We Thank Thee, O God For a Prophet!

*This post was written the beginning of January 2018, just realized I never published it.

It's been more than a little while on here. But I wanted to share some thoughts from today. Last week our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, died. After school today I took the kids up to Salt Lake to Pres. Monson's viewing. I was debating whether or not to take the kids. The hassle or how to handle waiting with them for a long time, possibly in the cold. Would they even be quiet when we got close? 

I started thinking when I was a child and remember my mom taking me to Pres. Benson's viewing. He is the first prophet I remember as a child. I remember waiting in line in a stairwell and finally getting to the room with a lot of flowers. I remember one of the flowers said from Ricks College and thinking I didn't really know what that was. I don't remember really seeing the prophet but just being there. As a mother now with 3 young children, I realize the effort that it took to do that. And why? I can't speak for my own mother's motivation. But for me, what I see as an adult looking back, was her expressing her testimony to her children. And today I have a testimony of living prophets and hope to teach that to my own kids. I then started thinking about other personal experiences with prophets. I remember being a BYU student attending a devotional when Pres. Hinckley spoke. I remember the feeling I had that overcame me when he walked in the Marriott Center. I knew he was a prophet of God. I remember attending the O.C. Tanner Gift of Music Concert in the Conference Center and Pres. Monson coming in and that exact feeling overcame me, he also was a prophet of God! 

So I took the kids and if nothing else I hope they remember they went. And hopefully one day they will also know that their mother has a testimony of living prophets. 

"Let us examine our lives and determine to follow the Savior's example by being kind, loving, and charitable." - Thomas S. Monson

Mother Heart

Yesterday afternoon was beautiful, the perfect weather for playing outside. So that is what we did. The baby was taking a nap so The Silly One went to the park at the end of the street to play with some friends. The Small One stayed and played in front of the house. The Silly One ended up slipping on the playground and split his chin open, again. This happened about two and half years ago but riding bikes. It was a long evening from there as we went to the doctor (thank goodness for night clinics!) and got it stitched up. I guess once it happens it is easier to happen again in the future. He opened it right next to the first scar. 

When we finally got everyone home I had to go to the store to get the Silly One something for school today. When that was finished I was ready for bed myself. Trying to unwind, I kept thinking about how I accomplished all I did. Blood and gross stuff is not my strength. I'm very grateful for doctors and nurses who can take care of those things for my children. But as I was thinking about it I realized that it really is amazing what you can do for your child, especially when they are sick or hurt. Like that Mother Bear instinct that just kicks in and takes over. I then remembered a talk that Julie B. Beck gave about a "Mother Heart." I read it last night and came across a quote that fit exactly how I felt perfectly.

"There is no limit to what a woman with a mother heart can accomplish."

I am not trying to say look at what a great mother I am, not that at all because I see so many short comings and things I could do better on a constant basis. (I didn't even give him Tylenol to dull the pain before going to the doctor.) Simply that I love my children and there is power in that. Amazing things happen when that is the case and that is really what our children need. I saw it in my own mother last night as I called her to ask her to watch the youngest two and 

without hesitation she did. 

This was us last night as they cleaned it all out. It isn't a glamorous picture by any means. I actually thought my husband was taking the picture of just The Silly One. But as they numbed it we had to wait for it to kick in and I got to sit next to him on the table as he played on the ipad and showed me replays of EVERY race. I held his hand and looked away as they stuck things in his chin and stitched it up. (Taking deep breaths to not pass out, I said I was no good with this stuff.) He was fine and maybe didn't even need me, but I was glad I could be there with him. 

Being a mother isn't easy by any means but, 

"I know who I am, and I know what I am supposed to do. The rest just follows."

Kindness Above All

I'm trying to grade right now as my baby takes a nap and my middle child plays Minion Rush. Usually this is semi-effective but the assignments I'm grading right now are hard ones. They are time consuming and get a bit tedious at times. 

I should be redlining assignments . . . .

The hard part for me this morning is trying to focus as I keep thinking about an email a student sent me this morning. I am finishing up my 7th year teaching at LDS Business College in a few short weeks and the email I received today is unlike any other I have received. This ending of the year brings a lot of stress to the students in my department as they prepare for their big portfolio event and graduation. They often talk about the stress they feel and times of overwhelming to do lists. I have had students in the past who have done very well, that have failed, just made it through and been average. 

