I've seen many, many memes and posts along the lines of rules/applications for dating someone's daughter.
They've got their wit and humor, to be sure.
As a mother of boys, I look at them with a different perspective. Honestly, I don't like them.
This morning, I decided to see if anyone has responded with a rules/application for dating someone's son.
Thank you, Google, for making that search easy.
AND...I didn't like what I found for dating sons, either.
There's too much undertone of cruelty and anger running through these things:
"I will make you go away."
"Understand I don't like you."
"Don't dress like a stripper."
"She's not your conquest."
"Get a lawyer."
"I brought him into this world. He's mine until there's a ring on your finger. Then I will be your mother-in-law."
Sheeeeeesh.
So I made my own.
Presenting Lindsey's 10 Rules for Dating my Son:
1. Speak kindly to him. He's been raised to speak respectfully, please give him the same courtesy- especially when you two disagree about something.
2. Smile at him. It lets him know you enjoy his company.
3. You've been blessed with a beautiful body. Please keep it covered. Don't make him spend all his time spent with you trying to keep his mind in a good place. Yes, he is responsible for his own thoughts and actions. But could you give the guy a break? Dress in a manner that makes it easier for him to concentrate on who you are and not what you are. You'll both have more fun this way.
4. Respect his body and his space.
5. He is not allowed to hit you. Do not take advantage of that.
6. He has been taught to pay on dates. Do not take advantage of that. He does not have unlimited funds.
7. I know what you two are writing and saying to each other. Keep your communications clean and respectful and you'll never hear from me about it.
8. Please be honest and straightforward with him. He's grown up with brothers and we just don't do mind games and emotional tomfoolery around here. Don't lie to him, don't lead him on. Just tell it like it is.
9. Be a lady. Don't be crass and don't be crude. He needs you to add something softer and gentler to his life.
10. The Golden Rule. It's as easy as that.
And just to be fair, here is a sample of Dating Rules I will Teach my Sons:
1. Speak kindly to her. Always. Even and especially when she gets snippy. Sometimes, girls just get catty against their better judgement. You need to be rock solid respectful always. She'll appreciate your strength. But if she's always snippy, it's time to rethink what kind of girls you want to date.
2. Smile at her. It lets her know you like to be around her. And it lights up your eyes. You have such handsome eyes.
3. Date girls who show respect for their bodies, and for you, by covering up. Always keep a hoodie in your car. That way, if you pick up a date who is not properly attired you can say, "You should have told me today was laundry day! I would have waited to take you out until you had enough clean clothes. Here, take my hoodie so you won't be cold." If she doesn't think that's funny then puts on the hoodie or changes her clothes...chalk that one up to a bad match and try again next weekend with someone else.
4. Respect her body and her space.
5. If you ever push her around or hit her, you will find yourself in massive trouble with your parents and hers. Punching and wrestling only works to solve problems between you and your brothers. You have to talk to girls. There will be much talking. Don't let that frustrate you; enjoy this new facet of your life!
6. You asked her out, you pay the way for both of you. Maybe she asked you out, or maybe she wants to pay her share. If that is the case, you be polite and at least offer to pay. Whatever the situation, never go out on a date unless you are prepared to pay for it.
7. I monitor all lines of communication. The more you complain about that, the more often I will have surprise inspections.
8. You will not play dating games. If you like her, date her. If you don't think it's working out, tell her and stop dating her. There will be no leading on. Mind games are for sissies. Around here, we mock sissies; you know that.
9. Open doors for her. Not because she can't do it, but because it shows her you think more about her than yourself. Be a gentleman. If she doesn't appreciate that, then Son, you're dating the wrong type of girl for you.
10. The Golden Rule. It's as easy as that.
So...there you go. It should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway- This is only a very small piece of what I will teach my boys about dating. We may be a way off from dating age, but it's never to early to start preparing, eh?:)
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
What matters most
"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. Most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise…Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." - Jenkins Lloyd Jones
Life is stressful. And though that's the way of it and I try to hitch up my britches and get back to it, it's so wonderful to get reminders of what truly matters.
Like when Jonz gave me the opportunity to have fun pretending with him. He dressed like a cowboy and came into the kitchen to "order a rootbeer." The thrilled look on his face when I surprised him by diving into a story (complete with accent!) that led to an adventure outside gave me both joy and guilt. He shouldn't have to be so surprised, I should do fun stuff like that with him all the time. Yet it was still so fun to have that moment with him and see that while he's growing fast, he's still my little boy.
Then there was the time Al and Goose busted out some sweet moves with me while we rocked out to Billy Joel tunes.
Or laughing at ridiculous movie scenes with Bret last night.
And you know I can't post lately without bragging about my Trooper. I tell you what, this boy is such a timely gift from heaven! Just a couple days ago I was sitting on the couch with my computer, stressing about some church stuff that needed to get done asap. Trooper was playing on a blanket and started to get a bit fussy. "Gah," I thought, "nap time." I absent-mindedly spoke a "hang on juuuust a sec, bud" while I continued my work. A few minutes later I got up to go find a paper I needed and stopped short when I saw that Trooper was asleep on his blanket. He'd put himself to sleep and with hardly a peep! As I looked at his sleeping face, I suddenly felt all the stress leave my body (not just the small stress over a deadline, but ALL the stress of life I was feeling) and be replaced with such a sweet peace.
God has blessed me beyond measure. He blessed me to join paths with a loving and respectful man that I get to call my husband and he has blessed the two of us with four amazing sons. They bring me more joy than I ever conceived possible. Throughout my life, I have been blessed to be surrounded by fantastic people.
I am thankful for these reminders and for the peace they bring amidst the stress and trial of life. And at the same time, I am thankful for the stress and trial that remind me to "cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you" (Jacob 6:5).
What are you thankful for today?
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Blessings
This post has taken me almost two weeks. Sorry. Sure, I'm behind on my Thankful Thursday posts, but hey- I just had a baby. Better late than never, says I (on blog posts, of course; the baby was early).
What an incredible time we've been having here. I have been continually astounded at the blessings poured out on my little family in the past couple weeks (and to be honest, the entire year of 2012).
Our fourth little man arrived in as smooth a fashion as possible. Bret gave me a blessing the evening before, in which (among other sweet things) I was promised I would heal quickly and gain my strength back quickly. Boy have I ever! Day 8 post surgery marked a major turning point. I made breakfast for the big boys and then sat on the floor for a couple hours and played legos with the boys. I was able to spend much more time on my feet without feeling like my insides were burning.
I told Bret yesterday that it feels more like we're on vacation now instead of me convalescing.
I had a hard time coming home. It's rough enough to lay in a hospital and know that others are having to take over your responsibilities while you struggle to just shuffle ten feet without passing out. It's super rough to come home and have it right in your face that you can't do pretty much anything AND you're now a burden yourself on those who are taking care of what you usually do. I tried to keep perspective; I know that I get better and that it's a great opportunity for others to serve- a great time of growth for all involved. But...it's also really hard to keep perspective in such situations as these, all that combined pain, hormonal roller coaster, exhaustion, etc. doesn't make for the clearest thinking.
It's getting easier, though. And I have so many blessings to be thankful for today.
Blessings like-
Our beautiful new baby boy. The experience with him so far is very different from the last two times. He is easily consoled. He eats well and has from the beginning. He sleeps just like I expect a newborn to, and when he's awake he wants to be held but does not require continuous walking, bouncing, position changing, shushing, etc. And he smiles so sweetly and so often in his sleep. We are very smitten:)
Bret. There are no words to do him justice. Seriously, the English language is not sufficient. I feel like every time I look at him, the love I feel for him triples. And I can hug him again; no more side hugs!! He's incredible and it's been a joy to see him so happy during this tiring time.
My sweet, amazing sons. They accepted this massive change with joy and obediently (for the most part) stay quiet when they wake up before us in the mornings.
My mom. She's angelic. No really, she actually is. Put her together with my hugely fantastic father and you've got the best team ever.
My wonderful extended family and friends.
Getting to take super hot showers again. Christmas carols. Losing 20+ pounds in less than two weeks. Sitting down, standing up, and walking up and down the stairs with only an ache instead of a pain, sleeping without snoring like a 500 lb old man, sleeping for more than 20 minutes without needing to change positions, seasonal treats, family and friends bringing food, bouncy seats, scriptures, prayers, a house large enough to put the baby in his own room so the rest of us can get a bit o' sleep while he squeaks and grunts in his, the furnace keeping our house comfy and warm, the beautiful snowy landscape outside the windows, kleenex for my sick boys, sick boys coming back to health and the baby being protected so far (knock on wood), the portable heater that warms up the baby and I while I feed him in the middle of the night in the rocking chair by the window, dvd players in laptops that let my husband watch his baseball documentary while he sits up with the baby at night, the washing machine and dryer, crotchet blankets, Christmas lights and decorations in our lovely and festive home, movies with Bret, dry roads despite the snowy weather, and a zillion more things to be thankful for!
Oh, and watching my husband go out in our driveway last night and greet a friend he has not seen in something like 11 or 12 years. It was a happy sight and sound:)
Life is so sweet right now and I am love-love-loving it!
What are you thankful for today?
What an incredible time we've been having here. I have been continually astounded at the blessings poured out on my little family in the past couple weeks (and to be honest, the entire year of 2012).
Our fourth little man arrived in as smooth a fashion as possible. Bret gave me a blessing the evening before, in which (among other sweet things) I was promised I would heal quickly and gain my strength back quickly. Boy have I ever! Day 8 post surgery marked a major turning point. I made breakfast for the big boys and then sat on the floor for a couple hours and played legos with the boys. I was able to spend much more time on my feet without feeling like my insides were burning.
I told Bret yesterday that it feels more like we're on vacation now instead of me convalescing.
