LIVE FOR THE PRECIOUS MOMENTS

A little Out of Order

2011-09-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

So these last posts are a little mixed up, but I saw these later and didn't want my kids to think that I wasn't a great mother and forgot their birthdays!!!!

New Favorite Birthday Presents, Mario stuff!!

2011-09-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

What was old becomes new again. I would not of guessed that my kids would be playing the games that I played. But I guess that is great marketing...you want your kids to have the same childhood memories that you had. If I had a girl you bet I would be buying My Little Pony and Strawberry Short Cake stuff. But it is fun watching my kids play Super Mario Bros. on the Wii.

Happy 6th Birthday James

2011-09-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

Yet another Party at good ol' Chuck E Cheese! James' birthday falls on Dec 30th, poor kid. So lots of family was in town so we had a great big cousin party.

MInute to Win It Birthday Party

2011-09-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

After Stewart's indoor soccer game we all came back to celebrate Stewart's birthday. We had pizza and then played Minute to Win It games. The boys had a blast trying to do each game in a minute.

Happy 8th Birthday Stewart

2011-09-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Jacob

2011-09-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

Chuck E Cheese...A typical birthday place for the Rust Boys!!! I wish that they wanted to go somewhere else, but this is the favorite. Can't say these are great pictures but no one wanted to smile for the camera.

Grammy and Grandpa's Setting Apart

2011-09-05T00:53:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest experiences is to go to the church office building and get to go into one of the Apostles offices. I went the first time when my parent were set apart as Mission Presidents in Argentina, and Elder Hales set them apart. Now this time was for Jeff's parents setting apart. They will be Mission Presidents in Russia. So we had the opportunity to sit with Elder Anderson, an Apostle of the Lord. It was absolutely amazing. You had to be age 8 or over to come, so Stewart and his cousin Kaden had the special opportunity to come.

Stewart's Baptism Day, April 9, 2011

2011-09-05T00:32:00.001-07:00

As it was our first child getting baptized I was all excited to make the most of it. I wanted some special items to give Stewart so he could keep them forever. So I decided on a book I made off of Shutterfly that had some of the main events that happened in his life up til his 8th birthday, then I had each one of his Grandparents add their testimony and then at the baptism I had those that were there sign it and write a little note. It worked out beautifully. Then I also had a quilt made for him by my friend Amber Johnson. She put his name and baptism date on it. It was amazing. But just as always the most special thing that day was that when he was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints the most powerful spirit filled the room. You could fill that our Heavenly Father was very pleased that Stewart had chosen to be baptized. It was very sweet. But then the funny moment of the day was when Stewart was going into the water Jacob yells, "Stewart bend your knees!" You couldn't help but laugh. Then as Paige Browning (Jessica's sister) was giving her talk she asked who was going to follow the Holy Ghost and Jacob again yells, "I'm Not", he is such a character!

Jeff and Stewart Jefferson Rust

2011-09-05T00:26:00.000-07:00

What a great opportunity it is to see your oldest son Baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Spirit was so powerful, it was a moment to take in and remember.

Stewart and Jessica

2011-09-05T00:21:00.000-07:00

These two cousins were able to be baptized in the same place, on the same day and time. It was really cool for these two to share their special day together. We are so proud of you Stewart and Jessica.

Baptism Pictures with Grandparents

2011-09-05T00:06:00.000-07:00

We love Grandma Jo and Grandpa Stewart and Grammy and Grandpa Rust

2011-09-04T23:54:00.000-07:00

Les Mis

2011-09-04T23:47:00.000-07:00

A fun night out with friends. So our husbands did a bit of planning, amazing, and got us all Les Mis tickets for Christmas. Super Sweet!!! So we all went to the Naked Fish (sushi) in Salt Lake and then off to the Capital Theater to see Les Mis. In the picture left to right. Jeff and I, Rachel and Aaron Earnest, Shannon and Todd Miller, Lindsay and Jess Knapp, Elise and Chris Clifford, Andrea and Darrin Overson, and Megan and Andrew Clark. Coolest Friends Ever!!!

Water Wars

2011-09-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

After Kaden's Baptism the cousins needed a energy release!

A Rare Trip to the Beautiful Hawaiian Island of Kauai

2011-09-04T23:20:00.000-07:00

The Utah Jazz each year takes their sponsors (Jeff's company is a sponsor) on a trip, this year it was to Hawaii. This year was our first year going, my brother Jared and his wife have been the ones that have gone before. The Jazz know how to do a trip right. Amazing accommodations, great food, and really fun gifts. We were completely spoiled and had the time of our lives. So a big Thank You to the Jazz. Hope that we get to see them play this year...

