Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Happy Birthday McKay
7 years ago today I did one of the hardest things I ever think I will do. I gave birth to a 1 lb baby boy who had already passed on. Mitch and I matured spirtually and emotionally quicker than we expected. We leaned on each other and got through something neither of us was prepared to do. We grew as a person and as a couple. I don't talk about Mckay that often, not because I am ashamed or embarassed but because it something that is special to me. Something that is so cherished and close to me that it is not easy to share. I think about Mckay everyday, I don't think about the boy he would have been, the personality he would have had, who he would of looked like, I think about the peace I felt when I held him in my arm and the beauty that surrounded him. I think about how perfect he was in his mothers arms. I think about an image that is forever frozen in my mind, savoring it and cherishing it until the day my Heavenly Father places him in my arms again. I love the fact that Mitch and I were chosen to be this perfect souls parents and pray that we will return to him again one day. For some reason this year his birthday hit me a little harder than the ones in the past. It may have be that it wasn't til 3 pm that I realized what exactly the day was. I was disappointed in myself that I forgot. This month has been crazy and I have had a lot going on but I feel at peace again. I know it will all work out for the best and I will again hold my perfect little baby boy again one day!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Changes!!
Well there are going to be a lot of changes happening in the Sherman household this month and next. Some our good and some not so good (well not initially). The best news ever is that as of the middle of April sometime we will be living in our new house. It has been a year (+some) in the making and we can't wait. I posted some pictures of the adventure. I tried to post our floor plan but it won't let me. Anyhow we will be out in the quiet country, enjoying the peace and quiet. I am excited!!
(the shop in this picture above is still there and is Mitch's man cave -- It is an oversized 2 car garage with two finished rooms in the back.)
I have had friends ask about the trees and yard. Yes all the trees are still there. We will probably remove some of them. The grass died over the past year -- if we can bring it back we will but we will have all summer to figure out what to do!
Here are some pics Mitch took of the clean up process - it is now a big empty hole -- which is filled with snow!!!
And now for the snow -- we have to remove it all for the contractor to put in a bearing wall and some stairs -- this should be fun!!
Here is the floor plan:
These are pictures of the house that was there previously there. It is actually the house I was raised in. My mom deeded the property to us and we have been going from there. Last summer we removed this house (it didn't go far-- my unlce is now living in it next door). After the move we were left with just a big empty basement that needed gutted.
(the shop in this picture above is still there and is Mitch's man cave -- It is an oversized 2 car garage with two finished rooms in the back.)
I have had friends ask about the trees and yard. Yes all the trees are still there. We will probably remove some of them. The grass died over the past year -- if we can bring it back we will but we will have all summer to figure out what to do!
Here are some pics Mitch took of the clean up process - it is now a big empty hole -- which is filled with snow!!! And now for the snow -- we have to remove it all for the contractor to put in a bearing wall and some stairs -- this should be fun!!The plan is to have the house placed on the foundation March 28!!! The builder told us it is usually about a week and half to finish the painting and carpet and siding!! By move the house on I mean we are actually doing a modular home so it is being built as we speak!!
Here is the floor plan:
As for the bad news -- Well I am needing to find a new job. I currently work at Portneuf dispatching life flight. Our program was sold last week and they will now dispatch out of Boise. I was offered a job there but with just building a house in Blackfoot I didn't really see it as a good choice. So I have til April 1 and hope to find something!!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Best Bud!!!
The other day a friend of mine asked Austin who his best buddy was-- He replied GRAYSON!!!!
It is fun to watch these two boys grow!! I think they will be best buds (and cousins) forever!!!
It is fun to watch these two boys grow!! I think they will be best buds (and cousins) forever!!!Tuesday, January 18, 2011
My baby is 5.....
Alivia is so many things in just 5 years. She is very smart, she is friendly to everyone, She loves animals, she loves to dance and sing (as long as no one is watching). She is the best big sister any little brother could ask for...she is the best big cousin any little cousin could ask for. She loves her older cousins. She loves her aunts and uncles, she loves her grandparents like nothing else. She has a little bit of a dramatic side (who doesn't). She loves puzzles, loves learning her letters for kindergarten. She can't wait to ride the bus next year (although mom isn't to keen on that idea). She has a contagious laugh, she has a warm smile. She is more beautiful than I could of ever imagined her to be (I could stare at her for hours). She loves movies, she loves painting. She love love loves Volleyball and wants to be a great volleyball player like her aunt one day!
Like I said in the short time of 5 years she has found so many things that make her her -- I am sure I could name more if I my hands weren't getting tired. Happy 5th Birthday to my baby!!! (It was Jan 16 -- I am a little late I know)
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
and a beautiful 5 years (please stop time)!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Santa's Cookies
It has been fun with the kids this year! They are just so excited about everything when it comes to Christmas. This Christmas eve we made santa's cookies, played games, and watched movies. It was pretty fun!! Here we are doing Santa's Cookies....
Aunt Teeny and Aunt Sequoia helped us!!! 