I had a hard time coming home. It's rough enough to lay in a hospital and know that others are having to take over your responsibilities while you struggle to just shuffle ten feet without passing out. It's super rough to come home and have it right in your face that you can't do pretty much anything AND you're now a burden yourself on those who are taking care of what you usually do. I tried to keep perspective; I know that I get better and that it's a great opportunity for others to serve- a great time of growth for all involved. But...it's also really hard to keep perspective in such situations as these, all that combined pain, hormonal roller coaster, exhaustion, etc. doesn't make for the clearest thinking.
It's getting easier, though. And I have so many blessings to be thankful for today.
Blessings like-
Our beautiful new baby boy. The experience with him so far is very different from the last two times. He is easily consoled. He eats well and has from the beginning. He sleeps just like I expect a newborn to, and when he's awake he wants to be held but does not require continuous walking, bouncing, position changing, shushing, etc. And he smiles so sweetly and so often in his sleep. We are very smitten:)
Bret. There are no words to do him justice. Seriously, the English language is not sufficient. I feel like every time I look at him, the love I feel for him triples. And I can hug him again; no more side hugs!! He's incredible and it's been a joy to see him so happy during this tiring time.
My sweet, amazing sons. They accepted this massive change with joy and obediently (for the most part) stay quiet when they wake up before us in the mornings.
My mom. She's angelic. No really, she actually is. Put her together with my hugely fantastic father and you've got the best team ever.
My wonderful extended family and friends.
Getting to take super hot showers again. Christmas carols. Losing 20+ pounds in less than two weeks. Sitting down, standing up, and walking up and down the stairs with only an ache instead of a pain, sleeping without snoring like a 500 lb old man, sleeping for more than 20 minutes without needing to change positions, seasonal treats, family and friends bringing food, bouncy seats, scriptures, prayers, a house large enough to put the baby in his own room so the rest of us can get a bit o' sleep while he squeaks and grunts in his, the furnace keeping our house comfy and warm, the beautiful snowy landscape outside the windows, kleenex for my sick boys, sick boys coming back to health and the baby being protected so far (knock on wood), the portable heater that warms up the baby and I while I feed him in the middle of the night in the rocking chair by the window, dvd players in laptops that let my husband watch his baseball documentary while he sits up with the baby at night, the washing machine and dryer, crotchet blankets, Christmas lights and decorations in our lovely and festive home, movies with Bret, dry roads despite the snowy weather, and a zillion more things to be thankful for!
Oh, and watching my husband go out in our driveway last night and greet a friend he has not seen in something like 11 or 12 years. It was a happy sight and sound:)
Life is so sweet right now and I am love-love-loving it!
What are you thankful for today?
Thursday, September 20, 2012
"The dearest day in all the year"
For this installment of Thankful Thursday, I'd like to share a blessing of hope I've been given in small installments over the past few months. Little reminders of things to look forward to and have hope in for this coming December. I can't express it as well as I would like, but here's my attempt:
While pregnant with Jonz and after he was born, I realized there are better times of the year than others to have a baby.
Jonz arrival was perfectly timed. I got pregnant at the end of the summer after a mere two months of trying (I know what a huge blessing that is). I was still in school and soon found that my due date would be the day after finals ended for winter semester. Perfect.
Not being pregnant during the hot summer months? Fantastic.
Having a spring baby and not worrying about him freezing or getting RSV? Awesome.
No holidays to contend with or miss out of the fun? Great.
I decided that I really liked spring babies and that the months of April-June were probably the best time of year to give birth. That led to deciding which time of year would be the worst- December, of course. A December baby mean pregnant in the summer, major restrictions on Christmas fun with others, and stressing about sickness and RSV. It also means poor kiddo will feel jipped out of birthday fun as everyone is excited about Christmas and has little attention for another party or resources for another present.
I was so concerned that December was just a mean time to have a baby, for mom, child, family, and friends, that I calculated possible birthdates while we tried for seven long months to conceive the second time. I was just about to tell Bret that we were done trying for a couple months, to avoid having a baby in December, when we found out I was pregnant.
Al and Goose were not so well timed as Jonz. They were due December 1st. I decided that was okay. Far away enough from Christmas and Thanksgiving that we'd be able to make the best of it. The boys arrived three weeks early, two weeks before our anniversary and Thanksgiving, were just six weeks old at Christmas (which passed us in a blur of sleepy holidary merriment), and both were taken down by RSV by two months of age.
Yay;)
I was now beyond certain that I never wanted to have a baby in the month of December; November was crazy enough.
Years later, prayers were answered and we started trying for another baby. I was sure that after waiting so long for an answer that the heavenly direction meant we would get pregnant as soon as we started trying and thought we'd have a baby by the end of October or early November.
Silly Lindsey.
Two failed cycles later I was confused, but sort of humbled (you know, as much as I ever get). Painful symptoms soon had me sure I was on the cusp of failed cycle #3. So sure, in fact, that I told my husband how disappointed I was that there would be yet more waiting...Until I remembered December.
"Whew! What a close break. We'd have had a Christmastime baby if we'd been successful this month."
...Only what I'd thought was a rough case of pms turned out to be pregnancy symptoms.
In the excitement of being newly pregnant, I pushed December out of my mind. A month in, Bret and I got the calendar down and counted 40 weeks...and landed on December 24th.
Oh. my.
A couple weeks later I called the doctor to make an appointment and was told my due date was not the 24th, but the 25th.
An ultrasound in July confirmed- due date is December 25, 2012.
Yes sir, people- God has quite a sense of humor.
I admit- I haven't been thrilled about the timing of this little one's arrival. But I keep getting little pieces of hope that brighten me up more and more.
There is a perk to having c-sections for me. I'm not allowed to go into labor so the doctor is planning on taking the baby out at 39 weeks. Meaning that not only will this baby be born before Christmas day, but barring complications (knock on wood-cross fingers-pray, pray, pray) we'll all be out of the hospital and home for Christmas.
I have worried a lot about being able to make this a happy holiday season for my family. I may not be able to bake as much, but I can still bake some tasty, traditional treats. And there's not much I enjoy more than a December evening watching a Christmas movie with my family. I should still be able to waddle about and help pick out a Christmas tree. I can place our loved decorations around our home. I can get all the shopping done before Thanksgiving...hopefully. We can still read stories and sing songs every night. And I can fill our home with the wonderful sounds of the season, hour after hour. I can even still take care of the inevitable sicknesses we'll have (pleeeeeeease don't let us get something horrible this year!).
We'll still have a lovely Christmas.
I'm actually excited for the hospital experience this time, too.
Well...you know, except for the i.v., the blood draws, the being separated from Bret during the most anxious time pre-surgery, the powerful drugs, the fire-like pain, the inability to move without said pain, trying to figure out nursing with my brand new crying machine in the middle of the night, and having an intern wake me up to check my vitals five minutes after I finally manage to fall asleep.
Except for all that, I AM looking forward to the hospital. I am better prepared to face it this time. There will probably be Christmas decorations. Everyone is nicer so close to Christmas (which means nurses will be more patient, right???:)) And I'll finally know who this little one is! Plus, with three kiddos, I expect that Bret's time off those first few days will be mostly taken up caring for the boys at home. Before, I needed/required/begged him to stay with me; even making him try to sleep on those uncomfortable fold out chairs. I am prepared to be alone this time around. So much so, that I'm actually excited for it. Think of all the alone time:) I plan on packing my laptop and some of my favorite Christmas movies. I will cuddle a new baby, listen to some of my favorite music, watch some happy movies, enjoy some regular chunks of solitude, and I think I may even try to make myself look presentable this time around.
My past two experiences, I have at least managed to shower in the hospital. But it took so much out of me that I would get right back into bed, wet hair and all. Saline and pregnancy swollen face, red and puffy eyes from lack of sleep, zero make-up, and air-dried hair (i.e. my many cowlicks left to roam free)= pretty, pretty girl. I am determined to at least try to look better this time around. Even if it means I just beg my mom to do my hair:)
While pregnant with Jonz and after he was born, I realized there are better times of the year than others to have a baby.
Jonz arrival was perfectly timed. I got pregnant at the end of the summer after a mere two months of trying (I know what a huge blessing that is). I was still in school and soon found that my due date would be the day after finals ended for winter semester. Perfect.
Not being pregnant during the hot summer months? Fantastic.
Having a spring baby and not worrying about him freezing or getting RSV? Awesome.
No holidays to contend with or miss out of the fun? Great.
I decided that I really liked spring babies and that the months of April-June were probably the best time of year to give birth. That led to deciding which time of year would be the worst- December, of course. A December baby mean pregnant in the summer, major restrictions on Christmas fun with others, and stressing about sickness and RSV. It also means poor kiddo will feel jipped out of birthday fun as everyone is excited about Christmas and has little attention for another party or resources for another present.
I was so concerned that December was just a mean time to have a baby, for mom, child, family, and friends, that I calculated possible birthdates while we tried for seven long months to conceive the second time. I was just about to tell Bret that we were done trying for a couple months, to avoid having a baby in December, when we found out I was pregnant.
Al and Goose were not so well timed as Jonz. They were due December 1st. I decided that was okay. Far away enough from Christmas and Thanksgiving that we'd be able to make the best of it. The boys arrived three weeks early, two weeks before our anniversary and Thanksgiving, were just six weeks old at Christmas (which passed us in a blur of sleepy holidary merriment), and both were taken down by RSV by two months of age.
Yay;)
I was now beyond certain that I never wanted to have a baby in the month of December; November was crazy enough.
Years later, prayers were answered and we started trying for another baby. I was sure that after waiting so long for an answer that the heavenly direction meant we would get pregnant as soon as we started trying and thought we'd have a baby by the end of October or early November.
Silly Lindsey.
Two failed cycles later I was confused, but sort of humbled (you know, as much as I ever get). Painful symptoms soon had me sure I was on the cusp of failed cycle #3. So sure, in fact, that I told my husband how disappointed I was that there would be yet more waiting...Until I remembered December.
