This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad

Jared decided that instead of allowance, we needed to implement a system where the kids get paid for doing extra chores around the house. He went to a lot of work to create these job charts with money values, revising to make sure they'd be functional, and he worried that he may end up having to pay his "employees" too much money.  I didn't worry at all because I am of the opinion that the kids would choose not to do the extra work, since its been all I could do for the past 3 years just to get them to do their regular chores. And see, they have to do their "regular" chores first, or no extra chores will be paid for. Regular chores include: 1 kitchen job daily, clean room once a week, do laundry once a week. They have trouble doing just that, so I figured anything extra would be even more bothersome in their minds. I was right unfortunately. Come Saturday they are somehow less enthusiastic about earning money than they were Monday and usually they choose not to do anything extra and it falls on me to do all those wonderful extra chores that could potentially earn them each $12.00 a week. Its a work in progress, maybe with time the kids will get the idea. Fiora did earn $9 the first week we tried it, and that dropped to 2.25 then next. Sav earned $6 the first week and $0 then next. Weston earned $0 the first and $0 the second. No one has even bothered to look at their charts this week.

Jared said we need to stop buying them stuff. He's probably right. He took them to get birthday gifts for their friends one evening and told them he would pay now if they earn the money doing chores and pay him back. The loan didn't pan out and Jared was rather frustrated, and Savanna always likes to say "Just take it out of my account Dad." BTW her account is dwindling.
One thing I don't buy them candy junk food or treats. Which is probably why Fiora spent her earnings of $11.00 on soda, swiss rolls, popcorn, chocolate chips, cup of noodles, and fudge pops. She had a tummy ache that night.
I got an idea of how to boost Weston's desire to earn money. I'm going to put little Lego figures in his Easter eggs and tell him if he wants the full sets these figures go to he needs to pay for them. Ha ha, I hope that will pan out.

Savanna had her end of the year orchestra concert and Spring Fling (orchestra jam session with 5 other elementary schools). She had fun at her end of the year party playing dodge ball

Fiora is awesome. She is my non procrastinator so she has time to play, and lately is having a bunch of fun on a new computer game called "Animal Jam."

Weston is awesome too. Soccer has already started and he is being a good sport about going to practices.

I participate in the Orem Chorale, a community choir, and I really enjoy it. Our easter fireside concert was Sunday and it was lovely. My mom made a special trip all the way here on a sunday night to see it and I really appreciated that!

Poor Jared's allergies are flaring up and he is not having fun trying to keep it under control. He's had a few sleepless nights lately!

Jared and I decided to get him a ticket to the BYU play Grandma and I were going to Friday, and I didn't realize til after that that was the evening the girls both had late night parties and Weston would be home alone til 10:00.  Uh, can't do that yet. Thankfully Heidi Weight saved our bacon and tended Weston for us all evening. They played the Wii and made bread sticks, and we got a chance to visit with Heidi when we got home.  We really appreciated that!

The kids wrote this nice note on the white board for me one afternoon when I got home from work:

I haven't taken many pictures in March. Its been pretty routine, but I wouldn't say boring, it seems there is always something going on. Of course for someone as "homebody" as me even the dullest of times will seem to pass quickly. Why do I like my home so much? There is food, and water, 4 bathrooms, and a comfortable quiet bed, I know the level of cleanliness, warmth, and my precious family that surrounds me. The older I get the more stressful anything sounds that takes me away from home, especially for extended periods of time, because lack of sleep, cold, lack of food, and over-work cause this frail little body to suffer. So spring break will be spent at home, and that's just fine with me, Jared and I will continue working and relaxing in our safety net.  The kids, what do we do with the kids though?
That being said, Jared and I are going to Alaska in May, I look forward to the adventure despite the potential discomfort and lack of sleep it may bring me at times. C'mon Heather, resilience! Stamina! Courage! Live your life, shake your fist at your mental and physical limitations and say "Do your worst!" and say it with a smile.

