I've said it before and I'll say it again, I really have learned a lot about being centered on Christ by raising my children. I've often heard it taught in church (and repeated it myself) that we need to seek opportunities to teach the gospel in every day moments of life. The truth of the matter is, our children will teach us, first.
I asked a simple question at dinner and thought I would receive a very different response from Emily, but her response was even more insightful and safer than I would have originally taught her. A lesson of practicality and safety coming from me turned into my child teaching me about faith and prayer.
My question, "Emily, what would you do if you got lost?"
With no hesitation she replies, "I would pray to Heavenly Father. "Dear Heavenly Father, bless me to find my home. You go first and I follow you. Name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
I was stunned. I was prepared to teach her to look for a woman and ask for assistance and to have her repeat my cell number (statistically speaking, women are safer and more willing to go the distance to return a child). I was taught tonight that the first thing IS prayer. Oh, to be as a little child and know that God knows everything and can lead us to every answer and assistance we need!
28 June 2011
It's the Simple Things
I have been plagued by allergies. Just as soon as I expressed my gratitude that only one eye was affected, the other eye got jealous and joined the party. Watching Top Gear last night wasn't as much fun without sight. However, after a prayer that the allergies would lessen so I could use my eyes, I was able to discover where my old, old glasses were (the last pair broke and I didn't even know we'd kept the pair previous to that!). Today has been MUCH better as I've been able to relax my poor, sore eyes by not inflicting upon them the added irritation of contact lenses.
25 June 2011
Gratitude for Allergies
There are things that are really hard to see the good thing about. I'm one of those that suffers from seasonal allergies. Sadly, they have gotten worse as I have aged but this also coincides with residency in my current state.
Tonight I am grateful that only one of my eyes is allergic to whatever sheds it's pollen in the evening hours. At least I can still see and mostly function. Of course, as I was clearing the table after dinner, I had to announce to my husband NOT to come around the corner because I didn't want to inadvertently skewer him. My vision is a bit off (I've removed the contact lens and have even patched the offending eye...which has strangely helped as it doesn't get the allergen into it in the first place) so I don't trust my depth perception.
I'm still not sure what blessing comes from the allergy (except perhaps it means that things are flowering and growing...) but I can be grateful that only one eye is involved in the onslaught of symptoms of said offending bits of nature.
Tonight I am grateful that only one of my eyes is allergic to whatever sheds it's pollen in the evening hours. At least I can still see and mostly function. Of course, as I was clearing the table after dinner, I had to announce to my husband NOT to come around the corner because I didn't want to inadvertently skewer him. My vision is a bit off (I've removed the contact lens and have even patched the offending eye...which has strangely helped as it doesn't get the allergen into it in the first place) so I don't trust my depth perception.
I'm still not sure what blessing comes from the allergy (except perhaps it means that things are flowering and growing...) but I can be grateful that only one eye is involved in the onslaught of symptoms of said offending bits of nature.
24 June 2011
Exciting Times
Baby announcements and wedding invitations create quite a bit of excitement...and wanted or unwanted advice. The same goes for mission calls.
My youngest brother just received his mission call yesterday. He's going to Sacramento!!! I am super excited for him as this has been his own journey. A lot of people expect 19 year old single men to go on mission and 21 year old women to serve "if they haven't gotten married". Last year the prophet issued a renewed call: if you are capable, you should go. My brother heard these words and after already feeling the promptings of the Spirit to get his life headed fully on The Path, began his preparations for serving his mission.
It's wonderful that some people grow up and serve their missions "on time" so to speak. However, it is even more amazing and impacting when an individual chooses to go because of the PROMPTINGS of the Spirit. There is more power in his testimony and more validity to his choice to serve.
I just want to give the biggest shout out and congratulations to my brother. The next two years will be the most interesting spiritual education you can imagine. And, because of the spiritual enlightenment, other parts of life and this world will come into better, more precise focus for you.
My youngest brother just received his mission call yesterday. He's going to Sacramento!!! I am super excited for him as this has been his own journey. A lot of people expect 19 year old single men to go on mission and 21 year old women to serve "if they haven't gotten married". Last year the prophet issued a renewed call: if you are capable, you should go. My brother heard these words and after already feeling the promptings of the Spirit to get his life headed fully on The Path, began his preparations for serving his mission.
