps-
Leave the blog-stalking to us decent people and find somewhere else to be.
Leave us alone.
Okay?
Life is hard enough.

To people I left out but really think about alot-
Yes, you. Keep on keepin' on and don't hold it against me too long!

SAHM

2011-03-29T09:15:00.003-06:00

I don't want to jump the gun, or jinx myself, or say something that I may have to retract....but right now I am so happy to be able to call myself a "SAHM"!!!

Stay at home mom!! Oh the possibilities!! So, I know I have alot of planning ahead of me, but...YAY, I have the opportunity to have alot of planning ahead of me!!

Now, all we need is to get our family and friends to move all around us and it would be a perfect world...*sigh* I know that is not happening so my next task is to make new friends, right?

Making new friends and getting to know people takes so long!! I am up for it, but will I ever find the same BFF's that I have back home? Surely there has to be people around here to appreciate a Jenn Beast and the Wild Stansel Clan. Oddly that sounds like a band name, hmmm. Well, I can say we move to the beat of a different drum:)

Sorry it has been so long since I posted on here for anyone that keeps up with this blog, but this is actually the first time I have had to sit down and think about blogging.

We will gladly accept any prayers on our behalf, and we continue to thank Heavenly Father for blessing us more than we could have expected. I hope all reading this out in the blogosphere are having a wonderful day and your dreams are being fulfilled, too.

Stay tuned, so much more to blog about!!

P.S. Joe, I am so happy for you and hope that you continue to enjoy your new job! Love you forever.

The One.

2010-12-01T15:45:00.003-07:00

Question 7: Someone who has made your life worth living.

What not to do.

2010-11-29T18:13:00.004-07:00

Question 6: Something you hope you never do in your life.

Maybe I am superstitious but I am afraid to say things I hope to never do. Maybe I'm taking the safe way out, but there are so many things I could hope to never do!

So, let me go lighthearted on this question.

I hope I never ride in a old, smoking, rusted, suburban as our main car and especially not take it to St. Augustine to the outlet stores*watching all the people gasp for air as we drive by*....again.

I hope I never die my hair blonde from the box and it turn out half yellow and half red, 50 lbs overweight; with 4 inch long brown roots a few months later....again.

I hope I never eat pineapple pizza before I go into labor....again.

I know there are tons more, but that's all I have right now! Hope that entertained you, faithful reader!

Now where was I....

2010-11-22T20:17:00.003-07:00

Oh yeah "Day 5"!!

Something you hope to do in your life.

I truly hope to raise my children well. There are many things that I hope I do, but everything always comes back to that. I hope that Joe and I live a life that is most conducive to the spiritual growth and overall well-being of our children. God, please give me strength to do this. You and I both know I need it every single minute of every day.

What love I have for them. A special love reserved for them. Please let me show them what I feel inside. That I never belittle them, or manipulate them in any way. And when I fall short, please help me make it right. Please help me to never be prideful. Help me show them how to spread their wings and fly. To soar, even. Please help me keep their wings healthy, that I don't clip them short.

Please help me show them how to feel the love you have for them. Help me show them how you can help them soar.

I hope to be the best mother and wife I can be.

Forgiveness Part 2

2010-11-12T13:34:00.003-07:00

Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone else for.

I am not good at forgiving other people before they appologize, but I have learned the hard way that some appologies never ever come. Why live with the baggage?!

Today I forgive the middleschool boy at the bus stop that called me "ham bone"(I got skinny in 10th grade, HA!)

Today I forgive the girl who invited me to her birthday party and after getting her gift saying "Now I got what I wanted, you can leave"

Today I forgive the girl in fourth grade that would scratch me with mechanical pencil lead and caused me to have a stomach ache all year long.

Today I forgive that boy on the high school baseball team that told my friend he would never go out with my type.

Today I forgive Fat Jimmy for telling me he didn't talk to women, especially pregnant ones. The joke's on him; I haven't spoken back to him since!...that was five years ago and he stops by the house randomly saying hello.

Forgiveness

2010-11-09T15:36:00.001-07:00

Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.

This has been a hard question for me. I have spent 24 hours thinking of an answer and I am still at a loss. This question takes so huge of an answer and I haven't been able to water it down. I am assuming the question is directing itself towards something I have not yet forgiven myself for. I am a sinner. I am not perfect. I am not even close to perfect. I try. I try to apply the atonement in my life. Heavenly Father wants to forgive me for things I have done wrong and to teach me. I want to obey Him with all my heart; sometimes I am not the best at that but I want to, even yearn to.

When I realize I am not perfect and will sin here because satan is after me...forgiveness is the light I see at the end of the tunnel. Forgiveness is all we have. After doing wrong, I have to tell my Father, "I'm sorry". Without it I would be nothing. With it we can do anything.

I hope this is not a lame "Sunday School answer", because I mean it with all of my being:

I must forgive myself for all of my short-comings.

In saying that, here are some specifics!:

-Not being loving enough/saying I love you enough to people I deeply love and value...though I am working really hard at it!

-Laziness/idleness-not doing the things that really mean something in life

-Not sharing the gospel

-Comparing myself to others

-Wanting what others have

-Worrying about what others think

-Not keeping the Sabbath Day holy

I have to forgive myself for these things repeatedly. I do actually try to fix most of these earnestly. I know the key is to keep moving forward.

Forgiveness is the engine driving me forward.

What not to love?! HA!

2010-11-08T15:05:00.003-07:00

Day 2: Something you love about yourself.

I love my undying optimism.

Sometimes I try to be pityful just for the sake of being noticed, maybe? But in the back of my head I ALWAYS have a voice inside me saying..."There is a solution to this"...

Right now is a time where I am having to rely on this more than ever. I like to think it is the light of Christ, even the Holy Ghost, that is the voice I hear. I don't know if those reading this believe in the zodiac, but I believe the alignment of the stars and the universe do play a role in our personalities...under the direction of Heavenly Father of course. Leo's are known for persistence and being strong-willed. I try to always ask myself if I am choosing the right, or not. Adjust accordingly, and try to do better.

Attitude makes the difference, that was our high school band motto. It is a motto I still try to live by.

~Let me add as a sidenote that optimism should not include denial. Acceptance is as much a part of optimism as anything. A vital part, actually.~

Something to blog about

2010-11-07T20:32:00.004-07:00

I decided to play along with you 'Quesas! At least maybe it will make me think about blogging each day for the next 30 days and maybe take my mind of the chaos around me for 30 mins or so...although I could be sleeping right now. Hmmm, decisions decisions...nonetheless here goes!

Day1: Something you hate about yourself.

-I hate that I procrastinate. Why is it so hard to start early? I just don't have the drive to do things unless I feel pressure.

-I hate that I am hard-hearted. I am very cut and dry, maybe too cut and dry.

-I hate that I can't discerne if someone is genuine or up to no good. I can always be dooped. That doesn't help the hard-heartedness.

-I hate that I am not more girly...in all aspects. Cleaning, ironing, cooking, being thoughtful, painting my nails, having more than one pair of shoes...that aren't five or ten years old. These things don't come naturally to me. This goes back to being cut and dry...I think most of the things I dislike are linked together. If I could only find to beginning dominoe, I think I could make a huge impact on my life!

This has been fun! I even learned some new things about myself. A little constructive criticism never hurt anyone:) Until tomorrow folks!

From this moment, on...

2010-11-01T14:53:00.004-06:00

We had a great festive month. Our annual visit to the pumpkin patch was a blast, and Joe's parents joined us on the adventure this year!

The Stansel girls always go for the biggest...they are definately not weaklings. It's like they are "Barbie meets Xena"!

She's on the hunt!

Just a picture of the girls playing. I thought the sun was just shining perfectly on them that day.

Our first halloween decoration of the year! Spider webs! What's funny is we had just cleaned out real ones...

Halloween bundt cake anyone?!

Mallorie frosting the cake by herself.

On to Thanksgiving!

One year old

2010-07-21T06:49:00.002-06:00

If I have to turn 27, the only thing making that okay in this universe is the fact that this year passed with such joy. I could not have asked for a sweeter child to be a mother to. Brianna has made each of our lives happier and brighter. She has such a beautiful smile and sweet spirit. Happy first birthday! We all love you so much.

Can you believe it?? 9 months!

2010-04-26T10:00:00.002-06:00

What we've been up to this week

2010-04-02T11:28:00.010-06:00

Ruby Falls- Chattanooga, TN

So this week is Mallorie's spring break so we decided to take a trip. Anyone ever been to Ruby Falls? Beautiful water fall inside Lookout Mtn. We went 260' straight down into a rock, walked through a cave, and then saw the most beautiful water fall. I mean really, you had to be there. When I came out my hair was extremely frizzy because of all the mist in there! Oh well, I'm not too keen on what I look like here lately anyway:P

This is us panning for gemstones...er, "jewels" I mean. *Notice extremely frizzy hair*

Our campsite near Raccoon Mountain, behind us in the picture is Lookout Mountain. *No, Mallorie is not sporting a mullet hairstyle, guess it was just her bad luck that her sis was pulling her hair up...as for me, no excuse:P* The go-cart track...er, "Mario Kart" track behind us was pretty fun!! As I was driving Mal in the double-seater she asked me if the door was nailed shut! It did feel like we were going to fly out!

Just wanted to make note that Bri is pulling up on EVERYTHING now!

My beautiful girls.

Let me not forget the easter egg hunt last weekend:

Now we're visiting some of Joe's folks and he's trying to fix their car...cross your fingers and send up a prayer or two:P

Happiness is:

2010-02-09T13:22:00.004-07:00

Love this girl

2009-12-28T20:29:00.004-07:00

Sweet. Spicy. Spunky.
What a doll, love you Mal!

Have you awakened to your "awful situation" yet?

