Summer is Here!!!! (eeek!)

Alice Cooper's "Schools Out for Summer" has been playing through my head these past few days because it is now officially summer for us. I share mixed emotions about it with my girls. Rachel was so excited to be done with school because she apparently hates it. But she was sad to say "goodbye" to her kindergarten teacher Mrs. Fonnesbeck. And when she met her 1st Grade teacher she told me she wanted to start now! Anna is sad to leave behind her beloved Mrs. Marchant, who Anna showered with pictures on a weekly basis. She has enjoyed being her class so much. But she says her new teacher will be fun too.

As for me, I am excited about not having to get the kids to the bus every morning or remember to pick up Rachel at noon from the kindergarten bus. It'll be nice to have less of a schedule. However, I am not looking forward to the hot hot summer days and fighting children. So far it has gone well, but we've had a few rifts. Rachel and Jimmy are used to being on their own while Anna is at school all afternoon. Rachel is normally in charge of their activities, but now the bigger bossier older sister is home to contend with. We shall see how it all plays out over the next few months.

I am just glad we've had another successful year at school. The girls enjoyed their classes and did fabulous jobs. I have been amazed at the change in watching my little Rachel go through kindergarten and learn so much. She is a reading fiend. And Anna is just growing and learning too fast! Now if we could only find a way to allow Marshall to be home to party with us and earn an income than things would be perfect!

Eliza Says It Best

Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters? We know the Lord has laid high responsibility upon us, and there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized, and the greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities.
Eliza R. Snow

That has become my favorite quote, thought, insight, counsel, whatever you call it as of late. It has been going through my mind over and over and caused much pondering (perish the thought!) I need to tattoo this on my forehead so I see it every morning in the mirror when I wake up. Or at least write it somewhere I can see it and put it into practice daily. I admit, I fully and openly admit that I like to be coddled and praised at times and get frustrated when I've been pushed to my limit and feel I have not been praised with fanfare, confetti, and parades. Don't people know how hard it is to do it all? Don't my children know all I sacrifice for them? Don't others realize how hard it is to serve and let my husband serve sometimes? Don't they know I want a break?

But then I read the second part of the quote and realize, it doesn't matter. Will the world stop rotating and end in destruction if my husband does not come home from work and thank me for the slew of things I accomplished that day? Will the work I did as a mother, teacher, and wife of the bishop be any less important? Of course not, but my ego won't get the attention it so desires. Wouldn't it be better to look beyond this earthly sphere and realize that God sees and knows all? He's keeping a tally and He is grateful for all the good we do in the world around us. We may not always feel or see the good we generate, but He knows and He blesses us for it.

As Sister Snow points out, when we look to the Lord, setting our hearts on Him and not worldly praise, then we become refined and qualify to do all that we were sent here to fulfill. Whenever I get frustrated with my children or husband because I feel unappreciated, I get crabby and bitter. It's hard to feel the Spirit, it's tough to feel charity towards anyone else. If I lash out in anger with harsh words, I soon regret it and the loss of the Spirit that accompanies it. Then I feel doubly worse for being so petty and selfish. I pick up and try to move forward, hoping I won't lose my temper again. How much better would it be if I stopped looking for praise and just do what needs to be done. Isn't service better when you do it with an open heart, not seeking reward or praise? Of course, it is good to show gratitude in families and marriages, but always seeking out praise is not. How much happier and more fulfilled would my life be if I look up and realize that all I do I do for the Lord, who sees all and knows my heart, who blesses me daily for my sacrifices, and sustains me in all my earthly work.

One day I may actually get it, but I'll just keep trying until then. After all, isn't that what this life is for?

Still Here

I haven't updated my blog in awhile. I figure everyone is busy with school ending, work, life, etc. It seems like no one is around right now. I haven't been, partly because my lap top is out of service temporarily. How spoiled am I? Now I have to sit down and actually use the desk top. The horrors! Not to mention having to fight for user ship of said computer with my cute Jimmy. But I have been busy. Building Barbie furniture, ripping out rose bushes, making birthday cakes, planning birthday parties, reading, soothing a teething toddler, gardening, playing with cute kids, cleaning, attending end of year school programs, and enjoying life! One day I'll blog again, when something compels me to do so. But for now, I'm being lazy. Here's a picture of adorable Rachel in her costume for her kindergarten program. She did a fabulous job in the program, singing and dancing her little heart out. I cannot believe next year she'll be in 1st grade!!

