this song

Change In Me

Awhile back the following message was shared with me and I want to remember it as well as pass it on to others. It has helped change my life as I continue to strive each day to live my life following His example. The sad thing is I fail too often. This is taken from a talk titled "The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword" given by Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorm of the Twelve Apostles and can be read in its entirety from the May 1992 Ensign. Hope you like it....It may change your life as well.

"We are reminded that Jesus Christ, the only perfect person to ever walk the earth, taught us through quiet example to say nothing or to be silent in stressful times in our lives rather than to spend time and energy bashing for whatever purpose.
So what is the antidote for this bashing that hurts feelings, demeans others, destroys relationships, and harms self-esteem? Bashing should be replaced with charity. Moroni described it this way:
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all. …
“Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever.” (Moro. 7:46–47.)
Charity is, perhaps, in many ways a misunderstood word. We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more.
Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. It makes the thought of being a basher repulsive.
Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other."

Babies 3rd Birthday 2.24.08 SGM

Following is a note that I wrote to Sophie the evening of her third birthday:

My Dear Sophie, Today is your 3rd birthday. My little darling girl - I love you so very very very much. You bring so many smiles to my life. There are tons of things I love about you. You love others with all your heart and soul. You have such a giving and kind spirit about you. What a beautiful example you are to me of one who gives so freely and lovingly of yourself. Tonight we had Tianne, Carsyn, Matt T. and his roommates, Aunt Jackie & Uncle Barr, Josh, Kaleb, Golden Bair, Verna and Cody. They all love and adore you so much. We had lots of fun seeing you dressed up like a princess in your yellow dress with a hoop. You even wore a terra! You looked marvelous! It was a big day. It was your day. Your brothers were so excited for you to be opening your presents. They love you so very much. And will always be there for you to care for and watch after you. They want you to be happy and will do whatever they can to make that happen. Tonight as I held you in my arms I told you of 3 years ago this night when you were born. Your Daddy and I couldn't have been more excited to have you join our family. You were such a perfect little baby girl. So beautiful and sweet. How blessed and lucky we feel that Heavenly Father gave you to us and entrusted us to be your parents, to care and teach and love you. We hope we can teach through example and love so that you will always know that you are a loving daughter of our Heavenly Father. Remember this Sophie. You are a daughter of God who loves you beyond measure. As do I. your mommy XO...

me & my babies

Matt and I have certainly been blessed or should I say just plain lucky to be the parents of 5 amazing children. Hunter 15 - Wyatt 10 - Porter & Connor 8 - Sophie 4. They are our gifts to treasure and teach to care for and love. We LOVE them more then they realize and are just excited to be their mom and dad. Today I hiked up to the Timpanogos caves with the 5 of them. What a thrilling event that was. As we were going down the mountain I was holding Porter's hand and we were admiring the absolutely gorgeous view on this perfect weather day. I made the comment to Porter "This is such a beautiful view." And he quickly replied "Not as beautiful as you are mom." Thank you Porter. You made my day brighter with you loving words....

will miss him

Yesterday morning I received an email from a neighbor informing me that my dear friend Sheldon Nicholason had past away earlier that morning. I really loved this man. I met Sheldon about 9 years ago when we moved into the area and we became good friends right from the start. He had a remarkable memory like no other, even remembering my childrens names and birthdays. Weve grown to love him and will miss his kind words and love that he freely gave. Sheldon was one of those extra special people you meet in life that you'll forever remember. I learned so much from him and his example. It just felt good to be around him. As much as I'll miss him I'm equally happy for him as he was in so much pain from cancer. And I'm sure he is happy to be with his sweet wife again. Until we meet again. . . . .

gratitude

What a wonderful thanksgiving we've had. The day began with Matt & I going to breakfast just the two of us. It was so nice to just be together. We then came home and began fixing what turned out to be a very delicious meal. Matt smoked the turkey first then completed baking it in the oven to perfection! Seriously it was the best turkey we've had. So moist, flavorful and yummy. Everything was ready to eat right at the same time which is always hard to get the timing right on with such a big meal. Matt and I have always enjoyed working together in the kitchen. He had everything mapped out so it all went so smoothly. After eating till we couldn't breath we went around the table and each of us shared what we are grateful for. Some of the things that were mentioned: mom and dad, friends, education, grandparents, neighbors, family, food, clothes, and our home. I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for Prayer. I can't imagine where I would be without my Saviors love in my life. So very much to be grateful for this holiday season, especially just being together. . . . .

Parent Teacher Conferences

Today Matt & I went to Westridge Elementary to meet with Wyatt, Porter and Connor's teachers. It was so wonderful to hear such kind things being said about them. You can tell they are loved by their teachers. We are so proud of their great attitudes towards school and doing their best everyday. Now if only they could get along with each other. :) We are so blessed with such good boys and a sweet little girl. I took Connor to the doctor since his been coughing for a week and now his on an antibiotic. Poor guy. We watched Carsyn for Tianne who went to Matt's concert at the Y with other family members and also watched the movie Wall-E. I liked the message of the movie but I won't be watching it again tomorrow if you know what I mean. I finally put together a music playlist on this blog site which was fun to do. So now the kids and I can shake it here in the dining room while listening to my picks. Matt even moves it somewhat which is very intertaining to watch. Been a full good day.

