Friday night my husband and I had the chance to go on a date. Sweet happiness! Since the temple was closed and the date funds for the month were getting low, we wanted to do something that wasn't too pricey and also somewhat spiritual. That's when my inspired hubby got the idea for us to go see the Joseph Smith movie at the temple visitor's center. We hadn't seen it since it came out five or so years ago. Plus our eight year old had just watched it with her Activity Days group and couldn't stop talking about how good it was. How could we resist?
I forgot how much I love that movie about Joseph Smith. It is very well done and has a beautiful spirit about it. And it was a great reminder to my husband and me about how blessed we are. This year as been full of trials, as it has for most anyone who is a human being going through this earthly life, but I am pretty sure none of us have been asked to go through what Joseph did. At one point in the movie, after burying another infant child, Emma asked Joseph if he ever thinks the Lord asks too much of us. His reply was that he cannot even afford to let himself begin to wonder. There is a great lesson in his words.
During times in my life when trials have come and I have thought, "Wait? I already went through trials x, y, and z. Isn't that a lot? Is the Lord paying attention here because I think that should be enough!" As if there is some magical shut off valve once we hit a certain amount of trials in our life. "Whoops! Sue's topped off. No more trials for her!" That's just not how it works. This life, this whole life, is about challenges and opposition. No matter the extent or length of the trials we undergo, more are bound to come, a simple fact of life. Therefore, we cannot get frustrated when it doesn't "end".
And what good does it do to get discouraged and frustrated with the Lord when our trials seem so plentiful? Does that help build our faith and testimony? Are we able to learn from such experiences what the Lord would have us if we are too busy griping? No.
The scriptures tell us not only to endure this life, but to "endure it well". It's not enough just to plug along every day, trying to just make it by. That's not what the Lord has in mind for us and we cheat ourselves of many spiritual experiences when we live such a half hearted life. Enduring well means we throw ourselves into the work of the Gospel. We go forward with faith and hope and we never give up. I think of Joseph Smith and the abuse, hatred, death, and doubt that followed him throughout his life once he had the First Vision. The man never gave up. Sure, he got frustrated at times, as we can read in the scriptures when he was imprisoned, but the Lord was always there to buoy him up. And because Joseph let himself be carried by the Lord during those trying times, he was able to go forward and accomplish all he was sent to do. He threw himself into the Gospel and never quit, despite all he was asked to sacrifice.
When I left the movie I was a changed woman. No more complaining to the Lord about why this or that has been happening, or is still happening, in my life. I saw how that attitude was trapping me in negativity and stunting my spiritual growth. Who cares about trials?! They are going to happen regardless, as I cannot control what life brings, so why let them hold me back? Why not choose to be positive and take the higher ground? I counted my blessings and realized that even though my life has been crazy, I have been amazingly blessed as I have continued in the work of the Lord. I felt such joy and my challenges seems so insignificant. What an awesome feeling that I hope I can keep!
Instead of counting our trials, we need to remember to count our blessings. We have to change our focus from what is wrong in our lives to what is right, completely immersing ourselves in the work of the Lord. When we do that, we too can be like Joseph Smith and triumph over life's challenges, enduring this earthly existence well.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Many praises to the inventor of these
Low fat ice cream treats that actually taste good. Enough said!
Monday, February 21, 2011
So it never ends?
I had to laugh when I read today's "Zits" comic strip. I already go through this and my kids are just small. Sooo it never ends?! 
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The rest of the week
Oh what a week! I think I need to go on vacation again just to make up for the past two weeks. This whole being sick thing is really getting old. Rachel got sick on Thursday and was home Thursday and Friday from school with a fever and cold. Poor kiddo. She was doing better, but then regressed today. Boogers. Jacob had it last week. I hope Anna and Jimmy are spared. But the good news is that Marshall seems to have finally kicked his infections. Sweet. Having bronchitis and a sinus infection was tough on him, mainly because he never has time to rest. He was still his happy self, but I am glad that he is actually getting better.