Aunt Teeny and Aunt Sequoia helped us!!! 
Mitch was the taste tester!! 
Lets just say we finally bribed these boys to get off the computer and help us by telling them they couldn't have any if they didn't help. So they did a few. 
Austin's master piece (no worries folks, Austin is allowed 2 cookies, his own knife and his own frosting so we don't have to share Austin slobbers with everyone)
The kids setting out cookies for Santa -- Alivia loved this and she was very good at doing this task. I think it is officially her responsibility now!
The kids with there treats for santa before bed!
Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!!!
Love the Shermans
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Christmas Card 2010
Holiday Berries Christmas Card
Personalize your Christmas cards at Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Teach the Children
This was our FHE lesson tonight -- it really humbled me and I decided it will be an ongoing tradition to read this -- It is not only the children who need to learn this but I think I need to be reminded of it. It is quite long but it is a great story to help understand the meaning of Christmas!
Teach the Children
author unknown
Last Monday night I had a strange visitor. This is how it happened....
I had just finished up the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door of the front room and to my suprise a special visitor stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He place his fingers over my lips so I would not cry out. "what are you doing?" I started to ask, but the words choked up in my throat as I saw that he had tears in his eyes. He then answered me with the simple statement of "teach the children".
I was puzzeled. What did her mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement. brought a miniture toy bad from behind the tree. As I stood there in my night shirt bewildered the visitor said again. "Teach the children"
My perplexed expression still showed in the near darkness. "Teach them the old meaning of Christmas--the meaning that Christmas nowadays has forgotten".
I started to say "how can I?" when the visitor reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant shiny star.
"Teach the children the star was the Heavenly sign or promise long ago. God promised a Savior for the world and a sign of the fulfillment of his promise. The countless shinning stars at night-- one for each man --now show the burning hope of all mankind"
The visitor gently laid the star upon the fireplace mantle and drew forth the from the bag a glittering red Christmas ornament.
"Teach the children red is teh first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the bloodwhich was shed for all people by the Savior. Christ gave his life and shed his blood that every man might have God's gift to all eternal life. Red is deep, intense. vivid. It is the greatest color of all. It is the symbol of the gift of God."
As the visitor was twisting and pulling another object out of his bag. I heard the kitchen clock begin to strike twelve. I wanted to something but he went right on.
"Teach teh children" he said, as the twisting and pulling suddenly dislodged a small Christmas tree from teh depths of the toy bag. He placed it before the mantel and gently hung the red ornament.
Here was the second color of Christmas. "The pure color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round." he said. "This depicts the everlasting hope of mankind. Green is the youthful. hopeful. abundant color of nature. All teh needles point heavenward---symbolic of man's returning thoughts toward heaven. The great green tree has been man's furniture.
The visitors eyes were beginning to twinkle now as he stood there. Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound. As it grew louder it seemed like the sound of long ago.
"Teach the children that as teh lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell. So should it ring for man to return to the lord--it means guidance and return. It furthur signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord. Who is there among you if his son asks for bread would give him a stone?'
As the soft sharp sound of the bell faded into the night the visitor drew forth a candle. He placed it on the mantle and the soft glow from its tiny flame cast an eerie glow about the darkened room. Odd shapes in the room slowly danced and weaved upon the walls.
"Teach the children." whispered the visitor. That the candle shows man's thanks for the star of long ago: it's small light is teh mirror of the star light" "At first candles were placed on the Christmas tree---they were like many glowing stars shinning against the taken over in that remembrance."
The visitor now had turned the small Christmas tree lights on and picked up a gift from under the tree. He pointed to the large bow ribbon and said, " A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of the brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as man should be tied---all of us together, with the bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow."
Now my mind began to wonder what else the visitor might have in his bag. Instead of reaching in his bag he slung it over his should and began to reach up on the Christmas tree. I thought he was hungry as he reached for a candy can purposely placed on the high on the tree. He unfastened it and reached out toward me with it.
"Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the staff helps bring back the strayed sheep of the fold. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brothers keepers."
The visitor then paused. He seemed to realize that he should be on his way. As he looked about the room a feeling of satisfaction shined on his face. He read wonderment in my eyes and I am sure he sensed my admiration for this night. He was his old self as he approached the front door. The twinkle in his gave the visitor away. I knew he wasn't through yet. He reached into his bag and brought forth a large holly wreath. He placed it at the door and said.
"Please teach the children the wreath symbolized the eternal nature of love; it never ceases, stops or ends. It is continous round of affection. The wreath does double duty. It is made of many things and in many colors. It should remind us of many things of Christmas." "PLEASE teach the children"
I pondered and wondered and thrilled with delight. as I sat and viewed all those symbols that night. And my thoughts were of the visitor and all he made right.
To give and help, to love and to serve, are the best things of life, all men can deserve. Jesus the Christ Child as small as an elf, is the very best symbol of Christmas itself.
He's the sign of the gift of love and of life, the ending of evil, the ceasing of strife.
