To my sweet "little" sister and wise father. Justin had a birthday too, but we were too far away to celebrate with him. I love our families!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Bath night
Two nights a week are bath nights. I can't handle more than that. For 5 years bath night has been good, clean fun - until tonight.
"Mom! William pooped in the bathtub!"
Nice.
I'm so glad Clayton was home (and in a good mood).
But because this is an uplifting blog, here are some of my favorite quotes from the last General Conference.
"There is no area of parental action that is more needful of heavenly guidance or more likely ro receive it than the decisions of parents in raising their children and governing their families. This is the work of eternity."
-Elder Dallin H. Oaks
"Your mind is in charge; your body is the instument of your mind."
-President Boyd K. Packer
"It is not enough to want to make the effort and to say we'll make the effort. It's in the doing, not just the thinking, that we accomplish our goals. if we constantly put our goals off, we will never see them fulfilled."
- President Thomas S. Monson (quoted by President Uchtdorf)
Monday, October 12, 2009
Overtime
In a conference address, Julie Beck, Relief Society General President, outlined the influence mothers have.
"Mothers who know are always teachers. Since they are not babysitters, they are never off duty."
This statement made me pause and realize that I am ALWAYS on call. Just because it's 9:30 and my children should be asleep doesn't mean I need to be cranky because they are eating into "my time". It is a privilege to be a mother and to take the time to teach my children. Even to teach them essential life skills like how to fall asleep on their own.
I never liked babysitting, but I do love being a Mother (which just by the nature of the calling is a full-time job). I got to hold William on the rocking chair while he fell asleep for nap time today. I heard the baby's constant cooing as I cooked dinner. And Eliza singing to herself when she thought I wasn't listening.
"Mothers who know are always teachers. Since they are not babysitters, they are never off duty."
This statement made me pause and realize that I am ALWAYS on call. Just because it's 9:30 and my children should be asleep doesn't mean I need to be cranky because they are eating into "my time". It is a privilege to be a mother and to take the time to teach my children. Even to teach them essential life skills like how to fall asleep on their own.
I never liked babysitting, but I do love being a Mother (which just by the nature of the calling is a full-time job). I got to hold William on the rocking chair while he fell asleep for nap time today. I heard the baby's constant cooing as I cooked dinner. And Eliza singing to herself when she thought I wasn't listening.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Motherhood Miracles
I knew today would be a good day coming off of a high from General Conference. I was excited to be the mother I knew I should be.
So I prayed a lot. And I specifically prayed that I would know how to help my boy stay in bed at night.
While I was sorting the laundry, an idea came to my mind clearly. A way to set up rewards and how to implement the plan. Then I remembered that one of the speakers at General Conference mentioned that ideas from the Holy Ghost could come into our minds at any time - so pay attention and keep that channel clear.
I'm very grateful that the channel was clear and the message came through.
Another miracle was just some thoughts I had while rocking my baby to sleep. I realized that I was now holding a baby I never thought would come. 2008 brought two miscarriages and the emotions that come with it. But it all seems so far away when I hold the baby and feel her head get heavy on my shoulder. Life is a miracle and babies come to families when the Lord knows they should.
She'll be 3 months tomorrow.
So I prayed a lot. And I specifically prayed that I would know how to help my boy stay in bed at night.
While I was sorting the laundry, an idea came to my mind clearly. A way to set up rewards and how to implement the plan. Then I remembered that one of the speakers at General Conference mentioned that ideas from the Holy Ghost could come into our minds at any time - so pay attention and keep that channel clear.
I'm very grateful that the channel was clear and the message came through.
Another miracle was just some thoughts I had while rocking my baby to sleep. I realized that I was now holding a baby I never thought would come. 2008 brought two miscarriages and the emotions that come with it. But it all seems so far away when I hold the baby and feel her head get heavy on my shoulder. Life is a miracle and babies come to families when the Lord knows they should.
She'll be 3 months tomorrow.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Health
When I was pregnant I had the strongest desire to go running. I like to run and I decided now was the time to start again.
I found two friends in the neighborhood who let me tag along today. We ran 4 miles! That's a FOUR mile run - accomplished cold turkey.
Miracle: Our bodies are incredible! After one and a half years of no running, I could do it. My legs and joints are sore, but I'm alive and I am looking forward to the next time. I'm so very grateful for health and the ability to move and enjoy a brisk, sunny fall morning. What a blessing to be alive and moving!
I found two friends in the neighborhood who let me tag along today. We ran 4 miles! That's a FOUR mile run - accomplished cold turkey.
