Monday, September 26, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
just minding my own business and "BAAAAM!!!"
I needed to watch this clip this morning...now I will be giggling all day thinking about this man. Enjoy:
He is describing a car wreck he was in that involved a telephone pole and some down electrical wire.
He is describing a car wreck he was in that involved a telephone pole and some down electrical wire.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
" Whether it is the best of times or the worst, He is with us."
Our Prophet Thomas S. Monson wrote the following article in the Washington Post regarding 9-11. I love this simple article. May we remember God always and not only during the trials and tragedies of our lives.
Posted at 11:38 AM ET, 09/08/2011
9/11 destruction allowed us to spiritually rebuild
By Thomas S. Monson
The calamity of September 11th, 2001 has cast a long shadow. Ten years later, many of us are still haunted by its terrible tragedy of lost lives and broken hearts. It is an episode of anguish that has become a defining moment in the history of the American nation and the world. This week, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, along with Tom Brokaw, will pay its own homage to the unforgettable events of September 11, 2001.
There was, as many have noted, a remarkable surge of faith following the tragedy. People across the United States rediscovered the need for God and turned to Him for solace and understanding. Comfortable times were shattered. We felt the great unsteadiness of life and reached for the great steadiness of our Father in Heaven. And, as ever, we found it. Americans of all faiths came together in a remarkable way.
Sadly, it seems that much of that renewal of faith has waned in the years that have followed. Healing has come with time, but so has indifference. We forget how vulnerable and sorrowful we felt. Our sorrow moved us to remember the deep purposes of our lives. The darkness of our despair brought us a moment of enlightenment. But we are forgetful. When the depth of grief has passed, its lessons often pass from our minds and hearts as well.
Our Father’s commitment to us, His children, is unwavering. Indeed He softens the winters of our lives, but He also brightens our summers. Whether it is the best of times or the worst, He is with us. He has promised us that this will never change.
But we are less faithful than He is. By nature we are vain, frail, and foolish. We sometimes neglect God. Sometimes we fail to keep the commandments that He gives us to make us happy. Sometimes we fail to commune with Him in prayer. Sometimes we forget to succor the poor and the downtrodden who are also His children. And our forgetfulness is very much to our detriment.
If there is a spiritual lesson to be learned from our experience of that fateful day, it may be that we owe to God the same faithfulness that He gives to us. We should strive for steadiness, and for a commitment to God that does not ebb and flow with the years or the crises of our lives. It should not require tragedy for us to remember Him, and we should not be compelled to humility before giving Him our faith and trust. We too should be with Him in every season.
The way to be with God in every season is to strive to be near Him every week and each day. We truly “need Him every hour,” not just in hours of devastation. We must speak to Him, listen to Him, and serve Him. If we wish to serve Him, we should serve our fellow men. We will mourn the lives we lose, but we should also fix the lives that can be mended and heal the hearts that may yet be healed.
It is constancy that God would have from us. Tragedies are not merely opportunities to give Him a fleeting thought, or for momentary insight to His plan for our happiness. Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us, and to become something different than we were. We can make Him the center of our thoughts and His Son, Jesus Christ, the pattern for our behavior. We may not only find faith in God in our sorrow. We may also become faithful to Him in times of calm.
Thomas S. Monson is president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Monday, September 05, 2011
"safeties"
I kind of embarrassed myself...multiple times...in front of a bunch of people and it's seriously consuming my thoughts...nothing major- but I'm sure there are people in my life who had a late Sunday conversation where my name popped up "April's kind of weird isn't she?"
Yes, I am.
In embarrassing moments like these I find myself "again" praying that I will let go of replaying the silly moments in my head and just forget about it.
anyone relate?
Even though I am surrounded by people who are amazing and full of love...there are only a few that I feel 100% safe with.
You know those people, who no matter what, love you regardless. They hear you say something kind of weird and awkward and they just laugh because it was weird and awkward and not suddenly categorize me as a weird and awkward person forever.
Sometimes I will ramble on to Joette about the stupidest things...things that are seriously not that important but my sub conscience must need to fill space and time with verbal nothingness to give me a sense of security or something...example: I will talk to Joette about different types of wood...yes, wood and neither Joette and I really honestly care about the different types of wood but maybe I just want to feel smart for a second or something. Joette will just listen. She will just listen and yet love me the same...because pine is softer than oak...and even though that is weird, I can always feel safe with Joette.
I can call Emily and tell her how awkward I was that day and how I didn't feel like I was April that day. She will always shoot back some comforting words "Don't you just hate when that happens?" Yes, yes I do.
I always felt safe with Mom. Why are you dead Mom? I mean seriously. Talk about BAD TIMING. When all my friends are calling their mom's to ask them that daily question "How long do I bake the bread for?" "Did you cry for a week when you sent me off to Kindergarten?""How do you get hard water stains off the toilet?" "Did your periods get worse after each child?"....when everyone seems to be going to Mom for help....
I have Google. I went from having a Mother to relying on Google. PATHETIC.
The other day Kenzie and I were searching for her lost shoe. Logically she attempted to solve the problem: "I bet the computer knows where my shoe is" So we Googled, "Where is Kenzie's shoe?" No answer. I had to teach her a vital lesson. Google doesn't have all the answers. There isn't a little man living inside the computer who cares and knows about every little move we make. Although I think a lot of us like to pretend there is or at least act like there is.
So we prayed to Heavenly Father to help us find the lost shoe. 5 minutes later we felt impressed to lift up the couch. There it was...along with $3 in change. Double blessing.
I feel safe with Heavenly Father. I know He loves me regardless of my weird and awkward moments...and for my really bad moments as well. I didn't always feel that way. It wasn't until I started to understand the atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ that God's love was always available and never had to be earned. It was a liberating moment for me.
