The Resolve to Blog

I miss blogging......journaling.

I've always enjoyed journaling. Thanks to my mom who always provided a journal and sat us down and taught us to journal and to my good friend Sandra, who was the master of journaling in high school. She bought me a journal for my 16th birthday and had my name engraved on the front and I will always treasure that journal. I wrote about everything and saved momentos from all kinds of things....including a piece of grafiti from grafiti rock in Salt Lake. (just a quick random memory of one of the things in there).

When that journal filled up, I bought myself a new one at Missionary Emporium. Remember that store? Years later, I bought extra paper and I am still using this journal.....going on about 16 years. It has my 'falling in love' story, my 'having babies' stories, school, college, homes, good times, bad times, heartbreak, and heartache......good and bad; letters to my children, my husband, my mom; inspirations, lessons learned, and on and on and on. I am so grateful to have this journal.

I still have all of my journals. I have two from my mom when I was little and Emily has claimed one and continues to write in it. I have one from a Sunday School teacher. He wrote his testimony in the front. Then the other two already mentioned plus random journals here and there. My "conference, firesides, church" journal, my 'Europe with Heidi' journal, and random writings on the computer. Over the years as I come across these journals, I grab a pen and update it. It's always fun to look back.

I have tried to stay faithful to John's extended family monthly newsletter.....journal....and I am so grateful to have that. I am excited to go back to 1996, the year we were married, and print off our news from every month. I also have other journals such as vacation journals.

So to get to my point.

I will continue with the newsletter and my own private journal but I miss blogging. I miss writing and documenting our lives with words and photos. I love looking back on our lives and having a quick reference to our life. I enjoy writing my thoughts and I am resolving to jump back into the blogging world. For no one's sake but my own......(and my posterity). (I must be writing to somebody because I write the same in my personal journal. I'm writing to somebody and always sign each entry. I just don't know who.) Although, I have had family members on my side of the family ask for me to update frequently again. So for them too. :) I find it fun and I have three blogs (besides family and friends) that I faithfully follow. I feel like I know these three women and love the things they have taught me in their random every day motherhood and womanhood.

71 Toes

Clover Lane

Denton Sanatorium

This happens every year after Christmas. Well, it probably gets started even before Christmas. My thoughts and thinking turn to those things I NEED in my life to be and do better.

Sneek peak.....scriptures. Isn't the answer to all of lifes troubles found in doing the simple things. Scriptures, prayer, family home evening?! It shouldn't be so hard to stay faithful. But it is.

Some other things are brewing but I have a couple more days to prepare and be ready to commit.

Leah

In form with all of my other kids.....Leah loves the spray bottle. We go through "spray bottles" like crazy because my kids think they are meant as a way to drink water.

Today she was preoccupied enough with little John and his football and his laser pointer that I was able to fix her hair. And it's cute and she hasn't pulled it out yet. Oh wait! As I said that I thought I should check and it looks like she got the left bottom one out. Nice. She's so cute.
By the way....little John has his football and laser pointer within reach at all times since Christmas. He's so cute. ;)

Remember that peace?

I like this picture at 5:30 am. Earliest Christmas we've ever had. Thanks to the 13 (almost 14) year old.

That peace talked about in my last post? How beautiful it was to have that moment?

Not so much since then.

In fact, I was ready to cancel Christmas. I really was done. I was surprised with myself that I had no desire or intention of getting out presents. I told John he could do what he wants but I was just fine waking up in the morning with no magic. No presents. No Christmas. And it was real. I really did not care one bit. There was no love left in me.

The fighting. Oh the fighting. I don't get it.

John and I had a nice long talk around midnight. He convinced me to start over. Start fresh. Be better and make Christmas wonderful for our kids. And he even mentioned our gift being to change the way we parent and to show more love. So we did it. And we were up until 3:00 but it was nice.

And I kept 'my gift' in mind all day and we had a nice day.

And that is what it is really about, right? Not so much the presents wrapped under the tree but the gift we can give of ourselves.

And now my mind is already focused on the new year and the resolutions to be made. I already have in mind and in my heart the things I want to focus on. The changes I want to make. So this week, I will be preparing.

I love this time of year. I love the reflection. I love the will to do and be better.

And I love my family.

Christmas Spirit

It's December 22nd. I got a call from my sister asking if my kids could go see Alvin and the Chipmunks with her and her kids. This is where it all started.

The start of feeling that THIS IS CHRISTMAS. Not because of the movie, but because in all the hustle and bustle, she is going to go sit still and watch a movie with her kids. It's about them.

And she invited my kids. At first I was sad to not go with but my older two wanted to stay home so I will enjoy time with them.

Last night, John, Thomas, and Jack had a piano recital....along with Lauren. It was wonderful. They were all dressed up and in red sweaters and they looked great and Christmasy.

After, John came home with the kids to watch a movie and I went to my mom's house. My mom and I wrapped our Christmas. And it's done. And maybe THAT is where it all started.

Today, I am cooking 5 different appetizers for our H family party tonight. And I can't wait for this party. 64 people together....43 grandkids, one in-law grandkid plus 21 adults. It will be magical. It always is. There will be singing and laughing and eating. And I can't wait.

I've had lots of thoughts of my dad today. I'll be making his Deviled Ham Dip.....the one he makes every Christmas.

After I dropped off my boys at the movie, I was in the car alone, listening to Christmas music and the world seemed still. There were cars and people everywhere but my mind was silent and I was happy. The UPS man is delivering last minute packages, the stores are crowded, and I imagined the preparation that everyone is doing for this glorious holiday. Christmas. And I hoped...and prayed, that everyone is remembering why they are in a hustle and bustle. For the love of family. The love of neighbors and friends.

And most importantly, for the love of our Savior. He is the reason.

And I am at peace. And it is beautiful.

Merry Christmas!!

Grandpa J

June 10, 1953 - November 29, 2011

I love you dad.