Miracle: Our bodies are incredible! After one and a half years of no running, I could do it. My legs and joints are sore, but I'm alive and I am looking forward to the next time. I'm so very grateful for health and the ability to move and enjoy a brisk, sunny fall morning. What a blessing to be alive and moving!
Unrelated pictures. On a hike to Cascade Springs.
They loved collecting the leaves to give to Daddy.
They loved collecting the leaves to give to Daddy.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
New Start
No matter how long and hard I have to think about my day, I will come up with something. An amazing something.
What happened today?
Dropped number 1 off at school.
Drove number 2 to school.
Made cookie dough.
Fed number 3.
Helped in number 1's classroom.
Picked up number 2.
Drove to Wendy's.
Drove to the park.
Ahhh.... there is the "something". We ate our lunch at a picnic table in the sun. It was only 50 degrees today, but sunny. Number 1 saw a leaf bug on the next table. We all investigated. They thought it was dead. Just slow - it was too cold. It was lovely to explore a bug with the kids. They were fascinated by it.
Then off to the playground. Number 1 was looking for ways to be challenged. She tried to slide down the arm slide (?) backwards.
Arm slide: two poles close enough together to fit under a child's armpits so he can slide down. The top is about six feet from the ground.
Next challenge, both arms on one side. She slipped while trying to get on and fell. Right on her knees and hands. Cried a little. The back at it. I'm amazed at her persistence. She tried 5 or 6 more times then gave up. She fell each time. But she figured out how to stay on her feet a few times.
Drove home.
Naptime.
Number 2 doesn't stay in bed.
By 3:30 all children are sleeping.
3:30 is too late for my children to be sleeping.
Tried to bribe kids to wake up.
Dealt with cranky kids.
Went on a walk to deliver belated thank you's.
Number 1 and Number 2 run into each other on their bikes.
Movie time so I can manage...
Dinner.
Sister saves the day by watching kids so I can go to Relief Society. We made cards. And despite my total lack of creativity in the paper arts, I came home with 2 cards. One for Number 1 and one for someone else.
Miracles:
leaf bug, sister babysitting, the gift of life, sunny day, snow on the mountains, and the hope in a tomorrow.
Not the leaf bug, but the praying mantis we found last month.
What happened today?
Dropped number 1 off at school.
Drove number 2 to school.
Made cookie dough.
Fed number 3.
Helped in number 1's classroom.
Picked up number 2.
Drove to Wendy's.
Drove to the park.
Ahhh.... there is the "something". We ate our lunch at a picnic table in the sun. It was only 50 degrees today, but sunny. Number 1 saw a leaf bug on the next table. We all investigated. They thought it was dead. Just slow - it was too cold. It was lovely to explore a bug with the kids. They were fascinated by it.
Then off to the playground. Number 1 was looking for ways to be challenged. She tried to slide down the arm slide (?) backwards.
Arm slide: two poles close enough together to fit under a child's armpits so he can slide down. The top is about six feet from the ground.
Next challenge, both arms on one side. She slipped while trying to get on and fell. Right on her knees and hands. Cried a little. The back at it. I'm amazed at her persistence. She tried 5 or 6 more times then gave up. She fell each time. But she figured out how to stay on her feet a few times.
Drove home.
Naptime.
Number 2 doesn't stay in bed.
By 3:30 all children are sleeping.
3:30 is too late for my children to be sleeping.
Tried to bribe kids to wake up.
Dealt with cranky kids.
Went on a walk to deliver belated thank you's.
Number 1 and Number 2 run into each other on their bikes.
Movie time so I can manage...
Dinner.
Sister saves the day by watching kids so I can go to Relief Society. We made cards. And despite my total lack of creativity in the paper arts, I came home with 2 cards. One for Number 1 and one for someone else.
Miracles:
leaf bug, sister babysitting, the gift of life, sunny day, snow on the mountains, and the hope in a tomorrow.
Not the leaf bug, but the praying mantis we found last month.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Ice
While I was walking home tonight, I slipped on the ice (twice), but didn't fall. This is miraculous for a few reasons. 1. I was carrying a heavy load and should have fallen right on my back. 2. I am pregnant and that alone means I am extra clumsy.
I am grateful I didn't fall. Not only would it have hurt, but it could have hurt more than just me. I feel like I was protected and helped in just a small way.
I am grateful I didn't fall. Not only would it have hurt, but it could have hurt more than just me. I feel like I was protected and helped in just a small way.
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