The Mother Mary

My dad sent me a link to this beautiful video tonight.  I am sure it is partly because this is his favorite song, but it is also a sweet reminder of why we celebrate this season.

I have been reflecting so much on the birth of the Savior.  My thoughts this year have been about the wonderful gift that he gave to us, but also about his beautiful mother, Mary.  This video reminded me of her. She seems so peaceful and wonderful.

I have been reflecting this last week on what she might have gone through.  I don't think I have ever truly REFLECTED on this before.  I have thought about it, but never really to deeply.

  Mary has  been a source of strength to me in the past weeks.  As I think about what it is that I have been asked to endure as a mother; and then silently compare to what she was asked to do.

I am sure there were times when she asked, "Are you sure I am the one to do this?"  I think we all ponder that at times in our struggles.

What a magnificent and strong woman she must have been.  I am adding her to my list of women that I admire and look up too.  She is my beacon of strength and courage as I tackle this road of raising our Heavenly Father's children.  I can share that similarity with Mary.   We have both been given the gift of children from our Father in Heaven, and then asked  to; protect, watch, care and teach his precious little ones. 

I am sure there were many prayers uttered that night in her behalf as she gave birth to a son in a stable.  I suppose many from her own mouth.  Prayer is one more gift that we share.

I  am thankful for the reminder that even though we lived many years apart, I can still draw strength from a woman with deep history.  Thank you Mary for your example and courage, and some of the lessons that you taught me this month.

(Artwork by Liz Lemon Swindle)

No Bobtails, No Frosty, No One Horse Open Sleigh

Today, we have been basking in the sun... I think I got a sunburn. It is 72 degrees outside.  Yes, you heard me right.  S E V E N T Y  

T W O  D E G R E E S, people.   If you haven't

checked your calendar today, it happens to be December 19th.  I guess that is the beauty of living in the South.  I wonder what kind of weather our Western home  is having.  I bet it isn't 72 degrees.

So today, after Stella's school Christmas party; we played outside.

Isaac was in heaven. Outside, eating Oreos; what more could a kid ask for? When I mentioned that we would play outside,  he almost couldn't eat his lunch; I spoke to soon.  Sometimes I forget that he is beginning to understand what I am saying.

Stella requested a walk to pick up rocks, so we did that too.  Not just any rocks, but large ones.  Large enough for her dad to throw while deer hunting. " Mom, these are big enough that they will knock the deer down right?"  I guess she thinks that he is how he hunts, with large stones.  Who needs a rifle?  Why did we spend all that money for a new gun?  Stella is giving you rocks for Christmas.

It was a great afternoon.  The sunshine makes me happy.

Personal Day...

As a mother, I hardly have time to do all the necessary and desired primping.  Now, I know all of you out there can relate to this. 

Hurry, hurry, hurry, and rinse off in the shower... Isaac is screaming... he is pulling all the Q-tips out of the box... he is sticking his hands in the toilet... I need to get the kids out of bed for school.. 

AHHH!!  Who has time to shave their legs,

and exfoliate their skin?

I need a personal day... a day to catch-up:

Shave my legs

Paint my toes

Pluck my eyebrows

File my fingernails

Exfoliate my skin

Bleach my teeth

and...  give myself a pedicure

Tomorrow, I am taking a personal day!!  A beauty day all for ME!!(Ya right, we will see if that happens)  At  least I can go to bed dreaming that it will.

Giving myself a pat on the back...

 

As mothers, we often think of all of the things that we are not doing; or I could have done that better.  This is good and bad.  It is bad because often times we are just to hard on ourselves, yet is good because we take the time to improve on something. 

Last night, as I was laying in bed, I had an AH HA moment.  I thought about how important it is that I take the time to think about the good I did today instead of ALWAYS on what I could do better. 

I realized that yesterday's happenings really could have pushed me over the edge.  Five years ago, they probably would have.  However, yesterday I must say that I handled my day with grace and love.  I am giving myself a pat on the back.

You see, I took Isaac to the doctor yesterday for his 15 month well check appointment.  I was dreading it because he is really stubborn.  He hates people to touch him for what he feels are unnecessary purposes.  Don't you dare clip my toes, or wipe my face.  How was the doctor going to do all that prodding?  I knew this would not be fun.

The beginning of the visit started with a 1 hour wait in the waiting room.  I found a nice person to chat with which helped to ease some of my anxiousness, because I am the least bit patient.

Once we were called back, Isaac was extremely mad.  He

remembered this place.  OH GREAT!! 

