Finding My Happy Place

*I started this post many weeks ago...my darling nephew was 2 weeks old when I started writing this and he is now 6 weeks old and my sister is at MY house visiting and said it was just time to post this and move on. I can't. And so I will finish and be satisfied.
Every once in awhile a girl needs a little break from the daily grind. And my darling sister was most accomodating to my needs by having a cute baby boy that just needed his aunt for a few days! While I don't love that my mother is thousands of miles away, I do love that it gives me opportunities I might not otherwise have...like telling my husband that I'm trotting away for a few days to go frolic with my sister and her bunch of darlings! (Thanks Mo!) And who would have guessed that I along the way, I'd find my happy again.

Happiness is sitting on an airplane ALL BY MYSELF with nothing but a couple of mindless magazines and a great book!

Happiness is definitely hugging my sister, listening to the giggle of my niece, seeing Oscar's chocolate brown eyes and infectious smile, and meeting my nephew for the first time. Bliss, pure bliss.

Happiness is always stopping for a quick trip to Ikea and being treated to meatballs and mashed potatoes. Joy.

Happiness is having my 2-year old niece call out my name from the back seat and then say, "Shhhh. Don't talk. You're injured." I love that she is quoting funny movie lines at such a young, tender age. And every time I said it back to her, she would laugh hysterically! Alice's Favorite Movie Line It still makes me laugh.

Happiness is my niece Waverly. She made me an aunt. Loving and adoring her is second nature. I've done it since the moment I first laid eyes on her. She is beautiful and smart and funny and wonderful to hang out with. We played "beauty shop" all weekend with her long, silky locks. Thanks to Mindy and her bevy of beauties for all the fun hair ideas!

Happiness is getting to hang out with Joe during the night. It is delightful to have a newborn baby all to yourself. We walked around the kitchen and had deep conversations about milk and fuzzy blankets and binkys. He is snuggly and darling and I'm in love all over again.

Happiness is spending the evening in Sarah and Taylor's room watching the Star Trek movie and discovering a whole new series to be addicted to. Firefly...couldn't wait to get our jammies on and all curl up together with our snacks. (Now I know what you are thinking...I was thinking the same thing as well.  I am not an outer space fan...but you are going to have to trust me on this one. I am absolutely hooked!)

(I have a little crush on the captain...the one holding the big gun with the suspenders.)

Happiness is Henry, Oscar and Alice...and watching them take to their new "jobs" as big brothers and sisters.

 

Happiness is having a big sister that bakes cookies with you.

Happiness is Sarah's home and yard. I fell in love with Oregon...it was so green and beautiful. I loved the rain and the romantic mist and Christmas tree farms. I love their "cottage"...loved it! It was cozy and warm and perfect.

The coziest kitchen in the world.

The cottage...rear view.

The daily scene driving up to the house on the long and winding driveway. It took my breath away every time.

The driveway that leads up to the magical cottage.

They have goats that get hungry and then sound like crying children. One tried to eat Oscar...he was traumatized for a couple of days. And then the goats tried to escape. It was all terribly exciting for this city girl.

And how about some fresh eggs for breakfast?!

Happiness was discovering that I was perfectly color coordinated with Mother Nature! We were meant to be together!

Happiness was having the chance to be a part of all the daily happenings. I loved being Alice's favorite aunt because I took her & Oscar to McDonalds for lunch. I loved taking Oscar to school and peeking at his teacher and seeing his classroom. I loved dropping Waverly off at school and being terrified as I watched her being swallowed up by middle school. I loved attending Henry's basketball game and watching him show off his stuff.

I have seen my brother-in-law's magic show a thousand times and I still laugh and leave completely amazed. "That guy really is amazing!"

Happiness is finally getting to eat at Rosie's Deli. Ah, it was celestial.

Happiness is making a strange, new discovery in the chicken coop one day. There just HAS to be a great story with this forlorn barbie head.

Lots of happiness is a nephew who uses darling letter magnets to spell out how much he loves you and then loans you his favorite stuffed animal to sleep with until you leave. Try to beat that kind of happy!

