Lift

Merry Christmas everyone!

May your holiday be restful, peaceful and full of the love of family and friends. I hope that as this year comes to an end and we take that natural moment to reflect on the times of the past that we each choose to make the world we are in a better place. We may not change it in big, noticeable ways but like it's been said, we can "lift where we stand" and raise the world up together!

Merry Christmas!!

Recipe for the Holidays

It's amazing that Christmas is THIS WEEK! I'm amazed that an entire year has passed.
I spent the weekend cleaning and preparing for family coming in to spend the holidays. My next item on the old to-do list is prepare the traditional family devotional for Christmas Eve. In the past I have always used the outline my mother used when I was growing up but I've decided to tweak it this year. I just thought I'd find out how your families read or celebrate the story of the nativity. I love it when I come across a great idea from someone else.

As for tonight, I'm off to make some stuffed mushrooms for the family Christmas party. Here's the recipe below, they are simple and if you like mushrooms (I don't but my hubby and his family do) you'll think these are great.

Sausage and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

1 tube Jimmy Dean Sage sausage
1 8 oz brick cream cheese (can use low fat/fat free)
20 button mushroom, cleaned and stemmed

Instructions:
Cook sausage according to package directions. Drain. Add room temperature cream cheese to sausage until fully mixed together. Stuff mixture into mushroom caps and place on microwave safe platter. (mushrooms can be kept in the refrigerator for several hours until ready to cook/serve) Microwave stuffed mushrooms until cheese is soft and edges bubble slightly. Serve warm.

Enjoy!

Ugh, Parents

So, long story short, this little girl has been bullying my 10 year old son for over a year. Not in an overly aggressive way but it was childhood teasing that has become perpetual and irritating. My son was never afraid but had grown weary of always having to deal with this girl's relentless teasing. She goes to his school and is a member of our church and I have heard her shout a stupid name at him as we passed while going home from school and I have seen how he avoids her at church by sitting at the farthest end of the row by himself. The sad truth is this, for six months my son has asked me to deal with this young lady and I have put it off because I wanted to find a non-threatening way to ask this girl to stop. I am ashamed that my son has gone so long dealing with this because I have been too afraid of causing a situation with her parents to be his advocate. Even at the beginning of last night, my youngest son (his younger brother) asked me to speak with this girl and I said no because it was the Christmas party and I felt it was inappropriate.

I'm not sure at what point in the evening the "incident" took place but when my husband and I got home, he relayed the fact that the mother of this girl (a woman I respect and call a friend), had approached him and said that our oldest son (my 13 year old, not the 10 year old who has been teased for a year) told her daughter that he would stuff raisins up her nose if she didn't leave his brother alone. This woman then continued with (and this bothers me the most); "I just thought you'd want to know that your 13 year old son is picking on little girls."

My husband said he'd handle it and proceeded to talk to our oldest about what happened. While he was engaged in this conversation, the young lady came up to the two of them and said "so can I punch him in the nose now?" To which my husband looked her in the eye and said; "No, but what you can do is never say another word to (my son) again. No teasing, no bothering, no nothing."

This young lady was surprised at the straightforwardness of my husband and left without saying anything else.

The thing that bothers me the most about this event is not what my oldest did (we've spoken to him about how his words were a threat and that we don't behave that way) but that I let it get to the point where he felt he had to defend his brother. I failed in this thing as a parent.

I am currently trying to decide how/if I am going to contact my friend about this and let her know our side of what happened. It will take me a while until I can get past the urge to say "I just thought you should know your 10 year old daughter is a bully." and so I have decided to wait until I can have a rational conversation. I don't know, I don't know whether I should just let it alone because the girl has been handled or if I should just bite the bullet and speak out. I suppose if she persists I will have to act, and act quickly, but for now, I am at a loss.

House decorated: check
Gifts purchased and wrapped: check
Stocking stuffers purchased: check
Stocking stuffers placed into bags labeled with name of child to whom it will go: check
Baking supplies purchased: check

To do:
Bake!!!

I'm so ahead of the curve this year I scare myself.

How Sweet it is!

I dropped my thirteen year old and his friend off at school the other day and as he got out of the car he said "love ya mom. Have a good day." I felt so happy that he cared and that even at thirteen, I still get to hear "I love you" in public places.
Yay for teenagers!

F.E.A.R.

So we had a really great talk in church a couple weeks back that I've been meaning to share. It was given by a member of our ward whose profession it is to counsel those with addictions. His specialty is in dealing with patients addicted to porn. Needless to say, he has some very powerful insights and he shared some in his talk.

One of the acronyms he uses is this:
(F)alse
(E)vidence
(A)ppearing
(R)eal

I loved this! He is so right, all fear is is the message the receptor in our brain sends. Sometimes fear is useful, that tingle you get when you're in a dangerous situation, the desire to run from danger. The problem with that little receptor is that it can interpret things in an unrealistic way. Fear of the dark, fear of failing, etc. He mentioned that Satan is really good a pushing that little receptor over and over to paralyze us, keep us from progressing. He wants us to feel F.E.A.R. because it can stop us from doing our best.

He suggested that when we feel F.E.A.R. we should use a tool that he teaches to his patients and it is this; place your hand over your heart and repeat; "I am safe", "I am loved", "I am good" and "I am ordained".

That last one caught me off guard but after pondering on that for a while I realized it is true. We have all been set apart to do something on this earth. We must choose to limit the F.E.A.R. we respond to so that we can fulfill the role we were meant to play.

May you have a safe, loved, good and ordained day!

Messiah

It's finally here! I get to go to the annual Messiah sing-in in our town. I look forward to this tradition every year and I have been practicing my alto part in the Hallelujah Chorus so I can sing open and unflinching with the others in attendance. I love the feeling in the room; voices raised in song praising the Lord! If you have something similar to this where you are, go! It's such a wonderful experience.


Have a great weekend!

Faith and Obedience

I am not faithful. I'm not saying this in a "forgive me because I've sinned" way but because over the past year I have realized that faith is not my strong suit. When the chips are down, my first inclination is not to believe God will guide me but to earn my way out. My confusion was that I believed simply making good choices, praying more, studying more and attending church more would rid me of trial whereas I have learned that those acts are simply a token of faith.

I have learned that I am obedient. I can follow directions and instructions and guidelines and commandments and anything else that comes my way that I know will better my life. I think that it has finally begun to come together for me to know that in moments of fear, when I act in obedience, that I am cultivating my faith. Perhaps in the years to come the talents of faith and obedience will grow equally in me and I can become a master of both.

