Milestones

This evening I needed to do the last (I hope!) of our Christmas shopping and Brandon was dealing with issue of a broken heater and a flat tire. Fun times here at the Stro residence. Life is nothing, if not interesting, no?

Anyway, I wrote it some instructions for William to make cheese bread and ramme noodles. He accepted the challenge and I am told that he executed brilliantly. I'm so proud of my boy for preparing dinner for his family all by himself. 

Sacrament Meeting Talk

The Relief Society Presidency spoke in church today. We were asked to speak on the purposes of Relief Society. Carrie Fowers (secretary) spoke about increasing faith and personal righteousness. Jelaire Smedley (Second Counselor) spoke about serving others in unity. Becky Mikkelsen spoke about strengthening homes and families. I told them I would "wrap it up" at the end.

You guys. Wrapping up three other talks that I'd never heard before proved to be a very difficult feat. I knew what I wanted to say and what I thought maybe the sisters needed to hear. I struggled putting my thoughts into words. I couldn't get a clear vision on what my message was and how to share it. It wasn't until Saturday morning that I finally received clarity on what Heavenly Father wanted me to say. I had been thinking and planning my talk all week. Saturday morning I scrapped a lot of it and wrote the words that came to me.

One of the greatest lessons I am learning through my calling is how to receive personal revelation more regularly. I have realized that I am a NOVICE at this business. In learning the language of the spirit, I would say I am in kindergarten. This calling has forced me to step up to the plate. I am grateful for that. And writing this talk was no exception.

So, here is my talk. For the record, the missing link in my talk, that finally brought me clarity was the Relief Society motto, "Charity Never Faileth". Somehow I thought I could give a talk to wrap up the purposes of Relief Society without discussing charity. Silly me.

_________________________________________________________________________________

We read in Daughters in My Kingdom, “In the time of Christ, the Savior taught women in multitudes and as individuals, on the street and by the seashore, at the well and in their homes. He showed loving-kindness toward them and healed them and their family members. In many parables, He told stories of women engaged in ordinary activities. He demonstrated deep familiarity with women’s lives and drew timeless gospel lessons from their everyday experiences. He forgave them. He wept with them. He had compassion on them in their specific circumstances as daughters, wives, homemakers, mothers, and widows. He appreciated them and ennobled them.

Even in excruciating pain on the cross, the Savior expressed concern for His mother, who by then was very likely a widow in need of watchcare, And the first person to whom He appeared after His Resurrection was a woman.”

It was in this same pattern that in 1842, in the upper room of the “red brick store” a small group of women met with Joseph Smith, John Taylor, and Willard Richards. The Prophet Joseph organized them in a divinely inspired and authorized manner, with Emma Smith at the helm. 

Joseph Smith continued to give guidance and counsel to these women and these teachings became the foundation with which Relief Society was built. The purposes of Relief Society, which we have learned about today, have existed since this humble beginning of this grand organization.

What does that mean for us today? We know the purposes. Now, what?

The answer to this is the Relief Society motto. Charity never faileth. What is charity? According to Mormon, “Charity is the pure love of Christ.” President Monson explains further, “ I do not at this moment have in mind the relief of the suffering through the giving of our substance. That, of course, is necessary and proper. Tonight, however, I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient.

There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere."

I reflect on the story of Ruth and Naomi in the Old Testament. Naomi lives with her husband and two sons in Moab. Her husband dies and only a few short years later both her sons die. Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, all find themselves widowed. They are destitute. Naomi decides they must return to Bethlehem, where they had come from about a decade before. She tells her daughters-in-law to return home to their families. They wept together and Orpah returned to Moab, but “Ruth clave unto her” and gave her quite a speech convincing Naomi that she was not going to change her mind, “when  [Naomi] saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.”

They return to Bethlehem together and Ruth finds work gleaning the fields of Boaz. Gleaning means that she follows behind the workers as they harvest, picking up the corn that they had dropped. This is something only the extremely poor would do. Ruth knew that Naomi needed someone else to help her and was not going to leave her alone. Do you suppose that Ruth needed Naomi just as much. These women saw each other through a dark and difficult time because of charity.

