Thought For The Day

"There will be times in life when impossibility is felt, but then there are dreams - and dreams allow us possibility."

-------Jeffery David Lang

Jon & Kate

I am sure by now that everyone (or most everyone) knows who Jon and Kate are. If you don't know who they are,then I want to know what rock you have been living under? Just kidding! Anyways, I remember when their show first started. I loved to watch the way Kate and Jon handled life with 8 little ones. As the show has gained popularity, as well as the parents, it lost most of its appeal to me. I couldn't stand the way that Kate treated Jon. She talked to him like he was just one of her kids. So, with all of the hoopla surrounding them and their show in the past several months, I was anxious to watch the season premiere Monday night.

TLC made sure to capitalize their profits on the marriage troubles that Jon and Kate are having. It is kind of disgusting. Anyways, in my humble opinion, Jon didn't seem all that remorseful for the way his actions have affected his life, his children's life and his marriage. And for once, Kate actually showed a little bit of emotion when she talked about the struggles that have been going on the past 6 months or so. Now, I know that you can't always believe what you hear, but there is some pretty good evidence out there about Jon and his infidelity. Honestly, I don't care what they do, but to put their children in the line of fire is just wrong. Maddie and Cara (who are 8) are old enough to read tabloids or the Internet. I just wonder how long it is going to be before they start asking their parents some pretty hard questions. When Kate was doing her interview, she made the comment that she has to work (promoting her new book and speaking engagements). She said that for the first time one of her kids called her by the babysitters name. I'm sorry, but if one of kids called me the babysitters name, I would totally re-evaluate my life.

On the episode Monday night, they were having the sextuplets 5th birthday party. Even me as a viewer could feel the tension between Jon and Kate. I just don't know how their children could not feel the tension between their parents. It was also sad to see some of the kids tell each parent that they miss them and to please not leave anymore. As a mother, my heart was breaking for those children. They never asked to have their lives displayed all over the world. Kate also said something about the paparazzi and how they always follow them around. I'm sorry, but she has television cameras and crews following the family around constantly! If anyone is exploiting those children, again in my opinion, it is Jon and Kate.

By watching the season premiere, I have come to the conclusion that Jon and Kate don't want to save their marriage. I feel like, as parents, they should be focusing on their marriage and the well being of their children. Not filming some show. My question is, if Jon and Kate get divorced, can you imagine how much child support he would have to pay? So, what are your thoughts on Jon and Kate?

Memorial Day-Cox Style

So, I would first like to apologize for all the slideshows. I just took so many pictures today and at the parade on Saturday night (actually I took 142 pictures this weekend)that I tried to condense them as much as I could. Anyways, today the Cox family gathered for THE traditional Memorial Day picnic. We started out the day by visiting the Warden cemetary, where Grandpa Cox, Uncle Tom, Uncle Scott, Garrett, and Ryan. Flowers were placed on the family graves and then Rick gave the annual Memorial Day prayer. After we leave the Warden cemetary, everyone gathers together at the cemetary in Moses Lake to pay their respects to Grandma Cox's family. We then all gather at the Volunteer Park aka the shoot 'em up park (just kidding!)for the picnic. After everyone eats and relaxes for a bit, the real fun begins. Of course, I guess it depends on who you ask and when you ask them. Because I am pretty sure that there are going to be several people who are going to be hurting tomorrow.

So, after the park, most everyone heads over to the high school softball field for a rousing game of softball. Let me tell you, it is a hoot to watch some of the "older" players (Bryce) try to catch the ball or dive for the ball or even try to hit the ball. I am only picking on Bryce because he can take it! I honestly couldn't tell you who won the game. I'm not sure if anyone was actually keeping score. But, there were a couple of really awesome hits during the game. Brian hit a grand slam. Mike hit an inside the park home run. And it was really great to see Maddie, Brennan, and Jake play today. They all did really great! Oh and I can't forget the best pinch runner, Cason. He really knew how to run those bases! I am also happy to report that no one got hurt this year during the game. Then, I am sure that most everybody else is like us and went home and crashed after a day full of family and fun. Can't wait for the next Cox Family get together!

Happy Memorial Day!

