I have pondered over this topic for a few days. I wondered if I should even say anything considering it 'might' offend someone. I do a lot of things, or rather, I don't do a lot of things to avoid offending someone. It is not my intention to offend. If it was, you'd know.
Everyone has had a "keeping up with the Jones's" moment in their life. (I know you have!) Someone always has something better: a bigger/cleaner/nicer/better located/etc house, newer cars, better kids, better spouse, better finances, better job, better weather, better vacations, better life, etc. You get the point.
This weekend I attended a wedding for one of my friends from high school. During the reception Adam said "when I get married...blah blah blah" and continued to express things he would do the same or differently. Funny...ha.ha.ha. Adam is NOT getting remarried unless I am dead. =) But really, we laughed and joked. There were a few things said in the wedding and then, not talking about marriage but were again said, in our lessons at church the following day. I remember back when Adam and I were getting married we were asked to think about what marriage is to each of us. I remember saying "marriage is learning to love an imperfect person, perfectly." I know I heard that somewhere, but it stuck with me. I think we can apply that to all people though, we can love all imperfect people, perfectly. If we are capable of doing so, we are loving people the way God loves each one of us.
We have had our trials. We have had our ups and our downs. Some of our imperfections have come out at different times and we have had to learn how to love through those imperfections. I know our trials are not over, and we will have many many more. I know that several of our trials have brought us closer to each other and we have learned to rely on each other more than we did before. That is life.
Anyhow, after this weekend I felt like the Jones's. I felt happy with my life. Not just happy, but so thankful for my life. I really cannot think of a word to describe how I truly feel. It's like I understand my life better now. I have never been in love with my house, but I do like it. I love my husband so much. He really is the best husband (for me). I love my son and am so happy to be his mother. I feel like I learn just as much from him if not more than what he learns from me. I have good friends. I live in a good, safe town. I get to be a SAHM and I LOVE IT. There are tons of things we can do and relatively close...for free! My little family is close and often express our love to each other. I love hearing the 20 times a day "Mommy, I love you too much." I love that my husband kisses me bye each morning and hello each evening. I love that we sit at the table for dinner together and most of the time we even have breakfast together. I love that I don't feel like I have to hide things from my husband and vice versa. I love that we can truly talk about anything. I love that my family shares spiritual experiences and feelings with me. I love that my husband and I are on the same page about parenting and religion. There are so many other things that I love and wouldn't change for the world. I know that I have this peace and love because it is give to me by our Father in Heaven.
On our way to the town where the wedding was, we saw the Kansas City Temple. It's still under construction, but absolutely beautiful. I have had wonderful experiences at the temple and know the importance of them on this earth. I also know of the trials the early Saints had to go through living in the area where the temple is located now. When we saw the temple, I had overwhelming and conflicting feelings. Not good versus bad, but extreme happiness and sadness. My breath was taken away from me. To me, the temple is so much more than a building. I am so happy for us today to have that temple, and so sad the early Saints did not have it. Maybe that is why I feel the way I do. I am so thankful for the many blessings in my life and feel like the 'richest' person in the world.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Chores, chores, All I do is Chores
That's going to be the song Haydn is singing before too long. He always wants to help with everything and to help him develop those skills, we've given him chores. One thing he has to do is gather all the little trashcans in our house and dump them into the bigger one. It's actually quite cute watching a little 3 year old 'taking out the trash.' I'm so thankful he wants to help, most children do.
I have had a hard time staying on top of my chores. Our schedules have changed so much and my energy level is so low these days. There are a few things that I must stay on top of or else we all will suffer. Since we are rearranging our house, I have a couple rooms that need a little work and one that needs a lot of work. When rearranging things, I need Adam's help. He's been so busy between work and his calling at church. So, little by little right?
I have had a hard time staying on top of my chores. Our schedules have changed so much and my energy level is so low these days. There are a few things that I must stay on top of or else we all will suffer. Since we are rearranging our house, I have a couple rooms that need a little work and one that needs a lot of work. When rearranging things, I need Adam's help. He's been so busy between work and his calling at church. So, little by little right?
