Have you received his image in your countenance?

We had a great Stake Conference today that really touched me and made me think about my life and my priorities. They had the childrens choir sing a song before each talk and one song really hit me pretty hard, it was called His Image in Your Countenance. The chorus goes as follows:

Have you received His image in your countenance?
Does the Light of Christ Shine in your eyes?
Will he know you when He comes again because you shall be like Him,
When he sees you will the Father know His child?

More often than not, lately I have felt like I am wandering around my home doing nothing productive during the day and it usually ends in yelling fights with Hannah and I find myself on my knees just pleading for help. I know that I have been EXTREMELY blessed to be able to say home with my girls, but like many stay at home moms, I think I get stuck in a rut quite often. I have had some heart to heart talks with my Father in Heaven lately and I think this song was the answer to my prayers. I tend to forgot my purpose here on this earth... I get so stuck in how bored I am or how much I have to do (total opposite I know but that is how it seems to go) that I forget what my real purpose of the day is. Today I learned that my goal for the day and every day for all eternity is to strive to receive his image in my countenance.

A lot of the talks today had to do with the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. I really struggle with this because I don't feel like I get the clear answers that I imagined growing up...instead I realize months or years after that it was the Holy Ghost prompting me to do those things. Today, I was thinking about our little boy and realized that the Holy Ghost definitely prompted me to get down on my knees and pray and study the scriptures the night before he passed away. Shiloh and I had no idea that he wasn't okay, we knew there would be complications after he was born but we thought he was completely healthy while in the womb. I just had to strongest feeling that I needed to read my scriptures, so trying to be obedient I did the "plop and point" method. That night I plopped my finger right at the beginning of the story of Abraham and Isaac. I was completely shocked and quite honestly didn't want to keep reading because I was very familiar with the story and didn't want to take into consideration that this could be for me. But once again, I was trying to be obedient and kept reading, I sobbed all the way through. How could our Father in Heaven ask this of him? And was he going to ask this of me? The answer was very clear...he needed me to be willing to give up my son. The next morning, I didn't feel the usual good morning kicks and the jabs to the side. I didn't want to panick but I think I knew what was happening. I had been prepped the night before and it was my turn to put my faith in my Heavenly Father. Most of you know what happened that day but what I can't explain is the overwhelming feeling of peace that Shiloh and I had. We had just lost our precious baby but yet we could still laugh and smile with people because we knew and know that we didn't lose him forever. Our time to raise him has just been postponed for a while. I will never forget that amazing experience that we were able to have. Having been chosen to be the mommy of a perfect son, and knowing that Heavenly Father must have known that I could handle this, just makes me smile. He must know something that I don't. He knows my strengths and knows me...all he asks is that we live like his Son. So let me ask you this.....Have you received His image in your countenance?

Our Wonderful Spring and Summer So Far

If there is one thing that I can complain about living in Pocatello, it would be that our weather is never predictable. But, I can honestly say the days that are sunny are BEAUTIFUL and make me never want to leave Pocatello. We have been blessed with a wonderful spring and summer so far. Our girls are getting bigger everyday. Hannah is giving me a great taste of the preteen stage. We fight quite often and then we make up and the cycle goes just like that. Some days I think that she is bipolar but we really do love her. She has said some pretty funny things lately like...

1. I asked her if we should give her sister away because she couldn't be nice to her...and she just sat there so I said "Hannah do you love your sister?" she responded " Apparently Not!!!" I couldn't believe my three year old even knew that word.

2. In primary one day, Hannah was looking sad and the Primary President noticed and asked her what was wrong. She told her that she was starving and the Primary President said she had some snacks and she proceeded to give Hannah some gold fish and crackers. After Hannah was finished the teacher asked her if she was feeling better and Hannah replied quite simply "it was just a LIGHT SNACK but it was okay." LIGHT SNACK. Come on!!!! That one made me laugh.

3. She often tells us about her "Brilliant plans" which usually consist of getting into pajamas, getting a cup of milk and laying on the couch and watching a movie.

4. When Hannah had her three year check-up with the doctor she was not a happy camper. She cried and wouldn't look or speak to our doctor (whom we love so much). So when we had Nevaeh's 6 month appointment Hannah came with me and was totally the opposite. She really didn't give us many opportunities to talk. She finally said to him... "Dr. Burton, I have to tell you something...it's VEEERRRY complicated though." I can't even remember what she was going to say because we both started laughing. The things she comes up with.

