Wednesday #1-Goofy Spirit

This being Christmas Eve I must say I have been enjoying a great laugh at the poses my kids come up with for our Goofy Pictures Tradition. This being year 2 of this tradition. I have them pose for one really nice one, and once I get my nice one they get to choose poses and act as goofy as they want for the pictures until the camera runs out of room. What a riot it can become! I will post some of the photos for you later.


Lately it seems I cry at the slightest sign of Christmas Spirit. This season means so very much to me. The promise that came when our Savior was born...well it simply feels my heart to overflowing. And as all of my dear friends and family know, when my heart overflows...it has to go somewhere, so...out the tear ducts it comes! I am so very full of gratitude tonight that the slightest thought of Christmas makes me teary eyed. Which...of course it being Christmas Eve...is often! I have been so blessed and continue to be blessed. So, here is wishing that you and yours are filled with the true Joy of the Christmas Spirit at least as much as I am tonight and tomorrow! And thank you for all the joy that you each have brought to me in my life!

Tuesday #1-Sleepy Finish

Tonight's post is going to be short and simple...what do I need to do?? I NEED SLEEP! I am being reminded through sleep deprivation why I usually start working on my homemade Christmas items in June. And I am finding greater resolve NEVER to miss that starting time again!!


What have I accomplished? Tonight I am going to stick with getting my kids to bed! Man, that can be a chore! Tonight it was Courtney that was the hold out...and goodness is she turning into the negotiator. She even started crying because I wanted her to be quiet on her bed before she could have a drink, then proceeded to tell me that water would stop her crying! That girl has a brain...now the challenge comes to help her put it to use WISELY!! Oh, and all of my Christmas shopping is done...majority of our packages will be mailed tomorrow, yes I know a week late. Of course, when you are behind schedule with Christmas by 5 months...one week doesn't sound so bad after all!!

Good night catch you tomorrow!

Monday #1-Alexis, Our Little Angel

Tonight we will start with the growing moment. December, and actually most months, do not pass without thinking of and remembering my sister, Alexis. She was/is an inspiration to me. She was born with Hydrocephalus and from the moment she was born my parents were told she wouldn't live past a few minutes...she did, then that she wouldn't live past an hour...she did, then that she wouldn't live past a day...a week...a month...a year...the next year. She amazed doctors for all nearly 11 years of her life. All who were privileged enough to work with her recognized her spirit for what it was/is...that of an angel.

While her death had been greatly predicted for years her passing Dec. 8th, 1993 hit our family hard nonetheless. I was in high school at the time and somehow got it in my head that her time of death was just after I had left for school. In my mind I thought over and over about how I could have stopped by her bedside and done something...anything...I plagued myself with these thoughts. I even got it, falsely, in my head that it was my fault somehow. Life and a desire to keep living it was really hard that December...until some really good and true friends talked me into going to a tri-seminary fireside on night.

The speaker that night was Michael McLean...a gifted musician well known for "The Forgotten Carols" and other amazing songs. He went about giving a fabulous "presentation" which I was enjoying as much as anyone in a numb state can. But then he stopped...not at the end of a story...not even at the end of a sentence...he stopped mid-word and grew silent. He looked out at the audience for a bit, and then said, "I am going to be doing something different than I had planned. There is a someone maybe more than one that has a special need tonight. So, whoever you are this is for you." And he proceeded to play his song "Together Forever".

It starts off..."Well it's hard to say goodbye and let go, and it's hard to see it end. When the memories we've just made may never happen again. But it's harder for time to ever erase the together times we've shared. So, when we're apart remember all the love we shared together and thank the Lord above for showing the way. We can be together forever someday..."

It goes on but you get the idea. I knew in this moment that my sister knew how much I was missing her, and more importantly that my Heavenly Father knew and was there for me. This is also when I started gaining a testimony of families being together forever. I won't say that it has been easy since that day...but it has been a TON easier than it was before. I still love her and still miss her being here to hug...but I know she is there watching over us when she can. Without having faced this...one of the HARDEST challenges of my young life, I wouldn't be who I am or where I am. I wouldn't have had the chance to know her precious spirit, and I wouldn't have been so blessed to know what a priceless treasure those that are physically or mentally challenged in this way are. Truly the most precious souls I have come across and continue to come across are those "trapped" in bodies that others see as less than perfect.


Now for the cherished moment...our doorbell rang tonight, and we opened the door to a young man who had a diaper box full of presents for my family. He simply said, "This is from two of your friends." Then handed me the box and started walking away. I hollered a pleasantly stunned, "Thank you...Oh, and tell them Thank you for me!" before closing the door and joining my family. I am teary eyed tonight...whoever you are, if you even read this...THANK YOU!