"Whew! What a close break. We'd have had a Christmastime baby if we'd been successful this month."
...Only what I'd thought was a rough case of pms turned out to be pregnancy symptoms.
In the excitement of being newly pregnant, I pushed December out of my mind. A month in, Bret and I got the calendar down and counted 40 weeks...and landed on December 24th.
Oh. my.
A couple weeks later I called the doctor to make an appointment and was told my due date was not the 24th, but the 25th.
An ultrasound in July confirmed- due date is December 25, 2012.
Yes sir, people- God has quite a sense of humor.
I admit- I haven't been thrilled about the timing of this little one's arrival. But I keep getting little pieces of hope that brighten me up more and more.
There is a perk to having c-sections for me. I'm not allowed to go into labor so the doctor is planning on taking the baby out at 39 weeks. Meaning that not only will this baby be born before Christmas day, but barring complications (knock on wood-cross fingers-pray, pray, pray) we'll all be out of the hospital and home for Christmas.
I have worried a lot about being able to make this a happy holiday season for my family. I may not be able to bake as much, but I can still bake some tasty, traditional treats. And there's not much I enjoy more than a December evening watching a Christmas movie with my family. I should still be able to waddle about and help pick out a Christmas tree. I can place our loved decorations around our home. I can get all the shopping done before Thanksgiving...hopefully. We can still read stories and sing songs every night. And I can fill our home with the wonderful sounds of the season, hour after hour. I can even still take care of the inevitable sicknesses we'll have (pleeeeeeease don't let us get something horrible this year!).
We'll still have a lovely Christmas.
I'm actually excited for the hospital experience this time, too.
Well...you know, except for the i.v., the blood draws, the being separated from Bret during the most anxious time pre-surgery, the powerful drugs, the fire-like pain, the inability to move without said pain, trying to figure out nursing with my brand new crying machine in the middle of the night, and having an intern wake me up to check my vitals five minutes after I finally manage to fall asleep.
Except for all that, I AM looking forward to the hospital. I am better prepared to face it this time. There will probably be Christmas decorations. Everyone is nicer so close to Christmas (which means nurses will be more patient, right???:)) And I'll finally know who this little one is! Plus, with three kiddos, I expect that Bret's time off those first few days will be mostly taken up caring for the boys at home. Before, I needed/required/begged him to stay with me; even making him try to sleep on those uncomfortable fold out chairs. I am prepared to be alone this time around. So much so, that I'm actually excited for it. Think of all the alone time:) I plan on packing my laptop and some of my favorite Christmas movies. I will cuddle a new baby, listen to some of my favorite music, watch some happy movies, enjoy some regular chunks of solitude, and I think I may even try to make myself look presentable this time around.
My past two experiences, I have at least managed to shower in the hospital. But it took so much out of me that I would get right back into bed, wet hair and all. Saline and pregnancy swollen face, red and puffy eyes from lack of sleep, zero make-up, and air-dried hair (i.e. my many cowlicks left to roam free)= pretty, pretty girl. I am determined to at least try to look better this time around. Even if it means I just beg my mom to do my hair:)
But if perhaps I am not remembering precisely how difficult it is to raise one's arms to one's head and face after abdominal surgery and I am yet again shocked and drained by it- no cameras are allowed to be pointed at me. At. all. Just sos ya know.
There will be some special circumstances to worry about with this Christmastime birth, some for many years to come. But I have hope that this will be an enjoyable holiday season.
It is, after all, the most wonderful time of the year.
Our family will be getting an eternal gift this year in a new family member. And during a season where many people are thinking more on the greatest gift we've all ever received, to boot.
So stayed tuned. It's gonna be awesome:)
Monday, March 26, 2012
Get excited
No really- get excited.
The next two weekends are going to be awesome!
We've got a set of countdown blocks in our kitchen. It's currently set to five days.
FIVE days until General Conference!
We are crazy excited. Yes, even the boys.
I mean, how many people around the world can say that they've listened to a prophet?
General Conference is a fantastic weekend of amazing messages and reminders, family gatherings, food, and oodles of teaching moments for all involved.
Yes. We are VERY excited!
And as soon as Conference is over we switch our countdown to a mere six days for the next weekend.
And what happens next weekend?
Why, it's only the best holiday of the year when we mark the resurrection of the Savior.
Easter!!!!
"Death is conquered, man is free- Christ has won the victory!"
And after Easter we switch the countdown to mark the impending arrival of my oldest's birthday.
It sure is a wonderful time of year:)
The next two weekends are going to be awesome!
We've got a set of countdown blocks in our kitchen. It's currently set to five days.
FIVE days until General Conference!
We are crazy excited. Yes, even the boys.
I mean, how many people around the world can say that they've listened to a prophet?
General Conference is a fantastic weekend of amazing messages and reminders, family gatherings, food, and oodles of teaching moments for all involved.
Yes. We are VERY excited!
And as soon as Conference is over we switch our countdown to a mere six days for the next weekend.
And what happens next weekend?
Why, it's only the best holiday of the year when we mark the resurrection of the Savior.
Easter!!!!
"Death is conquered, man is free- Christ has won the victory!"
And after Easter we switch the countdown to mark the impending arrival of my oldest's birthday.
It sure is a wonderful time of year:)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Thankful Thursday- Dear Parents,
Step up.
The line was crossed a LONG time ago.
Before the world succeeds in leading you any further away from it, turn around and RUN back to that line. Don't pause; hurl yourself back across that line for the sake of your children (and by extension- you).
The line I'm talking about? Parent-led vs. child-led.
You know, letting the child tell or show their parents when they're ready for something instead of the parents deciding.
It actually sounds great- no bully parents forcing a child to do something he/she is not ready for.
And I agree. Parents should not be bullies and should not expect more from their children than what they are developmentally ready for.
But part of a parent's job is to determine when their child IS ready. If you follow the child's lead- they don't get what they're ready for or what they need, they get what they want.
For example, a toddler is full of emotion; emotion they don't understand. A parent could follow their child's lead and conclude that when their child screams it's because they're young and coddle them some more.
OR- as the parent they can teach their child not to scream and show by example or explanation (depending on the comprehension level of the child), what is being felt, how to control it, and what the best way to act is in such situations.
Or even simpler, how about this: bedtime.
Nuff said;)
It seems that the much of the growing generation is being raised by child-led parents. The effects are already seen.
Let's compare some examples.
Example 1- I just read a story about a mom and her six year old son. This six year old boy recently told his mom that he wanted to kiss boys. She wrote all about how she wouldn't damage his feelings by telling him that such things were sinful and he would rot in hell if he did. So many gay people are treated that way and they knew how they felt when they were that young. Can we imagine saying such hurtful things to a six year old?!?! Peace, love, tolerance people!...She also mentioned in passing how her son idolize a gay character on the popular show Glee.
..............................To which I say,
Sister. Aside from the fact that you let your six.year.old watch a show chock full of teen sex and all the filthiness and content he is exposed to from that (which he is developmentally NOT able to fully comprehend and understand thereby confusing the cheese and crackers right out of him and screwing up his future relationship potential)- aside from that, think for a minute what you're NOT teaching your son. You're not teaching him right from wrong, you're not teaching him how to think critically and analyze the thoughts that come through his mind, you're not teaching him that he can trust you to lead him down the most successful paths, you're not teaching him boundaries! (And I hope, but doubt, that parents know the value of boundaries...I think I'll post about that sometime, too.)
Example 2- Here I will share a personal example where I admit something and ask that you don't mock or think less of me because of this temptation I deal with.
I am a kleptomaniac. In the loosest sense of the word and only in thought, not in deed. As a child if I saw something I wanted, or that simply could be taken without notice, I would want to take it for my own. BUT, my parents have always taught and set the example that stealing is wrong and I am not to do it. I can honestly only think of one time in my young life where I did actually steal something. And when guilt finally got the best of me and I fessed up to my mom, she didn't shame me or tell me I'd rot in hell for my sin. She reiterated what she and my dad had already taught me and facilitated my return of the object. Plain and simple, yet so effective.
Even now, as I near 30, I still get those thoughts in my head (I could totally take that and not get caught). We're talking as large as grand theft auto here, people; this is not a passing, inconsequential temptation. Eternal thanks goes to my parents, though, because I have a deep-seeded understanding that stealing will not make me happy and it is strong enough to stand against those temptations.
Compare those two. One boy will most likely grow up to be someone who scorns my family and our belief in traditional family, perhaps going so far as to torment my children, spray paint my garage door with hate-speech, or worse. And this girl, once a potential thief, is now a solid community citizen who just wants her family to thrive in her care.
Parents, please step up and lead your children. It does make a difference.
Only part of your job as a parent is to love your child no matter what. The rest is to teach them, prepare them to face the world and come out happy (and by happy I don't mean "having received and experienced only what and everything that they wanted." I mean just that, happy; joyful even!).
Experience is what we have to offer to our children. After all, what- really- is the difference between parents and children? Time. As parents, we got here just a bit earlier than they did. In that time that we've been here we've learned and experienced and can turn around and offer that to our children when they get here.
As an experienced nuclear physicist, would you let a three year old tell you how to do your job? Only if you want to cause a massive, deadly explosion because all those buttons looked so colorful they just had to be pushed. Or perhaps have a fifteen year old girl teach your business college class on conflict resolution? Because getting all your friends to ignore and spread rumors about that colleague who criticized your latest report really is the best way to solve the issue, isn't it?
It doesn't make sense in those situations and it doesn't make sense in parent/child situations. The one with the knowledge and experience does the leading and the teaching, not the other way around.
As parents, we lead, show, tell, and teach our children because we know and understand better than they do.
Yes, take into consideration the child's age and ability to understand. Yes, be kind and gentle instead of forceful and cruel.
You can do that AND lead your children. The two are not mutually exclusive.
I am so thankful for my wonderful parents and for the hard work, sacrifice, blood, sweat, tears, and love they put into setting me firmly on the best path. And I'm thankful for a Heavenly Father who blessed me with everything I need to be happy.