It's wonderful that some people grow up and serve their missions "on time" so to speak. However, it is even more amazing and impacting when an individual chooses to go because of the PROMPTINGS of the Spirit. There is more power in his testimony and more validity to his choice to serve.
I just want to give the biggest shout out and congratulations to my brother. The next two years will be the most interesting spiritual education you can imagine. And, because of the spiritual enlightenment, other parts of life and this world will come into better, more precise focus for you.
21 June 2011
Stalker and Fear
A friend of mine loaned me a book that I find very interesting about the gift of fear. It's great, thus far. I'll be doing a full book review after completing it on my other blog lelivrelist.
Anyway, the point is that we are very intuitive beings and yet we discount things through logic. So, the basis is that we need to pay attention to those first feelings.
I tell you this because last night I got a text message from an unknown number. The first message was "Test". My reaction was, "Did one of your coworkers use my number for a demo?" The number was not one that would match up to this area, so Eric explained this. In another moment, I get another text asking, "Will you go out with me tonite?" Again, I thought this was weird, but unperturbed. I replied, "Wrong tree" to which my friends chuckle. I immediately get another text stating, "How about after your company leaves." I quickly glance outside and show the text to Eric and say, "Okay, that's a bit disturbing." Eric starts laughing and reveals that he is my stalker. We all have a good laugh.
I illustrate this because I didn't get that creepy feeling or emotions of panic or fear. You really CAN rely on your own tuition to guide you in life. Just pay attention to your inner being to know how to react to stimuli in your life.
Anyway, the point is that we are very intuitive beings and yet we discount things through logic. So, the basis is that we need to pay attention to those first feelings.
I tell you this because last night I got a text message from an unknown number. The first message was "Test". My reaction was, "Did one of your coworkers use my number for a demo?" The number was not one that would match up to this area, so Eric explained this. In another moment, I get another text asking, "Will you go out with me tonite?" Again, I thought this was weird, but unperturbed. I replied, "Wrong tree" to which my friends chuckle. I immediately get another text stating, "How about after your company leaves." I quickly glance outside and show the text to Eric and say, "Okay, that's a bit disturbing." Eric starts laughing and reveals that he is my stalker. We all have a good laugh.
I illustrate this because I didn't get that creepy feeling or emotions of panic or fear. You really CAN rely on your own tuition to guide you in life. Just pay attention to your inner being to know how to react to stimuli in your life.
19 June 2011
Tribute to My Dad
I have one of those dads that you will always been awed by. He's tall, smart, and very caring.
I remember measuring my own growth compared to his belt buckle. You have to know my dad to know why this is significant. He is NOT a hick, a cowboy, or whatever, but he DOES love a good, large belt buckle. Of course, at times that belt brought different emotions, but I deserved what I got and knew it was the punishment (and you know what? I turned out just fine and we are a happy family, nay-sayers of corporal punishment.) He was a disciplinarian and I respect my Dad (and Mom) for setting rules and sticking to them.
I also have always thought my dad was a super smartie. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif Seriously, if you ever have an inkling towards knowing the in's and out's of any scientific theory or method, he'll explain it. His knowledge lent well to talents in sports because he understood that whole physics thing. But I learned other loves of my life from him as well. He's a big history buff (largely WWII stuff and if you haven't heard of or seen Battle of the Bulge, you haven't stayed at my parents' home for any length of time) and he has always shown a love for music. The latter one is interesting because he never played an instrument. However, there are more songs that I associate with my Dad than probably any single other person on the planet. It's because he'd play the records on a Saturday morning while Mom was cooking breakfast. The William Tell Overture is also known to me as "Dad's Song".
I will also have cherished memories of my dad going to school with me to do presentations on Native Americans when I was in elementary school. He made traditional clothing and was part of a tribe there in Missouri, so I grew up appreciating that culture as well.
Dad, if I haven't told you lately, I really do love you and respect you. Thanks for helping to lead me through this life to be where I am today. I love you!! Happy Father's Day!!