I realize some of these may be a 'had to be there' moment, but they make me laugh even remembering them. She is incredibly smart and catches us of guard quite often. She now knows how to spell and write her name. She is still loving to sing and dance. We REALLY need to get her in a dance class this fall. Just talented, thats all I have to say. We kind of like her :)

NEVAEH...oh this girl is so much fun. She is always smiling. I get to wake up to "bobba, mmmbob, bobba, bob!" which is 'Mom'. I don't know why but both of my girls have called me Bob instead of mom first. But anyway, the second I walk in I get a HUGE smile and she jumps up to me. She is a big thumb sucker...good or bad...it's pretty dang cute. She is learning to say bye and hi and can wave bye and give high fives. She also says "Dad" a lot. I really like that. Nevaeh LOVES her big sister and usually drives Hannah crazy, but the tables get turned a lot and she gets annoyed with Hannah in return. She is crawling like a mad women and just learned how to crawl up our stairs ( I found that one out after she had crawled all the way up the stairs with out me knowing...OOPS!) Vaeh also is walking along side EVERYTHING. She is going to be a wild one, I can already tell. There is so much to say about her but it would take all day. She is just happy and healthy and I love her and I boy does she have her daddy wrapped around her little finger.

Shiloh and I are loving life. Things are going really well with the new business and Shiloh is really liking this job. Being your own boss can be hard but it really does have its upsides. We like to go visit him at his office.

Well, here are some pictures of Easter....walks we have been on....Kaden's (my nephew) birthday...and just some fun nature shots of the places around our home.

I will start will some of My Favorite Pictures

Oh how I love this one. Nevaeh and her Uncle Adam, my older brother.


On our walk the other day I saw this pine cone that fell off the tree and on the stem of a tulip. It looked pretty neat.


SPRING/SUMMER...Just GORGEOUS!!! LOVE IT!

Easter Sunday at Grandma and Grandpa Rasmussen's

The Girls in the Easter Dresses









Easter at Grandma and Grandpa Armstrongs home





Dressed in our Sunday Best!





Just out for a walk.






My handsome nephew Kaden on his birthday.



Daddy and his Princess


Grandma Rasmussen and Nevaeh




I just liked this picture of my youngest brother Danny.


I had fun taking some beautiful pictures on one of our walks by our home.





Life is Good...Life is Great...Life is WONDERFUL!!! I LOVE my Life.

Doesn't Get Much Cuter Than This

Our Sunday photoshoot!

A Little Bling Bling Never Hurt Anyone

A little bling bling never hurt anyone....except for my little girl. We got her ears pierced this Saturday... SO SAD!!! She actually did really good. The whole process took about a minute and she cried for maybe a minute and was just fine after that. The pictures just show complete drama and fear but it honestly wasn't that bad. I love earrings on little girls. We did Hannah's when she was Nevaeh's age but for some reason I wasn't as afraid. Here are some cute pics of my baby girl.








As you can see, it didn't take her long to adjust!



Too Cute! I love her!

Hello Stranger

Oh my gosh! I don't know how everybody keeps up on these things. My main reason for not posting is that I feel like a post without pictures isn't a post, but the truth is, I love reading blog posts if they have pictures or not so I think it's time to buck up and start really blogging. So on to the updates of the Armstrong household...we will start with the youngest and move our way up..

Nevaeh, oh Nevaeh.......That girl just makes me smile, she is SO FUN! and SO CUTE! I just love her. She is sitting up pretty well by herself these days and eating anything she can get her chubby hands on. At her 4 month check up she weighed in at 14 pounds (50%) and 23 inches (10%)...so basically she is short and fat and I love it. She is getting such a personality these days. She loves to scream, and it's not a mad scream or a happy scream, she just loves to scream. It drives Shiloh crazy but I can't help but laugh and smile at this little girl. She is rolling to everything and it seems like when I turn my back she is halfway across the room. I am yet to witness the actual process, she just fast and sneaky. Still no teeth...I thought for sure all this drool and chewing was going to be followed by teeth but NOPE! That's just her. Nevaeh LOVES LOVES LOVES her sister. Hannah can make her laugh just by saying hello. I am so excited to see these two grow up together. They sure do love eachother. I think she is trying to saying mama, she seems to be saying nana but I think it is directed towards me, or am I flattering myself?