"Eye of the Storm"

"When I had toddlers clinging to my legs who were drawing on couches and spitting up all over creation (serious reflux) she always used to tell me to try to envision myself as the "eye of the storm." You know that quiet part in the middle of the hurricane?"

That above was found here and I LOVE it. It hit home and I REALLY need to tae it to heart and put my self in that place when everything gets crazy. Usually, I AM THE STORM.

Little John is bendy

I have noticed that the vertibrae at the top of John's neck seem big. He said that some kids at school have said the same thing so I had to get it checked out. He had an xray and the only thing we found is that his joints are extra flexible. He can hyperextend his body parts....we've always been amazed at the bendy positions he sleeps in. He also has distended pecs. I don't remember the real term for it but they sink in. Interesting. The doctor said when he gets some meat on his body, his spine won't protrude so much.

So that's that. And he's practically perfect in every way.

Halloween 2011

Pumpkin carving this year was done by Sam, Jack, Thomas, Emily, and their dad. Somehow lil John, Leah, and I missed out. They did a great job.

Grandma invited us to come trick or treat at her work. Her entire office was decorated amazing. It was fun to see.
The kids are ready for the Ward Halloween Party.
Aaron and Zach came over to trick or treat with Thomas and Jack. Sam left with his buddy Benson and his family. It was a perfect night for trick or treating. We had soup with our neighbors and Rob, Teresa, and Leslie then Teresa, Leslie, and I took the kids around the block. There were people everywhere. It was so fun.

TODAY I am thankful - Day 3, 4, 5, 6

I have missed a few days of being thankful but that is because we have been campaigning a lot and not much else is on my mind.

So today I am thankful for this campaign we've been working on for the last 3 months! The primary was in September which got us started in August. We are tired of seeing our signs. We have gone through moments of being tired of 'campaigning'. We're tired of all the dumb 'politics' going on in other cities....luckily not our own. We are ready and excited to be done.

We have worked hard. John has knocked between 800-1000 doors of homes with 2+ voters. The kids and I have left flyers on doors of about 2500 more doors. On Saturday, John had about 50 homes left to knock before every precinct has been personally hit by us. About half way through he excliamed "We're done". We felt good and decided to hope for the best.

We woke up this morning and knowing we have about 250 flyers left, our nerves kicked in and we will be finishing those flyers today.

It has been fun. The kids have loved it and we have loved it. We've gotten to know our city and a lot of people in our city. Our kids have been exposed a little bit to the life of politics. They ask questions and more than anything are so excited for their dad.

I've sworn I would take pictures throughout this process and it hasn't happened. All of us have spent hours and hours stapling mini-signs to flyers, putting magnets on mini-signs, putting stickers on the mini- signs, stapling rubber bands to flyers, and running door to door to door of 2000 of the most frequent voters. Sometimes knocking on doors asking people to 'vote for their dad' but mostly leaving flyers at doors.

I think we've had less fighting and less contention as we have worked together. It has been fun and today I feel excited and hopeful and nervous and like we've accomplished a great thing. Win or lose.....we worked our tails off. Hopefully WIN!!

We are so thankful for the help from a wonderful woman, Nancy and her 'team' and Rick and his 'team'. Their stories of where they came from and their help later.

TODAY I am thankful for the excitement and fun of this election and that tomorrow is the big day!

TODAY I am thankful for wonderful children who are willing to give up whatever they need to give up to help us.

TODAY I am thankful for great family who have provided so much help and donations of all kinds to help to us and Richard in our campaigns.

TODAY I am thankful for wonderful neighbors and friends who have given support and donations.

TODAY I am thankful that after tomorrow, I don't have to wake up every day feeling stressed and anxious about our campaign and about Richard's campaign. (John and I have felt more stress and hope for Richard's campaign than our own)

TODAY I AM THANKFUL. IT'S GOING TO BE A GOOD DAY!!!

TODAY I am thankful - Day 2

Today, I had a busy evening so I had dinner all planned out. It went in the oven at precisely 4:30 and would come out of the oven when I got home at 6:30. Between campaigning, High Priest visits, Emily's last softball game, guitar, and all the hoopla that goes on every evening, we had a 30 minute window to eat dinner.

I got home at 6:30 and thought it was odd that I couldn't smell dinner. I announced to everyone that I was home and it was time for dinner and to come help set the table. Not only that but it was chicken and rice. All of my kids all time favorite. They don't care what flavor as long as it is Chicken and Rice.
As I got closer to the oven, I didn't feel any heat. Turns out, just after I left at 4:30, one of the kids turned off the oven. I had just finished some soup I was taking to grandma and grandpa and maybe they assumed I forgot to turn off the oven. I don't know.

For about one minute, I wanted to cry. I stood there in a slump, then stared into the pantry trying to figure out what to come up with, almost calling John to bring home pizza.

Then quickly, I made eggs, popped 14 eggos into the toaster, microwaved some frozen sausage, and within 15 minutes we had dinner together at the table.

I am trying so hard to not miss and it has been going well for a few weeks now. It is my favorite time of day and I love my family coming together every day to eat together.

So, I am thankful that I grew up with a mom who never missed providing dinner together at the table. She got home from work around 5 and would immediately get to work putting together nice dinners for our family. We were taught how to set the table and we all knew to be home at 5:00. Recently I had the realization that with all the "disfunction" in our family (and remember, every family has disfunction), her dinners were key to keeping us together. And I am so thankful for that.

I also remember many, many dinners at my grandma and grandpa Jamison's house. Manners were expected. We ate all kinds of wonderful food and had lots of chocolate milk and "shirley temples".

I also remember my grandpa Kimball making us big breakfasts. And I remember one time when Jolie and I were eating spaghetti dinner with my grandma and grandpa , they said to us "you can slurp your spaghetti at our house." I've always remembered that because my dad did not allow "slurping" of any kind and I thought it was kind of cool. Then we all kept laughing because it was quiet other than our slurping spaghetti.
TODAY I am thankful for family dinners.