Then how dare I lay him down on the bed that is covered in noisy sterile paper.  If that wasn't irritating enough for him, he was even more mad when the nurse  tried to get his measurements.

After all the routine was complete, we waited patiently in the room for the doctor.  Actually we waited anxiously, Stella was ready to go; she was hungry.  Isaac just wanted out of the room, and he was going to hit every wall until he found a way out.

Once the doctor came in she went through the normal routine, only it wasn't normal because Isaac screamed all the way through.  Now, this is where I really deserve the pat on the back.  I did not feel anxious one bit.  I patiently loved him, held him, and kept it together as I talked to the doctor about his milestones.  In fact, I don't think I once thought about his screaming, at all. 

When I only had Jex, I think I would have been a little crazy if he did that to me.  Back then, I think I was so worried about what kind of mother the doctor thought I was.  If my baby is crying, I couldn't possibly be a good mother.  Boy, did I have a lot to learn. 

So... I went about my business through all of the crying.  She did the normal checkup, he screamed and then..... she tried to look in his throat.  She hit is gag reflex(we have a really bad one in our family, gag easily, if you know what I mean), and he threw up all over me.  Curdled milk, and peanut butter crackers no less.  YUM!!  Did I smell delicious.  All this time, I was so patient, still kindly loving my son who was no doubt upset after all this.  I was a good mommy today.  I left the doctors office covered in throw up, and I still looked great; because I was happy.  I did not let this ruin my day.

The fun did not end there, because we still had to have shots.  Stella and I were also having a flu shot.  Now if any of you know Stella, she gets queasy at this sort of thing.  I really have to watch her, because she has a tendency to pass out.  However, I was a good mommy again, and I remembered that.  I watched her very closely, and tried to tend to her every need.  She did much better this time, I think because I was aware.

So... shots, probable passing out, screaming, throwing up, hunger pains...  and I still have a huge smile on my face.  What happened to me?  In the past, I would have gone home thinking that I just had the worst day.  I think I must be growing up.

The day ended with me covered in a rash as a side effect from the flu shot I received earlier.  It couldn't have ended any better.... but I still had that smile on my face when my hubby walked through the door after 14 hours at the hospital; because I missed him.  I was glad he was home.

I am glad I stopped to think about what I did right.  It never would have dawned on me that I am getting better at the little every day trials that I run in to.  I am thankful that I am improving at my job of motherhood.  I also thank God for the patience he granted me yesterday.

Making my list... and Checking it twice...

Make Christmas Cards

Decorate the house

Make a Gingerbread house

Send Christmas Cards

Send gifts to our family that is far away

Buy Christmas for the kids

Keep up our Christmas traditions

Wrap presents

Keep the house tidy during the Holidays

Make a few Christmas treats

Look at the  Christmas lights

Buy Stocking Stuffers

Have meaningful FHE's that tell what Christmas is really about

Read Christmas Stories

Plan Christmas Menu

I love nothing more then crossing things off my list... with only a few things left on my Christmas to-do list.... there is more time for blogging!!

In my Dreams...

Since taking the class, Stories in Hand from Jessica Sprague.  I am making an effort to write down more of what I am really feeling.  I wanted to make it goal to write for at least 15 minutes a day.  That hasn't happened yet, but I might get there.  So... here is one of those random weird posts that will let you take a peak into those strange thoughts that ramble around in my brain.

The other night, I was sitting, staring at the magic box we turn on for mindless entertainment.  As I scrolled through the guide, I was pleased when I stumbled upon the CMA awards on CMT.  Yes, I am a country girl at heart.  I grew up listening to country, and I just can't shake it.( You can love me for it, or hate me for it, but it is not going to change it.)  I was even more thrilled when the next performer was Kid Rock(did I really just say that out loud?)  He is not my favorite singer, but I like the beat of his new song. It was fun to see him perform it. I must have had the dumbest smirk on my face as I sat there.  I enjoy turning my brain off, and having an evening all to myself.  No brain, no thoughts, no deadlines or time constraints;  just smiles, and time for me.

So.. I sat there in my dazed state listening to each performer.  Every year, I sit there with that same feeling in my heart; secretly wishing(I guess it isn't a secret anymore) that I could be a singer.  I would love to stand on that stage and belt out a number.  Could someone at least let me be there back -up singer?  I think that would suffice.  Yes,  I secretly want to be a country star.  So... there I said it, and I am not really all that embarrassed about it.  Now you know something REAL about

ME!!

Playing Catch-Up...

I have been so busy getting ready for Christmas that I have let the blogging world go for a while.  Now... I must play catch-up.