More Pictures...

2011-09-04T23:15:00.000-07:00

Having A Ton of Fun!!!

2011-09-04T23:08:00.000-07:00

With our friends Jackson and Shandi Brown. Our day of kayaking, hiking, rope swinging and boating.

A First For Everything...Celebrating Jeff and My Birthdays in Hawaii

2011-09-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

Never thought that I would be in the most beautiful Island on earth for Jeff and my birthdays (seeing that they are only 3 days apart). On my birthday Jeff had them make me a special treat and I was able to have all of my favorite breakfast foods (an omlette, french toast, fruit and hot chocolate), and yes I ate them all!

How Spoiled Are We!!!

2011-09-04T22:51:00.000-07:00

This is our view from our hotel room. Kawaii is the most beautiful place ever!!!

Ready for the Tsunami to hit Hawaii

2011-09-04T22:34:00.000-07:00

While we were in Hawaii with the Utah Jazz Sponsors we were warned that the Tsunami was on its way and that we all needed to be ready for what ever we needed to do. So I got a bag packed (my journal, my scriptures, my phone and charger, food and water and my camera) and was dressed with running shoes on!!! The warnings started around 10pm and said that the time that it was to hit us around 3am. So, Jeff went to sleep and was in and out but me, I was awake watching the Tsunami hit Japan over and over again on the news wondering what we were going to experience. We were able to stay in our hotel room because we were on the 5th floor, but anyone lower than us had to move up to the top floors. In the end we were safe but here are some pictures of how someone else spent the night coping with the unknown...to each their own right? The first picture is out our hotel room at 3 am. Jeff laughed but I wanted to picture to remember the experience even though you cannot see anything.

Awesome Trip To Cancun with BYU Founders Group-Zac was a Luggage!!

2011-09-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

Stewart's drawing for the Ward Directory

2011-09-04T22:24:00.000-07:00

Jeff and some of his Corporate Alliance Partners

2011-09-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

These Boys Love This Kid

2011-04-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

A Few Christmas Pictures I Forgot to Add...

2011-04-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

Jeff and Baby Zachary

2011-04-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

Not a picture to be found...

2011-04-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

If I get pregnant again I think that I will go in hiding from all the cameras. Jeff and I got a new computer so we were up loading all of our pictures and as we sat there remembering all the moments in our life, I look at all the pictures of the past 8 years and to my surprise (not anyone else though it seems), I am pregnant or just had a sweet child fresh from Heaven in every single one of them. Oh how could this be, I must have a picture somewhere of me not in the stages of pregnancy or post pregnancy. But no, not one to be found (well maybe one, but not many). So I think that as soon as I lose the weight from this pregnancy I will have to go schedule a photo shoot just to prove that I am not only a baby making machine but also a person with a body hidden beneath so many years of pregnancy or maybe a snapshot will do.

A HOUSE FULL OF LITTLE ANIMALS (MORE THAN JUST STUFFED ONES)

2011-04-06T21:18:00.000-07:00

Our Littlest Rust Addition

2011-04-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

When Mom Is Away the Kids Will Play...yes, that is ripped up newspaper all over my office floor

2010-12-19T19:57:00.000-08:00

What is better than this?

2010-12-19T19:54:00.000-08:00

Family Night at Riverwoods with a Carriage Ride Included

2010-12-19T19:50:00.000-08:00

A Quote to Keep in Mind

2010-12-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

A Two Tree Year

2010-12-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

Riverside Ward Santa

2010-12-19T19:33:00.000-08:00

Perfect Thanksgiving in St. George and a Perfect Apple Pie made by my niece Abbie

2010-11-28T21:05:00.000-08:00

Cousins just hanging out and having a coloring contest

2010-11-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

If we only had a girl...she might look this cute. Stew was the only brave Rust boy to give this wig a whirl

2010-11-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

Having way too much fun with that WIG

2010-11-28T20:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our newest little boy...Zachary Kent Rust

2010-11-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

Everyone Loves Baby Zac

2010-11-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

Jacob is ready for soccer too!

2010-11-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

James loves soccer. He wants to play all sports so he can get lots of trophies and medals!!

2010-11-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

Stewart's Fall Soccer - He is a great little soccer player

2010-11-10T12:50:00.000-08:00

First Day of School with Miss. Duncan and Mrs. Nelson

2010-11-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

Preschool with Meg and Mrs. Dove

2010-11-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

Vacationing with Grammy and Grandpa Rust in Jackson Hole

2010-11-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

A moment for Old Faithful

2010-11-10T12:25:00.000-08:00

The water of Old Faithful

2010-11-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

At the TOP of the Grand Tetons

2010-11-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

Views from the top

2010-11-10T12:11:00.000-08:00

Having some fun in Teton Village

2010-11-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

Anyone have some swimsuits we could borrow?

