not this cute anymore!
3/6
I woke up 2 minutes before Aaron left for work. This is all we said to each other--
Me: I don't want you to become a farmer cause you look so handsome in a suit.
Him: you've never seen me in overalls, girl. Giddy up!
3/20
If we could look into each other's hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us face, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance and care. - Marvin J. Ashton
3/25
March 25, 2000-- Aaron proposed to me and I accepted. Later that night I met his parents for the first time.
March 25, 2013-- I spent the day with my awesome inlaws celebrating 13 years together. I married the right guy (for me) with the best parents (for us) and the most amazing grandparents (for our children). Happy Birthday, Brandy!
3/31
Aaron: the dishwasher is broken and the bathroom is flooded.
Me: what do you need me to do?
Aaron: take birth control — with Aaron Shumway.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
March 25
This past week was a doozy. I was busy every night with committee meetings and RS dinner celebrations and book clubs. Aaron was busy as well, which meant that the kids came with me everywhere I went.. Friday I buckled down and cleaned the house because I knew my in-laws were on their way...
But then the weekend came with basketball games and tennis matches and more meetings. Sunday morning I left my home at 9:30 am and didn't come back until almost 7:00 pm. A fine days work. I cannot imagine doing that every day like Aaron does. When I arrived home dinner was on the table, but the house looked as though 5 kids ran wild for hours, which I am sure they did. I went to bed with dishes still on the table and the crockpot still cooking. I was that tired.
This morning I woke up early and exercised with a friend. I felt energetic and ready to take on the day, but then I walked into my house and all of my energy was sapped out of me. it was truly a disaster. The kids and I had a pow-wow of what needed to get done first and THEN if it was all clean we could put up birthday decor for their Grandmother who turns 61 tomorrow. I knew there was no way we could get it all done in just a few short hours.
So instead of crying (which is exactly what I wanted to do) I called for reinforcements. I sent out an SOS to some of my friends explaining that my inlaws were coming in town and my house needed help. Literally within minutes, I had women knocking at my door. My bathroom and kitchen were scrubbed. My stairs were vacuumed. Dishes were washed and put away. I had help putting a book together for my mother in law. I had time to make a birthday cake and fold laundry. Another friend showed up after the house was clean with a bunch of birthday decor. Balloons and banners and crepe paper and streamers. We popped chicken nuggets in the oven for the kids and blasted music and had such a great time. In three short hours, my house went from completely unacceptable to party central. One friend (who already has so much on her plate right now) knocked on my door with a mop in hand. I told her she was the last person I expected to mop my floor. She got my message and arranged with her husband to come over after their busy morning. When her husband asked what was wrong, she explained, "Janet and I are so much a like. We won't ask for help unless we really need it." It's true. I was in a bind and it felt so good to admit that I needed help! I left this sweet friend mopping my floor (and watching my kids) while I ran out to grab a few last minute grocery items.
The inlaws (Stan Brandy and sister Cody) arrived just as I was getting back from the store. Perfect timing. The kids hid behind the couch and screamed "Happy Birthday" when I opened the front door. Brandy came bearing Easter baskets for the boys. She got them each a shirt that says something about how awesome they are.. she knows them so well. We packed up in the big van and met Aaron for dinner at Jason's Deli. Delish food and free ice cream, what more could you ask for?
We returned home to open presents and eat cake. The boys each wrote silly jokes on slips of paper and we stuffed those inside balloons and then wrapped the balloons up in a big box. They had such a blast popping each balloon and laughing at the jokes. (Brandy and the boys email silly jokes to each other all the time, so this was kind of their thing.) After 20 or so balloons were popped, her homemade book was wrapped at the bottom of the box. Each of the kids wrote a letter to Brandy about their favorite memory with her and then drew a picture of them together. Aaron and I each wrote letters and Simon and Roma had pages with their footprints It was very homemade and very perfect for any Grandparent. So thankful I have friends with laminators and book binding machines! This was a last minute project and it turned out fabulous.
We stayed up late laughing and talking and eating carrot cake. Recently, Stan, Aaron's 63 year old father, was jumping on the tramp and fell off (if you knew him, this would make perfect sense.) Brandy saw him later and asked why he had leaves in his hair and dirt on his shirt. He said, "I kinda fell of the trampoline." A few days later, he wanted to show her the bruise on his knee (it's a crazy purple scary mess). He started to unzip his pants while saying, "Do you want to see something cool?" Oh, man. That had us laughing. They are so much fun and so young at heart. Cody is amazing too and just the best. I truly feel lucky to have married into such a sweet and loving family.
