Sunday, May 29, 2011
Deep thought on summer
In the summer, I always have soft butter. Sometimes that soft butter is oozing onto the counter, but is indeed soft. I like that.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Ear aches
What seems like a long time ago, I took my very ill daughter and seemingly well youngest son in to the doctor's office for "healthy kid check ups". During the visit it was discovered that Caleb's ears were infected. Hm.. I didn't realise that.
Poor Phebe had been vomiting for days and was incredibly lethargic. He looked at her and started discussing with me his concern that her ear drums might rupture due to how incredibly infected they were.
I was stunned. I didn't realise it was her ears giving her a problem at all. I thought she had a stomach virus. He was giving me very specific instructions on what symptoms to watch for in case of a rupture. It was kind of scary.
Then we scheduled the check up in 3 weeks to make sure it was cleared up.
Fast forward 3 weeks-
Caleb- looks great.
Phebe- better, still fluid in there.
On to another round of antibiotics. Another appointment in 3 weeks.
Fast forward again-
Today's visit reveals there is still fluid in there. Really? Come on. How long is this supposed to go on? She acts fine. So we are on to the 3rd round of antibiotics. With an appointment with the ear/nose/throat specialist scheduled.
In a way, I am kind of hoping to just get tubes in there and be done with this drama.
I know that this isn't a big deal. None of this has been out of pocket expense, I have been able to walk to every appointment, the kids have been very cooperative. Plus there are WAY more serious problems other parents deal with. I am incredibly grateful that this has been our most serious issue thus far.
Poor Phebe had been vomiting for days and was incredibly lethargic. He looked at her and started discussing with me his concern that her ear drums might rupture due to how incredibly infected they were.
I was stunned. I didn't realise it was her ears giving her a problem at all. I thought she had a stomach virus. He was giving me very specific instructions on what symptoms to watch for in case of a rupture. It was kind of scary.
Then we scheduled the check up in 3 weeks to make sure it was cleared up.
Fast forward 3 weeks-
Caleb- looks great.
Phebe- better, still fluid in there.
On to another round of antibiotics. Another appointment in 3 weeks.
Fast forward again-
Today's visit reveals there is still fluid in there. Really? Come on. How long is this supposed to go on? She acts fine. So we are on to the 3rd round of antibiotics. With an appointment with the ear/nose/throat specialist scheduled.
In a way, I am kind of hoping to just get tubes in there and be done with this drama.
I know that this isn't a big deal. None of this has been out of pocket expense, I have been able to walk to every appointment, the kids have been very cooperative. Plus there are WAY more serious problems other parents deal with. I am incredibly grateful that this has been our most serious issue thus far.
Using the Atonement
The full text is available right here.
The atoning sacrifice had to be carried out by the sinless Son of God, for fallen man could not atone for his own sins. The Atonement had to be infinite and eternal―to cover all men throughout all eternity.
As the Only Begotten Son of God, He inherited power over physical death. That allowed Him to sustain His life as He suffered “even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great [was] his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.” Not only did He pay the price for the sins of all men, but He also took “upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.” And He took “upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, … that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” The Savior felt the weight of the anguish of all mankind―the anguish of sin and of sorrow. “Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.”
I had a realisation during conference. I suddenly realized that Christ had not before felt the consequence of sin prior to the atonement, due to the fact that he had not sinned. It added another level to my respect of how hard it must have been. Having never done wrong before and then suffering for every wrong done in the history of the world.
When we sin, Satan tells us we are lost. In contrast, our Redeemer offers redemption to all—no matter what we have done wrong—even to you and to me.As you consider your own life, are there things that you need to change? Have you made mistakes that still need to be corrected?If you are suffering from feelings of guilt or remorse, bitterness or anger, or loss of faith, I invite you to seek relief. Repent and forsake your sins. Then, in prayer, ask God for forgiveness. Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged. Forgive those who have wronged you. Forgive yourself.
Each of us knows a person who has had serious challenges in his or her life―someone who has wandered or wavered. That person could be a friend or relative, a parent or child, a husband or wife. That person may even be you.
The atoning sacrifice had to be carried out by the sinless Son of God, for fallen man could not atone for his own sins. The Atonement had to be infinite and eternal―to cover all men throughout all eternity.
As the Only Begotten Son of God, He inherited power over physical death. That allowed Him to sustain His life as He suffered “even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great [was] his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.” Not only did He pay the price for the sins of all men, but He also took “upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.” And He took “upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, … that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” The Savior felt the weight of the anguish of all mankind―the anguish of sin and of sorrow. “Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.”
I had a realisation during conference. I suddenly realized that Christ had not before felt the consequence of sin prior to the atonement, due to the fact that he had not sinned. It added another level to my respect of how hard it must have been. Having never done wrong before and then suffering for every wrong done in the history of the world.
When we sin, Satan tells us we are lost. In contrast, our Redeemer offers redemption to all—no matter what we have done wrong—even to you and to me.As you consider your own life, are there things that you need to change? Have you made mistakes that still need to be corrected?If you are suffering from feelings of guilt or remorse, bitterness or anger, or loss of faith, I invite you to seek relief. Repent and forsake your sins. Then, in prayer, ask God for forgiveness. Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged. Forgive those who have wronged you. Forgive yourself.
Monday, May 23, 2011
This evening did not exactly go as planned.