No matter what I do, I will always be hot and juicy to Chay. I could pick my nose and I'm still forever his girl. I am safe with Chay. Phew. Life would be a royal mess not feeling safe with him.
I have others "safeties" too. Close friends and even friends I have recently met that I just feel safe with. You know, the kind you can easily share the details of how you tried to cure a yeast infection with a garlic clove. (it works by the way)
Connection. I love connection. I can't wait to ask God or the angels about instant connection with certain people. Were we buddies in the life before earth? Or what?
And then the question arises "Do people feel safe with me?"
How can I be completely embarrassing one day and then turn around and judge someone else "they are so weird" or "they aren't very kind" or "they hoard money" or "she smells like cheese" Usually someone will have one cheese smelling moment and they smell like cheese forever. Judgments can be so cruel and they stick around for a long time it seems...probably because they turn into fun stories to tell others I suppose...and then the vicious cycle continues.
*side note: I just asked Julia if I smell like cheese...just so I can hear what funnies will come out of her mouth. She said, "nope, well yeah, but you smell more like Jesus than cheese." Oh how priceless she is... my little Ju Ju bean.
I pray she will always feel safe with her mommy.
Who do you feel safe with when life is bumpy?
You should tell them thank you.
Yes, I am.
In embarrassing moments like these I find myself "again" praying that I will let go of replaying the silly moments in my head and just forget about it.
anyone relate?
Even though I am surrounded by people who are amazing and full of love...there are only a few that I feel 100% safe with.
You know those people, who no matter what, love you regardless. They hear you say something kind of weird and awkward and they just laugh because it was weird and awkward and not suddenly categorize me as a weird and awkward person forever.
Sometimes I will ramble on to Joette about the stupidest things...things that are seriously not that important but my sub conscience must need to fill space and time with verbal nothingness to give me a sense of security or something...example: I will talk to Joette about different types of wood...yes, wood and neither Joette and I really honestly care about the different types of wood but maybe I just want to feel smart for a second or something. Joette will just listen. She will just listen and yet love me the same...because pine is softer than oak...and even though that is weird, I can always feel safe with Joette.
I can call Emily and tell her how awkward I was that day and how I didn't feel like I was April that day. She will always shoot back some comforting words "Don't you just hate when that happens?" Yes, yes I do.
I always felt safe with Mom. Why are you dead Mom? I mean seriously. Talk about BAD TIMING. When all my friends are calling their mom's to ask them that daily question "How long do I bake the bread for?" "Did you cry for a week when you sent me off to Kindergarten?""How do you get hard water stains off the toilet?" "Did your periods get worse after each child?"....when everyone seems to be going to Mom for help....
I have Google. I went from having a Mother to relying on Google. PATHETIC.
The other day Kenzie and I were searching for her lost shoe. Logically she attempted to solve the problem: "I bet the computer knows where my shoe is" So we Googled, "Where is Kenzie's shoe?" No answer. I had to teach her a vital lesson. Google doesn't have all the answers. There isn't a little man living inside the computer who cares and knows about every little move we make. Although I think a lot of us like to pretend there is or at least act like there is.
So we prayed to Heavenly Father to help us find the lost shoe. 5 minutes later we felt impressed to lift up the couch. There it was...along with $3 in change. Double blessing.
I feel safe with Heavenly Father. I know He loves me regardless of my weird and awkward moments...and for my really bad moments as well. I didn't always feel that way. It wasn't until I started to understand the atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ that God's love was always available and never had to be earned. It was a liberating moment for me.
No matter what I do, I will always be hot and juicy to Chay. I could pick my nose and I'm still forever his girl. I am safe with Chay. Phew. Life would be a royal mess not feeling safe with him.
I have others "safeties" too. Close friends and even friends I have recently met that I just feel safe with. You know, the kind you can easily share the details of how you tried to cure a yeast infection with a garlic clove. (it works by the way)
Connection. I love connection. I can't wait to ask God or the angels about instant connection with certain people. Were we buddies in the life before earth? Or what?
And then the question arises "Do people feel safe with me?"
How can I be completely embarrassing one day and then turn around and judge someone else "they are so weird" or "they aren't very kind" or "they hoard money" or "she smells like cheese" Usually someone will have one cheese smelling moment and they smell like cheese forever. Judgments can be so cruel and they stick around for a long time it seems...probably because they turn into fun stories to tell others I suppose...and then the vicious cycle continues.
*side note: I just asked Julia if I smell like cheese...just so I can hear what funnies will come out of her mouth. She said, "nope, well yeah, but you smell more like Jesus than cheese." Oh how priceless she is... my little Ju Ju bean.
I pray she will always feel safe with her mommy.
Who do you feel safe with when life is bumpy?
You should tell them thank you.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
big day
holding back the tears and being the "strong one" I reasurred Kenzie that everything was going to be ok...
she held my hand so tight I thought I was going to lose the circulation in my hand- together we stood and watched the kids on the playground waiting for the bell to ring...
Kenzie's first day of kindergarten was 10 days ago...the longest 10 days of my life.
Once the kindergarten teacher had all the little ones line up by the door on the first day, I desperately asked the teacher, "Is this where we say goodbye or can we come inside?" Mrs. Bever just smiled and nodded and kindly suggested that we say goodbye at the door. I gave Kenzie the biggest hug and told her how excited I was for her. I told her happily "I will be right back...in a few hours" and I walked away...she seemed ok but me? Tears oh the tears. "is that why all the kindergarten mom's are wearing sunglasses? Where are my sunglasses dang it?"
I cried all the way home.
Oh the growing pains. So hard...so weird. Thank GOODNESS it's only 3 hours.
Julia was sort of lost all morning but together we prayed over breakfast and instantly bitter went to sweet as I realized how much I will get to know Julia better this school year...just me and her...along with all her questions. Love the questions. "why does Xander like to eat?" "Where in my belly are my pancakes?" "Can I eat my pancakes with a spoon?" "Does Jesus like syrup on his pancakes?"
