Today I'm teaching my primary class about the handcart pioneers. Part of that lesson is teaching about the three eighteen year old boys who carried almost the entire Martin Handcart company across the Sweetwater River, all three of them died soon after and how Brigham Young said that act alone would secure them a place in the Celestial Kingdom. I always cry when I hear that story.
In the lesson we memorize: "And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God." D& C 14:7 "Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days" D&C 24:8 When I read about this I think about how many people I know going through afflictions. I also think of my Grandmother who felt like old age was the hardest affliction she had to go through and how even at the end we have to endure to the end.
I also read these passages and I feel like it is relevent to me, that I have many afflictions I don't even know that will be coming into my life. It causes me some anxiety, the the peace before the storm, not knowing what the storm will bring. Right now is a time I need to be building up my stores of oil, so I'm ready when the hard times come. I am so grateful for my family, for my children, for wonderful friends and for the gospel, the scriptures, for a home, for my husband to have a job, for the opportunity to stay home with my children, for my new little nephew so precious and beautiful. I am filled with gratitude in my heart and appreciation for all the wonderful examples around me.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Response to some questions about myself
Three names I go by:
1. Mom, Sarah, Velocity (if I play games on the computer that is my name)
*Three jobs you may not know I have had in my life:*
1. Custodian
2. Lunch aide.
3. Word Processing person
*Three Places I have lived:
1. Provo, UT
2. Oklahoma
3. Arizona
*Three shows I watch.
1. Chuck
2. Psych/ Monk/ In Plain Sight
3. Eureka
*Three places I have been:
1. Boston
2. Canada
3. California
*Three people that e-mail me regularly:
1. Gordon
2. Nicole
3. Lynne
*Three of my favorite foods:
1. Oatmeal with vanilla ice cream
2. Bajio's Sweet chili, sweet onion, chicken quesidilla
3. Fresh bread with jam and butter or honey and butter
Three things I'm looking forward to:
1. Being completely organized even for a moment
2. Being a grandmother
3. Being in very good health, every thing working just right
1. Mom, Sarah, Velocity (if I play games on the computer that is my name)
*Three jobs you may not know I have had in my life:*
1. Custodian
2. Lunch aide.
3. Word Processing person
*Three Places I have lived:
1. Provo, UT
2. Oklahoma
3. Arizona
*Three shows I watch.
1. Chuck
2. Psych/ Monk/ In Plain Sight
3. Eureka
*Three places I have been:
1. Boston
2. Canada
3. California
*Three people that e-mail me regularly:
1. Gordon
2. Nicole
3. Lynne
*Three of my favorite foods:
1. Oatmeal with vanilla ice cream
2. Bajio's Sweet chili, sweet onion, chicken quesidilla
3. Fresh bread with jam and butter or honey and butter
Three things I'm looking forward to:
1. Being completely organized even for a moment
2. Being a grandmother
3. Being in very good health, every thing working just right
Sunday, August 9, 2009
My Barlow Sisters
My sister-in-law Lynette, is one of those amazing people you can't believe actually exist. She is an absolutely honest, accepting, comfortable person. She is an amazing seamstress http://www.ladydanburrysews.blogspot.com hard worker, supportive of her in-the-limelight husband, can crochet, cook, garden do about anything. She loves to wear dresses and skirts, most of it all made by herself. For Christmas she even make my kids Pajamas which they love. There is so much to learn from her. I'm sure often I seem so old, but she is a person I really admire and can learn from.
Then there is Marla whose husband is in the Navy. They have grown together and endured much together. He has been gone for a total of probably a few years worth of their marriage if you put it all together, even though they've both had health issues, they support one another and have two beautiful children. They have been though challenges I hope I never have to and I admire her for it.
Then there is Rebecca, sweet Rebecca. She was the first one of the family I knew I wanted to be part of my life. She had my husband and I out to their house from the time we first met and were dating and had us out almost every weekend until they moved. She'd make amazing dinners, melting rolls, always a smile and kind words. She had four babies while we lived here 3 in one year, twins and another baby, she is just one of those people who just keeps pushing forward endures through tough times and enjoys her family. Amazing mother, always with thoughtful advise and insights I really appreciate. Another example of service and family loyalty.
I was so excited to meet Mimi, the mother of six boys at the time of our marriage to add four more living children, a mother of ten. If there was a mother who can truly pull that off Mimi is the one, I've never even heard her really yell at her kids, the children love to help her, they have great respect for her, especially when they are older. She is an older sister I never had, I have learned a lot from her and appreciate her example, another person to exemplify.
Janeen, my husband's sister, died about five and a half years ago. I remember her coming up with her children to visit and our landlord wouldn't let them stay at our apartment, so we had to put them in a run-down hotel, but she was still grateful and appreciative. She knew the scriptures like the back of her hand, it was amazing. She dealt with some physical and mental challenges that would be so hard to endure, yet she did endure to the end. I look forward to the time I can met her when her body and mind will be perfected in the glorious time of resurrection.
I am grateful for the sister's I've added through marriage, I admire them and love them. Family is so important and when we look just in our own families we can find amazing treasures.
Then there is Marla whose husband is in the Navy. They have grown together and endured much together. He has been gone for a total of probably a few years worth of their marriage if you put it all together, even though they've both had health issues, they support one another and have two beautiful children. They have been though challenges I hope I never have to and I admire her for it.
