I have a tender place in my heart for Memorial Day. I like to think of it as "Memory Day". It is a time for me to truly pay homage in my heart and soul to all the individuals who set their feet upon a path and saw it through to the end....good and bad, tragic and joyous, sacrifice and blessing, hardship and work, consecration of life, health, fortune, and family in the name of something bigger than themselves. Starting what you finish. Finishing what you start. Believing in dreams that take you to the highest mountains and the lowest valleys.
Last night I sat in a minivan with my husband and 3 children and read them the story of my great-grandparents Oscarson as we drove through a dark and dismal rainstorm to the cemetary where they are buried. I imagined Gustav Emil with his heart planted firmly in the gospel of Jesus Christ and his feet pointed toward Zion. With his homeland and family at his back, and the promise of new life among the Saints in Zion in front of him, he sailed on that ship to a new world, a new life. It was met with great hardship and trial but with enduring faith. I always cry when I read about Johanna coming to join him, the birth of their 3 children, the death of their 2nd little girl, and ultimately, the death of this young mother. I feel gratitude to my great-grandmother who had the compassion to come care for this young family and found eternal love and joy where there had been such great sorrow. I love these stories. I tell them to my children every year on the way to the cemetary so they will know and love and appreciate these people whose very heart and soul exist in their own. We placed flowers on their graves and I was touched as HB knelt down by the grave of Johanna and placed a paper flower that she had so lovingly spent the afternoon making. HB bears Johanna's name and it is with pride that I watch these 2 great women connect in small ways. I hope HB will carry Johanna's courage and strength, her passion for the gospel, her dedication to family and home. I hope all 3 of my children will feel the strength of the blood that runs in their veins.
After leaving the cemetary, we drove into town and visited the lot where my great-grandparents had their home and orchard. With the help of Papa on the cell phone, we were able to locate the 4 big apple trees that still stand on a portion of this land, original trees planted by my grandparents. I let my eyes sweep from one side of the block to the other and tried to imagine the life they had here. It mentions in their biographies that their home and land were truly considered heaven on earth for them. It will always be a sacred place for me.
And today my feelings are still tender. I am remembering my Grandma and Grandpa Oscarson...my beautiful grandmother turned 100 years old on Saturday. I would like to think there was a small memorial service in heaven with lace doilies and beautiful flowers and music to celebrate her life here on earth. I think of my beloved Aunt Boo and Aunt Ruthy who I miss so much. They each filled their places in this world with love and laughter and joy and so much beauty! I am remembering Chris' Grandma and Grandpa Anderson, their faith and love and untiring service to church and family. I wish I had known Chris' Grandpa Carr. I think I would have loved him. There are so many who are on my mind today. I hope they know I appreciate their lives. Every one of them have stories that illustrate the principle of setting your feet on solid ground with faith in your heart, a testimony burning in your soul, and a desire to win a good race. Each of them faced trials and heartaches...and each of them had such love and joy in their lives. I celebrate their paths that have helped me create my own and the strength they have each let me borrow through their examples and legacy.
Last week, Abby took a beautiful picture of my parents. They are walking down a street together with their hands firmly clasped together and their faces pointing toward the great Salt Lake City temple. It was a candid shot but it speaks volumes about the individuals in my life who continue to set their faces and hearts forward and move with more courage and determination than I have ever seen.
Today I celebrate memories and journeys both past and present. Today I feel to rededicate myself to the journey I am on with greater faith, determination and courage. I want to celebrate where I have been and the potential of where I can go. I want to celebrate all the sacrifices that have been made to enable me and my family to be where we are and enjoy the incredible blessings we partake of daily. It is a day to rejoice and move forward!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Just So Daily
It is 9:20 a.m. and I am girding my loins. The day looks sunny...I'll try and remember to stop and appreciate how beautiful it is outside.
10:15 a.m.: HB has preschool graduation. Take camera...make sure she goes to the bathroom BEFORE the ceremony starts. Maybe pack an extra pair of underwear just in case.
11:00 a.m.: Babysit my friend's little girl.
11:50 a.m.: Get MC to kindergarten. Does he have a clean shirt to wear?
12:00 p.m.: Feed children lunch (remember that a poptart and chocolate milk does not count as a well-balanced meal), get ingredients for dessert and treats to take to JC's last soccer game.
1:35 p.m.: Attend JC's music performance at school. Take video camera...is it charged?
2:10 p.m.: Rush home and clean house in preparation for writing group tonight. Try to identify and remove brain stain from couch. Make cupcakes for dessert.