I have received a few awards:

I received this award a few weeks ago on my cousins blog!! Thank you for the honor.

Now the rules...only 5 people for the award. 4 of them need to be dedicated followers of your blog and the 5th one has to be new and live in another state or part of the country. You have to link back to who gave you the award.

My cousin Elise gave me the award, but she is private so I will not bother with linking to hers. 

Here are some of my blogging friends forever:

Tara Laudie:  She got me started with it all.  I am thankful for all she has taught me.  She helped me discover a few of my favorite hobbies, and she is fun to be around. Love you, miss you.

Christal Forred:  One of my dear Kansas friends. I am so thankful you started a blog so I can keep in touch with you.

Shannon Rolfe:  This is one of my closest friends from the Caribbean.  Her husband is also doing his residency.  We lived together in the Caribbean, and Kansas;  now we live far apart.  I am grateful for blogging so we can keep in touch.

Stephanie Austin:  This is one of my dearest friends from my Utah days.  I sure miss her.  We were scrapbook buddies, and that helped us become life long friends.

And the award for newest out of state blogger goes too:

Leila Cahill:  I met Leila through blogging.  I am so thankful that I did, because she has touched my life.

I also received another award a few weeks ago.... It was this one... from my dear friend Krysta...

So with that, I have to answer these questions in one word and then choose 7 blogs to pass this award to. 

1. Where is your cell phone? here

2. Where is your significant other? work

3. Your hair color? Brown

4. Your mother? Utah

5. Your father? Utah

6. Your favorite thing? time

7. Your dream last night? didn't

8. Your dream/goal? mother

9. The room you’re in? reading

10. Your hobby? scrapbooking
1

1. Your fear? death

12. Where do you want to be in six years? Home

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. What you’re not? patient

15. One of your wish list items? D90

16. Where you grew up? Utah

17. The last thing you did? laundry

18. What are you wearing? jewelry

19. Your T.V.? off

20. Your pet? None!!!

21. Your computer? on

22. Your mood? content

23. Missing someone? Jonathan

24. Your car? mini van

25. Something you’re not wearing? contacts

26. Favorite store? Hobby Lobby

27. Your Summer? favorite

28. Love someone? Jonathan

29. Your favorite color? green

30. When is the last time you laughed? today

31. Last time you cried? Thursday

Here are my 7 favorite blogs to read:

Nie Nie Dialogs: this has touched my life beyond words.

CJane:  Makes me laugh everyday

House of Whimsy: great craft ideas

Sunshine in my Soul: I love her photography

Emily Lesher: This is my good Saba friend, and she has such a fun style to her writing.

Krysta Moes: My best friend, and who wouldn't want to keep up with their best friend.  Plus, she has great insight and ideas.

Michelle Baker: She is an amazing writer, and full of uplifting thoughts.  She has been through a hard trial this last year, and you can fell her amazing strength as you read her blog.

One more for good measure, I can't forget this one:

The Errand of Angels:  This is a blog that I contribute to along with some other amazing women.

 

On top of the Awards, I have been

tagged.  I am supposed to list 8 of each

subject, but to make it quick I will just

do one.

8 Favorite Books:

Twilight series

8 Things That Happened Yesterday:

I ate a big juicy burger that my husband made, and it was made out of deer meat.  I thought I would hate it, but it was delicious.

8 Things to Look Forward to:

Jonathan's parents, his sister Lorinda and husband Wes; and 3 children coming for Christmas

8 Things on My Wish list:

A trip with my husband, no kids.

8 Things I love About Winter:

Really... I can't think of one thing.  I do however like Hot chocolate.  Does that have anything to do with winter?

8 people I tag:

Anyone who has time to think of these 8 things.

Well, now I can let go of the guilt that I have been feeling

  AHHHH.....

 

Inspiration...

I often find myself blog stalking, looking for creative ways to spruce up my house.  I find some much inspiration from all of YOU out there.  Today I am going to share some of what I have been doing.(remember I said I would share some decorating ideas on this blog?... did I say that?  I think I did... well I will fulfill my promise today... after months of putting it off.)  Side note:  My decorating style is called schizophrenic... if I like it I use it, even if it doesn't go together.  I hope this inspires you to use what you have, and what you enjoy looking at; and not to be afraid of the $ store.  I have found lots of great little extras for $1.  You can decorate on a small budget. 

Welcome...

to our home!!