(Thanks Kenzie for the great photo shoot!)
I will post later about why I chose traditional school over homeschooling. It has been a process, trust me. All I can say is that I know God is aware of me and my children and I know He answers prayers. God also knows I can be a complete basketcase at times...and through prayer He has ever so gently reminded me of this. I love homeschooling...but I think I love more the idea of it than actually doing it- day in and day out. I would go nuts.
oh and me crying on the first day of school and on the second and the third....I am who I am...and what else can I say? Although I know a lot of moms are right there with me...some others kind of made me feel like weak sauce...for being sad to send my kid off to school...well I am super emotional about my first baby going to school. I am the type of person that feels every emotion I guess. Every new experience is a big deal- and personally I have learned to love that part of me...I don't feel silly or embarrassed anymore. I actually feel quite alive.
When I picked up Kenzie from school on her first day (I was there 20 minutes early) I anxiously awaited for my big girl to come out the big doors. There she was all aglow. She smiled from ear to ear and screamed my name "MOMMY!!!!" I picked her up and she just said so proudly "I love it Mom, I love kindergarten, I really do" from her words I could sense her worries about school were going sayonara real fast.
When she got home she put her backpack away and gave out this huge sigh of relief and said,
"I feel really good inside, I need to help you do chores Mom." so funny to hear
Julia was so happy to have her best friend back.
Xander pooped like 5 times that day.
It was a big day for all of us.
Monday, July 18, 2011
say cheese
Many of my blog readers are from the Spokane/Northern Idaho area...and don't even get me started on how jealous I am of you and where you reside ...oh how I long for HOME.
ok, so anyway this post is for YOU.
Lorena.
She is the greatest thing to ever happen to Bryon.
Bryon is my brother.
Lorena is my sister in law and is also a photographer. She is having a giveaway for all you Spokanites and Northern Idahoers. A free photo session! So click on the link below and read all about it.
Check out her work. AMAZING!
Click here and see how you can win!
ok, so anyway this post is for YOU.
Lorena.
She is the greatest thing to ever happen to Bryon.
Bryon is my brother.
Lorena is my sister in law and is also a photographer. She is having a giveaway for all you Spokanites and Northern Idahoers. A free photo session! So click on the link below and read all about it.
Check out her work. AMAZING!
Click here and see how you can win!
Love you Lorena! I'm so so so happy you're apart of the family.
Monday, June 27, 2011
write it
You know, the legacy of a person's life is told by the written words of others.
When I sit down to write in my journal...I usually don't take the time to write about how great I am. :)
and either did my Mom...in fact her journal entries barely reveal the dynamic person she was while here on earth. Mom sometimes used the journal to sort out feelings and to vent...I'm sure like some, when writing in her journal, she had like this therapeutic process thing going on...
Letters. Thank you Letters.
The legacy of Mom is carried on to the generations because the people in her life were touched by her in some way and decided to write her and tell her.
As I gather photos and memorabilia for Mom's book (this is taking forever to do by the way) I MOST treasure the dear sweet letters my mom received over the years from friends and family. These letters seriously capture the real EDK.
Examples:
Mom has hundreds of letters she has kept over the years from friends, family, students, youth- and they are a GOLD MINE, especially as I attempt to glorify and honor her by making a book of her life...
How are you helping to carry out the legacy of others?
If someone in your life does something that touches you in some way- tell them. Write it. Give it. Do it. That person will probably be some child's grandma or grandpa someday and your kind words of gratitude to that person may be one of the few evidences of that person's good life. You are writing and contributing to that person's life history.
I decided to write a letter to a certain person and tell him thank you for all his love and service. I was so deeply impressed to write this letter. The Spirit kept pushing me to do it all day. As I was writing it, I started to cry a little. Chay thought I was losing it again. I then explained that I knew Heavenly Father wanted me to write this letter for this person's family history. It was clear as day why I felt so impressed to write the letter. Later that week, this person called me and told me the letter went directly in his journal. Now his posterity may know a little bit more about what kind of man he was.
I think I will contribute to my Mom's life history right now: Mom told me after I had my bridal shower and reception to make sure not to rush the Thank You cards to those who gave gifts. She challenged me to think about each person that gave me gifts and write something meaningful to them- it took FOREVER but it was an awesome experience- besides to those people I didn't know at all...that sucked. But I felt so BLESSED to have so many wonderful friends- good friends.
So next time you write a Thank You card- make it count. For the generations that follow- for that much needed smile on someone's face when they read it- make it count.
One of my most favorite hymns- click to read the lyrics
Each Life That Touches Ours For Good
When I sit down to write in my journal...I usually don't take the time to write about how great I am. :)
and either did my Mom...in fact her journal entries barely reveal the dynamic person she was while here on earth. Mom sometimes used the journal to sort out feelings and to vent...I'm sure like some, when writing in her journal, she had like this therapeutic process thing going on...
Letters. Thank you Letters.
The legacy of Mom is carried on to the generations because the people in her life were touched by her in some way and decided to write her and tell her.
As I gather photos and memorabilia for Mom's book (this is taking forever to do by the way) I MOST treasure the dear sweet letters my mom received over the years from friends and family. These letters seriously capture the real EDK.
Examples:
Thank you Edie Kaye for all your hard work on the back drops for the road show.See what I mean??
Thank you for your lesson in church on Sunday. You are an amazing teacher.
Thank you for listening to me talk about my life. You are a good listener.
Thank you for making rolls for the funeral.
You are my best friend.
Thank you for teaching me how to make bread.
Thank you for always laughing.
I always know when you are in the room. I love your laugh.
You are so creative and always willing to serve.
You are the best seminary teacher.
Thank you for your testimony of the Savior.
You make me want to be a better person.
I feel like I can tell you anything.
You have been the best visiting teaching partner.