Then there is Rebecca, sweet Rebecca. She was the first one of the family I knew I wanted to be part of my life. She had my husband and I out to their house from the time we first met and were dating and had us out almost every weekend until they moved. She'd make amazing dinners, melting rolls, always a smile and kind words. She had four babies while we lived here 3 in one year, twins and another baby, she is just one of those people who just keeps pushing forward endures through tough times and enjoys her family. Amazing mother, always with thoughtful advise and insights I really appreciate. Another example of service and family loyalty.
I was so excited to meet Mimi, the mother of six boys at the time of our marriage to add four more living children, a mother of ten. If there was a mother who can truly pull that off Mimi is the one, I've never even heard her really yell at her kids, the children love to help her, they have great respect for her, especially when they are older. She is an older sister I never had, I have learned a lot from her and appreciate her example, another person to exemplify.
Janeen, my husband's sister, died about five and a half years ago. I remember her coming up with her children to visit and our landlord wouldn't let them stay at our apartment, so we had to put them in a run-down hotel, but she was still grateful and appreciative. She knew the scriptures like the back of her hand, it was amazing. She dealt with some physical and mental challenges that would be so hard to endure, yet she did endure to the end. I look forward to the time I can met her when her body and mind will be perfected in the glorious time of resurrection.
I am grateful for the sister's I've added through marriage, I admire them and love them. Family is so important and when we look just in our own families we can find amazing treasures.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Someone Was Watching by David Patneaude
I just finished listening to this book on CD. A young adult book, if it was made into a movie I'd definitely see it. It would be more exciting if I knew this was based off a true story I almost want it to. It is about an eighth grade boy who lost his little sister, she disappeared one day presumed drowned, but.... you'll find out, but just so you know it does end well, if it didn't think I could have read this book if I didn't have the hope it would end well. A fun clean, wonderful adventure. Not an overly complex book with tons of layers, more simple and sweet. I'd give it three to four stars. Would recommend it to anyone, a nice read.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wrobleski
This was an interesting retelling of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. The uncle's name is even Claude (like in Claudius). You don't realize it's Hamlet until the tragic ending, you might have hints earlier, but it is different enough you don't know it is a true parallel until the end and then it all comes together in your mind. I thought parts of it were very well written and engaging. Other parts were written well enough but had too much unrelated detail that didn't apply to the story. You'll especially love this story if you love dogs. My sister Mary might like the references to sign language and communication without voice. It is about a young boy whose voice hasn't worked from a babe, so he and his parents use sign, though he can hear. (Parallels to Hamlet and his feelings of being unable to voice?). There is ghosts, mysteries, confused feelings and observations. I'd give it three or four stars, and feel like I could recommend it. I did skip some of the letters about breeding dogs and parts that had too much detail not directly related to the story, but in a whole good character development, I do like how the author writes from several different perspectives. Over all a good read.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz
I just finished this book, wow was it intense. It was probably the darkest book I've read, much darker than Harry Potter, but the same idea of good vs. evil. The real battle against good and evil. It had dark magic in it that was pretty intense and creepy. I was surprised it was a young adult book, but very well written, quite violent and graphic like his Alex Rider's series but covered some interesting subjects. Would I recommend this book? Yes and No. If it was made into a movie I don't know if I could handle it. I will probably continue onto book two, but probably wouldn't recommend it to myself years ago when I was less calloused. I would give it four or five stars, well written put together adventure/action novel.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
My Father
It seems like I’ve had a hard time writing about my father, my personal history that section is lacking. My father holds a special place in my heart. While growing up I was always trying to please him and have his attention, a lot like M does with G.
Anything he was interested in: books, plants, stars, science, Underdog, Popeye, Muppets, Dune, songs he sang anything doing with my dad I loved too. I took every opportunity to spend time with him, even if it meant waking up at 5:30 am and doing irrigation, or 2:00 am to watch shooting stars. I memorized A Poor Way Faring Man of Grief as a teenager, knowing that was my dad’s favorite hymn.
I have wonderful memories of eating licorice together, especially the black kind (that is my dad’s favorite) on camping trips, and feeling disappointed with myself when I couldn’t get myself to eat the raw sardines. Getting baptized was a special event I remember my father talking to me, practicing with me and helping me understand the importance of being a member of the Church and having my sins cleaned. He is a wonderful example of service, he would always take care of his widowed mother-in-law with whatever she needed.
Work is important to both of my parents, my father is always in the yard and garden working, right now the latest project is the cabin. When we were younger the yard and orchard were the big projects, I think the original idea was for us kids to work hard, but my dad did most of the pruning, tilling, planting, we might help with the picking and irrigation at times, but he did most of the work outside.
For a long time I actually didn’t know what my dad did for his profession. He is interested in so many things, I thought he worked with plants, then I asked my mom what he did and she said he was a doctor, but that confused me he didn’t seem like the doctors I had met, he was my dad. If you meet him you’d think he was a scientist, inventor, botanist, plant geneticist, astronomer, politician, or missionary. I still feel like my dad is so smart and knows about everything, and if I had a question about anything he’d probably have an answer.