Our plan-
At Christmas time I like to take a plate of cookies to each of the homes around me.
One day I was at the Dr's office for one of the many checks ups you endure being the mother of 4 young children. The receptionist looked up at me, smiled and said, "Thanks for the cookies, they were wonderful."
How many times had I been in that office and didn't even realize the secretary was the woman who lived across the street? It was so embarrassing. I apologized I hadn't made the connection before.
This spring I really need to make it a point to have a block party. I want my kids to know who lives near them.
I also want my neighbors to know my children.
I am so good at being in my own little world. I am going to work a little harder to see those around me. Maybe some day they will need me for something. Or possibly I will need one of them. I am sure they each have a story to tell. Some way to inspire. Some advice to share. I am going to try harder not to miss out any longer.
Our plan-
- Eat dinner nice and early
- Have family home evening
- Go out for ice cream
- Invited some neighbors over to join us for a picnic outside
- Talked a lot
- Found out my children were finding buried treasure in my garden while the adults talked. What kind of treasure do you ask? Why, the beans I planted this morning of course. They were replanted.
- Had family home evening
- Ate the fabulous cake the neighbors brought
At Christmas time I like to take a plate of cookies to each of the homes around me.
One day I was at the Dr's office for one of the many checks ups you endure being the mother of 4 young children. The receptionist looked up at me, smiled and said, "Thanks for the cookies, they were wonderful."
How many times had I been in that office and didn't even realize the secretary was the woman who lived across the street? It was so embarrassing. I apologized I hadn't made the connection before.
This spring I really need to make it a point to have a block party. I want my kids to know who lives near them.
I also want my neighbors to know my children.
I am so good at being in my own little world. I am going to work a little harder to see those around me. Maybe some day they will need me for something. Or possibly I will need one of them. I am sure they each have a story to tell. Some way to inspire. Some advice to share. I am going to try harder not to miss out any longer.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Asleep
The other day Naomi took a nap with me. She was dead to the world. When she sleeps, she REALLY sleeps. She was asleep for an hour and a half. I sat there looking at her for a few minutes before she woke up.
When it was time to wake up she popped her eyes open and looked at me, then announced " Mom, I didn't even close my eyes at all during nap time!"
Me: Really? It seemed like you were asleep.
N: Nope, I didn't sleep at all.
M: Hm... are you sure you didn't sleep?
N: No, I didn't sleep. I was awake the whole time.
Me: Oh, well you were very convincing. You had me fooled.
N: That's cause I'm the trickiest trickster!
Me: Why so you are.
When it was time to wake up she popped her eyes open and looked at me, then announced " Mom, I didn't even close my eyes at all during nap time!"
Me: Really? It seemed like you were asleep.
N: Nope, I didn't sleep at all.
M: Hm... are you sure you didn't sleep?
N: No, I didn't sleep. I was awake the whole time.
Me: Oh, well you were very convincing. You had me fooled.
N: That's cause I'm the trickiest trickster!
Me: Why so you are.
Taco soup
Yesterday I tried a new recipe. As with my standard, my first attempt was glorious. ( I have problems recreating fabulous dishes.) I thought I would share the recipe with you.
1 lb ground beef ( I used ground turkey.)
28 oz can crushed tomatoes ( my family hates tomatoes, I used a little can of tomato pieces and peppers.)
15 oz canned corn undrained( I used frozen.)
15 oz can black beans, undrained
15 oz can kidney beans, undrained
1 envelope of ranch dressing mix
1 envelope of taco mix
1 small onion chopped ( I used green onions from my garden.)
Tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream.
Mix the first list of ingredients in your crock pot. Let it cook for 4-6 hrs on low. Add in the other things individually as you like.
Dinner last night was fabulous. Though, now looking at what I did, I can see how I end up with inconsistent results. I am so bad at strictly following a recipe.
1 lb ground beef ( I used ground turkey.)
28 oz can crushed tomatoes ( my family hates tomatoes, I used a little can of tomato pieces and peppers.)
15 oz canned corn undrained( I used frozen.)
15 oz can black beans, undrained
15 oz can kidney beans, undrained
1 envelope of ranch dressing mix
1 envelope of taco mix
1 small onion chopped ( I used green onions from my garden.)
Tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream.
Mix the first list of ingredients in your crock pot. Let it cook for 4-6 hrs on low. Add in the other things individually as you like.
Dinner last night was fabulous. Though, now looking at what I did, I can see how I end up with inconsistent results. I am so bad at strictly following a recipe.
Called to be saints
The entire text can be found here.
Even though our understanding of the gospel may not be as deep as is our testimony of its truth, if we place our confidence in the Lord, we will be sustained in all of our difficulties, our trials, and our afflictions (see Alma 36:3). This promise from the Lord to His Saints does not imply that we will be exempt from sufferings or trials but that we will be sustained through them and that we will know that it is the Lord who has sustained us.
Even though our understanding of the gospel may not be as deep as is our testimony of its truth, if we place our confidence in the Lord, we will be sustained in all of our difficulties, our trials, and our afflictions (see Alma 36:3). This promise from the Lord to His Saints does not imply that we will be exempt from sufferings or trials but that we will be sustained through them and that we will know that it is the Lord who has sustained us.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Let me tell you about tithing.
There is something truely fabulous about recieving a utility bill that says your owe 0$.
That money will be the new brakes we need for our car.