You are my example.
Mom has hundreds of letters she has kept over the years from friends, family, students, youth- and they are a GOLD MINE, especially as I attempt to glorify and honor her by making a book of her life...
How are you helping to carry out the legacy of others?
If someone in your life does something that touches you in some way- tell them. Write it. Give it. Do it. That person will probably be some child's grandma or grandpa someday and your kind words of gratitude to that person may be one of the few evidences of that person's good life. You are writing and contributing to that person's life history.
I decided to write a letter to a certain person and tell him thank you for all his love and service. I was so deeply impressed to write this letter. The Spirit kept pushing me to do it all day. As I was writing it, I started to cry a little. Chay thought I was losing it again. I then explained that I knew Heavenly Father wanted me to write this letter for this person's family history. It was clear as day why I felt so impressed to write the letter. Later that week, this person called me and told me the letter went directly in his journal. Now his posterity may know a little bit more about what kind of man he was.
I think I will contribute to my Mom's life history right now: Mom told me after I had my bridal shower and reception to make sure not to rush the Thank You cards to those who gave gifts. She challenged me to think about each person that gave me gifts and write something meaningful to them- it took FOREVER but it was an awesome experience- besides to those people I didn't know at all...that sucked. But I felt so BLESSED to have so many wonderful friends- good friends.
So next time you write a Thank You card- make it count. For the generations that follow- for that much needed smile on someone's face when they read it- make it count.
One of my most favorite hymns- click to read the lyrics
Each Life That Touches Ours For Good
Monday, June 20, 2011
Daddy
Dad, I'm thinking about you. Called you yesterday but no answer. I love you. As the years pass I become more and more amazed at how powerful of a man you are...especially in your simpleness and that BIG heart of yours.
Chay- The big Daddy in our house. I like it when you call me big papa
Chay is a great Daddy. He is an entirely different parent than me...and with much thought I have come to the conclusion that my children couldn't be more lucky. My kids will have a beautiful interesting life with a wide variety of love showed to them daily.
Here he is...in his own little world. I sneaked this picture...it really shows the real Chay. Sometimes I like to pretend I am meeting Chay for the first time...like the day I snapped this photo- oh yes, I would fall in love with him so fast...who wouldn't?
Chay- soft voice, loves the Lord, Mr. Fix-it, everyone's friend, breathtaking smile, has passion for his loves and hobbies, slightly sensitive, CRAVES the woman he loves, and wants the best for his children...Did I score or what?
ok so this post isn't about how much I love Chay...but how much we the family love him as the Daddy...
Chay is PRESENT. He is around, he cares, he likes to be involved. He is a family man.
He looks forward to being home...until he hears the girl's fighting or whining of course...but his girls are HIS GIRLS. So protective...so cautious about their well being.
Some facebook friend wrote some quote about how she was proud not to be her child's friend but to be her child's parent instead...and then all these other people "liked" her quote. So weird.
That is just weird.
Heavenly Father is the perfect parent and He is my friend. I am pretty sure He will allow and teach us how to be both to our children.
If at the end of the day the house is clean, dinner was made, and all the "to-do's" are all checked off (which is rare), I don't feel all that accomplished if I didn't take time to just play with the kids.
Chay plays with his children.
...warm afternoons with a bucket of sidewalk chalk.
building a feeder to their newly painted birdhouses...he put the girl's bird house experiment excitement to the next level.
I swear Chay owns more shirts than this green Brazil shirt
The lawn maze...see it in the background. The pathway to the Hidden treasure!
he worked on Mr. Snowman's hair for 10 minutes...
I might just be in trouble for posting these pictures. Cute hat Chay :) But seriously, Chay DOES not care what he looks like when it comes to play-
Thanks Chaylove for all you do for the family. Happy Father's Day.
Chay- The big Daddy in our house. I like it when you call me big papa
Chay is a great Daddy. He is an entirely different parent than me...and with much thought I have come to the conclusion that my children couldn't be more lucky. My kids will have a beautiful interesting life with a wide variety of love showed to them daily.
Here he is...in his own little world. I sneaked this picture...it really shows the real Chay. Sometimes I like to pretend I am meeting Chay for the first time...like the day I snapped this photo- oh yes, I would fall in love with him so fast...who wouldn't?
Chay- soft voice, loves the Lord, Mr. Fix-it, everyone's friend, breathtaking smile, has passion for his loves and hobbies, slightly sensitive, CRAVES the woman he loves, and wants the best for his children...Did I score or what?
ok so this post isn't about how much I love Chay...but how much we the family love him as the Daddy...
Chay is PRESENT. He is around, he cares, he likes to be involved. He is a family man.
He looks forward to being home...until he hears the girl's fighting or whining of course...but his girls are HIS GIRLS. So protective...so cautious about their well being.
Play.
Some facebook friend wrote some quote about how she was proud not to be her child's friend but to be her child's parent instead...and then all these other people "liked" her quote. So weird.
That is just weird.
Heavenly Father is the perfect parent and He is my friend. I am pretty sure He will allow and teach us how to be both to our children.
If at the end of the day the house is clean, dinner was made, and all the "to-do's" are all checked off (which is rare), I don't feel all that accomplished if I didn't take time to just play with the kids.
Chay plays with his children.
...warm afternoons with a bucket of sidewalk chalk.
building a feeder to their newly painted birdhouses...he put the girl's bird house experiment excitement to the next level.
I swear Chay owns more shirts than this green Brazil shirt
The lawn maze...see it in the background. The pathway to the Hidden treasure!
he worked on Mr. Snowman's hair for 10 minutes...
I might just be in trouble for posting these pictures. Cute hat Chay :) But seriously, Chay DOES not care what he looks like when it comes to play-
Thanks Chaylove for all you do for the family. Happy Father's Day.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
beatboxing cellist?
ok, this was pure entertainment- loved it. You have to watch the whole thing...