The Year That Was A Miracle

I know this will sound more like an end of the year post but with Thanksgiving here, I could not help but to express my gratitude about the preceding year.
2010 has proved to be the hardest year of my life. Never before have I felt so much fear and uncertainty about what my future holds and requested so much from God. I have buffeted between despair, confusion, anger, elation and awe. This has been an ongoing theme for the past 11 months. It's at the end of this time that I have the luxury of looking back and it is with deep gratitude that I can count the miracles of 2010.
We began this year as struggling entrepreneurs, uncertain as to the viability of the small company for which we worked. I have, on several occasions, seen the deadline of self sufficiency approach and wondered if we could care for ourselves and our needs in the weeks to come. I have also been amazed when, as they say, God opens a window. I do not know what our future holds, as it seems as precarious now as it has been through this year and yet I hold fast to the knowledge that God is aware of me, He knows my needs and He has always filled them.
So it is with gratitude that I write today, the day before Thanksgiving, and share a small portion of my story with you in the hope that even though we may suffer, indeed be tried to the limits of what we thought possible, we can find the miracles God works on our behalf.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with the giving of thanks and may you find the miracles you seek.

Lula Mae

Skip The Mess

I have a measuring cup that requires a bit of concentration. You know the kind; glass, with a handle and small pour spout. It's a four cup liquid measure and the unfortunate thing is that when said liquid needs to be poured out it's nigh unto impossible to empty the contents without making a liquid mess. I discovered something the other day though, if I pour out the contents without trying to be too careful everything comes out fine. Really, I've got to commit! I've been successful in several attempts now and am quite confident that I am the master of my measuring cup! (I claim small victories!)

So you ask, "Why are we talking about a measuring cup?" Well let me tell you what I decided, sometimes we just need to commit to making something go right. If the right ingredients are all there and in the right proportions, determination can be the deciding factor between success or mess!

Grandin Press

After months of hard work, lots of worrying and hours of meetings, it's official! Grandin Press, our new company, is now online and taking orders! We're a publishing company which will feature digital printing but our first products off the press are the LDS classics. These books are now affordable, reader friendly and available at grandinpress.com !

We hope that this will inspire members of the LDS faith to either get re-aquainted with the tenets of our faith or give readers a new opportunity to "stir their soul" with the teachings of the early leaders of the church.

Give it a look!

I have to wonder, when I see a cart collectors gathering shopping carts in the parking lot of my local stores, do they feel like moms? You spend your day gathering up everything, putting it away, only to come back an hour later and see it's all a mess again.

The Leaving

Son,
I have had another realization recently, they seem to come to me at the oddest of times. I suppose as mothers, that is how we learn. With our busy schedules and awareness of others, our conscious takes any opportunity it can to make a point.
What I have simply taken note of is this, you have begun your leaving. I'm talking about the natural progression of life, the building of another life outside my influence. One where you keep secrets or have no need to consult your parents. The proving ground of what I have taught you and the decisions you will make is here and I am anxious to see what you will do with it. I see it's evidence in the way you are with your friends when I catch you in an unguarded moment, in the messages I come across that are not meant for me. You are different with them, you are different on your own. I am happy about this, you are a fine young man making good choices. As your life progresses and you continue to strengthen your own decision making abilities, your need for me will continue to lessen. The man you will become is entirely up to you. I can only hope that I have prepared you.

I have always said my children are not mine. You have always belonged to Heavenly Father, I have just had the blessing of helping you start your mortal journey. We will always be tied together by this earthly experience but ultimately our goal is to become our best selves.

Please don't feel that by acknowledging this truth that I am in any way saying goodbye to you. I am simply recognizing that my role is becoming one of cheerleader and course corrector. I am happy to let you begin your leaving as I watch you begin your journey on the right path. But while I am watching from the open door, I will continue to offer ideas and direction when I see you stumble or take a wrong turn. Remember, the road home is never long, I will always be here when you want to visit.

I love you!

Mom

The Ultimate Woman

I taught a class on Proverbs 31:10-31 about a year ago. Ever since, I've called these verses the "Ultimate woman" verses. Many will recognize verse 10 "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies?" I like that scripture a great deal but it's really the whole of these verses that describes what a woman can be. It's verses 17 and 18 that I want to write about today.

"She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

At first, the meaning of this for me was that the ultimate woman takes care of her body. But the word merchandise didn't sit well with me in that regard. It made me think a bit about what these verses could possibly mean because I know God does not expect His daughters to "sell their merchandise". I think I had a better understanding when I began to compare this to the parable of the Ten Virgins. I believe that when we strengthen our spiritual arms, our arms that reach to Heaven in faith, when we gird ourselves with good and holy things we can look at our spiritual selves and realize that our merchandise is good, our lamps are full. With all our preparation, our candles will not go out in the dark night of trials. Our faith will remain strong.

I love these verses. What a beautiful tribute to the strength of women. I plan to share my thoughts about several of the groups of verses in the days to come. If you get a chance, pull out the Bible and read them. Otherwise, I've copied them here.
Enjoy!



Proverbs 31:10-31

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. "She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. "She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. "She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. "She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. "She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. "She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. "She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. "She stretcheth our her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. "She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. "She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. "Her husband is known in that gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. "She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girldes unto the merchant. "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her toungue is the law of kindness. "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idelness. Her children arise up, and call her balsses; her husband also, and he praiseth her. "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain" but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. "Giver her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Keepers of Good

Hmmm, haven't I been naughty! I apologize dear readers but take comfort in my consistently sporadic nature. I am an enigma.

Anyhoo... Just thought I'd share a great thought from a talk I heard a few weeks back. Emily Freeman, author of "The Ten Virgins", "The Promise of Enough" and several others came to speak with our young women and she referenced a scripture I had never heard before. Titus Chapter 2, verses 3-4: "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,...teachers of good things. That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home..."

I would happily place myself in the category of "aged women" simply because I know aged women are smart. But since I still have a ways to go in the "aged" department, this reference mostly made me wonder, what am I teaching my children to "keep"? What things am I telling my children, through example or word, to tuck safely into their intellectual reference libraries for use in later life? Here's hoping I have placed importance on important things.

Random Facts

These facts are brought to you for no good reason. 'Cause that's how I roll!

The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies.

The first known contraceptive was crocodile dung, used by the Egyptians in 2000 B.C.

When you die, your hair still grows for a couple of months.

It would take 11 Empire State Buildings, stacked one on top of the other, to measure the Gulf of Mexico's deepest point.

Each of the suits on a deck of cards represents the four major pillars of the economy in the middle ages; hearts represented the church, spades represented the military, clubs represented agriculture and diamonds represented the merchant class.

Cats can hear ultrasound

Children grow faster in the springtime

Every human spent about a half an hour as a single cell

The word "nerd" was first coined by Dr. Seuss in "If I Ran the Zoo"

The plastic things at the ends of shoelaces are called aglets

There are 10 human body parts that are only 3 letters long (eye, hip, arm, leg, ear, toe, jaw, rib, lip, gum)

Just thought you might want to know! Now, go be a "nerd" by sharing with others!

My second son plays soccer. Quite well. We have been to many games in the past few weeks as the soccer season is in full swing in our state and have enjoyed lots of different competitions with some great teams. There have been a few though where there has been more of an issue with the coaches/parents off the field than the actual soccer being played on the field. I will just cop to being one of those parents who yells from the sidelines, especially in intense games. I try to always make sure that my "instruction" comes with encouragement. And I can guarantee that I have NEVER yelled a word of derision at ANY player.

