Wednesday, January 28, 2009

DRAT!

I sometimes wish I had more self control. I wish that I could have taken a picture tonight instead of getting angry. As I stood at the sink washing out soiled clothing (with what do you ask?), I remembered I didn't get a photo of the fiasco. As Larry and I were working in the garage getting ready for our move, William opened the door and said, "Sarah stuck her hand in the peanut butter and it is all over the carpet." Needless to say, I had many pictures in my mind of what had happened, but for the first time, it was even more messy than I had imagined (possible? I didn't think so). Sarah was sitting, in her pajamas, about 2 feet away from the TV spouting "Snow White." (the TV was spouting, not Sarah.) Both hands were completely (and I mean COMPLETELY) covered in creamy peanut butter. Her face was covered, most of her pjs were covered, and there were several large streaks of peanut butter across our rug (thank goodness not the carpet). I totally freaked out, questioning my other two children who were in the same room. William told me that he was so close to the TV that he didn't notice his little sister behind him (and I am talking inches behind him). YIKES! Not exactly what I was hoping for tonight, to say the least. You will just have to imagine what she looked like.

On another note, can I just say that I love nephews? Our two strapping young lads that live in our town came over tonight and brought everything up from the basement in to the garage. What a wonderful thing! If you don't have nephews, I wish for you a future with some! They are pretty spectacular (and pretty cute, too).

Does this post even make sense? I wrote it in several installments and I didn't read what i had previously written. I hope it comes across the way it was intended.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Yup, the wind has changed...

And we are off on a new adventure! On Jan. 31, we are heading back to Ogden. For how long? Who knows! We are master adventurers, after all. We can handle it! (nervous giggle inserted here--or maybe maniacal giggle)

Our email will remain the same, so no worries there. If you need our street address, just email me or leave a comment.

I read something in this last week that has shaped how I am feeling. Here it is (by Sarah Ban Breathnach):

“Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend . . . when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”

I am sad to leave my home (and all that home implies--dear friends, opportunities, etc.) in Orem, but I am striving to "tend my secret garden of blessings." I have so much--family, health, strength, talents--I'm working on optimism--to be grateful for that I will focus on what I have rather than what I don't, even if that means friends and experiences that I truly love and have cherished. I know that the only thing that stays with us are our relationships and experiences that have shaped us. I have plenty of those. I am truly blessed. Truly.

So wish us luck...And here we go!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

I'll be here till the wind changes...

Don't you just love Mary Poppins? I absolutely love that movie, even though Dick Van Dyke's accent is hilariously not even close. The thing that always got me is that Mary knew when it was time to go. And it was ok. The family was better by then, and although it was sad, it all worked out. Everyone could move on and Mary could go and help some other dysfunctional family. :)

I think life is like that. Sometimes the wind brings change. Sometimes good things have to end so better things can eventually come. But I resist change. Tooth and nail. I just read something today that said, "Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely." Yikes! That is so true. When we resist change and think pessimistically, we are choosing not to grow. We think it is the easier way. After all, they don't call them "growing pains" for nothing! But not growing isn't really easier. We just keep making the same mistakes over and over and hitting our heads against the same wall. Not really a pretty picture, don't you agree? Growing means learning. Learning what is truly important. Learning to smile. Learning the wisdom of "Come what may. And love it."

We all have so much. I have so much to be grateful for. I have a wonderful, faithful husband, loving, healthy children, and my own good health. I know that God lives and loves me individually. I know that Jesus died for me. I have hope in those things. All things will work together for my good, if I will let it. I hope I can embrace change and learn to enjoy it. Now that would be a valuable lesson learned!

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Bye, bye, Michael!

Well, with tears in our eyes and our ears buzzing from the "poppers," we said goodbye to Uncle Michael. My little bro has been living with us for a few months, and we are really going to miss him. I think the kids are going to go through major uncle-withdrawal once they figure out that their cartoon-watching buddy has left only to return for a few Sunday dinners now and again. Seriously, though, it has been so wonderful to have him with us. Since he is many years younger than I am, I only remembered him as a little kid (and not always fondly). I left home before he even left elementary school. He has grown into a good man, a fun and caring man who ALWAYS had time for his attention-starved nieces and nephews.

So, untal mi-tal, if you are reading this, WE MISS YOU and WE LOVE YOU!!!!! Remember you always have a warm bed, warm meal, and hugs and loves here waiting for you!

Sunday, January 04, 2009

This one is from the kids!

Lauren: We blog for princesses! That's all.

William: We blog for monster trucks! you guys are silly.

Hadland: I like to eat chocolate bars. and blogging for princesses and monster trucks is toot-some.

Mom: So, this is what i get when i ask them what they would like to blog? Well, at least Hadland has his love for bodily functions alive and well. And potty talk--they can't get enough of it. That's pretty normal, right?

happy 2009!

(do you like the new background? I am not fishing for compliments or anything...)