What are yoooou thankful for today???
Sincerely,
Lindsey
The line was crossed a LONG time ago.
Before the world succeeds in leading you any further away from it, turn around and RUN back to that line. Don't pause; hurl yourself back across that line for the sake of your children (and by extension- you).
The line I'm talking about? Parent-led vs. child-led.
You know, letting the child tell or show their parents when they're ready for something instead of the parents deciding.
It actually sounds great- no bully parents forcing a child to do something he/she is not ready for.
And I agree. Parents should not be bullies and should not expect more from their children than what they are developmentally ready for.
But part of a parent's job is to determine when their child IS ready. If you follow the child's lead- they don't get what they're ready for or what they need, they get what they want.
For example, a toddler is full of emotion; emotion they don't understand. A parent could follow their child's lead and conclude that when their child screams it's because they're young and coddle them some more.
OR- as the parent they can teach their child not to scream and show by example or explanation (depending on the comprehension level of the child), what is being felt, how to control it, and what the best way to act is in such situations.
Or even simpler, how about this: bedtime.
Nuff said;)
It seems that the much of the growing generation is being raised by child-led parents. The effects are already seen.
Let's compare some examples.
Example 1- I just read a story about a mom and her six year old son. This six year old boy recently told his mom that he wanted to kiss boys. She wrote all about how she wouldn't damage his feelings by telling him that such things were sinful and he would rot in hell if he did. So many gay people are treated that way and they knew how they felt when they were that young. Can we imagine saying such hurtful things to a six year old?!?! Peace, love, tolerance people!...She also mentioned in passing how her son idolize a gay character on the popular show Glee.
..............................To which I say,
Sister. Aside from the fact that you let your six.year.old watch a show chock full of teen sex and all the filthiness and content he is exposed to from that (which he is developmentally NOT able to fully comprehend and understand thereby confusing the cheese and crackers right out of him and screwing up his future relationship potential)- aside from that, think for a minute what you're NOT teaching your son. You're not teaching him right from wrong, you're not teaching him how to think critically and analyze the thoughts that come through his mind, you're not teaching him that he can trust you to lead him down the most successful paths, you're not teaching him boundaries! (And I hope, but doubt, that parents know the value of boundaries...I think I'll post about that sometime, too.)
Example 2- Here I will share a personal example where I admit something and ask that you don't mock or think less of me because of this temptation I deal with.
I am a kleptomaniac. In the loosest sense of the word and only in thought, not in deed. As a child if I saw something I wanted, or that simply could be taken without notice, I would want to take it for my own. BUT, my parents have always taught and set the example that stealing is wrong and I am not to do it. I can honestly only think of one time in my young life where I did actually steal something. And when guilt finally got the best of me and I fessed up to my mom, she didn't shame me or tell me I'd rot in hell for my sin. She reiterated what she and my dad had already taught me and facilitated my return of the object. Plain and simple, yet so effective.
Even now, as I near 30, I still get those thoughts in my head (I could totally take that and not get caught). We're talking as large as grand theft auto here, people; this is not a passing, inconsequential temptation. Eternal thanks goes to my parents, though, because I have a deep-seeded understanding that stealing will not make me happy and it is strong enough to stand against those temptations.
Compare those two. One boy will most likely grow up to be someone who scorns my family and our belief in traditional family, perhaps going so far as to torment my children, spray paint my garage door with hate-speech, or worse. And this girl, once a potential thief, is now a solid community citizen who just wants her family to thrive in her care.
Parents, please step up and lead your children. It does make a difference.
Only part of your job as a parent is to love your child no matter what. The rest is to teach them, prepare them to face the world and come out happy (and by happy I don't mean "having received and experienced only what and everything that they wanted." I mean just that, happy; joyful even!).
Experience is what we have to offer to our children. After all, what- really- is the difference between parents and children? Time. As parents, we got here just a bit earlier than they did. In that time that we've been here we've learned and experienced and can turn around and offer that to our children when they get here.
As an experienced nuclear physicist, would you let a three year old tell you how to do your job? Only if you want to cause a massive, deadly explosion because all those buttons looked so colorful they just had to be pushed. Or perhaps have a fifteen year old girl teach your business college class on conflict resolution? Because getting all your friends to ignore and spread rumors about that colleague who criticized your latest report really is the best way to solve the issue, isn't it?
It doesn't make sense in those situations and it doesn't make sense in parent/child situations. The one with the knowledge and experience does the leading and the teaching, not the other way around.
As parents, we lead, show, tell, and teach our children because we know and understand better than they do.
Yes, take into consideration the child's age and ability to understand. Yes, be kind and gentle instead of forceful and cruel.
You can do that AND lead your children. The two are not mutually exclusive.
I am so thankful for my wonderful parents and for the hard work, sacrifice, blood, sweat, tears, and love they put into setting me firmly on the best path. And I'm thankful for a Heavenly Father who blessed me with everything I need to be happy.
What are yoooou thankful for today???
Sincerely,
Lindsey
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thankful Thursday
It's time for a big dose of gratitude. In other words, it's time for a long post;)
I am thankful for The Family: A Proclamation to the World.
I wish I could say I remember how I felt when I first heard President Hinckley read it at General Conference. But I can't. I was an eleven year old from a happy home who had no real understanding of the bad in the world. I must have felt something, though, because I have a clear memory in my mind of President Hinckley on the big projection screen, getting ready to read it to us by telling us he'd read it first at the General RS meeting the week before.
Now that I am no longer a blissfully unaware child, but a wary mother of three innocent boys, I cling to the Family Proclamation. I first came to really appreciate it in college when we studied it for a class. It would later be referenced in many of my classes, but this was my first opportunity to really dive into it.
What a beautiful, straight forward, truthful, inspiring document!
Reading it makes me want to shout its truths from my front porch. (Very like the feeling I get when I read, Stand for the Family, by Sharon Slater: an amazing book with simple and clear (and secular, for all those who disregard what God says as religious mumbo-jumbo) answers to attacks on the family unit.)
These particular sentences from the Proclamation have been a joy in my life lately: "All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny."
I was in the capitol last week, driving downtown and surrounded by pedestrians. I stopped at a crosswalk and while waiting for the light to turn green I started to look at everyone walking around me. Oddly enough, what popped into my head was a Primary song.
"I am a Child of God" started playing in my mind.
It was such a beautiful moment. I got all teary eyed with this song going through my head and watching all these fellow children of God crossing the street, filling the sidewalks, getting on and off the train, driving on the streets with me.
It's beautiful moments like that, and truths (like those found in the scriptures and the Proclamation), and meeting other people who are refusing to believe Satan's lies and fighting for the family (like all the wonderful Family Celebration people!), that give me hope for my children's futures and remind me that I'm on the right side.
I get easily discouraged, seeing all the filth and lies in the world. The Family Proclamation helps to keep my spirits up and my faith strong. I am eternally grateful to have it.
What are you thankful for today?
P.S. I'll announce the winner of the countdown blocks giveaway tomorrow morning. Last chance to enter tonight!
P.P.S. And I recommend singing "I am a Child of God" when surrounded by people. It's very uplifting:)
I am thankful for The Family: A Proclamation to the World.
I wish I could say I remember how I felt when I first heard President Hinckley read it at General Conference. But I can't. I was an eleven year old from a happy home who had no real understanding of the bad in the world. I must have felt something, though, because I have a clear memory in my mind of President Hinckley on the big projection screen, getting ready to read it to us by telling us he'd read it first at the General RS meeting the week before.
Now that I am no longer a blissfully unaware child, but a wary mother of three innocent boys, I cling to the Family Proclamation. I first came to really appreciate it in college when we studied it for a class. It would later be referenced in many of my classes, but this was my first opportunity to really dive into it.
What a beautiful, straight forward, truthful, inspiring document!
Reading it makes me want to shout its truths from my front porch. (Very like the feeling I get when I read, Stand for the Family, by Sharon Slater: an amazing book with simple and clear (and secular, for all those who disregard what God says as religious mumbo-jumbo) answers to attacks on the family unit.)
These particular sentences from the Proclamation have been a joy in my life lately: "All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny."
I was in the capitol last week, driving downtown and surrounded by pedestrians. I stopped at a crosswalk and while waiting for the light to turn green I started to look at everyone walking around me. Oddly enough, what popped into my head was a Primary song.
"I am a Child of God" started playing in my mind.
It was such a beautiful moment. I got all teary eyed with this song going through my head and watching all these fellow children of God crossing the street, filling the sidewalks, getting on and off the train, driving on the streets with me.
It's beautiful moments like that, and truths (like those found in the scriptures and the Proclamation), and meeting other people who are refusing to believe Satan's lies and fighting for the family (like all the wonderful Family Celebration people!), that give me hope for my children's futures and remind me that I'm on the right side.
I get easily discouraged, seeing all the filth and lies in the world. The Family Proclamation helps to keep my spirits up and my faith strong. I am eternally grateful to have it.
What are you thankful for today?
P.S. I'll announce the winner of the countdown blocks giveaway tomorrow morning. Last chance to enter tonight!
P.P.S. And I recommend singing "I am a Child of God" when surrounded by people. It's very uplifting:)
Monday, September 19, 2011
Just go with it
I have a six year old who desperately wants me to teach him how to play "Sorry!" the board game.
He sees the side of the box up on the top shelf in our pantry. It says "Ages 6+." Ever since he turned six, he looks through our games seeking new opportunities to play.
This morning, he stood in front of the open pantry and stared up longingly at the games.
Without taking his eyes off the box he asked imploringly, "Mommy, will you please teach me to play Sorry! for family home evening?"
Well, okay then.
So we're playing Sorry! for FHE tonight. And the perfect lesson to go along with it?
Why forgiveness, of course!:)
Which happens to be item #4 in the most quoted sentence in the Family Proclamation.