Thank you Heavenly Father. Tithing is so awesome.
That money will be the new brakes we need for our car.
Thank you Heavenly Father. Tithing is so awesome.
What you trying to be?
My husband and I thought this was one of the most fantastic talks from all of conference. This one is well worth your time. If you can't sit and listen you can find the text here.
Or as a parent, when can I check a child off my list as done? We are never done being good parents.
This is my son Victor. -A sweet and obedient child will enroll a father or mother only in Parenting 101. If you are blessed with a child who tests your patience to the nth degree, you will be enrolled in Parenting 505. Naomi is more like a 303. Rather than wonder what you might have done wrong in the premortal life to be so deserving, you might consider the more challenging child a blessing and opportunity to become more godlike yourself. With which child will your patience, long-suffering, and other Christlike virtues most likely be tested, developed, and refined? Could it be possible that you need this child as much as this child needs you? Such a profound thought. It changes my perspective about being a mother.
I have heard this concept before, but never so clearly spelled out.
We have all heard the advice to condemn the sin and not the sinner. Likewise, when our children misbehave, we must be careful not to say things that would cause them to believe that what they did wrong is who they are. “Never let failure progress from an action to an identity,” with its attendant labels like “stupid,” “slow,” “lazy,” or “clumsy.” 2 Our children are God’s children. That is their true identity and potential. His very plan is to help His children overcome mistakes and misdeeds and to progress to become as He is. Disappointing behavior, therefore, should be considered as something temporary, not permanent—an act, not an identity.
We need to be careful, therefore, about using permanent phrases such as “You always …” or “You never …” when disciplining. Take care with phrases such as “You never consider my feelings” or “Why do you always make us wait?” Phrases like these make actions appear as an identity and can adversely influence the child’s self-perception and self-worth.
I had never thought about this before. Identity confusion can also occur when we ask children what they want to be when they grow up, as if what a person does for a living is who he or she is. Neither professions nor possessions should define identity or self-worth. The Savior, for example, was a humble carpenter, but that hardly defined His life.
The most important way to teach to be is to be the kind of parents to our children that our Father in Heaven is to us. He is the one perfect parent, and He has shared with us His parenting manual—the scriptures.
He discusses the difference between "being" and "doing". It is incredible.
Many of us create to do lists to remind us of things we want to accomplish. But people rarely have to be lists. Why? To do’s are activities or events that can be checked off the list when done. To be, however, is never done. You can’t earn check marks with to be’s. I can take my wife out for a lovely evening this Friday, which is a to do. But being a good husband is not an event; it needs to be part of my nature—my character, or who I am.
Or as a parent, when can I check a child off my list as done? We are never done being good parents.
This is my son Victor. -A sweet and obedient child will enroll a father or mother only in Parenting 101. If you are blessed with a child who tests your patience to the nth degree, you will be enrolled in Parenting 505. Naomi is more like a 303. Rather than wonder what you might have done wrong in the premortal life to be so deserving, you might consider the more challenging child a blessing and opportunity to become more godlike yourself. With which child will your patience, long-suffering, and other Christlike virtues most likely be tested, developed, and refined? Could it be possible that you need this child as much as this child needs you? Such a profound thought. It changes my perspective about being a mother.
I have heard this concept before, but never so clearly spelled out.
We have all heard the advice to condemn the sin and not the sinner. Likewise, when our children misbehave, we must be careful not to say things that would cause them to believe that what they did wrong is who they are. “Never let failure progress from an action to an identity,” with its attendant labels like “stupid,” “slow,” “lazy,” or “clumsy.” 2 Our children are God’s children. That is their true identity and potential. His very plan is to help His children overcome mistakes and misdeeds and to progress to become as He is. Disappointing behavior, therefore, should be considered as something temporary, not permanent—an act, not an identity.
We need to be careful, therefore, about using permanent phrases such as “You always …” or “You never …” when disciplining. Take care with phrases such as “You never consider my feelings” or “Why do you always make us wait?” Phrases like these make actions appear as an identity and can adversely influence the child’s self-perception and self-worth.
I had never thought about this before. Identity confusion can also occur when we ask children what they want to be when they grow up, as if what a person does for a living is who he or she is. Neither professions nor possessions should define identity or self-worth. The Savior, for example, was a humble carpenter, but that hardly defined His life.
The most important way to teach to be is to be the kind of parents to our children that our Father in Heaven is to us. He is the one perfect parent, and He has shared with us His parenting manual—the scriptures.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Tithing
The text can be found here.
Tithing is one of my all time favorite doctrines. I love it. Probably because I have always lived by this law and have seen the blessings for myself time and time again. If you haven't tried paying tithing yet, start right now. It will change your life.
We might conclude that since we pay tithing with money, the Lord will always bless us with money. I tended to think that way as a child. I have since learned it doesn’t necessarily work that way. The Lord promises blessings to those who pay their tithing. He promises to “open … the windows of heaven, and pour … out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it”
Tithing is one of my all time favorite doctrines. I love it. Probably because I have always lived by this law and have seen the blessings for myself time and time again. If you haven't tried paying tithing yet, start right now. It will change your life.
We might conclude that since we pay tithing with money, the Lord will always bless us with money. I tended to think that way as a child. I have since learned it doesn’t necessarily work that way. The Lord promises blessings to those who pay their tithing. He promises to “open … the windows of heaven, and pour … out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it”
Friday, May 13, 2011
Books.
