You know how they say that bad things happen in 3's? It's kinda true...I can think of countless examples: Illnesses, car repairs, home repairs etc. Etc. ETC.
Well, I'm thinking it's equally true that good things come in sets of two. In our lives, for example:
We have 2 kids who are married to 2 wonderful people providing our family with 2 fantastic couples who bless our lives.
We have 2 missionary sons currently serving in 2 different missions having 2 separate experiences that will forever bless their lives.
Our 2 youngest children are still home keeping us young and busy and reminding us daily that we really aren't too old to play and be spontaneous.
We have 2 sets of parents whom we love and respect and admire for all they do and face and teach. How grateful we are for these examples who have helped shape how we raise our own family.
We have 2 cars, that for today anyway, still get us from point A to point B. I'll leave that at that....
---AND....Here's the real exciting part!!!
2 more beautiful additions to our family in the form of 2 grandbabies will be arriving in January. These 2 'grandparents to be' could not be more thrilled!!! 2 little bundles of joy to love and cuddle and spoil a little...2 little people who are already loved "x infinity".
Monday, June 20, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Eighteen...
Tomorrow is Wednesday, May 18th and Cameron is leaving the MTC to officially start his mission in Virginia. He flies out bright and early from SLC at 7:00 am.
Brad left on November 18th, 2009, exactly 18 months ago. It's a milestone day for me....I have 6 short months left of two missionaries out in the field.
Brian was quick to remind me that because my birthday is Feb 18th, I have now been officially 47 for 3 months. "Gee,Thanks" I said, just as quickly reminding him that because his birthday is Sept. 18th he will only be 50 for a short 4 more months and then he's officially in his "early fifties". I like to remind him that he is "much" older than I. :)
Anyway...I'm excited to talk to my boy tomorrow morning--it starts my official countdown!
Brad left on November 18th, 2009, exactly 18 months ago. It's a milestone day for me....I have 6 short months left of two missionaries out in the field.
Brian was quick to remind me that because my birthday is Feb 18th, I have now been officially 47 for 3 months. "Gee,Thanks" I said, just as quickly reminding him that because his birthday is Sept. 18th he will only be 50 for a short 4 more months and then he's officially in his "early fifties". I like to remind him that he is "much" older than I. :)
Anyway...I'm excited to talk to my boy tomorrow morning--it starts my official countdown!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
"R.A.o.K."
Call it a random act of kindness, an unpredictable coincidence, a blessing, chance, luck, good karma, fortune, a tender mercy…any way you look at it, I’ve had a few good things happen at just the right moment this week. One never knows what may be lurking just around the next corner, but for now, I will be glad for the good things happening and cross my fingers and pray that things stay this way long enough to catch a deep breath and catch up a little emotionally.
I'm about to be a Missionary mom again....double the missionaries! Bradley just passed his 17 month mark in Dallas Texas and Cameron leaves one week from today for the MTC and then off to Richmond Virginia. These boys who have never been more than 18 months apart from one another and have experienced so much together will not see each other for 3 1/2 years. It's an odd thing to think about. Actually, the place in which I find myself currently is an odd thing to think about. For a mom who has always been a stay at home mom and been surrounded by a small herd of children at all times, it's been a hard transition to go back to work and have my wee ones growing up.
Needless to say, between these growing pains and the financial ups and downs of the past few years, I've had more than my fair share of the roller coaster ride tickets. If I'm completely honest, I've mostly been a mess for much of the time. It's very easy to get caught up in those things not going according to plan and to fret over changes that I seem to resist.
I'm trying very hard to cope with things in an adult-like manner and not throw too many temper tantrums, but tears often seem to be just a blink away.
BUT....
I have much to be happy about!! Despite the fact that they have/had inexperienced parents, these kids have and are growing up to be happy, productive and contributing members of society. They are making good choices, are kind to others, patient with their mom and willing to grow up and leave the nest. Those are good things!!
Me?? Although I'm a self-professed "emotional-basket-case" much of the time, I still have friends and family who are willing to love me for who and what I am. Good, kind people who are willing to share their lives with me, listen to me and basically just be there when I need them.