The last few games however, have been dismal examples of adults gone awry. At one point in our game Monday, the opposing coach spiked a soccer ball and screamed at the ref. Parents were embarrassed for him and his little display of immaturity.

Last night I saw a news clip for another set of little league coaches actually physically attacking one another in front of their players at a game. It was shameful. Do we really need another reminder about sportsmanship? It's sad.

I Love America

As some of you know, I am hosting an exchange student again this year. It's been an up and down thing, just like caring for any child. With this responsibility comes the usual going to sporting events that the child is participating in, checking on homework and friends and also, going to parent teacher conferences.

This is the second year I have had the chance to accompany an exchange student to these meetings and I will admit, my feelings on the subject are mixed. Tonight however, I reached a new limit for what I will simply call "America bashing".

I walked in to a meeting with an English teacher to pleasantly find that she was an Australian national teaching here. I was very excited, as my husband spent a couple of years in that country and has such fond memories of that place. I expected a fun conversation because it was obvious that she liked my exchange student but an angry fire was quickly lit within as she began passive aggressively bashing my country.

Within one minute of being in her class room she informed me, with a large smile, that she found that her foreign students were such a delight because well, they seem to have a greater work ethic than the other students. In fact, in some classes, if there is a section regarding the homeland of a foreign student she will simply refer the instruction of that section to that student because well, foreigners are better at telling the truth about the condition of America and she likes to have her American student's eyes opened.

She mentioned that her retirement was coming up in a few weeks and she would be traveling to her homeland to visit family and she may not be back because in this country, how can you count on anyone to take care of you when you are old? Really, Australians and Europeans have been socialistic for a long time and they do quite well.

(I'm taking a moment here to calm myself)

In the end I said it was a good idea that she was going back to Australia.




For the past few years I have taken a sabbatical from politics. I have avoided any conversations about what I think about my country and it's leaders. I have grown tired of those in office promising to listen and then driving the people of this country over a cliff. I have listened with respect when my exchange student extols the virtues of socialism, refers to the superiority of other countries' education systems and implies that those of faith are weak minded. If I wanted to be European, I'd move to Europe. If I wanted to sell some of my rights so that someone else will take care of me, I'd move to any of a plethora of countries who offer that option. I LOVE AMERICA! I AM AN AMERICAN! I believe in taking care of yourself, helping those you can when they need it and encouraging the good things in society to grow for the betterment of that society. I want THAT America back. Enough is enough, it's time to get active again but this time, if a candidate wants my vote, they have a lot of convincing to do.

A Deer by a Different Name

My daughter asked me yesterday if she could have some deer in her hair. I asked her to clarify because I had no idea what she meant. She said; "I want some deer in my hair."

"Honey, I don't know what you mean. I don't have any 'deer' to put in your hair."

"I want the white stuff in the bottle that gets bigger."

...after a moment of thought

"Oh, you mean Mousse?"

A Great Endowment

To My Children,

I feel compelled to address a little habit you have. It seems that if things aren't nailed down (especially food), then you assume it's yours. I mention this only because this seems to be a problem with many of your generation (and mine). There seems to be a sense of entitlement that permeates our culture and I feel that in our house that belief is creeping in. This concerns me a great deal.

Let me explain. I really believe that in these days Heavenly Father is sending some of His best spirit children to experience life on this earth. I have a friend who likes to say that God is not sending any pushovers. I know that children can be strong willed and I truly believe this is because your spirit is endowed with great strength. And I know that however I train you to use that endowment will determine a great deal of what kind of life you choose in the future. What I want more than anything is for you to realize that your strength and good fortune in this life does not entitle you to anything. In fact, it beholds you to great responsibility. Heavenly Father did not send you here with great talent and spirituality for you to feel you get extra but instead I believe He wishes for you to give more.

So I found my topic today on a random perusal of the MNSBC website. The title "Do Parents Really Know Best" caught my eye. Here's a link to the video accompanying the article. I love several of the comments made by comedian Chuck Nice during the interview. For the most part, he seems to be spot on. As one who is currently residing with a sixteen year old know-it-all, I think there is plenty of evidence that the answer to this question is "yes, parents know all."

Shut up and Sit Down

You know, there's a lot going on with the mosque and Quran issue in America right now. While I understand the intense feelings against the Fundamentalist Muslims it also make me very sad that Americans feel that retaliation in such a way is an effective tool of coersion.
As a member of a religion that is grossly misunderstood, I too have seen sacred emblems of my faith hoisted upon poles and paraded through the streets of my town. I have seen posters and heard demonstrators denounce and defame the names of men and women I find saintly and wonderful. I know first hand the anger that can come from someone verbally and aggressively attacking those things I find most sacred. However, I also believe that shouting back or desecrating sacred things of another religion does nothing but cause more anger, more hurt.

For those men and women who hold titles and authority in their respective churches or even participate in such events, who threaten or actually defile the holy emblems of other faiths- shame on you! If you claim to represent Christianity or God you have done nothing but turn more hearts far from him.

Let it Roll

The other day I watched my daughter roll down the side of a grassy hill. It was that time honored, child cherished activity of laying prone on the ground and sending oneself careening down the slope throwing caution to the wind. What I love about that is the sound that comes from the "roller". A pure, uninhibited delight that when truly heard prompts the listener to smile in wistful delight. I had to ask myself, "what hills have I allowed myself to roll down lately?" It is my sincere opinion that more people in this world need to roll down grassy hills.

Hallelujah!

Today is the first day of school for my children. After a summer of traveling, chauffeuring, swimming, soccer and camping I have gloried in the silence and simplicity of this long awaited day. I have found myself looking over my shoulder more than once sneaking quick and somewhat frantic glances at the clock wondering "how much time do I have left?" it was after such a moment that a sweet and simple thought entered my head...they'll be at school again tomorrow!

Week of camp

I spent four days in the woods with my family, camping. I dedicate this week of posts to the sharing of that experience and to your enjoyment!

Let me begin my telling you that I have learned something about my husband this week, he is a camping dictator. The natural world has order and so naturally, my husband must too. When we fish, it is his way. Camp set up is his way and of course, camp take down is his way. I have to admit that he is an experienced outdoorsman. So, much to my consternation, he's usually right. But let it be known that by our final day in the great outdoors, the dictator faced a cou. Were it not for his acceptance of the terms laid down by his subjects, he would have been removed from power and banished from the country. What's the saying? "absolute power corrupts absolutely?"

Ah summer, we have had a great vacation and I am now counting the days until the kids are back in school. I have moved from active participation to active anticipation/procrastination. I am waiting. You see, it is not that the months off have been unkind it is simply that I am ready to move on. I have fallen prey to the lure of your lazy song and feel no inclination to act...on anything. And so, for the survival of my sanity I must insist that we make this transition as soon as is possible lest I begin to harden into the mold of inactivity and pursue the laziness of summer days full time.
By the way, let fall know I expect big things!

