It has always been hard for me when a friend dear to me has to move on in life. If I do there is no problem. However I expect that my friends are always supposed to be there when I return. This had been my philosophy for ages! Up until just a couple of years ago in fact. Then I had an epiphany!
You see, I believe there is a life after this one. Therefore, wouldn't it be safe to plan a Bar-B-Q for the second Saturday after the final Resurrection? I would have to make it pot-luck, but it would be great seeing everyone again! So that is just what I have done! with this plan on my agenda It has made Good-byes temporary, no matter the length of time, because I will get to see all of my friends again!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Potty Training 101
Well, we are in potty training mode full swing! My little one is growing up!
I am glad I have a two year old and a 9 mo. old. It is giving me the "I can get through this" perspective. Let me explain.
I watch my 9 mo. old and realize that before I know it he is going to rely on me a lot less. I know this because sister is quite self sufficient at things. I look at the different phases and understand that she has also passed through them and I survived. Through this I can look at her and see how far she has come so quickly. I can have hope...almost faith that 2-3 mos. from now she won't be wetting her pants any more, or having fear that her "stinkies" will feel disowned if she lets them go in the toilet rather than her pants.
These are my hopes and dreams for the near future. It is funny how children change our aspirations.
I am glad I have a two year old and a 9 mo. old. It is giving me the "I can get through this" perspective. Let me explain.
I watch my 9 mo. old and realize that before I know it he is going to rely on me a lot less. I know this because sister is quite self sufficient at things. I look at the different phases and understand that she has also passed through them and I survived. Through this I can look at her and see how far she has come so quickly. I can have hope...almost faith that 2-3 mos. from now she won't be wetting her pants any more, or having fear that her "stinkies" will feel disowned if she lets them go in the toilet rather than her pants.
These are my hopes and dreams for the near future. It is funny how children change our aspirations.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Valued Lesson
Today I was talking with my teenager. He is going to be a famous author someday. We were talking about the importance of backing things up and saving them in more than one place. In this conversation I used myself and his mother as examples. Through my personal example I mentioned someones name in an honest way, however in doing so I wasn't building this person up, rather placing them in a dark light if you may.
My teenager turned to me and said "you don't need to say that, it isn't really necessary!" Then he explained that instead of mentioning that name in the manner I had used, I could just mention the incident. Nobody needs to know how the incident took place.
Thinking about what he had said I realized that even though I was stating things how they really did happen, it was unnecessary for me to mention the how. If I were the How I would hope people could look past me, maybe not even notice my involvement. Even if I was in the wrong. I don't have this perfected. I just had the lesson today. It gives me something else I can work on.
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." -Ether 12:27
From past experiences Heavenly Father uses us, and others to be his instruments. It continuously amazes me how often children seem to be his finer teachers. Could it be because they are who parents are closer to? Or that they are fresher from his presence? Something to ponder.
My teenager turned to me and said "you don't need to say that, it isn't really necessary!" Then he explained that instead of mentioning that name in the manner I had used, I could just mention the incident. Nobody needs to know how the incident took place.
Thinking about what he had said I realized that even though I was stating things how they really did happen, it was unnecessary for me to mention the how. If I were the How I would hope people could look past me, maybe not even notice my involvement. Even if I was in the wrong. I don't have this perfected. I just had the lesson today. It gives me something else I can work on.
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." -Ether 12:27
From past experiences Heavenly Father uses us, and others to be his instruments. It continuously amazes me how often children seem to be his finer teachers. Could it be because they are who parents are closer to? Or that they are fresher from his presence? Something to ponder.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Resolutions
It has been a good week. A busy one and fun at the same time. As of late I have been trying to come up with some more exciting ways to entertain my little ones during the day. It seems a bit to easy these days to turn them over to the tube, then get my things done. I justified it because my daughter is learning about numbers, shapes, letters, and all of those good things as she watches say: Mickey Mouse Club House, Super Why, Word World. She is even learning a bit about people skills while watching things like: Miss Spider and Sunny Patch Friends, Oswald...there is a list I don't want to brag about, it's to long for a Two year old.
So I have come up with a few ideas.
I think I am going to do more crafts, she is a little artist, (there is proof of it all the way down my hall, and next to the piano.) We could cook together once in a while. Baking cookies, or my two year old's favorite, cupcakes! (I have to admit this one is hard for me, I work better as one in the kitchen.)
On nice sunny days I am going to do more outside activities(this is for me just as much as for my children) maybe going to the park, going on walks or simply playing in the yard.
