“What I have learned Thursday.”

What I am sharing this week has a lot to do with my spirituality. I am sure that is something that I need to work on so Heavenly Father is teaching me through others.

As many of you know, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I am always thankful for the reminders from church leaders and church members that help to keep me focused on what is really important. 

These 3 “what I have learned” topics are all spiritual, but I believe they can be helpful to all no matter your religion or beliefs.

1. Read and Understand.

I “try” to find time to study my scriptures every day.  It doesn’t always happen.  For years I have tried to read a chapter a day.  It dawned on me that in doing so, I was just trying to get it read.  I was not really focusing on what I was reading.  That is when I realized that scripture study is not a race.  It is about reading and understanding.  Now, I may only read 2 verses, but I understand what I have read and can apply it to my life somehow. I really try to think about what it is I am reading, and sometimes that means only reading a few lines.  I would rather it take me ten years to read an entire set of scripture and understand it, then a year just for the sake of saying I read it.

2.  Reaction

Since the birth of our 4th child we have been notoriously late for church.  We just can not get it together.  A few Sundays back, I told Jonathan that I will not be late again.  I think the devil heard me say that.  I think he played some tricks on our house.  Our kitchen sink started to leak, my blow dryer blew up(while my hair was still wet), and part of a lesson Jonathan had prepared was not cooperating.  We were running late.  I almost didn’t get in the car. I was so frazzled.  I was angry at everyone.  I found myself yelling at the kids, “get in the car.” “Why aren’t your shoes on, where is your tie?”  This is my typical Sunday morning banter.

Once I got to church, I told my friend Tracy, who is so wise. “I think Heavenly Father is so sick of us being late.”  Because Tracy has five kids, and knows what it is like she responded like this, “I think Heavenly Father understands you being late.  I don’t think he wants you to make Sunday mornings unpleasant by the way you react to the situation.”  How did she know?  How did she know that I acted like a lunatic this morning?  I guess because she has been there.

You know she is right.  The tone that I set in the home on the Sabbath morning will be something my kids will always remember. It also sets the tone for the spirit to be with us during our church service.  I will always remember the lesson I learned that Sunday.  Who cares if I am late, what matters is how I react.

3.  Be Prepared to Serve

I have a friend who recently showed me her schedule.  She has grown children and is currently not working.  She gets up at 5:00am and has a list of things to do.  ie: exercise, eat, shower, get dressed, read her scriptures, and she does all of this before 8:00am.  I asked her, “why do you do this when you could sleep in?”  She replied, “What if someone calls me at 8:30 and asks me to take them to the doctor?  I will have to say that I haven’t showered so I can’t.  I want to be prepared to serve in any way that the Lord needs me to.”

WOW!!  It really made me stop and think about being prepared to help others.  I am not in a place in my life that I can be prepared every morning like that.  However, I can be prepared to say yes to whatever it may be.  I can also make sure that I leave openings in my week to serve.  I can also pray for opportunities to be of service to others.

I am so thankful for her example of service.

I hope these 3 things have helped you think of ways to add a little more spirituality to your life.  We all need it no matter what we believe.  Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual ideas and thoughts are important for our soul, our growth, and who we are.  They create a balance in our being.  I think my spirituality was throwing me off balance some.  I am thankful for the reminders, and the opportunity to see the good in others.

I am thankful for what I learn from others. It helps make me a better person.  I hope that sharing these thoughts helps you too.

Now last but not least, the Easter Surprise I promised.  This is Stella’s Easter Dress. 

I made it from an Ann Taylor Skirt that I found at the thrift store.  I got the idea from here. 

I added the idea of the flower and the ribbon around the middle.

I made sure I used a skirt that had a zipper.  It made it so easy to sew.

I am new to sewing so it is so nice to have a way to make something out of a skirt that is already put together.  I was able to make it my own.  Thanks Disney for the great idea.

P.S.  I will do a tutorial on Stella’s hair sometime this month.  I get so many questions about how I do it like this, so watch for a Princess Crown Tutorial in the near future.

Homemade.

There is nothing sweeter then a homemade

gift.  I have been looking for opportunities to give as many of those as

possible lately. 

It is so fun to come up with a neat little gift for people that requires use of your hands and creativity. 