Thirteen years ago, my husband proposed to me over Taco Bell at a park. I didn't know what our future held, but I knew that I wanted to spend it with him. This last decade+ has been difficult in many ways, but it's always been filled with blessings too. Some weeks are harder than others. Sometimes I have everything under control but most of the time, I am a complete mess. Nothing has ever been perfect, but it always seems to come together.. which is truly beautiful and miraculous.
March 25 is a day to celebrate.
(happy birthday to my older brother, Scottie and his son Sammy. how special for them to share this day together..)
But then the weekend came with basketball games and tennis matches and more meetings. Sunday morning I left my home at 9:30 am and didn't come back until almost 7:00 pm. A fine days work. I cannot imagine doing that every day like Aaron does. When I arrived home dinner was on the table, but the house looked as though 5 kids ran wild for hours, which I am sure they did. I went to bed with dishes still on the table and the crockpot still cooking. I was that tired.
This morning I woke up early and exercised with a friend. I felt energetic and ready to take on the day, but then I walked into my house and all of my energy was sapped out of me. it was truly a disaster. The kids and I had a pow-wow of what needed to get done first and THEN if it was all clean we could put up birthday decor for their Grandmother who turns 61 tomorrow. I knew there was no way we could get it all done in just a few short hours.
So instead of crying (which is exactly what I wanted to do) I called for reinforcements. I sent out an SOS to some of my friends explaining that my inlaws were coming in town and my house needed help. Literally within minutes, I had women knocking at my door. My bathroom and kitchen were scrubbed. My stairs were vacuumed. Dishes were washed and put away. I had help putting a book together for my mother in law. I had time to make a birthday cake and fold laundry. Another friend showed up after the house was clean with a bunch of birthday decor. Balloons and banners and crepe paper and streamers. We popped chicken nuggets in the oven for the kids and blasted music and had such a great time. In three short hours, my house went from completely unacceptable to party central. One friend (who already has so much on her plate right now) knocked on my door with a mop in hand. I told her she was the last person I expected to mop my floor. She got my message and arranged with her husband to come over after their busy morning. When her husband asked what was wrong, she explained, "Janet and I are so much a like. We won't ask for help unless we really need it." It's true. I was in a bind and it felt so good to admit that I needed help! I left this sweet friend mopping my floor (and watching my kids) while I ran out to grab a few last minute grocery items.
The inlaws (Stan Brandy and sister Cody) arrived just as I was getting back from the store. Perfect timing. The kids hid behind the couch and screamed "Happy Birthday" when I opened the front door. Brandy came bearing Easter baskets for the boys. She got them each a shirt that says something about how awesome they are.. she knows them so well. We packed up in the big van and met Aaron for dinner at Jason's Deli. Delish food and free ice cream, what more could you ask for?
We returned home to open presents and eat cake. The boys each wrote silly jokes on slips of paper and we stuffed those inside balloons and then wrapped the balloons up in a big box. They had such a blast popping each balloon and laughing at the jokes. (Brandy and the boys email silly jokes to each other all the time, so this was kind of their thing.) After 20 or so balloons were popped, her homemade book was wrapped at the bottom of the box. Each of the kids wrote a letter to Brandy about their favorite memory with her and then drew a picture of them together. Aaron and I each wrote letters and Simon and Roma had pages with their footprints It was very homemade and very perfect for any Grandparent. So thankful I have friends with laminators and book binding machines! This was a last minute project and it turned out fabulous.
We stayed up late laughing and talking and eating carrot cake. Recently, Stan, Aaron's 63 year old father, was jumping on the tramp and fell off (if you knew him, this would make perfect sense.) Brandy saw him later and asked why he had leaves in his hair and dirt on his shirt. He said, "I kinda fell of the trampoline." A few days later, he wanted to show her the bruise on his knee (it's a crazy purple scary mess). He started to unzip his pants while saying, "Do you want to see something cool?" Oh, man. That had us laughing. They are so much fun and so young at heart. Cody is amazing too and just the best. I truly feel lucky to have married into such a sweet and loving family.