Today, charity can be found when a sister is invited to sit with a group, instead of alone, at church. Charity can be found in a friendly smile, a “thinking about you” text message, or a plate of cookies on a doorstep. Charity can be found in extended a welcoming hand and heart to a new sister. Charity can be found as we allow each other into our homes, perfect or not, clean or not, and have unpressured space in which we can talk and be together. Charity is found as we discover that “we” is more powerful than “me”. Charity is also found as we increase our own personal righteousness and seek and act on personal revelation. Sister Julie B. Beck said,

It was prophesied that in the latter days the Lord would pour out His Spirit upon His handmaids.  This will happen as we allow ourselves to be still enough and quiet enough to listen to the voice of the Spirit. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught us that receiving revelation for our calling and in our personal lives “requires serious mental effort on our part. … Revelation is not a matter of pushing buttons, but of pushing ourselves, often aided by fasting, scripture study, and personal pondering.

We might see ourselves as weak, but the power of this great organization lies in each of us because it is the power of God. It can and it has changed lives.

Another example, in 1846 Eliza Partridge Lyman gave birth to a son. He was born in a wagon. She struggled through a few short months with him and by December he was sick and passed away. She wrote in her journal, “The baby is dead and I mourn his loss. We have done the best we knew how for him, but nothing has done any good; he continued to fail from the time he was taken sick. My sister Caroline and I sat up every night with him and tried to save him from death, for we could not bear to part with him, but we were powerless… I still have friends who are dear to me. If I had not I should wish to bid this world farewell, for it is full of disappointments and sorrow. But I believe there is a power that watches over us and does all things right.” Later she provided that same friendship and compassion, helping other women who were dealing with similar grief. Her life found meaning again because of the charity extended to her from other women and the opportunity she was given to pay it forward.

President Monson in the same talk I quoted previously continued, “In a hundred small ways, all of you wear the mantle of charity. Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.”

I can testify before you today that I have seen the work of Relief Society bless and change lives.  Women need women and together we can do incredible things. In the words of John A. Widstoe, “Relief of poverty, relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of ignorance; relief of all that hinders the joy and progress of woman. What a magnificent commission!”

In closing I would like to share one more story. That of the mothers of the Stripling Warriors. We learn about them as a collective group of mothers who had raised their children in faith. Alma 27:28 explains the foundation of these women's faith.

"And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren with greatest abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon to take up arms against their brethren; and they never did look upon death with an degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it."

They kept their faith even as they watched their brothers and sisters be slaughtered and as they left their homeland. These women did not do this alone. Together these women taught these things to their own children. Together they faced death, rather than the prospect of breaking their covenants. Together they sent their young sons into battle. They knew that because of the atonement of Jesus Christ death had no power. They had no fear of physical death because Jesus would conquer it, and therefore it had "no sting".

These young men went forth with the same bravery that the women displayed. “We do not doubt our mothers knew it.” And when that battle was raged and the dust had settled, Helaman numbered these young men. Knowing, I’m sure, that he would reporting to their mothers of the casualties. “But behold, to [his] great joy, there had not one soul of them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the strength of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength.”

One can only assume that those women were praying for those boys on the battlefield. And through their faith, their collective faith, not one soul was lost.

We have been made a similar promise, as we join this collective group of  women across the globe, in purpose and direction, under the name of Relief Society. President Packer said, “The great circle of sisters will be a protection for each of you and for your families. The Relief Society will be likened to a refuge – the place of safety and protection – the sanctuary of ancient times. You will be safe within it. It encircles each sister like a protecting wall.”

I can’t think of anything more reassuring to me than the promise of refuge and sanctuary, safety and protection. This kind of promise does not happen magically. It will not happen without the work of many diligent and loving hands.

I testify that as we embrace the purposes of Relief Society and embrace them through charity and personal revelation, we will find the refuge and sanctuary we need in the world today and be able to bring ourselves and our loved ones unto Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

William-ese

Today was rough after school. School is rough. Class work is rough. Learning new routines and schedules and teacher expectations and juggling it all in a brain that fires differently than most, it's rough. If he could only learn and study what he is interested in, he'd be a great student. But tonight, he had to do multiplication tables and story problems. These are not what interests him, just in case you are wondering.