The message to me on the is pre Christmas night has opened a treasure of the deepest insight.
The one thing on earth we all ought to do, is the teaching of children the right and the the true.
This really opened my eyes and I realized I was completely forgetting to teach my children the real meaning of Christmas. Not that I didn't want to but because I wasn't sure how to. This was a fun way that touched both myself and the kids. I am so greatful for all the savior has done for me and I hope that I remember these symbolisms made in this story as I go through the rest of the season!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Teach the Children
author unknown
Last Monday night I had a strange visitor. This is how it happened....
I had just finished up the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door of the front room and to my suprise a special visitor stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He place his fingers over my lips so I would not cry out. "what are you doing?" I started to ask, but the words choked up in my throat as I saw that he had tears in his eyes. He then answered me with the simple statement of "teach the children".
I was puzzeled. What did her mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement. brought a miniture toy bad from behind the tree. As I stood there in my night shirt bewildered the visitor said again. "Teach the children"
My perplexed expression still showed in the near darkness. "Teach them the old meaning of Christmas--the meaning that Christmas nowadays has forgotten".
I started to say "how can I?" when the visitor reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant shiny star.
"Teach the children the star was the Heavenly sign or promise long ago. God promised a Savior for the world and a sign of the fulfillment of his promise. The countless shinning stars at night-- one for each man --now show the burning hope of all mankind"
The visitor gently laid the star upon the fireplace mantle and drew forth the from the bag a glittering red Christmas ornament.
"Teach the children red is teh first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the bloodwhich was shed for all people by the Savior. Christ gave his life and shed his blood that every man might have God's gift to all eternal life. Red is deep, intense. vivid. It is the greatest color of all. It is the symbol of the gift of God."
As the visitor was twisting and pulling another object out of his bag. I heard the kitchen clock begin to strike twelve. I wanted to something but he went right on.
"Teach teh children" he said, as the twisting and pulling suddenly dislodged a small Christmas tree from teh depths of the toy bag. He placed it before the mantel and gently hung the red ornament.
Here was the second color of Christmas. "The pure color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round." he said. "This depicts the everlasting hope of mankind. Green is the youthful. hopeful. abundant color of nature. All teh needles point heavenward---symbolic of man's returning thoughts toward heaven. The great green tree has been man's furniture.
The visitors eyes were beginning to twinkle now as he stood there. Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound. As it grew louder it seemed like the sound of long ago.
"Teach the children that as teh lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell. So should it ring for man to return to the lord--it means guidance and return. It furthur signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord. Who is there among you if his son asks for bread would give him a stone?'
As the soft sharp sound of the bell faded into the night the visitor drew forth a candle. He placed it on the mantle and the soft glow from its tiny flame cast an eerie glow about the darkened room. Odd shapes in the room slowly danced and weaved upon the walls.
"Teach the children." whispered the visitor. That the candle shows man's thanks for the star of long ago: it's small light is teh mirror of the star light" "At first candles were placed on the Christmas tree---they were like many glowing stars shinning against the taken over in that remembrance."
The visitor now had turned the small Christmas tree lights on and picked up a gift from under the tree. He pointed to the large bow ribbon and said, " A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of the brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as man should be tied---all of us together, with the bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow."
Now my mind began to wonder what else the visitor might have in his bag. Instead of reaching in his bag he slung it over his should and began to reach up on the Christmas tree. I thought he was hungry as he reached for a candy can purposely placed on the high on the tree. He unfastened it and reached out toward me with it.
"Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the staff helps bring back the strayed sheep of the fold. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brothers keepers."
The visitor then paused. He seemed to realize that he should be on his way. As he looked about the room a feeling of satisfaction shined on his face. He read wonderment in my eyes and I am sure he sensed my admiration for this night. He was his old self as he approached the front door. The twinkle in his gave the visitor away. I knew he wasn't through yet. He reached into his bag and brought forth a large holly wreath. He placed it at the door and said.
"Please teach the children the wreath symbolized the eternal nature of love; it never ceases, stops or ends. It is continous round of affection. The wreath does double duty. It is made of many things and in many colors. It should remind us of many things of Christmas." "PLEASE teach the children"
I pondered and wondered and thrilled with delight. as I sat and viewed all those symbols that night. And my thoughts were of the visitor and all he made right.
To give and help, to love and to serve, are the best things of life, all men can deserve. Jesus the Christ Child as small as an elf, is the very best symbol of Christmas itself.
He's the sign of the gift of love and of life, the ending of evil, the ceasing of strife.
The message to me on the is pre Christmas night has opened a treasure of the deepest insight.
The one thing on earth we all ought to do, is the teaching of children the right and the the true.
This really opened my eyes and I realized I was completely forgetting to teach my children the real meaning of Christmas. Not that I didn't want to but because I wasn't sure how to. This was a fun way that touched both myself and the kids. I am so greatful for all the savior has done for me and I hope that I remember these symbolisms made in this story as I go through the rest of the season!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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