Thirteen years ago, my husband proposed to me over Taco Bell at a park. I didn't know what our future held, but I knew that I wanted to spend it with him. This last decade+ has been difficult in many ways, but it's always been filled with blessings too. Some weeks are harder than others. Sometimes I have everything under control but most of the time, I am a complete mess. Nothing has ever been perfect, but it always seems to come together.. which is truly beautiful and miraculous.
March 25 is a day to celebrate.
(happy birthday to my older brother, Scottie and his son Sammy. how special for them to share this day together..)
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
the war on negativity
The motherhood war is in full-force.
The working mom vs SAHM. Breast fed vs bottle fed. Homeschooling vs traditional school. Natural births vs epidurals. Family bed vs the crib. Video games. Too many children (or not enough ) Vaccinations. Television. Too much stimulation. Decorating in the right colors. Eating organic. Prozac. Daycare. Discipline. Rear-facing carseats. Too much sugar. Too many rewards!
We could fight all day about what we do differently and how it's better than Mrs. Jones. The truth is, we're fighting the wrong war. What we don't realize that we are on the same team! We have more in common than we are different. It doesn't matter if we make homemade Valentines or whether we go to church on Sunday. We are all doing our best, and our best is good enough.
We have to ban together as friends and neighbors and strangers. We must dress in armor of self-acceptance, individuality, and optimism. We must try to view others in rose colored glasses and encourage them to bring their talents to the table. There is no time for judgement or insecurities. The war is waging and we have great things to accomplish... and none of those things are crafts pinned to an internet board.
Don't spread the negativity. It's the real enemy. It infects our friendships, our marriages, our homes. Don't let it in. We can fight this war and win if we stick together and uplift those around us. Our children need to learn to be respectful, self-assured, and accepting. They learn only by example.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Every man I meet is in some way my superior, and I can learn of him. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
A survey of one hundred self-made millionaires showed only one common denominator. These highly successful men and women could only see the good in people. -Jacques Wiesel
If we could look into each other's hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us face, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance and care. - Marvin J. Ashton
The working mom vs SAHM. Breast fed vs bottle fed. Homeschooling vs traditional school. Natural births vs epidurals. Family bed vs the crib. Video games. Too many children (or not enough ) Vaccinations. Television. Too much stimulation. Decorating in the right colors. Eating organic. Prozac. Daycare. Discipline. Rear-facing carseats. Too much sugar. Too many rewards!
We could fight all day about what we do differently and how it's better than Mrs. Jones. The truth is, we're fighting the wrong war. What we don't realize that we are on the same team! We have more in common than we are different. It doesn't matter if we make homemade Valentines or whether we go to church on Sunday. We are all doing our best, and our best is good enough.
We have to ban together as friends and neighbors and strangers. We must dress in armor of self-acceptance, individuality, and optimism. We must try to view others in rose colored glasses and encourage them to bring their talents to the table. There is no time for judgement or insecurities. The war is waging and we have great things to accomplish... and none of those things are crafts pinned to an internet board.
- Look for the good in others.
- Compliment yourself for doing things your own way.
- Don't judge a book by it's picture on Instagram.
- Spend time doing things that bring you JOY.
- Be confident that the decisions you make for your family are the right decisions.
- Look at a stranger in the eyes.
- Smile.
- Offer to serve someone who bothers you.
- Be proud of who you are, don't feel intimidated.
- Encourage others to be who they are. Celebrate their strengths and learn from them.
Don't spread the negativity. It's the real enemy. It infects our friendships, our marriages, our homes. Don't let it in. We can fight this war and win if we stick together and uplift those around us. Our children need to learn to be respectful, self-assured, and accepting. They learn only by example.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Every man I meet is in some way my superior, and I can learn of him. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
A survey of one hundred self-made millionaires showed only one common denominator. These highly successful men and women could only see the good in people. -Jacques Wiesel
If we could look into each other's hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us face, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance and care. - Marvin J. Ashton
Saturday, March 16, 2013
awake all night with my BFF
last night after I finished writing my blog post, I turned off the movie (where Bella's red eyes beamed on the screen... I hadn't seen much of the movie, but what I saw made me realize Twilight never has and never will be something I'm interested in reading or watching. and why was she wearing so much makeup when she became a vampire? Don't you believe the most beautiful people (the perfect kind) are those without makeup? Or at least enough makeup to make it look like she doesn't have any on? Beauty is natural and clean and not about caked-on eye-shadow This is my belief.) anyway...