I write tonight because I want both William and me to remember what I told him in my little pep talk. I told him I know this is hard. I know it doesn't come easy for him like it does for others. But I also know that it's okay. It's okay for something to be hard for us. It's okay to have to work hard for something that others can just breeze through. Heavenly Father did not send us here to find the easiest route and he does not show us love by taking away what's hard. He sent us here so that we can learn to lean on Him when it gets hard. 

I'm so grateful for that knowledge. I don't know how I'd see my precious boy through these rough days without it.

Sam-ish

Sam is hilarious. Most of the time, however, it's in the delivery and not specifically in what he says. 

Alas, there is plenty of material and I need to get my act together and record some of these moments. 

Right now what comes to mind is in regards to potty training because that is what we're dealing with right now. He finally arrived at that point where he wants to wear underwear instead of diapers. Thank you, Daniel Tiger. The frist couple of successes I did a crazy and exuberant dry dance in celebration. For the rest of the day, when he needed to go, he'd stop in his tracks and look back at me and say, "No dry dance this time, Mom. No dry dance, K?"

These were a couple of great conversations sent to me by Jill when Anne and Sam stayed with them so we could celebrate our anniversary, 

Me: Sam what do you want to be when you grow up?

Sam: A big boy. Like William.

Me: do you want to drive a garbage truck?

Sam (eyes wide with disbelief that I would suggest he do so): Nooooo!

Me: What about an engineer like your dad?

Sam: No, a big boy like William.

Me: why do you want to be a big boy like William? What does William do that you want to do when you're big?

Sam: Go in William's room.

***********

Me (holding Sam and laughing at his antics): Who loves you Samuel?

Sam (dead serious): Zane. (And more laughing.)

May Happenings

 Oh, Mother's Day. It just didn't pan out to be spectacular this year, mostly because Brandon wasn't feeling well, so I was feeling guilty about him doing all the work to make it special for me so I didn't let myself relax and than I was mad that I couldn't and ... oh, it was all so silly. Why do we do those things to ourselves?

The good news is that Brandon did make a mighty spectacular strawberry cheesecake.

 And these are the little rascals that make me a proud mama. I love them so much!!

 Marie and Anne put on a show for us one evening. The storylines left a bit to be desired, but were a cross between Little Red Riding Hood and Tinkerbell and Mary Had a Little Lamb.

 Anne in all of her dramatic glory just makes me smile. (Ooops, should have edited that red-eye.)

 I just love watching my kids do what they love when they have free time. Playing with cars in his bedroom is especially wonderful because he isn't making mischief (which he is really very good at!).

 And when they read together, well, that sends me over the edge. 

 Read on, kiddos!

 And it wouldn't be May without my birthday and a super delicious cake that everybody should experience at least once in their lives. Seriously, folks, this is the best cake that I have ever had in my life. I mean it. And I can say that, not to brag, because I didn't create the recipe. I just followed the recipe and boy am I glad that I did!

 I'm also quite pleased that Brandon gave me this little extra something as a gift for my birthday. Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea DVDs. The big gift was a new DSLR camera. Yay!

 As always, we enjoyed the cows throughout May. This picture was particularly funny. I didn't quite catch it in the perfect moment, but it had been raining (because that is what it did throughout pretty much all of May) and the wind was blowing towards our house. All the cows had turned their back to the wind and rain and were, therefore, all facing us. It looked like they were staring us down  and was a bit creepy, I must admit. 

May ended with a bang by paying a much needed visit to Grandma Howe. We love her so much and are so grateful we had such a nice time with her.

So, there's that. Until next time.

Sam-ish

Picks up a Spanish hymnal.

I need to sing some songs.
I am a child of God

Turns page.

I'm gonna drive all night long.

(And there you have it. His two favorite songs.)

The Littles

These two have had a decidedly different toddler/preschool experience than William and Marie did. Naturally they would because they have an older brother and sister and, well, William and Marie don't. Much more of their mornings and days have been spent in the car going to and fro instead of humoring mommy as she tried to carry out the latest activity from "No Time for Flash Cards" or whatever other silly blog had caught her eye.