Joette, you will love this- a little inspiration for you to start playing the cello again. Maybe you could play the cello and beatbox to Eminem's "two trailer park girls go round the outside" when we go camping this summer.
inside joke.
Joette, you will love this- a little inspiration for you to start playing the cello again. Maybe you could play the cello and beatbox to Eminem's "two trailer park girls go round the outside" when we go camping this summer.
inside joke.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
How could anyone deny there is a God?
Yesterday I was weeding the flowerbed...AGAIN. I was loving my almost-ready-to-bloom tulips. I thought to myself, "these tulips were created just for us to enjoy, to make the world beautiful, to welcome in Spring. I don't think they would taste good and you can't really use their petals to make clothing. They are for us to enjoy. Thank you Heavenly Father for tulips."
The scripture came to mind, "Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Luke 12:27
Then I remembered the words Chay said to me once when we were looking up at the stars one night, "How can anyone see this and deny there is a God?"
Chay and I met in Rexburg, Idaho.
A small-small-in-the-middle-of-nowhere town in Southern Idaho that so happens to have the best University in the world. I love BYU-Idaho! I treasure my experience and education from BYU-Idaho.
Anyway, so since most Mormon college students don't drink alcohol, they must be super creative in Rexburg and find ways to entertain themselves instead of being a lush for 4 years. Hence, a large percentage graduate from the university learning to play the guitar, taking the "Social Dance" class, become temporary spelunkers, loving the Sand Dunes and married.
While still dating, Chay and I went with another couple to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes to build a fire and roast marshmallows. My shoe also happened to catch fire that night.
But besides burning a hole in my favorite pair of shoes...
Since we were in the middle of nowhere the night's sky was breathtaking. Chay and I laid on the soft sand and looked up at stars, the millions of stars, everywhere- so bright. Then Chay said something that I will never forget.
"How could anyone see this and deny there is a God?"
Now, I know at the time he was trying to win me over...but...still...
it must have worked...and after 7 almost 8 years of marriage I love to look at the stars with Chay. Chay really loves the stars...not as much as motorcycles, but still, he loves a great night sky. So when I found this video, I couldn't wait to show him.
My thoughts when I watched it for the first time "How could anyone watch this and deny there is a God?"
This is real footage by the way. It's a time-lapse video with hours of footage sped up to display this gorgeous earth's movements. So AWESOME!...and I don't mind the piano music one bit.
The scripture came to mind, "Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Luke 12:27
Then I remembered the words Chay said to me once when we were looking up at the stars one night, "How can anyone see this and deny there is a God?"
Chay and I met in Rexburg, Idaho.
A small-small-in-the-middle-of-nowhere town in Southern Idaho that so happens to have the best University in the world. I love BYU-Idaho! I treasure my experience and education from BYU-Idaho.
Anyway, so since most Mormon college students don't drink alcohol, they must be super creative in Rexburg and find ways to entertain themselves instead of being a lush for 4 years. Hence, a large percentage graduate from the university learning to play the guitar, taking the "Social Dance" class, become temporary spelunkers, loving the Sand Dunes and married.
While still dating, Chay and I went with another couple to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes to build a fire and roast marshmallows. My shoe also happened to catch fire that night.
But besides burning a hole in my favorite pair of shoes...
Since we were in the middle of nowhere the night's sky was breathtaking. Chay and I laid on the soft sand and looked up at stars, the millions of stars, everywhere- so bright. Then Chay said something that I will never forget.
"How could anyone see this and deny there is a God?"
Now, I know at the time he was trying to win me over...but...still...
it must have worked...and after 7 almost 8 years of marriage I love to look at the stars with Chay. Chay really loves the stars...not as much as motorcycles, but still, he loves a great night sky. So when I found this video, I couldn't wait to show him.
My thoughts when I watched it for the first time "How could anyone watch this and deny there is a God?"
This is real footage by the way. It's a time-lapse video with hours of footage sped up to display this gorgeous earth's movements. So AWESOME!...and I don't mind the piano music one bit.
The Mountain from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
homeschool preschool
Kenzie is 5.
Here is her 5th birthday cake I frosted for her.
Yes, a pink princess cake.
Any 5 year old girl's dream cake, right?
Her words upon seeing it for the first time, "oh Mom, it's just perfect!"
I was suddenly not so worried the cake wasn't all flawless and fondant frilly. Children invite simpleness back to life...if we let them.
At least the cake tasted good, right? Oh blessed buttercream frosting, I promise to never replace you.
ok, Kenzie luckily "oh phew" luckily turned 5 in December- so I was the luckiest Mom in the world to be able to keep her home another year since she missed or made (however you look at it) the cut off date for Kindergarten...August 31st or whatever. She made the cut off in my book. She got to stay home one more year with me and most especially, she got to stay home with Julia.
So I know most mothers out there love the preschool thing...and I learned real fast its becoming the norm. Where have I been? I think preschool is exciting, cute, great and fun and whatever. But unless I change my mind down the road, preschool is at home- with me. Because that's the way we do it around these Clark parts.
Plus, who's to say being home with Mommy isn't as fun as preschool anyway? My Kenzie isn't missing out on ANYTHING if you want my opinion...not even on those darn "social skills"...
What, talking to Mom and sister all day doesn't cut it anymore for a 4 or 5 year old's social skills to develop?
So since preschool is suppose to prepare a child for Kindergarten...I have made it pretty challenging for Kenzie at home...
Maybe I'm being too demanding with my children's education. Here are some skills Kenzie has acquired since we started her on her extensive preschool regimen:
Placing carrot nose on face of a snowman...with precision. Art Skills
carefully inserting raisin in baby's mouth- eye-hand coordination
make believing with best friend for hours on end- creative thinking
licking sunbeams- who knew, right? The 5 senses
supervising Jasmine's treacherous climb up the cliffs of Shadow Mountain... with dental floss- recreational education
Mothering skills-
Resolving conflicts and communication skills with this Chica
Oh and let's see...what else are we learning at home for preschool
ABC's: "Girls, I need to pay the bills- go watch Leap Frog will ya?"