Prop

There is a beautiful Elm tree in our city that made the news yesterday. There is speculation that this tree, planted in the early 1900's, is the only one of it's kind in the country, perhaps the world. What makes this tree so special? It grows horizontally! Now, while you are wondering how that works let me explain why I find this tree an inspiration.
Because the branches of this Elm grow out, you can imagine the tree is very wide. It is accepted that if this tree were growing in the wild the weight of the extra long branches would have long ago shattered the trunk of the tree. As a response to the work of gravity, gardeners have propped each branch with a specially designed platform that allows the branch to rest it's weight, relieving the trunk of the tree. Some branches have several platforms due to their enormous length. What I love about this picture is simple. This beautiful tree is just another way of our world telling us- sometimes we all need a little support!


ksl.com - Utah County working to protect one-of-a-kind tree

Cleansing

Checkout lines are my nemesis! No, I'm not kidding. There is a law written in the cosmos that is enforced every time I get into the line at the grocery store. Some may say it is karma except that I have always had excellent check out manners. I am usually very patient regarding coupons, crying babies and food stamps. I do not know what has me on the cosmos crap list in this area but I must get myself off and so begins "operation checkout!" I am in the market (ha ha) for some sort of ritual that will set me right with the universe so I turn to you dear readers, I need suggestions for offerings to the grocery gods. I give my word that I WILL actually perform said offering (keep it simple folks, no bloodshed or illegal activity. This is supposed to be silly.) and will report the effectiveness of said rite. The ball is in your court, end my shopping nightmares!

I have taken a sabbatical lately, some of you may have noticed my absence. I've had several friends and family members mention that I haven't updated in a long time and so I thought I would do my duty and write.
I have missed the opportunity to express my thoughts and feelings into the void of the WWW, it is strangely comforting to say what you want and then walk away. Perhaps I have repressed frustration over expressing what I think effectively. Anyhow, I guess Its time to chat away and see what interesting comments my Asian readers come up with.

What is on my mind of late? Friends. In my life I have always been able to make friends fairly easily. I like people! I seek out relationships with others to feed the mind and soul with those things that make a person better. Isn't the point of life to gain as much knowledge and happiness as is humanly possible? However, at this time in my life I feel a need to ponder and implement those things I have witnessed and learned from others. So many have shown me by example, wonderful and amazing abilities of kindness, ingenuity, selflessness and spirituality that I have regretfully taken too little energy to examine. I am grateful for dear friends, both within and without my family, who are examples to me every day. I am better because of you.

Feel That

Miss me?

Well, we've been moving and shaking at our house and after yesterday I believe things will settle down a bit.

We said goodbye to Won and Quentin yesterday. Both of our exchange students left for their homes in South Korea and Belgium respectively. For any of you who know me, you have seen me struggle to manage two teenage boys who came to my home from diversely different backgrounds and experience. After some rough and awkward beginning weeks we found a happy equilibrium that saw us through to this weekend. I knew as the time drew closer that I would miss these young men terribly. I am grateful that after all was said and done I felt a deep sense of loss as I watched them walk down the airport concourse and through security. It was this sadness that confirmed to me how much a part of my life they had become. There were many times during the day that we found ourselves in tears, thinking about all we had experienced with our new family members.

The best thing of all is this feeling that I have expanded somehow. That there are parts of me that have gone out into the world and will be part of lives in other countries and cultures. It is deeply satisfying to know that who I am, who my family is and what we believe has moved outward to influence others and in return, those open spaces in my heart have been filled by their lives as well.

Dear Son,
Your father and I were talking tonight about the small fortune we have spent on you over the years. There has been much done to correct some educational lagging and also to give you great experiences. I was wondering if we should curtail some of our cash outflow with the concern that you might grow to think you have an entitlement to things considered by some to be "extras". After a lengthy and animated discussion I realized a few things; first, you have no idea how much we spend on various activities in which you take part and second, I would spend all I have to give you every opportunity in life.

I am growing up as a parent. (I'll bet you thought I was all grown-up.) I am comprehending now that you are really growing up too. I see you for the first time as the individual you truly are. Until this time, you were a child who needed to be parented. Now I am excited to see that you have interests. Mature interests. I feel excitement that you truly will choose a path of your very own. It is with this new found emotion that I conscientiously commit to encourage you in everything worthwhile that you wish to undertake.
I have been unsure as to how grand I should make my support. I realize now that because your father and I can give you great opportunity, you have an even greater chance to become great. I don't mean being the President of the United States or an studio executive. I mean a good, kind man who influences all he meets. I hope and pray that through your young life I will be able to offer you opportunity that will give you a unique and deep perspective on the world. I pray that you will learn empathy and hope, kindness and faith and also a powerful humility. I am grateful to know that God sent you here to do something in this world and I am equally grateful to know that I can help you discover your path to that end. It is my sincerest wish that you grow to achieve the greatness within you.

All my love,
Mom

Olds West Wisdom

My friend and I are working on a door decoration for our children's teacher. It's our annual teacher appreciation week and every teacher get their door decorated. This year's theme is "Our Teachers are the Best in the West!" In an effort to plan something really cute, I've been researching old west sayings. Here's some of the wisdom I have found from those old cowboys!


There's no place 'round the campfire for a quitter's blanket.

Tossin' your rope before buildin' a loop don't ketch the calf.

Polishing your pants on saddle leather don't make you a rider.

A closed mouth gathers no boots.

Don't name a cow you plan to eat.

Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.

Never miss a good chance to shut up.

Life is not about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.

Keep skunks, lawyers, and bankers at a distance.

Life is simpler when you plough around the stump.

Forgive your enemies. It messes with their heads.

Don't sell your mule to buy a plough.

Don't corner something meaner than you.

It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.

When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

Most of the stuff people worry about never happens.

Don't squat with your spurs on.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Don't interfere with something that ain't botherin' you none.

Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

It's better to be a has-been than a never-was.

A wink's as good as a nod to a blind mule.

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

There never was a horse that couldn't be rode, there never was a rider that couldn't be throwed.
When in doubt, let your horse figure it out.

Behind every successful rancher is a wife who works in town.
He's all hat and no cattle.

Never hire the people you drink with.

A man afoot is no man at all.

When a bad man dies he either goes to hell or the Pecos.

A good fence should be pig tight, horse high, and bull strong.
Only a fool argues with skunk, a mule, or a cook.
It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.

Any hoss's tail kin ketch cockleburs.

Wide open spaces don't breed no chatterboxes.

You can never tell which way the pickle's goin' to squirt.

If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.

Always drink upstream from the herd.

Don't worry about bitin' off more'n you can chew; your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger'n you think.

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.

If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then, to make sure it's still there with ya.

There's two theories to arguin' with a woman. Neither one works.

A pair of six-shooters beats a pair of aces.

An angry bull is less dangerous than an angry woman.