I am in a funk. There are many books on my to read list, but none of them sound all that appealing. In the last month I have probably checked out about 5 books for myself. I have made it only 2-3 pages, possibly 1 full chapter. I just can't get through any of them. I just don't want to read right now. It kind of makes me sad. Though, I know I go through phases. The only book that I have finished because I wanted to read it myself lately was Alice in Verse.
It was impressively good. Then again, I don't really like poetry. So maybe that means it is super good or possibly it would be awful to those who regularly enjoy poetry.
Today my mom, sister and I went to a Scholastic warehouse book sale. I spent more money than I intended too, but got more than I was expecting to.
Due to your insatiable curiosity I will share my treasures with you. Today I picked up my own copies of-
It was impressively good. Then again, I don't really like poetry. So maybe that means it is super good or possibly it would be awful to those who regularly enjoy poetry.
Today my mom, sister and I went to a Scholastic warehouse book sale. I spent more money than I intended too, but got more than I was expecting to.
Due to your insatiable curiosity I will share my treasures with you. Today I picked up my own copies of-
- Calvin and Hobbes, Scientific Progress goes Boink.
- Calvin and Hobbes, Revenge of the Babysitter.
- Catching Fire, and Mockingjay, The 2nd and 3rd books in the Hunger Games series.
- Skippyjon Jones, Lost in Spice
- A Sick Day for Amos McGee
- Rhyming Dust Bunnies- So very funny
- Knuffle Bunny Too, by Mo Willems- He is becoming one of my favorite authors.
- Wayside School is Falling Down
- Flawed Dogs, by Berkley Breathed. I could own all of Breathed's books and be a very content individual. If you have never read "Pete and Pickles", go to your library immediately and get a copy out. It is fantastic. My poor children's librarian hadn't read it yet and I pulled it off the shelf and told him to read it as soon as possible. Next time I saw him, he was raving about how great the book was. Seriously, it is humorous and touching.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
You only have hours.
So this evening there was a meeting at church for the group of ladies. We call this group "Relief Society."
Part of the evening was taken by my dear Aunt Sheila discussing how retail works. She has been working at Walmart for years now.
I found her message surprisingly ominous.
There are no real warehouses any more. Did you know that? I thought there were. Big buildings where they store things to be sold later.
Too expensive.
Now things get made, sent to distribution warehouses and are pushed right back out the door as fast as possible. They don't store things, at least not long term.
She talked about the deliveries. The 24 hours cycles that the merchandise comes in through. ( I don't want this to sound self righteous. I just don't think the story makes as much sense without it. Latterday Saints generally don't go shopping on Sundays.) She asked how many of us had been shopping there late on a Saturday evening. Yup, you can find bare shelves on those nights. They physically can not keep enough product on the shelf. She has had to work Sunday afternoons for a while. Sheila said Sunday's are even worse than Saturdays. There isn't enough man power to keep food up for the demand.
Each night the shelves are completely restocked. By Sunday evening much of the basic items milk, eggs, Doritos etc are gone. 24 hours and it empty.
So now you are thinking, OK thanks for some random trivia.
What are you going to do if there is a flood? Or a tornado? Or a blizzard? What if there is some emergency? 18-24 hours without a truck with more food in and suddenly those shelves are bare. Even if the trucks can bring in product, if there is a run on an item there is no back up in the warehouse.
There are no supplies left to buy after 3 days.
Many of you are aware I try here and there to be prepared for an emergency. I am trying to help you to understand you need it in your own home. I have to help my family first. Take care of yours.
Grab some extra toilet paper. Grab a few more cans of soup. Some drinking water. It won't go to waste. It brings great peace. Be it unemployment, serious illness, natural or unnatural disaster, it will be wonderful to have something the things you need.
Part of the evening was taken by my dear Aunt Sheila discussing how retail works. She has been working at Walmart for years now.
I found her message surprisingly ominous.
There are no real warehouses any more. Did you know that? I thought there were. Big buildings where they store things to be sold later.
Too expensive.
Now things get made, sent to distribution warehouses and are pushed right back out the door as fast as possible. They don't store things, at least not long term.
She talked about the deliveries. The 24 hours cycles that the merchandise comes in through. ( I don't want this to sound self righteous. I just don't think the story makes as much sense without it. Latterday Saints generally don't go shopping on Sundays.) She asked how many of us had been shopping there late on a Saturday evening. Yup, you can find bare shelves on those nights. They physically can not keep enough product on the shelf. She has had to work Sunday afternoons for a while. Sheila said Sunday's are even worse than Saturdays. There isn't enough man power to keep food up for the demand.
Each night the shelves are completely restocked. By Sunday evening much of the basic items milk, eggs, Doritos etc are gone. 24 hours and it empty.
So now you are thinking, OK thanks for some random trivia.
What are you going to do if there is a flood? Or a tornado? Or a blizzard? What if there is some emergency? 18-24 hours without a truck with more food in and suddenly those shelves are bare. Even if the trucks can bring in product, if there is a run on an item there is no back up in the warehouse.
There are no supplies left to buy after 3 days.
Many of you are aware I try here and there to be prepared for an emergency. I am trying to help you to understand you need it in your own home. I have to help my family first. Take care of yours.