Our local Library I am finding is a treasure trove for activities! They have things for all ages. Story Time, a family movie once a month. I am sure they have more, these are the ones I have only heard about.
My latest discovery is one I thought was out of reach. I found, to get a year round pass for my family at the Children's Museum isn't all that expensive. This would be a great rainy day activity, not only that, but the membership extends to out of state as well, so when we travel we would be able to have a free activity pretty much anywhere. Well except Battlemountain NV. I think it might be a bit too small.
And finally there is the one thing that I think is easiest to forget or simply put aside for another time, that is to get involved a bit more in their play. Most kids are content having you watch. I need to take time to sit down and read more, or play with my little munchkins, after all they aren't going to be little forever.
So I have come up with a few ideas.
I think I am going to do more crafts, she is a little artist, (there is proof of it all the way down my hall, and next to the piano.) We could cook together once in a while. Baking cookies, or my two year old's favorite, cupcakes! (I have to admit this one is hard for me, I work better as one in the kitchen.)
On nice sunny days I am going to do more outside activities(this is for me just as much as for my children) maybe going to the park, going on walks or simply playing in the yard.
Our local Library I am finding is a treasure trove for activities! They have things for all ages. Story Time, a family movie once a month. I am sure they have more, these are the ones I have only heard about.
My latest discovery is one I thought was out of reach. I found, to get a year round pass for my family at the Children's Museum isn't all that expensive. This would be a great rainy day activity, not only that, but the membership extends to out of state as well, so when we travel we would be able to have a free activity pretty much anywhere. Well except Battlemountain NV. I think it might be a bit too small.
And finally there is the one thing that I think is easiest to forget or simply put aside for another time, that is to get involved a bit more in their play. Most kids are content having you watch. I need to take time to sit down and read more, or play with my little munchkins, after all they aren't going to be little forever.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Well, I survived today. I have discovered two things from today. Let me start by saying I gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting. Comfort is something that eludes me when it comes to speaking in front of groups.
So, my first discovery is that I am growing up. I am no longer considered the ripe young age that I feel to be. A sure sign of this is that it was expected of me to speak for 13-17 min. I am no longer considered a youth speaker. bummer! Now they expect me to know more...I suppose I do. but that doesn't change the second discovery.
While I was in Brazil I didn't have a big problem with talking in front of groups. Maybe that had to do with the fact that I was speaking a foreign language. Better yet it may have to do with the fact that I felt confident that what I had to share at that point was pure doctrine. Or, possibly it had something to do with the fact that I didn't know the people in the same manner that I know them here. I am not quite sure the difference.
Back to my second discovery which is this. I am not a fan of public speaking. I need to over come it though, obviously someone thought I must have something worth sharing.
So, my first discovery is that I am growing up. I am no longer considered the ripe young age that I feel to be. A sure sign of this is that it was expected of me to speak for 13-17 min. I am no longer considered a youth speaker. bummer! Now they expect me to know more...I suppose I do. but that doesn't change the second discovery.
While I was in Brazil I didn't have a big problem with talking in front of groups. Maybe that had to do with the fact that I was speaking a foreign language. Better yet it may have to do with the fact that I felt confident that what I had to share at that point was pure doctrine. Or, possibly it had something to do with the fact that I didn't know the people in the same manner that I know them here. I am not quite sure the difference.
Back to my second discovery which is this. I am not a fan of public speaking. I need to over come it though, obviously someone thought I must have something worth sharing.
Monday, February 2, 2009
I keep telling you how amazing the children in my stewardship are. Let me share with you some of the reasons I find them so amazing.
Our oldest has a heart of gold, if you need anything, she is there. She isn't the least bit selfish, and cares about everyone. She always is concerned about someone else whether a it be a sibling of a friend. She is the most amazing cook, goodness, she is going to have one luck husband someday! We are lucky every time she crosses our paths! She has a deep care for all of her brothers and sisters. I admire her.
Number two, she and I joke she is the red headed step child. which, she is, but there is more to her. She is a perfect example on budgeting money. Seriously, next to her dad, she is the bomb. she also has a great deal of courage. I remember when she graduated from college and was trying to decide what to do next. She struggled a bit but pulled herself out of it, she moved on and is now making tons of new friends. She gave of herself to the people in El Salvador and loved them to pieces. She is awesome with children as well.
The oldest of the boys is serving a full time mission right now. In his letters he talks about how great the people are. You can tell he is loving the work. One thing that amazed me and still does is at how well he includes his younger brothers in things. He isn't afraid of getting on their level. He loves to share things with them, things he has learned, a new piece of music he has discovered, whatever! When it comes to school, he is brilliant.