What I love about my tree... I love to hang pictures frames on my tree with pictures of my family through the years...  ribbon, berries, wreaths, old ornaments,  white lights, handmade ornaments, old-fashioned tree topper, Initials of each family member, and letters representing love and family; ornaments that say; joy, peace, faith, ornaments from our tree when we were growing up, and ornaments we have collected from our travels.   My tree has meaning, and each and every ornament can take me back to a special place or time in our life.  What does your tree say about you?

  We are slowly collecting Nativity's.  We have four, and I feel they are one of my most treasured Christmas decorations.  They represent what this is all about.

It's in the little details...

      

 I hope you enjoyed the tour...

Happy Holidays.

What I am enjoying right now...

A place to curl up and read my scriptures; on this chilly day; with my Hot Chocolate, in my comfy clothes; with no makeup.

 Finding just fifteen minutes for

me; to listen, write, think, and

ponder.

What's in a Home?

I haven't taken the time to share our Holiday festivities.  I am going to use pictures to tell the story of what we did. I will start by telling you that we went  to be with the Moes family(Krysta and Casey)  They are our best friends, and the closest family we have.  They live just 7 or so hours away.  We spent nine days with them, and it was wonderful.  We had a great time.

I had a good cry on the way home.  It felt like I was leaving home again.  Isn't it great, how friends and family can feel like home, no matter where you are. It has been no secret that I am having a hard time adjusting to our new home, but I am trying.  After my trip to Utah to visit family, it got worse.  It was nice for me to be with loved ones again for a week or so.  This time will pass, and I am going to make it my mission to make this feel like home.  For now, I am thankful for vacations, friends, and family that bring the nostalgic feeling of HOME back again.  I am okay to cry for an hour or two; if I get to have a few days of HOME.  It is a good trade.

I have discovered that HOME isn't always where you live, it is where you have been and who you are becoming.  We just purchased our first home.  I have been waiting for this for ten years, and it does feel like home to me.  I love it.  However, when I step outside the door I am not at home.  How do I  make this place my home?  I am going to find a way.  In the meantime, I am going to remember what I am learning about home.  Am I making our house a home for our children?  Is this where they want to come back too?  I hope so, just as I long to go back to my child hood home.  I am so thankful that Heavenly Father blessed us to have friends that are just 7 hours away so I can feel a little piece of home on a more regular basis.  I wish I could make it back to Utah that often, but for now this will do.  To all our family and friends... oh how I miss you.  Especially this time of year.  So now, I will wipe away my tears and get on to my picture story.

THANKSGIVING...

Nine beautiful days to spend with this man... NO WORK, only relaxation and play!!

 

 Time with his children.

   Best Friends Forever.. These two have such a special bond.

 The best Dad's we know; sleeping in a tent in November with 40 degree temps, and playing cards.

Homemade Placemats

 

DIN DIN... with all our favorite food. (I am only in it for the sweet potatoes... I love the rest, but oh how I love my sweet potatoes.)

Family ... is where

 HOME is.

What I did this week....

Finally Walking....

                                  Standing up in

the middle of the

room.

Opening all the doors... and escaping

                      Up and down the stairs countless times a day

          Laughter

                                        Snuggles

                                                    Finding buttons to push on any household item

                        Learning new words

 

BUSY BUSY BUSY..... 

LOVABLE LOVABLE LOVABLE.

Count your many blessings.. Name them One by One... and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

I am Thankful for a greater understanding of PRAYER, and what it can do for me.

I am Thankful everyday when I understand my little

Stella

and her needs,(an answer to one of those prayers.)  I am even more grateful when Krysta quietly told me; she said

"I am thankful for my momma.", without hesitation. Krysta wrote it on her leaf, and Stella so perfectly hung it on the Thankful tree.  I must find ways each day to be thankful for her, and understand her better.

I am thankful for a "real man" who puts meat in my freezer.

I am thankful when I go into my baby's room and he is still awake. 

Why?

you ask... because then I get one more

snuggle.

I am thankful that Jex tries so hard to be honest, and has the best personality ever.

I am thankful for wheelbarrow races that make me laugh so hard that I almost pee my pants.

I am thankful for good parents who taught me good values, and more importantly standards of strength. 

I am thankful for a best friend who gets me, and completely understands me.  WOW!! A girlfriend who doesn't judge you, that doesn't come along very often.

As I was watching a Matthew McConaughey flick tonight the comment was made about how hunky he is... then I was politely reminded of one of my greatest blessings; "I bet he wouldn't set the tent up and have a camp out with the kids in the backyard."(I am thankful

for an attentive dad, and a HOT husband!!)

I am thankful for eternal marriage, and more importantly my good sense to marry this hunky guy.

I am thankful for my

forever family.