This current semester I have one particular student who is struggling, in danger of failing and not graduating. This is nothing new or out of the ordinary. It has sadly happened before to others. She sat next to another student in class this week who at times has struggled but has also spent a lot of extra time to understand and is much more confident than in the past. The student who is more confident sent me an email this morning asking for help. Not for her own assignment but how she might help the struggling student, what she might be able to do. I was initially shocked, knowing how busy each student is right now. But then I thought of this student and what a Christlike example she is to care for another when she has so much on her own plate. 

As I look to celebrating Easter this Sunday I was reminded of the Savior's example of kindness and the scripture Matthew 25:40, which reads, 

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

What an eye opening reminder for me as I look to celebrating the life, death and Resurrection of my Savior this Sunday. Hallelujah for kindness!

Positive Challenge - Day 5

Here we are at Day 5, five days later than day 4. There are positive things that happen each day and most are rather small but focusing on them helps make things better. Here we go:

1. Baseball game for FHE. We tried to go Saturday as part of our Summer Fun list but it was postponed because of the rain. I'm glad we finally made it tonight. 

2. I enjoy food and making it for my family (most of the time!). I especially love when my kids love what I make, today was a success with poppy seed muffins for breakfast and fish for dinner. 

3. Tomorrow I celebrate 8 years with this guy! 

This was us at the Ogden Temple open house a bit over a week ago. We got to celebrate Friday night which was great, tomorrow is the one Tuesday I work in August each year. Each year gets better and better, it has been a wonderful ride and I am excited for what the future will bring and that I have my best friend by my side. 

More than a Holiday

Today I attended Time Out For Women with my Mom and one of my sisters. It was a nice break and there were some wonderful messages. I saw this video and I feel it explains exactly what I was feeling last night and what I have a goal to accomplish. 

"Giving thanks isn't a holiday. It's how people live."

Happy Thanksgiving!

Forced Thankfulness?

I started a blog post about a month ago after the first ER visit with the Small One but didn't like the direction it was going so I never finished it. I haven't even blogged about that kid's birthday on our family blog. It has been a hard month for us, I won't go into all the details. The quick facts: the Small One ended up with a skull fracture, the Silly One got 5 stitches in his chin after crashing on his bike and the Smart One was in the ER earlier this evening and ended up getting a gastroscope. (Hence I referenced the "first" ER visit.) After the first incident I had a huge wake up call as to how precious life really is, things are fine one moment and can be gone the next. Thankfully everyone is fine, even as I write this. The boys are healed and back to their normal (crazy and wild) selves. 

The Smart One is sleeping it off and hopefully will be back to normal tomorrow. I thought about writing a blog post about being thankful for modern medicine and the wonderful things they are able to do and discover in an instant, it is Thanksgiving in a week after all. I thought about writing how thankful I am for my wonderful little family and how each of them mean the world to me. I could go on and on about the thoughts I had about being thankful but as I was thinking I realized it is more than just being thankful. I need to live that gratitude. 

My greatest blessings, as silly as they are!

A few years ago at a large Thanksgiving dinner (my favorite way to have it) there was a particularly poignant thought on the favor that year. I liked it so much it has been stuck to my fridge ever since. It spoke of not just giving thanks but in actually living it. We shouldn't have to be forced into thankfulness as I feel I am at times. And yet here I am overwhelmed by my feelings just for 3 people, not counting the many others who impact my life for good. My goal this Thanksgiving season and moving forward is to not just be grateful and thankful for the bounteous blessings I have been given but to act on that gratitude. To show those people that mean more to me than anything how wonderful I think they are. To strive to share the blessings I have with others around me.

"Gratitude is expressed in prayer and thanksgiving, but more so in living lives of honor and integrity, of kindness and compassion, in awareness of others and their needs, and an honest expression of gratitude for all those who bless and affect our lives for good. Thanksgiving is best expressed in thanks-living -in lives of goodness and obedience and love and service."

- A. Theodore Tuttle

Legos and my boys!

I love being a mom, that is the truth! But to be totally honest, it is hard to be a mom. It can be exhausting and frustrating and at times bring me to tears. It is also one of the most rewarding things in the world. As hard as it is to be a mom at times I wouldn't trade it for anything, really ANYTHING. 