And we're off!
Don't forget to enter the countdown blocks giveaway! I'm closing it on Thursday.
Happy Family Night to all!
He sees the side of the box up on the top shelf in our pantry. It says "Ages 6+." Ever since he turned six, he looks through our games seeking new opportunities to play.
This morning, he stood in front of the open pantry and stared up longingly at the games.
Without taking his eyes off the box he asked imploringly, "Mommy, will you please teach me to play Sorry! for family home evening?"
Well, okay then.
So we're playing Sorry! for FHE tonight. And the perfect lesson to go along with it?
Why forgiveness, of course!:)
Which happens to be item #4 in the most quoted sentence in the Family Proclamation.
And we're off!
Don't forget to enter the countdown blocks giveaway! I'm closing it on Thursday.
Happy Family Night to all!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Thought provoking
I read this in a post for the Family Celebration.
"President Hinckley referred to women as our Heavenly Father’s “final creation, the grand summation of all.” In fact, did you know that a woman is a walking, talking, moving symbol of Christ? She is one that can give life through her own blood, just like Christ does. Is it any wonder that Satan seeks to demean and disgrace women through immodesty and pornography? By degrading women he can degrade the Savior because they are symbols of Christ."
Hmmmmm.....
One, I'd never thought of it like that.
Two, I LIKE that!
Three, that punk Satan.
Four, I love being a woman. Especially a woman raising boys.
That's all:)
"President Hinckley referred to women as our Heavenly Father’s “final creation, the grand summation of all.” In fact, did you know that a woman is a walking, talking, moving symbol of Christ? She is one that can give life through her own blood, just like Christ does. Is it any wonder that Satan seeks to demean and disgrace women through immodesty and pornography? By degrading women he can degrade the Savior because they are symbols of Christ."
Hmmmmm.....
One, I'd never thought of it like that.
Two, I LIKE that!
Three, that punk Satan.
Four, I love being a woman. Especially a woman raising boys.
That's all:)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Birthdays are for celebrating (and a giveaway, too!)
I love birthdays.
But I really don't do a whole lot for them. We are a low-key birthday family.
Over the last year or so, I've begun to wonder if I should to ramp things up a bit. We've made some changes and they've all been great. But I think we need to keep going. After all birthdays are meant to be celebrated!
Think of what they signify:
The day someone awesome came into the world and we get to know and love them.
The choice each of us made to come to Earth.
That is a huge one.
The decision to follow God's plan and receive a body is monumental. A birthday marks an eternal choice.
I love this sentence in the Family Proclamation (really, I love the whole thing):
Birthdays are meant to be celebrated!
And I got some inspiration recently on how to celebrate more in our family.
I was asked to make a display for our up-coming Relief Society Super Saturday. I ordered the kit I was told to order and got crafting. And the result was these super cute Thanksgiving countdown blocks:
Aren't they lovely?:)
Here's what the kit looks like.
I painted mine blue.
Then I cut up my paper. (I loooove my paper cutter!)
Then I mod podged the paper on each side.
(can I make mod podge a verb?...Everybody else is doing it;))
I love Mod Podge.
Then came the vinyl. And look how cute!-
A birthday countdown to ramp up the anticipation for the day we celebrate people joining our family and the fantastic decision they made to get here.
(except I just realized right now, putting these pictures up, that I had wanted the paper under the word "countdown" to have the stripes horizontal...somehow, even after carefully measuring and cutting and gluing, I managed to not see that I didn't cut the paper the right way. Oy.)
Poppy Seed Projects is graciously giving a set of countdown blocks to one of you lucky readers!
If you live in the continental United States, you can enter to win your very own kit and personalize it how ever you want. Make a countdown for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, BIRTHDAYS:), summer vacation. The possibilities are endless!
I want to make more.
Seriously, I love these. It's almost unhealthy.
All you have to do to enter this giveaway is leave me a comment on this post.
Make me laugh and maybe you'll get an extra entry.
Remember, this giveaway is only open to those in the lower 48 (I'm very sorry if that excludes you. I'd still love to hear from you!). Please leave me a way to contact you in your comment, should you be the winner.
And make sure you check out all the other awesome photo essays in the Family Celebration today.
AND head on over to Poppy Seed to see what other awesome stuff they have for you. I love this store so much because they give you the kit and instructions and then you can create it yourself. The projects make me feel so creative and giddy even. I LOVE making things for my home.
My favorites are the FHE magnet board, the picture blocks, the Temple memory game, and of course the countdown blocks. (I'd add pictures, but blogger is freakin' out on me!)
Thank you for celebrating family with me!
But I really don't do a whole lot for them. We are a low-key birthday family.
Over the last year or so, I've begun to wonder if I should to ramp things up a bit. We've made some changes and they've all been great. But I think we need to keep going. After all birthdays are meant to be celebrated!
Think of what they signify:
The day someone awesome came into the world and we get to know and love them.
and/or
The fact that they managed to survive another year (thank you, angels, for saving my boys from all those close calls).and/or
The accomplishments of the last year.and most importantly:
The choice each of us made to come to Earth.
That is a huge one.
The decision to follow God's plan and receive a body is monumental. A birthday marks an eternal choice.
I love this sentence in the Family Proclamation (really, I love the whole thing):
"In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life."
Birthdays are meant to be celebrated!
And I got some inspiration recently on how to celebrate more in our family.
I was asked to make a display for our up-coming Relief Society Super Saturday. I ordered the kit I was told to order and got crafting. And the result was these super cute Thanksgiving countdown blocks:
Aren't they lovely?:)When they were done I randomly thought, "I need to make a birthday countdown."
And then I thought, "What a brilliant idea!":) The boys constantly ask me how long it is until their birthdays. With a birthday countdown they can see how long is left and the anticipation will build and build and build until the awesome day arrives. They will love this! (and so will I...I like my birthday, too;) I'm not so sure about Bret. He's not big on his birthday and eight+ years together later...I still can't tell if he's being honest or he just doesn't want anyone to go to any trouble. But that's another story!)
I don't plan to have it out all year long; just two or three weeks before each birthday. But I'm so excited for Al's and Goose's birthday to get close enough to introduce the idea to them.
And because I love you all, I'm giving you the chance to win a countdown blocks kit for your very own. They come from the amazing Poppy Seed Projects store and they're so easy to make (if I can do it, anyone can)!
And then I thought, "What a brilliant idea!":) The boys constantly ask me how long it is until their birthdays. With a birthday countdown they can see how long is left and the anticipation will build and build and build until the awesome day arrives. They will love this! (and so will I...I like my birthday, too;) I'm not so sure about Bret. He's not big on his birthday and eight+ years together later...I still can't tell if he's being honest or he just doesn't want anyone to go to any trouble. But that's another story!)
I don't plan to have it out all year long; just two or three weeks before each birthday. But I'm so excited for Al's and Goose's birthday to get close enough to introduce the idea to them.
And because I love you all, I'm giving you the chance to win a countdown blocks kit for your very own. They come from the amazing Poppy Seed Projects store and they're so easy to make (if I can do it, anyone can)!
Here's what the kit looks like.
I painted mine blue.
Then I cut up my paper. (I loooove my paper cutter!)
Then I mod podged the paper on each side.(can I make mod podge a verb?...Everybody else is doing it;))
I love Mod Podge.Then came the vinyl. And look how cute!-
A birthday countdown to ramp up the anticipation for the day we celebrate people joining our family and the fantastic decision they made to get here.Poppy Seed Projects is graciously giving a set of countdown blocks to one of you lucky readers!
If you live in the continental United States, you can enter to win your very own kit and personalize it how ever you want. Make a countdown for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, BIRTHDAYS:), summer vacation. The possibilities are endless!
I want to make more.Seriously, I love these. It's almost unhealthy.
All you have to do to enter this giveaway is leave me a comment on this post.
Make me laugh and maybe you'll get an extra entry.
Remember, this giveaway is only open to those in the lower 48 (I'm very sorry if that excludes you. I'd still love to hear from you!). Please leave me a way to contact you in your comment, should you be the winner.
And make sure you check out all the other awesome photo essays in the Family Celebration today.
AND head on over to Poppy Seed to see what other awesome stuff they have for you. I love this store so much because they give you the kit and instructions and then you can create it yourself. The projects make me feel so creative and giddy even. I LOVE making things for my home.
My favorites are the FHE magnet board, the picture blocks, the Temple memory game, and of course the countdown blocks. (I'd add pictures, but blogger is freakin' out on me!)
Thank you for celebrating family with me!
Monday, September 12, 2011
There was a moment...
Tonight, as part of our Family Home Evening, Bret gave all the boys a father's blessing.
It's a beginning of the school year tradition.
I love it.
The boys don't quite understand it yet, but they're more reverent than usual when we do it.
I get to get in on the blessings, too. I may love that even more. I really need the reminders, counsel, and encouragement that come in them.
The moment came when I watched Al climb up into the chair for his turn getting a blessing. He climbed up and folded his arms and gave me a little smirk. As Bret (looking ever so dashing in his slacks, shirt, and red "power" tie) placed his hands on Al's head the picture just looked so right and I felt so wonderful.
I love my husband and that he remains worthy to hold the priesthood and bless our family.
I love my boys and that I can be home with them.
I love my family.
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I love the moments:)
Have you had any moments you'd like to share?
It's a beginning of the school year tradition.
I love it.
The boys don't quite understand it yet, but they're more reverent than usual when we do it.
I get to get in on the blessings, too. I may love that even more. I really need the reminders, counsel, and encouragement that come in them.
The moment came when I watched Al climb up into the chair for his turn getting a blessing. He climbed up and folded his arms and gave me a little smirk. As Bret (looking ever so dashing in his slacks, shirt, and red "power" tie) placed his hands on Al's head the picture just looked so right and I felt so wonderful.
I love my husband and that he remains worthy to hold the priesthood and bless our family.
I love my boys and that I can be home with them.