Fun Visit

I am about ready to pack up and move back to Pennsylvania after a wonderful three day visit with my dad and stepmother. We had so much fun with them. The girls had to sit by Grammy at every meal and Jacob attached himself to Grandpa. Out of all of our kids, Jacob reminds me of my dad. It was cute to see those two together. Not to mention the awesome Barbie house my dad whipped up in an afternoon for Anna's birthday! She is in heaven. I am so glad we were able to spend time together and have such an awesome visit. We all Grandpa and Grammy!
Everyone with Grandpa and Grammy
Grandpa and Jacob, buds.
Anna the slugger.
Rachel at bat.
Grammy helping Jimmy bat.
The awesome Barbie house that Grandpa built.

Kids say the best things

Jimmy: Mom, why do the police feed the bad guys in jail?
Me: I don't know.
Jimmy: Well don't the police want the bad guys to die?

Jimmy (right as we leave for the bus stop to get Rachel): Get me a cup of marshmallows!!!
Me: No. We don't have time and you're being rude.
Jimmy: I'm not going to buckle my seat belt until you get me marshmallows.
Me: No.
Jimmy: Then I'm not going to buckle so the police will get you and put you in jail.
Me: That's mean. Who will play with you and take care of you?
Jimmy: Um, Rachel, Anna, and Daddy.

Jimmy yelling out the van window as we pass a house being painted after a lengthy conversation about why anyone would paint a house brown: House! What a messy house you are!!!

And the best . . . after we talked about babies yesterday because Jimmy wanted to know when the next one was coming. Rachel turned to me and says "Oh no Mom! Your chest is pregnant! (then we both burst out in giggles. Too funy!)

For Marshall

I know my sweet hubby has dealt with a few judges like this. Can't help, but laugh. So true!

Two More Days!!!!

In only two days my dad and stepmother arrive out here for a visit. I am so excited!!!! This will be their first time down here. My dad has been out this way before when he dropped my off at BYU my second year, but has never set his eyes on the red rock of Dixie. I cannot wait for them to arrive!

I love my dad. I am closest to him. He is such a good man. And we are so much alike, very organized, orderly, quiet, sincere, and loving. He has so much knowledge I wish I had. He is a master carpenter by hobby. We're going to work together on building Anna's Barbie house while he is out here. Having told her the story of the Barbie house my dad built for us as children, Anna wants me to build one for her. It just so happens that the timing is perfect for my dad to be here to help. Although I am daring at taking on projects, I would prefer some guidance on this one. And who better to give it? Plus I just completed re-finishing the cabinets in the kid bathroom and am taking a few days to relax between projects.

I am so excited to see my stepmother too. I love her! She is awesome and has been such a great mom to me. I admire her strength and character greatly and have been so blessed to have her in my life all these years.

Only two more days!!!!!!!!

My many mothers

In Webster's Dictionary the definition of "mother" includes that of "maternal tenderness or affection". When we think of Mother's Day we tend to reflect on our own mothers, but fail to recognize the many women who have helped shape our lives and make us the people we are today. The following is a list of some of the many women who have become a mother to me through the kindness and tenderness they have shown me.

1. My own mother- She has taught me so much through her example of service, love, and kindness. She has inspired and nurtured my creative talents and shown me love and understanding through all that life has brought me. And she has overcome much opposition to allow me a better life than what she experienced. I will always be grateful to her for that strength and triumph.

2. My dear step-mother- I hate to use the term "step-mother" because one immediately thinks of some wicked woman. Arlene is far from that. She had the difficult job of entering our lives and finding her place as a stepmother. She has always been so caring, loving, and supportive of me. She's always avoided speaking ill of others and has been a wonderful example of independence, intelligence, and strength.

3. My mother-in-law- I really lucked out because I love my mother-in-law. She is a woman I admire and respect. I have often looked to her as an example to pattern my life after when it comes to raising my children in the Gospel and being a support to my husband in his church callings. She is a great example of service and love.

4. My angel- Sweet Darci who has come into our family as a grandmother and mother through the love and service she has shown us. By sitting with me and the children every Sunday, helping me in times of need, and welcoming us into her life as her own family, I have found a priceless friend, mother, and strength that will last beyond years.

5. My sister Cindy- At a time in my life when the world seemed to be crashing down and I did not know where to turn for peace, she was there with love, support, and hope. Because of her testimony and faith in the Gospel, I was baptized into the church and later changed my life to follow the Lord completely. Without her I wouldn't be who or where I am today. She was the only family member able to come to my wedding and support me on that beautiful day. I will NEVER forget that. I pray one day to return to favor to her as she now has taken a different path in life.