Okay so I don’t always come up with the ideas.

Sometimes I “borrow” them from all those neat bloggers out there, but I always manage to change it a bit or add my own flare.

Buying birthday gifts is one of my least favorite things to do.  Not so much because it is money spent, but because I always worry that it is money spent badly. What if they don’t like what I bought?  Then I have just wasted all this money and energy finding the “perfect” gift.

It seems like people treasure things more when they are homemade.  It makes them want to love it, plus they can’t take it back.  I do not do returns people.

Here are some of the gifts I have given lately.

This was for one of Stella’s friends.  Stella was invited to her Birthday Party.  Stella really wanted me to make her a skirt.  This is what I came up with.

I made her a skirt, a shirt with a transfer, and a hair accessory. 

This little project took me about 2 hours, but was well worth it.  Stella was so excited to give it to her.

I have also been making these pins.  Pins are all over the internet right now.  I have just taken what I like and adapted them.  Here are a few you might like:

I have also been making a lot of the zipper pins.  I love wearing these. They help add some whimsy to whatever it is you have on.  I have been making enough of these to have on hand for gifts.  They make perfect birthday presents.

… or you can add them to your gift bag.  It starts out  as decoration for your gift, and then serves a purpose as a pin for a jacket or blouse.

I packaged this little gift in a mesh bag that some onesies came in.  Never throw clever packaging away, you can always use it for something else later.  Once inside, I added some ribbon and the pin. What is inside you ask?

One more gift idea.

I found this idea here,and then I made them smaller.

The original Keep Calm and Carry On sounded so much more fun to me when I saw Jen say “keep calm and have a cupcake.”  If you know me, you know that saying fits so much better.

This saying I soon found out is floating all over the internet.  Google it.

So I adapted Jen’s idea of the pillows only I made this smaller version.

I designed this on my computer.  Then I printed it out on transfer paper. Then ironed it on, and stitched up the pillows.  I stuck a ribbon inside so that when I turned the fabric the right way I would have something to hang it from.

Then I sat down and enjoyed a movie with my husband while I stuffed them, and hand-stitched the small corner that I had left as an opening.

I made 8 pillows in 3 hours for $1.00 a pillow.  If I gave you one of these as a gift don’t think I am cheap.  I put a lot of love in these pillows. Heck! I am giving you permission to stop and have a cupcake.  Could there be a better gift then that?

Here is the one hanging in my house:

When thinking about your next gift… think Homemade. It really

does mean so much more.

Stay tuned for more about this little diddy.  Here is a sneak preview.  Yes, it has something to do with Easter.

Oh, and when I actually remember tomorrow to post “What I have learned Thursday.”

Ya, that will have to be called, “What I have learned Thursday when I remember to post it possibly Friday or next Thursday.. or…”

See you tomorrow.

We all have a story to share.

I have many friends who say that they don’t keep a blog because their life is boring, and they have nothing to share.  I always beg to differ.  Everyone has a story to share.

I am always sharing stories with my kids about my childhood, and days past.  These stories are among their favorites. They are also the ones that they ask me to repeat time and time again.

Right now, I am sharing my stories with them in a live sort of way.  We are currently staying in my childhood home. It has been a year since we have been here.  I know that my children feel a sense of home when they are here,yet they are still eager to discover and just BE and LIVE while  they are here.

As we have traveled around the last few days, I find myself taking the long way around.  I want to see what has changed, and what has stayed the same.  I marvel at how this small place, that seemed so large in my small eyes, is so different then it once was.  This place was my whole world at one time.  It holds the key to all of my firsts. 

This is where I attended high school, dances, went to the movies with friends, had my first kiss, my first boyfriend, and my first job.  This is the place I came home to on my 16th birthday and saw a car sitting in the driveway; waiting for me.  My first car!! WOW… she was a beaut.  … and then this is where I got my first speeding ticket. There was night after night filled with the phrase, “Let’s go Lions”, as I cheered at high school sporting events.

Little did I know that there was life outside this small town.  For 13 years I have lived a life far from this life that shaped me and molded me. At times, it is hard to comprehend that this world still goes on even when I am not here. I am so thankful for the stories that I have to share, both here and far away.