I love my family.
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I love the moments:)
Have you had any moments you'd like to share?
Family Mission Statement
Last year I went to Time Out for Women. One of the many things I took away from the experience was the desire to create a family mission statement for our family.
I wrote up a whole slew of ideas and found that the ones I gravitated to were from the scriptures. Man, there's good stuff in there!;)
I never set aside time to talk with Bret about it and for months my notebook of ideas was forgotten.
And then I saw that part of the Family Celebration this year would be about family mission statements.
Oh, snap! Where did I put that notebook???
When I finally found it I got lost in it for a while. (Wow! What good ideas I had. Why'd I forget this?)
We still haven't set things in stone (or even paper), but here's the general idea for our work in progress:
A short, quickly to the point, easy to memorize, inspiring scripture to start us off. Here's a list of those currently at the top of the list-
Then (with the great hopes that I can create on paper the eye catching design in my brain...) using the letters in our family name we will list attributes we want to cultivate, one attribute per letter. I went through the Topical Guide and wrote down words that can be defined as family attributes. For example, with the letter "e" I wrote down- earnest, edify, educate, embrace, endure, engage, enjoy, enlighten, enthusiasm, equal, eternal, excel/excellence. It's going to be hard to choose which one to settle on!
When all is said and done we will have an inspiring family mission statement to motivate us and refer back to when life gets thrown in our faces.
I'm excited!
To read about other ways and why to's of creating family mission statements click that pretty button on my sidebar and join in celebrating the FAMILY with us:)
Update: "We got one!"
I wrote up a whole slew of ideas and found that the ones I gravitated to were from the scriptures. Man, there's good stuff in there!;)
I never set aside time to talk with Bret about it and for months my notebook of ideas was forgotten.
And then I saw that part of the Family Celebration this year would be about family mission statements.
Oh, snap! Where did I put that notebook???
When I finally found it I got lost in it for a while. (Wow! What good ideas I had. Why'd I forget this?)
We still haven't set things in stone (or even paper), but here's the general idea for our work in progress:
A short, quickly to the point, easy to memorize, inspiring scripture to start us off. Here's a list of those currently at the top of the list-
- 1 Corinthians 14:26 Let all things be done unto edifying.
- 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life.
- James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.
- Romans 2:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.
Then (with the great hopes that I can create on paper the eye catching design in my brain...) using the letters in our family name we will list attributes we want to cultivate, one attribute per letter. I went through the Topical Guide and wrote down words that can be defined as family attributes. For example, with the letter "e" I wrote down- earnest, edify, educate, embrace, endure, engage, enjoy, enlighten, enthusiasm, equal, eternal, excel/excellence. It's going to be hard to choose which one to settle on!
When all is said and done we will have an inspiring family mission statement to motivate us and refer back to when life gets thrown in our faces.
I'm excited!
To read about other ways and why to's of creating family mission statements click that pretty button on my sidebar and join in celebrating the FAMILY with us:)
Update: "We got one!"
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Hooray!
It's that time of year again!
I'm going to be throwing myself into the mix of the brouhaha for the family in the next two weeks.
Some amazing women have put together another amazing celebration this year and I'm excited to see what is coming.
Wonderful words of wisdom, insight, fantastic ideas of things to do with my family, giveaways, "meeting" new people, etc, etc, etc.
Will you join in the party?
Just click on the button at the top of my sidebar for more info. Or go HERE.
Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee:)
I'm going to be throwing myself into the mix of the brouhaha for the family in the next two weeks.
Some amazing women have put together another amazing celebration this year and I'm excited to see what is coming.
Wonderful words of wisdom, insight, fantastic ideas of things to do with my family, giveaways, "meeting" new people, etc, etc, etc.
Will you join in the party?
Just click on the button at the top of my sidebar for more info. Or go HERE.
Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee:)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The burning question
It's been happening regularly for years.
Even in the days after I gave birth to twins.
And as those "babies" of mine get bigger and bigger, it's happening more.
Lately, a LOT more.
It usually comes in one of three forms: Are you done? When are you going to have more? Are (or when are) you going to try for a girl?
Short answer- "I don't know."
Not good enough for you? Then dive into the long answer-
"I'd like to know even more than you, but I have no idea."
Bret and I both come from families of six and had thought four kids would be a good number for us, too. While taking care of days-old twins I declared to myself and God that never ever ever again would I do this because it was just too hard.
I've lightened up since then. Sometimes, I've even thought having five would be best.
But what I have remained firm on is that I'm not having another until we get a clear as crystal "It's time" from above. Both times we were trying to get pregnant, we really felt that the time was right. I haven't felt that since Al and Goose came. At all. And I'm beginning to wonder if I ever will.
I've wondered many things over the years. Like, what if I can't have any more children? Maybe God sent Al and Goose together because he knew my body and/or mind couldn't handle any future additions and our family was meant to have these three boys so he had to double them up. Will I ever get that feeling some moms talk about; the peaceful one where they just know that they're done? Will we just skip the whole process and the "it's time" will come in the form of a "Surprise!?"
We may never know.
I take comfort in the fact that we're in a good place right now. I love my family. I love my boys.
Does that answer the question?:)
Even in the days after I gave birth to twins.
And as those "babies" of mine get bigger and bigger, it's happening more.
Lately, a LOT more.
It usually comes in one of three forms: Are you done? When are you going to have more? Are (or when are) you going to try for a girl?
Short answer- "I don't know."
Not good enough for you? Then dive into the long answer-
"I'd like to know even more than you, but I have no idea."
Bret and I both come from families of six and had thought four kids would be a good number for us, too. While taking care of days-old twins I declared to myself and God that never ever ever again would I do this because it was just too hard.
I've lightened up since then. Sometimes, I've even thought having five would be best.
But what I have remained firm on is that I'm not having another until we get a clear as crystal "It's time" from above. Both times we were trying to get pregnant, we really felt that the time was right. I haven't felt that since Al and Goose came. At all. And I'm beginning to wonder if I ever will.
I've wondered many things over the years. Like, what if I can't have any more children? Maybe God sent Al and Goose together because he knew my body and/or mind couldn't handle any future additions and our family was meant to have these three boys so he had to double them up. Will I ever get that feeling some moms talk about; the peaceful one where they just know that they're done? Will we just skip the whole process and the "it's time" will come in the form of a "Surprise!?"
We may never know.
I take comfort in the fact that we're in a good place right now. I love my family. I love my boys.
Does that answer the question?:)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Family Fun
Yesterday we got to spend the whole day together as a family.
It was great!
It was also tiring. Verrrrrry tiring.
First we got to go to a local Triple A baseball game courtesy of Jeffrey's online school. The game was for and devoted to school kids from around the state.
That means there were kids e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e.
Who doesn't love an end of the school year field trip??
Bret and I continually marveled at the lack of adult supervision for all these kids though. When I was in elementary school I remember being assigned to a group of 3-6 kids for every parent volunteer. In the area around us I saw two parents. In the area around us I saw at least 50 kids. Two adults to 50 kids!?!? One of those adults disappeared an hour into the game. The other seemed to be asleep.
Not cool! I would freak out if one of my kids was so poorly looked after in such a crowd.
Other than wild kids, the game was good. The weather was fairly cooperative, too. And Jonzy was in heaven. That boy has been dying to go to a baseball game since last September. When we walked in, all the kids were given a Lunchables (something I've never allowed the boys to have). Clutching his lunchables and walking through the stadium, Jonzy was heard to exclaim with a smile, "This is the best day EVER!"
Following the game, we crashed at home for a bit before getting dressed up for family pictures. Let me tell you, my guys are four handsome fellas!
Taking pictures in our family is always an adventure. Last time, Goose threw up all over the place and we had to wash off in the nearby river. This time, Al threw up as we got ready (thankfully before he was dressed). Hooray for tradition, eh?
I don't really like taking family pics with young kids. It's exhausting. Trying to get three boys to look at the camera and smile at the same time (really smile, not those fake cheeser grins) is nigh unto impossible. I feel awkward and unnatural. Kids get easily distracted. I worry that we won't get a single usable pose.
BUT, there are things I love about family pictures. I loooove choosing everyone's wardrobe and trying out different colors and dressing my family up all coordinatedly cute. And our photographer is seriously a miracle worker who always manages to get some great shots. He's one talented guy. I love choosing what shots to print once the proofs are ready.
Basically, I love the prep work and the end results but not the actually task. Is that weird?
After pictures, we came home and ate yummy leftover burgers from the bbq we had yesterday. Easy dinner to put out AND clean up:) I read more of a gripping book I started this weekend in the sunset while the boys jumped on the trampoline. Then it was off to bed for the boys and movie night for me and Bret.
I love spending a weekday with my family!
It was great!
It was also tiring. Verrrrrry tiring.
First we got to go to a local Triple A baseball game courtesy of Jeffrey's online school. The game was for and devoted to school kids from around the state.
That means there were kids e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e.
Who doesn't love an end of the school year field trip??
Bret and I continually marveled at the lack of adult supervision for all these kids though. When I was in elementary school I remember being assigned to a group of 3-6 kids for every parent volunteer. In the area around us I saw two parents. In the area around us I saw at least 50 kids. Two adults to 50 kids!?!? One of those adults disappeared an hour into the game. The other seemed to be asleep.
Not cool! I would freak out if one of my kids was so poorly looked after in such a crowd.
Other than wild kids, the game was good. The weather was fairly cooperative, too. And Jonzy was in heaven. That boy has been dying to go to a baseball game since last September. When we walked in, all the kids were given a Lunchables (something I've never allowed the boys to have). Clutching his lunchables and walking through the stadium, Jonzy was heard to exclaim with a smile, "This is the best day EVER!"
Following the game, we crashed at home for a bit before getting dressed up for family pictures. Let me tell you, my guys are four handsome fellas!