3:00 p.m.: Pick up kids from school. Remember to pull up to the appropriate spot BEFORE the kids open the door and try to climb in while the car is still moving. Drop off carpool.
4:30 p.m.: Get JC to soccer game. Last game of the season...don't forget to take treats or you will be scorned by a team of 8-9 year olds.
5:30 p.m.: Make dinner...clean house again. Frost cupcakes. Make sure all the pee on the bathroom floor is cleaned up. Plug in air freshener so guests tonight won't suspect that your boys are urine-disabled and don't understand that the big, white pot is for the pee and not just decoration.
6:00 p.m.: Eat dinner. (Remember that eating Cocoa Puffs more than once a week for dinner does not constitute as a well-balanced meal.)
7:00 p.m.: Writing group...my turn to host. Have I written anything in the last month? Could share that story that I wrote in college.
9:00 p.m.: Get kids to bed before 10:00 p.m. so they don't fall asleep in the middle of field day tomorrow.
I'm exhausted.
Last night as we were putting the boys to bed, Chris happened to be reading a little biography on Edgar Allan Poe. JC listened attentively as Chris read about Poe being orphaned at 3 years old, moving out of his foster home at 16 years old, marrying his 13 year old cousin, and then having a complete and total nervous breakdown in his 30's after his wife died. Now JC looked a little stunned through the whole narrative but he really perked up at the "nervous breakdown" part and in his typical manner, began his line of questioning.
What is a nervous breakdown?
What happens?
What kind of medicines do they give people who have had one?
Do you have to go to the hospital?
What kinds of strange things happen?
Do we know anyone that has ever had one?
Have you ever had one, Dad?
Etc, etc, etc.
I hadn't anticipated educating my 8-year old on nervous breakdowns but I'm ever so grateful that my husband didn't just point to me and say, "JC, your mother has them every day. Any other questions?"
Real life is just so real.
P.S. Reading the little bio on Edgar Allan Poe was accidental...just in case you think I feed my children crap all day and then finish it off with a horror story before bed. Sigh. Have I lost my chance for Mother of the Year again??
10:15 a.m.: HB has preschool graduation. Take camera...make sure she goes to the bathroom BEFORE the ceremony starts. Maybe pack an extra pair of underwear just in case.
11:00 a.m.: Babysit my friend's little girl.
11:50 a.m.: Get MC to kindergarten. Does he have a clean shirt to wear?
12:00 p.m.: Feed children lunch (remember that a poptart and chocolate milk does not count as a well-balanced meal), get ingredients for dessert and treats to take to JC's last soccer game.
1:35 p.m.: Attend JC's music performance at school. Take video camera...is it charged?
2:10 p.m.: Rush home and clean house in preparation for writing group tonight. Try to identify and remove brain stain from couch. Make cupcakes for dessert.
3:00 p.m.: Pick up kids from school. Remember to pull up to the appropriate spot BEFORE the kids open the door and try to climb in while the car is still moving. Drop off carpool.
4:30 p.m.: Get JC to soccer game. Last game of the season...don't forget to take treats or you will be scorned by a team of 8-9 year olds.
5:30 p.m.: Make dinner...clean house again. Frost cupcakes. Make sure all the pee on the bathroom floor is cleaned up. Plug in air freshener so guests tonight won't suspect that your boys are urine-disabled and don't understand that the big, white pot is for the pee and not just decoration.
6:00 p.m.: Eat dinner. (Remember that eating Cocoa Puffs more than once a week for dinner does not constitute as a well-balanced meal.)
7:00 p.m.: Writing group...my turn to host. Have I written anything in the last month? Could share that story that I wrote in college.
9:00 p.m.: Get kids to bed before 10:00 p.m. so they don't fall asleep in the middle of field day tomorrow.
I'm exhausted.
Last night as we were putting the boys to bed, Chris happened to be reading a little biography on Edgar Allan Poe. JC listened attentively as Chris read about Poe being orphaned at 3 years old, moving out of his foster home at 16 years old, marrying his 13 year old cousin, and then having a complete and total nervous breakdown in his 30's after his wife died. Now JC looked a little stunned through the whole narrative but he really perked up at the "nervous breakdown" part and in his typical manner, began his line of questioning.
What is a nervous breakdown?
What happens?
What kind of medicines do they give people who have had one?
Do you have to go to the hospital?
What kinds of strange things happen?
Do we know anyone that has ever had one?
Have you ever had one, Dad?
Etc, etc, etc.