Anyway, I snapped this picture one morning before we went out the door to preschool. After moving to our new house, every Tuesday and Thursday morning consisted of getting the big kids out the door to school and then getting the younger two ready to head down to Layton for Anne's preschool. While Anne was at preschool Sam and I would run errands, or visit a park, or go to the gym. Going to the gym was the most consistent adventure.

Before I know it these two will be heading into 4th and 2nd grade. Time marches on, no one can argue with that.

I'm grateful for the time I have been given and all that I get to fill it with.

Including these two little rascals.

I love them both.

Phew.

On Tuesday night I was at a neighborhood cooking group. We pick a theme or ingredient each month and make a dish that represents it to share with each other. The theme that night was bacon. Anyway, I glanced at my phone just as I was leaving and I had a text from Brandon,

"Bishop Rackham wants to stop by at 8:15."

It was 8:06.

I rushed home, hoping I would get there with at least a couple of minutes to spare, knowing that things were going to be crazy. I had left a very messy kitchen for Brandon and the kids. Homemade maple bacon donuts and bacon corn chowder will do that. I pulled in right as the entire bishopric also pulled up to the house. I was surprised they were all there, as they had visited a month prior, but I didn't think much of it. I assumed they were going to issue me a calling or maybe ask us to part of trek or something normal like that.

They came in very solemnly and asked to meet wtih us without the kids. We sent the kids upstairs to watch a movie and sat down. Bishop totally skipped the small talk and looked at Brandon,

"Brother Struthers, (at this point Brandon's heart sank because he thought they were going to give him a different calling,with me still not having even on, which he knew has been hard on me. I like to feel needed in a ward) would you be willing to support your wife in a calling."

"Yes."

"Sister Struthers, we would like you to serve as Relief Society President."

Shock in my eyes.
I looked at Brandon.
My eyes filled with tears.

"That is not what I was expecting to hear. I am overwhelmed. And honored."And after just those few words, I was speechless. Me? Relief Society President?

We talked a tiny bit more, enough for me to know that I needed to choose my presidency and submit names by Saturday, but I think the bishopric knew they should probably just duck out and let us process the life changing moment that had just happened. They were right.

And process it we have done. With much more processing needed. I have not been sustained yet, and wondered if I should write this post prior to that. However, I wanted to write down my thoughts and feelings while they were still fresh.

Picking my counselors was my first daunting task. We have lived in the ward just over 3 months. It is a friendly and wonderful ward, so I have met many of the women already, but I have yet to meet even more. I looked at the ward directory they had left me and just though, "How will I do this?" By yesterday, Wednesday, I had managed to narrow it down to some select names, but still felt hesitant. What if I chose wrong? How can I possibly know who will be best for this calling? How do I know who the Lord needs to serve and who I need to help me? I took a mental break and looked at Instagram. Right as I glanced at it I saw these words, "Guide me as I search in weakness." Yes! That is just what I needed! I looked up the words to the entire hymn that was being quoted:


LEAD ME INTO LIFE ETERNAL
Lead me into life eternal
By the gospel's holy call.
Let thy promise rest upon me;
Grant me ready strength for all.

Father, all my heart I give thee;
All my service shall be thine.
Guide me as I search in weakness;
Let thy loving light be mine.

Hear me as I pray in meekness; Let my strength be as thy day.

Give me faith, the greater knowledge;

Father, bless me as I pray.

Knowing that I cannot possibly do this right within my own abilities and bounds is a blessing because it forces me to turn to the Lord. And this is his work, after all. I should turn to him. I had been prayerful as I looked at names but I was still holding onto my own logic. My dad had told me I would know, I would clearly know, who I needed by my side. This hymn was my second witness. So, I talked it through a bit more with Brandon, looked at the names for a few moments, and then it was clear. The names were there.I will be going to the temple on Friday to receive further confirmation and submitting the names to the Bishop on Saturday, when he arrives home from girls camp.