Karli's Book Part III

I really did my homework on this one, and it turned out to be my favorite! I took a picture of the cover which I had to make after it was completed. 

Cover

QUEST TO THE LAND OF HeirZONA
Part III: Super Sister Serves Again
By Heather Schauers
(Base on true events)

Dedicated to Whitney (Krystal), also serving

In this chapter of our story, we will see just how many people in the land of HeirZona are being served by our heroine Karlisu who has found her gifts, her voice, and her capacity to share them freely!

It was Christmas season in the land of HeirZona, and Karlisu had just put up her Christmas tree when heard the tinkling of bells and knew it was time. She would taken to another land…North Stake. “Farewell Sister Blood!” Karlisu cried. “My time has come.” Karlisu was strong now, she was a supersister after all, she was ready for the challenge this change would bring.

And what a challenge it was! “Oh My!” exclaimed Karlisu as she walked into her new apartment. FILTH and CHAOS had been left by the elders who had not yet achieved SuperElder ranking. Karlisu realized she would have to PINKWASH her new realm! With a skip in her step, Karlisu called all the animals in the area with her beautiful voice to help her, and she sang a happy working song while cleaning the apartment, sorting through records, and visiting the people of North Stake.

But there was another challenge lurking in this area! Karlisu found herself working with Sister Trunkypants, who was close to being done with her quest and had difficulty staying positive. Karlisu found that now she had to not only try and save those in the land of HeirZona from deception, but her companion as well!

Thankfully, Karlisu received many blessings during this challenging time. She met many new people who needed rescuing. And Glorious Christmas came! She celebrated the birth of Christ with singing, gifts, and basketball! Her testimony was stronger than ever.

After facing and conquering these tests of endurance, Karlisu was summoned to the office of the president. “You have done well supersister Karlisu, you have now earned the title of TRAINER in your quest. Go forth and train others to help save people from the invisible demon.”
“I don’t know if I am ready!” exclaimed Karlisu.
“For that very reason, I know you are,” replied the wise president.

President continued: “The invidible demon will try to discourage you even more, you must take these golden scriptures, and record the experiences you have and the positive things that people say about you, so you can combat the invisible demon’s attempts.”
Karlisu thought this was a great idea, for she loved writing almost as much as she loved helping the people in HeirZona.

Karlisu started that very night, she opened her golden scriptures and wrote:
When I told Susie and Glenn that I was being transferred, they were devastated, and Susie said she was so grateful that I was the one to help teach her. That meant a lot--it feels good to know you make a difference to someone.
Karlisu felt more happy than she could remember. “I think I can do this, I can be a trainer!” she said to herself.

Suddenly, the ground quivered. Karlisu, who by now was quite accustomed to magic apparitions, stood still and smiled as an enormous Japanese Dragon flew over her head!
“Kon nichi wa” said the dragon. “I bring you new companion. You call her ‘daughter.’ Her name Sister Shimizu”

Karlisu found herself face to face with the friendly face of Sister Shimizu, whose English was much better than the dragon’s. They were instant friends! Karlisu could sense with her super powers that her ‘daughter’ was humble, hard working, and willing to do whatever it took to help save the people of HeirZona.

Karlisu found the work much lighter with Sister Shimizu by her side. But oh! The president was right. The people they taught would only listen for short times, then be deceived again. Karlisu trusted God, and loved the people, & pulled out her golden scriptures and wrote:
One evening at Michelle's house, she said that I "saved her". I told her it wasn't me at all, it was the Spirit, but I was so grateful to be the one to see her life change by the Spirit.

With every word she wrote she felt strength grow inside her like liquid gold. How she loved those she taught! She remembered more…
We got to meet Sara Etzdorf. She had a huge smile on her face and said, "I like you sisters a lot better than the other missionaries (Elders). You get down to business, and teach me. I like it a lot better!"
President Rael came out, and spoke to us privately. He said that Sara is so amazing, and so ready to be baptized, and he said "good job" to us, for we taught her well.