I hadn't anticipated educating my 8-year old on nervous breakdowns but I'm ever so grateful that my husband didn't just point to me and say, "JC, your mother has them every day. Any other questions?"
Real life is just so real.
P.S. Reading the little bio on Edgar Allan Poe was accidental...just in case you think I feed my children crap all day and then finish it off with a horror story before bed. Sigh. Have I lost my chance for Mother of the Year again??
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Ode to May...Continued
Where was I?
Ah, yes. Why I love May...we covered warmer weather, tulips and Mother's Day.
Reason #4: The BBQ grill. It makes delcious meats, veggies, grilled pineapple, toasted breads and even yummy pizza. Favorite grill recipe from this week's line-up:Grilled Pizza
Buy pita pockets from the store (don't cut them or anything...you're just going to use them as a yummy pizza crust!) Brush a little olive oil on both sides. Heat the grill to "low" and place the pita bread right on the rack. Let them "brown" for 2-3 minutes, then flip them over. Then add your ingredients...I placed yummy sun-dried tomato pesto, real mozzarella cheese, peppers, and olives on the pizza then closed the grill to let the other side cook and let the ingredients all melt together in cheesy heaven. They are so good. The kids ate them right up and asked for more. Can't beat that!
Reason #5: School is almost out. I have reached my threshold for fixing school lunches, doing homework, running carpool, washing and ironing white shirts for "dress" day, projects, spelling homework, tests, etc. I need a break and I KNOW my sweet children need a break. We are ready to hang out in jammies all morning, eat breakfast at 11:00 a.m., go swimming, go on field trips, play with friends, get out the hose, eat lots of popsicles, and rediscover why we love hanging out together without all the distractions getting in the way. Love my little people!!
And as an added bonus...my husband has a birthday! All the other birthdays in our family are clumped into the fall/winter months so we look forward to having a good reason to eat cake and throw a party in May. Plus we think he is pretty amazing and we love occasions to tell him that!
Happy May! Go eat a popsicle, dust off the plastic swimming pool, and get ready for some fun!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ode to May
I love the month of May for several reasons. (This has the feel of a very proper 5 paragraph essay...note the topic sentence.) First, the weather is warmer. I have received my first sunburn and while my dermatologist will not be happy (and I'm definitely not advocating sun worship without 80 plus protection) it does represent a positive turn in climate for me.
This represents the bright red coloring of my sunburn after serving meat at the school carnival for too many hours. Second, the tulips. I can't put into words my affection for tulips. They are happy and glorious and burst forth in our yard with such vigor and color that I can't help but feel gloriously spring like every time I walk out my front door. While we do not claim to be master gardeners, we do have a certain flair for tulips. Glorious tulips.
Our front yard during the month of April and May. It is a splendid place to be!
The tulips at Thanksgiving Point Gardens. Every variety, every color, every shape and size. Magnificent!
The tulips at Temple Square. See what a tulip junkie I am? If there is a beautiful tulip to be appreciated in this state, I'm there.Third, Mother's day. I look forward to it all year. I don't have to turn a year older, I don't have to buy gifts for anyone else, I get chocolate, a chance to sleep in, and sometimes a nap. I don't feel any obligation to cook or clean. Primary children sing in sacrament meeting and everyone is relatively nice and pleasant. Long ago I abandoned any guilt feelings associated with the day. I'm doing the best I can and occasionally that involves some really ungraceful moments but I've vowed to live and learn, say sorry alot, and move on. It makes my nap on Mother's Day so much more pleasant.
This Mother's Day was especially stupendous. It started on Saturday evening when my husband prepared my absolute favorite meal of steak on the grill, yummy potatoes, and salad complete with a tulip center piece. My heart and stomach sang his great praises!
I married a genius. A kind-hearted man who understands his wife's need for red meat seared to perfection on the grill. And those potatoes...ah.
Did I mention the perfectly seasoned potatoes?
Homemade bread wrapped in parchment paper with a big, spring like bow and a delicious jar of lemon curd. Our gift to some of our favorite women! (I guess I lied about not giving gifts...but this gift giving was fun and not painful.)Saturday night my father-in-law showed up with a delicious box of chocolates and a very kind, thoughtful card. Kind-hearted men who understand a woman's need to indulge runs in my husband's family. I'm so grateful! It was a lovely treat!