Monday, May 2, 2011
What are your feelings?
A friend of mine posted on her blog about Osama bin Laden's death that "the threat of terrorism has not been defused whatsoever." I think that point has been over looked by so many people. Rejoicing at Osama's death is not something I am doing. I don't feel happy or sad, I don't feel relieved or scared. I honestly feel...the same. What is this going to do to our futures? Who knows...we've been 'at war' for so long now that it's probably just another surge in military services much like the ebb and flow of our stock market. At times we need more men and women to serve this country, and others less. We are proving time and time again that history repeats itself. I have seen this happen for the second time in my adulthood and that hasn't been very many years. I remember when Saddam Hussein was captured and then tried and then put to death. However, nothing changed. We were still plagued with 'terrorism' even though this horrible man was gone. Does this really bring closure? I don't think so. This one man can no longer cause fear, threat, etc. to humankind, however his successor can. And his successor and so forth.
I guess in a time like this, I feel that it is important to be thankful to those men, women, and families who serve this country to allow me to feel this way.
I do feel safe. However, I don't feel the world is any safer with Osama dead.
I guess in a time like this, I feel that it is important to be thankful to those men, women, and families who serve this country to allow me to feel this way.
I do feel safe. However, I don't feel the world is any safer with Osama dead.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter
We had a wonderful Easter. We're not big into fictional characters or anything like that, however we had a wonderful feast for our little family. Our day was not rushed. We played together and helped each other, it was a perfect day. We also learned that we really enjoy just staying home and not worrying about getting from point A to point B and back to point A in just a few hours. We had wonderful talks at church and everyone really did focus on the purpose of Easter.
I am in the presidency of our primary (children aged 3-11). Since I'm in the presidency, I get to teach all the children once every 3 weeks. I was really nervous about this when I was fist called, but now I look forward to it and enjoy every moment of it. Teaching the children helps me build my testimony too. Sometimes it is hard to think of ways to help get the lesson or point across to the children. However, yesterday I didn't want to tarnish the message at all by playing games. I have a very strong testimony of the atonement and know that My Savior lives. So, the lesson is easy enough to teach when you know it to be true. I pulled up a chair and sat down in front of all the children. I'm not superior to them and I didn't want that teacher/student atmosphere. I had everyone open their scriptures to John chapter 20. We read versus and then we discussed. I had a few pictures to help depict the scenes. A lot of the time when teaching the children, you just talk and they listen...or not listen. This time was very different. All the children and teachers were listening. The children asked questions and the teachers would give their input. There were a few questions the children asked that I wasn't sure I'd be able to answer properly. I KNOW that I would not be able to, so the Spirit took over. I know that through the Holy Ghost I was able to teach those children the lesson they should have been taught. I know all those children left primary thinking about the resurrection and what it means to them and how it applies to them. I know that at least the seed of a testimony of the atonement and resurrection has been placed in their hearts. I am so thankful that I was able to be the tool I needed to be for God. I will cherish that lesson and experience forever. If you haven't had a chance yet this Easter season, read or even re-read the chapters on Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Try to place yourself at the time and think about how you would have responded to the events. Not how you today would respond with the knowledge you have, but how you would respond to this as if it was your first encounter with Jesus.
Again, I know that Jesus is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that he rose that 3rd day and lives now. There truly is comfort in knowing that Jesus, our Redeemer, lives.