This week alone has left me with a long list of kind words and deeds sent my way by people I love so very much! Hand me down running shoes for Court, enough treats to fill a bakery and a houseful of people to support Cam, a mission President willing to let one of his missionaries take a few minutes to call his brother before he leaves, phone calls, donations to help with the missionary effort, good friends showing up to help at just the right time. Parents, siblings, children and friends who know me so well that I know a kind word or help is just around the corner.....even when I'm too proud to ask.
So, thank you!
I joke that the reality has been that during each of our son's missions, we have replaced major appliances, air conditioning/furnace units, experienced expensive car repairs, and had some major bad luck. So much so, that when people say "Double the missionaries = double the blessings"...I sigh and wonder if I'm up for it. ;)
But through it all, the "Pro" list outnumbers the "Con" list by a mile!! Plus, there are only a handful of appliances that need to be replaced now, so odds are in our favor that it shouldn't be too bad. (Still praying for the cars to drive on and on, but it's possible.....) ;)
The reality is that there are many worse things I could be dealing with in my life and I'm probably not as picked on as I feel, in fact, I have much to be grateful for!
Here's to thinking happy thoughts and trying to master my passions and thoughts.....
http://youtu.be/tQ-wRci8JhU
I'm about to be a Missionary mom again....double the missionaries! Bradley just passed his 17 month mark in Dallas Texas and Cameron leaves one week from today for the MTC and then off to Richmond Virginia. These boys who have never been more than 18 months apart from one another and have experienced so much together will not see each other for 3 1/2 years. It's an odd thing to think about. Actually, the place in which I find myself currently is an odd thing to think about. For a mom who has always been a stay at home mom and been surrounded by a small herd of children at all times, it's been a hard transition to go back to work and have my wee ones growing up.
Needless to say, between these growing pains and the financial ups and downs of the past few years, I've had more than my fair share of the roller coaster ride tickets. If I'm completely honest, I've mostly been a mess for much of the time. It's very easy to get caught up in those things not going according to plan and to fret over changes that I seem to resist.
I'm trying very hard to cope with things in an adult-like manner and not throw too many temper tantrums, but tears often seem to be just a blink away.
BUT....
I have much to be happy about!! Despite the fact that they have/had inexperienced parents, these kids have and are growing up to be happy, productive and contributing members of society. They are making good choices, are kind to others, patient with their mom and willing to grow up and leave the nest. Those are good things!!
Me?? Although I'm a self-professed "emotional-basket-case" much of the time, I still have friends and family who are willing to love me for who and what I am. Good, kind people who are willing to share their lives with me, listen to me and basically just be there when I need them.
This week alone has left me with a long list of kind words and deeds sent my way by people I love so very much! Hand me down running shoes for Court, enough treats to fill a bakery and a houseful of people to support Cam, a mission President willing to let one of his missionaries take a few minutes to call his brother before he leaves, phone calls, donations to help with the missionary effort, good friends showing up to help at just the right time. Parents, siblings, children and friends who know me so well that I know a kind word or help is just around the corner.....even when I'm too proud to ask.
So, thank you!
I joke that the reality has been that during each of our son's missions, we have replaced major appliances, air conditioning/furnace units, experienced expensive car repairs, and had some major bad luck. So much so, that when people say "Double the missionaries = double the blessings"...I sigh and wonder if I'm up for it. ;)
But through it all, the "Pro" list outnumbers the "Con" list by a mile!! Plus, there are only a handful of appliances that need to be replaced now, so odds are in our favor that it shouldn't be too bad. (Still praying for the cars to drive on and on, but it's possible.....) ;)
The reality is that there are many worse things I could be dealing with in my life and I'm probably not as picked on as I feel, in fact, I have much to be grateful for!
Here's to thinking happy thoughts and trying to master my passions and thoughts.....
http://youtu.be/tQ-wRci8JhU
Monday, February 7, 2011
Next time....
I'm going for the money.