I started reading. First the scriptures and then Jane Eyre. I was enjoying my freedom of having my own bedroom! If Aaron didn't share a room with me, I would stay up reading way later every.night.. so maybe it's a good thing I'm married. :) He makes me turn off the light at a decent hour.
I turned off the lights around midnight, but didn't fall asleep. I pondered the thoughts in my head and the events of my day and wished I had gotten the names and numbers of the women who came into my house and shared a piece of themselves with me. But then I realized I probably wouldn't ever have the time to call them or meet them for lunch so it's for the best.
I was still awake at 1:30 ish when Simon burst through my bedroom door. He was crying. I figured he'd had a nightmare downstairs sleeping with his brothers and gladly welcomed him into my bed. A few minutes later, there was pandemonium. Zack was upstairs screaming that someone had broken into our house. I was scared and I heard noise. I put on a robe and really regretted my thoughts about how nice is it to have my own bedroom! I needed my husband!!!
It didn't take long for me to realize that a lot of the chaos downstairs was being caused by our dog, Sunny. Having her in our home is such a comfort, especially in a situation like this. I knew that if a stranger was in the house, she would be barking up a storm. And she wasn't. She was just running around, avoiding Luke who was telling her to go back outside. She ran upstairs before I came down and was happy as a lark and that calmed me completely. No person is in the house. It's just Sunny.
I took her downstairs and talked to Luke who was a bit delirious. He thinks one of the boys was sleepwalking and let Sunny in. She sleeps outside every night, but I am sure when someone invited her in, she was ready to play. The boys were sleeping on a mattress in the living room and she jumped on top of them and begged for some attention. They all woke up and chased her back outside... but not before waking me up too. Luke went back to sleep on the mattress and Zack and Simon were now upstairs snuggling up together. I turned off all of the lights again, and headed back to bed.
But all of the noise had woken up Roma too. She was screaming in her crib. I went into her bedroom and rocked her for about an hour. She was dead weight and her hair was soft and she smelled delicious. I rocked her and rocked her and thought of Richard G Scott who spoke of a memory of being awake in the middle of the night with his son who died a few weeks after his experience. And how precious those memories are to him. I held her tight and didn't want to put her down. I thought of how her presence in my life has changed me. How I see people (and animals and everything really) in a new light. I know that even if she was taken from me, I would continue to have that light and understanding in my life. She reminds me daily that my life is more meaningful and more whole. I squeezed her and tickled her and she squeezed back. Both of her little arms were wrapped around my shoulder and she was hugging me back. And then she started tickling me too. She wasn't asleep. But she was enjoying the moment and didn't want to move either. Eventually she lifted her head to see me. And then she giggled. And then said "Sunny" and I told her yes, Sunny broke into our house and woke us up! and she giggled again and pointed to her kitchen and said, "Dat" I explained that it was time for bed, not play and put her back in her crib and shut the door. She screamed and screamed and screamed.
I went back to bed wondering if I should get her.. but I knew what kind of mood she was in and I was not about to cook with her at 3:00 am. So I turned on my computer and found the most beautiful blog written about abuse and heartache and boundaries. I emailed the author and I want to become bffs with her... there is power in the written word and she has been blessed with a gift. I related to something she wrote about making her blog a place emotion and reflection... where her facebook page is where she puts all of the funny things she hears/feels throughout the day. That is SO me! I am still both people but this blog has become a place for me to write the serious and more emotional thoughts I have. I want to read more from her today... but I have the messiest house to clean! If I took pictures of each of the rooms, you would think a burglar did come inside and dump out every drawer looking for treasure!
After reading for about an hour, I still heard Roma crying so I went to get her and bring her back to bed with me. She was so happy to see me! She laid down next to me on my pillow and squealed with delight. I tried to quiet her but she wasn't having it. She would touch my nose with her nose and if I made the slightest noise (taking a breath) she would giggle so hard. so then I started breathing louder to make her laugh louder. This went on for some time. I tried to get her to turn around and sleep facing the other direction, and she would for about 30 seconds. Then she'd pop her head up and scream, "HI!" and giggle more. I decided to embrace situation and giggle with her because it was funny. And we were having our first real girl sleepover, complete with nonstop giggling session and nonsense. If only she had a bra I could freeze....