My dad is a fountain of knowledge. I remember randomly he’d come in my room and share some insight of wisdom like, “the only security in life is God.” Or “sometimes our greatest strengths can be our greatest weaknesses” (I think he was referring to my over active imagination). He is very protective of his wife, children and grandchildren. Very generous, very thoughtful, he and my mom will often hire people who need help always having many projects going on at once. The way they spent money was never indulgent, money was spent on family vacations, helping others, ideas to help their children, very self-sacrificing parents.
My favorite memories are Narnia memories while growing up he probably read the whole Narnia series 5-6 times through, starting when I was in Kindergarten in Oklahoma, also he would quote us poems he had memorized like “the Raven” , stories from The Hobbit and songs from the 3Ds and cowboy songs. I remember the singing, my dad’s strong voice lulling me to sleep or entertaining us in the car with tales of the everglades, of frogs, most songs with a kind of lesson.
There has always been service in the church, every calling taken seriously and fulfilled completely. Father’s blessings, healing blessings, Family Home Evening, Sunday sharing of spiritual thoughts and lessons. Personal Priesthood Interviews (PPI’s) at least once a month especially when I was a teenager. When I was sixteen my dad took me on a date, we went out to eat at Olive Garden and saw a movie at the foreign films, I was in heaven having that one on one special memory time with my dad.
When I was eighteen I got to go on a business trip with him to San Diego where we got to go to Catalina, see the San Diego temple, walk by the beach hang out with some of his friends and go out to eat, it was such a wonderful memory I’ll never forget and so nice to have before I left home.
Family vacations, example, insightful, wise, gardening, studying, continually learning and sharing, generous and wonderful, my father.
Anything he was interested in: books, plants, stars, science, Underdog, Popeye, Muppets, Dune, songs he sang anything doing with my dad I loved too. I took every opportunity to spend time with him, even if it meant waking up at 5:30 am and doing irrigation, or 2:00 am to watch shooting stars. I memorized A Poor Way Faring Man of Grief as a teenager, knowing that was my dad’s favorite hymn.
I have wonderful memories of eating licorice together, especially the black kind (that is my dad’s favorite) on camping trips, and feeling disappointed with myself when I couldn’t get myself to eat the raw sardines. Getting baptized was a special event I remember my father talking to me, practicing with me and helping me understand the importance of being a member of the Church and having my sins cleaned. He is a wonderful example of service, he would always take care of his widowed mother-in-law with whatever she needed.
Work is important to both of my parents, my father is always in the yard and garden working, right now the latest project is the cabin. When we were younger the yard and orchard were the big projects, I think the original idea was for us kids to work hard, but my dad did most of the pruning, tilling, planting, we might help with the picking and irrigation at times, but he did most of the work outside.
For a long time I actually didn’t know what my dad did for his profession. He is interested in so many things, I thought he worked with plants, then I asked my mom what he did and she said he was a doctor, but that confused me he didn’t seem like the doctors I had met, he was my dad. If you meet him you’d think he was a scientist, inventor, botanist, plant geneticist, astronomer, politician, or missionary. I still feel like my dad is so smart and knows about everything, and if I had a question about anything he’d probably have an answer.
My dad is a fountain of knowledge. I remember randomly he’d come in my room and share some insight of wisdom like, “the only security in life is God.” Or “sometimes our greatest strengths can be our greatest weaknesses” (I think he was referring to my over active imagination). He is very protective of his wife, children and grandchildren. Very generous, very thoughtful, he and my mom will often hire people who need help always having many projects going on at once. The way they spent money was never indulgent, money was spent on family vacations, helping others, ideas to help their children, very self-sacrificing parents.
My favorite memories are Narnia memories while growing up he probably read the whole Narnia series 5-6 times through, starting when I was in Kindergarten in Oklahoma, also he would quote us poems he had memorized like “the Raven” , stories from The Hobbit and songs from the 3Ds and cowboy songs. I remember the singing, my dad’s strong voice lulling me to sleep or entertaining us in the car with tales of the everglades, of frogs, most songs with a kind of lesson.
There has always been service in the church, every calling taken seriously and fulfilled completely. Father’s blessings, healing blessings, Family Home Evening, Sunday sharing of spiritual thoughts and lessons. Personal Priesthood Interviews (PPI’s) at least once a month especially when I was a teenager. When I was sixteen my dad took me on a date, we went out to eat at Olive Garden and saw a movie at the foreign films, I was in heaven having that one on one special memory time with my dad.
When I was eighteen I got to go on a business trip with him to San Diego where we got to go to Catalina, see the San Diego temple, walk by the beach hang out with some of his friends and go out to eat, it was such a wonderful memory I’ll never forget and so nice to have before I left home.
Family vacations, example, insightful, wise, gardening, studying, continually learning and sharing, generous and wonderful, my father.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Good way to save money
So I've been recording our expenses and have been appalled at some of our spending esspecially when I talk to some of my siblings and they live off 1/3 or less of what I've been spending on groceries and such. Soooo, I haven't spent hardly anything this month, and my seceret? Don't shop and when I do it has been for exactly what we need like 2 gallons of milk and a carton of eggs and just using what I have around the house. Of course this will backfire when I've depleted every thing we have at home, but it is a good idea for this month since we'll be going on a trip soon and I can leave our fridge empty.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
M's new room
So I'd like to know what you think. I would like to fix up M's new room for her birthday this summer. Right now she has fading wall paper that is half-way torn off on one wall and holes in another wall and permanent maker on another wall, blinds that are bent and don't work well, no closet doors, stained carpet etc... She's old enough not to destroy a new room so I'm thinking...