2010-11-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

Finally a place to eat...then it took an hour for our food. We were starving!

2010-11-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Jeff Surprised Me - Stadium of Fire tickets with Carrie Underwood

2010-11-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

2010-11-10T11:33:00.000-08:00

Stew's first year of baseball, if it were up to him it would be his last

2010-11-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

Baseball requires patience on the boys the arn't playing

2010-11-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

I trip to Idaho...Angie's Baptism

2010-11-10T11:27:00.000-08:00

Elise and Kate share their Baptism Day!

2010-11-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

Time to be with cousins

2010-11-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Lamb, you will be missed, We Love You

2010-11-10T11:08:00.001-08:00

Family is what matters most

2010-11-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

Say Goodbye to Mrs. Dove and Mrs. Herrera

2010-11-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Josh

2010-11-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

Finally I updated, but this is just the first half of the year

2010-11-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

Our Family Trip to South Carolina - Water Fun

2010-11-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

Found an incredible playground

2010-11-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

The awesome view from our hotel room

2010-11-10T09:53:00.000-08:00

More vacation fun

2010-11-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

Sunday at the Beach = Family pictures

2010-11-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

2010-11-10T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is what a DEAD jelly fish looks like

2010-11-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

It's all about Joshua

2010-11-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

Boy + Water = way too much fun

2010-11-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

Deep in Thought

2010-11-10T09:24:00.000-08:00

Meg, Jacob. Josh and Me

2010-11-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

Jacob's 4th Birthday at Chuck E Cheese

2010-11-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

Jacob loved his Birthday

2010-11-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

Billy Joel and Elton John Concert

2010-11-10T09:15:00.000-08:00

Stew's party with his cousins

2010-11-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Stewart's 7th Birthday at Pirate Island

2010-11-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

Our Cruise with the BYU Founders Group

2010-11-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

We got to see the Panama Canal

2010-11-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

Love Vacation Time

2010-05-03T09:29:00.001-07:00

WHY DO I EVEN BOTHER!

2010-04-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

So I had my doctors appointment for my little tadpole in my tummy this morning. So I get the first appointment so I don't have to wait right. I get in there and somehow the person after me gets into the room first. So the doctor sees her first. So I end up waiting in the room for at least 30 minutes. Then the doctor comes in finally and is in there for a total of 5 minutes. He hears the heart beat and then leaves. Not that I expect much, this is my fifth child, but still a little more than that would of been nice. So a total of 45 minutes waiting and I see the doctor for 5 minutes. WOW! I want to know how much I will be paying for that Five minutes. But still, I heard the little heart beat and that makes it all worth it. Hopefully I am almost over the sickness, we will have to see.

The Proper Role of Government

2010-03-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

My brother sent this to me and I think we have some fighting to do. Getting informed is first and involved is the second step. After seeing what the government did with health care I am seriously worried about what else they can get passed. So here is a great read.

THE PROPER ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
by The Honorable Ezra Taft Benson
Former Secretary of Agriculture infamy
[The Eisenhower Administration – ed.]
Published in 1968

THINGS THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT DO
A category of government activity which, today, not only requires the closest scrutiny, but which also poses a grave danger to our continued freedom, is the activity NOT within the proper sphere of government. No one has the authority to grant such powers, as welfare programs, schemes for re-distributing the wealth, and activities which coerce people into acting in accordance with a prescribed code of social planning. There is one simple test. Do I as an individual have a right to use force upon my neighbor to accomplish this goal? If I do have such a right, then I may delegate that power to my government to exercise on my behalf. If I do not have that right as an individual, then I cannot delegate it to government, and I cannot ask my government to perform the act for me.
To be sure, there are times when this principle of the proper role of government is most annoying and inconvenient. If I could only FORCE the ignorant to provided for themselves, or the selfish to be generous with their wealth! But if we permit government to manufacture its own authority out of thin air, and to create self-proclaimed powers not delegated to it by the people, then the creature exceeds the creator and becomes master. Beyond that point, where shall the line be drawn? Who is to say "this far, but no farther?" What clear PRINCIPLE will stay the hand of government from reaching farther and yet farther into our daily lives? We shouldn’t forget the wise words of President Grover Cleveland that "… though the people support the Government the Government should not support the people." (P.P.N.S., p.345) We should also remember, as Frederic Bastiat reminded us, that "Nothing can enter the public treasury for the benefit of one citizen or one class unless other citizens and other classes have been forced to send it in." (THE LAW, p. 30; P.P.N.S., p. 350)