This is real, folks. I am completely humbled and completely nervous and completely excited. I have no idea what's in store for me, other than the fact that I know it is going to require a lot of me, my kids, and my husband.This is so different from when I was Relief Society President at Ricks 15 years ago. (I was actually extended that calling almost exactly 15 years ago.) But there is one thing that will be the same and that is the most important;lesson I learned from that experience. Heavenly Father loves these women more than any of them can comprehend and it is my calling to do what I can, under his counsel and direction, to help them to see even a small piece of that love. Isn't that what every calling is truly about? To help, in anyway no matter how great or how small, bring each other closer to Heavenly Father? (I really wish more people understood that, even myself.)

I close with the words of the hymn again. My theme song for this era of my life.

Father, all my heart I give thee;
All my service shall be thine.
Guide me as I search in weakness;
Let thy loving light be mine.

Here goes everything.

1. 
   

Marie-esque: Primary Talks and School

I have a couple of talks that Marie gave in Primary I wanted to save and document here. The first of the two was from January, before we moved. I admit that I basically wrote it for her. (That's not unusual for a 7-year-old talk, right?) What I loved so much about the talk was that when she was done she had a glowing look about her. She came over to me and she said, "Mommy, I've never said words like that. I really liked them and I felt the Spirit when I said them, especially the last part." Music to a mother's ears.

She is such a special girl and has absolutely thrived in kindergarten and first grade. She is always one of the best students in the class, loves to be helpful, is smart and organized, is an outstanding reader, makes friends easily, and is just genuinely a joy to have around. It has been such a relief for us, as we have been dealing with some hard things with our wonderful William.  They both come by their tendencies quite honestly and I am amazed when I look at them and think that they are from the same parents! (Tangent: Don't judge or applaud parents too enthusiastically. I think in doing so we really forget whom they really belong and who truly deserves the credit.)

Anyway, she loves to volunteer for talks and so, we have a couple to record.

1)
There are two different types of peaple that take care of sheep. One is called a sheep herder, or a hired shepherd. The sheepherder rarely loves his sheep. If a wolf attacks the flock, a sheepherder may run away to save his own life, leaving the wolf to scatter and kill the sheep. The other type is the good shepherd. A good shepherd owns his sheep. They are his, and he takes care of them. He will do anything necessary to protect his sheep, even die for them.

John 10:4 reads: And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 

Jesus spoke these words when teaching that he is like the good shepherd.

In verses 11 and 12 he said,

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth hi life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth  them, and scattereth the sheep.

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. he suffered and died for us so that we could return to Heavenly Father. We are His sheep if we will listen to His voice and follow Him. We do this by keeping the commandments, studying the scriptures, and obeying the prophets and the promptings of the Holy Ghost. We may not actually see the Savior in this life. But if we have faith in Him and follow His voice, He will protect us and lead us in the correct paths.

In closing, I would like to bear my testimony of Jesus Christ (and she did so).

The other was from today. We were sent a reminder text an hour before church. I was so grateful for that! Normally it is sent the night before, but an hour to spare was better than walking in to Primary and being reminded. So, Marie and I rushed upstairs and put a talk together. Here is what she said,

This is a picture of my brother William when he was 8 years old and chose to be baptized. The day he was baptized I felt the Spririt. I was very excited for him. I knew that he was doing something that Heavenly Father asked Him to do. Even Jesus was baptized because He knew it was a commandment. In Matthew 3:13-17 it reads: 

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. The he suffered him,
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven , saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

I know that Heavenly Father is well pleased when each of us is baptized. In just a few months I will be old enough to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The promises that I make will help me to return to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ one day. I will promise to take upon myself the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, keep His commandments, and serve Him and others. I will also be confirmed a member of the Church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. This will help me to keep the promises that I make that day.

I cannot wait to be baptized. I know that I will feel the Spirit just like I did when my brother was baptized. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

She did a fabulous job on both talks. She reads so well and loves to share the Gospel. I love to hear the words of the Gospel on my children's lips. And I love my Marie so very much.

Marie's First Grade Opera

May 7th, our sweet Miss Marie had a class performance. They performed an opera that was written and staged by them. In preparation for it, Marie came home every single day excited to tell us about the latest developments. So, I am going to let her do the talking on this blog post:

 This is the opera and it takes place in Africa. There are monkeys, cats, rhinos, and giraffes. We painted all the scenery. I painted so much that I can't remember exactly what I painted.