The other day, I drove by my grandparents old home.  I told my kids that is where Papa grew up.  As I kept driving past, I thought to myself, “in a way I grew up there too.”  I thought about the sleepovers with my grandma, and then I could smell the pancakes.  I could see us through the sliding glass door dancing to “Elvira”, by the Oak Ridge Boys.

Then I thought about my kids going to sleep at there grandparents,and waking up to a whole new set of adventures.  Memories that they would always remember.

We all have a story to share. I am so thankful to come home and remember.  It is such a wonderful blessing to be reminded of the amazing childhood I had.  It helps unlock more stories to share with my kids.

Stella asked me yesterday, “why do you keep calling grandma mom?”  I replied, “because she will always be my mom.”  She is even more my mom when I am home.  It is nice to be home and have a “mom” and a “dad” again.

Here are a few pieces of my story:

This is where I grew up.  I moved here when I was five.  It has changed some, but will always be home.

This is the street I lived on.  It is a busy road, but I crossed it everyday when I walked to school.  It is also a steep hill.  I walked it many times when I walked uptown to get a treat at the convenience store.  This is the hill I was on when I got my first speeding ticket.  It used to be a three lane road, and now it is five.

This is Stella and my mom making my favorite meal.  My mom said, “only the best for the first born.”  I love love love Lasagna, so she is making it for me while I am at home. I have her recipe, and I make it all the time.  It just does not taste the same.  Hopefully Stella is learning her tricks.  I love seeing her share a favorite of mine with my daughter.

This is the kitchen that used to be mine. My great grandfather built it for me.  My mom kept it, and my kids love to play with it.  I can remember hours spent playing with it and all the fun little goodies inside.  I am grateful that my kids get to use something that was such a huge part of my childhood.

This is something that I never did as a child.  We did not have video games, but I love seeing my mom play with Jex.  It represents change and growth.  It is so fun that my parents take the time to share this with them.

This week, I had another first in this home.  I held my nephew for the first time.  My first nephew on my side of the family. I watched my sister as a mother for the first time.  She is an amazing mom. I laid my baby down next to her cousin for the first time.  My kids finally have a cousin.  That is a great first.

Last night, Jex read one of my favorite books to the kids.  “The day Jimmy’s Boa ate the wash.” by Trinka Hakes Noble, and Steven Kellogg.  I was delighted as I watched his face.  I knew he has the same thoughts about the book as I had as a child.

I am so happy to share my story with my kids. I feel so lucky to finally be home and share a live version with them. Life is good.

I may get back to blogging at some point,

But Tessa and I have been busy playing with our BFF's.

Krysta and Ady came for the weekend.

The girls were so excited to see each other.

or wait maybe that was Krysta and myself.

 

Can you believe that they are 5 months?

Any way... we had way to much fun, and spent way to much time coming up with ways to make these girls look more adorable then they already are.

Can one have to many leg warmers, hair bows, shoes, and fashionable shirts?

We don't think so either.

They had to go back home tonight.

We miss you guys. When are you coming back?

 

Glass Anyone?

I love decorating with any thing glass.  All things glass are just pretty.  If you are looking for a few pieces to buy that are timeless;  Glass would have to be it.

See what you can do with Glass Apothecary Jars:

and how easy they are to change out:

Glass Vases are a must have.  I find some of my favorites at the dollar store.  This little number that held the candy canes came from there.

...and then it got to hold more sweets for Valentines day:

You can't forget the options you have when Halloween comes around:

I am also a lover of Milk Glass.  You have seen my small collection of milk glass:(I wish I had more)

and what you can do with it:

   

I also have these milk glass lamps in the Girls room.

I had a hard time finding lamp shades that would fit these old souls.  What I found just was not my favorite.  I spruced them up a little this week. What do you think?

Ribbon, my sewing machine, a few ruffles, and hot glue.  Waa-laa!!

I love my milk glass lamps even more.

I also think glass cake stands are a must have.  You can do so much them.  For example:

You can use it to decorate with or...

to adorn your counter with a sweet little treat.

I also have a collection of glass candlesticks.

On special occasions I take them out of my room to adorn our table:

Now, I have to share my latest addition to my glass collection.

These items were given to me by a friend who noticed my milk glass.