Around 5 am, I decided to put her back in her crib. But then I saw her rocking chair and wanted another hugging session. She laid on me and I rocked her. I thought about my dearest friend and example, Bev Olson who had to bury all three of her babies in her lifetime before they were able to bring her Grandchildren. what an example of strength she is to me. I also thought about my dear friend Suzanne who is in the hospital with her 12 year old baby girl fighting cancer. How she much have countless nights holding her daughter in bed in their tiny hospital room. I rocked and squeezed Roma until the sun came up. Eventually I put her sleepy body in her crib and crawled into mine just as my curtains lit up my bedroom.
I didn't get a wink of sleep. But I had the most amazing night. Sometimes we need those quiet moments of reflecting and pondering and snuggling. I am not sure where Roma's life will take her, but I have those rocking sessions planted deep in my heart. If I struggle with her in the future, I will think back to the time we stayed up all night, touching noses, giggling and hanging out as Best Friends Forever.
I started reading. First the scriptures and then Jane Eyre. I was enjoying my freedom of having my own bedroom! If Aaron didn't share a room with me, I would stay up reading way later every.night.. so maybe it's a good thing I'm married. :) He makes me turn off the light at a decent hour.
I turned off the lights around midnight, but didn't fall asleep. I pondered the thoughts in my head and the events of my day and wished I had gotten the names and numbers of the women who came into my house and shared a piece of themselves with me. But then I realized I probably wouldn't ever have the time to call them or meet them for lunch so it's for the best.
I was still awake at 1:30 ish when Simon burst through my bedroom door. He was crying. I figured he'd had a nightmare downstairs sleeping with his brothers and gladly welcomed him into my bed. A few minutes later, there was pandemonium. Zack was upstairs screaming that someone had broken into our house. I was scared and I heard noise. I put on a robe and really regretted my thoughts about how nice is it to have my own bedroom! I needed my husband!!!
It didn't take long for me to realize that a lot of the chaos downstairs was being caused by our dog, Sunny. Having her in our home is such a comfort, especially in a situation like this. I knew that if a stranger was in the house, she would be barking up a storm. And she wasn't. She was just running around, avoiding Luke who was telling her to go back outside. She ran upstairs before I came down and was happy as a lark and that calmed me completely. No person is in the house. It's just Sunny.
I took her downstairs and talked to Luke who was a bit delirious. He thinks one of the boys was sleepwalking and let Sunny in. She sleeps outside every night, but I am sure when someone invited her in, she was ready to play. The boys were sleeping on a mattress in the living room and she jumped on top of them and begged for some attention. They all woke up and chased her back outside... but not before waking me up too. Luke went back to sleep on the mattress and Zack and Simon were now upstairs snuggling up together. I turned off all of the lights again, and headed back to bed.
But all of the noise had woken up Roma too. She was screaming in her crib. I went into her bedroom and rocked her for about an hour. She was dead weight and her hair was soft and she smelled delicious. I rocked her and rocked her and thought of Richard G Scott who spoke of a memory of being awake in the middle of the night with his son who died a few weeks after his experience. And how precious those memories are to him. I held her tight and didn't want to put her down. I thought of how her presence in my life has changed me. How I see people (and animals and everything really) in a new light. I know that even if she was taken from me, I would continue to have that light and understanding in my life. She reminds me daily that my life is more meaningful and more whole. I squeezed her and tickled her and she squeezed back. Both of her little arms were wrapped around my shoulder and she was hugging me back. And then she started tickling me too. She wasn't asleep. But she was enjoying the moment and didn't want to move either. Eventually she lifted her head to see me. And then she giggled. And then said "Sunny" and I told her yes, Sunny broke into our house and woke us up! and she giggled again and pointed to her kitchen and said, "Dat" I explained that it was time for bed, not play and put her back in her crib and shut the door. She screamed and screamed and screamed.