New white blinds in the window
Take off the wall paper and re-drywall the wall with holes.
Mint green color on the walls with a new white ceiling,
New white door, smooth the trim around the door with sandpaper and repaint as well.
Paint white trim around the closet, doorway and floor boards.
Wood-lamented flooring, with a matching ceiling/light fan
Blue and greened patterned material as curtains for her closet.
Paint her desk white to match
Organize and maybe build some shelves in her closet.
Have blue framed pictures and a blue framed magnet board on the wall.
All this matches with the two bedspreads she has one which is blue/white/green and another which is plain white. I have two natural wood pieces a dresser and book shelf I'll probably leave. I figure I can do all this for not very much money, the most expensive will the the flooring. Anyways, I'd love to get ideas or what you think.
New white blinds in the window
Take off the wall paper and re-drywall the wall with holes.
Mint green color on the walls with a new white ceiling,
New white door, smooth the trim around the door with sandpaper and repaint as well.
Paint white trim around the closet, doorway and floor boards.
Wood-lamented flooring, with a matching ceiling/light fan
Blue and greened patterned material as curtains for her closet.
Paint her desk white to match
Organize and maybe build some shelves in her closet.
Have blue framed pictures and a blue framed magnet board on the wall.
All this matches with the two bedspreads she has one which is blue/white/green and another which is plain white. I have two natural wood pieces a dresser and book shelf I'll probably leave. I figure I can do all this for not very much money, the most expensive will the the flooring. Anyways, I'd love to get ideas or what you think.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
My growing up family memories
Rubbing backs, telling stories, talking about boys, life, school together
A taking apart the vacuum, baffling me with ninento
J looking in the mirror and wandering the house
Watching Anne of Green Gables tying quilts
Boys making fun of the movie but still watching the whole thing
Rs falling from the stairs stopping my heart
Dad laying on his back playing monster while we run past
Mom reading Cheaper by the Dozen, matching socks during movies
Mom always there in the morning, early making breakfast seeing us off
After school snacks, carrots in our lunches, apples in our lockers
Dad in the yard, the garden, the orchard, reading Narnia to us
Scripture study, sitting on the vents tenting the blanket over to keep warm
Ru and M often sharing a room, bunk bed falling, conspiring together
Yelling for J when I was scared, wrestling, play-fighting a lot
M doing her art, flashcards, sewing, playing with dolls
Ra in her hippo bathing suit, running the home seeing right and wrong
Ru serving, cleaning, making up songs, drawing pictures, cooking
A studying my science with me, taking our family to the Bean museum
Mom peeling oranges, books read to us, everyone singing a different tune on trips
Yellowstone, Canada, Washington D.C., California, back East
Setting up the tent trailer, Dad pointing out plants, hiking, seeing history
Family home evenings laying under the piano, behind the couch cushions
Gun shooting, exotic food, Bean museum, picnics up the canyon
Words of wisdom, prayers, musical performances, poems and lessons
Visiting grandparents every week, serving in the yard, washing windows
Writing, poetry, hair brushing, waterbed, view of the temple at Grandma V’s
Cousins, Little Bunny Foo Foo, stories and laughs at Grandma and Grandpa D’s
Dinner and lounging on the deck, telescoping the stars, working in the yard
Irrigation turn, waking up early helping the water flow to the plants, picking apples
Stirring, setting the table, vacuuming making things look nice, sharing with others
Christmas time looking forward to our Palestinian dinner, lights at Temple square
Singing German at the tabernacle, gathering and sharing with family and friends
Piles set out for us in the living room, Tree lights and ornaments and grandparents
Memories of happiness, safety, warning, gospel lived and taught
Importance of family togetherness, marriage, children, work and education
Gratitude for siblings, parents, family
A taking apart the vacuum, baffling me with ninento
J looking in the mirror and wandering the house
Watching Anne of Green Gables tying quilts
Boys making fun of the movie but still watching the whole thing
Rs falling from the stairs stopping my heart
Dad laying on his back playing monster while we run past
Mom reading Cheaper by the Dozen, matching socks during movies
Mom always there in the morning, early making breakfast seeing us off
After school snacks, carrots in our lunches, apples in our lockers
Dad in the yard, the garden, the orchard, reading Narnia to us
Scripture study, sitting on the vents tenting the blanket over to keep warm
Ru and M often sharing a room, bunk bed falling, conspiring together
Yelling for J when I was scared, wrestling, play-fighting a lot
M doing her art, flashcards, sewing, playing with dolls
Ra in her hippo bathing suit, running the home seeing right and wrong
Ru serving, cleaning, making up songs, drawing pictures, cooking
A studying my science with me, taking our family to the Bean museum
Mom peeling oranges, books read to us, everyone singing a different tune on trips
Yellowstone, Canada, Washington D.C., California, back East
Setting up the tent trailer, Dad pointing out plants, hiking, seeing history
Family home evenings laying under the piano, behind the couch cushions
Gun shooting, exotic food, Bean museum, picnics up the canyon
Words of wisdom, prayers, musical performances, poems and lessons
Visiting grandparents every week, serving in the yard, washing windows
Writing, poetry, hair brushing, waterbed, view of the temple at Grandma V’s
Cousins, Little Bunny Foo Foo, stories and laughs at Grandma and Grandpa D’s
Dinner and lounging on the deck, telescoping the stars, working in the yard
Irrigation turn, waking up early helping the water flow to the plants, picking apples
Stirring, setting the table, vacuuming making things look nice, sharing with others
Christmas time looking forward to our Palestinian dinner, lights at Temple square
Singing German at the tabernacle, gathering and sharing with family and friends
Piles set out for us in the living room, Tree lights and ornaments and grandparents
Memories of happiness, safety, warning, gospel lived and taught
Importance of family togetherness, marriage, children, work and education
Gratitude for siblings, parents, family
Friday, April 3, 2009
Organizing
So I've watched so many Clean Sweep and Clean House episodes and am trying to organize my cluttered home where I lose stuff all the time, I'm starting to dreaming of totes, storage baskets, shelves, labels, files, new hard flooring, open spaces so I can't even sleep with this weighing on me. I really am excited though, because last Saturday I went through all of my clothes storage and took the whole back of my van's worth to D.I. of clothes I don't wear anymore, clothes that are worn, clothes that won't store well.
