17th Anniversary

We celebrated our 17th anniversary by going sightseeing to Branson, which is a very touristy place in Missouri. We were not able see any shows, but we had a great time just looking around. I had hoped the leaves would still be on the trees, but that was a little too much to ask for. It was a bit chilly, but we had a fabulous day!

At Table Rock Lake, someone caught us making out. Oh, well!

Nearing Sunset.

Busy Branson traffic. But, we got to look at all the pretty trees.

One of the interesting museums around.

Crazy outdoor exhibits.

A Titanic museum in the Midwest...hmm!

Memories and Blessings

Many of you may read this post and be quite amazed at what I'm about to write. I decided to share this story only because so many people suffer from broken marriages, falling "out of love" or even worse, serious sins that destroy peace and trust. Many people in our society feel broken or damaged. I share this story to say, "I know, I've been there..."

I've been struggling a bit personally and I discovered that many times when I am feeling down and don't know why, I can look back in my past and find an  "event" that brought great sadness happened at the same time of year, often even the same week of the year. A counselor I saw many years ago told me that the body stores "memories" much the same that our minds do, leaving us to sometimes have a "body memory" that our conscious does not always think about, especially if it was from a long time ago. (I have no scientific proof of this, you can look for it if you want.)

So, I realized that I was having a "body memory" issue lately rather than anything going on in my current life. The "memory" that has surfaced was when I left my first husband 18 years ago. I listened to this song as I drove away...



This song still brings the memories to surface. Has that ever happened to you? A song plays on the radio and you can remember listening to that song when something important happened...it doesn't matter if it was happy or sad...some things just impact us strongly. I have always reacted to this song ever since. I heard it on the radio a couple weeks ago and it has been running through my mind ever since.

That is not to say that I hate this song, it actually reminds me of how far I have come from that moment. I sometimes look back and think, "Who was that person who lived through such a horrible time?" It seems like another life to my conscious mind, but my subconscious must still be affected by it. I have such a different life now! I can only thank my Savior for bringing me through such a traumatic time, carrying me when I could not walk the path alone. I will never forget the great love that is given to me and the great blessings in my life. Thank you, Lord, for doing for me what I cannot do for myself.

Mike and I are about to celebrate our 17th Wedding Anniversary! I am truly thankful for him every day! I know that he is my Eternal Companion and that we are meant for each other. Is our marriage perfect? NO! But, we each make an effort to fulfill each other's needs, keep our relationship first, and treat each other like best friends.

Many people assumed that since I had one failed marriage that I would fail at everything else. If you know someone who is divorced, please don't treat them that way. Every marriage deserves the utmost effort by everyone to help it succeed, including encouragement to try again. Had I listened to all those naysayers, I would have missed out on the most wonderful person in my life. (I love you, Mike!)

Behind Every Good Man

I really like John Bytheway's books. This one is a bit short, but touches on some basic things wives can do to uplift their husbands and help them fulfill their duties as fathers and priesthood holders. I like this book a lot better than "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands" because it is uplifting and does not tear the women down. Although, he remarks on some similar things as Dr. Laura's books and even quotes her in this book. He also touches on the "Five Love Languages" books which in my opinion are the MOST IMPORTANT books I've read about relationships.

I wish this book was longer and had more scriptural references. I've been thinking about putting together my own little book of marriage quotes and scriptures to help uplift my mind and think positiviely about my husband and marriage.

Favorite Quotes

• Rarely is anyone criticized into change.
• Men talk for information, women talk for interaction.
• Men look for exits. (how long will it take?)
• ...for every negative comment you make, you will have to make five positive comments to erase its effects and break even.
• Men are simple creatures. (not simple minded, just not complicated)

My Thoughts About Mike
I have to say that I have a really fantastic husband. He loves me and the children, always comes home when he says he will, and is thoughtful enough to call me at least once a day. He values my input and listens to me even when I'm ranting or complaining. I have been truly blessed to have him as my eternal companion.