I remember something my mom and I used to joke about when I was a teenager. I think it was because I was old enough to recognize the importance of the family finances and actually took notice of the frustration my parents surely felt as they experienced the constant outpouring of money that raising a family takes.
There was one year that was particularly bad...lots of home repairs, needs to replace old vehicles, several teenage drivers....the teenage-children years in general.
Well, I'm there and have been for quite some time now--and I TOTALLY understand what she said with her comment: "Next time, I'm marrying for money." I remember thinking that was such a funny thing to say and I'm glad I knew she was joking. Well, I've found myself expressing that very sentiment...tongue in cheek, of course.
Between 7 sets of braces, 4 teenage drivers down and 2 to go, the many prom dresses, wrestling, soccer, dance and basketball shoes, instruments and lessons, school "supplies", missionaries, weddings, doctor bills, clothes and the proverbial "food budget" that is constantly pushed to the limit, I sometimes wonder. (Don't even get me started on business ventures, vehicles and home repairs.....)
In all honesty, as frustrating as it is and as sure as I am at this very moment that we may never fully recover financially from everything, I wouldn't change my family for the world. That is surely saying a lot as I sit here today in the middle of a painting project and with no water because of a burst pipe. I'm not a clean freak, but I do prefer a little more order in my life than what I am currently experiencing.
I've no doubt that Bri certainly has a few ideas of his own running through his head--gotta wonder what they are. A wife who cooks every night? Someone who never lets her mind think about "greener grass"? Someone who doesn't lament the fact that she LOVES to travel and is constantly wishing to do so? (Good news is, if our ship ever does come in, I have a whole list of itineraries from which to choose...)
Right now, he wishes for a wife who doesn't have a long "honey-do" list. That I DO know... ;)
Good thing we're both extremely patient and love each other, 'cause I married Brian for his money...and I'm sticking around until he gets some! :)
I remember something my mom and I used to joke about when I was a teenager. I think it was because I was old enough to recognize the importance of the family finances and actually took notice of the frustration my parents surely felt as they experienced the constant outpouring of money that raising a family takes.
There was one year that was particularly bad...lots of home repairs, needs to replace old vehicles, several teenage drivers....the teenage-children years in general.
Well, I'm there and have been for quite some time now--and I TOTALLY understand what she said with her comment: "Next time, I'm marrying for money." I remember thinking that was such a funny thing to say and I'm glad I knew she was joking. Well, I've found myself expressing that very sentiment...tongue in cheek, of course.
Between 7 sets of braces, 4 teenage drivers down and 2 to go, the many prom dresses, wrestling, soccer, dance and basketball shoes, instruments and lessons, school "supplies", missionaries, weddings, doctor bills, clothes and the proverbial "food budget" that is constantly pushed to the limit, I sometimes wonder. (Don't even get me started on business ventures, vehicles and home repairs.....)
In all honesty, as frustrating as it is and as sure as I am at this very moment that we may never fully recover financially from everything, I wouldn't change my family for the world. That is surely saying a lot as I sit here today in the middle of a painting project and with no water because of a burst pipe. I'm not a clean freak, but I do prefer a little more order in my life than what I am currently experiencing.
I've no doubt that Bri certainly has a few ideas of his own running through his head--gotta wonder what they are. A wife who cooks every night? Someone who never lets her mind think about "greener grass"? Someone who doesn't lament the fact that she LOVES to travel and is constantly wishing to do so? (Good news is, if our ship ever does come in, I have a whole list of itineraries from which to choose...)
Right now, he wishes for a wife who doesn't have a long "honey-do" list. That I DO know... ;)
Good thing we're both extremely patient and love each other, 'cause I married Brian for his money...and I'm sticking around until he gets some! :)
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Painting Princess...
January is an interesting month....The holidays are over, the money is gone, the days are dark and kinda dreary, and every January I get the "blahs". I start yearning for a trip or a new piece of furniture to fill the empty space created when the Christmas tree came down. But, because the money (and excuse to spend) left with Christmas, it just cannot be.