Fractions: Mom: "um...I can't seem to find my 1/2 cup measuring cup AGAIN...but guess what? 1/4 c. + 1/4 c. works too- so on we go to making cookies." (cooking & baking teaches children a lot of things)
Foreign Language: Dora the Explorer. Abra Abra la porta. and some gibberish in Portuguese from mommy and daddy
Social Studies "I pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day America, to one republic, under God, Amen." I kid you not, came directly out of Kenzie's mouth. A little confused...but we're working on that. Laughed all day about that one.
Physical Education: The ever so often "Duck Duck Goose" and Ballet performances in the front room in hand-me-down tutus that are dreadfully too small...
Zoology Field Trip: watching the river flow and talking about fish and why people kayak
Botany: collecting dandelions and putting them in mommy's hair, planting snap peas together, weeding the flowerbed (my girls think weeding is fun- we'll see how long that lasts)
You see, little kids are happy in the moment. They don't know what they're missing until they know what they're missing. The magical thing about little kids is their life is lived in the NOW. So reading a book together or making jello, or folding laundry- it doesn't matter, because it's fun and the child isn't dwelling on the fact "oh I wish I was singing the ABC's at some preschool right now." They just like life... for the most part. I learned real quick that it wasn't necessary for me to put the girls in dance class yet when I knew they were having just as much fun dancing around in the living room, in the backyard, at the park...for free!
They are still so young...what's the rush April?
The girls are learning what they're supposed to be learning, right? How to be a kid!
Now the usual preschool stuff like numbers, counting, seasons, shapes, ABC's, writing, reading...we do that fun stuff too obviously. But most of that kind of learning comes naturally from just living life and spending time together...
And I'm sure as the girls get older they will be more involved in extra thingys that require me to drive them around to places- but for now...for this little short time in their lives- they are hanging out with Mommy- ALL DAY LONG.
"Skip the drama Stay with mama" ~Thank you Mother Gothel (anyone else Tangled out?)
One of my favorite quotes from my IDOL forever: Marjorie Hinckley
See why she's my idol?
Oh to be more like Marjorie...
So, anyone else out there do "preschool" at home? Why?
Here is her 5th birthday cake I frosted for her.
Yes, a pink princess cake.
Any 5 year old girl's dream cake, right?
Her words upon seeing it for the first time, "oh Mom, it's just perfect!"
I was suddenly not so worried the cake wasn't all flawless and fondant frilly. Children invite simpleness back to life...if we let them.
At least the cake tasted good, right? Oh blessed buttercream frosting, I promise to never replace you.
ok, Kenzie luckily "oh phew" luckily turned 5 in December- so I was the luckiest Mom in the world to be able to keep her home another year since she missed or made (however you look at it) the cut off date for Kindergarten...August 31st or whatever. She made the cut off in my book. She got to stay home one more year with me and most especially, she got to stay home with Julia.
So I know most mothers out there love the preschool thing...and I learned real fast its becoming the norm. Where have I been? I think preschool is exciting, cute, great and fun and whatever. But unless I change my mind down the road, preschool is at home- with me. Because that's the way we do it around these Clark parts.
Plus, who's to say being home with Mommy isn't as fun as preschool anyway? My Kenzie isn't missing out on ANYTHING if you want my opinion...not even on those darn "social skills"...
What, talking to Mom and sister all day doesn't cut it anymore for a 4 or 5 year old's social skills to develop?
So since preschool is suppose to prepare a child for Kindergarten...I have made it pretty challenging for Kenzie at home...
Maybe I'm being too demanding with my children's education. Here are some skills Kenzie has acquired since we started her on her extensive preschool regimen:
Placing carrot nose on face of a snowman...with precision. Art Skills
carefully inserting raisin in baby's mouth- eye-hand coordination
make believing with best friend for hours on end- creative thinking
licking sunbeams- who knew, right? The 5 senses
supervising Jasmine's treacherous climb up the cliffs of Shadow Mountain... with dental floss- recreational education
Mothering skills-
Resolving conflicts and communication skills with this Chica
Oh and let's see...what else are we learning at home for preschool
ABC's: "Girls, I need to pay the bills- go watch Leap Frog will ya?"
Fractions: Mom: "um...I can't seem to find my 1/2 cup measuring cup AGAIN...but guess what? 1/4 c. + 1/4 c. works too- so on we go to making cookies." (cooking & baking teaches children a lot of things)
Foreign Language: Dora the Explorer. Abra Abra la porta. and some gibberish in Portuguese from mommy and daddy
Social Studies "I pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day America, to one republic, under God, Amen." I kid you not, came directly out of Kenzie's mouth. A little confused...but we're working on that. Laughed all day about that one.
Physical Education: The ever so often "Duck Duck Goose" and Ballet performances in the front room in hand-me-down tutus that are dreadfully too small...
Zoology Field Trip: watching the river flow and talking about fish and why people kayak
Botany: collecting dandelions and putting them in mommy's hair, planting snap peas together, weeding the flowerbed (my girls think weeding is fun- we'll see how long that lasts)
You see, little kids are happy in the moment. They don't know what they're missing until they know what they're missing. The magical thing about little kids is their life is lived in the NOW. So reading a book together or making jello, or folding laundry- it doesn't matter, because it's fun and the child isn't dwelling on the fact "oh I wish I was singing the ABC's at some preschool right now." They just like life... for the most part. I learned real quick that it wasn't necessary for me to put the girls in dance class yet when I knew they were having just as much fun dancing around in the living room, in the backyard, at the park...for free!
They are still so young...what's the rush April?