Taking pictures in our family is always an adventure. Last time, Goose threw up all over the place and we had to wash off in the nearby river. This time, Al threw up as we got ready (thankfully before he was dressed). Hooray for tradition, eh?
I don't really like taking family pics with young kids. It's exhausting. Trying to get three boys to look at the camera and smile at the same time (really smile, not those fake cheeser grins) is nigh unto impossible. I feel awkward and unnatural. Kids get easily distracted. I worry that we won't get a single usable pose.
BUT, there are things I love about family pictures. I loooove choosing everyone's wardrobe and trying out different colors and dressing my family up all coordinatedly cute. And our photographer is seriously a miracle worker who always manages to get some great shots. He's one talented guy. I love choosing what shots to print once the proofs are ready.
Basically, I love the prep work and the end results but not the actually task. Is that weird?
After pictures, we came home and ate yummy leftover burgers from the bbq we had yesterday. Easy dinner to put out AND clean up:) I read more of a gripping book I started this weekend in the sunset while the boys jumped on the trampoline. Then it was off to bed for the boys and movie night for me and Bret.
I love spending a weekday with my family!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thankful Thursday- Line upon line
"Line upon line. Precept on precept. That is how he lifts us. That is how he teaches his childreeeeen."
Stuck in your head now, isn't it;)
Of the many things parenthood has given me, one of my top fives is a greater understanding of my relationship with my Father in heaven.
As I lay in bed last night, failing to fall asleep so thinking instead, I had some fun thinking about my sweet boys and the silly faces they make. As usually happens when I think about them in the peace and quiet of their absence, I started to mentally kick myself for all the times I've lost my patience with them.
My thoughts turned to Heavenly Father. How is it possible that He is so patient with me?! There are so many things that I make mistakes on over and over and over again. When similar situations happen with my kids, I get fed up pretty darn fast.
"I JUST told you not to do that or you'd get hurt! Now you're hurt! Why don't you listen to me?!"
If anyone has the right to say that, it's Him.
Or how about, "You KNOW that's not okay. So why did you do it????"
How am I any different than my boys in my behavior? I'm not. Sure, the things I mess up on are very different from the issues they have, but I've learned most of the precepts that the boys are just beginning to internalize. We are on different levels, but we're still in the same process.
Heavenly Father is continually forgiving, understanding, and merciful when I biff it. He's never yelled at me or lost patience with me. I have felt chastised and I have needed to repent, but I've never felt any anger from him. What I have felt is love. And I believe that's more effective, motivational, and persuasive than anything.
If He can be so patient with me when I mess up on bigger issues, then why can't I emulate that and be patient when a little fellow I took part in creating screams that it's his turn for the scooter or whines about not getting a treat or jumps on the furniture necessitating the 10,000th reminder that that is not okay only to be followed by someone continuing to jump, fall, and hit his head less than two minutes later?
I am determined to be more like Him. I have certainly progressed over the years, but I can still do so much better. He is patient with me and that has shown me how to be patient with the children He's entrusted to me.
I'm so grateful to have that perfect example of parenthood and to be walking this path with Him.
What are you thankful for today?
Stuck in your head now, isn't it;)
Of the many things parenthood has given me, one of my top fives is a greater understanding of my relationship with my Father in heaven.
As I lay in bed last night, failing to fall asleep so thinking instead, I had some fun thinking about my sweet boys and the silly faces they make. As usually happens when I think about them in the peace and quiet of their absence, I started to mentally kick myself for all the times I've lost my patience with them.
My thoughts turned to Heavenly Father. How is it possible that He is so patient with me?! There are so many things that I make mistakes on over and over and over again. When similar situations happen with my kids, I get fed up pretty darn fast.
"I JUST told you not to do that or you'd get hurt! Now you're hurt! Why don't you listen to me?!"
If anyone has the right to say that, it's Him.
Or how about, "You KNOW that's not okay. So why did you do it????"
How am I any different than my boys in my behavior? I'm not. Sure, the things I mess up on are very different from the issues they have, but I've learned most of the precepts that the boys are just beginning to internalize. We are on different levels, but we're still in the same process.
Heavenly Father is continually forgiving, understanding, and merciful when I biff it. He's never yelled at me or lost patience with me. I have felt chastised and I have needed to repent, but I've never felt any anger from him. What I have felt is love. And I believe that's more effective, motivational, and persuasive than anything.
If He can be so patient with me when I mess up on bigger issues, then why can't I emulate that and be patient when a little fellow I took part in creating screams that it's his turn for the scooter or whines about not getting a treat or jumps on the furniture necessitating the 10,000th reminder that that is not okay only to be followed by someone continuing to jump, fall, and hit his head less than two minutes later?
I am determined to be more like Him. I have certainly progressed over the years, but I can still do so much better. He is patient with me and that has shown me how to be patient with the children He's entrusted to me.
I'm so grateful to have that perfect example of parenthood and to be walking this path with Him.
What are you thankful for today?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sharing is good for the soul.
My children may not truly understand that or believe it yet, but I tell them anyway:) And every so often I remember to do it myself.
This weekend I was blessed to attend the wedding of a high school friend. I had a hard time coming up with a gift for her and her new husband. I finally decided on a two part gift, one part being a copy of the Family Proclamation. I wavered back and forth on whether or not to give something so special to me when the likelihood of it being discarded without a second glance was high. Then Chocolate on my Cranium posted what the weekly blog hop subjects would be in the up-coming Family Celebration. This week's would be "Sharing the Proclamation." Mere days after the wedding.
Ummm, can you say, "Lindsey- SHARE IT!" any louder?
I got the heavenly hint and included it in the gift with a little explanation in the card about why it was helpful and special to me and how I thought it could be helpful and special to them.
I packed the gift with everything else and went on my merry way to the next state over.
The wedding took place in a beautiful Baptist church. The pastor gave them a little marriage advice before pronouncing them man and wife. I LOVED what he said. I remember thinking, "I wonder if someone is writing this down for them? This is great advice!" Then I realized I'd read everything he was saying before, it was so familiar. And it hit me- I have exactly the same advice written down for them already and it's wrapped up in my car! This pastor is teaching principles in the Proclamation."
I know they still may throw the copy of the Proclamation away without reading it, or even after reading it. But sitting there in that ceremony, having my testimony strengthened about what I knew and the importance of what I was sharing was priceless.
It's also wonderful to know that other religions are teaching truths about the family.
So, go share that Proclamation! It honestly is good for the soul:)
This weekend I was blessed to attend the wedding of a high school friend. I had a hard time coming up with a gift for her and her new husband. I finally decided on a two part gift, one part being a copy of the Family Proclamation. I wavered back and forth on whether or not to give something so special to me when the likelihood of it being discarded without a second glance was high. Then Chocolate on my Cranium posted what the weekly blog hop subjects would be in the up-coming Family Celebration. This week's would be "Sharing the Proclamation." Mere days after the wedding.
Ummm, can you say, "Lindsey- SHARE IT!" any louder?
I got the heavenly hint and included it in the gift with a little explanation in the card about why it was helpful and special to me and how I thought it could be helpful and special to them.
I packed the gift with everything else and went on my merry way to the next state over.
The wedding took place in a beautiful Baptist church. The pastor gave them a little marriage advice before pronouncing them man and wife. I LOVED what he said. I remember thinking, "I wonder if someone is writing this down for them? This is great advice!" Then I realized I'd read everything he was saying before, it was so familiar. And it hit me- I have exactly the same advice written down for them already and it's wrapped up in my car! This pastor is teaching principles in the Proclamation."
I know they still may throw the copy of the Proclamation away without reading it, or even after reading it. But sitting there in that ceremony, having my testimony strengthened about what I knew and the importance of what I was sharing was priceless.
It's also wonderful to know that other religions are teaching truths about the family.
So, go share that Proclamation! It honestly is good for the soul:)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Family Tree in PICTURES
When I first saw the subject for the weekly blog hops for the Family Celebration, I saw this week's and thought, "Well that's one I won't be participating in." It's about family inspired crafts.
I am not a crafty person. I have dabbled a bit more than usual in the art this last year than I have in years past. I have some final results I really like and ideas for more, but many of my projects remain unfinished. I didn't think I had anything to contribute to this blog hop.
But then it hit me. I did have a craft to offer. At least I think it counts as a craft:) It didn't require any skills with paint, pens, mod podge, or glitter. It's a project that's taken me four years and I am on the cusp of finishing it.
It started when we bought our first home four years ago. Finally we had some really wall space to work with. And for the first time ever, we had a family room. Being the family sciences major and family enthusiast that I am, I wanted to have a family theme for our family room. I was struck with the brilliant (I don't think it was mine, so I can call it brilliant:)) idea to devote an entire wall to a family tree in pictures. I thought pictures would be a great way for my then one year old son to start getting to know his relatives and ancestors.
And so I put out the call to my family and Bret's for pictures. I had a few already in my own collection. Some family responded with not just the one picture I asked for, but packets of amazing pictures! Other pictures have proven more difficult to get a hold of. I still lack one necessary picture.
I didn't want to try to put the collection on the wall until I had all the pictures. That way I could play with different arrangements on the floor before committing to something more permanent on the wall. That and I ended up having twins just over a year later. The project came to a halt. But I did happen across a clearance of large metal letters that seemed like a good addition to the as-yet-non-existent family wall, so I bought the two letters representing our family names.
And then we moved! And the house we bought was so much easier to decorate than our first. Michael's and Robert's became my most favorite stores. I had been planning on placing all the pictures in individual frames. But one day, while perusing the Michael's weekly flier I spied a collage frame that jumped from the page yelling, "I'm perfect for your family tree project! Buy me!!" After I got over the shock of being yelled at by an inanimate object, I measured the wall to make sure they'd fit then went and bought four of the frames (on sale for $3.99 each! I love Michael's frame sales!!). Collages meant I could hang the pictures I already had without having to wait for the rest! Yay!
