I think I have this thing figured out and then I realize I still don't...
But, I think I have decided to finally surrender....
and Trust.....
and know that I (and my family) are in His Hands...
He has a plan.....
and all that we go through can be for our good ...
and give us experience....
grant us wisdom......
and teach us that without a doubt ..We have a Father in Heaven who will give us what we need to pull through any challenge and therefore learn that He knows us personally and loves us.
So I Surrender...
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught us how we can benefit from adversity by relying on Christ. He said, " the Lord is intent on our personal growth and development... Progress is accelerated when we willingly allow Him to lead us through every growth experience we encounter... If we question every unpleasant challenge... we make it harder for the Lord to bless us. But if we center our hearts and minds on the Lord's will, we will gain more happiness in the journey and more fulfillment in life."
Orson F Whitney of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles helped us understand the purpose of adversity. He said, " No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God... and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire. "
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Michael's Birthday Party
This year it was a family party year for Michael's birthday. His big day started off with his birthday breakfast. He requested crepes with nutella and bananas. I didn't get pictures of that.
In the afternoon we went to Avatar together. Most of the family had seen it but Michael and Jacob had not. I love that movie!
In the evening, we had Michael's birthday dinner. He requested homemade pizza. This is a favorite activity/dinner at our house. Everyone enjoys this.
Dinner was followed by presents. As tradition requires everyone gives a gift of some kind, anything they can afford. It is fun to see what everyone comes up with. This is Jacob doing "heavy heavy hangs over thy poor head. What do you wish the giver?" Jacob gave Michael a cool water bottle that he can use for soccer games and practices.
Michael, as you can see was very happy about getting this lego set. He has been talking about his birthday for almost the past month and he really wanted this.
And this... a wooden "musket" like the ones they used at a scout camp. He also received a big foam nerf sword from his big brothers. He loves to dress up in "armour" and have a war with anyone who is game. Ahhh...legos, weapons, a pocket knife, a musket, and what else would any 11 year old boy want?
Ahh yes.... an electric scooter!! Yep, we are going to give that a try.
Happy Birthday Michael! We love you!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Saying Goodbye...
I have been asked to help with cub scouts, so last Sunday I said goodbye to these darling kids I teach in primary. They are adorable and precious to me. I have enjoyed teaching them and sharing in this special year of their lives...the year that they choose to be baptized.
Not that I haven't shed a few tears over this change..and scratched my head and wondered a little.... I trust that there is a plan.... and I consider it a great blessing to be able to serve anywhere in this church.
I feel so blessed to be a part of anything that I am asked to do and I know that I can do some good anywhere I am asked to serve with the Lord's help.
Nothing makes me happier that just serving my Heavenly Father..especially when it is in quiet ways and it is known only to Him what I do. If I feel He is pleased with me and my efforts then that is about the best feeling one can feel, especially if you see you are making a difference in someone's life..(especially 7 year olds..are they the cutest or what? I just love these kids!!!!) That may sound very "special" but that it truly how I feel.
Not that I haven't shed a few tears over this change..and scratched my head and wondered a little.... I trust that there is a plan.... and I consider it a great blessing to be able to serve anywhere in this church.
I feel so blessed to be a part of anything that I am asked to do and I know that I can do some good anywhere I am asked to serve with the Lord's help.
Nothing makes me happier that just serving my Heavenly Father..especially when it is in quiet ways and it is known only to Him what I do. If I feel He is pleased with me and my efforts then that is about the best feeling one can feel, especially if you see you are making a difference in someone's life..(especially 7 year olds..are they the cutest or what? I just love these kids!!!!) That may sound very "special" but that it truly how I feel.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Eric's Graduation Announcement!
Eric is set to graduate in a mere few weeks! It seems surreal to me but it is really happening. I am so proud of him and all that he has accomplished!