 That's my friends and me. Ari, RJ, and Knightely. They came to see me and I was excited because they don't go to my school. I felt special because they came. They are my best friends.

 That's me and my friend Kyla. We were monkeys together. We did exactly the same thing the whole time. We liked to do actions to the songs.

 That's me and my sister Anne. And we're by the bilboa tree. I was glad that Anne was there and everybody else.

 I feel happy because Sam is so cute and I really like his smile.

This is my teacher Mrs. Maw by the bilbao tree, also. We made it all by ourself. She is really nice to me and my class. I'm so glad she's my teacher and I hope that she will teach me for 4th grade.

The Opera!

On Motherhood

Mother's Day has me thinking about motherhood lately. Ironic, no?

On Tuesday I was at a Relief Society meeting and, as is inevitable, we were talking about our kids. There was a good mix of ages in the circle. The RS president, after I told a story about Samuel, smiled and shook her head and said, "Sometimes I'm glad I'm passed that stage." I thanked her for saying that because it is never encouraging when the common response to my woes are, "Enjoy it!" Her response was that I will miss it, but some things you are okay to leave behind. I couldn't agree more. Then another of the women with grown children said she'd take her babies in diapers coloring on the walls any day because those choices are not life altering. "Once your kids are old enough to make life altering decisions," she said, "you will wish these days back in a heartbeat."

I'm not naive or immature enough to argue with that. I've been a mother long enough that I can already look back at old pictures and yearn for just a few moments with each of my children as babies and toddlers and preschoolers. How my arms ache sometimes to hold them again! The pictures from even a year ago surprise me when I realize how much my kids have grown and changed right under my nose. Every time I carry Sam I know that the last time I hold him is inching in on me and my heart hurts a little at the thought.

Yet, I can't mourn the loss of those years or wish them back for long because then I wouldn't have the people they are today. And I love these people so much.

And regarding the life altering decisions? Well, right now that is totally up to Brandon and I and that isn't exactly a cakewalk. We have made some doozy decisions on behalf of our children. We uprooted them from Clinton and then Layton and are now trying to find roots in Farr West. Our choice of schools, our choice to attend church, what activities we do or do not allow them to participate in, these are quite life altering. This week we had to make a couple of calls on behalf of a couple of our kids that were heavy and hard and, well, life altering.

I guess what I am trying to say is that parenting isn't easy now and I am quite positive it isn't going to be easy later. However, I refuse to believe that this is IT; that these are the glory years and it isn't going to get any better than this. Not because now isn't wonderful, but because later has so much promise, too!

My mom has a favorite phrase she likes to say, "I just love this stage." What stage? Whatever stage that certain child happens to be in. I have often teased her about it. More and more though, I see the wisdom behind it. The wisdom behind enjoying the here and now is powerful. Parenting can and should stretch us in different ways our entire lives. It is progressive, there will never be an arrival, a top of the mountain, if you will. All I can really do to find happiness in motherhood is to make the most of each day, because that is really all I have. The past will always be behind me and the future will always be just out of my reach. Today, however, will always be here.

I am resolved to do even better at making the most of it.

Loving Our New Normal

As we continue to settle in we are amazed at how "at home" we feel and how comfortable we are living here. There is so much to love and even more to be grateful for. As I scanned my photos trying to decide what to post these were some snapshots that stood out to me.

 After picking up the kids from school one afternoon (they walk or ride bikes or scooter to school, but some days I like to get my walk in by meeting them near the school to walk home with them). William and Marie decided to walk across the field that day to get to our house, which you can almost see there in the distance. The front portion of this field will be a field for quite some time, and then eventually a city park. The other half, the north half, has begun to be developed since taking this picture. A road is being built in preparation for "Phase V of V" of the neighborhood.

We all missed our little tables and books when we were renting. I think Anne, most especially, missed those things that meant "home" to her. She loves her home and her family. She loves to be cozy and comfortable in environments that are familiar to her. And she loves to read.

 She also loves ice cream. This was on the curb of the gas station that is just a walk away from our house. I picked the kids up from school on the Friday leading into Spring Break and we walked to get their 35 cent cones, which turned into cups full of ice cream.