I went back to bed wondering if I should get her.. but I knew what kind of mood she was in and I was not about to cook with her at 3:00 am. So I turned on my computer and found the most beautiful blog written about abuse and heartache and boundaries. I emailed the author and I want to become bffs with her... there is power in the written word and she has been blessed with a gift. I related to something she wrote about making her blog a place emotion and reflection... where her facebook page is where she puts all of the funny things she hears/feels throughout the day. That is SO me! I am still both people but this blog has become a place for me to write the serious and more emotional thoughts I have. I want to read more from her today... but I have the messiest house to clean! If I took pictures of each of the rooms, you would think a burglar did come inside and dump out every drawer looking for treasure!
After reading for about an hour, I still heard Roma crying so I went to get her and bring her back to bed with me. She was so happy to see me! She laid down next to me on my pillow and squealed with delight. I tried to quiet her but she wasn't having it. She would touch my nose with her nose and if I made the slightest noise (taking a breath) she would giggle so hard. so then I started breathing louder to make her laugh louder. This went on for some time. I tried to get her to turn around and sleep facing the other direction, and she would for about 30 seconds. Then she'd pop her head up and scream, "HI!" and giggle more. I decided to embrace situation and giggle with her because it was funny. And we were having our first real girl sleepover, complete with nonstop giggling session and nonsense. If only she had a bra I could freeze....
Around 5 am, I decided to put her back in her crib. But then I saw her rocking chair and wanted another hugging session. She laid on me and I rocked her. I thought about my dearest friend and example, Bev Olson who had to bury all three of her babies in her lifetime before they were able to bring her Grandchildren. what an example of strength she is to me. I also thought about my dear friend Suzanne who is in the hospital with her 12 year old baby girl fighting cancer. How she much have countless nights holding her daughter in bed in their tiny hospital room. I rocked and squeezed Roma until the sun came up. Eventually I put her sleepy body in her crib and crawled into mine just as my curtains lit up my bedroom.
I didn't get a wink of sleep. But I had the most amazing night. Sometimes we need those quiet moments of reflecting and pondering and snuggling. I am not sure where Roma's life will take her, but I have those rocking sessions planted deep in my heart. If I struggle with her in the future, I will think back to the time we stayed up all night, touching noses, giggling and hanging out as Best Friends Forever.
Friday, March 15, 2013
where Love is, there God is also
it's been a long week.. a good one, but tonight I feel super emotional. I've been crying for a couple of hours now. I am in my bedroom alone. The windows are open and it's nice and breezy. I decided to put in a movie to fall asleep to-- one of the Twilight movies. I don't know which number, but they are getting married now. (I've never seen it and apparently I'm still not that interested.) I feel like writing instead while Bella and Edward are about to get it on in the background. Poor Jacob.
I'm tired. exhausted and depleted and emotional. Every night has been a late one with church meetings and basketball games and appointments. There has been no time to clean the house-- and even if there was, I haven't done it. So this weekend is going to be catch up. Yay!
Aaron and Ben are on a scout camp out tonight. Ben is seriously the cutest boy scout I know. He's plugging away at those merit badges like it's going out of style. Dad is his scout leader, so we are gung-ho, yo! I am a HUGE fan on the boy scout program. HUGE. Love everything they represent and I am so looking forward to each of my boys becoming men through this program.
Because Aaron had to work right up until they left today, I cleaned out our scout-mobile (took the 400,000lb back bench out by myself) and packed my boys up for their outing . which included all of the food for the troop. Aaron came home, changed his clothes and they were out. I was thorough and sent him with can openers, non-stick spray for pancakes and even glowsticks for the boys to stay up all night. I asked him about cooking equip and he told me someone else had it. big miscommunication. He is there with a troop of hungry kids and they don't have any pans to cook their chili or griddles to flip the pancakes. I swear I asked and he thinks he told me, but he's wrong. And I felt unappreciated. Never doing that again.. until next camp out, I'm sure.
After taking a walk outside and feeding my rugrats, we pulled in a mattress in the front room and took off the cushions on the couch. I took pictures of the kids jumping around, Ro had no clothes, which made her especially happy. She is such a tough chick and can wrestle like the rest of them. I love her sass and the way she's changed our family. She was sleepy and hysterical and so funny. Yes, eventually I dressed her and put her to sleep. The boys are actually still up watching some kind of superhero movie downstairs. So glad i'm not a part of that.