2009-11-22T21:07:00.003-07:00

This is the last part of a talk given by Ezra Taft Benson in 1961. Please hear and listen to these words!! Socialism has just about taken over. Next comes communism. Our country is not too big to fail, it is not unsinkable. Please prepare yourselves, it really is almost too late if we haven't already begun.

Click here for entire talk.

Ezra Taft Benson:

No true Latter-day Saint and no true American can be a socialist or a communist or support programs leading in that direction. These evil philosophies are incompatible with Mormonism, the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
What can priesthood holders do? There are many things we can do to meet the challenge of the adversary in our day.
First, we should become informed about communism, about socialism, and about Americanism. What better way can one become informed than by first studying the inspired words of the prophets and using that as a foundation; against which to test all other material. This is in keeping with the Prophet Joseph Smith's motto, "When the Lord commands, do it." (Ibid., Vol. 2, p. 170.)
The Foundation for Economic Education, Irvington-on-Hudson, New York on which President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., served as a board member, continues to supply sound freedom literature. We should know enough about American free enterprise to be able to defend it. We should know what makes it possible for six percent of humanity-living under our free economy-to produce about one-half of the earth's developed wealth each year.
We should know why paternalism, collectivism, or unnecessary federal supervision will hold our standard of living down and reduce productivity just as it has in every country where it has been tried. We should also know why the communist leaders consider socialism the highroad to communism.
Second, we should accept the command of the Lord and treat socialistic communism as the tool of Satan. We should follow the counsel of the President of the Church and resist the influence and policies of the socialist-communist conspiracy wherever they are found-in the schools, in the churches, in governments, in unions, in businesses, in agriculture.
Third, we should help those who have been deceived or who are misinformed to find the truth. Unless each person who knows the truth will "stand up and speak up" it is difficult for the deceived or confused citizen to find his way back.
Fourth, we should not make the mistake of calling people "communist" just because they happen to be helping the communist cause. Thousands of patriotic Americans, including a few Latter-day Saints, have helped the communists without realizing it. Others have knowingly helped without joining the party. The remedy is to avoid name-calling, but point out clearly and persuasively how they are helping the communists.
Fifth, each priesthood holder should use his influence in the community to resist the erosion process which is taking place in our political and economic life. He should use the political party of his choice to express his evaluation of important issues. He should see that his party is working to preserve freedom, not destroy it. He should join responsible local groups interested in promoting freedom and free competitive enterprise, in studying political issues, appraising the voting records and proposed programs, and writing to members of Congress, promoting good men in public office and scrutinizing local, state, and federal agencies to see that the will of the people is being carried out. He should not wait for the Lord's servants to give instruction for every detail once they have announced the direction in which the priesthood should go. Each member should exercise prayerful judgment and then act.
Sixth, and most important of all, each member of the priesthood should set his own house in order. This should include:
1. Regular family prayer, remembering especially our government leaders.
2. Getting out of debt.
3. Seeing that each member of the family understands the importance of keeping the commandments.
4. Seeing that the truth is shared with members of the family, with neighbors, and with associates.
5. Seeing that each member is performing his duties in the priesthood, in the auxiliary organizations, in the temple, and in the civic life of the community.
6. Seeing that every wage earner in the home is a full tithepayer and fulfilling other obligations in financial support of the kingdom.
7. Providing a one-year supply of essentials.
In doing these things a member of the Church is not only making himself an opponent of the adversary, but a proponent of the Lord.
In the prophecies there is no promise except to the obedient. To a modern prophet the Lord said:
"Therefore, what I say unto one, I say unto all: Watch, for the adversary spreadeth his dominions, and darkness reigneth;
"And the anger of God kindleth against the inhabitants of the earth;
". . . I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.
"I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." (D&C 82:5-6, 9-10.)
May God give us the wisdom to recognize the threat to our freedom and the strength to meet this danger courageously.
Yes, perilous times are ahead, but if we do our duty in all things, God will give us inner peace and overrule all things for our good. God grant it may be so, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

My two lil' puh-kins

2009-11-20T21:35:00.001-07:00

KimBe's photo party

2009-09-15T06:57:00.003-06:00

These are the only 3 photos I've seen, but aren't they awesome??!! Kim, you do an amazing job.

A few noteworthy things

2009-09-09T07:36:00.008-06:00

First of all, let me appologize for not announcing and formally inviting people that mean alot to me (if you're reading this blog, that means you!) to Brianna's blessing...I have been extremely tired and didn't even think about it! Find it in your heart to forgive me, please!! Here is a picture of the family...nice looking chapel in the background too, eh?

Also.........can you tell I got my hair cut??!! Not sure if I like it yet...too late now! I guess it'll grow on me, no pun intended:P

And...I ran a 5k this weekend and came in 3rd...yeah, that's right, 3rd to last!! HA! but I MADE IT!! My legs were really sore yesterday...didn't think about it possibly being uphill! Fun times. Joe's dad and brother also ran the 5k. Dusty did it in 21 mins, Big Joe in 30 mins, an I did it in 41 mins:P

Caution: Extremely flattering picture below

And, let me not forget. Mallorie ran the 1metric mile youth race. Yay for her, too! She did it in a little over 9 mins! Apparently that's good, especially for her age...I thought just the fact that she was willing and able to do it was good. Time doesn't phase me, just ability-obviously with my 41 min 5k:P We both were able to do it, and that's what matters.

I think that's all the Stansel Family updates for now!

Maybe one more picture...isn't she adorable?!! My lil BriBear

Couldn't have said it better :P

2009-09-09T07:31:00.001-06:00

What our prophet has to say about freedom and complacency

2009-08-24T16:42:00.001-06:00

Glenn Beck plays clip of Ezra Taft Benson

2009-08-24T16:33:00.001-06:00

Ponder this...

Presenting.....

2009-07-26T14:38:00.003-06:00

Brianna Cay Stansel! Yay, she's finally here and more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. Born at 11:09pm on Tuesday,July 21st; she weighed 7 lbs 5 ozs...so sweet. Heavenly Father was truly with me, with us that day. I have never felt that so strongly as I did on Tuesday. I will make another blog about that, but I must not fail to report my gratitude to a loving Father in Heaven that looks after me so well. Not to mention all the prayers from everyone. He was listening, and I thank everyone. It means so much to me. Welcome to the world and to the family Brianna!

Horizontal

2009-07-17T15:00:00.003-06:00

This is not how you want your baby to be at full term. Well, after an ultrasound today at my routine, now weekly, check-up (done because the mid-wife could not feel Brianna's head) we found out that Brianna is lying sideways. AHHHH! Transverse lie, to be technical. Worse than being breech. So, unless she turns she can't come out vaginally. Come on Brianna! Let's work together on this one! Rachel, the mid-wife that saw me today and who delivered Mallorie, gave me some numbers to some acupuncture people who are supposed to know some type of heat therapy related to acupuncture that turns baby to the correct position 80% of the time. I have an appointment tomorrow at 9:30 am to try that out. She also told me to get upside down on an ironing board, of which I do not even own (ha!), proped against a couch and put an ice pack to Brianna's head; supposedly makes her want to move. Brain freeze?? Anywho, all of this sounds pretty fun, especially in week 39 of pregnancy. Heavenly Father, it is in your hands. Please see us through and safely. I will keep y'all updated...

LOOKplease read last post and take poll!

2009-07-16T11:43:00.001-06:00

Full Term

2009-07-16T07:33:00.006-06:00

Ok, so I thought I'd add a little text...I have said the entire pregnancy that by "my calculations" my due date was July 16th. If she bakes for as long as Mal did she'd come this coming up Sunday morning. The doctors have my due date as July 25th, by "their calculations" and ultrasound...and my measurements...and just about everything else they tell me. I don't see how by "my calculations", but whatever I'm no math whiz and Heavenly Father does what He wants. So, long story short...When are you coming Brianna??!! Any guesses??!! Maybe I'll set up a poll...there's a thought, yeah!

I think I can, I think I can...

2009-07-09T13:49:00.002-06:00

*choo-CHOO!!* Okay, I'm sure you get the point, but I'm feeling a little like the little engine that could. I've always looked up to that little engine, anyway. So, I'm almost at the top but still chugging along as the load is getting heavier...Once I get over that hill it should be coasting after that for a while, right? (some wishful thinking never hurt anyone, right?) Okay so I'm still pregnant, which is okay since I'm not quite due yet. Still anticipating labor and all that goes along with it. Still hoping my baby is born so healthy and cuddly. Still trying to finish everything. Still doing the laundry, the grocery shopping, the doctor's visits, etc. and not really minding. Watching our cat, who just had kittens 2 weeks ago, adjusting awkwardly to being a mother and empathizing. When they cry she tries to pick them up but never quite gets the hang of it, then looks pityfully at us as if to say "please help me bring them back to the basket!" Weird to say of a cat, but I understand how she feels having been there before.

So, I think I can, I know I can.

And now I wait.

In excitement.

In anticipation.

In awe.

Life is good.

Pickin' peaches

2009-06-18T04:46:00.003-06:00

Forgot to log our annual u-pick peach excursion...this year it was extra grumpy because Mal had a UTI and does not deal well with not feeling good, hence the barely gotten pictures that were proceeded by growls of disgust from the grumpy party. The peaches were very delicious, though. It was worth putting up with grumpo!

Because You Loved Me

2009-06-07T13:15:00.001-06:00

This song came to my mind today. I have been thinking about "missionary work" or basically just plain letting people know that you love them. I never realized how much this song spells out the way to show love in action. Wouldn't that be wonderful if we fulfilled our life's mission so fully that people remembered us in this way...because we loved them.

For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through through it all

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

Homeowner Finds Hidden Room

2009-05-27T08:34:00.002-06:00

Did anyone see this? Wish I could upload the WCTV clip...No autographs, please.
HA!