I am in the presidency of our primary (children aged 3-11). Since I'm in the presidency, I get to teach all the children once every 3 weeks. I was really nervous about this when I was fist called, but now I look forward to it and enjoy every moment of it. Teaching the children helps me build my testimony too. Sometimes it is hard to think of ways to help get the lesson or point across to the children. However, yesterday I didn't want to tarnish the message at all by playing games. I have a very strong testimony of the atonement and know that My Savior lives. So, the lesson is easy enough to teach when you know it to be true. I pulled up a chair and sat down in front of all the children. I'm not superior to them and I didn't want that teacher/student atmosphere. I had everyone open their scriptures to John chapter 20. We read versus and then we discussed. I had a few pictures to help depict the scenes. A lot of the time when teaching the children, you just talk and they listen...or not listen. This time was very different. All the children and teachers were listening. The children asked questions and the teachers would give their input. There were a few questions the children asked that I wasn't sure I'd be able to answer properly. I KNOW that I would not be able to, so the Spirit took over. I know that through the Holy Ghost I was able to teach those children the lesson they should have been taught. I know all those children left primary thinking about the resurrection and what it means to them and how it applies to them. I know that at least the seed of a testimony of the atonement and resurrection has been placed in their hearts. I am so thankful that I was able to be the tool I needed to be for God. I will cherish that lesson and experience forever. If you haven't had a chance yet this Easter season, read or even re-read the chapters on Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Try to place yourself at the time and think about how you would have responded to the events. Not how you today would respond with the knowledge you have, but how you would respond to this as if it was your first encounter with Jesus.
Again, I know that Jesus is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that he rose that 3rd day and lives now. There truly is comfort in knowing that Jesus, our Redeemer, lives.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Friends for a Reason, Season, or Lifetime
If you have an email address and a friend who likes to send forwards (which we all do), you have received that email about how you and your friends can be friends for a reason, season, or a lifetime. Everyone hopes they are friends for a lifetime, but it takes the lifetime to figure that one out.
This last week has been one of the most difficult weeks for me in a very long time. My friend who has been a friend for a reason and a season (Shut up Danny!) is moving tomorrow. Today they are getting packed up, tomorrow they are leaving. I am very excited for them and can't wait to go visit them at their new home. However, in the mean time I'm losing my great example, gospel teacher, sounding board, motivator, exercise partner, and much more.
She helped me learn how to be the best mom and wife I can be. From our conversations, I learned ways how to deal with different parenting struggles as she had gone through them already, or talked out different punishments. My testimony of the gospel grew to new heights. Instead of struggling every day to get everything in the in house cleaned, I learned that you can be just as effective if you have different things you do on different days. We talked about modesty, when it's appropriate to have chores for your children, the first vision, children, husbands, church, hot topics of the day, and best exercises for our bodies to lose weight or burn fat. Whenever I needed someone to watch Haydn, she was always willing. Whenever we needed our dog watched, she did it! She helped us make time for the more important things in life. When I needed to talk, she listened. When I needed some advice, she gave it.We swapped recipes. I learned how to make some new family favorite meals.
The list can go on and on, but as you can see I am not losing my friend because I do believe we will always be friends. However, I'm losing her daily influence. I have come to rely on her for so much and it is going to take me awhile to learn to be the strong, confident, yet peaceful woman she has taught me to be, and do it all on my own.
I am sad to see my best friend go, but she wasn't just MY best friend. Our kids are best friends, in fact sometime you would wonder which ones were siblings and which one was the friend. Our husbands were friends too! How often do you find a family where EVERYONE is a friend with someone in the other family?
Danny, Laura, Alyssa, and Ashley~
We are going to miss you so much! We are not going to forget our game nights, dinners, and number of other get togethers. Going to the zoo or park will not be quite as fun. New Year's Eve and the 4th of July will never be the same. We wish you luck on this new chapter and hope to see you guys again soon! Thank you for being you.
This last week has been one of the most difficult weeks for me in a very long time. My friend who has been a friend for a reason and a season (Shut up Danny!) is moving tomorrow. Today they are getting packed up, tomorrow they are leaving. I am very excited for them and can't wait to go visit them at their new home. However, in the mean time I'm losing my great example, gospel teacher, sounding board, motivator, exercise partner, and much more.