My blog about potty training was written during a happy time in the process. We quickly ran into disaster after that since Jacob was afraid to do his business on the potty and then refused to sit on it after that. Tears on both our parts, begging, and pleading ensued. Yet the boy with the iron bladder held out, making himself very uncomfortable. He refused to go in the potty due to fear, but wouldn't go in his diaper because he knew he wasn't supposed to. The one place he would go was in the bath tub. Nice. But after this weekend, and one much more patient father, Jacob will now sit on our toilet again. Yet it must be the one in our master bathroom. All other potties are scary for some reason. I wish I understood the reasoning, if there is any, of a toddler. Sometimes it feels like there is no life beyond potty training. But we are persevering and Marshall assures me life will not end despite all this drama. (Thank goodness for mellow husbands!)
The weather this weekend has been so blah, rain and snow even. I did have the chance to go on a bike ride when there was a break in the storms. Still, being stuck inside this weekend has not been fun, especially after two weeks of being indoors thanks to sick kids and potty training. I think I shall go insane.
There have been two good things in all this. One is the most amazing Marshall, who has kept me sane while nursing sick kids and potty training one stubborn little boy. He's made sure I've had chances to get out and has been there with hugs and encouragement. He's just pretty much awesome.
The second coolness is that "Phineas & Ferb" cartoons are now in Netflix Insta Play. This is a good thing since we do not have cable, but love "P&F". They are a great show for kids and adults. Now even though I have been stuck inside with sick kids at least there has been something amusing to entertain the kids and myself. Much better than being subjected to endless episodes of "Dora" in the background.
Let's hope this week we kick the sick germs out of our house and Jacob gets over his fear of the potty of doom. Here's wishing!
My blog about potty training was written during a happy time in the process. We quickly ran into disaster after that since Jacob was afraid to do his business on the potty and then refused to sit on it after that. Tears on both our parts, begging, and pleading ensued. Yet the boy with the iron bladder held out, making himself very uncomfortable. He refused to go in the potty due to fear, but wouldn't go in his diaper because he knew he wasn't supposed to. The one place he would go was in the bath tub. Nice. But after this weekend, and one much more patient father, Jacob will now sit on our toilet again. Yet it must be the one in our master bathroom. All other potties are scary for some reason. I wish I understood the reasoning, if there is any, of a toddler. Sometimes it feels like there is no life beyond potty training. But we are persevering and Marshall assures me life will not end despite all this drama. (Thank goodness for mellow husbands!)
The weather this weekend has been so blah, rain and snow even. I did have the chance to go on a bike ride when there was a break in the storms. Still, being stuck inside this weekend has not been fun, especially after two weeks of being indoors thanks to sick kids and potty training. I think I shall go insane.
There have been two good things in all this. One is the most amazing Marshall, who has kept me sane while nursing sick kids and potty training one stubborn little boy. He's made sure I've had chances to get out and has been there with hugs and encouragement. He's just pretty much awesome.
The second coolness is that "Phineas & Ferb" cartoons are now in Netflix Insta Play. This is a good thing since we do not have cable, but love "P&F". They are a great show for kids and adults. Now even though I have been stuck inside with sick kids at least there has been something amusing to entertain the kids and myself. Much better than being subjected to endless episodes of "Dora" in the background.
Let's hope this week we kick the sick germs out of our house and Jacob gets over his fear of the potty of doom. Here's wishing!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
"Never Give Up, Never Surrender!"
If kids came potty trained, life would be so much easier. Sadly that is not the case. Mr. Jacob has been showing all the signs of being ready to use the potty and I swore once we came back from our trip to Disneyland the war would begin. But then he got sick our first week back, as if he knew his fate was near and was desperate to prolong the inevitable. This week finds everyone healthy and so we began on Tuesday.
Did I convey how much I hate to potty train? If I could pay someone to do it for me, without it being inappropriate since the touching of body parts is necessary, I would. I hate, hate, hate potty training. But once I get into it, I'm determined to win. "Never give up, never surrender!", as quoted from Galaxy Quest, is my motto. If we are going to potty train then we are doing it until it's done.