6. My Young Womens leader- Sister Rolph was there every Sunday when I was a teenager. She was a YW leader and later my seminary instructor. Whenever I missed a Sunday because I was visiting my father, she would follow up and ask how I was and where I'd been. She noticed if or when I didn't feel like coming. She was persistent and loving. I never felt like I was an obligation, but rather someone she truly cared about. Because of that love I kept going back to church even when there were times I didn't want to. I know she'd be looking for me. I knew she cared.

7. My roommate Autumn- She went through the temple with me before I was married. It was a bittersweet experience to be able to make those covenants for myself. Beautiful and yet sad because I had no family able to take me through. She was so helpful and loving and I will never forget the service she gave me by being my escort.

The list could go on and on because there are many women who have been mothers to me in my life and I am grateful to each and every one of them. I hope you take this Mother's Day to thank those "mothers" in your life.

What could be cuter?

Happiness?

In a day and age when everyone is "open" about everything and "liberated" from any societal ties that would bind them, why are so many people bitter, angry, pessimistic, and selfish?

I've often pondered this as I watch the world around me further progress in liberalism and open mindedness. I find it fascinating when a person who claims to be a free thinker, accepting of new ideas, comes across someone who has a differing opinion than his own. The old saying should be changed to, "Hell hath no fury like a liberal scorned." It's fine to preach acceptance, but don't disagree with me or else I will passionately fill my every waking hour with vengeful thoughts and deeds against you. Since when does being "open minded" mean I have to agree with you? I thought it just meant being willing to be introduced to new ideas, even if you end up disagreeing with them. Aren't said liberal enthusiasts just as bad as the conquistadors who forced their "higher" ways of living on the natives they came across when they landed upon these shores? Am I really "uneducated" and "lower" than you if I don't share the same opinion you have? Is name calling, violently protesting, and spewing forth hatred something an educated person would do? How dare I be so logical!

It doesn't seem very helpful either when society tends to accept most things as good. We don't want to judge anyone, that would be "close minded". We must embrace everyone and their sins. Only a few things can be called bad anymore because we are too busy trying not to offend anyone. But has embracing wickedness really helped anyone? Are more people running around feeling fulfilled and happy because they can do almost anything they want without recourse? Is this new freedom really liberating?

I'm going to say "no". Call me a crazy conservative or whatever you will, but I just don't see very many happy loving people running around the world. Removing societal boundaries, refusing to recognize consequences, and imposing beliefs on others is not a recipe for harmony. But then again, what do I know? I'm just one of the uneducated masses who foolishly believes historu repeats itself.

Another Hot Find

You all know I enjoy perusing Craig's list on a regular basis. Today I found the following tempting advertisement:

Miscellaneous new and unused adult toys and various lubes/massage oils.
Please e-mail for item descriptions and to see what's left.
Some items will include free demonstrations. :o)
Happy hunting.

When I say tempting, I mean the fact that such an advertisement almost induces vomiting, tempting my stomach to empty itself. Seriously, nasty. First off, who wants your used adult toys? Not that I am in to that kind of stuff, but if I was I wouldn't want something that had been used. I don't care how much bleach you use on them, it's still disgusting to think they've been used by someone else with parts of their body I don't want to think about existing. C'mon! Throw them out already, no one wants them!

Secondly, in this day and age what kind of moron would offer "free demonstrations" of said items. Have you not heard of the Craig's List killer? Or just common sense that you don't invite strangers over to do who knows what with I don't even want to know. Not smart. Good recipe for being taken advantage of. Duh, duh, duh.

But then again I suppose someone advertising adult toys and demonstrations on-line isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. Regardless, ick! I don't want to see that when I am perusing the "health and beauty" section because it isn't healthy and is anything but beautiful.

What makes me happy

-Jimmy making a walkie talkie out of Trio blocks and then telling me he can talk to Jesus on it. "Jesus, can you hear me?" So innocent and sweet.

-Rachel getting Jacob his blanket for him when he was sad.

-Anna drawing pictures almost every waking moment for her teachers, friends, and family.

-Jacob blowing kisses to his grandparents and when his Granddad didn't blow one back, Jacob calling out "Granddad!" to get his attention.

- Jimmy, Anna, and Rachel dressing up in bathrobes and baseball caps in their game of spy. Bathrobes make great trench coats.

-Marshall singing and playing the piano.

-Jimmy playing music and asking me if it's beautiful.

-Rachel reading "Green Eggs and Ham" to Jimmy twice before bed by the light of their night light.

-Anna carrying Jacob around and trying to be a mommy to him when he gets sad.

-Jacob throwing his arms around my neck and jumping into my arms.

-Marshall calling from work "just so he can hear the sound of my voice".

What makes you happy?