Then, with the help of my husband, a tape measure, a pencil, and a hammer and nails this was hung on our wall:
Our family picture is in the middle. Under the H is Bret's nuclear family then his parents' and grandparents' families in the frame of the left. The right is the same for my side of the family. The frames with our grandparents' pictures even lend themselves to the branching style of family trees you normally see. In the 5X7 slots I put a tree picture with family names and the pictures of our parents' families, then branching off from that I put the pictures of our grandparents' families.
Here's a closer shot of my family frame:
We both come from families of six. I put a picture of our families when we were little tykes; a picture of our families now- spouses, kids, and all; and separate pictures of our parents and our three siblings. The unfilled spot will be taken up by a picture of trees and our family name, which I have yet to make.
The further back in generations we went, the harder it was to find pictures. For most of the last generation I sought pictures for, I ended up photoshopping (after a tutorial from Bret) together a picture of the parents with a picture of the children. Like so:
Don't you just love old pictures? Well, I do! Especially when I know who is in them. My grandparent's made for cute kids. We have good genes in our family;)
So there you have it! A family tree in pictures.
The boys love it. They'll stand on the couch and point to people the know, excitedly shouting out names while I tell them about the time they met Mommy's grandpa or the last time we saw Daddy's grandmother or a far-away uncle. It's so fun to see them excited about our family! Bret gets into it, too. He'll show the wall to people who come over and talk about his Australian, Indonesian, and Dutch roots. You don't have to go far in his family before you get out of the country!
Now to just get the last family picture and make that last name picture...Then I can finally take down the "work in progress" sign:)
I am not a crafty person. I have dabbled a bit more than usual in the art this last year than I have in years past. I have some final results I really like and ideas for more, but many of my projects remain unfinished. I didn't think I had anything to contribute to this blog hop.
But then it hit me. I did have a craft to offer. At least I think it counts as a craft:) It didn't require any skills with paint, pens, mod podge, or glitter. It's a project that's taken me four years and I am on the cusp of finishing it.
It started when we bought our first home four years ago. Finally we had some really wall space to work with. And for the first time ever, we had a family room. Being the family sciences major and family enthusiast that I am, I wanted to have a family theme for our family room. I was struck with the brilliant (I don't think it was mine, so I can call it brilliant:)) idea to devote an entire wall to a family tree in pictures. I thought pictures would be a great way for my then one year old son to start getting to know his relatives and ancestors.
And so I put out the call to my family and Bret's for pictures. I had a few already in my own collection. Some family responded with not just the one picture I asked for, but packets of amazing pictures! Other pictures have proven more difficult to get a hold of. I still lack one necessary picture.
I didn't want to try to put the collection on the wall until I had all the pictures. That way I could play with different arrangements on the floor before committing to something more permanent on the wall. That and I ended up having twins just over a year later. The project came to a halt. But I did happen across a clearance of large metal letters that seemed like a good addition to the as-yet-non-existent family wall, so I bought the two letters representing our family names.
And then we moved! And the house we bought was so much easier to decorate than our first. Michael's and Robert's became my most favorite stores. I had been planning on placing all the pictures in individual frames. But one day, while perusing the Michael's weekly flier I spied a collage frame that jumped from the page yelling, "I'm perfect for your family tree project! Buy me!!" After I got over the shock of being yelled at by an inanimate object, I measured the wall to make sure they'd fit then went and bought four of the frames (on sale for $3.99 each! I love Michael's frame sales!!). Collages meant I could hang the pictures I already had without having to wait for the rest! Yay!
Then, with the help of my husband, a tape measure, a pencil, and a hammer and nails this was hung on our wall:
Our family picture is in the middle. Under the H is Bret's nuclear family then his parents' and grandparents' families in the frame of the left. The right is the same for my side of the family. The frames with our grandparents' pictures even lend themselves to the branching style of family trees you normally see. In the 5X7 slots I put a tree picture with family names and the pictures of our parents' families, then branching off from that I put the pictures of our grandparents' families.Here's a closer shot of my family frame:
We both come from families of six. I put a picture of our families when we were little tykes; a picture of our families now- spouses, kids, and all; and separate pictures of our parents and our three siblings. The unfilled spot will be taken up by a picture of trees and our family name, which I have yet to make.The further back in generations we went, the harder it was to find pictures. For most of the last generation I sought pictures for, I ended up photoshopping (after a tutorial from Bret) together a picture of the parents with a picture of the children. Like so:
Don't you just love old pictures? Well, I do! Especially when I know who is in them. My grandparent's made for cute kids. We have good genes in our family;)So there you have it! A family tree in pictures.
The boys love it. They'll stand on the couch and point to people the know, excitedly shouting out names while I tell them about the time they met Mommy's grandpa or the last time we saw Daddy's grandmother or a far-away uncle. It's so fun to see them excited about our family! Bret gets into it, too. He'll show the wall to people who come over and talk about his Australian, Indonesian, and Dutch roots. You don't have to go far in his family before you get out of the country!Now to just get the last family picture and make that last name picture...Then I can finally take down the "work in progress" sign:)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Oh my. It's Thursday already.
I tell you what, I sure feel like a headless chicken these last few weeks. And yet...oddly put together.
Life has changed dramatically. The Jonzter started school. And since we homeschool-days are full of lessons and nights are full of preparation. He's also part of a study for early education software for a locally-based company- two days a week, two hour commitment each time. We started a co-op this month. One morning a week, plus prep for my teaching responsibilities. I'm about to start coaching Jonzy's very first soccer team- two games a week and I haven't decided about practice yet (thankfully, it's a short season). Bret and I have drastically changed our eating habits. I'm trying to exercise every day, but really only succeeding about 3-4 times a week.
Then there's the ever present three small children I love to care for, husband I'd like to spend more time with and maybe occasionally get to go on dates with, meals to prepare, house to maintain, family and personal scripture study to accomplish, church callings to fulfill, errands to run, blog posts I'd like to read (like the awesome Family Celebration posts here and here) and write, things I'd like to ponder on longer than five minutes, books I'd like to read, etc.
I really do want there to be extra hours in the day!
Lately, I've started to stress more when I realize that my life is only going to get busier. So I try not to think about that.
But I am super thankful, that things are all working out so far. The only times I feel overbooked is when I'm trying to fall asleep;) The days are running along and feel very full. I feel like I should be majorly stressed about everything there is to do. But I'm not. So grateful for the peace I feel that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. I'm certainly not accomplishing everything I want to...and even some things I need to (...when WAS the last time I mopped???).
I am thankful for my life. The whole busy, crazy, nigh-unto-headless-chicken life. Without this life I wouldn't have my amazing family. And I'm not willing to trade them for anything!
What are you thankful for???
I tell you what, I sure feel like a headless chicken these last few weeks. And yet...oddly put together.
Life has changed dramatically. The Jonzter started school. And since we homeschool-days are full of lessons and nights are full of preparation. He's also part of a study for early education software for a locally-based company- two days a week, two hour commitment each time. We started a co-op this month. One morning a week, plus prep for my teaching responsibilities. I'm about to start coaching Jonzy's very first soccer team- two games a week and I haven't decided about practice yet (thankfully, it's a short season). Bret and I have drastically changed our eating habits. I'm trying to exercise every day, but really only succeeding about 3-4 times a week.
Then there's the ever present three small children I love to care for, husband I'd like to spend more time with and maybe occasionally get to go on dates with, meals to prepare, house to maintain, family and personal scripture study to accomplish, church callings to fulfill, errands to run, blog posts I'd like to read (like the awesome Family Celebration posts here and here) and write, things I'd like to ponder on longer than five minutes, books I'd like to read, etc.
I really do want there to be extra hours in the day!
Lately, I've started to stress more when I realize that my life is only going to get busier. So I try not to think about that.
But I am super thankful, that things are all working out so far. The only times I feel overbooked is when I'm trying to fall asleep;) The days are running along and feel very full. I feel like I should be majorly stressed about everything there is to do. But I'm not. So grateful for the peace I feel that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. I'm certainly not accomplishing everything I want to...and even some things I need to (...when WAS the last time I mopped???).
I am thankful for my life. The whole busy, crazy, nigh-unto-headless-chicken life. Without this life I wouldn't have my amazing family. And I'm not willing to trade them for anything!
What are you thankful for???
Sunday, September 5, 2010
I was there
I don't like having my picture taken. Add to that that I am usually the one behind the camera and if someone needs a picture of me, they're in trouble.
But...I don't want to be forgotten as the generations press on. I want my children, my grandchildren, and posterity through the ages to know that I was here, that I loved, and that my family enjoyed each other. That I took on the challenge of heeding prophets' counsel as a mother. The Family Proclamation tells us that, "Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children." Selfish as it may be, I want my posterity to know that I was here and that I nurtured my children. I'm know there are ways to know that besides seeing pictures. Pictures seem to make it more real, though.
Thankfully, there are some pictures with me. My favorite though, are the ones where I am slightly obscured, but you can still tell I'm there. Photographic evidence that I am a mother.
That I tried to bring organization to chaos:)
That I taught.
That I supported.
That I protected.
That I loved it. Alright, so they may just have to trust me that I loved it;)
But it's the truth.
I know.
I was there!
But...I don't want to be forgotten as the generations press on. I want my children, my grandchildren, and posterity through the ages to know that I was here, that I loved, and that my family enjoyed each other. That I took on the challenge of heeding prophets' counsel as a mother. The Family Proclamation tells us that, "Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children." Selfish as it may be, I want my posterity to know that I was here and that I nurtured my children. I'm know there are ways to know that besides seeing pictures. Pictures seem to make it more real, though.
Thankfully, there are some pictures with me. My favorite though, are the ones where I am slightly obscured, but you can still tell I'm there. Photographic evidence that I am a mother.
That I tried to bring organization to chaos:)
That I taught.
That I supported.
That I protected.That I loved it. Alright, so they may just have to trust me that I loved it;)
But it's the truth.
I know.
I was there!
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