In honor of Eric's splendid high school career, here is a list of some of his accomplishments:
-Performed in three musicals, Beauty and the Beast, Suessical the Musical and Curtains
-Performed in Concert Choir (3 yrs), Men's Ensemble (JR year) and Vocal Ensemble (Senior Year)
-Scored a 1-the highest score in the state solo competition!
-Excellent Pianist. Accompanies his choir a bit and we love to hear him perform. Performed in the Talent Show.
-Maintains his 3.7 G.P.A. Thanks to a Math 1050 (college level class) he didn't quite make it to the 3.9 but he consistently gets All A's and a B+ except for one quarter of that darn college level math class...But we are still so proud of him!
-Eagle Scout!
-Has toured every year with the Performing Arts and Productions company of Hillcrest High for the past three years.
-This year he sang the solo of Don't Stop Believin' (The popular Glee Club version) at DISNEYLAND!!! And he did an awesome job.
-And with all of this Eric is truly humble. His parents gush with pride over him but he just doesn't seem to get why it is all such a big deal.
We are so proud of this boy and love love love him. He is a truly nice person, kind, helpful, polite and fun to be around. He has a great sense of humor and always makes us laugh. He is a peacemaker in our home and is always on the look out for ways to help. He loves learning and is always reading!! I hoped to have a great reader and he has surpassed my goal.
Congratulations to Eric for years of hard work...always striving to do his best. We are proud to be his Mom and Dad and are grateful for the wonderful example he sets for his younger brothers.
Eric has chosen to go to BYU Idaho in the Fall. A bunch of his cousins are going and he is going to room with his cousin Craig Vanwagenen. We hope he has the time of his life. He is only going for one semester and then coming home to work for a few months before he leaves on his MISSION! Whoa!
Life is good ..so exciting...I am so proud of this boy...but man oh man sometimes I just can't believe time goes so fast.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Birthday Michael!!!
Well, despite my pleadings Michael went ahead and did it anyway:
Michael turned 11!
You know what this means? He is my fourth child and by now I know that I have one more precious year to enjoy this boy as my "little" boy. He isn't so little but things really change when that twelfth birthday comes. My mommy heart aches a little... (no let's be honest a lot)
Here are 11 things I adore about this boy:
1-Michael is a truly good person. He came that way. Once in awhile, he tries to "act" naughty as if he is trying it out to see how it feels. While he "acts" this way he tries to keep himself from laughing because he knows I'm on to him. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body. He is a truly nice, considerate, respectful, kind, unselfish person. This is one reason why his friends really like him.
2-Michael has the most unique and creative imagination. This shows up in his artwork and story "books" he writes. His art is so cute and original. Other people notice and adore his artwork as much as I do. I am proud of him.
3-Michael has an amazing sense of humor. This quiet, unassuming boy says some of the most surprisingly funny things at just the right times making all of us laugh.
4-He is the very best friend and buddy Jacob will ever have. Jacob can be feisty and Michael is so nice to him anyway. Is that a blessing or what? These two have a very special bond. I hope that never changes because their close friendship is truly a strength and a blessing to them both.
5-I love how Michael notices everything and takes time to smell the roses. When he is outside he will notice things in nature that we over look because he slows down enough to notice and appreciate the world around him. He reminds his A-type personality Mom to slow down and enjoy... I have come to appreciate his "Michael mode" because he forces me to slow down.
6-Michael is a really good friend. He usually only has one or two close friends at a time. Unfortunately some of his friends have moved away. But he always finds a new friend to replace a friend who moves away. And he really knows how to pick 'em! I am always so impressed with who he spends time with. His friends are all so very nice just like he is.
7-Michael loves technology! One of his favorite things to do is take pictures and create computer animated stories. He is very creative and is the only child in my family who has his own blog. You can check out his blog here.
6-I love that Michael has caught onto the fun of reading. I love to see him curled up in some corner reading a book.