Happiness is a walk in the rain with your favorite people. It is beautiful and calm and green and joyful. I'm in love with Oregon...

Happiness is making a new discovery...even if it is a dead frog in the middle of the road.

Happiness is puddle jumping.

Happiness is sneaking out one night because you and your sister needed a little midnight snack from Rosie's Deli and coming home with one of everything that looked delicious in the bakery case.

It was a delightful, "fill my teacup to overflowing" kind of trip! Thank you Sarah and Taylor for all your hospitality and generosity. (Taylor...thanks for taking me down to Powell's bookstore for a fabulous afternoon in one of my favorite places in the world. Can we get one of those doughnuts next time?) Thank you Chris for making these possible in every way. Thank you sweet children for sharing your mom and understanding how sometimes some mom "private time" can be good for the whole family.

Have You Seen This Rabbit?

It totally hit me tonight. I've become this:

"I'm late, I'm late!

For a very important date...

No time to say Hello, Good bye

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late."

I'm sitting at my computer tonight with a million projects laying on the desk. New Beginnings program, 3rd grade CET activities on early explorers, a story I need to finish the 1st draft on and submit, CLAU titles and info I need to post, emails to answer, a birthday party to plan, invitations to make and deliver, a song to learn and be ready to teach on Sunday, a  meeting to plan an agenda for, a vacation to get ready to go on, etc.

And tonight I found out a friend had a terrible thing happen this week and I didn't know about it. I have felt tragically sad all night...sad for my friend and this event that has occurred and so, so sad that I didn't know it had happened.

I am living moment to moment...event to event. I finish one responsibility, breathe for 2 seconds and then look at what is "due" next. Every project is worthwhile...I don't feel like I'm wasting time on things that aren't important but it is definitely possible to overextend ourselves with "great" things. How did Dallin H. Oaks put it? Good, Better, Best ?!

I need more time to breathe and eat and sleep. I need  more time to take longs walks and bike rides with my kids. I need more time for the Spirit to whisper what is most important and teach me how to be the wife/mother/daughter/sister/friend/etc. that these special people around me need me to be. In trying to do everything, I don't feel like I'm doing anything well.

 I have such good intentions. There is so much I want to do and try and see and experience. But there is a time and season for everything...and those times and seasons extend over a lifetime...not all at once.

Isn't it funny how our greatest tools for distraction can be good things? If Satan can get us so busy doing so many things, then he can distract us from the things that really matter. Sneaky little devil.

I'm so sorry I haven't called you this week. I'm so sorry I haven't showed up with cupcakes and hot chocolate and insisted that you sit and tell me what is happening in your life. I'm sorry I haven't been sensative to your needs and how I could have eased your burdens. I'm sorry I've been distracted.

I'm learning and growing. Please be patient with me. I'm a slow learner...but I have confidence that I can master this. One thing at a time...one step at a time. And I am learning to be content even when things aren't moving at a neck breaking speed.

And when I catch a minute, I'm going to work on that "white rabbit" gut.

New Year, New Beginning

Happy New Year!

I love new beginnings. I love Mondays, fresh mornings, new months, and definitely new years. I love that every day holds the possibility for new opportunities and change.

I love that I can change…I love how dynamic people are. We aren’t ever who we were a minute before.

I love choosing. It is comforting to me that we are allowed to choose. I can weigh the options, look at the potential consequences, and I then I can choose. And if I mess up, then at least I’ve learned something, I know I can make it right and it goes into the library of choosing so that I can pick something different next time.

I like being happy. Everyone has challenges and trials but I feel like I’ve had a life of mostly happy. I celebrate that gift as often as I can.

And so it is time for a new beginning. A friend shared with me the “New Year’s” scripture in Luke 2:52. I have always been so enraptured with the Christmas story told at the beginning of the chapter that I failed to read all the way to the end and appreciate the opportunity for change and growth and new beginnings that it offers at the end. It says:

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man”.

I’m not always quick on the draw so my friend had to elaborate a little more for me.

Luke 2:52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom (academic goals) and stature (physical goals) and in favour with God (spiritual goals) and man (social goals).”