Every cowboy thinks he knows more than every other cowboy. But the only thing they all know for sure is when's payday and where's grub."

An old timer is a man who's had a lot of interesting experiences -- some of them true.

Only a buzzard feeds on his friends.

Speak your mind, but ride a fast horse.

Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction.

A cow outfit's never better than its hosses.

No one but cattle know why they stampede and the ain't talking.

You'll never break a horse if you stay sittin' on the fence.

Never drink unless you're alone or with somebody.

You can judge a man by the hoss he rides.

A full house divided don't win no pots.

When a cowboy's too old to set a bad example, he hands out good advice.

A bronc rider should be light in the head and heavy in the seat.

Letting the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back in.

Whoa!!

Had a magnificent morning where, as fortune would have it, I ended up with all four children in school at the same time! I had a two and a half hour window that over lapped between kindergarten and preschool. In their absence I was determined to make the most of my solo morning.
I managed to get myself to the temple and after I was finished there it was as though time stood still. The day is bright, clear and warm and I found myself driving a little slower, taking things in. Sometimes it is good to go slow!

FRIDAY SHAWTY!

So here's a little something to get you laughing for the weekend. These videos (Auto Tune The News) are my new favorite thing, I laugh so hard I cry. A good way to start out the weekend.

Disclaimer: There is one naughty word. Maybe watch when kids aren't around.

A Question

What is it to continue? Really? Beyond the idea of faith and the long ago uttered promise to be faithful? Is it austerity, seriousness? Is it deprivation? In the middle is it acceptance? At the height it must be peace and joy. What does it say about a human who wakes up each morning and is...in spite of the outside force? What does it say about a human who becomes something else, something better, because she woke up. Because all that took place in the days, weeks, months and years before prepared her for that day?

What a great determination we have, us humans, to take the test. To become, or at least work for, the ultimate "me". Recognizing in each day it's greatness even when there is none to be seen. Perspective perhaps? It is more than physical movement. Reaction?

To continue could quite simply be; "what will you choose today?".

Advantage; Age!

So my Belgian found some pictures of me in high school which led to a discussion about boyfriends and dating. When I told him that my boyfriend in my Junior year of High School dumped me, he nonchalantly said "so you lost".

With great effort to remain calm, I said simply; "That's interesting, you don't know anything about him and you automatically think I lost".

"Well, yeah."

"Really? You are such a male chauvinist! He was cheating on me. He was a jerk and he was frustrated because I wouldn't have sex with him. But because he dumped me, I'm the loser? Nice."

Or, the discussion we had about the fact that I was in my Senior year of high school when he was born. His response; "Wow, you're old!" (I won't totally throw him under the bus, he was smiling when he said it.)
My response; "I know, it's amazing I'm still alive."

These conversations made me think how grateful I am for my parents willingness to let me live. I'm not sure how you get through parenthood without wanting to strangle your child then they say dumb*** stuff like this! (And I know I said a lot of stupid stuff.)

I don't know what's worse, listening to stupid comments or realizing you made a few too many yourself. Ugh.

Hat in Hand

So, you may have noticed that I have monetized my blog. I consider this the equivalent of placing an empty top hat on the sidewalk in front of my posts shamelessly asking for a coin or two. Really, I'm pandering! I guess it's just morbid curiosity to see if I could actually make one dollar. At one cent a click, I'll be rich in no time.

Get Away Oath

I'm off to sunny Arizona this weekend, going to visit my sister. Between the economy and our weather, I need either medication or a good dose of sun. Sun is cheaper.

I will now take the "get away oath"; "I (Lula Mae) do solemnly swear that I will not squander my brief vacation. I will begin/read at least one novel of my choosing and stay up late talking with my sister about topics ranging from the benign to life changing. I will take pictures! I will give extra hugs to my children and twirl at least one child in a circle on any day(s) that may inspire such behavior. I will see something new. I will thank God each night for the blessings of family, distraction and the beauty of the earth."

Age and Experience

I've had some interesting run-ins with some teenage neighbors this week. After one such encounter, I had to take a walk to cool down I was so angry. After having worked with youth now for about a decade, I'm no stranger to attitude but these experiences have really concerned me.

While I was discussing the benefits of age and experience, one young lady commented that "you keep telling yourself that" in regards to my belief that those things (age/experience) were beneficial. It wouldn't have bothered me so much except that I don't know her and she wasn't joking. It really was nothing short of rude.

The next encounter was deeply upsetting to me. An 18 year old neighbor came over to use our basketball hoop (without permission). While he was there with his younger (12) brother, my children came out to join them. During the game my youngest son (6) commented that although our Korean exchange student didn't make the shot, he could do it in "his world". The response from the 18 year old neighbor was to call my 6 year old son a "racist Jew". When my 12 year old son came to his aid by calling the offender a "Hippie Punk" the 18 year old then told my son to "shut up, you're stupid". This verbal abuse went on for about 10 minutes until my six year old came in to get parental reinforcement.

Let me just say that both my husband and I were out of our chair lightning fast. The neighbor was lucky my husband made it out the door first and dealt with it because this momma bear was ready to rumble.

My husband informed this little delinquent that he was on our court, at our house and that he better watch himself to which the neighbor boy responded "so your kids are allowed to disrespect on this court"? (Even relaying this experience through blogging is making me want to smack someone.) This kid seriously argued with my husband about our parenting skills for about three minutes before my husband told him to back off. Even after my husband came back inside, the kid had the brass to play basket ball at our house for another ten minutes before finally leaving.

Let me say that I've never had trouble with this kid before but he does have a reputation. I've always given him the benefit of the doubt but after this, I've just decided to keep my distance.

The question I have after all this is what are we really teaching our kids? When I was young (and every generation before) we were taught to respect adults. Without wanting to sound like a media prude, I have to say that all these TV shows about how stupid adults are and how kids/teens should be able to get away with anything is really jacking up our young people. And the fact that we allow our children to watch them is a problem. Parents are so confused about wanting to be their kids friend that they forget to be their kids parent. Enough already, someone has to be in charge and my money is on age and experience.

Who We Are

I love my family. In fact, in the past few months I have felt such a deep, new kind of love for my children and husband that I have become singular in my view of it. My children are my joy, my husband my dearest friend. It is my deepest desire that our family unit be as close as possible. Through trial and joy we are weeding out the things we are not in order to solidify the things we are. We are creating the identity of our unit! Solidifying the oneness of our lives together.

What are we? Faithful, hard workers, open, kind, learning, loving and most of all, strong. Whether we are home together or individually out in the world, we are the Olds!

To My Child

I remember the day you were born, it was a beautiful day and you came into this world surrounded by family. Your father and I were filled with anticipation and hope at your arrival. Looking back I wonder what made us think that we could raise a child and now I can hardly believe it's been several years.