I am trying to go through my piles of papers again, I couldn't find Jacob's soccer schedule I lose books, everything even with the organizing I have been doing, so I have so much more to do. Simplifying has been key, but we probably have another 3 loads we could take to D.I. I'm going to talk to my hubby about taking some time with me this weekend to look at stuff I feel guilty about deciding without him.
Also, I'm trying to eat more healthy, but I'm also trying to use what we have in the house, which include cream soups, packets, white pasta etc.. I've felt depressed about exercising with the weather turning cold recently. When we had the real Spring-like weather I went on walks every day and often at night to put Emmy to sleep, I am being concious of drinking more water and trying not to stay up quite so late.
I'm working on my millions of projects and ideas, it is one of my great weaknesses to start things but not finish so my great goals to complete something each week, really work on my starter projects. We'll I've announced it to the world, so bye for now so I can follow through on these great ideas.
I am trying to go through my piles of papers again, I couldn't find Jacob's soccer schedule I lose books, everything even with the organizing I have been doing, so I have so much more to do. Simplifying has been key, but we probably have another 3 loads we could take to D.I. I'm going to talk to my hubby about taking some time with me this weekend to look at stuff I feel guilty about deciding without him.
Also, I'm trying to eat more healthy, but I'm also trying to use what we have in the house, which include cream soups, packets, white pasta etc.. I've felt depressed about exercising with the weather turning cold recently. When we had the real Spring-like weather I went on walks every day and often at night to put Emmy to sleep, I am being concious of drinking more water and trying not to stay up quite so late.
I'm working on my millions of projects and ideas, it is one of my great weaknesses to start things but not finish so my great goals to complete something each week, really work on my starter projects. We'll I've announced it to the world, so bye for now so I can follow through on these great ideas.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A Goal
I decided there are not enough books with a religious theme or moral attached. I'm particularly surprized at the lack of Christmas books with even a mention of Christ even at the religious bookstores. So I announcing to the world (maybe that will help keep me motivated) I'm going to write a Christmas book with some religion in it. The basic idea at this point a mother sitting on the couch with her children and they ask her questions and she tells them stories of Jesus, maybe a song the mother makes up to tell a story or a poem included as well, since poetry comes easier to me. So those are my thoughts at this point. I was strenghtened by reading an article in the Ensign about goals and how it is Satan who discourages us and makes us think we can't accomplish things. I've always wanted to write and I need to keep to those goals and not let Satan discourage me.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Feeling better
I don't remember the last time we've had a set of illness like we've had the last two months, it is so nice for us to all go to church together today, it seems like it has been a long time. It is so nice to be able to get out of the house and socialize and even though it is freezing we've gone for walks and enjoyed the outdoors and the sun shining in the cold.
Being sick always helps motivate you to keep yourself healthy and appreciate our bodies. My son just read me five books, easy real early reader books but it is so exciting. A whole new world opens with reading and you get to experience another person's life through a book, sparks imagination and learning, he even said he wants to learn piano now and I have to try to hide how excited I am.
My oldest just earned over 100 smiley faces so she got a bike, not a little kid bike anymore and it hit me how she is growing up too fast. She is tall for her age, of course, so I feel this growing up too fast even more. I have a hard time finding little girl clothes for her and she wants to be so independent. She still likes me to sing to her every night and likes to read with me even though she protests at first.
My baby's little feet patter all over the house, running here and there. Wants to take a bath all the time loves playing in the water and is sad she can't go in when we take her siblings to swim lessons. I love taking her for walks and her attention span has grown where I can read her more interesting books. I love doing music with the kids, it was inspiring to hear how some of the best academic schools in the country require music and the fine arts in large quanities to the kids in those schools and help me keep to my commitment to require my kids to take music lessons.
Anyways, its nice to feel better, to feel the sun on our faces, to not turn into permanent hermits and to be able to go to church again.
Being sick always helps motivate you to keep yourself healthy and appreciate our bodies. My son just read me five books, easy real early reader books but it is so exciting. A whole new world opens with reading and you get to experience another person's life through a book, sparks imagination and learning, he even said he wants to learn piano now and I have to try to hide how excited I am.