One of my most treasured and cherished Christmas memories not just having this done for my family as a child...but then turning around and doing 12 days of Christmas, and Sub for Santa's for other families after having spent the month going door to door selling ornaments to raise the money to do it. Ornaments handmade by my mother...again a post for another day. The best part was keeping it secret, running and hiding to make sure they didn't see us. But I also won't forget the priceless memories, as people caught on that our family would do these each year, of people coming up teary eyed and saying something like, "If it was your family that did this...Thank you. And if not and you know who did...Thank them for me/us! This really made our Christmas." I have dreamed of the day when I could pass both sides of this cherished memory on in full to my children...and now thanks to 2 amazing families/people my children too have caught the bug of Service at Christmas time.

As I brought the box into the kitchen and we looked at the names on the wrapped gifts, L.J. again said to me, "Mom, we should do a Sub for Santa." And I said simply, "We are...remember." And his eyes lit up even bigger and I knew...tears...I just knew that a precious gift that could never be wrapped was given again tonight. My heart is SO FULL of gratitude for good friends who truly care...and not just about us...and for family traditions that aren't just fun, they are filled with priceless lessons not soon forgotten! Thank you again to our Little Angels!!

Sunday #1-Christmas Music and Mess

Okay...what brings me peace? Well, OF COURSE, with Christmas only 3-4 days away...depending on how you count...Christmas is on my mind. And one of things that bring me the most peace at Christmas time is MUSIC. I love to sing it, I love to hear it, and I love to teach it to my children. When I hear it my heart just swells with peace and comfort and my mind flows with happy memories and gratitude for my/OUR Savior and all His life has meant for me and my family!

And I do have to say I have my favorite...not just song, but verse of a song...Away in a Manger is my favorite song, and verse 3 gives me chills and speaks straight from my heart! In case you don't know the third verse it goes:

"Be near me, Lord Jesus.
I ask thee to stay
close by me forever
and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children
in thy tender care,
and fit us for Heaven
to live with Thee there."

So very MUCH spoken in so few words! In fact, my children will tell you that this is a year round song in our home, as I sometimes sing it to them at bedtime just to hear the third verse again! Of course I sing them other songs too...but that will be a post for another day!


Now...what drives me crazy? When I say "Yes" to my children just to find a big mess left when they have moved on to other things! Like when I let them use my scrapbooking punches with scrap (NOT scrapping) paper, only to come across a big mess on my floor later from all the punched out paper. I shouldn't have to tell them to clean up a mess that I was kind enough to lend them tools to make! I shouldn't have to be forced into saying "No" next time they ask because they didn't clean up this time right away...but what am I teaching them if I don't!

I want to be one of those mothers that can say "Yes" to my children without having to worry about it coming to bite me later! Anyway, obviously this is something we are working on in our home. And maybe SOMEDAY we will get there...I pray it is someday SOON!


Well...hmmm...don't want to end a post on that note, maybe I will switch the order next time. The good ol' "which do you want first the good, or the bad?" question! Anyway, I will instead end this post by adding this...The Lord does work in Mysterious Ways! Last night we had a family "emergency" and needed to call a friend for some help...Jim hit dial on one number and got a different friend altogether...but this friend was the PERFECT friend for the situation in the end and the "emergency" was taken care of the right way.

We had received some disappointing news on Friday about plans on a family tradition that will cross a generation this year...so we spent this weekend praying for help to know what would be best to do. And today at church received our answer in an unexpected way. It just goes to show that Heavenly Father KNOWS each and every one of us, and what our needs are and who we can best help or be helped by...even if we are clueless as to what or who they are at that moment in time.

The Power of 52

It always seems that we get to this point in the year, and start reflecting on what we have done over the past year that we can share with friends and family in newsletters or cards. I always seem to think...what have I REALLY gotten accomplished this year? What was this past year REALLY worth? Did I make the most of it? And of course, what do I want to get accomplished next year? Well, a month or two back I was thinking of challenges I might be able to host this next year and at the same time thinking of my poor neglected blog that I really should get back to and I decided to combine the two.

I have watched on a friend's blog (Jaime) how she did 52 blessings this year, and LOVED this idea. However being the overachiever, and making projects overly big, person I am...I couldn't settle on that alone. So, thanks to knowing how to schedule posts...I have decided to post every day for the next year...this doesn't mean blog everyday as I am definately going to take advantage of scheduling posts!!

Also, I have been accused in the past of being to chipper and cheesy...sometimes a bit rightly so...and I do want my children to have a record of the REALITY of my life. So, I am going to do my posts as "Opposition in All Things" posts. So here is what I think my run down will be at this point:

Sunday's-
Things that bring me peace or calm...and...Things that drive me crazy!
Monday's-
Moments I cherish...and...Moments that helped me grow (As I believe all challenges and trials in life help us to grow...even if we would rather not have faced them.)
Tuesday's-
Things that I need to do...and...Things I have accomplished.
Wednesday's-
Things that make me laugh...and Things that make me cry (not necessarily a sad cry, happy cries count here too.)
Thursday's-
Things I dream of doing SOMEDAY...and...Things I have done or am doing now.
Friday's-
Things I love creating...and...things I can declutter (another New Year's Resolution).
Saturday's-
Ways I am finding Joy in the Journey...and...Things I am going to find Joy in if it does me in!