I almost cried when she gave me these:

These are depression glass.  They look so beautiful in the girls room.

I used those 3M velcro tabs to hang them on the wall.  It was so simple and sturdy.

She also gave me these:

I can't wait to use them for taco night.

They  look so cute on my counter.

When thinking about items to buy for your home.  Think Glass.  It has so many uses, and always looks so pretty.  It adds a glamour effect to almost anything, but it almost always has a practical use as well.

To Always Remember.

My sister-in-law named her blog To Always Remember.  Isn't that such a beautiful name.  It says so much in 3 short words.

She uses her blog strictly  to remember parts of her life that are so important.  Things her kids say, events and time spent as a family.

My blog is a journal of sorts for me.  I find myself going back to read it often.

I have found that my blog has almost taken over scrap booking for me.  (for those of you who know me, scrap booking has been a part of my life for years)

My blog  has become a way for me to document the every days, and little moments in our life.  I hope to have it help me to always remember.

It has also been a tool for me to stay in touch with family, make new friends, and stay connected with old friends.

I have used my blog as a way to share thoughts, problem solve and also to get something off my chest.

This post is To Always Remember.

I recently shared a memory keeping night with sisters in our church.  We discussed all the many facets out there that allow us to record our history.

People have been keeping records for thousands of years.  I know we are all so thankful as we get to read the history of those who went before us.

I am particularly thankful for the records that I read in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

We should also be a record keeping people.  We should keep records so we can look back and see the blessings that we have received.  To ponder what we have learned, and how we have grown.  Also, so our children can have a glimpse in to our thoughts, and know more about us and how we feel about them.

Here are just a few things that I always want to remember:

Right now, I am so thankful for kind and helpful children; especially Jex and Stella.  Yes, children leave and make messes, but mine are so helpful about cleaning them up.

This Saturday morning the kids and I teamed up and did a quick run through on the house.  They never complained.  Just tonight as we cleaned out the garage, they just kept saying, "What else can we do?"

My children are amazing helpers.  The are awesome examples of teamwork.

Right now, I want to remember the love that Isaac has for others.  Especially his love for Tess.  He is crazy about her.  He always wants to hold her, and is constantly giving her kisses.

 

I can tell he understands the concept of a family, and has a great love for each of us.  He desires for us to be together.  He is thrilled when Jonathan is home.  "you home daddy, you home?", he exclaims when Jonathan walks through the door.

Tonight, I asked Isaac how much he love me he said, "Two Weeks."  I guess I love him two weeks also.

Right now, you can find Isaac in his cowboy boots.

Right now, Tess is all smiles, and is beginning to laugh.  Right now, we usually call her Mae Mae.  Right now, I can't remember my life with out her.  Right now, I jump out of bed to see her smile at me.

Right now, Stella has been so kind and loving with me.  I think she must know how insecure I feel about the way I look.  I still have some baby weight to go.  I try not to talk about it in front of her.  It helps my attitude when she tells me that I am beautiful.  Tonight she said, "Tessa is so pretty because she came from the cutest cutest cutest cutest cutest(on and on) mom in the world."  She makes my days brighter.  She also helps put in to perspective that my kids really don't care if I still have a few pounds to loose.

Right now, I am proud to be Stella's mother.  I just received the most wonderful compliment.  It makes all my time spent as a mother worth it.  Stella's teacher commented about how grounded she is at her parent teacher conference.  Grounded, what a beautiful way to describe someone; especially a 5 year old.

 Jex has always been my big helper.  He can sense when I am stressed.  Right now, he is always there to help pick up the pieces when ours days get crazy.  He is strong and so loveable.  He recently had to have 3 teeth pulled. 

He did it with such grace.  It reminded me that he is growing up.  He went back in the room all on his own, and came out with a smile.  A smile that was missing 3 teeth.  Right now, he is growing and maturing way too fast.  I am grateful for the boy he is becoming.

Right now, I have never been more in love with my husband.  He is the most amazing father, friend and partner.  I couldn't go on with out him.  He supports me in every aspect of my life.  Even when I have crazy ideas.  Tonight he called me just to share an exciting piece of information.  I am so glad that he wants to share his life with me.

Right now, I write these beautiful memories down to always remember.