I am happy to say that the past few days of constant vigilance, tears (thankfully, not mine), and hanging out in the bathroom or with the training potty is paying off. We've gone two days without accidents and have had lots of successes. That doesn't mean that Mr. Jacob isn't stubborn and still fights me when it comes to using the potty, but it does show that he has great control and is ready. And so we plunge forward with great hope.
Is there life without diapers? Will I actually be able to leave the diaper bag behind? Only time will tell, but it's looking pretty good!
Did I convey how much I hate to potty train? If I could pay someone to do it for me, without it being inappropriate since the touching of body parts is necessary, I would. I hate, hate, hate potty training. But once I get into it, I'm determined to win. "Never give up, never surrender!", as quoted from Galaxy Quest, is my motto. If we are going to potty train then we are doing it until it's done.
I am happy to say that the past few days of constant vigilance, tears (thankfully, not mine), and hanging out in the bathroom or with the training potty is paying off. We've gone two days without accidents and have had lots of successes. That doesn't mean that Mr. Jacob isn't stubborn and still fights me when it comes to using the potty, but it does show that he has great control and is ready. And so we plunge forward with great hope.
Is there life without diapers? Will I actually be able to leave the diaper bag behind? Only time will tell, but it's looking pretty good!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
"The Last of the Mohicans
One of my favorite movies that I have seen is "The Last of the Mohicans". I saw it in my teenage years and loved it. The moving story mixed with gorgeous scenery and haunting music cast a spell on my colonial history loving self. Not to mention the incredible acting of Daniel Day Lewis. The man is talented. I loved, loved, loved that movie. Sadly, I haven't seen it since I was a teen as it has an "R" rating and I made a personal choice to not watch those kinds of movies. I suppose Indian warfare can be a bit messy. Yet the story has always stuck with me.
That was why I was excited to read the actual book, "The Last of the Mohicans" by James Fenimore Cooper. I was hoping the story I remember from the movie would be as riveting in book form. It wasn't. There were intense parts of the book, which had me reading like crazy to find out what happened next, but those parts were far and few between. It took me a few months to read this book because I got bored in the beginning. I know authors tended to be more descriptive back then, as they were writing for entertainment and often got paid by the word, but Cooper's writing got very heavy at times. Enough already and get on with the story! I am a huge fan of Charles Dickens, who loved words, but Cooper just didn't have that power to catch me up in his story with his language. Still, even though I was disappointed by the actual book, I am glad I read it.
Check another one off the list!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
A Day of Doom for All Men
Monday is Valentine's Day! The day where all men in relationships are put on a mile high platform one inch wide, surrounded by razor sharp knives spreading out fifty feet in circumference, forced to stand on one foot while balancing a pile of encyclopedias on their head, blindfolded with their hands tied behind their back. Basically, it's "One Wrong Move and You are Dead" Day for men.
Now I admit, I love to get flowers, a card, or chocolates (for sure) on Valentine's Day. Who doesn't?! Women like to be treated special and made to feel like royalty. But what I don't like is how much pressure is put on men to make Valentine's Day perfect. Forget the fact that a man may be a caring, helpful, sweet, thoughtful, amazing husband year round, if he forgets to do anything for Cupid's Day then he is doomed. Because that one day sums up the total commitment he has to your relationship. And even if he does something, if it's not what is expected or wanted, then he still loses. Kind of like the image I mentioned in the beginning of a poor hopelessly trapped man. If our men mess up this one day then it shows how little they love and care about us, even if they are princes for the other 364 days of the year.
Why do we do that to our men? Why do we let society do that to them? It's so stupid. I thought relationships were about working together as a team and making things easier. So why is it acceptable to set up one side for complete failure? Not cool. Not fair. Not right. Think about how we, women, would feel if the roles were reversed and our men put that insane amount of pressure on us. There would be a massive revolt. Chaos. Hell on earth unleashed. We would not stand for it so why do we allow and expect our men to?
Now I have nothing wrong with celebrating holidays or anniversaries, but I do have a problem with putting all your hopes and expectations on one day, believing that only his actions on Valentine's Day will show exactly how your husband feels about you. I'm all about feeding your marriage on a daily basis, throughout the year.