Busy Busy Busy

Sometimes staying busy is a good thing. That discribes today. Sophie and I kept busy with visiting teaching, errands, meetings and the usual after school activities. The 3 little ones cut out their pumpkins which was very fun for them and a mess for me. But we had a good time. The 5 are all in bed and sleeping peacefully. I'm missing my husband who is overnight in Green River, UT for a two day shoot. I hope all is well with him. I worry about Matt when his gone and look forward to his safe return. I love my husband and the life we have. Ours isn't a perfect marriage - I don't know who has one of those but I am learning that we can both make improvements and draw closer to each other as we draw closer to the Lord. I truely feel I have married the man of my dreams over 15 years ago. We have 5 amazing, beautiful and loving children. How blessed we have been and hope to continue to be. Here's sending out a big Bair hug and kiss to the 6 most important people in my life especially my sweetheart.

Vacation at G & G Bairs

The kids and I are back on the ranch in Wyoming visiting family once again and having a great time. I just love my mom. She can tell a story like no other and trying to follow it can be a real challenge, so I have to be up for the challenge and on my toes to figure out the point she is trying to make. She really makes us all laugh and sometimes drives us a little crazy. This afternoon after taking the kids swimming we came back to the farm and pulled weeds around the walkway. While doing so we encountered many spiders. Porter and Wyatt kept teasing Connor who is very frightened of them. Then I heard Connor make this very profound comment, he said "Spider have 4 legs to walk on and the other for 4 legs are just to Freak Me Out!" I couldn't help but laugh. The 3 boys and Sophie are having so much fun exploring, riding the 4-wheeler and playing with Tara's girls. On Friday I will travel to Buffalo Bill Camp to pick up Hunter. He has been there with our wards scout troop. I can hardly wait to see him and hear how his week has been. I love my kids so dang much. They mean the world to me even when I get after them. They are just amazing little people and I'm very very lucky and grateful to be there mom. When I told Porter today that I love him he said right back to me "I love you more than love itself. He is such a lovey boy. Tomorrow is the Pioneer Memorial Pageant which I have been asked to be one of the 3 judges for. This should be fun!

April 11, 2008

Gosh I can't believe so much time has past since I last wrote on my blog! Actually I know I wrote in March but somehow those entries have disappeared. I am still learning how to blog, but my time is limited on learning thing new on the computer. There is always so much to do in a day. And here I thought I would have all this free time when I became a stay-at-home mom years ago. Not a chance. I keep myself busy with cleaning, reading with kids, fixing up projects, more cleaning, and running around town. I rarely watch anything on TV anymore. What's up with that! Well my 5 adorable kids and I are leaving this Sunday for Lovell, Wyoming! We are all so excited to go visit Grandma and Grandpa Bair and the rest of our wonderful relative there. Matt is too busy with work and can't get away. I just hope we all travel safely there. Yesterday we put $450 into the van to pass the safety inspection so at least the van should function properly. It will be nice to get away for a week and hang with those in Lovell.

my twin babies

My two baby boys turn 7 years old this coming Friday January 18th. I can hardly believe that they are this old. They are so excited for their birthday, but I'm not. When it comes to birthdays I really don't have a clue what to do. Especially when I have zero monies to do it. I am going to try to suck it up and make sure they have a wonderful day. There is no school that day so we might have a ecavenger hunt, eat out and just have a good time all day with each other. I hope to find time this week to put together some of their stuff from when they were first born. Like pictures and what not. I think they will enjoy looking at that. Well I am off to fold some clothes for awhile and get organized for a busy week ahead with Mary Kay orders coming in, Jenn Millers baby shower to make invites for, and a house to clean. Wish me LUCK!!!

Stay Put Day

After getting the boys off to school Sophie and I just stayed home and hung out. Since I had Bunco last night at my home the house was pretty much cleaned except for laundry we just took it easy today. I haven't been feeling well and sound like I have a frog in my throat. The other day I told Sophie I had a frog in my throat and she put her ear on my throat so she could hear it, then she started petting my throat and pretending it was real. Pretty funny girl! We had fun watching movies and balancing the checkbook which now takes forever since we are using a visa card like a debit card and keeping it all recorded in the check register. It is just a learning curve and I hope to get faster each month. I am a little anal about balancing to the penny every month. Matt is working late and we miss him. It is just funner around here when he is home. Tomorrow is Saturday and the boys get to go have breakfast with the bishopric as a primary activity. That will be fun for them. I am having a coughing attack so I gotta stop.

my baby with her baby

new day

What a busy day today was. The boys went back to school and I think they were happy to do so. Christmas break was beginning to get long and boring. It really doesn't matter how much you do to entertain them or keep them active they wake up the next day forgetting all that and just want more. They are sure good boys and I'm glad they are glad to be back to school. Sophie & I went to Maceys to get stuff for Bunco that I'm having at my house tomorrow. I have been cleaning like crazy and still don't feel ready. Good thing Matt has the day off tomorrow and will help me mop the floor, set up, move things around and whatever else I ask of him. He sure is a good man to have around all the time. I love my little family and feel so lucky that we each have each other. It's late and everybody is already dreaming so i think I will join them. Tomorrow will prove to be another full day. MM