I remember measuring my own growth compared to his belt buckle. You have to know my dad to know why this is significant. He is NOT a hick, a cowboy, or whatever, but he DOES love a good, large belt buckle. Of course, at times that belt brought different emotions, but I deserved what I got and knew it was the punishment (and you know what? I turned out just fine and we are a happy family, nay-sayers of corporal punishment.) He was a disciplinarian and I respect my Dad (and Mom) for setting rules and sticking to them.
I also have always thought my dad was a super smartie. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif Seriously, if you ever have an inkling towards knowing the in's and out's of any scientific theory or method, he'll explain it. His knowledge lent well to talents in sports because he understood that whole physics thing. But I learned other loves of my life from him as well. He's a big history buff (largely WWII stuff and if you haven't heard of or seen Battle of the Bulge, you haven't stayed at my parents' home for any length of time) and he has always shown a love for music. The latter one is interesting because he never played an instrument. However, there are more songs that I associate with my Dad than probably any single other person on the planet. It's because he'd play the records on a Saturday morning while Mom was cooking breakfast. The William Tell Overture is also known to me as "Dad's Song".
I will also have cherished memories of my dad going to school with me to do presentations on Native Americans when I was in elementary school. He made traditional clothing and was part of a tribe there in Missouri, so I grew up appreciating that culture as well.
Dad, if I haven't told you lately, I really do love you and respect you. Thanks for helping to lead me through this life to be where I am today. I love you!! Happy Father's Day!!
17 June 2011
New Friends
One of our neighbors has often had her niece over to spend a few days with her at a time. We've tried to get my girls together with her niece for a couple of years. Finally, it has happened. And, you know what? They have a TON of fun together.
It's so strange to have the ability to have a child pop over or the request to go over to her friend's house without having to drive!! It's so wonderful! It's especially great today because they are out there swimming while Gianna takes an extended nap. It's great to let Gianna get the rest she needs while still allowing Emily to have some fun and get some special time with a friend.
This totally takes me back to my own childhood. We lived in a small town and there were several children close enough in the area to play with. However, there were no friends as great as the ones just across the street. Beth and Angie were the perfect match for the Liz and Rachel duo. I was obviously always the big lug in the group, but it was so fun. I remember things ranging from playing with their gerbils, to cleaning their backyard (way more fun to rake your friends' yard than your own), to the "secret clubhouse" that was actually the area next to the crawl space but it had a light so we thought it was great for a clubhouse. They were such great friends and I often wonder where they are today (we moved away when I was ten years old, so it's been eons since I've heard from or seen them).
I'm so grateful for new and old friends!
It's so strange to have the ability to have a child pop over or the request to go over to her friend's house without having to drive!! It's so wonderful! It's especially great today because they are out there swimming while Gianna takes an extended nap. It's great to let Gianna get the rest she needs while still allowing Emily to have some fun and get some special time with a friend.
This totally takes me back to my own childhood. We lived in a small town and there were several children close enough in the area to play with. However, there were no friends as great as the ones just across the street. Beth and Angie were the perfect match for the Liz and Rachel duo. I was obviously always the big lug in the group, but it was so fun. I remember things ranging from playing with their gerbils, to cleaning their backyard (way more fun to rake your friends' yard than your own), to the "secret clubhouse" that was actually the area next to the crawl space but it had a light so we thought it was great for a clubhouse. They were such great friends and I often wonder where they are today (we moved away when I was ten years old, so it's been eons since I've heard from or seen them).
I'm so grateful for new and old friends!
15 June 2011
Gratitude is Not Judging
I'm trying to stop wondering why people do things in ways that don't make sense to me or my life. In a moment of epiphany, I realized that instead of wondering at these people, I should just be grateful for my life. Some people have difficult children or strict schedules to keep to help their children be more relaxed and happy. I don't have to fall into that pattern, so instead of questioning it, I just give thanks for my children who have been raised in a home with a fluctuating schedule. I can see pros and cons of each way of living and I should just worry about my own...and since my own is working out so nicely for me, be happy.