Karlisu was so busy running hither and yon, from miracle to miracle, her year mark snuck up on her! It was a very special day, Karlisu felt joy that she had made it this far.
Sister Shimizu celebrated her 1 month mark, but looked downcast. “What is troubling you daughter?” Karlisu asked. She replied with tears in her eyes, "I only have 17 months left! it goes by too fast!"
Karlisu was impressed and humbled, and thought “Surely this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent humble seeker of happiness.” Karlisu wondered if she was worthy to be training such a valiant spirit as sister Shimizu

She pulled out her golden scriptures, which always made her feel better, and wrote: “Tim and Annette got married!!! Our bishop married them, and it was very small and simple and great!! This is my third wedding I've been a part of on my mission. I love it! They were so happy and just glowing with joy! And we are going to meet with Tim again on Wednesdays and continue the lessons and reset his baptism date, I'm so excited!”
Sister Shimizu observed her writing and said, “Supersister, you are such a humble seeker of happiness.” Karlisu beamed!

Karlisu felt inspired and continued, her joy increasing:
“Bishop and our ward mission leader told us how much they appreciated us, and how they have seen a huge difference in the ward and the work since we got here. Now I am loving Tortolita ward and I am so glad I am here!”
We read from the Book of Mormon with Lorraine, she said these words, "Thank you Father for my Sisters that come and teach me," that was a tender moment for me! I loved it!!
Oh, and while we were tracting an older woman said that we are the most lovely young ladies she has ever met! That hardly ever happens on a door contact!

Then, one fateful day, Karlisu had to come face to face with the deceptions of the invisible demon!!! What would have been terrifying a year ago, Karlisu faced with confidence! She recorded in her golden scriptures:
As we were teaching Tony, his mother (Evangelina) came in, and she wanted to argue with us. I just answered each question, and bore testimony. She was tough, and wouldn't quit in trying to tell us there is no need for the Book of Mormon. But no matter what she said, no matter how sweaty I got, I just tried to show her love and testify of the Book of Mormon. After we taught her she went very quiet. At the end, she smiled and apologized for all the harsh questions, and was grateful for how we responded.

Never had her faith been so directly challenged. It took all her superpowers, courage, serenity, wisdom, love, kindness, and perseverance! She felt drained, but was so grateful for the opportunity to give praise and glory to her Master and bear strong testimony of the Savior, who only wants to save all those who will hear Him.

Karlisu’s fellow quest goers helped her recover. “You need to go on a hike to work off that strain!” they told her. The four valiant sisters explored the beautiful mountains of HeirZona, and found a fountain of living waters, from which they all drank and were renewed.

Karlisu continues to teach, love and serve the people of HeirZona, making the most of her time while on her quest. Her Father in Heaven looks down and is pleased with his valiant daughter.
And she is still the most honest, most helpful, most inspiring, most kind, and fairest maiden in all the land.

THE END 

of Part III

Catch up

Krystal, Heidi, Kynsie, Rachel at Krystal's farewell dinner

 OK so I have a lot to catch up on. February 20th my sister Krystal departed to the MTC for her mission, so we had a big family dinner at Carrabbas to ship her off. The next time we had a family gathering Krystal's absence was noticeable, we miss her! She added a unique and humorous element to the family. My parents only have 3 children at home, my parents are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel of parenting!

So for my blog book I create at the end of the year, it works best with the formatting of it if I just pile all the pictures together at the end of the post. So instead of a picture play by play, you'll just have to read about our adventures first and then look at the pictures after. :)

Fiora had a hot tub party with her friends and they had a fun time, we live next door to a girl Fiora's age and they have had a on and off relationship, but Fiora invited her to her hot tub party and since then they seem to be getting along again. Fiora's had a bit of a trial this 4th grade year trying to communicate with and forgive and love the girls in her age group, she has come home some days just so down because she was hurt by a friend at school and tried to talk to her about it but the friend would have no such conversation. She sometimes says "4th grade is not fun!" I told her I'm glad she is figuring out how to handle social situations now because it only gets more complicated (for girls) later. 