THE DIVIDING LINE BETWEEN PROPER AND IMPROPER GOVERNMENT
As Bastiat pointed out over a hundred years ago, once government steps over this clear line between the protective or negative role into the aggressive role of redistributing the wealth and providing so-called "benefits" for some of its citizens, it then becomes a means for what he accurately described as legalized plunder. It becomes a lever of unlimited power which is the sought-after prize of unscrupulous individuals and pressure groups, each seeking to control the machine to fatten his own pockets or to benefit its favorite charities – all with the other fellow’s money, of course. (THE LAW, 1850, reprinted by the Foundation for Economic Education, Irvington-On-Hudson, N.Y.)
THE NATURE OF LEGAL PLUNDER
Listen to Bastiat’s explanation of this "legal plunder."
"When a portion of wealth is tranferred from the person who owns it – without his consent and without compensation, and whether by force or by fraud – to anyone who does not own it, then I say that property is violated; that an act of plunder is committed!
"How is the legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them, and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong. See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime…" (THE LAW, p. 21, 26; P.P.N.S., p. 377)

As Bastiat observed, and as history has proven, each class or special interest group competes with the others to throw the lever of governmental power in their favor, or at least to immunize itself against the effects of a previous thrust. Labor gets a minimum wage, so agriculture seeks a price support. Consumers demand price controls, and industry gets protective tariffs. In the end, no one is much further ahead, and everyone sufffers the burdens of a gigantic bureaucracy and a loss of personal freedom. With each group out to get its share of the spoils, such governments historically have mushroomed into total welfare states. Once the process begins, once the principle of the protective function of government gives way to the aggressive or redistribute function, then forces are set in motion that drive the nation toward totalitarianism. "It is impossible," Bastiat correctly observed, "to introduce into society… a greater evil than this: the conversion of the law into an instrument of plunder." (THE LAW, p. 12)

It's my Birthday!

2010-03-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

So sad that I have no pictures to share! But since I expect to have a great birthday, it seems to turn out that way. People say that once you get older your birthday just goes by and it is just was another day. Well it doesn't have to be, but it means that it is up to you to make that happen (or you have to have a great sister and a great husband to take care of you), which in my case I do! Lucky me and so sad for all of you!!!! So My birthday started out on Friday night, my birthday was the upcoming Monday, my sister Martha came down from Idaho and set up a party for my sister Sarah and me. Sarah and I are 5 years and 1 day apart. So I have always shared my birthday with her. So anyways, we went ice skating first. This was my grand idea, I haven't been ice skating for 11 years and I am pregnant. So really what was I thinking. I get out on the rink, really slow at first, but then after an hour I feel comfortable, and my sisters want to do a train, we were being silly girls anyway, so a train is a great idea right. Well after just a moment I realize that I am not ready for a train, and so I let go, lose my balance and fall spread eagle, and face plant onto the ice. OUCH! It was a bad fall, but my nerves got to me and I worried about the baby and it really hurt. So I couldn't get control of my emotions and I get off the rink and head towards the bathroom, lock myself in the stall, and started to cry and shake uncontrollably. I couldn't calm down. It really wasn't that bad but I still couldn't stop. So Martha got me out of the stall and calmed me down. But I was done skating for awhile. But man was a sore and my back was all whacked out. Good old Dr. Bill (my chiropractor) would be seeing me on Monday. Then off we went to my sister Marys house. We had treats and talked until 2:30 in the morning. Wow, we could of been there all night. We dove into some raw emotions, we love to do that. Crying and laughing. So we had a great time. Then the next morning Martha and Lynna and Jared and me had to be up by 6:30am to go get our Bountiful Baskets (you get a lot a produce for $15) but we had to get up and go get it after a late night. I probably would of been better off not sleeping at all. Then Martha and I went to breakfast. It was really nice. Then on Sunday, Jared and Lynna invited the adults over for cake and ice cream. Sunday was Sarah's bithtday and we stayed and talked for awhile. Then Monday morning! Yeah! why I care, I don't know, but I still get excited for my birthday. So Jeff let me sleep in and made breakfast. Tina, Jeff's sister came down from Logan (it was her spring break) and for her gift to Jeff and I she watched our kids for the day. Isn't that the nicest gift ever! So as I got ready Jeff took the boys to All A Dollar so the boys can pick out my gift. When they got home they had gotten decorations as my gift and were ready to decorate. So Jeff had a lunch appointment and I had to go to the chiropractor and the had lunch with Mary and she then took me and got me some exercise pants for my present. Since I am trying to stay working out during this pregnancy. Then I met up with Jeff and we went and got massages at Remedez and the off to a movie, Leap Year, a perfect chick flick, and then home for cupcakes with Tina and the boys. After we got them to bed, Jeff and I went to dinner at Happy Sumo. It was a great day, especially after a stressful week. It was one of my best birthdays yet. Last year was equally as good though. So not that everyone wanted to know all that, but for my sake I want it recorded that you can have a great birthday still, you just have to want it and help plan it. So until next year. Happy Birthday Sarah, Jeff and Me!