Homeowner Finds Hidden Room

Shared via AddThis

Mini-vacation

2009-05-26T16:54:00.004-06:00

My mom called on Friday from work and was in desperate need of a Memorial day 3-day weekend excuse for a vacation. Nowhere in mind to go, just "let's go!"....so, we came up with going to St. Augustine/Jacksonville for a little shopping, gaming, swimming, all around get out of town but not too far adventure! We had a lot of fun to say the least. It was definately nice to get away. Mallorie had a lot of firsts, including learning to swim. She did such a good job!! I never knew I could worry so much, though! Other firsts include riding the go-kart, playing mini-golf, and seeing the beach (we did take her as a baby, but I don't think it counts). She was really excited about the arcade, too(I'll add some pictures of the arcade later from my phone). She's an air hockey pro! Really she does very well for her age at all of the things we did. She has really gotten to be very fun...just in time to go through all the baby stages again with another! Honestly, I think Mal will help me out a lot this time with the new arrival. Anyway, after we exhausted all of our coins at the arcade, we had about 750 tickets to show for it. Mallorie got some "noise putty" with 125 of them. The entire trip anytime wqe got in the car she'd say, "Want to play the pootin' game?!" Then we would take out the poot sounding noise putty and laugh away to our next destination. Definately the perfect addition to a Stansel fam vacation...anyone who knows us very well would agree I'm sure.

Another chapel update

2009-05-12T20:19:00.003-06:00

This picture does the steeple no justice, but here is a picture nonetheless. I drove by it today just as the crane was placing it on the top of the chapel. I had to do a U-turn because I was truly in awe. Heavenly Father has been so gracious to us. The scripture about Heavenly Father preparing mansions for us above came to my mind. I can't hardly wait to see exactly what that means...let us always remember to keep our treasures in heaven.

In preparation mode

2009-05-04T14:16:00.005-06:00

4 years ago I was dramatically plunged into the world of motherhood with what Dr. Karp calls a baby with poor self-calming ability and a challenging temperment. He adds that these babies turn into great children(of which I can concur), but I'm glad he offers insight into how to deal in the mean time! Although I am 4 years way too late for Mal, we did survive. I just don't particularly want to be as ill prepared this time as last time. Thanks to a friend for letting me borrow this book, I read it from the time I got home that day, into the wee hours of the night, and Mallorie watched movies the next day until I had finished it. Yes, I was enthrawled...very interested and open to knowledge of what could prepare me for what is ultimately the unknown. That's also why I don't read much because when I pick up a book I have this intense drive to finish it instead of enjoying it (luckily that is with exception of the scriptures). Anyway, I would definately recommend this book to any mother even if your baby has the most delightful new baby personality. It seems like more than just a racket at least! I will try it as soon as I get the chance and give a report. I have also been wanting a double jogging stroller and have been diligently searching for the best deal on craigslist and amazon and other places. Finally the other day I saw one close to where we live that was a very expensive one when new and good quality. It matched all my needs, wants, and was in my price range! So after Joe's and Mal's approval, we are new proud(not in a bad way though!) and appreciative owners of a double jogging stroller by Baby Jogger. Mallorie loves it, we've already been out walking with it a few times...believe it or not I was able to jog for about a minute each time, don't really want to push it right now though. So, with all hopes of baby being happy and mother being back in...well, just in shape, ha!...I hope I'm not just hoping. Usually when I'm determined I can accomplish what I need to with a lot of help from above. Labor and delivery? I'm just gonna wing that! Thinking too intensely about that just leaves Joe and I with high blood pressure and anxiety:P I know there's still over 2 months until Brianna is here, but I'm getting pretty excited. These months are going to go by fast and I want to be as prepared as I can. That(preparedness), paired with faith, should be a good combination. Joe and I have grown together so much these almost 6 years we've been married. Here's to many more years of growth and love with our growing and loving little family.

Change is not always good

2009-04-29T20:12:00.001-06:00

4 already?!

2009-04-27T07:33:00.005-06:00

Wow, is Mallorie really 4 already?! It's true...Joe and I really are that much closer to 30...which by the way is getting younger everyday. So anyway, enough about us, Mallorie's party went pretty well, I thought. We did have a house burn down right around the corner during the party. Joe had to block the road until another Highway Patrol got there. The people were cooking fries and it turned into a grease fire. Within minutes the house was burnt beyond repair. The people were renting, but all of their stuff is gone....they have four children, and only the clothes on their backs (one is a baby and only had on a daiper). I'm just thankful they all got out in time.

Here are some pictures:

The Dora pinata that I made for Mal.

Mutilating the Dora pinata!

Mal's Dora cake.

Happy Birthday to Mallorie!

Happy Birthday to you!

Mallorie wanting to play with everything right away.

The party favors at the end were a hit...water guns!

Reload!

And the fun continues!

When we got home, Uncle Dusty, Laiel, and Joe put together the mini market from her papa and grandma. Mallorie kept paying papa for the food he wanted to buy. Charity in action:P

The house that caught on fire during the party. So sad! Everyone did get out okay, though.

27 Weeks...and counting!

2009-04-16T11:02:00.006-06:00

So I figured I would try to use Marquesas' photo tool on a belly photo.

Since I never remember to take one of me while Joe or someone is around to help, here's my attempt at the 10-second-timer.

Before Picnik.com:

After:

Just a close up:

Mallorie wanted in on the action:

Evolution of a Revolution

2009-04-16T06:44:00.005-06:00

So, what are these "Tea" parties all about? Glenn Beck says it so well, so please watch the video to the right...but basically people of all different political beliefs coming together because we're fed up with our irresponsible government and the spending that will lead us to being slaves to communist china. Borrower is slave to the lender, ever heard that one. Joe and I have learned enough from personal experience about borrowing money, about government assistance, and tax refunds of taxes that we never paid in. We've learned enough to know that we're all in big trouble unless we wake up the people in Washington, who are spending people's money irresponsibly, to the fact that We The People run America. Joe's sign said, "Wake up America!...before your liberty is gone!" Are you awake? Please, it's our generation's battle to fight so our children and grandchildren won't have to.

Forget Republicans

Forget Democrats

Embrace the truth...

Easter Fun

2009-04-14T12:57:00.004-06:00

The kids really seemed to have a blast at the Easter Social. Yay for warm weather!

Here's a video of Mal in the wheelbarrow race. She may have come in last, but I do believe she was by far the youngest who could hold her own weight*and she did not give up, classic Mal style*. You go girl!

Where I am

2009-04-13T05:36:00.003-06:00

My husband has an extremely sensitive spirit. He is also headstrong, and even stubborn. I'm just setting the tone for the rest of the post. When you put those qualities together, what you get is frustration! Okay, so not always, but this particular moment it proves to be that way. My husband has been torn for a while by what God wants him to do versus what the world dictates he should do. I suppose I should be more plaqued by this, too, but having no definate course of action, it is easier to sweep deep feelings to dark places hardly ever ventured to.

Think about that ever popular line that truly holds much significance: What Would Jesus Do?Well, we know what he did do. We know that he owned his own business as a carpenter. This was not a multi-million dollar chain of branches that built cookie-cutter houses. No, he earned enough for His needs. Most of the work he did went without worldly pay. He had faith that he would always have enough for his needs, without any doubt. How many people out there would be willing to work on your own for minimal pay and give the rest of your time to others?

We think we have faith, but true faith cannot dwell inside us with any form of doubt. If we know we are supposed to give all of our time and talents to Him, even unto death, and do not, will we be condemned?

I know it seems like we all do so much, but I see people mostly working for themselves including me. I wish I could break the chains and just serve others whole-heartedly with full faith in Jesus Christ. Why is it so hard? Why has satan made us feel that we must work so much for money, less time at home, and leave no time for others? I believe it is because he knows once we figure it all out and catch him in these filthy lies, once we shed the pride and selfishness and vainness, once we truly follow Christ to the full meaning; HE WILL BE BOUND. The chains will no longer be on us, but the one that should carry them. Right now, he is content. I am not content with that.

So, then what's next? That is where I am right now.

Chapel update

2009-04-06T10:11:00.002-06:00

Looking good, huh?!

Answered by song

2009-04-03T08:01:00.002-06:00

So, the prayers of my heart usually get answered by song, and today that was the case after I wrote the last post. I was in the shower and got an answer...

Because I Have Been Given Much
Because I have been given much, I too must give. Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live. I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see, who has the need of help from me.
Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care… I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-my roof’s safe shelter over head, that he too may be comforted.
Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord, I’ll share thy love again according to thy word. I shall give love to those in need. I’ll show that love by word and deed, thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

Boring

2009-04-03T07:06:00.003-06:00

Ever feel boring? I often wonder if this is a common feeling. I know it goes along the lines of feeling sorry for yourself, which is not good, but it creeps in sometimes. Can't I just be thankful ALL the time? I'm trying to remember the last time I truly felt this way, and I do have to say it was the last time I was pregnant. So, can hormones do all of this??!! I say they can. Writing about this actually is making me feel better. What an epiphany. Pregnancy does so much to a woman's body and mind and spirit... So many changes to aid in the creation of life. Amazing really.

*sigh of somewhat relief*

Boring or not, hopefully I'll return to my normal boring denying state or actual non-boring life here soon; whatever the truth may be, if I'm even making any sense. hehe;P

(being cooped up inside in *the middle of nowhere* because of rain might not have helped these last few days either)

Thank you, Lord, for the sunshine and the sound of lawnmowers mowing the growing grass.

Okay, so I've definately decided to get out of the house at all cost today!

This post is the most random ever. I know you were already thinking it. I can handle the truth and will stop rambling now (I just realized I'm also having a conversation with myself)

Boring...more like bored.

Rewind...