Those who know my history know that I was married before and had a very painful and sad life then. I know that because I have something else to compare my life to that I am possibly MORE grateful than others I see. I know what bad marriages look and feel like...I never want to be there again. That said, I can still see that I need to show my husband how much I love him each day, which I do not always do. Life gets busy and when I'm overwhelmed one of the first things that falls off my plate is a loving attitude. This a major fault of mine and is in need of improvement.

The Best Husband!

I have the best husband! I do not say it enough and I need to say it more.

I have a friend who told me once that when she sees older couples, not newlyweds, holding hands or kissing or sitting really close in public she thinks, "They are just faking it. Nobody really feels that way after a few years of marriage."

I was so saddened by her statement! I really feel like being close to my husband. In fact, I have asked him to hold my hand more in public and he is happy to oblige. Neither of us are perfect, but we still have that lovin' feelin'. We have weathered the storms of life and held onto the most beautiful of gifts that Heavenly Father has for us - an Eternal Marriage.

I just want to wish my honey a happy birthday! 

I am so thankful for the love he shows for me and our children, how hard he works for our family, and for all the crap he has put up with from me over the past 16 years. He has weathered my mental health issues, overcoming abuse from my past, and an ex-husband. Well, the list could go on, but you get the idea.

He married me without ever knowing if we would be sealed in the Temple. He just took a huge leap of faith. We were blessed to be sealed for Time and All Eternity on December 6, 1993, just three weeks after being married for Time Only in the Temple. I didn't know then what a special man I married, but I do now.

We love you!

Father's Day

All Mike wanted for Father's Day (besides a big flat screen TV) was to have his truck detailed inside and out. So, we swapped out cars Friday and we spent all day detailing Mike's truck. It was a lot of work!

Happy Father's Day to the best dad around!

It's Official...We Are Moving to Missouri

I started this post over a week ago and I'm just now getting it finished. I guess that speaks for itself on how busy we are.

Mike is transferring to Springfield, MO with his job at Schwan's. Mike had three offers for a transfer and we chose the one we feel is the best for our family. When we told the kids, we asked each of them (including Sam) to pray about if the move was right for our family. They each came back with the same answer Mike and I received. This has been a fabulous experience in having faith in our Lord and Savior, that He will provide a way when the time is right. We have known that some day we would move to Missouri and now is the time.

We do not have a home yet. As time gets closer I'm sure we will find just the right place like we always do. We will continue to rent for awhile. We have decided to down-size in order to pay off all our debt (student loans) and gather a larger nest egg of savings. The kids are on-board with downsizing and are happy to comply with the financial plan. I have such great kids who truly "get it".

We have made wonderful friends here in Flagstaff, whom we will miss dearly. Our time here has been a time of growth and experience. For Chris and Marly, it was a stepping stone to learning that they can move and make friends quickly. They have been accepted here and their confidence in themselves has grown. They are a little nervous, which is to be expected, but have great attitudes about this next adventure in our lives.

I am super excited to move away from Arizona. I enjoyed Sacramento, CA and the Houston, TX area when I lived in those places. Although, Texas had an area that we lived in that I hated, so not all my experiences were positive. I have always wanted to move to different areas of the US and experience living in areas different from where I grew up. We are finally getting the chance now that Sam is grown. (For those that do not know, my ex-husband had a court order that I could not live more than 100 miles from him. Which, now that Sam is 18, no longer applies. I'm free! I can't tell you how happy I am to be free...finally!)

Scouting Snow Trip

Mike and Chris went on a scouting snow trip this past weekend. It looks like they had a blast! Do you think Mike deserves a 10?

Chris said he didn't need his coat because he had thermal underwear on. I think he is crazy! Thermal underwear or not, I would have my coat on.

Laid Off!

Mike was laid off from his job today. We knew it was coming. The Spirit has prepared us for the past couple of months with the knowledge that this job was ending. Even with the preparation, it is still a tough pill to swallow. The interesting thing is that Mike told me a few weeks ago that if he had a job past January 15th it would be a miracle. What a coincidence that he is laid off on January 15th...well not a coincidence at all really.