As we all gather together with our family and friends today, let us remember what today is and the significance that this day brings. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

"To those who have died securing peace and freedom; To those who served in conflict to protect and sacrifice their dreams of the day to preserve the hope of our nation-keeping America free. It is important to not only recognize their service, but respect their devotion to duty and to ensure that the purpose for which they have fought is never forgotten. Our land has been truly blessed and honored with Veterans who have given their lives to ensure that we have the freedom to enjoy the blessings given to us by God and assured in Liberty by the vision of our founding fathers." (I found this speech on www.usmemorial.org).

So, to all of our Veterans and active duty military, I want to say thank you for all that you do; for all that you have given up and for the sacrifice that your families have endured. To my brother, Mike, I don't look up to you just because you are my older brother. I look up to you because you have fought to protect me, my family, your family, and millions of other peoples families. For you to put your life in harms way so that your kids and my kids will grow up in the land of the free, is the most amazing and selfless act that you could ever do. I am so proud of you! You have seen your fair share of fighting since you joined the Marines 13 1/2 years ago. You are one of the many American heroes and I am lucky enough to call you my brother! Thank you for everything Mike! I love you!

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

Gulf County, Florida.....This Is Where I grew Up

Thought For The Day

" My dear sisters, do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle."

----President Thomas S. Monson

My 100th Post!

Holy cow, I cannot believe that this will be my 100th post! If I was really cool, I would be offering some type of giveaway. But, unfortunately I am not that cool. Maybe for my 200th post.




Anywho, as you can tell from my ticker, we are leaving for Disney World in less than a month. I am totally in freak out mode! With the problems I have been having with my knee and taking 2 little ones on a plane, I'm not quite sure if I will even be sane by the time we leave. So, I need some help. I am hoping that some of the ladies that read my blog can help me come up with some activities for the kids on the plane ride. It is going to be a REALLY long day for them and for Bryce and I as well. So, if anyone has ever taken a 2 year old and a 1 year old on a plane trip across the country, I would love to hear your advice! Also, if anyone has any ideas on how to keep the kids entertained while wait in those horrifically long lines would be great too! Thanks ladies! You guys are the best!

The Kids

I know I haven't posted any new pictures of the kids recently so I thought I would post some and tell y'all what is going on with them. Sorry there are so many pictures. I had 100 pictures on my camera to download! So, needless to say, I didn't put them all in the slide shows.

Oh my Cooper. He is such a mess! He loves playing with Sara, but sometimes Sara doesn't exactly like the way he plays with her. Cooper's favorite things to torture Sara with are his blankets and himself. I cannot tell you how many times I have gone into Cooper's room and he has Sara covered up with his blankets and she is screaming. He also loves to lay on top of her or throw her off his bed. Yes, he is such a loving brother! Now, don't get me wrong. He does have moments where he just wants to give her a kiss or a hug. And he always wants to know where Sara is at if he doesn't see her. When Sara wakes up in the morning or from a nap, 9 times out of 10, Cooper is the first one in there to tell her good morning. Also, Cooper's favorite quote lately is, "No, Cooper do it." He is becoming a very independent little boy. He can take off his own clothes and get himself mostly dressed. Cooper can also put his shoes on by himself. He doesn't always get it on the right foot, but by golly he is determined to do it himself. Cooper can also count to 5 now and knows most of his colors. I just can't believe how he soaks everything in. He is such a sponge! Cooper's latest obsession is the show Monster Jam. He will watch it 10 times a day if I let him. He now has 10 of the monster trucks from the show and he can name all 10 he has. It is so funny to watch him watching the show. When one of his the trucks that he has comes on, he runs to grab it and then calls it by name. Cooper could seriously play with his monster trucks all day! He is all boy!

Can y'all believe that Sara will be 1 next month? I know I can't believe it! It seems just like yesterday that she was born. She is such a happy girl. (Most of the time.) Sara has started taking some steps and can stand by herself for awhile. I think as soon as she builds up her confidence, she will be walking. I think she is just scared of Cooper! Of course, I don't blame her! Sara has 8 teeth now and is learning how to bite. Nice. She is also turning out to be a little bit dramatic. I don't know where she gets it from. Must be from her dad. (Or at least I can pretend.) Sara loves to follow Cooper everywhere he goes! She loves her brother!

Sorry this post is so long, but I just wanted to give an update on what the kids have been doing lately. Hope y'all enjoy the pictures!