And Sam, well, he has done his part to break in this house, which has involved breaking things, unfortunately. It has also involved eating on the floors, apparently. He keeps all of us laughing while we simultaneously are pulling our hair out in frustration.

Our new normal is beyond everything we hoped it would be when we made the crazy decision to move just over a year ago.

St. Patrick's Day

My kids, upon realizing that we have Irish ancestors, have decided that St. Patrick's Day is a pretty awesome and totally rad holiday. It isn't because the leprechauns have visited them every year with green goodies, or because they get new shirts or because their milk is always magically turned green. Nope, those are just bonuses to the fact that it is an Irish holiday and they are Irish. That makes me happy.

 The leprechauns played it simple this year with an assortment of green goodies to include in their lunches. Green shirts had been purchased a few weeks prior at Children's Place. Thank you, Children's Place, for always having an assortment of green shirts for super cheap.

 Besides that it was a normal day. A Tuesday, so I had to drive down to Layton for Anne's preschool. Sam and I filled the time by wandering Target and spending more money than I should have. I couldn't help myself! Sam, without me noticing, opened up a couple of packages of hot wheels at the beginning of the trip so he was super content to let me wander the store. William used to lay down and drive his cars like this. My boys and their cars.

 He was totally zoning out in the first picture and without even blinking,

 he noticed I was taking a picture and stuck out his tongue.

 When I laughed, he threw himself back into the cart in a fit of glee. That day, it was absolutely delightful to spend time with my buddy. I like days like that.

The rest of the day was spent laying low at home. I loved seeing them cuddle like this while they watched a movie. I think it must have been cold or rainy that day.

Still Here

Tonight Brandon and I were trying to remember something and I jumped on my blog to verify when it actually happened. It was in 2009, the height of blogging, for me at least. After finding the post (about putting the sandbox in, if you are curious), I started to browse through the other posts that I had written at that time. Soon enough, I was laughing and crying and smiling and just plain loving the fact that I had made that history. I decided it wasn't a coincidence that I had that experience. I was reminded how much I appreciate that I have written down those memories.

So, to my future self that will be reading this years from now, I am doing this for you. It's so worth it. And to my current friends and family who rode out the trend and are still sticking around, thanks. All 3 of you.

Now, if only I had children that napped so I could be as consistent as I was back in the day.

A little too much wishful thinking there.

Missing the Good Ol' Days

The last time somebody commented on my blog was more than 3 months ago. In the height of the blog craze, before Facebook and then Instagram took over, I used to look forward to blog comments daily. I'm kind of over all social media lately, as I find I cannot disconnect my mind from what I read when I'm not reading it. On top of juggling my relationship with my husband and my kids and all that entails, and maintaining relationships with my siblings, and trying to figure out the enigma that is my relationship with my in-laws, and keeping up with friends in order to support them through their current phases .... well, on top of that, I feel the need to give all my Facebook and Instagram friends the validation they are craving because if they didn't need validation they wouldn't have posted publicly about whatever it was that they just posted. Then I read a post that fires me up emotionally and I have to talk myself down from responding in a way I will regret later or I do respond and I regret it and can't stop thinking about it. So, to short this rambling rant, basically, I am trying to wean myself off of social media. But not my blog because it is my journal, too. Although, I am sad that it has sat neglected much more often than it used to sit neglected. And I'm sad to admit that part of that is because people actually used to read my blog and comment. It was validating. There is that lovely word again. And there I am back at the start of the post, lamenting the fact that no one comments anymore and few people read this lovely blog of mine. And do you know what, I'm really okay with that, but it leads me to consider going completely private with it. I write differently if I do think I have an audience, compared to if I am just planning on posterity reading it many years from now when I have kicked the bucket. The moral of the story: if anytime soon you lose access to this blog, all 1 or 2 readers that may or may not exist, just know that it's not you, it's me. Cheers.

Have Courage and Be Kind

 Anne has been asking for months if the movie theaters were open yet for the summer so that we could see Cinderella. She refused to understand the truth, that the theaters are always open. I love 4 year old logic. So, opening weekend we bought tickets and had a girl's night out to the theater. we also discovered that we are pretty rotten at taking a group selfie together.