2009-03-28T21:29:00.004-06:00

I just realized that I haven't posted pictures or even mentioned anything about the wonderful blessing the people of our branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been blessed with! We're adding on! The chapel is already under construction and is well on it's way. I think it is scheduled to be finished June/July-ish. We will actually have pews (I don't know how to spell those nifty seats) now! And a "choir loft"! Not to mention new huge bathrooms and a mothers room(woo hoo, just in time for Brianna)...and the primary gets the old cultural hall/sacrament meeting room! I'm really excited, can't hardly wait! The best thing about it all, truly, is that the church is growing in people. The addition is just a reaction to the growth and a need for more room. Just as His church and gospel changed my life, it is awesome to see it working in the lives of other people...and many more to come.

The weekend happenings...

2009-03-15T13:31:00.010-06:00

Mallorie is apparently married, and to a prince nonetheless.

Ok, so in all actuality Joe's high school friends John and Jennifer got married and Mallorie was the flower girl. She did a really great job. I am convinced it's because she thought she was the princess and she really was getting married. She hasn't asked where Danny..err, I mean "the prince" is though, which is kind of funny in itself. She is perfectly content with the fact that she got married yesterday and the prince is back in Maryland. The kicker though...she told me at lunch today the whole marriage spiel and that she was an adult now and that, get this, she had a baby in her tummy, too...just like me I suppose*I cracked up laughing at this point*. The value of innocence. Here are some pictures from yesterday:

And just for kicks, here is our "My Eternal Family" photo for the bulletin board...of which I am behind on updating...:

There is so much love I have for these two...through good times and annoying ones:) Can't hardly wait to welcome in the new baby to our eternal family.

Our first meeting

2009-03-10T18:59:00.004-06:00

Today Mal and I finally got to meet my cousins little baby, Clay. My cousin is 8 years younger then I am. I can remember taking care of her when she was a baby and how she looked then. When I first saw him he was sleeping and it was like a flash back in time. She looked just the same. It was weird; in a very neat way of course. He's got the best little personality and they seem to be getting along pretty well. All the best to her family and a special blessing for Clay who was born almost 3 months early. What a miracle...Oh and by the way...it's 99.5% positive that we're having another little girl! We can't hardly wait to see you Brianna Cay!

The results are in

2009-02-06T10:32:00.002-07:00

kinda?

HA! so we went for the ultrasound bright and early this morning, and the lady doing it told us that it was really too early for her to say for sure(I'm probably around 16 weeks or so instead of 18 because my cycle is 35 days instead of 28), but that if she had to make a guess...

"No wee wee, I would say it was a girl."

So, we think we've got another baby girl in the oven! Joe's first response was a smile, and second was "I'm all alone!" in the donkey voice off Shrek:P

Anyway, everything seemed to be going well in there and that's what I was most concerned about.

We love you, baby!

It's almost that time again!

2009-01-21T12:13:00.002-07:00

No, not Christmas or Easter or birthdays....but ultrasound time!! Okay, hopefully that wasn't way too cheesy, but we're excited:P I've got an appointment for the 6th of February, and hopefully the mystery of "boy, or girl?" will be solved...any guesses?

The Early Pregnancy Blues

2009-01-02T08:58:00.003-07:00

I, of course, made up this name for my current reality, but I think it fits! I feel bad for feeling sorry for myself really, but I have been in a "funk" as seems fit to call it. Being sick to my stomach most of the day has gotten me thoroughly annoyed. Yes, I know it could be worse, and tell myself this all the time...I know I am very blessed and I am so thankful for all that I have and for my health past this small (I am hopeful) space of time for which I have all-day sickness:P Just like other times when I am sick with viruses or colds, I find that during the duration of time while I am not feeling well, I am thinking of brighter days...days when I have felt better, been energetic, fun, with lots of laughter...I hope for these days to come, sometimes faster than they actually do. I believe this is all part of the plan, though. Everyone's trials are different, but through them all we are supposed to learn. Some things you just can't learn except through experience. This Sunday at church, a man from the stake came, and that was his message, and it spoke to me. Of course the message was for everyone, but Heavenly Father was speaking to me individually and I felt it. I did hear the still small voice loud and clear. Life and how everything connects together is amazing. Just like the speaker said that he wasn't going to say particularly what we wanted to hear, he was going to say the truth. Our experience is for our own good. Yes, that means I too must endure...but hopefully in 6 months or so I'll end up with another sweet baby and my now "funk" will turn to spunk!

Lately the simple things in life have been so much sweeter.

*a cool breeze*

*a nice country song that takes me back*

*a beautiful starry night*

*snuggling with Mallorie*

*holding a cuddly husband*

*nice warm baths with sweet-smelling bath soak*

*my mom cooking for me and washing the dishes*

and many many more...

Maybe that's my lesson for now...

Hmmm...

2008-12-04T08:33:00.003-07:00

It may be too early to annouce this, I don't really know how long you're "supposed" to wait....but anyhow....

Surprise! Pregnancy hormones and tiredness and nausea have officially kicked in:P

On a lighter note...

2008-11-06T14:39:00.007-07:00

pictures!! (I've not been a diligent blogger lately, so here's a collage)

At the Thomasville air show, near the runway:

Scary!!:

Got my har did:

Mal amidst the puh-kins:

All of us crazy Stansels:

Random, I know, but pictures nonetheless!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

There surely is sunshine in my soul

2008-11-05T14:55:00.002-07:00

Today after my last post I've been thinking a lot about what to do now...now that a chapter essentially has been closed, a new road chosen for our country. I've had a prayer in my heart. As I was washing my hair, this song came into my head, and I began singing. This reminded me that through Jesus Christ, my savior, there will always be sunshine in my soul. A new chapter is beginning and we as Americans are writing it. May there be sunshine in everyone's soul.

1. There is sunshine in my soul today,More glorious and brightThan glows in any earthly sky,For Jesus is my light.
[Chorus]Oh, there’s sunshine, blessed sunshineWhen the peaceful happy moments roll.When Jesus shows his smiling face,There is sunshine in the soul.
2. There is music in my soul today,A carol to my King,And Jesus listening can hearThe songs I cannot sing.
3. There is springtime in my soul today,For when the Lord is near,The dove of peace sings in my heart,The flow’rs of grace appear.
4. There is gladness in my soul today,And hope and praise and love,For blessings which he gives me now,For joys “laid up” above.

Disappointment

2008-11-05T08:35:00.002-07:00

Today I am saddened. I have been thinking a lot about the people who are our ancestors. The very people who fought so hard to escape an oppressive government, one without freedom. Our ancestors fought so diligently with God by their side to give us this land of prosperity. And it has come to this. This is not going to be a politically correct blog post, so if you feel that you are easily offended please X-off of this screen now. Our constitution was made by man, but inspired by God. It is a document that has guided us into prosperity as a people of a choice land. Because of the righteousness of our ancestors we were able to inherit this land and all the freedoms and liberties that come with it. Instead of continuing in humility and gratitude and working to keep the same freedoms for our posterity, the American people made a decision last night. A decision to take advantage of freedom. Principles, morals, ethics, that no longer was our guide. Last night the American people decided that it was no longer a right to be able to work yourself from poor to rich, but that the rich should have their money taken from them and given to the poor...socialism. The American people chose government health care over free market...socialism. The American people chose the killing of innocent children (with everyones tax dollars) over the sanctity of life...evil. Sometimes you get what you ask for-Change. I have heard many people talk about the effect racism has played in this election. I ask this, who are the racists?? How many people came out to vote for Barack Hussein Obama for the single fact that he looks black(he is half white)? Let's ponder for a moment. That would mean that they didn't vote for the white man, because he was white....many black voters had never voted before and came out to vote for Barack Obama. That would indicate to me that most of them voted for him based on color. My husband had someone call him a racist yesterday because when asked who he voted for, he replied McCain. Don't get me wrong, I did have a hard time voting for John McCain, but I DID NOT have a hard time voting against a socialist. It had nothing to do with color as liberal people would assume. C'mon people, wake up!! Under socialist principles, we lose our freedom!! Please do not be blinded any longer!! The scriptures are not just stories, they are history and how it was made. Have you seen the circle of life in history? We are at the point where we as a people will become humbled by our creator because we did not remain in humility. The debates are over people, and I am sick of hearing what Barack Obama is going to do for me, because I am already fully aware of what he is capable of doing. If you want to know a person, look at their friends-Ayers, Wright.

I thought I would feel better after writing this but I don't. As a matter of fact, I feel awful. Having to think that such good people have been so deceived and will have to endure what comes now, it's sickening. People out their that are liberal seem so easily offended and always want their voices heard, well you know what, I want my voice heard. I am a conservative. I believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. I believe that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. I claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. I believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. I believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed I may say that I follow the admonition of Paul- I believe all things, I hope all things, I have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If their is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, I seek after these things.

God. Freedom. Morals. These are the things that have kept this land blessed and in prosperity.
Disintegration of these things is what brings us down.

It's not really about Democrat versus Republican. It's not really about white versus black. It's not really about Obama versus McCain. It's not really about LDS versus baptist. It's not really about all these things that have been used to divide us.

It is all about Good...versus Evil.

Some reading this will say to themselves, 'Oh she's brainwashed' or 'That's going a little far', and if you said this to yourself, think for just a minute. In this world we live in, we separate church and state, but in the physical bodies we live in they are very much united. Choices made by our elected officials effect peoples lives, they effect peoples ability to make good moral choices versus bad ones and be held accountable for them. Some examples that come to mind are abortion and gay marriage, both of which effect the sanctity of human life and the family which is ordained of God. People want so badly these days to be justified in their immorality, enabling them to continue in their wrong choices with no consequences. From the beginning until the end there will be right versus wrong. We are all human and make mistakes, but we are expected to ask for forgiveness and to forsake our wrong choices. No law that we make here will supersede the laws Heavenly Father has so blatantly given to us.