I have to confess that your creation and birth were more about what I wanted than what you may have chosen. We wanted a baby. We wanted a family and most especially we wanted you. Even on the day of your birth my thoughts were about how scared I was and how my body felt. You were a new adventure and a great possibility and yet something completely unknown. Don't get me wrong, we planned for you. I read books, took classes and created a nice place for your new life here on earth but really your life was something I wanted for myself. Even as prepared as I thought I was, I now understand that your summons to the world was beyond my understanding.

And so, you are my teacher, my crash course as it may be. It doesn't seem to matter the classes I take or the books I read, I realize that I am parenting on the fly. You are the ultimate experiment through which I will write the manual to help raise your siblings. I know this is hard for you. I know that sometimes the frustration I raise in your life can be overwhelming but I have something to offer you as well. I have and will continue to give you opportunity. I promise that I will do my best to learn as much as I can and teach you the things I know and then give you avenues to test them out. I ask only one thing, please be patient. Please know that as your mother, I have to stop you sometimes. I have to tell you no.

Thanks to you, I can now enjoy the luxury of looking back. You have given me that. I have a reference point now that you have kindly offered through your limited time here with me. But as you grow you are beginning to move into your own sphere and that causes me to be afraid. Before, I could easily find the answers to your questions, and the monsters that haunted the corners of your little life were not scary to me. Now your monsters are my monsters too. I am equally afraid of those things that hide in the dark places of life and sometimes I know that I am the only one who sees them for what they are. Sometimes I feel as though we are two children brandishing plastic swords at an unseen, although real, hidden enemy. I promise that I will be the brave one. Do not be afraid, I will be the first one into the dark. I will always offer my life for yours because I love you.

Celebrity Status

My Belgian plays soccer. Really. well. He is a superstar at the local High School and I have told him thank you for elevating me to celebrity status. I love hearing the awe with which other parents discuss "the foreign exchange student from Belgium" while I'm sitting within earshot. It's even better when I feel like participating and mention, "I'm his host mom". I always get a "Oh he's such a great kid" or "He plays soccer so well". I love it! Totally fun.

Teaser

Howdy everyone! How is life treating you? I have had no desire whatsoever to post anything and so I have not.

I have however, read some great books. Wouldn't you love it if I would elaborate on that? Hmmm, too bad.

I guess I just thought I'd check in to make sure you were all doing well. Hope you're having a great day!

What's in a Word?

Have you ever noticed how many words are uttered without a true understanding of their meaning? I don't mean whether or not the speaker knows the dictionary definition but respects the meaning of the word. A small list came to mind; freedom, respect, pride, democracy, hero, equality, spirituality.

If you watch any type of film, news cast or movie from earlier decades, you will see what I mean. Language is beautiful and can convey so much but I think that so often we scrape the bottom of the barrel when we express ourselves. Looking for either the most ambiguous or simple word to convey a thought/feeling. Is it an attempt to conceal or just simple laziness? Of course, this is just a theory but I think that one could draw a direct line to correspond the health (security of it's government) of a nation with it's use of language. I believe we need to elevate ourselves.

High Five

The janitor at our school is awesome and as a little tribute we cooked up this little surprise that is hosted by our local news station. It's super fun!

Thanks Scott for all you do!

Stupid Big

It was the familiar and hated sound of that croup cough that woke me from sleep Friday night. You know, the one you can hear from three rooms away and strikes terror into the heart of a mother whose brain is still asleep. First let me tell everyone, my kids do croup. It's like a talent or something. They can acquire and present the croup with true aplomb. To wit; I have had a couple trips to emergency rooms in the wee hours because of the aforementioned virus. So in all my years as the mother of croup talented children I've learned a few tricks and I have been conditioned for battle.

My first act of business (after putting on some sort of clothing that I can be seen in should I encounter another mid-night owl) is to bundle up the poor child. While I inevitably spend a few moments searching for shoes, blankets and coats I always manage to protect my child from the elements enough to brave the cold outside (the colder the better in this case) and we make our way to the porch chairs. If you ever get a hankering at 3 am to run past my house, you may get a glimpse of me on the dark porch, cradling a large bundle of blankets in my arms. I can assure you that in this pile of blankets is an actual child whose only body part that is exposed to the elements is his/her mouth. I encourage the child to breath as deeply as possible and voila! the discomfort eases. This ritual typically takes 20 minutes to undergo and I have found it most helpful in the battle against croup.

However, it's never over! Without fail there will be another bout sometime after 60-90 minutes. It's at that point I'm just too stinking tired to cloak up, bundle and sit outside so I choose my second weapon- the steamy shower. This is where I am grateful for Stupid Big.

If anyone's seen my shower, you know what I'm talking about. The builder of my home thought it would be a great idea to put in a HUGE shower in the Master Bedroom. I'm not exaggerating when I say HUGE! (It has 6 shower heads). I have always called my shower (with affection) Stupid Big. I mean, I'm not a swinger so there will never be a gathering of people in my shower!

I have found a reason to be grateful for Stupid Big though and I am always reminded of that on the battle nights of croup. In my shower, I am able to make a bed, pillows and all, to make my child comfortable while the water runs just out of reach of the blankets and fills the "room" with the blessed steam. With the lights turned out, my child can sleep and breath in steam without too much discomfort. It has been several nights when I've sat in the humid interior of the shower that I have been grateful for this little blessing.

So here's to Stupid Big, the shower that is a pain to clean and an embarrassment to think of, I am grateful for your usefulness in the comfort of my children!

Those Kind of Women

I had the chance to attend a meeting about girls camp tonight. It was a really fun time to hear ideas and guidelines about the upcoming girls camp in June. What struck me the most was what I felt as I looked around the room, it was filled with friendly faces I know from so many community services. There were two PTA Presidents, several prominent civic volunteers and just all around high-functioning, achieving women. I felt so lucky to be there with them and to know they are my friends. There are a lot of really great people in this world!

Jinx!

"Jinx.....1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 you owe me a Coke!" I have heard this an incalculable number of times the last few days. I've been jinxed, I've been told I owe several people several Cokes and yet, I didn't find myself playing along until today when my youngest son, with his finger pointed at me, yelled "Jinx" and began to count. Somehow my grade school training kicked in and I found myself, with the milk jug midway between the counter and the refrigerator, yelling "stop". I giggled and walked away totally enjoying my triumph and about five minutes later my oldest son came into the kitchen and said the name of my youngest son. The younger said "finally"!

I didn't realize that I'd jinxed him myself by winning the countdown. I wonder how long he would have remained silent?

Huh?

Update: I've seen another presentation of this by the author and I think that if he had presented it in that way, it would have felt better to me. Here's the link.

First of all I want to apologize in advance to any friends I have who may be from Canada, have ancestors from Canada or know anyone living in Canada. You rock, I think that country is a great place. However.....
The "Slam Poem" from the Canadian opening ceremonies has me shaking my head a bit. I'm not sure if it's a passive aggressive attempt at pointing out what Canada believes is wrong with America or if Canadians have forgotten that they are a protectorate of England ("we are free". What?) I thought it was confrontational, not inspirational and I think that the tone in which it was delivered just reinforced that. All in all, I hope the athletes put on a better show.