The girls are learning what they're supposed to be learning, right? How to be a kid!
Now the usual preschool stuff like numbers, counting, seasons, shapes, ABC's, writing, reading...we do that fun stuff too obviously. But most of that kind of learning comes naturally from just living life and spending time together...
And I'm sure as the girls get older they will be more involved in extra thingys that require me to drive them around to places- but for now...for this little short time in their lives- they are hanging out with Mommy- ALL DAY LONG.
"Skip the drama Stay with mama" ~Thank you Mother Gothel (anyone else Tangled out?)
One of my favorite quotes from my IDOL forever: Marjorie Hinckley
"Find joy in your children. Don't overschedule them or yourself. You may not be able to take them on exotic vacations. It doesn't matter. When the day dawns bright and sunny, take an excursion to the canyon or the park. When it's cloudy and wet, read a book together or make something good to eat. Give them time to explore and learn about the feel of grass and the wiggliness of worms." -Marjorie Hinckley
See why she's my idol?
Oh to be more like Marjorie...
So, anyone else out there do "preschool" at home? Why?
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
a must read
Acte Gratuit, is a blog about an American family living in Japan. I got teary eyed reading about their experiences...especially when the earth started to shake and she ran and pulled her baby out of the crib and ran to the stairwell...all too real for me. TEARS.
It is a powerful lesson about being prepared and what we can do to help those around us. Very touching. Read every post. HERE is the link to her blog.
Thank you to the Mothership for sharing this with me.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
thank you
ok, I am so blessed.
I am surrounded by the most beautiful people.
I treasure my dear friends.
Thank you for all the advice on Xander and his sleeping issues. I loved ALL of it. I love that as mothers we are trying the best we can.
Marne sent me the book "The Baby Whisperer" AMAZING! I just love that lady. I read most of the book in a couple hours. And I love that she writes "poppycock" whenever she disagrees with something. I felt really good inside when reading that book- I think she speaks truth when it comes to taking care of babies.
Well...for 3 nights now Xander is SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!!! My dear friend Cami told me to stop feeding Xander at night. Her words, "You can comfort them and reassure them all you want, but let them know 'the cafeteria is closed for the night". Great advice.
I let him cry for maybe 45 minutes one night and once he figured out he wasn't going to be fed, he fell asleep. He hasn't woken up since???? What on earth? Crazy how fast and quick that was.
I will tell you, the first couple nights of not feeding him, I woke up with a power boob wonder. (I only produce milk on one side) and holy smokes- ENGORGED. I ran into Xander's room at 7 am and practically demanded him to SUCK. Plus he was so happy to see me...and I him.
Breastfeeding- so weird, so great.
Ok, one hump in the road taken care of...now on to 50 other parts of my life that need improvement.
I am surrounded by the most beautiful people.
I treasure my dear friends.
Thank you for all the advice on Xander and his sleeping issues. I loved ALL of it. I love that as mothers we are trying the best we can.
Marne sent me the book "The Baby Whisperer" AMAZING! I just love that lady. I read most of the book in a couple hours. And I love that she writes "poppycock" whenever she disagrees with something. I felt really good inside when reading that book- I think she speaks truth when it comes to taking care of babies.
Well...for 3 nights now Xander is SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!!! My dear friend Cami told me to stop feeding Xander at night. Her words, "You can comfort them and reassure them all you want, but let them know 'the cafeteria is closed for the night". Great advice.
I let him cry for maybe 45 minutes one night and once he figured out he wasn't going to be fed, he fell asleep. He hasn't woken up since???? What on earth? Crazy how fast and quick that was.
I will tell you, the first couple nights of not feeding him, I woke up with a power boob wonder. (I only produce milk on one side) and holy smokes- ENGORGED. I ran into Xander's room at 7 am and practically demanded him to SUCK. Plus he was so happy to see me...and I him.
Breastfeeding- so weird, so great.
Ok, one hump in the road taken care of...now on to 50 other parts of my life that need improvement.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
parenting advice please
my last post was evidence that my Xander is purely adorable in every way...
except for night time. Night time...the part I fear most of the day. I think about those night time hours and I start to get anxious...because I know I won't sleep.
Xander initially falls asleep on his own...well he's awake when I put him down- with a binky.
We usually put him to sleep for the night around 8. His wonderfully exhausting night schedule causes me to roll out of bed at 11, 3, and 5 am. For the first 4 months he slept with us- I loved it. He is warm and cuddly and would just nurse whenever he wanted to. Although I loved it and respected that much needed 4th trimester of love and cuddles, it was time to put him in his own crib and time for Mom to sleep better.
Not happening.
And I just don't have the strength to do it anymore. I'm a walking zombie all day with a short fuse. Chay waits for me to return to the paper route but I just can't hack it when I've been up 2-3 times a night feeding a baby. I really want to sign up for a class at the health club at 6am. That isn't going to happen until Xander is sleeping through the night.
I made up my mind and decided tonight was the night Xander would learn to sleep through the night. He cried bursts of tears for an hour and half. I went in every 10 minutes and rubbed his head...didn't matter. His sheets were wet from tears.
I caved after an hour and half. My heart was broken. I was so excited to pick him up, nurse him and cuddle. But then started to cry myself because I knew the situation was never going to improve. What am I supposed to do? I am so torn. I want to do what is right...And I want to take care of myself too...
Are moms supposed to not sleep? I mean, is it all apart of what we signed up for? Is this just a time in life to lose sleep and to just buck up and serve our kiddos the best we can? My mom always reminded me of the scripture Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go" and kept insisting that I need to train my children how to sleep and nursing them all night is not "training" them how to sleep. I would always argue with her how it seems so wrong to just let a sweet-learning-to-trust baby cry it out. And then of course Mom would shoot right back "well you turned out alright and I let you cry" of course, they always use that one. Plus, did I really turn out alright? That can be debatable.