7-Michael is a blossoming pianist. His creativeness shines through here too. He loves to create his own arrangements of songs he is learning and does such a great job. He especially loves to play jazz and the blues along with his share of the classics. I have loved watching his musical talents grow. He played the piano at Christmas for his 5th grade Christmas program.
8-Although he is outgrowing this (darn!) he has an adorable fascination with dogs and little furry animals. He has loved stuffed animals and enjoys his hamster Bobo. He keeps begging me for guinea pigs, rats (no!), all kinds of doggies and more.
9-He is humble..enough said. What a great trait!
10-He always says, "bye Mom, I love you!" when I drop him off at school.
11-His eyes still sparkle with excitement when I show up to help with something at his school.
We love you Michael!
Michael turned 11!
You know what this means? He is my fourth child and by now I know that I have one more precious year to enjoy this boy as my "little" boy. He isn't so little but things really change when that twelfth birthday comes. My mommy heart aches a little... (no let's be honest a lot)
Here are 11 things I adore about this boy:
1-Michael is a truly good person. He came that way. Once in awhile, he tries to "act" naughty as if he is trying it out to see how it feels. While he "acts" this way he tries to keep himself from laughing because he knows I'm on to him. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body. He is a truly nice, considerate, respectful, kind, unselfish person. This is one reason why his friends really like him.
2-Michael has the most unique and creative imagination. This shows up in his artwork and story "books" he writes. His art is so cute and original. Other people notice and adore his artwork as much as I do. I am proud of him.
3-Michael has an amazing sense of humor. This quiet, unassuming boy says some of the most surprisingly funny things at just the right times making all of us laugh.
4-He is the very best friend and buddy Jacob will ever have. Jacob can be feisty and Michael is so nice to him anyway. Is that a blessing or what? These two have a very special bond. I hope that never changes because their close friendship is truly a strength and a blessing to them both.
5-I love how Michael notices everything and takes time to smell the roses. When he is outside he will notice things in nature that we over look because he slows down enough to notice and appreciate the world around him. He reminds his A-type personality Mom to slow down and enjoy... I have come to appreciate his "Michael mode" because he forces me to slow down.
6-Michael is a really good friend. He usually only has one or two close friends at a time. Unfortunately some of his friends have moved away. But he always finds a new friend to replace a friend who moves away. And he really knows how to pick 'em! I am always so impressed with who he spends time with. His friends are all so very nice just like he is.
7-Michael loves technology! One of his favorite things to do is take pictures and create computer animated stories. He is very creative and is the only child in my family who has his own blog. You can check out his blog here.
6-I love that Michael has caught onto the fun of reading. I love to see him curled up in some corner reading a book.
7-Michael is a blossoming pianist. His creativeness shines through here too. He loves to create his own arrangements of songs he is learning and does such a great job. He especially loves to play jazz and the blues along with his share of the classics. I have loved watching his musical talents grow. He played the piano at Christmas for his 5th grade Christmas program.
8-Although he is outgrowing this (darn!) he has an adorable fascination with dogs and little furry animals. He has loved stuffed animals and enjoys his hamster Bobo. He keeps begging me for guinea pigs, rats (no!), all kinds of doggies and more.
9-He is humble..enough said. What a great trait!
10-He always says, "bye Mom, I love you!" when I drop him off at school.
11-His eyes still sparkle with excitement when I show up to help with something at his school.
We love you Michael!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Notes Written on a Tattered Old Piece of Paper
I found an old tattered paper with some notes I had written on it when I was a fairly new mother, still just beginning the venture of establishing a home and family. I wrote at the top of the page:
I think my oldest was about 5 years old.
It was interesting for me to note the order of the things I wrote. Even more interesting to me is how time and experience have taught me more about living a contented life as a family. I don't think I have ever felt crazier than I do now ...trying to balance the activities, responsibilities and schedules of 8 people... 4 schools, two..no now three different piano teachers, sports, scouts, homework and on and on.