TODAY I am thankful - Day 1

I LOVE November 1st. October is beautiful but nearing the end of the month, the beauty is over run by ghosts and goblins and parties and candy. Way too much candy. We had a great Halloween with family but November 1st every year is a breath of fresh air and an instant welcome to the JOY of the next 60 days. I am one that starts the Christmas music as soon as I want. I don't see a need to put off Christmas music. I like to prolong out the real Holidays. I love to be reminded of my blessings and work on being more thankful.

A friend posted the beginning of her daily November thankful post today. It was being thankful that her husband encouraged her to go to kickboxing today. That's it. And I got teary eyed. Because I was reminded to be grateful for EVERYTHING.

After all, "Entitled to Nothing. Grateful for Everything." is a quote I love.

The Winnie the Pooh picture above is from "Winnie the Pooh: The Season of Giving" video. Yes video. 12 years ago, my mom bought this movie and "Boo to you too, Winnie the Pooh" and I watched them many times with John and Emily. I get so excited every year to watch these shows with my kids. John and Emily are really bored with them and complained a lot about it the other day. Until I shared with them, my wonderful memory of watching these movies with them.

I love the feeling of this 2 month season. Something sparks inside of me and it stays. I have great intentions every year of finishing off the Christmas shopping before December even starts and this year is the year. I'm determined!! My mom already has everything done and wrapped and she's done something special this year for the grandkids. She has a stack of presents from floor to ceiling, in the corner in her bedroom. The kids stare at these gifts mesmorized, anticipating the day they get to open them. It is like this every year and all 12 grandkids love to guess what might be in those pretty boxes. So do I.

Grandma and Grandpa H. spend all year, every year, planning and putting together thoughtful gifts for their 43 grandkids. It is fun to see what they come up with and they always give gifts that will be treasured forever. I am so thankful for that.

I am ready to turn on the hot chocolate maker and get out the marshmallows and whipped cream. Especially on cold days when we are all home and can watch the beauty of winter outside, from the inside of our home.

I am ready to get our traditional 12 days of Christmas ready with the kids. Especially deciding who we will do it for this year. And why.

I am ready to shop for something special for my kids. I think it's fun to get them things they will love. I love to make them happy. Even if it is with 'things' sometimes.

I am ready for Thanksgiving! I love taking time every day of the month, with my family, writing down what we are thankful for. I love Thanksgiving. What a wonderful tradition to gather with family and be thankful for each other. I am excited for Brussel Sprouts. I hate them. But they are a must because they are tradition. And I love tradition.

I am ready for the Christmas parties, putting up the tree and the lights on the house, caroling, Temple Square, Christmas Streets, Christmas movies, and finding any way we can to be reminded of our Savior....the REAL meaning of Christmas. I see all the 'fun' parts as a way to feel JOY and remember that it is all because of HIM.

TODAY I am thankful for "The Season of Giving" and the reminder to be thankful.

Sam

Sam was ready for church on Sunday when he decided to run around outside in his socks. He got them all wet and dirty so when he came in, we told him to take them off and go get some new socks. This is what he came up with and he was completely happy.

Aren't little kids awesome!!! He just needed socks so he got the ones he wanted.

We had him change into church socks and next thing we knew he was right back outside without shoes again. Aren't little kids awesome.

He also wore a vest over his white shirt but only agreed to wear it if he could put it on WHEN HE GOT TO CHURCH. So that's what he did. Thomas HATES wearing vests and I think Sam has picked up on that. When really he doesn't care.

Ward Halloween Party

We attended our Ward Halloween Party. It was wonderful. There was a hay ride, a spook alley, a chili cookoff, donuts for dessert, games galore, costumes in every variety, cute "older" witches sharing their candy, and fun, fun, fun. We were there for an hour and a half and had a great time. We love our neighbors.

"In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy."

~Dieter F. Ucthdorf

Success!!

I haven't felt much success in my life in a long time. Like for two years. Little bits here and there. But not much.

I also have noticed that my fridge is really, really dirty. And I don't even really consider it MY fridge because my in-laws gave us their nice fridge and bought themselves a lesser nice one off ksl. I feel guilty if my/their fridge gets dirty.

So this morning when the kids were off to school, without even really thinking about it, I started off with one shelf which led to another and another and in the end, the fridge is clean. AND IT IS SO NICE. It's amazing what a clean fridge can do for you. Or maybe just for me. :)

So it wasn't even 9 and I decided even if nothing else got done today, it was successful. It felt good to make that decision and it actually made my day a little happier.

But not just that! I cleaned my bathroom toilet. In, out, on, and around. Those are the words I use when I have my kids clean the toilet. And the clutter that usually is in my bathroom, is not there!! Little by little I've been cleaning it up and suddenly it looks clean. Success!!

I went out to get the mail and stood on my porch for a bit looking at my flower garden. There are some things I wanted to move around and without two much thought, I got the shovel and some gloves and moved things around. Success!!!

Last. I made broccoli cheese soup for dinner. John and mine were in bread bowls and the kids had breadsticks. And it was yummy. And even better.......the dining table is cleaned off and the front room is cleaned and vacuumed and we sold a light we had for sale on ksl. Success!!

Wow. I was just going to mention the fridge but one thing is leading to another and it is really nice to recognize the little things that happened today to make it successful.

I did one load of laundry, took Sam to Costco with me, enjoyed my children, and they are now in bed quietly reading. Success!!!

I need to get better at looking at the good things that happen in my day. As I went on throughout the day, I decided I need to write down the successes and forget all the things that don't happen. There is still a mess, everywhere. There always is. But little by little things happen and soon. yes, i hope soon. maybe all the little things will make a BIG difference and it won't just be me who knows what I did. It will be obvious for everyone.

But for today, I don't see the rest of the mess because I am focusing on my success!!!