Hannah, 3 years old. Okay thats all.

Just kiddin. Although that does say a lot, there is so much more to be said about this girl. She is an 8 year old in a 3 year old body. She is so aware of her appearance and her actions. We are noticing her desire to impress. It's a little nerve wracking because that is such a dangerous thing these days but for now we are just keeping an eye on her and her need to be the center of attention. She is so smart. She can spell her name and knows all of her letters and she knows up to about 30 in her numbers. I think that is pretty darn good for a three year old. Hannah loves anything girly, barbies, babies, jewelry, pretty dresses, etc. I think you get the picture. She also really loves to sing, and she has an amazing voice. I am not kidding. She makes up every song she sings but seriously THIS GIRL CAN SING! What else to say about this girl....She is so tall, the tallest one in her sunbeams class by quite a bit. She has the memory of an elephant, she will never forget what you say (if she wants to remember! She doesn't seem to remember to pick up her toys and all those things ;) Overall, I am in love with my diva.

Heidi....I am just being happy being a mother. I don't even know how to express how happy it makes me to see my girls smile and to show me and tell me they love me. Last night I thought life couldn't possibly get any better than this...I was sitting on the couch, Hannah was tucked in her bed, Nevaeh was sounds asleep,wrapped in a blankie and snuggling with me, and to top it all off, I was watching my favorite show (American Idol). The one huge thing missing was Shiloh, he was working on his new office (details to come later). I cannot help but smile at all the Lord has blessed me with. Shiloh and I have had quite the year. It hasn't been bad, just stressful. Our trials have definitely helped up find our strengths and our talents and use them to the best of our ability. We have been busy finding ways to be crafty and start a business for me. I started up Sassy Frass Designs in October of last year...It's just been a way for me to create and make a little money on the side. We make headbands, bows, headband holders, bow holders, jewelry holders etc. It's been really good for Shiloh and me. We are crazy busy trying to get ready for the spring fair. Come and see us there is a TON of stuff we would love to show off. Anyways, I am loving my calling in church, Primary is the place to be. Overall, I think my life is great! I have an awesome husband who works so hard and knows that his first priority is his family. I love him! and I love my girls. I confessed to Shiloh the other day that I thought we are having a boy next. I have this strong impression of a little boy, I am not pregnant nor do I want to be for a while but I can't help but reach for that 3 child...seriously, I can't go anywhere without feeling like there is someone else. Maybe that is my little Cam but whatever it may be it is a little scary, I must admit, but such an strong, incredible feeling. I am curious now to see what Heavenly Father has in store for us. Overall I think 2011 is going to be the BEST year.

Shiloh, that wonderful man. I can't get enough of him. Like I mentioned earlier, 2010 was an interesting year full of trials and worries. I know it has taken a toll on him. We started his business, ACCS in hopes of great success but unfortunately with the economy and everything, it just didn't sky rocket like we had hoped and it left us wondering where to go from there. He participated in a Business Expo in Boise in January and told me it was a make or break decision to keep going or to move on...well we are moving on. If I could only tell you the timeline and the events that have taken place up until this month I think everyone could relate to the craziness of our Heavenly Fathers plan for us. Right before the expo it was brought to Shiloh's attention that a friend of his was selling his web and graphic design business, (Something Shiloh both loves and is great at). Shiloh mentioned wanting to buy it but I just laughed it off thinking there is no way we could come up with money to buy it and I just wasn't wanting to have another year like last year. Well as it seems to work out when you chose the right path, things just started falling into place. We got the financial portion figured out. Shiloh....well, lets just say I haven't seen him this happy in a while, and I can't help but feel so good about it. We are moving on to a new chapter and I think this is going to be a great chapter. We rented an office space last Tuesday and have been working like crazy to take down wall paper, put of baseboards, trim, paint etc. It's been a crazy week but it is coming together so well. I have before and after pictures that I will post on a later date. Shiloh also put together a networking group sometime last year (I can't remember when) and it is going great. We are excited for Shiloh and this great opportunity.