And suddenly it seemed so obvious. So we planned a Family Home Evening and set some goals.

We talked about setting goals and how big goals are best reached by setting small goals. So each member of our family set a BIG goal in each of the 4 areas for the year. Then we determined what the first step toward reaching that goal would be and wrote it in the boxes for January. During father’s interviews, Chris will follow up with the kids on how they are doing with their goals. And at the start of each month, during Family Home Evening, we will review our goals, how the previous month went and what we want to focus on during the next month. I’m so excited about the process. I feel like not only are we teaching our children an important lesson about goal-setting and how to reach those goals but we are on the brink of making some wonderful changes in our lives. And because they are broken down into baby steps and I have the support of my whole family on my side, they seem so obtainable. I love it. I love the new beginning.

So grab your favorite people and get ready to see some amazing things happen.

This is going to be such a fantastic year. I can feel it!

P.S. Thank you Chip and ML for another fabulous New Year’s Eve. We celebrated Ethan…happy birthday sweet boy!

We ate delicious food.

Carrie wore a fantastic party dress with coordinated top hat/sequin headband...

We sang and played on the Wii...

And at midnight we kissed...

 and played with sparklers.

 It was fabulous and fun…I look forward to it all year long!!!

Merci!

P.S.S. I am SO far behind on my daily documenting...wait until you hear about my trip to Portland! It was fabulous...and I'm working on the blog right now...stay tuned.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas...

Actually, it all started 4 nights before Christmas when over the river and through the woods to Carrie and Todd's house we went,

The Dad knows the way

To guide the van-sleigh

Through the icy I-15 road.

It was fabulous...a Christmas smorgasbord of delights...and a final decadent party to say good-bye to a home we have known and loved for so many years. A final toast to a home that has held and fed and entertained the masses with grace and beauty through so many events...and here's a toast to the new home that will always be our favorite place to be if Carrie and Todd are there.

 

There is no hostess in the world like this festive lady! And I truly can say that I don't know another soul in this world that can wear a poinsettia headband and look this pretty! I would look like an enormous potted plant...she looks like a Vogue model!

There were meatballs made out of bison (surprisingly delicious...and very healthy!), potato casserole made out of nothing healthy, spinach dip, red cabbage, delicious veggies and yummy fruit salad...it was delicious.

And as always, the house was decorated with lovely flowers, white lights, candles, and Christmas splendor!

And then the party continued on Christmas Eve...I felt selfish. I didn't have to choose which fabulous people to spend the night with...they all came to me. Chris' family and my family...all in one place. I didn't even have to leave my home! It was a fun night.

Of course, we started with the food. Now this was a little break from tradition...since we had eaten our Swedish Jul Bord a few nights early, we decided to venture out and try something new. We had a great big turkey bird...but don't despair...there was lots of spinach dip!

I adore this woman's passion for spinach dip. She loves it with an intensity and depth that speaks to my soul. It was bountiful and delicious!

My beautiful niece who is not only gorgeous, but so much fun! I love to imagine how high school and college would have been with her looks AND fabulous personality!

After dinner, we gathered for the traditional acting out of the nativity. CayLynne came prepared with an amazing container of nativity costumes to fit every size and personality. I was playing the piano so my back was to the "stage"...it got really raucous when the wise men and sheperds showed up. Here Mary and Joseph are waiting serenely with their horse "Little Ed" hanging over the manger.

The party really got moving when those angels appeared. And you have NEVER heard the chorus of "Angels We Have Heard On High" sung with more gusto. It was loud and very glorious.

The wise men were very buff and good-looking. They brought a very modern edge to the nativity with the tinsel and "bling" of the Fancy Nancy crown. I adore my nieces and nephews who are fabulous participants in whatever is going on. Wise men in a nativity with a bunch of little kids?? No problem...pass the tinsel.

Members of the star studded cast. They were amazing!

I read a few stories from the Carr family binder. We finished with an amazing entry by Juli, who passed away last August from an 8 year battle with cancer. The first Christmas after she was diagnosed, she wrote an entry for our family binder about her experiences and blessings. It is a powerful testimony to those of us still facing trials and adversity. I was so grateful for this amazing gift!