Beware of the Three Year Old

2010-02-09T22:04:00.000-08:00

So all my updates revolve around my boys. Is that so odd for a mother? Well this one is a doozy. Here is the scoop...my 20 month old, Joshua, comes out of the boys bedroom with a mouth full of blood. It was pouring out and didn't know where the source in the mouth was. So Jeff and I rush to the sink, get a cold wet cloth and shove it in his mouth, literally. We repeat the process for awhile and then finally get it to stop. So once it is under control, we go on the hunt to see what had happened. James tells me that he fell, then it turns in he fell with scissors. Well then the truth, "Jacob(age3} cut Joshua's tongue with scissors" WHAT! Yes, he stuck scissors in his little brother's mouth and cut his tongue. So we get Jacob and he confesses. So Jeff sits Jacob on his lap and proceeds to tell Jacob that we now need to cut his tongue and he obediently sticks out his tongue. Jeff asks what color of scissors would he like Dad to cut his tongue with and he, in all seriousness replies, "Green", so sad, he really thought we were going to cut his tongue. Obviously he still doesn't realize how bad this is. Jeff and I start laughing and off to time out he goes. We will see if time out works. Side Note...Just the other week he(Jacob) is my first child to cut his hair. Right in front. I thought my children got that ONLY MOM cuts hair. We will make that point a little more final I guess. So obviously, he is now banned from scissors

Word from the Young

2010-01-28T23:59:00.001-08:00

I was with my friends tonight for one of our late nights (12:30a.m.) and we were talking about our kids. I was reminded of a day when my friends son, Luke(age 3 at the time) was at my house, it was in the morning and I hadn't gotten ready for the day, which means no make-up. So he focuses on me for a few moments and then says, "When did you get a new face? I liked your old face better!" Which means that my old face is the one with make-up on. How ironic. Kids definitely are honest. Should we be more like that? That is a tough question!

2010-01-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

I am finally feeling like I am getting a little more control of my life. Besides that the Christmas tree is still up in the corner and the Valentine decorations are in the other corner. So besides that, life is moving along. We are full of indoor soccer for Stewart and James, I really can't see how I will do it when 4 different boys are in all their different sports. I know so many do it, so I will need lots of advice and some really good crock pot recipes. Jeff went without dinner tonight, he was the Soccer Dad and I was the Young Womens Leader. James got the ball in his face and ended up with a bloody nose. James does not do well with blood so it was all over. But once it stopped bleeding then he was right back in the game. He told me that he hates to sit out, he wants to be in playing. Most of the kids his age need a break, but he wants to be in the heat of it. Besides that when he is in he looks like he is doing some odd dance. He isn't quite sure what to do out there, so he just kinds of moves to his own beat and tries to touch the ball once in a while. He loves the game. Also this is another funny moment for James. Last night when I was putting him to bed I was singing songs to him and then I told him to sing one to me. Well then he asks me if it should be a funny one or the Pokemon song, or about Star Wars. When he finally makes up his mind he proceeds to sing me the whole Bakugan Theme Song, perfectly! Well he just may end up being my lead singer. It was halarious.

Family Picture Time!

2009-11-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

My sweet sister Naoma is a great photographer and I got her to fit us into her busy schedule to take our family pictures. She takes all sorts of photo shoots. She has a great creative eye and I love how our pictures turn out. If you need to great photographer you can go to her blog. www.photosbynaoma.blogspot.com (there are more family pictures in the archive/older posts)

2009-11-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

2009-11-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

2009-11-02T16:50:00.000-08:00

He looks so old. AHHHHH

2009-11-02T16:26:00.000-08:00

I only wish I knew what he was thinking...

2009-11-02T16:18:00.001-08:00

Those Meschiveous Eyes

2009-11-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

My sweet little baby!

2009-11-02T12:42:00.001-08:00

Just Me!

2009-11-02T12:17:00.001-08:00