I had one of those great moments tonight. Usually on Thursdays I am so ready for bedtime and usually because the Smart One goes to scouts so I do bedtime solo. The Silly One wanted to play with Legos so while I was doing dinner he was working on building a race car. He got Legos for Christmas and has been loving them and is even getting pretty good at building things and modifying to make them his own. We ate dinner as a family and the Smart One was off to scouts and I cleaned up. Once the dishwasher was loaded I helped finish the race car. I got totally sucked in, we ended up making two more cars and the boys and I had a race. A race in which started simple but then the rules changed mid-race and all of a sudden the cars could fly. :) It probably sounds silly but while we were playing I had the thought how wonderful it is to be a mother of boys. I am grateful for these two crazy boys!

On a side note, I have been meaning to post the sweet flower my Silly One gave me on Mother's Day.

The middle says, "I Love My Mom because. . ."

Each petal has his answer to a question:

My favorite thing to do with my Mom: Play games

My Mom is good at: making stuff and playing basketball

My Mom is as beautiful as: a flower

My Mom teaches me: to tie my shoes

My Mom loves me because: she makes yummy stuff

My Mom makes the best: Chocolate stuff

Apparently I make a lot of good food. :) This made my day. See didn't I tell you being a Mom was the best? So worth it.

Food Allergies - the real deal

My son and I with silly faces at his last food challenge at Primary Children's Hospital - April 2013

This week, May 12-18 is food allergy awareness week. I know it might sound kind of dumb to those of you who have never had to deal with food allergies. So let me share my story. Ever since I was a little girl I have had allergies. I do not remember how old I was but I remember eating a brownie at my great-aunt Helen's house. It was chocolate so what was not to like? But that was when my parent's realized I was allergic to nuts like my Dad. I don't remember much but just knew there were a lot of desserts and candies that were now off limits. I am allergic to tree nuts, some more than others but food allergies can be tricky. One time it might be just a scratchy throat the next time could be full blown anaphylaxis. (I have experienced both.) I had to be the kid in the lunch line asking if the cookies had nuts. At any family party, family reunion, and especially food at Christmastime I had to be careful what desserts I could eat. (I still consider it a successful holiday season if I don't have even a mild reaction to something.) I didn't know anyone else like me growing up except my Dad. I grew up and that was life, I had several inconvenient reactions like right before a choir concert or while I was working but I just learned it was better to be safe than sorry. But that doesn't always ensure nothing will happen. I always hated telling people I didn't want any of whatever it was because many times they would feel bad I couldn't eat it because of my allergies. Although one time in high school a friend told me to just eat it because she didn't like nuts either, if only it were that easy.

I went to college and am now married with two children. Thankfully in all that time I have only ended up in the ER once. I can deal with myself but 3 years ago my world of food allergies expanded. I was watching my 10 month old son experience an allergic reaction to a tuna fish sandwich. We had him tested and found he was allergic to eggs and peanuts. But to be safe the allergist told me to also avoid all fish(my husband is allergic to tuna fish in some cases) and all nuts. I left the doctor's office completely overwhelmed. I knew how to deal with my allergies but now more? I called my older sister for support. Her oldest son had allergies to milk, eggs and peanuts. (He has virtually outgrown the egg allergy now!) She gave me some tips and even a powder egg substitute. I calmed down and headed to the grocery store. I started carefully reading labels which I had done here and there to check for tree nuts and as I did so now I was grateful. Grateful that my son could still have milk, those that have to avoid milk have a much tougher job. Months past and because of the advice of my sister I checked out Utah Food Allergy Network (UFAN) and attended a support meeting. I honestly had teased my sister about needing a "support group" to deal with her son's allergies, I had done it my whole life essentially on my own. But I realized now I needed help in knowing how to handle my son participating in activities with other children away from my home that was safe. I needed ideas in how to educate those around me about what to give my son to eat. It helped me to gain more information and also realize I didn't have much to complain about, there are kids that deal with A LOT more.

My son is now 4 and we are doing good. We have discovered that he is also allergic to peas and some beans (I think pinto beans and maybe others) and tree nuts have started to appear positive. The good news is that he can eat anything that the egg is baked, cookies or cakes etc. And he recently successfully completed two food challenges to clear him from a fish allergy, all but shellfish that is. And he LOVES fish! I also have another son who is 18 months old. He is not allergic to peanuts (yay!) but I think may be allergic to eggs. We are doing some at home tests, at the recommendation of our allergist.