I am thankful for the foreknowledge we were given to help us prepare for this eventuality. We were more careful through Christmas and have spent a lot of time making sure we do not overspend. We have already considered the ramifications and have some idea of what our plans are. Now, if those plans are in tune with what Heavenly Father has in store for us...that is not yet known. :-)

2009 Family Picture

I want to start a new tradition of taking a simple family picture in our home at the beginning of each year. A little bit of a late start, but I guess it is better late than never. Mike does not like having his picture taken, so we have not had many family pictures.

2008 in Review

I copied this from another friend. She always has great ideas on her blog.

The Year in Review Questionnaire:

A Great Adventure - This year I am the president of not one, but TWO homeschool groups. I'm not sure why I did that. It has been a lesson learned in leadership and taking on too many things. Not too long after I took on the 2nd group, I became Relief Society secretary and started a job. *sigh* So, check out my attempts at organizing the homeschooling community in Arizona and the Southeast Valley. Here is a picture of us at one of the fieldtrips I organized.

A Happy Event - Christian turned 12 and became a deacon this year. He passed the sacrament for the first time and spoke in church for the first time on the same day. He loves serving in the church by collecting Fast Offerings (while the other boys groan) and serving in his scout troop.

A Sad Event - The day Sam moved out "officially" to live with her dad the majority of the time. The house is a little less full and happy without her.


Looking Forward To - The end of court...I won't go into it here...but I can't wait for all this mess to be over.

Something for the Books - This year we somehow ended up in the local paper. I responded to a request for reasons why people homeschool and before I know it we are being featured in the article and a photographer is sent out to photograph us homeschooling. This was a little difficult because we are not very exciting when we homeschool. LOL! We mostly read and focus on individual needs and lessons. Here is the article we were in.


Don't Remind Me! - I'm so sick of people saying they like my current hair style. I really hate it! I cannot identify myself as a short-haired person. I look too much like a man. I need my long hair back!


New Interest or Hobby - (Foreign language alert!) This year I took some classes in CSS and learned PHP. I started some websites using Drupal. See azldshsa.org and thesolarcook.com.

Car Story - We survived teaching Sam how to drive! Both the van and truck are still in one piece. No damages have been reported. All pedestrians are still alive, although they may be running for their lives still. My hair is a little grayer and my nails are growing back, although the grip marks can still be seen in the seat I was sitting in. :-)

Kid Story - Chickens! We raised chickens this year and then the kids sold them for a profit. Our neighbors were not happy about the noise. Now the kids want to raise rabbits. We loved our chickens and will miss the eggs, but not the poop!


Miracle - It is a huge miracle that we still have a job! With all the layoffs in the construction market, Mike is currently still employed at TaylorMorrison Homes. We'll see if that lasts, but we are extremely grateful to our Father in Heaven for allowing Mike to still have a job.

15 Years and Still the Love of My Life

I'm late in posting for our anniversary. Time seems to never be on my side. I saw this on my friend's blog and thought it is definitely time to post.

Where did you meet?

Mike and I met when he became my Home Teacher in the singles ward we both attended. I actually already knew his older brother, John, who was dating my friend.

What was the first thought that went through your head when you met?

The first time Mike called me, I thought he was asking me out on a date, but he was actually making a home teaching appointment. My heart sank into my stomach. I was very interested...even though I had told myself NOT to be interested in anyone. I just wanted to date as "friends". I was recently divorced and determined not to marry anyone for a long time.

Do you remember what he was wearing?

He was handsomely attired in church clothes, with white shirt and tie.

Where did you go for your first date?

I invited Mike out on our first date (sounds like I'm really sticking to my goal of not getting serious about anyone doesn't it?). We went on a double date with Melody and John (Mike's brother) to Melody's house to ride quads in the desert.

Where was the first time you kissed this person?