I truly mean all of this to come across in love, but writing it in frustration may not give that effect.

I love this country. I love the people of this country. I don't want to see it pass away because of the bad choices of my generation. Other generations have paid too high a price to let it go so cheap.

My passionate explanation of the site to the right---->

2008-09-25T13:27:00.005-06:00

So, I have been very distraught about abortion for a long time. To me, it is the greatest, filthiest, most despicable downfall of our society. Without life and respect thereof, there is no reason to be here. My point is, we have been sent here to live, not to choose whether someone lives or not in the case of an innocent child. Life is not a lawful and just choice. If it becomes a choice to someone, it is the worst choice they could ever make. It is beyond me that this would even have to be explained to someone. If one of us is worth living and deserves life, WE ALL DO. Burning a child to death by abortion or other gruesome abortion rituals, especially your own flesh and blood that you created, should never have been tolerated and condoned in this great country. Just like Gianna Jessen says on the site that I have posted to the right...if it was solely about women's right, what were hers? Amazing story, please check it out.

Barack Obama, as does the basic Democrat platform, believes in the "women's right to choose". How anyone ever got tricked into thinking that was logical and moral I will never know...except when I think about the power of satan. Beyond that even, the purpose of this site is to expose the fact that he denied medical care to infants that were born after an abortion did not kill them. That is beyond evil. No one can chalk that up to rights.

How can people kill their children inside their own womb? Just because they can't see them yet?!! They are still there. If it's not a child, they were never pregnant, right? I know young girls get tricked into thinking it is best sometimes, so does most of the fault then lie on the people around them pushing for the burning and suffocation of their innocent child? I do know there is a punishment, and hope it's not too late for America. We are only blessed and protected as long as the people are righteous. The Nephites were destroyed by the Lamanites in the end, and because the Lamanites had one thing: Love and respect for their families. This is satan's classic attack on the family and though I hope we do not end up with a classic outcome, it is eminent. Do not be deceived.

Our little (and wonderful) temple trip

2008-09-20T18:49:00.003-06:00

Joe and I got to go to the temple today. Yesterday we were praying together about something that has been plaguing us. Not long after that, a sister from our branch called and asked if we wanted to ride with her to the temple! Joe had answered the phone and I was in the shower, so he came to me and said "Sister ___ wants to know if we would like to go to the temple tomorrow with her, what do you think?" And I said, "Uh, YEAH" in an excited valley girl type accent! HA! You know I must have been excited. Anyway, I was like, "Duh! answer to our prayer, Joe!" But, he always asks me for my opinion even if he knows how I'll answer, so I'll let him off the hook a little! So, WOW, what a great day. That's all I can really say on here. Thank you, and WOW. I love the gospel. I love Heavenly Father's messengers/hands here on earth. And I love my husband(see that picture, isn't he just soooo handsome??!!).

Okay, so I'll post mine, too....:P

2008-09-05T21:19:00.002-06:00

I'm not so sure this fits me though...fun anyhow! Isn't it neat and interesting how all of us women still want to know how much like a princess we are?!
You Are Cinderella!

Dignified and hard working. With a gentle and soft-spoken manner you have something many people don't. Patience. Even through the moments of heartbreak you're still able to hold onto all of your hopes and dreams. Bide your time; your dream will come true.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Tattoos by Mal

2008-08-25T09:21:00.005-06:00

This is how you get a tattoo without knowing it...(without being drunk):

Take a nice Sunday nap on the couch with a 3-year-old still awake.

Mallorie has some foam stickers in the shape of animals and was sticking them to Joe while he was asleep. I did see her, but thought they were sticking to his clothes, and since it was keeping her busy I didn't interrupt. Well today when Joe went to take a shower he found the lovely cow and moose stickers on his side...which when removed made nice tattoos. Cow on the left, moose on the right.

Funny stuff!

Fay, Fay, Go AWAY!

2008-08-24T13:03:00.010-06:00

...or so said the black lady at the Denny's on Saturday morning!

I now echo her sentiments. And though Fay is gone, we are left flooded.

Of course it could have been much worse, but my husbands 1974 Old Beetle was drowned...

It is in water past the seats, and that's after he had put it up on blocks thinking surely the water wouldn't go higher than that. The water is at Joe's waist and he is 6' tall, so I guess 3'-4' deep out there. He's trying not to let it bother him, but he is pretty down about it. Hopefully the water recedes soon so we can rescue Herbie, but it could be days.

Here are some pictures:

Poor Herbie...

No, this isn't a lake, it's our back yard!

The dock underwater and the fallen tree.

Ray still seems happy...

Normally my daily run would begin on the left side of this tree on the sidewalk...

...then down the sidewalk to the immediate right of the trees, which is now submerged by the pond water of which is overflowing into the streets...

...I would then normally round this corner...

...run over this bridge, which has currently lost its usefulness...

...continue on the sidewalk in front of that bench, yes, bench...

...and then after I finish running, I would come back to this 'Gazelle'-type excercise equipment to cool down.

Moral of the story: God is great. We always know that. But, it is amazing to see it first hand every now and again, even at our own expense. I mean, he IS all-knowing. Maybe He was ending the drought...or maybe He was tired of waiting on people to cut down those pesky trees. Heck, He could've just wanted some people to stay inside with their families for a day that normally would go on busily in their lives disregarding each other. Who knows! But I do have faith that His hand is in all things.

Hope everyone stays safe and faired the storm well.

Happy Birthday to ME!!

2008-08-23T16:46:00.009-06:00

I can't believe I just turned 25!!!

(well, on the 13th...I'm catching up on the blog so bear with me)

Yes, I know what you're thinking...I should've gotten a hair cut and a straightener for my birthday(or maybe that's just what I was thinking), but new music is just more fun!

Mallorie doesn't understand anyone having a birthday without a cake, so we make it a point to have cake on everyones birthday...as a matter of fact, she calls the cake a birthday. I mean really, do you get older if you don't have cake? (I'll remember that when I'm turning 30...no cake.)

I didn't get any pictures of when Joe's parents took me out to eat for my birthday, but it was fun. We went to Cici's pizza and the nephews and Aunt Heather were able to come, too. I guess when you get older, birthdays are fun when the people around you are happy...especially the children.

I'm happy to be 25. At first I was thinking of it as a sign of getting older, but I'd like to just continue to take things day by day and enjoy the rest of my youth so that when I get older I'll be happy and content with that, too.

So, here's to many more!

Here's a rough, but fun, first sightreading of the song "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast in my new music book...DISNEY, woo hoo!

Mal's 2nd Trim

2008-08-23T16:22:00.010-06:00

I trimmed Mallorie's hair over a month ago, but with my computer out of service I put off uploading the pictures...couldn't wait any longer, though, so I uploaded them to mom's!

Before in the antique barber chair!

During...

After in the antique dryer:)

We got the antique chairs from a house down the street that used to be the towns barber shop. The people that moved in gave them to us in return for getting them out of their house! They have come in handy...but I don't know where we're going to put them when we finish the master bath that they are stored in right now...too cute to get rid of though!

I really dislike mean computer geeks...

2008-08-08T08:13:00.008-06:00

Okay, so we STILL have the virus on our computer! Except it's not really a virus, it is a form of malicious software called "Malware". Great. Thank you evil computer genius. Hopefully my mom and I will be able to remove it with these long and intense instructions. Times like these make me ponder why people do things like that. If only they used their knowledge for good! Life really is like a superhero movie. Glenn Beck was talking about the new batman movie the other day. He said he was flabergasted because the movie actually made some good sense. I haven't seen it, so this is just coming from him, but he said it was weird to watch a movie that had come out of hollywood that had such conservative concepts. I don't know what the rating is on the movie....okay so I just looked it up, it's PG-13. Joe and I had just figured it would be rated-R, or should be! Anyway, if you do see it, see if you see the resemblaces: Bush-Batman, Terrorists-Joker & gang, and I know there was more that he said, but I'm not as politically savvy as him and I haven't seen the movie:) In conclusion, good ALWAYS conquers evil...evil computer guy, say goodbye to your muy malo malware! *though I may have to get your good counterpart to remove it in the end!*

A quick note...

2008-07-25T15:48:00.003-06:00

Hi all, so we've had an interesting week or so to say the least. Last week Joe's grandma, who we'd just seen at the family reunion, was put into the hospital at suspicion of congestive heart failure. We were(and still are to a certain extent) very concerned for her health and life. So we made arrangements to make the trip. When we got to see her she was doing better, but then that night she had another bad night and couldn't sleep. The next day Joe's dad arrived and he and Joe gave her a blessing. We had to leave the next day, and she had plenty of people there for the next week to check up on her. When we called to check up on her on Monday, Joe's Aunt Jan told us that she was going to be released from the hospital on Tuesday! Wow, that was wonderful...the doctors and some of the family were baffled, but God works miracles on those who have faith. She is supposed to go back to the doctor once a week to keep check on her health since she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I don't know what the outcome will be, but I thank everyone out there for the extra prayers and I know Heavenly Father does work miracles.

I'll write more soon when we get the virus off of our computer and I can add pictures!...Did I mention we've had a weird week?!...

We're very blessed and I'll end on that note:P

It's A White Family Reunion...and no that's not racist.

2008-07-10T08:09:00.012-06:00

Last weekend was Joe's dad's side of the family's reunion--did that make sense? Anywho, it's always a blast...and a blast from the past! Joe's great-grandma just recently died, and she had lived in this house since childhood. After her passing, one of her children, Carl, renovated the house so that he and his wife could move in(installed central A/C and actually put in a kitchen...lol). Until the '80's I'm told Joe's great-grandma had a working outhouse for herself and her guests when nature called. She was doing things like she always had and how refreshing that was to me. Joe's great-uncle Carl still farms on the land.