Even though I think I know more now about what really works to make home life more contented, it is more challenging than ever before to get that.
I would add new things to the list now such as reading scriptures each day as a family. When we do this there really is greater peace and contentment in our home. Another I would add is to spend a minute with each person...connect with each person even if it is for a few minutes. Maybe I would add reading time with my little kids at night. That adds a lot of contentment. There are just some things that I feel I need to do each day. I can go to bed at night feeling fairly confident that everyone feels they are doing well and feel loved.
This list wasn't meant to cover everything in family life but just touch on the things that truly make us feel content and happy.
Social:
Family/Recreation:
Money:
Education:
Order:
I can tell you with a doubt the area of "order" is sadly the area that I struggle with the most and drives me the most crazy!
I think I need to revisit this list. Moms have such a huge role in the creation of calm and contentment in their homes....... Every day I get up and realize that it is largely up to me how my home will feel that day and how we will interact with each other.. No wonder I am exhausted at the end of the day!!!
"Rules for a Contented Life."
I think my oldest was about 5 years old.
It was interesting for me to note the order of the things I wrote. Even more interesting to me is how time and experience have taught me more about living a contented life as a family. I don't think I have ever felt crazier than I do now ...trying to balance the activities, responsibilities and schedules of 8 people... 4 schools, two..no now three different piano teachers, sports, scouts, homework and on and on.
Even though I think I know more now about what really works to make home life more contented, it is more challenging than ever before to get that.
I would add new things to the list now such as reading scriptures each day as a family. When we do this there really is greater peace and contentment in our home. Another I would add is to spend a minute with each person...connect with each person even if it is for a few minutes. Maybe I would add reading time with my little kids at night. That adds a lot of contentment. There are just some things that I feel I need to do each day. I can go to bed at night feeling fairly confident that everyone feels they are doing well and feel loved.
This list wasn't meant to cover everything in family life but just touch on the things that truly make us feel content and happy.
Social:
- Eric: friend over atleast once a week -Eric was about 5 years old at this time
- Joseph, friend over atleast once a week -Joseph was about 3
- Dinner with friends or family every quarter
- Game night with another family every quarter (Sun or Mon nights)
- Special Sunday activities
- Sunday "stations"
- Traditional Sunday dinners
- Invite someone to dinner once a quarter
- Gospel conversations often and not just on Sunday
- Traditional Sunday night treats
Family/Recreation:
- Family Activity once a week
- Family Home Evening every Monday
- Create a very fun backyard
- Hobbies-do together
- Encourage and partcipate in sports
- Art
- Drama-Children's Theater
- Singing, perform
- Piano
- Nature/Outdoor activities
- Meaningful traditions
- Be sure to laugh often and much!
Money:
- Do not go into debt
- Be a wise steward of resources
- Save, then buy
- Live within Means
Education:
- Be actively involved in children's educations!
- Homework hour every day
- Work before play
- Everyone read and read!
Order:
- Follow routine
- Maintain cleanliness
- Children pick up each night
- Laundry baskets (everyone put away clothes in baskets)
- Dish duty
- Saturday work
- Breakfast together as a family
- Dinner together every night
Husband/Wife:
- Read together/talk
- Social Activities
- Physical exercise
- Temple Date once a month
- Make dates fun
- Formal date once a month ?
- Work together on something
Service:
- Once a week for someone--anything!
I can tell you with a doubt the area of "order" is sadly the area that I struggle with the most and drives me the most crazy!
I think I need to revisit this list. Moms have such a huge role in the creation of calm and contentment in their homes....... Every day I get up and realize that it is largely up to me how my home will feel that day and how we will interact with each other.. No wonder I am exhausted at the end of the day!!!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Scott's Pictures!
am thrilled at how these pictures turned out! They were taken by Cindi Meier, of A Moment in Time. She did such a great job capturing the many sides of Scott's personality. It was very hard to choose which ones to order. I just want to order them all. How in the world can I not?
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