John was lucky to get tickets from work to the BYU vs. Utah State game so he took the boys with him to Provo. It took over 2 hours to get there. They left just after 3:00 with hopes of getting there in time to go to the tailgate party and have dinner. They ended up getting there with 10 minutes to spare. Enough time to get to their seats. Thanks to a great ending to the game, they had a wonderful time and stopped at Krispy Kreme on the way home.

Emily, Leah, and I went to dinner and to Target then on a whim decided to paint the family room. We almost had all of it done when they got home around 11:00 pm. John finished off the very top corners and the next day we added trim to the baseboards to make them bigger.

We love it!!

And we loved getting to spend time 'with the boys' and 'with the girls'.

Getting ready for a trip

When I know we are going on vacation, I get out my notebook and I start making a list. Usually 7-10 days before we leave. As the week goes on and I 'remember' things that need packed or done, I get out my list and add to it.

These lists above are in preparation for our Oregon vacation. More on that awesome vacation later.

The first list is all of the items that need purchased or returned. Costco on the left. Wal mart on the right. The items in the middle can be purchased at either store. I just hadn't decided which yet. It also includes the last little details that need taken care of such as the mail, garbage, etc.

The second list is my packing list. The left side is mostly food with some items that didn't fit in the right section. Complete with convenient little boxes to check (not always there. sometimes i just cross it off) and the right side is everything that needs to be packed.

To make the list, I start at the feet and work my way up the body: socks, shoes, pants, shorts underwear, shirts - long and short sleeve - jackets, hats. Then back to the face, hair, and body and everything that is needed there: deodarant, lotion, makeup, soap, teeth, etc. etc. etc.

There is a system people!!

The letters to the left: J E T J S L and the letters to the right: M D are conveniently placed beside each item that everyone needs on the trip.

I go from room to room with my list and check off the letter next to the item for each person as I pack.

When everything and everyone is in the car and we are ready to go, I go over every single item on the list to make sure I didn't miss a thing.

Crazy?!!! It works for me. And if I don't do it, I WILL forget something. A lot of things.

Besides, it's kind of fun!

Let's Salsa!!

I did it!! Well, they did it! Lisa and Kara. They inspired me to do it!!

Do the Salsa that is.

(Wow I am tired. And in the morning when I read these posts, I'm probably going to have to redo them all.)

Kara had most of the vegetables for me and Kara and Lisa made their own and inspired me to give it a shot. I did it. Just me, my food processor, and my stove. And it worked like a charm.

I love doing something domestic. It helps me get through the 95% of my life that I'm not domestic and wish I were. Was? Which is it? Were or Was?

Thomas and Jack. And Thomas and Jack and Sam.

Thomas and Jack fit themselves into one of their uncles shorts at the family yard sale. It was our second yardsale to earn funds for the our second every other year family reunion.

It was a success!!
The boys had fun digging in my garden this summer. I didn't mind since I didn't plant a thing and it kept it weeded. But the other day, they came up with the grand idea to dig a hole. On the other side of the yard. In the grass. No where near my garden. I don't get it. It got put back together just fine and even though I didn't want a hole in my lawn and I wasn't really happy about it, I had to have a picture because this is just one of those things worth documenting.

Jack and Sam and the Fam.

At the end of the 2010-2011 school year, a 'deal' came through to get Hollywood Connection passes for $5 each. I thought this was a great idea and would give us something to do as a family. Well, the first time we tried to go out, it was dead. Like Wally World. It was actually kind of funny. Because it was Wally World. :)

I got smart and the second time called ahead. We ended up having to use these the day before they expired in September of the 2011-2012 school year. Awesome. Hey, at least we used them.

So John met us there and we played miniature golf and rode rides and it was well worth the price of $5 per person for about 4 hours of fun. For the kids.

This is on this little ''Crazy school bus" ride. It isn't too big and you sit in the bus and go up high and come back down. Rather silly. It is afterall a mini indoor amusement park. Jack DID NOT want to go on this ride but after seeing Sam go without a hitch he finally decided to do it. And this is how he looked while riding. He got off and loved it. Just like everything Jack does. Absolutely NOT on so many things but once he is forced or coaxed, he loves things. Funny kid.

Before the ride. And a PERFECT example of Sam and his happiness. See that smile?!! All day. Every day. I get that smile. Hundreds of times. How does one smile so often?! It's wonderful and I hope he always keeps that great trait.

SamUel

Sam fell asleep with a sticker on his nose. I think I wouldn't have been able to fall asleep like that. But maybe he wore himself out. Ha!! You'd think this kid would be worn out soon after he wakes up. He is AMAZING. He runs and runs and plays and jumps and spins and you name it. All. Day. Long. He really doesn't stop. It is amazing. Really. But guess what?!! Almost 5 years old and all 5 years, everything he does is done with a smile on his face. Honestly this kid lives life to it's fullest. Everything is joyful with Sam and he finds joy in everything.

Wow. I love him.
We drove out to my dad's one Sunday to take him some treats. He didn't answer and after the fact, I realized I need to call before I just show up. What a novel idea!!
So we drove up Big Cottonwood Canyon and looked at the colors and it was BEAUTIFUL.
I LOVE FALL.

All about L

L with cousin Katie behind her and "we claim her a cousin" Brynlee. She is actually Katie's cousin. But aren't we all family?!!!

This girl is LONG. And precious and sweet and irresistable.

See what I mean?!! Irresistable!

L and Grandma at a family party at Jolie's house.

Isn't grandma's hair cute? It's growing in and she is BEAUTIFUL!!

Tow Heads

Left to Right: Sam, Jack, Thomas, John

All four of my boys look blonde to me. At some point, each of them have been a tow head. Jack is the only one to remain a tow head.

I think cut hair is gross but I couldn't resist this picture after all four boys were given a haircut from dad.