Life is good and we are at a good control point. My oldest son is pretty good about asking if he can eat certain foods and we will tell people what his allergies are. He is going to be starting preschool soon and so I have a new worry but I know others have gone through this and others continue to go through it. Open communication and spreading knowledge is key. That is how people learn to be careful and aware. There are others kids like mine and they don't have to feel alone or think no one else is like them. There are new studies and knowledge discovered all the time and one day life might be a lot easier but for now we know we have been blessed and we are grateful for wonderful allergy resources available now.

A Shot to Live
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)

Feel free to comment with any questions!

Welcome 2013!

Here we are with another new year and another new beginning. I enjoy the holidays and have a hard time letting go, putting decorations away, etc. The Smart One even mentioned to me today that he was embarrassed to open the curtains because our Christmas tree is still up. Back to the point, I have learned that goals and projects help me get through the rest of the winter. I have this amazing sister-in-law who posted that she is making her resolutions a bit different this year by having a word of the year. I loved it and started thinking of what my word could be. As I was searching and wondering I remembered a talk given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "The Dedication of a Lifetime." I reread the talk and came across this:

"There is great strength in being focused on our goals. We have all seen the good fruits of that focus. Yet an intense focus on goals can cause a person to forget the importance of righteous means. When that happens, a commendable steady dedication can be transformed into a dangerous frenzy of excess."

Phew, it is ok that I don't go overboard on my resolutions and the thought of being crazy about it gives me all sorts of anxiety and eye twitching problems. :) But in all seriousness, the part that nailed it for me was this:

"Some people live the gospel with “short, frenzied outbursts of emotion,” followed by long periods of lapse or by performance that is intermittent or sputtering. What we need in living the gospel is “the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”

So because I want to be like my sister-in-law in more ways than one, my word for this year is:

I look at my resolutions from the previous year and I think that being more steady is a good focus for me. So much so that I think I am going to continue some of my past goals. I will post those in a couple of days when I get them nailed down. I did enjoy the bucket list goals we did last year, and in fact we completed all of them! That was a helpful twist on the resolutions for me. 

Have you made your resolutions or goals yet?

Dandelions

I remember as a little girl thinking these were the most beautiful flowers and our yard and field had many of them. It was wonderful especially because I knew my mother loved them too. At least that is what she told me when I would bring them to her. I grew up and learned the reality of this little or in some cases huge weed. I did not like them, until today. 

I was out in the yard pulling some weeds and watering the garden when the Silly One came up to me with a small dandelion in his hand and said, "Mom! I got this flower for you." This is the first flower he has picked and given to me of his own doing. It was so sweet and I told him I loved it. 

How Does Your Garden Grow?

This is what I got out of my garden this morning. So far we have only had a few strawberries and the juliette tomatoes and so I was excited to see the others. 

This is what my garden looks like right now. I think it is going well and just put up the trellis so hopefully it works. Right away the eggplant had more room so that is good. 

The crops I have growing are pumpkins, squash, strawberries, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, corn and cucumbers.

The lady finger eggplants, they are so cute!

The first pumpkin, this makes me actually excited for the fall. 

Just about everyday the Silly One will say, "Mom, our plants are growing." Yes, yes they are. 

Square Foot Garden

There is something quite satisfying and making something out of nothing. There is also something satisfying in working outside to make things beautiful. That is where I would put gardening and I think I have that love of plants and the outdoors because of my Dad. Growing up we would work outside from mowing the lawn to weeding the garden. I remember one time when I was quite young, my little brother and I had the job of taking all the rocks out of our garden. It wasn't pleasant but I do remember eating the fresh fruits and vegetables that came from our garden every year and loved that. 

Since the Smart One and I have been married we have tried to do some sort of garden each year. Some years have worked and some have failed miserably. The first summer we were married we planted zucchini where some bushes had died in front of our apartment, that was awesome.We were able to move our fence this spring and get about 5-6 more feet in our yard, perfect for a square foot garden. I read this book and tried to do many of the things the author suggested. I checked it out from the library but I think it will soon be part of our library. The Smart One did a lot of work to build the box and work with my vision. It was more work than we anticipated which means the next time we need a box he might just buy a kit. ;) Here is the result:

I planted pumpkins, straight neck summer squash, tomatoes, red and green peppers, eggplant, strawberries, marigolds, corn, cucumbers, and lavender. Several of these I started earlier in little planters and planted everything this morning. I got a lot of help from the Silly One in planting and digging holes. The Small One helped by taking a good nap. So this turned into a family garden in which everyone did something to help. Hopefully we'll have a plentiful garden picture to post later this summer. 