Let's look at this from a spiritual point of view. They say miracles don't convert when it comes to the Gospel. Look at Laman and Lemuel, who witnessed everything that Nephi did, and yet were not faithful in the gospel. In fact, they were bitter. Yet Nephi was strengthened by the miracles he saw because he already had faith. He was doing the every day things in his life to increase his faith so those miracles meant a lot to him, but were not where his faith came from. The same thing applies with marriage. One day of never ending flowers, chocolates, silk, and satin will not make up for a year of thoughtlessness. It's the goodbye kiss out the door, verbal expressions of gratitude and love, hugs, help with the kids and chores, dates, and trips to the temple that feed the love in a marriage and make it grow. Those little every day things do matter the most.
If you want a happy marriage and fun Valentine's Days, take the pressure away of one stupid day. Make every day count as a couple and don't get upset if one day doesn't go as planned. Nurturing your marriage daily throughout the years will be far more memorable and special than one day of roses.
Now I admit, I love to get flowers, a card, or chocolates (for sure) on Valentine's Day. Who doesn't?! Women like to be treated special and made to feel like royalty. But what I don't like is how much pressure is put on men to make Valentine's Day perfect. Forget the fact that a man may be a caring, helpful, sweet, thoughtful, amazing husband year round, if he forgets to do anything for Cupid's Day then he is doomed. Because that one day sums up the total commitment he has to your relationship. And even if he does something, if it's not what is expected or wanted, then he still loses. Kind of like the image I mentioned in the beginning of a poor hopelessly trapped man. If our men mess up this one day then it shows how little they love and care about us, even if they are princes for the other 364 days of the year.
Why do we do that to our men? Why do we let society do that to them? It's so stupid. I thought relationships were about working together as a team and making things easier. So why is it acceptable to set up one side for complete failure? Not cool. Not fair. Not right. Think about how we, women, would feel if the roles were reversed and our men put that insane amount of pressure on us. There would be a massive revolt. Chaos. Hell on earth unleashed. We would not stand for it so why do we allow and expect our men to?
Now I have nothing wrong with celebrating holidays or anniversaries, but I do have a problem with putting all your hopes and expectations on one day, believing that only his actions on Valentine's Day will show exactly how your husband feels about you. I'm all about feeding your marriage on a daily basis, throughout the year.
Let's look at this from a spiritual point of view. They say miracles don't convert when it comes to the Gospel. Look at Laman and Lemuel, who witnessed everything that Nephi did, and yet were not faithful in the gospel. In fact, they were bitter. Yet Nephi was strengthened by the miracles he saw because he already had faith. He was doing the every day things in his life to increase his faith so those miracles meant a lot to him, but were not where his faith came from. The same thing applies with marriage. One day of never ending flowers, chocolates, silk, and satin will not make up for a year of thoughtlessness. It's the goodbye kiss out the door, verbal expressions of gratitude and love, hugs, help with the kids and chores, dates, and trips to the temple that feed the love in a marriage and make it grow. Those little every day things do matter the most.
If you want a happy marriage and fun Valentine's Days, take the pressure away of one stupid day. Make every day count as a couple and don't get upset if one day doesn't go as planned. Nurturing your marriage daily throughout the years will be far more memorable and special than one day of roses.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Not in my plans
Yeah, so I had big plans for this week. I was going to post pictures every day from our trip. I was going to start potty training Jacob. I was going to finish the ceiling patch job in the toy room. I was going to bike every day. I was going to work on my YW lesson. I was going to do a lot. But life had other plans.
Tuesday Jacob woke up sick with a fever. He spent the days in my arms miserable. Wednesday he threw up twice and laid on the couch and in my arms. Thursday found him much better, full of energy and happiness. But Thursday also found me feeling sicker than sick. I showered, put on sweats, and laid around the house all day while the boys played. That's about the extent of my week.
Not what I was hoping for, but I am still grateful for the little things. I'm grateful that I am at home to hold my kids and care for them when they are sick. To cuddle them and love them. I am so glad I don't have to leave them while I go to work. I am also grateful that I am at home so that when I am sick I can just lay around and somehow make it through the day. I can wear sweats and no make-up for my job when I am sick. I am also grateful for nice people, who do things like watch my kids so I can rest or bring my family dinner because I am too sick. It may not be what I wanted for my week, but the world won't end if my tasks are left undone for a few more days. Sometimes life has other plans and we just need to roll with the punches and do what we can. What matters most is that I could be there for my family. Let's hope next week is better!