Thanks to Google for the following information:

In colonial times, families grew their own flax to make into fabric for clothing. Transforming the flax into thread was a complicated, involved process with many time-consuming steps. After the flax was harvested, it was soaked in water for several days to soften it so the inner fibers could be removed from the stalk. To separate the long, thin fibers from the shorter, coarser ones, the flax was pulled through a bed of nails or combed in a process called "towing." The shorter fibers that were extricated were of a lesser quality and were called "tow." This led to the term "towheads" to describe people, particularly children, whose hair resembled these strands.
The online dictionary, MerriamWebster.com, provided further support and evidence for this explanation. The definition for towhead reads:
Main Entry: tow�head
Pronunciation: 'tO-"hed
Function: noun
Date: 1829
a head of hair resembling tow especially in being flaxen or tousled; also: a person having such a head of hair
The dictionary dates "tow" to the 14th century and states that its origin is "Middle English, from Old English tow-spinning."

"The best way out is always through."

I've gone "through" things in my life. Things I wish I could have jumped right over or magically made disappear and when I read this quote, I loved it. It's definitely not the easiest way but it is the best way. I look back on trials (some I still face) and even though sometimes I don't want to admit it (because I don't want to give the trial any credit) it is amazing to see what I've learned. I am grateful for that.

I have had a rough couple of years. I feel like I have gone downhill the last two years and I am at a low as far as who I am.

But.....I have seen the miracle of LITTLE THINGS. Little moments of growth, feeling the closeness of a higher power (many times), little tiny steps in the right direction. Too many steps in the wrong direction but the tiny steps forward are giant and I am so very thankful for that.

So to HELL with trials. And thank HEAVEN for trials.

And thank Heaven for recognizing the good in trials. And especially knowing of a loving Heavenly Father who knows EXACTLY what I need and really won't give me more than I can handle WITH HIS HELP. Some things, if they had gone one step further, would have ruined me and I KNOW that Heavenly Father knew that and put a halt on some things before I drowned.

So 'the best way out is always through'.

Next time, I'll try harder to go through with DIGNITY and a GOOD ATTITUDE.

It will make a difference on my success and growth.

mothering

"We all know that the early years of our children’s lives are precious. It is when they are most teachable, impressionable and open to true and erroneous teaching. Our society in a rush to success encourages us as mothers to send our children from the home earlier and earlier, to involve them in more and more activities. Too often we forget that the most important preparation for success is in the home under the nurturing care of the mother. That preparation takes time, long stretches of time filled with the consistent, everyday activity of home life.
The time we have with our little ones is short and should be guarded carefully."
Kimberli Robison

It took me 6 kids!!! Maybe 5! Before I realized my kids don't have to have any lessons or any sports or any other extra curricular activity as long as they have HOME and FAMILY. Really. All the other stuff is just filler. Sure they learn and grow and develop and it is great. But filler.

My kids have lessons and play sports. And we love it. Especially as a family.

A few years ago, I was in over my head and we took a one year long break. It was exactly what we needed and helped us realize the importance of not running all over all the time. We slowly added a little back in but I don't feel bad now when I turn them down on one thing or another. I experienced the JOY of simplifying. And it's wonderful. And I highly recommend it!

I have 5 short years before my oldest leaves on a mission and my second oldest starts college. 5 years is REALLY short because I have had my oldest for 14 short years already. The saddest part is I am still LEARNING to be a mom and a homemaker. I appologize to my oldest two often that they are the guinea pigs and are the ones teaching me how to mother. Especially my oldest. There is A LOT expected of him. But there are moments when I hug him and tell him how much I love him, I appologize for my shortcomings and thank him for making me a mom. He is in a special place and I hope one day I can portray that enough to him so he KNOWS what a special place he has in my heart.

Sam and His Friends

Sam has a couple good friends. He has preschool with Benson twice a week. Once at Benson's and once at our house. He plays with Jojo often. Sam is a good friend. He is full of life and for the most part is kind to his friends and Leah. I have seen this often....yesterday he had an airplane toy and his friend was complaining that the helicopter didn't have wheels so he didn't want to use it. So Sam put down the airplane and went and got the helicopter without saying a word. It was very sweet of him.

Yesterday we had Benson over for several hours. Jojo came for a few hours then cousin Aaron came for a few hours. It was a full day of fun for Sam. Leah joined right in with the boys and insisted on sitting right in the middle of them.

Sam smiles ALL THE TIME. He is such a JOY in our family. I am one lucky mom to have been blessed with six PERFECT children.

(the outfit Leah is wearing was worn by Emily 11 years ago. I haven't saved a lot but I have some clothes Emily wore. It's amazing how styles have changed. You wouldn't think there would be a difference but there is. Even though some styles are just silly, I still have Leah where them at least once. Just for the memories. Afterall, Leah IS Emily's mini-me.)

Grasshoppers

Jack came home from school with two grasshoppers. He noticed one was missing a leg and made it so it couldn't jump. He was so excited about it and wanted to find more. He went out back and caught 7 more. He was collecting them in a flower pot in the front. I asked him how they were all staying and he very innocenltly said "I took off their legs so they couldn't jump away". I was sad of course but recognized how innocent he was and that he is also a boy and that's just kind of what boys do. I explained to him that grasshoppers are made to jump and it would be a good idea to let the rest of the grasshoppers he catches, keep their legs.

Leah even got in the fun and enjoyed holding the grasshoppers. This little girl with her 3 older brothers.....oh my. She just chases after them and joins in their fun.

I remember catching grasshoppers and rolly pollys and ladybugs and even daddy long legs when I was a kid. I remember my cousin Brandon pulling the legs off grasshoppers but I was never interested in that.

Sometimes I try to really focus on something the way kids focus on things. Do you remember focusing on the pictures in a book? Now I don't even look at the pictures. I just read the story but sometimes I stop and stare at the picture and try to remember how easy it is for a child to study the small things. It's no wonder their minds grasp so much knowledge.

Pinterest

Have you heard of Pinterest?

Wow. It's fun!!!!

The Power of Moms

I just participated in my first webinar and it was awesome.