Then Chip shared a little story about the Swedish tradition of the Jul Tomten...and while he was talking, the kids started staring out the window into the cold, snowy night to see if they could spot a lantern coming toward the house. And lo and behold, look who showed up at our house...

Jul Tomten!!!

So I married into a family that is completely unphased by the request that their college freshman son come to the family Christmas party and dress up like a Swedish troll and deliver presents. And as if that weren't a big enough request, my sister-in-law calls back later that afternoon to say she has found and purchased a bathrobe that she will make some quick alterations to so it can be a jul tomten coat. AND he had a fabulous long beard AND a hat AND he knew how to say "Merry Christmas" in Swedish! I truly could not adore my in-laws more.

He brought all the kids new pajamas and the adults received candy and necklace pendants. The kids were enthralled...and Jul Tomten did a fabulous job. It was hands down my favorite event from this Christmas. Thank you Stephen!!

Presents in pillowcases...and then he mysteriously disappeared again into the cold, snowy night.

Then...twas the night before Christmas,

When all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring,

Not even a mouse.

(P.S. Just a small note to the  mouse that left feces in my garage...if you EVER step one little paw onto this property again, I WILL let Squeakers, the neighbors ferocious cat, hunt you down until you wish you were never born. Let that be a warning to you...foul little rodent.)

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds (or on the floor...curled in a ball)

While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.

And Mama in her kerchief and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a good looking man wearing a Santa cap.

This was SO my lucky night.

Lucky for me, he didn't smoke a pipe (it makes me cough SO bad) and he didn't have a round little belly that shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly...although those kinds of bellies are darling as well.

He spoke not a word but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying a finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod he said,

"Hey, do we have anymore of that delicious Christmas trifle?"

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

It was a glorious Christmas.

Filled with homemade splendors...

And wonderful packages from abroad (thank you Mo and Papa!)

Sweet gifts...

And scary gifts...

This is where we honor the sausage roll, scrambled cheesy eggs and cranberry juice. I look forward to you all  year!

Happy  Holidays to one and all! Hope it was magical and filled with joy!

A Small Note to all the Young Ladies of the World

Dear Young Ladies of the World,

There has been much talk of late regarding this:

And this:

So this evening I'd like to throw a little reality check  into the discussion.

Eleven years ago, I fell in love with this incredible guy. I could go on and on about all the reasons I fell in love with him (and I even have proof...a list I made of 54 spectacular things I liked about him that include happy eyes and the fact that he made a great BLT sandwich) but we will stick to a language we can all understand. Among some of the reasons that I think this man is amazing is that:

a) he does not show up every day with a terrible, pasty make-up job

b) he is not freezing cold

c) he knows how to carry on a conversation

d) he doesn't want to eat me or drain my bodily fluids

e) he doesn't get all hairy and wolf like when he gets mad

f) he doesn't clench his jaw muscles continually

g) he doesn't have a mullet

h) he is real.

Hmmm...reality. Let me tell you what REALLY makes me fall in love with this delicious husband of mine every day:

a) This morning I woke up to a sink and a kitchen that looked like this:

There is nothing more wonderful to me than a man who sees something that needs to be done, that KNOWS how happy it will make his wife, and does it. It sparkled, the dishes in the dishwasher were clean...it made me smile all day.

b) Last night my husband made 2 dozen of these:

My daughter was having her birthday party and wanted cupcakes. And so my husband who understands his little girl made cupcakes with her. I love watching this man with his children. He understands perfectly when it is time to stop and play with them, when they need extra tickles or a story or even when one of his children just needs him to sit on the floor next to them until they fall asleep.

c) And he also put together 16 of these:

Please try and marry a man who knows how to whip up some icing and put together "gingerbread castles" for little children to decorate at a party. Are you amazed? I'm not even done.