Grab some extra toilet paper. Grab a few more cans of soup. Some drinking water. It won't go to waste. It brings great peace. Be it unemployment, serious illness, natural or unnatural disaster, it will be wonderful to have something the things you need.
Chastening
This is a great talk. Not as tender and beautiful as the most recent two, but this is a really profound talk. It is about the purposes of being chastened. Please take the time to listen or read. Find the text here.
I love this quote. I had it all wrong. Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: “The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become..."
Divine chastening has at least three purposes: (1) to persuade us to repent, (2) to refine and sanctify us, and (3) at times to redirect our course in life to what God knows is a better path.
The Lord declared, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. There is a sweet little lady at church that I love. She is a perfect example of "bad things happen to good people." Oh, the list of hardships she has had to deal with is heartbreaking. She always tells me "The Lord chastens who he loves. I just wish he didn't love me so much sometimes.
I loved the story about the current bush. I love that God is in charge and can help us along to become what he knows we can be.
I love this quote. I had it all wrong. Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: “The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become..."
Divine chastening has at least three purposes: (1) to persuade us to repent, (2) to refine and sanctify us, and (3) at times to redirect our course in life to what God knows is a better path.
The Lord declared, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. There is a sweet little lady at church that I love. She is a perfect example of "bad things happen to good people." Oh, the list of hardships she has had to deal with is heartbreaking. She always tells me "The Lord chastens who he loves. I just wish he didn't love me so much sometimes.
I loved the story about the current bush. I love that God is in charge and can help us along to become what he knows we can be.
I know he loves me.
I am taking just a minute here to tell you about some of the ways I know my husband loves me.
- He tells me so.
- He hugs and kisses and cuddles me.
- He makes me laugh.
- He talks to me.
- He was willing to buy me a dehumidifier for Mother's day. He likes to get fun gifts, I really wanted that dehumidifier.
- He bought a new latch and installed it on the screen door for me.
- He listens to me when I talk.
- He helps out with things around the house.
- He looks for things he think I would enjoy. Such as "The Fancy Pants Adventures!" I really do enjoy it.
- He doesn't get upset at me when I goof things up, which I have done WAY too much lately.
- He tries his hardest to make sure that when I want to do something I can.
- He takes me to church and the temple.
- He lets me be part of this life.
- He is very thoughtful.
- He goes to work to support our family.
- He has given me the opportunity to stay home with our children.
Marriage
This was also a very beautiful talk. Let me preface this entry by saying that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints believes that if you worthily marry in the temple and remain faithful, your family can be sealed together for all eternity. Weddings are not "till death do you part."
Find text here.
Express gratitude for what your spouse does for you. Express that love and gratitude often. That will make life far richer and more pleasant and purposeful. Don’t withhold those natural expressions of love.
Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good.
Marriage provides an ideal setting for overcoming any tendency to be selfish or self-centered.
Find text here.
There are many beautiful sweet stories in this talk. I want to share memories like this with my husband.
Two of the vital pillars that sustain Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness are marriage and the family
I think these are good questions to take a minute and think about. If you are married, are you faithful to your spouse mentally as well as physically? Are you loyal to your marriage covenants by never engaging in conversation with another person that you wouldn’t want your spouse to overhear? Are you kind and supportive of your spouse and children?
Express gratitude for what your spouse does for you. Express that love and gratitude often. That will make life far richer and more pleasant and purposeful. Don’t withhold those natural expressions of love.
Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good.
Marriage provides an ideal setting for overcoming any tendency to be selfish or self-centered.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
A house of the Lord
Beautiful. This talk was simply beautiful. Given my the current prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, Thomas S. Monson, about temples and the purpose thereof.
Read along here.
Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort.
Every effort. I find this passage so inspiring. It makes me want to work so much harder. Take my efforts more seriously.
I love the promise he gives here. -The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified.
Read along here.
OK, I am just going to say up
front I had tears in my eyes during parts of this talk.
Temples are more than stone and mortar. They are filled with faith and fasting. They are built of trials and testimonies. They are sanctified by sacrifice and service.
Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort.
Every effort. I find this passage so inspiring. It makes me want to work so much harder. Take my efforts more seriously.
I love the promise he gives here. -The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified.
For you food lovers out there!
I have the job of dinner each night. I bet there are several of you out there that have this responsibility/ honor also. I am not a fantastic cook. Thus dinner is some days more of a struggle than others. I have a system that I have worked with for nearly a year now. I HIGHLY recommend it. It is so much better than standing there realizing with horror that dinner is supposed to be served in a half hour and you have NO idea what you are having. (Of course I am sure that I am the only one who has ever done that.)
May I present to you....A picture you most likely won't be able to identify.
This is my menu. It is a dry erase calendar on my fridge. Yes, important up coming things are written on it. All the things written in green are dinner ideas. Each day has a different idea. Let me give you a better shot.
(please forgive me if it is hard to read. There is a draw back to using dry erase. If your toddler uses a spray bottle on it you won't have much left. ) There is chili and wheat berry salad and enchiladas etc...
Having the menu planned and out where I see it often allows for these benefits-
Take some time. Make one out for yourself. It is great, honest.
May I present to you....A picture you most likely won't be able to identify.
This is my menu. It is a dry erase calendar on my fridge. Yes, important up coming things are written on it. All the things written in green are dinner ideas. Each day has a different idea. Let me give you a better shot.
Having the menu planned and out where I see it often allows for these benefits-
- I can pick up the ingredients in advance.