But I'm at a breaking point in my life where letting Xander cry might be the only thing I can do to stay sane. I need advice!!! Help!!! Encouragement. anything.
I'm tired. I've never been able to figure it out with any of my babies. Julia was my best sleeping baby and she still woke up at night until she was 15 months old.
advice? I know a ton of mothers read this blog. Please help me...I'm looking for an answer to prayer here.
How do you or how did you get your babies to sleep through the night??? I want opinions too. I love opinions...I like to know the "why's" to people's choices. Please share.
except for night time. Night time...the part I fear most of the day. I think about those night time hours and I start to get anxious...because I know I won't sleep.
Xander initially falls asleep on his own...well he's awake when I put him down- with a binky.
We usually put him to sleep for the night around 8. His wonderfully exhausting night schedule causes me to roll out of bed at 11, 3, and 5 am. For the first 4 months he slept with us- I loved it. He is warm and cuddly and would just nurse whenever he wanted to. Although I loved it and respected that much needed 4th trimester of love and cuddles, it was time to put him in his own crib and time for Mom to sleep better.
Not happening.
And I just don't have the strength to do it anymore. I'm a walking zombie all day with a short fuse. Chay waits for me to return to the paper route but I just can't hack it when I've been up 2-3 times a night feeding a baby. I really want to sign up for a class at the health club at 6am. That isn't going to happen until Xander is sleeping through the night.
I made up my mind and decided tonight was the night Xander would learn to sleep through the night. He cried bursts of tears for an hour and half. I went in every 10 minutes and rubbed his head...didn't matter. His sheets were wet from tears.
I caved after an hour and half. My heart was broken. I was so excited to pick him up, nurse him and cuddle. But then started to cry myself because I knew the situation was never going to improve. What am I supposed to do? I am so torn. I want to do what is right...And I want to take care of myself too...
Are moms supposed to not sleep? I mean, is it all apart of what we signed up for? Is this just a time in life to lose sleep and to just buck up and serve our kiddos the best we can? My mom always reminded me of the scripture Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go" and kept insisting that I need to train my children how to sleep and nursing them all night is not "training" them how to sleep. I would always argue with her how it seems so wrong to just let a sweet-learning-to-trust baby cry it out. And then of course Mom would shoot right back "well you turned out alright and I let you cry" of course, they always use that one. Plus, did I really turn out alright? That can be debatable.
But I'm at a breaking point in my life where letting Xander cry might be the only thing I can do to stay sane. I need advice!!! Help!!! Encouragement. anything.
I'm tired. I've never been able to figure it out with any of my babies. Julia was my best sleeping baby and she still woke up at night until she was 15 months old.
advice? I know a ton of mothers read this blog. Please help me...I'm looking for an answer to prayer here.
How do you or how did you get your babies to sleep through the night??? I want opinions too. I love opinions...I like to know the "why's" to people's choices. Please share.
Friday, March 04, 2011
7 months almost 8
let's try again
Can you see why I have reason to smile (most) of the day? I feel so dang lucky.
Hope you enjoy family- my family so far far away. We miss you.
Can you see why I have reason to smile (most) of the day? I feel so dang lucky.
Hope you enjoy family- my family so far far away. We miss you.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Cordelia
Cordelia Silva Alton Kimes.
Born December 22, 1846. She is my great great grandmother. She named her daughter Sadie Mae. Sadie Mae was my Dad's grandma. Dad would stop by her house after school and she would feed him homemade bread with homemade jam.
We went searching for Cordelia's grave...Joette, Emily, Chay and I.
In a small cemetery in a small town- in the trees, Spirit Lake, Idaho.
We looked and looked for her grave. We were on a mission to find her. When we arrived to the cemetery it had suddenly stopped raining and the sun was peaking through the clouds.
Joette wanted a picture of her grave for family records.
"I FOUND CORDELIA!!!!!" I screamed when I found her grave. And suddenly a burst of sunbeams came through the clouds and trees and landed right on her grave. "Oh my gosh, quick take a picture, Cordelia knows we're here!" We were laughing and also were astounded by the obvious sunbeams of her grave.
I do not believe in coincidences.
I can't wait to someday meet my ancestors. Those who have come before us and have carried on the legacy of my family. I feel they are so much apart of my life...cheering me on from the other side of the veil. I know there is life after death. We are all connected.
God's plan is perfect. He has carefully designed it so that we can always continue to learn to be like Him through serving others and strengthening family relationships. Our ancestors help us as we help them.
I LOVE THE TEMPLE!!!!! That is what the temple is all about: FAMILY
Born December 22, 1846. She is my great great grandmother. She named her daughter Sadie Mae. Sadie Mae was my Dad's grandma. Dad would stop by her house after school and she would feed him homemade bread with homemade jam.
We went searching for Cordelia's grave...Joette, Emily, Chay and I.
In a small cemetery in a small town- in the trees, Spirit Lake, Idaho.
We looked and looked for her grave. We were on a mission to find her. When we arrived to the cemetery it had suddenly stopped raining and the sun was peaking through the clouds.
Joette wanted a picture of her grave for family records.
"I FOUND CORDELIA!!!!!" I screamed when I found her grave. And suddenly a burst of sunbeams came through the clouds and trees and landed right on her grave. "Oh my gosh, quick take a picture, Cordelia knows we're here!" We were laughing and also were astounded by the obvious sunbeams of her grave.
I do not believe in coincidences.
I can't wait to someday meet my ancestors. Those who have come before us and have carried on the legacy of my family. I feel they are so much apart of my life...cheering me on from the other side of the veil. I know there is life after death. We are all connected.
God's plan is perfect. He has carefully designed it so that we can always continue to learn to be like Him through serving others and strengthening family relationships. Our ancestors help us as we help them.
I LOVE THE TEMPLE!!!!! That is what the temple is all about: FAMILY
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