For the past 4 years (and I'm NOT even joking!), I have wanted to paint the kitchen. I even had paint tape up last year...and it stayed up for almost 3 months before I got irritated and pulled it back down. It was just becoming a painful daily reminder that painting the kitchen was not going to happen anytime soon.
This year for Christmas, my awesome kids gave me a wonderful gift....a roll of paint tape, a brush and A GIFT CARD TO HOME DEPOT!!! As soon as the tree came down and the boxes made it back to the garage, my card and I headed to get paint chips to post on the wall. Of course, when the last coat of paint was 15 years ago, there's a lot to do before dipping the roller....OH! The deciding on colors, the drywall and spackle...the sanding and the basic re mudding... it was ridiculous! It's amazing the damage that 6 kids and all their friends can inflict. And of course, once you have the putty knife and drywall mud in hand....you just simply MUST fix that wall in the family room and entry...That hole that caused me such stress a few months ago in the middle of the entry wall? Gone! The gauge down the stairs from the vacuum attachment?...No longer a problem!..Remember when the towel rod pulled out of the kids bathroom? Repaired!...The hole cut in my bathroom to repair the plumbing?...Finally fixed...
I found all kinds of treasures....apparently one day someone was lying down in the hallway and decided they needed to write "hello!"...why? who would EVEN know? I found that one quite by accident, it's gone now without anyone fessing up to that little salutation.
I walked through the house 2 weeks ago and realized that in EVERY SINGLE room there was either a wall or a ceiling with a patch of drywall mud repairing some damage. It's kind of sad how you just get used to it and let it go for so long. I also find it kind of humorous that a wall or door that I think needs to be washed, somehow just seems easier to paint with a brush in hand and a roller at the ready. (Should I admit that I don't wash walls before painting?? Oh well....I don't! It's out there now....
Well....this weekend after prepping and prepping and prepping the painting has finally begun! The kitchen is a warm, inviting shade of mustardy yellow...."gray poupon" is what the kids call it. None of them can decide if they like it or not...doesn't matter too much to me 'cause I LOVE it! The entry and hall have been re-fauxed and I'm ready to start on the mudroom and downstairs bathroom. Fortunately, there is leftover paint to repaint the kids bathroom next and to touch up a few other areas.
There are so many colors on my jeans that I've started referring to them as my "pallette pants". Each splatter of color that joins in takes me one step closer to getting out of "Blah-ville". It makes me happy!!
So...The Painting Princess moves on from room to room , whistling while she washes walls in her own little way and making a list of things she hopes to get for her birthday; feeling less like a damsel in distress with every passing January day.
For the past 4 years (and I'm NOT even joking!), I have wanted to paint the kitchen. I even had paint tape up last year...and it stayed up for almost 3 months before I got irritated and pulled it back down. It was just becoming a painful daily reminder that painting the kitchen was not going to happen anytime soon.
This year for Christmas, my awesome kids gave me a wonderful gift....a roll of paint tape, a brush and A GIFT CARD TO HOME DEPOT!!! As soon as the tree came down and the boxes made it back to the garage, my card and I headed to get paint chips to post on the wall. Of course, when the last coat of paint was 15 years ago, there's a lot to do before dipping the roller....OH! The deciding on colors, the drywall and spackle...the sanding and the basic re mudding... it was ridiculous! It's amazing the damage that 6 kids and all their friends can inflict. And of course, once you have the putty knife and drywall mud in hand....you just simply MUST fix that wall in the family room and entry...That hole that caused me such stress a few months ago in the middle of the entry wall? Gone! The gauge down the stairs from the vacuum attachment?...No longer a problem!..Remember when the towel rod pulled out of the kids bathroom? Repaired!...The hole cut in my bathroom to repair the plumbing?...Finally fixed...
I found all kinds of treasures....apparently one day someone was lying down in the hallway and decided they needed to write "hello!"...why? who would EVEN know? I found that one quite by accident, it's gone now without anyone fessing up to that little salutation.