Life is good, life is great, LIFE IS WONDERFUL!

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, From my heavenly home above,
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, As my Father said to do,
For I can't count the blessings or love he has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away the tear,
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I bought this at a craft show right after we lost our little Cameron and I just bawl every time I read it. I pulled this out of our holiday bucket and although it's not his first Christmas in Heaven, I know there are many out there who have lost loved ones this year.

To the Hansen Family, I know you probably don't know me very well,and you may never read this, but I frequent your blogs and you have brought me to tears with your expression of love and gratitude for your dad. You have such strength and tremendous testimonies of our Heavenly Father's plan. I can't imagine not knowing that plan and never knowing whether we are going to see our loved ones again. Isn't it just so nice to JUST KNOW!!! I love that!

This time of year makes me remember my many blessings, and the people that mean most to me.

- I am grateful Shiloh and I come from such wonderful families. We have been blessed to come from families that embrace the gospel and they have taught us very well.

- I am grateful for my home. It may be small, but it is my home and I love it.

- I am grateful for my 4 wheel drive.

- I am grateful for my calling in the church, first counselor in the Primary. I love those kids.

- I am grateful for such wonderful friends who let me vent to them as often as it is needed. ( Which really is not that often, and I am grateful for that too!!!)

- And last of all, I am grateful for my Husband and my son and my two girls.
Shiloh is constantly a light in my world. He is so helpful and kind and easy going. I couldn't imagine my life without him. I am so EXTREMELY grateful that he holds the priesthood. We were able to bless Nevaeh last week and is was such a powerful blessing and I know that Nevaeh and Hannah will receive those blessings and they will be tremendous help to them in this world.
I love that even though I don't get to raise my boy here on this earth...I WILL!!! And that day will be simply amazing. He has a job to do and even if it is to keep me on the right path, he is doing a great job. I know he is waiting for us and that is enough to make me want to be worthy to hold him and raise him.
I love my two girls with all of my heart. They are so much fun and full of life. Hannah is extremely talented and can make us laugh and say " Did she really just say that", and she does on a daily basis. She is so brilliant and beautiful.
Nevaeh is growing up so fast and I am very grateful for her good health. I worried about that my whole pregnancy and I can see that I didn't need to worry about it so much...she is perfect. We are starting to see her personality shining through and I just can't wait to see what she blossoms in to. But for now, I love the baby stage and I am embracing every second of it.
And as for me, I am grateful that I am who I am, and that I don't feel the need to pretend I am someone else. I love my life and the person that I have become. That doesn't mean I am anywhere near perfect, but I am trying and I think that is all our Father asks of us. I love that I am healthy and happy. I have a testimony that is continually tried and strengthened. I know that our Heavenly Father and Savior love me so much and I know that my family loves me and that is all I need, that is enough! I love my life and I love my cute family, what more could a girl possibly ask for!

My Girls

Just wanted to share some cute pictures of my girls! There are some from Halloween...Hannah was Mermaid and Nevaeh was a pea pod, pretty cute if you ask me. The others are from our Halloween photo shoot in our house...I made the girls matching tutus, I think they turned out pretty good. And the last ones are just of a beautiful fall day with daddy mowing the lawn. I love fall. I don't want winter to come for a while.

Just an update on my girls-

Hannah - As usual she is extremely stubborn and can drives Shiloh and me crazy, and succeeds at doing so most every day. On the other hand she is so stinkin smart and she knows it. She gets more beautiful everyday. She likes to tell me about fashion and if I look good or not. The other day she informed me that I looked goofy without makeup and she thought I needed to get it on quickly...she really doesn't like the makeup free mom. That's okay, neither do I. We love this little girl but she continues to push our buttons daily, but we sure do love her.

Nevaeh - This girl is getting fun. She is starting to coo and smile. I love it!!! She is getting really chubby and is definitely well fed. She wakes up about every 2-3 hours and I don't really sleep much these days but amazingly, I stay awake during the day.

We are loving life right now, it isn't what we had planned but we can't complain, after all, we have been blessed with wonderful families and two beauties. I also have to say that I have a great husband. He is working hard these days trying to provide for our family and I am so grateful that he allows me to stay at home with the girls. LIFE IS GOOD!!!