Here is a picture of The White House...no pun intended. This is after renovation, of course. The

extension coming out of the right side of the house is the newly added kitchen!

This is me, Joe's Aunt Jan, Brandon-our nephew-, and Joe's dad "Big Joe"

Notice the pisture in the background...there was another copy of in on a shelf behind lots of other pictures. Most of the pictures looked like familiar faces, but there were some that looked really old and generic. My mom and Joe were right beside me and I said to my mom "I wonder who these people are..." She of course responded "Don't ask me!" because she has no idea who most of the poeple are of course. Anyway, I went on to say "It's probably just some generic old photo.", I then looked around to make a case for my assumption, "Look" I said, "I mean, there's a picture of Abe Lincoln!" Just then Joe loudly exclaimed "WHAT! That's great-great-grandpa such-n-such!" I burst out into laughter to find that there were a lot of old people starring at me...OOPS! Thanks a lot Joe for being discreet! C'mon everyone, let's not be bitter toward the Union forever:P

Joe's Grandma Stansel and sister Heather

This is a replica of a picture of General Lee.

His Uncle Carl has an original letter written by General Lee that was donated to the town in which they live for it's name, Dixie, GA...it's in a safe though!

Primary Water Day!

2008-07-10T07:54:00.006-06:00

A few weeks ago, we had a water day for all of the primary children. They had a lot of fun! It's always good when things that you've planned for a while go well! We had a lot of kids show up and we did lots of summery water games with them, including a game with water balloons...which by the way took much longer to fill up than to bust. Here are a few pictures of Mal, one mid air-you go girl-, and a great picture of one of the kids bobbing for apples!

Independence Day!! May God Bless America.

2008-07-04T20:24:00.008-06:00

This is the Fourth of July in our little town. So many people come to see the fireworks that you'd think it was a pretty decent sized and functional town if you only visited on this day. The fireworks here are the best I've seen. They beat out the two biggest towns in the 45 mile radius. I actually had a lot of pride tonight(the good kind of course), thinking about all the people gathered together in commemoration of our independence.

Let us thank God every day for this blessed land. Happy 4th to all!

Being a "Thinker"

2008-07-01T10:06:00.002-06:00

Glenn Beck often refers to himself as a thinker. He doesn't have a college degree(so what!), but has so much knowledge and it has gotten him to the position he is in. Joe and I like to think of ourselves in that way. Joe is much more innovative and intuitive than me, but I think things through fully much more than him. I guess that's where the whole helping each other comes in. Joe has opened my eyes, heart, and mind to the realities of our day. It is hard for me to think that the prophecies that have been prophesied will come to pass soon, but the Lord has given us many clues. I suppose it is our job as Latter-day Saints to piece the puzzle together. I have been doing so much thinking lately about the literal gathering and the building of a New Jerusalem. I don't want to wish the calamities upon us, but the signs and warnings that have been given to us point to the urgent need for preparedness. I found a very useful resource for scriptural references to the signs of the last days that of course precede the second coming. Here's the site: LDS Last Days . Please check it out for yourselves! It made me feel better to know where the scriptures are to back up the things I've heard. I hate it when you hear something and you can't find where it originated. I don't like to just take someones word for it because that is how people can get misled. Let me know what you think about the site!! It is totally scripture based. I would like to hear others' thoughts on the literal gathering, the time when we are supposed to flock to the center of the nation(Missouri) for protection, and the constitution hanging by a thread(of which I believe Brigham Young said was not far even back then...and look at the nominees we have for president...I COULD SCREAM!). Okay, so I'll let that sit for now:P Let me hear from y'all!

Pool Time!

2008-06-29T15:32:00.005-06:00

Mallorie and her cousin Ethan(just disregard me and my running make-up that looks like a black eye!)...so, they fought most of the time he was here, but they actually did really enjoy their time in the pool last week!!

Pictures from Mom's baptism

2008-06-16T08:51:00.004-06:00

Joe, Jenn, Kay, Dusty, Mal, and Anita

Elder Oliverson, Joe, Mal, Kay, and Elder Tweedie

Her baptism and confirmation went so great. I'm so excited about what this means for our family and the future! I'll write more later!

Girls Night Pics

2008-06-16T08:42:00.003-06:00

Better late than never!

I miss y'all and we should get together more often.

*Our circle of 5*...plus Mal:P

Mal had fun with Jalen!

A Truly Wonderful and Joyful Occasion

2008-06-13T22:09:00.004-06:00

Tomorrow is going to be a terrific day. My mom is going to be baptized tomorrow! I am absolutely ecstatic. The Lord hears prayers. I know Jesus Christ lives and loves all of us. My testimony of faith has been strengthened so much because only He knows...anything and everything!! I finally have a STRONG testimony of Joseph Smith through hearing the missionary lessons again with my mom(though I heard them for an entire year before I was baptized). Line upon line, Precept upon precept. That is a concrete truth of how we learn and how He teaches us. I could go on and on, but what matters most is my gratitude to the Lord and my moms willingness to submit herself to listen to His still small voice...which abounded into a large change of heart! I am so excited for all that this means, but for now I am just so thankful for my mom knocking on this door...even the first door to Eternal Life; a door that tomorrow will be opened to her.

Father's Day Trip to HotLanta

2008-06-12T07:53:00.013-06:00

This is how our trip began:

Yawning in the front...

...and sleeping in the back.

After 4+ hours:

Finally driving through Atlanta on I-75

After another short little while, we make it to our first stop:

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

Kennesaw, GA

It was very bright and I didn't realize until I saw this

picture that Mallorie is almost as tall as I am and she's only 3.

Gotta love being short!

These were some regiment volunteers.

They did a gun firing for us. It was neat for me

because I saw the direct resemblance of Marching

Band. I will have to add that to my knowledge

bucket for when I am teaching band.

Joe loved the museum because he is very interested (and well-versed I may add) in History, namely the Civil War. We got to see the actual train "The General"that was in "The Great Locomotive Chase".

No flash photography allowed, so it is kinda dark:(

Our next stop was the Atlanta Cyclorama.

It is a huge circular painting that depicts the battle of Atlanta during the Civil War. Here is the home of the train "The Texas" which saved the train "The General" (which we saw at the other museum) when captured by Union soldiers.

The painting is copyrighted, so no pictures, but this is us outside!

After the Cyclorama, Joe thought the trip was over. We went and checked in at the hotel. He kept thanking me for the trip. I was even more excited because I knew he would like the finale of the trip. When we got in the hotel room, he went to get us all drinks. While he was gone, I layed out his Glenn Beck shirt with the 2 tickets for him and I to see the show:

"Glenn Beck '08; the unelectable"

Luckily he was extremely excited and we made it to the show just in time.

I haven't laughed that much in a long time! Glenn Beck is great. If you haven't heard him, tune in sometime at http://www.wflafm.com/ from 9am-12pm weekdays.

This is the second half of the show, where he was giving his "politically incorrect" speech. I love his tours because you can laugh, cry, and leave feeling so much better about your country. I should've gotten pictures of him when he first came out at the very beginning. He was dressed in camo bearing a shot gun. Those of you who keep up with politics might get a laugh out of that. Anywho, awesome trip...wish we could do it more often!

Happy Father's Day, Joe!

I love you and thank you for all you do.

Love, Jenn & Mal

Tagged by 'Quegas:P

2008-06-10T13:40:00.022-06:00

Before I start, here are the 5 people I tag:

1. Laurel Maxfield

2. Russell Allen

3. Nicole Fish

4. D'Arcy Benincosa

5. Jasmine Kersey(just to see if she'll update her blog:P)

5 Things I was doing 10 years ago right now...

I couldn't drive, so...

1. Watching a lot of T.V. at my house in the boon docks.

2. Getting ready for Band Camp.

3. Practicing the flute.

4. Exercising.

5. Being bored, but glad school was school was out!

(I never knew how much my life HASN'T changed!)

5 Things on my to-do list...

1. Find a good job, hopefully as a middle school band director(never thought I would say that!)

2. Get healthy.

3. Become more publicly active in my beliefs(esp. "politics").

4. Perfect the art of food storage.

5. Read more to Mallorie.

5 Favorite snacks...

1. Mango & Pretzels (eaten together!)

2. Salt & Vinegar chips.

3. Pickled okra.

4. Milky Way candy bar.

5. Peanut butter M&M's.

+ = Yummy!

5 Bad habits...

1. Overanalyzing.

2. Raising my voice.

3. Procrastination.

4. Wasting time.

5. Drinking soda.

5 Things I would do if I were a billionaire...

1. Create help centers in every city possible. This would be a new thing, really a 'help you help yourself' center, for anything you need help with. This would go along with my#3 on the to-do list above. Haven't thought of a name for it yet...

2. Invest in Joe's awesome car ideas (i.e. electric, and other types I don't understand what he is talking about!)

3. Buy some land in Missouri...just in case:P

4. Invest.

5. Buy some land and build a house that was totally independent of other people, such as solar power generated, water well, green house, etc. No bills! But I guess it wouldn't matter so much if I were a billionaire...