- I can have things thawing.
- If I am feeling ambitious, I could make it up ahead of time. Thus only getting my kitchen dirty up until lunch time and then cleaning up.
- Less stressing about what we are going to have.
- This allows me to be more creative and introduce less common foods.
- I am more aware of what we are eating. Right now we are trying to make meat less of a main dish.
- My kids love being able to see what we are having.
- My husband and kids have more say in deciding what we are going to eat.
Take some time. Make one out for yourself. It is great, honest.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Answers to Prayers
This talk really touched my heart. If you have been following along, you may have noticed there are MANY talks during general conference. Elder Bednar's words really stood out to me. If you have ever prayed and struggled to hear the answer this talk is for you. It certainly was for me. Take some time today for some answers.
I loved his light analogy.
How many times have I sat in church witnessing this? We as members of the Church tend to emphasize marvelous and dramatic spiritual manifestations so much that we may fail to appreciate and may even overlook the customary pattern by which the Holy Ghost accomplishes His work. The very “simpleness of the way” (1 Nephi 17:41) of receiving small and incremental spiritual impressions that over time and in totality constitute a desired answer or the direction we need may cause us to look “beyond the mark.” I have done it many times. I hear other people's dramatic stories and just don't get why I don't have any.
I have talked with many individuals who question the strength of their personal testimony and underestimate their spiritual capacity because they do not receive frequent, miraculous, or strong impressions. Me again here. I have felt this so often. So inadequate. I love his words of counsel. If you have had similar thoughts or doubts, please know that you are quite normal. Just keep pressing forward obediently and with faith in the Savior. As you do so, you “cannot go amiss.”
This talk touched me. It gave me great comfort. I am grateful for it.
How many times have I sat in church witnessing this? We as members of the Church tend to emphasize marvelous and dramatic spiritual manifestations so much that we may fail to appreciate and may even overlook the customary pattern by which the Holy Ghost accomplishes His work. The very “simpleness of the way” (1 Nephi 17:41) of receiving small and incremental spiritual impressions that over time and in totality constitute a desired answer or the direction we need may cause us to look “beyond the mark.” I have done it many times. I hear other people's dramatic stories and just don't get why I don't have any.
I have talked with many individuals who question the strength of their personal testimony and underestimate their spiritual capacity because they do not receive frequent, miraculous, or strong impressions. Me again here. I have felt this so often. So inadequate. I love his words of counsel. If you have had similar thoughts or doubts, please know that you are quite normal. Just keep pressing forward obediently and with faith in the Savior. As you do so, you “cannot go amiss.”
This talk touched me. It gave me great comfort. I am grateful for it.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
For mothers day
Meet Stephanie. She was born and raised in Idaho. Her mother was a nurse, her father a teacher/ principal/ drivers ed teacher/ a bunch of other stuff. She has 5 siblings. Galen died shortly after birth. Brothers Theron, Kent, and Shae (whose full name I don't know how to spell.) Then Stephanie was born followed less than a year later by Shiela.
She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Japan.
She went to BYU to get a degree for teaching elementary aged children. Some of the places she taught were Texas and Alaska.
Eventually she moved to Pa and met Ernie Kean whom she later married in the Idaho Falls temple.
She went on to have 5 children. Me, Margaret, Roger, Alan and Natalie (who died very shortly after birth. )
Sadly her sweetheart died about 8 years ago.
Here is a recent picture of her.
Sorry I can't give you any more. All the pictures I have of her are holding grandchildren. And we couldn't have you seeing those now can we?
She is a really incredible woman. Here are some neat/wacky things about her.
- She made my wedding dress and some prom dresses for my sister and me.
- She set a good example of living within your means.
- Stephanie taught me how to can and garden. She loved plants. I didn't. Now I do and have a great resource to go to.
- She knows her scriptures. Seriously. She loves them. The passion radiates from her. She can recite them. She gets it. Someday I hope I can be like her.
- She likes jokes.Good or bad she loves them. My dad used to call her once in a while if he had heard a good one.
- She is generous. Oh my goodness, is she generous. Will give you anything you could ever need or want or might possibly need in the next ten years. She will drive you anywhere you need to go and never once mention gas money.
- She makes a very yummy ham.
- She loves to read. Books on CD are her favorite after that.
- She likes salmon flavored cream cheese.
- She isn't afraid of tackling a big project.
- She made soap once when I was a kid. All I remember is that is stunk really badly while she did it.
- When she is in a costume she will act the part. She gives it her all every time.
- She plays piano and when we were old enough to all be in school she took organ lessons.
- Teaching is a talent of hers.
- She has an artist's eye. She can get those color combinations just right, in quilting, that the rest of us are just missing.
- She would be a very good voice actress.
- She read Anne of Green Gables to my sister and me. She skipped the pages that were descriptions of flowers. I am glad.
- She would take us on car trips to see distant family.
- She loves seaweed and tofu.
- I grew up hearing the word "Stecky" (more likely Steki) all the time. It wasn't until high school I realised it wasn't English. It is Japanese for "cool".
- She made a sleeping bag for me when I was a kid. It had a hippo on the front. I loved it. I loved it every night for years. She is making some for my kids. I love them.
- She is always up for a neck massage.
- She was listening one day to my siblings and I while we discussed what to get dad for Christmas. We decided to get him an alarm clock so we could have his old one. Christmas morning there was a neat new alarm clock just for me.
