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.