We Are More

by Shane Koyczan

When defining Canada

you might list some statistics

you might mention our tallest building

or biggest lake

you might shake a tree in the fall

and call a red leaf Canada

you might rattle off some celebrities

might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie

might even mention the fact that we've got a few

Barenaked Ladies

or that we made these crazy things

like zippers

electric cars

and washing machines

when defining Canada

it seems the world's anthem has been

" been there done that"

and maybe that's where we used to be at

it's true

we've done and we've been

we've seen

all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine

and turned into theme parks

but when defining Canada

don't forget to mention that we have set sparks


we are not just fishing stories

about the one that got away

we do more than sit around and say "eh?"

and yes


we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One

who inspired little number nines

and little number ninety-nines

but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines

off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes

and some say what defines us

is something as simple as please and thank you

and as for you're welcome

well we say that too

but we are more

than genteel or civilized

we are an idea in the process

of being realized

we are young

we are cultures strung together

then woven into a tapestry

and the design

is what makes us more

than the sum total of our history

we are an experiment going right for a change

with influences that range from a to zed

and yes we say zed instead of zee

we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy

we dream so big that there are those

who would call our ambition an industry

because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow

we do more than grow wheat and brew beer

we are vineyards of good year after good year

we reforest what we clear

because we believe in generations beyond our own

knowing now that so many of us

have grown past what used to be

we can stand here today


filled with all the hope people have

when they say things like "someday"


someday we'll be great

someday we'll be this

or that

someday we'll be at a point

when someday was yesterday

and all of our aspirations will pay the way

for those who on that day

look towards tomorrow

and still they say someday


we will reach the goals we set

and we will get interest on our inspiration

because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks

more than backpacks and hiking trails

we are hammers and nails building bridges

towards those who are willing to walk across

we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss

we are not the see-through gloss or glamour

of those who clamour for the failings of others

we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers

uncles and nephews aunts and nieces

we are cousins

we are found missing puzzle pieces

we are families with room at the table for newcomers

we are more than summers and winters

more than on and off seasons

we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay

because we are more than what we say or do

we live to get past what we go through


and learn who we are

we are students

students who study the studiousness of studying

so we know what as well as why

we don't have all the answers

but we try

and the effort is what makes us more

we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for

so keep exploring

go far and wide

or go inside but go deep

go deep

as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss

and suddenly there was this location scout

trying to figure some way out

to get inside you

because you've been through hell and high water

and you went deep

keep exploring

because we are more

than a laundry list of things to do and places to see

we are more than hills to ski

or countryside ponds to skate

we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait

we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes

a country that is all the ways you choose to live

a land that can give you variety

because we are choices

we are millions upon millions of voices shouting

" keep exploring... we are more"

we are the surprise the world has in store for you

it's true


Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"

so don't say "been there done that"

unless you've sat on the sidewalk

while chalk artists draw still lifes

on the concrete of a kid in the street

beatboxing to Neil Young for fun

don't say you've been there done that

unless you've been here doing it

let this country be your first-aid kit

for all the times you get sick of the same old same old

let us be the story told to your friends

and when that story ends

leave chapters for the next time you'll come back

next time pack for all the things

you didn't pack for the first time

but don't let your luggage define your travels

each life unravels differently

and experiences are what make up

the colours of our tapestry

we are the true north

strong and free

and what's more

is that we didn't just say it

we made it be.

Library Day

It's Friday and therefore, my youngest son gets to go to the library at the school. This is a big deal! I've always giggled at how intense he gets about locating his book, making sure it's in his backpack and then discussing the preparation he goes through to select the new book later that day. For a long time, I thought this was just so cute. A funny little rite of childhood that was long forgotten to me.

Then I remembered one of my library days from long ago.

I remember browsing the shelves for the best book. It was a major dilemma during which I always felt somewhat stressed at selecting the "right" book. Of course there was always a mad scramble to check out the book that had been read to us by the librarian that day and for those of us who were too slow to claim that one, we were left to wander what seemed at the time to be endless shelves of books.

I only remember a handful of the titles I selected on library day but what struck me about my memory was not the books I had selected/forgotten but the feeling! The feeling of complete control, of anticipation and power! I GOT TO CHOOSE! It was the one thing, as a child in school, that I had complete control over. This was not just a time filling exercise but a manifestation of my psyche, my mood and intellect. Of course that's not what I thought at the time but reliving that little blip from my past allowed me a new perspective on my life.

That led me to wonder, what is my Library Day now? What events do I enjoy that give me a feeling of control? What events/practices do I choose to participate in because they bring confidence and satisfaction at the outcome?

There are a few things; talking with friends, praying, eating good food, cleaning my house and posting on this blog. (Of course there are more but you only have a minute and I have other things to do.) What I love about each of these things is that they require a choice on my part, an easy choice that bears little consequence to each day but accumulated makes a huge difference in the long run.

And just like my days in elementary school, there are choices (books) I select because they seem easy. Some are chosen because they look good, others are avoided because I'm lazy or scared. In any event, it is entirely up to me.

I want every day to have a Library Day moment in it. An inclusion of some thing or event that I get to choose, with purpose and design, to add a small impact to the accumulation of my life.

Here We Go....Again

Ugh. So after a year of putting off the losing of weight, I am finally forced to confront this wicked nemesis of mine (again). I have recently joined a neighborhood group trying to get fit (who am I kidding? I want to be hot, screw being "fit".) My first few weeks I lost TWO pounds! Woohoo! Okay, so I was less than stellar at my attempt but this month, in honor of the just celebrated Superbowl, we have been divied up into football teams. I am THE DALLAS COWBOYS! My opponent, a cute gal in my neighborhood, is aka THE PITSBURGH STEELERS!

If this had been last year, I could have given a rat's patooty about football but I have become a fan! Yes, I really like football, especially COWBOYS football and I actually know enough about the rules/plays to enjoy it. So, why am I telling you, the blogger sphere about this little endeavor? Well, they say accountability is the first step. I am counting on you ladies (and gents, if there be any) to cheer me on.

I shall keep a chart on site to measure my progress with updates every week. Ugh. You can cheer me on or chew me out depending on the requirements of the outcome for that week. It's up to you.

So thank you super models, for sucking it up for the rest of us. But here's to all you healthy (or aspiring) people out there, may we be one pound closer to bliss (whichever way that takes you).

The Scars of Righteous Battle

I have several scars on my body. I guess after 35 (almost 36) years of life, I've amassed some dings and divots in the skin and on the spirit so I was intrigued by an idea presented to me a few weeks back regarding these marks on all of us. The idea is that we can be reminded of the lessons we've learned from the scars we amass from righteous battle.

No, I'm not talking about wielding a sword and marching onto the field but other, simpler things. I am happy to look at my skin and see the evidence of mother hood, to see the remnants of experiences with friends and to be reminded of physical weaknesses or dangers that had to be removed. No, I wouldn't go around sharing these imperfections with the general public and no, I wouldn't ask to see the blemishes concealed on the bodies of my friends. But the idea that certain scars can remind us of what we know is comforting in a way.