Anyway, I'm getting side-tracked. During the dinner craze where kids were screaming and couch cushions were being thrown, my doorbell rang. Two women (solicitors) were asking for donations for their battered women's shelter. It seems like this week I've had too many conversations with women who are struggling... this was one more to add to the list... and it seemed like the most inconvenient timing. But I invited them into my crazy house and they opened up about their personal lives and what they've been through. Wow. They held Ro in her diaper and stayed for much longer than they planned, I'm sure. But it was so rewarding and helped me put everything in perspective. I am safe in my home with my rambunctious children. And my husband is volunteering his time to camp with a bunch of rambunctious pre-teen boys. My life is good and my husband is gentle and kind and works hard. And we have all our needs taken care of. He provides enough that I was able to write out a check to this amazing shelter, and hopefully that can make a difference in another life.. writing that check felt better than any shopping spree (I hate to shop, btw) I am also hoping Ben can plan his eagle project around these awesome women and what they stand for.
it truly is all about perspective. Sometimes when you think (or know) life is rough, it's healthy to step back and realize that others have it harder. Those sweet women who knocked on my door were angels sent to testify of hardship. We truly connected and I felt their strong spirits and their desire to help others in their even more difficult situations than we can fathom. This week I've met with several women in my neighborhood who are dealing with specific trials of their own and I have been unable to give them advice on how to handle it or which direction to go. But tonight I felt inspiration and know it was exactly what I needed. My prayers have been answered so directly and personally.
After they left, I cried. Not for myself. And not for these once battered women. But because I know there is a God who loves each of us. He knows what's going on in the details of my life and sent strangers to my door to deliver a message of inspiration and hope. These women are not of my faith, but the clarity and answers they gave me could not have come from anyone else. We spoke from the heart and we felt love for one another. and "where Love is, there God is also." I will forever be grateful to them and I will look for their stories in the eyes of other women and men I meet in the future. What a beautiful world this is. Amid the trials and hardships and abuse there is love and hope and safety. Feeling grateful and emotional tonight.
I'm tired. exhausted and depleted and emotional. Every night has been a late one with church meetings and basketball games and appointments. There has been no time to clean the house-- and even if there was, I haven't done it. So this weekend is going to be catch up. Yay!
Aaron and Ben are on a scout camp out tonight. Ben is seriously the cutest boy scout I know. He's plugging away at those merit badges like it's going out of style. Dad is his scout leader, so we are gung-ho, yo! I am a HUGE fan on the boy scout program. HUGE. Love everything they represent and I am so looking forward to each of my boys becoming men through this program.
Because Aaron had to work right up until they left today, I cleaned out our scout-mobile (took the 400,000lb back bench out by myself) and packed my boys up for their outing . which included all of the food for the troop. Aaron came home, changed his clothes and they were out. I was thorough and sent him with can openers, non-stick spray for pancakes and even glowsticks for the boys to stay up all night. I asked him about cooking equip and he told me someone else had it. big miscommunication. He is there with a troop of hungry kids and they don't have any pans to cook their chili or griddles to flip the pancakes. I swear I asked and he thinks he told me, but he's wrong. And I felt unappreciated. Never doing that again.. until next camp out, I'm sure.
After taking a walk outside and feeding my rugrats, we pulled in a mattress in the front room and took off the cushions on the couch. I took pictures of the kids jumping around, Ro had no clothes, which made her especially happy. She is such a tough chick and can wrestle like the rest of them. I love her sass and the way she's changed our family. She was sleepy and hysterical and so funny. Yes, eventually I dressed her and put her to sleep. The boys are actually still up watching some kind of superhero movie downstairs. So glad i'm not a part of that.
Anyway, I'm getting side-tracked. During the dinner craze where kids were screaming and couch cushions were being thrown, my doorbell rang. Two women (solicitors) were asking for donations for their battered women's shelter. It seems like this week I've had too many conversations with women who are struggling... this was one more to add to the list... and it seemed like the most inconvenient timing. But I invited them into my crazy house and they opened up about their personal lives and what they've been through. Wow. They held Ro in her diaper and stayed for much longer than they planned, I'm sure. But it was so rewarding and helped me put everything in perspective. I am safe in my home with my rambunctious children. And my husband is volunteering his time to camp with a bunch of rambunctious pre-teen boys. My life is good and my husband is gentle and kind and works hard. And we have all our needs taken care of. He provides enough that I was able to write out a check to this amazing shelter, and hopefully that can make a difference in another life.. writing that check felt better than any shopping spree (I hate to shop, btw) I am also hoping Ben can plan his eagle project around these awesome women and what they stand for.