The movie was magical and beautiful. It exceeded my expectations, as I was mostly sad that they were making something to replace one of my childhood favorites. It passed the test though, and if this is what my girls grow up watching, I am more than pleased with that.

 We finished off the night with some cupcakes, Marie's favorite treat. Anne chose a cookie. As long as whatever treat she eats is chocolate, she's happy.

Fun time with my girls!

Sammy Turns 3!

We made it! We celebrated our first holiday in our new house. I'm not sure who anticipated the event more, me or him.

 The morning started off with waffles, berries, and cream. And a birthday candle was a must. We loved watching him sing to himself and then excitedly blow out the candle.

 By request we had a Lightening McQueen birthday party which consisted of, well, watching Lightening McQueen. (Disney Cars) Pizza, popcorn, and root beer were on the menu. Breadsticks for Sammy, the silly little eater that currently wouldn't eat pizza.

 And cupcakes to finish off the celebration.

 For the record, he ate the cupcakes.

 One that evening and a couple more the next morning, while hiding behind the kitchen island, when he should have been eating breakfast.

I never want to forget his absolute enthusiasm for his birthday this year. I never want to forget watching him carefully position his fingers so he could sign that he was now "3!" His giggles and squeals as he opened up his presents. His big grin when we sang to him. His eagerness to tell everybody it was HIS birthday! He is curious and energetic and loves to explore and loves to celebrate. We love our Sam!

Beginnings and Endings

The past three weeks have been full of beginnings and endings. The kids said goodbye to friends and a school that they adored. It was hard, especially for William, which we fully expected. I was so proud of the kids. They held their heads up high through a daunting task. Having Aunt Becca and Grandma come to stay for a few days helped all of us. Having the help with cooking, cleaning, and nurturing gave me the mental clarity to prepare for the move in a way I've never been able to do before. Because I wasn't stressed, I felt more able to be present with the kids. I could recognize when they were looking a little extra sad and needed a hug. I was able to sit down and talk with them as they worked through the emotions of this experience, whenever they needed it. It was such a blessing to move through this change as smoothly as possible.

The last day of school at Leadership Learning Academy ended up also being the Valentine's Class Parties.

Marie's Valentine box. She did not have a specific vision and refused to allow me to show her ideas from Pinterest. She just wanted to have at it with a table full of supplies. She did just that and it turned out quite cute.

William, on the other hand, specifically wanted a Pirate's Ship. I showed him a couple of pictures and then he and Grandma came up with a very awesome creation. It was the hit of his class, although that wasn't his goal, it was just a little perk.

 I need to have Marie and William tell me the names of these cute kids they became good friends with.

 This is Luke, William's best school friend. They were troublemakers together, but also encouraged creativity in each other that was fun to watch. LEGO creations, dragon sketches, and made up stories filled William's back pack and his mind through his friendship with Luke. Luke's family is moving to South Ogden, so we will be just a bit closer to him than Layton would be. We hope to maintain a relationship with him and his family.

 The teachers. Mrs. Winfrey, Ms. Coffman, and Mrs. Nikolaev. 

Marie and William both agree that Ms. Coffman was their absolute favorite with Mrs. Winfrey running a VERY close second. We had some trouble with Mrs. Nikolaev, but she sure did love to talk to the kids about Russia and they loved to share with me what they learned. 

 Little Miss Marie insisted on a picture with her kindergarten teacher, too. Miss Larkin was the perfect match for Marie. She's a fun loving and organized teacher. The best kind there is!

The weekend came and went (with lots and lots of moving in the mix) and just like that they became the new kids at a new school. The highlight of their first day was being able to wear "regular clothes" instead of uniforms.

 I took them to the school on Friday afternoon so they could meet their teachers before the morning of their first day. It eased their nerves quite a bit and I'm glad it worked out for us to do that.

 William has Mr. Fischer, who has been lauded as the best 3rd grade teacher at the school. He thinks it's pretty cool to have a "boy teacher" and I think it will be great for him.

 Marie has fallen in love with her teacher, Mrs. Maw. She is kind and silly and speaks right to a 1st graders fun loving heart.

I want my kids to always know how awesome they are for going through this challenge. This was a hard thing they had to do and they've made it through. Well, we're still making it through, but things are looking great so far. They are troopers!