The kids were in bed and I got to sit at the computer for an hour and watch a presentation and listen to two great women over the phone. I could even comment and ask questions in a 'chat' box. When I registered for this free webinar it asked me what needs organized in my life. Of course I mentioned the mess of a house I have and that every day I just "maintain my mess". When she started the webinar she was mentioning the things women said and at the end said "there was even a cute comment from a girl who said she just maintains her mess" and she giggled. It was cute. And it was funny to hear my comment be recognized out of the 200+ participants.

I can't wait to do it again. I feel like I just left my life for an hour AND learned some great things in the meantime.

What I learned:

1. Calendar the important things. This one is easy for me because if I don't write it down, it doesn't happen. I have recently discovered Cozi. An awesome phone app that syncs between John's phone, my phone, the computer, and sends text reminders to my second phone. (yes, my second phone. The phone I have that I get to send with children when needed.)

2. Have a task list and categorize it. Oh, I have a list but I LOVE the idea of categorizing it. Such as: household; computer; phone call; to discuss; errands; others. So excited to start 'list making' this way.

3. Empty your email. Empty meaning categorize everything into folders and immediately file them. Folders: Action; immediate action; someday/maybe; reference; waiting. I can't stand having a full inbox. I already 'folder' a bunch of things but I am going to add these folders to my list so I can just go into them when needed. Then when I get all kinds of political or any other email from my father in law that I don't feel like reading at the moment, I can immediately file it in the someday/maybe folder. I love my father in law. They don't come any better.

4. Piles. Have a Read/review basket. Anything you can't immediately get to but you WANT to get to it, such as adds, magazines, flyers, manuals, etc. etc., go in the basket in a place where you can sit and relax and look through those things. Maybe in the bathroom, by your bed, by a chair in the front room, wherever you like to relax.

5. Two minute rule. I really like this idea. If you can do it in 2 minutes or less. DO IT!! Don't wait until later. For example if my child asks me to do something (and I usually say 'not now'), if it takes 2 minutes or less, do it. The mail, bills, filling out forms, calling grandma or someone, etc. Skip putting it on the list and just do it.

What a great evening. I feel rejuvenated. That and the fact that my sister showed up this morning with all her energy. Oh I love her. And for a minute, I am a new woman.

Check it out: The Power of Moms

"I Maintain My Mess"

That's it. It doesn't get better. I work all day to maintain my mess.

I get anxiety when I clean. Anxiety because I anticipate the mess that will follow. It is not fun for me. Some people find it satisfying to clean because it feels so good when it's done. Not around here. (Are you tired of hearing my same story over and over?)

This happened today. I mopped the floor and worked my tail off. Then the kids came home and I wanted to be excited and happy and relaxed that they were home but I was feeling crazy and had to stop and breathe so I didn't lose it. :)

So I called Jolie. She talked me through it. She helped me remember how once upon a time I was a little bit more organized and a little bit less crazy. A little bit.

I've known for a long time that we have got to start with basics around here. My husband, my kids, and me all need to start over. So these are our new family rules (thanks to 71toes):

Family Rules

1. Mind mom and dad

2. use good manners

3. no hurting others

4. put away things after we use them

5. don't ruin things that aren't for ruining

6. stay in bed after bedtime

* PLEASE * THANK YOU * I LOVE YOU *

Wish us luck!!!

Silly Insight

Our primary program was on Sunday and it was beautiful. Thomas, Jack, and Samuel are our only primary kids right now. Our chapel was overly crowded because of so many grandparents there to watch their cute grandkids. We got there 15 minutes early and luckily found a spot on the second to last row of the cushioned seats! I also had Jolie's kids because Jolie and Sean were in Jackson Hole. Fun!!! (for Jolie and Sean and fun for us).

First let me mention the most touching parts of the program for me. The parts where I couldn't hold back a smile and tears.

The sunbeams (including Sam) sang "Jesus Once Was a Little Child". It was so sweet. They could barely be heard until the end of the song when they sang "try, try, try". It was so cute.

The entire primary sang "We'll Bring the World His Truth." That song always gets me. They sang it with conviction and I knew that THEY KNOW!

And last, at the end, the primary sang the first verse of "Praise to the Man", the congregation sang the second verse, and we all sang the third verse. After the second verse when the primary kids joined us, I was struck with the spirit again. It was beautiful to hear their voices singing back at us and I was so impressed that they knew the song so well.

It was a beautiful program and I am so thankful for WONDERFUL teachers and leaders.

Anyway, my silly insight is.......

There were two men from my ward right in front of me. It was warm and they were squished pretty good. I looked down at each end of the bench in front of me and saw about a foot of space on one end and about 6 inches on the other end. The end with the six inches was a cute girl in Young Women's. I was getting more and more uncomfortable seeing these men almost cuddling and how comfortable the YW and her mom were. I couldn't take it anymore and did not want the men to have to sit so close during the bread and water. In fact, one man tried to take off his suit coat and the other guy was trying to help him and it made me giggle.

So before the song and prayer, I jumped up and leaned over to the YW and her mom (who happens to be the R.S. President) and said "I am only telling you this because I can see something you can't. You may want to scoot down just a little.") And they did. And we all giggled. And the men had a little bit of space and everyone was more comfortable. Especially me.

The moral of the story.......

Sometimes.....well, usually, we can't see the whole picture. Sometimes we don't recognize how a little move can make someone else more comfortable. Maybe giving up our comfort just a bit can relieve someone else of their discomfort. It was interesting sitting behind them and seeing how relaxed they were on the end without any idea of what it was like for the men in the middle.

I guess it's good when we are comfortable and doing well, to think about someone else and what we might do to be of service to someone else.

And that, my friends, is my silly observation for the week.

That's it for me!!!!!

September

In a few weeks, that mountain will be flaming gorgeous.

This is where I want to be and I'm hoping to fit in another weekend or two before it's closed up for the winter. This cabin is an old and teeny little thing but my favorite place to be. It is relaxing and beautiful and I would not trade it for a cabin mansion hidden in the trees.