it truly is all about perspective. Sometimes when you think (or know) life is rough, it's healthy to step back and realize that others have it harder. Those sweet women who knocked on my door were angels sent to testify of hardship. We truly connected and I felt their strong spirits and their desire to help others in their even more difficult situations than we can fathom. This week I've met with several women in my neighborhood who are dealing with specific trials of their own and I have been unable to give them advice on how to handle it or which direction to go. But tonight I felt inspiration and know it was exactly what I needed. My prayers have been answered so directly and personally.
After they left, I cried. Not for myself. And not for these once battered women. But because I know there is a God who loves each of us. He knows what's going on in the details of my life and sent strangers to my door to deliver a message of inspiration and hope. These women are not of my faith, but the clarity and answers they gave me could not have come from anyone else. We spoke from the heart and we felt love for one another. and "where Love is, there God is also." I will forever be grateful to them and I will look for their stories in the eyes of other women and men I meet in the future. What a beautiful world this is. Amid the trials and hardships and abuse there is love and hope and safety. Feeling grateful and emotional tonight.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
yesterday
oh boy. we've been busy around these parts.
Simon: but just one more thing.
Me: what?
Simon: I'm just so proud of Dad for marrying you!
yesterday we spent the morning at one of our favorite spots, Spring Mountain Ranch. It was sunny and bright.. 75 degrees or so. Zack found a million sticks to paint into Harry Potter wands, which happened 3.5 seconds after we arrived home. "mom, I don't know what happened to me, but all of the sudden, I have turbo painting skills." The wands are for sale for ten cents each. Get 'em while they last...
Simon and I still lay down every afternoon next to each other. It's a battle getting him to sleep, but I truly look forward to the alone time with him. His personality slays me. and that dimple. This is what he said yesterday..
Simon: one more thing, mom.
Me: no. No more talking. It's naptime. Simon: but just one more thing.
Me: what?
Simon: I'm just so proud of Dad for marrying you!
Ben and Luke are growing into the finest young specimen. I could not be happier about homeschooling. Still working on finding a balance between church service, cleaning and blogging. But teaching my kids comes first and it's so rewarding. I have a long list of things I want them to learn before they leave the house-- meals they can make themselves, chores to do on their own, etc. Last week we combined with a few families and taught them an easy dinner recipe, along with how to write and stamp a letter, how to write a check, and how to make doctor appointments on the phone. Luke told the "secretary" at the doctors office that he accidentally sliced off his head and he needs immediate medical attention. Everyone, including the secretary thought it was hilarious... because he says it without a smirk on his face.
I made a human slingshot recently-- my boys bring it everywhere we go in hopes of opportunity to run in it. It's gotten some great use with cousins, friends and scouts. We may or may not end up at the hospital with our first broken bone because of this contraption.
Yesterday I was busy during dinner prep visiting a sister in my ward who needed help. I texted Aaron to please pick up some Taco Bell so our kids could eat before the evening events. I was hoping to warm some leftovers for the two of us before he had to run off to scouts, but there wasn't time. Aaron walked in the door, changed into his scout uniform, came into the kitchen, shoved 3/4ths of bean burrito in his mouth, and headed out the door. It was disgusting, but I found myself giggling about it all night.
We were in bed by 9 pm last night. and it felt so good. I have a new rule for my day, and it's really helped. Don't check your email (or social networking site) for at least an hour after you wake up. Seems like a simple task, but it was hard at first. Now that it's habit, I have seen a huge difference in my schedule. I get a lot more done in the morning.
Ro has gone from miss pucker-upper to only kissing you when you're crying. Needless to say, I pretend like I'm hurt a lot. She has me trained like a dolphin.
while I was dressing her after a bath, she was giving me a odd stare. I could tell by the look on her face that I had something on my nose. I found a little booger hanging, and after I got rid of it, she nodded her head as if to say, "Yep, you got it." It made us both laugh. I have funny (and sometimes very serious) conversations with her everyday where no actual words are spoken. She is quite the sass and I love her for it.
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