The second oldest of the boys has an imagination like no other! Don't be surprised if I am bragging about him being published sometime in the future! he and his younger brother will act out parts from his book, and I look forward to him telling me his new ideas. Like his older brother and father, he is setting an exceptional example for his younger brother on how to honor his priesthood. He loves the people he serves.
The younger of the older boys is growing so fast! He loves family time, I think family is the most important thing to him. He loves the time he gets with his older siblings and is a blessing when it comes to helping with the younger two. Like his oldest sister he is very social, he loves to be surrounded by friends and family. In the past, and now he brings home art work. he does very well with art! He does well in math, this year they trained him to help teach other students and help them with their math skills.
My two youngest are blessings to wake up to in the mornings. They always have warm smiles and arms open for hugs. They love their older siblings and each other! My two year old likes to be like her big brother, she wants to be an artist like him. She loves to play in her brothers vicinity when ever she has the chance, whether down stairs or out side.
I watch these children and learn more from them than I think I contribute to their lives. They are so close to one another. Each of them has their unique qualities. I am grateful for the attributes they bring into our home and family circle. I can't really stake any claims on their examples, they seriously astound and amaze me, I am blessed to have them as a part of my life. You may now have an inkling or a bit of a hint to why I feel so blessed.
Our oldest has a heart of gold, if you need anything, she is there. She isn't the least bit selfish, and cares about everyone. She always is concerned about someone else whether a it be a sibling of a friend. She is the most amazing cook, goodness, she is going to have one luck husband someday! We are lucky every time she crosses our paths! She has a deep care for all of her brothers and sisters. I admire her.
Number two, she and I joke she is the red headed step child. which, she is, but there is more to her. She is a perfect example on budgeting money. Seriously, next to her dad, she is the bomb. she also has a great deal of courage. I remember when she graduated from college and was trying to decide what to do next. She struggled a bit but pulled herself out of it, she moved on and is now making tons of new friends. She gave of herself to the people in El Salvador and loved them to pieces. She is awesome with children as well.
The oldest of the boys is serving a full time mission right now. In his letters he talks about how great the people are. You can tell he is loving the work. One thing that amazed me and still does is at how well he includes his younger brothers in things. He isn't afraid of getting on their level. He loves to share things with them, things he has learned, a new piece of music he has discovered, whatever! When it comes to school, he is brilliant.
The second oldest of the boys has an imagination like no other! Don't be surprised if I am bragging about him being published sometime in the future! he and his younger brother will act out parts from his book, and I look forward to him telling me his new ideas. Like his older brother and father, he is setting an exceptional example for his younger brother on how to honor his priesthood. He loves the people he serves.
The younger of the older boys is growing so fast! He loves family time, I think family is the most important thing to him. He loves the time he gets with his older siblings and is a blessing when it comes to helping with the younger two. Like his oldest sister he is very social, he loves to be surrounded by friends and family. In the past, and now he brings home art work. he does very well with art! He does well in math, this year they trained him to help teach other students and help them with their math skills.
My two youngest are blessings to wake up to in the mornings. They always have warm smiles and arms open for hugs. They love their older siblings and each other! My two year old likes to be like her big brother, she wants to be an artist like him. She loves to play in her brothers vicinity when ever she has the chance, whether down stairs or out side.
I watch these children and learn more from them than I think I contribute to their lives. They are so close to one another. Each of them has their unique qualities. I am grateful for the attributes they bring into our home and family circle. I can't really stake any claims on their examples, they seriously astound and amaze me, I am blessed to have them as a part of my life. You may now have an inkling or a bit of a hint to why I feel so blessed.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Life's Rose Garden
While listening to others testimonies today I was impressed by the thought that Heavenly Father really, truly does love us! He is so aware of us as individuals in fact, it amazes me at times. I have at times thought maybe he had forgot about me, or somehow I had been placed on the back burner. Honestly I thought that if He was aware of me I wouldn't be feeling the pain I am at a particular moment.
There are so many stories in the scriptures of people, everyday people like myself, trying to rely on themselves and finding they could only get further up the path if they trusted in the Savior. Take for example the woman that had the issue of blood. She suffered for many years. Finally one day she heard of a Man who performed miracles. She went right way up to Him and merely touched His robe.
Imagine how she may have felt the moment He stopped and asked who had touched Him. If it was me I may have wanted to withdraw into the crowd. Instead she stood forth and admitted it was she. In doing so she was able to receive the confirmation through Him of her worthiness of the gift. She was healed.