Dare to Stand Alone

Right is right no matter who is or isn't looking. I love this!

A Christmas Carol - Dec. 15

For several years I have tried to read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens during this time of year. I am reading it right now and love it. (Only 10 days left!) There is good in everyone, something to always remember. God bless us, everyone!

Merry and Bright - Dec. 7

Seems like I have been doing a lot of reminiscing about past Christmases for my little Christmas cheer/good that I am doing. But I then I came across this quote a few weeks ago and perhaps that is why I love Christmas, because of the wonderful memories. 

"I find it is obvious that the Christmases I remember best, the Christmases which touched my heart the most, are Christmases filled with love and giving and the Spirit of the Savior. [. . .] Bringing the Christmas spirit into our hearts and homes takes conscious effort and planning but can surely be accomplished." - Thomas S. Monson

So to continue on that vein, last night I was driving home from the business college and the lights were on downtown. I love Christmas lights and especially the lights downtown! I remember being in Salt Lake one time with my mom during the day at Christmastime and asking to drive down Main Street because they would put up beautiful Christmas decorations. They even did that in the neighboring city to where we lived. Most cities don't do that anymore, something dumb about obstructing views of the traffic lights. But seriously, I loved how beautiful it was. I worked downtown for a couple of years and it was great to walk down the streets in the early evening when the lights would come on. Anyway there is my joy for the day, Christmas lights. 

Christmas Tree - Dec. 5

Last night for Family Home Evening we finished decorating our Christmas tree. (It only took me a week to get everything up, it is much harder with two little people!). The Silly One loves to help and I admit it is hard to let him put the ornaments where he wants them. I like things more asymmetrical, I think it is more pleasing to the eye and he likes things lined up and organized. But I think it is cute and for now this is how they will stay. :)

Gratitude - Dec. 3

This morning in our Young Women presidency meeting the thought was from this month's Ensign on The Choice to be Grateful from Pres. Eyring. At the end there is a gratitude challenge:

Write down 100 things are you grateful for -

1. 1. 
   Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.
2. 2. 
   Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.
3. 3. 
   Write 10 living people you are grateful for.
4. 4. 
   Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for.
5. 5. 
   Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.
6. 6. 
   Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.
7. 7. 
   Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.
8. 8. 
   Write 10 modern inventions you are grateful for.
9. 9. 
   Write 10 foods you are grateful for.
10. 10. 
    Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for. 

I am working on this and may share it as a google document. When you think of all the blessings you have it is hard to have a bad attitude about anything. 

Christmas Music - Dec. 2

I love Christmas music and have been listening to it since Halloween. (It is just too beautiful to wait.) I think this is my favorite song, and I think Sissel has the most beautiful version. I was at the concert and it was my favorite. 

The music is beautiful and so are the words:

What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give him; give my heart. 

What is your favorite Christmas song?

I'm a Mormon

I created my profile on mormon.org not long before our precious baby was born. I felt the need to do so after there was some recent criticism about the LDS church and us not being Christians. I consider anyone who is kind to others and tries to do good a Christian. (I know I must be crazy!) I just felt that maybe my one voice might help someone understand what we are all about. Feel free to check out my profile and if you are a Mormon too, I encourage you to create a profile as well. You never know the influence you can have for good in someone's life. 

I'm a Mormon

Good in College Athletics

It is hard to find something "good" to talk about when it comes to college athletics. I love college sports and would prefer to watch them over professional games almost always. ESPN published this story about Brandon Davies returning to BYU to play basketball this upcoming season. It was refreshing to see that someone outside the world of BYU seeing the good that comes from living up to commitments a person makes, no matter how hard the consequences might be. Amazing, truly amazing. The writer also talks about how BYU fans could have treated Davies after it all and how they showed care and compassion. I remember hearing the news and being frustrated and then taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture. The last game of the season BYU has won the conference championship and each player and coach took a turn in cutting down the net. It was quite the sight to see as after all the players had gone they gave Brandon a chance and as he started climbing the ladder the crowd cheered about as loud as they had for Jimmer and Jackson. That was a great experience to witness. Enough of my ramblings, it is just nice to see good and others recognizing it as well. 

"If you demand more from people, people will rise to meet the higher standards. You can get what you insist upon. So don't sell people's capacity to do the right thing short. People do summon their best selves when it's required of them."

-Arthur Ashe