My oldest just earned over 100 smiley faces so she got a bike, not a little kid bike anymore and it hit me how she is growing up too fast. She is tall for her age, of course, so I feel this growing up too fast even more. I have a hard time finding little girl clothes for her and she wants to be so independent. She still likes me to sing to her every night and likes to read with me even though she protests at first.
My baby's little feet patter all over the house, running here and there. Wants to take a bath all the time loves playing in the water and is sad she can't go in when we take her siblings to swim lessons. I love taking her for walks and her attention span has grown where I can read her more interesting books. I love doing music with the kids, it was inspiring to hear how some of the best academic schools in the country require music and the fine arts in large quanities to the kids in those schools and help me keep to my commitment to require my kids to take music lessons.
Anyways, its nice to feel better, to feel the sun on our faces, to not turn into permanent hermits and to be able to go to church again.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tuesday afternoon in March
Wind blown freshness sweeps the quiet day
Chimes tinkle across the street
A solitary ‘helicopter’ and leaf surrenders its way to earth
Snow tips the mountain tops, stalwart frozen sure
Yet, in the valley movement beneath the imposing stillness
Growth beneath the ground, children running on forgotten grass
Sunshine blue sky with wispy clouds pattern shadows on the mountain
A cry as children fall, band aids, noses wiped, kisses, loves
The yellow bus comes, matching the post-winter colors, my boy off to school
Preparing for writing group, computer keys click and pause
A house gone quiet, a hum of a computer, blinking of the answering machine
Reflection and peace a moment like a prayer on a quiet afternoon in March
Chimes tinkle across the street
A solitary ‘helicopter’ and leaf surrenders its way to earth
Snow tips the mountain tops, stalwart frozen sure
Yet, in the valley movement beneath the imposing stillness
Growth beneath the ground, children running on forgotten grass
Sunshine blue sky with wispy clouds pattern shadows on the mountain
A cry as children fall, band aids, noses wiped, kisses, loves
The yellow bus comes, matching the post-winter colors, my boy off to school
Preparing for writing group, computer keys click and pause
A house gone quiet, a hum of a computer, blinking of the answering machine
Reflection and peace a moment like a prayer on a quiet afternoon in March
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Good Books
This last year I've read several good books. Most of them are Young adult books.
Fablehaven series
Alex Rider series
Ranger's apprentice series (By John Flanagan)
Princess Academy, Goose girl, Enna Burning and more of Shannon Hale's books
I did like the Twilight series, but I felt those were more adult books, but they were captivating and I enjoyed the stories.
I find that I go through passions and episodes of nervous energy that take their form into different interests. So last week I read all three of the Shannon Hale books I have listed and have three on hold at the library. Books right now are a passion, better than my last passion of mastering different games on dotblu. I'm also getting into a crochetting passion that is actually productive, in my dreams I'm imagining a homemade Christmas that will be all prepared for months in advance.
So currently I'm making slippers for M and hopefully my passion for crochetting will continue through the rest of crochetted items for the rest of the family before the end of October which is my goal, this year will be different I'll actually be able to have a wonderful Christmas free of stress and just be able to enjoy my family without any stress because I'll be all prepared (maybe this year it won't just be a dream).
During one of my passion fits I painted a murial on my kitchen door, that after the inital fit it took me months to complete. It is great when I get in my writing fits and I'm able to just have words and stories flow out of me and I can't get enough written down. I'm getting better about taking charge of these episodes starting to recognize them and hopefully I'll be able to direct them towards what I want want to accomplish like writting and hopefully completing a novel, short story or children's book. It seems I get in the mode, then I stop when the energy's gone and I need to just keep myself going so it doesn't take me so long to finish projects.
My children are always my passion. I love sitting down and letting my creative energy correspond with my kids and we'll build legos together, draw, cook together, decorate, something I need to do more of, no regrets with that time together. I love making music together and for them, playing on the piano singing. Sometimes we all sing, just different songs all our own, chaotic but at the same time beautiful. I do notice I'm a better parent when whatever my passion is I let the children in on it too, do artwork at the same time I am, sit where they are playing while I read, make a story up together, have them show me a puppet show.
My husband, what can I say, he is the love and passion of my life, a energy source for me of love. How come he loves me I don't always know, esspecially when I've had some bad days and not the nices person to be around. Yet, he does, he loves me and I love him and it is an unconditional love, a love that also radiates to our kids and is beautiful. I love people, their lifes, how they are doing, their stories, their essence their variety and personalities. We went out with my sister and her husband and they just make me laugh, so funny and I just love to be around them. Our interests, our fits of passion for different things make life interesting, unpredicable, a bit chaoic, but that is what life is about, as long as some balance is infused with the rest.
Fablehaven series
Alex Rider series
Ranger's apprentice series (By John Flanagan)
Princess Academy, Goose girl, Enna Burning and more of Shannon Hale's books
I did like the Twilight series, but I felt those were more adult books, but they were captivating and I enjoyed the stories.
I find that I go through passions and episodes of nervous energy that take their form into different interests. So last week I read all three of the Shannon Hale books I have listed and have three on hold at the library. Books right now are a passion, better than my last passion of mastering different games on dotblu. I'm also getting into a crochetting passion that is actually productive, in my dreams I'm imagining a homemade Christmas that will be all prepared for months in advance.