September is my favorite month. It is beautiful. The weather is just right. Changes are happening and it's time to prepare for the cold months ahead.

Last night I was sitting outside at my in laws home visiting with family. I looked up on the mountain and pointed out to Leslie a couple spots of orange and it was beautiful.

Just the thought of what is coming is beautiful.

I hope this month lingers. For a long time.

Happy September!!

(thanks for the pictures Leslie)

Be Gentle

http://bravegirlsclub.com/archives/2151

Wow. I cried as I read this. You should read it too. All the way to the end.

I have been through things.

SO HAVE YOU.

Things that no one knows and it's lonely.

We all go through things that no one knows. And as I have gone about my days, almost everyone I look at, I wonder,

"what is your secret?"

And it keeps me from falling too hard.

Two quotes that have had meaning....

"Feelings are everywhere. Be gentle."

and

"Be kinder than necessary because everyone is fighting some kind of battle."

If only I could forget myself more and be more thoughtful of others and what they or you might be going through.

It is interesting to watch others go through their trials.

Trials in the open. The things we know about.

I have been able to compare the feelings I have had directly with what is going on in the lives of others.

The trial is completely different.

But the feelings are the same.

How easy it is to show compassion and love when we know. But there is SO MUCH we don't know.

Shouldn't we be compassionate and loving always?

Less is More

"Less stuff means less to organize. Less clutter means less to clean. Fewer activities means less running around and more family time. Less stuff means less money spent. Less clutter means less time wasted.

Bottom Line: LESS MESS EQUALS LESS STRESS."

Less is More has been my mantra for a while now. It has been a very long process that is still going but IT IS GOING. Slowly. Ever so slowly. But going. And it feels so good. I wish it was going faster but I'll take what I can get.

As I clean out, I am finding that I really don't have a lot of stuff. Too much stuff. But not as much as I thought.

I have also found that if I can get one person to sit with me for 20 minutes or so to go through a closet or a drawer, it changes my entire attitude and rejuvenates me to keep going. Thanks to my sister Jolie for taking that time. Twice now. My tupperware closet was cleaned out quickly with the small tip of: "if you don't have a lid for it, get rid of it." That easy huh? After she left, I was motivated and emptied under my kitchen sink. I spruced it all up, layed down some rubber, put only what was necessary in a bin and it's beautiful.

A couple weeks later she stopped by and I asked her to just say yes or no as I went through Leah's clothes. Done. Quickly and smoothly. She had 10 more minutes so I asked her to go down to my "green room" to go through all my home decorations. 15 minutes later, I had a stack of garbage and a stack of get rid of. She even left with a few quality things in hand.

I can't leave out Teresa. She was here last Halloween and without saying a word, got to work on my AWFUL kitchen desk. I can not keep that thing clean. That spot needs a plan of attack. It's not working and I need to figure out how to make it work. It collects absolutely EVERYTHING.

Wow....within 30 minutes, it was clean and everything had a spot. I need some tips with this one!!! What do you do with ALL THE PAPERS that come home with kids, come in the mail, are dropped off from church, John brings home, etc. etc. etc.?

So Help me!!! Why can I not figure it out? Why do I need someone to walk me through this? My goal is to get the help where I can and learn to keep it in order. I've had to let go of my embarassment and just be grateful for any bit of help I can get.

The HUGE issue that needs taken care of is my kids learning to do the basics.

Clean your room * Make your bed * If you get something out, put it away when you're done *

We struggle.

LESS IS MORE. I believe it and I feel it as I get rid of 'stuff'.

Councilman John (almost)

He did it!!!! #2 out of 7. Our goal was #1 but he was behind by 47 votes for #1. That's okay! We'll take #2.He is strategic with his sign placements.

He walks the streets of Centerville visiting with the residents.

Everyone loves him and he makes friends easily.

He knows the issues and keeps learning.

He is awesome at looking at all sides of the story and making a good decision himself.

He is positive and upbeat and is really good at looking at the bright side in situations.

He loves people. He is a great example to me. To our kids. And to his neighbors and family and friends.

And we are now back to square one in this election.

The goal:

TOP VOTE GETTER!!

(but we'll be happy with top 3)

That means we have A LOT of hard work ahead of us.

The kids have been awesome!! They have worked so hard for John. They have been up and down many streets knocking on doors and passing out flyers.

John's parents knocked on doors for several hours as well. He could not have done it without them.

Lori and her family knocked doors too!! It made a difference.

THANK YOU to everyone for the many ways you have shown your support and offered your services, time, and money.

Lawrence Wright (I) - 599

John T. Higginson - 552

Kay Ashton - 499

Kevin Daly - 471

Annadel Nelson - 416

Ken Averett (I) - 410

McKay Christensen - 380

McKay is out. We were rooting for him. He has already offered his full support to John. To which we are thankful.

Thought we were going to a BBQ last night. Jolie and Sean have monthly potluck BBQ's with both sides of their family. Told the kids we'd be home around 7.

Turns out we BBQ'd, had gourmet smoothies, roasted marshmallows over the fire and made smores, played football, played on the playground, jumped on the trampoline, then to top it all off, watch Mary Poppins on a projector screen in the backyard (until Leah decide to end the party early by flipping the switch and sending us all home). It was abrupt ending but it was after 10 so it was okay.

We came home to our tent already set up and the kids camped out back. John and I must have been exhausted because we both slept perfectly sound through the night. Heavenly.

When we were saying good night to the kids in the tent, little John said, "Let's have a really big breakfast in the morning". Guess who's job that is?!!!!

So this morning the kids woke up to pancakes, black forest ham and provolone omelettes, grapes, yogurt, and milk. John then took us into the other room for scriptures, etc. and said "I bet we can get this room clean in 3 minutes". So we all worked hard and had the front room and entry cleaned and vacuumed within 5 minutes. Kids started arguing so he told us to all meet in the family room where we did it again. It motivated everyone and we got the room done and kids worked on their own daily jobs.