I also am trying to see things in new ways. For instance, recently someone called me out and made me feel really bad about a certain situation. Actually, I didn't feel bad about my actions, I was hurt at the reaction that was given because of it. Instead of feeling like I was justified, I have, instead, tried to reconcile the way I do things with some suggestions this individual gave. Interestingly enough, it's more a matter of energy and animation, but I can work with that. And, it seems that everyone is fairly content with the way things are with those changes.
I am also seeing how some people think they have such firm testimonies. In the past I have been somewhat critical. I don't like hypocrites and when your actions demonstrate the opposite of what you say, I can't help but classify you that way. In yet another moment of enlightenment I realized that these people probably DO have testimonies of certain aspects of the gospel or life...they just don't have the full picture yet. I'm not claiming that I do, but I can be respectful of their journey and just, again, be grateful for where I am in my life at this time...and hopefully I'm not blinding myself to think that I'm progressing when I'm not.
So, I will turn a new leaf and be grateful for the many blessings in my life and reflect on my own thoughts and actions instead of questioning others.
I also am trying to see things in new ways. For instance, recently someone called me out and made me feel really bad about a certain situation. Actually, I didn't feel bad about my actions, I was hurt at the reaction that was given because of it. Instead of feeling like I was justified, I have, instead, tried to reconcile the way I do things with some suggestions this individual gave. Interestingly enough, it's more a matter of energy and animation, but I can work with that. And, it seems that everyone is fairly content with the way things are with those changes.
I am also seeing how some people think they have such firm testimonies. In the past I have been somewhat critical. I don't like hypocrites and when your actions demonstrate the opposite of what you say, I can't help but classify you that way. In yet another moment of enlightenment I realized that these people probably DO have testimonies of certain aspects of the gospel or life...they just don't have the full picture yet. I'm not claiming that I do, but I can be respectful of their journey and just, again, be grateful for where I am in my life at this time...and hopefully I'm not blinding myself to think that I'm progressing when I'm not.
So, I will turn a new leaf and be grateful for the many blessings in my life and reflect on my own thoughts and actions instead of questioning others.
13 June 2011
Photo Shoot Review
Okay, so one of my friends, Stefanie Dixon, did a photo shoot with me as the subject a couple months ago. I just got the disk and I am again ecstatic. There are several shots that I would use if I were a famous clothing designer, a new author, or some other person who would have a head shot or photo of them used frequently. She's great!!
So, some day when I AM a published author, I totally want to use this head shot. I look great! Of course, she probably used some magic on the picture to airbrush my facial flaws away, but I'll take it!!
AND, I finally have a photo as my profile on blogger, thanks to her, too!!
09 June 2011
The Roof, The Roof...
"The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire"...not really. Although, putting up shingles in the summer in Georgia can be pretty toasty.
Eric and I decided to build a shed a couple of weeks ago. The first few steps were quick and made us feel good. Then we realized that we could probably use a little more help and rounded up a few good men to help us. With their help, we were able to put up the rafters and board the roof. Since Eric's days off don't normally coincide with any other sane person's schedule, we were back at it ourselves yesterday.
Eric doesn't do well with heights, so up I went to be the official roofer. It's not quite finished, but it won't take much more to finish the roof (probably what we'll be doing tonight when he gets home). Then we have one wall (the door side) to finish and voila! a HUGE shed!!
Some of you may wonder why since we want to sell our house...easy: selling point!! With this large of a shed, it's bound to entice people to check out our house as opposed to those others in the neighborhood. And, it will eventually be dressed with the same vinyl siding as on the house, so it will be even more appealing.
Oh, yes, we have a lot of work cut out for us, but it is so fun to build something and work together. I highly recommend it!!
Eric and I decided to build a shed a couple of weeks ago. The first few steps were quick and made us feel good. Then we realized that we could probably use a little more help and rounded up a few good men to help us. With their help, we were able to put up the rafters and board the roof. Since Eric's days off don't normally coincide with any other sane person's schedule, we were back at it ourselves yesterday.
Eric doesn't do well with heights, so up I went to be the official roofer. It's not quite finished, but it won't take much more to finish the roof (probably what we'll be doing tonight when he gets home). Then we have one wall (the door side) to finish and voila! a HUGE shed!!