So currently I'm making slippers for M and hopefully my passion for crochetting will continue through the rest of crochetted items for the rest of the family before the end of October which is my goal, this year will be different I'll actually be able to have a wonderful Christmas free of stress and just be able to enjoy my family without any stress because I'll be all prepared (maybe this year it won't just be a dream).
During one of my passion fits I painted a murial on my kitchen door, that after the inital fit it took me months to complete. It is great when I get in my writing fits and I'm able to just have words and stories flow out of me and I can't get enough written down. I'm getting better about taking charge of these episodes starting to recognize them and hopefully I'll be able to direct them towards what I want want to accomplish like writting and hopefully completing a novel, short story or children's book. It seems I get in the mode, then I stop when the energy's gone and I need to just keep myself going so it doesn't take me so long to finish projects.
My children are always my passion. I love sitting down and letting my creative energy correspond with my kids and we'll build legos together, draw, cook together, decorate, something I need to do more of, no regrets with that time together. I love making music together and for them, playing on the piano singing. Sometimes we all sing, just different songs all our own, chaotic but at the same time beautiful. I do notice I'm a better parent when whatever my passion is I let the children in on it too, do artwork at the same time I am, sit where they are playing while I read, make a story up together, have them show me a puppet show.
My husband, what can I say, he is the love and passion of my life, a energy source for me of love. How come he loves me I don't always know, esspecially when I've had some bad days and not the nices person to be around. Yet, he does, he loves me and I love him and it is an unconditional love, a love that also radiates to our kids and is beautiful. I love people, their lifes, how they are doing, their stories, their essence their variety and personalities. We went out with my sister and her husband and they just make me laugh, so funny and I just love to be around them. Our interests, our fits of passion for different things make life interesting, unpredicable, a bit chaoic, but that is what life is about, as long as some balance is infused with the rest.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Things I Like
My son’s cut-out shapes, colorings of spaceships and giants, his snowflakes he makes
M’s sweet notes, helping with her siblings (especially in the early mornings)
E sleeping through the night and playing so well, her sweet cuddles
I like to cuddle with my husband and read a book together or watch a show
I love a good book, a challenging song on the piano, a challenging game
I love stories, I love people, variety of life experiences and sharing
I like sunny days with blue skies and melting snow
Song birds singing in the afternoon and evening (not in the morning)
I love exploring finding treasures in nature, hiking, the open air
The thrill of catching a fish, successfully completing a hike,
Having shared experiences, discussing different points of view
Feeling comradery and friendship, well being among those I meet and know
I like successfully making a new recipe and others enjoying it too
The smell of fresh baked bread, then eaten with butter and honey or jam
The good feeling of a good exercise and muscles being stretched and loose
I like hard work and seeing a job completed well, finishing a challenging project
Visiting with people, learning new things, discussing thoughts they and I have
Being of service, feeling needed, feeling appreciated and of worth
The warmth of the Holy Ghost after feeling Gods love, feeling forgiveness and purity
Reading the scriptures and a passage read being meant for me in a personal way
Praying in humility and feeling lifted and changed, able to see more clearly
Saying prayers with my family, holding them close to me knowing we love each other
My children’s hugs, their kisses, their smiles their love for me
Going on dates with my husband, going on dates as a family
Listening to music, changing channels discovering what I like for myself
Playing the piano in the evenings with a quite lonely stillness all around
Painting, creative writing rampages, drawing, creating, imagining
My husband’s songs, M’s songs, J’s songs, E’s songs
All unique creative all their own and so much them, I love to hear them sing and create
Bedtime stories reading together, singing songs at night, one-on-one time
Learning new skills that I can feel comfortable with and then try new things
Going to the temple once I’m finally there and feeling the peace
Teaching my children and seeing understanding and confidence in their eyes
Written Jan 20, 2009
M’s sweet notes, helping with her siblings (especially in the early mornings)
E sleeping through the night and playing so well, her sweet cuddles
I like to cuddle with my husband and read a book together or watch a show
I love a good book, a challenging song on the piano, a challenging game
I love stories, I love people, variety of life experiences and sharing
I like sunny days with blue skies and melting snow
Song birds singing in the afternoon and evening (not in the morning)
I love exploring finding treasures in nature, hiking, the open air
The thrill of catching a fish, successfully completing a hike,
Having shared experiences, discussing different points of view
Feeling comradery and friendship, well being among those I meet and know
I like successfully making a new recipe and others enjoying it too
The smell of fresh baked bread, then eaten with butter and honey or jam
The good feeling of a good exercise and muscles being stretched and loose
I like hard work and seeing a job completed well, finishing a challenging project
Visiting with people, learning new things, discussing thoughts they and I have
Being of service, feeling needed, feeling appreciated and of worth
The warmth of the Holy Ghost after feeling Gods love, feeling forgiveness and purity
Reading the scriptures and a passage read being meant for me in a personal way
Praying in humility and feeling lifted and changed, able to see more clearly
Saying prayers with my family, holding them close to me knowing we love each other
My children’s hugs, their kisses, their smiles their love for me
Going on dates with my husband, going on dates as a family
Listening to music, changing channels discovering what I like for myself
Playing the piano in the evenings with a quite lonely stillness all around
Painting, creative writing rampages, drawing, creating, imagining
My husband’s songs, M’s songs, J’s songs, E’s songs
All unique creative all their own and so much them, I love to hear them sing and create
Bedtime stories reading together, singing songs at night, one-on-one time
Learning new skills that I can feel comfortable with and then try new things
Going to the temple once I’m finally there and feeling the peace
Teaching my children and seeing understanding and confidence in their eyes
Written Jan 20, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Enough whining
I read my last post and was embarrassed about my whining. I read the sweetest blog by one of my friends about a couple in our ward who are going through some tough times. You know, I live a dream life. I have a wonderful husband who loves me even when I don't understand how he could. I have sweet children who amaze me every day. I have my two year old who is still my baby even though I'd like another one. I have good food, a nice house, a musical, loud imaginative household. My own prince Charming, my own snow white, albert einstein and little cinderella children.