In front of Mike's parents house. We had been dating a week and I was already long gone. I knew at that moment that he was THE ONE. I was incredibly shaken because I was not ready to get married again. I had only been divorced for five months.

When was the first time you realized that you liked this person?

When I first saw him! I remember asking John to set us up, but he politely refused saying that setting up his brothers might get him into trouble.

How long did you know this person before you became a couple?

A few months. He became my home teacher in May (my divorce was final in April). I asked him out in July after his birthday and we became a couple after that first week. I was so touched because he explained to me how he only liked to date one person at a time and asked how I felt about that. I surprised myself by readily agreeing. His next statement staggered me even more...he said he would like to take Samantha, my daughter from my first marriage, on half of our dates so he could get to know her too. Most of my previous dates were not interested in Samantha at all.

How did this person propose to you?

This is truly my favorite part of our pre-marriage history together. During our dating, we decided that since we were both worthy temple recommend holders we would attend the temple as our Friday night date each week. We managed to do this pretty much each Friday through August. On the first Friday of September, Mike proposed to me in the Celestial Room of the Arizona Temple after a packed Friday night session.

I remember that he was there before me and sitting in a single chair, he usually tried to get a couch so we could sit together, or we just stood together since Friday nights are typically very busy. He sat me down in the chair and gallantly got down on one knee to propose. By this time, people were whispering and staring a little bit. He asked me to be his eternal companion and I, of course, threw my arms around his neck and cried, "Yes!" I realize now what a tremendous amount of faith Mike had, since I was still sealed to my first husband. When I agreed to be his Eternal Companion, we had no idea that many people do not receive temple sealing cancellations. I'm happy to say that Mike and I were sealed together on December 6, 1993, just three short weeks after our civil temple wedding.

The chair in which I sat is still in the Celestial Room and I often try to sit there and remember that moment over 15 years ago.

Do you and this person have kids together?

We have two beautiful children together, Marly (14) and Chris (12). We have also raised my daughter, Sam (17), together.

Have you ever broken the law with this person?

Does speeding count? Maybe this Mullet Mike's wearing counts as breaking the law.

Do you trust this person?

With all my heart.

Do you see him as your partner in your future?

We are together "for Time and All Eternity"!

What is the best gift he gave you?

His love and support. Mike is my family. Where ever he is, I will go.

What are your FAVORITE things about this person?

Mike is very clean! Many women complain about socks on the floor and clothes not ending up in the hamper...but I never have this problem. In fact, I am the messy one. He is a fantastic organizer and keeps our home and family in order. He is also a great cook.

He is a wonderful father and very supportive of me and my goals, plans, and desires for the future. He has never stood in my way. (For anyone who knows my past, you will understand why this is such a wonderful gift to me.)

What is one thing he does that gets on your nerves?

Mike has a bit of a sarcastic nature sometimes...it seems common to the Batchelor side of the family. I can usually tell when he is serious and when he is sarcastic, but sometimes the kids cannot.

Where do you see each other 15 years from now?

Living somewhere other than Arizona! We will be grandparents happily loving our children, their spouses, and grandchildren. We hope to travel and serve a mission together.

What causes the most arguments?

I don't think this is a good question to answer....;-)

How long have you been together?

We just celebrated 15 years together this past month.

Who Do you Tag?

Everyone who wants to respond...

Happy Birthday Mike!

I want to wish my honey a Happy Birthday! Today Mike is 37...whoo hoo! I am so thankful for Mike. He is a wonderful husband and father. I have to brag about him a little bit here. He is always helping around the house doing dishes or laundry. He is always concerned about my happiness, safety, and health. I am so blessed to have him as my eternal companion.

We celebrated Mike's birthday yesterday. We gave him a new PDA. Since he is Mr. Organizer, he will be able to organize his life as he likes. I even downloaded the scriptures and all his teacher manuals on it for him. Now if only I can get the MP3 portion to work...

Happy Birthday Mike!