I walked through the house 2 weeks ago and realized that in EVERY SINGLE room there was either a wall or a ceiling with a patch of drywall mud repairing some damage. It's kind of sad how you just get used to it and let it go for so long. I also find it kind of humorous that a wall or door that I think needs to be washed, somehow just seems easier to paint with a brush in hand and a roller at the ready. (Should I admit that I don't wash walls before painting?? Oh well....I don't! It's out there now....
Well....this weekend after prepping and prepping and prepping the painting has finally begun! The kitchen is a warm, inviting shade of mustardy yellow...."gray poupon" is what the kids call it. None of them can decide if they like it or not...doesn't matter too much to me 'cause I LOVE it! The entry and hall have been re-fauxed and I'm ready to start on the mudroom and downstairs bathroom. Fortunately, there is leftover paint to repaint the kids bathroom next and to touch up a few other areas.
There are so many colors on my jeans that I've started referring to them as my "pallette pants". Each splatter of color that joins in takes me one step closer to getting out of "Blah-ville". It makes me happy!!
So...The Painting Princess moves on from room to room , whistling while she washes walls in her own little way and making a list of things she hopes to get for her birthday; feeling less like a damsel in distress with every passing January day.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
So...what to choose???
SO many choices for my New Year's resolutions....SO many areas in which I fall short. Sometimes it's a hard line to try to be better without being too hard on myself. I tend to get a little over zealous when it comes to these resolutions because I know the real me and want to be better. It's not unusual for me to have a long list that I want to check off from day to day and month to month.
So, this year I'm going to try something a little different. I've found a few quotes that I'm printing up and keeping close to me as I face whatever 2011 has in store.
"If what you believe doesn't affect how you live, then it's not that important."
#1-Simply put: I know what I believe and I'm going to be better at acting upon that.
“Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.”
#2-I have some lofty running/fitness goals for myself this year. I'm going to remember that I started as a girl who has NEVER run and gonna see how far I can get. I can't wait to see how far I get!!
"I See You"
#3-This quote is FULL of meaning for me, but let's just say that I'll try to do better at looking at people and trying to understand them better and leave it at that for now.
"Every day may not be good, but there's some good in every day."
#4-Find it. Every day.
SO....
"To be or not to be?' That is not the question. What is the question? The question is not one of being, but of becoming. 'To become more or not to become more' This is the question faced by each intelligence in our universe." — Truman G. Madsen
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!!
So, this year I'm going to try something a little different. I've found a few quotes that I'm printing up and keeping close to me as I face whatever 2011 has in store.
"If what you believe doesn't affect how you live, then it's not that important."
#1-Simply put: I know what I believe and I'm going to be better at acting upon that.
“Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.”
#2-I have some lofty running/fitness goals for myself this year. I'm going to remember that I started as a girl who has NEVER run and gonna see how far I can get. I can't wait to see how far I get!!
"I See You"
#3-This quote is FULL of meaning for me, but let's just say that I'll try to do better at looking at people and trying to understand them better and leave it at that for now.
"Every day may not be good, but there's some good in every day."
#4-Find it. Every day.
SO....
"To be or not to be?' That is not the question. What is the question? The question is not one of being, but of becoming. 'To become more or not to become more' This is the question faced by each intelligence in our universe." — Truman G. Madsen
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
10 weeks......
In conjunction with my new running goals, I'm starting a 10 week no sugar/no carb challenge...starting right this minute, November 23, 2010 4:47 pm--which puts me to Feb 1, 2011 at 4:47 pm, to be exact. I know I can do it, but do I WANT to do it enough to do it?? Dang it! Two days before Thanksgiving?? How do I get myself talked into such things??
They (whoever the elusive "they" are), say that the best way to commit yourself to a goal is to tell people...so here you go. I'm telling people. Actually, at the moment I'm kind of whining about it, but either way, it's out there.
Ready, set, go!
They (whoever the elusive "they" are), say that the best way to commit yourself to a goal is to tell people...so here you go. I'm telling people. Actually, at the moment I'm kind of whining about it, but either way, it's out there.
Ready, set, go!
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