She helped me learn how to be the best mom and wife I can be. From our conversations, I learned ways how to deal with different parenting struggles as she had gone through them already, or talked out different punishments. My testimony of the gospel grew to new heights. Instead of struggling every day to get everything in the in house cleaned, I learned that you can be just as effective if you have different things you do on different days. We talked about modesty, when it's appropriate to have chores for your children, the first vision, children, husbands, church, hot topics of the day, and best exercises for our bodies to lose weight or burn fat. Whenever I needed someone to watch Haydn, she was always willing. Whenever we needed our dog watched, she did it! She helped us make time for the more important things in life. When I needed to talk, she listened. When I needed some advice, she gave it.We swapped recipes. I learned how to make some new family favorite meals.
The list can go on and on, but as you can see I am not losing my friend because I do believe we will always be friends. However, I'm losing her daily influence. I have come to rely on her for so much and it is going to take me awhile to learn to be the strong, confident, yet peaceful woman she has taught me to be, and do it all on my own.
I am sad to see my best friend go, but she wasn't just MY best friend. Our kids are best friends, in fact sometime you would wonder which ones were siblings and which one was the friend. Our husbands were friends too! How often do you find a family where EVERYONE is a friend with someone in the other family?
 |
| Apparently I don't have many pictures of Laura and I together since I'm always the photographer. |
Danny, Laura, Alyssa, and Ashley~
We are going to miss you so much! We are not going to forget our game nights, dinners, and number of other get togethers. Going to the zoo or park will not be quite as fun. New Year's Eve and the 4th of July will never be the same. We wish you luck on this new chapter and hope to see you guys again soon! Thank you for being you.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Peace
Have you ever been sitting quietly and felt peace? I have, a number of times. I have had moments where there didn't seem to be anything that could take that wonderful feeling away. Today during church Haydn was sitting between Adam and me. Haydn was sitting reverently and doing what we asked. Adam and I were both happy and I had that overwhelming feeling of peace come over me again. I am so glad I have a family and more importantly an eternal family.
I can't believe that tomorrow marks our 2 year anniversary of becoming an eternal family. In Matthew 18:18 it states "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." I am very thankful to all those who made righteous choices and followed through on their questions to find answers that I might have the opportunities that were not there not too long ago. I love my family and could not and do not wish to think about eternity without them. I know there is power to seal or 'bind' things on this earth and the family is one of them. This knowledge is another way peace is given to me.
I know it is two years later, but I wanted to thank all those who supported us in making this decision and also for participating in the process. It was absolutely wonderful to have the love and support of family and friends. I will never forget that day and will cherish it forever.
I can't believe that tomorrow marks our 2 year anniversary of becoming an eternal family. In Matthew 18:18 it states "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." I am very thankful to all those who made righteous choices and followed through on their questions to find answers that I might have the opportunities that were not there not too long ago. I love my family and could not and do not wish to think about eternity without them. I know there is power to seal or 'bind' things on this earth and the family is one of them. This knowledge is another way peace is given to me.
I know it is two years later, but I wanted to thank all those who supported us in making this decision and also for participating in the process. It was absolutely wonderful to have the love and support of family and friends. I will never forget that day and will cherish it forever.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
I want to Go to School
I have been trying to get Haydn as much time as I can with his friends who are moving hundreds of miles away in a couple weeks. We are so incredibly sad at this move but so happy for them. I invited the younger of the two girls over for a play date while older sister was at preschool. Haydn asked where this older sister was and I explained that she had to go to school. His response..."I WANT to go to school!" He has been working on the alphabet for a long time now and he will NOT learn the letters in order. Nor will he learn how to count correctly (I will NEVER miss count something again to play with a child as this is what he does to us, EVERY TIME!). So, I told him that he needs to learn the order of the alphabet, count correctly and learn how to write his letters before he can go to school (he won't be ready for kindergarten for 2 years!). He said ok and has been working on it ever since. He'll tell me the first letter of something and draw it in the air with his finger, he is counting better and is even trying to learn the alphabet song. His favorite part of the song is "x, y, and double z, next time won't you sing the a, b, c's." I try to correct him, but also find this so adorable. I love to hear him sing songs too. LOVE HIM! I also hope he is still this anxious to go to school when school comes around.
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