Sunday morning I received a beautiful daisy plant and a scrumptious breakfast. My husband made me the largest omelet I have ever laid eyes on filled with veggies and heavenly bacon. (That was "heavenly"...not "healthy") I received a large package of Rees' Peanut Butter Cups and a fabulous new CD by my favorite singer, Diana Krall. We slow danced to sultry music in the middle of kitchen for a second before the children broke it up claiming we were making them sick to their stomachs. (Truly all we were doing was dancing...ah, if they could just maintain that attitude until they were safely married!)
The primary children sang in sacrament meeting. Always a favorite. And the bishopric presented each woman with a package of truffles. The church is true!
Due some unfortunate throwing up, our evening plans were altered a bit when the boys and I took off without Chris or HB and headed to SLC to celebrate the remainder of "Lady's Day" with my family. I was so grateful for my husband's sweet gesture. Normally I would not have left him but I'm becoming really possessive of the time I have left with my parents. Hong Kong is really far away.
Our evening started with a stroll through Temple Square and the magnificent gardens.
Out of all the people present, my brother-in-law was the only person I could get to pose for a picture in this ever so fabulous place to take a picture. So...here is Todd.
Oh, these darling, darling boys. How I love them! The one on the right made me a mother for the first time. The one on the left snuggles in my lap every morning and reminds me why I love this job.
Is this couple capable of not looking perfectly "vogue" and photogenic ALL the time? I love Chip and ML.After a garden stroll, we headed up to Mo and Papa's "social" room for a feast. Mo had prepared a Cafe Rio buffet that was spectacular. Of course I was so busy eating that I neglected to get out my camera. I was so touched at the labor of love this meal was. Here it was Mother's Day and she had been laboring to feed everyone else. The woman is a saint...and a divine cook. The evening was cozy and warm and perfect. I love family and grandparents and aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews. I sorely missed my husband and daughter but I was so grateful to be able to celebrate with my extended family! Thank you again Chris.
And so the saga must pause for a moment. I haven't finished my 5 paragraph essay on why I love spring but I must go feed my hungry children and watch a 3-inning T-ball game. Life is calling!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
My Daughter's Eyes
I don't know why, but looking at this picture is like looking into my daughter's soul. I caught my breath when I first saw the picture. She is everything this picture says she is...beautiful, smart, independent, tenacious, funny, sweet, determined...she is a princess and I love her dearly.
Thank you Spencer for sharing this amazing talent and gift you possess. These moments you capture and your eye for spotting them are absolutely priceless to me!
For more fabulous work by Spencer, check out Oscarson Photography
A Modern Day Fairy Tale
Today is storytelling day. I have a fabulous fairy tale to share with you and I promise a happy, spectacular ending. Get your favorite blanket, maybe a bowl of delicious popcorn, and curl up in your chair. Here we go…
Once upon a time, many years ago, there lived a fair maiden. Not only did this maiden have great legs, fabulous hair, and a winning smile, but she also had brains. She was smart…so, so smart. And talented. Loaded with looks, talent, great legs, drive, and ambition, she left her kingdom of St. Louis and set out for the wilds of Provo, Utah. There she entered the kingdom of BYU and with courage and fortitude, set about to change the world. But sometimes dreams unfold a little differently than we plan. She worked hard, she studied, and she succeeded. Everything was on track…until the prince entered.
It did not take her long to realize he was a prince…and not just an ordinary prince. You see, in the kingdom of BYU, there were lots of "ordinary" princes. But to find a prince like this one…she knew she was in trouble. The princess fell madly in love but had a decision to make. To marry the prince meant changing her immediate dreams. To not marry the prince meant losing her life long dream. She did not hesitate…and to the grandest of all castles they traveled and wed. Not once did she look back. She embraced her new future with all the tenacity, passion, and courage she had always shown. And a new adventure began.
The princess and prince were now a king and queen and they had a family…a rather large family. They raised 7 children. Each child was blessed abundantly by their parents. No gift was spared. They were given physical, emotional and spiritual gifts that would bless their lives beyond measure. This queen traveled to foreign lands with small children, learned the language, embraced the culture, and charmed people with her strength of character and determination. She saw 7 children through the jungles of public education. She served and taught and led troops in so many different capacities and positions. All 7 of her children graduated from college with bachelor’s degrees. One child earned a doctorate degree and 3 received master’s degrees. Four children served full-time missions. All 7 children married in the temple. She truly has been a queen.
Several years ago, just as she knew she would one day do, the queen returned to the dream of her youth. She returned to the kingdom of BYU to finish what she had started so many years before. It was frought with challenges and diversions but she held to her course. She entered this new challenge a queen with life experiences to strength and carry her. And with even greater intellect, cuter legs (if that is even possible), and just as much determination, she finished her quest. And it was great cause to celebrate.