- She let us get dirty and climb trees. She combed the pine needles from my hair.
- Her example has helped my sister and me to get married in the temple, and my brother on his mission in Idaho.(Yes, the same areas she grew up in.)
There have been many moments in my life that didn't seem all that important. The more I look back the more it looks like my mom knows what she is talking about. So many profound thoughts that may have been wasted on a teenager are being used now as I am an adult.
I only went to college for 3 semesters. I think I went because "that's what you are supposed to do." I never did find anything I was passionate enough to want to study. There was nothing there that I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
I was mentioning this to my mother and aunt the other day. My mom interrupted me. She said "But Vanessa, you have found that passion. You do have a passion..... It is being a mom. You are such a passionate mom. I am so impressed with the good job you are doing."
That meant an awful lot to me. I hope the rest of you have moms as great as mine She is so awesome.
I did it!
Yesterday I accomplished a really important project. One that has needed to be done for a long time. I replaced the handle on the screen door out front. The entire time I have lived here (8 years now) the latch did not actually catch. So you could simply push the door and get through.
That is fine for adults. Great if you are carrying things and trying to get out.
This is terrible for the adult supervisors of small stubborn children with older siblings who tend to leave the wooden door open. ( That was an impressively long sentence, wasn't it?)
A while ago I purchased a new screen door handle and finally took the time yesterday to put it on the door. It took quite a while due to the fact that the catch and the handle were not close enough together to actually latch. ( I don't know what the technical terms are.) So I sawed some wood and put it up. Too big. Eventually I took the saw to a piece of plastic and got a piece that fit oh so perfectly. The door was shut. It was latched and baby was trapped inside banging on the door.
There was serious celebrating that went on. My 3 year old had taken to the habit of coming in from outside using the front door and thus was leaving it open while I was washing dishes or some such. Suddenly I would hear Naomi yelling "Phebe is outside!" This could no longer happen. I had solved the problem!
This afternoon I went to show my neighbor my exciting accomplishment.
The latch is broken. It only took aproximately 24 hrs.
I am back at square one.
I don't know where the receipt for the handle is.
I am seriously annoyed.
Seriously.
So much for a rewarding and fulfilling day.
That is fine for adults. Great if you are carrying things and trying to get out.
This is terrible for the adult supervisors of small stubborn children with older siblings who tend to leave the wooden door open. ( That was an impressively long sentence, wasn't it?)
A while ago I purchased a new screen door handle and finally took the time yesterday to put it on the door. It took quite a while due to the fact that the catch and the handle were not close enough together to actually latch. ( I don't know what the technical terms are.) So I sawed some wood and put it up. Too big. Eventually I took the saw to a piece of plastic and got a piece that fit oh so perfectly. The door was shut. It was latched and baby was trapped inside banging on the door.
There was serious celebrating that went on. My 3 year old had taken to the habit of coming in from outside using the front door and thus was leaving it open while I was washing dishes or some such. Suddenly I would hear Naomi yelling "Phebe is outside!" This could no longer happen. I had solved the problem!
This afternoon I went to show my neighbor my exciting accomplishment.
The latch is broken. It only took aproximately 24 hrs.
I am back at square one.
I don't know where the receipt for the handle is.
I am seriously annoyed.
Seriously.
So much for a rewarding and fulfilling day.
It's just boogers
Me: Caleb what were you doing up there?
C: I was just getting Victor's money.
Me: Why?
C: So I can buy something for him.
Me: I see. What did you get all over your face.( looking at the smears of dirt all over.)
C: It's just boogers.
I don't think I have ever seen boogers like that before. And being the parent of 4 I have seen many boogers.
So if you were a 3 year old who didn't want to nap what would you do for two hours quietly?
Here are some of Caleb's suggestions-
I am pleased to tell you I did not get irate. I simply stood there supervising and encouraging his clean up efforts. Then we wrapped a rubber bracelet around the castle tower and played it like it was a guitar. There is something so magical in his giggle.
C: I was just getting Victor's money.
Me: Why?
C: So I can buy something for him.
Me: I see. What did you get all over your face.( looking at the smears of dirt all over.)
C: It's just boogers.
I don't think I have ever seen boogers like that before. And being the parent of 4 I have seen many boogers.
So if you were a 3 year old who didn't want to nap what would you do for two hours quietly?
Here are some of Caleb's suggestions-
- Dump out all of the unsorted socks into a castle.
- Raid your brother's piggy bank.
- Ransack your brother's hockey bag.
- Look at many many books, leaving them all over the floor.
- Sprinkle all the pieces to a 1,000 piece puzzle all over the other things you have just gotten out.
I am pleased to tell you I did not get irate. I simply stood there supervising and encouraging his clean up efforts. Then we wrapped a rubber bracelet around the castle tower and played it like it was a guitar. There is something so magical in his giggle.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Here is a cute little lady. She is always just fun to listen to. Of course you could just read the text here instead.
This talk focuses on love and service.
I have seen this point in my own life. As we increase our own level of self-reliance, we increase our ability to help and serve others the way the Savior did.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Boundries
About ever 3 months we go through another cycle around here. The cycle of "what can I get away with now. I know what the rules used to be but do they still apply now?"