5 Places I've lived...

1.Tallahassee, FL(National Forest, aka Boon Docks)

2. Havana, FL

3. Tallahassee, FL(F.S.U. Campus)

4. Tallahassee, FL(Bungalow #13)

5. Greenville, FL

Something weighing on me

2008-06-05T08:52:00.004-06:00

I don't really know why I have the feeling to write about this, but I do. It is about serving missions. I am so grateful for missionary service of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If it were not for a friend of mine doing missionary service and inviting me to church, I would not have the blessings that I have today. She went on to serve a full-time mission and I'm sure changed other people's lives also. If it were not for the examples I had in high school of all the members of the church that were my friends my testimony may not have grown like it has. I am so grateful for all the sister missionaries that taught me from the beginning and for a whole year until I was able to be baptised. I am absolutely amazed by all of my friends that went on missions. Sometimes I wonder about all the lives they have changed by letting the Lord work through them. I was a stake missionary when I was in the singles ward and it was wonderful to aid the full-time missionaries in their service and see people's reaction to the message we had. I have the opportunity now to feed and continue to help the missionaries of our little but growing branch. Thanks to missionaries that were recently in Madison and listening so wholly to the spirit, my mother has accepted the invitation of baptism!!! Next week is her baptism and I couldn't be more excited for her. Who knows all of the missionaries that have influenced her change of heart. Missionaries not only on full-time missions, but missionaries like my husband, my husbands family, my daughter, and hopefully me. Joe's brother Dusty going on a mission was a strength to me. We missed him a lot, but we would not have wanted him to change his decision for anything. Hopefully my point is getting across that I love missionary service. I love it because it is what we are here for; to serve the Lord and to serve others.

The thing that has been weighing on me is how the church says that ALL worthy young men should serve a full-time mission. I don't necessarily disbelieve this, but have had a unique experience. My husband has been a member of the church all of his life. He prepared himself all of his life to serve a mission. When he was 18 he started submitting his papers to serve a mission. At that point he felt the Lord was telling him that it was not his call to serve a full-time mission right then. He met with his bishop on various occasions and they came up with the same feelings of the spirit. He said that when word got out that he wasn't going on a mission, it was like he was the red-headed step child of the ward. He said people would give him all kinds of looks; looks of disgust, disappointment, and astonishment. I guess it didn't help that his dad had been bishop for the 10 years prior and had just been released. For some reason members think that a bishops family must fit into the same mold.

When I met Joe, he had been 19 for about 4 months. When I found out he was 19 I was adamant that he was going to serve a mission. I thought he was just being stubborn when he would say that he wasn't going to serve a mission, because it had been drilled into my head that ALL worthy young men should serve a full-time mission, even being a new member. Two months after we met, he officially asked me to marry him. It had been weighing on me even then about him not serving a mission, but when I prayed(& prayed, & prayed...) I knew it was right to marry him. I remember one time going over to his parents house sometime in the two months between the time we met and were engaged. His mother made a comment like, "You do know girls are supposed to encourage boys to serve their missions, right?" That really hurt me. Did I know that?!! I was number one at encouraging and pushing guys to serve their missions.

It has been so hard for Joe to follow what he was essentially commanded. We don't know why he wasn't supposed to go, but how can he deny the Lord? Joe was not a rebel & he didn't go astray. He always attended church and did everything he knew was right. He graduated seminary and had more than all intentions of going on a mission. Latter-day Saints should understand the power of personal revelation. True personal revelation and counsel supersedes other revelation and counsel. Joe has often told me that it would have been easier to go than to go through all of the redicule that he has gone through. That is sad. It really is.

What got me on this soap box lately was two things. First, Joe's brother came to speak in our branch one Sunday to give a talk about his mission because the topic was service. After he was done, the Stake President stood up and wanted to say something before we ended. He said he didn't know why he had come to our branch that morning, but he wanted to correct something Dusty had said. Dusty had said that to all the young men, if you have a desire to serve a mission that you should serve because it was a great experience(paraphrased). The Stake President said that ALL should get a desire and serve a mission, and that in his opinion it was also a good idea for young girls as well but that that was not doctrine. Joe is the 1st counselour in the branch presidency and he told me later he was so upset that he almost walked out that day. Luckily he didn't just for the embarrassement factor because where he sits everyone would have noticed. You can have desire to do something but if it isn't God's will you shouldn't just do it anyway. I know the Stake President was right in many cases where young men are lazy about gaining their testimony and getting prepared before time to go on their full-time mission. You should not just assume that someone does not have desire just because they don't serve a mission, though.

The second thing was a few weeks ago, but after the above story, Joe's mom and I were talking and somewhere in the conversation she said "I wish he had gone on a mission." I guess she feels like if he had gone on a mission he would be able to find a better job or career(since that is what we were talking about). It is arrogant to say someone should have served a mission solely for selfish purposes. Joe has had discussion after discussion with her. I made the mistake of telling him what she had said. Feeling like your parents are disappointed in you, at any age, is a horrible feeling especially when you know what you have done is the correct thing. I know because I felt that way when I joined the church. My mom was very disappointed, but I could not deny what I knew was true. I relate Joe's experience about going on a mission and my joining the church to that of Joseph Smith. When he saw the pillar of light and the two personages which were Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father told him not to join any of the other churches, how could he deny it?! He couldn't because he knew what he had seen and felt, and Heavenly Father knew what Joseph Smith had seen and felt. Neither could we in either situation. Heavenly Father did not show himself to us before our eyes, but he did show himself to us in our heart and mind. Yes, even the Holy Ghost.

I will get off of my soap box now, but I hope I have made some sense. Always listen to the Great One and you can never do the wrong thing. That doesn't mean that you'll have a great job & it doesn't mean you'll have a new car, but it does mean that you'll be taken care of and your needs will be met. Have faith, take appropriate action. Faith and works. Pray and listen. The gospel is simple.

Our week at Grandma's

2008-06-03T11:05:00.004-06:00

We are staying at Joe's parents house this week while they are on a post-mission trip to Oregon. Joe's brother Dusty just got back from his mission in February and they went back to meet the mission president and others Dusty met on his 2 year adventure. It is fun staying somewhere different for a change! Mallorie is having a good time because of all the new stuff she gets to explore. I have noticed that Anita(Joe's mom) sure does keep alot of snacks and goodies around and that is not good for me! We're all taking advantage of that:P It is also nice not to have to drive 45 miles to go somewhere. Mal's cousins are supposed to come over today. She loves playing with them, but we live just a little too far for drop-in visits. So overall this should be a pretty fun week...It might be hard to get me to go home! I hope our garden survives with our neighbor watering it. Our neighbor is a very nice person, but he is also the "town drunk"! No, I'm not kidding. He brings Mallorie a Yoo-hoo almost everyday, or at least something, and we have grown fond of him. He has two flags flying on rickety poles; the Florida Gator flag, and the Confederate flag. He lives in a camper trailer and you don't set anything you are trying to get rid of at the road for pick-up because it will be in his yard before the trash guys get there. Every Saturday at "high noon" as he calls it, if we're sitting on our porch we can listen to Bluegrass coming from his out-dated battery-powered radio. Anyway, I went on a tangent!...He is supposed to water the garden...I do have faith in him, though. I also have faith in someone else and am praying to them asking for the survival of our garden!

On Saturday, I'm taking Joe on a trip for Father's day(which is not this weekend, I know) and he doesn't know where we are going yet. I sure hope he likes what I have planned. My mom and Mallorie are also coming for some of the fun, and then I have something planned just for the two of us. I'm really excited! It's eating him alive not to know...I've tried to take him on a surprise trip before but he always ended up finding out. Anyway, I'll update with how the trip went.

I'm also trying to figure out how to go about getting a job as a school teacher here in Georgia. I think I've decided that's what I want to do so that Mallorie can go to the schools here rather than the county we live in. I would get off around 2:30-3:00, summers off, and still have a reasonable starting salary. Sounds absolutely awesome to me. The only bad thing, but a big one, is that it is hard to get hired in as a music teacher. Appearantly there is a waiting line! The ole' supply and demand theory. So, what kind of teacher would I be, you ask? GREAT QUESTION! I'm still looking for the answer, too...Joe wants me to work at his elementary school. I've got alot of praying to do.

Hope everyone is having an enjoyable week!

Mal at Grandma & Papa's & Our Neighbor Paul

Courage & Encouragement Blogspot

2008-05-18T12:02:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to make note on here that I started a new site for women with any type of goals. It's just a place to post your goals and have some encouragement to achieve them. It adds a little more accountability, but also helps to get ideas from others. Any women out there that would like to join and publish on the blog, please let me know by sending me your e-mail address @ jenniferstansel@hotmail.com, or just leave me a comment. Thanks to all those who have already so graciously been guinea pigs in my new blog endeavor!

Courage & Encouragement <---check it out!

The garden coming along

2008-05-14T09:06:00.007-06:00

So, I'm extremely excited about how well the garden is doing! What a blessing. It is so neat to me how things grow from the earth into things that sustain our life and health. In our garden, we planted pole beans, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce(two types), tomatoes(regular size and cherry-yum!), white acre peas, lady peas, okra, squash, broccoli, pumpkin(just because!), watermelon, and corn!

The garden 05/14/08. The "first fruit of our labor"

One yummy tomato, coming up!

Corn rows!

The Power of...

2008-05-10T07:47:00.005-06:00

...a 3-year-old's prayer. After I made that post yesterday, I decided to let Mallorie know as sensitive that I could that Tag was missing. We went calling him around the yard a few times and then came back and sat on the porch. Mal put her head on her hands and let out a huge sigh. I told her Tag needed her to say a prayer for him. We came inside and she said as I folded my arms, "No, no, no, you've got to put your hands on my head!" She thought that would give Tag a blessing I suppose. I explained that we had to pray for Tag since he was not around. So, she folded her arms and said a short prayer, including in it "to bless Tag". I knew if he was coming back it would have to be because of her sincere prayer. While I was cooking dinner, Joe came home. After a while he came in and said that Tag had come up, but that he was foaming at the mouth! Of course, our first thought was rabies. After a while of checking on him outside, we saw that something was just wrong with his mouth. At 8:30pm last night we took him to the "Emergency Vet" an hour away from us. Sounds kind of weird, and there were some interesting people there, but luckily for us they were open. Long story short, and over $300 later, Tag is back at home and taking some medicine to make him feel better and reduce the swelling in his face. We still have to take him to get his tooth pulled though. Poor snaggle-tooth! Anywho, glad we had good news to report!