And so our story comes to a type of ending…but just of a chapter, not of the epic tale. My mother, at age 58, graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University last weekend. All 7 of my siblings as well as a few in-laws and grand children, watched her walk across the stage in the Marriott Center and accept her diploma. We clapped, we cheered, we yelled insanely (even though we were told not to) and many of us wept tears of joy and gratitude for this queen among us. Each of us, especially as we grow older, are mindful of the numerous sacrifices she has made to help each of us children achieve in our lives. She has sacrificed much. And even know she continues to give us amazing gifts. I hope my children never forget the sight of their grand mother in her cap and gown. I hope somewhere in their minds and hearts they understand the legacy of learning they have been given…not just in temporal things but in spiritual things as well. I hope they continue to watch my mother serve and learn and sacrifice and understand what a queen among women she is. She is a gift. And because of her and my father, we truly have reason to believe in ever after and happy, happy endings. It’s what the gospel and families are all about.
Happy Graduation Mo! I love you!
(P.S. Once again, I’m without photographic proof. Once I saw Spencer documenting the events, I put away my sad, old camera and pray that he will send pictures. Please travel to Mo or any of my sibling’s blogs. They have documented it beautifully!)
Once upon a time, many years ago, there lived a fair maiden. Not only did this maiden have great legs, fabulous hair, and a winning smile, but she also had brains. She was smart…so, so smart. And talented. Loaded with looks, talent, great legs, drive, and ambition, she left her kingdom of St. Louis and set out for the wilds of Provo, Utah. There she entered the kingdom of BYU and with courage and fortitude, set about to change the world. But sometimes dreams unfold a little differently than we plan. She worked hard, she studied, and she succeeded. Everything was on track…until the prince entered.
It did not take her long to realize he was a prince…and not just an ordinary prince. You see, in the kingdom of BYU, there were lots of "ordinary" princes. But to find a prince like this one…she knew she was in trouble. The princess fell madly in love but had a decision to make. To marry the prince meant changing her immediate dreams. To not marry the prince meant losing her life long dream. She did not hesitate…and to the grandest of all castles they traveled and wed. Not once did she look back. She embraced her new future with all the tenacity, passion, and courage she had always shown. And a new adventure began.
The princess and prince were now a king and queen and they had a family…a rather large family. They raised 7 children. Each child was blessed abundantly by their parents. No gift was spared. They were given physical, emotional and spiritual gifts that would bless their lives beyond measure. This queen traveled to foreign lands with small children, learned the language, embraced the culture, and charmed people with her strength of character and determination. She saw 7 children through the jungles of public education. She served and taught and led troops in so many different capacities and positions. All 7 of her children graduated from college with bachelor’s degrees. One child earned a doctorate degree and 3 received master’s degrees. Four children served full-time missions. All 7 children married in the temple. She truly has been a queen.
Several years ago, just as she knew she would one day do, the queen returned to the dream of her youth. She returned to the kingdom of BYU to finish what she had started so many years before. It was frought with challenges and diversions but she held to her course. She entered this new challenge a queen with life experiences to strength and carry her. And with even greater intellect, cuter legs (if that is even possible), and just as much determination, she finished her quest. And it was great cause to celebrate.
And so our story comes to a type of ending…but just of a chapter, not of the epic tale. My mother, at age 58, graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University last weekend. All 7 of my siblings as well as a few in-laws and grand children, watched her walk across the stage in the Marriott Center and accept her diploma. We clapped, we cheered, we yelled insanely (even though we were told not to) and many of us wept tears of joy and gratitude for this queen among us. Each of us, especially as we grow older, are mindful of the numerous sacrifices she has made to help each of us children achieve in our lives. She has sacrificed much. And even know she continues to give us amazing gifts. I hope my children never forget the sight of their grand mother in her cap and gown. I hope somewhere in their minds and hearts they understand the legacy of learning they have been given…not just in temporal things but in spiritual things as well. I hope they continue to watch my mother serve and learn and sacrifice and understand what a queen among women she is. She is a gift. And because of her and my father, we truly have reason to believe in ever after and happy, happy endings. It’s what the gospel and families are all about.
Happy Graduation Mo! I love you!
(P.S. Once again, I’m without photographic proof. Once I saw Spencer documenting the events, I put away my sad, old camera and pray that he will send pictures. Please travel to Mo or any of my sibling’s blogs. They have documented it beautifully!)
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