Some of you may wonder why since we want to sell our house...easy: selling point!! With this large of a shed, it's bound to entice people to check out our house as opposed to those others in the neighborhood. And, it will eventually be dressed with the same vinyl siding as on the house, so it will be even more appealing.
Oh, yes, we have a lot of work cut out for us, but it is so fun to build something and work together. I highly recommend it!!
06 June 2011
Best Vacation Ever!!
Okay, so it is probably the first classifiable vacation (week) we have ever had as a family, but it was still the best vacation ever!!
We've gone on a few short trips, but never a week. We've been to visit family for longer periods of time, but it is for the purpose of visiting extended family, not just being exclusive to our children and attentive to their every need/want.
Where did we go? Orlando. Well, not sure we ever actually went IN to Orlando, but to that area. And, well, we LOVED it!! We've been in Daytona before and it wasn't very ...I don't know...pretty, fun, whatever. It was okay and it was a good vacation (mostly because we also got to stop and visit one of my best college friends and his wife on the way there and back...but then they up and left the country after that!! Man, guess we were bad house guests!! =P), but that was three years ago. We spent three weeks with my family in Missouri two years ago, but Gianna wasn't even big enough to know we weren't at home.
I have to say that although Gianna wasn't big enough to go on any of the rides, we thoroughly enjoyed both Wet 'N Wild and SeaWorld. I think I enjoyed SeaWorld more, but that's because I'm not big on wearing a swimsuit...or being in water much. We had great weather. In fact, because of a bit of a storm, we REALLY got great enjoyment from mostly empty parks. The rain came in the morning and was overcast the rest of the day, but that was PERFECT for us and wonderful that it didn't invite anyone else to come to the parks. =)
Of course, there was also this silly guy who told us we weren't family oriented (really?) and that I was a lazy wife and other derogatory things, but what do you expect from a time share sales guy when he knows you aren't buying his spiel? But, he became a source of "entertainment" as we shot down every inconsistency he presented and the whoppers of stories he told (he's a retired FBI agent, child psychologist and real estate agent with a persnickety penny pinching stay-at-home wife who is a big time accountant who he hides money from...apparently because that's what he told us in the course of the conversation).
All in all, a great vacation. A needed time for our family to reconnect in play rather than work. And, time to realize how incredibly blessed we are with an amazing family, home, work and friends.
We've gone on a few short trips, but never a week. We've been to visit family for longer periods of time, but it is for the purpose of visiting extended family, not just being exclusive to our children and attentive to their every need/want.
Where did we go? Orlando. Well, not sure we ever actually went IN to Orlando, but to that area. And, well, we LOVED it!! We've been in Daytona before and it wasn't very ...I don't know...pretty, fun, whatever. It was okay and it was a good vacation (mostly because we also got to stop and visit one of my best college friends and his wife on the way there and back...but then they up and left the country after that!! Man, guess we were bad house guests!! =P), but that was three years ago. We spent three weeks with my family in Missouri two years ago, but Gianna wasn't even big enough to know we weren't at home.
I have to say that although Gianna wasn't big enough to go on any of the rides, we thoroughly enjoyed both Wet 'N Wild and SeaWorld. I think I enjoyed SeaWorld more, but that's because I'm not big on wearing a swimsuit...or being in water much. We had great weather. In fact, because of a bit of a storm, we REALLY got great enjoyment from mostly empty parks. The rain came in the morning and was overcast the rest of the day, but that was PERFECT for us and wonderful that it didn't invite anyone else to come to the parks. =)
Of course, there was also this silly guy who told us we weren't family oriented (really?) and that I was a lazy wife and other derogatory things, but what do you expect from a time share sales guy when he knows you aren't buying his spiel? But, he became a source of "entertainment" as we shot down every inconsistency he presented and the whoppers of stories he told (he's a retired FBI agent, child psychologist and real estate agent with a persnickety penny pinching stay-at-home wife who is a big time accountant who he hides money from...apparently because that's what he told us in the course of the conversation).
All in all, a great vacation. A needed time for our family to reconnect in play rather than work. And, time to realize how incredibly blessed we are with an amazing family, home, work and friends.
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