Weston completed all the requirements for his WOLF scout award, and he was presented with his wolf badge at the Blue and Gold banquet at the end of February. He has the best scout leader (Jared) and their den of scouts created the funniest skit for the banquet. Jared's most likely going to be released from that calling soon but I'm glad he was Weston's leader for a little while.

Weston's 3rd grade teacher likes to give assignments that a 3rd grader can't possible complete on his/her own. I'm going to rant a little, because I believe in letting my kids do thing on their own, fail/succeed on their own, and learn on their own, and when I see my kid get a big fat ZERO on an assignment because the only way he could have completed it was if I stood over him and told him word for word what to write or what to do, it makes me ticked off.  So he was required to create a 3D replica of a US symbol. Weston chose the Lincoln Memorial. What would your 3rd grader have come up with as a 3D replica of this? He wanted to make it out of rice crispy treats but had no idea how to go about it. Its as if teachers today are banking on the fact that parents are going to share the work load! So I helped him make the 3d replica, but didn't say a word about the written report he was supposed to write in conjunction for this assignment. Because I helped and motivated him, the 3d part was done a week early. The night before it was due, Weston comes to me and says he needs to write up some facts about Lincoln memorial. So I did through his backpack and find the rubric for this report, and read what he is supposed to do to him, and sit him down to do it, and leave him alone. Well, he got a zero on that part because he had no idea what the rubric was talking about, apparently writing 3 paragraphs with 5 sentences each about the memorial was overload for his brain. I showed him the score and it didn't even seem to phase him, because he really didn't know what he did wrong or what would have been right, SIGH, it seems even failing at something didn't seem to teach him anything. But the memorial was awesome, and the kids had fun eating it afterwards.

6th grade is another story. Most of the assignments Savanna gets she is perfectly capable of completing on her own, and I've let her do 98% of her own work this year, and I love it! I did help her a little with her science fair project. She measured her hair for 2 months, 1 month using regular shampoo and 1 month using Horse shampoo, to see if Horse shampoo influences the rate of hair growth. She did all the measuring, and usually remembered (at least the first month), and I helped her create some graphs and print out the stuff for her poster. I went and saw her present her project to the younger grades and she did great! She is very mature and confident in that regard. Good job Sav.

Fiora's clogging competitions at Thanksgiving point were last Saturday. What an ordeal! Every clogger in the western US seems to come to these, so we had to sit through 3 hours of intermediate clogging snippets in order to see Fiora up there for 2 or 3 minutes 3 different times. She seemed a lot more confident and excited about it this time vs last fall in Salt Lake so that is good. She seems to like it a lot more this year.

Our family participated in a Media Fast last week that our Stake was challenging all its members to do. We had no TV Movies Radio Internet (except email, and it is a valid reason why I didn't post a blog last week) or Video/Tablet games for 7 days! The kids didn't like it of course, but I was amazed at the extra things they found to do instead of watch TV or play on the tablet.  Savanna was playing her violin FOR FUN! and Weston hopped on his bike and went to friends' houses, and Fiora, well she was about the same, just loves to read her books. Sav was pretty mad about it all, I'll put a mad picture of her at the bottom, but she gets mad about just about anything these days.  What did I learn from no media?  There are many more valuable ways to spend our free time, its all about balance!


Jared got super over the weekend and it lasted a long time ! Poor guy coughed so much he lost his voice! And he lost a lot of sleep too.  I always feel sorry for him, but sorry for myself too when he is sick because he doesn't pay much attention to me when he doesn't feel good.  I guess when I'm "moody" I don't pay much attention to him, and I expect him to be understanding. So pay back for me.  I love you Jared, glad you are feeling better !  Well I guess that about wraps it up for this post!