d) On Monday, we had a party scheduled for 16 princesses and knights. The party was supposed to have been the previous Saturday but the princess who was hosting the whole affair threw up, we figured it was better to reschedule. That afternoon I started not feeling well...and by 2:50 p.m. I was lying in bed wondering if I was going to die. I had to go pick up the boys from school...I grabbed a green plastic Barnes and Noble bag and headed out to the car. Deep breathing, deep breathing. I got to the school, pulled up in carpool line and called my husband sobbing. What were we going to do? The kids are coming, I'm going to throw up, help! Then I called my sister-in-law and she got the same sob story. I finally got the boys and started driving home. We only had to stop 2 times on the side of the road with the hazard lights blinking so I could throw up in my green plastic bag. It wasn't pretty. But seconds after I got home, my husband and sister-in-law showed up. They sent me to the bathroom to go "do my thing" and my darling husband ran a princess party. They danced, they played, they decorated gingerbread houses, they ate cupcakes, and had a wonderful time. He didn't ask me to cancel the party, he didn't argue about coming home, he didn't give me a sob story about not knowing how to run a princess party, he did it. And he did a fabulous job!

When I met my husband, I knew there was something very special about him. I fell in love with him because he was physically, spiritually and emotionally strong and at the same time, gentle and patient and loving. I wasn't smart enough to know all the things I needed or would want in a husband. (I do have to admit I thought he had beautiful eyes and a great bum.) But the Lord knew...and he is a gift. There isn't anything he won't do or try. There is no chore or job that he won't pitch in or help with. He loves his family. He is a devoted and kind husband and father. And I adore him...crazy about him.

I went and saw New Moon with my husband...and I held his hand and we laughed at the fact that Edward always talks in that breathy voice and that Jacob can't seem to keep his clothes on and everyone has terrible make-up jobs and Bella still can't give me one lousy reason to like her. And I walked out still thinking I was the luckiest woman in the world to be married to this man.

So Young Ladies of the World...enjoy the lmovie love story. But don't believe a word of it. Real love stories don't happen like that...they are so, so, so much better. Good looking is truly skin deep and pretty words are just that...pretty words. What a man does, how he treats others, how he treats you...those are the things that count. Real love stories are deeper and last longer and are more beautiful...you're just going to have to trust an old lady on this one.

Ewww...

Here is the funny thing about life...9 years ago I put my career on hold because I had this darling little baby that was followed by 2 other little darlings and I think somewhere in my mind I just thought it would all be on hold until someday I went back to work. I don't know what I thought I'd be doing...hanging out at home, changing diapers, feeding small people, doing dishes?? OK, so I do lots and lots of those things but please appreciate what I will be doing in my 3rd grade child's classroom next week...really, check it out. And if you think you have the stomach for it, PLEASE let me know. I'm having serious doubts about my ability to do this...


Cow Eyeball Dissection


And you know what is even stranger? I just ordered 3 cow eyeballs that said they will be delivered in a pail in 5-10 business days. Isn't the internet amazing? Just googled "cow eyeball" and ordered myself 3 gorgeous eyeballs. (I'm really trying not to be utterly disgusted by the fact that every time I googled it, I got some link about whether or not McDonalds really uses cow eyeballs in their hamburgers. Like I needed another reason to shun the golden arches...Cow eyeball hamburger patties)


So step right up...have a child or two and get yourself a whole lot more than you bargained for! What an adventure. Really. I had no idea how gross it would be or how much fun...on so many levels.


Oh, and if you need some eyeballs or a lamb brain hop right on over to Cow eyeballs for sale.

Just a strange P.S. to this random post...I was reading the customer reviews on this cow eyeball product and found a customer had the following to say regarding this product...

EYEBALL

Date: February 18, 2009

Pros: Effective, Engaging, Grade Level Appropriate

This item is perfect for just about any age! Came with step by step directions that helped us understand and observe each part of the eye. Our 4 year old liked to play with the extra tissue, and the older girls enjoyed learning more about how their own eye works by having a "super sized" eyeball to investigate. Of course all our friends like to hear about what we do in science at our house. I liked it so much I donated some to our local school. I will be ordering more of these type items! 

 

Um, could someone explain what mother is letting her 4-year old play with the extra eyeball tissue...whatever happened to Fisher Price toys??? Gross.