Tuesday Jacob woke up sick with a fever. He spent the days in my arms miserable. Wednesday he threw up twice and laid on the couch and in my arms. Thursday found him much better, full of energy and happiness. But Thursday also found me feeling sicker than sick. I showered, put on sweats, and laid around the house all day while the boys played. That's about the extent of my week.
Not what I was hoping for, but I am still grateful for the little things. I'm grateful that I am at home to hold my kids and care for them when they are sick. To cuddle them and love them. I am so glad I don't have to leave them while I go to work. I am also grateful that I am at home so that when I am sick I can just lay around and somehow make it through the day. I can wear sweats and no make-up for my job when I am sick. I am also grateful for nice people, who do things like watch my kids so I can rest or bring my family dinner because I am too sick. It may not be what I wanted for my week, but the world won't end if my tasks are left undone for a few more days. Sometimes life has other plans and we just need to roll with the punches and do what we can. What matters most is that I could be there for my family. Let's hope next week is better!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Day 2 in the parks
Goofy!
Jimmy on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
One of the older kids favorite rides, Grizzly River Run. Can you see Marshall with Anna, Rachel, and Jimmy?
Lightening McQueen!!!
One of Jacob's most favorite rides!
Jacob and Donald Duck
Loves with Chip and Dale
Anna and Rachel getting to shoot some games on the Toy Story ride
At the Lego store with Lego Woody
Jimmy with the pirate gear he bought with his money.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
1st Day at Disneyland
Riding the train around the park
Rachel and Jimmy on "It's a Small World"
Anna finally got a picture with Sleeping Beauty!
Princess Tiana
Anna with Jasmine
Everyone with Mickey. Notice how Jacob is trying to stick his hand in Mickey's mouth. He was so curious about that!
Anna and Minnie Mouse
Jacob on the teacups, his favorite ride!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Disneyland Trip Day 1
We're back from our trip to Disneyland and had a blast! We are all tired, but happy. We had gorgeous sunny weather and lots of fun. I have so many pictures that I think I will post some for the next few days for each day of our trip.
We arrived in California on Tuesday afternoon and went straight to the beach, Newport Beach. It was beautiful and sunny. The kids had fun playing in the sand and getting their toes cooled off. It reminded me how much I love the beach. What a cute area! I would live there if it didn't mean living in a cardboard box, as that would be all we could afford there.
After the beach we grabbed dinner and then played in our hotel. We got a room with a kid suite, which opened off of the main room. The kid room had bunk beds, a little table and chairs, a TV, and a sofa bed. The kids loved it. We did our best to go to sleep and get ready for our first day at the parks. Ha!
Gorgeous Newport Beach
Playing in the sand
Water and sand! Life is good!
Jacob was a bit surprised by the cold water, but that didn't stop him from playing
Adorable shot of Anna and Jimmy
Rachel played in the sand for a little, but then avoided being near the water. Why? Because she thought the beach was stinky. I guess the salty sea air is not for everyone!
We arrived in California on Tuesday afternoon and went straight to the beach, Newport Beach. It was beautiful and sunny. The kids had fun playing in the sand and getting their toes cooled off. It reminded me how much I love the beach. What a cute area! I would live there if it didn't mean living in a cardboard box, as that would be all we could afford there.
After the beach we grabbed dinner and then played in our hotel. We got a room with a kid suite, which opened off of the main room. The kid room had bunk beds, a little table and chairs, a TV, and a sofa bed. The kids loved it. We did our best to go to sleep and get ready for our first day at the parks. Ha!
Gorgeous Newport Beach
Playing in the sand
Water and sand! Life is good!
Jacob was a bit surprised by the cold water, but that didn't stop him from playing
Adorable shot of Anna and Jimmy
Rachel played in the sand for a little, but then avoided being near the water. Why? Because she thought the beach was stinky. I guess the salty sea air is not for everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)