There is also the story of Peter, and the other apostles on the boat. They see Christ walking towards them on the water. Peter was the only one with faith enough to attempt walking out to meet the Savior. When he did I am sure the first steps were taken with confidence. Then I imagine he may have thought to himself "hey, I'm not the Savior, what am I thinking" and with that he began to sink. Instead of sinking to his death however he turned to the Savior and reached for his hand. Christ took his hand and together they joined the other apostles.
When Peter turned to the Savior I think he was speaking to me through his actions. He knew Christ wouldn't let him down. He had the privilege of knowing Christ in person. He knew that the savior would save him.
There are so many times I think I have to do things on my own. Don't get me wrong, I believe there are some things we do have to do on our own. Take the first step for one, or reaching for His garment. After we show our faith by taking that first step though, He is not far from us ready to catch us if we stumble or fall. He has his hand outstretched.
There are times I imagine there is no possible way he can help me, maybe I have gone too far, said too many things. Or maybe I feel I have let the natural man totally take over. it is in those times I am reminded of a favorite scripture. D&C 6:36. In this scripture the Savior is talking to Oliver Cowdry, but also to me. He said "Look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not."
If I look unto Christ even when I feel like he has forgotten me I realize He hasn't. Usually when it hurts it is an opportunity for me to grow. With growth there seems to come pain, but if I remind myself that He truly and honestly has my best at heart. Sometimes that makes it easier for me to ask for help to get up, brush myself off and continue along the path He has marked for me. I find that many stones I think of as stumbling stones can actually with His help be turned to stepping stones.
Many times I look back, and don't even remember the pain I experienced in the moment of growth. A dear friend once told me during a struggle "Life is like a bed of roses, Before you entered it all you saw were the beautiful roses. As you go through life you are going to find there are thorns in that garden, they will tear at your flesh, your cloths, hair, what ever they can. In the end though, you will look back and only see the flowers, but with a knowledge that to enjoy their beauty you had to experience a few thorns."
There are so many stories in the scriptures of people, everyday people like myself, trying to rely on themselves and finding they could only get further up the path if they trusted in the Savior. Take for example the woman that had the issue of blood. She suffered for many years. Finally one day she heard of a Man who performed miracles. She went right way up to Him and merely touched His robe.
Imagine how she may have felt the moment He stopped and asked who had touched Him. If it was me I may have wanted to withdraw into the crowd. Instead she stood forth and admitted it was she. In doing so she was able to receive the confirmation through Him of her worthiness of the gift. She was healed.
There is also the story of Peter, and the other apostles on the boat. They see Christ walking towards them on the water. Peter was the only one with faith enough to attempt walking out to meet the Savior. When he did I am sure the first steps were taken with confidence. Then I imagine he may have thought to himself "hey, I'm not the Savior, what am I thinking" and with that he began to sink. Instead of sinking to his death however he turned to the Savior and reached for his hand. Christ took his hand and together they joined the other apostles.
When Peter turned to the Savior I think he was speaking to me through his actions. He knew Christ wouldn't let him down. He had the privilege of knowing Christ in person. He knew that the savior would save him.
There are so many times I think I have to do things on my own. Don't get me wrong, I believe there are some things we do have to do on our own. Take the first step for one, or reaching for His garment. After we show our faith by taking that first step though, He is not far from us ready to catch us if we stumble or fall. He has his hand outstretched.
There are times I imagine there is no possible way he can help me, maybe I have gone too far, said too many things. Or maybe I feel I have let the natural man totally take over. it is in those times I am reminded of a favorite scripture. D&C 6:36. In this scripture the Savior is talking to Oliver Cowdry, but also to me. He said "Look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not."
If I look unto Christ even when I feel like he has forgotten me I realize He hasn't. Usually when it hurts it is an opportunity for me to grow. With growth there seems to come pain, but if I remind myself that He truly and honestly has my best at heart. Sometimes that makes it easier for me to ask for help to get up, brush myself off and continue along the path He has marked for me. I find that many stones I think of as stumbling stones can actually with His help be turned to stepping stones.
Many times I look back, and don't even remember the pain I experienced in the moment of growth. A dear friend once told me during a struggle "Life is like a bed of roses, Before you entered it all you saw were the beautiful roses. As you go through life you are going to find there are thorns in that garden, they will tear at your flesh, your cloths, hair, what ever they can. In the end though, you will look back and only see the flowers, but with a knowledge that to enjoy their beauty you had to experience a few thorns."
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