I am determined that next Christmas I will be able to give each of my children a little book titled, "The Power of 52" as there are 52 weeks in a year. This is also why I am starting this early and not waiting for the new year. If you want to follow along...probably on a smaller scale, as I do realize I am insane...I would love to see it!

If you want to know how to schedule a post on a blogger blog...
1. Go to your blog and click on Customize, then Posting, and make sure you are on the Create sub-category...or go to where you normally do to make a post.
2. Look at the Publish Post button...now raise your eyes about 3/4 inch to the arrow with Post Options next to it, and click.
3. Enter a date and time in the right-hand side of the box that appears.
4. Type up your post and click publish...it won't show up until when you have it scheduled for. If you want to check to make sure it is there...click on the sub-category of Edit Posts and it should appear as scheduled in the list.

Hope this helps you! Stay tuned for post #1!

Anniversary, and Training a Parakeet

Well, I had every intention of doing a post yesterday, and just didn't get that far. But it has now been nine fabulous years that Jim and I have been married! And I couldn't have married a more fabulous man! He makes me laugh...especially when I need to the most. He it patient and playful with our 4 children. He overlooks my shortcoming, and helps me to see more of the good in myself. He is a valiant, and wonderfully inquisitive, and easy-going man! I couldn't be happier or feel more privileged than I am to have him in my life!

Now, some of you are probably rolling your eyes at the mushy beginning to this email, but I felt like saying it and it is my blog...so skim if you must, but that is the truth!

So, for the next part of this post...so far so good with Green Thomas! We started "training" him this week. That means giving him opportunities to bond with us enough that in the not to distant future he will feel comfortable enough to let us hold him. Which would make cleaning his cage a LOT easier! Well, so far so good! Here are some pictures of him eating out of Neil's hand!! YAY!!

Green Thomas and Our first broken?? Arm?

Here is the explanation of our newest family addition, Green Thomas. Neil has been having a rough year and we wanted to do something extra special for his birthday to help him realize even more how special we think our little guy is. Well, he asked for the usual things plus one. He wanted a train set...he has one! He wanted a remote control car...Santa brought that for Christmas last year. And he wanted a pet...hmmmm!!??!! Well, I told him I might be willing to let him have a fish, and asked was this what he meant by a pet. He let me know he was thinking about a bird. That was one pet I hadn't seen coming, but after much pricing and discussing with Jim decided that it would probably work.

After multiple "discussions" about how "hard" it would be to take care of a bird and that if he was given one for his birthday then HE would have to be the one to take care of it...we got him one for his birthday! He has been VERY responsible with his parakeet, Green Thomas. He named him Green Thomas before he even knew he was getting one!! Green is of course his favorite color, and Thomas the Tank Engine is his favorite show...so Green Thomas just made sense!

So...without further ado, We proudly present GREEN THOMAS!!



Oh...and were you wondering about the "broken arm"? Well, last week with both girls sick, I got a call from the school...thinking what now!...I answered to find the school nurse on the other side. Thinking one of the boys had caught the bug, I said who am I picking up? Well, she sounded a little stunned by my immediate response, and informed me that she had L.J. in her office. He had apparently been at lunch recess and landed on his arm badly. She said that she could tell it wasn't a bad break, but it was bruised and swelling bad enough that she didn't want it on her head if it was a hairline fracture. So, it being noon and for the first time in our experience Urgent Care actually being open, I loaded up the girls...picked him up...and rushed him to Urgent Care.

Of course, this was just to sit there for almost an hour before we were seen by a doctor. In that time L.J. was completely putting his arm to use, and I almost just left right then. But the words of a kindhearted mother who had watched my girls for the minute or two I was in the office picking L.J. up kept running through my mind..."yeah, best to be sure. I actually let my son wander around with a broken collar bone for a week before he complained and we found it was indeed broken."

Well, after about 2 hours that included going for X-rays...we were told that it was just badly bruised. They said that they are sending the X-rays on the the hospital to be absolutely sure, but they didn't see anything themselves. So, L.J. begging to go back and show his bruise off to his friends was dropped off at school only 1/2 hour before school got out. His teacher wisely let the class all go to recess, where my little monkey was swinging all over the equipment! But he informed me that he stayed away from the slide that he had gone down HEAD FIRST before!!! The little twirp!!

So, I keep pondering...I would never really wish a broken bone on my child, but if we were going to have to go through all of the hub bub...would it have been better for him to at least have injured something enough to slow him down, or is it truly best that my son escaped his first possible major injury?? Yes, I really do know the second scenario is best...but I can't help but shake my head!! All I can say is I sure hope it scared him more than he lets on!! Maybe at least half of what it did his mother!!