Thought For The Day

Mexico Beach, FL (where I grew up)

"When you look for beauty you will find it, even in the most difficult circumstances. And that is when you need it most. Remember, life can be beautiful, and it will be if only you will let it be."

----Unknown

Happy Mother's Day!

Let every mother realize that she has no greater blessing than the children which have come to her as a gift from the Almighty; that she has no greater mission than to rear them in light and truth, and understanding and love; that she will have no greater happiness than to see them grow into young men and women who respect principles of virtue, who walk free from the stain of immorality and from the shame of delinquency. . . . I remind mothers everywhere of the sanctity of your calling. No other can adequately take your place. No responsibility is greater, no obligation more binding than that you rear in love and peace and integrity those whom you have brought into the world. –Gordon B. Hinckley









I just wanted to take a few minutes and say Happy Mother's Day to all of the women who have touched my life in one way or another. I also want to tell my mom thank you for all of the sacrifices that she made while my brother and I were growing up. She has taught me how to be strong and persevere through the bad times. You never know how hard being a mom is until you become one yourself. So, mom I am sorry for all the times that I made you cry or made you mad. Don't worry though, because I am sure that my day will come when Cooper and Sara make me cry or make me mad. (Which Cooper already does!) Your wish has come true. My kids are just like me. So, my payback is coming! Thank you for always being there for me, especially as I got older. You have been a great help to me and Bryce over the last few years, helping us make our dreams come true. Happy Mother's Day! I love you and miss you!

Just Another Thought

The fellowship of true friends who can hear you out, share your joys, help carry your burdens, and correctly counsel you is priceless. For one who has been in the prison of depression, the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith have special meaning: “How sweet the voice of a friend is; one token of friendship from any source whatever awakens and calls into action every sympathetic feeling.” . . . What a boon to be in the company of those who edify us!

----President Ezra Taft Benson

I found this quote from President Benson on a blog that I love to read. If you ever want some wonderful insight or advice as a mom, you should check out Stephanie's blog at http://diapersanddivinity.com/.

Thought For The Day

May the stars carry your sadness away. May the flowers fill your heart with beauty. May hope forever wipe away your tears, and, above all, may silence make you strong.

-----Chief Dan George

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Since today is Cinco de Mayo, I thought a little history lesson is in order. Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday in Mexico, primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico.The holiday commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5,1862, under the leadership of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. The outnumbered Mexicans defeated a much better-equipped French army that had not been defeated in almost 50 years.
Cinco de Mayo is not "an obligatory federal holiday" in Mexico, but rather a holiday that can be observed voluntarily.
While Cinco de Mayo has limited significance nationwide in Mexico, the date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. A common misconception in the United States is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day, which actually is September 16, the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico. I hope everyone gets to enjoy some yummy food and learn a little something along the way! Off to make chicken fajitas for dinner!

The Wonderful Gift of The Atonement

Maj. Brad T. Funk

90th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot

Believe in Jesus Christ, our Savior and our Redeemer, the Son of God, who came to earth and walked the dusty roads of Palestine-the Son of God-to teach us the way of truth and light and salvation, and who, in one great and glorious act offered an atonement for each of us. He opened the way of salvation and exaltation for each of us, under which we may go forward in the Church and kingdom of God. Be not faithless, but believe in the great and wonderful and marvelous blessings of the Atonement.

Gordon B. Hinckley

Last night, I found out that a friend of ours, who was in our ward back in Florida, passed away last year. Brad was a pilot in the Air Force. More importantly, he was a husband and a father. The love that Brad had for his wife and children was amazing. Friday was the year anniversary of his death. He had such a great testimony of the gospel and the atonement. For Brad's family, they know that they get to spend the rest of eternity with him. And what a wonderful gift that is.

As I have been thinking about Brad and his family over the last 24 hours, a lot of things have come to light for me. We are not promised tomorrow. I know that I have a very hard time forgiving others when I have been hurt. I know that I have made alot of mistakes in my life. I know that I have alot more to learn in my life. But, I also know that when we don't know what tomorrow will bring, today is when we need to mend fences with those who have hurt us or the ones whom we have hurt. Today is when we (me) need to learn to forgive and forget. Today is when we should open our hearts and minds so that we are able to learn all that Heavenly Father wants us to learn. We should live today as there is no tomorrow for we don't know what tomorrow will bring.

We will miss you Brad! For his family, ya'll are in our thoughts and prayers.