I cannot help but be reminded of the scars of our savior, who after His resurrection, retained the scars from the event that ultimately took His life. Those marks serve to remind us of the importance of obedience, the necessity of faith and the desire for eternal exaltation.

I know that there are some scars that are too painful to recall or examine closely, more often that not I would guess that those scars are etched on the souls housed in the mortal shell God gave us. Each of us bear marks on us that incite many emotions and can be found within and without. I would challenge each of us to look at what we may consider imperfections with a new eye. What do the marks we bear teach us and what have we learned from the experiences that have etched their occasion onto the very medium that will take us through life?

Oh Say Can You See

Last night we had National Anthem Night for FHE. We heard the Belgian national anthem:
(Which is sung without salute of any type except by those in uniform. It can be sung in French, Flemish or German, all nationally recognized languages. I chose French because that's what Quentin speaks)

Brabançonne
Ô Belgique, ô mère chérie,
À toi nos cœurs, à toi nos bras,
À toi notre sang, ô Patrie !
Nous le jurons tous, tu vivras !
Tu vivras toujours grande et belle
Et ton invincible unité
Aura pour devise immortelle :
Le Roi, la Loi, la Liberté !
Aura pour devise immortelle :
Le Roi, la Loi, la Liberté !
Le Roi, la Loi, la Liberté !
Le Roi, la Loi, la Liberté !

courtesy of Quentin

and then the Korean national anthem,(I did not use the Kanji) Which is sung with hand on heart, like America's.

Aegukka
Donghae mulgwa Baekdusani mareugo daltorok
Haneunimi bo-uhasa uri nara manse

CHORUS:
Mugunghwa samcheolli hwaryeo gangsan
Daehan saram Daehan euro giri bojeonhase

Namsan wie jeosonamu cheolgapeul dureundeut
Baram seori bulbyeon naneun uri gisang ilse
CHORUS
Gaeul hanal gonghwal hande nopgogu reumeopsi
Byalgeun dalgeun uri gasim ilpyeon dansim ilse
CHORUS
Igi sangnwa imam euro chungseongeul dahayeo
Goero una jeulgeo una nara sarang hase
CHORUS

courtesy of Won.

After they shared their country's songs, we graced them with a family presentation of America's national anthem. It was so much fun!

Spoken Words

I have been so neglectful of late, not taking time to thank those in my life who give time to listen and encourage. There are days when I allow myself to draw so inward that I close out much of the light around me. It is with happy and grateful heart that I find myself blinking at the brilliance of your friendship and love. What a world to live in, one that provides all the remedies to fear and despair through the kind word of a friend.

The Home of Your Life

The light switched on in the home of my life. A conscious decision has been made and I am glad that somehow I have accepted the structure of it. Not a "well, I guess this is as good it's going to get" thing but an "I'll wrap my arms around whatever comes in the door of my life each morning and tackle/love it head on". I'll find a place for it somewhere. Good experiences hung on the walls for display, unhappy moments tucked into the closets and stored, perhaps to be taken out later and reexamined for greater worth than originally thought. Some things will take time to place, others have a perfect spot waiting for their arrival.
Accomplishment in life comes from working through each day, finding a place in the home of your life for each and every experience.

Soot

I've lived on top of my life for a very long time. That is to say, I've floated above or skirted around it. I suppose actually that I have never really delved much beneath the shiny exterior of the day-to-day of it. I have always prided myself on my ability to be unaffected by major events, non-reactive except in controlled environments. It's funny how some things make us look down into the inside stuff. While I would never, if shown before hand, chosen to experience the last two years I cannot be anything but gratefully changed by them. Life is dirty and messy in a one-year-old-experiencing-cake-for-the-first-time kind of way. It's the hands on, "that mark won't come off" kind of life I would so eagerly choose to live now. It's the glory of experience, both good and bad, that make us who we are. And while living a smooth life is good, there is something to be said about seeing your best laid plans go up in smoke. Invariably I find myself amazed at the beauty and better paving of the path that lay ahead after the smoke clears and the fire dies out. In fact, I would say scorched and sooty paths might be the best for walking.

Le Fantasme

I have a fantasy. (Don't worry, it's rated "G".) In my fantasy I am in a high mountain meadow and I am surrounded by music. Loud, wonderful music. I have often spent unfilled moments pondering the feasibility of said fantasy, working out logistics and details, just to see if I could actually make it work. Thus far I decided I need a huge, silent generator and even bigger speakers. The playlist shifts from time to time depending on my mood and activities but for the most part, I am alone with my music overlooking a great expanse of nature and basking in the warmth of the sun.

I experienced my fantasy in a small way last week. I had the great chance to go to the symphony with a dear friend and by the time I had listened to a stirring presentation of three separate adagios and a piano concerto, I was primed and ready for the main event; Dvorak's "New World Symphony".

As I sat in the first row of the balcony, overlooking a great expanse of stage and instruments I felt the spiritual transportation that only music can provide. I closed my eyes only to wish, for a moment, my spirit could shed it's human shell and fly into the music filled air. In that moment I had the thought that classical music is humanity's way of trying to speak God's language. It is all we cannot express with our limited languages. It is feeling mixed with consciousness mixed with hope, expressed in a moment when hours of preparation and sacrifice combine.

While I was admiring the talent of those artists performing before me, I realized that only when such sacrifice has been made could such a moment of transfiguration be accomplished. It is truth, it is the way God works with us. The entire act of practice, giving up other things for perfection, is but an example of the purpose of our lives. It is heaven's way of reminding us what we can be if we choose a better path. I am grateful for the beauty of music and last Thursday I was happy to feel a little closer to God.

Days Like These

I love the nights when I go to bed and really feel like the day that I am completing was better than most. I've been lucky to have a couple of them in a row this week and I'm feeling pretty awesome. As I've lain down to sleep, I have mentioned to my hubby that I would be okay if this day repeated a couple of times, that it's worth doing twice.

Gotta love those tender mercies!

Down On My Knees

I have begun the new year seeking a closer relationship with the Savior. It has been such a wonderful experience to really focus on him and sincerely seek to make changes in my life. One thing has caught my attention; it's the practice of kneeling when I pray. Let me just say, I am lazy. I have been of the mind that it's okay to sit in my bed and say my prayer. I always said to myself, "at least I sit up" or "it really doesn't make that big a difference whether or not I kneel." Then today I had the thought. "How is it in my life that I seek to follow him with exactness and fail to do such a simple task?" I have asked him for so many things. I have pleaded with him for comfort and peace and yet....I am so stubborn about actually getting down on my knees.

I have thus added this simple act to the list of things I can change in my life to be closer to him. Some in the world would see this as a sign of subjugation or weakness. I would say that in fact it is a sign of spiritual strength and humility and even more so, a symbol of respect. It is, really, the least I can do.