We miss you Tag!

2008-05-09T10:24:00.004-06:00

Sad news for us...Our cat Tag has not come home for 2 days:( I did not know how attached I was to him until now. He was limping the last night we saw him, but we figured it was just a sprain from doing what cats do so we let him outside that night like normal. In the middle of the night the other night, Joe and I got woken up by ferocious sounding dogs on the porch. He got out there as fast as he could and ran them away. He said he saw Tag under the van, but it may have been "neighbor kitty" as Mal calls the neighbors cat. I'm hoping for the best and that he will come back soon. Is it weird to pray for your cat to come home?! I'm not usually an "animal person" that gets overbearing about their pets, but this cat has got to be the sweetest cat ever! Not to mention, Mallorie loves him so much. Anyway, hope to have good news about the situation soon!

Missionaries...

2008-05-01T12:52:00.012-06:00

...become like family after 6 or 7 months in a branch. Elder Wright and Elder Howe are two dynamic missionaries. Their willingness to serve in all capacities is an example to me. They are down to earth young men in which people feel they can relate to. After spending over half a year with them, we feel a certain sadness as they leave. They ate at our house at least once a week, they taught lessons in our home, they helped me to start the first choir our branch has had in quite a while(if ever), they came to Mal's birthday party, they cut down trees in our back yard, they helped out at my mom's house, they helped paint our fence, and the list goes on and on. When someone serves you that much...well that really is a true disciple of Christ. They would always say "It's what we are supposed to do" as if that was a reason not to thank them as much or something. They chose to come on a mission and they chose to serve us and others. I am so grateful for all the work they have done. But, they were ultimately transfered this go 'round...of course, they were ready to see new scenery, but hopefully know how much we appreciate them and will remember us as we do them. May God continue to bless them as they continue their missions.

Elder Wright and Elder Howe on their last p-day, at our house.

Elder Wright, Elder Howe, Mal, and Joe after moving the scrap VeeDubs to one spot.

The crew after cutting down some trees, and Elders Howe & Wright rolling a log onto the trailer.

Hangin' out and eating some cake at Mal's b-day party.

As was always on their message..."We know Howe to be Wright" (clever fellas, too)

Mallorie's 3rd birthday...already?!

2008-04-27T19:28:00.004-06:00

Vires, Artes, Mores

2008-04-22T22:03:00.004-06:00

I just finished my last exam ever at Florida State University. Wow, I can't believe it. I don't think it has hit me yet that after 7 years I actually am a college graduate. Instead of walking/marching/standing in place as they call your name at graduation, whatever they do, I gave it about two seconds of thought and decided that it was more important to have Mallorie's birthday party on that day. She is my graduation present. All of the stuff she has gone through to get me through with/to my degree, she deserves an extra party; for all of the "I'll be right back"s, all of the "I can't right now, I have to study"s, and all of the late nights. I will have to say that I do owe many thanks to my mom and my wonderful husband also for sticking by me in my determination. Now I am faced with the question of what will I ever do with it?! I would love to teach high school band, but we also want to have more children. What is a mother to do? It is so much easier to get a "real job" than it is to stay at home. Joe knows that more than ever now and has been helping out alot, while I've been in school and working part-time, by staying home with Mallorie. Okay, so he's like that country song "Mr. Mom". Let me say one thing as a side note about his skills as a part-time stay-at-homer, though: so normally a stay-at-home mom would clean during the day, at least some, but between him and Mal...you start to wonder if you are outside with all the dirt that was tracked in, and then you begin to ask yourself if there had possibly been a small earthquake that was to blame for all of the distruction in the house. Mallorie can sure tell you how a car works and can fix anything with a screw driver, though. Joe is probably going to give me the "I can't believe you wrote that on there" look when he reads this, but hey I'm sure someone will find it humorous!! I know people think we are crazy...we are a peculiar people after all, right?

On a more serious note though, I know that God has blessed me with my education and I am so grateful. I know I am where I am supposed to be. Where I'm going in my life from here, well now that is a mystery. So long, Florida State...

Alma Mater -

High Over Towering PinesHigh over towering pines our voices swell,

Praising those Gothic spires, we love so well.

Here sons and daughters stand, faithful and true,

Hailing our alma mater, F.S.U.

Hymn to the Garnet and Gold -

Here's a hymn to the Garnet and Gold, ringing to the sky.

Here's a song for the men and women bold. Sing with heads held high.

Striving ere to seek to know, Fight for victory.

Alma Mater, this our song to you. Echoes, F.S.U.

FSU Fight Song -

You've got to fight, fight, fight, for FSU

You've got to scalp 'em Seminoles;

You've got to win, win, win, win win this game

And roll on down and make those goals

For FSU is on the warpath now,

and at the battle's end she's great

So fight, fight, fight, fight to victory,

our Seminoles from Florida State.

Mal's new ride

2008-04-16T05:58:00.002-06:00

Mallorie sporting the pedal-car in front of our house:)

Taking a cruise downtown, and helping a friend out at the park.

Ah, this is the life.....

The beginnings of a garden!!

2008-04-10T15:34:00.003-06:00

Joe bought us an one-hundred dollar 1976 tiller, and there he is tilling the garden. It may not be in style, but it sure does get the job done(that goes for the both of 'em;P)! There is a homemade fence up around it now(posts made from the trees Joe and the missionaries cut down, ha!), and we've got most of the stuff planted. I just haven't taken more pictures yet. Mallorie sure did like the giant sand box, though!

2008-04-10T15:07:00.004-06:00

So, I've kinda been busy and forgot to post Easter pics? Here goes!

Preparedness "An Experiment in Backyard Farming"

2008-04-10T14:55:00.002-06:00

This is a great video. I was looking on craigslist in the free section....and someone had posted this. I'm thinking it was God telling me something of what is to come. I went back on craigslist because I wanted to show Joe, but whoever posted it had already pulled it! Anyway, I hope that everyone listening out there will take a second and evaluate your own lives and make sure that you are prepared in all ways for whatever the future holds. Enjoy the video!

Life experiences

2008-03-13T12:36:00.003-06:00

So, not too much exciting has been going on, but I figured I would just write for the heck of it! We have all been sick for about a month, so after we all started getting better, I totally disinfected the entire house. What an undertaking! Anyway, hopefully this will keep us from getting it again. Mallorie had gotten so dehydrated that when she got the virus the second time we decided to take her to the hospital. Joe was down the road and I called him to tell him we needed to go ahead and go to the hospital. He calls back about 5 minutes later and says that he has gotten into a wreck! It was the other persons fault, they ran a stop sign(flashing red light) and Joe creamed them in the side. I guess we were somehow destined to go to the hospital that day. Unfortunately it got us all sick again. My point with all of this is you realize how great life is when you feel good, and appreciate feeling good after experiencing sickness. That's about the only good thing about being sick...not being sick anymore! Hope everyone out there is feeling great today and all days to come. Chao!

How stimulating...

2008-02-22T00:47:00.002-07:00

It's hard to even think about turning down cash, but how does the government come up with all of this to give out?! I just hope we aren't putting ourselves more in debt to China. I mean, don't we have a national debt the size of..well..China? Thanks for the cash Feds, but I'm not sure it's as stimulating as it is just prolonging of the arrival of a recession. We shall see.

Glenn Beck interviews Ann Coulter

2008-02-15T14:32:00.001-07:00

Mitt is not totally crazy after all for endorsing John McCain.

Our political year in review

2008-02-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

We have given a lot of our time this past year to the campaign for Mitt Romney for President(Joe served as the Madison County Co-Chair and I was an intern for the North Florida Field Director, Jess Welter), and in his suspension of his campaign we feel a certain sadness because he, his family, and the entire team have become friends to us. It is not about politics at all. It is about real people fighting for all the values and principles that have always made this nation great. We know Mitt will continue to fight for conservative values in America, as will we. Go Mitt! and thanks for an inspiring year.

Our first time meeting Mitt, March 2007 :

Sending out invitations to our "Rally for Romney" and the event:

Glenn Beck's book signing in Tallahassee:

Our debate watch party for one of the first GOP debates:

Josh Romney brings the Mitt Mobile to Tallahassee (Romney for President Florida Headquarters):

Joe and I put together a stop at the One Eleven Grill in Madison on Craig Romney's Mitt Mobile trip to Florida:

Precept upon precept

2008-02-07T14:38:00.001-07:00

It's tough when something sad happens in your life, but it's even harder when two sad things happen in a row. President Hinkley (the Prophet of our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for those who may not know) died a few Sunday's ago and though that was sad, I actually felt more sorrow for him after his wife died and he was left here without her. I hope that they are having a wonderful time together on the other side. I know they are still working for the cause of goodness, righteousness, and truth. Today, Mitt Romney announced he is suspending his campaign because there is no mathematical way to get the number of delegates needed to secure the Republican nomination. Like his Sr. Advisor said today, McCain or Huckabee would not be able to beat him in a "two-man race", but since they united against him, Huckabee split the conservative vote. I digress, but it bothers me that Huckabee would put his own religious bigotry ahead of religious freedom and the recognition of common values among religions. Romney made a wonderful address to CPAC that shows his true intentions to further the cause of conservatism and values in America. What I have learned through these two events is that though we may wage battles against evil, and the battle ends and we may feel defeated, the ending was but a beginning of an even greater cause. President Hinckley's death to me marks the beginning of a new stage in the church's progression, one that he probably will progress on the other side. Mitt Romney's campaign suspension marks the beginning of the rekindled conservative movement spirit not surrendering to evil and deflated values in this world. Here is the video of Romney addressing CPAC. This is right up there with his Faith in America speech. God Bless America.