The kids daily jobs consist of:

Daily job - (this rotates between unloading the dishwasher, sweeping, taking out garbage and recyle, taking all the dirty clothes to the laundry room)

Clean your room

Homework

Piano or guitar practice

Read

Prayer

Scriptures

Be Kind

Be Happy

Be Helpful

We don't ask much daily during school but man it sure is helpful to me to have those 4 things done before school every day. And if I need it done again after school, I know who to ask. It is wonderful!!

Thomas is playing with a friend, little John is watching sports, Emily is making t-shirts for YW volleyball, Jack is waiting for me to finish so he can play on the computer, Sam is with big John at Lori's house printing some precinct papers, Leah is wandering the house wearing cute clothes Emily wore 11 years ago, and here I am.

We are going to walk our neighborhood today and pass out flyers and magnets and ask for our neighbors to vote for John. We are going to watch Soul Surfer as a family and John just asked if we could make brownies. Do you really think that means WE? This time it will. I'll have him come help. I also have lots of zucchini so we'll have something with zucchini for dinner. Fried zucchini?? and I'll be making zucchini bread. Yum.

Thanks Sean and Jolie!! What a great night. It was a great start to a great holiday today! It made me think I need to relax. Get help from the kids but relax and enjoy our day together.

Food in Oregon!!!

So we went to Oregon on vacation and had a fabulous time. The part we can't forget....THE FOOD. Not just any food but the food made by Kristi and Spencer. It's worth documenting. And many of the recipes can be found on The Recipe Society.

Homemade Pizzas when we arrived.

Followed by Homemade Oreo Ice Cream.

Wonderful burgers on Homemade buns.

Amazing. AMAZING cheesecake.

Marinated chicken with some sort of alfredo noodles.

Chicken salad on croissants.

Fudge filled squares.

Brownies with Homemade vanilla ice cream.

Hot dogs and smores over a fire by the river.

Toast made from Homemade bread....every morning.

Glazed and grilled pineapple.

Last day there.....ALL THE LEFTOVERS!!!

It was AWESOME.

Spencer and Kristi are fabulous hosts and Kristi was super inspiring for me. I have always been afraid of bread and have made 10 loaves since we've been home. I also am back on making dinner for my family and eating at the table. Together. It's been an adjustment. My kids got use to not eating real food all summer. (you know what I mean, right?!)

I asked Kristi if she has always been a cook. She said "no way". When she had kids she realized feeding her family was something she had control over and she has become a master in the kitchen.

Thank you Kristi and Spencer!!! We sure miss you but it was WONDERFUL getting to spend a few days with you.

Bees

For Ryan's 30th birthday, we went to the Bee's game. Laura was cute and had them put Happy Birthday to Ryan and Happy Birthday to Emily on the Jumbotron. Ryan and Emily celebrate together every year.

We hunted down Bumble and snapped a picture. It was a fun evening.

"Happiness is different from pleasure. Happiness has something to do with struggling and enduring and accomplishing."
– George Sheehan

"We have a choice. We can seek for the bad in others. Or we can make peace and work to extend to others the understanding, fairness, and forgiveness we so desperately desire for ourselves. It is our choice; for whatever we seek, that we will certainly find."

--President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Looking for the Good", March 2011 Ensign

Think

John and I discuss this with our children often and sadly I need it more than anyone. It was posted on Sugardoodle today and I'll be printing it and posting it where I can see it.

John Higginson for Centerville City Council

Vote for John in the primary election on September 13th.

Learn more about John at

www.votehigginson.com

Less than a month.....AND JOHN IS THE MAN!!!!

Anyone else get sick to their stomach seeing the fall clothes, backpacks, and school supplies in every store?

I'm NOT ready.

But my kids are.

And I guess I'm glad they like school.

By the way.....

Did you hear my husband is running for Centerville City Council?

Click here to check it out on Facebook. And go ahead and like his page while you are there.

Oh...and feel free to spread the word. And vote for him in the primary election on September 13th. (The day after our 15th anniversary)

All Star

We had a GREAT baseball season. Thomas, Jack, and John played. But this post is about John.

He had a coach that gave him a chance. (unlike last year). And John soared!! He can pitch, he can throw, he can bat and had several long line drives, several RBI's, and several great plays at 2nd (where he spent most of his time). It was a lot of fun.

And when the season was over, it started right back up again with All Stars. I am on a high even writing about it. It really was that great. We lucked out with the same coach. They played and they played hard. And when we thought it would be over, they kept on playing.

They had their last game yesterday and the team begged for a boating party. We are looking for any opportunity for the coaches influence on John. He was really great and we wish he could somehow continue to be a part of his life.

Good Job John!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

I like to skip right over my birthday but my husband is really good at making it nice so I'd be ungrateful not to mention it. I woke up to balloon pancakes, flowers, and random gifts throughout the house.....whatchamacallits, cereal, pringles, REAL Kraft Mac n cheese, and Lorna Doones. Good thing I have 6 kids to help eat all of this.

I ran for 16 minutes, walked for 15 minutes, and I've asked John and Emily to do their jobs without me having to ask again as their gift to me. I decided I'm not nagging today. I'm having to hold my breath and count to ten over and over because it didn't go over to well to ask for a gift from them. The other kids don't know it's my birthday yet.

If you sign up for Benihana's emails, you get a $30 coupon for your birthday so that is where I'll be having dinner tonight.

16 years ago today, John went in to have his appendix removed and came out with non-hodgkins lymphoma. The doctor found a tumor surrounding his appendix. He opted not to do chemo or radiation and has not had any complications and is still doing great.

15 years ago today, John asked me to marry him.

I am a very lucky girl.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty".

~Winston Churchill

Grandpa

Sometimes you come across something that you just can't pass up. John's dad is a peanut m&m fanatic. Especially about the yellow ones so when John saw this shirt, there were no if's, and's, or but's about it. Looks great!!

LOVE this!

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow what a ride!"

— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Thanks again Mindy.