How dream like is my life. I cuddle and watch a show almost every night with my husband while he rubs my back. I'm able to stay home with my children during the day and while the older ones are gone to school and my baby is playing by herself or napping I can write, visit, read a book. I have a nice house at a great interest rate. I have a body that doesn't work perfectly but is strong and usually healthy. Right now I have a cold and have been feeling sorry for myself, but no more whining, I'll feel all better soon and I better do something good with this wonderful life I've been blessed with.
I'm a firm believer in "where much is given, much is required." When I compare myself to others I feel guilty about how well things have gone, though it is so easy to focus on the negative and hard times, I've been so blessed. Therefore, more is required of me because I haven't had as many of the trials of many I know. It is my job to serve, help, volunteer, do my best, be happy, learn more, grow more and build others up around me and be the best mom, the best homemaker, the best person I can be. I have a family who loves me, I was raised well, I have a brain and a body that functions well enough. Let me be an intstrument in the hands of the Lord, that is where fulfillment comes, and I know it.
How dream like is my life. I cuddle and watch a show almost every night with my husband while he rubs my back. I'm able to stay home with my children during the day and while the older ones are gone to school and my baby is playing by herself or napping I can write, visit, read a book. I have a nice house at a great interest rate. I have a body that doesn't work perfectly but is strong and usually healthy. Right now I have a cold and have been feeling sorry for myself, but no more whining, I'll feel all better soon and I better do something good with this wonderful life I've been blessed with.
I'm a firm believer in "where much is given, much is required." When I compare myself to others I feel guilty about how well things have gone, though it is so easy to focus on the negative and hard times, I've been so blessed. Therefore, more is required of me because I haven't had as many of the trials of many I know. It is my job to serve, help, volunteer, do my best, be happy, learn more, grow more and build others up around me and be the best mom, the best homemaker, the best person I can be. I have a family who loves me, I was raised well, I have a brain and a body that functions well enough. Let me be an intstrument in the hands of the Lord, that is where fulfillment comes, and I know it.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Where have the dreams gone
My children watch a show about space, flying to the moon
In the show, flies fly to the moon, why can't I?
Where did all my childhood dreams go to?
Has growing up smashed all my real imagination?
There was something freeing and beautiful about dreams
Dreams where I really felt like I could fly
Dreams where I was a genius that could invent anything
Dreams where hope always existed, and anything was possible
Living in space, raising my family on the moon or on a space station was reality
How do you inspire your children, but live with realities that swallowed your dreams?
How do you live with hope and change your dreams to go along with your course in life?
I love my children, my husband my family, but a part of me wants to take the plunge into my books, my imagination, into fantasy leaving hard work and stress behind me, keep my relationships with those I love but surface in a whole different world new and different
In the show, flies fly to the moon, why can't I?
Where did all my childhood dreams go to?
Has growing up smashed all my real imagination?
There was something freeing and beautiful about dreams
Dreams where I really felt like I could fly
Dreams where I was a genius that could invent anything
Dreams where hope always existed, and anything was possible
Living in space, raising my family on the moon or on a space station was reality
How do you inspire your children, but live with realities that swallowed your dreams?
How do you live with hope and change your dreams to go along with your course in life?
I love my children, my husband my family, but a part of me wants to take the plunge into my books, my imagination, into fantasy leaving hard work and stress behind me, keep my relationships with those I love but surface in a whole different world new and different
Saturday, January 3, 2009
New Years resolutions
- Write something for every day
- Be a healthier me :exercise, diet
- Be more consistent with my children
- Read my scriptures daily
- Update memory books and photos for the kids
- Collect the personal history I have so far and put in binder
- Organize, organize, organize
- Simplify my life
- To bed earlier, wake up earlier
- Be more spiritual. intune with right and inspiration
- Find a balance in my life
- Do my part to put in order our home and finances
- Get rid of the piles
- Redo the "girls" room
-Better contact with friends/family on a consistent personal basis
- Be more supportive, dependable and self reliant
- Be a healthier me :exercise, diet
- Be more consistent with my children
- Read my scriptures daily
- Update memory books and photos for the kids
- Collect the personal history I have so far and put in binder
- Organize, organize, organize
- Simplify my life
- To bed earlier, wake up earlier
- Be more spiritual. intune with right and inspiration
- Find a balance in my life
- Do my part to put in order our home and finances
- Get rid of the piles
- Redo the "girls" room
-Better contact with friends/family on a consistent personal basis
- Be more supportive, dependable and self reliant
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