Yes, my children. You are still not allowed to climb over the back of the couch or dance on the table. You still have to clean up your own spills, brush your teeth and eat what I serve for dinner.
Yes, my children, you still can't run into the street. Sawing the drawer with the butter knife while you "put away silverware" is still unacceptable. Writting on anything other than approved paper is not allowed. Tackling the infant for an unwanted wrestling game will be stopped.
Back talk and rude tones are unacceptable, even three months later. Temper tantrums will be ignored.That is simply how things work around here. It will continue to be our procedure today, tomorrow, and 8 years from now. You do not need to consistently check to see where the boundaries lie.
But they do. They do need to check. And it isn't just my kids.
Every time I watch my nephew we have a ritual that we must go through. He is 3. The program runs kind of like this.
Me: Hi Mark!
M: Hi!( then he runs in and dumps a bunch of boxes of toys onto the floor.)
Me: You can get out 1 box at a time. Time to clean the other ones up.
M: (blatantly ignores me.)
Me:( taking his hands, using them to pick the toys up and put them back in the box.)
Then for the rest of that visit we get along just fine. I simply have to remind him that, yes you do in fact have to listen to the words I am saying to you. Once the behavior I expect from him is established we can have a fun visit.
Next example- ( I know you are sitting there begging for my observations.)
I have babysat a young man, 8 years of age, twice recently. He is a very well behaved child. Also quite intelligent. I say intelligent in the " can see how the world works" kind of way. So when he comes over he is quite kind for a while, then the complaining begins. Yesterday's conversation went vaguely like this.
Him: (some rude comment about how he doesn't like what is going on.)
Me: (rude remark about how I don't care if he likes what is going on.)
Him: Well if you say one more rude thing to me I am going in the house rules or no.
Me: (Ignore.)
A while later....
Him (obnoxious comment about wanting to go in the house.)
Me: (blatantly ignoring.)
Few more minutes...
Him: (pretends to be in a good mood and discuss some other subject.)
Me: (Play along and be just as polite and good spirited.)
Him: Did you hear what I said earlier?
Me: Yes.
Him: ( suddenly realizing I simply ignore him when he is being rude.He then walks away.)
A moment later...
Him: (in the most polite and pleasantly tone you could imagine...) I was wondering if maybe you could help me to understand the reason why you have made that decision the way you did.
Me: Absolutely.( Then we go into a discussion of the situation and how we are going to handle it.)
From that moment on we had a great visit.
My point here is that if I want things to go well in my house I have to be willing to tell them where the line is. Any step past that line is unacceptable behavior in my home. My kids aren't allowed to act in specific ways, kids who visit aren't allowed to act that way either. Now if only my kids would REMEBER the boundaries and stick within them from month to month.
Yes, my children. You are still not allowed to climb over the back of the couch or dance on the table. You still have to clean up your own spills, brush your teeth and eat what I serve for dinner.
Yes, my children, you still can't run into the street. Sawing the drawer with the butter knife while you "put away silverware" is still unacceptable. Writting on anything other than approved paper is not allowed. Tackling the infant for an unwanted wrestling game will be stopped.
Back talk and rude tones are unacceptable, even three months later. Temper tantrums will be ignored.That is simply how things work around here. It will continue to be our procedure today, tomorrow, and 8 years from now. You do not need to consistently check to see where the boundaries lie.
But they do. They do need to check. And it isn't just my kids.
Every time I watch my nephew we have a ritual that we must go through. He is 3. The program runs kind of like this.
Me: Hi Mark!
M: Hi!( then he runs in and dumps a bunch of boxes of toys onto the floor.)
Me: You can get out 1 box at a time. Time to clean the other ones up.
M: (blatantly ignores me.)
Me:( taking his hands, using them to pick the toys up and put them back in the box.)
Then for the rest of that visit we get along just fine. I simply have to remind him that, yes you do in fact have to listen to the words I am saying to you. Once the behavior I expect from him is established we can have a fun visit.
Next example- ( I know you are sitting there begging for my observations.)
I have babysat a young man, 8 years of age, twice recently. He is a very well behaved child. Also quite intelligent. I say intelligent in the " can see how the world works" kind of way. So when he comes over he is quite kind for a while, then the complaining begins. Yesterday's conversation went vaguely like this.
Him: (some rude comment about how he doesn't like what is going on.)
Me: (rude remark about how I don't care if he likes what is going on.)
Him: Well if you say one more rude thing to me I am going in the house rules or no.
Me: (Ignore.)
A while later....
Him (obnoxious comment about wanting to go in the house.)
Me: (blatantly ignoring.)
Few more minutes...
Him: (pretends to be in a good mood and discuss some other subject.)
Me: (Play along and be just as polite and good spirited.)
Him: Did you hear what I said earlier?
Me: Yes.
Him: ( suddenly realizing I simply ignore him when he is being rude.He then walks away.)
A moment later...
Him: (in the most polite and pleasantly tone you could imagine...) I was wondering if maybe you could help me to understand the reason why you have made that decision the way you did.
Me: Absolutely.( Then we go into a discussion of the situation and how we are going to handle it.)
From that moment on we had a great visit.
My point here is that if I want things to go well in my house I have to be willing to tell them where the line is. Any step past that line is unacceptable behavior in my home. My kids aren't allowed to act in specific ways, kids who visit aren't allowed to act that way either. Now if only my kids would REMEBER the boundaries and stick within them from month to month.
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